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By Masafumi Maeda

Metal recycling and waste treatment have become common issues in various metal industries, notably, the iron and steelmaking industry and the nonferrous industry. The former tends to treat mass wastes such as municipal wastes or plastics. However, volatile compounds are condensed in dusts of their incineration processes and they should also be treated, likely by the nonferrous industry. Those "end-of-life" products contain heavy metals that might be harmful to mankind and should be handled by the non-ferrous industry. Not only revenue derived from regeneration of metals from the secondary materials but also the revenue generated from the treatment charges is a strong attraction for nonferrous industry to process secondary materials. The present study presents some statistical data of the Japanese corporations in the iron and steelmaking industry as well as the nonferrous industry on their revenues generated from processing of secondary materials. Some of the companies are now concentrating their business resources on new areas of the market. Although the quantity of waste or recyclable material is still small at present, the quantity will increase in the near future, and it is anticipated that international collaboration is required to handle the greater variety and the larger quantity of secondary materials.

Jan 1, 2004

By Jr. Wilkinson

Suncor Energy currently mines approximately nine hundred thousand tonnes of ore and waste per day at its open pit operations in the Athabasca Oilsands near Fort McMurray, Alberta. Modeling these deposits for planning purposes is particularly challenging given the characteristics associated with the deposit - stratigraphic deposition coupled with gradational grade distribution. The identification of ore and waste is a combination of bitumen cutoff grade, minimum mining thickness and separable waste thickness subject to criteria established by provincial regulatory agencies. Suncor along with Mincom Inc. have collaborated on this project to derive a methodology, automated by computer software, to streamline the ore and waste identification process. This paper explains the methodology and programs created to identify ore and waste in use at Suncor Energy and how this identification is used to categorize reserves and to generate mine design surfaces.

Apr 1, 2005

By J. W. Jefferies

"Plant availability up 13%, production output up 40%, tons per employee up 15% and labor turnover down 52%. One mine manager states these were direct spin offs from the work being done to qualify for a safety award in the program known as the ""IMSRS 11 over a three-year period of time. ""Of Course"", stated this manager, ""these were in addition to an 87% reduction in our disabling injusry frequency rate.”Officially known as the International Mine Safety Rating System or the Five Star Mine Safety Rating, a new approach to mine safety is being used with enthusiasm by a significant number of mines in Canada, the U.S., Australia, Chile, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Africa. Significant results are coming into the International Loos Control Institute from over 125 mines from these countries.The program is built around a mine safety audit system that gives positive recognition to a mine at 5-step intervals along the way, (a star with each step attained). The Institute has licensed auditors in locations in Canada and the U.S. available to audit.It is believed the success of this program is the result of the premise upon which the program is based. The results being achieved are due to the concept that a modern, well-managed mine safety program maintains the basic foundation of a complete management system. When properly implemented, it reinforces those factors common to production, quality and safety. (Attitude - skill - knowledge - fitness - structure - machine - equipment - materials and processes). The IMSRS contains elements that reinforce all these factors. It uniquely treats safety as part of the ""right way"" to do the job and not just the ""safe way"" as a distinctly separate entity. Mines using this program now recognize that many of the older safety techniques were not necessarily the right way or the most efficient way to do things. It appears that this new approach to mine safety is a new avenue for the attainment of management's real goals for being in business, and at the same time achieves optimum support for the important target of safety and health for the mine worker."

Jan 1, 1983

By S. Brophy

Controlled Short Circuit ? Metal Inert Gas (CSC-MIG) welding is a process that can be referred as a "Cold Welding" technology. The CSC process is based on accurate control of the welding wire position, thus the mandatory requirement for the automation of the process. One of the main advantages of the CSC-MIG process is the rapid solidification of the deposited material, resulting in weldments displaying low porosity contents, and enabling the joining of thin sheet materials. These characteristics render this process an ideal one for freeforming of components, where rapid solidification would be efficacious. This presentation will focus on the progress made towards the freeforming of Al-based components in the NAIN laboratory at McGill University. The relationship between the filler metal used, freeforming (deposition) parameters, resulting microstructure and mechanical properties will be presented.

Jan 1, 2011

By Z. D. Hora

Of four main gypsum areas in the province, commercial production has only come from Falkland and the Kootenay and Columbia River valleys of southeast British Columbia. The Windermere deposit in southeast B.C. has been the major producer since /948. Gypsum and anhydrite from the Falkland deposit is used principally in cement-making at Kam/oops. GYPSUM deposits in British Columbia are known from four different areas: the southeast part of the province in the proximity of the Kootenay and Columbia River valleys; Forgetmenot Creek astride the British Columbia - Alberta boundary near Intersection Mountain; Falkland; and O'Connor River north of Haines . To date, commercial production has only come from Falkland and the southeast part of the province. Gypsum deposits of southeast British Columbia occur in the Burnais Formation of Devonian age. Outcrops of gypsum and numerous sinkholes indicating its presence are scattered over large areas of the Stanford Range. Several properties have been examined by industry in both the recent and more distant past. Significant production is reported from only two deposits. The Mayook deposit, active from 1926 to 1929 and from 1947 to 1954, produced approximately 95,000 tonnes of gypsum. The Windermere deposit, which has been active since 1948, is operated by Westrock Industries and has produced more than 6.8 million tonnes of gypsum. The Burnais Formation is composed principally of well bedded, finely 'laminated gypsum but also contains thin lenses of black fetid limestone and dolomite. Part of the Formation consists of breccia with angular carbonate clasts in massive, coarse grained gypsum. In several exposures, the Formation appears 10 be from 200 10 400 m thick, of which more than 75 Industrial Minerals in Canada per cent is gypsum . In the Stanford Range reserves mineable by quarry methods are estimated to be approximately 450 million tonnes.

Jan 1, 1984

By S. Kamado

Development of new SF6 alternative cover gas with low global warming potential is strongly desired for melting and casting of magnesium alloys. We have tried to apply several kinds of HFC and HFE gases with low potential from 30 to 950 as protection gases to AZ91D alloy melt in the temperature range of 650 to 800°C. As a result, protective film consisted of MgF2 and MgO is formed on the melt surface and ignition-proof effect is sufficiently obtained at all the temperature ranges even when flow rates of mixed gases containing CO2 as a carrier gas are almost the same as those using SF6 gas. Reduction of global warming potential exceeds 98% at 650°C and 89% at 800°C in comparison with a mixed gas of CO2 and SF6.

Jan 1, 2006

By Stephen Hardcastle

Personnel Heat Exposure Issues In Canada?s Deep Mechanized Mines ?Project developed in 2004 ?Base/precious metal industry identified heat stress/management as a major challenge affecting productivity and operating costs ?Project started in 2005 ?Current research nearing completion ?Guidelines, further data analysis and ?Communicating the Science? will continue into 2011

Oct 1, 2010

By Stephen G. Hardcastle

Worldwide, metal mines are going deeper. For example in Canada there are six such mechanized mines planning production at 3000m (10,000?). Working at such depths challenges all aspects of mining including the provision of ventilation to supply an equitable working climate for personnel and machinery. This paper explores the overall challenges of supplying ventilation in Canada?s deepest mines and how the volumes required could be minimized. This is essential because it must be remembered that ventilation and refrigeration are not only costly items to supply, but the magnitude of their cost is also very sensitive to the volume supplied. For ventilation this is obvious because of the cubic relationship between volume and cost. In deep mines, the main function of ventilation is the removal of heat transferred from the strata and generated by the mining machinery, and the air volumes supplied are designed accordingly. The second consideration is the removal of other pollutants that could be harmful to humans such as diesel and explosive fumes. However, the need for ventilation at its present design levels could be reduced. This paper discusses the implications of such technologies as: teleremote mining and alternatives to diesel equipment on the magnitude of the volume supplied; ventilation-on-demand which recognizes ventilation as a costly and limited resource; plus other aspects, such as the benefits of controlled recirculation, local cooling, and heat rejection back to the strata to gain further advantage from new developments. Furthermore, this paper advances the need to be able to design ventilation systems more cost effectively and how such new advances as process simulators can be used in conjunction with ventilation simulators to explore the diverse options that could affect the air volumes required and provide more realistic economic data upon which to base design decisions.

May 1, 2003

By J. Vanderlaan

A proposed method of applying high-speed, non-destructive part scanning technologies to the production process of UO2 (Uranium Dioxide) fuel pellets is presented. The scanning process examines each pellet individually for correct surface roughness and any surface imperfection or defects. Using optical scanning methods, which consist of laser and CCD camera technology, the complete circumferential surface of the pellet is examined to meet the reactor fuel bundle specifications.

Aug 1, 2010

By W. Dolsak

Introduction Alternative bolting injection resin Hollow bars, rebars, and cable bolts Results from an in-house product development project Sept. 2011 to Feb. 2013 Goals Introduction of a newly developed bolting silicate injection resin as alternative to cement grout based injection systems Definition of easy-to-use pumping devices and installation accessories Accomplishment of installation trials and performance evaluation

May 1, 2013

By Michel Aubertin

Les activités minières peuvent produire de grandes quantités de roches stériles, qui sont typiquement entreposées dans des empilements de surface, au dessus la nappe phréatique. Ces haldes peuvent occuper une superficie de plusieurs dizaines d?hectares, et s?élever à plus de cent mètres. Pour des exploitations en roches dures, les roches stériles ont usuellement une granulométrie qui contient des particules de la taille d?un sol silteux jusqu?à des cailloux et blocs de taille métrique. La structure interne d?une halde construite sur une surface relativement plane comprend généralement deux zones principales. La première zone se trouve au coeur de l?empilement, et elle est formée par la présence de plusieurs stratifications subhorizontales (avec des couches denses et lâches) due à l?effet des équipements lourds qui compactent et brisent les grains. La deuxième zone se trouve aux endroits où les stériles ont été déversés en crête, par des camions ou des butoirs, ce qui induit une ségrégation des particules sur les flancs, le long de la pente. Selon la séquence de mise en place, la distribution granulométrique et la hauteur des bancs, un grano-classement plus ou moins développé se produit, avec les particules les plus grosses au bas de la pente et les particules plus fines au sommet ; on observe aussi une stratification inclinée due à l?avancement latéral du front de déposition. Ces éléments de la structure interne d?une halde influencent la distribution et le mouvement de l?eau (et de l?air). Pour évaluer la distribution des propriétés des matériaux dans une halde, on doit usuellement avoir recours à une combinaison de techniques qui fournissent des informations sur les caractéristiques hydrogéologiques et géochimiques des roches stériles. A cet égard, certaines techniques géophysiques sont particulièrement intéressantes car elles permettent une cartographie tridimensionnelle des variations des propriétés. Les informations obtenues de diverses techniques de mesures utilisées conjointement peuvent alors être employées afin de construire un modèle numérique qui permet d?analyser les écoulements non saturés de l?eau et le transport réactif des contaminants. De telles simulations aident à mieux comprendre la réponse de la halde dans son état actuel et futur, ce qui fournit des arguments pour ajuster la séquence de déposition pour élaborer le plan de fermeture et pour sélectionner la stratégie d?instrumentation et de suivi de l?empilement. La présentation inclura un survol des diverses techniques qui ont été développées afin de caractériser les propriétés des matériaux en laboratoire et sur le terrain, et pour obtenir un portrait global de la structure interne d?une halde. Des résultats additionnels sur la modélisation du transport réactif seront aussi montrés afin d?illustrer l?influence de la structure interne d?un empilement sur sa réponse hydro-géochimique et environnementale.

Nov 1, 2008

By Terry Bachynski

_ Regulatory Process _ Approval Timelines _ Trends _ Stakeholder Consultation Expectation _ Challenges _ Initiatives for Regulatory Process Reform _ A Better Way? Alberta Regulatory Process _ Regulatory Approval of a major capital development requires multiple approvals from several regulatory authorities: ? EUB ? Decision Report approves development scheme and recommends conditions for other regulatory agencies ? AEnv ? approvals to construct, operate and reclaim required prior to any in field construction activity ? Federal - approvals for federally regulated activities ? Municipal ? Development Permit

May 1, 2004

By K. N. Karparov

?Two highwall failures in a South African coal mine defied analysis by widely accepted limit equilibrium methods. ?The geological conditions were complex, with undulating coal-bearing strata overlying a karstic topography formed in underlying dolomite belonging to the Transvaal Supergroup. ?It was clear that the simplifying assumptions made by all limit equilibrium methods were inappropriate in the conditions.

May 1, 2007

By M. C. Bétournay

? Prioritization of this research area identified through a CANMET-MMSL industry survey ? Possible technological breakthrough ? Prioritization of this research area identified through a CANMET-MMSL industry survey ? Possible technological breakthrough Disadvantages ? High cost and long time for equipment development ? Hard rock mining condition limitations ? Size of equipment ? Equipment set-up time, down time ? Performance does not meet financial return targets ? Ground control issues ? Drill and blast retains overall advantage

Feb 1, 2008

By W. Dan Hausel

"Abstract-Hundreds of diamonds have been found in the United States. The majority of the discoveries occurred during the 19th century as a by-product of placer gold mining. Most of these early diamond finds have no known source, and in many cases are situated in areas unfavorable for diamond exploration based on current models that require kimberlite or lamproite to be emplaced in a stable Archean craton or Proterozoic craton margin.Diamonds have also been recovered in situ from lamproite at Murfreesburo, Arkansas, from kimberlite in the Lake Ellen region of Michigan, and in several kimberlites in the Colorado-Wyoming State Line district. Unverified reports also suggest that diamonds may have been recovered from other related intrusions at a number of localities in the United States."

Jan 1, 1995

By T. Cutard, E. Cailleux, F. Nazaret, G. Bernhart

This paper deals with the study of the mechanical behavior in the 20°C-900°C temperature range of refractory concretes reinforced with metallic fibers. Fibers are introduced to improve the damage resistance and to minimize the quasi-brittle behavior of refractory concretes. In some cases, a plastic or ductile like behavior can be obtained. Two approaches are considered in these studies. The first one is based on the micromechanical scale. Main objectives are to understand, quantify and predict the thermomechanical behavior of monofiber microcomposites. Such considerations are helpful to optimize the composite formulation for a better behavior. The second one is based on the macromechanical scale. Main objectives are to characterize and to model the macroscopic thermomechanical behavior of randomly reinforced refractory concretes. A particular attention is firstly paid to the relationships between the microstructural changes and the mechanical properties and secondly to the structural size effects.

Jan 1, 2004

By Xiao Huang, Jean-Francois Thibault, Ali Merati, Prakash C. Patnaik

Single-crystal nickel-based superalloys are the current state-of-the-art technology for the manufacture of turbine blades. This technological improvement of the turbine blade has brought a considerable increase in its cost. Repair and overhaul of service stressed single crystal turbine components is an economic necessity for life cycle cost reduction of engines since the cost associated with replacement is significantly higher than its counterpart polycrystalline component. This paper will first review the recently reported research in developing repair technologies used for DS and SX components. These techniques repair the crack or defect while at the same time ensuring that the mechanical properties do not deteriorate and, more importantly, that the single-crystal microstructure is not jeopardized. It will then be followed by a brief overview of the research conducted and initiated by the authors with regards to the repair of single crystal alloys.

Jan 1, 2004

By Malcolm Scoble

School Values ?? Each other; ?? Students, & helping them develop intellectually, personally & professionally; ?? Freedom to pursue educational & research opportunities; ?? Home-work-life balance; ?? The geographic-business community in which we operate ; ?? The pursuit of excellence; ?? Our contribution to society; ?? Creativity & innovation; ?? Teamwork & collaboration; ?? Career development, achievement & reward.

May 1, 2008

By W. Dan Hausel

"Hundreds of diamonds have been found in the United States. The majority of the discoveries occurred during the 19th century as a by-product of placer gold mining. Most of these early diamond finds have no known source, and in many cases are situated in areas unfavorable for diamond exploration based on current models that require kimberlite or lamproite to be emplaced in a stable Archean craton or Proterozoic craton margin.Diamonds have also been recovered in situ from lamproite at Murfreesburo, Arkansas, from kimberlite in the Lake Ellen region of Michigan, and in several kimberlites in the Colorado–Wyoming State Line district. Unverifed reports also suggest that diamonds may have been recovered from other related intrusions at a number of localities in the United States.IntroductionTo date, diamonds have been recovered in situ from kimberlite in the Colorado–Wyoming State Line district and from a kimberlite in Michigan. Additionally, diamonds have been recovered from lamproites in Arkansas. Diamonds have also been reported from kimberlite in Kansas, and from peridotite in New York and Maryland. However, these latter reports have not been verified."

Jan 1, 1995

By J. H. Curran

Agenda ? Challenges of developed world mining ? Software aids for creative and practical engineering ? Rocscience software philosophy ? Rocscience suite of geomechanics programs ? Case study ? design of de-stress slot Mining Challenges of the Developed World ? Dwindling reserves ? Great depths ? Strict operating and environmental regulations ? Competition from lower cost operations in developing countries

Apr 1, 2005