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By Shahram Tafazoli

This article presents a novel technology for sensing the size of rocks after blasting in hard rock mines. Blast engineers require rock size statistics to carefully adjust the blasting parameters. The rock fragmentation requirements vary depending on the ore type and crusher specifications. The most popular statistical parameters in the industry are the so-called P numbers (e.g., P80 and P100). A machine vision based system is introduced here for automatic image collection and fragmentation analysis of the material right inside the bucket or dipper of mining shovels. A heavy-duty camera provides the required imaging data to an embedded computer mounted inside the cab. A custom machine vision software continuously analyzes the captured bucket images and stores the suitable ones in local storage which are then fed to a Desktop software for automatic fragmentation analysis. This technology has been developed by Motion Metrics International and is commercially available as FragMetrics?.

Oct 1, 2009

By Shahram Tafazoli

This article presents a novel technology for sensing the size of rocks after blasting in hard rock mines. Blast engineers require rock size statistics to carefully adjust the blasting parameters. The rock fragmentation requirements vary depending on the ore type and crusher specifications. The most popular statistical parameters in the industry are the so-called P numbers (e.g., P80 and P100). A machine vision based system is introduced here for automatic image collection and fragmentation analysis of the material right inside the bucket or dipper of mining shovels. A heavy-duty camera provides the required imaging data to an embedded computer mounted inside the cab. A custom machine vision software continuously analyzes the captured bucket images and stores the suitable ones in local storage which are then fed to a Desktop software for automatic fragmentation analysis. This technology has been developed by Motion Metrics International and is commercially available as FragMetrics?.

Oct 1, 2009

By G. R. Webber

CHEMICAL AN AL YSIS by x-ray emission spectrometry has become increasingly important during the past few years. The method is analogous to optical spectrography ?with x-rays being used instead of light and should not be confused with methods of x-ray diffraction used? for identification of minerals and chemical compounds. X-ray emission spectrometry has many advantages for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Its optimum concentration range is higher than that of the optical spectrograph, and the group of elements which can be detected is not identical to that which can be detected by the optical spectrograph. Elements which can be detected by the x-ray spectrometer are those elements from magnesium (atomic number 12) to uranium (atomic number 92) in the periodic table. The lightest elements in this range have low sensitivities and more specialized equipment is necessary for their detection than for the heavier elements. A large number of applications of x-ray analysis have been directed toward the analysis of ores, metallurgical products, and related materials (see References at end of paper). A more complete bibliography is presented in the Norelco Reporter, Vol. 3, 1956, pp. 37-39. The periodicals Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy are a good source of current articles and references.

Jan 1, 1957

By B. Lewis

Paper did not make deadline for printing

Jan 1, 1982

By V. J. Southey

HOLLINGER mining operations have required development by 24 vertical shafts having a total length of 28,160 feet. Seventeen of these are sunk from surface and seven are interior shafts. Four surface shafts and three interior shafts are now active and, excepting the recently completed new main ore-hoisting shaft, the remainder are either abandoned, or are used for passes or for ventilation. The new shaft bottoms 60 feet below the 3,050 level, but there is much work to be done before it is placed in service. The term 'shaft practice' is intended to include shaft construction and a general treatment o typical equipment. It is a large subject for an organization the size of Hollinger and this paper is intended only to present the salient features. The writer wishes to thank the management for permission to publish this information and to acknowledge the advice and criticism o A. G. Irving, chief engineer, and the willing co-operation of other members of the Hollinger staff.

Jan 1, 1939

By R. I. Grauch, Michael D. Glascock, Chen Nansheng, Jr Coveney, James B. Murowchick

"Unusually rich molybdenum ores (cutoff grade = 4.10/0 Mo) hosted by Lower Cambrian black shales have been mined since 1985 near Zunyi in the province of Guizhou in China. Similar ores were once worked for Mo and Ni near Dayong in the province of Hunan. In both mining areas, mineralization occurs in Lower Cambrian black shale (Niutitang Formation and stratigraphic equivalents) as a single sulfide bed or lens with exposed thicknesses up to 15 cm and reported thicknesses up to 35 cm. In addition to high Mo values (4% to 7%), ore samples contain up to 7% Ni, 2% Zn, 2.5% As, and several hundred ppb Au and Pt-group elements, but the precious metals have never been recovered from the ores. Sporadic occurrences of Mo-Ni sulfide ore beds are found in at least five provinces stretching approximately 1600 Ian from Yunnan to Zhejiang. None of the Mo-Ni ore-bed occurrences has any obvious connection with mafic or ultramafic source rocks. Similar occurrences containing elevated values for Ni, Mo, and PGE exist in Devonian black shale in the Yukon. Future exploration for Pt, Au, Mo, and Ni deposits should consider this previously unknown type of sediment-hosted mineral deposit.Sommaire - Des minerais anormalement riches en molybdène (teneur-limite = 4.1% Mo) provenant de schistes argileux noirs du Cambrien Inferieur ont été exploites depuis 1985 près de Zunyi dans la province de Guizhou en Chine. Des minerais semblables ont déjà été traire pour Mo et Ni près de Dayong dans la province de Hunan. Dans ces deux régions minières, la minéralisation se présente dans le schiste argileux noir du Cambrien Inferieur (Formation Niutitang et équivalents stratigraphiques) sous forme de couche ou lentille unique de sulfures avec des épaisseurs exposées de plus de 15 cm et des épaisseurs rapport6es de plus de 35 cm. En plus des fortes teneurs en Mo (4%-7%), des échantillons du minerai contiennent jusqu’ à 7% de Ni, 2% de Zn, 2.5% d'As, et plusieurs centaines de ppb d'or et d'éléments du groupe du platine; toutefois, les métaux précieux n'ont jamais été récupérés des minerais. Des présences sporadiques sous forme de couches de minerai sulfure de Mo-Ni se retrouvent dans pas moins de cinq provinces s'etendant sur 1600 km de Yunnan a Zhijiang. Aucune de ces présences de minerais, sous forme de couches, ne semble associée a des roches du type mafique ou ultramafique. Des présences similaires contenant des teneurs élevées en Ni, Mo et EOP se retrouvent dans le schiste argileux noir Devonien du Yukon. L'exploration future pour des gisements de Pt, Au, Mo et Ni doit prendre en considération ce type de gisement encore inconnu précédemment."

Jan 1, 1992

By T. R. Carter, A. C. Colvine

"Rocks of the Grenville Province in southeastern Ontario are currently largely dismissed by many geologists as having little or no potential for discovery of significant deposits of metallic minerals. The present study demonstrates that the area contains numerous deposit types which elsewhere are major metal producers. Therefore, there is significant unrealized potential, especially for gold, zinc, uranium, and possibly copper.The variety of deposits of metallic mineralization include stratiform zinc in marbles; stratabound base metal sulphides in volcanic and sedimentary hosts; gold-quartz veins; quartzmagnetite iron formation; copper-nickel and iron-titanium in intrusive rocks; magnetite skarns; molybdenum in skarns and pegmatites; uranium and thorium in pegmatites, veins, and calc-silicate gneisses; hematite veins; dolomite marbles (magnesium); and barite-jluorite-celestite-galena-calcite veins. There has been significant production of iron, lead, zinc, magnesium, gold, silver, and uranium.The vast majority of the metallic mineral deposits are confined to late Precambrian supracrustal and related intrusive rocks of the Grenville Supergroup. Many of the deposits are stratiform and/or stratabound and occur within units toward the top of major volcanic successions and in the lower portions of younger carbonate-clastic sedimentary successions.Processes responsible for mineral concentration in the area include: (I) syngenetic hydrothermal activity related to both volcanism and sedimentation; (2) epigenetic processes related to diagenesis, regional metamorphism, and igneous intrusive activity; (3) magmatic processes related to igneous intrusions; and (4) supergene concentration and enrichment. The genetic classification of the mineral deposits presented is based on observed geological relationships and these interpreted geneses. The deposit types have counterparts in volcanogenic and sedimentary exhalative, Mississippi Valley type, magmatic, contact metasomatic, and lode gold deposits. Many of the exploration criteria for deposits of these types may be applicable in the Grenville Province, despite the generally high metamorphic grades and complex deformation."

Jan 1, 1985

By C. W. Langenberg, D. E. Macdonald, R. S. Strobl

"The successful marketing of Alberta coals will increasingly depend, to a large degree, on an extensive coal quality information base. This information, at present, is generally based on a deliverable, cleaned coaland is confined to existing mine sites. Coal quality information is not as well understood for raw in situ coal outside of mine sites and even less is known about the geological factors that control it.If new uses and markets for Alberta coal are to be developed, such as gasification, coprocessing, and exploiting high rank coals for combustion, it will be imperative that the coal quality parameters important for these utilizations be known. These parameters need to be known for existing deliverable coals and, just as important, for as yet unexploited in situ coal. Factors such as the Cl, No, K, Co, P and trace element contents should be addressed to meet the requirements of these new utilizations.The geological characterization and explanation of what factors control these coal quality parameters is part of research being done at the Alberta Geological Survey. In-seam vertical profiling has been undertaken within the plains and foothills/mountains coals to determine exactly where coal quality variations occur and why. In the Ardley coal zone at the Highvale Mine it has been found, for example, that the ash content of the mined coal is made up of discrete partings and of microsized particles associated with inertinite macerals. The in-seam characterization of coal seams will lead to a better understanding of in situ coal quality variations, leading to new uses and markets for Alberta coal."

Jan 1, 1993

"In a continuing investigation into the development of uranium alloys for armament applications, some complex base alloy corn positions were modified by varying the amount of alloying elements and by removing one or two of the alloying elements in turn from the base alloys. These uranium-base alloys were specially formulated in a search for heat-treatable, high-strength, ductile, high-density alloys. All alloys studied were ternary, quaternary or more complex alloys of uranium with molybdenum, zirconium, niobium and vanadium. Each cast alloy was studied under three different heat-treatments, and its mechanical and corrosion properties were determined. It was found that although most of the alloys studied had the hardness and strength required, they were extremely brittle and notch-sensitive under tensile stresses."

Jan 1, 1968

By Marc C. Bétournay

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 of the world?s first fuelcell production vehicle, a mine locomotive. A mine loader project has also started and several other projects are planned. These projects are providing the mining industry with the required information to make this technology shift possible. The application of fuelcell power will yield several important benefits such as the elimination of underground diesel emissions, significant reduction in the primary extraction?s sector greenhouse gas emissions and support for a more productive scenario. This article reviews these successes, discusses ongoing and potential projects and presents the technology application benefits that could be possible for mining operations.

May 1, 2003

By V. E. Dawson

Brake testing of large mining trucks was initiated in British. Columbia in 1969 following an accident involving the failure of the service brakes of a l00-ton electric-drive truck. Some selected results of the 1976 brake test program are presented and discussed ?in this paper . The tests were conducted on end- dump trucks having load capacities ranging from 85 to 235 tons. All tests were made with the vehicles fully loaded operating on downhill grades varying from 8 to 10 %. Stopping distances were measured from initial speeds varying between 10 and 39 mph. The results are adequate, in most cases, to determine the "ultimate" capabilities of the service brakes of varying models and sizes of haulage trucks operating in British Columbia mines.

Jan 1, 1977

By J. Asfahani

"The inverse slope method (ISM) was applied to reinterpret vertical electrical soundings (VES) data from pits at the Al-Sharquieh phosphate mine, in order to demonstrate applicability and suitability of the ISM for interpreting VES data from sedimentary phosphatic environments. The ISM overcomes limitations of the curve matching method and the complexity of lithological sections. The ISM geo-electrical interpretation results correlated well with lithologies of the pits. This method characterized resistivity and thickness of the phosphatic layer, and identified favourable phosphate-prospecting areas using the newly developed thickness/depth parameter. The ISM is recommended for interpreting VES measurements in similar sedimentary phosphatic regions.RÉSUMÉ La méthode d’inversion de la pente (ISM) a été utilisée pour réinterpréter les données de sondages électriques verticaux (VES) effectués dans des puits de la mine de phosphate Al-Sharquieh, afin de démontrer l’applicabilité et la pertinence de cette méthode pour interpréter les données VES dans des environnements de sédimentation de phosphates. Cette méthode (ISM) surmonte les limitations de la méthode de comparaison de courbes et la complexité des sections lithologiques. Les résultats de l’interprétation géoélectrique ISM correspondaient bien aux lithologies des puits. Elle a permis de caractériser la résistivité et l’épaisseur de la couche phosphatique et d’identifier les secteurs favorables à la prospection pour le phosphate en utilisant le paramètre nouvellement développé épaisseur/profondeur. ISM est recommandée pour l’interprétation des mesures VES dans des régions semblables où se trouve du phosphate sédimentaire."

Jan 1, 2016

By N. S. Spence

INTRODUCTION WHILE TITANIUM, the element, has been known for over 150 years, titanium, the metal, is a relative newcomer to the metallurgical and industrial scene. The reasons for this chiefly lie in the refract1Hy nature of titanium compounds; the high melting point of the metal; the great activity of elemental titanium, particularly at temperatures close to .and above the melting point; and the pronounced deleterious influence of certain impurities on its mechanical proper-ties. Early efforts at production of the metal were, consequently, either unsuccessful or resulted in products having sub-metallic properties. With the considerable improvement in equipment, materials, and skills that have developed within the past twenty-five years, later investigators have had a better opportunity to overcome some of the inherent practical obstacles and to come to grips with the essential technical problems. NATURAL ABUNDANCE OF TITANIUM Titanium is one of the most abundant metallic elements. It has been estimated (1) that titanium comp-rises about 0.65 per cent of the earth's crust, and therefore ranks fourth among the structurally useful metals in the order: aluminum, iron, magnesium, titanium. It must be appreciated that the relative abundance of the element is only a crude indication of its potential availability, since a very substantial proportion is present as a minor constituent in practically all igneous rocks. By comparison, present-day ores of titanium are relatively few and are but a minor fraction of the estimated total titanium contained in the earth' s crust.

Jan 1, 1951

By Marcel Vallee, Fernand Dubuc

"The St-Honoré carbonatite complex, located 8 miles north of Chicoutimi, Quebec, was discovered in September 1967 as abnormal radioactivity was detected in the course of SOQUEM's aerial surveys. The complex, covered by a shallow layer of Trenton limestone, has been explored by aeromagnetic, ground gravimetric and magnetic surveys, and 12,013 feet of diamond drilling. Its age, from potassium-argon dating, is 650 million years. The carbonatite is approximately kidney-shaped and has a surface area of 6 square miles, 20 per cent of which is explored. It shows a central core of coarse-grained massive dolomitic carbonatite and an outer ring of foliated dolomitic carbonatite.The exploration work to date has resulted in the discovery, in the foliated carbonatite, of an incompletely drilled niobium (columbium) zone of pyrochlore-bearing carbonatite, at least 1,000 by 800 feet in size. This zone contains 5,000 tons per vertical foot grading 0.86 per cent Nb205 or at least 15,000 tons per vertical foot grading 0.66 per cent Nb205 or 45,000 tons grading 0.48 per cent Nb20s. The pyrochlore contains an average of 64 per cent Nb,Os. The central core contains a zone of rare-earth-bearing carbonatite (as monazite), grading up to 4.5 per cent rare-earth oxide, 3,500 ppm zinc and 290 ppm molybdenum. Stocks of nepheline syenite and magnetite diorite accompany the carbonatite. The total analysis and trace-element contents of typical rocks are presented."

Jan 1, 1970

By M. Tadayonsaidi

The effect of alloying elements on the mechanical properties and thermal expansion of 336 casting alloy usually used as piston alloy which has low thermal expansion and very good high-temperature mechanical properties and good wear resistance was investigated. The mechanical properties and thermal expansion characteristic of samples with different combination of alloying elements, which enhance to reduce the cost of products, have been studies, The results show remarkable increase in the mechanical properties with increasing the amount of Cu and Mg, while are reduced with increasing amount of Ni, On the other hand, the use of eutectic aluminum alloy as 336 alloy with higher percent of Cu and Mg and lower percent of Ni are recommended for industry, due to economical viewpoint and satisfactory properties.

Jan 1, 2005

By G. E. Wittur

"The twenty-one members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, comprising eighteen western European nations plus Canada, the United States and Japan. account for two-thirds of world steel production. The Special Committee for Iron and Steel was formed by the OECD to study trends and problems in the steel industries of member countries. The paper begins with a summary on the Organization, including an historical sketch, its structure, member-ship and objectives. The steel industry of the entire OECD is briefly described before proceeding to a more detailed discussion of various aspects of the steel industries of European OECD members, emphasizing practices and conditions that differ from those in North America. Benefits to Canada of representation at meetings of the OECD Special Committee for Iron and Steel are described."

Jan 1, 1967

By Ivan Malinsky, Gérard Castonguay

"On a développé un procédé qui donne une fonte (2,3% C, 0,07% V) du V2O5 (99%) et un rutile synthétique (94% TiO2) à partir d'un minerai, dont les réserves au Québec sont importantes. Le procédé comprend les opérations suivantes: 1) la concentration magnétique du minerai (30% Fe, 9% TiO2 et 0,65% V2O5) pour produire un concentré (65% Fe, 7% TiO2 et 1,6% V2O5); 2) le smeltage du concentré aggloméré dans un four à arc, sans fondant, pour produire une fonte et une scorie (30% FeO, 40% TiO2 et 8,0% V2O5) qui contient plus de 95% du vanadium et du titane présents dans le concentré; 3) le grillage alcalin (37% Na2CO3) de la scorie suivi d'une lixiviation à l'eau et de la précipitation de l'hexavanadate d'ammonium à partir du filtrat; 4) la lixiviation du résidu par l'acide sulfurique pur ou usagé pour produire un rutile synthétique. Un estimé préliminaire de la valeur économique du projet laisse croire à sa rentabilité à la condition que l'investissement pour le smeltage soit inférieur à environ 400$/tonne de fer.IntroductionLes gisements de magnétites titanifères sont nombreux dans le monde. Ils consistent en une magnétite étroitement liée a l'ilménite, La teneur trop élevée en TiO2 empêche l'exploitation de ces gisements pour la production de fer. Cependant, dans certains cas, la magnétite a une teneur intéressante en vanadium qui peut rendre l'exploitation de ces gisements rentable. Aujourd'hui, les magnétites titanifères constituent la plus importante source de production de vanadium. On estime qu'environ 70% du vanadium produit provient de ces sources."

Jan 1, 1983

By M. Vallée, J. -P. Charette, D. P. Gold

"The Oka Carbonatite and Alkaline Complex is a Lower Cretaceous intrusive body of the Monteregian petrographic province. Carbonate rocks of various types, and associated alkaline rocks of the ijolite and okaite suites, are distributed in a double ring-dyke structure 4 Yi miles long by 1 1/2 miles across. Alnoite and alrioite breccia pipes intrude all rocks of the Complex and indicate, from inclusions, that a cover of Palaeozoic rocks existed at the time of emplacement.The results of radiometric, magnetic and gravity surveys of the Complex are compiled and discussed both with respect to the regional pattern and, locally, the bed-rock geology. The Complex is characterized by high-intensity anomalies.Exploration activities started during 1953, and mining operations began in 1961 on the property of St. Lawrence Columbium and Metals Corporation, at one time the world's largest producer of niobium concentrates. Because of the boudinaged and fractured nature of many of the rocks and the variability in grade of the ore minerals, the role of the mining geologist is both demanding and exacting. Rock types are varied and their mutual relation-ships ambiguous, the minerals are rare and complex, and close geological control of the ore is needed in the mine and in the mill. Closely spaced diamond drill holes are needed for mining control, and the ore-waste contact is defined mainly by assay results.In the exploration for 'carbonatites' in Eastern Canada, aeromagnetic surveys are judged to be the best exploration tool, followed in decreasing order by the search for circular structures on aerial photographs, regional gravity surveys and radiometric surveys."

Jan 1, 1967

By Robert Marchand

_ North-western Quebec _ Bousquet mining district _ 21 M oz mining camp _ 100,000 t/yr (400 t/d) _ Shrinkage : 52 % _ Longhole : 40% _ Development : 8% _ 5 days/week _ 120 employees _Discovered in 1936. _12 changes of ownership. _Exploration & development : 1987 _Commercial production : 1990 _Shaft deepening : 1995 _Internal shaft : 1999

Oct 1, 2001

By Scott Honan, Tassos Grammatikopoulos, Mike Johnson, Kelton Smith, Niels Verbaan, Ernesto Bourricaudy, Eric Larochelle, Rick Sixberry

"NioCorp is developing the niobium/scandium/titanium Elk Creek carbonatite resource deposit. The carbonatite phase contains significant niobium (0.71% Nb2O5), titanium (2.68% TiO2) and scandium (72 g/t) and is composed predominantly of calcite, dolomite and ankerite. Niobium is mostly (80%) contained in the pyrochlore and the balance in various Fe-Nb-Ti oxides, which also host most of the titanium. Scandium is distributed homogeneously throughout the ore mineral assemblage. The process flowsheet recovers separate niobium, titanium and scandium products. Scandium is extracted from whole ore hydrochloric acid leach solutions through solvent extraction, and is further refined through a re-leach and precipitation process. Scandium leach residues are treated with sulphuric acid to recover separate niobium and titanium precipitates. Both hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid reagents are recycled within the flowsheet. This paper will discuss key bench and pilot test results (focusing on the scandium flowsheet) and will present a conceptual flowsheet developed by the project team for NioCorp at SGS Minerals.INTRODUCTION NioCorp is developing North America's only niobium/scandium/titanium project. The Elk Creek project is located near Elk Creek, Nebraska, and is the highest grade niobium project in North America and the largest prospective producer of scandium in the world. These elements are unique and valuable superalloy materials that are strategic and critical to many industries and national defense technologies. The project includes the Elk Creek Carbonatite (the Carbonatite) that intruded older Precambrian granitic and low to medium grade metamorphic basement rocks. Both the carbonatite and Precambrian rocks are interpreted to be unconformably overlain by approximately 200 meters (m) of Paleozoic marine sedimentary rocks of Pennsylvanian age. As a result of this thick cover, there is no surface outcrop within the Project area of the carbonatite, which was identified and targeted through magnetic surveys and confirmed through subsequent drilling. The available magnetic data indicate dominant northeast, west-northwest striking lineaments, and secondary northwest and north oriented features that mimic the position of regional faults parallel and/or perpendicular to the Nemaha Uplift."

Jan 1, 2017