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By D. F. Sangster, P. J. Hood, G. A. Gross

"Some results are presented of an integrated geological and geophysical study of Precambrian magnetite-quartz iron-formation in the Kapiko Iron Range north of Nakina, Ontario. Detailed geological and topographical mapping was carried out in conjunction with detailed geophysical investigations such as vertical magnetic field, vertical magnetic gradient, hammer seismic, horizontal-loop electromagnetic and magnetic susceptibility surveys. In addition, oriented drill cores were obtained for magnetic polarization studies.Vertical-force magnetic anomalies within individual rock units showed a strong positive correlation with topographic relief. Moreover, magnetic intensity was found not to be quantitatively proportional to the magnetite content in the rocks, due to the presence of high remanent magnetization of the magnetite. Also, the remanent polarization direction was sub parallel to the plunge of the fold structure and mineral lineation in associated rocks.Vertical magnetic gradient measurements were found to be more accurate in locating buried contacts between magnetite-quartz iron-formation and country rock than the vertical magnetic force data.An in-situ magnetic susceptibility meter was used to measure the magnetite content of iron-formation, and the measurements were subsequently compared with vertical-force magnetic results.The results of the EM survey were inconclusive; some magnetite-rich zones produced anomalies in the out-of-phase component. whereas others did not. The reasons for such inconsistencies are not yet apparent.Longitudinal seismic wave velocities measured parallel to the bedding in magnetite-quartz iron-formation ranged from 10,600 ft/sec. to 14,500 ft/sec. The seismic velocity appears to increase with an increase in deformation of the rocks."

Jan 1, 1966

By Knud Sinding

Many industries have established their own systems for self-regulation. They often do so when companies operate in countries where financial, technical, environmental and social regulation is weak and when the industry is challenged by legitimacy issues related to behaviour in one of these areas. Mining is one industry that has progressed unevenly down the road of self-regulation in these areas. This paper examines how the development of self-regulation for mines and mining companies involves difficult questions of scope, rules, membership, assessment criteria and performance evaluation. Using a range of theoretical and empirical results from research on self-regulation, performance rating and corporate strategy, this paper analyses the strategic and operational issues related to the idea of self-regulation in the mining industry. The analysis indicates that while self-regulation may bring benefits to members, they are likely to take a long time coming; but when they do arrive they may be substantial. Using the fact that in relation to technical and financial issues the industry is quite experienced in self-regulation ? not least as it is more reluctant in areas such as environmental and social performance ? the case is made for a comprehensive and innovative approach, that draws on the areas where the industry is experienced and develops new institutional solutions in the areas where the industry is more reluctant.

Aug 1, 2013

By Ross D. Lawrence

"Comparable transaction analysis is the best known of the market approaches to valuation of exploration-stage mineral properties. The analysis of option and farm-in agreements can also provide useful guidance to valuators. While such approaches can be distorted by incomplete analysis, market-based methods are capable of providing consistent, credible results when carried out carefully with due consideration paid to all factors which buyers and sellers consider when dealing in the real market.RÉSUMÉRoss D. Lawrence graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A.Sc. (Applied Geology-1956) and an M.Comm. (Mining Finance-1959). As a student and following graduation, he worked across Canada on a variety of mineral exploration projects.In 1962, he was one of the founders of Watts, Griffis and McOuat, and has practiced as consulting engineer since then. For the past 20 years, Mr. Lawrence has headed up the WGM valuation practice, responsible for a group of professionals which has carried out scores of valuations of mineral properties and mining companies. He is a Certified Minerals Appraiser of the AIMA and an active participant in professional affairs.INTRODUCTIONMineral properties without defined resources present one of the most challenging tasks to the mineral valuator. You will hear from others at this conference about the use of cost and income approaches to the problem of valuing exploration properties. This paper will concentrate on market-based approaches. Market based-approaches are based on the principle of substitution and include such techniques as:??Comparable transaction analysis (sometimes referred to as sales comparison analysis).??Farm-in commitment analysis??Rules of thumbAre there any valuation standards available to assist the valuator? In Canada there are none that apply to the valuation of mineral assets or securities. This problem is being addressed, at least in part, by the CIMVal committee of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum (CIM)1. Further, the recently established Canadian Association of Mineral Valuators will be giving consideration to the adoption of valuation standards."

Jan 1, 2003

By A. Scheltema Beduin, H. Oterdoom, A. Haaks, C. Kempe, A. Liedtke

"For the Kazchrome DC Ferrochrome plant, SMS-group specifically designed an electrode column that would minimize downtime. Special features include the possibility for on load electrode jointing, on load slipping, and back-slipping. Electrode consumption is strongly related to furnace load and impedance, and is very low at high loads, which makes the graphite electrode an alternative to consider even in AC applications. The electrode could also be applied in other DC applications, as for example TiO2 slag, the novel Conroast process, or (twin) DC FeNi furnaces, and could possibly be installed during bigger shut downs. This paper will describe some of the design considerations and operational performance data on this novel column in the FeCr industry that could also be of interest for the FeNi or PGM industry if these would continue to develop towards DC technology.INTRODUCTION Every DC furnace has a cathode and an anode. The anode applied is commonly known as the Concast design, though the original design was by ABB who handed it over to Concast, subsidiary of the SMS-group. Some well-known DC furnaces outside the steel industry where the Concast bottom has been installed are listed in Table 1 as well as a few other key design features.Sidewall cooling and some other data have been left out for reasons of space, and being a lesser relevant design feature to this paper. HES stands for Hollow Electrode System, in which feed is charged through an electrode. Table 1 is built up chronologically according to first start-up date. Below comments are given to briefly explain some of the columns in Table 1: •,“Arm” in the “Cathode” column means that the design of the cathode holding and regulating mechanism consists of an electrode arm as depicted in Figure 1. •,Charging is relevant as some operations started with HES charging, whereas recently most new operations have started without HES but only charging chutes, of which at least some are close to the electrode and possibly others installed closer to the sidewall. •,“Dome” in the “Roof” column means that the design of the roof involves a center piece that can be exchanged if worn. •,The optimal roof design still seems to be a topic of debate, where no design is without problems."

Jan 1, 2017

The teaching of geophysics in Canada at the present time presents a variety of approaches to the subject, and the different paths adopted imply, in turn, an uncertainty in the minds of some educators as to the role this science is to play in the future progress of geology, and a hesitancy to commit themselves to foster its development. The pedagogical attitudes vary from a whole-hearted acknowledgment that the science of geophysics is fundamental to the understanding of terrestrial phenomena (including, of course, geological processes) to a hesitant immersion of the toe to test the water's temperature (which is, of course, essentially a geophysical experiment) before deciding whether or not the time is ripe for total immersion. The present discussion has been organized in the hope that it will help to clarify the roads to geophysics and assist educators in making a more understanding choice of the best paths for them to follow, according to their particular requirements and objectives. Before proceeding further, however, it is necessary to define the term geophysics and circumscribe the field it covers. In the first place, it should be emphasized that geophysics is NOT confined to the art of geophysical prospecting. The popularization of geophysics has unfortunately engendered a general misconception of the word, and consequently a tendency to ignore the wider meaning of the term. Etymologically, geophysics means the physics of the earth. It is so understood by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics and the various geophysical societies which adhere thereto. To them, geophysical prospecting is but a very small field indeed, which they consider had best be left to engineering and prospecting organizations.

Jan 1, 1951

By Robert B. Parsons

"Canadian investment abroad has been the focus of considerable attention in recent years. Canadian mining companies have been heavy investors in Latin America and are taking a hard look at Central Asia and the Pacific Rim. This international flow of capital is not one-way however. Foreign mining companies continue to make substantial investments in Canada's mining industry. This month. Tax Notes addresses some of the main Canadian income tax implications of foreign investment in Canada.Foreign Investment in CanadaThere are two basic forms of foreign investment in a Canadian company: share capital and debt. The following comments deal with each of these investments separately. It is appreciated that the relevant tax legislation is, as always, quite complex, and that the notes that follow are intended only to serve as a guide. This article should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice."

Jan 1, 1994

By M. Huang

Electrodeless conductivity was employed to investigate the feasibility of continuous on-line monitoring of the free acidity of sulphate and/or chloride solutions of Cu and other base metals from various hydrometallurgical processes. These solutions were measured with both commercial and experimental electrodeless conductivity sensors from 15 to 250°C. It was confirmed that hydrogen ion has the greatest impact on conductivity by carrying the bulk of the current because it is the most mobile ion. In combination with a solution speciation analysis the conductivity sensor can be calibrated to account for the contribution of Cu electrolytes as well other dissolved salts allowing fast and accurate on-line measurement of free acid. The sensor was tested at both lab and pilot scale with very good performance. The average difference between the measured and the titrated acid concentration was less than 5%, which is excellent for industrial applications.

Jan 1, 2007

By P. C. Parsons, G. C. Milligan

"IN FIELD WORK in the Cape Breton Highlands, which are heavily covered with vegetation, it is necessary to run traverses along the valleys of small brooks. We encountered difficulty in closing such traverses, and the following technique was developed to solve this problem. It has been tested in the field for four seasons by several people, and found to be simple, efficient and more accurate than any other compass-and-pace system of which we are aware. So far as we can find, the technique has not been described previously. It may be of use to others.The Cape Breton Highlands of Nova Scotia consist of hills of old intrusive and metamorphosed sedimentary rocks protruding up to 1,000 feet above the general level of the younger sediments which underlie the valleys. The flat hill-tops are the remnants of a plateau; drainage off the edge of this plateau has produced many small steep brooks. They occupy valleys which are up to 800 feet deep, and V-shaped in cross section, with steep sides covered by mixed conifers and hardwoods. The stream at the bottom is rarely more than a few feet wide, with a negligible meander belt, but with many bends, rapids and falls. Visibility along the stream, in consequence, is rarely more than a few hundred feet, and in many places much less.It was found impractical to map the streams by the method of meander lines, as described in many standard surveying texts and hand-books. The limited visibility, and the numerous bends of the brooks, necessitated many corners. Every corner introduces errors. To 'close' a survey with 40 or 50 such corners proved either very time-consuming or impossible. In most cases, however, the general direction of a valley may be obtained from an aerial photograph, or by direct observation, and this became the basis of the method adopted."

Jan 1, 1971

By Z. D. Hora

Limestone of economic interest is widespread in British Columbia. Triassic deposits on Texada Island are a convenient 1idewa1er source of li111es1one for cemen1 and lime for 1he Pacific orthwes1. Permian limes/one near Pavilion Lake is used for quicklime, and a deposit near Kam/oops is used for cement. Quarries at Dahl Lake and Pwrmigan Creek serve local pulp and paper needs.

Jan 1, 1984

By T. G. Joseph, E. Lampard

ABSTRACT: Surface mining operations must manage variability from within their operations as well as variability imposed upon them by external forces. A framework to manage both internal and external variability through the continuous review and adjustment of a mine plan during active mining lifetime operation is introduced, to minimize lost production and maintain operational safety. The observational approach of “observe, evaluate, interpret, predict, and adapt” is employed as the backbone of this approach. Although written with a surface mining operation in mind, the framework outlined in this paper would be equally applicable to any mining or processing operation.

Jan 1, 2011

An optimization process is described that can be systematically applied by mine planners to produce life-of-mine schedules aligned with their strategic targets, while maximizing the net present value of the mining operation. The software tool employed uses heuristics and an evolutionary algorithm to generate life-of-mine schedules of production and development activities. Generating such schedules is typically a very difficult task due to the large number of operational constraints that must be respected, and the vast number of alternative schedules; as a result the value of the mining operation can be compromised. With an expansion at Newmont?s Leeville mine in Nevada, the mine planners were given the task of producing feasible life-of-mine schedules with significantly increased production rates. Their initial efforts indicated that it would be a considerable challenge to generate such schedules in a timely manner. By systematically applying the proposed optimization process, the mine planners were able to generate optimized life-of-mine schedules with the desired production rate.

Aug 1, 2013

By Sammy Bansah, Komla Dzigbodi-Adjimah

Abstract-Ghana, a major West African gold-producing country, took a crucial step in 1986 to allow private participation in mining ventures that had hitherto been state controlled and starved of funds. This decision has led to a three-fold rise in gold production with substantial local and foreign capital once again flowing into exploration and mining projects. Though the rise in gold export is due primarily to increased production from large mines such as Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, Billiton Bogosu Gold, Tebrebie Goldfields and Ghana Australia Gold that work primary lode gold deposits on quartz veins and Banket conglomerates, a fair amount of gold comes from placer gold mining from which two new mines have been developed at Kwabeng and Bonte during the current gold boom. Also, placer gold mining is important locally because the lower capital outlay required for its development enables many entrepreneurs to operate small concessions and provide employment for a large pool of unskilled labor. Placer gold exploration and development in Ghana is labor-intensive. Pitting is the most used method although few employ the mechanized ("Banka") drilling. The advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches in the local setting are discussed. The gravel is normally sluiced and the gold recovered by amalgamation. The drawbacks to successful placer gold exploration in Ghana have been attributed to lapses in execution of exploration programs (Dzigbodi- Adjimah and Arhin, 1993; Dzigbodi-Adjimah and Gawu, 1994). However, the failure to recognize and set time frameworks and financial limitations for the various stages of placer gold exploration have spelt the doom of some projects. It is critical that the characteristics of the placer gold deposit be determined by efficient and cost effective means. A planned exploration supported by adequate flow of funds saves costs and leads to success. This article discusses the current Ghanaian situation and presents proposals from case studies for planning and budgeting placer gold exploration programs for use in similar settings.

Jan 1, 1995

By Sammy Bansah, Komla Dzigbodi-Adjimah

Ghana, a major West African gold-producing country, took a crucial step in 1986 to allow private participation in mining ventures that had hitherto been state controlled and starved of funds. This decision has led to a three-fold rise in gold production with substantial local and foreign capital once again flowing into exploration and mining projects. Though the rise in gold export is due primarily to increased production from large mines such as Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, Billiton Bogosu Gold, Tebrebie Goldfields and Ghana Australia Gold that work primary lode gold deposits on quartz veins and Banket conglomerates, a fair amount of gold comes from placer gold mining from which two new mines have been developed at Kwabeng and Bonte during the current gold boom. Also, placer gold mining is important locally because the lower capital outlay required for its development enables many entrepreneurs to operate small concessions and provide employment for a large pool of unskilled labor. Placer gold exploration and development in Ghana is labor-intensive. Pitting is the most used method although few employ the mechanized (“Banka”) drilling. The advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches in the local setting are discussed. The gravel is normally sluiced and the gold recovered by amalgamation. The drawbacks to successful placer gold exploration in Ghana have been attributed to lapses in execution of exploration programs (Dzigbodi-Adjimah and Arhin, 1993; Dzigbodi-Adjimah and Gawu, 1994). However, the failure to recognize and set time frameworks and financial limitations for the various stages of placer gold exploration have spelt the doom of some projects. It is critical that the characteristics of the placer gold deposit be determined by efficient and cost effective means. A planned exploration supported by adequate flow of funds saves costs and leads to success. This article discusses the current Ghanaian situation and presents proposals from case studies for planning and budgeting placer gold exploration pro-grams for use in similar settings.

Jan 1, 1995

By Z. D. Hora

Several deposits of crystalline magnesite are known in southeast British Columbia. Deposits at Cross River and Marysville have been thoroughly explored, but as yet there has been no commercial production.

Jan 1, 1984

By L. Narhi, K. Haavanlammi

"Approximately two thirds of annual nickel production is used as a raw material in the making of stainless steel, and about 60% of these nickel products are in the form of metallic nickel such as nickel cathode or briquettes. In the stainless-steel production process nickel is blended with iron and chrome-based raw materials, and metallic nickel is typically only required for final steel fine-tuning. Outotec offers a new FeCrNi technology to enhance the nickel value chain for stainless steel producers. This involves the use of an HPAL-based intermediate nickel product (e.g., mixed hydroxides or NiO) as raw material in the Outotec FeCrNi process, for the production of a FeCrNi Master Alloy. The new process, designated as the FeCrNi process, offers multiple benefits compared to existing technologies such as: higher tolerance for impurities in the HPAL intermediate product, avoiding the need for further nickel refining, and the improved recovery of all metals in the FeCr process. The complete new FeCrNi value chain is based on proven technologies such as HPAL and the Outotec FeCr-process. This new innovative and promising value chain offers improved efficiencies for the HPAL based nickel production process combined with excellent sustainability aspects.INTRODUCTION In today’s global economy there is a constant need to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the metals production. The requirements for modern metal refining are tightening and cost efficient, safe and sustainable operation is the precondition for all investment. Outotec is offering now a novel way to combine FeCr and Nickel production to create a completely new value chain to source nickel to stainless steel. BACKGROUND Nickel The current nickel mine production is in the level of 2,000 tons annually and it is split 44% from sulphide based deposits and 56% from laterite deposits (Figure 1). Most (40%) of the nickel is refined to pure nickel metal whereas other products are FeNi (19%) and Nickel Pig Iron NPI (20%) (Roskill). The remaining part, roughly 21%, is nickel chemicals and intermediates. Most of the new investments in nickel are in the direct shipping of laterite to produce nickel pig iron. HPAL process is considered in few projects but no major HPAL projects have been started since the Ambatovy plant in Madagascar. Ambatovy reached the commercial production in 2014. The main primary nickel used is stainless steel manufacturing. In the year 2016 about 68% (~1,360 kt) of primary nickel production was used in stainless steel."

Jan 1, 2017

By Grant J. Goddard

"The Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) has been in operation for over 30 years. Today, and in the future, technology and its application will play an ever more critical role in the company’s business success.The Carol Mining and Concentrating (CMC) division of IOC is energetically applying technology today to enhance performance and results, and is aggressively exploring opportunities to apply technology to support improved business results in the future.A critical area of focus is the application of technology to maintenance management performance. CMC has taken a “back to basics” approach to the fundamentals of maintenance management in 1995 and 1996. In parallel, the mine is aggressively implementing its Vision 2000 maintenance integration plan. This plan is targeted at levering the energies applied to sound maintenance management fundamentals as the company moves to a fully condition based maintenance approach.This paper discusses some of the strategies, key technologies and objectives of theVision 2000 maintenance integration plan at the mining operations of IOC."

Jan 1, 1996

By E. W. Johnson

"The current increase in gold price may presage a resurgence of gold milling plants in Canada similar to that of the thirties. Because the industry has been at a low ebb for almost two decades, future operating responsibilities will likely devolve upon personnel with limited cyanidation experience. My comments, which may seem elementary to experienced operators, are directed towards these industry newcomers to highlight operational features in cyanidation which forty years' experience has shown me to 0e of importance. A brief review of what actually takes place in a cyanide circuit may help give a better understanding of the topics to be discussed.These will include: (1) expose the gold (2) dissolve the gold(3) make solid/liquid separation(4) recover the gold from solution.1. Expose the GoldThe chemical key to gold recovery by cyanidation lies in the ready solubility of the metal in a relatively weak solution (0.04%-0.075% NaCN equivalent by weight) of calcium or sodium cyanide. Obviously, dissolution cannot start unless the cya1ide is in contact with the gold. As an analogy, the yolk of a hard-boiled egg can oe taken to represent the gold particle and the egg white and shell, the surrounding gangue or sulphide host. As the sl1ell and white must be fractured to expose the yolk, similarly the surrounding gorngue or sulphide host must be broken or fractured to enable the cyanide solution to contact the gold."

Jan 1, 1979

By A. Miura, R. Winarko, D. B. Dreisinger

Chalcopyrite leaching in acidic ferric sulfate media at ambient temperature exhibits slow kinetics and poor leaching efficiency, which is typically attributed to surface passivation. Recently, the presence of small amounts of iodide in the leaching media has been reported to significantly accelerate chalcopyrite dissolution. To further explore the behavior of chalcopyrite leaching in the presence of iodide, it is essential to determine the factors that control the leaching kinetics. In this study, we investigated the effect of initial solution potential, iodide concentration, particle size, and temperature on the kinetics of copper extraction from chalcopyrite. The key in the experimental setup was to minimize iodide loss by iodine evaporation and precipitation as cuprous iodide. The former was achieved by performing the leaching tests in fully sealed leaching systems. The latter was achieved by maintaining the solution potential higher than 420 mV (versus Ag/AgCl electrode), where formation of CuI precipitate is possible. The experimental results show that higher solution potential and higher iodide concentration had a pronounced positive effect on the rate of chalcopyrite dissolution. There was no effect associated with particle size, which might be due to the narrow size range tested. The positive effect of increasing temperature only manifested itself when the solution potential was sufficiently high. INTRODUCTION The main challenge of chalcopyrite leaching using ferric ions as the oxidant at ambient temperature is the slow kinetics and poor extraction. The reason for this leaching behavior has been attributed to passivation resulting from formation of insoluble passivating layers on chalcopyrite surfaces, which could be metal-deficient sulfides, elemental sulfur, polysulfides, and iron precipitates (Klauber, 2008). To overcome passivation, technologies using higher temperature and pressure have been developed to leach chalcopyrite concentrates, such as the CESL process (Mayhew, McCoy, Mean, & Woeller, 2013), FLSmidth Rapid Oxidative Leach (ROL) process (Mulligan et al., 2017), Galvanox (Dixon, Mayne, & Baxter, 2008), Albion process (Hourn, Turner, & Hourn, 2012), HydroCopper (Hyvärinen & Hämäläinen, 2005), TPOX (Dreisinger, 2006), and AAC/UBC process (Dreisinger, Dempsey, Steyl, Sole, & Gnoinski, 2003). Even though they are effective in accelerating copper leaching kinetics, those technologies typically have higher capital and operating costs associated with production of concentrates and application of autoclaves. This makes them unsuitable for treating low grade primary copper sulfide ores.

Jan 1, 2019

By G. H. K. Pearse

Sulphur is derived from both 'voluntary' and 'involuntary' production. The former category includes sulphur obtained from elemental sulphur deposits and from pyrite and gypsumanhydrite deposits. Sulphur in the latter category is produced by pollution abatement at fossil Juel plants and from treatment of metallic sulphides. Canada is the world's largest sulphur exporter and third largest producer. Main resources of Canadian sulphur are sulphurous fossil fuels, metallic sulphides and native sulphur. Only the first two sources have produced sulphur in Canada 10 date; the first source accounts for over 85% of total Canadian production. Future sulphur sources will be derived increasingly through pollution abatement and decreasingly through voluntary production.

Jan 1, 1984

By Craig Haase

A. Introduction

Jan 1, 2003