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By Tuula Mäkinen, Lauri Pesonen, Peter Björklund, Jouni Pihlasalo, Mikko Korpi

Outotec Direct Blister Flash Smelting technology has proved to be an efficient and environmentally friendly way to treat copper concentrates from the Zambian Copperbelt at Konkola Copper Mines' (KCM) Nchanga smelter in Zambia. The modeling of slag chemistry and thermodynamics with MTDATA software played a central role in deciding the operation parameters for the smelter. Outotec FSF Online Process Advisor is used to calculate the process parameters and to give valuable information of the process state for the operating personnel. The pre-calculated slag liquidus graphs are also integrated to the Online Advisor.

Jan 1, 2011

By C. A. Pickles, D. K. Xia

"In the last few decades, microwave energy has been widely employed in food processing, rubber and plastics curing, and in ceramic sintering. Recently, the application of micro waves as an energy source in extractive metallurgy has received considerable attention from a number of researchers. During the period from the mid-1960s to about 1988, the majority of the research was focussed on the behaviour of materials in microwave radiation. These research activities will continue to be important, since fundamental data on the interaction of microwaves with materials are vital for the successful application of the technology. Since1990, a number of potential applications of microwave processing have been investigated.These include: pretreatment of ores and concentrates, leaching, reduction, preheating of refractories, heating of slags and waste treatment. In this paper, the interaction of micro -waves with materials of interest in extractive metallurgy are reviewed and potential applications are discussed.IntroductionMicrowaves were first used in 1946 for the heating of materials, shortly after radar equipment was invented during the second world war. It was evident that microwaves were very effective for heating water and the technology was quickly adopted for drying and cooking. Since the introduction of the first microwave oven by Raytheon in 1952, many millions of domestic microwave ovens have been sold annually (National Research Council,1994; Atomic Energy of Canada and Voss Associates Engineering, 1990).In extractive metallurgy, microwaves are in the early stages of development (National Research Council, 1994; Atomic Energy of Canada and Voss Associates, 1990; McGill and Walkiewicz, 1987; Bradhurst and Worner, 1990;Peng et al., 1993). However, there are several reasons for the growing interest in the use of this technology in the field of metals extraction. These include the following potential advantages of microwaves: (1) rapid and selective heating of materials; (2) reactions can be catalyzed because the heating occurs on a molecular or atomic level; (3) clean and controllable energy source; (4) the gas volume is reduced and the atmosphere can be controlled as there are no gaseous combustion products; (5) the material is heated internally in comparison to external heating with conventional methods; (6)the temperature of the refractory can be minimized; and (7) the working environment is improved."

Jan 1, 1997

By B. S. Ignasiak, Dennis Carson

"Laboratory study of the behaviour• of binary coal blends shows that coke strength is more closely dependent on the distribution of ""reactive"" oxygen in the parent coals than on their proximate, elemental or petrographic compositions, and it also appears possible to qualitatively predict coke strength from information about reactive oxygen. Proceeding from this recognition, experiments were carried out to test the possibility of preparing metallurgical cokes from binary blends in which non-caking hvb coal was substantially freed of reactive oxygen by prior heat t1•eatment under controlled conditions. The results indicate that such blends can yield surprisingly strong cokes and that coke strength may be amenable to further improvements by modifying the size distribution of the pre-heated component and the rate at which it is charred."

Jan 1, 1976

By Witold J. S. Ostrowski

The shaft structure being part of an underground mine, depends on programned functional duties, and on geological and hydrological conditions. The majority of Canadian metal mine shafts are in hard competent igneous rocks, which are in an elastic state of equilibrium around the excavation. Others penetrate soft sedimentary or very weak water-bearing rock formations in which the equilibrium varies from plastic to hydrostatic. Knowledge of how to interpret the underground conditions, determine acting forces and design proper structures is essential for the production and safety of the future mine.

Jan 1, 1973

By Michel Lefebvre, André Piché

Every organization performing R&D is faced with the challenge of introducing new technologies to its operations. Difficulties must be overcome if companies are to realize the benefits anticipated from such developments. This paper outlines the difficulties encountered in transferring to operations various technologies developed at the Mining and Exploration Division of the Noranda Technology Centre. The approach used in the selection of a privileged partner for the technology transfer, the criteria motivating the choice and the process followed to establish the partnership are presented.

Jan 1, 1997

By Yoginder P. Chugh

This paper discusses design of sprays systems for dust control around a continuous miner (CM) in about 4.2 m (14 ft.) high mining areas with about 1.0 m to 2.0 m (3-6 ft.) of out-of-seam dilution mining. The challenges included low air volumes and velocity at the end of the line curtain, dust produced from out-of-seam dilution rock being very fine with 50% of the particles less than 10 micron, poor capture of aerosol through scrubber suction inlets, dust escaping through the sides of the loading pan in mining high areas, overloading of dust-laden air in the wet-scrubber, and dust rollback toward workers. The challenges were resolved through CFD modeling of airflows; improved line curtain installation, redesign and varying the spatial locations of spray systems as compared to low mining height areas. Water sprays on CM is the primary engineering control for dust control in coal mining. In 2010, the authors developed several spray system concepts for dust control (Chugh, Patwardhan, Gurley, & Hirschi (2009), Chugh & Gurley (2009), Chugh 2012). These included increased contact time between dust particles and water droplets, improved potential for the dust aerosol to be sucked in through suction inlets, and reduced dust-roll back to the operators and workers. CFD modeling was used to understand airflow patterns around mining areas and to identify spatial locations for sprays to minimize dust exposure of CM operator (CMO), haulage unit operator (HUO), and workers downwind of the operating CM in the last open crosscut (LOXC). Face area ventilation plays a key role in dilution and removal of dust generated by mining operations. High mining heights and large pillar sizes associated with longwall mining reduce the air volume reaching the face area to achieve good dust dilution.

Aug 1, 2013

By Selwyn G. Blaylock

There is no more important problem today than industrial relationship, and probably none that is receiving more thought. But in these days of Epie and Utopia, one has to be rather careful in speaking on this subject. Consequently, for fear that my plea for taking the working man into the family might be misconstrued, by some, as a step towards communism or socialism, I would like to say at the outset that I believe that, so long as we have human individualism, human ambitions, human hopes and fears, straight socialism is as far off as the Millennium. The same applies to communism, which only differs from socialism in that the communist realizes that his ideals can only be attained by massacring millions and destroying all that we hold sacred. Each still looks to Russia for inspiration and guidance, totally disregarding the Soviet swing-back to individual contract work and differential wage scales. They seem to be oblivious of the tyranny and repression in the present Russian system, and get very restless when reminded of it. In spite of the fact that the standard of living in civilized countries has improved tremendously and is still improving, we find that, every seven or eight years, production in many lines has outstripped consumption, and we have had panics or depressions of greater or less magnitude, accompanied by extensive unemployment. It is evident to every thinking person that there must be no little inefficiency in the control of industry. For four long years, governments and industrialists have striven to find the key to solve the present problem. Many countries are getting back to a position approaching normal-Canada probably more so than most. None, however, can feel assured that they have actually cured the situation. All kinds of schemes have been developed; tariff barriers have sprung up over-night where none existed before; currencies have been inflated to gain added security in the home markets and to try to gain advantage in export trade; and each country watches the movements of the others with fear and mistrust. I am not prepared to formulate a full solution of our troubles, but I hope to be able to demonstrate the feasibility and wisdom of the type of industrial relationship I advocate, and also that it may be a large, and possibly an essential, step towards the solution of our difficulties.

Jan 1, 1935

By John Convey

This paper, a follow-up to an earlier study, gives the history of Canadian developments in mineral processing from 1921 to the fall of 1964. It deals extensively with comminution and flotation, and then goes on to cover the fields of gravity concentration, magnetic concentration, cyanidation, the processing of uranium ores, and instrumentation. Several outstanding examples of installations are given. The paper concludes with a discussion of present-day trends in mineral processing. Introduction T HE history of the developments in mineral processing in Canada from its earliest times to 1920 has already been published by one of the authors (1). The present paper is thus a logical follow-up to bring this history to date. From 1834 to 1920, mineral processing in Canada, as elsewhere in the world, was in its formative stage. This, however, prepared the ground for developments that have resulted in a mining empire from the Atlantic to the Pacific, a mining empire which could be said to be almost on par with that in the United States.

Jan 1, 1965

By Keith Haddock

"The Sheerness Mine, a new surface coal mine located near Hanna, Alberta, went into full production in mid-1995. The mine, which is operated by Luscar’s subsidiary Forestburg Collieries (1984) Ltd., has the design capacity to supply up to 2.1 million tonnes of sub-bituminous coal per year to the adjacent Sheerness Generating station under a 30-year contract. This paper documents the construction phase of this project and highlights the major equipment purchases as well as the construction of the mine facilities. The paper also focuses on some of the areas where cost savings have been achieved that have allowed the mine to come on stream six months ahead of schedule, and under budget. Project ReviewMine DescriptionThe Sheerness Mine is located 25 km southeast of the town of Hanna in southeastern Alberta (Fig. 1). The mining property occupies the western portion of the Sheerness CoalField and borders the Montgomery Mine, operated by Manalta Coal Ltd. in the east, and Highway 36 in the west. The Montgomery Mine and the Sheerness Mine exclusively supply the total coal requirement of the adjacent Sheerness Generating Station. The station is owned jointly by Alberta Power Limited (APL) and TransAlta Utilities Corporation (TAU). APL is the operator. Manalta’s Montgomery Mine has supplied coal to the Sheerness Station since its opening in 1986. Coal is shipped by truck from the mines over a network of haul roads to the coal receiving hoppers located on the east side of Highway 36."

Jan 1, 1997

By Adam Moore, Ryan Gillespie, Jarrett Quinn, Audrey Walters, Peter Radziszewski

"Vale Long Harbour Processing Plant (LHPP) was designed to process Voisey’s Bay nickel concentrate into finished nickel and associated copper and cobalt products. The plant includes a secondary grinding circuit comprising two Stirred Media Detritors (SMDs) operating in parallel. The ultrafine grinding circuit was designed to process concentrate at a rate of 33 t/h and produce a ground product (P80) of 20 µm to feed the leach circuits. Start-up of the grinding circuit at LHPP was undertaken in December 2014.The objective of this paper will be to describe the design, commissioning, start-up and performance of the secondary grinding circuit with a focus on the two Metso SMD-355-C mills. Following a brief overview of Vale’s LHPP and the SMD technology, the paper will review the design of the SMD secondary grinding circuit from lab tests through to scale-up performance prediction. This will be followed by the results of circuit commissioning outlining some of the issues raised and addressed after which SMD performance will be outlined. Specifically, the SMD circuit grinding performance will be examined since start-up which will include the effect of media size and wear on grinding. Furthermore, impeller wear will be examined by determining initial “shear volume” and worn “shear volume” as well as its effect on mill power and the means to maintain it. The paper closes with a discussion on grinding performance."

Jan 1, 2016

By The Staff

BEFORE going into detail on the subject to be presented, a brief outline of the Company's earl y history would not be out of place. Prospecting and mining on a small scale was started in 1876 on the site of the present open pit at Thetford Mines. The property was purchased from the Crown in 1878 and Johnson's Company was incorporated in 1885. It is owned and operated today by descendants of the original shareholders. Many employees, through their fathers and grandfathers, have service records dating back three generations. The principal asbestos deposit at Thetford Mines is pear-shaped, with surface dimensions of about 2,200 feet in length by 1,300 feet in maximum . width. Its long axis strikes northeast and the dip is nearly vertical, but irregular in detail. It is known to extend to a depth 1,200 feet below the original surface, but its area at that depth has not been determined. Ownership of this deposit is divided among three active Companies: the Asbestos Corporation, Limited; Bell Asbestos Mines, Limited; and John-son's Company. Johnson's Company owns a section about 1,000 feet in length and 500 feet in width, bounded on the northeast by the King mine of the Asbestos Corporation and on the northwest by the Bell pit. On Johnson ground, there was originally a large outcrop o~ asbestos rock which dipped toward the south below overburden. This was mined until recently by open pit, the overburden being stripped off as far southward from the original outcrop as was economically possible. As the. pit was deepened, within side walls maintained at a maximum safe slope, its floor area, of course, became progressively smaller, and eventually the pit would have wedged out against the Bell property line. It became necessary, there-fore, to introduce some other method of mining before production became seriously curtailed by a shrinkage of the pit area.

Jan 1, 1941

By E. S. Malloch

THE Great War forced the peoples of the world to recognize the importance of the wise development and use of the world's natural resources. Not the least, and perhaps the most, important, is the world's fuel supply- solid, liquid, and gaseous. Without fuel our civilization would be impossible, and mankind would of necessity have to congregate in the torrid zones of the earth's surface for at least six months of every year. Of the three classes of fuels the solid ones are the most plentiful, as well as being the most widely distributed, since few countries are entirely devoid of solid fuels of one kind or another. Until a hundred years ago wood was the fuel most generally used in this country, but since then coal has supplanted wood as a fuel in all its uses, except in the outlying districts and among the farming communities. For many years the supply of coal was thought to be unlimited, but as years went by more thought and study were given to the world's coal resources, until today not only are the limits known, but in one instance at least their depletion is predicted to be almost within the age of living men, unless more provident methods are put into practice for their winning and utilization.

Jan 1, 1928

By P. Cain, B. Martens

"Grande Cache Coal (GCC), an investor-owned Alberta company, is in the final stages of the regulatory process leading to the resumption of coal mining in the Smoky River Coal Field of Alberta. Although many opportunities for low-cost, high-yield mining remained on the property, GCC opted for a long-term production plan that ensures stability for the local economy, sustainable use of the resources in the area, environmental responsibility and a satisfactory return for its investors.GCC entered the Alberta coal approval process in late 2000 with a public disclosure document. In October 2001, GCC formally submitted an application for mining approval and an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to the government and the public. The application covered the proposed Grande Cache Coal project, which includes the No. 7 underground mine, No. 8 surface mine and coal processing operations. The EIA provided a comprehensive investigation of environmental sensitivities in the project area, matched with environmental protection programs. The project is based on commencement of operations in late 2002. GCC’s plans are founded on a commitment to sustainable development and has framed this commitment in the context of a long-range mine development plan that will sustain the community of Grande Cache over the next 25 years. The Grande Cache coalfields offer extensive coal reserves and opportunities, for both surface and underground mining. Combining highly productive U.S.-style room and- pillar underground mining methods and conventional truck-and-shovel open pit mining, GCC’s approach to sustainable development encompasses community involvement and reclamation of mine sites to productive land uses after mining."

Jan 1, 2002

By G. E. Agar

This paper deals with the prediction of locked cycle flotation results from data developed from individual batch tests. A postulate is made that the distribution of material in a separation stage is determined by the chemical conditions and the flotation time and that this distribution can be characterized by split factors which are constants for a fixed set of conditions. With this premise, it is demonstrated that a steady-state balance can be calculated for a circuit. Although the necessary equations can be solved algebraically, a computer program was written that uses an iterative technique to arrive at the steady-state balance. The program is written so that a variety of circuits can readily be simulated. A number of examples are examined to demonstrate the validity of this simulation procedure. The sensitivity of the material balance to changes in the split factors was examined. Data developed from different flowsheets are presented on sulphide ores, on copper-nickel separation and on silver flotation.

Jan 1, 1978

By F. D. Ball, D. E. Gemmell

"Coal mining in New Brunswick dates from the year 1639, when, as today, coal was produced from the area surrounding Grand Lake near the geographic centre of the province. Current production by N.B. Coal Ltd. is approximately 453,000 tonnes per year and comes from a single, thin Pennsylvanian age seam. The history of development and understanding of the geological setting of New Brunswick coals is discussed, beginning with the work of A. Gesner in 1839. The lithostratigraphic sub-divisions of the Pennsylvanian strata proposed by various workers are summarized and the present hypothesis that only biostratigraphic subdivision is possible is detailed. The Pictou Group, which includes the New Brunswick coals, consists of repetitive sequences of sediments consistent with flu vial and upper delta plain sedimentation. The development of coal mining in the province has progressed from horse-powered stream-bank stripping operations prior to the late 1800s through to the present use of open stripmining techniques utilizing eight walking draglines of various sizes. During the intervening years the introduction and eventual phasing out of underground mining occurred with the near termination of the coal mining industry in the province prior to 1973. The coal seam worked by N.B. Coal Ltd. averages 46 cm in thickness, has never been found to be more than 76 cm thick and has both high ash (12.4 -31.1%) and sulphur (4.9-7.8%) content. The wide variety of coal beneficiation studies and tests completed on New Brunswick coals have lead to the conclusion that a washed New Brunswick coal product could be expected with 10 to 12% ash, 5 to 6% sulphur, and 30,225 to 31,388 1/gm. Recoverable coal reserves, including those in the area licenced to N.B. Coal Ltd. and those licenced, although not yet in production, to both the St. Lawrence Cement Co. Ltd. and Provincial Holdings Ltd. at Lake Stream and Beersvil/e, total 60 million tonnes. At present, coal in New Brunswick is removed from prospecting and staking and all existing and future coal exploration and development will be administered by agreement under the Mining Act. Based on the results of a recently completed drilling project undertaken by the Department of Natural Resources, seventeen coal exploration blocks which carry minimum work commitments will be offered to the New Brunswick Electric Power Commission on a sixty-day first right ofrefusal basis. Those blocks not taken up by the Power Commission will be offered under the same commitments to the private sector."

Jan 1, 1985

By D. Van Tonder, C. Edwards

ABSTRACT Solvent extraction is used in many acid leach uranium circuits to upgrade and purify the uranium-bearing solution prior to final product precipitation. A number of strip options are available to recover the uranium from the loaded organic. This paper compares seven of these options on the basis of typical capital and operating costs for the solvent extraction circuit and downstream uranium processing and also considers other related issues. The aim is to provide an objective comparative assessment of these options that could be used as a qualitative guide in process selection or improvement.

Jan 1, 2013

By Robert S. Penczak

Red Lake Gold Deposits ? Descriptive Classification (modified from Pirie, 1982) VHR Au -- Volcanic-hosted (vein & wall-rock) replacement Au deposits ~93% of camp production Q-(T) Au -- Quartz-(tourmaline) vein Au deposits ~7% of camp production Quartz-sulphide Au deposits Porphyry-hosted sulphide Au deposits Current & Significant Past Producers Camp Production 21.6 M oz / 672 tonnes Au Other Deposits / Occurrences (Intermittent Exploration

Apr 1, 2005

By J. Postle, Deborah McCombe

"This is the third in a series of articles about the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO). The first article was an interview with Niall Weatherstone, Chairman of CRIRSCO (CIM Magazine, February 2008) the second described the background and goals of CRIRSCO (CIM Magazine, March/April 2008). In 2007, CRIRSCO was adopted as the Reserves and Resources Task Force of the International Council on Mining and Metals. This decision by ICMM has resulted in an increased level of funding for CRIRSCO and the ability to advance its objectives. In mid-October 2007, CRIRSCO members met in London England to discuss the status of each of the member countries’ reporting codes and the progress of various CRIRSCO projects. Update on national reporting codes Australia: The last update of the Australian JORC Code was in 2004. While there are ongoing discussions about issues that arise from the application of the latest version of the Code, there are no plans to update JORC in the near future. Canada: The Canadian Securities Administrators revised National Instrument 43-101 in December 2005. At the same time, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum published updated Resource and Reserve Definitions that are incorporated by reference in NI 43-101. CIM is continuing work on developing Best Practice Guidelines to assist practitioners in the estimation of Mineral Resources and Reserves. South Africa: The South African Mineral Reserve Committee is currently awaiting an update of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited Listing Rules, which will incorporate both SAMREC and SAMVAL (South African valuation guidelines). The official launch of both codes is expected in 2008. Europe: The Pan-European Reserves Reporting Committee expects to release a consultation draft in 2008. Emphasis is being placed on industrial minerals and aggregates, which constitute a very large industry in Europe. Chile: The Chilean Certification Code was approved in early 2008. As part of the Code, a National Commission is being established to screen and review reports on a random or specific basis. United States: The Society of Mining Engineers updated the SME Reporting Guidelines in 2007. The Securities and Exchange Commission has not accepted these more up-to-date definitions and guidelines. The SME committee will continue to discuss the incorporation of these Reporting Guidelines with SEC. SME has also established a class of membership, a Registered Member, which includes disciplinary measures for non-compliance with the SME guidelines."

Jan 1, 2003

By K B. Bowley

This paper covers the application of a systematic maintenance plan by the Plant Engineering Department of Rio Algom Mines Limited, Milliken Division. The plan established the function of work study, developed and installed formal work planning and labour cost control procedures, and extended the existing preventive maintenance routines. In June, 1961, assisted by management consultants, a more scientific approach to maintenance was instituted. The emphasis was placed on the control of labour. The development and application of the primary control system was established with-in six months. Since then, the Department has operated for a year, consolidating the system. The procedure of the installation, the results achieved and the results to be expected will be discussed. JNTRODUCTION THE Milliken Division of Rio Algom Mines Limited operates a 3,000-ton-per-day uranium mine, in the Elliot Lake district of Ontario, which went into production in April of 1958. The lowest operating level is 3,000 feet below surface. Mining is carried out by open stopping, with planned pillar support and footwall haulage on rail.

Jan 1, 1963

By W. E. Segsworth

Introduction By far the largest part of the money raised for mining is raised by honest and legitimate means; but a not inconsiderable amount is raised by fraudulent sales methods. It will be conceded without argument that the greatest menace to the mining business is the fraudulent promoter. The sale of worthless mining stocks to the public by high-pressure. salesmen, house to house canvassers, telephone campaigns, fraudulent use of the mails, fraudulent statements, and reloading, has seriously prejudiced the public against even legitimate mining. A very small percentage of the funds raised by such fraudulent means is ever spent on the property, but instead is absorbed by the promoter in illegitimate' profits, enormous commissions, high office rents, and other expenditures, and is just so much subtracted from the fund which the legitimate developer needs to bring new mines to the point of production. The mining fraternity has been at fault in that, while they recognized this situation, they made no adequate attempt to rectify it. They knew that these fraudulent practises were conducted by parasites who attached themselves to the mining business in boom times and claimed to be part and parcel of it, but who were merely professional salesmen and promoters who, when there was not a mining boom, were selling sky-line real-estate, worthless oil stocks, or fraudulent securities which happened to be popular with the public. While mining people had this distinction well in mind, the public did not differentiate between the crooked promoter temporarily selling fraudulent mining stock and the honest promoter who made mining finance his life work; and we did little to make this distinction clear to the public or to sweep these money grabbers out of our house. The historic boom of 1927-8 and '29 brought with it the usual crop of crooked mining promoters, and the scandals resulting from their operations forced the Governments into the enactment of laws to attempt to protect the gullible public against the operations of these meanest of thieves and to appease public clamour.

Jan 1, 1934