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NANA Accepts Mining ­ 1974 - Leadership presented mining option to people ­ Community meetings; recognized need for cash economy ­ 1979 - Poll shows consensus in favor of mine development ­ 1980 - Shareholders approve mining; Congress approved land selections

May 1, 2002

By Brian Lewis

"IntroductionThe ion exchange process is classed as a purification and concentration stage. In the uranium industry it is used to separate, and recover uranium, from a solution produced in the leach and subsequent solid washing circuit, that contains uranium as well as some impurities. The final product from this circuit is a solution, containing uranium at a 15 to 25 fold increase in concentration, with a chemical composition suitable for the ""Precipitation"" circuit.The process is a reversible chemical ""ION"" exchange, between a solution, and solid phase, with the ""resin"" being the solid phase. Various chemical changes in the solution phase will permit the resin to remove uranium from a solution or have the uranium removed from the resin back into a solution phase. The former loads uranium onto the resin, and is called the ""adsorption cycle"", and the removal or stripping is known as the ""elution cycle"".Ion Exchange resin is a semi-rigid polystyrene spherical bead, approximately 10 to 30 mesh. It is used by placing the resin in a vessel, so that a porous bed of resin is formed, through which the solution may flow.There are many different types of vessels, and systems used to hold the resin, but it is not the intention of this chapter to describe them all, but to describe two methods used in Elliot Lake. These are the ""fixed bed"", and ""moving bed"" systems, the condition of the bed during normal operation signifies the name of the system.Chemical and Physical Characteristicslon Exchange ResinThe resin used is a strange base Anionic resin, semi-rigid, and spherical in shape. The size of the wet resin is approximately 9007o between 20 and 40 mesh. Physically the beads of resin are broken early, but some have lasted over 15 years and are still in use."

Jan 1, 1989

By Charles Camsell

Few persons ever stop to consider how vital an influence minerals, and especially metals, have had upon human history, how they have affected the every-day life of the individual or how at different periods they have altered the course of nations and determined their progress. Students and writers of history have dealt very fully with political history and have given us a great deal of detail about the careers and policies of kings, parliaments and nations, but frequently have not touched the economic causes that have been the real forces influencing the development and carrying out of these policies. So far as minerals are concerned there is no single work from which one can get a concise and consecutive account of the growth in the use of minerals, nor of the diverse ways in which the. geographical distribution, the .search for, the development and the use of mineral resources have affected human progress from the beginning of man's history. The reason for this is quite plain, and when one takes a little time to think of it he begins to appreciate the magnitude of the job and he will realize that the story of minerals and mineral resources touches a tremendous range of human activity, not only of mining .and metallurgy, but the whole field of agricultural and industrial growth, of exploration and colonization, transportation and commerce, monetary system, commercial policy, in short, almost every phase of economic life.

Jan 1, 1926

By Arthur Laing

"IT is indeed a pleasure to have the opportunity of addressing this group today. Not only does it give me the opportunity of meeting with representatives of what is considered by many to be the most dynamic segment of industry in Canada today, but it also allows me to talk about a subject of para-mount interest to myself, the development of the North, and to explain, if even only briefly, some of our beliefs and hopes in this regard.It is inconceivable that all lands north of the 60th parallel, representing 35 per cent of Canada's total land area, which we believe contain a great natural resource potential, will remain as an undeveloped portion of Canada. The re-sources are there, although the people and private industry are as yet not there in sufficient numbers.It has been estimated that in the west and north of Canada there are 1.6 million cubic miles of sedimentary rocks. Of this figure, 342,-000 are thought to lie in Alberta, 115,000 in British Columbia and about 1 million cubic miles are thought to lie in Canada's northern regions, the bulk in the Arctic Islands. On the basis of apparent volumes of sedimentary rock, we estimate that as much as 13 billion barrels of petroleum may lie beneath the permafrost of the North-west Territories, another 3 billion barrels in the Yukon Territory and 33 billion barrels in the Arctic Islands. This is, indeed, a rich and elusive prize, and one which must be sought with a view to fulfilling demands on the production of petroleum."

Jan 1, 1966

By W. H. Moore

It seems necessary, at times, that we should reconsider some of the more obscure causes that lead to explosions of gas and coal-dust in mines, in the hope that a recapitulation will keep before us that old and true saying "eternal vigilance is the price of safety". This explosion, while not extensive (resulting in only two much to be regretted deaths) enlarged our vision as to the possibility and probability of other explosions with more disastrous results. As this is only a partial report I shall have to omit many things that are generally included in describing a mine explosion. The mine was worked exclusively with electric cap-lamps -only firebosses and other officials carried safety-lamps. All shots were examined and fired by firebosses with a small hand-battery. Monobel was used exclusively for blasting, and clay for tamping. The system of haulage iri use was main-rope and winches, horses being employed for gathering. Compressed-air was the motive power for all winches and pumps, excepting the pumps at the shaft-bottom which were steam-driven. The mine was wet with practically no dust anywhere, except what was being made at the coal-face in the getting of the coal. Gas was found occasionally, generally in the brushing, especially where the brushing was carried up to a small seam, 2 to 6 feet above the main seam. The place where the explosion took place was known as Leigh's heading, which was being driven to the rise, immediately inbye of the siding (off No. 1 left, off the new slope) and was about 90 feet up from the level.

Jan 1, 1926

By L. Haavanlammi

The Outokumpu HydroCopper® process is a chloride based atmospheric leaching process alternative that can treat a variety of different concentrates. Chalcopyrite and other copper sulfides can effectively be leached under atmospheric pressure in strong, aggressive chloride solution using copper (II) ions as oxidant. Impurities are removed from the solution as carbonates and ion exchange. Copper is precipitated from the purified pregnant leach solution as copper (I) oxide, which is filtered and reduced by hydrogen gas to metallic copper powder, which is melted and cast into copper product. Sodium chloride solution from copper (I) oxide precipitation is decomposed in a chloralkali electrolyser, to products of which are circulated back to the process. The process has been designed for copper concentrates and is a fast and economical way to produce copper wire rod directly from concentrate. The process can efficiently handle impurities like arsenic and mercury, which can be harmful in the pyrometallurgical processes. The process has been tested in the laboratory and 1 ton/day demonstration plant scale and it has been proven to be commercially viable. The process has been designed to meet the strictest directives for emissions. Other environmental factors are carefully considered to obtain the highest possible eco-efficiency.

Jan 1, 2007

By Alex McEachern

MINING LEADS WAY TO PROSPERITY THE year 1937 will stand out in the history of mining and metal products in Canada as one of which we shall always be proud. The combined contribution of these industries played a large part in leading Canada back to prosperous conditions after years of stress and strain that left their mark upon business the world over. A review of general industry shows a marked improvement over recent years. The upward trend continued un-abated most of the year and not a few of the industries had all they could do to supply the demands. A fact that should be appreciated in a year of wheat failure over an extensive area of the Prairie Provinces is the shifting of the basis of Canadian prosperity from agriculture to that of mining and the use of metals. To the great demand for minerals of all kinds, our mines have well responded and many new high levels were reached. This reflects great credit upon the men who direct the activities of the Canadian Mining Industry. Possessed by a spirit which refused to accept defeat in 1931-1932, they began to increase the efficiency of their departments, explored all channels hitherto untried, and won through to a crowning success. Who among them dreamed that their country's extremity would be their Alex. McEachern opportunity, and that through their united efforts our young nation would be enabled to hold that high position she has attained in world affairs?

Jan 1, 1938

By Rodney S. Read

This paper outlines a reasoned argument why no large-scale fracturing or faulting will be induced in the host rock by a deep geological repository (DGR) for nuclear fuel waste. Four DGR designs in three possible host rocks, including crystalline and sedimentary rock types, are considered. The reasoned argument draws from results of previously conducted thermal- mechanical analyses and new scoping calculations, along with evidence from experiments conducted in Canada and elsewhere. It is concluded that large-scale fracturing in the far-field is implausible given the expected in situ stress conditions in relation to rock strength. Near-field damage development and fracturing are expected in DGR scenarios in the different rock types, but these near-field effects are not expected to lead to large-scale fracturing that could compromise the integrity of the DGR and surrounding rock mass. Additional analysis and characterization activities are recommended to further validate the reasoned argument. Thermo-poroelastic loading of the rock mass is identified as one possible driving mechanism that should be studied further.

May 1, 2009

By Silvio E. Kruger

Real time measurement of wear and corrosion provides crucial information needed to determine an optimal schedule for corrective maintenance and is a powerful tool to maximise equipment availability and reliability. It also leads to savings from optimized spare parts handling and helps to avoid costs of accidents and their negative impact on safety and the environment. This paper presents the technology of ?painted-on? ultrasonic transducers that can be integrated to structures and accurately measure the remaining thickness and therefore determine wear or corrosion losses. These transducers have a small footprint, a performance comparable to other commercially available ultrasonic transducers and can sustain temperatures as high as 400ºC. The application of this technology to mining equipments and its potential benefits are discussed.

Aug 1, 2013

By W. G. Hubler

It has been within only the last two or three years that enough progress has been made in preferential flotation to warrant metallurgists in recommending the installation of commercial-sized plants for the treatment of copper-zinc-iron ores. Until the new processes had been worked out successfully, the treatment of this type of ore had proved a stumbling block in the path of metallurgical progress. Separation of lead-zinc ore is comparatively simple. A lead-zinc ore low in iron may be separated and concentrated by gravity con-centration, provided it is not necessary to grind too fine. Owing to the specific gravity of chalcopyrite and sphalerite being so nearly the same, however, their separation by gravity concentration is out of the question. Complex lead-zinc-iron ores in which the several minerals are intimately associated, requiring fine grinding to free them, have been successfully treated by flotation for the past fifteen years. Galena is easily floated, and its flotation, unlike that of chal¬copyrite, is not affected by the reagents used to inhibit the flotation of sphalerite and iron sulphides. When an attempt was made to use the methods of lead-zinc se-paration on copper-zinc ores, it was found that the depressant re-agents added to inhibit the flotation of the iron and zinc minerals would, under certain conditions, depress a large part of the copper. It was also recognized that, in the grinding of copper-zinc ore, soluble salts were generated which were detrimental to flotation unless properly controlled. The main part of this paper will be a discussion of solutions in the grinding circuit in relation to the pro¬duction of soluble salts and their effect on flotation.

Jan 1, 1931

By W. Holyk

"Although lead, zinc, copper, and iron sulphides have been known for many years in the Bathurst region, the existence of large massive deposits was not known until the discovery of the Brunswick orebody in 1952. This was followed by the discoveries of the Anacon orebody in 1953 and the American Metals orebodies in 1954. There is no question as to the great importance of these large massive sulphide deposits, and no doubt that other sulphide deposits are to be found. The problem, of course, is where and how to find them.The discovery of the Brunswick and Anacon orebodies is attributed to geophysical work. The original discovery of the American Metals deposit is generally attributed to a regional airborne electromagnetic survey.It is generally stated that the Bathurst area is a geophysical camp, and this is essentially true, but in this highly competitive search for orebodies it is obviously impossible for an individual company to cover the entire area by a comprehensive geophysical survey. Some means other than geophysics must be used to narrow the target. The quickest, cheapest, and simplest method is geological investigations.It has been stated that nothing can be accomplished by geology in the Bathurst region, since the camp is largely covered with overburden. This is true only insofar as detailed work on certain properties is concerned. It is not true of the larger regional picture. Outcrops are scarce, but angular float is abundant, and precedent shows that angular float has moved but a short distance from its source.GeologyAeromagnetic maps published by the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys are the best guides to the geology and structure of the area. These maps supply factual information concerning the underlying rocks. When coupled with field investigations, they are very useful in the interpretation of regional geology and the selection of favourable areas. The discussion of the geology is accordingly centred upon the aeromagnetic maps. The following is essentially a working theory, based on geological facts as best reconciled with all other available information,"

Jan 1, 1949

By M. E. Wilson, A. C. Lee

"The property owned by Senator-Rouyn Mines, Limited, is in Rouyn township about 17'2 miles southwest of the town of Rouyn. It adjoins the Chadbourne claims of Noranda Mines, Limited, on the south and the Bagamac property on the ·west. It includes seven claims-block 44, blocks 80 to 83 and blocks 96 and 97; the mine is wholly in blocks 44 and 82.Late in 1936 gold was discovered in an outcrop of rusty weathering carbonate rock near the north end of block 44, and the following year the present Company was organized to proceed with the development of the property. During 1937-38, 17,000 feet of diamond drill core were bored to determine the extent of the ore deposit at depth. From October 15th, 1940, to April 15th, 1941, the ore was hauled to the mill at the Arntfield mine for treatment. The mill on the Senator-Rouyn property started on April 25th, 1941, and has been in practically continuous operation since than time. To the end of 1946, 574,874 tons of ore, from which gold having a value of $3,836,450 was recovered, were treated in the mill.GEOLOGYThe rocks exposed at the Senator-Rouyn mine, except in the southern part of the property, are almost wholly quartz diorite, part of an irregular mass that extends west from the town of Rouyn along the north shore of Noranda lake and thence southwest across the Senator-Rouyn claims. In the northern part of the propertyt inclusions of rhyolite occur here and there in the diorite. In the southern part the predominant rock is dacite and in the east-central part of block 44 claim andesite. Dykes of andesite, quartz syenite, and later diabase also occur on the property.The andesite of the Abitibi volcanics is not exposed on the property, but has been intersected in three diamond drill holes, one on the eastern boundary of block 44 and two farther west within the block. This andesite is probably the western end of a band of pillowed andesite well exposed in the Larose claim to the east."

Jan 1, 1954

By J. E. Dodge

Tasu, currently an open-pit operation, services the primary crusher from two areas by ore-pass raises. The problems encountered and advantages gained are discussed. Mine equipment and operating practices are covered, together with blasting practices, line drilling and the pre-shearing necessary to stahilize the pit walls.

Jan 1, 1968

By J. G. Phillips

Introduction Throughout the Great Plains region (the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta), numerous clay deposits of widely varying composition and character are to be found. These may be classified into two general types: (1) surface clays, and (2) shales. The surface clays consist of a heterogeneous mantle of silts and clays interspersed with grave! and sand deposits, and may belong to any of the following groups: (1) lake clays: (2) river-terrace or flood-plain deposits; (3) delta deposits . In most cases, the water from which these deposits were ' laid down was derived from the melting ice of the continental glaciers. These surface clays, in general, possess certain characteristics in common, being all more or less calcareous, often silty, and showing a tendency to 'check' in air-drying. The shales found in this region are of Cretaceous and Tertiary age. These deposits have a wide extent, but there is frequently such a heavy covering of drift material that the clays are accessible chiefly along the walls of stream valleys, or along the escarpments of uplands.

Jan 1, 1929

By Normand Bédard

This presentation highlights Cambior?s initial approach for recruiting and retaining its international employees, the importance of proper preparation and the support needed to ensure a competent and stable workforce. In general, most of the training and information available for human resources personnel prepares the specialist for handling various aspects of labour relations, recruitment and hiring, benefits administration, employee relocation, etc. This is usually done in a Canadian context. Only recently, has more specialized training been developed to prepare human resources practitioners for the complex issues related to expatriate employees and dealing with human resources issues in other countries.

May 1, 2003

By Roger M. Jones

This paper comments on developments in bulk shipping which will be of direct interest to those who are considering the shipment of dry bulk minerals out of Nova Scotia by water. Various conveying systems, and the slurry system of loading, are considered, and the role of deep water ports as a catalyst to other industries is stressed.

Jan 1, 1971

By E. Y. Carlson

"IN A SHORT PAPER it is impossible to do much more than to list the industrial minerals found in Saskatchewan and to give a brief description of the activity associated with each. I will not attempt to discuss the geology. It is sufficient to say that the settled part of the Province is covered by glacial drift which varies in thickness from a few feet to several hundreds of feet, and that this has hindered the search over much of the Province.CLAYA notable exception to this is the Cypress Hills area in the southwest corner which did not suffer any glacial action and where we find some of the large exposures of Cretaceous clays. In this area, the majority of the deposits are of stone-ware clays which are •an excellent raw material for such products as face brick and sewer pipe. Although the clay cannot be transported over any great distance it is used extensively in Alberta and Saskatchewan in the production of these products."

Jan 1, 1959

By G. A. Witwicki

"The Thyssen Mining Group of Companies has successfully applied ground freezing technology to numerous projects throughout Europe and North America for over 100 years. Recently, the aspect of data acquisition and data verification has received greater focus.Thyssen Mining has been engaged in several relatively deep shaft sinking projects over the past five (5) years, all of which have required ground freezing to successfully sink through water bearing rock. To safely and economically sink through a quantity of water similar to Saskatchewan’s Potash Mines, it is imperative to understand freeze wall thickness and growth rate.Critical to understanding freeze wall thickness and growth rate, is the collection of accurate data as well as the interpretation of those data. The data can then be utilized to gain a better understanding of the freeze wall growth rate in active projects as well as to provide data to be utilized in modeling for future projects.This paper elaborates on the installation and operation of the data acquisition system utilized at the Newmont Leeville project, Nevada’s first frozen shaft project. In addition, this paper elaborates on the methodology developed by Thyssen Mining to manipulate the freeze wall data derived through the data acquisition system.The successful incorporation of the new system of collection and analysis of freeze wall data for the Leeville Project has given Thyssen Mining a high degree of confidence in the understanding, as well as prediction, of the ground conditions during shaft sinking.This paper will include:•,A brief description of ground freezing and its objective;•,An overview of previous data acquisition methods employed;•,Current data acquisition methods;•,Installation requirements; and,•,Data manipulation and presentation methods."

Jan 1, 2015

By D. Groenveld, M. Rozou

"Recent trends move towards automation, smart sensors, internet of things, powerful DCS, and more data. Are those trends already utilized in a real time production environment? Today operators still have to monitor several complex processes at the same time and predict their behavior based on an overwhelming amount of data available.The fact of the operator being overloaded and humans being unable to process multivariable problems shows the need of a tool merging essential data and providing consistent, sound decisions for long-term profitability.This paper shows a successful execution of ABB’s process improvement services in Aitik (Boliden SA), a copper mine located in Sweden. Soft sensors, fuzzy rule blocks and model predictive control were seamlessly integrated in the control system of the grinding area, resulting in proper control of mill loads and particle size without violation of any constraints.INTRODUCTIONDepending on the ore characteristics and the targeted plant capacity, the design of the grinding circuit may vary significantly. Typically, the circuit consists of several mills (rod, ball, SAG, AG) in series and/or parallel with a number of classifiers and sumps at appropriate locations. The goal of the grinding section is to reduce the ore particle size to a level that enables efficient separation between gangue and precious metals in the subsiding processing step. The trade-off between quality and quantity has to be made. It is also crucial to execute this process step at the lowest possible energy and grinding media consumption.An optimal grinding process controller must manage to maintain a given fresh feed level while keeping the product size within a given range without violating any constraints such as power, torque or load limits. To accomplish the aforementioned, it is necessary to manipulate the ore feed rate, water feed rate and the mill speed. The most significant disturbances adding another degree of complexity to this control problem are ore hardness and the amount of circulating load."

Jan 1, 2016

By Robert C. Lo

As tailings dams grow in physical size, their impact on public safety and the environment also increases in severity. Over the last three decades, tailings dam engineering has evolved from largely "trial-and-error" methods to a mature, multi-disciplinary engineering endeavour. This paper reviews the current practice of tailings disposal, and the evolution of tailings dam engineering. Key factors affecting dam integrity and examples of dam failures are then highlighted. Finally, the paper reviews some of the recent trends that lead to new challenges to the mining industry. These challenges include: coping with heightened public concern about dam safety; balancing potential conflict between seismic and environmental requirements; and addressing issues introduced by globalization of the mining industry. Institutional responses and technological tools available to meet these challenges are also outlined.

May 1, 2001