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By S. Shamaila

The design and efficient operation of density-based mineral processing units requires regular densimetric analysis to be carried out on the various associated process streams. The results obtained from such analyses can have wide application, including the generation of washability and partition curves, which are critical for process design, control, and simulation. This paper describes some of the collaborative efforts that Kumba Iron Ore, in partnership with Springer New Technology and Anglo Technical Solutions Research, is pursuing in developing a novel density determination technique exploiting X-ray transmission (XRT) and optical imaging. This technique is being developed with the aim to determine sample density distributions that apply to washability characterisation of ores. This technique is aimed to be an alternative to the traditional sink and float method. For certain applications sink and float has required the use of tetrabromoethane (TBE) solution?a chemical that has been classified as harmful and environmentally unfriendly. This paper therefore presents some achievements in developing this novel technique which seems to be very promising.

Jan 1, 2012

By C. Chongo, F. X. Paquot, C. Ngulube

"Over the last six years, the Kansanshi copper-gold mine has continued to process significant quantities of complex transitional mixed ores. Initially, the ore treated came predominantly from accumulated stockpiles. Subsequently, the feed source shifted primarily to freshly mined ore that generally showed less tarnish with better flotation kinetics, but with the downside of lower concentrate grades. A number of changes were made to improve the efficiency of the rougher circuit and quality of concentrate produced. These changes were as a result of initial mineralogical studies and laboratory flotation test work that were discussed at length in a previous paper1. Salient among the recommendations adopted as a result of previous work were increased circuit capacity and a modified configuration to increase the residence time and the number of sulphidization stages. These modifications were completed and commissioned in 2011. This, however, resulted in significantly low rougher concentrate grades and a below-specification final concentrate product. This was due primarily to higher mass pulls from the extended rougher bank with multiple concentrate discharge streams, and which necessitated an enlarged cleaning capability. The extra cleaning capacity came on stream in 2014. Of note was the development of a recovery model, based on the strong correlation between the total copper and acid-soluble copper ratio, as a tool for monitoring plant performance. IntroductionThe Kansanshi mine, the largest copper mine in Africa, is 80% owned by Kansanshi Mining plc, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals. The remaining 20% is owned by the state through the parastatal Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Ltd (ZCCM). The mine is located approximately 10 km north of the town of Solwezi and 180 km to the northwest of the Copperbelt town of Chingola. The mine has been in commercial operation since 2005."

Jan 1, 2016

In Chapter 1 we mentioned that up to three components are considered to represent the variability of regionalized variables : a deterministic component, a correlated component, and a random component. In Chapter 2 we considered some of the models based on the assumption of randomly distributed values: the random component was assumed to be the only one present. In Chapters 3 to 11, more general but also more complex models were described, based on the assumption that the values were correlated with the possible presence of random noise. In this chapter we introduce a model used to analyse non- stationary data, for which a deterministic component (or drift) must be assumed. This model will be used for estimation purposes, and the corresponding optimal linear estimation procedure is known as universal kriging. The theory of universal kriging is much more complex than the theory of kriging. Fortunately, in the majority of mine valuation problems the drift can be ignored and the simpler form of kriging can be used.

Jan 1, 1978

By Timo Niitti, Sami Grönstrand

n today's marketplace with high metals prices, many operations are faced with the challenge of improving recovery and at the same time maximizing availability. New operations under feasibility studies have the same requirements, with the additional need for ever higher capacities. Economies of scale have proved a vital competitive advantage in the game of ore dressing. Flotation is the most widely used method for extracting valuable minerals from ore - despite its mature age of 100 years. Customer demand has driven the development to increasing cell sizes, and in most cases, this has brought the advantages of both lower capital expenditure and lower operational and maintenance cost. The challenge of scale up, however, is to meet the metallurgical performance requirements in the larger volumes. The paper outlines recent trends and developments in flotation technology, and presents new solutions designed to address the needs for increased capacities as well as improved performance. Whether the goal is to improve existing operations or to scale up new equipment, computer aided tools are playing a key role in shortening the development cycle and reducing costly trial-and-error tests in full scale. Using the new tools and validation thereof will be outlined, as well as the development principles behind the new solutions. Plant results and experiences with the new developments are presented and discussed in several cases around the world.

Jan 1, 2007

By J. A. L. Napier

SYNOPSIS Many tabular mining problems can be modelled effectively by displacement-discontinuity techniques, which can be extended directly to represent fracturing on discrete planes and movements on planes of weakness. This paper presents a unified method for computing the energy changes that occur when multiple discontinuities intersect and are extended incrementally. It shows how this method can be used to deduce energy-release information for standard layout problems and, in addition, how the technique can be incorporated in numerical procedures based on the displacement-discontinuity method. Examples are given to demonstrate the effects of off-reef fracturing and the importance of stope-fault intersections during seismic events.

Jan 1, 1991

By A. C. Scott

A detailed fundamental model of a zinc electrowinning cell has been developed and validated for both steady state and dynamic simulations. This model was used to investigate the effects of a range of operating variables and to find their optimum values. As well as providing useful design information for a planned upgrading of the EZ refinery, more generally it demonstrates the potential benefits to the minerals industry of the applications of modern CAD flowsheeting techniques. The SPEEDUP equation oriented CAD package was found most suitable for this task as the user can easily generate models specific to his site with any number of components and mixture properties.

Jan 1, 1987

By L. C. Stilwell

The paper will attempt to identify the threats, however obscure, that could confront the South African platinum industry. South Africa has the largest reserves of platinum group metals in the world, and is the largest producer of those metals. This situation is no different from that which existed in the gold sector fifty years ago. Since then South Africa?s share of world gold production has dwindled, and the gold mining industry has lost its dominance. Unlike gold, platinum has widespread use as an industrial commodity. Its investment value is a minor portion of its total value. It is therefore subject to different market forces. The sheer magnitude of the industry in South Africa obscures the fact that it is a wasting industry, and that South Africa exports almost all its production as a refined metal in the form of autocatalyst. Since Hotelling published his seminal work The economics of non-renewable resource in 1931,the science of mineral economics has developed exponentially. The paper will present a background of mineral economic theory and compare to this the development of the South African platinum industry. Of particular concern to a mineral exporting country is the question of mineral rent?its definition and employment. This will be the mail theme of the paper.

Jan 1, 2006

By B. Gamble

Solid Energy's project evaluation process utilises a standard staged gate approach, with five levels leading ultimately to project execution (level 6). For a project to progress through each level, specific financial criteria need to be satisfied. Solid Energy primarily use value based (discounted cash flow) metrics to support investment decisions. Within this approach Solid Energy utilise a number risk-based techniques to quantify project uncertainty. This includes the use of risk-based probabilistic analysis using Monte Carlo simulation and probability-based scenario analysis. Figure 1 shows the net present value (NPV) cumulative probability. Project risks are identified through comprehensive risk workshops. The output of these workshops (list of key risks, ranges of uncertainty and probability of occurrence), is quantified within the financial models. Incorporating this risk information on a probabilistic basis allows an investment decision to be made with a robust knowledge of the range of possible project outcomes along with the likelihood (probability) of those outcomes occurring, for example 80 per cent confidence that the project value will be greater than NZ$10 M, 50 per cent confident it will be greater than NZ$50 M and ten per cent confident it will be greater than NZ$70 M. Incorporating risk implicitly into the financial analysis allows the business to easily evaluate/measure projects with different risk profiles. The detailed risk analysis does away with the complexity of arbitrary risk-based hurdle (discount) rates, as projects can be evaluated based on their specific risk characteristics. Whether a project will progress to the next level of investment and ultimately into implementation depends firstly on the value assessment in comparison with the associated risk/uncertainty, and secondly matching this with the businesses appetite for risk. At Solid Energy standard criteria are used for specific project evaluations, but in addition projects are considered on a portfolio or strategic basis also. Solid Energy attempts to maintain a mix of low risk (low value) projects with some high risk (high value) opportunities. The mix of projects must remain in line with the shareholders' risk appetite. One of the keys to a successful investment decision is ensuring that the appropriate information is available to decision-makers so that they may proceed with a comprehensive understanding of the risks and impacts associated with the decision.

Jan 1, 2007

By L. C. Woollacott

A computer-aid is described that is designed to calculate steady-state material balances for ore-dressing circuits. The program determines the material balance from a specification of the process condition. No mathematical models or data adjustment techniques are employed. As such the program complements existing simulation and material balance 'smoothing' packages. The process condition is specified using performance indicators. These are significant parameters in the industry with which all practising mineral processors are very familiar. The program employs an equation-oriented technique for material balancing and so has had to deal with the difficulties peculiar to that approach.

Jan 1, 1987

By P. J. Petit

The strategic mission of the South African mining industry is to extract the mineral assets in an energy efficient, economical and safe manner. Drilling has received particular attention in the last few years. As the operations move away from the power source, conventional and old drilling technology result in poor penetration rates, increased drilling shift lengths, slow face advances and limited stope efficiencies. The need for an alternate mining method, performed by a skilled workforce, to increase productivity, has led to the development of the electric rock drilling system for in-stope mining operations. The focus of this paper is a systematic evaluation of the electric rock drilling system as a function of production and technical parameters, in the platinum orebody. The particular electrical reticulation system is illustrated. Power usage, problems experienced, and solutions are described. The safe use of the recently developed drill is elaborated upon by describing protection devices. The testing and certification process, for approval by the recognized authorities, are documented. The testing and certification process, for approval by the recognized authorities, are documented. The human factor is also considered. Known detrimental factors of high noise exposure, vibrations levels and oil emissions are reviewed. In conclusion, recommendations on future strategies for the implementation of electric drilling technology within the mining and construction industries, is included.

Jan 1, 2006

By M. J. Santofimia

Multiphase microstructures in steel have been intensively studied in the past years, but combining non-equilibrium phases still offers a great potential for further development of these steel grades. Thus, improved combinations of mechanical properties can be obtained with microstructures formed by bainite or martensite, in combination with retained austenite. In particular, microstructures on the basis of carbon-depleted martensite and retained austenite can be produced by the very promising production process named quenching and partitioning (Q&P). Originally, the Q&P process aimed to avoid the formation of bainite during the heat treatment. However, the process does provide the possibility for (carbide-free) bainite formation during the partitioning step, i.e. in the presence of martensite. This article evaluates this approach, considering thatthe formation of bainite from austenite is strongly influenced by the preceding formation of martensite. Although the accelerating effect of the presence of martensite during bainite formation has been observed, it is not yet fully understood, and experimental and theoretical studies are being performed in order to come to a more effective exploitation of these processes for the formation of multiphase microstructures.

Jan 1, 2013

By J. Trcková

This paper describes the method of modelling rock mechanical problems on experimental models. Based on an actual experiment used as an example, assessment of the surface deformation due to undermining, the extensive possibilities of using a 3-D physical model and application results in practice are demonstrated. A special method of modelling the underground mine progress by using paraffin melting is presented. Keywords: undermining, subsidence of surface, 3-D experimental model

Jan 1, 2009

By J. P. Beukes

South Africa holds approximately three-quarters of the world?s viable chromite ore resources and dominates the global production of ferrochrome. Albeit completely unintended, small amounts of Cr(VI) are formed during ferrochrome production. Certain Cr(VI)species are regarded as carcinogenic, hence making the treatment of some ferrochrome waste materials necessary. In this paper, the Cr(VI) treatment strategies currently employed by the South African ferrochrome producers are investigated by means of a literature review and a questionnaire survey. From the discussion, it is evident that various treatment strategies are available to deal with Cr(VI)-containing waste in the ferrochrome industry. However, by far the most commonly applied treatment strategy remains the aqueous reduction of Cr(VI) with ferrous iron. The advantages and the correct application of this strategy, together with the disadvantages and pitfalls, are argued. Innovative improvements on historic practices are also discussed

Jan 1, 2012

By A. Pytlik, W. Masny

"Underground mining is subject to various natural hazards such as seismic events, rockbursts, fire, and gas (methane). In general, an increase in the extraction depth causes an increase in the likelihood of these hazards, especially seismic activity and rockbursts. Dynamic phenomena such as rockbursts and tremors have been recorded on six continents: Europe (Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovenia), Asia (India, and China), North and South America (USA, Canada, and Chile), Africa (South Africa), and Australia. To select appropriate mine working supports for such dynamic phenomena, the performance characteristics of such support types must be determined under both static and dynamic load conditions.This article presents information regarding the application of rockbolts in Polish underground hard-coal mines. Dynamic phenomena occurring in the mines from 2004–2013 are also characterized. A methodology developed at the Central Mining Institute (GIG) for the laboratory testing of rockbolts is presented. In this methodology, the bolts are loaded by the direct impact of a free-moving mass (up to 20 000 kg) at speeds of up to 1.2 m/s. The facilities at GIG used to test the support under static and dynamic load conditions are characterized, and the results of laboratory tests on yielding bolts with a nominal capacity of 420 kN are presented. These types of bolts are commonly used for reinforcing steel arches and the surrounding rock mass in Polish coal mines. The results of the laboratory testing of yielding bolts are discussed.IntroductionSeismic events such as rock bumps and tremors occur with great frequency during underground mining. These phenomena have been reported in such countries as Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Slovenia, Russia, India, China, the USA, Canada, Chile, South Africa, and Australia (Brauner, 1991; Potvin, Hudyma, and Jewell, 2000; Kidybin??ski, 2003; Driad-Lebeau et al., 2005; Li, Cai, and Cai, 2007; Whyatt and Loken, 2009; Durrheim and Riemer, 2012; Holub, Rušajova, and Holec?ko, 2011). Descriptions of the dynamic events and their effects in the form of damage to or destruction of supports have been presented in many publications, both for hardrock mines as well as for coal mines (Brauner, 1991; Dubin??ski and Konopko, 2000; Heal, 2010; Heal and Potvin, 2007; Simser, Joughin, and Ortlepp, 2002; Kaiser and Cai, 2012; Cai 2013; Nierobisz, 2013; Mark, 2014; Masny and Prusek, 2015). One of the main goals of the research has been to develop methods, criteria, and guidelines for the selection of an optimal and safe support for mine workings located in areas of rock bumps or tremors. Example of such studies include the Canadian Rockburst Support Handbook (Kaiser, McCreath, and Tannant, 1996), or the principles presented in the literature (Li, 2010; Cai, 2013)."

Jan 1, 2016

By A. Refahi

For predicting the energy consumption during the size-reduction process, the Bond approach is often used. In this work, the PFC3D discrete element method (DEM) software was employed to model the crushing behaviour of some rocks with different mechanical properties in a laboratory jaw crusher. FLAC3D software was adopted to analyze the stress distribution in the rocks. The rocks studied were modelled as granular assemblies in the shape of a sphere and/or a cube located between two jaws, and the work done by the jaws in the crusher was determined. Nine different types of rocks were studied and the energies consumed by the crusher were compared to those of the Bond comminution energy estimated from the Bond index. There is considerable difference between Bond crushing energy and work done by the jaw crusher for rocks. It appears that the Bond approach is not a suitable method for predicting single particle fracture energy done by the crusher. To verify the results obtained from DEM models, the fracture behaviour of the crushed rocks was examined and was compared to the PFC3D results. The tensile mode of fracturing is favourably modelled by the PFC3D software while the delamination mode cannot be well modelled by PFC3D software. Keywords: jaw crusher; discrete element method; crushing energy; Bond index

Jan 1, 2009

By John Taylor

?Introduction to Black Mountain ?Historical metal accounting practice ?Metal accounting audit ?Feed measurement ?Sample precision ?Concentrate measurment ?Current metal accounting practice ?Further refinements to the metal accounting practice

Jan 1, 2005

By Q. G. Reynolds

The dual-electrode DC arc furnace, an alternative design using an anode and cathode electrode instead of a hearth anode, was studied at small scale using computational modelling methods. Particular attention was paid to the effect of two key design variables, the arc length and the electrode separation, on the furnace behaviour. It was found that reducing the arc length to brush arc conditions was a valid means of overcoming several of the limitations of the dual-electrode design, namely high voltages and arc deflection.

Jan 1, 2012

Outotec?s direct leaching process is an atmospheric leaching process for sulphidic zinc concentrates. The direct leaching process, based on special leaching reactors developed by Outokumpu, is the most economical way to produce electrolytic zinc. The production scale applications of the process realized so far are in use at Boliden?s Kokkola and Odda zinc plants. A new full-scale application of Outotec?s direct leaching process will be started in 2008 in China. The process is integrated into the existing production plant, replacing part of the old production facilities by modern technology. Besides high zinc extraction the plant expansion and modernization offers also indium recovery, iron precipitation and solution purification processes. The process equipment includes tailor-made reactors designed on the basis of the work and experience of Outotec research centre. Keywords: zinc, concentrate, atmospheric leaching, technology, indium, iron precipitation, solution purification, Outotec.

Jan 1, 2008

By S. Potgieter-Vermaak

The main mineral components of the so-called heavy sands (or black sand) are the titanium, zirconium and iron-bearing minerals, rutile, zircon and illmenite, accompanied by various minor and trace amounts of silicates or phosphates, often present together with the rare earth elements. The investigated samples originated from Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in South Africa, which is jointly owned by BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, the largest titanium slag producer in the world. The present study focused on the characteristics of samples originating from various points in the separation plant. The heavy-mineral fractions and concentrates of a representative suite of samples were investigated using various analytical techniques to establish the differences in morphological and elemental compositions at the different points in the plant. These techniques included: reflected light microscopy, micro-raman spectrometry (MRS), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) and structural and chemical analyser (SCA). All samples comprised a heterogeneous population of zircon and rutile grains with diverse physico-chemical properties, expressed by large differences in colour and trace element chemistry of single grains. The elemental composition proved the presence of the rare earth elements that appeared to coexist with both Ti and Zr minerals. The percentage of grains hosting inclusions, such as anatase, monazite, quartz, spessartine, augite, epidote and actinolite, varied for each sample and could be uniquely characterized by Raman investigations. Keywords: heavy mineral sands, micro-ram an spectrometry, elemental analysis

By R. Tabanrad

This article examines the stability analysis of intake tunnels of Karun III dam & power plant. The tunnels have been excavated with a 3-dimensional and fairly complicated geometry in Pabdeh weak formation rocks at Zagros region. Due to the particular excavation geometry and inapplicability of plane-strain status, the stability of these excavations has been analyzed using both the 3D elastic software Examine 3D and the 2D non-elastic software UDEC simultaneously. The geomechanical parameters have been estimated by back analyzing the measured displacements from instruments, which were installed in the tunnels, and the parameters have been used in non-elastic numerical model. The results of the analysis show that the strains occurred in surrounding rock mass are less than the allowable failure strain and that the tunnels are stable. In addition, considering the results of non-elastic 2D analysis, the areas with unstable potentiality were identified and after the instability occurred at the areas predicted by the model , it was stopped up to the allowable strain limit through installing additional support . Bei diesem Artikel handelt es sich um eine Analyse der Festigkeit der Eingangstunnel des Damms und Elektrizitätswerks “Karoon III”.Die Tunnel haben drei Dimensionen und eine sehr schwierige Form und sind in brüchigen Felsen in “Pabedeh ,in Zagrossgebirge”eingebohrt.Aufgrund besonderer Form der Bohrung wurde ihre Festigkeit durch elastische dreidimensionale Soft-ware analysiert,die gleichzeitig die drei-und zweidimensionale unelastische Soft-ware UDEC benutzt hat.Die geometrische Parameter sind mit Ausnützung der Analyse berechneter eingesetzter Versorgungen,die in Tunnel aufgebaut sind,bewertet.Und diese Parameter sind in Zahlen-Analyse benutzt.Die Ergebnisse dieser Analyse zeigen,dass die Drücke an Felsen weniger als problematischer Grad der Drücke sind und die Tunnel fest sind.Ausserdem wurde mit einem Einblick auf die Ergebnisse der unelastischen zweidimensionale Analyse die eventuellen unfesten Teile bestimmt.Nach entstandener Unfestigkeit an diesen Teilen wurde die problematischeDrücke für Aufbau mehrere Anlagen gestoppt. Cet article examine l'analyse de la stabilité de tunnels de la prise de Karoun barrage III et centrale électrique. Les tunnels ont été excavés avec une 3 dimensionnel et compliqué géométrie dans Pabedeh que la formation faible balance à région Zagros équitablement. Dû à la géométrie de l'excavation particulière et inapplicabilite de statut de tension plane, la stabilité de ces excavations a été analysée en utilisant les deux le 3D logiciel élastique Examen 3D et le 2D logiciel non - élastique UDEC simultanément. Les paramètres du geomechanical ont été estimés en analysant le déplacement mesuré d'instruments qui ont été installés dans les tunnels et les paramètres en arrière a été utilisé dans les modèles numériques non - élastique. Les résultats de l'analyse montrent que les tensions se sont produites dans masse du roc environnante est plus petit que la tension de l'échec admissible et que les tunnels sont stables. De plus, les régions avec potentialité instable ont été identifiées étant donné les résultats de 2D analyse non - élastique, et après que l'instabilité se soit produite aux régions prédites par le modèle, il a été arrêté jusqu'à la limite de la tension admissible à travers installer du support supplémentaire.

Jan 1, 2003