Search Documents

By S. Lohmeier, D. Gallhofer, B. G. Lottermoser, T. Schirmer

At a time of resource consumption, it is important to study the chemical composition of mining and metallurgical wastes to prevent the dissipative loss of metals and metalloids from the mining value chain. In particular, the recovery of critical elements from wastes is an option to increase the resources of such materials that are economically significant and have an overall supply risk. In this paper we report on the chemical composition, in particular the critical element content, of granulated slag originating from historical smelting activities in the Tsumeb area, Namibia. Laboratory-based inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses as well as portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) demonstrate that the slags are on average enriched in base metals (Cu 0.7 wt%, Pb 2.7 wt%, Zn 4.7 wt%), trace metals and metalloids (Cd approx. 50 mg/kg, Mo approx. 910 mg/kg) as well as critical elements (As approx. 6300 mg/kg, Bi approx. 3 mg/kg, Co approx. 200 mg/kg, Ga approx. 100 mg/kg, In approx. 9 mg/kg, Sb approx. 470 mg/kg). While metals and metalloids such as As, Mo and Pb can be determined reliably using pXRF instruments, the technique has inherent limitations in evaluating the contents of certain critical elements (Ga, Sb). However, there are positive correlations between the As, Mo, and Pb contents determined by pXRF and the Ga and Sb contents obtained through ICP-MS and XRF. Thus, quantitative pXRF analysis for As, Mo, and Pb allows calculation of Ga and Sb abundances in the slags. This work demonstrates that pXRF analysers are a valuable tool to screen smelting slags for their chemical composition and to predict the likely contents of critical elements.

Mar 1, 2021

By J. Pelders, F. Magweregwede, S. M. Rupprecht

Increased depths of conventional gold and platinum mines, longer travelling times as working places move further from the shaft, and ancillary activities taking place in the mining cycle reduce the useable time spent at them workface. Current shift lengths of 8 hours 20 minutes may no longer be adequate ton complete required mining activities.The impact of mineworker commuting times on shift work is also not well understood. The aim of this research was to draft a framework to optimize shift cycles in order to maximize productivity, health, safety, and wellness in the South African mining sector. The framework was informed by a review of the literature, case studies at a local gold mine and platinum mine, and a workshop with industry experts. The findings indicate potential advantages of extended shift lengths and continuous operations, such as improved productivity, asset utilization, and employee morale. However, concerns included fatigue and the associated safety hazards, particularly when working longer shifts, night shifts, and numerous consecutive shifts. Job demands, personal factors, and commuting times are further considerations when scheduling shifts. The ideal shift system for the mining sector should holistically consider and balance operational requirements, health and safety, and employees’ and their families’ requirements, and suit the unique needs of each operation. Changes in shift cycles will require a structured change management process, which involves all stakeholders, and could help to enhance the viability of the South African mining sector.

Aug 1, 2021

By F. Dinter, C. McGregor, Q. G. Reynolds, L. Hockaday

The necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the impact of anthropogenic climate change means that all industrial processes should investigate their options towards decarbonization. Iron, steelmaking, aluminium, and cement production produce the most industrial emissions. Although most research focuses on decarbonizing these industries, minerals processing industries must be decarbonized to achieve net zero emissions goals by 2050. Incorporating renewable energy sources and avoiding the combustion of fossil fuels are two ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper reports on the results from a dynamic process model developed to investigate the feasibility of concentrating solar thermal pretreatment of manganese ores to pretreat carbonate-rich manganese ores for increased ferromanganese smelter productivity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The results indicate that pretreated ores reduce the energy requirement for smelting significantly for some ores and lowers total carbon dioxide emissions by 13 to 19% compared to the traditional smelting route. A high-level economic evaluation shows that solar thermal treatment is financially viable for low cryptomelane, high braunite ore that is common in the Kalahari Manganese Field.

Dec 11, 2024

By G. M. Evans, S. Mitra, G. J. Jameson, M. M. Hoque, E. Doroodchi, R. Moreno-Atanasio

In this study, the detachment behaviour of 314 μm diameter silica particles from a single 3 mm diameter bubble rotating in a confined cavity connected to a cross-flowing water channel was investigated. The liquid cross-flow generated a rotating flow inside the confined cavity, which was quantified using 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The fluctuating (x-y) velocity components inside the cavity for each cross-flow velocity, U, were then used to estimate the corresponding time/volume average turbulence intensity values, Ti. Turbulence intensity ranged from 9.3-16.2%. In the absence of a bubble, the rotating vortex within the cavity created a pressure field which decreased towards the centre of the vortex; wherein the lowest pressure zone was located at the centre of the cavity. The vorticity into the cavity was found to increase with increasing the turbulence intensity. A bubble, both without and with particles attached, was introduced into the cavity under different flow conditions and its motion was tracked using the shadowgraphy technique. Experimentally, it was found that the bubble-particle aggregate was trapped at the centre of the cavity (low-pressure region) following a spiral trajectory. An interface resolved 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to predict the particle detachment conditions within the confined cavity. CFDpredicted vorticity in the absence of a bubble agreed well with experimental observation. The CFD analysis indicated that the vorticity inside the cavity was not significantly changed when a single bubble was introduced. On this basis, the computed vorticity was utilised in describing the force balance applied to the attached particle. Computationally, it was found that the critical turbulence intensity, beyond which the particle was detached from the bubble, was 14%. This value was consistent with the experimental observation of detachment at Ti at 15.7%, and above, but not at lower values. Keywords: Bubble, particle, turbulence intensity, vorticity, particle detachment, CFD, PIV

Jan 1, 2020

By R. Armstrong

The stability of rock slopes is significantly influenced by their curvature in plan view. The importance of this in open pit mining is indicated by the fact that, in a deep pit, steepening of the slopes by 1° may save as much as $100 million. It is considered that there are two significant factors that play a part in the influence of plan curvature. These two factors are the effect of stress, and the effect of geological structure. The scant literature that pertains to this aspect of rock slope design was reviewed. The geometrical influence of the plan curvature was then investigated. It was seen that it has a parabolic effect on the maximum possible wedge that can fail into a circular pit, where the tighter the concave curvature the smaller the wedge. The plan curvature also affects the volume of a particular wedge, where concave slopes result in an exponential decrease in the volumes and convex slopes have exponentially increased wedge volumes. A change in the strike of the wedge did not affect the curvature’s influence on the volume, but the volumes of shallower dipping wedges were affected more by the influence of the plan curvature. La stabilité des talus des roches est très influence par la courbure de celles ci dans la vue en plan.Son importance de l peut arriver à sauver même $100 millions. Il est considère qu il y a deux facteurs importants qui jouent une influence sur cette courbure. Il s’agit de l’effet des contraintes et l’effet de la structure géologique. La brève littérature qui se réfère à cet aspect du conception sur le talus des roches a été revue. L’influence géométrique de la courbure des plans a été investiguée. Il a été vu que cela un effet parabolique sur la bosse ou le su relèvement maximum possible qui peut faillir dans un puits circulaire, ou le plus resserre est la courbure concave, le plus petit est su relèvement (bosse). La courbure plane aussi affecte le volume d’un particulier su relèvement ou les talus concaves résultent dans une décroissance exponentielle en volume alors que les talus convexes accroissent la volume de ces su relèvements (bosse). Le changement de l’orientation de la bosse (su relèvement) perpendiculairement ou obliquement n’ a par affecte l’influence de al courbure sur le volume mais les volumes des bosse (su relèvement) peu profonds étaient affectes par la courbure des plans. Die Stabilität der Felsensteigungen wird erheblich durch ihre Biegung im Plan beeinflußt. Der Wert von diesem in der Tagebaugrube wird durch die diese Tatsache, in einer tiefen Grube, steepening der Steigungen durch 1° angezeigt; kann soviel wie $100 Million speichern. Es wird betrachtet, daß es zwei bedeutende Faktoren gibt, die eine Rolle im Einfluß der Planbiegung spielen. Diese zwei Faktoren sind der Effekt des Druckes und der Effekt der geologischen Struktur. Die dürftige Literatur, die diesen Aspekt des Felsensteigungdesigns betrifft, wurde wiederholt. Der geometrische Einfluß der Planbiegung wurde dann nachgeforscht. Es wurde gesehen, daß es einen Parabolischen Effekt auf dem maximalen möglichen Keil hat, der in eine kreisförmige Grube ausfallen kann, wo, das fester die konkave Biegung, das kleiner der Keil. Die Planbiegung beeinflußt auch das Volumen eines bestimmten Keils, in dem konkave Steigungen eine exponentiale Abnahme an den Volumen ergeben und konvexe Steigungen exponential Keilvolumen erhöht haben. Eine Änderung im Schlag des Keils beeinflußte nicht den Einfluß der Biegung auf das Volumen, aber den Volu

Jan 1, 2003

By E. Kalhan, C. Kincal

One of the biggest problems in open pit mining is slope stability. The avoidance of slope stability problems depends on a comprehensive assessment of environmental and operational factors such as geology, climate, and mining activities. In the light of these considerations, slope geometries should be determined in accordance with engineering principles. In this research, the slope stability of rock slopes in a mine opened in a gneiss geological unit has been studied. Production activities were ceased in 2019 due to the slope movements in the eastern part of the quarry. In order to safely continue the production, field works were primarily carried out. To assess slope stability, detailed discontinuity surveys were carried out on bench faces. Subsequently, kinematic and numerical analyses were employed to identify geometries that are expected to maintain stability under the prevailing geological structures and environmental constraints. Engineering geological studies such as scanline measurements in steps and investigation of potential failure mechanisms by kinematic analysis technique were carried out. Small module reactor and Q-slope rock mass classification systems were used to evaluate slope stability. Based on these classification systems potential unstable rock slopes were identified and thematic maps were created using geographic information systems. The most suitable slope geometries are suggested for these slopes. In addition, the improvement methods suggested by the rock mass classification systems were proposed for these slopes.

Sep 1, 2025

By M. Saghaeian, R. Hejazi, L. Hosseini, M. V. Sheikhzadeh

Blaine number has long been used to evaluate the pelletising ability of iron concentrate in the industry. Much information and practical data are available about the effect of Blaine number on pelletising efficiency of different concentrate types. But not many researchers have focused on the effect of Blaine increasing method on pelletising behaviour of coarse concentrates. In this paper the effect of two different grinding methods (i.e. HPGR and Ball Mill) on physicochemical properties of coarse magnetic concentrate green and fired pellets were investigated. Microstructural studies by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) showed that the concentrate for which the Blaine number had been increased through HPGR grinding, has flake-like morphology. In contrast, increasing the Blaine number through ball mill grinding results in more granular particles. Two samples were prepared using HPGR and ball mill. The Blaine number of the HPGR product and ball mill product were 900 cm2.gr-1 and 1200 cm2.gr-1 respectively. The results revealed that pellet properties of this HPGR product are comparable to that of the ball mill product; this is due to the fact that the flake-like morphology leads to enhanced pelletising performance of coarse magnetite concentrates. Keywords: Iron pelletising, Blaine number, HPGR, ball mill, coarse particles

Jan 1, 2020

By B. Genc, P. Malepfane

This study proposes a new approach to reduce the environmental impact during surface mining by improving environmental factors through the incorporation of carbon footprint into strategic mine planning. Two key variables were analysed by contrasting and comparing the baseline and optimised models generated. These variables include net present value, which helps determine the financial feasibility of the mining models and their carbon emissions. The variables were analysed by using linear regression, Spearman’s correlation, a P-value hypothesis, and an exponential decay test. Results show that at Mine A the projected net present value was 62% higher than when running a baseline model. Furthermore, the net present value from the baseline model portrayed a high rate of decay at 0.667 versus 0.118 from the optimised model. This indicates the baseline model’s sensitivity to long-term project timelines and fluctuating markets. The optimised method presents an opportunity to manage emissions during the high operational costs phases. It is represented by a 31% improvement in carbon emissions during the periods of high operational costs, whilst maintaining a positive net present value when compared with the baseline model. It was shown that the optimised model presents a better chance of achieving financial feasibility and balancing environmental impact, thereby ensuring that Mine A can align with the environmental aspect of economic, social, and governance principles through lowering the carbon footprint resulting from its hauling operations.

Jan 30, 2026

By E. P. Preis, R. C. W. Webber-Youngman

The real cost of any mining incident has, empirically, proven to be estimation-driven, rather than factdriven. One of the main reasons for this lies with the complexity of the cost composition of any given mining incident. Incident costs comprise both direct and indirect cost factors, and in many cases the costs associated with these factors are incurred during different time periods following the incident. In this paper we aim to identify the various cost factors arising from mining incidents, provide a thorough understanding of all the potential cost factors identified, and draw general conclusions on the knowledge obtained. Furthermore, recommendations are made on how mining companies could use the results, in order to assist them in calculating the costs of mining incidents. The paper also provides suggestions for further research, with the emphasis on the most significant immeasurable cost factors, namely the costs of implementing job accommodations following an incident, the harm to company reputation, and the decreased productivity due to low worker morale/psychological factors following an incident. If mining companies are aware of and understand which factors could contribute to the cost of any given incident, future planning and incident cost estimations could be easier. It should, however, be noted that although this study provides a comprehensive list of cost factors (and detailed explanations), other unknown cost factors relating to mine incidents could prevail in extreme cases.

Jan 1, 2021

By A. J. C. Paterson

High density slurry and paste tailings systems offer significant environmental benefits primarily related to reduced water consumption. However, these potential advantages need to be evaluated on a project-by-project basis. The successful design of a thickened or paste tailings system requires that the system is designed to accommodate the effect of the high density slurry on pumps, pipelines and the overall system operation. The transport system must be designed as an integrated unit and the interaction of all the components need to be considered. The transport system includes the slurry preparation plant, the pump station and the pipeline. This paper assesses the impact of increasing the slurry density in a platinum tailings system from conventional densities to thickened and paste tailings densities. As slurry density and rheology increase, there is a sharp increase in energy consumption for the additional water savings and this additional cost needs to be considered. A case study shows that there is a considerable benefit in increasing densities to the point at which tailings can be still be deposited in the standard manner. For existing systems, increasing density can result in an increased capacity at a marginal power cost, provided that the slurry is not too viscous. For a new system, a smaller pump and pipeline can result in lower capital costs and a marginally higher energy cost, if the optimum density is selected. Keywords: tailings, paste, pumping, slurry

Jan 1, 2004

On behalf of the Council and staff of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, it is my privilege to wish all members and subscribers a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Jan 1, 1988

By F. Petersen, W. van Dyk, J. Bonsu, A. Isafiade

"This paper aims to demonstrate how a systemic approach can be applied to the analysis of the causes of accidents in South African mines. The accident analysis framework used was developed previously by the authors from the combination of the Mark III version of the Swiss Cheese model, Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM), the Nertney Wheel model, and safety management principles. Data on 91 accidents occurring from 2010 to 2012 at the site of a platinum mine in South Africa were used to populate the newly developed framework. The results obtained show that while routine violations (45% of all accidents analysed) were the most common form of human error, problems in the physical environment of workers were the most common workplace factor (39.6% of all accidents analysed). Furthermore, inadequate leadership was found to be the most common systemic factor responsible for accidents (51.6% of all accidents analysed). Some workplace factors were more commonly associated with particular unsafe acts than others, and some systemic factors were more associated with particular workplace factors than others. The outcome of this study demonstrates that systemic factors, rather than human errors and violations, are the chief causes of accidents in the mining sector. IntroductionThe mining industry is a very important sector of the South African national economy. A major factor threatening the sustainability of this industry is mining accidents, which frequently result in injuries or deaths, destruction of property, and pollution of the environment. In the past, mining accidents have led to the shutdown and threat of shutdown of mines (Ryan, 2008; Mail and Guardian, 2011). The country stands the risk of incurring significant losses if the mining industry continues to experience shutdowns. In 2012, the mining sector accounted for R262.7 billion (equivalent to US$32.83 billion) representing 8.3% of GDP directly, on a nominal basis (Chamber of Mines of South Africa, 2013).Mining safety is a global concern and has attracted significant international attention. This has precipitated various studies into different aspects of mining. Unfortunately, human error has been blamed for the majority of these accidents. A study by the US Bureau of Mines found that human error is the cause of almost 85% of all accidents (Patterson and Shappell, 2008). In Australia, it is the cause of two out of every three occupational accidents (Patterson and Shappell, 2008). Various mining companies maintain that they run efficient systems, and hence the behavioural problems of workers are to blame for most accidents. An understanding of accident causality could be a major step in the quest to reduce accidents. Only with a good understanding of the accident process can effective remedies can be designed."

Jan 1, 2017

By X. H. Li, Q. Zhang, X. Fei

Bauxite residue known as red mud (RM) is a by-product produced in massive quantities during alumina production by the Bayer process with a utilisation rate of less than 5%. A large amount of RM accumulated and produced continuously has had a seriously adverse impact on the surrounding ecological environment. The application of RM in building materials is considered to be the most effective and thorough way to make RM harmless and recycle resources for the reason that adding RM to concrete as a mineral admixture could not only consume a lot of RM, but also save cement and other energy-consuming industrial products. In this paper, the adaptability to cement and aggregate of RM was studied. The results showed that the compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete using ordinary Portland cement, slag Portland cement or fly ash Portland cement as cementing material showed different trends with the increase of the amount of RM. The influence rules of RM on the compressive strength of Portland cement, slag Portland cement and fly ash Portland cement concrete were similar, whether for silicate aggregate or carbonate aggregate. RM has a negative correlation to the flexural strength of silicate aggregate-ordinary Portland cement concrete, but a positive correlation to silicate aggregate-slag Portland cement, silicate aggregate-fly ash Portland Cement. RM promoted the formation of calcium carbonate crystals and inhibited the formation of ettringite and calcium hydroxide crystals in the matrix while ordinary Portland cement, Portland cement and fly ash Portland cement were used as cementing materials. This study provided support for the use of RM in concrete, the reduction of solid waste storage, and the saving of high energy consumption cement as well. Keywords: Red mud, cement, aggregate, adaptability, mechanical properties, mineral composition

Jan 1, 2020

By S. Lohmeier, D. Gallhofer, B. G. Lottermoser

In Southern Africa, historic mining and mineral processing of base metal deposits have almost exclusively focussed on the extraction of major metals, leading to the loss of remaining valuable raw materials into tailings dumps and waste rock piles. At the Namib Pb–Zn mine (Erongo Region, Namibia), historic base metal tailings deposits are present as unreclaimed exposed waste piles. The tailings comprise silt- (fraction A: d50 = 25 to 48 μm) to sand-sized (fraction B: d50 = 86 to 185 μm; fraction C: d50 = 210 to 230 μm) material and contain major concentrations of base metals (Pb av. 1.15 mass%, Zn av. 3.20 mass%), S (av. 9.95 mass%), as well as lower values of other metals (Cu av. 490 μg/g, Cd av. 133 μg/g, Ag av. 22 μg/g), and critical elements like Sb (av. 14.7 μg/g) and In (14.3 μg/g). Former mineral processing only targeted the extraction of galena and sphalerite. As a consequence, qualitative mineralogical composition of the tailings is similar to that of the primary ore. Ca–Fe–Mg(–Mn) carbonates, quartz, micas, chlorite, minor graphite, magnetite, and rare parisite relate to the former host rock and gangue matrix, whereas Fe-rich sphalerite, galena, magnetite, pyrite with minor pyrrhotite, rare arsenopyrite, marcasite, cassiterite, and accessory scheelite are original constituents of the primary ore. Reprocessing of such a material would be challenging, but a mixed Pb–Zn concentrate enriched in Cd and Ag might be obtained. In future, possible reprocessing of Namib tailings and associated disposal of wastes into an appropriately designed repository would not only generate valuable metal commodities, but such activities would also eliminate a major metal pollution source from the local environment.

Sep 9, 2024

By G. E. Rencken, J. H. Potgieter, A. Narain, J. Smith

To conserve fresh water resources and comply with environmental regulations, DRDGOLD, a South African gold producer re-treating surface tailings, has transitioned to a fully closed water circulation system. Consequently, the accumulation of contaminants, as well as addition of reagents, has led to changes in water composition that have compromised leach performance and overall gold recovery. A two-sample t-test confirmed a significant difference in gold recoveries between the use of Rand Water, which was used as a benchmark, and untreated process water. Atomic absorption analysis of ERGO’s process water, confirmed the presence of iron, nickel, zinc, and manganese. A study of the effect of the identified contaminants on gold recovery showed that iron, nickel, and zinc have the largest negative effect on gold recovery, with iron and nickel being more detrimental than zinc. Sulphates were shown to have a possible passivation effect, which also influenced gold recoveries, although to a lesser extent than the heavy metals. Calcium, when present in excess, had a positive influence on gold recovery indicating the possible formation of a calcium aurocyanide complex. Lime softening successfully reduced the heavy metal and sulphate concentrations, and the gold recoveries obtained with the treated process water were similar to those as achieved with Rand Water.

Jul 1, 2021

By M. B. C. Brandt

Richter magnitudes for seismic events were calibrated for use as a Local magnitude scale in the West Rand (WR), Far West Rand (FWR), and Klerksdorp–Orkney–Stilfontein–Hartebeesfontein (KOSH) gold mining areas. Richter magnitudes are currently calculated from seismograms recorded by local surface cluster networks using tabulated calibration values for Southern California, published in 1958. The Richter (1958) model is incorrect for distances of less than 30 km and should be applied only to crustal earthquakes in regions with similar attenuation properties to those of Southern California. When compared to the South African National Seismograph Network (SANSN), the cluster networks, on average, overestimate seismic event magnitudes by approximately 0.1 of a magnitude unit. A calibrated Local magnitude scale was derived by means of a multiple regression analysis between the Local magnitudes reported by the SANSN and the largest zero-to-peak trace amplitudes measured on the cluster network horizontal seismograms, after modelling the attenuation of the seismic waves as these progress from the epicentre to the station position. Magnitudes reported by individual stations for the same event show a significant scatter around the average magnitude owing to the near-surface amplifications of the seismic waves at the recordings sites. Average magnitude should be estimated using as many magnitudes of individual stations as possible to ensure an accurate estimate. Larger event magnitudes should be compared with those recorded by the SANSN.

Nov 1, 2021

By M. -H. Fillion

"Geotechnical stability analysis and design in open pit mines requires access to representative geological, structural, hydrogeological, and rock mass models. The quality and quantity of collected geomechanical data used to build such models can have significant implications in the design of safe and economically viable slopes. Data collection is a continuous process throughout the life of a mine. The process starts from exploration to conceptual/preliminary feasibility, feasibility, design and construction, operations (early production/late production), and mine closure.As geomechanical data is often limited at an early stage of a project, the estimated variability of the geotechnical factors may be larger than the actual data variability. This can potentially result in a conservative selection of the pit slope angle. Collecting additional geomechanical data at later stages of the mine development may contribute to reducing the uncertainty associated with the geotechnical properties and a steeper slope angle may be used for the design. This can result in significant economic benefits.This paper investigates the impact of access to new data over time, following a series of geomechanical data collection campaigns, on design decisions. This is illustrated by comparing the resulting slope design, at three stages of the mine project, at a South African open pit mine. To demonstrate this, a series of slope stability analyses were performed using limit equilibrium tools. For each project stage, the slope angle design was modified until a similar probability of failure of 5% or less was obtained. The corresponding factor of safety distributions for each project stage were then compared to evaluate the impact of collecting additional data on the resulting slope design.The results showed that data variability can differ significantly from one project stage to another. Data variability may be greater at more advanced project stages (i.e. a wider distribution of the factor of safety). Furthermore, the results showed that, even for the cases with greater variability, steeper slope angles were possible at more advanced stages for the proposed design requirement (probability of failure < 5%). In this investigation, as more data became available, the uncertainty associated with data variability could be sufficiently reduced to allow the selection of less conservative slope angles. This can be used as a managerial tool in developing data collection strategies and allocating the necessary funds, and can lead to important economic benefits to the mining operation."

Jan 1, 2016

ADVANCES IN EXTRACTION METALLURGY AND REFINING A symposium organised by the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy will be held in London from 4th to 6th October, 1971. Particulars can be obtained from: The Secretary, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, 44 Portland Place, London WIN 4BR, ENGLAND. ICAMC -71 - HUNGARY The Third International Conference on Automatic Control of Mines and Collieries will be held at Balantsfured, Hungary from 27th to 30th September, 1971. Further particulars can be obtained from: ICAMC - 71, Budapest 3, P.O. Box 115, HUNGARY. AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MINING AND METALLURGY Illawarra Branch A symposium on "Blast Furnace Injection" is to be held at Wollongong University College from 15th to 17th February, 1972. About 20 papers on various aspects of blast furnace injection will be presented, including two on nonferrous furnaces. Further particulars may be obtained from: N. Standish, Chairman, Symposium Committee, Wollongong University, Australia 2600.

The Proceedings of the above Symposium have been edited and published by the Symposium Committee. The Symposium was sponsored by the Australian Coal Association, the Joint Coal Board, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. The Symposium was very well attended, with presentations from fourteen countries, including all the major coal-producing countries of the world. The Proceedings are presented in two parts: the Symposium Part and the Workshop Part. The Symposium Part deals basically with the theoretical aspects of outbursts and high-gas emissions in mines, while the Workshop Part is more practically oriented and describes case studies, and the management systems, and drilling technologies used in underground mines.

Jan 1, 1996

By S. Lohmeier, D. Gallhofer, B. G. Lottermoser

Reprocessing of historic gold tailings is a common activity in South Africa, while base metal tailings offer similar reprocessing potential. The historic base metal tailings of the Namib Pb–Zn mine (Erongo Region, Namibia) still contain valuable resources of Pb and Zn in carbonate-rich matter. Micro-analysis of primary ore minerals identifies some galena as argentiferous and sphalerite as the principal host of Cd. This study demonstrates that knowledge of primary ore mineralogy helps to reveal the hosts of valuable commodities (Ag, Cd) and that field-portable X-ray fluorescence tools allow precise and accurate determinations of major and minor elements like Zn and Cd in such carbonate-rich material. Although there are limitations to directly determine the contents of certain element (i.e., As, Sb, In), linear correlations allow prediction of the likely abundance of these elements. Providing that the inter-mineral and inter-element relations are understood and there is consistency in sampling and analytical methodology, portable X-ray fluorescence analysis is an effective method to evaluate the chemical characteristics of base metal tailings for a range of major and trace elements.

Sep 9, 2024