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By Seong-Taek Yun, Chil-Sup So, Seung-Jun Youm

The greisen-bordered quartz veins are spatially, temporally and genetically associated with a late Cretaceous granite intruding an early Palaeozoic, limestone-rich formation. Paragenetic data indicate three stages of hydrothermal mineralisation, the first typically in or within 500 m of the granite stock and showing vertical zoning between deeper Mo and higher W, the other two more abundant in the upper and outer parts of the mineralised area. Fluid inclusion and stable isotope data indicate that hydrothermal veins formed over a temperature range of 120-395 degrees C from low-salinity fluids. Early wolframite and molybdenite deposition in stage I occurred at temperatures of 300-395 degrees C from magma-derived, low-salinity, CO2-rich fluid, mainly as a result of fluid boiling and associated CO2 effervescence. Progressively larger volumes of local meteoric water entering the system led to the successive deposition of scheelite in stage I vugs, stage II base-metal sulphides and stage III fluorite-carbonates. Remobilisation of W and its later deposition of scheelite in the outer and shallower portions of the system occurred at 215-275 degrees C and stage II and III mineralisation from lower-temperature fluids that became progressively lighter in stable isotopes. It is concluded that the influx of meteoric water increased with distance from the cooling pluton

Jun 18, 1905

By G. J. Hearn

between particles in the classifying region is then

Apr 1, 1995

By S. Kelebek

DETA exhibits a highly selective depressant action on pyrrhotite without adversely affecting the collectorless flotability of pentlandite and chalcopyrite in nickel-copper ores of the Sudbury region. A simplified Eh-pH diagram has been constructed to illustrate the extended stability of elemental sulphur and to explain the collectorless flotation of pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Cu and Ni ions, which are known to exist on the surface of pyrrhotite, promote the flotation of this mineral whether a collector is present or not. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that the action of DETA involves the sequestration of Cu and Ni ions from surfaces under a wide range of redox conditions; analysis of flotation test filtrate indicates as much as a 20-fold increase in the concentration of Ni and Cu ions. It appears that DETA may enhance the self-hydrophobicity of chalcopyrite and pentlandite by exposing more of the sulphur-rich surface sites for bubble contact in flotation. There are various possible explanations for its depression of pyrrhotite

Jun 18, 1905

By H. K. Taylor

Ore reserves are inadequately defined. Geological reconnaissance and pre-feasibility mining work generate a broad range of valid tonnage estimates, many published for the benefit of various interests, who may view all figures as reserves. This work reviews the regular estimation of tonnages, grades and relevant factors for single deposits. A consistent framework of definition is suggested which, by conforming to the known structures of feasibility studies and long-range plans, avoids the pitfalls of over-categorisation and of unrealistic promises. Applications are based on North American experience but are intended for general use

Sep 1, 1991

By R. Allington, G. Walton

The approach has been applied with success to the restoration of chalk workings in southern England, and research and trials relating to restoration blasting and the replication of limestone dale landforms have been undertaken. An essential prerequisite for application of the technique is rigorous geomorphological analysis of the locality to ensure that final quarry landforms are consistent with the local geomorphological and landscape setting. It is always important to ensure compatibility of the final landform with the intended after-use, and to achieve this it is also essential that such restoration schemes have a sound geotechnical basis. A disadvantage of the approach is that final slopes tend to be flatter, especially in weaker strata where natural slopes are not steep; the implications for reserves may be unacceptable, particularly in quarry extensions

Aug 1, 1994

By A. G. Pasamehmetoglu, N. Bolukbasi, O. Koncagul

A study has been undertaken to establish the relationships between the O&K wedge test cutting resistances and the geotechnical parameters of rock materials in the context of bucket-wheel excavator operation. Prediction equations were formed to estimate the cutting resistance from the geotechnical parameters by multiple regression analysis. The cone indentor index, uniaxial compressive strength and Shore hardness parameters have been found to be the most significant predictors

Sep 1, 1991

By G. S. Pauley

Paper presented at a meeting on: Artificial intelligence in the minerals sector, held in Nottingham, UK, 20 April 1993 (original title: Case-based reasoning can be a catalyst for improvement). A new computer software technology known as Case Based Reasoning (CBR) can be used to produce small decision support systems that are economically viable. This is because the knowledge that they contain can be owned and maintained by their users. A CBR tool has been used to perform a pilot study with Anglesey Aluminium Metal Ltd. The results are encouraging. They suggest that a combination of CBR and participative design and implementation techniques (such as Checkland's Soft System Methodology) can achieve sustainable improvement in mineral processing functions. An explanation is presented of why traditional, rule based systems are often an ineffective way to implement support systems. It is shown that CBR may provide an appropriate technology solution. Methods of achieving sustainable benefit are indicated. The pilot study with Anglesey Aluminium Metal is used as a practical illustration of the development of a CBR application. A review of potential application areas and some observations about the implementation are presented

Apr 1, 1994

By L. Villa, O. Suarez, D. Arias, L. G. Corretge

The deposit comprises two vertical, lenticular bodies emplaced in the allochthonous block of a Variscan thrust. Epigenetic mineralisation occurs as replacement of carbonated volcaniclastic rocks of Cambro-Ordovician age. The dominant sulphide minerals are sphalerite and galena with minor chalcopyrite; the main non-metallic mineral is quartz and there is hydrothermal silicification, chloritisation and sericitisation. Sulphur isotope values for sphalerite and galena are heavy and reflect the fundamental relationship between delta-34S in ZnS and in PbS, suggesting isotopic equilibrium. Four sphalerite-galena pairs yield temperatures between 163 and 218 degrees C, in good agreement with the 187-207 degrees C estimated by the Ga/Ge-sphalerite geothermometer. The ore sulphide was leached by the hydrothermal solution from diagenetic pyrite in the host rocks and disseminated sphalerite and galena in Cambrian carbonates

Jun 19, 1905

By P. E. J. Pitfield, S. D. G. Campbell

The regional shear zone runs along or near the southern margin of the Chinhoyi greenstone belt. It hosts four of the seven mines in the southern part of the belt with recorded production above 100 kg Au, including the top two current producers. Displacement occurred in the late Archaean, producing a shear zone with a trend ranging from northeast at Golden Kopje to east at Muriel. The orebodies at the two mines formed synchronously with the shearing and show strong but contrasting structural controls on mineralisation. The Golden Kopje orebodies plunge to the southwest, parallel to the intersection of curved foliation with discrete shear planes and sub-perpendicular to local stretching lineations. The Muriel orebodies plunge steeply west but parallel to local stretching lineations. The greatest fluid flow during mineralisation of the shear zone was along either the intersection of fabrics (Golden Kopje) or the extension direction (Muriel). There is no unique relation between the orebodies and the extension or shear direction. Where earlier mining has not established the directions of the oreshoots it is essential to understand the possible structurally controlled geometries of orebodies before planning a drilling programme to evaluate their potential

Apr 1, 1996

By A. G. Pasamehmetoglu, N. Celebi, K. Erarslan

A deposit evaluation system has been developed for a proposed new mine in the basin around Collolar in Turkey. It includes compositing, gridding and reserve estimation facilities and takes account of the economic value of the pit and the pit bottom elevation

Sep 1, 1991

By B. B. Dhar

Slope stability at the proposed mine in Rajasthan was analysed in two dimensions using a finite difference code. The properties of the rock material were determined in the laboratory and subsequently modified to approximate those of the in situ rock mass. Geotechnical mapping was undertaken to determine the critical orientation of structural discontinuities. The results of the work indicated that an open pit 148 m in depth would be stable with overall slope angles of 60 degrees

Aug 1, 1994

By T Atkinson, A Cobb, R AJIington

Risk management is concerned with the whole spectrum of financial, geological, engineering, legal, governmental, social and occasionally ethnic issues, concerned with mining projects. The inherent risks in mining operations are well publicised, but new issues and hazards arrive on the scene and lake precedence, but the older risks still remain, while insurance cover may not he ‘full cover’ in the future. It has long been recognised that quantitative approaches to risk analysis can play a major role, but although these methods are capable of considerable theoretical precision, the lack of sound risk input data and experienced personnel limits the usefulness of theoretical analysis. It can, however, greatly assist in comparing cases, in identifying areas of risk and help in the investment decision process. Its major contribution to a mining project is that it imposes an investigative discipline that also assists in improving the quantitative approach to risk analysis and hence risk management. Risk analysis and risk management also requires sound common sense and major inputs from experienced geologists, mining, mechanical, electrical and mineral processing engineers. The Engineering Council, in 1992, issued a ten point code of professional practice entitled ‘Engineers and Risk Issues’ (The Engineering Council. 1992), covering our professional responsibilities, the law, our conduct, the need for a systematic approach to risk issues, the use of professional judgement, communications, risk management, evaluation of risk, our professional development in this field and the encouragement of public awareness of risk issues. This is a specific area of training perhaps long neglected by our industry and academic institutions (Atkinson. 1983).

Jan 5, 1996

By R Lastra, J. A. Finch

An artificial standard material has been developed and used to examine the robustness of some of the procedures for correcting stereological bias. Different mineral liberation distributions were constructed from the standard material. The particles were mounted, sectioned and the sectioning data measured with an electron microscope interfaced to an image analyser. Four correction procedures were used and the corrected and true liberation distributions compared. It was found that the large-sections correction provided a simple, uncorrupted correction. Hill's fast approximation performed well except in cases of narrow liberation distributions; the sectioning data appeared to support the assumption that the locked section and locked particle distributions are identical. Barbery's correction performed well in most cases, having difficulty only with the very irregular liberation distribution. The PARGEN correction was able to provide a good estimate of the true amount of free material, but had difficulty in predicting the locked particle distribution

Jun 21, 1905

By G. G. Roy, R Shekhar

Pachuca tanks are extensively used for the cyanide leaching of gold and the carbonate leaching of uranium, processes in which oxygen mass transfer plays a very important role. Experiments were carried out to clarify the effect of design and operating parameters on oxygen mass transfer. Parameters such as the ratio of tank height to tank diameter, the ratio of draught-tube diameter to tank diameter and the tank design were found not to influence oxygen mass transfer. Results also showed that equal superficial gas velocities may be used as a criterion for scaling up oxygen mass transfer in both full-centre-column and free-air-lift Pachuca tanks with clear water. A volume-averaged, volumetric gas-liquid mass-transfer coefficient (k'av) was used to characterise oxygen mass transfer in full-centre-column tanks. The axial dispersion model was used to determine k'av. The resulting model used only tank geometry and air flow rate as inputs for the prediction of k'av in industrial-scale tanks. Predictions from the model show clearly that "local" mass-transfer coefficients, measured at one or two locations, may not adequately represent gas-liquid mass transfer in industrial tanks. It is therefore necessary to obtain an estimate of k'av

Jun 18, 1905

By I. J. Brown

Paper prepared for presentation at Industrial minerals and the environment, held in Leeds, 24-35 September 1990. The need to submit an environmental statement (EIS) has certainly increased the workload of those concerned with both its production and assessment. However, there is now good evidence that the system is enhancing public confidence in the minerals industry in particular and improving relationships between the developer, planning authority and those consulted such as statutory bodies, parish councils, civic societies, nature conservation interests and ramblers

Jan 1, 1991

By M. Moinpour, Y. K. Rao

The catalysed direct reduction of copper sulphide with carbon and lime was investigated in the range 850-1000 degrees C using Cu2S-CaO-C and Cu2S-4CaO-4C reaction mixtures. The effects of the catalytic additives K2CO3, Li2CO3, Na2CO3, NaF, Na2SO3 and the ternary eutectic (K,Li,Na)2CO3 were determined. Potassium carbonate, sodium fluoride and the ternary appear to be the most effective catalysts for the direct reduction process. The rate enhancement of the catalysed carbothermic reduction of copper sulphide in the presence of lime was explained in terms of the catalysis of the Boudouard reaction

Jul 1, 1991

By M. K. G. Whateley, W. Hatton

Paper presented at the conference: Risk assessment in the extractive industries, held in Exeter, UK, 23-24 March 1994, and first published London: IMM, 1994, preprint volume, 20pp., 31 refs. Estimates of coal tonnage on UK open cast mining sites often vary from the recoverable tonnage. This is because the estimates depend on the geological variability of the coal measures. Geological parameters, such as thickness, quality and disturbance of the seam, have a direct control upon this variance. Risk analysis techniques have been applied using commercially available software to combine each parameter's variability into a cumulative variance, resulting in a tonnage distribution. Sensitivity modelling has also been used to identify the geological parameters which have the largest influence on the variance of the simulated tonnage distribution. An understanding of the relationship between the tonnage and geological variability has helped to focus exploration more efficiently. A cost to risk relationship can now be monitored, helping management to avoid negative consequences on site

Aug 1, 1995

By P. Grainger, P. G. Kalaugher

Paper presented at conference and first published in preprint volume of: Risk assessment in the extractive industries, held in University of Exeter, 23-24 March 1994. London: IMM, 1994. Large, unpredicted ground movements resulting from open cast or underground mining present risks to the safety and economy of extractive industries. As large, sudden failures are usually preceded by small displacements at a much slower rate, the detection and monitoring of these minor changes to the ground surface provides a means of assessing the risks. It is recommended that a visual approach is often preferable to surveying or fixed instrumental measurements. An optical system has been devised, incorporating a 35 mm camera, which allows an immediate comparison on site between a colour transparency taken on a previous inspection and the scene it represents. The observer fuses the transparency stereoscopically with the directly viewed scene. The impression is close to that of normal vision except that differences in detail which have occurred since the transparency was taken are immediately obvious, enabling a qualitative assessment of changes to be made on site. If repeat photography is required it can be taken with exactly the same alignment and coverage. The two images are then available for office analysis using simple micro-photogrammetry

Apr 1, 1996

By M. Bustillo, S. Ordonez

"Paper presented at the conference Economic geology in Europe and beyond II, models for mineral deposits in sedimentary basins, held in Keyworth, UK, 13-14 April 1994. The Mississippi Valley-type deposits occur in massive, homogeneous dolostones from which diagenesis has obliterated all primary sedimentary structures. The mineralisation forms irregular, lens-shaped stratabound bodies, mostly in the lower part of the dolostones. They are composed exclusively of sphalerite, galena, pyrite, marcasite and barite, with white sparry dolomite a common cementing phase. Mineral zoning can be recognised from pyrite and marcasite in the east to barite in the west. Sphalerite, the most common sulphide, occurs basically as colloform and banded crusts and galena as isolated cubic or skeletal crystals, mainly in the centre of the banded botryoidal sphalerite. The combined observations of the deposits' geology, geochemistry and ore petrology suggest a three-stage genetic model: carbonate sedimentation in a shallow-water environment; dolomitisation, probably after compaction, by fluids of connate origin and lateral evolution; and mineralisation by migrating solutions, perhaps related to oil-field brines, that originated in deep zones of the basin during diagenesis of the basinal mudrocks in the NE"

Apr 1, 1995

By M. Feely, W. G. O'Keefe, C. O'Reilly, M. P. Holdstock

A petrographic and microthermometric study of fluid inclusions in the Kentstown Granite, crosscutting quartz (VI) and calcite+quartz (V 2) veins in the granite and calcite+quartz (V 2) veins in the overlying sediments was performed on samples taken from the borehole. Comparisons of the type 1, type 2 and type 3 fluid inclusion populations recorded in the present study with those from other Irish Caledonian granites strongly suggest a similar fluid evolutionary history. Furthermore, the low-temperature CaC12-rich brines (type 5) of this study, which must be syn- to post-Lower Carboniferous in age, have correlatives both in Irish Caledonian granites and in the Lower Carboniferous base-metal deposits of the Irish midlands

Jun 19, 1905