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By D. J. McCulla

Mineral development and utilization affect the health of the economy and the pattern of long-term development throughout Canada. There are many diverse opinions on the contribution of minerals to the economy, but there is a dearth of adequate quantitative information. This paper discusses some recent research and provides some new information.

Jan 1, 1977

By A. Luszczkiewicz

This paper presents the beneficial effects of non-oxidative leaching of final and intermediate copper sulfide concentrates with sulfuric acid prior to the final cleaning stage of flotation. This unique process, combining leaching and flotation, appears to be advantageous for difficult-to-treat carbonate-bearing Polish copper ores, such as those processed in copper concentrators at KGHM Polish Copper. It was shown that after the chemical decomposition of about 70 % of the total carbonates naturally present in the flotation feed, a considerable enhancement of subsequent flotation results (both grade and recovery). The resulting products of non-oxidative leaching are solid hydrated calcium sulfate (gypsum), soluble magnesium sulfate and gaseous carbon dioxide. The beneficial effect established by the laboratory leaching tests was subsequently confirmed during a pilot plant operation treating final copper concentrate and a problematic intermediate concentrate at the Lubin concentrator.

Jan 1, 2007

By B. N. Church, J. J. Barakso, A. F. Bowman

"An evaluation of mineralization in the Goosly- Owen Lake area of central British Columbia is the result of a comprehensive geochemical study of rock samples obtained from a regional geological survey. The dispersion of metals in country rocks about a line of Tertiary intrusions suggests that these igneous bodies may be genetically related to known sulphide replacements, disseminations and vein deposits. The geochemical investigation is based on the determination of 12 elements from samples gathered from more than 800 scattered field stations. To assist processing and interpretation, the data are subjected to a variety of statistical procedures, including correlation of the elements, factor analysis, clustm• analysis and computer contouring of the elements. Some practical applications of rock geochemistry in regional exploration are indicated."

Jan 1, 1976

By W. A. Haley

This paper discusses how a large wheel loader should be equipped, with particular attention paid to tires and tread life, and describes the several steps that can be taken to provide favorable working conditions and reduce over-all costs. A comparison is then made of wheel loader production and costs vs those of power shovels, and the present and possible future applications of the wheel loader are outlined.

Jan 1, 1969

As part of the Australian Mineral Industries Research Association (AMIRA) P9 project, methods of characterising both the ore and the machines in flotation circuits have matured considerably over the past 15 years. Machine characteristics include gas dispersion measurements, such as bubble size, gas hold-up and superficial gas velocity. Ores can be characterised in terms of floatability parameters on a size and mineral basis. Measurements have been performed on various copper plants in many countries around the world over the last 5 years. This paper outlines the cell and ore floatability characteristics of each copper plant and provides a discussion on the differences between these plants. In general, most porphyry copper ore bodies are processed at high tonnage through several parallel banks of cells at each stage of flotation. The floatability parameters of these copper ores are very similar in terms of rate of flotation and proportion of fast, slow and non-floating material. The cell characteristics are also similar, with superficial gas velocity, bubble sizes, and gas hold-up values being of similar magnitude. Investigation of the similarities and differences of the modem copper flotation circuits has allowed an increase in understanding of the particularities of copper flotation. Comparison against other copper circuits provides a benchmark and opportunities for future optimisation.

Jan 1, 2007

By A. W. Jolliffee

ANY attempt to forecast the mineral resources of a largely unknown region is hazardous and, in the case of the Northwest Territories, such a task is even more hazardous than usual. This is not merely because of the immense territory involved (over a million and a quarter square miles), only a small fraction of which has ever been explored or prospected, but also be-cause both the geology and mineral deposits thus far examined show many unique features, and, finally, because the region is being actively prospected at the present time. However, in view of the present widespread interest in Canada's mineral resources, a brief compilation of what is known regarding mineral occurrences and geology in the explored parts of the far north seems timely. From these assembled data, a few inferences are warranted as to future mineral production from this region. HISTORY The story of mineral discovery in the Canadian northwest is a fascinating one. As well, it abundantly illustrates the importance of mineral occurrences in indicating future mining possibilities. The same sequence of events has repeated itself too often to be merely fortuitous.? In most cases, the dis-covery of a mineral deposit of possible economic value has been foreshadowed by the finding of the valuable mineral or an associated mineral in the same district, generally in small quantity, by an early explorer or traveller. Thus, John Franklin reported oil seepages from the base of Bear Rock, near Nor-man, at almost the very spot where oil was struck nearly one hundred years later. Again, some would-be Klondikers, deterred by the hardships of the route, remained to prospect around Great Slave lake, and were the first to report the Pine Point lead-zinc occurrences there and the gold-bearing veins on Yellowknife bay. Sporadic prospecting followed at the latter locality for over thirty years before the recent rich strikes were made. Similarly, in 1847, Dr. John Rae picked up a boulder of copper ore south of Rankin inlet, on Hudson bay. More than eighty years later, a body of copper-nickel sulphides carrying values in platinum metals was found at this locality. Also, the report of cobalt bloom on the east coast of Great Bear lake brought back by a Geological Survey of Canada party in 1900 was a factor in the events leading to the discovery of silver and radium there in 1930.

Jan 1, 1937

By Rick Coleman, Chelvan (Chevy) Veloo

"P.T. Freeport Indonesia's lrian Jaya Operation has been producing copper concentrate continuously since 1972. Numerous ore discoveries and five mill expansion programs have seen the initial milling rate of 7,200 MTPD escalate to the present rate of 125,000 MTPD, producing 2.5 million pounds of copper and 3,500 troy ounces of gold per day. The latest expansion, commissioned in February 1995, incorporates a 34 foot Semi- Autogenous Grinding (SAG) Mill, two 20'x30' Ball Mills, conventional roughing, cleaner column flotation, and attendant upgrades to the existing concentrate pumping and dewatering facilities. This paper will describe the SAG Plant flowsheet, and focus on the key training issues which contributed to a successful plant start-up.IntroductionP.T. Freeport Indonesia's operations in the Ertsberg mining district are located in the Jayawijaya Mountains of Irian Jaya, the easternmost province of the Republic of Indonesia. P.T. Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), the operator, is owned by Freeport MacMoRan Copper and Gold (81.3%), the Government of Indonesia (9.4%), and private Indonesian investors (9.4%). Geographical location, and sailing distances are provided on the attached location map.The operation stretches over 7 4 miles ( 114 km) from the dewatering and concentrate shipping facility at the Port of Amamapare on the Arafura Sea to the Grasberg open pit located at 3400m. The regional geology is covered in detail by Van Nort et al (1991 ), with current proven and probable reserves estimated at 1.13 billion metric tonnes grading 1.30% Copper, 1.42 ppm Gold, and 4.06 ppm Silver. The Grasberg open pit mining operation provides 92% of the mill feed, and is described in detail by Hickson (1991). The remainder of the mill feed is derived from several underground block caving operations. Current production rates provide a mine life in excess of 25 years. However, very favorable geology in the area leads to expectations that additional reserves will extend the life of the operation considerably."

Jan 1, 1996

By H. J. Chalmers

THE H.B. MINE and concentrator are located in the Nelson Mining Division of British Columbia, on the north side of the Sheep Creek valley about seven miles southeast of the town of Salmo. It is an operation of The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited (Cominco), which has its metallurgical plants at Trail, about 25 miles west. The property was originally staked about 1907 by Horton and Benson, whose names are commemorated in the designation "H. B." Up until 1927, a considerable amount of development work was done in the upper levels by various companies. Cominco purchased the ?property in 1927 and carried out intermittent work until 1946. Following this, an extensive surface diamond drilling programme and a subsequent underground exploration were undertaken. Sufficient ore was outlined 'to warrant the construction of a 1,000: ton concentrator. This was started in April, 1952, and completed by the spring of 1953. However, because of adverse base metal market conditions, operation was deferred until May, 1955.

Jan 1, 1957

By P. D. R. Maltby

This paper describes the background and markets for calcium carbonate and silica sand in Canada, as well as the results of recent test work carried out at the Ontario Research Foundation. Tests on sericite, tremolite, vermiculite, barite and graphite are also mentioned.

Jan 1, 1979

By D. W. Bacon

Plant process optimization programs are often costly, both in technical effort and loss of production. Evolutionary Operation or "EVOP" is a mode of plant operation consisting of controlled cyclical changes in process conditions by which information is provided concerning potential process improvements while both volume and quality uniformity in production are maintained. Its conceptual simplicity and low cost of utilization have led to successful adoption in a variety of industrial manufacturing operations. This paper is an expository account of basic EVOP theory, the problems encountered and the organization required in applying it to a processing plant. Illustrations are provided which indicate the payoff that can result.

Jan 1, 1967

By K. Eklund, T. Ahokainen

The Flash Smelting process is the most used production method for primary copper in the world. The basic idea of the Flash Smelting is to utilize the thermal value of sulfidic concentrates and melt the reaction product, in controlled conditions, without a need for external energy. This basic principle is utilized both in matte smelting and in Direct-to-Blister Flash Smelting Processes. In this paper, the behavior of normal (CuFeS2) concentrate of FSF-process is compared to the behavior of high grade feed material produced by Outokumpu Concentrate Upgrade Process with the aid of computational fluid dynamics (CPD) simulation using add-in subroutines developed by Outokumpu Technology. Results consist of the information concerning the behavior of the suspension, reaction efficiency and other parameters concerning the reactions of the feed material. It will be shown that, using the Upgrade Process, the throughput of copper from the Flash Furnace can be almost tripled.

Jan 1, 2007

By F. S. Thurner

"This paper describes the engineering and construction activities of the ""design-build"" project awarded to the joint venture of Foundation-Comstock-Janin for the construction of the plant and wharf facilities, camp site, power plant and all supporting services. As a member of the Foundation Group of companies at that time, Fenco actecl as consulting and design engineers for the project. Particular emphasis is given to the problems which adversely affected design and construction activities due to prevailing arctic conditions and the remote location of the project. The paper also describes the approach taken in the investigation of the site and soil conditions as well as the selection of the special structures for the 225,000-toncapacity fibre storage building, the wharf structure for 50,000-dwt vessels, and the 1,000-tph-capacity reclaiming and ship-loading facilities . It further covers the logistics problems and the scheduling activities related to the short duration of the shipping season, and the transportation of equipment and mate1•ials by sea as well as by air."

Jan 1, 1976

By M. J. Collins, B. Parekh, A. Hasenbank, B. Hewitt

Newcrest Mining Limited, originally as Lihir Gold, has operated a pressure oxidation plant for the recovery of gold from refractory ore since 1997. The mine and gold plant are located on Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea. Design of the original pressure oxidation circuit was based on the results of pilot plant tests conducted by Sherritt in Fort Saskatchewan. Following a decision to expand the plant in 2008, Lihir Gold contracted Sherritt to design a new autoclave. The design exercise utilized the original pilot plant test results, commercial process results at Lihir, and an understanding of advances in autoclave technology since the original plant was built. The new Lihir autoclave will be the largest horizontal, multiple-compartment autoclave in the world. The design process for the pressure oxidation expansion is described in this paper.

Jan 1, 2011

By Paul Guliov

Preliminary investigations of stone resources were conducted in the La Range, Johnson Lake-Pelican Narrows-Deschambault Lake and Creighton-Amisk Lake regions of Saskatchewan. The work identified a rich variety of accessible, attractive and technically promising stone resources. Ordovician dolomites in various combinations of red, buff, yellow, grey and purple are very dense and take a very good polish. These are classified as marbles in the industry and some rival the famous marbles of Verona, Italy. A wide variety of attractive granites have been identified. Among these is a jade green stone (charnockite) and ornamental banded granites (gneisses). A dark greenish to black stone (amphibolite) with white and red veining resembles the well-known Verde Antique variety of Vermont and Italy and surpasses it aesthetically and in engineering properties. Some of these stones have been displayed at Canadian and United States expositions where they received an enthusiastic response from the international stone industry. More detailed evaluation and test quarrying of promising deposits are required. Such work could be rewarding to the industry as some stone varieties in the province have the potential for gaining international markets.

Jan 1, 2001

By H. Gharahbagheri, S. Shafiei Zadeh, H. Hassan Nejad, Reza Roostaazad

In this paper, dissolution of vanadium from mining residue, in which vanadium is associated intimately with magnetite ore, was investigated via both bacterial ( aerobic and anaerobic) and fungal activity. Although bacterial activity was tangible, it could not reduce and dissolve vanadium in both aerobic and anaerobic experiments. However, in fungal leaching, after 30 days about 36.9% and 29.7% of vanadium was dissolved for a pulp density of 10 and 30 g/l, respectively. At the end, the concentration of metabolites usually produced by fungal activity was optimized and oxalic acid was chosen as the main agent for the leaching process.

Jan 1, 2014

By Earl M. Frizzell, Joseph A. Dos Santos

"Conventional belt conveyors offer an economical method for transporting materials at inclines approaching 18 degrees. Sandwich belt conveyors may be used to transport materials at high angles, to 90 degrees, while maintaining the most positive features of conventional conveyors, that is, (1) proven conventional conveyor components. (2) high-speed operation, (3) high-single lifts, (4) continuous cleaning of the smooth surf aced belts, and (5) easy, quick repair by hot or cold vulcanizing. The present discussion deals with the evolution and development of sandwich belt conveyors to satisfy the operational requirements of the open-pit mining and materials-handling industries.A look at the limitation s of conventional shallow angle conveyors reveals the conveying angle at which a cover belt is needed. The relationship between conveying angle and hugging pressure by the cover belt is developed mathematically. A study of past and current developments reveals that the Loop Belt and Beltavator are significant advances in the state-of -the- art. The vertical radius of curvature constraints are discussed in detail and the constraint equations are developed. Criteria for future development is established as a basis for evolutionary developments in sandwich belt high-angle conveyors. The use of intermediate drives in sandwich belt high-angle conveyors is investigated.IntroductionIn connection with U.S. Bureau of Mines funded–study relating to continuous haulage from deep open-pit mines, the authors had occasion to study extensively, the use of high-angle conveyors as a means of hauling mine products continuously from the pit while maintaining optimum mine slopes to minimize total excavation. The many possible high-angle conveying methods investigated included skip hoists, bucket ladders, pocket belts, fin belts, cleated belts, sandwich belts, pipe belts, screw conveyors, slurry pipe lines, and others. The sandwich belt high-angle conveyor appeared to be the most operationally-appropriate and economical solution for the mining industry. The present paper presents the theory, historical development, state-of-the-art, and evolutionary developments in sandwich belt high-angle conveyors."

Jan 1, 1983

"The rocks of Notre Dame Bay form part of the Central Paleozoic Mobile Belt (Williams, 1964) of the Newfoundland Appalachians. The Central Paleozoic Mobile Belt of the northern part of the island consists predominantly of Lower and Middle Ordovician rocks overlain by Silurian elastic and volcanic sequences and underlain in the marginal zones of the belt by polydeformed metamorphic rocks of the Gander Lake Group (Kennedy and McGonigal, 1972) in the northeast and the Fleur de Lys Supergroup (Neale and Nash, 1963; Kennedy, Phillips and Neale, 1972) in the northwest. The Ordovician rocks of the Central Mobile Belt have been subdivided into a number of local groups in different parts of the region. The Lush's Bight Group was first defined by MacLean (1947) . Recently Marten (1971) has revised the definition of this group, as shown in Table 1 and his revised definition is accepted in the present paper. Plate tectonic models that have been proposed for the development of the Newfoundland Appalachian System have indicated that the mafic volcanic rocks of western Notre Dame Bay represent oceanic crust (Bird and Dewey, 1970; Dewey and Bird, 1971; Church and Stevens, 1970) which marks the remnants of the proto-Atlantic Ocean first proposed by Wilson (1966) . Such models infer that the mafic volcanic rocks constitute the upper part of an ophiolite sequence. Analyses of the lavas show that they are tholeiitic and support this conclusion (Papezik and Fleming, 1967; Smitheringale, 1972) . A complete ophiolite sequence, consisting of peridotites overlain by gabbros, overlain by a sheeted diabase dyke complex which passes upward into pillow lavas, occurs at the base of the Snooks Arm Group (Upadhyay et al., 1971 ) . Sheeted diabase dykes are known to underlie the lowest mafic pillow lavas of the Lush's Bight Group at several localities in Notre Dame Bay (Strong, 1972, and pers. comm.) . However, several conflicting points about the geology of this region suggest that although a typical oceanic crustal sequence of Lower Ordovician age is present, older rocks occur within the ophiolite terrane in several places (Williams, Kennedy and Neale, 1972) ."

Jan 1, 1972

By Peter R. Drummond

THE paper consists of four sections: (1) a discussion of early work; (2) presentation of the results of a chemical investigation of Falcon-bridge nickel-copper blast-furnace matte; (3) application of the results of this investigation to mattes in general; and ( 4) a summary of conclusions. All general discussion will be confined to the fundamental system of ferrous-cuprous sulphides (FeS-Cu2S). Nickel-, lead-, and zinc-bearing mattes will be treated as minor varieties of the parent system. DISCUSSION OF EARLY INVESTIGATIONS Matte investigations may be divided into three classes: first, those treating the sulphides as alloys-theoretical studies of the system FeS-Cu2S, such as those of Hofman (ll)t or Carpenter and Hayward (2); second, chemical research on mattes made under smelter conditions, such as that carried out by Hawley (3) or Avetision ( 4); third, combinations of the . above, such as the investigations of Gibb and Philp (5) or Fulton and Goodner (6). Much research in the first of these classes, including determinations of . freezing points and of data for structure-composition diagrams of the system FeS-Cu2S, was carried out in the period 1890-1910. LeChatelier and Ziegler (1, 13) proved that FeS, when heated alone above its melting point, dissociated in part, and Friedrich ( quoted by Fulton, 6) showed the same for Cu2S. The reactions may be expressed by the following equations: [xFeS yFe + yS (volatilized)+ (x -y)FeS xCu2S )'Cu+ yS ( vohtilized) + (x -)')Cu,S ] Sulphur is lost by volatilization, leaving a melt of metallic iron plus ferrous sulphide in the one case, and of metallic copper plus cuprous sulphide in the other. If the mixed sulphides are heated far above their melting points, there results either an iron-rich matte containing Fe-FeS-Cu2S or a copper-rich matte containing FeS-Cu2S3-Cu, depending on the relative amounts of each sulphide in the mixture.

Jan 1, 1940

By W. A. Jankola

Teck Cominco Metals Ltd. operates an integrated zinc-lead smelter at Trail, British Columbia, Canada. The zinc circuit comprises three parallel operations: conventional fluid-bed roasting, direct zinc pressure leaching of concentrates and atmospheric leaching of zinc oxide fume recycled from the lead smelter. The products from these three areas are combined in the main leaching plant where they undergo iron purification. Unlike most leaching circuits, the leach process in Trail begins with an acid leach and is followed by a neutral leach. An evaluation was undertaken to determine if the process at Trail could be improved by converting to the conventional neutral leaching process with a subsequent acid leach of the residues. This paper explores the results of these tests and the implications for Trail Operations.

Jan 1, 2006

By M. Cossette, P. C. A?tcin

At present there is considerable confusion in the asbestos industry with regard to density and porosity measurements of asbestos. In order to clarify the situation, various notions of porosity and density are defined by means of simple schemes and clear symbols are proposed to denote them. An experimental procedure is then preposed and outlined, which is based upon Archimedes' principle. Experimental conditions at each stage of the method are explained clearly in order to minimize the opportunity for errors. Finally, the results of a study on the porosity and density of asbestos minerals having various characteristics are presented.

Jan 1, 1972