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"Australia’s largest rail freight network operator, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), has selected GE Transportation’s Movement Planner solution as the key technology enabler for its Hunter Valley-focused network control optimization program.ARTC’s Newcastle-based network control, is the nerve center of Hunter Valley rail operations, where locally based train control professionals make thousands of decisions every day to safely support the annual movement of more than 24 kt/h (26,400 stph) of freight, and tens of thousands of coal, freight, grain and passenger trains each year.ARTC plans to transform its train control function by integrating and then building on Movement Planner, an advanced software solution by GE Transportation that provides real-time rail traffic planning and optimization to enable freight to move more efficiently. “The Hunter Valley rail network is one of the busiest and most complex in the country, supporting the largest coal export port in the world,” ARTC managing director and chief executive officer John Fullerton said.“As bulk freight demands grow, rail operators like ARTC and supply chains like the Hunter Valley coal network need to be creative in the way they respond so the Australian economy doesn’t miss out. That’s why we have conducted a worldwide search to find globally proven solutions that will improve our network productivity and efficiency,” Fullerton said.The Movement Planner solution considers multiple factors including train schedules, trafficcontrol systems and train movements relative to each other and then develops an optimized traffic plan for the trains throughout the network. Existing GE customers have benefited from increased visibility of network operations, higher velocity, less dwell times, and improved on-time performance across their networks."

Jan 1, 2018

By Larry Whittle

Gold milling activities generate waste streams containing dissolved metals and cyanide, among other contaminants, that require some form of treatment prior to discharging to the environment. To date, this treatment has involved the destruction of cyanide through natural degradation, chemical oxidation, or a combination of both followed by the precipitation of metal hydroxides. Although these processes have been proven to be capable of achieving. regulatory levels for metals and cyanide, they often generate significant levels of cyanate and, at times, ammonia, that may be toxic to rainbow trout and thus undesirable for regulatory compliance. Tallon Metal Technologies Inc. (Tallon) has developed Vitrokele™, a chelating resin that has the ability to capture metals (including gold), both total and weak acid dissociable cyanide, as well as thiocyanate from both slurries and solutions. The loaded resin is eluted and returned to the recovery circuit while metals and cyanide are recovered from the eluent stream. This process was demonstrated at pilot scale at B.P. Resources' Hope Brook Gold Mine in Newfoundland, and more recently at Canamax's Bell Creek Mine near Timmins, Ontario. The results from these pilot programs showed metal and cyanide recoveries of 99% or more with the concentration of cyanide and metals in the effluent reduced to levels with minimal or no toxicity to rainbow trout. Furthermore, neither cyanate nor ammonia were generated from the process. The loaded resin was effectively stripped and re-introduced to the recovery circuit; cyanide was captured in the eluent stream and made available for recycling to the mill leaching circuit; and metals were captured for re-use, sale or disposal. This paper summarizes the results obtained from the pilot tests at the Bell Creek and Hope Brook Gold mine sites.

Jan 1, 1992

By Robert Dunne, John Angove

The physical properties of an ore body require determination for virtually all mining projects, new and existing. The extent and regularity of such determinations being subject to the size and homogeneity of the orebody. Such properties have an impact at the design stage of new plants, with respect to equipment specification, and thus effects capital costs; and also impacts on the operating costs of new and existing plants, with respect to power consumption, production levels and part replacements. All of these can severely alter the bottom line and can be the determining factor in the economic viability of many projects. This paper examines some of the most common properties that are measured, the procedures utilised in determining these properties, and their variability under conditions of reproducibil­ity, and to a lesser extent repeatability. The properties looked at were Impact Crushing Work Index, Abrasion Index, Bond Rod Mill Work Index and Bond Ball Mill Work Index. A number of testing laboratories throughout Australia and the US were utilised in the survey. The results showed up some interesting and important features of the procedures used, all of which have become accepted industry standards, and which had varying effects on the final result. Tests such as the rod and ball mill indices would appear to have reasonably robust procedures which allowed for the determinations of the respective index without the introduction of significant variations, although there were indications that variations could occur. The other tests gave a sufficiently different picture to be able to suggest that an argument could be made for a more intensive investigation to be undertaken, with the possible outcome that a modified test procedure or an alternative test is required.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. Patrick Glynn

The paper compares the METSIM model simulation and the actual operating data at Sleeper Gold Mine in Nevada. The simulation utilized by the model is a combination of Bond's models, models for breakage and selection functions and the Krebs model for cyclones.

Jan 1, 1992

By James W. White

From Modular's first truck-dispatching system for Phelps Dodge Corporation in 1979 to today's alliance between Modular and Komatsu, Ltd., innovation has been Modular's main product. This paper describes the growth of a mining products supplier and the philosophy and decisions behind that growth.

Jan 1, 1998

By Ralph P. Hackl

Biooxidation processes for treating arsenical and other types of refractory gold ores are touted by many as being simple, inexpensive and environmentally friendly. One of the advantages claimed by proponents of biooxidation is that arsenic is disposed of as insoluble ferric arsenate which is suitable for long term disposal in tailings ponds. However, there is considerable controversy as to the stability of ferric arsenate with respect to re-dissolution of arsenic. In particular, there is concern that the amorphous ferric arsenate produced at low temperature is not stable, especially at the alkaline pH's required for cyanidation. There is a general lack of published information on the stability of arsenical bioleach tailings. Past work on ferric arsenate stability has usually involved purely chemical systems and the use of synthetically prepared precipitates. Upon completing the Salmita bioleach pilot plant campaign (Hackl and Wright, 1989) the author had the opportunity to test the stability of the arsenical bioleach/cyanide tailings which were produced. This paper summarizes the results of that work.

Jan 1, 1990

By Stuart K. Nicol, Malcolm D. Engel, Neville T. Moxon

Ion flotatir,n of gold is a process being developed to selectively float extremely dilute aurocyanide liquors using a novel surface active complexing agent. The principle of ion flotation is also applicable to a wide range of other metal-containing solutions. The market potential of the gold flotation process would be enhanced by the possible combination of the gold recovery capabilities with both cyanide recovery and metal removal. For example, recovery of copper cyanides from a return liquid strean1 would be a useful means of reducing operating costs and satisfying environmental pressures to treat tailings dams. Experimental work is described where samples of tailings solution from a far north Queensland gold mine were subjected to ion flotation to remove copper cyanide species from a clear recycle solution. The form in which these products was removed was of secondary importance compared to the need to produce a clean solution for use in the plant. Recovery of the anionic copper cyanide species was accomplished using a quaternary ammonium surfactant.

Jan 1, 1991

By Dennis J. Appelhans

Lac Minerals Bullfrog conducted research and testwork to find an environmentally acceptable alternative to lead for fire assaying. The result of this work was the substitution of bismuth for lead in all fire assaying performed at the Bullfrog Mine. The environmental and economic ramifications of this discovery are highlighted.

Jan 1, 1993

By Betty L. Gibbs

A short course, held during the SME Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ in February, focused on software for surface and underground mine modeling. The objectives of the short course were to review techniques for surface and underground mine planning. Mine planning software vendors were invited to demonstrate how their software runs, given a standard data set. Six vendors of mining-specific software participated in the workshop. They were Exploration Computer Services (MINEX 3D), GEMCOM Services, Inc. (PC-MINE), KJRA Systems (VULCAN), Mine Development Associates (SURPAC), Micromine and MINEsoft (TECHBASE). Data set A data set was created to challenge the capabilities of each vendor's software. The criteria used for the data set selection were: • a minimum of 300 drill holes; • the data must include topography, drill hole survey, assay and formation contacts; • the deposit was multimetallic; and • there was the potential to be mined by surface and underground methods. The data set used was an actual, complex copper ore body with a small amount of gold. The ore body was close enough to the surface to be mined by surface techniques. Part of it, though, was also amenable to underground mining. To further complicate the problem, a river ran across the area of the ore body. This presented mine planners with the problem of either moving the river or mining around or below it. The ore body had not been mined, so no data was available for the tons and grade actually produced. Data for the mine planning problem was distributed to each vendor about two months before the short course. They had the opportunity to load the data into their systems, build an ore body model and perform preliminary work. During the first day of the workshop, the vendors received problems concerning the ore body. They went to work on their machines, attempting to show short course participants how their software could help solve the problem.

Jan 1, 1992

By Jürgen Brune, Purushotham Tukkaraja

This editorial introduces a special focus issue on mine ventilation innovations. It highlights key areas such as ventilation on demand, automation, thermal management, atmospheric monitoring systems, and prevention of mine fires and explosions. The issue aims to address the critical role of mine ventilation in maintaining the health and safety of miners.

Mar 21, 2022

By Victor J. Scaravilli, C. Richard Linamen

This paper presents a case history of Southwest Interceptor Contract No. 1, Cleveland, Ohio. It details some of the problems and solutions of handling and erecting precast concrete segments in a small bore soft ground tunnel. It also reviews how specific interpretations of contract requirements and contract administration effect production, performance and productivity.

Jan 1, 1987

By Cuong V. Trang, Christopher A. Fleming

There has been greatly renewed interest throughout the gold mining industry over the last few years in cyanide recovery from gold and silver plant tailings. This interest has been spmred by two factors. Firstly, the increasing cost of destroying cyanide to levels that meet more and more stringent regulations for tailings impoundment or discharge to the environment. Secondly, many gold ore bodies suffer high cyanide consumption costs as a result of the presence of base metals (principally copper) that react with and consume cyanide during the gold leach. In most cases, the cost of recovering and recycling this cyanide from the tailings is signif­icantly lower than the cost of purchasing new cyanide. When this cost benefit is added to the lower costs of tailings detoxification, a compelling case can frequently be made for cyanide recove1y. A number of processes for recovering cyanide from gold plant barren solutions or pulps have been developed. Most of the processes require that the recoverable cyanide is first converted to the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid gas (HCN) and fears surrounding the handling of this compound have probably presented the great­est impediment to implementation of these processes.

Jan 1, 1998

By Karl O. Toppel, Jim Flaherty

The desire to minimize gaseous effluent in smelting and maximize gold yields from refractory ore are driving the nonferrous and gold refining industries to demand more and more oxygen. This, coupled with an increasingly competitive marketplace, forces the investigation of alternate methods of oxygen supply. Current progress in both the non-cryogenic and cryogenic fields is making the use of low-purity oxygen much more attractive. The benefits of on-site production are now available to most oxygen users. Historically, these on-site advantages could only be achieved by relatively large plants using high-purity cryogenic technology. The evolution of low-purity cryogenic and non­cryogenic oxygen production has added a new method of delivering on-site production. Specifically, the advent of oxygen Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA) technology has brought these benefits to smaller-volume customers by cost-effectively supplying oxygen requirements as low as 20 tons per day, (tpd). Low-purity cryogenic plants have also made an impact on the market, yielding cost reductions for larger-volume customers with oygen requirements greater than 70 tpd. This paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of current supply methods for users having varying volume, purity and other requirements.

Jan 1, 1993

By William Cowan, Robert Spencer, Lynn Carpenter

INTRODUCTION The Bureau of Reclamation is conducting a research program to investigate, develop, and test polymer-impregnated concrete tunnel support and lining systems for gravity flow, circular cross-section water conveyance tunnels. This system consists of segmented precast rings, backfilled with concrete. Polymer-impregnated concrete is conventional precast concrete which has been impregnated with a liquid monomer. The liquid monomer is subsequently converted to a polymer by thermal-catalytic or radiation methods. The polymer is a solid plastic which fills voids and microfractures within the concrete, resulting in greatly improved strength and modulus of elasticity and reduced permeability, which in turn increases the durability of the concrete. The immediate goals of the program are to develop techniques for the fabrication of precast concrete segments, test single segments to determine physical and mechanical properties, assemble the segments into a support and lining system, load and test the full-scale system, evaluate specific applications, and develop design criteria and construction procedures. NEED FOR THE TEST PROGRAM Modern rapid underground excavation technology emphasizes desirability of supporting and lining a tunnel closely behind the heading without reducing the excavation rate. Therefore,

Jan 1, 1997

By Fritz Eder, Rick Hendrickson

The quantities requires decisions growing demand for large of oxygen by gold smelters today that economic and operational be made regarding their selection providing electrical power, water, communications, sewage facilities and access roads. Liquid storage and supply system is of the system. decisions most appropriate oxygen supply Key factors affecting such are discussed in the following.

Jan 1, 1990

By Thomas E. Weyand, Wolfgang Baum

PMET is engaged in the development of reuse operations for process wastes from the natural resources industry. Most of the current remediation practices with mining wastes are concentrated on stabilization techniques. Once stabilized, valuable resources are no longer readily available for recovery and reuse. Additionally, stabilized materials, unless protected from weathering influences, pose lingering liability for the generator.

Jan 1, 1992

By Allen H. Gipson

Innovative thinking has led to the development of safe, environmentally sound, and cost effective methods for expanding existing tailings storage facilities (TSF). Three case histories are discussed here to demonstrate methods that have recently been used or are being considered for such expansions. Maintaining the integrity of the structure and reducing costs were primary goals in each case.

Jan 1, 1997

By Yao Zhou

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the international seabed area (Area) and its resources are the common heritage of humanity (CHH). Patent rights can be incompatible with the CHH doctrine and its underlying principles because patent holders might charge unjustifiably high prices to license patented technology for exploring and exploiting the Area’s resources (creating a "patent holdup" situation), might choose not to license, or might license exclusively when doing so would contravene CHH principles. However, a reasonable patent licensing regime can contribute to sharing the benefits derived from the Area and promote environmental sustainability. Provisions of the UNCLOS that stipulated compulsory technology and financial transfers were removed in the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the UNCLOS (1994 Agreement), but to promote equity and sustainability I propose a voluntary licensing regime modeled on the concept of reasonable and non-discriminatory patent licensing (RAND) that has been used in other contexts. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) or another entity will need to coordinate and promote this licensing regime through governance of intellectual property (IP) derived from the Area. This proposed approach can better effectuate the CHH doctrine and its underlying principles.

Sep 1, 2014

By Craig M. Sams

With the renewed interest in roasting of ores, dry grinding has become a hot topic of discussion. This paper does not try to cover the entire spectrum of dry grinding applications, but only highlight some of the concepts. Selection of the proper milling and drying circuit and special attention to details of the circuit components are crucial to circuit performance and maintenance.

Jan 1, 1990

By W. Ripmeester

Canada is committed to the development of indicators to measure the contribution of its minerals and metals sector to sustainable development. The Minerals and Metals Indicators (MMI) Initiative is described, including drivers for the development of indicators, the MMI theoretical framework, the multi-stakeholder consultation process utilized in the development of indicators, and possible policy and business implications of MMI.

Jan 1, 2003