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By G. W. Neumann

"In order to avoid pollution of water in Flemming Brook and Little River, which drain the area in which the Brunswick No. 12 Mine and Concentrator are located, the company has gone to considerable expense in preparing tailings storage and effluent setting ponds. The attached drawing gives a plan of the six settling ponds together with elevations of the dikes and the effluent weirs.All original dikes for the six ponds were constructed from humus-free clay and rock material, which was obtained, preferentially, by excavating from within the dike area. Run-off water, precipitated on the outside slopes of the dams will drain off without contacting the tailing material. A ditch was made north of the dam site to deflect surface run-off to the east into a branch of Flemming Brook.A secondary dike, made from tailings, has recently been erected on No. 1 and No. 2 tailings pond inside and above the earth-filled dike which serves as a roadway. Run-off from the tailings dikes will be retained inside the ponds by ditching between the roadway and tailings dike into ponds 4 and 6."

Jan 1, 1969

By R. Bonifaz, R. Subiabre

The Chagres Smelter, part of the Anglo American plc group, situated 80 Km north of Santiago in Chile, completed a series of operational improvement in 2005 resulting in an optimum capacity in its operational units. At present the Chagres Smelter has developed an operational strategy which seeks to reduce bottle-necks in the production process. In this way we have managed to lower operational cost, decrease energy consumption and maximize the capacity of the Acid, Oxygen, and Smelting, Converting, Refining and Casting units. A constant review of international benchmarks together with continuous staff improvement and the latest smelter technology have combined to place Chagres among the finest smelting works in the world. In response to environmental challenges, we have studied various options for investment that will yield a suitably profitable business to benefit both Anglo American and Chile. The most relevant technical indicators are: energy consumption=6,3 GJ/ton fine copper (1st in the world), intensity of smelting rate in Flash Smelting unit of 6,900 ton of copper concentrate/m2 of furnace area (1st in the world) and to be one of the top five smelters in achieving the lowest direct cash cost .

Jan 1, 2007

By J. E. Hawley

This paper constitutes a report from the Committee on Geological Research to the Geology Division of the Institute. Two years have elapsed since a formal report was made containing several resolutions aimed at assisting geological research, a review of research equipment available, a summary of research projects suggested for consideration, and a list of research then in progress (see July, 1947, Bulletin, pp. 351-370). At this time we may note what action has been taken on the various resotions and suggestions of the Committee, indicate the more important accomplishments of independent investigators, and present a summary of the rather imposing volume and variety of research currently being carried on throughout the country. I.-Committee Resolutions and Suggestions 1.-A National Advisory Committee on Research in the Geological Sciences The original resolution adopted on the setting up of this Committee was approved with despatch by Council and was forwarded to the Minister of Mines and Resources. Due to a reorganization in the Department and possibly other reasons, no action on this important matter has yet been taken, but we are assured that some time this year such a Committee will be established by the Department of Mines and Resources. Unquestionably, it will give a fresh impetus to research in the geological sciences. When the noteworthy progress made by the research committees on Geophysics and on Soil and Snow Mechanics, established by the National Research Council, is considered, it is indeed regrettable that the Department of Mines and Resources has not acted more decisively in this matter.

Jan 1, 1949

By J. Budac, R. Kofluk, D. Belton, M. Sjogren

A series of tests were performed to determine the flammability limits of mixtures of oxygen, ammonia, steam and nitrogen, over a solution, in a sealed autoclave. The partial pressures of ammonia and oxygen in the vapour space were varied by adjusting the character of the solution and by adjusting the oxygen concentration in the oxidant gas respectively. The data shows that flammable conditions can be minimized by controlling the operating temperature, reducing the ammonia content in the solution, increasing the concentrations of Ni, Cu and Zn in solution and keeping the % oxygen in the gas phase less than 15.5. Observations were also made that suggest that the presence of an aerosol in the vapour space may hinder ignition.

Jan 1, 2004

By Constantin D. Pitis

?Demand-side measure" means a rate, measure, action or program undertaken to conserve energy or promote energy efficiency?? (BCUC, 1996) In actual economical environment, business sustainability requires high-efficiency technological processes. That is why the efficiency concept has to be present at all levels of industrial activities. Nowadays, some purchasing decisions are still driven predominately by the purchase price, in spite of the evidence that such price represents up to 5 % to 7 % of the total costs of ownership with full consequences of energy efficiency and the impact on total ownership costs. The paper presents essentials of converter types and basics of the Global Efficiency (GEff) Concept that has been promoted over the last few years in South African industries (Pitis et al., 2006/7). GEff concept is proven as a useful tool used on price-efficiency decisions. Theoretical and technical aspects of this concept were substantiated with case studies. First part presented in this paper will describe how GEff concept was used on price ? efficiency decisions when single input or direct converters and systems (considered as low value equipments) have been replaced. Besides the impact of energy savings and new innovative developments, the paper suggests general other benefits of: ? Technical and economical performance improvements and competitiveness of mining corporations to international standards; ? Defusing incipient energy crisis in the sector; ? Improving environmental conditions; ? Creating new job opportunities in mining sector. Proposed concept in this paper could be further developed as models of improving companies? corporate energy policies.

May 1, 2010

By A. Paulin, J. Roth, S. Spaic

This experiment was carried out to see whether copper-iron ingots from Late Bronze Age hoards could have been produced by smelting ferruginous copper ores. Since ferruginous copper-ores are chalcopyritic, chalcopyritic concentrate from a present day copper mine was dead roasted in our experiment in lieu of a rich chalcopyritic ore. Charcoal was used as a reducing agent in the reduction of calcine (i.e., a product of dead-roasting), and quartz sand was used as a flux. Two separate metallic solutions, a copper-base and an iron-base alloy, were obtained as a result of two factors: the presence of carbon and the miscibility gap in the Cu-Fe-C system. The metallic melts appeared in a form of bigger or smaller droplets, enclosed by a molten slag which, during the cooling, solidified into metallic beads. The presence of both metals was noticed in the majority of the examined beads. It was therefore concluded that calcine consisted of an intimate mixture of oxides of both metals which were simultaneously reduced during the reduction process. Due to the miscibility gap in the Cu-Fe-C system, separate iron and copper regions were formed in the beads. In both regions, sulphide inclusions were found. The formed molten copper and molten iron solution were found to be saturated solutions. The metallographic analysis revealed the precipitation of iron out of copper and that of copper out of iron during the cooling and solidification of melts. The formed slag contained little iron and no copper oxide.

Jan 1, 2001

By S. Constantinides

"A major use for many of the rare earths is in permanent magnets. While alternate technologies are in research or already exist, rare earth magnets are unlikely to be supplanted as a major input to clean technologies and high efficiency consumer and industrial devices. We’ll examine where and how the magnet rare earths are utilized and the size of the market. Market growth forecasts based on global markets will be presented. A brief explanation of materials research in the US completes the material.INTRODUCTIONRare earth magnets, first commercialized c.1969, have become essential for a wide range of consumer, industrial and military devices. They are used in the speakers and vibrator motors of cell phones. Rare earth magnets spin the hard discs within the drives and rare earth magnet voice coil motors position the read/write head over the spinning platter. Rare earth magnets are the heart of motors and generators used on airplanes – they are smaller and lighter weight than alternative materials/devices. Now rare earth permanent magnets are being introduced into electric vehicles and wind power generation.Rare earth minerals are difficult to extract from the ores and to separate from one another. The increase in use of rare earth magnets has placed a severe strain on established sources of supply. The establishment of new mines and processing facilities is costly and requires upwards of 15 years to become productive. The combination of rapid rise in use of rare earth minerals coupled with supply shortages has caused rapid price increases and threat of non-delivery of product. The result of this disruptive situation has been a profound response at several levels: corporate, industry-wide and governmental. Let’s learn more about why rare earth magnets are so important to modern society."

Jan 1, 2012

By G. E. Viens, R. A. Campbell, G. N. Banks

A survey of the literature reveals wide differences in the procedures used in making iron ore pellets and in the properties of the pellets obtained. In this paper, the methods of production and the properties of pellets, as reported in the literature, are examined in an effort to determine what correlations exist between them. An attempt is also made to determine the levels of the properties of pellets which are considered acceptable and desirable in modern practice. M UCH has been written regarding the important changes which have been taking place recently in the iron ore industry. As the demand for ore has increased and the supply of direct-shipping ore has dwindled, tl1e problems associated with the utilization of lower grade ores ha\•e been intensely investigated and important advances in both beneficiation and agglomeration techniques have taken place. In particular, there has been a great deal of activity in connection with the pelletizing method of agglomeration. The superiority of pellets over raw ore has been demonstrated in blast furnace tests

Jan 1, 1962

By A. A. Tytko, T. S. Golosinski

"The paper discusses the accuracy of magnetic inspections of corroded hoist ropes. It quantifies the error of measured LMA (loss of metallic area) caused by presence in the rope of ferromagnetic products of corrosion. The paper concludes that in mining practice this error is not significant. Hoist Rope Corrosion and its AssessmentCorrosion is one of the most common forms of wire rope wear. For ropes working in wet mine shafts, ropes used by the fishing industry and, in general, ropes working in humid and chemically active environments, corrosion wear is usually the prime reason for rope discard. In most mining applications, rope corrosion is accompanied by fatigue cracking of wires, abrasion of external wires, internal nicking and other forms of wear.Quantification of corrosion damage in ropes using standard inspection procedures and examination methods is very difficult. Qualitative comparisons are sometimes used to describe the degree of rope corrosion to compensate for the lack of quantitative measures (SABS 0293, 1996). If available, the results of magnetic examinations of ropes may be of help in assessing their corrosion weakening.Magnetic rope examination requires that the rope first be magnetized. After that, the rope magnetic flux and the leakage flux along the rope are measured. The first is assumed to be directly proportional to rope metallic area (LMA) and its changes are indicative of the rope’s loss of breaking strength (LBS). Existence of the second indicates existence of local faults (LF) in the inspected rope. As the corrosion of rope results in development of corrosion cracks and in loss of rope metallic area, both the LF and the LMA should be used to quantify the level of rope corrosion. More specifically, the changes to the amplitude of the LF signal are considered to provide qualitative information on rope corrosion (Hansel et al., 1990), while those of the LMA signal are believed to provide quantitative information (Geller and Rousseau, 1990; Golosinski, 1996)."

Jan 1, 1999

By M. M. Williams

WESTERN CAN ADA'S coal industry has experienced a serious set-back since 1949, following a pattern well known to its counterpart in the United States. The loss in coal markets in Western Canada has been particularly severe as the discovery of large reserves of oil and natural gas and the subsequent construction of re-fineries and pipelines roughly coincided with the dieselization of both main railways. While the coal industry will have to face a further decline in markets of long standing, others with a large growth potential can be se-cured if present marketing methods are changed where needed and if fundamental and applied research programmes are actively pursued. The energy and chemical potential of Western Canada's coals will eventually find their place in the ever-growing needs of industry and electric power producers. Electric power generation would appear to offer the largest and most immediate market for coal. If the coal industry is to serve this market adequately and gain as much of it as possible, coal operators ? must have a good knowledge of certain characteristics -of the electric utility industry and its fuel requirements. This paper is prepared primarily to set out some of these characteristics, but also discusses other probable markets for coal.

Jan 1, 1958

By Ralph W. Edie

"IntroductionTHIS PAPER deals with chemical and mineralogical changes in wall-rocks associated with pitchblende mineralization in the Gold-fields area of Saskatchewan. The localities at which the rock specimens studied were collected, and descriptions of the various rock-types referred to, are given in a previous paper by the author (5).The geological field work upon which this paper is based was carried out while the writer was employed by the Eldorado Mining and Refining Company during the summers of 1948, 1949 and 1950. The laboratory work§ consisted largely of quantitative spectrographic analyses for both major and minor elements, supplemented by an examination of 250 thin sections of both altered and unaltered rocks.Character of the AlterationHydrothermal alteration, with associated pitchbende mineralization, is widespread in the Goldfields area of Saskatchewan. The most intense alteration is restricted to the immediate vicinity of fault or breccia zones, but large areas are affected to a minor extent.In detail, the relationship between alteration and pitchblende mineralization is complex, as individual veins do not in general have separate alteration halos. Pitchblende generally occurs in gash-like calcite veins or stringers in wide, fractured zones associated with faulting. Large, lenticular and tabular masses of slightly to intensely altered rock occur in the same wide fracture zones as the mineralized veins. However, vein deposition appears to be-long to a later fracturing period, after hydrothermal alteration was more or: less completed. Generally, the veins transect and are confined to highly altered rock, but on the other hand many highly altered zones intersected in diamond drill-core are barren of mineralized veins."

Jan 1, 1953

By J. C. White

"This paper was prepared for and presented at a lecture series on ""Materials Randling"" at McGill University. The development of trackless mining at Gaspe Copper Mines, Limited is described, showing the changes in mining method and the part played by the mobile equipment in the evolution of this highly mechanized underground operation. Comparisons of loading and hauling machines are given and an attempt is made to predict some possible future developments.INTRODUCTIONTHE PROPERTY OF GASPE COPPER MINES LIMITED is located in the Gaspe Peninsula of the Province of Quebec, 60 miles west of the village of Gaspe and 25 miles south of the St. Lawrence River. The original discovery of low-grade ore was made at Copper Mountain in 1921. Subsequent exploration revealed the richer Needle Mountain orebodies, and eventually in 1951 the decision was made by Noranda Mines to build the mining, concentrating and smelting complex (Figure 1). Construction and development of the mine was commenced in 1952 and production started in 1955."

Jan 1, 1968

By R. G. K. Morrison

As mines grow deeper, the problem of ground control becomes one of increasing importance. The literature on the subject has grown extensively in the past few years, but is still far from conclusive. Detailed and precise observations are on record covering most phases of the problem, and control measures have progressed to the point where, in a large measure, they are effective. The success of methods to date must be attributed to the efforts which have been exerted to reduce convergence of stope walls and to the realization that a regular progression of stope faces approaching longwall has a beneficial effect. This paper attempts to explain the relationship between these two factors and the general problem of ground control. The problem at present lacks the co-ordination of the practical with the scientific outlook, but fortunately as time goes on there are indications that our scientific friends are becoming more interested and more familiar with the practical issues involved. Opinions vary widely regarding the mechanism of the problem and there are several schools of thought, two only of which will be discussed. One associates the incidence of rock-bursts with the stresses built up by a sagging hanging-wall, while the other takes the view that stresses primarily responsible for the sagging hanging-wall are also the cause of rock-bursts. The first group starts its reasoning from the convergence of the walls, probably the most conspicuous feature of deep mining, and works back to the conclusion that rock-bursts are in sorne way due to the breaking up of the sagging layers. The second group begins with the stress zone apparent around excavations at depth and follows mathematical conceptions based on certain assumptions which, in the absolute sense, are known to be inaccurate, but which are justified by the similarity between the conclusions reached and the results obtained in practice. This reasoning is followed to the point where rock-bursts result from the failure, under stress, of rock in situ, quite independent of wall convergence.

Jan 1, 1939

By F. M. Doyle, G. Sidhu, A. J. Dussault, A. Raygani

There is a growing demand for rare earth metals for use in high strength permanent magnets, most notably Nd2Fe14B. Rare earth metals are extremely reactive, with reduction potentials around -2.5V SHE, and are conventionally produced by molten salt electrolysis. The current work was done to investigate an earlier report of electrodeposition of a neodymium ferroalloy from aqueous solution, to determine whether this approach could be an environmentally and economically competitive commercial approach for producing feedstock for permanent magnets. Such a process would be analogous thermodynamically to the Castner- Kellner process, in which aqueous sodium chloride brine is electrolyzed in cells with mercury cathodes. Metallic sodium forms an alloy (amalgam) at the cathode, thereby lowering the activity of the metallic sodium significantly below unity and making the reduction potential of sodium significantly less negative than the standard reduction potential. Here we report the effects of Nd/Fe ratio in the electrolyte, current density, temperature and two different complexing agents, glycine and cysteine, on the composition and morphology of the electrodeposits, along with current efficiency. The energy needed to produce neodymium as Nd:Fe alloys by aqueous electrodeposition was compared with values estimated for production by molten salt electrolysis and the thermodynamic energy requirement.

Jan 1, 2014

By Georgy A. Cherkashov, Andrey V. Efimov, Yury S. Borodaev, Nadezhda N. Mozgova, Sergey G. Krasnov, Tamara V. Stepanova, Alexander M. Ashadze

"Abstract - A horizontal mineralogical-geochemical ore zonation with a southeast to northwest trending succession of Cu and Fe (Zn) main zones has been discovered in the Logatchev hydrothermal field (14°45??N Mid-Atlantic Ridge). The major minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, isocubanite, digenite and chalcocite. Zn-sulfide, marcasite and covellite are less abundant. Rare minerals are native copper, zincian copper and cobalt pentlandite (first found in oceanic massive sulfides), Cu and Cu-Co-bearing Fe-disulfides. Two groups of the main sulfide assemblages with different copper contents are recognized: Group I comprises assemblages with primary sulfides (isocubanite, chalcopyrite, pyrite and Zn-sulfide; Cu up to 35 wt% in Cu-bearing minerals); Group II contains assemblages with secondary Cu-rich sulfides (bornite, digenite, chalcocite; Cu ~60 wt%) as well as rare minerals (cobalt pentlandite, native copper and zincian copper). The assemblages of Group I formed at a temperature of about 300°C; the sulfur fugacity (log fs2 atm) at 300°C is probably 9.9. Relations between minerals of this group are contradictory, attributed to non-equilibrium environments, and no unified sequence of crystallization of minerals has been determined. Minerals of Group II replace, rim or cross the assemblages of Group I. Group II minerals crystallized in a distinct sequence (cobalt pentlandite-bornite-digenite- chalcocite-native copper), with increasing copper content from the start to the end of the depositional sequence. This may correspond to pH from 7 to 8 near Eh = -0.2 at 250°C. Minerals of this group were generally formed under hypergene alteration processes. Compositions of ore minerals were studied by means of electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) (150 analyses). Narrow composition fields were revealed in all main sulfides, which comprised known experimental data. ZnS contains 6.0 to 28.0 mol.% FeS, which is close to data known for other hydrothermal massive sulfides from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). A common admixture in ZnS is Cu (0.16 to 1.32 wt%). Rare grains of unusual anisotropic Fe-disulfides, (Fe0.95Cu0.05)S2 and Cu(Fe,Co)9S20, were found among the ore minerals."

Jan 1, 1999

By D. G. F. Hedley, F. Grant

"In 1958, the Ontario Department of Mines appointed a committee to study the accident situation and mining methods used in the uranium mines in the E1liot Lake district. This committee reviewed the existing knowledge on mine design, pillar support and roof spans and came to the conclusion that scientific knowledge had not yet reached the stage of producing rational design procedures which would reduce the dependence on trial-and-error methods. Since that time, the Mining Research Centre has made numerous stress measurements in two mines to define the pre-mining and pillar stresses. A comprehensive series of tests has been done in the laboratory to measure the compressive strength of the rock; a geological survey of the region has been made to evaluate tectonic stresses; and a survey was done on mining conditions with regard to stable and unstable pillar configurations. This information has been used to evaluate pillar design as effected by pillar width and height, depth below surface, extraction and pre-mining stress fields. The resultant design of pillar widths and corresponding extraction as the depth increased is in line with past and present experience in these mines. The information available on roof stability is still insufficient to design stable stope spans with the same degree of confidence; experience and trial-and-error methods are still required."

Jan 1, 1972

By Ivan Malinsky, Gérard Castonguay

"On a développé un procédé qui donne une fonte (2,3% C, 0,07% V) du V2O5 (99%) et un rutile synthétique (94% TiO2) à partir d'un minerai, dont les réserves au Québec sont importantes. Le procédé comprend les opérations suivantes: 1) la concentration magnétique du minerai (30% Fe, 9% TiO2 et 0,65% V2O5) pour produire un concentré (65% Fe, 7% TiO2 et 1,6% V2O5); 2) le smeltage du concentré aggloméré dans un four à arc, sans fondant, pour produire une fonte et une scorie (30% FeO, 40% TiO2 et 8,0% V2O5) qui contient plus de 95% du vanadium et du titane présents dans le concentré; 3) le grillage alcalin (37% Na2CO3) de la scorie suivi d'une lixiviation à l'eau et de la précipitation de l'hexavanadate d'ammonium à partir du filtrat; 4) la lixiviation du résidu par l'acide sulfurique pur ou usagé pour produire un rutile synthétique. Un estimé préliminaire de la valeur économique du projet laisse croire à sa rentabilité à la condition que l'investissement pour le smeltage soit inférieur à environ 400$/tonne de fer.IntroductionLes gisements de magnétites titanifères sont nombreux dans le monde. Ils consistent en une magnétite étroitement liée a l'ilménite, La teneur trop élevée en TiO2 empêche l'exploitation de ces gisements pour la production de fer. Cependant, dans certains cas, la magnétite a une teneur intéressante en vanadium qui peut rendre l'exploitation de ces gisements rentable. Aujourd'hui, les magnétites titanifères constituent la plus importante source de production de vanadium. On estime qu'environ 70% du vanadium produit provient de ces sources."

Jan 1, 1983

By J. T. Kalala

The High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) is gaining acceptance in the mineral processing industry and has become a competitive technology in reducing the specific energy consumption in Mineral processing plants. The amount of samples required for HPGR amenability testwork and HPGR wear tests is usually high and often cannot be available at early stage of projects were only a few drill cores are available. Although HPGR was initiated from small scale piston die compression tests, the development of small scale piston die test to predict the performance of HPGR has been slow. The objectives of this paper was to present the designs, operating procedure of piston-die press and operating conditions which have resulted in similar particle size distribution obtained from a piston die test and HPGR Labwal unit starting from the same feed size distribution. Testwork were conducted using a 2 MN piston-die press and a Labwal HPGR unit on major South African ore types, viz, gold, platinum and iron ores. The results obtained show that piston-die test can generate data to predict energy consumption, product size distribution, and even to evaluate the edge effect.

Jan 1, 2012

By P. Curry, H. G. Stephenson, B. Van Den Bussche

"Three Sisters Resorts Inc. currently owns a2035 acre (824 ha) parcel of land, which previously belonged to Canmore Mines Ltd. Approximately 50% of these lands, that are slated for residential, resort and recreation development, have been undermined for coal in one or more seams.Norwest Mine Services has been contracted by the developer to assess and advise them on any past mining activity that may be potentially hazardous to their development and offer solutions to how these hazards may be mitigated or avoided.The following paper deals mainly with the procedures put in place and accepted by the approval authorities, and the Staged approach to the Investigative Procedure that Norwest follows in the mining assessment and mitigation work for Three Sisters."

Jan 1, 1996

By M. Reda

Inorganic oxidizing agents of the type MeOx-z such as Chromate, Vanadate, Tungstate, and Molybdate... etc. are widely used as corrosion inhibitor. In non acidic solution these oxidizing agent are reduced on the surface of the meta, according to OX + m e + p H20 Red + n OH" In which y = (n-m)/m. The purpose of this publication is to show that for many metals the value of y for any oxidizing agent determines the possibility of that oxidizing agent being an inhibitor or activator for the corrosion process. The inhibition efficiency for other ions such as Pertecnetate and Tellurate which have not been extensively studied can be predicted. A mathematical, equation was derived to express the relationship among the concentration of oxidizing agent, degree of retardation of the corrosion process I cord cor ° (ratio of corrosion current in the solution containing inhibitor to the base solution) , ionic strength of the solution and the coefficient y. The validity of y and the mathematical, equation were verified by many experimental, works on various metals such as zinc, aluminum and steel. Al, the above research works are based on the published research works of Prof. Mikhailoviskii (from 1979 til, 1998) from the Russian Academy of Science.

Jan 1, 2010