Search Documents

By Mayer Cori

El trabajo técnico que se describe en este artículo estuvo orientado a ubicar indicadores de productividad y eficiencia en las principales actividades de operaciones mineras subterráneas, con el objeto de diseñar e implementar la herramienta Business Inteligencie (BI), basada en un modelo de minería de datos de estructura ramificada (técnica ERPC) y un proceso analítico en línea (OLAP) que sintetiza la información en forma de reportes y cuadros de mando. La herramienta no solo hace posible tomar decisiones de manera fácil, oportuna y asertiva, sino también realizar consultas y reportes a la medida.

Apr 30, 2019

By Daniel Codo de Faria

O desafio de se extrair conhecimento prático das enormes massas de dados disponibilizadas pelos sistemas de informação e automação nas indústrias já vem sendo discutido e enfrentado há anos. Neste contexto, a aplicação de técnicas de analítica avançada se apresenta como uma solução poderosa, capaz de mudar a operação dos processos industriais. Especificamente, a área de analítica preditiva é constantemente considerada como uma nova revolução para a indústria. Combinando técnicas como análise estatística, mineração de dados, “big data”, aprendizado de máquina e inteligência artificial, a analítica preditiva gera modelos a partir de dados históricos com o objetivo de prever condições futuras. Tal predição permite que ações de correção ou otimização possam ser definidas e executadas antecipadamente e com maior precisão, aumentando significativamente a eficiência dos processos, seja em relação a produtividade, custo ou qualidade. Este trabalho apresenta os fundamentos da analítica preditiva e uma aplicação prática na indústria. As técnicas utilizadas podem ser diretamente replicadas nas mais diversas áreas da indústria e para os mais diferentes problemas, evidenciando o forte potencial de expansão esperado para os próximos anos.

Aug 17, 2017

By Chris Harris, Kamal Adham

The use of HCl acid is gaining momentum among hydrometallurgical processes. However, the issue of environmentally efficient and economically viable ways to regenerate HCl acid (from various metal chloride intermediate products) remains a technology and operational challenge. The authors provide a state-of-technology review based on Hatch’s years of testing, design and commissioning experience with high-temperature units (fluid bed and spray roasters), plus the recent efforts in the area of low-temperature HCl regeneration.

Jan 1, 2014

By E. G. King, W. W. Weller

Low- temperature heat capacity measurements of muscovite were made in the temperature range from 50° to 298 ° K. The entropy at 298.15 ° K was evaluated as S298.15 = 69.0 ± 0.7 cal /deg mole .

Jul 1, 1960

By Kenneth L. Nash

The control of solubility of waste actinide ions, by conversion to highly insoluble mineral phases has been demonstrated in the laboratory. Actinide metal ions are removed from neutral pH solutions by a combined ion exchange-decomposition-mineralization process based on the application of the naturally-occurring hydrolytically unstable.polyphosphate organic compound phytic acid.

Jan 1, 1999

By T. S. Golosinski

Use of contractors to excavate, load and haul mined material is widespread in Australia. It is also becoming a common practice in many other countries. The paper reviews current practices in Australian contract mining. Various types of contracts are reviewed, including partnering arrangements and alliancing between the contractor and the mine owner. Applicability of various types of contracts to specific mining situations is discussed, as is their impact on overall mine performance

Jan 1, 1998

By N. D. Fernandes

Labour-intensive narrow reef stoping, as traditionally practised in South African gold and platinum mines, is almost unique in the modern first-world mechanized mining environment. Shortcomings of the system include the ever increasing cost of labour, a cap on achievable productivity and a poor safety record, particularly in the field of rock-related accidents. In the absence of sustainable alternative technologies, the South African mining industry has spent millions of rands improving the present system, focusing on improving workplace safety. This paper details the changes to stope support at Impala Platinum?s Rustenburg operations, and the impact on rock-related safety performance. Keywords Stope panel support, narrow reef stoping, improving workplace safety.

Jan 1, 2011

By R. van Heerden, T. R. Stacey

In the challenging environments of deep-level, narrow tabular orebody gold mines in South Africa, rock mass classification offers a potential method for predicting hazardous areas and optimising rock support systems. This study evaluates the applicability of various rock mass classification systems, with a focus on the Modified or Mining Rock Mass Rating system tailored for high-stress, deep-level mining conditions. Extensive data collection was conducted at Kusasalethu Mine, involving underground mapping and analysis of the 2020/2021 fall of ground database. The Mining Rock Mass Rating system was adapted to the unique geological and operational conditions, providing a simplified, user-friendly approach for rock engineering and geology personnel. Results indicate that this adapted Mining Rock Mass Rating system effectively quantifies rock mass conditions and influences proactive mining adjustments. The study’s findings highlight the system's capability to enhance understanding of rock mass behaviour and substantially mitigate the occurrence of rockfalls and ground collapses. Further application and refinement of the system are recommended to continuously improve mining safety and efficiency.

Oct 24, 2025

By D. T. White

"Metallurgical extraction processes often call for the heating of aqueous slurries. Indirect heat exchangers are generally not feasible for service with high yield stress slurries because of low heat transfer rates. It is more appropriate to heat the slurry by direct contact, typically with steam as the heating medium. Although having a long and successful history, direct-contact heat transfer to aqueous slurries has been used without the support of pilot plant research. This paper provides results of the needed research, the work being done at a scale large enough to enable direct scale up to commercial operations. A pilot plant heater was constructed and tested to develop an understanding of the slurry heating process and to ensure that commercial scale heaters were appropriately sized.INTRODUCTIONPressure Leaching OperationsPressure leaching operations are often used to oxidise sulphide gold ores, or for extraction of nickel and cobalt from laterite ores with sulphuric acid. Where there is sufficient sulphur available, the exothermic pressure oxidation reactions can be self sustaining at temperatures as high as 225 ºC, without having to preheat the feed slurry. At lower sulphur levels, slurry preheating is required. This is typically achieved by utilising the flash steam released from the slurry letdown stages and contacting this directly with cold incoming slurry ahead of the autoclave. The vessels where this slurry-steam contact is made are known as heaters or condensers, with the number of pre-heat stages varying, depending on how much heat is evolved in the oxidation reaction (Mason, 1990).In nickel laterite pressure acid leaching processes, which operate between 245 and 270 ºC, the only significant exothermic reactions are those associated with dilution of sulphuric acid in the leach. As a consequence, slurry preheating with flash steam is always used commercially. In practice the number of flash steam preheating stages required varies from 1 to 3, driven by a number of factors, including other uses for flash steam and the upper temperature limit at which preheated slurry can be pumped. A diagram of a typical pressure acid leach train is shown in Figure 1.For pressure acid leaching operations and at low sulphur levels in pressure oxidation, boiler generated direct steam addition to the autoclave is required to sustain the reaction temperature. For this reason it is imperative that the flash steam – slurry heat transfer is efficient and the slurry temperature approaches that of the flash steam closely."

Jan 1, 2012

By Sandeep Kumar Jeripotula, Govinda Raj Mandela, Aruna Manglapady

Dumper operators are frequently exposed to whole body vibration (WBV) in surface mines. Surface mining activities involve the amalgamation of comparatively high intensity of vibration and extended exposure durations. Efficient risk reduction mandates knowing of important phases of a task that poses a threat to health of dumper operators. So far in India very limited studies have been reported on WBV exposure with regard to surface mines. This paper evaluates WBV of dumper operators based on ISO 2631-1:1997 Standards and European Union (EU) Directive 2002 for different phases of job cycle. Six dumpers were considered for this study and the vibration measurements were made for all the four phases of the job cycle by placing the triaxial accelerometer on the operator’s seat-surface and at the seat-back, independently. The findings of the study revealed that the haulage task (loaded travel and empty travel) remains the chief contributor to vibration exposure according to seat-surface and seat-back measurements. Maximum frequency weighted root mean square (RMS) of 1.12 m/s2 and 1.09 m/s2 were reported for empty travel task for seat-surface and seat-back measurements, respectively. For seat-surface measurements based on RMS, Z axis remains as the dominant axis of vibration for all the dumpers during haulage task, whereas for seat-back measurements, the dominant axis varies between X and Y. Exposure action value (EAV) based on RMS has exceeded the threshold value of 0.5 m/s2 for all the dumpers during loaded travel and empty travel for seat-surface as well as for seat-back measurements.

By O. Babak, O. Leuangthong, M. A. Cuba

Integration of data from multiple sources and/or multiple scales is a common, yet challenging aspect of geostatistical resource modeling. Common approaches to data integration are based on a cokriging framework that assumes a consistency of scale in the information that leads to a requirement to composite the data prior to model construction. It is well known that the geostatistical model parameters are scale dependent. In particular, the volume variance of integrating these various scales has a direct impact on the semivariogram that should be used in model construction and/or the assessment of volume-variance relations as it affects resource estimation. This paper reviews and compares two different approaches for semivariogram upscaling. The first approach is the scaling laws. It is an empirically derived approach, involving several simplifying assumptions, one of which is a strict assumption of invariance of the semivariogram shape. The second approach is a theoretically derived direct upscaling of the semivariogram. This approach has been around for a number of years, but is seldom implemented due to software limitations. In this paper, we present a numerical integration approach to facilitate direct semivariogram upscaling. The advantage of direct upscaling over the scaling laws approach is shown by considering a synthetic example and a case study. Further, in the case of multiple codependent random variables, the extension of the direct semivariogram upscaling to the cross semivariograms is derived and an upscaled consistent linear model of coregionalization is presented.

Jan 1, 2013

By P Clark, P A. Kirsch, R Tapia Rivera

Community members’ sources of information about companies’ social investments are often influenced by the messages in a variety of communication channels, such as newspapers, television and social media. In this sea of communication channels, corporate communications may not always have the desired effect in influencing community perceptions. This paper explores the efficacy of communication between mining companies and communities in Chile through content analysis of corporate sustainability reports and newspaper reporting.Chilean media reporting between 2005 and 2013 is examined to identify community perceptions of corporate social investments made by mining companies. Content within the Chilean newspapers El Mercurio (national) and Soy Chile (regional) is contrasted with content from corporate sustainability reports published by The National Copper Corporation of Chile (Codelco) and Barrick Gold Corporation, Canada (Barrick) for the same period. The objective is to identify differences in the way that corporate social investments are reported by companies in sustainable development reporting and by media in newspapers.Overall, the study demonstrates that the media’s framing and reporting of corporate activities was more negative than positive. Moreover, media outlets tended to focus upon the ‘negative impacts’ or ‘damage’ to communities brought about by mining developments. Conversely, companies’ public communications were largely focused upon direct improvements in livelihoods (health, education, etc) of neighbouring communities. This preliminary study provides a baseline for the development of new formats of effective communication with neighbouring communities. The paper advocates for an increase in participatory mechanisms with affected parties, which could lead towards a greater mutual understanding of the impacts and draw parties closer together.CITATION:Tapia Rivera, R, Kirsch, P A and Clark, P, 2014. Challenging Perceptions? Sustainability Reporting, the Media and Mining, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2014 , pp 413–426 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 16, 2014

By Jorge Lucas Carvalho Bechir

A usina de beneficiamento da Unidade Vazante da Votorantim Metais concentra zinco a partir de Willemita – Zn2SiO4 por flotação. Através desse processo, é possível obter elevadas recuperações metalúrgicas. Contudo, foi identificado que é possível aumentar ainda mais a recuperação de zinco através de redução de granulometria. Essa redução eleva os custos de energia de um circuito de cominuição, fato que torna fundamental a identificação da relação ideal entre ganho de recuperação e os gastos com maior consumo de energia. Grande parte das frações de Willemita mais grosseiras (acima de 0,15 mm) que passam pelo processo de flotação, vão para o rejeito. Isso ocorre devido a granulometria atual de moagem não atingir a liberação ideal do mineral de interesse, de forma que, grande parte da superfície das partículas ainda apresenta ganga que não é adsorvida pelo coletor especifico da Willemita. Em busca de elevar a recuperação metálica de zinco potencializando o seu aproveitamento, estudos de caracterização mineralógica foram realizados. O trabalho consistiu na utilização de MEV/EDS com MLA (Mineral Liberation Analyzer) e na realização de testes de flotação em escala de bancada e piloto para determinar a granulometria ideal para flotação do mineral Willemita. Através dos resultados obtidos, foi possível concluir que houve ganhos de recuperação de zinco com a redução da granulometria sem comprometer a qualidade do concentrado gerado.

Aug 17, 2017

By FRED T. WILLIANS

INTRODUCTION. THE Park City mining-district is distinctively a camp of few properties, 5,000 acres, or one-third of the entire district, being under the management of but three companies. As a rule, the ore-bodies lie deep, with no outcrop, except where erosion has formed the deeper canyons and gulches. Ontario canyon exposed the famous Ontario ledge, and Woodside gulch showed the first ore of the Silver King Coalition mine. The Quincy ore-bodies were first brought to light in upper Empire canyon, and Thaynes canyon was instrumental in aiding the prospector during the early days of the camp. There are 22 shafts which have reached a depth of at least 500 ft., ten a depth of 1,000 ft., five a depth of 1,300 ft., and two a depth of 2,000 ft. The amount of lateral development has been proportionally extensive, including six long tunnels, four of which are in 3 miles, with a fifth now being driven. The Ontario lower drain-tunnel is now more than 4 miles long. The formations are sedimentary, dipping about 30° NW. and N., and traversed by many fissures, dikes, and faults. The principal ore-bodies are found associated either with the contact of the basal Ontario quartzite and the overlying limes, or on a quartzite stratum within the limes, or in the fissures, or along some of the porphyry dikes. The district covers the intersection of the Uintah and Wasatch ranges, which explains the existence of large folds and faults, and fissures of great length, width, and depth. In a general way, the geology of the district consists of a basal quartzite dome, which has been exposed by erosion at the Ontario property. The Ontario fissure lies entirely within this formation. Flanking this dome on the west, north, and east lie

Jun 1, 1911

By C. Edwards

ABSTRACT The versatility and specificity of rare earth elements (REEs) have led to their use in an everincreasing variety of applications in new technologies; consequently, demand for REEs has increased significantly. However, separating REEs safely and effectively is a complex and expensive process. This paper presents a review of REE mineral processing technologies, providing an update on current capabilities in REE mineral processing and REE extraction from the major commercially valuable REEbearing minerals such as bastnaesite, monazite, and xenotime, as well as the ion-absorption type of REE deposits.

Jan 1, 2013

By Harvey P. Knudsen

This paper illustrates the application of geostatistics to a roll front type uranium deposit located in Wyoming. The steps involved in calculation of experimental variograms, variogram modeling and verification of the resulting models are described in detail. The resulting spherical variogram models for grade thickness and thickness show strong geometrical anisotropies. The major axis of anisotropy for both variables is approximately parallel to the axis of the roll front and the minor axis perpendicular to the roll. This model confirms the technique of drilling "fences" across the roll front, where the drilling is much closer together than the fences along the roll.

Jan 1, 1978

Caterpillar unveiled a new dozer, the new Cat D10T2 dozer, that builds on the success the company has had with its D10T model. The newest version of the dozer includes refinements to its power train, automated controls and structures. The result, the company said, is high productivity with superior fuel efficiency, reliable operation with long-lived structures, as well as enhanced access for service technicians and operators. The D10T2 uses the latest load-sensing hydraulics technology combined with Cat advanced engine controls to maximize the amount of material moved for every drop of fuel burned. Improved filtration protects the fuel system, hydraulic system and power train oil system to help ensure high reliability and minimal machine downtime. Refined large structures, such as redesigned track roller frames, deliver longer service before rebuilds. Improved access and egress features enhance safety and productivity of technicians and operators, and optional powered access systems and platforms enable configuring the D10T2 for the site. Caterpillar offers the D10T2 with two variations of the Cat C27 engine with ACERT Technology. One version is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 Final certified, and the other is capable of achieving emission levels equivalent to EPA Tier 2 standards. Both engine configurations produce net power of 447 kW (600 hp) in forward gears and 538 kW (722 hp) in reverse gears. The engine controller automatically adjusts power output based on the direction of travel. With the new system, the D10T2 has about 20 percent more power in reverse compared to its predecessor model. The result is faster cycle times and greater productivity in certain applications. The D10T2 is suited for a variety of applications including mining, heavy construction and bulk materials handling.

Mar 1, 2014

By F. W. Jessen

The production of salt through brining operations and the recovery of potash salts by means of solution with water constitute, in large measure, processes which have been used for many years. And although the salt industry has utilized dissolution techniques for years and years it has been only recently that a better understanding of the mechanism of solution has emerged. Greater adaptability of solution mining processes for recovery of valuable salts from ore bodies found at greater and greater depth has resulted in increased adoption of such methods. Because of the high costs of mining in beds of limited thickness, modifications probable when extracting mixed halites, and restrictions (mostly self-imposed) regarding the extent of cavern development to minimize or eliminate subsidence more information is needed on the solution mechanism. It is the purpose of this paper to present the fundamental aspects of the problem of total solution of salts and to point out the developments of certain solution mining techniques.

Jan 1, 1971

By H. El-Faramawy, A. Ahmed, M. Eissa, M. El-Fawakhry, T. Mattar, S. N. Ghali, E. M. Kotb

As a result of the depletion of high-grade manganese reserves, it has become necessary to consider the exploitation of low-grade manganese ores. The main problem of low-grade manganese ore is the low Mn/Fe ratio, which makes it unfit for the production of manganese ferroalloys. In this work, a selective reduction technique was used for smelting low-manganese ore in the presence of coke and fluxing material in an electric submerged arc furnace to obtain a rich manganese slag and low-manganese pig iron. The product slag was blended with medium-manganese ore and smelted in an electric submerged arc furnace, in the presence of coke and the fluxing agent, to produce silicomanganese alloy. The influence of reducing agent ratio, charge basicity, and charge Mn/Si ratio on the smelting process was investigated. The optimum conditions were found to be a coke ratio of, 1.35, Mn/Si ratio of 2.0, and charge basicity of 2.5. The silicomanganese alloy produced under these conditions satisfies the specifications for Si16Mn63 and Si17Mn65. The experimental results were applied on a pilot scale, producing a silicomanganese alloy with a chemical composition close to that of the standard specifications.

Jan 2, 2022

By Z. Farhat

In spite of advances in cutting tool technology, the understanding of the basic wear behavior and failure mechanisms needs further study. Tool wear is the main factor contributing to geometrical error and thermal damage in machined components. Manifested as a reduction in tool life, it also affects the workpiece surface finish, increases cutting forces and induces residual stresses. Furthermore, the emergence of high and ultra-high speed machining processes necessitates the investigation of tool wear under these severe working conditions. Tungsten carbide-cobalt composite material has been used traditionally as wear resistant materials for many years. One main application of this material is in cutting tools. WC-Co tools consist of hard WC particles imbedded in a tough Co matrix, which functions as a binder phase. More recently, Cubic boron nitride (CBN) tool material have attracted special attention due to its high hardness and excellent wear resistance. Boron nitride in its cubic form is known to be the hardest material next only to diamond. In this paper microstructural and tribological properties of commercial grade WC-Co and CBN cutting tool materials are investigated under high speed cutting conditions. The CBN cutting tools were found to be superior to tungsten carbide (WC) tools. Four-fold increase in productivity and significant reduction in chipping and cratering was achieved for CBN as compared to WC. Wear mechanisms are proposed and are related to the observed wear characteristics in the cutting zone.

Jan 1, 2006