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The cost of preparing a feasibility study is notoriously difficult to estimate. Studies for mining projects are typically commenced when an exploration programme has identified a mineable resource and pre-feasibility studies have shown that development of the resource would lead to an economically viable project. Pre-feasibility studies will normally include an estimate of the cost of a formal feasibility study and this estimate would then be firmed up before a commitment is made to proceed with the formal study. Data for preparing the feasibility study cost estimate will be sketchy, geological investigations, metallurgical testwork, and marketing studies may be needed before the scope of the project and hence the scope of the formal study can be finally determined. Before an estimate of the work required and hence of the cost of the feasibility study can be prepared the source of project funds must be decided. Studies for internally funded projects are often less rigorous than those which must be "bankable" and subject to the scrutiny of external financial institutions. This paper sets out suggestions for preparing more accurate cost estimates for feasibility studies by ensuring that all activities are included and shows how a staged approach to preparing such studies can minimise costs and guard against cost overruns. It also provides a case study showing how the estimate compared with actual costs for a recent feasibility study completed by Pancontinental Mining Limited.

Jan 1, 1990

By J. A. Finch, S. T. Hall

An oxidative alkaline pressure leach is shown to increase the magnetic susceptibility of coal-pyrite particles. The leach was successfully exploited as a pretreatment in the magnetic desulfurization of an eastern Canadian coal. Greater than 50% total sulfur (65% pyritic sulfur) rejection at 85% clean coal yield was achieved using a high-gradient magnetic separator (HGMS) at 1.3 T and 53 mm/s (2 in. per sec) flow rate, after pretreatment at 0.5 mot NaOH, 85ºC (185ºF), 930 kPa (135 psi) air pressure, 15 minutes retention time, and 20% solids by weight (w/w). Without pretreatment, sulfur rejection at these HGMS settings was less than 5%.

Jan 1, 1985

By James F. Archibald, H. Jame Hackwood

"Research was performed to assess the feasibility of barrier membrane substances, for use within mining or associated high risk environments, in restricting the diffusion transport of radon gas. Specific tests were conducted, both within laboratory and in situ environments, to determine radon gas concentration ratios across a barrier of interest and emanation rate variation resulting from application of such materials. Several materials have been demonstrated to be effective in restricting the emanation of radon gas into initially radon-free environments. One liquid material shows particularly good promise upon consideration of ideal radon barrier criteria.IntroductionIt has long been known (I.2.3) that inhalation of the short-lived, alpha particle-emitting daughters of radon gas can result in irradiation of lung tissue with the potential for causing lung cancer. Control measures are necessary to maintain concentrations of airborne contamination at a minimum to protect miner health and safety. Typical control practices in mines have been through the application of systematic ventilation and backfilling of excavated opening. As mines become deeper, however, and additional workings become exposed, increased ventilation capacity requirements are needed. As an alternative to other radiation control measures, the use of sealants to prevent radon migration from walls into mine atmospheres may provide a suitable engineering alternative."

Jan 1, 1987

By L. Forsbacka, M. Nakamoto, L. Holappa

Viscosity of the slag is one of the central parameters when producing FeCr in submerged arc furnaces. It contributes to smelting behaviour and reduction kinetics of chromite ore as well as to the Cr recovery by influencing the separation of dispersed metal droplets from the slag. A typical FeCr process slag contains 5-10pct chromium oxides, CrO and CrO1.5. The neural network computation was applied to the evaluation of viscosity for slags containing chromium oxides, and the prediction of viscosity in FeCr process slag was conducted. The main results in this estimation were that the chromium oxides in FeCr process slag lower its viscosity, and that the effect of CrO on the viscosity decrease is greater than that of CrO1.5.

Jan 1, 2007

Application of microprocessors, programmable logic devices, and other computer-oriented hardware and software on-board large surface mining equipment to optimize availability and productivity, stretch machine life, and protect against catastrophic breakdown has been a goal of heavy-equipment manufacturers for several years. Progress in this direction has not been as rapid as many manufacturers anticipated in the mid-1980s, and, on the other side of the coin, mining industry and machine operator acceptance of such products has not always been enthusiastic. However, the trend toward such development seems undeniable. Large surface mining equipment in the future will doubtless carry more, and not fewer, applications of computers and computer-related products. The intensity of development interest and degree of progress in commercializing such on-board computer and computer-related products on surface mining equipment varies considerably among the manufacturers. Summarized here are the on-board computer-oriented products of three heavy-equipment suppliers-P&H Harnishfeger, Marathon LeTourneau, and Haulpak not a comprehensive survey, but, perhaps indicative of the direction such development is taking.

Jan 1, 1990

"M bed, Matanuska valley, Alaska, coal carbonizingproperties B 510M spectral lines, low-energy, study RI 5538Mab shaft, Leadvile district, Colo., investigation RI .1518Maberry process, for aluminum chloride TP 321"

Jan 1, 1960

By Pilon CG, Deakin RC

It is proposed that a waste rock dump be constructed on slopes consisting of soft colluvium and weathered Chim Formation mudstone at the Porgera Gold Mine, in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Geolog- ical, geomorphological and geophysical investigations were conducted in support of geotechnical studies to assess the physical character of the 6km2 site. Geomorphological studies focused on the extent and nature of colluvium cover and landslide activity. Detailed ground traverse mapping resulted in classification and delineation of eight terrains and seven material types. Seismic refraction and resistivity profiling, combined with drilling, provided subsurface data. Results were presented as standard profiles, coloured contoured sections and plans. Subsurface features, including deep colluvial channels, buried cliffs, slump blocks and buried alluvial channels, were identified. Results of the combined investigations allowed designers to model the colluvium/ bedrock surface and identify critical areas of deep, mobile colluvium and weak bedrock. A design approach was developed which accounted for the morphology of landslide systems and distribution of colluvium types.

Jan 1, 1991

By William Crowe Kellogg

By now the term AFMAG has been fairly well introduced to the mining industry. Several papers have been presented and published concerning AFMAG (references 1 and 2). However, the term AFMAG remains rather new to the industry, and the exact place which AFMAG occupies in the minerals exploration field is still somewhat uncertain in the minds of many who may have use for this new and interesting method of electromagnetic exploration for conductive minerals. It is the purpose of this paper to again review the basic theory of the AFMAG system, to describe and - illustrate the equipment and data presentation as used in aerial surveying, and to provide some idea of the cost and nature of airborne AFMAG surveys. This paper is primarily of a general descriptive nature and presents AFMAG theory in a schematic rather than mathematical form; emphasis is placed on the equipment, the present method of data presentation and survey operations, since it is believed that such, information will now generally best serve to inform the mining industry of the characteristics of the AFMAG system.

Jan 1, 1960

By C. Yi, M. Onifade, B. Genc, S. Dineva, T. Zvarivadza, M. Khandelwal

Deep hardrock mines worldwide increasingly face rockbursts as mining depths increase. These events result from the accumulation and sudden release of stress, causing rockmass damage and posing major safety and operational challenges. This paper focuses on destress blasting as a critical strategy to mitigate rockburst hazards. Although limited practical experience exists in Swedish deep hardrock mines, international case studies demonstrate that, when well implemented, destress blasting redistributes peak stresses by promoting controlled fracturing around mining excavations. The success of such techniques is highly dependent on site-specific factors such as stress regime, rockmass brittleness, structural geology, and blast layout. Although destress blasting is especially effective in massive, brittle rock under high stress, typical conditions for strainburst prone environments, its design cannot rely solely on numerical models. Simulations can offer preliminary evaluation of stress redistribution trends and guide early design assessments but their current limitations, including sensitivity to input data and simplified fracture mechanics, mean they are best used as supplementary tools rather than final decision-makers. Field trials, supported by microseismic analysis and fracture mapping, remain essential for validation. The study critically synthesises international experiences and presents a structured framework for destress blasting design, offering practical and academic perspectives aligned with Swedish geological conditions to support safer and more efficient application in deep hardrock mines.

Jun 27, 2025

Salaries for mining professionals have gone up substantially in the last two years across most vocations and there has never been a better time to enter the industry, in terms of career opportunities and salary packages. With so many offers on the table and companies outbidding each other to attract the best talent, many new professionals are being lured in by the big money, sometimes at the expense of a satisfying career and a sustainable lifestyle. What should we consider when accepting a new position? What are our values, and how do these drive our decision making? This paper examines our core values as people and makes some observations about what it takes to really succeed in the mining industry.

Jan 1, 2006

By Charles Hardy, George D. Cremer

POWDER metallurgy has been established for some time as a novel method for manufacturing a great variety of articles generally specialties that could not be made conveniently by any other method. In this category are such parts as porous hearings cutting tools of sintered carbides, and electrical contacts in which the metallic constituents do not tend to alloy in the proportions employed. The industry, however, is now at a stage where it has begun to manufacture articles that can and have been made by other methods. Thus, powder metallurgy is now preferred technique for the production of numerous machine parts characterized by high strength, accuracy of configuration, and substantial lack of porosity. Manufacture of such machine parts from metal powders has no doubt been stimulated by the war, although the trend in this direction has been apparent for several years. In any case, quantity production of high-density precision pieces by ponder metallurgy is now in full suing in the United States, and such production can and should continue to expand during and after the war.

Jan 1, 1942

By S. Grogan

Next year marks the tenth anniversary of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). As the U.S. coal industry scrambles to cope with serious economic difficulties, it is appropriate to examine some other difficulties that have their origin in certain provisions of that ten year old law, and that bear directly on the economic viability of surface coal mining in the west. This paper focuses briefly on three technical issues in the reclamation of surface coal mines in arid regions, and suggests that innovation can resolve these issues. The coal industry operates within a narrow legal context, defined in 1977. In enacting SMCRA, Congress listed among the purposes of the Act ?... to...strike a balance between protection of the environment, agricultural productivity and the Nation's need for coal as an essential source of energy." I maintain that such a balance has never been struck, particularly with regard to the reclamation of mines in the west. One reason is that when SMCRA was enacted its supporters were aware of uncertainties about the potential for successful reclamation of western surface mines. Over the intervening years, as a recent Congressional study report (OTA, 1986) points out, "...the risks these uncertainties may pose to the long term success of western reclamation have been reduced significantly." Unfortunately, SMCRA's enforcement agency, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) has not yet recognized this fact, and the western coal industry is paying the price.

Jan 1, 1986

By D J. Holden

Prospectivity, the relative value of gold, investor confidence, general economic stability and legislation driven by public attitudes are seen as the major influences on the gold mining industry in New Zealand. Since the 1860s the gold mining industry in New Zealand has been subject to the complex interaction of these influences resulting in three successive boom and bust periods. The booms are related to periods of greatest potential economic growth. The busts are more strongly related to downturns in the economy and falling gold price. The influences may be expressed as trends over time. The role of gold has changed from being a currency base to that of a traded commodity. This change has caused price instability and rapid fluctuations in its value. Increased competing land uses, shifting public attitudes and legislative changes have added to the instability of the industry. Reaction against change is to be expected from the companies until new legislation is seen to be functioning efficiently. Other trends show that there has been a tendency towards reduced exploration and consolidation of active gold mining projects. The future consequences of this are likely to be felt both regionally and nationally as there will be no new discoveries to fill production voids which will develop as currently producing mines close. The review of New Zealand's resource use statutes is nearly complete. A period of legislative stability can now be expected. There are some positive signs that consents will be obtained much more quickly than under previous legislation, particularly by those companies which develop the skills to work with the system. The new regime is about consideration of impacts rather than specific activities. This, together with excellent prospectivity, bodes well for the identification of mineral resources in New Zealand.

Jan 1, 1992

By Benoit Bissonnette, David Gelderland

"The Campbell Mine Constructed Wetlands has been in full operation, processing effluent from the water treatment plant of the mill circuit for the last two years.The overall results are extremely positive with dramatic improvements for the originally targeted parameters – Ammonia, Copper and toxicity.• Ammonia concentrations were reduced from an average of 5 mg/L to an average of 0.43 mg/L which translates to an average reduction of 91%.• Copper concentrations were reduced from an average concentration of 0.054 mg/L to an average of 0.019 mg/L, which translates to an average reduction of 65%.• LC50 Acute toxicity testing revealed no impact.• IC25 Chronic toxicity tests revealed no impairment to growth or reproduction.As a result of the improvements in discharge water quality from the wetland, 100 percent compliance with respect to all Certificate of Approval, MISA and MMER regulations for effluent will be consistently achieved.The system has proven to be very easy to operate and maintain, with a minimum of care. Given some basic rules are followed, the construction of the wetlands was straightforward and relatively inexpensive compared to other treatment methods.The ecological benefits of the operation of the wetland are also quite substantial, as is the positive image of the corporation in environmental stewardship.INTRODUCTIONOver the last four years, Campbell Mine has adopted an aggressive schedule for the development of wetlands for use as the final stage of effluent treatment within the tailings management facility. The focus of this work has been to utilize natural biological systems to provide Campbell Mine with a 100 percent compliant water quality with respect to all MISA, MMER and COA discharge criteria at all times throughout the effluent discharge period."

Jan 1, 2003

By D. Harrington

This paper is a revision of Information Circular 7380, by D. Harrington and J. H. East, Jr., published in 1946, entitled ?Safe Storage, Handling, and Use of Commercial Explosives in Metal Mines, Nonmetallic Mines, and Quarries.? Issued soon after the close of World War II, this earlier circular described the unprecedented increase in the production and use of commercial explosives during the war as a result of expanded industry and the tremendous demand f or metals and minerals. In the years following World War II, the production and use of commercial explosives in the United States have continued to rise. Hence, the Bureau of Mines presents these revised figures through 1952. In rewriting this Wormation circular, most of the text prepared by Harrington and East has been retained, with newer statistical information compiled by Seth T. Reese, Accident Analysis Branch, and V. E. Wrenn, of the same branch.

Jan 1, 1954

By John B. Ivey

This is a geologic study of the U.S. Bureau of Mines Oil Shale Tract in the Piceance Creek Basin of Rio Blanco County, Colorado for the preparation of a set of detailed surface geologic maps, measurement and identification of joint attitudes and frequencies, and the classification and mapping of the soils of the area.

Jan 1, 1978

By J. H. Bain, D. C. Haigh, L. C. Parsons

Jan 1, 1964

By George A. Roberts, Arthur H. Grobe

H. H. Hausner (Sylvania Electric Products Inc., Bayside, N. Y.)—I tested the 18-8 stainless steel powder described by Grobe and Roberts and the results were excellent. The powder was compacted and sintered in purified hydrogen to a very low density (approximately 20 pct and more porosity). Where the other powders show very little ductility when sintered to such a low density, the described stainless steel was surprisingly high in ductility. I would appreciate it if the authors could give us some data on a similar powder but without silicon and also data on 430 stainless steel powder. H. S. Kalish (Sylvania Electric Products lnc., Bay-side, N. Y.)—I should like to verify the excellent results obtained by Grobe and Roberts with their pre-alloyed stainless steel powder. It seems to me, however, that their data are conservative and that even better densities and higher tensile strength can be obtained with these powders by the selection of proper particle size fractions. The accompanying data were obtained by sintering compacts pressed from the powder made by Vanadium-Alloys Steel Co. to 0.8 in. in diam about % in. high in a cylindrical double action die without the use of lubricant. The compacts were sintered for 1 hr at 2370°F in hydrogen purified by passing it through a Deoxo unit (palladium catalyst) and a Lectrodryer. Even the density obtained using the as-received (—100 mesh) compacted at 40 tsi was quite high as was the hardness. This indicates that by increasing the sintering temperature slightly above 2350°F the coining and subsequent secondary sintering operation can be avoided. With the — 325 mesh fraction, however, very much higher density can be obtained and a high hardness. I have no tensile data to present, but I feel that it is not too optimistic to expect. that unusually high tensile strengths and good ductility can be obtained in this sintered material on the basis of the density and hardness data. The sintered stainless steel made by the above-described methods came out of the furnace very bright and clean. The purified hydrogen atmosphere is important in sintering stainless steel to reduce the oxide present in the powder. The result of such a sintering is good densification and good ductility of the sintered product. G. A. Roberts (authors' reply)—We are greatly indebted to Messrs. Hausner and Kalish for their discussions of our paper. Their encouraging remarks are greatly appreciated and their confirmatory data will do much to add to the value of the paper. At the present time it is impossible to provide complete data on a similar stainless steel powder without silicon, but we do know that, in general, the properties are slightly inferior. Data on such a powder and on other stainless steel types are to be published in the near future.

Jan 1, 1952

Applications of helium in aerostatics, cryogenics, space, and undersea work are described in papers from the Helium Applications Symposium. Specific subjects include investigations of X-ray sources by means of balloon-borne instruments, meteorological soundings by balloons, powered lighter-than-air flight, tethered balloons, refrigeration techniques, large superconductive magnets, electronic devices, superconducting transmission lines, high-precision thermal conductivity analysis, He3-He4 dilution refrigerators, uses of helium in the atomic energy program, helium-cooled nuclear reactors, power- plant applications for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, helium welding of stainless steel tubing and pipe, development of helium-shielded arc welding, helium as a diluent in spacecraft atmospheres, helium utilization in the Saturn-Apollo program, and helium utilization in diving environments. Papers from the Helium Centennial Symposium at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society cover the history of the discovery of helium, the history of its development by the Bureau of Mines from a laboratory curiosity to an important item of commerce, the source of helium in natural gases, the world of liquid helium, and liquid helium-3.

Jan 1, 1969

By D N. B Skinner, M P. Simpson

At Ohio Creek, 3 km northwest of the Thames bonanza goldfield, porphyry Cu-Au mineralisation is hosted in a dacite porphyry associated with porphyry intrusion breccias and overlying andesites and dacites. The geological setting is a Jurassic greywacke basement overlain by Late Miocene andesite-dacite volcanics which are extensively altered to propylitic and argillic assemblages. Diamond drilling at Ohio Creek in 1978-1981 by Amoco Minerals intersected low grade Cu-Au (0.12-0.20% C~ 0.23-0.4 glt Au) mineralisation An advanced argillic 'alteration cap containing quartz-alunite¦dickite or pyrophyllite-dickite¦diaspore is centred on the adjacent Lookout Rocks and has potential for high sulfidation Au-Cu mineralisation. There is a zonation from potassic K-feldspar-magnetitealteration at depth in the dacite porphyry, through an overlying phyllic quartzsericite- pyrite zone which is overprinted by pyrophyllite in the overlying advanced argillic cap. Early quartz stockwork veinlets associated with the potassic alteration contain fluid inclusions that trapped a highly saline (50-80 wt% NaCI equiv) fluid at high temperatures (450 to >600¦C) indicative of a magmatic fluid. Some chalcopyrite is associated with slightly later quartz-magnetite veinlets, but the bulk of the copper occurs as disseminated chalcopyrite associated with the phyllic alteration. The potassic alteration is surrounded and overprinted by propylitic chlorite¦epidote alteration. Late polymetallic sulfide-quartz-anhydrite veins occur within and around the margins of the porphyry system as in the Kaiser Reef. Fluid inclusions associated with these late veins were formed at temperatures of about 250-320¦C from low salinity (1-3 wfl~ NaCI equiv) fluids. The spatial association between porphyry eu-Au mineralisation, advanced argillic alteration and polymetallic sulfide veins suggests that they are genetically part of the same hydrothennal system. This is consistent with reconnaissanceK-Ar dates of 11.6-10.7 Ma for the intrusive porphyry at Ohio Creek, alunite in the advanced argillic alteration zone at Lookout Rocks and sericite selvedges from the Waiotahi gold-quartz veins at Thames.

Jan 1, 1998