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By C. Fortin

ABSTRACT The subject of gold flotation has been reviewed extensively. Most of these reviews focus on the theories of gold flotation and the physical and chemical effects that may impact the efficacy of the gold flotation process. The current status of gold flotation chemistry as it is being applied in industry has not been widely addressed. This paper reviews current gold flotation practice and research advancements and discusses how these applications tie in with the current understanding of gold flotation chemistry. Survey results from worldwide gold flotation operations are analyzed. Potential future areas of gold flotation research are highlighted.

Jan 1, 2013

By David L. Anderson

This paper explores the financial impact of the initial version of the Saskatchewan Potash Reserve Tax; first, a one; and second, in conjunction with the other taxes affecting the industry's profitability. A though the introduction of the Reserve Tax is shown to lead to a substantia increase in a hypothetical firm's effective tax burden, the more unusual outcomes frequently attributed to this levy on y occur after the imposition of other non-provincial tax rulings. Despite this qualification, the results obtained suggest that the Reserve Tax undoubted y acted as a catalyst in the polarization of attitudes during the ear y period of industry/government confrontation

Jan 1, 1979

By D. B. Dreisinger, A. A. Gunaratnam

A pressure oxidation (POX)-hot cure (HC)-lime boil (LB) process is used in industry to recover silver from refractory gold sulfide ores containing minerals such as pyrite and arsenopyrite. Pressure oxidation is used to oxidize minerals and liberate occluded gold particles. As such, iron goes into solution and under acidic and high temperature conditions often precipitates as basic iron sulfate (BFS). BFS consumes excess lime during neutralization prior to cyanidation. Therefore, a hot cure stage is required to re-dissolve BFS back into solution. BFS re-dissolution consumes acid and produces ferric sulfate. In the presence of silver, these conditions favor the slow formation of silver jarosite. Silver jarosite is refractory to cyanidation, and must be broken down prior to cyanidation. This is done in the lime boil to produce a cyanide-soluble silver hydroxide. A study was conducted to investigate parameters that affect the precipitates that form in each stage of the POX-HC-LB process.

Jan 1, 2017

By G. Itoh, S. Fukasawa

The Al-Zn-Mg alloys have been known to be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC), which is based on intergranular cracking arisen from hydrogen embrittlement (HE). The mechanism of HE has not been fully understood yet. In order to elucidate the mechanism of HE, we need to investigate the behavior of hydrogen in the alloys. In this paper, behavior of hydrogen in an Al-5.8%Zn-2.4Mg alloy was investigated by means of hydrogen microprint technique, a method to visualize location of hydrogen emission from specimen surface as silver particles. One side of the tensile test pieces was electrolytically polished and then covered with photographic emulsion. Hydrogen was pre-introduced into the test pieces from opposite side by cathodic electrolytic charging for 30min. Then, the test pieces were stretched with continuing the charging. After that, the specimen was fixed, rinsed, dried and observed with a scanning electron microscope. As a result, silver particles were observed on some grain boundaries.

Jan 1, 2015

By Himmelman. Nicholas P.

In this paper, the hardware foundations and data collection methods of a real time collision avoidance system for electric surface mining rope shovels are described. The primary goal of the system is to help a shovel operator avoid accidentally colliding the shovel?s dipper with either a nearby haul truck or the shovel?s tracks. To achieve this goal, the system requires complete and precise knowledge of the shovel?s geometry and movement, as well as the location of any nearby haul trucks. This paper describes the subsystems created to acquire this necessary information. This system is unique in that all of its components are mounted solely on the shovel and that it is designed to be easily retrofitted to a shovel without significant modifications.

Oct 1, 2009

By D. A. Beck

The load-deformation response of discontinuous rock under static and dynamic loading conditions has been simulated using Explicit Finite Element models. The intent of the analysis was to investigate the effects of specimen size and confining stress on strength, dilation and comminution. The simulations allow the development of homogenised constitutive material properties for discontinuous rock masses using laboratory scale measurements and representative Discrete Fracture Networks (DFNs). A procedure for this is presented which includes a comparison of measured seismic response in a mine to the Dissipated Plastic Energy (DPE) that is released in the simulated rock masses. The models also show how confinement and scale affect the stress-strain and DPE response of the simulated rock specimens, reproducing a number of known rock phenomena that are often poorly captured in geotechnical modelling. A case study is presented showing a satisfactory match between the model-derived, homogenised material properties and values achieved by calibration of a mine-scale model where many thousands of seismic, displacement and damage measurements were available.

May 1, 2009

Bahuerachi Project Characteristics Why it?s nicer at Bahuerachi Mexico is a mining country Low political, regulatory and trade risk Low social/permitting risk Proximity to infrastructure Road Power grid (8 km) Rail line (25 km) High grade zones (skarns), CRD and near surface oxide component are sweet spots to the overall system. Size of low grade system points to potential long mine life?and numerous new targets developing. Timelines-2006? 90 to 100 combined RC and core holes to go! MAIN ZONE Drilling ? Goat ?Finish Mid April ? Main Zone, going North, depth of testing dependent, estimated for May ? North Lobe-May ? Commission independent resource estimate by May 06 for results of first pass drilling to date ?tonnesand grades ?Main Zone Milestone. ? Continue infill or expanded drilling to July (minimum) ? 1stpass RC scheduled until September OTHER Targets ? Begin drill testing North Skarn target Mid-April, minimum 5 drill holes, 1,000 meters. Ongoing expansion of target with surface work (mapping) ? Road to Colome(Skarnin north of Main Zone) as part of porphyry program ? Tule(southern) porphyry and skarn system-soils and mapping OUTSTANDING events Metallurgical report on floating and leaching tests (Sulphide/oxides).

May 1, 2006

By Fridrik J. Kristjansson, Stephen R. Hicock

"Three varieties of till are recognized in the Beardmore-Geraldton area: local lodgement till, nonlocal carbonate till, and local supraglacial till. The local lodgement till unit is examined in detail for the first time in this paper. It is the best potential overburden exploration medium for gold and other metals because its particles were locally-derived and deposited subglacially, probably within a few kilometres downglacier (southwestward) from their sources, and have not been diluted by distantly-derived glacialdebris. Both local tills are richer in gold and other metals, relative to nonlocal carbonate till. Local lodgement till rests on bedrock and was encountered frequently at or near the surface in thin drift/bedrock terrain (a widespread terrain type within the west half of the study area), and commonly at the base of boreholes in thick till terrain.INTRODUCTIONDrift prospecting in areas of glaciated terrain has been well documented (in a variety of journal publications and symposium volumes; e.g . Strobel and Faure 1987; MacDonald and Mills 1988) and has proven valuable especially where overburden thicknesses hinder traditional exploration techniques. Drift prospecting techniques may well prove valuable in the Beardmore Geraldton area. This applies especially to the Wildgoose Lake Turkey Lake area where a thick and laterally extensive sheet of nonlocal carbonate till has impeded conventional mineral exploration programs (Fig. I; note the lack of gold occurrences around Wildgoose Lake).Till in .particular has been cited as the best prospecting medium among the various types of glacial sediment (e.g. Shilts 1984). Three end member till varieties are recognized in the study area: (I) local lodgement till which rests directly on bedrock; (2) non local carbonate till; and (3) local supraglacial till which occurs predominatly within, or just downglacier of, upland areas where it commonly mantles the other till varieties. Previous authors have documented how the non local carbonate till hinders gold exploration (Geddes and Kristjansson 1986; Karrow and Geddes 1987; Kristjansson 1986; Hicock 1986, 1987a, b, 1988; Kristjansson and Thorieifson 1987; Thorleifson and Kristjansson 1987, 1988a, b) and why the local supraglacial till may be a good unit for prospecting (Hicock 1986). One detailed surficial geology map sheet of the area has been published (Kristjansson et al., 1988) and others are in preparation. Closs and Sado (1981) reported on the geochemistry of soils and glacial sediments in the west half of the study area. This paper documents the local lodgement till unit and demonstrates why it is the best overburden unit to use for drift prospecting."

Jan 1, 1989

By L. Cheng, Y. W. Pan, Y. R. Liu

"Impounding deformation of slope and foundation is significant during and post dam construction. Reservoir impoundment is accompanied with various phenomena, including material degradation, effective stress decreasing and buoyancy in rock masses. These phenomena are related with some engineering concerns like reservoir-induced earthquake, landslide and dam stability. The Malpasset dam and Vajont dam are typical hydraulic projects suffering from seepage in dam foundation and slope, which finally led to failure and landslide. Pore pressure in jointed rock masses is considered in constitutive relation. The expression of effective stress for porous rock with fluids is incorporated into the Drucker-Prager criterion. Based on monitoring data of valley width and dam deformation, the effective stress law is applied to analyse the impounding influence of slope and foundation to Jinping-I high arch dam. The dam is accompanied with complicated topographical and geological conditions. The results show that calculated and monitored values agree well, and the application of effective stress law provides an approach to evaluate dam deformation, stress and stability with impounding effect considered.INTRODUCTIONImpounding deformation of slope and foundation is a common and significant problem during dam construction and operation. This phenomenon exists in a lot of reservoirs in China, like Laxiwa, Ertan, Xiluodu and Jinping-I arch dams, and some dams in Europe. It is related with some engineering concerns like reservoir-induced earthquake, landslide and dam stability. The Malpasset dam and Vajont dam are typical hydraulic projects suffering from seepage in dam foundation and slope. Monitored data indicates that the valley width tends to shrink in hydraulic engineering during the impounding process, which will change the stress and deformation of dam and abutment. Therefore, global stability of dam and foundation should be evaluated with impounding process taken into consideration."

Jan 1, 2015

By M. Gagné, F. E. Goodwin

The mining industry represents a significant investment in infrastructure of which steel plays a key role. Many structures in a mine are made of steel including shaft structures (buntons, station steelwork and headgear); stope structures (roof supports, pipe hangers); haulageway structures (ore transfer stations, electrical stubbies); and surface structures (plant buildings, tank supports, pipe gantries, conveyor belts, stacks, stockpile structures, stairways and railings). Maintenance of structural components can often be difficult because of the environment, including those where corrosive fumes persist, or limited access, such as in shafts where access is limited, or to short maintenance shifts or where limited working space is available. Thus a cost-efficient, long-lasting and maintenance-free protection system for steel should be specified. Galvanizing provides the required high-quality, long-term corrosion protection to steel. Galvanizing provides protection in two ways, first as a physical barrier to corrosion and secondly by means of cathodic or sacrificial protection that is unique to zinc. The dual nature of corrosion protection provided by galvanizing significantly extends the service life of steel even in the most challenging environments. The unique corrosion protection properties provided by galvanized steel will be highlighted with global mining application case studies.

Jan 1, 2015

By Derek Apela, Coralee Heske, Bunyamin Kahraman, Muhammad Adi

Effective blast fragmentation is essential in underground mining, as it directly influences downstream processing efficiency and operational expenses. This study investigates the application of Non-Newtonian Fluids (NNF) as stemming materials, presenting a novel method to enhance energy confinement, minimize environmental impact, and optimize blast performance. NNFs exhibit shear-thickening behaviour, enabling them to transition between fluid-like and solid-like states under stress, which renders them suitable for regulating explosive gas ejection during blasting. Field trials were performed by Vale Base Metals in Thompson, Manitoba, in their underground nickel mine to evaluate conventional slag stemming against NNF-based stemming in production-scale blasts. Emulsion explosives were employed, and blast performance was assessed through velocity of detonation (VOD) measurements, vibration monitoring, and AI-assisted fragmentation analysis using WipFrag. Preliminary results indicate that NNF stemming improves fragmentation, resulting in a reduction of D50 by as much as 38%, enhances energy confinement, and may decrease the incidence of hole plugging and re-drilling in subsequent blasts. This study presents an alternative to conventional stemming methods, highlighting potential advantages for enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability in blasting operations. Additional research and field trials are necessary to improve implementation protocols and facilitate the widespread adoption of this unique method in the mining sector.

May 4, 2025

By J. P. Morris, J. T. Novak, E. A. Sarver

"A variety of reagents are utilized in coal preparation, but aside from performing their desired function relatively little is known about the behavior of these reagents within the processing circuits. Where exactly do reagents go once dosed? In this paper, we present preliminary results of partitioning studies on frother (i.e., MIBC) and collector (i.e., diesel) chemicals commonly used in coal flotation, and examine implications for water management (e.g., in closed-loop systems). Additionally, we discuss the usefulness of such data in predicting environmental transport and fate of chemicals – which is currently a top priority for industry.INTRODUCTIONThe purpose of coal preparation is to upgrade mined coal into more valuable products. Since coal is primarily used as a fuel source for electricity generation, product specifications are typically contracted to minimize unwanted constituents that detract from the overall heat value (e.g., ash and moisture) or that add to environmental pollution or other problems like corrosion at a power plant (e.g., sulfur) (Pitt & Millward, 1979). Failure to meet specifications results in a financial penalty for the coal producer (Szwilski, 1986), and thus preparation processes have evolved to simultaneously optimize recovery of valuable “clean” coal with rejection of mineral matter and moisture. In addition to advancements in equipment and circuitry, development and application of various chemical reagents has dramatically improved the performance of coal preparation processes.Contemporary preparation plants typically include multiple circuits that can be categorized by the size of particles they process: coarse, intermediate, and fine/ultra-fine (Figure 1). Coarse and intermediate circuits generally rely on size classification and gravity separations (e.g., dense-media cyclones), and do not require significant chemical reagents. However, fine and ultra-fine circuits often use froth flotation to separate coal from impurities, which requires chemical additives (Table 1). The primary additives include collectors, which coat the surface of the coal particles to render them (more) hydrophobic and thus more likely to attach to air bubbles and float; and frothers, which aid in the formation and stability of the froth that will accumulate the floated coal particles. Modifiers are also commonly added to flotation circuits to regulate pH in instances where coal or impurity characteristics may change water chemistries (Laskowski, 2001). Following flotation, coagulants and flocculants are often utilized in solid-liquid separations (i.e., dewatering or clarification) for coal products, and for tailings slurries prior to their disposal in impoundments. Coagulants function via double-layer compression1 to bring colloidal particles together, while flocculants promote bridging between the grouped colloids – and the combined result is enhanced sedimentation (Wills, 2006). Defoaming or anti-foaming agents may also be required to avoid fouling of dewatering operations."

Jan 1, 2012

By Helen Morrison, Chris Staun, James Vaughan

"Mercury is introduced into the Bayer refining process as a trace element in bauxite. During the digestion stage, a portion of the mercury is extracted which partitions between the flash tank off-gas, vapour condensate and bauxite residue streams. A technology or treatment that stabilises mercury in the solid phase during digestion would prevent environmental management issues that may arise from the presence of mercury in condensate and non-condensable gases. This study examines the effect of process additives on the deportment of mercury under Bayer digestion conditions. Bauxite digestion experiments were conducted in batch autoclaves in the presence of additives. Process liquor was analysed for mercury content using a thermal desorption technique. Pyrite and copper hydroxide were evaluated for their suitability as additives.INTRODUCTIONMercury is an ancient metal characterised by electrochemical nobility, volatility, low solubility in water and a liquid state at room temperature (Holleman and Wiberg, 2001). The biogeochemical cycle of mercury is complex. Elemental mercury may enter the atmosphere due its volatility, where it can be transported long distances. After settling and adsorption to sediments, methylation is catalysed through microbial metabolism (Qureshi et al., 2009). Methylated mercury species are potent neurotoxins, and bioaccumulation of mercury is well documented, particularly in seafood (Kozin et al., 2013, Pan et al., 2014, Pollman, 2014). Environmental regulations for mercury emissions are becoming increasingly stringent (UNEP, 2015). Considerable research has already been performed and technologies developed for the remediation of mercury in wastewater and the trapping of mercury from industrial stack emissions. Wastewater technologies usually target ionised mercury using adsorbent, ion exchange and complexation mechanisms (Krishnan and Anirudhan, 2002, Li et al., 2015a, Chiarle et al., 2000), while stack emission technology is dominated by impregnated activated carbon adsorbents (Gao et al., 2013, Zheng et al., 2012). Related developments include piezoelectric amalgamating sensors for in line detection of gaseous elemental mercury in industrial stack emissions (Kabir et al., 2015, Sabri et al., 2011). There is a paucity of research regarding removal of mercury from the Bayer process."

Jan 1, 2016

By R. S. Boorman, L. J. Surges

"Ore reserves at Brunswick Mining and Smelting totalled 101(106) tonnes grading 97 grams tonne-1 silver at the end of 1981. Silver is recovered as a byproduct in the copper, lead and bulk concentrates and is lost to the zinc concentrate and plant tailings. Recovery of silver for the year 1981 was 58,5%. The loss of potential revenue is in excess of Cdn $50(106) year-1 at current silver prices and milling rates.Silver is known to occur in solid solution in galena and as tetrshedrite. Evidence indicating the identity and significance of a third silverbearing mineral assemblage is reviewed and the distribution of silver losses is detailed. Characteristics of each the carrier which may be responsible for observed distribution, including size, surface quality, liberation and composition are considered, and the third carrier is shown to have possible implications for improved silver recovery by other Canadian producers as well as by Brunswick Mining.Silver tetrahedrite tailings distributed tailings and losses occur as coarse, free and as very fine unliberated galena in losses of the third carrier are between the zinc concentrate and are concentrated in the finest size fractions. Process alternatives for enhanced silver recovery by physical and chemical means are reviewed."

Jan 1, 1983

By Edward Rybinski

Compañía Minera Antamina is a polymetallic mining complex that produces copper and zinc concentrates as primary products and molybdenum and lead/bismuth/silver concentrates as by-products. In 2007, Metso Process Technology and Innovation (PTI) was contracted to increase SAG mill throughput by integrating and optimising blast fragmentation, crushing and grinding for the harder M4/M4A (CuZn) ores. Following the implementation of recommendations provided by Metso PTI, the SAG mill throughput increased from 2750tph to reach an average of 3600tph for the remainder of 2007. Due to continued application of mine to mill integration and optimisation philosophy, by 2010, the concentrator consistently exceeded the target of 4400tph while processing harder CuZn ores.

Jan 1, 2012

By Tassos Grammatikopoulos

The St. Lawrence deposit is a large wollastonite skarn (ca. 9 Mt @ 41.3% wollastonite) adjoining the gabbroic-to-syenitic Leo Lake pluton in the granulite facies of the Frontenac Terrane of the Grenvillian Central Metasedimentary Belt. It occurs within a horseshoe-shaped horizon of quartzite, open to the east. The skarn extends over 1.2 km2, and comprises wollastonite-dominant, wollastonite-clinopyroxene, and diverse quartz-feldspar-sulphide (-titanite) layers, interbanded with, and strongly folded within, the quartzite. As in the world-class wollastonite deposits of the Willsboro district, New York State, no carbonate protolith is preserved and calcite is a negligible constituent of the mineralized zones. Wollastonite development is nonetheless ascribed to metasomatism of a metacarbonate unit by magmatogene, silica-rich, CO2-poor (XCO2 < 0.05) fluids, at P = 350 MPa and ca. 560 oC, or, alternatively, 550 MPa and ca. 630 oC. Several high grade zones, averaging >40%, but locally exceeding 80%, of translucent, white, tabular wollastonite grains, with lengths of 0.2 - 2 cm, have been delimited by drilling. Preliminary beneficiation studies yield high aspect-ratio and high-purity (low Fe and Mn) concentrates. St. Lawrence compares favourably to other known prospects and operating wollastonite deposits; having good chemical and physical properties, low iron content, and high aspect ratios (>20:1). In addition, the deposit has a favourable size and location, and will benefit from a low Canadian dollar. Canada currently has no wollastonite production.

May 1, 2002

By I. A. Menshikh, S. A. Kotov, N. L. Shinkarkin

All the cycle for conversion of natural and reprocessed uranium of ROSATOM’s “TVEL” Fuel Company is concentrated at the Siberian Chemical Plant. Conversion capacities are located on two sites, i.e. the Radiochemical Plant, which refines feedstock, and the Conversion Plant, which produces uranium oxides and uranium hexafluoride. Liquid radioactive waste arising in the process, after pretreatment, is transferred to a dedicated national operator for underground disposal. Environmental strategies pursued by the Fuel Company involve the introduction of process solutions intended to eliminate liquid radioactive waste and convert it into a solid phase. In the 5–7 years coming, work will be performed to refurbish and upgrade conversion facilities of the Siberian Chemical Plant that will principally change its radioactive waste management scheme. This paper describes the current waste management scheme and sets out planned schemes for management of natural and reprocessed uranium waste, which will be implemented in the refurbishment of conversion facilities of the Siberian Chemical Plant. The new technologies for the management of liquid radioactive waste from uranium conversion described in the present paper have an undeniable advantage over the current technology mainly due to significantly less environmental harm.

Jan 1, 2020

By P. Diehl, M. David

"As shortage in the supply of mineral commodities become more probable, there is an increasing need for reliable and comparable reserve/resource data. It is therefore necessary to standardize the traditional classification procedure by quantifying the three basic criteria in resource evaluation: economic feasibility, geologic assurance and recovery. For the portion of fairly well documented deposits and as far as their geologic parameters are concerned, geostatistical methods can considerably improve the quality of ore classification. In respect of economic feasibility and recovery, approved geostatistical methods can be introduced directly into the classification procedure. The concept of geologic assurance, however, requires a new interpretation in terms of geostatistical error spread. As the ""risk"" in estimating an ore parameter is also a function of the respective block size, it is reasonable to define not only upper limits for the risk intervals for each class of uncertainty, but also block dimensions which reflect the typical stage of planning associated with the different ore categories. An algorithm has been developed to block out areas inside a mine or a large panel which satisfies the constraints of an ore category in respect of the risk intervals of a parameter and in respect of their size. The method has been computerized and is demonstrated on a massive copper-nickel deposit.IntroductionFacing an uncertain future with respect to the demand and supply of mineral commodities, both governmental authorities and the mining industries show an increasing interest in a useful framework for the assessment and classification of the remaining mineral resources"". This is reflected by the recently published appraisal and classification scheme of the United Nations as well as by the new or revised classification systems of the USA; Canada or Australia. Moreover there are various classification schemes which are currently discussed in major mining companies."

Jan 1, 1982

By Andrew Bamber

The mining and beneficiation of minerals is the second largest end-use of electrical power on the planet, and comminution is by far the largest single contributor to this. Several jurisdictions, including British Columbia, have, in response to concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, adopted energy conservation legislation, including carbon taxes, carbon trading and conservation incentive schemes. Key to achieving conservation objectives is firstly an understanding of usage metrics across the various unit operations in the sector, and secondly an understanding of the conservation potential represented by available technologies and approaches in reducing end-use. This paper presents the results of a recent utility-funded study on energy use metrics and conservation potential at large open pit mines which are typical of the sector in BC.

Aug 1, 2013

By L. Louis

High resolution X-ray computed tomography imaging (with voxel size 48 µm) was conducted on various sandstone samples with different initial degrees of heterogeneity. All samples were imaged intact, and some after having developed localized compaction features in conventional triaxial experiments at high confining pressure, i.e. in the shear enhanced compaction domain (Wong et al., 1997). Our analysis of heterogeneity from X-ray CT data is based on the use of the coefficient of variation d =s /µ (s being the standard deviation and µ the average value). The coefficient of variation was shown by Otani et al. (2005) to be a convenient indicator of material heterogeneity in CT images of experimentally deformed sand piles. The authors reported differences in d before and after their experiments, and interpreted these differences as the effect of grain crushing resulting in more even material distribution within the voxels, hence in lower d values. The same concept was used by Louis et al. (2006) to image contrasts in d values throughout a volume of rock that had developed compaction bands in triaxial laboratory testing, knowing that the bands that had formed could be identified by visual inspection but not on the X-ray CT images. This study resulted in a radically enhanced image of the discrete compacted zones within the CT-scan series, whereby more deformed areas showed relatively low values of coefficient of variation due to grain crushing and pore collapse, as compared to nominally undeformed areas.

May 1, 2009