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By Carlos Avalos Casillas, Saul Ortiz Landeros

The current work shows metallurgical results obtained at the Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico (Peñoles CIDT), as a continuation of the work first published in February 2012. With the aim of optimizing the economic values of the products, ores from San Julian (Fresnillo) were selectively floated to produce a lead concentrate and a zinc concentrate containing high silver values. In the laboratory, this included regrinding of the rougher and scavenger lead concentrate to increase the liberation of mineralogical species and thus lower zinc recovery. Cyanide leaching bottle tests were conducted to improve the value of the silver. It is proposed to leach the silver contained in the zinc concentrate and then recover the silver using the Merrill Crowe process. The results show a reduction of zinc recovery in the lead concentrate from 11.3% to 2.0% after regrinding to a P80 of 10 microns, improving the metallurgical quality and economic value of the lead and zinc concentrates. Also laboratory and pilot scale cyanidation tests showed that about 65 to 80% of silver will be leached from the zinc concentrate, after regrinding to a P80 of 10 microns. The proposed processing increases the economic recovery of silver from 72.7% to 78.8%.

Jan 1, 2014

By Chris Larsen, Ian Orford, Marilene Renaud, Mike Cooper, Lud Strah

"An AG/SAG mill was commissioned at the Brunswick Mine concentrator in October 1998. This paper discusses the original liner design for the bi-directional AG/SAG mill, observed liner wear, subsequent liner design modifications, and benefits. The mill liners consist of steel top hat shell liners, steel end liners, rubber grates and rubber lined pulp lifters.Lifter profile and plate thickness measurements were made on monthly shop days. Trends of wear rates were used to project when liners required replacement. Wear profile information was also used to determine where liner re-design would improve wear life or minimize scrap loss. Charge motion simulation modeling was used as a tool to assist liner design modifications.INTRODUCTIONThe Noranda Inc. Brunswick Mine, located near Bathurst, New Brunswick, is a large underground lead/zinc mine with a nominal production rate of 10,000 tonnes per day. The Brunswick concentrator commenced operation in 1964 with conventional surface crushing followed by rod and ball milling to reduce run of mine ore to the required size to feed two parallel flotation circuits. In 1998 the AG (autogenous grinding) mill was commissioned for a nominal production rate of 9,000 tonnes per day replacing two surface crushing plants, three rod mills and three primary ball mills. In May of 1999 the mining rate was increased and the service of the AG mill was changed to a SAG (semi-autogenous grinding) mill with the addition of 4 inch steel balls (4% volume). The mill operates in closed circuit with 0.66 meter horizontal cyclones to produce a ground product of 90 micron nominal size (K80).The AG/SAG mill liners are steel (Norsteel, chrome-moly steel) with rubber grates and rubber lined pulp lifters.The original liner design was based on studying other AG/SAG mills and recommendations by the liner supplier, Norcast. Design factors taken into account were total cost of lining (including material and labour), protection of mill shell and impact on operating performance."

Jan 1, 2003

"Increasing demand for timely and accurate information about flotation plant performance requires metal accountants to increase the scope and reporting frequency of plant production. This trend has brought in-process inventory estimation at the forefront of metal accounting issues. Such significant in-process inventories can be locked in diverse process equipment (bins, holding tanks, flotation cells, thickeners, pipeline, etc.) or in stockpiles (ore, concentrates, tailings, etc.). Practice has shown that boldly ignoring these in-process inventories or the errors associated with their estimation lead to unreliable metal balances thereby creating confusion in plant production planning and operational performance assessment. To this extent, the characteristics (physical bounds, spatial heterogeneity and residence time) as well as the available measurements (volume, density, humidity, mass, composition, etc.) of each unit/section found in a generic flotation plant are jointly reviewed with respect to the particular metal accounting issues they present. The daily and monthly metal accounting tasks are then reviewed together with possible methods for obtaining reliable inventory estimates including different procedures for end-of month reconciliation.INTRODUCTION Most of the cost reduction initiatives of the mining industry aim at improving capital efficiency and asset utilization. Among the possible paths through which these goals can be achieved are mine-to-metal optimization, real-time plantwide process control (Hodouin, 2011) and knowledge sharing databases (Bascur & Linares, 2006). However, the successful implementation and subsequent monitoring will ineluctably results in an increased demand for timely and accurate information. This more than often requires metal accountants to increase the scope and reporting frequency of plant metal production. A striking example of such scope expansion is the Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil (Anglo American, 2013) having a pipeline route of 525 km between the concentrator and the concentrate shipping area. Several other mining companies have also set an increased frequency for their key performance indicators thereby shrinking the metal accounting period from monthly to weekly and daily. Those concurrent trends have brought in-process inventory estimation at the forefront of metal accounting issues. Indeed, as illustrated in Figure 1, improving trading reactivity requires improvements in production planning which strongly impacts the requirements for reliable metallurgical accounting. Furthermore, practice has shown that boldly ignoring significant in-process inventories or the errors associated with their estimation can lead to unreliable metal balances. In other words, since metal balances are the cornerstones of metal accounting, some of the risks associated with important business decisions are linked to errors associated with in-process inventory measurements."

Jan 1, 2014

By Joseph J. Mgumbwa

Pillars are any structures left between two or more underground openings. The stability of pillars is normally considered to depend on shape (defined by width to height ratio), rock mass strength, extraction ratio, in situ stresses and the gross structural features (i.e. joints, contacts, faults etc). Recent experience has shown that pillar stability is also controlled by the relative orientation of the orebody with respect to the in situ principal stress. In inclined orebodies, pillars are loaded in compression and shear, thus creating unsymmetrical stress distribution. Failure mechanisms of these pillars are little known. This paper investigates the failure mechanisms of pillars under shear loading. Two dimensional elastic numerical modeling was used to examine the behavior of pillars in different orebody inclinations relative to the major farfield stress orientation. First, the paper reviews pillar design approaches including the empirical pillar design chart and uses numerical modeling to investigate the effect of the major farfield stress orientation on pillar stability. It is concluded that the empirical pillar design chart be used with caution, and that for orebodies under shear loading mine planning and design should take this into consideration since such geometrical orebody/stress relations put mine structures at higher risk of instability.

Oct 1, 2010

By K. L. Murphy, G. Multamaki, P. M. Huck

"A preliminary evaluation, based on existing data, has been made of the implications of placing radium-barium sludge in tailings areas. The study was restricted to a consideration of possible increases in the quantities of radionuclides escaping to the environment through either groundwater or surf ace water, considering the types of tailings treated and the effluent treatment systems currently operating in Canada.IntroductionIn the recovery of uranium from ore deposits, the tailings produced by mine/mill complexes are conveyed to impoundment areas in slurry form. After settling, the supernatant is discharged to the environment together with runoff from precipitation on the tailings bas in. Currently, all operating uranium mines in Canada employ barium chloride treatment to control the release of dissolved radium to the aquatic environment. The dissolved radium in the tailings decant is precipitated with barium chloride, forming (Ra,Ba)SO4, and allowed to settle in ponds or lakes. In some instances, settling tanks have replaced ponds and flocculants have been added to aid settling. Because the Atomic Energy Control Board does not consider the precipitation ponds to be suitable for final disposal of these sludges, acceptable sites must be found. Options which have been suggested for sludge management include underground placement either in worked-out mine areas or in special chambers, or placement in the tailings areas. Conceptually, the latter alternative is attractive and probably would minimize sludge handling. This alternative would be subject to the AECB policy which requires that upon abandonment, radioactive releases from a tailings area must be within present regulatory limits and that treatment to meet these limits should not be required in perpetuity.No quantitative data exist concerning either the effect of physical and chemical conditions in the tailings on resolubilization of radium from precipitated sludges or the fraction of this additional radium which would be released."

Jan 1, 1982

By Don Langlois, Udo Weber

"The effect of grinding media performance on milling and operational behaviour was demonstrated under different selected milling conditions of calcium carbonate. A variety of grinding media material and bead sizes, along with 2 different stirrer tip speeds, were used in the grinding process to generate a particle size reduction of the calcium carbonate (CaCO3). To determine the optimum milling parameters the collected test data was used to calculate and evaluate specific energy as well as stress intensity under different milling conditions.INTRODUCTIONAs a result of increasing energy costs and raw material prices it is important to look at the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Wet grinding and ultrafine wet grinding in stirred media mills are now a possible cost-effective production step for the processing of industrial minerals and precious metals. The generation of smaller particle sizes (down to micrometer scale) can be advantageous for further production steps – i.e. better liberation of precious metals or improved industrial mineral qualities.In the following, the wet grinding process is investigated under different milling conditions of calcium carbonate. Different grinding media materials varying in specific weight, bead size and stirrer tip speeds are used to determine optimal energy consumption for the milling process.DESCRIPTION OF TEST CONDITIONS AND PARAMETERSMill ParametersTests were performed in a Drais Laboratory Perl Mill PML H/V with an installed electrical motor power of 3 kW. The mill chamber is silicon carbide where as the stirrer and discs are made of yttria stabilised zirconia. The mill working volume is 0.9 l. A screen cartridge with a screen size of 0.2 mm is used to separate the beads and slurry at the outlet of the mill. All tests were performed with a grinding media filling grade of 80% (Mill working volume). The stirrer tip speed was set at 6 m/s and 10 m/s."

Jan 1, 2009

By Donald Leroux, Colin Hardie

"New or improved mathematical models of mineral processing machines are published almost on a monthly basis. Often, these models can be calibrated from bench-scale test results and programmed using spreadsheet software to simulate different designs and operating conditions in open-circuit configuration. However, since mineral processing plants frequently operate comminution, separation and/or extraction machines in closed-circuit configurations, open-circuit simulations often have limited applicability.The simulation of closed-circuit configurations necessitates the programming of an iterative loop to bring the circuit to equilibrium. This can be done by using spreadsheet software but often requires advanced programming skills. As an alternative, LIMN® software, which simplifies the programming of closed-circuit configurations within spreadsheets can be used. This software was specifically designed to turn a Microsoft EXCEL® spreadsheet into a closed-circuit modeling and simulation platform with minimal programming.During the past few years, the Mineral Processing Group at the Noranda Technology Centre, has used this software for numerous projects which include the simulation of multi-stage cyclone circuits, closed-circuit regrinding and locked-cycle flotation tests. Using these projects as examples, the flexibility and the easy to use nature of the LIMN® software is demonstrated.INTRODUCTIONMineral processing engineers routinely have to make predictions regarding comminution and separation processes. Predicting the appropriate dimensions of equipment and the process response to changes in operating mode are probably the most common situations that they face. In all cases these predictions are expected to be rapid and accurate.Predictions made by engineers are frequently based on mathematical models. Many first principles, empirical, semi-empirical, steady state and dynamic models of mineral processes can be found in the literature. In fact, new or improved mineral processing models are continuously being proposed and in spite of this variety, process engineers often have to either develop their own or tailor existing models to suit their particular needs."

Jan 1, 2003

By Hiroaki Sakurai

Using batch reactors equipped with CO and CO2 gas sensor, CO oxidation over Au catalysts in room air has been investigated and compared with Pt catalysts. For both Au and Pt catalysts, the logarithm plot of CO concentration data during initial 10 min are well fitted by straight line, which mean the first order dependence on the CO concentration between 10 and 10,000ppm. The rate constant value (k) over Au and Pt catalyst generally decrease with increasing initial CO concentration above 100ppm. The value decrease especially rapidly between 100ppm and 1,000ppm over Pt catalysts, which should be due to the strong adsorption of CO on Pt. The k value over Au catalyst has become ten times or more as large as the Pt catalysts at 1,000ppm. Already for the initial concentration of 100ppm CO, the strongly adsorbed CO on Pt metal has been clearly observed by FT-IR during the reaction over Pt/Al2O3. A part of the strongly adsorbed CO has been remained on Pt after the disappearance of gas phase CO, and has gradually changed to gas phase CO2. Such strongly adsorbed species on Au has never been observed on Au/TiO2 under the same reaction conditions. These features of Au catalysts are favorable for indoor air purification.

Oct 1, 2003

By S. D. D. Welsby

"A pilot-scale flotation column was used to evaluate four polyglycol frothers at Teck’s Highland Valley Copper Mine. The column was fed with flotation plant feed from the grinding circuit cyclone overflow. Frother dosage was changed by controlled addition to the column feed. Pulp, froth and metallurgical performance were assessed using gas dispersion measurements, water recovery and copper, molybdenum and gangue grades and recoveries. Ranking the frothers based on pulp and froth phase performance using gas dispersion measurements and water recovery yielded contradictory rankings. All of the frothers changed the froth structure in a similar manner such that, at the same structural conditions, they all gave the same degree of separation between water and entrained solids. The only difference between the frothers was what dosage was required to achieve a certain structure. Changes in pulp structure appeared to be related to the critical coalescence concentration (CCC) for each frother. Changes in froth structure were not completely described by the CCC and involved other factors, such as the hydrophobicity of particles in the froth. All of the frothers were capable of achieving the same metallurgical result, just at different dosages. Optimal dosages for the frothers were anywhere from the CCC, where copper and molybdenum grades were maximised, to 2 to 3 or 4 to 7 times the CCC, where copper and molybdenum recoveries, respectively, were maximised.INTRODUCTION Background Due to supply issues, Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) Mine replaced Dowfroth 250C, their auxiliary frother, with Huntsman Polyfroth W31. The primary criterion for selection was that the new frother gave the same performance as Dowfroth 250C, minimising disruption to the circuit. Frothers play a dual role in flotation, altering the bubble size in the pulp zone and the stability of the froth. A stronger or weaker frother, or a blend of both, will alter the balance between pulp and froth effects and, ultimately, metallurgy. Dowfroth 250C and Polyfroth W31 may not necessarily be the best frothers for HVC from a metallurgical standpoint. There may be a different frother or frother blend that could deliver higher recovery in the bulk roughers."

Jan 1, 2014

By A. J. Hyett

Due to the ongoing revolution in electronics and communications more cost-effective geotechnical instruments can be manufactured using digital technology. This new generation of digital instruments have embedded microcontrollers that provide highly accurate and reliable measurement of geotechnical behaviour in real world units that can be immediately interpreted. Digital measurements can be transmitted across existing mine-wide wireless communication networks, interfaced directly with infra-red enabled PDA?s or PC?s, and parsed to memory by low-cost data-loggers.

Oct 1, 2004

By Robert B. Parsons

"Exploration and development of mineral resources in developing countries by Canadian-based multinational mining companies is becoming increasingly common. One problem being encountered is that the objectives of the governments of developing countries can differ from those of developed countries. These objectives are not always consistent with maximizing returns from the projects, which can create conflicts between the mining company's responsibility to its shareholders and the desire to be a good corporate citizen. This article discusses how a mining tax regime can be designed to make the social goals of a government consistent with the economic goals of the company.IntroductionAt the recent International Seminar on Mining Taxation organized by CIM and the United Nations there was considerable discussion about the role of international mining companies operating in developing countries. Not surprisingly, given the diversity of backgrounds of individuals attending the Seminar, there were different opinions about what this role should be.Government PositionRepresentatives of governments pointed out the strong desires of their countries for technology, high-level technical training of their workforce, increased employment, and development of social infrastructure. They pointed out that, to a large extent, these objectives could be more efficiently met by mining companies operating in the country than by the governments themselves. For example, a multinational mining company (""MMC"") would have extensive knowledge of the various technologies available, and would have performed a detailed evaluation of the mineral resources before choosing the most cost-efficient technology for that project. They would, therefore be in an ideal position to assist the country in importing and developing such technology. Similarly, the company could provide opportunities for hands-on training, both at the technical and managerial levels, which would otherwise be unavailable to the government."

Jan 1, 1991

By F. Dai

Due to difficulties associated with gripping in direct tension, indirect methods are commonly used to measure rock tensile strength. In this work, we adopt an innovative indirect tensile test method: Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) to measure the tensile/flexural strength of Laurentian granite (LG). The static tests are carried out with a servo-controlled material testing machine and the dynamic tests are conduced with a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) system. Pulse shaping technique is adopted to achieve dynamic force equilibrium in SHPB to facilitate data regression. Finite element method is used to relate the failure load to the tensile strength. Strong rate dependence of the tensile strength is observed. The flexural strength is higher than the tensile strength measured using Brazilian Disc (BD). This difference is rationalized using the non-local theory. To further validate the method, a coupled Finite element/Discrete element method (Fem/Dem) in conjunction with the smeared crack model is utilized to simulate the fracture process during dynamic SCB tests. The resulting fracture patterns are qualitatively consistent with those from recovered samples. Both the experimental and numerical methods have validated the results and this new method is readily to be used for other rocks and other brittle materials.

May 1, 2009

By B. Roy

The Somita plant processes low sulphide gold ore in Burkina Faso with a CIL process. After experiencing recurrent low gold recoveries, Somita undertook an investigation on the source of the problem. COREM conducted a mineralogical study on different pit samples. A series of tests was also conducted on a composite sample from the plant which shows a content of 3.4 g/t in gold and 0.48 % in graphite. A reference test in laboratory resulted in a recovery of gold of 75%, similar to plant recoveries for the evaluated ore. In these tests, even if cyanide is not deficient, it was diverted mainly into iron cyanide complex, copper cyanide complexes and by graphite adsorption. Causes of low recovery were also identified and quantified. Solutions to increase gold recovery were suggested such as increasing gold dissolution kinetics by O2 or by lead nitrate addition, change in activated carbon addition point location to the 1st cyanidation tank and finer grinding to increase liberation. Increase in the pH could also contribute to reduce cyanidation consumption. Following these recommendations, Somita changed carbon addition from tank 2 to tank 1 in the CIL circuit. This change led to an increase of more than 5% in gold recovery. A system for the addition of lead nitrate is also under implementation at the plant and benefit will be evaluated in 2013. Finally, pit management for cyanidation will be done based on mineralogy instead of gold content in the future.

Jan 1, 2014

By K. Peake, A. Dalvi, V. Hernandez, S. Chang, M. Oliazadeh

"Ironstone Resources Ltd. is developing the Clear Hills oolitic iron ore deposit in northwest Alberta, Canada. Sources of oolitic iron ore worldwide are abundant and ubiquitous, but there is currently no commercial technology to extract iron from oolitic iron ores. Mineral processing of the ore to generate a commercial iron ore concentrate is very challenging due to the nature of these ores. Accordingly, Hatch and Ironstone are developing a new pyrometallurgical process (Hatch Ironstone Chloride Segregation) to produce metallic iron from high silica and high phosphorus oolitic iron ores. Following the chloride segregation process, the treated ore is subjected to fine grinding. The iron is then separated by magnetic separation. The iron grade and phosphorus content of the final product shows a strong dependence on the separation methodology and the grind size. The pyrometallurgical process has been developed and tested at a lab-scale pilot plant. The commercialization of this technology could provide an opportunity for the development of a new alternate iron making technology. This paper presents the results of test work done on the raw iron ore to create a concentrate and also on the products of the pyrometallurgical process for the production of a high grade 90% metallic iron product.INTRODUCTION Oolite is a sedimentary rock formed from ooids – spherical particles with concentric layers. There are a number of large oolitic iron deposits where the mineralogical form features a low iron content and high concentration of impurities making them presently impossible to exploit on either a technical or economic basis. The fifteen largest oolitic iron ore deposits in the world are estimated to contain approximately 337 billion tonnes of iron ore, which would be a significant source of supply for worldwide steel production. A viable process that can economically recover iron from these oolitic iron ore deposits could become an important new technology to meet future demand in the steel industry. Hatch and Ironstone have demonstrated that oolitic iron ores can be exploited to produce direct reduced iron (DRI). Direct reduction ironmaking is a method for producing solid metallic iron using different techniques compared to the blast furnace process, which is the more conventional ironmaking route. The demand for the construction of direct reduction ironmaking plants has increased in response to the increasing demand for crude steel. It is viewed as a method of providing low-residual iron sources to scrap-based steelmaking in electric arc furnaces."

Jan 1, 2014

By Véronique Falmagne

The mining sequence at Noranda?s Bell-Allard mine calls for two mining fronts retreating toward a central pillar known as the Retreat Zone between pyramids A and C. It is clear from numerical modeling and rock mass characterization that the induced stress level in the pillar will exceed the rock mass capacity. A mining plan was developed including the re-dimensioniong of stopes in the Retreat Zone, additional ground support and instrumentation in order to ensure the safety of the workforce and to maximize ore recovery while minimizing production delays. The mining strategy consists in allowing the rock mass to fracture and fail progressively while maintaining control of the existing openings with the appropriate support. A systematic analysis of rockbursting and caving hazards was conducted for all accesses and stopes in order to plan ground support and instrumentation needs.

May 1, 2003

By James A. Finch

"I offer a personal view of what the next 30 years holds for mineral processing. Re-stating that mineral processing will remain a vibrant industry in raw material production, growth opportunities in waste management are identified. The processing sequence familiar now (mining -mineral processing -extraction) will become more interwoven. In situ processing (i.e., milling underground) will evolve from concept to demonstration. Opportunities to exploit physical properties altered in chemical (pyro-and hydro-) processing will present themselves. In primary grinding, the path to AG/SAG milling will progress with little deviation but opportunities in regrinding are wide open. Flotation will see the trend to designing bubble/particle reactors accelerate simultaneously with a vigorous response from mechanical cell suppliers. Gravity separation remains a bastion of the lone inventor but I anticipate that the new lines will come from the waste management business. I finish by examining the ""research cycle"", identifying growth in small ""high tech"" companies and university research centres.IntroductionI have been asked to offer a personal view of""where we are going in mineral processing?"". Gazing into crystal balls is quite a cottage industry as we approach the end of the millennium. Academics are often asked to assume the role of visionary, I presume because it is considered in their mandate, to reflect and philosophize (or, less charitably, because they are considered to have the time). Since this is the 30th Annual Canadian Mineral Processors Operators Conference, I am tempted to suggest the next 30 years as my frame of reference. This is about equivalent to one engineer's career or, given it takes typically 15 years to go from concept to realization in mineral process engineering (Napier-Munn, l 997a), about 2 ""invention cycles"". With this length of cycle, much that is familiar now will remain so over the 30 years.Research and development (R&D) is in response to need. The overarching need in mining is to find new ore bodies. Process developments cannot compensate for a depleting deposit or a declining commodity price. Mineral processing R&D is characterized by incremental gains, aimed at pushing the mine down the cost per tonne league table. Breakthroughs are the exception (flotation at the turn of the century was one). This must be kept in mind when trying to predict the future in our business."

Jan 1, 1998

By M. R. Saharan

A brief overview of rockburst control measures is presented. The paper then elaborates on one key rockburst control measure, which is known as destress blasting. A historical background of the technique is presented in order to understand different aspects of its field application. The publication enumerates key aspects of the technique as being used in practice in South Africa and North America. The paper also presents an analysis of three case studies in order to demonstrate difficulties associated with the field application of distress blasting in hard rock mines.

Jan 1, 2006

By G. R. Morin, A. R. Leggett

"In 2010, closure of the Kidd metallurgical plants along with structural changes to the historical ratios of payable metals led to a review of the operating targets at the Kidd concentrator. Previous operating data indicated that there was potential for significant revenue improvements by lowering the copper concentrate grade. An extended plant trial was carried out in 2011 to quantify the revenue impact of lowering the copper concentrate grade from 27% to 25% Cu, as well as identifying the lower practical grade limit. Analysis of plant trial results indicated that the process change increased net concentrate revenue by $2 M to $3 M per year at current metal prices. Increased revenue was primarily associated with higher silver recovery to the copper concentrate while the marginally improved copper recovery was essentially offset by increased zinc losses and concentrate treatment and freight charges.Details of the plant test work results are discussed in this paper along with the financial analysis of the revenue improvements. Key areas covered are major revenue components of the concentrate contracts, validation of revenue improvements through plant testing and sensitivity of the improvements to market and plant variables.INTRODUCTIONThe Xstrata Copper Kidd concentrator commenced operations in 1966 treating ore from the nearby Kidd volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit in Timmins, Ontario (Thompson, Amsden, & Chapman, 1978). Over the years, up to four separate grinding-flotation divisions were in operation with throughput rates peaking at 4.5 million tonnes per year of ore in the mid 1980’s (Kelebek & Francis, 1998). As the mine production decreased and grinding throughput increased operations were gradually cut back and since 1998 two grinding-flotation divisions have been in operation treating Kidd mine ore. One of the idled divisions has been intermittently used for custom milling operations, most recently the Ni/Cu Montcalm deposit, which was milled from 2004 to 2009. Current budget throughput rates, limited by mine production, are 2.4 million tonnes per year of ore grading 1.7% Cu, 4.3% Zn and 55 g/mt Ag. Concentrate production rates are 150,000 tonnes per year of copper concentrate and 155,000 tonnes per year of zinc concentrate. The Kidd mine is the deepest base metal mine in the world with mining operations down to 9600 ft.In 2010 the copper and zinc plants at the Kidd metallurgical site, which previously treated the concentrate production from the Kidd concentrator, ceased operation due to a variety of economic and market factors. Following the metallurgical plant closures the Kidd concentrator products were shipped off site for treatment. The majority of the copper concentrate is now processed at the Xstrata Copper Horne smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec with the majority of the zinc concentrate processed at Canadian Electrolytic Zinc Ltd. in Valleyfield, Quebec."

Jan 1, 2013

Certain information contained herein regarding Champion Minerals Inc., including management?s assessment of future plans and operations, may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities law and necessarily involve risks, including but not limited to risks associated with mining exploration, operating costs, production costs, volatility of share prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, environmental risks and ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward looking statements. Plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in any forward-looking statements or information should not be read as guarantees of future results or events, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or when or by which such results or events will be achieved. Except as required by law, Champion Minerals Inc., expressly disclaims any intention and undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements or information as conditions change. The historical mineral resources mentioned are strictly historical in nature and are non-compliant to National Instrument 43-101 mineral resources and mineral reserves standards, and should therefore not be relied upon. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to upgrade or classify the historical mineral resources as current National Instrument NI-43-101 compliant.

May 1, 2011

By David Humphreys

It is difficult to overstate the importance of China to the future of the world mining and metals industries. In a remarkably short time, China has risen to become the world?s largest producer and consumer of steel and its second largest consumer of non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminium. It is currently the world?s largest buyer of copper on international markets, the second largest buyer of iron ore, and the third largest buyer of alumina. At the same time, it is the world?s largest or second largest producer and exporter of tin, lead, zinc, magnesium and a host of minor metals and industrial minerals, as well as a fast-growing exporter of coal.

May 1, 2002