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By Lachezar Tsotsorkov

Being a mining company, Assarel-Medet has a significant impact upon the environmental components. In order to meet the legal requirements and the requirements stipulated by the effective permits as well as to reduce the environmental imprint throughout the years, the policy of the company to implement a number of projects to improve the environmental components quality and the environmental state in the company?s region. The projects associated with atmospheric air quality management and reduction of the impact exercised by Assarel-Medet JSC by implementing various measures to eliminate the potential sources of the impact, preventive and rehabilitation initiatives as well as organizational and administrative activities are among the most important ones. A stable improvement of atmospheric air quality in the region and minimization of the company impact upon the ground air state in the region was observed in the period from 2005 to 2012 due to the applied measures. This project is a contribution to the environmental protection, in particular to atmospheric air protection, by applying integral monitoring and modeling methods to identify the negative impact by the mining companies and plan measures to reduce and restrict it as well as to improve the quality of the environment and living area of people working and living in the impact range as an element of sustainable development.

Aug 1, 2013

By A. R. Miller, M. C. Bétournay, D. L. Barnes

"A number of successful proof-of-concept projects have been carried out to replace conventional power application, such as diesel and rechargeable batteries, in underground mine vehicles. This has led to the development and testing of the world’s first fuel cell production vehicle, a mine locomotive. A fuel cell loader is being built and tested.This paper provides an insight into other projects that are being carried out. Some are related to further underground applications, and some to further research, such as refueling options, power plant durability, and vehicle automation.Also outlined is an evaluation of the overall mining applications and advantages this technology can bring to underground mining, including the facilitation of automation and tele-remote operation."

Jan 1, 2003

By K. W. Edwards

The formulation of a theoretical basis for the evaluation of in-situ coal through the use of geophysical logs is outlined. This involved the development of an approach to the interpretation of resistivity in environments having multiple conductive and non-conductive components. Utilizing this approach and other conventional interpretation techniques, a program was developed yielding accurate determinations of the in-situ percentages of coal, water and ash for the evaluation of coal deposits. Basic information obtained from the CWA program can be utilized in numerous aspects of total mine planning . Some examples of the practical application of this method are included.

Jan 1, 1978

By W. Mueller, M. Rocheleau, E. Dimroth

The paleogeographic evolution of the Abitibi Belt is subdivided into three phases, namely: 1) a phase of the growth of a submarine volcanic chain, 2) a phase of the emergence and growth of volcanic islands and 3) a phase of uplif t and erosion of volcanic islands. Isostatic calculations suggest that the volcanic sequence in the south of the Abitibi Belt rests on oceanic basement or on the mantle; the volcanic sequence in the north of the belt rests on about 13-14 km of tonalitic basement. 10-15 km of plutonic material accreted to the volcanic islands during paleogeographic phases 1 and 2, and caused the uplif t during paleogeographic phase 3.

Jan 1, 1984

By A. Desbiens, R. del Villar

"This two-part paper summarizes the design and implementation of a distributed PIbased control strategy installed at the B grinding circuit, at the Kidd Creek Division of Falconbridge Ltd. Part I details the design of the control strategy using a grinding circuit dynamic simulator (DYNAFRAG). The first step consisted of sampling campaigns and data processing to calibrate DYNAFRAG. Then, several control alternatives were designed and tested with the simulator. The main feature of these strategies is their ability to regulate or keep within an upper and lower limit five output variables (circulating load, rod mill density, cyclone feed and overflow densities and pump box level) with only three manipulated variables (rod mill water, pump box water and rod mill tonnage). By simulation on DYNAFRAG, it was possible to discriminate among several control structures. The preferred control strategy uses a saturation algorithm, which allows the adequate regulation of two measured variables with only one actuator. Controllers located in interacting loops are appropriately tuned, taking into account the existing process coupling. Part II will present the implementation of the selected control strategy.IntroductionSteady state simulators are used to predict the stationary state of a given process under specific operating conditions. Tradi - tionally, steady state simulation has been applied for process flowsheet design, for evaluating process modification benefits or for determining key operating parameters in process operation optimization. Dynamic simulators add a new dimension to process simulation since they allow the prediction of the process transient behaviour, resulting from the application of a different set of operating conditions and/or from natural disturbances or equipment failure. Dynamic simulators can also be used for the training of new operators or for the design of control strategies."

Jan 1, 1997

By J. E. Hawley

This paper constitutes a report from the Committee on Geological Research to the Geology Division of the Institute. Two years have elapsed since a formal report was made containing several resolutions aimed at assisting geological research, a review of research equipment available, a summary of research projects suggested for consideration, and a list of research then in progress (see July, 1947, Bulletin, pp. 351-370). At this time we may note what action has been taken on the various resotions and suggestions of the Committee, indicate the more important accomplishments of independent investigators, and present a summary of the rather imposing volume and variety of research currently being carried on throughout the country. I.-Committee Resolutions and Suggestions 1.-A National Advisory Committee on Research in the Geological Sciences The original resolution adopted on the setting up of this Committee was approved with despatch by Council and was forwarded to the Minister of Mines and Resources. Due to a reorganization in the Department and possibly other reasons, no action on this important matter has yet been taken, but we are assured that some time this year such a Committee will be established by the Department of Mines and Resources. Unquestionably, it will give a fresh impetus to research in the geological sciences. When the noteworthy progress made by the research committees on Geophysics and on Soil and Snow Mechanics, established by the National Research Council, is considered, it is indeed regrettable that the Department of Mines and Resources has not acted more decisively in this matter.

Jan 1, 1949

By B. D. Sparks, I. E. Puddington, F. W. Meadus

The continuous separation of bitumen from Athabasca tar sands, with a high clay content, has been demonstrated. Recoveries of 95 per cent or higher have been obtained. Further processing of this product, to produce an accept-able type of crude oil, would require less heat than currently used in the hot-water process. Also, by comparison, substantial savings in equipment and operating costs are indicated.

Jan 1, 1971

By A Walker

The presence of high noise levels in many industries, together with the fact that countries are becoming increasingly concerned with the health of its citizens, has contributed to the importance of the problem of hearing loss. This problem has become the focus of scientific research, law and medicine, and the object of this thesis is to present the means whereby noise may be detected, with its resulting effects and possible means of control, in mining operations. 0BJECTIONABLE noise is a particularly prevalent by-product of the mining industry, and, al-though a dangerous noise level has been recognized, it is believed that at no time now, or in the future, will it be possible to enumerate a single over-all decibel figure at which hearing impairment will oc-cur. Individual susceptibility must be recognized in any study of occupational loss of hearing aimed at the setting of standards and criteria for industrial noise control.

Jan 1, 1963

By E. R. Mitchell

When we grow up in an urban environment and choose to become a part of a way of life, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the cost of this decision in terms of pollution. Explained in this article is our dependence on technology and the amount of pollution that technology produces. Inventories of air pollution on both a personal and a national basis are given so that the reader may judge the magnitude of the problem. In doing so, it is hoped that the reader will understand the need for a responsible attitude toward pollution by everyone and how he can make a personal contribution.

Jan 1, 1971

By Geology Staff, C. H. Stockwell

"The Flin Flon base metal mine, owned and operated by the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, is on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan interprovincial boundary at a point 400 miles north of the International boundary. The deposit was discovered in 1914 by Thomas Creighton and the Mosher and Dion brothers. Since production commenced in 1930, 25,000,000 tons of ore have been mined. On January 1st, 1946, reserves were estimated to be 26,000,000 tons, averaging 2.99 per cent copper, 4.i4 per cent zinc, and 0.089 oz. gold and 1.25 oz. silver per ton. In addition to the four metals named, others recovered from the ore include- cadmium, selenium, and tellurium. The mine workings extend to the 3,750-foot level, but little development work has yet been carried on below 3,250 feet.The known ore occurs in six lenticular to irregular bodies within a zone 500 feet wide. These bodies average 900 feet long, 70 feet wide, 1,500 feet in vertical depth, and 2,500 feet in length along the plunge. They were formed by replacement of the country rock and include ore of two types, solid sulphides and disseminated sulphides. Seventy per cent of the total known ore is of the solid sulphide type. This consists essentially of metallic sulphides- chiefly pyrite- with included remnants of the host rock, and additional quartz and carbonate. In places, the ore exhibits banding, inherited from pre-existing structures. The disseminated ore occurs usually on the footwall side, and along the bottom of the plunge, of the solid sulphide bodies."

Jan 1, 1954

By S. Klingmann, G. Blackwell

"Terrestrial photogrammetry has been used for many years to build three-dimensional pictures for analytical purposes. Photographs can include images from open pit mine walls, ground topography, mine buildings infrastructure or accident scenes. Analysis and co-ordinate estimation in early photogrammetric systems demanded the use of specialized and costly optical-mechanical stereocomparators. Few of these instruments could be interfaced with computers to provide databases, and all required trained personnel with good perspective vision to collect data.Digital photogrammetric software has replaced these older systems, and the digital video plotter (DVP) is a simple computerized system utilizing readily available PCs to quickly produce a stereoscopic model of any scene where an area of overlap exists in photographs taken from two different locations. Specialized cameras providing reference marks or grids on the photographs are still necessary for detailed analysis in three dimensions.This paper describes the application of DVP to the three-dimensional analysis of strike, dip and location of dominant fracture planes visible on an open pit wall slope, and the intersection of planar features which might reduce wall stability. Where reference survey points cannot be provided because access by personnel to the photographic scene is impossible for safety reasons, normal case terrestrial photogrammetry can provide the necessary control points for more complex aerial photogrammetry geometries.DVP recreates the geometry existing at the moment photographs are taken, providing the user with the ability to safely recreate, compare and analyze the structures determining the stability of open pit wall slopes."

Jan 1, 2003

By Paul M. Clifford, David M. Baird

The Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland consists of a Precambrian core of gneisses and granitic rocks, cut by numerous diabase dykes. This complex is surrounded by an envelope of sedimentary rocks of Cambrian to Carboniferous age. Radiometric dates from two granite masses in the core give a mini-mum age of -945 m.y. (Grenville) for the last major tectonic activity. This Grenville deformation conferred upon the core substantially its present structure which has controlled later events to a marked degree. Block movements of the core, dominantly in a vertical sense, have ex-posed it to erosion at intervals. The nature and distribution of the flanking sedimentary rocks and the present relief of the peninsula suggest four such movements. THE Great Northern Peninsula extends some 150 miles north-northeast from the northwest corner of the main body of the island of Newfoundland. It separates the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the Atlantic Ocean, except for the 12 mile wide

Jan 1, 1962

By R. A. Wyman

A comparison of the amount of minus-28-mesh product produced by a standard grinding test procedure is provided for 45 non-metallic materials. The percentage of product, the weight of product per unit of energy used and the weight of product per mill revolution are shown. The results exhibited excellent reproducibility and demonstrated an accurate comparison of grindability for non-metallic materials.

Jan 1, 1977

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 Mengmeng Gai

This paper introduces a model-based automatic object recognition and registration framework to assist heavy equipment operators in rapidly perceiving 3D working environment at dynamic construction sites. A video camera and a laser scanner were utilized in this study to rapidly recognize and register dynamic target objects in a 3D space by dynamically separating target object?s point cloud data from a background scene for a quick computing process. A smart scan data updating method has been developed which only updates the dynamic target object?s point cloud data while keeping the previously scanned static work environments. Extracted target areas containing 3D point clouds were orthographically projected into a series of 2D planes with a rotation center located in the target?s vertical-middle line. Prepared 2D templates were compared to these 2D planes by extracting SURF features. Point cloud bundles of the target were recognized, and followed by the prepared CAD model?s registration to the templates. The field experimental results show that the proposed rapid workspace modeling method can significantly improve heavy construction equipment operations and automated equipment control by rapidly modeling dynamic target objects in a 3D view.

Aug 1, 2013

Surfaces forces have been measured between gold sphere and gold-coated glass plate in xanthate solutions using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The measurements conducted in potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) and potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) solutions showed long-range hydrophobic forces, with the force curves showing no evidence for nanonubbles on the surface. The strongest hydrophobic force was measured at contact angle of 94° with a decay length of 23 nm. The hydrophobic force became weaker at higher concentrations and after a long immersion time, which may be attributed to the xanthate species adsorbed on top of the first mono layer. The hydrophobic force became stronger when the residual xanthate solution is displaced by pure water, indicating that hydrophobic force becomes the strongest in pure water.

Jan 1, 2009

By L. H. Cole

Introduction The increasing importance of the gypsum industry in Canada is evidenced by the fact that the production has increased from 473,129 tons valued at $809,632 in 1909 to 1,205,846 tons valued at $3,622,007 in 1928, an increase of over 155 percent in quantity, and of 347 percent in value, in the 20-year period. Although the export trade in crude gypsum still forms a large proportion of the industry, it is gratifying to see that the home consumption is steadily increasing, and while the percentage of the crude gypsum mined that is manufactured into the calcined products in the country is only 16.8 per cent, its value is practically 50 per cent of the total gypsum production of the whole country. It is to be hoped that each succeeding year will see an increase in the amount manufactured in Canada, and, with the steady growth of the country and a serious endeavour to capture a part at least of the world market in gypsum products, the outlook for the industry is decidedly promising. The value of gypsum as a commercial commodity has been known from the time of the early Egyptians; in fact its value for certain purposes has been known so long chat the date of the discovery of its peculiar properties is unrecorded.

Jan 1, 1930

By A. G. Eccles

"INTRODUCTIONWestern Mines' copper-lead-zinc operations are located in Strathcona Provincial Park, near the geographic centre of Vancouver Island. This park includes Buttle Lake, which flows into the Campbell River water system. The latter provides domestic water for the Town of Campbell River, approximately fifty-eight miles from the mine site.Operation of the concentrator commenced in December 1966, at which time the tailings were discharged into a small tailings pond near the plant. On May 8, 1967 Permit No. 185 was granted to the company, allowing discharge of the tailings, through a submerged outfall, to the bottom of Buttle Lake.Needless to say, the concept of operating a mine within a park, and the discharge of tailings into Buttle Lake generated considerable controversy. However, this has all but been eliminated over the years by the proven effectiveness of Western Mines' pollution control program. In 1973 this program was further upgraded with the addition of an alkaline chlorination plant. Effluent treatment by this method became necessary as a result of process modifications, and has been effective in maintaining the levels of characteristics in the tailings within the ever increasing pollution control requirements imposed on the industry."

Jan 1, 1977

By A. L. Mular

"This paper summarizes the present-day usage of computers in the mining-metallurgical industry. The industry appears to be following a path taken by other industries in improving the operation of processing plants, production schedules, grade control and haulage performance. A reduction in the cost of computers and computing has been a significant factor.An attempt is made to forecast the future of computers in our industry. Such developments as time-sharing, mini-computers, and easy-to-understand process-oriented languages will lead to wider usage. Considerable strides have been made in the use of computers for laboratory data acquisition. In general, the implementation of new methods, new techniques and new equipment will require plant personnel to develop new skills. The universities are meeting this challenge by re-structuring curricula and offering special courses. Most vendors of computers already offer special courses within their own facilities at a customer's plant."

Jan 1, 1970

By H. T. Fargey

This paper considers the social, economic and political factors and their influence on future production and marketing of Western Canadian minerals. Among the subjects discussed are inflation, taxation, anti-combines legislation, unstable international currency relationships, economic nationalism and protectionism, the European Common Market and environmentalism.

Jan 1, 1973