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By B. E. Halbert, K. T. Himbeault, S. L. Fernandes, R. L. J. Phillips, B. J. Topp

The Beaverlodge uranium mining and milling facilities operated from 1952 to 1981 with about 94% of the ore extracted from the main underground mine and 6% from smaller satellite deposits. Decommissioning work occurred from 1982 to 1985 involving periods of shutdown, salvage and reclamation. Transition phase monitoring, leading to eventual delicencing commenced in July 1985. Over the last 15 years, discharge from the tailings management facility (TMF) and a fresh water stream, impacted during the operational phase by tailings spills, has improved in water quality for most parameters of concern. Loadings to the environment of three key contaminants (radium-226, total dissolved solids, and uranium) have consistently been less than during the operational phase with radium-226 having the greatest variability. Outstanding environmental issues associated with the recovering drainage system formerly used for tailings disposal, are being addressed in an enhanced environmental monitoring program to commence in 2000. Changes in water chemistry and the natural re-introduction of aquatic organisms are issues of concern. In the meantime, application for release from selected satellite areas commenced in 1999. This paper reviews the issues which have arisen during the transition phase, outlines how they have and are being addressed, and provides a comparison of original and current predictions of the recovery process under way at the former Beaverlodge mine site.

Jan 1, 2000

By Philip W. Johnson, Charles D. Haynes

"Abstract - The coalbed methane industry has become a prominent source of domestic natural gas, with its technology having evolved over the past 30 years. Whereas most coalbed methane wells are able to produce without major interruption over their economic lives, wells operating in an underground mining area are subject to being mined-through. If mine-through occurs, the productivity of the well is at least compromised, and may even be terminated. The economic consequences of mine-through may be relatively simple if mineral ownership and extraction rights are common for the coal and coalbed methane. However, if ownership is not common and a superior coalbed methane lease exists, the coalbed methane ownership must be compensated for lost production caused by mine-through. This paper presents a relatively straightforward method to calculate the value of the lost production caused by the mine-through. It uses technology from mining and petroleum engineering, as well as simple economics and financial management techniques.Sommaire - L’industrie de la production de méthane houiller est aujourd’hui une source importante de gaz naturel domestique dont la technologie a considérablement évolué au cours des trente dernières années. Bien que la plupart des puits de méthane houiller peuvent être mis en production durant l’entièreté de leur vie utile sans interruption majeure, les puits implantés en périphérie de mines souterraines sont sujets à être recoupés par ces dernières. Un tel recoupement peut compromettre, ou même mettre fin à la production d'un tel puits. Les conséquences économiques du recoupement par une mine souterraine peuvent être relativement simples quand les droits miniers et les droits d’extraction sont détenus en commun pour le charbon et le méthane houiller. Si toutefois ces droits ne sont pas détenus en commun et qu’il y a eu octroi d’une concession de méthane houiller de qualité supérieure, les détenteurs du méthane houiller doivent être compensés pour la perte de production résultant du recoupement par une mine souterraine. Cet article présente une méthode relativement simple pour calculer la valeur des pertes de production suite au recoupement par une mine souterraine. Cette méthode fait appel aux technologies de l’industrie minière et pétrolière ainsi qu’à des techniques simples d’économie et de gestion financière."

Jan 1, 2006

By L. C. Stevens

The particular purpose of this paper is to direct attention to the development of underground conveying as applied to methods of working coal in the mines of Alberta. Historical A retrospective view of coal mining discloses a continuous effort, on the part of those interested, to substitute mechanical contrivances for hand labour. A patent for a coal-cutting machine was granted to Michael Menzies in 1761, at which time much of the transportation of coal underground was accomplished by means of sledges. Early forms of cutting machines attempted to duplicate the action of a miner's pick, and one hundred years lacer than Menzies? patent we still find this class of machine, driven by water power or compressed air, in use to a limited extent. A coal-cutter using the principle of a circular saw and worked by hand was exhibited in London in 1851, and from these crude beginnings the machines of today have been evolved. Transportation of coal underground has similarly been subject to considerable improvement. The above mentioned Michael Menzies took out a patent in 1750 covering the use of a self-acting incline plane, which is probably the earliest record of any system devised to lighten the load of the crammer or car-pusher of those days. In the year 1868 the Gillot & Copley machine was patented, this being a compressed-air-driven disc coal-cutter which proved highly successful. The chain cutters were a natural development from this type, and for a number of reasons they have been even more successful in the majority of cases.

Jan 1, 1930

By S. Kelebek, B. Nanthakumar

ABSTRACT The sensitivity of sulphide minerals towards oxidation depends on the mineralogical makeup and nature of sulphide ores. This paper focuses on chalcopyrite behaviour in a nickel-copper sulphide- ore matrix that was aged in the mine-site stockpiles. Results of collectorless, collector-induced flotation and recovery by size are presented following a discussion of XPS analysis that was used to gain insight into oxidative alteration of chalcopyrite’s surface chemistry. Chalcopyrite maintains its high flotation activity despite exposure to weeks of oxidative conditions. It is concluded that chalcopyrite is quite tolerant to stockpile oxidation due to various factors related to alteration of its surface chemistry.

Jan 1, 2012

By G. W. Adams

Foreword While the literature on radium is voluminous, there is no single publication available from Canadian sources which attempts to cover at all fully the world radium industry. The comparatively recent developments in the Wilberforce area, and the consequent arousal of public interest in radium, seemed to call for the publication of such a paper which would be intelligible to the layman. To satisfy this apparent need, the writers submit this paper which contains material derived from various sources, and for which the writers make no claim of originality. Direct references are made throughout the paper to sources of information.

Jan 1, 1931

By W. A. Gow, G. M. Ritcey, M. C. Campbell

"Uranium is a unique commodity. It is both a metal and a fuel, It has both commercial and military uses. It yields ""clean energy "" but presents environmental concerns. All of these factors have an impact on the commerce of uranium.Being a metal, uranium is extracted from ore like many other metallic minerals. As a fuel, it is subject to the vagaries of energy commodity market forces. The history of uranium in the first nuclear weapons has led to nation al governments carefully controlling production and sale of uranium. The spectre of radioactive contamination of the environment adds further to the public concern over the disposal of low-level radioactive wastes from uranium processing and use.There have been a number of excellent reviews on the commercial aspects of the uranium industry. In this discussion, these aspects will be briefly summarized to provide a general picture of the strengths of the Canadian uranium industry and the pressures to which it is being subjected currently. The principal thrust of this paper will be to outline Canada's resource strength and to identify some factors which will affect Canada's ability to continue holding a sizeable share of the world uranium market."

Jan 1, 1985

By Earle J. Klohn

"The design, construction and operation of tailings dams is rapidly becoming a major consideration for most new mining developments, as well as for many existing operations. In North America, under pressure from public opinion, various government agencies have in recent years enacted legislation covering the design, construction and operation of tailings dams. In British Columbia, comprehensive legislation has been passed during the past year (1971). All of these new regulations may be placed into two broad categories: regulations concerning the safety of the dam and appurtenant structures, and regulations concerning the prevention of pollution. Both types of regulation affect the design of the tailings dam facilities. Consequently, they must be considered jointly by the designer. A good tailings dam design must satisfy the basic requirements of safety, pollution control, storage capacity and economy. To achieve this, 'the design must be based on a thorough understanding of both the geotechnical problems involved and the requirements of the mining development. Obviously, this requires close cooperation between the designing geotechnical engineers and the mining operators. This paper outlines the major engineering factors that should be considered in the investigation, design, construct ion and operation of tailings dams. Basic methods of tailings dam construction are reviewed and the advantages and disadvantages of each briefly discussed. Comparisons are made between the design and construction of conventional water supply dams and tailings dams. Examples are presented of some of the problems that may arise during construction and operation of a tailings dam. The paper also explains the need for basic instrumentation of tailings dams and for carrying out simple field tests and measurements during construction and operation. Of prime importance is the downstream monitoring of surface and subsurface seepage flows. These observations are invaluable where contamination of surface and/or subsurface water may become a contentious issue at some future date. Each tailings dam design must be based on a study of the particular requirements of that project. To make a proper evaluation, adequate data must be available concerning a large number of items•, including such things as: topography, hydrology, geology, subsoil properties, seismicity, government regulations, fineness of mill grind, mill water balance, availability of suitable construction materials, volume of water to be stored behind starter dam, downstream development or liability, and many others. The large number of variables involved in such an evaluation often result in the designer considering two or more alternative designs. Selection of the final design, which is usually based on detailed cost analyses of the alternatives, must be made in close consultation with the owner."

Jan 1, 1972

By C S. Walker

This paper analyzes the physical, operational and economic site conditions which were conducive to the design of a diesel-electric power plant wherein the over-all use of the thermal energy of the fuel exceeds 80 per cent. The heat energy supplied to the diesel engines is recovered in power generation, vapour phase cooling, waste heat boilers, air to exhaust gas heat exchangers and lubricating oil coolers. Electric boilers are also integrated into the plant design to enable the ratio of electric power output to heat recovery to be varied to suit the seasonal and daily variations. The criteria relative to thermal and electric power design requirements are discussed, and the design details of some parts of the plant which conform to these criteria are illustrated. Some data in regard to the actual operation of the plant over a short period are also included. Introduction THE Cantung mine (Canada Tungsten Mining Corporation) is located some 180 miles north-east of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. It is situated on the upper reaches of the Flat river at an elevation of about 3,700 feet.

Jan 1, 1965

By J. T. Fyles, C. G. Hewlett

"THE TOWN OF Salmo, rail centre for the Salmo lead-zinc mining district, is in southeastern British Columbia 26 miles by road east of Trail an about the same distance south of Nelson. The belt in which the mines occur is a few miles east of Salmo and extends about 6 miles north of the town and 17 miles south and southwest to the International Boundary. The belt includes the H. B. mine of The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited, the Jersey mine of Canadian Exploration Limited, the Reeves MacDonald mine, and the Jack Pot property of New Jersey Zinc Explorations Limited.Since 1949, the Jersey and Reeves MacDonald mines have produced most of the lead and zinc in the district. From 1949 through 1954 these two mines together produced a total of 233,134 ounces of silver, 87,659,399 pounds of lead, 215,708,856 pounds of zinc and 475,397 pounds of cadmium. This amounts to more than 80 per cent of the total production of lead and 95 per cent of the total production of zinc from the district since the first recorded production in 1906. Reserves at the largest properties amount to several million tons of ore containing 4 to 7 per cent combined lead and zinc. Several prospects are potential producers.Regional StructureThe main structural units in the Salmo area are outlined in Figure I, and the major rock units of the stratigraphic column are listed in the following table. The lead and zinc deposits are replacements in a highly deformed limestone formation near the base of the Laib group, and all mineralized zones are on the south and east side of structural unit 2 (see Figure I)."

Jan 1, 1949

By S. Ianos, C. Vibert

Type and shape of large dams founded on rock depend upon the expected deformation of their foundation. Their design consequently requires the assessment of the deformability of the rock mass at large scale. Seismic refraction, laboratory tests on rock samples and empirical formulas can provide an order of magnitude of the deformation modulus, with a limited degree of reliability. Direct in-situ measurement of the deformability of a volume of rock is therefore preferred, which integrate the effect of discontinuities, such as plate loading tests, dilatometric tests, etc. The authors have been compiling results obtained by in-situ deformability tests on a number of dam sites, including the Scarabée (“Petite Sismique”) method. This last method consists in thoroughly analysing the shape of seismic wave forms transmitted through the rock mass. It has been used since now more than 40 years over a large number of dam foundations, and has proved to provide a satisfactory assessment of the static deformation modulus. After comparing the results obtained from different methods on six dam sites, the Authors conclude that their reliability closely depends upon the size of the loading device in relation to the spacing of the discontinuities. Attempts to correlate results from different types of in-situ loading tests reveal difficult, because closely depending upon local geotechnical conditions at test location. Plate jacking tests appear to be the most reliable, because involving a relatively large volume of rock. On the other hand, the Scarabée method (“Petite Sismique”) allows a rapid assessment of the deformation characteristics of the rock mass at large scale, and has been found to provide values generally in agreement with those from plate loading tests, while dilatometric or flat-jack tests were found too dependent upon local conditions. The Authors conclude that preference should be given first to the Scarabée method, which uses light equipment and is quickly performed, together with an accurate geological and geotechnical assessment for interpretation. In a second stage, Scarabée shall be complemented by adequately performed plate jacking tests in selected locations, in order to cross-check results and refine the assessment. The general accordance between the results of the two methods, which both can integrate anisotropy of rock masses, justifies this statement.

Jan 1, 2015

By K. Howard Poulsen

Shear zones are tabular tructures which tend to occur either discordantly within, or concordantly along the margins of, competent rock masse uch as plutons, sill or flows. They contain deformed equivalents of their host rock and are common sites for gold mineralization localized in tructure oriented y tematically relative to the shear zones and internal linear fabric. Apan from genetic implications, hear zone analysis proves useful in exploration for this type of deposit because the zones are generally wider and more continuous than associated mineralization and because there is an element of predictability to mineralization geometry (i.e. vein orientation. plunge).

Jan 1, 1986

By P. Cheung, J. Gulyas, R. Clary

Over the past 50 years, the use of autoclaves in the metallurgical industry has evolved from final metal recovery (hydrogen reduction) and purification (sulphide precipitate oxidation) to treating whole ores and concentrates. Recent process developments, such as the use of autoclaves for laterite leaching, have necessitated higher temperature and pressure operations, which in turn have seen marked advancements in technology and manufacturing capabilities to keep in step with process demands. This paper will discuss the advances in technology in terms of design, materials and construction of autoclaves and liners, typical dip tube design and geometric layout. This paper will also address specific auxiliary equipment, such as acid and steam injection systems, and components, such as agitator seal systems.

Jan 1, 2004

Of the many organic impurities present in Bayer liquor, sodium oxalate is known to have one of the most detrimental effects on the Bayer process. Because of its limited solubility, it will co-precipitate with gibbsite during the precipitation stage which results in many operational challenges for the refinery. Despite the importance of this phenomenon, the interaction mechanism between gibbsite and sodium oxalate is not well understood. In this study, the growth of sodium oxalate on three main morphologies (random agglomerates, prims and hexagons) of water-washed and caustic-washed gibbsite was observed under synthetic Bayer conditions using in situ optical microscopy. After a short induction period, oxalate started to nucleate on gibbsite crystals, and grew with a needle-shaped morphology which eventually developed into oxalate bundles. In addition, the results indicated that caustic washing was able to partly decompose gibbsite crystals and thus make the gibbsite surface rougher, which provides more potential sites for oxalate nucleation and growth. The growth rate of oxalate crystals on the basal (001) face of water-washed gibbsite was 1.33 µm/min determined by the time-lapse imaging of in situ optical microscope.

Jan 1, 2014

By Bird. M.

As the Cadia mill was the first 40ft diameter SAG mill, commissioned in 1998, its performance, liner and discharge design attracted considerable international attention. Twelve years on, the liner design and the control philosophy are being readdressed to further improve the mill?s performance. A comprehensive series of 3D liner scans, over life of the liner, have been used to calibrate liner mass loss and progressive changes in the liner profile. This data is being used to provide true charge mass and mill filling, plus progressive trajectory profiles over life of liner. This information, along with measures of mill performance over liner life, is being used to select the optimal operating conditions as the liner wears, and hopes to inform future liner design.

Jan 1, 2012

By D. W. Euler, D. G. Brophey

"In an attempt to address the issue of rising labour costs, and to improve productivity, a laser-based system to guide underground LHDs and trucks has been developed. This comprehensive system is known as the Opti-Trak system.Essentially, the vehicle is equipped with front and rear-mounted lasers which scan a reference strip mounted on the drift back. The vehicle follows this reference strip and in addition, based on reflective bar codes mounted beside the reference strip, initiates certain functions (i.e. dump cycle, speed change, brake check, etc.). Any programming that is drift-specific is handled by the positioning of the reference strips and bar codes. Consequently, the vehicle can easily travel to many different haulageways or branches, providing the reference strip and bar codes are in place.The advantages of this system are an immediate elimination of haulage operator costs and an increase in available hauling time to 7 hours out of an 8-hour shift as compared to the typical 5Y2 out of 8 hours that a manned haulage system offers.This paper describes the Opti-Trak system and the benefits to be realized from automation of mine haulage requirements."

Jan 1, 1994

By J. Paraszczak

ABSTRACT Diesel-powered loaders are a pillar of modern underground metal mining. As these mines are getting deeper and hotter and the emission regulations stricter, ventilation costs are soaring, affecting production cost. Also, the cost of diesel fuel is expected to rise. These may make the use of diesel engines more problematic. Electric load-haul-dump machines (LHDs) are an interesting alternative. This paper compares features and performance of diesel and electric, cable-powered LHDs. It overviews equipment offerings, and compares, analyzes and discusses technical parameters, operational problems and cost issues. The paper gives some conclusions about electric LHD applicability and performance, indicates possible applications, and suggests further research work.

Jan 1, 2013

By Xiao min Zhou, Yan Xu, Hongzhen Liang, Xiaonan He

"With the increase of shaft excavation depth, the thickness of the shaft lining increases sharply. It is difficult to reduce thickness of lining effectively by improving high-strength concrete performance. The concept of the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) is that surrounding rock plays a certain role in tunnel support. The solution should be to find the correct relationship between shaft lining thickness and rock strength, which is related with the interaction between the surrounding rock and concrete lining. The plane strain mechanics model is introduced to calculate lining thickness. Shaft lining design of Cixi Colliery in China is completed with the mechanics-based method proposed in this study. The lining design is verified through numerical simulation and field monitoring. The simulation results show that the maximum mises stress is located at the inner edge of the shaft lining. The increase of lining thickness cannot effectively reduce concrete grade. The monitoring results indicate that a lining design thickness of 900mm with C60 concrete, is safe and reliable in the shaft over 1000metres.This analytical design method can well be referenced in similar deep shaft projects.INTRODUCTION The New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), thought to have helped revolutionize the modern tunneling method, is the most extensive design philosophy and construction principle in today's tunnel engineering. It began to attract attention in the 1960s based on the work of Ladislaus von Rabcewicz, Leopold Müller, and Franz Pacher in Austria[1]. NATM was originally developed for tunneling in depth and in high situ-stress conditions in the Alps. The history of sequential excavation was reviewed, which highlights the progress of tunnel design and construction in Europe after NATM[2]. Structural conditions were introduced into the equilibrium of tunnels in NATM, and the additional force was estimated to stabilize the excavation of the tunnel[3].From the perspective of applied mechanics, there was no accuracy theory to explain the interaction between the tunnel structure and the surrounding ground. Numerical calculation is an effective means to study the basic mechanism of tunnel excavation[4].Based on two-dimensional modeling approaches in the past, such as NATM and other derivatives, a three-dimensional model was studied to"

Jan 1, 2019

The process of gold recovery by gravity concentration is incorporated in the metal recovery flowsheet at seven Newmont Mining Corporation owned mining operations in Australia, North America and Africa. In 2009 gold recovered by gravity processing was equivalent to nine percent of Newmont's total gold sales of 5.3 million ounces. This paper will discuss these applications in detail including a review of plant flowsheets and presentation of recent operating results. Operating performance will be discussed with reference to ore characterisation procedures, interpretation of results, design considerations and optimisation practices as they relate to the recovery of gold by gravity concentration.

Jan 1, 2011

By M. B. B. Research Council of Alberta Crockford

Introduction Kootenay strata of Lower Cretaceous age contain much of the highest rank coal produced in Alberta. These strata outcrop in the foothills and mountains of southwestern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia, and the economic value of the coal seams contained in them was evident to the earliest explorers, who refer co them in their journals. Lacer, investigation of the .coal measures was undertaken by prospectors and by a succession of geologists, most of whom were in the employ of the Federal government, but some acted for private interests. Surveys by these men proved chat foothills and mountain regions hold immense quantities of high-grade coal within easy reach of transportation facilities, and their conclusions have accelerated the development of the coal-mining industry m Alberta. Among geologists who have contributed much to our knowledge of the region are J. M. Dawson, G. M. Dawson, R. C. McConnell, D. B. Dowling, J. D. Mackenzie, B. Rose, J. R. Marshall, B. Rose, J. R. Marshall, B. R. McKay, J. A. Allan, and J. L. Carr. The present paper is to a great extent a compilation of the work of the above men and of several others who have investigated the area lying between Bow river and Crowsnest pass. Space does not permit a list of all the sources of information so chat only chose of prime importance are given in the text. Data for the map and ?cross-sections of Figure 1 were taken from the following published maps of the Geological Survey of Canada: Cascade Coal Basin, Pub. 933; Canmore, Maps 322 and 323; Upper Elk River and Upper Highwood Rivers, Pub. l980; Blairmore, Pub. 1584; Southfork Coal Area Map l03A; and of the Research Council of Alberta: Highwood-Elbow Area, Map 20; and Ribbon Creek Area, Map 21. In some cases, the cross-sections have been simplified or otherwise altered, and for these revisions the writer cakes full responsibility. The stratigraphic sections of Figure 2 have been taken from published reports of the above mentioned organizations. The area covered in this paper is shown in Figure l. It is wholly within Alberta, and reaches from township 5 to township 27 and from range 1 co range 11, west of the fifth meridian. Its location is about fifty miles west of both Calgary and Lethbridge. Topography of the area ranges from foothill on the east to mountainous on the west. In this paper' the foothill region is considered to be chat which lies immediately east of the most easterly mountain ranges, such as Livingstone and Highwood. There are two principal coal mining districts in the area, one served by the main line of the Canadian ?Pacific railway and centring about Canmore, the other by a branch line of che same railway and centring about Bellevue, Blairmore, and Coleman.

Jan 1, 1949

By G. F. MacDonnell

THE Privateer mine consists of a group of mineral claims situated in the Zeballos area, on the west coast of Vancouver island, approximately 180 miles north of Victoria. Although Zeballos is a comparatively new mining camp, its transportation facilities can be considered exceptionally good. General freight and supplies are brought in by either C.P.R. or Frank Waterhouse steamers from either Victoria or Vancouver. Service by these boats varies from five to ten days and the trip from Victoria takes approximately two days. Passengers may use the C.P.R. boats, or, if speed is essential, they may fly, in which case they have the choice of two flying companies, namely, Canadian Air-ways, Limited, and Ginger Coote Airways. The average flight from Vancouver takes approximately two hours. Excellent unloading facilities are provided at the beach by a government dock for the steamers and a floating dock for aeroplanes. The mine, which is approximately five miles from the beach, is serviced by a fairly good gravel road, which has proved satisfactory for all haulage purposes. Zeballos has the reputation of having one of the heaviest rainfalls on the west coast, but as no accurate records have been kept, no comparisons can be made. H. C. Gunning, in his report, comments on the weather from 1929 to 1932, and one would judge that the practically continuous rainfall did not add to the pleasures of the field work. During the summer of 1938, the opposite condition prevailed and the area had exceptionally dry and pleasant weather. The snowfall is generally light at the lower elevations, but very heavy higher up. No extreme cold weather is encountered during the winter, which is generally short.

Jan 1, 1939