Search Documents

By Hargraves A. J

The paper outlines events at the Collinsville State Coal Mine, Queensland, leading to the practice of full face multiple shotfiring in bord and pillar development places. The 1954 disaster is referred to, and factors involved in simultaneous shotfiring in coal are discussed. Promising preliminary multiple shotfiring tests at the Colliery are described, as well as the resulting routine measures adopted, and the changes involved. The subsequent inducing of two outbursts under safe conditions by remote multiple shotfiring is given as justification for the changes made.INTRODUCTIONFollowing a disastrous instantaneous outburst (1.0.) of coal and gas at the Collinsville State Coal Mine in 1954, the necessity for inducer shotfiring for the control of possible further outbursts was established. However this mine, immediately classified as gassy after the 1954 outburst, is subject to the general restrictions pertaining to gassy mines which at present preclude the use of inducer shotfiring due particularly to the non-existence of a permitted exploder for more than six shots, and further, because permitted multipleexploders are not designed for remote firing through long lengths of cable. This situation was met by arresting or reducing progress in the production places, thereby reducing the danger of outbursts while means were being considered to achieve overall maximum safety.In August 1957 two full faces were successfully blasted in experimental simultaneous rounds. In June 1958 four full faces were blasted, and in October 1958 full face grunching without prior cutting, Le. inducer shotfiring, was introduced in No. 1 Tunnel as a production feature. In March 1960 it...

Jan 1, 1960

It is shown that factors associated with conditions whIch are thermodynamically favourable for the formation of CuS04 in roasting lead to high copper recoveries on leaching. One of these factors is the ratio of the air to solids used for roasting. This can be varied widely without loss of temperature control in the sulphating roasting of many Australian copper concentrates.Thus, the prediction of the air to solids ratio corresponding to a maximum p(SO3) value, for a given concentrate and temperature, is of importance in fluidized bed roasting, since this could be associated with the formation of a maximum quantity of CuS04. Calculations are presented which predict this air to solids ratio, not only for a given concentrate composition, temperature, and pressure, but also for air which is enriched with sulphur dioxide or oxygen.

Jan 1, 1968

By Z. Jun, L. Kerning

Jinlong copper smelter and refinery, originally designed for 100,000tpa primary copper and started up in 1997, has been expanding its capacity on the basis of operational optimization and by modifying its facilities. Currently it is producing 210,000tpa primary copper, and the new phase of expansion project with a target capacity of 350,000tpa primary copper is ongoing. This paper reviews problems and improvements made with operation and equipment in the past years. Recent plant operation is briefly described. The expansion projects completed are summarized and the ongoing expansion project is present.

Jan 1, 2007

By H. Soto, J. Jara, F. Nava

"A combination of oxidation and precipitation was used to eliminate cyanide from gold milling effluents. Preliminary laboratory work developed with both synthetic cyanide solutions and with industrial effluents indicated that ozone can easily destroy free cyanide and weakly complexed cyanide (i.e. copper and zinc cyanide). In this case the reaction is quite fast and seems to be controlled by the mass transfer of ozone to the solution. Experimental results indicate that free cyanide and weak-acid dissociable cyanide in mill effluents can be reduced to less than 1 ppm. However, the iron-cyanide complexes proved to be quite resilient to destruction with ozone and they remained in the solution even after most of the free and weakly complexed cyanide was destroyed with ozone. These results were confirmed in a pilot trial developed at the Sphinx plant in northern Quebec.To deal with the problem presented by the presence of the iron complexes two different approaches were studied: use of a combination ozone-ultraviolet light oxidation, and the precipitation of iron-ferrocyanide complexes in the residual solution after ozonation. This last method proved quite promising since reduced the total cyanide levels of industrial solutions assaying as much as 250 ppm to less than 1 ppm of total cyanide. Control of the · pH of the solution was the key to obtain the precipitation of the iron complexes. The use of iron to precipitate cyanide complexes has the advantage of being less expensive and less toxic than copper (used by the Inco process)."

Jan 1, 1992

How to Evaluate Crushed Rocks for Concrete Production

Sep 13, 2010

By Eddine Chafika

El presente texto señala las diversas etapas de la exploración de Bear Creek Mining Corporation y su influencia en crear las condiciones para que las comunidades apoyen una mina, donde el resultado previsto de las relaciones comunitarias en las etapas de la exploración y minería, es el impacto sostenible y constructivo cuando el trabajo termine, no importa cuánto tiempo dure esto.

Sep 9, 2007

By W Skinner, C G. Kelsey, J R. Kelly

The iron ore industry has reached the end of an unprecedented period of expansion triggered by China’s demand for iron ore. Lower ore prices have led producers to focus on optimising mining operations while extracting the maximum tonnage from the infrastructure presently in place or from projects already underway. A rising global surplus is expected to further force ore prices down and lead to output curtailments, which in turn will help to restore market balance. However, investment in the development of new resources and the development of new infrastructure will inevitably become necessary. Making the right decisions in relation to future processing infrastructure in a climate of uncertain demand and price volatility will not be as straightforward as in the past, where expanding the scale of a proposed operation has been the answer to ensuring economic viability. Overall cost and environmental pressures particularly in relation to wet processing will dominate the decision-making process. IMP Technologies (IMPTEC) has anticipated the need for a dry low cost processing alternative, which can open the way for the development of lower grade magnetite deposits and ensure the sustainability of processing in Australia. The lower grade magnetite deposits are generally fine grained and require grinding to p80 of 30 to 40 microns. Historically, the cost of grinding to these sizes has been and remains a key factor determining the economic viability of a magnetite processing operation. The IMPTEC Super-fine Crusher and Cyclomag Separator are the key components of a proposed radically simplified dry processing alternative, which addresses both cost and environmental issues. This paper reports on the results of pilot super-fine crushing and cyclomag separation test work, focused on supporting the feasibility of the proposed dry processing route for the production of high-grade pellet plant feed from fine grained low-grade magnetic ores.CITATION:Kelsey, C G, Kelly, J R and Skinner, W, 2017. Dry processing of magnetic iron ores – addressing cost and environmental issues, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2017, pp 215–220 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 24, 2017

By T N. Little

The author contends that geoscience is presently under-utilised in the rock fragmentation by blasting process. Before we can set standards in this area, the following is required: mine geologists need to gain a better understanding of the blasting process and the blasting team needs to obtain a better appreciation of geology. Both groups need to be informed of what can be done to improve blasting outcomes, why it is necessary and how it can be achieved. By working closely together, both the geoscience toolkits and blasting expertise can be applied and focused on priority blast sensitive issues, with potential to improve mine economics and safety. Finally, and ideally, mine geologists need to take a leadership role in raw rock mass data collection and data management, and invited to take an active role in rock mass related behaviour data collection, integration and presentation.This paper attempts to provide insight into all these prerequisites for setting a new standard for collaboration and mutual learning in this strategic opportunity area. The potential for blasting to leverage downstream processes is highlighted. Blasting objectives and blast design principles are introduced along with the required rock mass related inputs. Some hazardous geological materials and environmental conditions are described, along with how they can affect operational complexity.Four case examples are used to illustrate the need for closer liaison between geology and blasting professionals. The first related to grade control blasting, aims to demonstrate how a blasting geology approach can add significant value. Case example two demonstrates how geological models and bench face analysis can assist with fragment control. The third and fourth case examples involve an overview of two case studies where timely geological and geotechnical knowledge input and intervention into blasting activities may have reduced losses due to blast initiated open pit slope collapses.CITATION:Little, T N, 2017. Geoscience input into blasting operations – let’s set a new standard, in Proceedings Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017, pp 375–384 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 20, 2017

By Howard Eavenson

THE low-volatile, or smokeless, coal field of southern West Virginia is in Fayette, Raleigh, Wyoming, Mercer, Summers and McDowell counties, in the extreme southern portion of the state, and extends into the adjacent counties of Tazewell and Buchanan in Virginia. McDowell County is the largest producer, with Fayette and Raleigh counties next. The total area of the field (Fig. 1) is approximately 1600 square miles, or 1,024,000 acres. The percentage of volatile matter in the various seams ranges from 15 to 26 per cent. The upper limit of true low-volatile coal is usually considered to be 23 per cent volatile matter; above this point, the coal usually is classed as medium volatile. This limit will be used in this paper.

Jan 1, 1931

By M. S. Raseroka

An experimental rig has been constructed to produce chloride stress corrosion cracks in Type 304L stainless steel tube samples. The samples are to be used to test possible in situ repair methods in future work. The factor which influences the time to failure most strongly is the sample temperature; the distribution of cracks within the sample is affected by local temperature variations and by the position of the water line. Low-frequency oscillations in stress, caused by the on-off temperature controller, did not appear to influence cracking in these tests.

Jan 1, 2009

Principal component analysis of the variation of Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cr in a control group of 96 samples of surface ironstone from the Yilgarn Block, Western Australia, was used to derive a simple graphical method, based on only Cu, Ni, and Cr, for discriminating between massive nickel gossans and other ironstones.When the graph was tested by plotting 400 control samples, it failed to correctly classify only nine out of 176 gossans and 11 out of 224 other ironstones.

Jan 1, 1974

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of, the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members.) Development and production. Member open for engagement. Past year in war mineral field work, operation and production. Ten years' thorough experience in both subordinate and executive positions, gold, silver and copper in the United States, Mexico, and South America. Age 37, married. Minimum salary $3600. Interview. South or East. A-577. Engineer and executive. Captain U. S. Army, age 36, expects discharge before July 1. Seven years' mining and metallurgical experience. Six years with large technical college as assistant professor of mining and directing extensive experimental work. Desires position as executive or research engineer with reliable company or as professor of mining with first-class college. A-909. Mining engineer. Twenty-five years' experience including mine and works operation, construction, plant installation, and mine examination. Speaks Spanish. A-1173. Metallurgical engineer. Twelve years' laboratory and operating experience, covering copper blast furnace, roasting, reverberatory smelting and latest Cottrell treater practice on copper dust and zinc dust. Technical graduate. 36 years of age, married. Highest recommendations. Open for immediate engagement. A-2354. Mining engineer. Junior Associate. At liberty about July 1. Captain Heavy Artillery. Single, age 24. Go anywhere. Best refer-ences. A-2843. Engineer. Age 26, single, graduate Missouri School of Mines, B. S. in Mis. Met. E. Desires position with oil or metal company in any capacity. Location immaterial. At present engaged, desires change. A-2844.

Jan 7, 1919

Wollongong* is Australia's largest single centre of mining and metallurgy. Wollongong's total employment in manufacturing of basic metal products (over 26,500 in 1972/1973) was almost 50 per cent higher than that of Newcastle and double that of any other Australian city. Although the great bulk of this employment was in steelmaking, Wollongong's copper industry was also a significant employer. Wollongong's total employment in mining (4,900 in 1971) was second only to that of Newcastle among Australian mining centres. Although the bulk of Wollongong's mining is of coal, there is also considerable mining of blue metal, sand and clay. In all, over 40 per cent of Wollongong's work force is employed in mining and metallurgy. The great bulk of the other

Jan 1, 1976

By Robert P. Kennedy, Andrew H. Merritt, Edward J. Cording, Thomas R. Kipp

INTRODUCTION Measurement of certain data associated with nuclear testing necessitates the reception of waves at the instrument location which are unaffected by reflection off internal structures or tunnel surfaces. Therefore, in order to provide necessary facilities for the fielding of experiments in support of the underground nuclear testing program, the Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) commissioned a cost and feasibility evaluation pertaining to the design and construction of large underground cavities in Rainier Mesa. The effort included research into past experience pertaining to the excavation and support of large underground caverns, assessment of the geological conditions which exist in Rainier Mesa, preliminary design of the chambers and their rock support systems based upon the geological setting, development of mining plans for the excavation of the caverns, and estimation of the cost and manpower schedule to complete construction. This paper summarizes the results of the feasibility evaluation. The investigation was limited to modified hemispherical configurations ranging in size from 24.4 to 91.4 m (80 to 300 ft) in diameter. Two cavity support systems were considered. The first employs internally installed rockbolts as the means of primary rock support while the second involves the use of annular tendon galleries located above the chambers from which primary support members are introduced prior to general excavation. The internal support configuration was considered for cavities with spans of 24.4, 36.6, 48.8, and 54.9 m (80, 120, 160, and 180 ft) while the external support configuration was considered for cavities with spans of 54.9, 73.2, and 91.4 m (180, 240 and 300 ft).

Jan 1, 1979

By J. I. Muñoz González

El presente trabajo verifica la utilidad de la incorporación de algoritmos de inteligencia artificial (IA) en cuanto a mejorar los resultados obtenidos en campañas de sondajes de exploración. Tomando la información geológica, geoquímica y geofísica de un proyecto real de exploración, se simularon 3 campañas posteriores y consecutivas, utilizando algoritmos de “boosted regression”. Luego fueron comparados con los resultados reales de los mismos.

May 1, 2008

By Michael Rieber

In this study a generalized specification and costing model for high tonnage coal carrying conveyor belts of 3.5 to 100 miles is presented. These belt systems, in modular units or flights, of up to 9 miles in length can be considered in terms of gathering systems. The study format is sufficiently open to allow users to insert their own requirements and parameters. A specific case study is provided. Because conveyor belts are feasible almost anywhere, this study has not investigated any specific route or geographic location. Rather, it has concentrated on setting up an heuristic programming model for conveyor belt facility optimization and cost minimization. The analysis starts with the principle factors involved in the design of the system and their optimization for various cases. This is followed, in Section 5.4, with a factor by factor cost analysis based on industry data and the preceding optimization. The next step is the development of both facility and costing models suitable for computer analysis. Logic flow diagrams are presented at each major analytic step.

Jan 1, 1977

By A. J. Basu

New technologies, such as computer based learning, wireless computing, internet2, online courses, distance learning, and in general multimedia applications are being implemented in the higher education sector in an increasing manner. However, these implementations are not coherent, and lack standards. However, one example of the existing standards is the development and implementation of the virtual learning environments. These technology tools help in delivering the eLearning objectives. There is a major initiative in Europe (eEurope action plan) in promoting eLearning towards creating a knowledge-based society. Technology implementation is the major driver for achieving the eLearning objectives. A two-year pilot project on implementing technology tools including virtual learning environment (VLE), video-conferencing, and simulation and visualization was carried out for providing a blended learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students in Mining Engineering (undergraduate) and Mineral Deposit Evaluation (M.Sc.) course at the Imperial College London. The pilot project was funded by the Imperial College Centre for Educational Development (ICCED). The project did contribute towards activities for creating an institute-wide eLearning strategy in line with the eEurope action plan.

Jan 1, 2003

By A B. Opperman

For many years explosives energy has been utilized in mining and construction as well as many other applications which are vital to our way of life. Many types of explosives have made their contribution as technology has moved forward. One of the best known was dynamite, which for many years was the mainstay of explosives users. Although dynamite had many advantages over its predecessors, it had the principal shortcomings of being somewhat hazardous to handle and was known as a headache producer.

Jan 1, 1975

By John R. Zelonka

Models made by encasing strain-gage networks in epoxy are described and evaluated. With this technique relatively complex models can be constructed in which any number of gages can be located and alined precisely. Although the gages are an integral part of the model matrix, they create no important mechanical or thermal stresses. Model construction techniques and experimental data proved reproducible and reliable. In addition, the sGlution obtained with these models to the problem of the state of stress around a circular hole in a plate subject to a plane stress condition was in agreement with theoretical, photoelastic, and finite-element solutions.

Jan 1, 1970

By Lyman G. J

Dense medium drum separator efficiency was analysed at two Western Australian iron ore concentrators. Efficiency data had hitherto been difficult to accumulate due to the high cost of analysing representative, and therefore large, coarse ore samples. To overcome this problem, recoverable density tracers, which are in effect artificial mineral and gangue, were manufactured in three different sizes (15 mm, 30 mm and 60 mm). Their use enabled partition curves to be studied within one hour of conducting a test: separation densities were generally lower than the feed medium density for all three sizes of density tracer. For a given set of operating conditions, the smaller tracers had lower separation densities and larger ecart probab/es than the large tracers. These phenomena are explained with the aid of a conceptual model of a drum separator, which assumes that the feed ore plunges to the bottom of the drum upon introduction. Particle rising velocities are, therefore, process determining.Medium rheology was altered by adjusting the proportion of solids in the pulp. This was accomplished by changing both the pulp density and ferrosilicon/magnetite ratio. Higher solids volume fractions invariably caused a decrease in separation densities and an increase in ecart probables, most markedly for the smaller tracers. A similar response was observed when feed tonnages were raised.An explanation for these phenomena is sought in the discussion which also suggests means of improving drum separator efficiency.

Jan 1, 1987