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By R. J. Davidson, N. Schoeman

SYNOPSIS The paper describes each of the stages in a carbon-in-pulp (CIP) or carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant, and details the steps that can be taken to achieve effective carbon management by referring to practices at the Daggafontein CIP plant. This approach was adopted because of the difficulty in summarizing current carbon management in the many varying operations in South Africa, Daggafontein being chosen as a high-tonnage dedicated well-run plant of recent design. Because of the major role played by the consumption of carbon in the operating costs of CIP and CIL plants, an attempt is made to develop a series of indexes based on quality parameters and price that can be used as a guide In the selection of carbon.

Jan 1, 1991

By J. C. Zachariades, D. M. Fraser

The leaching of pyrolusite in acidic ferous sulphate solution was studied so that the important factors governing the kinetics of the reaction could be determined. The reaction is very rapid, and was monitored by continuous measurement and logging of the redox potential in solution by use of a microcomputer. The relationship between redox potential and manganese extraction was established empiricaly for each set of conditions by the use of a technique in which a calibration run was conducted in paralel with each leaching run. The study involved a number of batch leaching runs, and demonstrated that, of the variables investigated, only the initial ferous ion concentration and the reaction temperature afect the rate of manganese extraction. The final extraction did not vary. The reaction was modeled from the results by use of the shrinking-core model and Britan's activation-energy model. The later was found to provide a significantly better fit to the data.

Jan 1, 1991

Two column flotation cells have been installed as single-stage rougher cleaners at Batu Hijau. The objective was to provide additional residence time in the cleaner circuit to maintain maximum recovery during high mill throughput and high feed grade periods. Installation of the columns has allowed the relatively coarse, well-liberated rougher concentrate and the relatively fine, low-grade scavenger concentrate to be treated separately, improving metallurgical performance in the cleaner circuit. Plant results show that the columns produce a high-grade concentrate at an average stage copper recovery of approximately 80 per cent. There is also indication of increases in both overall plant copper recovery and final concentrate copper grade. In addition, the operability and stability of the cleaner circuit has greatly improved.

Jan 1, 2007

By J. Svoboda, W. J. C. Venter, R. N. Guest

SYNOPSIS Wet high-intensity magnetic separation was examined as a method for the recovery of copper and lead from Tsumeb flotation tailings. Bench-scale and pilot-plant tests were conducted and, despite the very low magnetic susceptibilities of all the complex copper and lead minerals, copper and lead recoveries of over 60 per cent and almost 50 per cent respectively were obtained at a combined copper and lead grade of up to 13,5 per cent. The recoveries were found to be practically independent of magnetic induction in the range 0,5 to 2,2 T, and the grade of the magnetic concentrate decreased with increasing magnetic induction. The grade of the magnetic concen¬trate improved when the flowrate of the slurry was increased, and desliming was found to have a profound effect on the. metallurgical process. Particles smaller than 10 µm were not recovered, and their presence in inefficiently deslimed samples impaired the overall performance of the magnetic separation

Jan 1, 1988

By D. J. Bosman

The impoved densification of sludge from neutralized acid mine drainage. by D. J. BOSMAN, B.Sc., (Member) The paper describes an investigation aimed at finding a solution to the accumulation of acid mine drainage in the old workings at Coronation Collieries, Kromdraai. The problem involved the neutralization of the acid in the water, without the large volumes of sludge and the large amounts of dissolved solids that usually result from neutralization. Pilot-plant work on the site using a limeneutralization process developed at Bethlehem Steel Corporation (U.S.A.) showed this to be a feasible method. A sludge of 22 per cent density was obtained under optimum operating parameters. The amount of suspended solids in the overflow water was very high, but this does not give rise to concern because the full-scale plant at Kromdraai will practise secondary sedimentation by running the thickener overflow through large dams with a theoretical retention time of 25 days. An analysis of the theory underlying the process is also made.

Jan 4, 1974

By J. H. Viljoen, N. B. Strydom, J. S. Greyson, C. H. Van Graan

SYNOPSIS Bad eyesight and poor illumination can contribute to the occurrence of accidents in mines. As one part of a study of this problem, surveys of light intensities have been conducted in 19 gold mines. On 17 of the mines the surveys were on one underground level only, whilst in two of the mines more intensive surveys were conducted by measuring light intensities in all areas to determine any inter-mine variations between the levels of illumination. Readings of light intensity were taken underground at stations, tips, winches, stopes, conveyor belts, waiting places, pump stations, fitters' and boilermakers' workshops, ambulance rooms and in haulages. It is concluded that the average levels of illumination in South African gold mines are comparable with those reported in the literature for mines elsewhere. Standardisation of lighting conditions underground could eliminate inter- and intra-mine variation in illumination levels where they occur. A guide to mine illumination practice would assist such standardisation, and help increase the levels and effectiveness of illumination in mines. Some suggestions are made in this latter connection.

By H. A. D. Kirsten

The professions are subject to a wide range of changing conditions, and are as a result forced to become more competitive. Although there is a need for specialization under these circumstances, no formal recognition, definition, or control of specialists exists. Some of the professions have attempted, over extensive periods of time, to resolve the issues involved, and have met with varying degrees of success. It appeared from the replies to a questionnaire sent to over one-hundred-and- .fifty professionals, that both advanced education and experiential training, are considered to be necessary qualifications for specialization. The opinion as to whether it should be lift to the individual to cal himself a specialist, or whether recognition should be based on peer review, was divided The majority did not want the number of specialists to be controlled The response to the reservation of work for specialists was ambivalent.

Jan 1, 1995

By J. M. Barnard, M. P. Brandt, L. E. Korwin-Kossakowski, W. H. Smith

Petrographic analyses of coal rank and maceral-group composition are widely used in the characterization of coal. This paper describes the use of an image analyser (IBAS Kontron) for fuly automated measurements of the rank and maceral groups of seam coals. The rank is then derived from reflectance histograms, or 'fingerprints', of coal reflectance distributions (being expressed as the mean random reflectance of vitrinite). The volume proportions of the maceral groups are calculated from the histograms. The results obtained with the IBAS were generally in agreement with those obtained by conventional methods of reflectance measurement and point-count analysis. However, the results were inconsistent for coals with a bimodal character or a wide V-class distribution. The rank of the analysed coals ranged from 0,50 to 1,10 per cent mean random reflectance. The lowest reflectance that can be analysed with the IBAS is 0,4 per cent. The speed, objectiveness, and repeatability of this technique make it exceptionally suitable for use in the quality control of large numbers of samples.

Jan 1, 1990

By J. A. L. Napier

By use of a functional model of capital expenditure developed earlier, a prototype cash-flow model is formulated as a basis for the investigation of the economic consequences when the production rate of a mine is manipulated as fundamental design variable. The optimum production capacities that maximize the common economic criteria of net present value, present-value ratio, and wealth growth rate are determined. It is shown that these choices depend certain key groupings of the economic parameters, and that they have a fixed interrelationship. The basic cash-flow model is extended further to include the effects of a constrained rate of production buildup and the imposition of State taxation on generated income. An approximation to the initial tax-free period of a new mining venture is developed, and, by use of these results, the optimum choice of production level is analysed when both the buildup rate is constrained and tax is imposed. This extended model permits a comparison between the performance of existing mines and the predicted theoretical production levels for these mines.

Jan 1, 1981

The comments by Mr Chaston were constructive and much appreciated. Considering firstly the recovery of cassiterite from fine deslimed material. A size distribution analysis shows that 58 per cent of cassiterite in Union Tin flotation concentrate reports in the minus 15 micron (quartz) size range. This is achieved at a recovery of 67 per cent and concentrate grade of 42,6 per cent. It is of interest to note that at Altenberg in East Germany 85 per cent of the tin in deslimed minus 43 micron material is recovered into a 14 to 16 per cent Sn concentrate using para-tolyl arsonic acid as collector. Reconcentration of this material is then carried out using two shaking table stages which recover 53 per cent of the tin in a 50 per cent Sn concentrate. Flotation was resorted to after recovery rates of 35 per cent and concentrate grade of 30 per cent had been achieved in a 275 ton per day plant comprising 130 tables. Tests on tabling of deslimed minus 43 micron material have not been carried out at Union Tin. The cost of equipment actually associated with cassiterite flotation amounts to about R60 000. The

By Nareetsile S., J. Kabwe

In the past few years Orapa and Letlhakane Mines have investigated various new technologies to enhance and improve production. The goal has been to improve productivity, reduce operating costs and make the mines more profitable The advent of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the early ’80s brought about the realization of this concept. Orapa and Letlhakane Mines started using GPS in 1999 and it is now used atLetlhakane mine for surveying, vehicle tracking and dispatching and for floor control system. Orapa Mine uses GPS in surveying, floor control and drill navigation. It will also be used for vehicle tracking and dispatching in mid-2001 following the installation of a fleet management and control system. The introduction of GPS at both Orapa and Letlhakane mines have improved productivity and reduced operating costs in the areas of drilling, topographic survey and floor control. In vehicle tracking and dispatching GPS has allowed for real-time information management for timeous decision-making which optimized fleet run time hours.

Sep 1, 2001

Knelson concentrators are commonly used to recover fine liberated gold in gold processing plants. The decision to employ a gravity gold circuit consisting of centrifugal devices such as Knelsons is primarily taken on the results of GRG tests, among other considerations. While the GRG test is considered a material characterisation test, which is useful in the design stages, its use in evaluating the performance of an existing unit is questionable. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that it is time consuming and costly. This paper examines the validity of the GRG test for performance evaluation and discusses alternative test work that can be performed to evaluate the performance characteristics of an operating machine. Principles that are useful in selecting optimal operating parameters, such as optimal fluidising water flow rate for a given ore/machine combination, are also discussed and illustrated with laboratory and plant data.

Jan 1, 2007

By L. Wade

The advent of relatively cheap computing power has precipitated a rapid growth of computer usage in the mining industry. In order to obtain most benefit from this development a need is recognised for the future mining graduate to be trained in computer literacy. This paper outlines the type of training required and describes progress to date with such a programme at the University of the Witwatersrand. Certain challenges concerning the teaching effort are discussed.

Jan 1, 1987

By J van Rooyen, S. Archer, M. Fox

The use of dilute sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas mixtures for the oxidation/precipitation of manganese has been explored widely in recent years. The technical merit of the concept is well proven and implementation of the technology on commercial scale is imminent. This paper reviews the technology of manganese removal by means of dilute SO2 gas mixtures and highlights some of the challenges associated with its implementation on industrial scale. A brief review of the technology is presented; the review considers both the mechanism and chemistry of manganese oxidation/precipitation with dilute SO2 gas mixtures. The impact of variables such as temperature, pH and SO2 concentrations on the manganese removal process is assessed. Challenges associated with implementation of the technology on industrial scale are discussed. Gas dispersion is highlighted as a critical design consideration.

Jan 1, 2007

By B. Hayen

The principal advantages of fibre optics as compared to copper wire are well known and include almost perfect electromagnetic isolation, light weight, small size, excellent transmission security and substantially better bandwidth/distance performance. The decreasing cost of the optical fibre technology (both fibre cable and equipment) has led to another generation of private networks, which provide much larger bandwidths, very high reliability and an increase of the maximum geographical coverage. The larger bandwidth allows to transport all types of information on a single network. Typical communication requirements are speech (audio), computer data, LAN info, control information, video, etc. OTN or ‘Open Transport Network’ is a transmission system based on the latest available technology in fibre optics. It is characterized by the dual ring approach, resulting in high network availability, and the integration of different types of services in one network. As such, it can fulfil almost all transmission requirements for voice, data, LAN, video and any special service required.

Sep 1, 2001

By H. S. Sichel, Kleingeld

A frequency distribution model plays a fundamental role in ore evaluation, especially for the feasibility study of new deep gold mines. The geological complexity of the reefs being mined at present in the Witwatersrand basin poses some difficulties regarding the modeling of the underlying ore-value distribution. This geological complexity has given rise to a need for more applicable distributional models. This paper places the geology of the Witwatersrand basin in perspective and draws some important conclusions from the genesis of the deposition. In addition to the three-parameter lognormal model, two more-general distributional models are proposed. These are the compound lognormal (CLD) and log-generalized inverse Gaussian (LN-GIG) distributions. A detailed, although preliminary, comparative study of these two more-general models with the three-parameter lognormal model is described, and the efficiencies of the estimates and modeling are analysed. It is found that the broad assumption that gold grades follow a three-parameter lognormal law is not always the case, and the need to test for departures from log normality should be emphasized so as to ensure the use of appropriate models.

Jan 1, 1992

A brief overview is given of the issues regarding the processing of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The printed circuit board component of WEEE is an exceptionally complex feed to possible recycling processes. Scrap printed circuit boards were selectively smelted at 1 200°C to produce a metallic alloy. Iron and aluminium were found not to be part of the alloy. The alloy was characterized by SEM-EDS, and three phases were identified: alpha and delta bronzes, and a lead-rich phase. Calculations show that about 56 mass per cent of the alloy is the alpha phase, 35 per cent delta phase and 9 per cent lead phase. A simplified approach using appropriate binary phase diagrams was used to derive a phase composition for the alloy. This was further backed by FactSage calculations, which showed that the simplified approach was appropriate for this alloy. The experimental findings and theory were found to agree well.

Jan 1, 2009

By L. A. Vermeulen, D. D. Howat

A study was made of the performance of a rod mil operating without liter bars and with different arrangements of liter bars in the lining. . The results show that striking improvements in performance, increased throughput, and reduced consumption of liner metal and electrical energy can be obtained by a change in the geometry of the liter-bar arrangements within a mil. Rod mils of equal size fitted with the same arrangement of liter bars but operating at different speeds presented apparent anomalies in the relative consumption efficiency of electrical energy for the production of material smaller than 75 µ m. Marked savings in the consumption of liner metal were achieved by the use of an arrangement of alternating lines of higher and lower liter bars. A study of the relative performances of two large tube mils showed that the use of liter bars in one of the mils resulted in a marked reduction in the consumption of liner metal and electrical energy per ton of material smaller than 75 µ m in the product.

Jan 1, 1986

By M. H. Moys, K. S. Liddell

The dynamics of the ball load within a wet-grinding mil are examined, using measurements of torque and load position, The test equipment provided an accurate torque measurement, and the toe and shoulder positions of the load were measured by the use of a conductivity probe mounted in the mill shell. Both the variables tested-mil filing and rotational speed-influence the position of the load, and hence the torque, and have interactive effects on both the torque and the load position, An increase in mil speed and filing causes the torque to increase to a maximum value, after which further increases in speed or filing cause the torque to decrease. The position of the load toe is influenced only by the filing up to speeds of approximately 80 per cent of critical, whereas the speed and filing both cause the load shoulder to rise as their magnitudes are increased, The power drawn by the mill is predicted by the use of published equations, and these values are compared with the measured power draw.

Jan 1, 1988

By S. Vorberg, B. Fischer, U. Glatzel, R. Völkl, D. Lupton, M. Wenderoth

Owing to their excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance, Pt and its alloys are being used preferentially at elevated temperatures and in aggressive environments. For example, an important application field is the glass industry. Alongside the discovery of new potential application fields, the knowledge of material properties is essential for computer simulations, design configuration, process optimization, research and development or quality assurance purposes. Due to the importance for technical applications high-temperature properties have been investigated for currently available Pt-base alloys with ongoing improvements. For the determination of tensile creep test data up to 3000°C, including precise strain measurement, special experimental equipment has been developed at the University of Applied Sciences Jena, Germany. An overview of the existing and newly obtained mechanical property data on pure Pt, solid-solution strengthened Pt-Rh alloy, oxide dispersion-hardened materials Pt DPH and Pt 10%RhDPH as well as cutting-edge results on Pt-base superalloys hardened by intermetallic precipitates will be presented and discussed. Furthermore, some important application examples for the abovementioned Pt-materials will be given.

Jan 1, 2006