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By H Thanasekaran, L Christodoulou, J Kohmuench

"Column flotation has been successfully applied to iron ore concentration since the 1980s with the goal of reducing silica content and allowing for the efficient production of pellet feed. Since then, columns have been widely used in iron ore processing due to: their lower capital and operational costs when compared to conventional cells their ability to generate higher concentrate grades and recoveries.Currently, more than 100 columns have been installed within Brazilian iron ore processing circuits for rougher, cleaner and scavenger duties. Despite it being a well-established approach, several technological advances have improved column design, accessories and performance. This work presents the performance of some iron ore columns in Brazil and the recent technological developments.CITATION:Thanasekaran, H, Kohmuench, J and Christodoulou, L, 2013. Column flotation of iron ore - status and advances, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013, pp 479-484 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Aug 12, 2013

By A C. Edwards

The Mongol-Okhotsk belt consists of detached fragments of the Circum Pacific fold belt which have been trapped within the Mongol-Okhotsk fold belt. In its western part, the structures of the belt form an east-facing loop that is not connected with the other orogenic structures of Central Asia. In the eastern part of the belt (the Mongol-Okhotsk suture zone) the terranes form a zone between the Siberian craton to the north and the Bureya composite terrane to the south, that is linked with the Circum Pacific belt. The accretionary terranes, together with their Precambrian backstops, form a series of consistently-stacked, paired units that are bounded by northwest and north trending sinistral strike-slip faults. The ages of the rocks forming these accretionary complexes vary from Late Precambrian - Carboniferous in the west to Cambrian - Jurassic in the east. The terranes developed due to a progressive westward stacking of the accretionary complexes during the process of accretionary growth. The magmatic rocks young eastward indicating that migration of the magmatic front of the arc followed the eastward growth of the accretionary complexes. The accretionary terranes may be differentiated by their Paleozoic lithological assemblages. Only the Selemdzha, Niman, and Kerbi terranes located in the eastern part of the Mongol-Okhotsk suture zone contain significant amounts of black shale, and it is these terranes that host the bulk of the hardrock and placer gold mineralisation that is present within the suture zone. Gold mineralisation is present both as vein style and disseminated mineralisation within structural duplexes.

Jan 1, 1999

Evaluation of Grinding Medium Wear in Stirred Mills The standard fine grinding machines in the minerals industry are stirred mills whose performance largely depends on the competency of the grinding medium. Medium wear in stirred mills is one of the key parameters for medium selection. A wear evaluation methodology is developed and applied in this paper to measure the wear rate of river sand using a laboratory batch stirred mill. The procedure is demonstrated by testing the sand medium in a 0.55 kW batch stirred media detritor (SMD). The sand wear rate determined in the laboratory batch mill is successfully scaled up to that determined on a full-scale Metso 355 kW SMD mill.

Sep 13, 2010

By Bagley A. S

The accuracy and precision of rutile analyses are discussed. Comparison is made between the wet chemical and X-ray fluorescence spectrographic methods of. estimating Ti02 in commercial rutile. Various allotropes of 'I'i02 are identified by diffractometry and a comparative analysis of the coloured varieties of rutile is given. For X-ray fiuorescence . analysis, specimen preparation is critical and sample grinding and pressures. for pellet making are discussed in detail.Cellulose bonded and backed pellets are shown to be subject to relaxation with increasing age.INTRODUCTIONTo date much of the analytical work on commercial samples has been done by wet chemical methods.This led to various discrepancies in results, which are of particular importance when certificates must be issued for overseas shipments. The present work reviews the nature of rutile and compares the results of Ti02 estimation by wet chemical methods and those obtained by X-ray fluorescence spectrographic analysis.In the rutile industry the results from different analysts and even those from the same analyst are not always consistent. To the analytical chemist this should not be surprising.Fairbairn (1951) showed the results obtained from 34 different analysts on a specially prepared sample of granitic rock. It is of some interest to note that the Ti02 content as determined by the 34 analysts using unspecified methods ranged from 0-17 per cent to 0·30 per cent. Fairbairn (1953) found that1. replicate analyses from the same analyst give a high order of precision,2. analyses by different analysts using the same procedures give reasonable precision, and...

Jan 1, 1965

By A Unlutepe

The Bosphorus Rail Tunnel Project, located in Istanbul, Turkey, aims to provide a Euro-Asian rail link, via an immersed tube tunnel crossing the Bosphorus Strait, along which will run all commuter, freight and intercity passenger trains of Turkish State Railways (TCDD), as well as the future extension to the European rail network. The total length of upgrading and new railway construction will be approximately 76 km. The main structures include the immersed tube tunnel; mechanised shield tunnels; new Austrian tunnelling method (NATM) tunnels; cut-and-cover, at-grade and retained-cut/fill structures; and some service structures. This paper discusses Phase 1 implementation of the project, one of the major transportation infrastructure projects in the world today, whose varied structures present stimulating engineering and construction challenges.

Jan 1, 2008

By Taylor R. G

This paper reports a biogeochemical study of the Siberia lode of the Herberton tin field. Soil near the orebody contained high levels of Fe, Cu, Pb, Sn, As, Mld Mn. Polycarpaea spirostylis and Indigofera dominii were associated with these high levels but several other species apparently could not tolerate them. The potential of these species as indicator plants is discussed.

Jan 1, 1975

This method determines tellurium at concentrations down to 0·01 p.p.m., with geochemical accuracy. Tellurium is volatilized from the rock at 800°C in the presence of sulphur from decomposing pyrite, condensed, dissolved, and finally determined by atomic absorption in a long tube burner. The distribution of Te is shown near some gold lodes at Kalgoorlie. Lastly, a method of synthesizing Te-free pyrite from sulphur and ferrous sulphate is described.

Jan 1, 1969

By A Rantala, K Aberkrom, O Haavisto, P Blanz

More complex ore bodies with lowering grades increase the challenges of maintaining high throughput, energy efficiency and required particle size for optimal downstream processing in grinding circuits. Continuous and often rapidly changing characteristics of the mill feed requires constant focus to operate the circuit at optimal level. Modern process instruments, on-line analyzers, monitoring and process control systems provide attractive and managed options to increase the circuits’ capability to respond to the challenge, often in phases and in rather short time period. Furthermore, well instrumented and performing base level automation in the grinding circuit enables advanced process control (APC) strategies that utilize measurements from the whole circuit to stabilize and optimize production. In this paper alternatives for incorporating process measurements and controls to typical grinding circuits are proposed. The expected benefits to throughput, availability, energy efficiency and particle size stability are described in recent case examples.CITATION:Rantala, A, Blanz, P, Aberkrom, K and Haavisto, O, 2015. Increasing grinding circuit robustness with advanced process control, in Proceedings MetPlant 2015, pp 129–141 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 7, 2015

Some important mineral fields are referred to in discussing the formation of placer deposits in Australia.Testing methods include boring by hand, with percussion rigs, with auger and pit digging drills, and by vibro drilling.Sampling errors are minimized by the use of correct techniques and equipment for boring, sampling and sample dressing. A hypothetical set of data is used to demonstrate the final process of evaluation, and somerelevant taxation provisions are discussed.

Jan 1, 1966

By D J. Black

The process of longwall coal extraction coal causes fractures in the overlying and underlying strata and these fractures become pathways for gas released from adjacent coal seams to flow into the mine workings and contaminate the ventilation air. If the rate of gas emission exceeds the diluting capacity of the ventilation air, the gas concentration will increase and exceed the statutory limit resulting in production delays.All potential gas sources within the planned mining area, including coal seams located above and below the working seam, should be identified and sufficient gas data collected and used to determine the specific gas emission from each gas source. Gas reservoir and emission modelling is recommended to determine specific gas emission and changes in gas emission from individual sources over the planned mining area. Accurate gas reservoir and emission modelling provides the information required to accurately design gas drainage programs to effectively manage gas emissions and minimise the risk of ‘gas-outs’.Given the increasing occurrence of incidents of gas concentration in ventilation air exceeding the 2.0 per cent statutory limit and changes to mine plans to avoid ‘difficult-to-drain’ areas, it is apparent that many operations are not effectively utilising gas reservoir and emission modelling to identify high gas emission areas and are not completing sufficient gas drainage in advance of planned mining.The process of gas reservoir and emission modelling to support gas drainage design to control tailgate gas concentration and fugitive emissions is presented and discussed.CITATION:Black, D J, 2017. Gas reservoir and emission modelling to evaluate gas drainage to control tailgate gas concentration and fugitive emissions, in Proceedings Australian Mine Vent Conference 2017, pp 65–72 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 28, 2017

By M J. Begbie, K B. Sporle

The Golden Cross low sulfidation epithermal deposit produced approximately 750,000 ounces of Au from two ore zones: the underground Empire Vein System and the open pit stockwork. The Empire Vein System has at least eight stages of vein formation: (1) sulfide veins, (2) black veins, (3) massive veins, (4) banded veins, (5) thin white veins, (6) crumbly veins, (7) massive/platy calcite veins, and (8) flattened rhomb calcite veins. Gold mineralisation occurred relatively early in the lifetime of the system, dominantly during 2 through 4. The late calcite veins (7 and 8) and early sulfide veins (1) are barren. The vein system formed in a dominantly extensional environment, though some compressional faulting may have also existed during vein formation. There is no evidence for significant strike-slip faulting during vein formation, highlighting the fact that explorationists should pursue on-site structural patterns rather than fashionable models.

Jan 1, 1998

Drilling in the south of the Rapahoe Sector at Greymouth Coalfield has demonstrated the existence of thick coal seams in the upper Rewanui Member. Seam correlation is handicapped by complex lithostratigraphy and laterally variable geophysical log profiles. An integrated investigation of coal measure stratigraphy, coal petrology, and proximate analyses, suggests a feasible model whereby most of the major seam intersections belong to a single horizon. Coal properties vary laterally in response to original swamp conditions, which are believed to have ranged from well-drained to ponded. A new model of peat accumulation is proposed for the northern Rapahoe Sector, whereby Upper Rewanui peat accumulation occurred on a flood plain between the levees of a major south southwest-flowing fluvial system in the east and the toe of a western alluvial fan.

Jan 1, 1985

The Development of a Non-Roasting Technology for Polymetallic Gold and Silver-Bearing Sulfide Concentrates Treatment

Sep 13, 2010

By Branagan D. F

The geology of the area studied is briefly described, together with the prospecting methods used in the search for copper, lead, zinc and uranium ore bodies.Four prospects, Mt. Corella, Yanasinga, Lawlor's and Greenmount, which were diamond-drilled, are described in detail and geochemical results are discussed in relation to the mineralization found. Copper anomalies were found wherever intrusive rocks were mapped, and showed a much closer relation to geology and mineralization than did the predominantly lead and zinc anomalies.Geochemical prospecting aids in the overall mineral search programme because of its speed and economy, as it helps to pinpoint areas worthy of detailed geological examination. Geochemical anomalies are a guide to favourable zones but may not indicate the presence of ore.INTRODUCTIONDuring 1953-55 the National Lead Company of New York carried out a search for minerals in an area south and west of Cloncurry (Fig. 1) in rocks of Precambrian age. After reconnaissance mapping, a number of prospects were chosen for closer examination by detailed geological mapping and geochemical sampling, and from these prospects, five sites were selected for drilling.This paper records the salient features of the exploration programme and discusses the geology and geochemistry of four of the prospects-Mt. Corella, Yanasinga, Lawlor's and Greenmount. Practically all the prospects examined showed high zinc "anomalies" or "dispersion" trains. Greta, Mt. Corella and Lawlor's prospects showed some copper anomalies and, to a lesser extent, lead anomalies. In particular, Greenmount exhibited striking copper anomalies.

Jan 1, 1960

The key to the successful debt funding of a new mining project, whether in economically established or developing nations, is the submission of a comprehensive feasibility study. The feasibility study forms the basis from which the resource banker can construct financial models which govern the amount of available funds, the conditions which control the supply of such funds and the time period over which the loan may be repaid. The bank will wish to ensure that the feasibility study is the best representation and confirmation of reality possible because this model is the basis of the loan security package. Thus the study will be vigorously interrogated by independent experts in all its elements including the ore reserve, mineability, metallurgy, operating and capital cost profile, environmental factors and management. A well constructed feasibility study, undertaken by well recognised and respected independent consultants can save the client company a great deal of real and opportunity costs especially in relation to project timing. Once constructed and operating, the mining project may face one or more completion tests in relation to the loans provided. The genetics of such tests often relate to either the ability of the operating company to become solely responsible for the repayment of the loan or to be rewarded by lower interest rates or some other mechanism. Strong professionalism, accessible records, good checking procedures and high quality, competent site management will greatly assist the client company passing these tests. A record of well established technical competence with its bankers may well assist a company in the establishment of a mezzanine loan for the early development of its next project, thus allowing an earlier return of dividends to shareholders.

Jan 1, 1995

By M Dickie

During the 1980s and early 1990s low cost gold treatment plants were at the forefront of the Australian engineering and mineral processing business. This opportunity was the result of a high gold price and innovative design by emerging engineering companies in an expanding market. The low cost approach to gold plant design and project execution resulted in smaller and shorter life projects becoming viable and the multiplicity and fast track approach of the projects resulted in sharp learning curves. From the mid 1990s to the early 2000s the relatively low commodity prices and resultant reduction in minerals opportunities also resulted in innovative design in both small and large plants, albeit on a reduced scale. The innovation was associated with alleviating capital cost pressures for large capacity low-grade (eg NewcrestÆs Cadia) or small-scale (eg JubileeÆs Cosmos) projects to either improve NPV or to enable the project to be won and profitable in the competitive lump sum environment. Between 2004 and 2008 the engineering market became less competitive from an engineerÆs perspective due to the high demand for engineering services in a high price commodity market. The need for innovation remained but was driven overtly by shortages in water, power and personnel and long equipment lead times. This paper discusses some of the factors that contribute to the capital cost of a project and the scope for improving the likelihood of financing and increasing the project net present value (NPV). Case studies with recent large copper concentrator projects will be used to demonstrate how a value driven approach to project and plant layout can result in significant improvement in NPV.

Jan 1, 2009

By D Craw

Sulphur-rich minerals such as authigenic pyrite (FeS2) are commonly associated with coal mine workings. Metallic elements such as arsenic (As), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are enriched in the pyrite relative to their concentrations in the surrounding environment. Exposure of pyrite and coal to air and water results in a series of oxidation and hydrolysis reactions that are commonly catalysed by species of Thiobacillus bacteria. These reactions lead to a lowering of the pH in the drainage waters (acid mine drainage, AMD) and subsequent mobilisation of trace metals in environmentally significant concentrations. This study assesses the spatial distribution of As, Zn and Cu concentration in water in relation to pH and Eh (redox potential) downstream from the tailings at the Wangaloa opencast lignite mine in southeast Otago. This mine was abandoned in the late 1980s due to a decrease in the economic viability of mining the lignite. The area is showing the characteristic symptoms of AMD, which is detrimental to the health of several Pinus radiate growing on some of the tailings. The pH of the drainage waters can get as low as 2, and in some instances, lower, but it returns to near neutral (pH 6.5) up to 200 metres down stream from the base of mine waste piles. It is well documented that the atmospheric oxidation of pyrite is catalysed microbially, causing a substantial decrease in the pH of the drainage waters. Acidification is then counteracted predominantly by natural abiotic remediation processes occurring downstream.

Jan 1, 1999

Circulating Air Classification of Manufactured Sand Due to environmental concerns, the supply and use of natural gravel has been limited by the Swedish government. The Swedish concrete industry is therefore examining manufactured sand as an alternative that has equal or better product quality, and which the Swedish quarry industry already has the ability to deliver. However, in order to comply with the specifications set by the concrete industry, a better means of classification is needed, as the proportion of fine particles (filler) smaller than 63 - 125 ¦m in size must be reduced. One classification technology that meets the requirements may be air classification. This paper examines the process of circulating air classification, which is not yet commonly used in the Swedish quarry industry; suggesting that a better understanding of the process is needed. The circulating air classifier in this study has two internal machine parameters that can affect the separation point; namely, the speeds of the circulating fan and the separator fan. We study their effect on the separation point as well as the interaction between these parameters. Full-scale parameter tests are also conducted, in which size distribution is measured before and after the circulating air classification. This study shows how the different parameters affect the separation point and that it is possible to produce manufactured sand according to specifications. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD, Fluent) is used to study the internal flow of the air circulating within the classifier. A single-phase study of the flow field is conducted to support and explain the findings from the full-scale tests.

Sep 13, 2010

A hard lump char containing only 4 to 5 per cent ash, 0·25-0·30 per cent sulphur and a trace of phosphorus has been produced from Latrobe Valley brown coal by slow drying and carbonization of ordinary industrial briquettes at temperatures between 7000 C and 14000 C. The briquette char can be made with a variety of reactivities by varying the maximum temperature of carbonization; the higher the temperature, the lower the reactivity. The strength of the fuel compares favourably with metallurgical coke made from black coal, though it may not be quite so resistant to abrasion. Experiments in a small experimental cupola indicate that it will make a satisfactory fuel for use in iron foundries. It may also find extensive application as a smokeless fuel in other branches of industry and in household heating appliances.INTRODUCTIONVictoria, like South Australia and Western Australia, is apparently without 'significant deposits of black coal of coking quality but there are huge reserves of brown coal of high moisture content (60-66 per cent) in the Latrobe Valley (well over 20,000 million tons have been proved) and there are other important deposits in the south central portion of the State (Herman, 1952).For three decades Victorian industries, including a few metallurgical firms, have been using the briquettes made at the Yallourn factory of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (S.E.C.). These briquettes, having a moisture content of about 15 per cent and a calorific value of approximately 9,500 B.T.U. per pound, are satisfactory for certain grate-type furnaces but they are not suitable for use in cupolas of other shaft furnaces because they disintegrate badly on rapid heating.

Jan 1, 1956

There is an alternative theory of the high grade orebodies of the Middleback Group, based on the primary nature of the high grade ores in an area of carbonate deposition, with lesser amounts of siliceous and aluminous sediments. The environment is thought to have been unstable, possibly volcanic, and to have been a subsiding basin, substantially isolated from the open sea.Jaspilites, iron bearing talc rocks and iron bearing carbonate rocks were derived from the primary sediments by metasomatic alteration after metamorphism.The metasomatic agents were carbon dioxide and water vapour which were mobilized from the primary dolomite and reacted with a metamorphically produced group of iron bearing and iron free amphiboles, forming talc and progressively releasing silica and iron oxides from the iron amphiboles.The talc rocks in turn released silica which reconstituted jaspilites into their present 200 ft thick crust or zone.The theory accounts for the present disposition of a jaspilite zone over a talc zone which in turn overlies a carbonate zone, and accounts for the down dip changes found in bores which penetrate these zones.INTRODUCTIONIron Duke (Fig. 1) lies some 34 miles south west of WhyalIa in South Australia, and is the most southerly ore body in the Middleback Ranges.The Middleback Ranges are divided into a northern range and a southern range meridionally disposed and separated by an erosion gap called Kimba Gap.The South Middleback Range contains four orebodies;Iron Duke at the southern extremity, Iron Duchess north of Iron Duke and on the same ridge, Iron Knight also on the same ridge, which has been breached by erosion between theDuchess and Knight orebodies, and north east of Iron Knight, the Iron Chieftain.Cook's Range is the eastern range of the South Middleback Range and no large orebodies are known to occur there.

Jan 1, 1963