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By J. B. Goddard

Crystallization of ammonium paratungstate (APT) is frequently the last effective purification step in producing high-purity tungsten. However, crystallizer mother liquors are often several times higher in tungsten than predicted by the solubility of APT. The formation of heteropoly anions, particularly those containing phosphorus and silicon, is largely responsible. Solubility of tungsten in APT mother liquor can be linearly correlated with the concentration of these and other impurities. The problem can be overcome by direct treatment of the crystallizer feed solution with aluminum sulfate. By appropriate treatment, the aluminum hydroxide flocculates and is easily filtered, resulting in a purified low-aluminum crystallizer feed from which high APT yields can be attained.

Jan 1, 1985

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Mr. John Peperakis, President Dear Mr. Peperokis: Following is the report of the Treasurer from May 19, 1956 to May 3 1, 1957: RECEIPTS [Cash on hand May 19, 1956. ................................... $2,209.64 Dues ........................................ $ 810.00 Registrations, Banquet, Tickets, etc. 1,992.75 Contributions ................... ............ 1,490.00 Interest .................................... 27.60 4,320.35 $6,529.99]

Jan 1, 1957

By W. Newcomen, G. Dick

"Effective management and mitigation of pit slope instability in open pit mines begins with a comprehensive slope monitoring programme. The ability to differentiate between non-critical pit wall movements due to rebound or relaxation of the excavated slopes and movements that may be indicative of slope failure is important for maintaining a safe working environment and maximizing production. Slope failure prediction methods using velocity, acceleration, and strain criteria have been introduced and put into practice over the past few decades. Forty-eight slope failures with surface monitoring data are presented and assessed using the strain-based failure prediction approach, with consideration of the quality of the rock mass and the potential failure mechanism. The results indicate that the strain-based approach can be used to provide general guidance regarding strain thresholds for pit walls for a variety of failure modes in diverse geological environments. The advantages and potential drawbacks of the strain-based and other slope failure prediction methods are discussed. The importance of implementing a pit slope monitoring and performance evaluation system early in mine development is also emphasized. IntroductionThe successful prediction of the Manefay Slide pit slope failure at Bingham Canyon at 9:30 am on 10 April 2013 (Engineering and Mining Journal, 2014) highlighted the importance of having a comprehensive slope monitoring system that provides an accurate prediction of the time of failure of an open pit slope. Using most of the geotechnical monitoring tools available, the time of the failure was predicted within hours and equipment and personnel were evacuated from the pit well in advance of the failure. From a time to slope failure perspective, the monitoring system in place was a success.There are two general groups interested in monitoring pit walls, with slightly different objectives in mind when the monitoring system is being set up. There are those at the mine site that have to implement the pit slope design, monitoring protocols, and the action response plans, and there are those designing the slopes (often consultants) who regularly visit the mine but may not be responsible for the day-to-day activities. was a success.There are two general groups interested in monitoring pit walls, with slightly different objectives in mind when the monitoring system is being set up. There are those at the mine site that have to implement the pit slope design, monitoring protocols, and the action response plans, and there are those designing the slopes (often consultants) who regularly visit the mine but may not be responsible for the day-to-day activities."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. Mothomogolo

Mining projects are capital-intensive and are also characterized by high technical and economic risks. These factors pose challenges to mining entrepreneurs when they seek to raise seed capital for mining start-ups. There are limited sources of mining investment funds in South Africa and each has shortcomings due to one reason or another. Another impediment is South Africa?s status as a developing economy, in which the standards of living ? which in turn influences the savings culture ? the limited GDPs and budget, the socio-political environment, and banking, mining, treasury and other regulations, determine the size of investments, particularly in mining ventures. The proposed funding mechanism was developed with the aim of filling the gaps identified in existing funding mechanisms that were developed by the government with the introduction of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), 2002. The shortcomings identified were presented to the study participants as questions to obtain views that were used to define innovative ways of raising mining start-up capital. Most participants in the study supported the derived hypotheses and proposals, and these were used to refine the proposed mechanism for mining investment in South Africa. The proposed funding framework is aimed at encouraging interaction between mining entrepreneurs, government, and the investors to align goals and expectations when undertaking a mining investment.

Jan 1, 2012

By Lee M. F

The Lady Loretta lead-zinc-silver mineral isation of north-west Queensland was discovered first by Placer geologists in 1968 as a result of a geochemical soil survey. The stratigraphic position, mineralisation and rock associations of the deposit are very similar to those of the Mount Isa lead-zinc-silver orebodies. Aspects of the exploration history, geo- chemistry and structural geology of the Lady Loretta deposit, are discussed. A geometric model of the Ore Horizon is given.

Jan 1, 1974

By A. M. Tunstall

Blasting is commonly viewed separately from mechanical handling and crushing. This view is misleading because the degree of fragmentation achieved by blasting can have a significant effect on the efficiency of these processes and, hence, on the overall cost of the mining operation. In this paper, aspects of blasting and crushing and their interaction are examined. A case study is also presented that dramatically illustrates the influence of blast fragmentation on subsequent processing and on the financial implications involved

Jan 1, 1997

By H. R. Manouchehri

"In all electrical beneficiation methods, the difference in electro-physical properties of the contributed mineral particles, essentially frictional charge, electrical conductivity and dielectric constant properties are exploited to achieve separation. The composition of the raw material determines what kind of either corona charging, conductive induction, or triboelectric separation method should be employed. The process is versatile and is influenced by different parameters related to mineral characteristics, surrounding ambient conditions and electrical and mechanical attributions of the separating device. Electrical separation is surface based beneficiation method which is mainly affected by the surface and surface changes of the minerals. Therefore, it is essential to understand how the electrophysical properties of the minerals can be changed/modified. During electrical/electrostatic separation process, both charge magnitude and its polarity that developed on the particles and therefore, their electrical beneficiation potential is essentially defined by surface phenomena. Therefore, it is essential to understand how the main electro-physical parameters can be changed/modified with applied surface treatment/pretreatment methods to promote separation. Surface treatment of minerals is carried out by different means, including chemical conditioning, irradiation, thermal treatment, etc. This paper discusses and analyze the electrical separation process, electrophysical properties of the minerals with special focus on the effect of surface pretreatment/treatment methods to affect electrical beneficiation potential of the minerals. The surface treatment methods vary in a wide range from simple surface cleaning to more complicated chemical conditioning and doping. The knowledge of the solid-state physics and chemistry leads to improve the beneficiation potential of different mineral systems by choosing suitable treatment method(s). Despite the complexity and multiplicity of the charging mechanisms, difficulties in separating fines it seems to be beneficial make our attempts to further investigate and develop the process as dry, low cost beneficiation process, especially nowadays when environmental concerns, as well as energy and water consumptions are main concerns for mining industry."

Jan 1, 2018

By Lucy van de Ruit, Megan Becker, Aubrey Mainza, Jenny Wiese

"UG2 chromitite ore is a complex, highly disseminated platinum ore from the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, with typical platinum group mineral (PGM) grain sizes below 15µm. The introduction of stirred mills to the platinum industry has enabled grinding to finer product sizes, which has improved liberation and recovery of the finely grained PGMs. However, reduction in particle size leads to an increase in chromite entrainment in the flotation concentrate, which has a negative impact on the subsequent smelting process. Factors such as particle size, froth structure, solids concentration and water recovery have all been identified as impacting entrainment, but whether particle shape also has a significant effect is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the recovery of chromite particles by entrainment during the flotation of UG2 ore is affected by particle morphology. A laboratory vertical stirred mill with inert ceramic media was used for grinding UG2 ore which was then floated in a batch flotation cell. Flotation feed and concentrate samples were analyzed using QEMSCAN to quantify the angularity and aspect ratio distributions of the particles. The stirred mill product was found to have relatively broad aspect ratio and angularity distributions, with the major mineral components (chromite and silicates) having very similar shape characteristics. Analysis of flotation feed and concentrate samples suggested that particle shape does not have a significant effect on chromite entrainment."

Jan 1, 2014

By Carlos Gonzalo Alvarez Rosario

A reciclagem de resíduos eletroeletrônicos (REEs) é importante tanto no aspecto ambiental quanto econômico, uma vez que através do reaproveitamento do REE há diminuição da quantidade de resíduos a ser destinados, além disso, contribui para a sustentabilidade do setor minero metalúrgico, pois é possível a recuperação dos metais provenientes de REEs. Presentes na maioria dos equipamentos eletroeletrônicos, as Placas de Circuito Impresso (PCIs) são compostas por materiais cerâmicos, metálicos e poliméricos. Além disso, a heterogeneidade do material influi diretamente no tipo de processamento/tratamento a ser utilizado, desta forma a caracterização prévia do resíduo é uma etapa fundamental para determinação da rota de processamento a ser utilizada. Assim, no presente estudo é apresentado o processo de caracterização de PCIs proveniente de computadores obsoletos objetivando a determinação e quantificação dos metais presentes, de forma a estudar a influência dos mesmos em processos de biolixiviação futuros. A rota de processamento físico incluiu inicialmente processo manual utilizando guilhotina e, posteriormente, moinho de martelos com grelhas de aberturas de 6 mm e 2 mm. A caracterização foi realizada através de ensaios de perda ao fogo, lixiviação ácida e MEV/EDS e a concentração dos metais foi determinada por ICP-OES. Os resultados mostraram que 50% do material particulado tem granulometria maior que 0,25 mm; as PCIs estudadas possuem 35,6% de metais, 27,2% de polímeros e 37,2% de cerâmicos. Dos metais presentes nas placas o mais representativo foi o cobre com 21,4% em massa enquanto que metais como Fe e Al apresentaram 1,1% e 1,9% em massa.

Aug 8, 2018

By Rodrigo Vitorino da Silva

Ligas a base de zircônio são utilizadas na indústria nuclear devido à suas boas propriedades mecânicas, baixa absorção de nêutrons e boa resistência à corrosão. No entanto, durante a operação do reator, o hidrogênio é absorvido pela liga, resultando na formação de hidretos. Para aumentar o tempo de operação desses componentes é necessário o desenvolvimento de novas ligas que retardem ou diminuam esse efeito. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a influência dos tratamentos termomecânicos no zircônio puro, através de testes que avaliem a corrosão, absorção e dessorção de hidrogênio nas condições laminada a frio e tratada termicamente. Análises de difração de raios-X indicam a existência de uma matriz Zr-a para as condições analisadas. Após a hidrogenação são formados ZrH e ZrH2. O zircônio puro encruado absorveu 1,23%p H. O zircônio puro laminado e tratado termicamente absorveu 0,85%p H. O resultado de DSC mostra que a decomposição dos hidretos ocorre em faixas de temperatura entre 318 e 368°C para a condição tratada termicamente. Para condição laminada, o resultado mostra uma transformação de fase entre 565 e 650°C. O conjunto de resultados permite concluir que a amostra tratada termicamente absorve menos hidrogênio, porém o início do processo é menor. A amostra tratada termicamente é menos resistente a corrosão e a velocidade da corrosão é menor.

Aug 16, 2017

By Paul F. Ph. D. Ziemkiewicz, Courtney D. Black

According to the American Coal Ash Association, 105 million tons of coal combustion products (CCP) were produced by the power generating utilities in 1997. Of that total, 1.68 million tons were used in mining applications (ACAA, 1997). Results have ranged from the environmentally beneficial to neutral and, in some cases, detrimental. Twenty years ago coal ashes: bottom and fly ashes constituted nearly all CCPs. With the shift to new emission control technologies at power plants, however, large volumes of new products are being generated. Many do not lend themselves to traditional ash applications such as cement formulation. Many CCP disposal sites are not documented with reliable pre and post application monitoring. In this report we discuss types of CCP, their relevant characteristics and the mining environment. We have attempted to identify a range of documented applications and to draw conclusions about their environmental effects including benefits and adverse impacts.

Jan 1, 2000

The age of specialization has made man increasingly dependent on a larger number of different metals and minerals. Overexploitation during World War II and lavish squandering of irreplaceable mineral wealth in the past has resulted in the rapidly approaching exhaustion of some of the major domestic ore sources. History clearly points out that the United States cannot continue to be a world power on an "import to survive" policy. A constructive program of development and appraisal of the nation's mineral wealth, including the planned conservation of her resources, must be adopted. Strictly speaking, conservation of minerals must mean the orderly exploitation of our resources and the prevention of waste in use, with due regard for the future. Real concern for the future may not extend beyond a few generations. Eventually science and invention should take care of the problems arising from shortages of some minerals, and the national defense aspects of domestic deficiencies can be provided for by stock piling and other measures. Early conservationists had this viewpoint; but with a rapidly developing industry and population, a farsighted policy that would deny full realization of immediate ambitions became unpopular. Consequently, the politically minded conservationist broadened the concept to include "prudent use of resources" and brought under the conservation umbrella

Jan 1, 1950

By K Le Bron

Fatalities that occurred because of rock falls in off-reef excavations (excluding shafts) over the last three years range between ten per cent and 20 per cent of the total number of fatalities that have occurred due to rock falls in the South African mining industry. These rock falls, mostly exacerbated by blasting practices, occur because of failure on discontinuities within the rock mass. Among other reasons of their occurrence is insufficient support installation or the incorrect assessment of rock mass conditions. This report presents qualitative analysis intended to outline rock stability conditions in tunnels subjected to dynamic loading. Seismic waves including those created by firing an explosive charge in tunnel rocks are considered. The rock behaviour is monitored using geophones and extensometers variably installed to record the near and far effects of roof bolt support units on a dynamically loaded rock. The paper discusses the results of field investigations.

Jan 1, 1999

By K H. Esbensen

Optimisation of a real-time at-line monitoring system for control of industrial granule coating quality is presented. The system is based on a fluorescence imaging system, because fluorescence originates in the interiors of enzyme granules but is significantly quenched by a polymer coating (which is needed due to environmental precautions). We have developed an image analytical system for direct prediction of coating quality, which is based on application of the Angle Measure Technique (AMT) for image complexity characterisation; AMT is briefly described. The first part of the presentation addresses pixel sampling strategies within a digital industrial image, inherent in application of AMT, in which the unfolded image is regarded as a one-dimensional object in analogy with 1D process sampling in Theory of Sampling (TOS). The effects of random, stratified and systematic pixel selections in the unfolded image are evaluated. Also factors such as the fraction of image pixels and the effects of specific unfolding strategies (there are three principal strategies, termed æchopÆ, æsnakeÆ and æspiralÆ respectively) are investigated. It turns out that unsuspected artifacts are sometimes produced, related to the specifics of the unfolding procedure, which interferes with a straightforward 1D TOS process sampling analogy. These artifacts have a wider interest û among others, for 2D sampling û and therefore receive special attention in this presentation. The optimal pixel selection strategy for the AMT algorithm is found to be systematic or stratified sampling (not surprising according to TOS) of 500+ initiating points, but need to be unfolded in the novel spiral- or snake-wise fashions in order to effectively counteract these artifacts. This also has a general impact on various suggested standard schemes for 2D grid-sampling, among others, from the geoscience realms. The second part of the presentation is directed towards optimal image analytical sampling of a continuous series of fluorescent images (imaging of conveyor belts of æinfinite lengthÆ), ie optimisation of process image sampling. The minimum number of images needed to uphold a sufficiently good on-line estimate of the quality control (QC) parameter in question is found to correspond to the relatively high sampling rate of 15 - 20 per cent, which can be shown to be related to an intrinsic very high measurement error level (25 per cent) of a mandated analytical reference method.

Jan 1, 2005

By Jocemir da Silva Santos, Alberto Vicente Belezia, Matheus Neves Lana

A regulação ambiental de processos industriais que geram efluentes contendo fluoretos é mundialmente restrita devido à alta toxicidade do íon. Na Ternium, a água de resfriamento recirculada no spray do Lingotamento Contínuo (WTP#2) dissolve parte do pó fluxante, resultando em concentrações de 20 a 30 mg/L de fluoreto. Para desenvolvimento do processo de tratamento de fluoreto que atendesse a legislação, mantendo no efluente tratado concentração de Fluoreto menor que 10mg/L e Alumínio menor que 3,0mg/L, foi realizada uma pesquisa utilizando um equipamento de Jar Teste convencional totalizando 165 ensaios. Os ensaios foram planejados segundo revisões bibliográficas descrevendo o método da precipitação química de fluoreto de cálcio, auxiliado por Cátions de Alumínio. Na conclusão da pesquisa, foi desenvolvida uma Rota Tecnológica para tratamento do efluente gerado na purga do sistema WTP#2 atendendo a legislação, atingindo uma remoção de 70% a 80% de Fluoreto. Ao final foi realizada uma etapa de otimização das dosagens, cujo resultado foi a redução do número de etapas de tratamento e uma redução na quantidade de produtos químicos utilizados, consequentemente reduzindo o custo de tratamento. A redução do custo de tratamento foi da ordem de 3 milhões de reais anuais, mantendo o efluente tratado com as concentrações dos contaminantes abaixo dos limites da regulação ambiental.

Aug 1, 2019

By Zou Zhongpping

Under the new normal state, blast furnace outputneeds to be adapted to the market demand, however the limitation in blast furnace output has significant impact on blast furnace operation and is prone to cause inactive furnace hearth and higher fuel ratio. To address such problems, some practices to maintain stable and smooth operation of blast furnace in case of output limitation are proposed based on data analysis philosophy, which allows the blast flow and hence the top pressure to be determined based on the hot metal output, and adequate kinetic energy of blast supply can be assured by adjusting the tuyeres. Matching between the oxygen enrichment and the pulverized coal injection is also proposed based on theoretical flametemperature, and burden distribution cycle calculation method is proposed, whichoffersnew approach for analyzing the change in burden distribution pattern.

Oct 30, 2017

By M. Dondi, M. Surracco, G. Alfano, P. Saba

Recent investigations on fine grinding with jet mill miprototypes of original design, constructed at the DIMM and Centro Studi of the National Research Council at Cagliari University, have led to the realization of a third generation micronizer characterized by large capacity and high efficiency. The new model and its distinctive features are described here and the results are presented of grinding tests on typical, high grade Sardinian minerals used for quality products. The operating principles of the jet mill are described in relation to the mechanico-elastic properties of the minerals treated. In particular the efficacy of the comminution process is demonstrated in terms of both solid treated and of impact, attrition and shearing forces generated in the micronizer. Particle size distribution of the finished products are reported, that satisfy the most stringent market specifications for the different minerals, as well as energy consumptions. The alternative operating options for solving particular grinding problems and minimizing energy consumption are discussed. Lastly, the main developments of the jet mill for a possible application at industrial scale are suggested.

Jan 1, 1995

By Harlan A. Walker

Rock-drill steel has an important bearing on costs in many mining operations, both directly and indirectly. Direct factors include such items as shop expense, steel consumed per ton of ore produced, cost of distribution and the dust hazard. The latter, although no specific amount may be assigned to it, is an ever-present problem, and is receiving increased attention as the science of mining progresses. Indirectly drill-steel performance affects consumption of compressed air, maintenance of drills and drilling speed. The latter, in turn, increases or retards the tempo of mining and development. These factors, while not all inclusive, are preponderant in their importance. Thus it is evident that in an extensive operation drill-steel expense may run to many thousands of dollars and that thoughtful research leading toward more efficient practice is warranted. Experimental Work During the late spring of 1939, experiments were undertaken at Homestake in reducing changes in drill-steel gauge from ? in. to 1/16 in. In drifts and crosscut headings mounted machines were set up and holes were drilled with ?-in. bit-gauge changes and other holes a few inches

Jan 1, 1940

By Harlan A. Walker

Rock-drill steel has an important bearing on costs in many mining operations, both directly and indirectly. Direct factors include such items as shop expense, steel consumed per ton of ore produced, cost of distribution and the dust hazard. The latter, although no specific amount may be assigned to it, is an ever-present problem, and is receiving increased attention as the science of mining progresses. Indirectly drill-steel performance affects consumption of compressed air, maintenance of drills and drilling speed. The latter, in turn, increases or retards the tempo of mining and development. These factors, while not all inclusive, are preponderant in their importance. Thus it is evident that in an extensive operation drill-steel expense may run to many thousands of dollars and that thoughtful research leading toward more efficient practice is warranted. Experimental Work During the late spring of 1939, experiments were undertaken at Homestake in reducing changes in drill-steel gauge from ? in. to 1/16 in. In drifts and crosscut headings mounted machines were set up and holes were drilled with ?-in. bit-gauge changes and other holes a few inches

Jan 1, 1940

By J. Hanna, R. Kalathur

Over the years, Alabama's coal industry has generated, during mining and cleaning operations, about 150 million st of fine waste coal, with this total increasing at a rate of 2 million stpy. Reclamation of the fine-size wastes (containing 20% - 60% clean coal by weight) provides, free of charge, mined and crushed feed stocks for coal recovery. Also, the removal or recovery of pyrite from the tailings should eliminate a major source of acid-water pollution. Tests were made on the impounded wastes and current plant discharges to recover the coal fraction by sizing, gravity and flotation techniques. Gravity separation of the +100-mesh material produced commercial-grade coal averaging 7.6% ash, 0.8% sulfur and 13,471 Btu/lb. However, the coal yield, at about 31 % - 56%, was relatively low. Froth flotation, using mechanical and froth column methods, gave similar coal products at much higher coal recovery rates of 87% - 93%. This coal analyzed 10% ash and 1.1% sulfur.

Jan 1, 1993