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By René G. del Villar, Jules Thibault, René del Villar

"Some key control variables of industrial processes, associated with product quality, often cannot be measured directly or frequently enough to establish adequate control. In such cases, it is possible to use available measurements to provide a prediction for these process variables and use them in a control strategy, thereby giving rise to what is now commonly called a softsensor.In some industrial grinding circuits, the on-line particle size analyzer is shared between various sampling points. Therefore, for a given location, the actual measurement is only available every 10 to 20 minutes, a delay which is unacceptable for automatic control purposes. To alleviate this problem, a softsensor based on an artificial neural network has been investigated. First, the structure of the neural network and different schemes for the training process are analyzed. Then, the performance of the neural network softsensor is compared with other inferential methods such as ARMA models and Kalman filters.IntroductionGRAHM, French acronym of the Research Group on Computer Applications in the Mineral Industry at Laval University, began in 1990 a research project on Knowledge Based Automatic Control (KBAC). This project, sponsored by a consortium of eight mining companies and the federal and provincial governments, seeked to screen advanced (knowledge-based) methods for data processing (filtering, mass balancing, etc) and automatic control (model-based) for their use in the mineral processing operations and the transfer of the project results to the sponsor companies.In parallel to more academic research work, a number of case-studies have been undertaken with the cooperation of partner companies. Among such works, a very successful one has been the design and installation of a new control strategy for one of the Kidd Creek (Falconbridge Ltd.) grinding circuits. This project was related to the evaluation of a number of control strategies and the implementation of one of them, as selected by the plant management, in the concentrator.A total of sixteen control schemes were evaluated on one of the dynamic phenomenological simulators developed at GRAHM, a trademark of this research group [ l]. The calibration of the simulator models was done based on industrial data gathered by GRAHM and Kidd Creek personnel. Then, the simulator was used to test the performance of various PID-based control schemes, designed to achieve the control objectives set by the Kidd Creek personnel. The best scheme proposed called for controlling the cyclone overflow particle size by manipulating the water addition rate to the cyclone feed box and the circulating load by manipulating the circuit ore feed. The particle size analyzer (PSI-200) available for monitoring the product size, was unfortunately shared (multiplexed) among various streams of the plant, which meant a 14 min delay between two consecutive readings for any particular stream. This induced the plant personnel to choose an alternative control strategy, one which controlled the cyclone feed density instead of the cyclone overflow particle size."

Jan 1, 1996

By B Hall

The authors have undertaken many independent mine optimisation and operational improvement projects at Australian and international mining operations over the past decade. This work has provided an understanding of the underlying practices responsible for the good long-term performance of some operations, and the failure of others to achieve their objectives. Good long-term performance, and value creation can be achieved through a logical and rigorous process of identifying the optimal mine plan (æThe PlanÆ) that delivers the corporate goals, establishing appropriate performance measures that are aligned with these goals, and ongoing monitoring of compliance with the established targets to ensure the operation reliably achieves The Plan. A number of practical methods have been developed and implemented to assist mining operations deliver their corporate goals. This paper outlines some of these methods, providing some fundamental guidelines that will assist in the establishment, and reliable achievement of The Plan that delivers the corporate goals.

Jan 1, 2006

By W. E. Foreman, A. Hayatdavoudi, A. Ghalambor

The objective of this investigation was to determine the sensitivity of three selected input parameters in the operational control of continuous bottom fed thickeners used for the treatment of coal refuse slurries. The three variable parameters were "Feed Flow Rate," "Feed pH," and "Feed Solids Concentration." These three input parameters were studied under three cationic-anionic polymeric conditions. For each polymeric condition, two mathematical models were developed, one for overflow response and the other for underflow response. The combination polymers produced the best quality of overflow and underflow. For this polymeric condition, change in the feed solids concentration was the most sensitive factor in the maintenance of the overflow quality, and the feed pH was the most sensitive factor for the maintenance of underflow quality. The mathematical models generated a set of plots that would allow an operator to control and/or adjust any of the three variables to achieve optimum conditions.

Jan 1, 1991

By Erik C. Westman

Knowledge of the orientation and relative magnitude of in-situ stresses at the mine scale is important for safe and efficient production from an underground mine. With this knowledge, stope location and scheduling can be optimized. Passive seismic tomography was used for imaging horizontal stress distribution at the mine scale. Microseismic measurements from the Creighton mine were used as input for the tomography calculations. The double-difference tomography algorithm was used, which provides the most precise results. The results clearly show a low velocity zone in the previously mined areas bounded by two high-velocity lobes located adjacent to the mined openings at locations consistent with those expected due to the horizontal stresses at the mine. The overarching goal of the research is to provide a tool that can augment both numerical modeling results and underground geotechnical measurements to allow the mine operator to produce in the safest and most efficient manner possible.

Jun 1, 2012

This paper provides an expanded definition of industrial minerals that challenges the way we look at exploration, development and the understanding of mineral industry structure and profitability. Included in industrial minerals are bulk commodities such as iron ore and coal alongside the more traditional industrial minerals such as salt, soda ash, silica sand and clay. The profitability of industrial minerals is reviewed from a producerÆs perspective and shown in many instances to be significantly higher than for precious and base metal industries. The key drivers of profitability are examined along with some highly profitable industrial mineral industries such as borate, potash, chromite and natural soda ash. Demand for industrial minerals in Australia and Asia is reviewed, with a focus on supply bottlenecks and the opportunity this represents for investment by Australian companies. The establishment of new price benchmarks is considered and the possibility of new export grades for industrial mineral products. Investment opportunities in industrial mineral projects are outlined, including some exploration concepts in Australia and Asia. Industrial mineral project evaluation methods are discussed and the challenge issued to companies (exploration, production and finance) to become a part of the profitable action in the world of industrial minerals.

Jan 1, 2004

By Henry Rogatz

During the year 1937, there were 663 oil wells drilled in the Texas Panhandle, making a daily initial production of 322,332 bb1.—that is, 191 more oil wells drilled than in the previous year, with an increase in the total daily initial production of 66,283 bbl. The total daily potential of the field as determined by the Texas Railroad Commission in its Schedule of Dec. 17, 1937, was 1,039,982 bbl., or an increase of 205,094 bbl. over the previous year. On Dec. 17, 1937, the daily allowable of 68,578 bbl. was assigned to the entire field. The total amount

Jan 1, 1938

By T Raynlyn, A Edenton, M Adam, R J. Holmes, J R. Manuel, N Ware, R Smyth

Due to ongoing demand and increasing depletion of high-grade iron ore resources from large deposits, Australian iron ore producers are developing smaller size deposits to maintain current export levels. The iron grade, mineralogy, chemical and physical characteristics of iron ore fines being mined from different deposits vary considerably. It is therefore imperative to develop long-term strategies to maintain the quality and consistency of iron ore fines while moving to a larger diversity of smaller deposits. Blending is a common practice in sinter plants as it is almost impossible to produce a high performance sinter mixture displaying the required characteristics from one single ore. Blending is also one of the most effective options being used by iron ore producers to ensure the long-term stability of their products while increasing production. When designing a blend, the blend components are selected to support each other to achieve the required overall balanced metallurgical performance of the final product at a relatively low cost. To do so, a fundamental understanding of the key characteristics of iron ore fines and their potential impacts on the iron ore sintering process and sinter quality are required. In this paper, the sintering process and sinter structure have been analysed and the key factors affecting the sintering performance of iron ore fines, including productivity and quality, identified. Under fixed sintering conditions, the granulation efficiency, nuclei stability and the volume and properties of the primary sinter melt are believed to have important impacts on both sintering productivity and sinter quality. Discussion is then focused on the effects of ore chemical, physical and mineralogical characteristics on the key factors identified and in turn the consequences for sintering productivity and sinter quality.

Jan 1, 2009

By Tuula Mäkinen

One of the latest applications of the Outokumpu Flash Smelting Technology is the direct smelting ,of nickel concentrates to metallised low-iron nickel mattes. Compared to the conventional nickel smelting, the new DON process needs a lower number of smelting vessels resulting in considerable economic and environmental benefits. Fundamentals of smelting nickel concentrates in one stage to low-iron mattes are presented. Properties of nickel. smelting slags with an emphasis of the slag fluidity at high MgO-levels are also discussed. Conditions prevailing in DON mattes at high oxidation degrees are presented as well as their influence on the behaviour of such mattes in the settler and on tapping the furnace. Distributions of elements in the direct smelting are presented and compared with the conventional process. A further comparison is made with pilot-plant data and the industrial scale.

Jan 1, 1998

By S. J. Buckler

Many chemical and metallurgical processes use submerged gas injection to increase contact area between gas and liquid phases in order to promote faster overall reaction or refining rates. The total interfacial area produced by gas injection through lances, nozzles or tuyeres is both an important design parameter for new vessels and a measurement for estimating the maximum processing capacity of existing equipment. Estimating total interfacial area from submerged injection into industrial pyrometallurgical vessels from existing knowledge is a problem with two aspects. The first difficulty is the difference in behaviour of cold (aqueous) and hot (molten metal) systems, implying that existing models and correlations of gas-liquid behaviour developed in low temperature systems are not necessarily appropriate for estimation of high temperature behaviour. The second difficulty is the issue of scale-up of correlations from laboratory to industrial sized vessels. The work presented in this paper is part of an ongoing experimental investigation, at the GK Williams CRC for Extractive Metallurgy, to quantify the total gas-liquid interfacial area available in pyrometallurgical vessels using chemical measurement methods. The effects of three operating variables, injected gas flow rate, nozzle diameter and nozzle submergence, on total interfacial area are quantified in a IOOL aqueous system - the first stage of a three stage process in examining the implications for scale-up of high temperature, medium-scale results are discussed. The results of work at high, injected gas flow rates (up to 500/min) show that the submerged Froude number is not sufficient for use as the sole variable in a predictive model of total interfacial area. Further work is being undertaken to identify other dimensionless variables that will better represent the gas-liquid characteristics in submerged injection that influence the formation of total interfacial area. The second and third stages of the experimental investigation involve measuring the total interfacial area in a large-scale (1000L) aqueous sodium sulphite and small-medium scale molten metal baths.

Jan 1, 2002

The income of the Institute is derived mainly from dues, advertising in MINING AND METALLURGY and sale of publications. These sources are fortunately supplemented by the interest from invested funds now amounting to over $500,000, a considerable portion constituting endowments for especial purposes. Aside from the medal funds the principal endowments are the James Douglas Fund for support of the Library, the Rocky Mountain Fund and the Seeley W. Mudd Memorial Fund. The income from the two last named is available for the support of research and a variety of other purposes. It is allocated by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of standing committees in each case. An active effort is being made to increase the endowments of the Institute, it being felt that unusual opportunities exist for research and public and professional service through the organization.

Jan 1, 1939

Jan 1, 1929

By F. H. Spedding

CONSIDERABLE confusion exists in the literature concerning the phase transformations exhibited by the lighter rare earth metals; namely, lanthanum,1-8 cerium,1,3,5,8,9-15 praseodymium,8 and neodymium.1,8,16,10 To obtain further information

Jan 1, 1958

By Leland Van Wert

IN 1888, Howard,1 working at the Watertown Arsenal on the tensile properties of ferrous materials at various temperatures, noted the curious fact that the stress-strain diagrams of low-carbon steels tested within a certain temperature range (200° to 350° C.) departed more or less from the normal regularity of such diagrams as secured by testing at either above or below these temperatures. This same jagged appearance of similar diagrams for steels has been observed by at least one other investigator, and de Forest2 has reported similar irregularities in the tensile testing of some nonferrous alloys. Recently again, this anomaly in diagram contour has been shown in a most striking fashion, apparently because of its accentuation by the method of testing employed, by Dr. Albert Sauveur.3 He described (for nonaustenitic steels) two quite distinct types of torsional stress-time diagrams: (1) those with a regular and smooth outline, derived normally by testing at temperatures above 300° C., or below 200° C. (as, for example, Figs. 4a or e); and (2) those presenting a decided "stepped" appearance, which are invariably produced when twisting is done within the 200° to 300° C. range (examples, Figs. 5a and b). The torsion test brings out so much more sharply (and convincingly) the irregularities occurring at 200° and 300° C. than does the tensile test that they can no longer be considered as resulting from simply idiosyncratic or accidental and inconsequential causes. Clearly, from the temperatures involved, the "stepped" type of diagram, or more accurately, the peculiar manner of response to torsional stress which manifests itself in the diagram, is an aspect of the "blue-heat" phenomenon. One's curiosity if, nothing else, prompts an inquiry as to the nature and significance of these "steps." What do they mean? What causes them? To these questions there are no completely satisfactory answers. The following experimental observations are offered as suggestions towards the solution of the problem.

Jan 1, 1931

By Dunlop G. A, Cantrell R. A

The metallurgical and engineering requirements that form the basis for planning column flotation Pilot Plant testwork are reviewed. Pilot plant operating issues are discussed and a basis for the testwork program formulated. The application of the testwork results to engineering design and scale-up is briefly reviewed.

Jan 1, 1992

By P Storey, B Deans, T Lancaster

Straits completed its Feasibility study on the Whim Creek Copper Project in 1996. At this stage WCCP provided Straits with an open pit mine - heap leach - SX-EW copper project to follow on from its successful Girilambone Copper Operation (GCC). Since this time Straits has continued to review WCCP investigating a number of development and production scenarios. The development of Whim Creek, early 2004 and is on schedule to commence copper production in the final quarter of 2004. On current reserves Whim Creek will produce approximately 17 000 tonnes of copper cathode per annum for three to four years, at cash costs of The paper will cover a general description of the project, the project development and key design issues. Additional construction related issues associated with the complete relocation of the GCC plant to Whim Creek will be covered in the conference presentation.

Jan 1, 2004

By Vojtech Gall

Pre-support measures for urban tunneling have seen a substantial development in the recent past. Ground improvement techniques, pipe-arch and spiling methods now allow for non-disruptive tunneling at very shallow depths under sensitive structures, rail tracks and roadways. The paper presents experience gained on national and international projects built over the past decade that represent case histories and therefore may be used as guidance for the development of similar solutions for future tunneling projects at shallow depths. Reference projects include tunnels for the Washington, DC Metro, London Underground, Dulles Inter-national Airport, Busway tunnels in Boston and the Ft. Canning Tunnel in Singapore.

Jan 1, 2008

By J. O. McCaldin, P. Duwez

ALLOTROPIC transformations between 1000° and 1900°C have recently been reported for several metallic elements. Since the proposed transformations are based on limited evidence, it was decided to examine the elements in question as well as some refractory metals by thermal analysis with a photoelectric technique similar to that described by Hug-gins, Roll, and Udin.1 In this method, a lead sulphide cell was used to detect thermal radiation from an electric-resistance heated strip specimen. A thermocouple spot welded to the specimen was used to calibrate the temperature of the system under steady temperature conditions, and recording was accomplished with a cathode ray oscilloscope. In the method used by the present authors, the temperature calibration was omitted and the cathode ray oscilloscope was replaced by a recording galvanometer. This technique, in which electric current passing through the specimen heats it, will be referred to henceforth as Method 1. Another arrangement was required for those cases where the specimen could not be formed into a wire or strip suitable for resistance heating. In such cases the specimen was a sintered compact heated by thermal radiation from a hot tungsten strip, Fig. 1. The specimen was insulated from the heating strip with a thin layer of thoria powder or suspended on 0.004 in. tungsten wires. The take-up spring had just sufficient tension to prevent buckling of the heating strip due to thermal expansion. This technique will be called Method 2. Both methods were tested with specimens of iron and titanium and the well known allotropic transformations, a toy and ? to 8 in iron and a to in titanium, were very clearly detected. Fig. 2 shows one of the records obtained for titanium. For this particular experiment, the iodide titanium specimen was a square rod 0.080 in. on an edge and 3 in. long.

Jan 1, 1955

Jan 1, 1931

By A. J. Vivyurka

"This is a talk about the experiences that Rio Algom Mines Ltd. has had in the Elliot Lake uranium area trying to make the tailings more compatible with the surrounding environment. To get a better idea of the problem that we are associated with we have to go back to the location. The Elliot Lake uranium area is situated about half way between Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury and is about 20 miles north of Lake Huron. In 1950, uranium was discovered along the north shore of Lake Huron and by 1961 we had up to 9 mines operating in the area. Then the United States Atomic Energy Connnission withdrew their contracts so that at present there are only 2 mines operating. From all the mines that we had operating, we ended up with 7 tailings areas. From these 7 tailings areas we have 5 sites where we have active treatment or rehabilitation. There is the Pronto site where we are treating uranium tailings and copper tailings. There is the Lacnor-Nordic site which is located just out of Ellio Lake. The Milliken-Stanleigh site is in the Crotch Lake area. The Panel tailings is off the north end of Quirke Lake and finally there is the operating property of Rio Algom Mines at Quirke Lake.To understand fully the problem with this rehabilitation we have to look at the constituents of the ore. The ore body is a quartz conglomerate with uraninite and brannerite as the uranium bearing minerals in a fine ground mass of quartz, sericite and pyrite which separates the larger quartz pebbles. The approximate composition of the ore is: 80% quartz, 13% chlorite, 7% pyrite and 0.2% uranium minerals. The processing method also adds a few constituents to the final tailings."

Jan 1, 1975

By Xaykhamphoune, Ward B

Draglines have been used exclusively for primary overburden stripping at the German Creek Mine complex in central Queensland, where coal has been extracted from a series of ten open cut pits working seams of the German Creek Coal Measures. Due to the dip of the seams, most of the pits have now reached the limit of current economic viability and the emphasis has switched to underground extraction using longwall methods and to a new area of open cut reserves in the nearby Rangal Coal Measures at German Creek East. This area is characterised by weak Tertiary overburden, relatively steep dips and low strength intraformational shear planes at the top and bottom of the coal.The first pit, with a maximum depth to coal of 15 m at the low wall, avoided any major slope failure through use of scrapers to excavate the boxcut and dump the spoil away from the low wall. However, this method was not considered economically viable for the second pit where low wall depths reached 44 m. Following geotechnical investigations the boxcut was divided into a number of zones depending on depth of cover, dip and thickness of Tertiary clay. Slope stability was assessed for each zone using several analytical techniques to ensure that dragline mining would be acceptable. Slope design parameters incorporating various stabilisation techniques, notably an updip trench backfilled with competent spoil to form a low wall buttress prior to excavation of the boxcut panel, were successfully integrated into the mine plan after careful consideration of the complex scheduling to minimise rehandle.

Jan 1, 1992