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Strategic planning in mining is an important value accretive process. One of the most important aspects during the planning phase is determining the correct mine and plant design. The traditional mine site design (mine, plant, stockpiles, dumps) develops a fixed system for one set of conditions or expected values. A robust design is a fixed system that is designed to deal with a large range of conditions without changing the system design. A flexible design changes the system dynamically in response to changes in uncertainties. It is hypothesised that a robust design generates less value than a flexible design as it fails to realise the value of actively managing the operation. One of the most critical aspects in creating strategic value from a project is embedded in the design of the system. A flexible design has components that allow the design of the system to change over time. An operational plan is proposed as a hybrid of a robust and flexible design. This paper seeks to compare these different design methodologies. An analysis of the same case study is undertaken to compare these approaches, showing an a traditional net present value (NPV) of $1678 M, robust design NPV of $1787 M and an operational plan NPV of $1867 M - an increase of $170 M.

Dec 6, 2010

By O. D. Sherby

In 1938, Kanter' revealed that the steady-state creep rate of low-carbon iron alloys could be correlated by an activation energy expression, where the activation energy for creep, Qc, was found equal to about 90.0 kcal per mole for most of the alloys investigated. He suggested that creep at high temperatures might be controlled by some sort of solid self-diffusion process since the value of Qc was about equal to the known value for self-diffusion, Qd. Correlations were not further attempted along these lines until many years later, when new evidence2-8 was presented suggesting that Qc = Qd for many metals. This equality now appears to be established for ten metals (Al, Pb, Ni, Mg, Cd, In, a Fe, y Fe, Cu, and Au). This experimental fact prompted several investigators to postulate various mechanisms of dislocation motion which would yield an activation energy for creep equal to that for self-diffusion.7-9 Possibly the most accepted theory is that based on dislocation climb7 where a dislocation is envisioned to surmount a barrier by an atom-vacancy exchange process, thereby "climbing" from one slip plane to another. Such a model would suggest that the steady-state creep rate, i, should be directly proportional to the rate of self-diffusion, D, for a given creep stress. In order to more clearly reveal the relationship between creep and diffusion, and to eventually determine the correct model, it would be desirable to obtain data showing correlations between i and D, rather than with a comparison of the temperature coefficients, Q. It has been known for some time that the self-diffusivity of iron atoms is greatly decreased when body-centered-cubic (a) iron transforms to face-centered-cubic (y) iron. This has been ascribed to the more close-packed structure of y iron. The diffusivity ratio at the transition temperature is Da/Dy =350. Correlations of creep data for a and y iron5 reveal that the creep rates under a given stress at the transition temperature differ by about the same ratio (ea/ey 2 200). It would be difficult to reconcile these results on any other basis than that the diffusivity of atoms probably controls creep of iron in some very direct way. No other published data on other allotropic metals appear currently available for further checking such a possible correlation between i and D. Thallium transforms from a hexagonal close-packed (a) structure to a body-centered-cubic (ß) structure at 230°C (503°K) and the self-diffusivities of the two structures have been determined by shirn.10 His results are plotted in Fig. 1 where it will be noted that Dß/Da = 25 at the transition temperature. It would appear desirable, therefore, to determine the creep rates of polycrystalline a and ß thallium at the transition temperature, as well as determine

Jan 1, 1959

By Harold Margolin

The Ti-Al system certainly merits the investigative attention it has been receiving and this latest contribution by Blackburn is therefore to be welcomed. The titanium-rich end of the phase diagram shown here, as well as the diagram by crossley,17 Clark et a1.,18 and Tsujimoto and Adachi,29 reveal no other intermediate phase than Ti3A1, although a previous work by Ence and Margolin20 had reported an additional intermediate phase. Since then, Buerger Precession pictures of single crystals of 10.5, 11.5, and 12.5 wt pct A1 were made at New York university21 and the extinctions were found to be typical of a D6h a Ti structure. Some superlat-tice spots and/or streaks suggesting the presence of an Mg3Cd structure, i.e., Ti3Al, were also found. Since these specimens had been quenched from the y region20 and had revealed a Ti, it was concludedz1 that y does not exist and the structures interpreted as m + y could not be so considered. The absence of normal two-phase behavior in these structures had been indicated in the paper. Accordingly, the two-phase region y + 6 becomes a + Ti3Al and there is some agreement between the results of Blackburn and of Ence and Margolin20 as to both shape and existence above 900°C of an a + Ti3Al field. Crossley 17 proposed that Ti3Al is a line compound which decomposes congruently at 900°C. It is difficult to discount entirely the fact that clear two-phase structures, varying in amount with position in the two-phase field, could be detected above 900°C by Ence and Margolin.20 Precipitation during quenching could not have been so regular and the twin-phase syndrome17 does not apply. The heat treatment and quenching technique was essentially the same as was used by Crossley, whereas Blackburn, who used a rapid quenching procedure, also showed a two-phase a + Ti3A1 field above 900°C. If the two-phase field exists above 900° C, it is easy to picture a two-phase field which could account for the data of Crossley below 900°C without invoking a line compound existence of Ti3A1. All that would be necessary would be an 0 + Ti3Al/Ti3Al boundary which curved sharply to higher aluminum contents below 900° C. It is clear that the controversy must be solved by techniques which obtain data at elevated temperatures without quenching. It is conceivable that the difference in width of the a + Ti3N fields reported by Blackburn and by Ence and Margolin is due to the longer annealing times used by the latter investigators. The criterion for establishment of equilibrium in our work20 was the

Jan 1, 1969

By M. J. Raffaldi, K. W. Harris, K. A. Perry

"Highwall miners have been widely used to extract additional coal reserves from existing surface operations, particularly on contour operations in the Appalachian coalfields. Using a continuous miner cutting head, coal may be extracted from significant depths (such as 150 m), leaving behind an array of web and barrier pillars with the purpose of maintaining highwall stability. This method inherently involves elevated risks to both equipment and personnel due to proximity to and increased exposure time near highwalls. As a result, modern operations should actively design web and barrier pillars to maximize extraction while providing adequate stability. The ARMPS-HWM software, an empirical-based program created for the design of web and barrier pillars at highwall mining operations, is one such approach. The calculated stability factor is compared with empirically established guidelines produced from examining case histories.The ARMPS-HWM program is a handy tool for initial design, but understanding the site’s structurally significant geologic features and geomechanical behavior is important and may potentially increase extraction. We created a two-dimensional numerical model using FLAC3D and calibrated it to ensure pillar strength, closely following the Mark- Bieniawski formula for a typical range of pillar geometries and overburden properties. The development of pillar stresses along a highwall panel was then numerically investigated as mining progressed, and the stress distribution between barrier pillars was found to be asymmetric, which can result in an over-design of the closeout web pillars if tributary area loading is assumed. Finally, the importance of adequate barrier pillar stability is highlighted."

Jan 1, 2014

By C. G. Dunn

Identification of the kinds of orientation relationships that may exist among crystals is an important problem in the metallurgical field. As an aid to its solution standard orientations of several orders of twins would be very useful for rapid analyses to discover high-order as well as low-order twin relationships. Although data have been published that give orientations for three generations of twins, these data are not readily useful in the form presented; i.e., in a stereo-graphic projection with one pole per orientation.' However, accurate data based on calculations of the positions of all {1001 planes for such groups would be very useful when presented in tabular form. Therefore, calculations have been made for a group of four orders of twins and the data are listed in Table 3. Illustrative applications are considered briefly, with the idea of pointing out what may be done with large groups of orientations. Method of Computing Orientation OF a Twin It is common practice to describe the orientation of a crystal in terms of the positions on a stereographic net of the poles of certain planes of the crystal. A single position on a net may be given in terms of two angle variables, two sets of which appear in the following equations: Polar Net Wulff Net x = , sin ?p cos Fbp x = r COS ?w y = r sin ?p sin Fp y = r sin ?w cos Fw % = r cos ?p z = r sin ?w, sin +, The three numbers z, y and z determine a length r as well as a direction (0, 4) in an X, Y, Z coordinate system. In the present case, r will be set equal to (h2 + k2 + L2)1/2, where h, k and I are the usual Miller indices for a crystallographic plane, a restriction that facilitates determination of the positions of poles of new planes from those of old or known ones,2 as will become evident later. Furthermore, since twinned lattices have certain planes in common, it is an easy matter to determine the orientation of a twin of a crystal if the orientation of the crystal itself is known. We start therefore with a crystal of known orientation (positions of three {Ioo} poles given) and determine where the cube poles occur in first, second, third and fourth-order twins. Methods for identifying twinned lattices and for making the calculations to find the orientation of a twin have been published.3,4' Reference 4 will be illustrated in the calculation of the orientation of a twin, even though this method differs from the one used by the writer in obtaining the following data on four orders of twins. Consider a crystal S and its twin A1, A' being one of the four {112} or {III} type* first-order twills of S. The orientation of S—i.e., the positions of poles of (I00)

Jan 1, 1945

"THE CONCEPT of energy as a commodity, while not entirely new, is not as widespread as the importance of the idea to this modern world would lead one to expect. The growth in the supply and use of energy over the past years has been tremendous, but our very closeness and familiarity have somewhat distorted the viewpoint, particularly of the younger generation. To many of us who remember the wonderful satisfaction of our first responsibility for directing two horsepower hitched to a farm cart or hay wagon, there still arises a feeling of some awe at the casual flick of the switch with which our sons and daughters summon to their convenience the service of some one hundred or more horsepower.Energy is the vital component of our existence and, no matter what contempt our day-to-day familiarity may •breed, it is wise to .pause from time to time and consider our national energy standing. Have we still capital in the bank? Are our expenditures wisely •conceived and well directed? Is provision being made for the years •ahead for the needs of our children and our children's children?"

Jan 1, 1953

To develop more accurate means of measuring low ventilating air velocities in underground mines to facilitate compliance with ventilation standards. The Approach: A commercially available vane anemometer which produces an electrical, rather than a mechanical, output was coupled to electronic circuitry to produce the Bureau's Digital Low Velocity Anemometer (see photo). [ ] How It Works: The experimental instrument has a vane anemometer head which produces an electrical output signal with a frequency directly proportional to the rotating speed of the vane anemometer shaft. The commercially available ABBIRKO FLOWMASTER anemometer head was used in this instrument. In the signal conditioning circuits the electrical signal from the anemometer is converted into pulses, which are counted during either 3-second or 1-minute intervals, depending on the position of the operator's control switch. (Readout is either "instantaneous" or averaged for a period of one minute.) The number of pulses counted is then translated (integrated and divided by a constant) in the logic circuits to get average speed. Average air velocity in feet per minute is displayed in illuminated digits. (See simplified diagram of circuitry.)

Jan 1, 1975

By Blaisdell J. L, MacPherson G

The present communication records the results of a research investigation conducted in the Porcupine Gold Mines in Timmins, Onto. Soon after silicosis became a compansable disease in Ontario under the Workmen's Compensation Act in 1926, the attention of mine operators and physicians was drawn sharply to the prevalence and importance of this condition in the mining industry. A number of examining centres were established in Northern Ontario by the Workmen's Compensation Board, and the yearly X-ray examination of miners was made compulsory.Although working conditions were soon improved, the mining industry realized that they were confronted by a problem demanding basic research for its final solution. The late Sir Frederick Banting had, for a number of years, been interested in silicosis, and it was upon his suggestion that an experimental investigation was undertaken at the McIntyre-Porcupine Mines Ltd., Schumacher, Ont., in November, 1932. A preliminary report of this investigation was published in 1937 by Denny, Robson and Irwin and a further report by the same authors in 1939.Accepting the theory that silica exerts its injurious effect upon animal tissue through a slow transformation into silicic acid in the presence of body fluids; these authors assumed that if the solubility of the silicious material retained in the lung could be sufficiently reduced, the usual fibrotic response would be modified or would not occur. A search was therefore undertaken for some non-toxic compound that would fulfil this purpose. After investigating ma:qy substances, Denny and Robson discovered in 1936 that the presence of small amounts of aluminum powder almost completely inhibited the solubility of silicious material in vitro. An intensive study of the mechanism involved later showed that the reduction in solubility was due chiefly to a coating of the silica particle with a thin film of a gelatinous hydrated alumina which on drying formed the crystalline alpha aluminum monohydrate boehmite (AI203.H20). The presence of this absorbed layer on the surface of the quartz was indicated by -staining it with aurin (ammonium salt of aurin tricarboxylic acid) and proved by Germer and Storks by means of electron diffraction patterns.Inhalation experiments with animals were at once begun, using pure quartz dust with and without aluminum powder. (See original communications.) These observers showed that while typical silicosis was produced in about 5 months in the control animals receiving silica dust alone, the...

Jan 1, 1945

By K. Collett

Elandsrand started shotcreting back in 1991. This paper will share the experiences of the mine by looking into the past, the present situation and the way Elandsrand plans to approach the future. It looks at the application of drycrete and discusses the factors that led to the introduction of wet fibre reinforced shotcrete. The logistical constraints of getting shotcrete material underground will be solved by the development of an underground batch plant, using run of mine waste rock as an aggregate.

Jan 1, 1998

DynoMiner APS Delivery Systems Overview ? New Design of DynoMiner APS-M2 ? Stand alone or attach to Cargo type 10,000 lb (4536 kg) emulsion bins. ? Hose reel w/200-ft (61-m) by 1-inch I.D (25-mm) hose capacity, power rewind. ? Increased water and trace capacity. ? Hose reel and gassing offered as options. ? New Flow Meter ? DN-100: aluminum body, UHMWPE rotors. ? Will be offered as an option. ? APS Nomenclature ? Proposed changes ? DynoMiner APS and APS-M1 to become DynoMiner APS Drifter ? DynoMiner APS-M2 to become DynoMiner APS Stoper. ? Both to have optional gassing / flow metering.

May 1, 2004

By A. Mazzucato

This paper presents the experimental results of driving and load tests on an instrumented pile driven into a test pit filled with fine homogeneous sand.

Jan 1, 2010

By Lars Arne Granlund

Due to the coarse structure of mining explosives, one has to model a finite reaction zone,contrary to C-J calculations, describing their detonations, i.e they become dependent of diameter and confinement, An effort within the DYNO group has been to investigate if the DSD theory ( originally developed by Bdzil, Stewart / Los Alamos ) can be used to describe major groups of civil explosives.The groups of explosives tested are dynamite, anfo, aluminised emulsion, heavy anfo and straight emulsions.

Jan 1, 1995

By A L. Withy

This paper is intended as a review from a planner's viewpoint, of the relationship between town and country planning, a primarily government activity, and the minerals industry, which, with the exception of coal, is a largely private enterprise activity. The paper first considers the nature of the system of planning in New Zealand, and the objectives sought by planners in relation to minerals are discussed. The reasons why these objectives are not generally being achieved are investigated. A final section deals with the gap between objectives and achievement, and suggests a number of ways in which this gap may be narrowed.

Jan 1, 1976

By Charles L. Harness

The barite industry has made notable progress since the days when barite was used only as an adulterant in white-lead paints and the only method of mining it was with pick and shovel. The following chronological record may serve to show how this heavy white mineral has grown in importance in the national exonomy and at the same time to indicate development of methods for obtaining it. 1845. - Barite first, mined in Fauquier County, Va., for use as an adulterant in white-lead paints. 1850 (approx.). - French settlers 60 miles southwest of St Louis, Mo., discovered barite; called it "'tiff;' meaning white. It was mined and shipped to St. Louis for use in paint.

Jan 1, 1946

By R. M. Lamya

The kinetics of copper cementation during atmosphere leaching of a Ni-Cu matte in CuSO4-H2SO4 solution was studied as a function of initial copper ion concentration, initial acid concentration, temperature, stirring rate, particle size distribution and pulp density. It was found that all these process variables influenced the rate of cementation. A two-stage rate of reaction was observed inmost of the experiments, with the rate of cementation in the initial stage being slower than that of the subsequent second stage. The increased rate of cementation in the second stage was attributed to the enhancing effect of the surface deposit. The cementation process was found to take place by two different rate-controlling mechanisms. At a temperature range of 50?70°C, an activation energy of 74.6 kJ/mol was obtained, indicating a surface reaction controlled process. At higher temperatures (70?80°C) a lower value of activation energy was observed (18.2 kJ/mol), indicative of a process controlled by diffusion through surface layers. The structural characteristics of the cemented deposit could not be determined in the investigated system where the deposit was mixed with the leach solid residue.

Jan 1, 2005

By William R. Yernberg

The 2006 North American Tunneling (NAT) Conference was held June 10-15, 2006, in Chicago, IL. The biennial conference was the first NAT conference by the newly formed Underground Construction Association of SME (UCA of SME). The UCA of SME was formed earlier this year at the request of members of the American Underground Association (AUA) (ME, April 2006, page 75). The conference included a keynote session, technical programs, workshops, a trade show and social activities. The conference exceeded expectations with 570 attendees. They included engineers, equipment manufacturers, representatives from government agencies and other interested individuals in the underground construction industry. The trade show was also a success with more than 86 booth spaces sold. Vendors included the biggest names in the underground construction and tunneling industry and included equipment manufactures, construction contractors and engineering companies. The trade exhibition provided a forum for interested parties in the tunneling industry to meet and discuss services, equipment and techniques.

Jan 1, 2006

Change is inevitable but learning from change is an option. Willingness to learn is one of the first lessons that a leader must learn. Get comfortable and get left behind. I propose to outline the main social changes which are taking place and their impact on the Minerals Industry. Also the changing way we do business and what are the skills needed to manage that change and diversity. How are Associations and Institutes responding to this ever changing environment? More specifically, what is my Vision for the Institute to assist professionals to achieve greater and continuing professional excellence in their chosen professions?

Jan 1, 2000

By R. S. Dean

The original flotation reagents were certain oils selected for a combination of properties that occurred fortuitously. It was recognized quite early in the study of flotation mechanism that, in order to function, an oil must have an active group-one that differs from the remainder of the molecule in its affinity for water or the mineral particle. Wark4 gives credit for recognition of this elementary chemical principle to the senior author of this report.5 However, it was soon found that simple hydrocarbons could not be used as flotation reagents and that two of the functions, which were combined in the early flotation oils such as pine and eucalyptus, could be obtained in separate compounds and their relative intensity controlled to advantage. These two functions were called collecting and frothing.

Jan 1, 1944

As a part of its overall wealth in fuel resources, the United States possesses large reserves of coal of ignite rank. According to recent estimates of the Federal Geological Survey (3, 5),l/ the assured lignite reserves of this country amount in total to over 463 billion tons, equivalent to 24 percent of our total national coal reserve on a tonnage basis and 15 percent on a heating-value basis. Distribution and relative amounts of United States coal and lignite reserves are indicated in figure 1. By far the largest proportion of our lignite reserves, over 95 percent is found in North Central States, principally in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, in the vast coal-bearing structural grouping designated as the Fort Union formation. Of the remaining United States reserves, all but a fraction of 1 percent are found in a series of relatively scattered deposits in Texas.

Jan 1, 1954

By Juan Bellido, Hugo Delgado, Juan Ropa

Este trabajo está orientado en el contexto de minería – mantenimiento, donde se identificaron en los rodillos de alta presión HPGRs de la planta concentradora como un equipo en el cual teníamos varias oportunidades de mejora. Inicialmente, se observó que la vida útil promedio de los rodillos de alta presión era menor a 12 meses por campaña. Además, se enfrentaban dificultades relacionadas con el control de desalineamiento (Skew), altas temperaturas en los rodamientos, tiempos prolongados de detención y arranque, y desincronización en la operación de los rodillos, lo cual afectaba tanto la eficiencia operativa como el desgaste de los rodillos de alta presión.

Sep 29, 2023