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By Cesar Carrasco, Heath Arvidson, Mark Forster

Block models built to represent the geology and rock characteristics of mineral deposits represent huge complex data sets, which form the basis of strategic and business planning, and public reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Recent advances in cloud computing and database technology developed for the Internet of Things offer a different way of working with these critical data sets. Enabling a cloud based, open data structure with high performance data analytics capability presents a compelling improvement in governance and a democratization of ore body knowledge that can lead to automation use cases that support the digitalization of mining.

Jun 25, 2023

By Alfred E. Schwaneke

A new high-temperature soft soldering system has been developed by the Bureau of Mines for use on copper, copper alloys, and low-carbon steel; the method is applicable to automobile radiators and home appliances. The system uses a unique sacrificial metal coating method to promote spontaneous wetting and spreading of zinc and zinc alloy solder: on metallic substrates. The 10-5 to 10-6 cm thick, electroplated or sputtered, sacrificial nickel coating is absorbed by the molten filler alloy during soldering and produces a direct solder-substrate metallic bond. Preliminary measurements on butt joints with copper members give tensile strengths up to 22,000 psi at room temperature using 95 Zn-5 Al alloy as solder. Spontaneous wetting, spreading, and capillary penetration are extremely rapid and produce joints as easily as 50-50 tin-lead solders. Recrystallization or annealing of the wrought copper joint members is negligible at the soldering temperatures of 450° to 490° C and lower. A list of fluxes and solder alloys is included in the report.

Jan 1, 1970

By Alireza Sarafi, Alijan Aftabi

"A hydrocyclic system used for mineral separation at the laboratory scale results in the separation of more than 90% of micas. The system functions only by water and might offer advantages where other methods of mica separation are not available. INTRODUCTIONVarious methods for the separation of micas, wollastonite, and garnet, e.g., screening, flotation, magnetic separation, and heavy liquids, are well known (e.g., Spence, 1929; Bates,I960; Gillson et al., 1960; Benjamin, 1971; Connor and Kolhnar, 1991; Collings and Andrews, 1991). However, where these methods are not available, the separation of micas by a hydrocyclic system developed by Sarafi and Aftabi (1991) may prove to be economic. This note is a brief description of the hydrocyclic system. Minerals and MethodFor testing the recovery of mica and other minerals from different rocks (garnet-mica schist, skarn, and pegmatite), standard minerals were tested first, and then rock samples. Pure mineral standards were prepared from coarse-grained samples of pegmatite, mica schist and skarn; the grain size of the minerals separated was more than I cm. The Hydrocyclic System and Mineral SeparationThe hydrocyclic system is shown schematically in Figure 1. In the first step in mineral separation, mineral and rock samples were crushed, milled, and then sieved to minus 250 plus 125 microns. Approximately 10 gm to 25 gm of the sample were inserted in decanter Dt • The motor pwnps, M1 and M2, were then turned on and the water valve rl was opened. At this time, water was flowing turbulently (30 em3/sec. to 50 em3/sec.) and minerals were separated according to their crystallographic nature, density and!or habit. The fInal separation was done by exit valves r2, r3 and r4, while the motor pwnps were still operating. After each experiment, the rt , r2' r3 and r4 valves were closed and the motor pumps were turned off. Following this, minerals in each decanter and the mter were collected, dried and weighed. The whole time of the experiment was optimized to be about 10 minutes, but varied from 3 to 15 minutes for micas and garnets. respectively."

Jan 1, 1994

By A. K. Andersen

One of the prime examples of the versatility of the MARCONAFLO system, which is a body of technology comprising the means to handle, store, load, transport, discharge and reclaim mineral commodities in slurry form, is the direct application of this process to leaching ores. The initial approach was to provide a much improved materials handling system for the transport of copper ores; however, an extensive development program, inclusive of prototype and pilot plant tests, has established that a new leaching concept is possible with this system. Data are presented from the leaching operation of a 25 TPD pilot plant utilizing a copper-oxide ore, mainly chrysocolla. This pilot plant was designed to incorporate true countercurrent flow where the ore is actually in motion, as contrary to vat leaching operations, and the ore being successfully leached is fine crushed ore (3/8-inch x o), contrary to agitation leach circuits. Extractions in excess of 85% of the soluble values are common with only 15 hours of retention time in the MARCONAFLO leaching system.

Jan 1, 1975

By J. M. Demarthe

MINEMET RECHERCHE (IMETAL Group, formerly Le Nickel-Penarroya-Mokta) has studied on a laboratory scale and patented a new process to recover metal values -copper- from sulphide ores and concentrates. It combines a cupric leaching, solvent extraction and copper sulphate electrowinning according to the main following steps - A direct and selective leaching of copper sulphide ores or concentrates at atmospheric pressure with cupric chloride to form cuprous and ferrous chlorides and elemental sulphur. Pyrite remains in the sulphur residue. - The leach solution is separated into two parts -In the first one, air is injected to precipitate iron as goethite. The oxidation step can be easily realized at atmospheric pressure by maintaining an excess of cuprous and-ferrous chlorides in the liquor. Copper is extracted from the second part as cupric ion by an LIX reagent. Direct injection or air in the mixing chamber maintains good extraction conditions, so that only one mixer settler is required. - Iron, in the form of ferrous ion, is not coextracted. - Copper is stripped from the organic phase, transferred into a sulfuric phase and sent to sulphate electrowinning cells, which are now conventional in copper metallurgy. - Only electricity and air are required. After a feasibility study, the next step will be to develop it on a pilot and commercial scale.

Jan 1, 1976

By CHAS. A. R. LAMELY

In the extreme northeast corner of the State of Washington, on the Canadian border, lies the Metaline mining district. This district is old in history, but young in production. The Metaline district is a zinc-lead area of the replacement type in dolomite and limestone. The ore bodies of the Josephine horizon are in many ways similar to the ore bodies of the famous Tri-State zinc fields. The beds are faulted and folded and have varyng low dips in varying directions, and underlie large areas of the district. Production started in 1927 on a very limited basis. The property is now mining and milling 700 tons per day. The mine is opened by adit tunnels and a vertical shaft. As the ore horizons gained depth, it was necessary to sink inclines to follow the ore horizon (see Fig 1). From 1927 to date, approximately 600,000 ft of diamond drill was put down This work indicated that sufficient tonnage existed to justify a redesigning of the whole operation, surface and under- ground. After four years of general study, the following program was planned :

Jan 1, 1949

By Liu Liching, Yan Hongjiu

"In China, the electromagnetic induction initiating system f or blasting engineering has been greatly developed in recent years. With this system, the total number of detonators that may be blasted in each round has been increased from 420 to 940 as a result of the invention of a powerful exploder, and the length of leg wires of a detonator has reached 12 metres. These developments make the new system suitable for blasting engineering of medium scale. Another attractive feature of this system is a set of testing instruments which have been invented that enable a final check of the system to be made before firing as in normal electric blasting. This paper reports on these developments.IntroductionThe initiating system for blasting explosives is one of the key factors to the success of blasting engineering, along with the progress of explosives and blasting technology. Today, we have initiating systems which may be divided into two groups: electric and non-electric. The earliest initiating system was non-electric. Many mines, as well as many projects where rock excavation was involved, were blasting non-electrically before the new nonelectric initiating system came into use in the 1970s. Electric and non-electric initiating systems are the two main initiating systems which are now being widely used, each having its advantages and disadvantages. In electric blasting, the blasting supplies and the blasting circuit can be checked before it is used or fired and, therefore, is regarded to be more reliable. In many large-scale blasting engineering where reliability of the initiation is of great concern, a checkable initiating system is preferable. The electric initiating system is not considered to be as safe as the non-electric initiating system due to its inability to choose proper ignition energy. Therefore, a non-electrical initiating system would be preferable where a hazard of stray currents or static electric energy exists. At this stage of development, one would say it would be advantageous to develop a new initiating system."

Jan 1, 1988

By James J. Scott

"In the two years since their introduction, Friction Rock Stabilizershave replaced40 per cent of the previously used fixtures in the metal and non-metal mines in the United States. The Friction Rock Stabilizer, or ""Split Set "" , is a mechanical rock stabilizing system which uses friction to prevent rock movement . The Split Set is a tapered, rolled, steel tube that is slotted along its length. As it is driven into a drilled hole smaller than its diameter, it compresses, pre-loading the surrounding rock. This paper discusses the uses and acceptance of the friction rock stabilizer in mines in the United States. IntroductionFriction Rock Stabilizers, commonly called Split Set™· Stabilizers, have been under development by the author and Ingersoll-Rand Company since early 1973. Five years of intensive laboratory and field testing led to their introduction to the metal mines in the United States in the fall of 1976. Actual sales started in February of 1977and, to date, over five million units have been marketed to metal mines. The present rate of usage is near 3 V2 million units per year, which is approximately 50070 of all roof fixtures used in the United States metal mining industry,Richard Hoppe, senior editor of Engineering & Mining Journal. , in an article in the February 1979 issue entitled ""Winning the Battle Against Bad Ground"", said: ""In hardrock mining operations in the western U.S., particularly underground uranium mines where exceedingly difficult ground is common, no roof support system has been accepted more quickly than the Split Set friction bolt invented by Dr. James J . Scott and developed by Ingersoll-Rand Co."" This paper describes how Friction Rock Stabilizers function and presents technical data to show the uniqueness of such systems."

Jan 1, 1980

By Alireza Javadi Nooshabadi, Kota Hanumantha Rao

Formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an oxidizing agent stronger than oxygen, by sulphide minerals during grinding was examined. It was found that pyrite (FeS2), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), sphalerite ((Zn, Fe) S), and galena (PbS) generated H2O2 in pulp liquid during wet grinding and also when the freshly ground solids are placed in water immediately after dry grinding. Pyrite produced more H2O2 than other minerals and the order of H2O2 production by the minerals was found to be pyrite > chalcopyrite > sphalerite > galena. The pH of the water influenced the extent of hydrogen peroxide formation with greater amounts of H2O2 produced at highly acidic pH. Furthermore, the effect of mixed sulphide minerals, i.e., pyrite-chalcopyrite, pyrite-galena, chalcopyrite-galena and sphalerite-pyrite, sphalerite-chalcopyrite and sphalerite-galena on the formation of H2O2 showed increasing H2O2 formation with increasing pyrite fraction. There is clear correlation of the amount of H2O2 production with the rest potential of the sulphide minerals; the greater the rest potential of a mineral the greater the formation of H2O2. This study highlights the necessity of revisiting the electrochemical and/or galvanic interactions between sulphide minerals, and interaction mechanisms between pyrite and other sulphide minerals in terms of their flotation behavior in the context of inevitable H2O2 existence in the pulp liquid.

Jan 1, 2014

By i, A Shirbazo, S Saydam, S Ata, H L. Ram, B Li

The integration of internet technology into industrial sectors has significantly accelerated the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, transforming communication, data aggregation, and information distribution. The mining industry has embraced this evolution by deploying IoT devices and advanced technologies like autonomous robots and sensors to enhance operational safety. These sensors enable real-time data transmission and continuous monitoring of key parameters, providing decision-makers with timely insights. However, the interconnected nature of these devices has introduced complexities, resulting in inconsistencies across operations. Addressing these challenges, this research explores the application of modern digital principles to the mining industry through the Reference Architecture Model Industry 4.0 (RAMI 4.0). RAMI 4.0 offers a robust framework that integrates digital and physical systems, promoting data transparency, interoperability, and decentralised decision-making. This study aims to briefly introduced framework designed for the unique challenges of mining operations, leveraging the latest digital technologies. The lack of standardisation in the mining sector highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle issues such as interoperability, scalability, security, safety, and repeatability. Establishing standard procedures can ensure smooth interaction between connected devices, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency in the growing IoT ecosystem within the mining industry. Introducing a well-defined reference architecture like RAMI 4.0 can streamline management processes and improve operational efficiency in mining. By adopting this framework, the mining industry can effectively navigate the challenges of digital transformation, leading to a more connected and resilient future. The study concludes that RAMI 4.0, with its structured approach, can significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of mineral processing operations, fostering sustainable growth in a digitally driven industrial landscape.

Sep 1, 2024

By H. K. Work

THE instrument for the rapid determination of carbon in steel, described in this paper, was developed originally to facilitate the opera-tion of the pilot-sized open-hearth furnace in the Jones & Laughlin Research and Development Laboratory. In this small furnace, with its shallow bath, the drop in carbon is accelerated, and a rapid, reliable test for carbon content is indispensable. This problem becomes rather acute when it is desired to finish heats at a carbon content higher than can be estimated with any degree of accuracy by the fracture test. Several independent methods for determining carbon were investigated, therefore, and it was found that a relatively simple magnetic device could be made to give reproducible results. A laboratory instrument was designed and set up for the use of the furnace operators. It was tested exhaustively in the laboratory and was used with considerable success for following the carbon content in the furnace bath. As soon as suffi-cient data had been compiled to indicate that the instrument might have a wider application, a more rugged model was constructed and placed in the mill to be tested on commercial heats. Finally, about a year ago, instruments were furnished to the plant open-hearth shops, and these have been in use since that time. As a matter of convenience, the instrument has been named the "Carbanalyzer," and will be referred to by this designation in the following pages. ?

Jan 1, 1939

By Ravi Sahu, Kris Jeremiah

This paper aims to study the benefits of using Post Processed Kinematics(PPK) surveying methodology combined with Drone photogrammetry to achieve highly precise positioning (X, Y, Z) of drill holes based on the drill pattern and to highlight innovative workflow of transmitting the drill plan to smart drills for accurate drilling.

Feb 1, 2020

By Behram H. Wadia, Robert S. Lehto

A new metallurgical treatment for capturing as much of the values as possible from zinc refinery feed has been devised by personnel in Cerro de Pasco's Peruvian operation at La Oroya. Results from a pilot test illustrate that 50 metric tons of throughput can be maintained whereby substantially all the silver and copper report in the sponge iron while zinc and lead with indium and cadmium volatilize in the fume. This new technique named the Zileret (zinc leach residue treatment) process complements the electrolytic system used in the refinery so that all values in a zinc concentrate are economically recovered. In the system, dried zinc leach residue is pelletized with soluble zinc sulfate which already exists in the leach residue and a finely divided reducing agent such as anthracite coal. Upon heat addition, the loose anthracite in the charge maintains a reducing atmosphere while the free space above the charge has an oxidizing nature. When the charge reaches the reaction zone at about 1100°C, metals such as zinc, lead, cadmium and indium volatilize from the pellets, are oxidized in the upper kiln atmosphere, and are then carried in suspension as an oxide fume to the cooler and baghouse. The copper and silver content in their reduced forms, along with the iron, discharge from the kiln as a calcined product which is then cooled to below 130°C before being exposed to the air.

Jan 9, 1969

By E V. Man, O N. Savassi, J-P Franzidis

In flotation, the property that is exploited to effect the separation of a mineral from an ore is referred to as its floatability. Assessment and quantification of ore floatability is of fundamental importance in modelling and simulation of flotation circuits. This paper describes the design, construction and operation of a new laboratory flotation rig that has been developed at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) to determine the floatability of different ores on a small-sale. The rig is designed for continuous operation. The major features of the rig are highlighted in this paper. An unique characteristic of the rig is a 9.1 L conditioning vessel. This provides a mixing regime close to plug-flow which avoids complications such as different collector coverages for similarly sized particles (which would considerably increase the complexity of ore floatability determination). The main advantages of this rig when compared to conventional batch flotation cells include better control of the chemical environment and the ability to determine froth recovery, entrainment and water recovery with increased accuracy. Preliminary tests undertaken with a high-grade lead/zinc ore from BHP Cannington are presented demonstrating the good level of reproducibility obtainable in operating the equipment.

Jan 1, 2000

By G. Barbery, P. Dauphin

"In order to obtain reproducible and reproducible results in batch flotation, researchers have tried various approaches, from normalized testing, to modifying existing cells, and even designing new machines. The paper reviews the basic concepts that must be fulfilled in a laboratory flotation machine, and present the FLOTOMATEC design, which results from five years of testing and development. In addition to providing accurate measurements of air flowrate, power consumption, agitation speed, the cell eliminates most operator induced errors. Results of experiments comparing FLOTOMATEC to a conventional cell, as well as reproducibility tests are given. Introduction The use of batch flotation machines in mineral processing research and development is very common. These machines have been used for many years without almost any change in their design, instrumentation or automation. Various authors since Raffinot (1960) have criticized the available designs, especially with respect to the large errors that are introduced by the manual mode of operation. Barbery et al. (1986) have presented a review of the problems involved in laboratory testing in flotation research.Batch laboratory machines should have the following characteristics:"

Jan 1, 1989

By H. R. Green, D. M. Lamb, A. D. Taylor

The design of slurry launders has usually been based on strictly empirical concepts. An examination of the most common procedures reveals that they do not account for many of the variables that are recognized as significant for slurry transport. These may include flow rate, volume concentration of solids, solids specific gravity, solids size distribution, particle shape, launder geometry, and roughness of the wetted surface. It was decided to develop a design procedure, which would accomplish two things:

Jan 8, 1978

By H. R. Green, D. M. Lamb, A. D. Taylor

The design of slurry launders has usually been based on strictly empirical concepts. An examination of the most common procedures reveals that they do not account for many of the variables that are recognized as significant for slurry transport. These may include flow rate, volume concentration of solids, solids specific gravity, solids size distribution, particle shape, launder geometry, and roughness of the wetted surface. It was decided to develop a design procedure, which would accomplish two things: First: Take into consideration most of the known significant variables and systematize the procedure to assure consistent results. Second: Provide a rational basis for examining and utilizing operating data to refine and improve the system. To accomplish this, it was necessary to develop a basic design concept. This concept has been developed through a complex development history, and yet still appears workable and technically sound. That concept may be outlined as follows: First: The solids transport velocity is the fundamental basis for slurry launder design. Second: The stream configuration, hence the launder size, is integrated with the solids transport velocity so that the actual stream velocity exceeds the solids transport velocity. Third: The launder slope is that which will achieve the

Jan 1, 1979

By H. R. Green

The design of slurry launders has usually been based on strictly empirical concepts. An examination of the most common procedures reveals that they do not account for many of the variables that are recognized as Significant for slurry transport. These may include flow rate, volume concentration of solids, solids specific gravity, solids size distribution particle shape, launder geometry, and roughness of the wetted surface. It was decided to develop a design procedure, which would accomplish two things: First: Take into consideration most of the known significant variables and systematize the procedure to assure consistent results. Second: Provide a rational basis for examining and utilizing operating data to refine and improve the system. To accomplish this, it was necessary to develop a basic design concept. This concept has been developed through a complex development history, and yet still appears workable and technically sound. That concept may be outlined as follows: First: The solids transport velocity is the fundamental basis for slurry launder design. Second: The stream configuration, hence the launder size, is integrated with the solids transport velocity so that the actual stream velocity exceeds the solids transport velocity. Third: The launder slope is that which will achieve the required actual stream velocity. It was originally planned to utilize a series of charts and nomographs for the design procedure. A nomograph, based on data given in Taggart's Handbook of Mineral Dressing (1), was developed to determine the solids transport velocity. The velocity thus determined was used with Manning charts to determine the launder slope .and configuration as though the fluid were water. It was planned to utilize a "slope adjustment factor" to increase the slope to compensate for the apparent viscosity of the slurry. All attempts to develop a suitable correction factor failed. This failure was principally due to the complex relationship of viscosity to the required slope. It was then decided to revise the entire approach. Specifically, the present procedure is based on the Darcy-Weisbach flow equation, which is rationally preferable to the Manning equation. The Camp (2) equation is used for the solids transport velocity. The necessity of reference to the Moody curves for the Darcy friction factor is avoided by using the Colebrook and White (3) equation. The resulting mathematics require iterative solutions for several of the unknowns.

Jan 1, 1978

By Bernard J. Scheiner, R. J. Wesely, Cy E. Jordan, A. D. Zunkel, Gary M. Wilemon

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has investigated leaching of off-grade western United States phosphate deposits using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in the presence of methanol. A combination of ore grinding followed by sulfuric acid in methanol leaching extracted over 80 pct of the phosphate. This leaching technique significantly limited the dissolution of iron, aluminum, and magnesium impurities and produced a phosphoric acid that was well within the desired limits for these impurities. The dissolution rate of phosphate rock in the sulfuric acid methanol system was significantly slower than the conventional aqueous sulfuric acid dissolution. Initially dissolution of the phosphate particle was controlled by the amount of surface area available to the sulfuric acid reactant. After about an hour of leaching, phosphate dissolution was slowed almost to a stop, limited by the rate of ion diffusion through the calcium sulfate barrier layer surrounding the unreacted phosphate particle. Consequently, the ore was ground below 38-pm to increase the particle surface area available and improve the overall dissolution kinetics and extraction. In addition, the sulfuric acid was slowly metered into the reactor to prevent any excess heat from the mixing of acid with the methanol from simulating the formation of methyl sulfates. The formation of methyl sulfate ultimately lowered the overall phosphate extraction by exhausting the supply of available sulfate ions for the dissolution reaction. Subsequent evaporation of the methanol from the product acid decomposed the methyl sulfates leaving undesirable sulfate ions in the product acid. Slow acid addition to the reactor provided high phosphate extraction and limited the amount of sulfate in the final product acid.

Jan 1, 1993

Today, the employment of the modern hammer drill, using hollow steel, with air or water to expel the cuttings from the drill hole, is the rule rather than the exception in practically all rock-drilling operations. There is considerable carelessness in the matter of keeping the hole in the drill steel properly opened. Plugged steels wholly or partially, prevent proper operation of the drill, whereby drilling speed is retarded, water tubes are bent or broken, and time is lost in tink-ering, or, as often happens, the drilling gang is idle while someone makes a trip to the shop after another drill steel or water tube. To relieve this condition, the Ingersoll-Rand Company has developed, as an auxiliary to the Leyner sharpener, a new device-the Leyner shank and bit punch.

Jan 4, 1918