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By Leon Y. Sadler, E. K. Landis

Froth flotation has been described by several authors" as being analogous to a first-order rate process. Although a few investigators"," have found orders other than one fit their data best, the rate is described most often by the first-order equation, [ ] where r is rate of disappearance of floatable mineral by flotation, C(t) is concentration of floatable mineral in the cell, t is time, and k is first-order flotation rate constant. One of the difficulties in using this rate equation to develop a mathematical description of an actual flotation process is the determination of a suitable value of the constant k. The value of k, which reflects the floatability of the floatable mineral, is dependent on the hydrodynamic conditions in the cell, type and concentration of flotation reagents used, pulp density, and pH, method of froth removal, aeration rate, particle characteristics, and many other factors. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that each particle of floatable material has a distinct value of k and that a unique distribution of k values exists for given feed and cell conditions. This has been observed and discussed by several investigators, and mathematical descriptions of the batch cell and steady-state continuous cell with distributed flotation rate constant have been developed." The mathematical description in the form of a transfer function of the continuous or flow cell under unsteady-state conditions with a distributed flotation rate constant has not been presented in the literature. The purpose of this note is to make such a presentation. The basic features of the perfectly mixed continuous

Jan 1, 1974

By A. Cichowicz

The objective of this work is to quantify the effect of the rock mass surrounding a stope or a tunnel on the seismic signal so that the rockburst damage on the excavation can be derived. It has been shown that the transfer function of rock mass surrounding an excavation can be modelled using a damped oscillator. The method of estimating the transfer function is extended in this paper. The parameters of a damped oscillator are estimated using inversion techniques and the transfer function is modelled as a time-varying system. The technique is tested on data acquired at three different sites in two deep gold mines. Employment of a modal model of the transfer function was suitable in two cases. Application of this technique is essential to track the time variation of the natural frequency during ground motion caused by a seismic event.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. Weatherspoon, S. Gebo, K. Prisbrey

Our objective was to develop a transfer function model of phosphate heap leaching for design, optimization and control. The procedure included analysis of time-lapse photography of a laboratory heap. Our experimental results confirm the predicted system transfer function kinetics. Our conclusion was that the transfer function and z transform that we have developed will allow us to control flow rate and pH online.

Jan 1, 2001

By R Osterman

As mining companies have to go deeper in search of ore and coal, the importance of protecting the highwall increases. Wall fatigue also increases with importance of the long life expectancy of a highwall, in particular the impact of fatigue influenced by resonance. Resonance is the tendency of a material to oscillate with greater amplitude at certain frequencies when exposed to a periodic force. Until recently, only dominant frequencies, either natural or induced, were all that could be measured through the fast Fourier transform of the blast-induced wave form.This paper presents a novel method to accurately predict the resonant frequency of a highwall. In fact, the method can predict the natural frequencies between any two monitoring points placed in line with the source of impact, and as such it can be used to determine the resonant frequencies of any physical object. The method not only predicts the resonant frequencies of the material; it predicts the structural response of the total frequency spectrum. This method helps describe the response of a mechanical structure to excitation. It describes the structure’s efficiency in the use of energy, that is, whether energy is dampened or consumed in resonance.The initial predictions have been so accurate that it made it possible to determine the fundamental frequency and the first six harmonics of a highwall in a northern Queensland coalmine. With the use of electronic detonators, the blast can be timed with a repeating delay to create an induced artificial frequency that has been determined to retain the least amount of energy.CITATION:Osterman, R, 2015. Transfer function – new method to accurately predict resonant frequencies of a highwall, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 233–244 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 24, 2015

By R. J. F. Goodfellow

Many underground projects now include preparation of a Risk Register through planning and design as a tool for project and risk management. There is still significant discussion within the industry as to whether and how to best present the Risk Register through the bidding process and the construction phase of a project. While the ITIG Code of Practice for Risk Management of Tunnel Works recommends this approach of continuity in risk management procedures, it is silent on the specifics of how this should be achieved. This paper will explore the perceived benefits and disbenefit of including the project Risk Register with bid documents; format and content that should be transferred and lessons learned using the case history of bidding and early construction phase of the Bi-County Water Tunnel in Montgomery County, MD

By Joerg Hammerschmidt, Marcus Runkel, Steffen Haus

Given the limited number of new plant construction, focus is turning to the optimization of existing metallurgical roasting plants. To meet the goals of high process efficiency with limited capital expenditure, plant owners are looking for new strategies, including digitization and expert support. As a supplier for numerous roasting, gas cleaning and sulfuric acid plants, Outotec has intensified its effort in recent years to develop solutions to accommodate increasing customer need. This article presents a short review on how Outotec is applying advanced control tools for the fluidized bed industry. Focus will be given on how to transfer the existing technology (used in selected Zinc roasting plants for over a year now) to copper roasting. Outotec has developed the Pretium Roaster Optimizer, a system based on heat and mass-balanced simulation models. Direct experience with this technology will be shared and will highlight similarities to the Partial and Sulfate Copper roasting processes. Pretium detects equipment and plant bottlenecks and provides consistency in process development. The Pretium program combines 24/7 advanced online digitalization tools, along with expert personal support when required. INTRODUCTION Fluidized bed reactors have been used for commercial-scale zinc and copper roasting since the 1950s. While the principles of roasting remain unchanged, over time, the technology has advanced to improve process control of roasting plants. In the past, environmental and safety standards were the driving forces for improvement of equipment and plant design. Today, the emphasis is on plant efficiency and optimization. Another change has come in process control philosophy. While plant control and operation have traditionally been the responsibility of owner/operators, they have now shifted to include both integrated digital tools and specific know-how from engineering companies. This can be seen from the earliest design stages through commissioning and into production, as evidenced by zinc roasting plants in Mexico, Brazil and Turkey.

Jan 1, 2019

By R. Barthel, O. Nitzsche, J. Pateiro Fernández, T. Cramer

The Hong Gai coal field in northeast Vietnam has been the main coal mining area of Vietnam for more than 150 years. Anthracite coal is produced from several open pit and underground mines situated close to the UNESCO world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay. The mining-induced environmental impacts such as dust emissions, acid mine drainage, and visual impairments due to waste dumps resulted in severe conflicts of interests regarding future land use and the protection of the world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay. Within the RAME project (Research Association Mining and Environment in Vietnam), Brenk Systemplanung is contributing to an improved environmental and sustainable planning in Vietnam's mining industry and the reduction of environmental impacts on Ha Long Bay by developing suitable and sustainable technology and planning measures (e.g. for dump construction/rehabilitation, predictive modelling, and/or monitoring) for Vietnam's leading coal producer.

Jan 1, 2011

By Burford B. D, Johnson N. W, Rohner P

Under design philosophy, the Hilton concentrator produced lead, zinc and LGM (lead plus zinc) concentrates. The LGM (Iow grade middling) concentrate was produced by combining coarse middling streams from the lead and zinc circuits, regrinding and subsequent flotation. Mineralogical examination of the zinc circuit middling stream prior to regrinding suggested that production of zinc concentrate from the zinc circuit middling stream should be possible by rearranging existing plant equipment. Laboratory testing of samples of plant products, however, showed that regrinding combined wi th the usual reagent suite was nO1 sufficient to produce a zinc concentrate of the required specifications.Examination of the process water highlighted a problem with dissolved salts in the circuit water, which was solved by in-circuit precipitation of the dissolved ions with soda ash. Implementation of the procedure in the concentrator effectively transferred to the zinc concentrate all sphalerite previously recovered to the LGM concentrate.

Jan 1, 1994

By Kevin Bell

The TRAC™ Program was developed to provide our clients with a mechanism that allows them to better manage site remedia­tion and closure costs. This program provides a fixed-price contract for site remediation and case closure and is well suited for large pro­jects with multiple PRPs, such as Superfund sites. Because Kvaerner is a large engineering/construction firm and not a consult­ing firm, we can offer this type of contracting mechanism that envi­ronmental consulting firms are hesitant or unable to provide. With TRAC™, Kvaerner assumes financial and technical responsibilities for carrying a site through the closure process for a fixed price. Liabilities carried on our client's balance sheet for site closure can be removed when they sign up forTRAC™. In many instances, a profit can be realized as the liability on the balance sheet may exceed our TRAC™ fixed-price cost to close the site. Bonds and other sureties securing the site can be released and set­tlement with other involved parties can be quickly reached. For a project to be considered for this program, it typically meets the following criteria: 1) The project site should be physically separated from other contaminated sites 2) A reasonable quantity of site investigation data must be avail­able including site-usage history with or without a projected fea­sibility study(ies) and/or remediation design 3) Access to perform all necessary work must be available. After a review of all site data, K vaerner develops a "risk menu" to manage financial risks. In this "menu", each compo­nent of the project is assigned a level of probability that the costs will occur. Then the base cost of each activity is "weighted" by multiplying the potential cost growth by the probability. This analysis assures that the financial risks are appropriately defined, weighted, and mitigated and a realistic fixed price is developed. Upon acceptance of our proposal and conclusion of contract negotiations, Kvaerner takes over future responsibility for clos­ing your site. This allows the client to: 4) Release reserves obligated on financial statements for the site (and potentially realize a profit if the TRAC™ fixed-price cost is less than our client's booked obligation) 5) Finalize cost settlement with other responsible parties, insur­ers, etc. 6) Redirect resources involved in the environmental manage­ment of the site 7) Cap legal and administrative costs In addition to performing the site cleanup and closure work, at our client's request we are able to: 8) conclude lease obligations for property 9) dispose of equipment and buildings

Jan 1, 1998

By Andrew I. Hustrulid

The discrete element method has successfully been used to model the behavior of material flow in transfer stations. With position, velocity, and applied forces for every particle and boundary in the simulation available at increments of 10-5 seconds, the next critical step is the presentation of this data in a concise and beneficial form. This paper discusses several methods of presenting the data from discrete element simulations that are used to improve the performance of a transfer station. These measurements are also used as a learning tool to better understand and visualize how material transfers from one belt to the next.

Jan 1, 1998

By P. G. Larén

El presente trabajo describe algunos sistemas específicos que pueden ser usados en la minería subterránea. En este sentido, se revisa el sistema de perforación hidráulica en la técnica de perforación de rocas duras, como las ventajas de su aplicación. Para ello, el tema de perforación se divide en tres temas: perforación hidráulica, voladura lisa y perforación productiva en corte y relleno, cámara y pilares. Asimismo se realiza una comparación entre la perforación vertical y horizontal del uso de taladros en rebajes de corte y relleno. Finalmente, se refiere la importancia de la existencia de jumbos de alta capacidad en la influencia de métodos de cámaras y pilares.

Nov 20, 1978

By Michel Lefebvre, André Piché

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

Jan 1, 1997

By M. Cuba

Geostatistical modelling aims at providing unbiased estimates of the grades of elements of economic interest in mining operations, and assessing the associated uncertainty in these resources and reserves. Conventional practice consists of using the data as error-free values and performing the typical steps of data analysis - domaining, semivariogram analysis, and estimation/simulation. However, in many mature deposits, information comes from different drilling campaigns that were sometimes completed decades ago, when little or no quality assurance and quality control (QA/AC) procedures were available. Although this legacy data may have significant sampling errors, it provides valuable information and should be combined with more recent data that has been subject to strict QA/QC procedures. In this paper we show that ignoring the errors associated with sample data considerably underestimates the uncertainty (and consequently the economic risk) associated with a mining project. We also provide a methodology to combine data with different sampling errors, thus preserving the relevant global and local statistics. The method consists of constructing consistent simulated sets of values at the sample locations, in order to reproduce the error of each drilling campaign and the spatial correlation of the grades. It is based on a Gibbs sampler, where at every sample location, the actual sample value (with error) is removed and a conditional distribution is calculated from simulated values at nearby sample locations. A value is drawn from that distribution and kept only if it satisfies some statistical requirements-specifically, the global relative error and local means and variances must be reproduced. All sample locations are visited and simulated sample values are generated iteratively, until the required statistics are satisfactorily attained over all sample locations. This generates one realization of possible sample values, respecting the fact that the actual samples are known to carry an error given by the global relative error. Multiple realizations of simulated sample values can be obtained by repeating the procedure. At the end of this procedure, at every sample location a set of simulated sample values is available that accounts for the imprecision of the information. Furthermore, within each realization, the simulated sample values are consistent with each other, reproducing the spatial continuity and local statistics. These simulated sets of sample values can then be used as input to conventional simulation on a full grid to assess the uncertainty in the final resources over large volumes. The methodology is presented and demonstrated using a synthetic data-set for clarity.

Jan 1, 2012

By Carlos Cotera, Karim Batallanos, Jorge Díaz

La concentradora Antapaccay enfrentó varios desafíos en su operación debido al aumento de la complejidad de la mineralogía y la dureza del mineral extraído, afectando el rendimiento de los activos y la estabilidad del proceso de molienda y flotación. A lo largo de estos últimos años el nivel de optimización ha tomado efecto de manera excepcional. La disciplina operacional aplicada en cada uno de los subprocesos destaca en esta ruta, sobre la cual ha permitido plantear una etapa de trasformación del modo de operación a través de control de proceso avanzado (APC).

Sep 29, 2023

By Walmir Pereira de Amorim Junior

Imersas em um mercado em constante mudança, as empresas têm seguido em uma busca contínua pela melhoria de seus processos. Diante disso, nos últimos 2 anos, o segmento de Aços Planos da ArcelorMittal Brasil vem passando por um processo de transformação, revisitando e reestruturando seus processos internos. Na área de planejamento um dos itens avaliados foi o processo de Planejamento de Vendas e Operações – Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). O objetivo desse trabalho é a apresentação do novo modelo de S&OP da ArcelorMittal Brasil – Aços Planos, seus benefícios, e ferramentas utilizadas para suportar essa evolução: o SAP Integrated Business Planning for S&OP e a plataforma de colaboração SAP Jam, responsável por orquestrar todo fluxo de S&OP e as interações entre as diversas áreas envolvidas. O novo processo foi baseado nos conceitos existentes na literatura e também é objeto desse artigo. Além disso, no projeto de implementação do SAP IBP e SAP Jam foram utilizadas a Metodologia de Gerenciamento de Projetos baseada nas melhores práticas descritas pelo PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) do PMI (Project Management Institute) e a Metodologia SAP Activate para a implementação dos produtos. Como resultado da implantação desse projeto, foram obtidos vários benefícios, sendo alguns deles já atingidos e outros a serem capturados após o período de adaptação e estabilização dos processos e ferramentas.

Oct 30, 2017

By Fredy Gutiérrez, Nilton Apaza

En el año 2012, a causa de la situación inestable de la operación y por contar con una visión no muy proyectada al crecimiento organizacional, Raura se encontraba inmersa en una situación económica muy crítica y a punto de declarar su cierre. Por ese motivo, se replantea la visión estratégica de la operación y se alinea a la filosofía de la excelencia operacional por etapas. La principal apuesta de Raura es ser considerada una empresa de clase mundial, para lo cual, bajo un nuevo enfoque de gestión, en los últimos 5 años se implementaron diversas decisiones estratégicas que tuvieron impactos positivos. Así, se logró ser una de las operaciones más rentables de la división minera del grupo Breca.

Sep 20, 2019

By R. Loney, M. Militzer

There is a significant demand for new high strength steels with fine grain sizes for structural applications. One approach in this regard is to develop hot-rolled HSLA steels where refining the microstructure leads to increased strength levels, e.g. 700 MPa yield strength, that can be attained by suitable modifications of chemistry and processing. Here, an HSLA steel is investigated that contains 0.05wt%C-1.65wt%Mn-0.20wt%Mo¬0.07wt%Nb-0.02wt%Ti and approaches the above strength class. The ability to control and predict the mechanical properties of hot rolled steel depends strongly on the thermomechanical processes, which the steel undergoes. The final microstructure and, thus, the properties of the hot-rolled steel are a function of the austenite decomposition obtained during accelerated cooling on the run-out table and precipitation during coiling. The austenite-to-ferrite phase transformation under run-out table conditions has been investigated using a Gleeble 3500 thermomechanical simulator equipped with a dilatometer. The effects of cooling rate and initial austenite microstructure including the degree of work hardening on austenite decomposition kinetics and ferrite grain refinement have been quantified. Results show that grain refinement can be optimized by the presence of work hardened austenite and accelerated cooling. Based on the experimental results, a model is proposed to predict the transformation start temperature and the resulting ferrite grain size for run-out table cooling conditions.

Jan 1, 2004

By Harald Vogel, Johannes Lachenski, Friedemann Koetzel, Sebastian Schnell

In this paper, a digital subsoil approach, a work-in-progress, will be presented describing the transformation from a classical 2D to digital 3D thinking process in the design of geotechnical structures. Certain pitfalls as well as lessons learned are described, and the reader can understand that the digitalization process of the design of geotechnical structures is always a problem-focused approach by creating systems for certain processes rather than setting rules or regulations. Three project examples are presented. Two of the presented project examples feature a heterogeneous geology distribution and made it necessary for the design of the foundations to work with 3D subsoil and 3D calculation models. However, the digital 3D design process in the third project, an inner-city excavation pit, is driven by the complicated boundary conditions making it necessary to work in a parametric 3D design space. All projects have in common, that new processes had to be developed. The paper concludes with a flow chart describing the process of the elaborated digital subsoil approach.

May 1, 2022

By Moraka N. V., van Rensburg M. Jansen

"SynopsisGoing beyond transformation claims contained in employment equity scorecards and industry compliance reports, this article provides qualitative insight into the initiatives employed and challenges experienced by mining companies in a quest to transform the mining industry. Perceptions expressed during in-depth interviews with 10 senior executives showed that the assumption that mining companies are reluctant to transform is erroneous. Results from this study suggest buy-in and commitment to transformation. This article describes specific initiatives undertaken by mining companies to transform. The most notable initiatives include staff recruitment efforts to appoint historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs), staff development initiatives, as well as community development. The findings furthermore contextualize the challenges experienced by industry participants in their quest to transform. Despite accusations that industry participants are not taking responsibility for the implementation of the transformation agenda, government needs to recognize that they too have a role to play and need to appreciate and assist in the current challenges experienced by the industry.IntroductionWe need a mining sector that works. Mining employs over half a million people. It is the biggest earner of foreign exchange in our country. It also contributes about 20 billion rand directly to tax revenue. Mining also makes a far larger contribution as a buyer of goods and services, and a supplier of inputs to other sectors of our economy and other economies around the globe’ said President Jacob Zuma during the 2014 State of the Nation Address (Zuma, 2014). However, despite apparent commitment from government, enforced compliance with social and labour plans, regulations and Mining Charter targets, the South African mining industry is slow to gain local and international investor trust (Deloitte & Touche, 2013; Mashego, 2013).Industry players acknowledge that their context has changed – creating various challenges (Davis, 2014). In the past few years, such challenges included subdued commodity prices, increased working costs, constrained infrastructure, and high labour costs, coupled with poor levels of productivity, strained labour-management relations, an uncertain regulatory environment, and the inevitable maturation of the industry (Deloitte & Touche, 2013; Davenport, 2014). Mining affected communities also became more cognisant of their rights, and politicians more vocal in their expectations from their relationships with the mining giants (Davis, 2014). One of the main issues that contributed to the difficult operating conditions was claims from organized labour and Minister Shabangu that this industry is too slow to transform. Specific claims were made in terms of employment equity, fair salaries and wages for mineworkers, housing and living conditions, health and safety issues, and general working conditions (Limpitlaw et al., 2005; Miningmx, 2013; Shabangu, 2010). These claims were followed by what Gill Marcus, Reserve Bank Governor, explained as ‘unprotected strike action [that] has escalated into an uncontrolled, violent and unlawful landscape, led by a mob mentality in the absence of formal and recognised leaders’ (Mavuso,2013)."

Jan 1, 2015

By B. Anameric, S. Kawatra

Pig iron nuggets, which have similar chemical and physical properties with blast furnace pig iron, were produced by a single step heat treatment of self reducing – fluxing dried greenballs. During this single step heat treatment the transformation of self reducing fluxing dried greenballs into pig iron nuggets did not take place instantaneously. Rather, it was composed of three transformation stages, (1) transformation of self reducing – fluxing dried greenballs into direct reduced iron (DRI), (2) transformation of DRI into transition direct reduced iron (TDRI), and (3) transformation of TDRI into pig iron nuggets. Thus, the objective of this research was to investigate these transformation mechanisms by analyzing the transformation stage products. The transformation stage products were produced at a constant furnace temperature of 1425°C and various furnace residence times. They were characterized according to their microstructure, microhardness and apparent density. The changes in the product’s physical and chemical properties with furnace residence time were utilized in understanding the transformation behavior, the chemical events that took place and the controlling mechanisms. It was determined that the transformations were dictated by the changes in the slag viscosity and wetting properties, and by carbon diffusion into metallized areas.

Jan 1, 2007