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By P. A. Geusebroek, N. A. Duke

Abstract - The Lupin mine, located in the central Slave province just east of the western boundary of Nunavut Territory, is a world-class example of a Neoarchean-aged banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted lode-gold deposit. At the minesite the gold-mineralized Lupin BIF, separating stratigraphically underlying psammitic wacke and overlying argillaceous turbidite sequences, delineates the Lupin dome, a hammerhead-shaped F2/F3 interference fold structure occurring at the greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphic transition within the thermal aureole of the Contwoyto batholith. Detailed paragenetic relationships indicate that peak thermal metamorphism coincided with the switch from regional D2 compression to rapid D3 unroofing of the Neoarchean orogenic infrastructure. Gold initially precipitated with pyrrhotite, replacing amphibolitic BIF at the apex of the Lupin deformation zone, separating the east and west lobes of the Contwoyto batholith. Over the course of associated prograde/retrograde metasomatic overprints, gold was further remobilized during garnet and loellingite/arsenopyrite growth in chlorite-altered selvages of late-forming ladder quartz veins. A metamorphic model of ore genesis, with gold being scavenged and transported by metamorphic fluid that was shed and structurally trapped at the amphibolite recrystallization front, is favored over the previously proposed syngenetic and exogenic models of gold concentration that have tended to polarize genetic interpretations to date.

Jan 1, 2004

By Rodney Allen

Background: Development of the Project ?European GEODE collaboration 1999: considers possible projects, including a VMS project, to continue after GEODE ?GEODE-CODES-Canada collaboration 1999: Questionaire, database ?Workshop at CODES 2000: project theme and strategy selected ?GEORANGE (Sweden-EU) 2001 supports development of Global VMS Project: interest from 12 nations ?Skellefte VMS Project set up as Sweden?s component of Global VMS, 2002; other projects in Spain, Canada collaborate ?Low metal prices ---> little funding from mining industry 2001-2003, change in strategy ?IGCP/UNESCO support 2004: enlargement to over 20 nations

Apr 1, 2005

By Philip Thwaites

"Automatic flotation control in varying degrees of sophistication is practiced at a number of concentrators throughout the world. Practically, the variable conditions in the flotation circuit and the difficulty in maintaining accurate instrumentation information all add to the complexity of automatic control.Further development at the Kidd Creek concentrator has resulted in a 3075 mtpd copper flotation circuit capable of running twenty-four hours a day under the direct control of an optimizing supervisory computer.Three main streams, continuously monitored by an XRF analyzer, supply circuit information to the optimizing computer. Circuit efficiency calculations (from smelter contract terms) and target setpoints allow the computer to determine the economic optimum direction to move the circuit based on the grade/recovery relationship. Circuit manipulation is accomplished by precise pumping of collector and frother reagents together with accurate control of flotation bank pulp levels. The former uses computer controlled diaphragm pumps and the latter is achieved by control loops utilizing a float type level transmitter, variable position dart plugs and a process computer working to setpoints determined by the optimizing computer.The development of a fully automated flotation circuit is by no means complete, but increased knowledge and major hardware improvements have allowed its progression to a higher level of sophistication.IntroductionThe Kidd Creek concentrator is located twenty-six kilometers east of Timmins, Ontario, within a metallurgical complex including a 109,000 mtpy zinc plant and a 59,000 mtpy copper smelter and refinery. The concentrator treats two ore types, a copper-zinc ore and a copper-silver-Iead-zinc ore, at a combined rate of 4,500,000 mtpy. Flotation of the crushed and ground ore yields copper and zinc concentrates from the copper-zinc ore and copper, lead and zinc concentrates from the copper-silver-lead-zinc ore."

Jan 1, 1983

By G. R. Larocque

"The Loss Prevention Program and management style applied at Kidd Creek enabled them to maintain a 1.02/200 000 man-hours accident frequency over a 20-year period. Falconbridge Limited, Kidd Creek Division operates a major zinc, copper, silver mine, two gold mines and a metallurgical facility in Timmins, Ontario. The metallurgical site and the base metal mine are 17 miles apart and joined by their own railroad. The minesite consists of two shafts, one 3000 feet deep and the other to 5200 feet deep, as well as the necessary maintenance and service shops. The metallurgical site consists of a 14 000 STPD concentrator, a zinc refining plant, copper smelter, copper refinery, and the necessary maintenance shops. The two gold mining operations are adjacent to the metallurgical site.At the time of writing this paper the workforce consisted of some 2500 people divided between the two sites. Nine hundred and ninety-two employees are stationed at the minesite, with the remainder at the metallurgical site and gold mines. The workforce in the Timmins operation is non-unionized and reflects the belief that employee interests are well served.Beside providing competitive wages and an excellent benefit package, Kidd Creek takes special pride in its employee relations practices and continued efforts in communication.In each of the programs referred to, there have been equal involvement by both management and the employees. Each crew, under the direction of a supervisor, makes up its own health and safety committee. To maintain a successful Loss Prevention Program, it is essential that management and the employees work closely together and provide meaningful input and effort to succeed.At this point, refer to the lost time injury frequency as a measure of failure and refer to the opposite end of the scale as the measure of success. The ultimate goal of every operating company is to have a zero frequency, therefore denoting 100070 success. The company uses most of the tangible safety aids found in other mining operations, such as safety posters, safety reminders, check lists, and the use of the Neil George Safety System. The difference is the manner and style of management at the Kidd Creek Division. Their ""open door"" policy and the close association, between management and the employees, has always served them well. Also, at Kidd Creek they believe they have a well-trained and dedicated workforce."

Jan 1, 1989

By C. T. Dzgoev, S. S. Gudkov, IRGIREDMET JSC, S. G. Schtoick, A. V. Yepiforov, S. V. Balikov, I. I. Yevtuschevich

The pressure oxidation (POX) and pyrometallurgical process comprises POX of gold containing sulfide and polymetallic lead-zinc concentrates prior to reduction smelting of POX products to generate a lead-silver-gold alloy. Refined lead and gold-silver alloys are then obtained using conventional processes. Zinc and other base metals are recovered from the POX solution. In the course of POX, zinc dissolves in the solution and lead concentrates in a solid residue in the form of sulfate compounds. Sulfur forms the major iron sulfates and jarosites. In order to dissolve sulfur and arsenic from solid residues to the solution, the slurry hot curing was carried out at the temperature of 95°C within 2 hours. After filtration of the slurry, zinc was recovered from the solution. The resulting cake was washed with water and subjected to hot alkaline treatment. After alkaline treatment, the cakes were blended with fluxes and subjected to reduction smelting to generate lead concentrate containing precious metals. This concentrate was refined to obtain refined lead and gold-silver alloy. After iron and arsenic were removed from POX solutions using sodium carbonate, zinc was precipitated as carbonate. After thickening and filtration, zinc precipitate was roasted to generate saleable zinc oxide. Using this process, the recoveries of values to saleable products were 97% Au and 95% Ag to the alloy, respectively, 91% Pb to refined lead and 5% Pb to lead and antimony alloy and 94% Zn to zinc concentrate. The features of the technology is that it has high recovery indices of precious and base metals to saleable products and can be used to process various polymetallic ore and technogenic raw materials.

Jan 1, 2016

By R. E. Molnar, P. A. Riveros, V. M. McNamara

"This paper describes some recent research done at CANMET in the areas of ion exchange and A VR (Acidification- Volatilization Reneutralization), as applied to the recovery of gold and cyanide, respectively. It also discusses the ways in which these two technologies may be combined in order to minimize the environmental impact of gold milling operations and optimize reagent usage. IntroductionGold milling operations can essentially be divided into those that carry out a liquid/solid separation after leaching and those that recover gold directly from a leach pulp. The former produce a barren solution which may contain considerable amounts of cyanide, either free or cornplexed with metals. The latter produce a similar solution but this is now part of a slurry rather than a clear stream. Due to its toxicity, any excess cyanide must be destroyed before the effluent is discharged into the environment. Ideally, this should be (and sometimes is) accomplished by natural degradation. However, in many cases natural degradation alone cannot remove the last traces of rnetallocyanide compounds from the effluent and , as a result, most Canadian gold producers utilize a supplementary chemical oxidation system. This not only increases the operating costs, but concerns have also arisen in recent years about the formation of ammonia as a result of the chemical oxidation of cyanide (via CN--CNO--HCNO-NH3) ·"

Jan 1, 1993

By Egon Berger

"In recent years the trend in underground metal mining has been toward ever increasing blasts (often in excess of 100 000 tonnes per blast). The Canadian mining industry has been in the forefront of these developments (VRM, LBHand cable bolting to stabilize the surrounding rock /avoid dilution).In order to move these large tonnages, efficient loading systems have to be developed. This paper shows the technical and economic implications of various loading scenarios based on a predefined (however typical) stoping layout by:1 . discontinuous loading using scoop trams;2. discontinuous loading using scoop trams in combination with low profile dump trucks;3. continuous loading (based on loading performance/operating costs of the AL-60) in combination with low profile dumptrucks.The cost advantages of production concentration (loading large tonnages from one drawpoint}, made possible by continuous loading as opposed to sea tiered mining (small tonnages), using discontinuous loading in tunnelling will be presented, based on actual results obtained in a decline development project using the A L-60 continuous loader. At as pacing oj150m between turning bays, it was found that continuous loading was out performing discontinuous loading in approximately80% of the overall decline development.Fuel consumption and total cycle times are compared, and a cost assessment is presented.INTRODUCTIONThe subject of this paper deals with the introduction of continuous loading in underground metal mining and single heading tunnelingContinous mining has been widely introduced both in underground and surface coal mining. Mechanized longwall mining, utilizing moveable shield supports in combination with double drum- shearers, has resulted in a tremendous increase of coal production per working face.This has led to very concentrated mining operations. In a typical German coal mine two mechanized longwalls nowadays would produce the same amount of coal as 12 to 15 longwalls in the 1950s. One longwall in a South African coal mine has recently set a world record with 120 000 tonnes of coal in a single month.In underground metal mines-often due to the irregular nature of the ore body and the mining methods used-mining is far less concent rated. Ore is often produced from a large number of stopes and production sections. Sometimes, a substantial amount of ore may be obtained from development in the orebody (40070 at a German base metal mine)."

Jan 1, 1989

By Earl Gebhardt

"The planning and design of mining panels in the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., Lanigan Division mine Block B involved a number of investigative techniques. The techniques utilized to gain insight into the viability of mining included2-D and 3-D seismic surveys, longhole drilling, exploration wells, photo lineament, magnetic and gravity surveys, and actual room excavation.IntroductionPotash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (PCS) owns and operates four potash mines in the province of Saskatchewan. The Lanigan Division mine is located 110 Ian east of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, near the town of Lanigan.The Lanigan Mine commenced production in August 1968under the ownership or Alwinsal Potash of Canada Limited. The mine was purchased by PCS in 1977.Lanigan Division's productive capacity is 3.4 million tonnes of product per year. Ore is extracted from the "" B"" zone or Layer III or the Patience Lake member of the Prairie Evaporite, more than 1000m below surface . The Patience Lake member (approximately 20 m thick) consists of potash interbedded with salt. The average run-of-mine ore grade is 21070 K20 (Fig. I).The mine was initially developed using the room-and-pillar technique. Improvements in mining resulted in the use or extensible conveyors in long panel rooms."

Jan 1, 1993

By S. Jeon, T. H. Kim

"Understanding the frictional properties of discontinuities is crucial to ensure the stability of underground structures. In particular, the frictional behavior at depth depends on the complex interaction among mechanical, hydrological, thermal and chemical characteristics and their coupled effects. In this study, a series of triaxial compression tests were carried out to investigate the behavior of rough shear surface of synthetic rocks. The frictional behavior showed little variation at different confining and water pressures. The test results were analyzed using Coulomb’s failure criterion. In addition, numerical analysis was carried out using PFC2D to simulate the test.INTRODUCTIONUnderstanding coupled behavior of rock at depth is of great importance in design, construction and operation of underground structures such as a disposal facility of radioactive waste, hot dry rock geothermal system and oil reservoir. In particular, many uncertainties are involved in characterizing deep rock mass deformation in the designing process and interactions among fluid flow of groundwater, high temperature and stress disturbance should be considered. Many independent studies have been carried out to investigate the thermal, hydro, mechanical and chemical coupled effects in numerical and experimental methods. They include the researches by Lockner, Summers, Moore and Byerlee (1982), Jafari, Amini Hosseini, Pellet, Boulon and Buzzi (2003), Tembe, Lockner and Wong (2010), Lee, Lee and Jeon (2012), Indraratna, Premadasa, Brown, Gens and Heitor (2014)."

Jan 1, 2015

By Douglas C. Fraser

"Geophysical data are often presented on maps, sections or profiles with minimal data processing. A common example is magnetic data, in which the diurnal-free raw readings are merely contoured on a map. Other examples include profile presentation of VLF-EM data, IP pseudo-sections and airborne EM anomalies which may be shown on a map with only the measured amplitudes indicated.In recent years, efforts have been directed to the portraying of data in more useful forms. A number of algorithms (i.e., manipulative procedures and equations) have proven to contribute significantly to the usefulness of geophysical data. Some can be applied manually; others are sufficiently complicated to require a computer. Some merely alter the data to a more useful geometric form without altering the units. Others yield quantitative estimates of source body parameters such as conductivity and shape. Several examples follow:1. A simple algorithm is in common use which transforms noisy non-contourable VLF-EM data into less noisy contourable data. The input is the dip angle in degrees or per cent and the output is also in these same units.2. A simple algorithm has recently been developed which allows multi-level dipole-dipole IP data to be contoured on a map. Again, the units are not altered.3. A relatively complicated algorithm is in common use which transforms non-contourable height-sensitive helicopter EM data into contourable resistivity data,4. An algorithm has been recently developed which transforms non-contourable height-sensitive EM data into contourable weight per cent magnetite.The purpose of all the above techniques is to present the data in a simplified form. This, in turn, allows an easier assimilation by the user of much of the information content of the data."

Jan 1, 1981

By André Gobell

"La distribution des éléments majeurs dans une séquence de roches volcaniques felsiques, la formation de Waconichi, au sud de Chibougamau, indique que les roches pyroclastiques du secteur ouest de ce segment sont chimiquement anormales si on les compare à la composition moyenne des roches volcaniques de Chibougamau: elles sont caractérisées par une teneur anormalement élevée en f er, en magnésium et en potassium et une teneur anormalement basse en sodium et en calcium; ce chimisme caractérise les encaissants des dépôts de sulfures massifs d 'origine volcanique.Les coulées rhyolitiques massives sous-jacentes au gite de cuivre-zinc avec or et argent de Lemoine ne montrent pas ou très peu d’altération de ce genre. Le schéma de mise en place des dépôts de sulfures massifs d'origine volcanique et la nature des roches en présence permettent de croire que la zone d'altération mise en évidence à l'ouest de la mine Lemoine puisse être reliée à la mise en place de ce gisement d'ou l'im portance de tenir compte des caractères texturaux des roches lors de l'interprétation de données litho géochimiques."

Jan 1, 1980

By Y. -H. Cho, J. -M. Lee, J. -G. Jung

The effects of copper on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ultrasonic melt treated Al-xCu (x=0, 4) alloys were investigated. The densities of alloys were increased and their grain sizes were decreased by UST. The hardness and electrical resistivity measurements revealed that the amount of solute Cu within Al matrix was increased by UST. Both the yield and tensile strengths of Al-4Cu alloy were increased by UST. The improved mechanical properties of Al-4Cu alloy by UST were probably due to the reduced amount of casting defects (e.g. pore), grain refinement, and enhanced solid-solution hardening of Cu.

Jan 1, 2014

By Carl Edmunds

Talk Outline Deposit?s Vital Statistics and Economic Environment Regional Geologic Setting Deposit Geology UBC Research Search Model and Current Exploration Plans Kemess Operations Kemess South Mine Mining rate (2006) ?135,000 tonnes / day Mill throughput (2006) ?52,000 tonnes / day Average Annual Production ?300,000 oz gold and 75 million lbs copper ?Production until mid-2009 Kemess North > Open pit reserve 423.8 million tonnes @ 0.3 g/tgold and 0.18% copper > 4.1 million ounce gold reserve (127 tonnes) > 1.45 billion pound copper reserve (636,000 tonnes) > 0.75:1 Strip Ratio

May 1, 2006

By P. R. A. Andrews, R. K. Collings

"There are more than 300 occurrences of fluorite in Canada. Deposits of economic significance, however, are confined to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in eastern Canada, Ontario in central Canada, and British Columbia in western Canada. Fluorite has been mined and processed intermittently in Ontario and Newfoundland until November 1990, when Canada's only producer Minworth Ltd., a U.K. based company, with a mine and concentrator near St. Lawrence on the Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland, closed its operation.CANMET has processed ore samples from each of the major mineralized areas, and thirty-one studies were conducted between 1920and 1970. A summary of the important aspects of the various testwork studies is presented. The production of acid-grade fluorite was possible by flotation, and ceramic-grade, by flotation and gravity concentration methods. Gravity concentration methods included heavy media separation, jigging and tabling. Flotation was by direct and reverse techniques; associated minerals, quartz, calcite, barite, etc. were depressed by a variety of depressants. The function of the major depressants is discussed briefly. The various uses offluorite which include hydrofluoric acid, chlorofluorocarbons, aluminum production, petroleum alkylation, fluxing and ceramic applications etc. are discussed briefly."

Jan 1, 1993

By M. Remillard, M. Garon, D. Hodouin, M. Therien

"Nineteen streams in the copper and zinc flotation units of the concentrator of the Matagami Division of Noranda Inc. have been sampled f or particle size distributions, chemical assays, and gold and silver contents in each particle size interval. The data are upgraded by the mass balance package BILMA T. These results, in conjunction with microprobe analyses, are used to quantify the silver losses in the copper cleaning flotation stages and to determine how over-all silver and three silver-bearing minerals are recovered in the plant final products. RESUMEDix-neuf produits des circuits de flottation du cuivre et du zinc de la division Matagami de Noranda Inc. ont été échantillonnés pour leur distribution granulométrique, leurs analyses chimiques et Ie contenu d'argent et d'or des fractions granulométriques. Le bilan métallurgique a été obtenu à l'aide du programme BILMA T. Ces résultats, couples avec une étude minéralogique a fa microsonde, sont utilisés pour quantifier les pertes argentières aux diverses étapes de nettoyage du circuit de cuivre et pour déterminer la répartition de l'argent et des trois minéraux argentifères dans les produits finals de l'usine."

Jan 1, 1988

By J. B. Hinzer, J. D. Harvey

"Noranda's Lyon Lake property in the Sturgeon Lake area of Northwestern Ontario was staked by Mattagami Lake Mines Limited in May 1969 to cover airborne Input anomalies. Subsequent ground geophysical and diamond drilling programs resulted in the disco very of the Boundary Extension, Lake and Creek ore zones. As of December 31, 1978, ore reserves were estimated at 3,945,000 tons assaying 6.53 per cent Zn, 1.24 per cent Cu, 0.63 per cent Pb, 3.42 oz/ton Ag and 0.010 oz/ton Au.These deposits are hosted within the South Sturgeon Lake volcanic pile of Archean age, which consists of several cycles of basic intermediate and felsic volcanic materials overlain by a sedimentary iron formation and built upon a plutonic base (Franklin , ' 1975). The top 50 m of the second felsic cycle, according to mine terminolo gy, contains the mineralization within Quartzphenocryst- bearing felsic lapilli tuff and underlying thin discontinuous graphitic sediments and altered coarse pyroclastics. The basal andesitic member of the overlying cycle forms the hanging wall to the ore deposits.Although there is no alteration pipe below the deposits, the coarse footwall rocks are permeated by chlorite, garnet, carbonate, iron sulphide and magnetitie-bearing veins intensifying from west to east.Immediate host rocks are alkali depleted and MnO, FeO, Zn and Cu enriched compared to Goodwin's (1972) average Archean rhyolites. Bedded pyrite-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite lenses with sphalerite-rich tops are underlain by weakly developed stringer mineralization.Traversing eastward from the Lake Zone to the Creek Zone and toward the Sturgeon Lake Mine deposit, more rapid facies changes, more pronounced chloritic and carbonate alteration, the presence ofgarnets, greater MnO, FeO, CaO and Ag abundances, and increasing Zn/Cu and MnO/FeO ratios are apparent."

Jan 1, 1981

By Stephen D. Butt

Presentation Outline Overview of abandoned mine workings problem. Outline project phases and major outcomes. ? Phase 1 ? Assessment of current imaging technology ? Phase 2 ? Prototype technology development. ? Phase 3 ? Proof of concept ? Montague Gold Mines field trials. Research status - summary of ongoing and future work.

Apr 1, 2005

By G. W. R. Kuzyk

"Hydraulic drills, recently implemented at the Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada, Limited, Bernie Lake Mine, are proving to be an economic alternative to pneumatic drilling systems. The paper describes the application of an electric-hydraulic drill jumbo to the mechanized room-and-pillar mine and its performance. The application of these drills resulted in improved environmental and working conditions.Drill rods and bits are a major cost centre in hard-rock mining applications. The paper also discusses the performance of one manufacturer's product used on the hydraulic drills.IntroductionThe Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada, Limited (TANCO) started producing tantalum ore from its Bernie Lake pegmatite in 1969. The pegmatite, encased in amphibolite, is shallow seated and flat lying. It is defined by diamond drilling along 4,000 feet of strike and 1,500 feet down dip, ranging in thickness from 60 to 280 feet. Relatively well defined zones of mineralization occur within the pegmatite and form separate orebodies of tantalum, lithium and cesium."

Jan 1, 1981

By Donald Brisebois

The mining of high-grade, narrow vein deposits is an important field of activity in the precious metal mining sector. The principle factor that has undermined the profitability and effectiveness of mining such ore zones is the substantial dilution that occurs when blasting with explosives during extraction. In order to minimise dilution, the Thermal Fragmentation Mining Method enables the operator to extract a narrow mineralised corridor, 50 cm to 1 metre wide (according to the width of the vein), between two sub-level drifts. By inserting a strong burner powered by diesel fuel and compressed air into a pilot hole previously drilled directly into the vein, a thermal reaction is created, spalling the rock and enlarging the hole to 80 cm in diameter. The remaining ore between the thermal holes is broken loose using low powered explosives, leaving the waste walls intact. This patented method produces highly concentrated ore, resulting in 400% - 500% less dilution when compared to conventional mining methods. The mining method reduces the environmental affects of mining operations since much smaller quantities of rock are displaced, stockpiled, and treated using chemical agents. The fully mechanised equipment operated by a 2-person team (1 thermal fragmentation operator, 1 drilling operator) maximises the effectiveness of skilled personnel, and increases productivity and safety. The Thermal Fragmentation is currently employed in 3 mining operations in North America.

May 1, 2010

By James Logan

BC Alkaline CuBC Cu--Au PorphyriesAu Porphyries ?Formed over narrow time interval ~205 Ma ?from silica deficientvsalkali-enriched magmas ?At shallowdepths ?Structuralcontrol ?Cu-Au-Ag, trace Mo ?Oxidized system anhydrite, magnetite ?Multipleintrusions & multiplemineralized centres

May 1, 2006