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By J. J. Denny

IN November, 1932, an investigation of silicosis was undertaken at the Mcintyre Porcupine mine, Schumacher, Ont., after a discussion of the p"roblem with Sir Frederick Banting and his staff. As a result, it was decided to carry on dusting experiments with animals at the mine in a manner that would duplicate as far as possible actual industrial conditions. At that time 50 guinea pigs were placed in the crusher house tunnel of the mill where a considerable quantity of fine dust, containing approximately 35 per cent of free silica, was being constantly produced. These animals lived in this atmosphere for periods up to one year, and, while on autopsy large amounts of dust were found in the lungs, not a single case of silicosis had developed. These negative results suggested, among other things, that the mine gases might be a predisposing factor in the production of silicosis, and the results of this investigation (1) led us to undertake the study of the hydrogen-ion concentration of the condensate of the atmosphere, both in the mine and in various sections of the mill. The CO, combining power of blood serum on a series of 400 miners was also studied at this time. While these results were inconclusive, the variation in the hydrogen-ion concentration of the condensate between the surface and underground atmospheres encouraged us to investigate the effect of neutral, weak acid, and alkaline solutions on the solubility of siliceous materials. Gye and Purdy (2) were the first to point out that the chemical reaction, and not the physical presence of siliceous material, was responsible for the production of the fibrosis in silicosis. This work was investigated by Gardner and Cummings (3), who showed that the tissue reaction to quartz was definitely proportional to the size of the particle. They found that 1-3 micron particles of quartz produced an acute proliferative fibrotic response, while the 10-12 micron particles produced only a foreign-body reaction up to a period of three years. It is accepted that the dangerous silica particles retained by the lung are under 5 microns in diameter.

Jan 1, 1937

By D. F. VanDine

The phases of a typical exploration program for sand and gravel resources include: (1) collection and assessment of existing information; (2) air photo interpretation and remote sensing; (3) ground investigation and mapping; (4) sampling and testing; and (5) data storage, retrieval, analysis and presentation. Depending on the purpose, time frame and funding available for the study, these phases, and the various techniques used within each phase, will vary. Once a sand and gravel deposit has been located, defined in size and quality, and found to be suitable for a given purpose, it can then be classified as a granular resource.

Jan 1, 1984

By Joseph Daniels

When Dame Nature shook her horn of plenty and distributed her bounties over the face of the earth, she blessed the Pacific coast with many riches, but with these she added many offsetting disadvantages or handicaps, designed, no doubt, to effect a proper balance between wealth and economy. Nowhere is the application of the law of compensation more aptly illustrated than in the matter of fuel and power resources. A glance at the map of the Pacific northwest will show that west of the Coast Range batholith we are bounteously supplied with coal, with timber, with water power, and with tributary resources of oil from California. Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, all contain large resources of coal; Oregon and California to a lesser degree, but, compensating the golden state for its deficiency in this respect, oil was placed in the treasure ,chest. Timber, of wide variety and in lavish quantity, covers the forests from tidewater to mountain slope, and within this protected watershed area flow streams which give the Pacific coast states the largest single share of the potential water-power resources of the country. Something over 40 per cent. of the total estimated horsepower of the United States is to be found in the Pacific states, and British Columbia has 15 per cent. of the total for Canada; but of this total less than 10 per cent. has been developed.

Jan 1, 1924

By The Staff

Introduction It is the purpose of this paper to discuss a number of the metallurgical improvements in the technology of copper-nickel ore treatment which have been introduced during recent years in the plants of ?the International Nickel Company of Canada, Limited. In common with other ore treatment processes, the procedure for extracting nickel and copper is changing almost continuous! y. These changes are necessitated by reason of changes in ore grades and characteristics, rising material and labour charges, and the constant drive to maximize metal recovery and to minimize production costs. It is not possible to present a comprehensive list of all the changes made, and only a selected number of the improvements in the milling, smelting, and refining operations are covered. It should be clearly understood that some phases of the procedures described have been pioneered by others in kindred fields and due acknowledgment is given to their foresight and efforts. Articles have been published over the years describing the operations of the International Nickel Company plants and the reader is referred to the Engineering and Mining Journal, Vol. 130, No. 9, November 10th, 1930, and to the Canadian Mining Journal, Vol. 58, No. 11, November, 1937, and Vol. 67, No. 5, May, 1946. Other references are the Transactions of this Institute, 1932, 1938, and 1946; Metals Technology, American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, February, 1938, and Canadian Chemistry and Process Industries, April, 1940.

Jan 1, 1948

By Lucas G. Thompson

My topic, "The Administration of Mineral Rights'.' is possibly an unusual one, as it deals with a subject upon which many of us have a more than passing interest, I thought ?it might prove consistent with the objects of this meeting, more especially as I propose to deal, not with those broad subjects of nation-wide importance which are often the subject'? of learned (and sometimes futile) academic discussion, but rather with problems in their practical light. To the scientist, the important question is What is it? to the technician, Can it be utilized? to the business-man, Will it pay? All three questions are important, and so quick has been the march of business on the heels of science? that the one question follows the other with astonishing rapidity and all three must be considered in the modern management of a mineral estate. A .good illustration of the force of this can be found in the recent advance of our knowledge of the element helium in which we have advanced from a solution of the first question to the last question in the short period of 55 years. It is to be borne in mind, however, that in the administration of mineral rights, the question "Will it pay?:' is of primary importance. What forms a mineral estate ? A former practice in western Canada in selling lands was to sell the hair with the hide. All transactions sold the lands in fee simple, which included all mines, minerals and rights and privileges whatsoever, excluding only the royal metals, gold and silver, which by imputation, though not by specific reference, in deeds. of title are reserved to the Crown. At that time the country was in the first ?stages of settlement and the value of our mineral resources was hardly appreciated and little understood.

Jan 1, 1923

By J. -P. Lempainen, K. Haavanlammi, K. Valkama

The Outotec nickel matte chloride leaching process is especially suitable for small capacity standalone nickel refineries. The matte is leached with hydrochloric acid and oxygen in multiple steps in atmospheric OKTOP® reactors. Oxygen feed prevents reductive conditions and hydrogen formation in the leaching process. A sufficiently high acid concentration keeps the iron dissolved in the solution. The iron is removed after leaching by precipitation and the pregnant leach solution continues to metals recovery. The metals recovery from the chloride solution is done by solvent extractions, where ammonia is used for pH control. Copper and nickel are stripped from the organic phases into sulphate solutions. Metals can be recovered from the purified solution by conventional electrowinning. Other alternatives are precipitation or hydrogen reduction processes. The ammonium chloride in the solvent extraction raffinate is regenerated into ammonia. The calcium chloride solution from ammonia regeneration is routed to acid regeneration where sulphuric acid is added and ultra-pure gypsum is precipitated. The hydrochloric acid solution from this step is recycled back to leaching. The process yields good overall metal recoveries and expensive

Jan 1, 2014

By Baisheng Nie, Longlong Yang, Tao Yang, Wenjie Jia

"Gas adsorption in coal is an exothermic and physical process. Temperature might change during the dynamical process. In order to get the temperature variation of gas adsorption process, the experiment system which can test the temperature variation and analyze the thermal effect was established. Gas adsorption experiments under different conditions were done by using the test system. The results show that temperature increases during the adsorption process. It is an exothermic reaction process. Also, the temperature variation and the variation gradient increase with the increasing of equilibrium pressure. The temperature variation value is smaller if the experiment temperature is higher. The paper will provide basic experimental data for explaining gas adsorption mechanism better.INTRODUCTIONChina is the largest coal producer in the world while it also has the most serious coal mine disasters. According to the statistics, there are nearly a thousand coal mines in China including more than 110 the key state-owned mines risking to happen coal and gas outburst. Hundreds of coal and gas outburst occur each year which often causes serious casualties and economic losses (State Administration of Work Safety, 2007). With the continuing exploitation of the coal resources, the depth of the Chinese coal mines increases about 100 meters every year which causes the situation of gas accident becoming more and more serious (Xie et al., 2006).At present, the real mechanism of gas adsorption, desorption and the diffusion process in coal and the influence factor of it are not so clear. And because of the limit of prediction method and the technological level caused gas accident prevention theory and technology not so valid."

Jan 1, 2015

By C S. Walker

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

Jan 1, 1965

By Matthew R. Ward

This paper aims to describe the reasons and methods to extend enterprise networks into underground mines. Currently mines use a number of communication networks for telephones, PLCs, two-way VHF radio and computer networking. Each system can have different wiring, protocols, converters and interfaces all which require expansion and maintenance. The convergence of voice, video and data using Ethernet and TCP/IP has the very real benefit of one ?wire? for underground networks. Now that the majority of underground equipment can communicate using TCP/IP, network convergence can offer reduced network expansion and maintenance costs. Cost savings are good, but the truly exciting aspect of network convergence using Ethernet is the low-cost, high speed wireless networking now available . These wireless networks offer an opportunity to facilitate mining automation even on a small budget. How would mine operators change they way they operate if they could gather vehicle location and data in real time? What about controlling equipment remotely? The list of applications is long and includes traffic control, dispatching, real-time ore blending, tele-operation, automated production reporting, vehicle health monitoring, elimination of paper forms and immediate network access for surveyors and geologists. An ideal converged network for underground mining would be robust, inexpensive, easy to expand, enable fast and secure connections while keeping voice communication performance equivalent or better than what is now provided by VHF radio

Apr 1, 2005

By D. Cronin, A. Plumtree, A. Hosseini

"Crack in corrosion (CIC) linepipe defects are hybrid defects not directly addressed by existing assessment methods. To investigate the collapse pressure of these defects, CIC defects were formed in 508 mm (20 in) diameter, 5.7 mm thick API X52 linepipe. These defects were 200mm long and varied in depth from 3.0 to 3.8 mm. The respective failure pressures decreased from 14.3 MPa for the plain pipe to 7.9 and 6.2 MPa respectively. A standard FAD method was applied to evaluate these defects as equivalent length and depth cracks, predicting the rupture pressure conservatively by 18% on average. However, when assessed as equivalent cracks with a reduced wall thickness corresponding to the corrosion depth, the predicted collapse pressures were more accurate, approximately 14% conservative on average.INTRODUCTIONPipelines are a safe and efficient method for transporting high volumes of oil and gas. However, aging pipelines may experience defects, such as cracks or corrosion. Present approaches include detection, assessment and repair of defects before they may become critical to the integrity of the line. There are different codes and standards for assessing pipeline defects, depending on the type of defect, with API 579 (API, 2000) being the most common code for the assessment of cracks in oil and gas pipelines . Corrosion is commonly assessed using RSTRENG (Kiefner & Vieth, 1989). Other methods such as the Finite Element method and the CPS method (Cronin & Pick, 2002) may be used for crack and corrosion, respectively.At present, there is no specific method or procedure for assessing crack in corrosion (CIC) defects, and as a consequence there is a need to provide an assessment and evaluation of the integrity of these defects in order to determine the requirements for defect repair or hydro line testing. Hence, the goal of this study was to provide guidance for the assessment of CIC defects for linepipe.CRACK IN CORROSION DEFECTS (CIC)Significant amounts of corrosion and cracking are not generally found together (Hosseini, 2010). However, a new hybrid defect including cracking within corrosion (CIC) has been identified in operating pipelines. In this case, cracking coincident with corrosion (schematic shown in Figure 1) provides the motivation for the current study."

Jan 1, 2012

Traditionally within the mining industry, single models for both grade and geology of orebodies are created upon which all mine development decisions are based. These models provide a single interpretation of the extent and continuity of the mineralization envelope based on solids and sections interpreted from relatively wide spaced drilling i.e. the models infer behaviour of grade and geology at smaller/local scales based on data available at wider scales. The variable behaviour of grade and geology cannot be derived from single kriged resource models. In recognition of this, Newmont Mining Corporation typically uses Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) to quantify grade variability and to determine its effect on some of these mine development decisions. In most of these studies the mineralized envelope remains fixed and grade simulations are generated within a fixed volume. To account for uncertainty in the geology/ mineralization envelope Newmont Mining Corporation has been experimenting with Multiple Point Statistics (MPS). Multiple-Point Statistics is an emerging technique, which can be used to generate multiple, geologically realistic, realizations of data that displays complex non-linear features. MPS uses a conceptual model of the geology, called a Training Image (TI), to infer these high-order spatial relationships. The multiple realizations allow for an assessment of the geologic uncertainty, which can be further combined with grade simulations to generate a more complete picture of the true uncertainty of a mineral deposit.

Jan 1, 2011

By J. E. Hawley

This paper constitutes a report from the Committee on Geological Research to the Geology Division of the Institute. Two years have elapsed since a formal report was made containing several resolutions aimed at assisting geological research, a review of research equipment available, a summary of research projects suggested for consideration, and a list of research then in progress (see July, 1947, Bulletin, pp. 351-370). At this time we may note what action has been taken on the various resotions and suggestions of the Committee, indicate the more important accomplishments of independent investigators, and present a summary of the rather imposing volume and variety of research currently being carried on throughout the country. I.-Committee Resolutions and Suggestions 1.-A National Advisory Committee on Research in the Geological Sciences The original resolution adopted on the setting up of this Committee was approved with despatch by Council and was forwarded to the Minister of Mines and Resources. Due to a reorganization in the Department and possibly other reasons, no action on this important matter has yet been taken, but we are assured that some time this year such a Committee will be established by the Department of Mines and Resources. Unquestionably, it will give a fresh impetus to research in the geological sciences. When the noteworthy progress made by the research committees on Geophysics and on Soil and Snow Mechanics, established by the National Research Council, is considered, it is indeed regrettable that the Department of Mines and Resources has not acted more decisively in this matter.

Jan 1, 1949

By W. S. Fyfe

Gold is mobilized and precipitated in a wide variety of environments ranging from those of weathering and biological phenomena, to pluton emplacement to deep metamorph ism . But it appear that pervas ive leaching of large rock volumes fo llowed by the focussed di charge of typically low salin ity flu ids is frequently involved. There are great gaps in our knowledge, particula rly with re pect to gold in very high temperature fl uids generated at near Moho depths. But uch flu id may play an important part in Archaean pluton associated lode gold deposits whe re ultra high temperature fluids, rich in C02-CO-COS, may be associated with magma underplating and crustal assi mil ation processes (sag subduction) associated with very den e ult ramafic magma . Other environment with great potential include those of major thru t fau lt and strike slip fa ult s where large quant ities of fluids are mobilized .

Jan 1, 1986

By V. F. Hollister

Four conditions are commonly accepted as being needed for the development of native sulphur deposits in sedimentary rocks : (1) ample sulphate-bearing evaporite, normally anhydritic; (2) proximity to petroleum deposits; (3) a hydrodynamic system of communication between these two; (4) a stratigraphic or structural trap to prevent escape of the sulphur and sulphur -bearing reaction products. When any of these requisites are absent, apparently no significant residual bio-epigenetic sulphur deposit will form. These requirements are, however, satisfied in some areas, which include both the Triassic and Devonian evaporites of northeastern British Columbia.

Jan 1, 1977

By W. T. Robson

LAKE Shore Mines, Limited, with property at Kirkland. Lake, Ontario, was incorporated m 1914 and commenced product10n m March, 1918, with an initial capacity of about 60 tons per day. Since that time a gradual expansion has taken place until a present capacity of approximately 2,300 tons per day has been reached, giving a total annual gold production valued at approximately $16,000,000. At the time of incorporation of the Company, the Lake Shore property consisted of four mineral claims and four fractions, totalling 171.05 acres. In 1934, four claims belonging to the Minaker Kirkland Gold Mines, Limited, were acquired and a controlling interest purchased in the Kirkland Hudson Bay Gold Mines, Limited. Both these properties adjoin the Lake Shore claims on the south. From the accompanying compilation of the world's largest gold mines for 1934 (1), it will be seen that, while Lake Shore holds sixth position in respect to the number of ounces produced, there are twenty-five gold mines which treat a greater tonnage of ore. This is an indication of probably the most unusual feature of the Kirkland Lake deposits, namely, the high aver-age tenor of the ores. coupled with the comparatively large tonnages available.

Jan 1, 1936

By C. Hunt, J. Vivas, D. M. Allen

"In this paper we present the results of a combined remote sensing - numerical modelling study to improve our understanding of groundwater seepage in open pit and natural rock slopes, and to investigate the interaction between groundwater, in-situ stress conditions and brittle fracture. The location of seepage is a key element in the characterisation of rock slope stability in open pits and natural slopes; definition of the fracture network geometry and its inter-relationship with seepage, however, remains a challenge in engineering practice. Current techniques used to characterize groundwater seepage locations require direct access to the rock slope for a detailed and exhaustive investigation, and can be severely limited due to access and the limited coverage of the survey methods both with respect to the height and length of the sampled rock slope. Herein, we describe remote sensing methods, which allow the collection of structural and seepage information over a wide spatial area. Remote sensing techniques are shown to have the potential to provide additional insights into the orientation and general connectivity of fractures that may play a major role in the general stability of a rock slope. A preliminary methodology for the use of remote sensing in the characterization of seepage zones in a natural slope through the application of ground-based LiDAR and Infrared Thermography (IRT) is presented.One of the most challenging problems in rock slope engineering is the realistic simulation of fluid flow through fractured and deforming rock slopes. Deformation and the development of brittle fractures can cause significant local changes in the permeability and strength of the rock mass, potentially affecting rock slope performance. Understanding fluid flow through fractured and deforming rock slopes, especially in highly-stressed environments is of great importance for slope stability analysis. Changes in the interconnectivity of fractures during slope failure are an important, yet are relatively unstudied in rock slope engineering. We present the results of hydromechanical UDEC-Trigon rock slope models focussing on the potential role of brittle fracture in rock slope failure, its interaction with groundwater pressures, and the influence of the assumed in-situ stress ratio. Damage intensity parameters are used to characterize damage within different regions of a biplanar slope failure."

Jan 1, 2015

By S. Y. Ezz, K. El•Guindi

A vertical tube, 8 m long and 2.5 cm in diameter, electrically heated to 650°C throughout the majority of its height, was used to study the-effect of ore feed rate and hydrogen flow rate on the reduction of fine iron ore particles. A correlation could be obtained between the combined effect of the amount of reducing gas and reduction time and the per-cent reduction. The results suggest that a method based on the reduction of fine iron ores while falling through up-streaming hydrogen cannot be recommended for industrial application.

Jan 1, 1969

By Zhiwei Wang, Chunsheng Qiao

"Aiming at the problems of the existing calculation methods for the support pressures of shallow tunnels in layered jointed rock strata, by using OAT (orthogonal array testing strategy) and DEM (distinct element method), 12 influencing factors including the thickness of the weathered overburden, and the states of the rock joints were considered. Then, the classification of the loosening zone was analysized. On this basis, by using the DEA (data envelopment analysis) theory, quantitative analysis on the influencing factors was conducted. By analyzing the influence of the key factors, a prediction formula of the boundary of the ringent trumpet-shaped loosening zone was established. According to principles of stress transformation, the formula of support pressures of the loosening zone which could considering the key factors were deduced. Finally, a practical case was introduced and studied to verify the proposed method.INTRODUCTIONIn recent years, various urban subway tunnels are increasingly carried out through jointed rock strata in many cities. Rock masses are discontinuous mediums with fissures, fractures, joints, bedding planes, and faults. The frequency of joints, their orientation with respect to the engineering structures, and the roughness of the joint have a significant importance from the stability point of view. However, there is a lack of understanding about the influence of the joints on the stability of tunnels. Therefore, how to measure the degree of the joints’ influence is a problem that needs to be solved.For the calculation of the support pressures, until now, many research results were focused on soil ground (Bierbäumer 1913; Terzaghi, 1943; Peck, 1969; Sabatini et al., 1999). In terms of site tests and model indoor tests, by measuring strut loads and calculating earth pressure based on strut spacing, the results proposed by Peck (1969) and Tschebotarioff (1973) have been widely used in practice for designing excavation support systems under sand (drained) and clay (undrained) soil conditions. Note that, it is unclear whether these findings could be extended to rock strata. For numerical simulations, how to simulate the states of the rock joints is a key problem that needs to be solved."

Jan 1, 2015

By P. Condori

Palabora Mining Copper (PMC) has two autogenous mills that have been in operation since 1976. The mills were originally designed to treat 30 000 t/d of open cast copper ore in a closed circuit with cyclones. As the ore body went deeper the open cast method of mining was changed to block caving, a consequence of this was the dolerite content (hardest barren material) increased significantly, increasing the production rate of pebbles and thus reducing the milling capacity. In order to cope with the increased ore hardness and to increase mill capacity, a second ball milling stage and pebble crushing were incorporated to the circuit. The above actions created new challenges to the circuit operation and bottlenecks in different areas of the milling circuit. This paper reports the holistic work performed on the Palabora autogenous milling circuit including the implementation of a mill constraint control scheme, the implementation of a pebble removal system from the circuit and a new circuit configuration. The achieved plant stability and increment of ore throughput are also reported in this paper.

Jan 1, 2012

By W. S. McDonald

PRACTICALLY all dusts derived from organic matter are explosive and instances are recorded of explosions-some of them extremely violent-having occurred in grain elevators and flour mills. While a discussion of the explosibility of dusts in general, doubtless, would be of more than academic value, it will be of greater interest, on this occasion, to consider various phases of the problems connected with the hazards arising from coal dust. Extensive and valuable research has been carried out during the past few decades on the subject of coal-dust explosions and a great part of this work has been concerned with the preventive effect of stone or other incombustible dusts. Four men have been outstanding in this very substantial achievement. The first is Dr. W. Galloway, who succeeded in demonstrating by experiments that one pound of coal dust mixed with 150 cu. ft. of air formed an explosive mixture. The next is Sir W. Garforth, who proved that stone dust is an effective preventive for coal-dust explosion. The third is G. Haon, and last but not least, L. G. Hill, both of whom laboured incessantly to produce a suitable stone-dust and a satisfactory method of application. Today, mining men all over the world are satisfied and convinced that stone dust, if properly applied, will prove effective in greatly minimizing, if not completely preventing, explosions of coal dust, as has been demonstrated in experimental mines, as well as in actual explosions, in practically every coal mining industry.

Jan 1, 1938