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By E. Swartzman

This paper presents a general re-view of the various methods of briquetting coals, with and without the aid of a binder, with special reference to the production of a suitable briquette from Nova Scotia 'fines' for re-blending with industrial coal. From the economic and technical viewpoints, either small stoker-sized briquettes made with about 4 per cent asphalt in standard low-pressure double-roll presses, or briquettes made without binder in high-pressure double-roll presses, appear to be the most reasonable solution at present.

Jan 1, 1959

By I. Masters, K. Buban, M. Faris, M. Antonio, M. Collins

"AngloGold Ashanti Brasil, with assistance from Sherritt International Corporation, has recently commissioned a new autoclave for the pressure oxidation of refractory gold feeds at their Corrego do Sítio operation in Brazil. Design of the new plant, including feed acidulation, pressure oxidation, oxidized solids washing and solution neutralization circuits, was based on the results of test work conducted by Sherritt at their pilot plant in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. This paper describes the results of the pilot plant study as well as highlights of the design exercise.INTRODUCTIONAngloGold Ashanti Brasil (AGA Brasil) has recently commissioned a refractory gold pressure oxidation plant at the site of the original São Bento operation in Brazil. The design of the São Bento pressure oxidation facility was based on Sherritt technology; Sherritt carried out the original process development test work in the mid-1980s, provided a process design package and detailed specifications for critical pressure oxidation equipment and participated in the training of operators and commissioning of the plant. The São Bento plant was operated between 1986 and 2007, when the original ore body was exhausted (Silva et al., 2004). AGA Brasil purchased the facility from Eldorado Gold in 2008, with the intent of refurbishing the plant to process refractory gold concentrates produced from the nearby Córrego do Sítio mining area.Sherritt International Corporation has a long history in the development and application of commercial pressure oxidation and pressure leaching processes. Sherritt’s development of technology for the pressure oxidation of refractory gold ores and concentrates commenced in the 1980s in collaboration with Homestake for application at the McLaughlin project in California. This was followed by several commercial applications in Canada, Papua New Guinea and Brazil (Berezowsky et al., 1991). More than thirty pilot plant campaigns investigating the pressure oxidation of refractory gold ores or concentrates have been conducted by Sherritt since the 1980s, and projects with Sherritt contributions to the process development studies and/or engineering design account for about half of the commercial plants that have operated to date with this type of process (Collins et al., 2011a; 2011b)."

Jan 1, 2012

By W J. Dyck

Past attempts to establish an integrated steel industry on the West Coast of Canada have been unsuccessful for at least three reasons: (a) insufficient reserves of a suit-able iron ore supply; (b) a relatively small local market for iron and steel; and (c) the non-availability of an economical process to produce primary iron on a small scale. Today, the reserves of economically mineable ore deposits are ample to support a steel production of 100,000 to 200,-000 tons per annum. The local market has increased so as to be able to absorb most of this capacity. With-in the next few years, a small integrated steel plant, including the "H-Iron" direct iron ore reduction process for electric furnace charge stock production, will be able to show a profitable operation. Introduction

Jan 1, 1963

By Marvin E. Lane

Viburnum, located in the foothills of the Ozarks in south-east Missouri, is the site of a modern lead mining and milling operation. Two mines are currently producing a total of 5,000 tons per day and a third mine is in the final development stage, with full production scheduled for late this year (1964). These mines will supply the tonnage required to keep the Viburnum mill operating at a full capacity of 7,000 tons per day for many years. The efficient underground mining operation is completely trackless. Drill jumbos are used to break the ore in a room and pillar method of mining. Transloaders, or St. Joe shovels, and trucks do the loading and hauling. The Viburnum mill has a world-wide reputation as a most efficient operation. This is due to the extensive use of automatic process controls, and labour saving materials handling facilities. Introduction THE St. Joseph Lead Co., has operated lead mines in southeast Missouri for 100 years. These operations have been confined largely to the area called the

Jan 1, 1964

By Morris J. Viljoen, Young. David R.

"Abstract -The zone of economic interest at H.J . Joel Gold Mine is the VS5/Beatrix Composite Reef, a quartz-pebble conglomerate of Archean age. The reef occurs at the base of the Eldorado Formation, Central Rand Group, of the Witwatersrand Supergroup. At !east three stratigraphically distinct conglomerates form this economic zone. In order of deposition these are the Footwall, Beatrix, and the VS5/Beatrix reefs. The Footwall and Beatrix reefs are equated with the Aandenk Formation with transport directions toward the northwest, whereas the VS5/Beatrix Reef is of Eldorado age, with transport directions toward the south. The change in the drainage direction was caused by a major basin-wide tectonic event that occurred prior to the deposition of the Eldorado Formation. The Beatrix Reef was formed in a proximal, braided, fluvial environment by a process of aggrading gravel bars between channelways. The VS5/Beatrix Reef was formed by the desegregation of pre-existing Beatrix Reef with the introduction of new material containing much shale detritus and is seen to have been deposited in a more ·distal, braided, fluvial environment, similar to the Beatrix Reef.The average gold concentrations are different for each conglomerate; the Beatrix at 32.1 ppm Au, the Footwall at 24.4 ppm Au, and the VS5/Beatrix at only 12.4 ppm Au. A sedimentary gold concentrating process related to higher energy braid channels was primarily responsible for these high gold grades. Not only the basal unconformity surface, but also, internal degredation surfaces, were prime sites for concentration. An understanding of the spatial distribution of these differing conglomerates and their braid channels forming the economic reef zone is necessary in predicting ore grades for future mining."

Jan 1, 1994

By E O. Foster

When roasting started at Giant Yellowknife Mines in 1949, it became apparent that, to prevent air and water pollution in the surrounding district, it would be necessary to collect the arsenic that was contained in the exit gases of the roaster. The arsenic collection problem was finally solved by the installation of both electrostatic and baghouse collectors. It was realized that a considerable quantity of gold-bearing dust was leaving the roaster with the exit gases. When the collection problem was solved, it was possible to measure this loss. The loss proved to be considerable and it became evident that a substantial quantity of gold could be recovered. Research programs on dust treatment began in 1958, and by May, 1960, the treatment process which is currently being followed was started in the plant. At present, the two electrostatic preci11itators, Operated at temperatures above 600°F, collect the gold-bearing dust.

Jan 1, 1963

By Chris Dougherty

"This presentation will provide a demonstration of the methodology used in designing a modern shaft and hoisting plant utilizing a review of the challenges faced and solutions delivered for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project (Niobium/Scandium). The development of the design required the review of complex hydrogeological conditions, mine production requirements, demanding capital expenditure (CAPEX) limitations and tight schedules. Through an extensive review of various alternatives to satisfy these constraints, the Nordmin Group (including Nordmin Engineering Ltd.) (Nordmin) was able to define a concept and design that addressed risks to the project, met production requirements, cost and schedule constraints and improved constructability. INTRODUCTION The Elk Creek Project, owned by NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NioCorp) presently, will become Nebraska’s first underground metals mine, built to access the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium deposit. The development of the design for this facility required the review of challenging hydrogeological conditions, mine production requirements, demanding CAPEX limitations and tight schedules. Through an extensive review of various alternatives to satisfy these constraints, the Nordmin Group was able to define a concept and design that addressed risks to the project, met production requirements, cost and schedule constraints and improved constructability. This paper will review the challenges faced, and solutions arrived at in a demonstration of a methodology used in designing a modern shaft and hoisting plant. THE CHALLENGES Nordmin became involved in the project in 2015, invited by the Feasibility Study Consultant to provide input on estimating and layouts for the new operation. Many of the fundamental decisions regarding mining methodology, water handling and production strategy had been made, and the scope of Nordmin’s involvement was very limited in this first engagement. Following submission of that study in late 2017/early 2018, Nordmin had opportunity to discuss the overall effort, and its many assumptions and challenges, with NioCorp’s project team. The dialogue quickly identified several significant opportunities to improve the project construction schedule and costs along with the mine production profile and operational approach while reducing project risk."

Jan 1, 2019

By M. Al-Khawaja, F. Hassani, F. Mucciardi, N. Razavinia

"In today’s economy many industries are becoming aware of the need to recover some of the waste heat they create. Industrial processes release, on a global scale, over 100 tera-Joules (i.e. 1014 J) of waste heat annually. The recovery of waste heat can lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and it can also provide a financial benefit which can be obtained by converting some of this excess heat to electricity. At McGill, a research program has been initiated so that low grade waste heat (temperature between 100ºC and 300oC) from process off-gases found in pyro-metallurgical industries is captured and concentrated by using heat pipes and then converted to electricity by a mechanical engine. This paper illustrates the 3 C’s process (capture, concentrate and convert waste heat to electricity). It also provides some preliminary experimental data. INTRODUCTIONThe problematic climate change caused by the use of fossil fuels, the rapid depletion of global reserves and the catastrophic consequences of nuclear power generation call for renewable and safe, resources of energy, for both man and the environment. Extensive researches in the production of energy from renewable sources and improvements in efficiency of current technologies can help us to reverse this trend.The greatest advantages of using renewable energies are that they don’t deplete and they also contribute to a green environment. On the other hand the disadvantage of using these resources is that the energy available from renewable sources is much less concentrated than that provided by fossil fuels and nuclear energy. This makes renewable energy less attractive for large scale industrial uses in most cases. A key target for society for the 21st century is the production of energy from renewable sources at a cost that is competitive with fossil fuels. Fossil fuels represent a concentrated form of energy; usually it is referred to as high grade energy. Nonetheless, there is a vast supply of alternative energy. The sun, wind, water and biomass were the first to be explored. While these are all valid options that warrant concerted efforts and large investments, there is another source of energy that typically is produced by manufacturing industries. This energy is often referred to as low grade waste heat. Most of this energy is simply vented to the environment through the stream of off-gases. In the future it will be necessary to capture and convert some of the low grade heat to a valuable form such as electricity if we are to improve on the efficiency of energy usage."

Jan 1, 2012

By A. R. Sorta, D. C. Sego

ABSTRACT Temperature, solute, texture, and thixotropic effects on time domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements of water content in oil sands tailings are investigated. Results indicate that TDR water content measurements are influenced by temperature, residual bitumen, and percent clay in the tailings. A correction of 0.03–0.10/ °C must be applied to the apparent dielectric constant (Ka) to account for the effect of temperature. The Ka-volumetric water content relationships of slurries differ significantly from the commonly used Topp calibration equation. The age of the tailings and the addition of phosphogypsum did not influence TDR water content measurements.

Jan 1, 2013

By L. R. Plitt

A series of experiments were carried out in an effort to develop a universally applicable mathematical model of the hydrocyclone classifier. The design and operating variables studied were: cyclone diameter and height, the inlet, vortex finder and apex diameters, the feed pressure and the solids content of the feed slurry. The model consists of four basic equations which express the cut size ( dso), volumetric split between overflow and underflow, volumetric throughput, and sharpness of separation in terms of the operating and design variables. Although empirical, the model is nevertheless in general agreement with fundamentally derived models. The model clearly 1•eveals the effect of the major variables on the operation of a hydrocyclone. Because of its broad data base and the inclusion of all the major variables, the model may be used without experimental data to predict the operation of cyclones over a wide range of different operating conditions. With operating data, the equations may be modified to serve as an operational model.

Jan 1, 1976

By N. Campbell, W. T. Orvine

The metalliferous deposits of British Columbia are largely confined to that portion of the Cordilleran province lying west of the Rocky Mountain trench. Massive sulphides in the coastal area carry important copper •values together with lead and zinc and are composed mainly of pyrite which replaces schists or shear zones. The massive sulphide ore of the interior, on the other hand, contains lead and zinc with little copper. Pyrrhotite rather than pyrite is... the dominant metallic and deposition took place through selective replacement of sedimentary beds.

Jan 1, 1960

By Webber. G. R.

Variation in content of some of the major and minor elements in the Lake Dufault granodiorite near Noranda, Quebec has been studied. The element variation and specific gravity data show a pattern consistent with the concept of a concentrically zoned intrusive on the western side of Lake Dufault with a potassium-rich core and a calcium-rich inner zone. The part of the intrusive on the eastern side of Lake Dufault is of more problematical origin, but the suggestion is made that it has resulted from assimilation of volcanic rock by the intrusive. THE purpose of this investigation was to test the application of x-ray fluorescence analysis to the study of variation in chemical com-position of the Lake Dufault granodiorite. The Lake Dufault granodiorite is an intrusive body approximately six miles long by three miles wide located four miles north of Noranda, Quebec. This intrusive is of particular interest because of its -

Jan 1, 1962

By S. Downing, T. Grammatikopoulos, N. Hoffmann, C. Gunning

"Most deposits display a high degree of geological and mineralogical complexity that can affect metallurgical processing. Therefore, the proper characterization of the ore and gangue minerals requires a multi disciplinary approach combining geology, mineralogy, geochemistry and processing. However, mineralogy to a large extent informs the metallurgical process. Automated methods can be used throughout the mining chain from advanced exploration through to production.In this presentation we discuss actual case studies where automated mineralogy has been applied in a geometallurgical framework at a pre-feasibility to feasibility level. These include examples from a strongly serpentinized magmatic Ni deposit (Dumont) and a magmatic Cu-Ni deposit (Maturi). Mineral speciation and ratios, e.g., chalcopyrite, cubanite, and pentlandite/pyrrhotite are critical to model the Cu-Ni magmatic deposit. In the serpentinized Ni ore, automated mineralogy is used to speciate the Ni minerals into sulphides, alloys and refractory Ni in the silicate matrix.The mineralogical results are linked to the metallurgical test work in order to model the geometallurgical domains. These case studies will illustrate how mineral quantification and improved understanding of inherent mineralogical parameters in relation to metallurgy reduce technical risk in both exploration and flowsheet development.INTRODUCTIONGeometallurgy is a cross-discipline approach combining geology, metallurgy and mine planning (e.g., Dunham et al., 2011). It is aimed to improve the understanding of geological, mineralogical and metallurgical parameters of an ore. Informational gaps among the different disciplines are often apparent. Automated mineralogy is shown in many studies (e.g., Eppinger et al., 2013, Philander and Rozendaal, 2013) to constitute the link between geology and metallurgy. The geometallurgical approach can provide specific data to geology, mining and mineral processing development and plant operations. The scope of the automated mineralogy is to illustrate how mineral quantification can improve the understanding of inherent mineralogical parameters in relation to metallurgy, and reduce the technical risk in both exploration and flowsheet development."

Jan 1, 2016

By Dennis Hoffmann

"Abstract - Banded iron formation rocks associated with massive sulfide lenses in the Broken Hill Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag deposit in the Namaqualand Metamorphic Complex, South Africa , were investigated with respect to the geochemistry of manganiferous silicate-rich bands. Two common varieties of these are: amphibole- and garnet-rich iron formation bands. The results reveal that the former are enriched in Fe, Mg, Cu, Co and S. The garnet-rich bands are enriched in Mn, Ca, P, Pb and Ba with significant detrital contamination of Ti, Al, Zr, Cr, Y, V, Ni and Nd.The silicate-rich bands have compositions, in terms of, Si/Al, Si/Fe, Fe/Mn, La/Ce and Co/Zn, comparable to submarine chemical sediments which precipitated from hydrothermal fluids. The garnet­ and amphibole-rich bands are interpreted as ""evolved"" and ""immature"" hydrothermal sediments, respectively. The latter resulted from rapid precipitation after exhalation, whereas the former had a longer residence within sea water. The silicate-rich bands both exhibit increasing Mn/(Mn+ Fe) fractions, which are consistent with a variation expected from proximal to distal depositional settings. The prevalence of garnet-rich bands over amphibole-rich bands is interpreted as the result of injection of hydrothermal fluids from a single vent situated along the northwest margin of the Broken Hill deposit."

Jan 1, 1994

By A. J. Miller

Estimates of interstitial water saturation derived from capillary pres-sure data are compared with residual water saturations found by the analysis of cores out in oil-base drilling fluid. A theoretical explanation for the high-rate of water production from the Bellshill Lake Field is proposed, based on the interpretation of the capillary pressure data.

Jan 1, 1960

By L. Bratek, K. Jaworek, M. Czaplicka

Methods for arsenic compound removal from aqueous solutions include processes such as: coagulation, adsorption, membrane techniques, electrochemical and biotechnology techniques. Advanced oxidation using both UV radiation and strong oxidizing agents such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide may also decompose these compounds. It is known that effluents from metallurgical processes contain inorganic arsenic compounds in addition to the organic compounds such as: dimethylarsinic acid and phenylarsonic acid. This paper presents the conditions that lead to the formation of deposits containing mainly arsenic, such as pH, the wavelength of the radiation and the type of oxidant, for this type of effluent.

Jan 1, 2014

By P. G. Rueffel

"Natural deposits of sodium sulphate are the result of normal geological processes. They are world-wide in occurrence and are found in depressions in arid and semi-arid regions. Primarily, the sodium sulphate deposits of the prairies are post-glacial and differ from rock salt deposits, which originated from connate water (fossil sea-water). Sodium sulphate on the Canadian prairies occurs as brine or in beds of intermittent and/or permanent crystals. Most beds are contaminated with various amounts of silt, sand and decayed organic matter. Soluble impurities such as chlorides, carbonates and bicarbonates of sodium and sulphates of magnesium and calcium are leached out from the soil of the surrounding run-off area of the deposits.In this paper, the origin of sodium sulphate, and the physical and chemical aspects related to the development of the Ingebrigt Lake deposit are dealt with. The problems of garnering raw material, and of refining and de-hydration are discussed, with emphasis on the Ingebrigt Lake plant. The utilization of the ""Total Power Concept"" in a sodium sulphate plant is described. The principal uses of sodium sulphate are also discussed."

Jan 1, 1968

By J. U. MacEwan

THE basis on which the modern metallurgical industry is operated is the endeavour to attain maximum return in purchasing power for the least expenditure of energy. This has always been the general objective of the industry, as of all industries. In recent years, however, it has received a new emphasis. Today, as never before, increased attention is being directed to the detailed study of plant operations and the application of scientific knowledge and of business principles in order to achieve the maximum efficiency. This new emphasis is the result in large part of the new problems and conditions with which the industry has been confronted, chief among which are the following: (l) Development of new ore-bodies and the treatment of complex ores. (2) Necessity of achieving a greater degree of purity in some of the metals in order to meet the newly discovered demands for some of the industrial metals. (3) Discovery of new markets for many of the metals, either in pure form or in the form of alloys. ( 4) Change in values, absolute or relative, of some of the important metals. (5) Increasing scale of investment in expensive plant and equipment, which makes imperative most efficient utilization if total unit costs are to be kept to a minimum. (6) Increasing scale of operations in some important branches of the industry, which also makes essential maximum efficiency in organization, administration, and operation. The success with which the metallurgical industry has met the problems created by these changing conditions has been due primarily to the following factors: (1) Results of research and experimental work carried on by universities, government laboratories, and many private corporations in the industry itself. (2) Closet study of every detail of plant operation, both from the technological and from the economic point of view, with the object of increasing plant efficiency. (3) Interchange of information and experience amongst the operating companies. It is only by the concerted efforts of numerous investigators and experimenters that the underlying fundamentals of plant operations can be learned. The exchange of results permits their easy assembly and correlation with maximum benefit to the whole industry. Unnecessary duplication of research and experimental work is avoided and the industry as a whole is able to reap the fruits of this work with the maximum of-speed and efficiency. (4) Advances made in recent years in so-called 'scientific management' in industry as a whole and the application of the principles learned to the metallurgical industry. A review of the modern trends in extractive non-ferrous metallurgical processes illustrates the afore-mentioned new conditions and problems, and gives some idea of the methods by which they have been and are being surmounted.

Jan 1, 1937

By S. Averill, B. Schreiner, V. Sopuck

The La Ronge. Kisseynew, Glennie Lake and Flin Flon domains. the main focu for gold exploration in the southeast part of the Saskatchewan Shield, were subject to continental glacial ice advances from the northeast during the Quaternary. Based on forty-four auger hole along with surficial mapping, the general Quaternary stratigraphy in this area is observed to be composed of a lower till unit , an overlying stratified unit of glaciofluvial sand and gravel and/or a glaciolacustrine silt-clay unit. an upper till. and an upper tratified unit. The lower till is commonly found throughout the geological domains except where it has been eroded in glaciofluvial or fluvial channels. Glacial Lake Agassiz fo rmerly covered most of these prospective domains. The lacustrine deposits associated with the lake impede surficial geochemical surveys including soil. lake sediment. and biogeochemical surveys. The approximate extent of clay cover can be predicted from beach elevations. For instance. in the Waddy Lake area. clay i not known to occur above about 1,400 feet (425 m) elevation. Exploration techniques are hampered by clay in at least one third of the volcanic belt. Thi s influence is indicated by the fact that nearly all gold prospect found to date are located above 1,400 feet (425 m) while the area of clay cover is vi rtually unexplored. The upper till i related to a minor ice readvance. This till is the medium often sampled during soil surveys in the area . lts value as a geochemical ampling medium is dependent on the extent of erosional contact with bedrock highs on the lower till. Those areas which are relatively free of lacustrine and fluvial deposits are those where surface geochemical methods work best. In the Waddy Lake volcanic belt approximately 25-50% of the area may be suitable for surficial surveys. The area of the Star Lake prospect occurs above the 1,500 foot (460 m) elevation and was not covered by Lake Agas iz. The effectivene of till sampling as a surface sampling medium was tested in those areas above the clay level. Till orientat ion surveys were carried out at the Star Lake property and the Tower Lake prospect (Waddy Lake area) within the La Ronge Domain . Gold grain counts and analy es of heavy mineral concent rate from 7 kg surface ti ll samples were used to delineate dispersion trains down-ice from mineralization. In addition, the clay fraction and a 30 g (-80 mesh) subsample from the same till sample, were analyzed for gold . In the Star Lake area, ice direction is subparallel to the strike of several narrow northeast trending auriferous structures. arrow dispersion trains down-ice from known

Jan 1, 1986

This paper presents a case study where Cenozoic age detritals and an ancient buried landslide have been modelled in the final walls of an iron ore pit. Orebody 25 is located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and is an operating pit where a redesign of the final wall cutback was required. The existing slope design utilised a simplistic geological model of mixed conglomeratic, calcretic and clay –dominated detritals overlying deformed bedrock sequences. This simplicity resulted in a conservative design that was not reflective of the slopes performance to that point. Further field investigation was carried out with the results assessed in conjunction with historic drilling, mapping and laboratory testing. A detailed geotechnical model was developed including three conglomerate and two clay dominated units and laterstage calcrete overprinting. The clay units were of significant importance to the stability assessment and resulting slope design due to the thickness and poor strength conditions indicated by the laboratory and field testing. However, the drilling investigation shed only limited understanding as to the origin of the clays and thereby how they should be treated as a component in the stability analysis. A comparison of the ratio of various geochemical elements measured by assay was made between the clays and 1) shale bedrock and 2) clays of known detrital origin from other nearby sites. This indicated the clays had a strong affinity with weathered bedrock. This and other textural features resulted in the interpretation that the clay units were relic debris preserved following ancient landslides in bedrock shale. Using laboratory testing data and calibration of results for a landslide origin, stability analyses were run, resulting in a steeper slope design being implemented. Excavation of the final cutback is now in progress with the model confirmed as appropriate.

Jan 1, 2015