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By Herbert Herman, M. E. Fine

THE first decomposition product of a supersaturated aluminum-rich A1-Ag alloy at low tempera- tures is Guinier-Preston zones.'-, The zones are ideal and each consists of a spherical shaped silver-rich cluster about 16 A in diam syrounded by a silver-poor shell approximately 72A in diam.' The composition of the two regions is not known with certainty., After quenching from the solution anneal, these zones form rapidly on aging at temperatures as low as -30°C.5 The rate of zone formation increases with aging temperature; the activation

Jan 1, 1961

By C. A. Pickles, K. Mackowiak, D. Gajonera

"Shake-flask oxidation tests were performed on Red Dog mine waste to study the initial dissolution behaviours of lead, zinc, and iron. The conditions for accelerated acid generation in terms of Eh and pH were determined. Each mineral behaved distinctly, with galena dissolving first, followed by sphalerite, then pyrite, although there was some overlap in behaviour. Iron was not detected in solution until approximately day 40 and was present at low concentrations. The experimental conditions and the theoretical model results indicated the formation of iron oxyhydroxides at low weathering times and jarosite at longer times.RÉSUMÉ Des tests d’oxydation par agitation en flacon ont été effectués sur les déchets miniers de l’exploitation Red Dog afin d’étudier les comportements initiaux de dissolution du plomb, du zinc et du fer. Les conditions entraînant la production accélérée d’acide en termes d’eH (potentiel d’oxydoréduction) et de pH (potentiel d’hydrogène) ont été déterminées. Chaque minerai se comportait différemment ; la galène a été la première à se dissoudre, suivie de la sphalérite, puis de la pyrite, mais un certain chevauchement des comportements a été observé. La présence de fer en solution n’a été détectée qu’après environ 40 jours et ce, à de faibles concentrations. Les conditions expérimentales et les résultats du modèle théorique signalaient la formation d’oxyde-hydroxyde de fer sur de courtes périodes d’altération atmosphérique, et de jarosite sur des périodes plus longues."

Jan 1, 2017

By Houyuan Liu

A new process was developed to recover nickel and cobalt by leaching laterite ore at atmospheric pressure and.95"-105" C. The nickel-containing goethite in limonite was first leached with sulphuric acid to liberate over 90% of nickel, cobalt and iron. The dissolved iron was then precipitated as Ni-free goethite by the additioil of saprolite. The acid released during iron precipitation as goethite was simultaneously used as lixiviant to leach saprolite to recover more nickel. With this process the limonite and saprolite were essentially converted into goethite-, gypsum- and silica- containing tailings. Twenty bench scale tests and two campaigns of pilot plant operation were carried out at BHP Billiton's Newcastle Technology Centre (NTC) from January to August 2002. The overall nickel and cobalt extractions were 81 to 90% and 91 to 100% respectively. The average plant availability was 99%. The advantages of this process over existing processes include high plant availability, high consistency, robustness and simplicity of the operation.

Jan 1, 2004

Vibration resulting from blasting has been a source of concern from the inception of the use of explosives. As a result many investigations have been made concerning the seismic effects of blasting and at present there is available an adequate set of standards with which to judge seismically the damage capability of a blasting operation.

Jan 1, 1976

By R. M. Franz

This paper considers potential risks to the health of workers in ultra-deep mines, including barotrauma, physiological effects and toxicity of airborne pollutants. Relevant previous research is reviewed, including work by the Chamber of Mines Research Organization and the Deep Mine Cooperative Research Programme, and recommendations are offered for prospectively limiting pressure-related health risks.

Jan 1, 2005

By Ji Hoe Kwon

Hindered-settling column process has been used for the separation of mineral particles for many years. In this study, a model based on DEM (Discrete Element Method) was used to simulate the movements of particles in a settling column separation process. DEM model is capable of describing the motion of particles and calculating the impact forces between particle and particle, and particle and wall contact under various operating conditions. Drag force, rotation induced Magnus lift force, contact force and the gravitational force acting on individual particles were considered for establishing the mathematic models. The overall motion of the particles in water is satisfactorily simulated by the DEM, and the result shows good agreements with the result of lap-scale experiment.

Jan 1, 2014

By L. B. Tsymbulov

Sulphide melts formed in the course of smelting of nickel and copper-nickel feed (matte) actually are sulphide-metallic melts since sulphur contained in the melts is in deficiency with respect to metals. The level of metallization is rather relevant feature of sulphide melts and is widely used in calculating material and heat balances for pyrometallurgical processes. Despite of the above parameter? importance, the investigators have no single opinion on what should be understood under metallization level and the method of its determination. In the present study we present the results of our own experimental and theoretical researches that have allowed determination of some mechanisms of sulphide melts? crystallization. Based on the mechanisms revealed new scientifically justified approach has been offered for determining level of metallization of the components present in sulphide melts. It has been demonstrated that sulphur distribution between the melts is substantially different from generally accepted concept.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. Ghosh, T. B. King

The kinetics of the discharge reaction: 20'- (in silicate melt) = O,(g) + 4e- at a platinum anode in lithium silicate melts have been studied al 1350°C by galvanostatic methods. Plots of the sleady-state overpotential, q, as a function of the logarithm of the current density, i, showed injlections and were linear only at high current densities. The value of the overpotential was influenced by bubbling gas through the electrolyte. The ocer potential was also studied as a function of time. The rise and decay of overpotential were very slow processes. At low current densities transport is the likely rate-controlling process but at high current densities passivation of the electrode, Presumably by an oxide film on the surface, seems to be a contributory functor. IT is well-established that molten silicates behave as electrolytes'5 and, except in a few cases,6 conduction is entirely ionic. Moreover, it is supposed that a possible, and perhaps predominant, mechanism for phase boundary reactions between metals and slags is similar to that in corrosion whereby anodic and cathodic processes occur at unrelated sites, the metal serving to conduct electrons.1'8 Thus electrochemical studies of some slag-metal reactions would seem to be a useful way to diagnose the rate-controlling steps in the overall reaction. The electrochemical method is, in principle, a better diagnostic tool than the direct chemical method for the following reasons: 1) The partial electrochemical reactions, which are simpler than the overall reaction, may be studied individually. 2) The rate of reaction can be controlled at will and independently of the concentrations of reactants. 3) Fast reactions can be studied by relaxation methods.' Esin and his coworkers5'10"12 have pioneered such studies in silicates and have deviloped some ingenious techniques. Not all of their findings, however. can be accepted without a good deal of further work. In this investigation, the kinetics of the oxygen discharge reaction: 202- (in silicate melt) = Oz(g) + 4e- [I] at a platinum electrode were studied by both steady-state and transient galvanostatic techniques. Interest in this reaction was first developed as a result of the findings of Fulton and chipman13 that the reduction of silica, in a silicate slag, by carbon, dissolved in liquid iron, is a very slow reaction. Subsequent work, for example, by Rawling and ~lliott,'~ has demonstrated that the reaction under these conditions must be slow, because the rate is limited by diffusion of oxygen in the iron to the metal-crucible phase boundary at which a CO bubble may be nucleated. Further work by Tarassof,'~ in which the reduction of silica by aluminum dissolved in copper was studied, has shown that under these conditions, where carbon monoxide evolution is not involved, control of the reaction rate resides in diffusion of silica in the slag phase. However, there is no practical way of inducing sufficient convection in the system to make it clear that the phase boundary reaction is indeed fast. The overall reaction of silica reduction involves the discharge of silicon ions at cathodic sites and oxygen ions at anodic sites. In the examples cited, the discharged ions are dissolved in a liquid metal. In the present study of oxygen ion discharge, gaseous oxygen may be evolved at high current densities or oxygen may simply dissolve, possibly as oxygen molecules, in the silicate at very low current densities. The discharge of an oxygen ion at an anode must, in silicates less basic than the orthosilicate composition, be preceded by a reaction in the vicinity of the electrode, such as: which makes oxygen ions available. Platinum was chosen as the working electrode since it is comparatively inert to oxygen and is, therefore, expected to come rapidly into equilibrium with the electrolyte and with gaseous oxygen. Minenko, Petrov, and Ivanova16 have measured the electromotive force at a platinum electrode in molten silicates as a function of the partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere, the concentration of oxide ions in the melt, and the temperature. They found platinum to behave as a reversible oxygen electrode. At two different oxygen pressures, Po2 (I) and Pq (11). the electromotive force is given by: where F is the Faraday constant, equal to 23,060 cal per v equivalent, indicating that the electrode reaction is as written in Eq. [I.]. Platinum has been similarly used in molten silicates by other inve~ti~ators. "'~~ In this investigation platinum was used only as an anode, since a current deposits other elements on its surface and changes its characteristics.

Jan 1, 1970

HAPPENING to be in Cue recently the writer was unexpectedly called upon to make surveys of some diamond drill bores on the Big Bell mine on the Murchison goldfield. The owner of the mine Mr Herman Mandelstam. had brought such apparatus with himas he could lay his hands on. and no other was available without prohibitive delay.The usual method of making these surveys as is well known is by putting a glass tube half filled with gelatine or glue in a melted state down the hole with a small magnet freely suspended in the glue and having it there till the glue sets solid. When this tubeis withdrawn (its depth down the bore being noted) the bearing and inclination of the borehole at this particular point can be read - the bearing by the compass and the inclination by the angle between the tube and the surface of the glue which of course ishorizontal. By taking a number of these observations according to the degree of accuracy required the course of the bore can be fairly accurately plotted.In dealing with dry holes there is little trouble but when the holes are full of water great difficulty is experienced. In the case in point the first observation was made in water 300 ft. deep, corresponding to a pressure of 130 lb. per sq. in. The tube containing the gelatine and glue (a mixture was used) was found, when hauled to the surface, to be completely filled with a weak mixture of water, gelatine, and glue and there was no horizontal surface from which to measure the angle of inclination of the bore. The water had been forced through the corks and sealing wax with which the tube had been closed. After several attempts it became obvious that no method available would keep the water from getting into the air-space in the tube, and to a pressure-proof metal container was impossible, nothing remained but to do away with the air-space and this was accomplished by using two liquids of different specific gravity - mercury and melted glue. The tube...

Jan 1, 1930

Covering resources, production, uses, defense impact, and future outlook of nickle, Mining Engineering presents the third in a series of articles on strategic minerals. Preceding it are "Cobalt" in January and "Sulphur" in May.

Jan 8, 1951

By Liu H, Chen S

Natroalunite is one of colouring minerals in kaolin. In this investigation, natroalunite, on which Ca(II) was adsorbed, was flocculated by HPAM and kaolin was depressed in suspension. The adsorption of Ca(II) on the natroalunite surface was studied by zeta-potential measurement and Auger Electron Spectroscopy analysis. Ca(II) was adsorbed more on the natroalunite surface than on the kaolin surface. The mechanism of Ca(II) adsorption was considered to be chemical adsorption on natroalunite and to be physical adsorption on kaolin. It has been found that Na6P6O18 and Na2Si04 can strongly affect Ca(II) adsorption on the surface of kaolin, but weakly on the surface of natroalunite. The effects of degree of hydrolysis and the molecular weight of HPAM, the effect of pH and the effect of Ca(II) have been studied. The kaolin ore, containing SO3 1.05 per cent has been processed with this method. The products only containing S03 0.36 per cent and the weight ratio of concentrate 52.27 per cent were Obtained.

Jan 1, 1993

By Robert J. Russell

The importance of grinding as a unit operation in all industry has caused much effort to be expended toward improving the facility with which grinding can be done. Endeavor has continued nearly 100 years to formulate laws governing crushing and grinding. This has not been without controversy. However, grinding is an experimental science and our useful knowledge originates in experience. The recorded experience is grinding history. Today, many types of size reduction equipment, each with variations, are available to industry. Frequently, more than one type of grinding equipment will meet a requirement of grinding. However, an economic evaluation of installation and operating costs generally indicates a preferred type. The selection of grinding equipment requires' a consideration of the purpose in grinding, the characteristics of the material to be ground, equipment available for grinding, and the manner in which it can be applied best.

Jan 1, 1960

By Richard R. Brochu

At the International Society ofExplosives Engineers Annual Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee in February 1995, a Seismograph Standards Committee was established. The purpose of this wmmittee was to develop objective performance specifications for vibration measurement instrumentation and field use practices. It was also understood that due to geology, temperature, and moisture in the soils, it is not possible to design and build an instrument to give ‘results which are absolutely comparable for ground vibration. It was, however, considered essential to standardize instrumentation by which vibration can be measured under closely defined conditions so that results obtained by users of seismographs are always the same ,&thin stated tolerances.

Jan 1, 1998

By B Xiao, J Yang, H Chen

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. The Tuwu-Yandong Cu deposit, located in the East Tianshan mountains in the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is the largest and economically most important porphyry Cu deposit in Xinjiang, China. It contains ~3 Mt of copper at an average grade of 0.46 per cent Cu and 0.2 g/t Au, with significant amounts of Mo and Ag. The deposit is mainly hosted in the Carboniferous Qi’eshan Group and plagiogranite porphyry, and is controlled by faults that are east–west-, north-west- and north-east-trending. Ore minerals in the Tuwu-Yandong deposit are dominated by pyrite, chalcopyrite and molybdenite, with minor bornite, chalcocite, magnetite, sphalerite and galena. Gangue minerals are mainly composed of quartz, sericite, chlorite, epidote, anhydrite, gypsum, muscovite, biotite, phosphorite, sphene, dolomite, actinolite, barite, albite and calcite. Based on the megascopic and microscopic textural relationships and mineral assemblages, five stages of hydrothermal alteration and hypogene mineralisation are recognized in the Tuwu-Yandong Cu deposit: the potassic stage, propylitic stage, phyllic stage, late veins stage and supergene stage. Most of the copper was deposited during the phyllic stage, along with less molybdenite.CITATION:Xiao, B, Chen, H, Wang, Y and Yang, J, 2015. Geology, mineralisation and alteration of the Tuwu-Yandong porphyry Cu deposit, north-west China, in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 641–644 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

By Thomas S. Bishop

From time to time the mining engineer will be faced with the necessity of having to make a haulage study to determine not only the most suitable method of hauling material but also the most effective and economical type of equipment to use for his particular operation. Specifically, this chapter outlines a general description of various types of haulage units and their components, guidelines on the selection of equipment, material both operational and cost wise to be accumulated, discussions on the various factors involved in the development of the estimated production and cost analysis, examples of the above, and the necessary reference material. This material and examples are given in such a form as to permit the engineer to proceed on almost a step-by-step basis in the determination of the applicable haul speeds and other related portions of the haul cycle and resulting number of trips per hour. In recent years, the analytical methods used for the application of the various haulage units have undergone a considerable change. Several vehicle manufacturers and a few of the mining companies employ electronic digital computers to speed up the calculations and improve the accuracy of production estimating. The haulage computer program simulates the travel of the vehicle over the described haul roads by calculating incremental velocities, travel times, and travel distances from the known torque vs. speed characteristics of the vehicle. This is, in a sense, a numerical integration of the vehicle's performance and, of course, varies for each and every application. These travel times are then combined with easily estimated fixed times such as loading, turning and dumping, spotting, and any indicated delay times, resulting in a total cycle time for the vehicle. Usually, the travel times comprise the major portion of the time cycle; therefore, the concise computerized calculations eliminate much of the guess work in estimating vehicle productivity. Field studies have correlated this analysis

Jan 1, 1968

By C. W. Volek, G. Mandl

Steam-injection tests in the field have shoum that heat transport into the oil/water region, ahead of the steam zone, may have a significant effect on the production process. Earlier theoretical work on reservoir heating by hot-fluid injection can be used to describe the growth of the steam zone, but only if heat transport from steam zone into oil/water region is neglected. It therefore became necessary to re-examine and extend the earlier theory. It was found that this theory ceases to be consistent with the physical model of the process at a certain critical time, tc, which depends on reservoir thickness, temperature, and quality of the steam. The critical time marks an important change in the heat flow across the condensation frovt: the heat flow, which is purely conductive during 0 < t < tc&apos; becomes predominantly convective at t = tc. Accordingly, at t = tc, the equation which governs expansion of the steam zone changes. On the basis of the new equation, an approximate description for the steam-zone growth during t > tc is developed by making use of upper and lower bounds for the exact solution of the problem. The boundary conditions for heat and mass flow inside the oil/water region are established, and a simple method of detennining the saturation at the downstream side of the condensation front is presented. Experimental results show that the theory gives an accurate description of steam-zone expansion before the critical time. At times near critical time, and also after critical time, experimental data show theoretical steam-zone volumes to be high. Even so, the accuracy of the calculated steam-zone volumes is sufficient for practical purposes. THEORY OF STEAM-ZONE GROWTH INTRODUCTION The engineering evaluation of steam-drive processes is based mainly on a mathematical description of reservoir heating by hot fluid injection presented several years ago by Marx and Langenheim.l This theory can be used to determine the growth of the steam zone,2 provided the flow of heat from the steam zone into the liquid zone ahead of the condensation front (Fig. 1) is neglected. Since we must expect, however, that heat transport into and inside the liquid region (the region between condensation front and production wells) will affect both the water/oil flow and the growth of the steam zone, it is necessary to re-examine and to generalize the Marx and Langenheim theory as applied to steam drive, which will hereafter be termed the "old" theory. Observations made in several field tests emphasize the need to study the heat flow across the condensation front (CF). On several occasions it was discovered that heat was transported in the liquid zone far ahead of the advancing CF, resulting in an early breakthrough of warm water. This seems to occur most often when high injection pressures are applied, when "wet" kONINKLIJKE/SHELL EXPLORATIE EN PRODUKTIE LABORATORIUM RIJSWIJK, THE NETHERLANDS SHELL DEVELOPMENT CO. HOUSTON, TEX.

Jan 1, 1970

By R. G. Hudson, L. Yang

In electrochemical separation of metals, it is necessary to control the potential applied between the electrodes so that only the desired electrode reactions can occur. A knowledge of the minimum potential needed for a given electrode reaction to take place continuously is therefore pertinent to the success of the process. In molten chloride systems at high temperatures, activation polarization is believed to be small,1,2 so the minimum potential needed for the electrolytic decomposition of a molten metal chloride MC1n (n = valence of the metal ion) is therefore essentially the equilibrium electrode potential E of the metal-chlorine galvanic cell in the solution. If the decomposition products are pure M and chlorine at a pressure of p atm, E*Eo-rt/nf in [i] Since EO (the standard electrode potential of MCln) is a constant at a given temperature and R (the gas constant), and F (the Faraday&apos;s constant) are all constants, the variation of E with the electrolytic bath conditions is largely determined by the effect of the latter on the activity of the metal chloride amcln (standard state = pure MC1,). Measurement of E and study of how amCin varies with temperature and concentration, the nature of the solvent, and that of the coexisting solutes are therefore pertinent in the selection of optimum operating conditions for the electrochemical separation of metals. Because of its low melting point, high decomposition potentials of its components, and the low solubility of heavier metals in it, the LiC1-KC1 eutectic melt is a useful solvent and has been used in the electrodeposition of Mo,3Ce,4 and u5 metals. Senderoff and Brenner3 measured the potentials of Zn/Zn++, Fe/Fe++, Cu/Cu+, Mo/Mo+++, and Ag/Ag+ against an Ag/AgCl (pure) reference electrode at 600°C and a concentration of 4.1 mole pct of each chloride and came to the conclusion that complex ion formation occurred in some of the melts. Laitinen and LiUe gave an electromotive force series at 450°C for a number of {Metal/Metal ions (unit activity)) electrodes in LiC1-KC1 eutectic melt, the {pt/pt++ (unit activity)) electrode being chosen as the reference. Walker and Danly7 studied the ther-modynamic properties of NiC12 in LiC1-KC1 eutectic melt over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations by measuring the electrode potential between a nickel electrode and a chlorine electrode in the melt. Since potential measurements made by using the chlorine reference electrode are of more direct significance both in the study of electrochemical separation and in the evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of the melt, it is therefore decided to measure the electrode potentials of cells of the type {M/MCin (mole fraction = N) in LiC1-KC1 eutectic melt/Cl2 over a range of N values and temperature for a number of metal chlorides. The results should indicate the order by which the various metals plate out on the cathode and how this order is affected by temperature and the concentration of the metal chloride in the solu-

Jan 1, 1960

The current boom being experienced by mining, coupled with a shortage of professionals, will mean those in the industry will have many choices. It may be easy to become carried away and run with the highest bid or the biggest promise. Without planning, however, the ærightÆ opportunity may be missed and there may be some long-term consequences. There are many choices of paths in the industry to suit work preferences, life cycles and to achieve a balanced life. People in mining have changed jobs and companies frequently û which means new leaders need to take greater responsibility in charting their own direction. Career options need to be carefully assessed and aligned to personal values and preferences. Emphasis is given on gaining site experience early on.This paper examines strategies for career planning, which incorporate life cycles, education and what is meant by a balanced lifestyle. Two tools are identified as being helpful in ensuring strategies can be successfully executed. They are ævisioningÆ and æinfluenceÆ.To make the mining industry more attractive, we need more creative solutions around advances in technology and organisation of work. It also needs the input and leadership of new entrants in to the industry to assist in its survival. New leaders are encouraged to voice a vision and effectively influence their companies. New leaders have little authority and need to learn how to effectively influence. We as a mining industry need to listen, be open-minded and give it a go.

Jan 1, 2004

Mining is a high risk, high capital and potentially high reward undertaking. A large proportion of the risk comes from a lack of definition of the orebody (which also provides some of the potential) and the unpredictable nature of the market. This makes the planning process difficult but encourages the development of a robust yet flexible mining system. The system should be capable of absorbing some deviation from the anticipated concept without a significant impact on profitability. The mine planning process tends to consist of a series of related but discrete stages. For instance, the pit shells are designed, a schedule for the pit shells is created, a plant fleet is chosen to achieve the schedule and a financial analysis is carried out on that scenario. It is likely a few iterations are carried out using various mill throughputs to produce a favoured financial result. The problem is that handing results from stage æBÆ for use in æCÆ doesnÆt encourage a flexible system. æCÆ is likely to be built for exactly æBÆ. Unfortunately, in mining, æAÆ (the orebody) has the highest potential for variability and impacts everything else downstream. æDÆ the market also has high potential for unplanned variability. These variations can spread and æreverberateÆ through the whole mine process. For example an unexpected increase in ore oversize impacts all downstream mine processes to the primary crusher which may in turn create problems back æupstreamÆ by restricting throughput rate. Also an unexpected drop in demand or price could require modifications to the planned production rates. This paper looks at how mining process simulation can be used to support the development of strategies to counteract unforseen circumstances or alter production to match fluctuations in demand and price.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. W. Town

The Bureau of Mines conducted phosphate beneficiation studies to determine the influence of mineralogical and textural features on the recovery of phosphate from select bed and composite samples representing different phosphate rock types of the western Phosphoria Formation. Batch heavy-liquid tests showed that ore grade) pellet size, and type of interstitial material were significant parameters affecting concentrate grade and recovery. Recoveries at acid grade (31.5 percent P2O5) ranged from 98 to 56 percent. Liberation was essentially complete at 28 mesh, and recoveries tended to drop when overgrinding occurred.

Jan 1, 1966