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By K. Stankiewicz

Projects as regards state-of-the-art mechatronic systems aiming at increase of safety in the mining industry and at improvement of coal production technologies, which have been completed at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, are presented. These projects cover automation, monitoring and visualization systems, systems for implementation of artificial intelligence techniques, and database recording systems. iRIS system for electronic marking, identification, and recording of components of powered roof supports, which was implemented in 31 Polish mining enterprises, is presented as an example of the work directly associated with an increase of operational safety. Specialists from KOMAG, ELSTA, Ltd., and Silesian University of Technology in Poland, have developed flexible, configurable, and scalable system for data management, which refers to all fixed assets of mining enterprises, meeting the requirements of users as regards marking and identification of fixed assets. The system for control of roadheaders using intelligent algorithms, based on artificial intelligence techniques is also the example of innovative actions. This system aims at increasing the safety and effectiveness of teamwork due to a possibility of remote, semiautonomous operation. Introduction of artificial intelligence technology enables adaptation of roadheader mining system to the present mining-and-geological conditions. Moreover, work aiming at implementation of state-of-the-art system for control of mine jig?s beneficiation node, integrating machines and equipment in one system, is carried out as regards automation, information integration, and visualization in coal beneficiation process. Work on recovery and conversion of thermal energy, which is a by-product during operation of machines and equipment, especially mine diesel drives, is presented. Systems for energy recuperation are more and more important due to the necessity of continuous increase of power production efficiency.

Aug 1, 2013

By Lawrence Devon Smith

The Business Case for Sustainable Development ?What are SD & TBL? ?Investment Funds & Fund Managers ?Banks and Risk Aversion ?The Dilemma of Juniors ?Meet Your New Partners ?The Cost of Problems ?The Cost of Delays Sustainable Development ?Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable -to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.? Our Common Future BrundtlandCommission, 1987

May 1, 2003

By C. Guo, R. J. Chalaturnyk, M. MacKinnon, J. D. Scott

The Mildred Lake Settling Basin (MLSB) is the largest disposal site for mature fine tailings (MFT) at the Syncrude Canada Ltd. oil sands plant. Over the past years (since 1996), there has been a marked change in the densification behaviour of MFT in the MLSB. Methane-producing microorganisms, known as methanogens, have become very active, and large amounts of biogas (mainly methane) have been produced. Continued field monitoring of the MLSB has provided convincing evidence of the rapid densification process (rapid water drainage from the tailings) at the area with intense microbial activity. This rapid densification has caused pumping challenges in the transfer of fine tailings from the Mildred Lake Settling Basin for the creation of composite tailings. It may also have potential positive effects in accelerating the reclamation of the oil sands fine tailings. A field and laboratory research program was carried out to study the mechanism leading to the rapid densification phenomenon. A review and discussion of the research program is given and some results from the field investigations and small-scale column tests are presented in this paper.

Jan 1, 2007

By P. E. Weidmark

Allard, M., Hucka, V.J., Das, B., and Borchtch-Komponietz, V.I., "Investigation of seismic vibration due to large blasts in Gaspe Copper Mines"; (in Russ); The Industry of Chemical Raw Materials; Referativnyi sbornik; 5:18-20: 1978. Askew, J., McCarthy, P.L. , and Fitzgerald, D.J ., "Backfill research for pillar extraction at ZC/NBHC"; Mining with Backfill; Proc 12th Cdn Rock Mech Symp; May 23-25, 1978; Sudbury; CIM Spec Vol 19:100-lJO; 1978. Barrett, J.R., Coulthard, M.A., and Dight, P.M., "Determination of fill stability" ; Mining with Backfill; Proc 12th Cdn Rock Symp; May 23-25, 1978; Sudbury; CIM Spec Vol 19:85-91; 1978.

Jan 1, 1979

By Liang Zhen, Jian-Tang Jiang, Guo-Ai Li, Xiao-Ya Wang

"Deformation behavior of 2A97 aluminum alloy containing coarse secondary phases was studied using uniaxial hot compression (HC, 340–490°C, 0.4001–1 s-1). The flow stress could be described by a Zener-Hollomon parameter in hyperbolic sine function with the hot deformation activation energy of 237 kJ/mol. Based on the experimental data and dynamic materials model, processing maps were generated to demonstrate the hot workability of the alloy. The coarse secondary phases experienced dissolution by varying degree under different deformation temperature, which producing different effects on the microstructure evolution. When deformed at relatively low temperatures, a mass of fine grains shaped up in the original grains and grain boundaries, and the dominating deformation mechanism was believed to be dynamic recrystallization. As the deformation temperature rising to 490°C, most secondary phases disappeared and few recrystallized grains were observed, indicating that the secondary phases dissolved sufficiently along with dynamic recovery occurred during the hot deformation. Particle stimulated nucleation related to the coarse secondary phases was believed to promote the recrystallization and the recrystallization behavior was sensitive to deformation temperature.INTRODUCTION Al-Li alloys has received much attention as new promising structural materials in the aircraft and aerospace industries, due to their lower density, higher elastic modulus and improved fatigue crack growth resistance in comparison with the conventional commercial aluminum alloys (Ou Ling, 2015). 2A97 alloy is one of the 3rd generation Al-Li alloys targeting at comprehensive improvement of aviation aluminum alloy and applications for wing spars and ribs to other internal structures for transport aircraft. Al-Li alloys are usually formed by hot deformation, either by rolling or extruding. The deformation behavior and resulted microstructure evolution during the forming process mainly dominates the formability of the alloy and the serving performances as well. Therefore, the deformation behavior and microstructure evolution at elevated temperature need be made clear for optimizing the hot processing parameters and controlling microstructure evolution."

Jan 1, 2018

By M. J. Nicol, T. Moyo

Ammoniacal solutions are an effective lixiviant for the oxidative dissolution of some mineral sulphides. A detailed study of the anodic dissolution of chalcopyrite in ammonium sulphate-ammonium hydroxide solutions has been carried out using cyclic voltammetry, chrono-amperometry and rest potential measurements. The role of the copper(II)/copper(I) redox couple in the oxidation process has been evaluated. Rest potentials have been found not to be affected by oxygen but to increase with an increase in initial copper(II) concentration. Pseudo-steady-state anodic current densities measured in the absence of copper(II) ions at the rest potentials obtained in the presence of copper(II) ions increase with increasing concentration of copper(II) ions, confirming the positive effect of copper(II) ions on the rate of dissolution of the mineral. Cyclic voltametric and chrono-amperometric data show that in the absence of initial copper(II) ions, the rate of dissolution in the presence of dissolved oxygen is significantly lower. These results confirm that the effective oxidant for the mineral under the conditions of the study is copper(II) and not dissolved oxygen. Coulometric measurements have been used to establish the stoichiometry of the anodic reaction at different potentials.

Jan 1, 2014

By Charlie Harper

Open Pit Mining of Golden Band Resources? EP Gold Deposit Golden Band Resources Inc. (GBN:TSX-V) is Saskatchewan's newest Gold Producer. Located in the La Ronge Gold Belt of northern Saskatchewan, GBN has over 875 km2 of claims with 12 known gold deposits and 4 former producing mines. Production has begun at the Roy Lloyd Mine (Bingo Deposit), to be followed initially by our EP and Komis properties. Development of the underground infrastructure at the Roy Lloyd Mineis continuing and on schedule. Production from these deposits will feed our centrally located and 100% owned Jolu mill. We have our provincial environmental permits in place, and we have an established infrastructure including a 400 tonne-per-day mill, year-round road access, and access to grid power. Construction of the grid power line and the above ground tailings facility are now complete.

Nov 1, 2011

By O. Engler, J. Friis, S. J. Andersen, C. D. Marioara, Y. Aruga

"This work investigates the early stages of precipitation in Al-Mg-Si alloys using a combination of high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Quenching from a high temperature (solution) treatment leaves an alloy in a high-energy unstable state, with solute and vacancies in supersaturation. Thus, already at room temperature (RT) a large driving force exists for solute atoms to cluster and order on the Al matrix positions. DFT calculations indicate that strain alleviation is important at this stage. We observe larger regions of Mg-dominated L10 ordering together with a Si-dominated ordering of smaller clusters in a particular geometry connected to the Si-network found in all the precipitates. In addition, building blocks of the main hardening phase ?'', stabilized by vacancies, are observed at higher, typical pre-aging temperatures.INTRODUCTION Al-Mg-Si (6xxx) alloys are widely used in industry due to a combination of favorable properties such as strength, ductility, corrosion resistance and lightweight. They undergo a complex production route, usually consisting of the following thermo-mechanical steps: casting, homogenization, extrusion or rolling, solution heat treatment (SHT) and artificial aging (AA). The SHT takes place at temperatures above the solvus line in the phase diagram, usually between 500°C and 570°C, followed by a rapid cooling to RT. This ensures that high amounts of solute atoms, uniformly distributed on the cubic face-centered (FCC) Al lattice, together with a large amount of vacancies, are quenched-in. The material is therefore in a super-saturated and unstable state. During the subsequent AA, at temperatures usually between 150°C and 220°C, the solute atoms diffuse and cluster, forming metastable precipitates with needle/ lath/ rod morphologies having the main growth direction along <100>Al. With a maximum alloy solute level (Mg + Si) of only 2%, these precipitates increase material strength up to three times that of pure Al, and are essential for the final material properties. To understand and make better use of this phenomenon, it is imperative to research the nature of the precipitates (such as their atomic structure), measure their key parameters (number density, size, volume fraction) and connect it to material properties (Marioara, Andersen, Zandbergen & Holmestad, 2005; Marioara et al., 2014). The following precipitation sequence is given for the Al-Mg-Si system:"

Jan 1, 2018

By R. H. McCorkell

Measurements of radon in air and aqueous solutions can be affected by leakage from vessels in which samples and standards are kept and by absorption and later release of radon by the materials of these vessels. The author had received various oral communications concerning the se processes : e.g ., that natural rubber and greases absorb large amounts of radon, whereas silicone rubber and grease do not; and that radon is readily lost from polyethylene bottles and that inverting glass bottles containing aqueous samples reduced radon loss from them . However, the results of actual tests and quantitative data showing these effects were not available. For this reason, it was necessary to make numerous measurements of the leakage and absorption of radon in the course of designing apparatus and methods for measuring radium and radon concentrations. It was thought that the data obtained might be of use to others, and consequently they are compiled in the present note .

Jan 1, 1980

By P. Woo, N. Brodusch, R. Gauvin, H. Demers

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was primary developed for imaging applications. With the introduction of the Si(Li) energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), simultaneous imaging and x-ray microanalysis became possible. However, long working distance and high current were needed because the position and small solid angle of the EDS detector. The high spatial resolution is generally obtained at short working distance with a SEM. Unfortunately x-ray microanalysis is never performed in the best imaging conditions. The annular silicon drift detector system is inserted below the objective lens which gives a higher solid angle (up to 1.3 sr). In consequence, a lower working distance and probe current can be used. An improved spatial resolution becomes possible during x-ray microanalysis. With this x-ray detector installed on a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope, quantitative x-ray microanalysis with high spatial resolution at low beam energy and low current becomes possible with the possibility of using the various different type of imaging at the same time. Also, since the count rate can be as high as 1,500 kcps, which lowers significantly the detection limit of elements as well as the minimum feature sizes of different phases that can be distinguished.

Jan 1, 2014

By Peter McGoldrick

This Talk ?Australian deposits in world context ?Geological setting: the importance of the basin fill ?Key deposit features using HYC (McArthur River) and Century as examples ?The difference between Aussies & Canuuks(that is between Australian & Canadian sedexdeposits!) ?Timing of mineralization ?Sources for metals and ore fluids ?What makes a super giant sedexdeposit?

May 1, 2006

By Robert W. Plummer

"This paper describes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for mineral exploration by using the Eskay Creek area of northern British Columbia as an example. Data entry, analysis and output are discussed. Examples of some of the capabilities of the technology are presented.The main benefit of the technology is being able to perform complex and sophisticated searches of large and diverse data sets to highlight exploration targets. A GIS is a powerful data management tool that can be used in mineral exploration. It is a computer based system that is designed for the collection, storage and analysis of objects and phenomena where geographic location is an important characteristic. The main function of the GIS is to produce information for the geologist from a variety of sources (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral deposits and so forth) quickly and efficiently. This allows the geologist to examine large amounts of data in a fraction of the time than can be done using conventional manual methods."

Jan 1, 1992

By J. B. Rubenstein

This work demonstrates the feasibility of using confocal surface profilometry to measure and characterize wear of graphite anode surfaces. This method was tested using anode samples that were electrolyzed for 24 hours in a laboratory-scale magnesium cell with a high oxide molten salt electrolyte. The oxide produced accelerated wear on anodes designed for low oxide electrolytes. Contour maps, which are effective at displaying non-uniform wear, and total graphite consumption values were generated from the collected surface coordinates. Along with both qualitative and quantitative analysis capabilities, this measurement system was shown to have a fine resolution and a low detection limit.

Jan 1, 2004

By Steve Piercey

Introduction ? VMS Deposits: The Target ? Key points for every belt: heat flow and extension. ? Good felsic rocks ? Good mafic rocks. ? Petrochemical assemblages. ? Summary Key Points Throughout ? Common themes: ? Heat ? driver of the hydrothermal system ? Extensional geodynamic setting ? conduits to focus fluid flux ? (e.g., Lesher et al., 1986; Swinden et al., 1991; Barrie et al., 1993; Lentz, 1998; Syme et al., 1999; Piercey et al., 2001, etc.) ? We must identify rocks, belts and tectonic environments that encompass these two criteria (among others but?) ? e.g., forearc rifts, intracontinental rifts, arc rifts, and back-arc basins.

Apr 1, 2005

By N. Erarslan, M. Ghamgosar

The size of rock fragments depends on the nature of the loading applied the strength of the minerals and the texture of the rock. Research in the literature demonstrates that there is a distinct difference in the rock fracturing process for static and cyclic loading. The tensile strength of brittle rocks is also one of the most significant parameters influencing the rock fracturing process and the propagation of micro-fractures on the crushing, blasting and cutting of rock. The Brazilian indirect tensile test, one of the methods approved by the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM), has been used to determine rock fracture behaviour under different cyclic loading modes. In this study, the dimensions of Brisbane Tuff specimens have been selected according to the method outlined by the ISRM. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of cyclic loading amplitude and frequency on the Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) at the micro-, meso- and macro-scales. The post-failure behaviour of the Brisbane Tuff specimens was obtained under cyclic loading with frequencies varied from 1 to 10 Hz. The amplitude was varied from 10% of Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) up to 80% UTS. Laboratory investigations of rock fragment size revealed that different loading frequencies and amplitudes produce different FPZ dimensions. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) results demonstrated that the FPZ dimension is relatively sensitive to the frequency change. Fragment size analysis showed that the FPZ is a consequence of the initiation, propagation and coalescence of micro-fractures and depends on the nature of the loading. Laboratory evidence showed that the FPZ dimension, for the cyclic tests performed on Brisbane tuff, is ranged from 0.07 to 20 mm. The achievement of this study highlights a key finding in the understanding of fracture patterns and propagation models in the FPZ under cyclic loading, which is the dominate mechanical action in the oscillator disc cutter (ODC).

Jan 1, 2015

By R. Heikkilä

As a part of a large research and development program in Finland, a system calibration for an UAV measurement method having practical experiments in a Jorvas Railway Yard design and construction project. The Railway yard construction are was measured using an UAV measurement device by Smartplanes (Smartone) and using some reference points measured by a GNSS device. The measured data was cleaned, combined and adjusted through Least Squares Optimization using the software developed by a Finnish company Pieneering Oy. As references, two different laser scans as well as total station surveys were used. For applicability evaluation, the accuracy of measurement, the reliability of measurement, and the economy of measurement were used. Based on the comparisons, the achieved precision of the UAV measurement was high, instead the accuracy of measurement was not sufficient in this case. The principle of this photogrammetric measurement includes a lot of redundant observations making it possible to achieve a high level of reliability. The economy in this Railway Yard Design project was not able to achieve.

Aug 1, 2013

By B. Daniels, A. Tieu, W. Yan, B. Ren, M. Vijay

"Plasma or thermal sprayed coatings are becoming more widely used in a wide range of industrial applications. The preference to use thermal sprayed coatings is mainly attributed to its superior wear, and corrosion resistant properties akin to hard chrome but without the harmful health implications of chrome in the coating process. Specifically, High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) plasma sprayed Tungsten Carbide & Cobalt (WC/Co) coatings are presently being tested on aircraft landing gear. This coating can be efficiently applied and is highly resistant to corrosion and wear. However, HVOF coating&apos;s durability also makes it difficult to be stripped for inspection and overhaul. Current coating removal methods usually involve a multi-step process whereby the coating must undergo diamond wheel grinding, chemical dipping, grit blasting, ultrahigh pressure (UHP) 380 MPa (55 Kpsi) water blasting, and subsequent chemical dipping, depending on the type and thickness of the coating. As explained by Yan, et al [l]"" a unique method has been developed for removing HVOF coatings with the use of only water. The method consists of modulating a stream of water at a pressure of only 69 MPa (10 Kpsi) with ultrasonic waves to generate a forced pulsed waterjet. The resulting cyclic loading of the hard coating due to the impact of the water pulses easily causes it to flake off the substrate. This paper will briefly describe the fundamentals of the forced pulsed waterjet technique with an emphasis on insitu applications of the removal of various plasma and HVOF coatings."

Jan 1, 2006

By Alexander Smith

"The three principal known mineral deposits of the Taku River area lie in the Tulsequah synclinorium. The axis of this north-south trending structure is along Tulsequah River valley; about 6 miles east of the eastern contact of the Coast Range batholith.The one proven mine of the area, the Polaris-Taku, is on the west side of the valley. It is a gold property, the gold occurring in fine needles of arsenopyrite disseminated in carbonatized volcanics. The mine was originally called the Whitewater, and the adjacent area the Whitewater gold belt. During the years 1937 to 1942 gold having a value of $3,284,000 was produced from 313,500 tons of ore milled."

Jan 1, 1954

By Wm. D. Jr. Sheldon

THIS paper presents practical data to aid in the selection of a mine ventilating fan, and outlines considerations to be made to ensure satisfactory operation and optimum efficiency of the fan. Much has been published on the general subject of mine ventilation, but the writer has found few specific data on factors and considerations which govern the selection of a fan-data which should be available to the operator if his fan is to give satisfactory service within the range of the high-efficiency portion of its performance curve and deliver the specified air capacity when operating against the anticipated range of resistance of the mine. The total quantity of fresh air furnished by the ventilation system must be adequate to provide, and to ensure at all times, safe and healthful working conditions in the mine. It is assumed that the mine operator is able to determine the air quantities required for the various parts of the mine.

Jan 1, 1941

By Ana Adé

The use of gold compounds in homogeneous catalysed organic reactions has been undervalued for many years due to the preconceived opinion that gold is an expensive and extremely chemically inert metal. However, recent reports have changed this assessment and gold salts in small amounts are known to display high catalytic activity.[1] Thus, it has been reported recently that anhydrous AuCl3 catalyses the formation of C-C and C-O bonds (usually mediated by hydrochloric and other protonic and Lewis acids).[2] Some examples include Michael type additions, selective cross cycloisomerisation/dimerisation of propargyl or allenyl ketones, benzannulation between o-alkynylbenzaldehides and alkynes or cyclisation of alkenyl furans. It is noteworthy that some of these reactions[2a] can be also catalysed by silver salts but with much lower yields. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones to alkenes is a powerful synthetic method that has found numerous applications in the synthesis of a variety of carbon frameworks.[3] Several laboratories have focused on the development of Lewis acidic reagents to modulate the selectivity of the reaction.[4] Despite the extensive study performed, there are not many examples in which a metallic complex catalyses the dipolar cycloaddition. Most of these reactions require the presence of a metallic complex and nitrone in a 1:1 molar ratio. Recently, we have carried out stoichiometric reactions of the N-benzil-C(2-pyridil)nitrone, 1, with different dipolarophiles in the presence of zinc and silver compounds.[5] Apart from an increase of the reaction rate and the selective formation of one of the possible isomers, we have shown the formation of zinc and silver-nitrone complexes during the reaction, which behave as the intermediates in the cycloaddition process. As suggested by the results obtained with silver complexes, we decided to test gold derivatives (in the oxidation states of I and III). Interestingly, we have found that they can be used not only as stoichiometric reagents but they can also mediate these cycloadditions in catalytic amounts (5 to 10 mol % respect to the nitrone). Here we present the results on the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of the N-benzil-C(2-pyridil)nitrone (2-PyBN), 1, and methylacrilate, 2, (Eq. 1) catalysed by gold(III) derivatives.

Oct 1, 2003