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By D. Ofstie, B. Kargutkar

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is transforming the way metallurgical facilities are built, operated and maintained. BIM provides a digital representation of the facility, complete with all physical and functional characteristics - enabling collaborative planning, concurrent design, construction simulation, sustainable operations and predictive maintenance through a connected information model. Building on experience gained in other industries, Hatch is aggressively applying the BIM process to the mining & minerals processing industry to address inefficiencies inherent in traditional document-based information management. Intelligent 3D models support real-time quantity forecasting and cost trending by commodity type and construction work package. By linking procurement and schedule data, material availability and constructability reviews are visualized to verify construction critical path, ensure work front safety and minimize craft downtime. The BIM digital information model connects engineering, construction, commissioning and vendor data, aiding timely asset-centric handover to plant operating and maintenance systems.

Jan 1, 2015

Inco Limited has been evaluating options for streamlining the overall flowsheet at its Sudbury, Ontario operations to improve productivity and to minimize the cost of at¬mospheric emissions reduction. Some of the flowsheets being considered include vari¬ous levels of copper/nickel separation at the Clarabelle Mill where all Inco's Sudbury Basin ores are processed. This paper reports on the laboratory and miniplant studies car¬ried out during the flowsheet development for a commercial Cu/Ni separation plant. There are two potential feed streams for Cu/Ni separation. It was determined that Cu/Ni separation from the rougher concentrate requires no regrind, and a very clean copper concentrate is produced, but the recovery of copper is limited to about 70% from ore. Cu/Ni separation is more difficult from the bulk concentrate because of the presence of excess flotation reagents in the slurry and due to locked particles. By replacing the slurry water with clean process water, and by addition of some hydrogen peroxide, entrainment is minimized and excess reagents are removed from the surface, providing a satisfactory separation of copper from nickel. Fine regrinding is required to increase liberation of the locked particles and to obtain 85% copper recovery with minimal nickel contamination of the concentrate.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. Mizera, J. Zdunek, K. J. Kurzydlowski, A. Dobkowska

This work concerns comparison of corrosion resistance of the aircraft aluminum alloy composed of Al - 2.3%Li - 0.1% Zr. The alloy was hot rolled (HR) from 13 mm to a thickness of 4 mm (e = 2.4) and 1 mm (e = 5.2). Corrosion resistance was investigated by Potentiodynamic Polarization Test. The investigation relied on exposure samples in two different corroding medium: 0.5 M NaCl solution and 0.01 M Na2SO4 solution with added 0.01% of Cl- at room temperature. Furthermore, the microstructure was analyzed using the optical microscope with polarized beam. The hardness was measured on lengthwise profile. It was stated that alloy after the largest deformation (equivalent total strain e = 5.2) is characterized by the best mechanical properties and the best corrosion resistance. The alloys in initial state and after deformation to 4 mm (e = 2.4) are characterized by worse corrosion resistance. It is associated with microstructure and density of dislocation in analyzing material.

Jan 1, 2015

By L. J. Cunningham

I THINK it can be safely said that no mining operation, whetl1er open-pit or underground, is ever entirely free of water. It follows that every ton of ore bears a charge which represents, either directly or indirectly, the cost of keeping the mine workings as dry as possible. Water problems occur in all phases of mining operations. They cause difficult and costly drilling conditions during the exploration stage, they often seriously delay mine development, they can slow mine production and reduce efficiency, and they are a continued burden over the life of the mine. It is therefore in the interest of all mining men to be familiar with the methods and materials used for grouting. The most common grouting material is cement. Cement grouting is old and well established, and many engineers are familiar with its uses and limitations. The technique of cement grouting is relatively simple and fairly well understood, and the materials utilized are relatively in-

Jan 1, 1962

By M. Gagné, F. E. Goodwin

The mining industry represents a significant investment in infrastructure of which steel plays a key role. Many structures in a mine are made of steel including shaft structures (buntons, station steelwork and headgear); stope structures (roof supports, pipe hangers); haulageway structures (ore transfer stations, electrical stubbies); and surface structures (plant buildings, tank supports, pipe gantries, conveyor belts, stacks, stockpile structures, stairways and railings). Maintenance of structural components can often be difficult because of the environment, including those where corrosive fumes persist, or limited access, such as in shafts where access is limited, or to short maintenance shifts or where limited working space is available. Thus a cost-efficient, long-lasting and maintenance-free protection system for steel should be specified. Galvanizing provides the required high-quality, long-term corrosion protection to steel. Galvanizing provides protection in two ways, first as a physical barrier to corrosion and secondly by means of cathodic or sacrificial protection that is unique to zinc. The dual nature of corrosion protection provided by galvanizing significantly extends the service life of steel even in the most challenging environments. The unique corrosion protection properties provided by galvanized steel will be highlighted with global mining application case studies.

Jan 1, 2015

By Simon Hanner

November 2005 Memorial University Newfoundland and Labrador Mines and Energy Review of Activities Exploration and Mining New Brunswick ?Université du Québec a Montréal McGill University 2005 Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention Université Laval Quebec Exploration 2005 Saskatchewan Open House December 2005 University of Calgary University of Alberta 'Laurentian University 'Queen's University 'University of Toronto 'Ontario Prospectors Association January 2006 Mineral Exploration Roundup, BC March 2006 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention April 2006 University of Ottawa Carleton University

May 1, 2006

By N. Shi, T. G. Joseph

ABSTRACT: A prototype test dipper (at 1/20th volume and a geometric operating scale of 2.85) was compared during field trials against a conventional dipper with the same tare weight using the same test shovel. Both dippers followed similar dig trajectories, invoked by the shovel operator. A Microsoft® Visual Basic-embedded spreadsheet was used to interpret qualitative visual and quantitative numerical loading data collected on the hoist and crowd dig response. Overall the concept dipper, even with a 50% greater capacity, provided indications of a smoother dig cycle with lower peak hoist loading events and a lower energy per unit excavated.

Jan 1, 2011

By M. Sakata, H. Hata, K. Haiki

"Most of the secondary ZnO contains fluorine (F) in large quantities. Serious troubles at the zinc electrowinning are occurred by the cathode corrosion caused by F, therefore we developed iron compounds as F-adsorbents used in zinc sulfate solution. The iron compounds can be reused repeatedly as F-adsorbents because they can adsorb/desorb F alternatively depending on the pH. Moreover, if the adsorptive capacity decreases, we can dissolve and re-synthesize them easily. In this paper, results of the experimental process which consists of five steps (leaching, F removal, Cl removal, purification and electrowinning) to produce high purity electrolytic zinc from the secondary ZnO are reported. INTRODUCTIONThe recycle material for zinc, secondary ZnO, contains large amounts of fluorine (F) and chlorine (Cl) which are halogen elements, compared with calcine obtained by roasting of zinc sulfide concentrate. The halogen elements cause adverse effects in the zinc electrowinning process and particularly F causes corrosion of aluminum cathode plates and eventually sticking of electrodeposited zinc and therefore, F concentration in the electrolyte is controlled to less than approximately 20 mg/L. There are several methods to remove F from secondary ZnO, such as leaching with Na2CO3 or NaOH solution [1-2], vaporizing in a rotary kiln by roasting at 1000 to 1200 degrees C [3-4]. However, up to the moment, there has been no effective method for the removal of F from zinc electrolyte and it has been a big obstacle in treatment of secondary ZnO in electrowining of zinc.The authors, therefore, developed an iron compound used as an adsorbent of F in the zinc sulfate solution [5-8]. This iron compound is Akaganeite that has a crystalline structure of ß-FeOOH. Akaganeite is synthesized by neutralization of FeCl3 solution containing a small amount of SO4 2- with Na2CO3. When this iron compound is immersed into weak acidified zinc sulfate solution, F in the solution is adsorbed. F adsorbed in the iron compound is removed by immersing in weak alkaline solution and the iron compound can be reused as F adsorbent."

Jan 1, 2012

By M. Pearson, L. Zunti

Pressure vessels in hydrometallurgy and many chemical process industries throughout the world require the use of specific lining systems to protect the parent vessel materials from corrosion and/or abrasion. Typically, these lining systems are required for processes that are corrosive and operate at elevated temperatures. Two basic lining system types arc: 1) refractory linings in conjunction with an impervious corrosion resistant membrane, and 2) metal-clad vessels consisting of titanium or other corrosion resistant metal bonded to a carbon steel shell. Operating conditions play a key role in selecting the type of lining system to be utilized for a specific application. Lining systems in turn have an impact on the process vessel size, which ultimately affects the capital cost of the vessel. The capital costs for each type of lining system must be considered for each application, as well as maintenance concerns, quality control, and delivery. It is clear that operating conditions play a key role in the final selection of lining systems utilized for specific projects based on initial capital cost, life-cycle maintenance costs, and overall service life. This paper will examine the fundamentals of each lining system, their inherent technical strengths and weaknesses, and present relative cost comparisons for each lining system as they apply to specific operating conditions and vessel sizes.

Jan 1, 2004

The Curtin University Gold Technology Group has been involved in surveying, modelling and optimisation of batch centrifugal concentrator type gravity circuits and CIP/CIL circuits for nearly two decades. The most commonly asked question regarding gravity recovery is, “What is the benefit of a gravity circuit”, which can be hard, if not impossible, to quantify. With the help of the AMIRA P420 Project’s Integrated Liberation Leach Model (ILLM) it is now possible to evaluate the effect of gravity recovery on total gold recovery when changes are made to the grind size, gravity and/or leach/adsorption circuits. This paper demonstrates how the ILLM can be used to determine the net benefit of introducing or modifying a gravity circuit and assess the effect of operating conditions (grind size, coarse gold size distribution, leach residence time, carbon activity, etc.) on plant performance.

Jan 1, 2017

By Sh. Karimidorabati

In the construction industry, project changes constitute a major cause of delay, disruption, cost increases, poor quality and unsatisfying performance. They are also known as a main factor of litigation between the owners and constructors. Construction projects are essentially process-based, and with the critical role of Information Technology (IT) in this industry, projects, especially mega projects, are being managed remotely. The volume of data and documents, such as Requests For Information (RFIs), different types of Change Requests (CRs) and Project Change Notices (PCNs), being transferred and exchanged amongst the stakeholders of a project is considerable. The circulation of these documents amongst project stakeholders still heavily relies on two methods or levels for management of change process; Conventional (fully paper-based, Faxes, Snail mails) and Electronic or semi-automated (Email, Internet, PDF files). These two methods are dependent on human discipline to follow specified processes which often break down because of human nature. This creates serious compliance problems. It is hypothesized here that fully that automated process-based management of change can lead to better compliance, more efficient management of change, and reduction of time and cost of data exchange. An approach of doing this is presented in this paper. Ultimately, its impact should improve project performance. Conclusions are presented on time savings and improved compliance.

Aug 1, 2013

By P. V. Golde, R. A. Poole, G. R. Baiden

"INCO is committed to proceed into the next century using automation and robotics to achieve safety and productivity goals necessary to enhance its competitive position. Stobie Mine, decades old, is the first of its mines to change from labour-intensive to automationassisted techniques. This paper is a synopsis of the progress made during the transition period including overviews of some of the projects as well as some of the difficulties in the assimilation of the technology. BackgroundThe ObjectiveThis paper is an update on remote control and LHD automation installation at Stobie mine. The communications system installed at the mine and the ability to remotely control underground equipment from surface is reviewed (Poole et al., 1996, 1997). It discusses some of the experiences and processes required to further the concept to consolidate the operation of multiple machines under a single operator. It considers the communications systems requirements and their focuses, particularly on the development of systems for the tele-operation of LHDs and drilling machines from surface."

Jan 1, 1998

By K. Huang

"Solvent extraction (SX) is one of the most effective techniques for the multi-metal separation. However, repetitive pre-treatment of feed-in solutions and/or multi-steps two phase equilibrating in conventional SX processes were always unavoidable due to the poor separation selectivity between those metals with similar physicochemical properties. In this paper, our recent efforts, aimed to develop a “Three Liquid Phase Extraction” (TLPE) strategy for one-step separation and selective enrichment of different metals respectively into three coexisted liquid phases, are reviewed. Various feasible “Three Liquid Phase Systems” (TLPS) are evaluated. The TLPE technique provides a potential possibility for multiphase extraction to separate multi-metals.INTRODUCTIONLiquid-liquid Solvent Extraction (SX) is one of the most effective techniques for metal separation and purification. Traditionally, extraction and separation of multiple valuable metals from the leaching solutions of complex ores, industrial wastes and byproducts have to face such difficulties that multiple target metals with similar physicochemical properties co-exist in the solutions, and therefore their mutual separation selectivities are very poor. In conventional organic-water two phase SX processes, repetitive pre-treatment of feed-in solutions including the adjustment of the solution acidity, removal of impurities and/or multi-step liquid-liquid two phase equilibration were always unavoidable (Wang and Chen, 2001). Only one of the target metals is obtained in each extraction step, therefore the whole separation processes for multi-metal separation are typically very long and costly.Liquid-liquid-liquid three phase extraction is a developing technique for separation of complex systems containing multiple target components (Tan, 2003; Shen, 2006; Yu, 2009). The technique is in fact a three-liquid-phase selectively partitioning of different target components through the control of phase-forming behaviors of extraction system to create a unique separation medium with three co-existed liquid phases. The separation selectivity of “Three-Liquid-Phase System” (TLPS) may derive from its three-layered liquid phases from up to down with different hydrophobic or hydrophilic environment, and therefore each phase has its own specific selectivity for dissolving of an individual component. In a well designed “Three-Liquid-Phase System” (TLPS), multiphase extraction and selective separation of different components respectively into three different liquid phases can be achieved by only one-step of extraction. Owing to its distinct advantages, “Three-Liquid-Phase Extraction” (TLPE) technique has found many potential applications in purification of various organic chemicals (Shen, 2007) and biological activities (Chen, 2002; Tan, 2006; Jiang, 2008), treatment of environmental wastewaters (Shen, 2006; Yu, 2009; Yu, 2010; He, 2012), extraction of valuable components in natural products (Liu, 2010) and separation of multi-metals in complex leaching solutions (Jin, 2009)."

Jan 1, 2012

By G. Paillard, I. E. Puddington, A. F. Sirianni, F. W. Meadus

Experiments with some selected Nova Scotia coals and a single sample of American anthracite, reconstituted in granular form with lower sulphur and ash contents by spherical agglomeration methods, are described. The effect of different bridging liquids, grinding times, gangue depressents and modes of agitation on the final product are discussed. The application of agglomeration techniques as a means of drying wet coal fines is also noted.

Jan 1, 1968

By B. K. Mishra, Subrat Kumar Padhy, B. C. Tripathy, I. N. Bhattacharya

Manganese is a difficult metal to electrodeposit due to its high electronegativity and continues to possess unique process challenges. Manganese deposits of high quality are electrodeposited on 316 grade stainless steel from sulphate solutions in the presence of organic additives such as tetra ethyl ammonium bromide (TEABr), tetra propyl ammonium bromide (TPABr), and tetra butyl ammonium bromide (TBABr). The concentrations of these additives were examined over a relatively broad range to evaluate their effect on current efficiency, specific energy consumption and deposit morphology of the electrodeposited manganese metal. A maximum current efficiency of 68% was achieved in the presence of TEABr in the bath. X- ray diffraction studies revealed that (330) (411) planes were the most preferred planes of crystal growth during manganese electrowinning at a current density of 500 A/m2 resembling alpha-manganese irrespective of the nature of additive. Scanning electron micrographs showed smooth and uniform deposit morphologies when manganese was electrodeposited in the presence of TEABr.

Jan 1, 2014

By L. M. Dwarkin

Introduction Avital factor in the success of any coal mining operation is the method of roof support employed. A coal seam in? place has been described as the filling in a geological sandwich and the process of mining as the art of snatching the filling from the midst of the sandwich. The difficulty of this task can be appreciated -in the realization of the tremendous weight bearing on a coal seam due to overlying strata; a weight that can exert pressures of several thousand pounds per square inch. Over the years that mining has been carried on, methods have been evolved by arduous trial and error, making possible the successful extraction of billions of tons of coal. However, these time-proven methods are not enough. The constant demand for faster and cheaper production, the necessity of mining under increasingly difficult conditions, and the requirement for higher standards of safety, call for ever better and more efficient roof support. A recent and very promising development in answer to this need is that of Roof Bolting. Roof Support in General Before proceeding to the subject proper, a brief discussion of the older roof support methods is of value in illuminating the difficulties involved and the problems to be solved.

Jan 1, 1951

By A F. Kravic

Carbonyl nickel powders of irregular particle shape and low a11parent density are used extensively in the production of porous nickel electrodes for nickel-cadmium storage batteries and hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells employing alkaline electrolytes. Such porous nickel matrices are at-tractive for these intended applications as they are relatively inexpensive, are corrosion resistant, have good electrical conductivity, can be welded to form electrical contacts, have a long life (as demonstrated in alkaline storage batteries), and are rugged and vibration and shock resistant. This paper describes a feasibility study concerning the production of porous multi-layer nickel electrodes by the pressing and sintering of stacked layers of green-powder rolled nickel sheet. Background H AUSNER (1) conveniently listed nine different powder compaction processes used for forming metal powders into useful shapes. These are shown in Table I. There are additional powder metallurgy processes; however, most of these are combinations of two or more processes listed in the Table. A study of the literature revealed that every powder compacting process, with the exception of isostatic pressing and explosive forming, has been evaluated or is being used for the manufacture of porous metal electrodes.

Jan 1, 1965

By M. Buarzaiga

High-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) of nickel laterite ores typically extracts 95% of the nickel and 91% of the cobalt. Impurity elements in the feed, such as iron, aluminium and chromium, also dissolve and can be detrimental to downstream processes. Rejection of impurities within the autoclave is highly desirable. Aluminium and iron hydrolyze, and then precipitate in the autoclave leaving only small amounts that are subsequently removed by precipitation in a neutralization step. The concentration of dissolved chromium can range from 200 to 2000 ppm, depending on the feed composition. Chromium in the liquid phase, usually in the hexavalent state, introduces many problems and can limit refining options. For example, chromium poisons the organics in solvent extraction making SX an expensive option. Also, hexavalent chromium must be converted to the trivalent state before it can be precipitated along with iron and aluminium. Bench-scale work confirmed that mixing small amounts of carbon-base additives, such as coke, with the autoclave feed significantly reduced chromium concentration in the autoclave discharge without any detrimental effects on paymetals recoveries and selectivity.

Jan 1, 2004

By Philip J. Bangerter, Chris Twigge-Molecey

Design for safety is critical to metallurgical plants, due to the inherently dangerous nature of their processes. Two significant areas of concern are: 1. preventing catastrophic process failures that cause damage or injury; and 2. operational safety that directly affects those working in or living near the plant. Process safety involves human behaviour, but the designer can eliminate or control hazards by engineering approaches, and control impacts through the design of the operating procedures. The tools available to guide safe facility design include bowtie analysis, hazard analysis, and hazard and operability studies. Clean plant design principles can guide the design process to address in-plant occupational health and safety issues. Auditing and review is a key part of the overall design process.

Jan 1, 2015

By W. D. C. MacKenzie

IT IS almost exactly fifteen years since the discovery of the Leduc oil field and, as this luncheon is part of the Thirteenth Annual Technical Meeting of the Institute's Petroleum and Natural Gas Division, it seems, therefore, a singularly appropriate time to discuss the theme which the program committee has suggested for the occasion -the progress of the Canadian oil industry during the fifteen years since the discovery of the Leduc field. As you will see, I plan to take a few minor liberties with this suggested theme. I shall present ample evidence of growth and progress, but, at the same time, I want to refer to some areas where progress has been anything but conspicuous and to see what can be learned from these areas for the future. The achievements of the Canadian oil industry since the Leduc discovery in 1947 have been substantial, and the public is relatively familiar with the more spectacular developments.

Jan 1, 1962