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By Leon Lorenzen, Victor E. Ross, Anton W. Kleingeld

Key to successful innovation, whether at organization, industry or national level, is the alignment and utilization of resources in the most appropriate and efficient way. Innovation needs to be directed strategically, and it needs to be auditable in a systematic and integrated fashion. In the light of these considerations, this paper describes the construction and use of a topographical map of the innovation landscape. The purpose of the map is to provide a holistic view of the key factors that enable innovation (the so-called ’landmarks’), how well they are aligned to support a particular type/nature of innovation in the organization, and to identify possible gaps. The significance (importance) and height (performance) of the landmarks in supporting and enabling innovation within the organization is determined by means of a selfappraisal audit. The topography of the landscape derived thus is subsequently interpreted in terms of the organization’s particular innovation strategy and environmental context. The application of the Innovation Landscape Methodology is illustrated in a number of organizations within the Mining and Minerals Industry of South Africa. Important observations and conclusions regarding the strategic alignment of enabler strengths within these organizations are made.

Jan 1, 2003

By Marco A. Vera

"This paper investigates the froth function in flotation and the associated upgrading process. Flotation literature has revealed that one of the main functions of the froth phase is the cleaning of bubble-particle aggregates by rejection of entrained material. The cleaning and transport processes across the froth phase exert straining forces on these aggregates on their way up to the froth surface. These forces will impact on the recovery of bubble-particle aggregates.The grade at the top of the froth (TOF) is a parameter related to the quality of particles collected by bubbles in the pulp zone (true flotation). It has recently been demonstrated that TOF corresponds to the maximum practically attainable grade described by the recovery-grade (or enrichment ratio) curve. TOF lumps all the processes experienced by the bubble-particle aggregates before reaching the launder concentrate. This paper describes a methodology for quantifying flotation performance by means of the top of the froth sample - a touch of froth.INTRODUCTIONFroth flotation may be the most important mineral processing technique, but its theory is complex and is not completely understood even though many aspects have been studied and reviewed (Teague, 1998; Wills, 1992).Two distinct particulate systems prevail in the flotation process: a pulp phase and a froth phase (Figure 1). The pulp zone had been studied extensively; however, it is only recently that techniques to measure the froth zone performance have been developed (Contini et al., 1988; Falutsu and Dobby, 1992; Feteris et al., 1987; Seaman, 2002; Vera et al., 1999b).Flotation involves a number of mass transfer processes, occurring in the pulp phase and the froth phase. The formation of the froth and its subsequent removal are considered to be two important steps of the process. Phenomena that occur in the froth phase are known to affect flotation performance significantly (Cutting et al., 1981).Because the froth has a high free surface energy (as a result of the extensive interfacial surface between liquid and air), it appears thermodynamically unstable. The foaming is a dynamic balance, as new bubbles are added continuously from the pulp, while others disappear from the top. Under steady-state conditions, the volumes of added and subtracted air are equal (Booth, 1953)."

Jan 1, 2003

By A. W. Storm

Vertical shaft furnace design and operation have their roots deep in antiquity. There is substantial evidence to indicate that iron was reduced from its oxides to serve mankind's needs long before recorded civilization - - actually prior to 3500 B .C. For at least 5500 years man has been matching wits with Nature to find better methods of extracting this most common, yet essential, metal from her, grasp. And, during nearly all of this period, the vertical shaft furnace has played a principle role in this dramatic struggle.

Jan 1, 1962

By C. V. Trang, V. T. Le, K. Enns, J. J. Byerley

The precipitation characteristics of copper and nickel cyanides from solutions continuing copper zinc and nickel cyano complexes are examined. Equilibrium precipitation calculations are presented as well as comparative experimental data. The practical significance of the precipitation data is discussed in the co·ntext of an initial step m an overall treatment strategy for mixed cyanide effluents.

Jan 1, 1998

By Gui Hua Wang, Xin Chang, Zhong Ying Han, Yuan Fang Cheng

"According to the geometrical characteristics of triangular meshes, Triangular Mesh Split Model (TMSM) based on a finite element method is proposed to simulate cracks propagation of fractured rock. With TMSM, stress intensity factors at the tip of cracks are obtained by far-field contour integral. Meanwhile, vector cross multiplication is adopted to fix the cracking unit, and maximum circumferential stress criterion is used to determine the crack propagation angle. Then crack dynamic propagation simulation is realized through local mesh split or node movement at crack tip. With this method, the crack can split apart a unit or extend along the mesh boundary, so the crack could extend along an arbitrary path and is not restricted by the initial mesh. The applicability of the mesh split algorithm is verified by the crack propagation examples of wing crack and multi-fractured rock mass with holes. The results show that this method not only has higher accuracy of fracture parameters calculation, but also can accurately simulate the crack initiation and propagation of rock under complex stress state such as tension, compression and shear. In addition, the far contour integral is introduced to determine the crack tip stress intensity factor and there is no need to reconstruct a singular element at the crack tip or to intensify the meshes. Compared with the existing mesh reconstruction algorithm, this method significantly improves the computational efficiency.INTRODUCTIONGenerally, rock is neither the full continuum, nor entirely discrete body, but rich in geological defects, such as joints and cracks. A large amount of geotechnical engineering practice shows that most fracture of rock is closely related to the internal joints, cracks and crack expansion (Horii et al., 1985; Wong et al., 1998). Although the classical theory of fracture mechanics established the theoretical foundation of crack initiation, propagation, so far it is still extremely difficult to characterize the propagation of airfoil-typed crack and the interference problem of multiple cracks. Up to now, the micromechanics mechanism research of crack propagation of fractured rocks has still been a hot research topic of rock fracture mechanics."

Jan 1, 2015

By K. S. McClure, S. B. Chitralekha, R. B. Gopaluni, Chmylek. T., S. L. Shah

This is a tutorial paper on industrially successful approaches for nonlinear process monitoring. Online process monitoring is essential to continuous operation of plants at high efficiency. The problem of process monitoring is one where an impending but undesirable process condition has to be identified and used to alert process engineers. This problem has traditionally been solved by practicing engineers using statistical techniques that detect a change in the underlying correlation structure of process variables. For linear correlation structures, algorithms such as principal components analysis, independent component analysis and partial least squares have been proposed. However, many industrial processes exhibit nonlinear correlation structure between the process variables. In this tutorial we describe various nonlinear monitoring techniques and elaborate on two recently developed methods, namely Support Vector Machine and Local Linear Embedding. The two methods are evaluated by application on two experimental case studies, a SAG mill and a polymer extruder.

Jan 1, 2014

Prediction of fragmentation by blasting is most commonly based on theassumption that a single distribution of pre-existing discontinuities is present within a blasted rock volume and that the underlying mechanism of failure is tensile failure. It is assumed that the tensile stress field created by a blast initiates and extends radial cracks around the blastholes. Interaction between radial cracks from different blastholes and the free surface creates rock fragments. In reality, fragmentation of the rock occurs due to two mechanisms.One is related to the compressive-shear failure of the rock (mainly rock matrix) close to the blastholes, while the second mechanism is the previously mentioned tensile failure of the rock mass. The secondmechanism of failure occurs in the form of extension of the larger cracks in the region beyond the crushed rock, and this type of fragmentation occurs after the crushing phase. In the case of hard rock or blasting where the extent of crushing is minimal, the currently used prediction methods give a reasonably good result. However, there are many blasting conditions where the amount of rock crushing is significant. In the case where fragmentation of the given rock volume occurs dueto two different mechanisms, modeling of the rock fragmentation with a single distribution function is not appropriate. To model the fragment size distribution generated by two different mechanisms, it is necessary to use a two-component fragment size distribution function and a scaling parameter that will determine the proportion of the fragmented volume created by each mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to present results of blast fragmentation modeling based on two mechanisms of failure. The two-component model (TCM) utilises experimentally determined parameters from small scale blasting and parameters of the Kuz-Ram model, for more accurate prediction of the complete rock fragment size distribution curve. The methodology is such that it is possible to predict complete fragment size distribution, including fines, of ROM product for a future mine, at the feasibility phase of mine design.

Jan 1, 1999

By A. Deneys

An experimental technique has been devised for studying the reaction kinetics of the reaction: ZnO + 2Fe0 = Zn(g) + Fe203, by which zinc evolution can occur from a molten slag bath in the absence of a carbonaceous reductant. When studying the reaction kinetics by heating from room temperature, solid state reactions and poorly defined melting points may obscure the starting point of the reaction. In order to eliminate this problem, an experimental technique was devised whereby two molten slags could be melted independently, and then mixed, to provide a well defined starting point from which to begin taking measurements. Two crucibles were mounted in a vertical reaction cylinder. The upper, mild steel, crucible had a bottom pouring plug which was sealed by a steel stopper rod. A fayalite mixture was contained in this crucible. The lower crucible contained an A12O3-CaO-SiO2-ZnO solution. Once the two slags had been melted, the steel stopper rod was removed from the upper crucible. The upper, reduced slag (fayalite in equilibrium with the upper steel crucible), drained into the lower crucible where the two slags were mixed by submerged argon stirring. Dip samples were taken to measure the zinc content of the final mixture as a function of time. The experimental procedure will be described, as well as results of experiments which were conducted on synthetic slags. The system investigated was similar to the lead blast furnace slag which is produced by the primary lead smelters of Missouri, USA.

Jan 1, 1997

By R. H. Nafziger

A novel process has been developed for preparing directly workable steel ingots from prereduced iron ore pellets by a two-stage process. The pellets are continuously charged into an electric arc furnace, where molten metal is separated from the gangue. The molten metal flows out of this furnace through a hollow nonconsumable graphite electrode immersed in a molten flux in an electroslag furnace. The molten metal solidifies on a continuously withdrawing base plate to form the ingot. A variety of standard carbon and alloy steel ingots . free of porosity , were produced using suitable decarburizers and ferroalloy additions. Some advantages of the two-stage process include: (a) consumable electrode fabrication is eliminated; (b ) no expensive deoxidizers are required; (c ) the uncontaminated electros lap flux can be reused; (d) energy consumption averages 25% less than in a conventional electric arc - electroslag operation ; and (e) the operation is continuous.

Jan 1, 1977

By HaiWen Luo, Bin Hu

A ultra-high strength medium Mn steel with good ductility was designed and manufactured via the combination of warm rolling and V alloying, which produced not only the extensive precipitation of fine VC particles in both ferrite and austenite but also the bimodal size distribution of retained austenite (RA) grains. A substantial increase of yield strength up to 650 MPa was achieved due to the addition of V without deteriorating ductility. The coarse RA grains firstly transformed to martensite during yielding at the much higher stress threshold, followed by a significant work hardening due to dislocations multiplication, twinning-induced-plasticity (TWIP) and transformation-induced-plasticity (TRIP) in the ultrafine RA grains. The best combination of strength and ductility included 1.5 GPa ultimate tensile strength and 28% total elongation. This was achieved due to the sustainable TRIP and TWIP effects in the later straining stage resulting from the ultrafine austenite grains, the latter were reversely transformed from the recrystallized ferrite grains.

Oct 1, 2019

By Thomas E. Krakowski

INTRODUCTION This paper presents a method of calculation of internal moments and thrusts in tunnel liners of any material. The method is intended for hand calculation, but as it is numerical in nature it can be programmed for use in computers. The information required for design or analysis is presumed active internal and external pressures, the effective moment of inertia and cross-sectional area of the tunnel liner, the liner's modulus of elasticity, and the coefficient of subgrade reaction of the material surrounding the tunnel. Starting with active external and internal pressures and following the procedure described herein using the structural properties of the liner and surrounding medium, external passive reactions and internal moments and thrusts are calculated. The method is intended for use by design engineers. GENERAL Experience has shown that flexible tunnel liners have less internal bending stresses than those calculated using classical structural theory applied to free-standing arches. In fact, liners which are very flexible in relation to the surrounding soil or rock have virtually no bending moments when compared to free-standing arches supporting equal active loads. In order for this phenomenon to occur, the original active pressure diagram must be "modified" by additional external reactions (passive pressures) from the surrounding material, so that the thrust line within the lining follows the centroid of the tunnel arch more closely than that of a similar free-standing arch. These passive pressures are reactions developed through outward deflection of the tunnel liner. Thus, the outward moving portions of a

Jan 1, 1979

By Gerry Roblesky

"IntroductionWestar Mining Ltd. is Canada's largest producer of metallurgical coal for the export market. It currently operates two mines, the Balmer Mine at Sparwood, British Columbia producing 6 000 000 tonnes per year and the Greenhills operation at Elkford, producing 2 100000 tonnes per year. Approximately 1600 people are employed between the two mines which operate independently but share common administrative services.Like most mining companies in Canada over the past three or four years, Westar has faced rising production costs along with flat or declining prices and demand for its products. In order to survive under these conditions it has become necessary to strive for decreased costs in any way possible. Over the past two years there has been a widespread introduction of microcomputers across the company. In order to satisfy increasing demand for accurate and pertinent information while at the same time increasing productivity, the microcomputer has become an invaluable tool.This paper describes some of the problems faced by a mine maintenance department in this operating climate and how they were solved with the help of a microcomputer. It also describes some of the problems that may be encountered both with equipment and people and recommends some ways that these might be minimized or avoided. Finally, an assessment of whether or not the move to microcomputers was a current and economical one, and a brief description of future plans and projects is given.The Maintenance OrganizationIn order to appreciate fully the role that microcomputers are playing within the Maintenance Department at Westar Mining, a little background on the organization and operating philosophies is in order. Most of the comments apply directly to the Balmer operations, however, the Greenhills operation is similar in concept.The mine maintenance organization operates on a fleet based concept with these departments reporting to the maintenance superintendent: haulage trucks, shovels and drills, loaders and Caterpillar equipment, maintenance services, and rebuild services.Each of these departments is headed by an assistant superintendent and is responsible for all maintenance on the equipment on the respective fleet. Shift foreman, planners, specialists and clerical staff are assigned to each fleet. A central engineering and administrative group consisting of one engineer and three clerical positions is responsible for maintenance engineering and centralized administrative services"

Jan 1, 1988

The two methods for calibrating the parameters K and (alpha) for use in Gy’s equation for the Fundamental Sampling Error (FSE)–, Duplicate Sampling Analysis (DSA) and Segregation Free Analysis (SFA)–, are described in detail. A case study using identical broken reef material from a Witwatersrand-type orebody was calibrated using the DSA and SFA methods and the results compared. Classically, the form of Gy’s equation for the FSE raises the nominal size of fragments given by dN to the power of 3. A later modification of Gy’s formula raises dN to the power (alpha), the latter term being calibrated with the coefficient K in the DSA and SFA methods. The preferred value of for low-grade gold ores used by sampling practitioners in the mining industry is 1.5. A review of calibration experiments for low-grade gold ores using the DSA and SFA methods has produced values of K that vary between 70 and 170 and values of in the range 0.97 to 1.30. The average value for is shown to be 1, rather than 3 as originally proposed in the classic form of Gy’s equation or the industry-preferred 1.5. It is suggested that for low-grade gold-bearing ores the equation for the FSE should raise dN to a power of 1. Such an equation for the variance of the FSE greatly simplifies the characterization of gold ores, now requiring only the calibration of K for a given mass and established fragment size. The implications of the simplified equation for the heterogeneity test are that, provided the fragments have been screened to within a narrow size range, any particular size will return a value for K that is acceptable for use in the sampling nomogram.

Jan 1, 2017

For the last 4 years political leaders have found a new subject on which they can safely generalize wihout creating opposition. That sub- ject is commodity prices. Since the four-fold increase in OPEC crude oil prices, public atten- tion has focussed as never before on the subject of commodity prices. To advocate stabilizing com- modity prices is akin to supporting motherhood or peace or better schooling. Everyone gives lip service to the concept that stable commodity prices are desirable. It is easier to state the principle than to achieve it. Prices that are stable in terms of one currency may be clearly unstable in terms of a different currency. This has become a troublesome matter since 1971, when the world's leading trading currencies were set free to float in relation to each other. To illustrate: consider copper prices in the interval between the end of 1974 and the end of 1977. During those 3 years, the copper price in pounds sterling on the London Metal Exchange rose by 25 per cent. During that period, however, in terms of the USA dollar equivalent, the price was unchanged. And during that period, in terms of the German mark equivalent the price shrank by 13 per cent while the Japanese yen equivalent f.11 1k

Jan 1, 1978

By JIACHENG XIE, Juanli Li, Wenyong Du, Tao Cui, Mengyao Dong, Pengfei Huo

The operation of intelligent coal mining in complex geological environment is still unable to realize automation. In order to realize the autonomous cutting of fully mechanized mining equipment and improve coal production, a mining and transportation equipment dynamic advancement path planning method based on spatial kinematics coordinate deduction prediction and real-time correction prediction of coal-rock state identification of equipment cutting current index are proposed. Firstly, the spatial motion law of the mining and transportation equipment is analyzed, and the mathematical model of the spatial motion of the mining and transportation equipment is established. The relationship between the adjustment of the shearer rocker arm and the pose change of the scraper conveyor is determined, and the coordinate deduction model of the spatial advancement position of the equipment is determined, which provides a theoretical basis for the advancement path planning of the mining and transportation equipment. Then, on the basis of the mathematical model construction, combined with real geological data and equipment information, the three-dimensional dynamic planning of the advancement path of the mining and transportation equipment is carried out from the two dimensions of the horizontal advancement direction and the shearer walking direction. At the same time, the relationship between the cutting current index of shearer and the state recognition of coal-rock mass is analyzed, and the coal-rock mass state identification of cutting current and the adjustment of rocker arm model is constructed, and the real-time dynamic correction of three-dimensional path is carried out, so that the planned path can better adapt to the sudden change of real geological environment. Then, using the unity3d virtual reality technology, a simulation system for the horizontal advancement path planning of the virtual mining and transportation equipment is constructed, which simulates the real advancement operation process of the mining and transportation equipment and conducts advancement training. Finally, the dynamic advancement scheme update prediction based on the existing actual cutting but ahead of the actual cutting is realized in the virtual scene, and the optimal scheme is transmitted into the existing prediction cutting system to guide the actual physical equipment mining. The path planning method can control the coordinate position error of the advancing cutting path within 15 mm, which provides ideas for the research on the advancing path planning of fully mechanized equipment.

Nov 22, 2022

By John V. Beall

GOING west from Denver on Route 6, the direct road to Grand Junction, one gets the first glimpse of mining a few miles east of Denver near Idaho Springs where the workings of defunct gold mines are visible on the sides of mountains along the highway. One enterprising company is turning a profit by showing tourists through the mine and mill and then selling them gold samples on the way out. We have always known that mining people are ingenious, but this proves it. About five and a half hours fast driving west from Denver brings one to Rifle, Colo., which is the site of the oil shale mine, retorting plant, and refinery of the U. S. Bureau of Mines. As you drive up to the mine, you can see a portal high on the face of the cliff in front of you where the mine surface plant literally hangs by its toenails. Below, the retorting plant and refinery gleam in the sunlight. Up at the mine, Fred Wright will show you how the oil shale is extracted in two benches (a third bench would be used for commercial mining) by the room-and-pillar method. In mining the top level, an underground crew of thirteen men have been able to produce 1500 tons of shale in each eight-hour shift. To do this, the mine is thoroughly mechanized. The mining method is de- scribed in the September issue of Mining Engineering.

Jan 1, 1949

By John V. Beall

Since the U. S. Metals Refining Co. works was established, around the turn of the century, near the town which is now called Carteret, N. J., it has grown to be a major producer of refined copper and the main source of that special brand known as "oxygen-free high-conductivity copper." Owing to the complex metallurgical problems arising from handling a variety of raw materials such as copper concentrate from Matahambre, Cuba, copper and brass scrap from the New York area, and domestic blister copper, the organization is geared from top management down through its 2000 employes to maintain a high degree of flexibility in plant operation. The Company is a subsidiary of The American Metal Co. Charges for the smelter furnaces, one reverberatory furnace and one blast furnace, are made up in. bedding bins so that they may be tailored to the production of a constant grade of blister copper. The reverberatory furnace smelts the .sulphide charge, which may be a blend of ten different materials but principally the Cuban concentrate, and the matte from the process is poured into a converter. This reverberatory is 80 by 20 ft, silica lined with a slag bottom, fired by pulverized coal, and continuously side-charged from the top by bottom-dump cars which keep the side walls covered. It produces a 40 to 50 per cent copper matte. The fuel-charge ratio is 4.35 tons of solid charge per ton of coal. The furnace has a capacity of 10,000 tons of charge per month and produces from 5000 to 6000 tons of slag per month which must be disposed of. About 5000 tons of converter slag is produced monthly and returned molten to the reverberatory furnace. The converter gases go through a spray chamber to a Cottrell precipitator and thence to the flue system. Smoke from the

Jan 1, 1948

By Frank D. Adams

The Island of Ceylon, which is one of the most beautiful possessions of the British Empire, has been an abode of man from the very earliest times. The Veddhas, a wild tribe of some 4500 people still living in the fastnesses of the jungle in east central portion of the island, are believed to represent a remnant of the oldest inhabitants of which we have any actual knowledge, but in the caves in which they live there are found the stone axes and other implements of Palaeolithic people who represent the first race of men who inhabited our globe, and of whom they may be, for all that is known, the direct descendants. About the fifth century before Christ there came the Aryan invaders, apparently from the north of India, who drove the Veddhas into the remote fastnesses of the jungle and developed the remarkable Singhalese civilization whose high character is demonstrated by the remarkable and very extensive system of irrigation works which they built up, and through which they made the island wonderfully productive. Great cities arose, some of which are believed to have had a population of over a million souls and whose temples and public buildings show that the people were accomplished architects and sculptors.

Jan 1, 1926

By K. R. Miller

Thunder Basin Coal Company has two mines located in the southern portion of the Powder River Basin. 60-90 km southeast of Gillette, Wyoming. The mines are principally located on federal coal leases acquired in the late-1960's. Development plans for the Black Thunder Mine focused on dragline stripping, but environmental considerations during the mid-1970's made truck-shovel stripping the method of choice when the mine opened in 1976. In 1981, the Coal Creek Mine opened as the first dragline mine in the Gillette area of the Powder River Basin. The regional terrain is flat-lying with occasional clinker-capped hills. The mines are located on the Wasatch and Fort Union Formation contact. The coals are Paleocene in age and the deposits are structurally simple, dipping gently to the west. The seams are thick and are classified as sub-bituminous-C. The Black Thunder Mine, with its 21 m thick seam, is strategically located in the center of the highest heat value mining area of the southern Powder River Basin.

Jan 1, 1993

By Harold S. King

TWO summers ago I had the privilege of visiting No. 18 colliery at Glace Bay. Underground, we travelled along the haulage-way behind a powerful electric locomotive. The motor in this locomotive began to smoke badly and a carbon tetrachloride type of extinguisher was used several times during the trip. At the time, I noted a strong odour of phosgene. On my return to Sydney, I spoke to Mr. Harold Gordon, Assistant to the General Manager of the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation, and warned him of the danger of using this type of fire extinguisher in confined spaces, since it is a well known chemical fact that phosgene, a dangerously toxic gas, is formed by the decomposition of carbon tetrachloride. This danger does not seem to be widely recognized, so it seems advisable that a more general warning be published. Attention was first drawn to the danger by the death of two men in the United States Navy Department subsequent to breathing fumes from carbon tetrachloride used in a fire, and when an employee of the Bureau of Mines also was overcome while fighting a fire with carbon tetrachloride liquid. These accidents led to an investigation of the decomposition products of carbon tetrachloride by a group of workers in the Research Laboratory of the Pittsburgh Experimental Station, U.S. Bureau of Mines, the results of which were published in the October, 1920, number of the Journal of the .Franklin Institute (1). Their experiments were conducted by two methods. The first consisted in applying the liquids to actual fires and -to hot metal in a closed room of 1,000 feet capacity, where the gaseous products, mixed with air, could be retained and analyzed. The second method was to pass the vapour:s in air through heated tubes of iron or quartz, where the humidity of the air and the temperature could be controlled.

Jan 1, 1939