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By E. R. Olson

The introduction gives not only a historical background but also touches on shaft sinking and surface construction and gives some general information on the Potash Conservation Regulations which the Saskatchewan government introduced in 1969. It also gives information on the corporate and local organization of Alwinsal Potash.

Jan 1, 1972

By Anton Gronningsater

AT the present time we hear a great deal about organization of labour, collective bargaining, workmen's councils, and company unions; about C.1.0. with its principle of vertical unions and A.F.L., largely based on craft unions; and about provincial and federal laws for protection of labour's right to collective bargaining. What we perhaps hear too little about is corresponding organization of the employers, although it recently is mentioned more frequently. I will only mention W. H. Davis, Chairman of the United States War Labour Board, who has had and is having plenty of experience in this field and has also studied labour conditions in Europe-in Sweden for instance. He has repeatedly expressed the opinion that where employer-employee problems are involved, a thing badly needed in America is organization of employers as well as employees to get some order in the present chaos. With this I agree. I believe a strong organization on one side necessitates a correspondingly strong organization on the other side; that has at least been the experience in the industrialized countries in Europe. I happen to be fairly familiar with conditions in Norway, where they have struggled with these problems for fifty years, and a talk on the history, development, and present state of employer-employee relations in that country might perhaps be of interest as giving a general picture of the development of such relations in the northwestern European countries as a whole. The talk was originally given to the Fourth Year students in Mining and Metallurgy at the University of Toronto. I have changed it somewhat to fit a different audience, but I hope you will make allowances if you now and then are reminded of the school auditorium. I will try to be as objective and factual as possible, but it is probably unavoidable that some of what is said is coloured by personal opinion.

Jan 1, 1943

By D. Furrer, M. Dallaire

The arrival of Image analysis in the last 20 years has changed the world of quantitative metallography. Many standard measurement techniques which were previously manual can now be done with fully automated systems. This reduces subjectivity and operator fatigue and therefore enhances the quality of the statistical results. In many laboratories, Titanium Alloy microstructures continue to be evaluated by traditional methods, where quality of results is subject to operator fatigue and level of experience. Advances in Camera technology have tremendously improved image acquisition. One can often see clearly at 500x what can not be observed at 1000x, allowing for a larger area to be analyzed, without the inconveniences associated with very high magnification objectives. Powerful and versatile Image analysis software combined with a high precision motorized stage gives access to a multitude of applications, which were extremely challenging or impossible until now. Image Analysis tools such as Multilayer Grab, which reconstructs an uneven image into one plane of focus (ex. Observation at high magnification of texture resulting from etching) and Mosaic which builds an image from a number of fields of view (ex. Reconstruction of very large grains at low magnifications) expand even further the power and flexibility of IA systems. This presentation will describe how automated methods are applied to the point count method and grain size measurement. We will show how cameras and software work together to permit quantitative measurements of primary alpha and prior beta microstructures, as well as lamellar alpha plate thickness in titanium alloys.Automated and semi automated quantitative measurements of various Titanium microstrures have been assessed, using the Clemex Vision PE. Examples of the methods and steps used are presented.

Jan 1, 2006

By H. Wotruba, L. von Ketelhodt, M. Kowalcyk, C. Kleine, M. Robben

Sensor-based sorting is a financially and technically viable technique that is operating with little or no water and relatively little power consumption. Sensor-based sorting has already proven its operational stability at two gold applications in South Africa. Sensor-based sorting cannot only turn waste dumps and diluted mining blocks into reserves. The implementation can also cause a decrease in specific operating costs of mill and mine when for example replacing selective mining by bulk mining methods with subsequent sorting. Successful installations, operational experience, test work data and flow sheet integration from mine-to-mill underline the impact and potential that sensor-based sorting can have on the gold mining and processing industry.

Jan 1, 2011

By D. H. Flather, J. W. Hendry, K. Drover

Black Hawk Mining Inc. has completed a comprehensive program on the prediction and management of acid rock drainage (ARD) at their Keystone Gold Mine (Keystone) near Lynn Lake, Manitoba. The program, initiated in 1994, followed a phased approach utilizing initial acid-base accounting (ABA) results and subsequent laboratory kinetic testwork to define site-specific sulphide oxidation and neutralization consumption rates in waste rock. Net acid generating waste rock at Keystone was defined through the kinetic testwork as waste rock yielding a net potential ratio (NPR) of less than two. A preliminary waste rock management program based on blending of potentially acid generating and acid neutralizing waste rock was advanced. Subsequent refinement of the management program followed the analysis of over 1580 ABA samples collected from individual blast holes during the initial bench development phase of the Keystone pit. Uncertainties in actually achieving adequate blending within the dumps at a mining- scale resulted in the development of a revised waste rock management program based on segregation. Recognizing that any successful management plan requires that the ARD characteristics of the waste rock be identified prior to in-pit blasting, the extensive ABA database was utilized to develop a rapid characterization scheme. By implementing a characterization scheme based on total sulphur concentrations and fizz rating, waste rock could be quickly segregated without delaying the natural flow of ore from the pit. Interestingly, it also became apparent that gold values were strongly correlated with total sulphur, such that traditional fire assays were supplanted with a simple and more cost-effective total sulphur determination. The program highlights the importance and benefits of collecting and exploiting data beyond that necessary to acquire appropriate development permits.

Jan 1, 2000

By T. M. Ruff

A GPS-based traffic awareness and collision avoidance system has been implemented at mines with long, narrow access roads to help avoid accidents involving two approaching vehicles or vehicles following too close. A simple display in the cab of each outfitted vehicle gives an indication of oncoming traffic and a voice announcement indicates the type of vehicle that is coming as far out as 300 meters. Advanced warning of approaching vehicles is increasing driver awareness, especially around blind corners and in adverse weather such as heavy fog, snow, or rain. Speeding alarms have also been implemented and are especially critical as a vehicle approaches reduced speed areas near single-lane bridges or tight curves. A description of the system, safety improvements seen since its introduction, and implementation challenges will be discussed.

Aug 1, 2013

By L. R. P. de Andrade Lima, D. Hodouin

The paper presents a survey of the possibilities of the simulation techniques for improving the design and operation of gold processing plants. The procedure to construct kinetic models that are used in simulators is first reviewed, and examples are given for cyanide gold dissolution and gold adsorption on carbon. Then, an overview of the structures of the plant simulators is proposed, and the simulation equations formulated for a carbon-in-leach process. Finally, the potential of simulation methods is illustrated by four examples. The first one shows how it is possible to use a simulator to design a cascade of leaching tanks while optimizing an economic performance criterion. The second one illustrates the role of simulators for optimal tuning of the cyanide addition strategy in a leaching circuit. The third example focuses on the power of simulation to design carbon transfer strategies in a carbon-in-pulp process. Finally, the last example shows the role of on-line simulators for optimally supervising the automatic control of cyanide addition into leaching tanks.

Jan 1, 2005

By M. M. Holgate

"Porosity neutron deflection scales can be derived more easily by cumulative correlation than by the conventional method of plotting corresponding points on a graph. The micro-log can be used as a porosity datum for the neutron log by transforming the permeability cut-off it shows to a porosity cut-off by a permeability-porosity function obtained from core analysis. Porosity footage values calculated in this manner from the neutron log are within 20 per cent of core analysis values."

Jan 1, 1960

By J. H. Shillabeer

"Rational exploration requires the prior selection of areas possessing excellent geological potential and minimum hazards to commercial development . Within an over-all strategy of grass-roots exploration, two procedures for selecting areas for (i) coal and (ii) metals exploration are described. The procedures explicitly balance infrastructure requirements and environmental concerns for areas of geological merit not alienated in parks and reserves. Through consensus, priorities are attached to those areas meriting closer scrutiny and field reconnaissance.IntroductionMining companies need to know that having made a potentially economic discovery, they will be allowed to develop it with minimum delay and at reasonable cost. The environment for exploration in British Columbia is complex and recent experience suggests that conditions are not becoming any easier. Conflicts over land use issues, preservation and economic development are common. The high cost of exploration requires that the risks should be offset where possible by: (i) carefully selecting the areas in which to work (ii) conducting operations in a responsible manner, and (iii) working cooperatively with the community of interests. This paper concerns the first action: prior selection of areas.To aid exploration planning at Suncor, a procedure was developed to grade those areas of the province possessing favourable geology according to the ease with which a mine might be developed . This had to be done within the constraints of the company's over-all approach to exploration. This emphasizes ""grass-roots"" exploration of self-generated projects in British Columbia. In addition, having selected a favourable belt of rocks, it is intended to persevere there while steadily adding to the accumulated data base and local experience. Hence, it is intended to concentrate on an area. This implies a long-term commitment to an area which in turn increases the importance of the original selection.Suncor's search is directed to finding base and precious metals in intrusive and volcanic environments, and export quality coal."

Jan 1, 1985

By F. Rashchi, N. Naseri Joda

Recycling of electronic wastes is an important subject both from an environmental point of view and also the recovery of valuable materials. In this research, PC board scraps were leached to recover Cu, Ag, Au and Pd. Due to the high cost of the shredding process and to avoid secondary pollution from odors and dusts, board scraps were cut into 5X5 cm2 pieces. To determine the most effective leachant, aqua regia, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonium persulfate and potassium persulfate were tested. The effect of the leaching parameters, the leachant concentration, temperature, leaching time and liquid to solid ratio were studied and optimized using response surface methodology.

Jan 1, 2011

By Arnold Blaisonneau, Théophile Guillon, Xavier Rachez, Sylvie Gentier

"L’étude présentée ici vise à étudier l’influence, lors de stimulation hydraulique de puits dans les réservoirs géothermiques de type Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), du comportement mécanique des zones de failles recoupant le puits sur la réponse hydraulique du réseau de fractures 3D. Dans ce but, un modèle 3D, basé sur la méthode des éléments distincts et dans lequel les zones de failles recoupant le puits sont modélisées par des fractures numériques 2D, est mis en oeuvre. Les modélisations présentées ici visent à caractériser l’influence du comportement mécanique (type de comportement, hétérogénéité) sur la cinétique de la stimulation hydraulique, ainsi que sur son effet spatial autour du puits. INTRODUCTIONPour le développement de l’exploitation géothermique de type Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), la phase de stimulation conditionne grandement le succés du projet ; en effet, elle a pour objectif d’augmenter l’injectivité et la productivité des puits et doit permettre d’assurer la connexion entre les puits d’injection et de production garantissant ainsi la viabilité technique et économique de l’échangeur. Pour le site EGS de Soultz-sous-Forêts (France), parmi différentes techniques de stimulation, la stimulation hydraulique a été utilisée à cette fin en provoquant une augmentation irréversible de la perméabilité autour des puits. Dans ce type de réservoirs fracturés, le but des stimulations hydrauliques est de réactiver, plus spécifiquement en cisaillement, des structures hydrauliques pré-existantes (fractures, zones de failles etc.) dans le socle cristallin. La compréhension des phénomènes physiques durant la stimulation hydraulique est cruciale pour optimiser cette technologie et pour contrôler/limiter les risques associés (viabilité technique et économique des puits, sismicité induite etc.). C’est notamment le cas pour la relation entre le comportement mécanique des structures stimulées et les conséquences sur le comportement hydraulique dans un contexte tectonique spécifique."

Jan 1, 2015

By A. Pearson, Auld. F. A., S. O. Colbeck

"To minimise mine shaft maintenance over the long-term, some potash mine shaft sinking projects have required the provision of a continuous fully welded waterproof steel liner over a substantial depth to achieve zero water ingress. This brings many challenges, including the implementation of a bottom-up construction sequence incorporating extensive waterproof welding and how to ensure the integrity of the welded liner when subject to substantial temperature fluctuations that are likely to occur with a composite steel-concrete liner placed within an artificially frozen shaft excavation. This paper highlights the key challenges and discusses multiple mitigation measures including vertical shaft movement joints and a combined structural-thermal analysis approach. INTRODUCTION Whilst the application of combined steel and concrete shaft liners using a fully welded steel liner is not new and has been used in several previous projects, most notably at Lanigan (Storck, 1968 & Roesner, 1980), recently the need to provide a continuously welded steel waterproof liner for over 800 m length of shaft for a potash mine has been considered. The need for a fully continuous welded steel liner arises from the perceived benefits of providing a fully dry shaft environment to; increase the life expectancy of the shaft; reduce routine maintenance particularly combatting salt accretion and minimising wash down practices; and improve long-term ground stability by preventing salt dissolution. Whereas previous projects have employed discontinuous sections of steel liner, when a fully continuous liner is employed longitudinal shaft strains from thermal changes result in significant deformations that must be either explicitly accommodated or resisted. Note, these thermal vertical expansion forces are more than capable of lifting the shaft collar and head frame structures should they be fixed in place. Typically, shafts are designed to resist vertical forces (collar loads and self-weight) by creating mechanical interlock with the adjacent ground. In competent rock this occurs incrementally with the construction of the shaft liner, and occasional hitch/crib structures are constructed as intermediate foundations to guarantee the transfer of vertical forces at distinct horizons. Usually this means cribs are constructed at first rock head, above the station level, and at the sump, although sometimes additional cribs are formed when entering and exiting weak strata or when a change in shaft liner construction is required."

Jan 1, 2019

By Curtin University Western Australian School Mines

"Curtin University’s Gold Technology Group has developed an online CIP/CIL simulation model called SIMCIL which has been used since 1999 to model and simulate industrial leach-adsorption circuits. Recently the model has been upgraded to include an integrated liberation-leach modelling (ILLM) approach which can be used to evaluate the impact of various process parameters (such as grind size, bleed to gravity etc.) and circuit configurations on leach-adsorption circuit behaviour and overall plant gold recovery. A new time-efficient ore characterisation methodology has been researched and developed to provide the required liberation-leach data used in the ILLM approach, which is implemented online for the modelling of gold operations. The model structure, modelling approach, and some scenarios are discussed.INTRODUCTIONCurtin University’s Gold Technology Group has developed an online CIP/CIL simulation model called SIMCIL which has been used since 1999 to model and simulate industrial leach-adsorption circuits. The model has recently been upgraded to include an integrated liberation-leach modelling (ILLM) approach. The ILLM approach provides the means to evaluate the impact of the gravity recoverable gold (GRG) characteristics of the ore (GRG content and liberation behaviour), various process parameters (such as grind size, bleed to gravity, etc.) and circuit configurations on the gravity gold recovery, leachadsorption circuit behaviour and overall plant gold recovery.A new time-efficient ore characterisation methodology has been researched and developed to provide the required liberation-leach data used in the ILLM approach. The data required for the ILLM calibration can be obtained directly from the 3 stage GRG test, leach tests and size-by-assay analysis of the 3 stage GRG test products, and leach test products.This paper describes the ore characterisation methodology, model structure, modelling approach, and the application of the ILLM."

Jan 1, 2016

By A. A. Brant

ONE of the reasons advanced for the decline in prospecting and discovery is that, as regards surficial examination, the law of diminishing returns is becoming applicable. Fewer surficially unprospected fields remain; therefore, fewer discoveries by such means result. Much in the nature of mineral resources remains to be unearthed, but even now, and more so in the future, will discovery depend on painstaking petrographic and structural mapping, aided, where necessary, by judicious applications of all the complementary scientific knowledge and devices (e.g., thin section microscopy, geophysics, and drilling) that experience proves effective in localizing a mineral deposit even beneath drift, lake, or muskeg. It is to be expected, then, that the rate of discovery will decrease, that the cost per discovery will greatly increase, and that the work of discovery will become more and more the careful, methodical assembling of field data, conscientiously interpreted on the basis of scientific knowledge by trained, experienced operatives. In view of these trends, the status of applied geophysics to Canadian mining exploration and development work might well be reviewed. The niche which geophysics may occupy relative to geological surveying and drilling has been clarified by the last twenty years' experience. The cloud of somewhat justifiable scepticism that followed the 'geophysical promotion' period of the late 1920's has lifted. Mining, exploration, and finance companies, in open-minded fashion, are seeking sound advice as to what are the scope and limitations of the geophysical methods at present practised. The purpose of this paper and the following one is, therefore, as far as lies within the author's power, to review briefly the geophysical methods at present in practice in Canada, and, at greater length, to joint out impartially and critically their scope, merits, shortcomings, an possible future development. The treatment will be non-technical, the hope being that an accurate statement of the present status of geophysics in Canada may do much to result in a sounder, saner growth of what, in the future, shall undoubted} y prove an increasingly useful tool in exploration and development work. ?

Jan 1, 1942

By Matthew Scott

Introduction The refining of precipitate is the final stage of all the processes involved in gold mining and cyanide milling, by which the precious metal is at last obtained in a concentrated form, which can be accurately valued and marketed. Possibly one ought to say, conveniently shipped, for accuracy in valuation depends in many instances on a toughening treatment given the bars as received at the Mint so as to obtain a homogeneous metal that lends itself to representative sampling; which, of course, entails a surcharge on the regular Mint charges for the extra work necessarily undertaken. There are several methods of refining zinc-gold precipitate, each with its advocates; the method employed depending not always on the quality of the bullion produced but on the local exigencies of the case in point. These methods are more or less detailed in various textbooks and it is not the purpose of this paper to discuss them, but to confine ourselves to the specific case as stated in the title of the paper. At the outset, it behooves the writer to express his thanks to Mr. Brigham, the General Manager of the Hollinger Mines, for the kindly consideration and encouragement given in developing this process. This will be better understood when one considers the immense values involved, tending towards conservatism in practice, and making one chary of radical innovations. This process has been in satisfactory operation now for about two and-a half years, during which time over twenty-five million dollars value in fine gold has been produced, so that it may be reasonably held that the process is successful.

Jan 1, 1931

By P. Hajiani

"Feasible and sustainable separation of lanthanides outside of China has been a dilemma for the past few years. The present technique uses REE electrophoretic mobility (Ui) variation in an electrical field to separate them. The present invention relates to a system and a method to separate and refine rare earth elements/compounds produced in hydrometallurgical processes while they are dissolved in an acidic medium, without any intermediate precipitation step. This process uses free-flow electrophoresis to isolate REE from the concentrate simultaneously without any pre-treatment or intermediate steps related to the nature of elements.INTRODUCTIONRare earth elements (REE) invariably occur together in nature, and any given mineral contains several or most of them. Production of high purity individual rare earth (RE) elements/compounds from their ores generally requires two stages of processing, including mineral processing and hydrometallurgy.Depending on the ore, mineral processing and hydrometallurgy treatment of the ore before REEs purification is relatively simple and quite achievable though conventional methods. However, producing individual REE from mixed REs compounds is tremendously tedious. RE processing often requires dozens of steps, each resulting in minute improvement in the complex RE streams. Separating and extracting a single REE requires a great deal of time, resources, and expertise. Today, advanced RE refinery facilities cost hundreds of millions of dollars to build. The high purity RE concentrates are separated into individual REE using solvent-based or ion exchange methods. Although there are several techniques to separate REEs, most of them suffer from different types of drawbacks. For instance, solvent extraction requires a great number of steps to achieve high purity REEs. The process which uses ion-exchanger for separation and refinery operates with low REE concentration in solution which leads to very large liquid volume quantity, bulky tanks, dehydrators, pumps, etc. The low concentration will adversely affect the water consumption as well as other chemicals. Similar chemical properties of those three valent elements do not allow them to be isolated easily one from one another using conventional separation techniques. Solvent extraction has been successfully applied for rare-earth refining (lanthanide, scandium and yttrium) for the past few decades in China. Since then, efforts have been dedicated to develop other techniques which could be applied industrially around the world."

Jan 1, 2016

By Chas. L. Emery

"The laws of rock mechanics apply equally well to all rock structures, and open pits are not exceptions. The concepts and some arguments about the emphasis to be placed on various aspects of open-pit design are discussed in this article.RocksROCK can be described as a granular material consisting of grains and glue. The grains may be fragments of other rocks or polycrystalline aggregates. The glue may be ferruginous, calcareous, argillaceous, siliceous or other material connecting the grains. In a crystal intergrowth, the outer layers of the crystals in contact with each other may be considered to act as a glue. Water may be a glue in clay or a grain in a crystal structure. Air and other fluids or gases are grains if they occupy spaces in a granular mass. Such grains are functional either chemically or mechanically or both."

Jan 1, 1966

By J. C. Keenan

Company-community agreements are widely considered to be a practical mechanism for recognising the rights, needs and priorities of peoples impacted by mining, for managing impacts and ensuring that miningderived benefits are shared. The use and application of company?community agreements is increasing globally. Notwithstanding the utility of agreements, the gender dimensions of agreement processes in mining have rarely been studied. Prior research on women and mining, however, does show that women are often more adversely impacted by mining than men, and face greater challenges in accessing development opportunities that mining can bring, however there is currently little to no guidance for companies, government or communities in terms of bringing a gender perspective to the fore in mining and agreement processes. While it is undisputed in human development literature that investment in women and sensitivity to gender delivers long-term health, education and local development outcomes, a number of key factors remain unexplored in debates about mining and development. These include: women?s participation in agreement processes, the gendered distribution of agreement benefits, and the extent to which impacts and benefits influence (either positively or negatively) women?s development and economic inclusion. This paper presents the results of an applied research project undertaken by the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) at The University of Queensland and funded by a partnership between the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). The project sought to connect with practitioners who had been directly involved in agreement processes to hear grounded perspectives on the interaction of gender dynamics and agreements, and connect those experiences with the broader literature. Findings from this study have implications for the role of companies and governments in promoting gender equality and empowerment as part of their commitments to sustainable development. A key challenge for companies will be navigating the territory of cultural norms and gender equality. The authors argue that without consideration of the gender perspective, and appropriate responses, mining agreements may not be inclusive or representative and may exacerbate gender inequalities and fail to contribute to long-term sustainable development.

Aug 1, 2013

By E. Esmaeilzadeh

There arc 8 primary ball mills in the concentrator plant and their task is material crushing. At the time of balls charge to mills, a lot of noise is produced. This noise would affect all grinding areas. The aim of this research was a reduction about 16 dB at source sound power level (SWL was 129.1 dB). With considering two noise control principles, noise producer sources and propagation paths were specified. For removing and reducing of noise producer sources, rubbers with a thickness of 5-20 mm were used on the all inside surfaces of charge box, ball transferring box and exit canal. For increasing transmission loss and damping coefficient of charge box body, rubber with thickness of 1 cm at outside surface of box was used. For reduction of noise propagation a secondary metal cover was designed and made. This cover includes two parts and was set around the charge box. Glass wool (75 kg/m3) with 10 cm thickness was used as acoustical absorbent between free space of two body's layers and from secondary cover side. The of the rest space was left empty. After installing of secondary cover on the ball charge box no.4, SWL showed a reduction about 16 dB. For studying of control system effect on noise reduction at points far from of charge place, measuring results at these points showed the maximum reduction 12.1 dB and the minimum 11.8 dB.

Jan 1, 2007

By M. Sengupta

International trade in minerals plays a very important role in the economic growth of many nations. Several less developed countries a1•e heavily dependent on their mineral exports for earning foreign exchange, which is needed for industrialization. Mineral exporting nations experience many problems in international mineral markets; the most important are tariff barriers, deteriorating terms of trade, instability in metal prices, etc. The formation of international mineral cartels to raise prices can be successful only to a limited extent and only for a short period of time.

Jan 1, 1976