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By Dale Bartholomae, David Harrison, Edward J. Walter

Methods that involve the use of signature blast holes in order to identify the particular frequency characteristics of a geographical area are widely available. Information acquired can be used to determine optimum blast hole timings to produce the desired constructive and destructive inference. However, these types of analyses can be both complicated and expensive. This study will investigate the use and practicality of signature hole and/or shift and sum analysis software and their application to small diameter construction utility blasting operations in Pennsylvania and faster moving projects in general. A determination will then be made as to whether this technology can be utilized by today’s blaster, from both a functional and a cost effective basis. Single hole blasts will be detonated on various smaller construction projects and will be monitored with an array of seismographs. The collected data will be analyzed in order to determine the optimum timing between holes to produce the preferred frequency content while keeping in mind the explosives user’s current inventory of blasting supplies.

Jan 1, 2005

Differentiation of a basaltic (?) magma occurred in an active volcanic area during the late Miocene and Pliocene, and a change in the general mode of extrusion from fissure flow for the basalt to explosion for the andesite reflects an accompanying increasing magmatic viscosity. A caldera formed after the flow phase was completed and was filled with coarse agglomerate, much of which has a fused appearance. After an erosion interval its shape was modified and it became gradually deeper as repeated explosions from growing andesitic volcanoes caused large quantities of pyroclastic material to be deposited. At the close of this phase the floor abruptly collapsed when a, large block of the underlying crust was engulfed. The incompetent pyroclastics filling the caldera steepened in dip and the ensuing fractures were filled by the rising magma as dykes and sills and a chonolith formed below the caldera at a shallow depth. The ensuing activity reveals a further stage in differentiation and biotite is an important new ferromagnesian to be observed in the new rocks.Fracturing of the surrounding basalts was most intense in the rocks forming the periphery of the caldera where steeply and flatly dipping faults resulted from increasing horizontal pressure directed towards the caldera.Further differentiation resulted in the increased crystallization of orthoclase felspar, as evidenced by the numerous intrusives of trachy andesitic composition. Magmatic freezing caused mineralizers to accumulate at the top of the chonolith. These eventually escaped and auriferous pyrites, tellurides, quartz, and calcite were deposited in the surrounding rocks.The flatly dipping fractures are the most important and can be expected at various depths in a zone about 4,000 ft wide surrounding the caldera. Latest movement along these was controlled by magmatic consolidation rather than the shape of the caldera. Some flat faults were able to remain open during mineralization and acted as a feeder for the shallower fractures, thus limiting the depths to which the steeper dipping fractures were mineralized with the possible exception of one particular Nw.-striking lode (the Crown-Crescent).INTRODUCTIONThe gold deposits of the Tavua district were discovered in 1932 and from 1935 to June, 1961, 1,985,041 fine ounces of gold were produced from 4,202,504 tons of ore. Of the original three producers, only the Emperor remains active in the...

Jan 1, 1962

By Bhaskar B. Thapa

The design of the Caldecott 4th Bore, located along State Route 24 in Oakland, California, is based on the principles of the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). Typical NATM initial support design practices used in Europe were adapted for this project to account for U.S. conditions and requirements, such as degree of experience with NATM construction, the prevailing contractual environment, and preferences for contractual simplicity. Key design features are: (1) support selection criteria based on ground behaviors and ground conditions; (2) a prescriptive design with allowance for support adjustments based on observations during construction; and (3) organization of support requirements into only four major support categories, while permitting some adjustment for variations in ground behaviors and conditions using a few subtypes and additional support measures.

The drill steel' sharpening shop, which stands adjacent to the Chaffers shaft, is built to the dimensions of 110 ft. 9 in. by 58 ft. wide, and is air conditioned in order to maintain reasonable working conditions during the summer months.Figure 1 is a plan of the shop, showing the disposition of the machines and equipment.LIST OF STEEL SHOP EQUIPMENTAir Conditioning Plant comprising:-1 Spray and Eliminator Type Air Cooler, 6' ft. x 7 ft. x 6 ft. with 80 fine sprays.1 No. 36 Keith type ER. Ball Bearing upcast multivane centrifugal fan.20,000 cfm. a in. WG. at 450 r.p.m.Fan motor, A.G.E. S.C. 10 h.p. 1,160 r.p.m.1 Water Pump. 2?!-3-in. Thompson Class G. Single Stage Centrifugal Pump.1 Pump Motor, A.G.E. S.C. 70 h.p. 1,160 r.p.m.Drill Steel Sharpening Equipment:-2 Holman Sharpening Machines, No. 11.1 Ingersoll Rand Sharpening Machine, No. 54.5 Ingersoll Rand Sharpening Machines, No. 50.2 Holman Hot Millers, Type DM. Double Spindle Machines.2 Morgan Hot Millers, Type 1.6 Reamers consisting of motors with Ingersoll Rand Chuck fitted to the shaft and carrying a reamer of i-in. square Ultra Capital Steel Motors, A.G.E. S.C. 1 h.p. 1,160 r.p.m.4 Double-sided Drill Sharpening Furnaces, oil fired with L.P. "Major" 2-in. non-rotary whirl type burners.Combustion Chamber, 2 ft. 4 in. x 6 in. x 12 in. Oil consumption, 3·3 to 3·8 gallons per hour.Furnace Lining, Standard Kyanite.Firebricks, 9 in. x 3 in. x 4 in.2 Moving Frame type double-sided tip hardening furnaces, oil fired using High Pressure Air reduced to 3 lb. per square inch.Combustion Chamber, 3 ft. 5 in. x 5 in. x 16 in.Burners, "Major" L.P. 2-in. non-rotary whirl type.Oil consumption, 3·3 to 3'8 gallons per hour.Furnace lining-bottom and sides, 60 only 9 in. x 3 in. x 4 in. Kyanite bricks.

Jan 1, 1941

By Vincent Joannes, Marine Lasne, Luca Brenelli, Colin Serridge, Inge van Baardwijk, Martin Stanley, Anthony Fisher, Mary Ellen Bruce, Tony Suckling, Pedro Avellanosa

"Abstract The European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) and Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) developed a sector-specific carbon accounting methodology and associated “carbon calculator” for foundations and geotechnical works. The EFFC-DFI Carbon Calculator is believed to be one of the construction industry’s first collaboratively produced carbon calculator tools for European and international countries based on verifiable and standardized data. It is intended that the tool be adopted internationally and become the open-source industry standard for ground works. A detailed methodological guide is provided with the calculator (Lemaignan and Wilmotte, 2013). This guide explains the background of the standards, accounting methodologies, emission sources and factors that were used as the bases for the tool development and includes detailed guidance on use of the calculator.Drivers for DevelopmentFoundation contractors anticipate project cost and carbon emissions will become inextricably linked in response to the climbing price of fossil fuels and carbon intensive materials as resources become scarce. Low carbon solutions will therefore become more competitive options. Also with high profile construction projects having low carbon/carbon neutrality as requirements, sustainability in the foundations industry also becomes a market issue.This carbon calculator will be used to lead the industry and shape the expectations of commissioning organisations by providing insight into the carbon cost of their projects. Commissioning organizations are encouraged to be aware of the carbon impact of projects and to also facilitate a fair and accurate way of comparing footprints to provide a level playing field for foundation contractors."

Jan 1, 2014

By O. Llewellyn Jack

From September 1978 to December 1983, ESD Corporation (formerly a Division of FMC Corporation) undertook the development and testing of a bidirectional auger under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Underground testing began in August 1981 at Peabody Coal Company's Marissa Mine near Marissa, Illinois. The auger was developed to increase mine production and coal recovery without increasing land subsidence. It bored 4-foot-diameter by 10-foot-deep holes into pillars on 7-foot centers (each hole recovering 5 tons). All operating during this test was performed by maintenance personnel with the goal of finding ways to increase the machine potential. The maximum excavation rate achieved was 1.4 tons per minute. It was concluded that the concept of drilling short holes to extract coal from underground pillars without surface subsidence was practicable with a wheel mounted auger, but that more power was desirable for this mine, and that the hydraulically driven augering system that provided experimental versatility was not sufficiently reliable for production use.

Jan 1, 1983

By Compiled by Staff

"INTRODUCTIONThe U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) was established in the public interest to conclude inquiries and scientific and technologic investigations on mining and the preparation, treatment, and utilization of mineral substances; to promote health and safety in the mineral industries; to conserve material resources and prevent their waste; to further economic development; to increaseee efficiency in the mining, metallurgical, quarrying, and other mineral industries; and to inquire into the economic conditions affecting those industries. The organic act of the Bureau, as amended by Congress and approved February 25, 1913, made it the province and duty of the U.S. Bureau of Mines to ""disseminate information concerning these subjects in such manner as will best carry out the purposes of this Act.""In accordance with this directive, USBM reports the findings of its research and investigations in its own series of publications and also in articles that: appear in scientific, technical, and trade journals; in "" proceedings of conventions and seminars; in' reference books; and in other non-USBM publications. The number of these reports, the wide range of subjects they cover, and the variety of mediums in which they appear make this kind of list both necessary and valuable.This edition describes reports and articles published during calendar years 1992 and 1993. It supplements the 50-year list of Bureau publications from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 196O 2; and these 5- year lists of publications and articles: from January 1, 1965, to December 31, 1969 4, from January 1, 1970,to December 31, 19745 , from January 1, 1975, to December 31, 1979 6 , from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1984 7 , and from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1989 8."

Jan 1, 1994

By John A. Herbst, Alexander Potapov, Xiangjun Qiu

"High Fidelity Simulation is a name applied to the use of first principles modeling tools including Discrete Element Modeling (DEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Grain Breakage (DGB) to mathematically describe and study processing systems. Over the past few years, significant advances have been made in High Fidelity Simulation applications, particularly as many mineral processors have been drawn to the study and use of DEM of grinding mills for optimization purposes. This presentation provides an introduction to High Fidelity Simulation, with an emphasis on DEM. It will include insights into current applications of these tools including the optimal design (wear and throughput) of mill lining systems and media selection, the analysis and design (flow and efficiency) of the back-end of grate discharge mills. Advantages of full mill simulations versus individual sub-process simulations will be demonstrated for a SAG mill with different discharge system designs.INTRODUCTIONHigh Fidelity Simulation is providing mineral processors with the opportunity to analyze the behavior of mineral processing equipment from a fundamental or microscale point of view. In the past complex phenomena such as tumbling mill grinding had to be analyzed using black box tools such as residence time distributions for transport and classification functions for passage of particles through grates; while breakage had to be analyzed using PBM models who derived their form from theory but required direct measurement of kinetics. Today with the help of DEM, CFD and DGB these can be analyzed at a very fundamental level.The key element of DEM simulation is the application of Newton’s laws of motion to individual objects or discrete elements. Using this simulation method one can describe the position, velocity (both translational and rotational) of all objects and the transfer of momentum to other objects (Mishra and Rajamani, 1992; Cleary, 1998; Nordell et al, 2001)."

Jan 1, 2003

By Floyd D. Varley, C. M. K. Boldt

Toolbox training is often described as short, informal training conducted at a worksite by technically competent persons for the benefit of a work team. The key feature of toolbox training is the focus on a work team and what is important to that group in its workplace. Toolbox training conducted by peers can connect miners and establish the feeling that the hazard is a real threat to them. This feeling can bridge the gap between delivery of a safety message and behavioral changes that can prevent an accident. Toolbox training is a popular form of "maintenance" training that should not be used to teach a new skill. The 10- or 15-minute toolbox session is simply too short a time to teach or learn a new skill and test for skill development. However, the toolbox format is an excellent way to inform workers of changes in workplace rules, conditions, or hazards by bringing the discussion of change to the level of the work group and suggesting how a change will affect the way workers perform their jobs. Toolbox training should be structured to address a very specific hazard. That is, the hazard source should be identified and the effect of the hazard on the worker described. The temptation to discuss a safety subject in broad terms will result in an equally vague result. For instance, discussing "equipment guards" is inappropriate for a 15-minute training session. There simply is not enough time to cover all the hazards and their remedies. A more appropriate topic would be "placing guards on a conveyor return roller" or "hazards of cleaning a conveyor return roller." Each topic is concise enough to allow the trainer time to define a particular threat to the safety of miners and discuss ways to defend against that threat. The clearest way to a safe workplace is to identify hazards methodically and eliminate them. This cannot be done with sweeping, generalized training. Some best practices that will protect a worker from the hazard should be presented, and the hazard should be located at the specific worksite. Toolbox training is an opportunity for the work team to participate in learning and share experiences and knowledge, often through storytelling. Storytelling is an ancient form of passing along information in an entertaining way. It is entertaining because it draws the listener in with imagination and creativity. Stories told within work groups are a way for miners to exchange experiences in which they made mistakes that resulted in an accident or a near-miss and learned a valuable lesson. Thus, co-workers can learn from others without the pain or fear that accompanied the storyteller's learning path. To encourage these shared experiences, the people in the group must be comfortable with one another. Participation doesn't stop with listening to a near-miss story or informing the group of an unsafe work practice. Participation by sharing experiences, knowledge, and skills should lead toward action in changing the unsafe tool, practice, or machine (Wallerstein, 1992). This power to change is called empowerment. Empowered workers use toolbox training sessions to discuss a problem; direct their own knowledge, experience, and talents in the context of their work environment to solve the problem; and put into practice what they have learned by sharing (Baker, 1992). A worker is much more likely to implement changes they have contributed to creating than changes forced upon them. Toolbox training functions best when the group size is small (under 20) and composed of workers with similar job functions. While combining all workers on a shift or multiple shifts may be convenient, the level of participation will drop dramatically as group size increases and participants are less connected. Similarly, when the work group participants are from different job functions, keeping the materials relevant to the individual becomes more difficult. The role of management in the toolbox training system is to communicate among various groups so that all groups at a mine site are hearing the same message. In very small operations, combining work groups can be productive if the trainer can promote open discussions and lead the group to solutions that address the needs of all and not let one group or individual dominate the discussion. WHY USE NARRATIVE METHODS An effective communications tool is to use stories as a means of describing a hazard and its consequences. Historically, using stories to transfer knowledge between individuals of the same and different generations is well established. All good stories share the same elements required to communicate safety principles. Stories require a setting (the part of the workplace), a plot (the circumstances that lead to a hazard), the solution (best practices), the lesson (what can happen), and the result (what will be done to prevent the hazard) (Dennehy, 1999).

Jan 1, 2002

By H. J. McQueen

ORDER OF PRESENTATION ?INTRODUCTION TO THE VICTORIA BRIDGE ?REASONS FOR A BRIDGE AT MONTREAL ?RAILROAD BRIDGE REQUIREMENTS ?IRON PRODUCTION CANADA / WORLD AL ?METALLURGICAL INDUSTRY CANADA ?FAIRBAIRN, STEPHENSON SHIP PLATE-RIB BOX GIRDER ?VICTORIA BRIDGE (PREFABRICATED BRITAIN) ?IRON ORE SITUATION THE VICTORIA BRIDGE 1859, TUBULAR -WROUGHT IRON* 1898, TRUSS ?STEEL* (*HOT RIVETED) 1957, SPUR, LIFT SPANS ??DUCTILE WROUGHT IRON WITHSTANDS FATIGUE ?TO KEEP THE TRAINS ON TIME & ON TRACK? ??IMMOVABLE SHARP PIERS SPLIT ?THE IRRESISTIBLE ICE, STOPPED CITY FLOODS? ? ?********* ??111 YEARS-YOUNG STEEL TRUSS, (1898): ?STILL VITAL SEA-T0-SEA RAIL LINK? ? ?********* ??51 YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE SEAWAY (1958) ?SWITCHED BRIDGE INTO DOUBLE LIFT SPANS?

May 1, 2011

By Anthony S. Spearing

The vast majority of the estimated 100 million rock anchors installed in mines in the USA per year use resin cartridges (Tadolini and Mazzoni, 2006). About 4.5 million per annum of these are bolts with a mechanical shell that if properly installed become effective active supports on installation. In addition, cable anchors (mostly passive) are installed with typically 4 ft of effective resin anchorage length sometimes with mechanical shells, which further makes the installation more difficult. This is because the cable (even with a stiffener tube) is not very rigid. When installing bolts with mechanical shells and cable bolts in the holes, the back-pressure can be so high that the installation is unsuccessful often creating a ?spinner? (an un-tensioned bolt) at best or buckling the bolt thus requiring another bolt/cable to be installed, or leaving a poorly functioning unit. The installation problems can create a significant potential safety hazard and waste time and money. Using a purpose designed test rig that physically inserts different rock anchors into pipes with resin and measure the back-pressure developed with time during the insertion/ installation. The test installation procedure is designed to mirror that used underground by rockbolt operators in coal mines. In addition a computer model has been calibrated that can predict the approximate back pressure of new anchor and resin combinations acting as a screen before physical testing. This research has lead to an understanding and quantification of the insertion back-pressures and this already resulted in improved prototype designs that could lead to more reliable mechanical shell and resin bolt installations.

Jan 1, 2009

By Jorj O. Osterberg

Until ten years ago, the largest load tests on drilled shafts (bored piles) were about 3,000 tons (27MN). These tests were made with kentledge (large weights, usually concrete blocks) stacked up as a reaction to the applied downward load of a hydraulic jack. In some cases, the jack load is resisted by a load frame held down by piles or anchors connected to the frame. When the test loads exceed 3,000 tons (27MN), these methods become cumbersome expensive and time consuming. The Osterberg (O-cell) test method does not require any reaction load. It has become the only cost effective method for static load testing of high capacity shafts. Over 650 load tests have been performed with this method, 86 of which were over 3,000 tons (27 MN) and 40 over 5,000 tons (44 MN), and the largest test load was 17,000 tons (150 MN). Tests have been made on sands below the water table, shafts ending in rock sockets, and cemented sands and gravels. Test results and details for selected load tests are discussed.

Jan 1, 2002

By N. Hiroyoshi, R. D. Corpuz, M. Ito, Hokkaido University, C. B. Tabelin, S. Veerawattananun

"Acid mine drainage (AMD), the very acidic and heavy metal-contaminated leachate generated when pyrite-bearing rocks are exposed to surface oxidizing conditions, is a serious environmental problem encountered after the closure of mines and mineral processing operations. In this study, we investigated the effects of soluble phases and metallic oxides, which are commonly found in strongly weathered pyritic wastes, on pyrite oxidation. Strongly weathered pyrite containing melanterite (FeSO4·7H2O) as the main soluble phase was obtained from Furikusa mine, Japan. The sample was washed using two methods to vary the relative amounts of melanterite in the sample. The effect of metallic oxides on pyrite oxidation was evaluated using ultrapure hematite suspensions. Our results showed that under acidic conditions, the effect of soluble salts on the oxidation of pyrite was stronger than hematite. More thorough washing of the sample resulted in the formation of an arsenic-bearing iron-oxyhydroxysulfate coating that minimized pyrite dissolution. This oxidized layer became relatively thicker and mechanically stronger when hematite was introduced after the more thorough removal of soluble salts. Characterization of this “coating” coupled with geochemical modeling suggest that it is most probably composed of two materials: schwertmannite and scorodite. Based on these results, a new approach to suppress pyrite oxidation by directly using iron-oxyhydroxysulfate as coating material is introduced.INTRODUCTION Acid mine drainage (AMD), the very acidic and heavy metals-contaminated leachate produced in closed/abandoned mine sites (Evangelou, 1995), mineral processing and coal cleaning tailings (Evangelou, 1995), and tunnel construction waste rocks (Tabelin and Igarashi, 2009, Tabelin et al., 2012), is one of the oldest and probably the most serious environmental problem of anthropogenic origin. When released to the environment, it rapidly pollutes river, soil and groundwater systems leading to the destruction of affected ecosystems. AMD is produced when pyrite (FeS2), one of the primary gangue minerals in sulfide ores and coals, is exposed to oxidizing conditions as illustrated by the following reactions:"

Jan 1, 2016

By Tom Treleaven

The widening of the Panama Canal to approximately 130 feet (40 m) for its entire length began just a few years ago. The original expansion program was slated for completion in 18 to 20 years, but has recently been reduced for completion within the next four years. This means that a tremendous amount of blasting at simultaneous points along the canal, by both the Panama Canal Commission (PCC) and many subcontractors, is necessary to achieve the new completion deadline. The accelerated program also imposed many logistical concerns, since marine trafIic is always heavy and cannot be stopped for blasting. Because some of the large and heavy cargo vessels clear the bottom of the canal by only about 6 feet ( 2 m), the blasting cannot result in any large boulders into the center of the canal, for fear of grounding and damaging a vessel, not to mention the traffic delays and lost income of approximately 1 to 2 million dollars per day.

Jan 1, 1997

By K L. Temel, W P. Player

The underlying message of this paper is that investment in prospecting, exploration and mining in New Zealand is welcomed. The Government's policy with respect to Crown owned minerals is for continuing investment in prospecting, exploration and mining which is in accordance with good exploration or mining practice. To encourage continued investment requires a business-friendly environment. Government policies and initiatives to enhance the business environment for the minerals and coal exploration and mining industries are discussed in this paper. As well, new initiatives under consideration, which have the purpose of enhancing the investment environment, are discussed.

Jan 1, 1997

By Daniel Su

This paper describes recent ground control challenges encountered at the longwall recovery areas of one of Bailey Mine?s two longwall faces and the proactive measures taken by CONSOL management and engineering to mitigate them. The challenges derived primarily from the following causes: (1) irregular roof coal and draw slate thickness, (2) presence of thick sandstone at the recovery area and extremely weak rocks below the sandstone, (3) close proximity to a regional anticline, (4) low shield set pressure and tip load, and (5) ineffective primary roof support that led to progressive failure of the headgate roof. The presence of the anticline contributed to extensive fracturing of the sandstone. Excessive pot-out in advance of the shields frequently occurred near mid-face due to the presence of thick draw slate and irregular roof coal near the recovery area. This, in turn, resulted in face heights that exceeded the maximum reach of the shields. Subsequently, during longwall meshing, when the advance rate slowed considerably, fractured sandstone would often break loose, causing the shields to yield, thereby reducing the height and inhibiting shearer movement. To improve the headgate and face conditions within the longwall recovery area, several actions were taken, including: (1) assessing site-specific roof geology by conducting in-mine roof coring around the recovery areas and by mapping immediate draw slate and roof coal thicknesses within surrounding entries, (2) increasing pump pressure and thus shield set pressures (3) diligently monitoring shield set pressures and longwall extraction horizon, (4) installing additional cable bolts and roof screening to prevent progressive failure of the immediate headgate roof, (5) fully-grouting supplemental cable bolts to improve headgate support stiffness, and (6) gluing the headgate roof within the recovery areas with polyurethane. As a result of these collective efforts, longwall recovery delays at Bailey Mine were reduced from 21 days in 2006 to nearly zero in 2009.

Jan 1, 2009

By W. Lum

In the U.S., flexible metal pipe culverts are designed by ring compression theory because the pipes are capable of deflecting and deriving side support from surrounding ground. For economy, tunnel liners are often designed as flexible structures that depend on the lateral pressure of the surrounding ground to maintain stability. In this paper, simple formulas are presented to determine the maximum deflection a concrete tunnel liner may assume and the ring compressive strength of the deflected liner. A tunnel can then be constructed to work within these limits. Similar techniques may be used to design concrete pipes.

Jan 1, 2010

By Jerry Ran

Stope back caving in a mine using open stope mining interrupts the planned mining sequence and causes oversize muck and dilution with adverse economic implications. As many underground mines are mining or have plans to mine at depth, stope back caving could have significant impact on the mine sustainability. Therefore understanding the caving mechanism is important in preventing future occurrence and improving the mine economic performance. Falconbridge Ltd Kidd Mine is an underground mine using open stope method producing more than 2 million tonnes per year. Its current lowest mining level is approximately 2070m below surface and the lower portion of the orebody is being developed. In years of 2002 and 2003 the back of three stopes of approximately 1900m and 2040m below surface caved and caused substantial mining difficulties at the mine. As these caved stopes are subject to stress concentration, seismic activities and near major geological structures, the caving mechanism is much more complex than that of stopes near surface. In addition to the recorded caving history by site observations, the mine carried out cavity surveys and test drilling to define the caved profiles. The mine seismic monitoring database provided information at these stopes. Stress modeling work conducted by an external consultant provided the stress patterns at the caved stopes. Based on the field collected data and stress and seismic information, this paper presents details of the stope caving process and cavity surveyed profiles, reviews the predictability of the stability graph approach for these cases, discusses the caving mechanism and proposes preventive measures to stabilize the stope back.

May 1, 2004

By M Hourn, D Turner, P Voigt, D Mallah

The GPM Gold Project is located in Armenia, and consists of an open cut mine at Zod, near the Azerbaijan border, and a CIL processing plant at Ararat near the Turkish border. Mining at Zod commenced in 1976, and focused on near surface oxide ores, which overlay deeper refractory sulphides. Historical mining has now almost depleted the oxide ores, and the sulphide content of ore delivered to the processing plant at Ararat is increasing. Gold and silver recoveries through the Ararat plant were declining steadily.GeoProMining, the owners of the project, have expanded the Ararat facility to deal with the increasing sulphide content in the ore. In 2014, GeoProMining refurbished an existing concentrator on site to recover a sulphide concentrate from the ore, and have constructed an Albion ProcessTM plant to oxidize the refractory concentrate. Glencore Technology (GT) provided the Albion ProcessTM plant as a technology package.In July 2014, the progress of the GPM Gold Project Albion ProcessTM Plant was reported (Hourn, Voigt and Turner, 2014). At the time of writing, the construction of the plant was nearly complete. This paper presents an update of project progress, covering commissioning and ramp up of the GPM Gold Project.The commissioning phase occurred over June to August 2014, which included an M3,000 IsaMillTM fine grinding plant, a 6 tph limestone milling plant, a 60 tpd vacuum pressure swing adsorption oxygen plant, a 10 m residue thickener and a 12 tph Albion ProcessTM oxidative leach plant. Since commissioning was completed, ramp up occurred over the following three months with downstream gold recoveries from cyanide leaching reaching over 98%.CITATION:Voigt, P, Hourn, M, Mallah, D and Turner, D, 2015. Commissioning and ramp-up of the Albion Process at the GPM Gold Project, in Proceedings MetPlant 2015, pp 207–219 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 7, 2015

By Kyoosang Yoo

The report presents the results corresponding to the analysis of a lining system for tunnels in soil and soft rock in creep-active ground. The purpose of the analysis is to evaluate the performance of a lining at each construction stage. The steps include: 1. Accurate representation of the initial undisturbed state of stress 2. Excavation, 3. Lining installation 4. Injection of mortar and its curing, and 5. Short-, medium- and long-term creep behaviour in the surrounding soil/rock. The response of a prototype tunnel is simulated using the computational finite element framework MSC.marc2008.

Jan 1, 2010