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By D. Newman

"This paper discusses the author’s work on international law norms of consultation with Indigenous communities and examines unexpected corporate stakeholder impacts on these norms. Customary international law, which governs the area, does not traditionally refer to corporate conduct. This paper surveys several sources on developing international law on consultation obligations; it also discusses the impacts these norms can have on corporate stakeholders in the mining industry. Finally, it asks how interactions of corporate stakeholders in this area can indirectly impact future law and suggests implications for different business models in the mining sector.RÉSUMÉ Le présent article traite du travail de l’auteur sur les normes de consultation avec les communautés autochtones contenues dans le droit international et examine les impacts inattendus des parties prenantes sur ces normes. Le droit coutumier international, qui gouverne ce domaine, ne réfère traditionnellement pas à la conduite des sociétés. L’article analyse plusieurs sources traitant du développement de nouvelles lois internationales sur l’obligation de consulter; il traite aussi des impacts que ces normes peuvent avoir sur les parties prenantes dans l’industrie minière. Finalement, il pose la question à savoir comment les interactions des parties prenantes dans ce domaine peuvent avoir un impact indirect sur les lois futures et il suggère des implications pour divers modèles d’affaires dans le secteur minier."

Jan 1, 2015

By Michel Carreau

Renewable assets have large upfront capital costs but minimal operating expenses over their lifetimes. In some instances, deals can be structured so that direct capital investment is feasible, with paybacks typically within 5-7 years. In others, the burden of renewable CAPEX must be removed in order to create an attractive alternative to fossil-fuel-fired generation. Hatch has designed and oversees the construction of a renewable installation, which is financed, owned and operated by a special-purpose entity. Renewable energy is then delivered to the mining company via a customized power purchase agreement at a price that is lower than the levelized cost of fossil fuels. In this way, the mining company removes the burden of the renewable energy CAPEX from its balance sheet, thus freeing up capital, decreasing risk, and making the predictable, lower cost of renewable power more attractive than the variable cost of fossil fuels. This paper presents the above business model and success stories of hybrid power at remote sites (wind and solar coupled with diesel engine).

Aug 1, 2013

By Pierre Labrecque

Dispatch systems have been used for open pit mining since the early 1980?s but similar systems do not widely exist for underground mining. There is a need for developing dispatch systems for underground mines, particularly highly automated operations such as block caving. An innovative method, Agent Based Modeling (ABM) for a dispatch system for a block caving operation, is proposed in this paper. The model is based on a particular behaviour observed in social insects. The focus of the ABM dispatch system is adaptability with respect to changing operational conditions and effective integration of maintenance modules with the operation. The paper will show the advantages of this innovative method compared to existing similar systems. Furthermore, the preliminary approaches for developing an agent based modeling system for block caving operations are highlighted and discussed in this paper. 1. Introduction In social

May 1, 2008

By Selvia Tourn, Liliana Castro

"Abstract - Argentina, a large country with an important agriculture industry, needs an ever-increasing amount of phosphorus and potassium, as essential elements for plant growth. Current requirements are met from imports, but potential resources exist in Argentina. For example, several phosphatic occurrences are known in paleo-marine basins, the most significant of which are in Tertiary units in Patagonia. In addition, two types of potassium deposits are also known in Argentina: evaporite deposits in the Neuquén Basin at depths of 750 m to 1500 m contain 22 to 25 wt% K2O equivalent; and glauconitic sandstone containing about 6 wt% K2O has been identified in Patagonia.Several experiments were undertaken to test unprocessed phosphate rocks as slow-release, direct-application fertilizers, with good results. In addition, it is proposed that direct application of glauconitic sands would provide an efficient and economic alternative source of potassium. Tests with glauconite samples are still in progress. The existence of both phosphate and glauconitic rocks in Patagonia suggests that development of an extractive industry for these materials would not only help Argentina approach self-sufficiency in fertilizer usage, but also assist in the socio-economic development of this region."

Jan 1, 2003

By David F. Machuca-Mory

Modelling the geometry of a vein is a crucial step in resources estimation. The resulting models are used as mineralization domain boundaries and have a direct impact on the tonnage of estimated resources. Deterministic models are often built using time consuming wireframing techniques usually based on hand interpretation of the drillhole intercepts. Another approach consists in coding the drillhole samples by a function of their distance to the veins contacts. The coding is subsequently used for modelling the vein contacts away from drillholes. This is a more efficient approach and is able to provide a measure of tonnage uncertainty. The use of location-dependent variograms improves the modelling by incorporating local changes in the anisotropy of the vein structure. This combined approach results in more realistic vein models, particularly when the geometry of the vein has been are altered by folding, shearing and other structural processes. The approach is illustrated on a realistic case study.

Oct 1, 2009

By D. Lemieux

A gold bearing pyrite concentrate was treated at the pilot scale for the extraction of gold. Mineralogical analysis of the concentrate identified gold to be mainly present in the form of a solid solution in pyrite. This gold distribution resulted in a poor extraction yield of 55% by direct cyanidation. A piloting campaign including an oxidative pre-treatment by roasting in a fluid bed was followed by treatment with halogens for gold extraction has led to a gold extraction yield of 96.5%. Sulphur removal during the oxidation was very efficient at >99.5% and gold extraction by the halogens was completed within a 1 hour contact time. The piloting was performed on a 300 kg sample and uses a diluted solution of hypohalites as the oxidizing agent for gold extraction. Sulphuric acid was injected in the reactor during the halogens treatment to lower pH to 2. The diluted solution of hypohalites (1-3%) was generated by electrolysis during the piloting campaign in a membrane-less electrolysis cell. The extracted gold was recovered over activated carbon in column and the gold depleted brine was treated for impurities removal and recycled for further gold extraction. With the recycling of water and brine, the regeneration of hypohalites and with a barren solid that is inert and stable, the Nichromet Extraction technology is a green process where the protection of the environment does not preclude profitability.

Aug 1, 2013

By B. Dubreuil

Arsenical bearing deposits are posing an increasing challenge for the mining industry. In particular, mineral processing of arsenical sulfidic ores for base and precious metals recovery tend to produce problematic arsenical tailings. This arsenic being present as sulphide or oxide, tends to dissolve, contaminating surface and underground waters. To meet the environmental regulations, it is often required to stabilize the arsenic in a more insoluble form. Nichromet has developed a new patented technology using vitrification of the arsenic oxide in an economical way, giving a stable solid, well below the environmental regulations upon leaching. This technology involves oxidation of As (III) to As (V), by using a low cost natural oxidizer and transformation of the produced arsenic oxide into calcium arsenate, which is not volatile at the melting temperature of the glass. This technology would be advantageously applied on most cases around the world where sulphide concentrates are oxidized in a fluidized bed or smelted.

Aug 1, 2013

By M. D. Evans

"Note: The views expressed herein are those of the author, not of the Government of CanadaThe mining industry has a significant opportunity to capitalize on past learnings to build better social relationships. The industry’s relationship with society is critical and under pressure. Rising levels of public opposition and social conflict are already having material impacts on operations around the world. The industry has an opportunity to shape the future direction of this social engagement, build public trust, and proactively respond to a material risk to operations, but first it needs to better understand the nature of the challenges and the urgency of addressing them.RÉSUMÉ L’industrie minière a actuellement une excellente occasion de tirer profit de ses expériences antérieures pour établir de meilleures relations sociales. Les relations entre l’industrie et la société sont critiques et elles subissent de grandes pressions. L’escalade de l’opposition par le public et les conflits sociaux ont déjà des impacts physiques sur les opérations partout à travers le monde. L’industrie a l’occasion de façonner la future direction de son engagement social, d’accroître la confiance du public et de répondre de manière proactive à un risque matériel aux exploitations, mais elle doit tout d’abord mieux comprendre la nature des défis et l’urgence de les traiter."

Jan 1, 2015

By Marcel Laflamme

Underground mine workers are continuously exposed to many sources of noise and vibration in carrying out their tasks. Even though the vibration and sound level of some mining equipment is documented, it was found that this information is not readily available for many pieces of equipment and that it is not considered when choosing equipment or planning tasks. As well, health problems related to vibration and noise are among the main causes of work-related compensations in mines. Considering those facts and although no Canadian regulations could force employers to limit the exposure of their workers to vibration, the Société de recherche et développement minier (SOREDEM) decided to address the problem by including vibration among their research priorities. In order to characterize noise and vibration sources of different mining equipment used for underground mining, the authors have performed a study in 8 different mines in Québec on 28 different mining equipments. The paper will present the procedure that was followed to select the list of equipment to be evaluated and the low cost acquisition system developed to perform multichannel time domain acquisition in harsh environments. It will also present the results obtained for the noise level produced by the equipment as well as for the hand-arm and whole-body vibration exposures.

Aug 1, 2013

By D. Runnels, A. Allaire, J. Fournier, Y. Sylvestre, F. Robichaud

The Goldex operation of Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM) commenced operations in the spring of 2008. Following some months of initial operation, the grinding circuit capacity was under-performing according to the original design throughput. BBA Inc. (BBA) was commissioned, in February 2009, to study the different options and recommend the quickest and most cost-effective solution to increase the grinding circuit throughput rate. The mandate was to increase the throughput of the grinding circuit to beyond the original design of 7,000 tpd to 8,000 tpd or greater, while retaining the existing SAG and ball mills. The circuit was modelled using JKSimMet software to evaluate the different options, each with a number of different operating parameters. The option of secondary crushing of the SAG mill feed was retained. Comparison of the different options and simulation outcomes, design of the secondary crushing circuit, operating conditions, and initial adjustments in the design and operating results of the new grinding circuit are discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 2012

By R. G. Bradburn

"Brenda Mines Limited is a low grade open pit mining and milling operation located near Peachland, British Columbia. The mill was brought into production in late 1969 at a rated capacity of 24,000 tons per day. Tt currently treats an average of 30,000 tons per day of an ore that has an average grade of 0.130% copper and 0.030% molybdenum.Description of Crushing and Grinding CircuitsRun of mine ore is delivered to a primary gyratory crusher. The minus seven inch product is separated into plus and minus one inch fractions on two parallel vibrating screens. The fine product is conveyed directly to the mill fine ore bins, while the coarse fraction is sent to a 45,000 ton stockpile.Material from the stockpile is fed to two standard cone crushers which operate in an open circuit with five secondary vibrating screens. The minus five-eighth inch product from these screens is conveyed to the mill fine ore bins while the coarse fraction is fed to four shorthead cone crushers. These crushers operate in closed circuit with the screens."

Jan 1, 1981

By G. L. Palmer

"In 1986, anomalous sampling results for heavy minerals were obtained at various sites in Namaqualand on the west coast of the Cape Province. Drilling in 1987 at Graauwduinen penetrated up to 35 meters of heavy mineral-bearing Tertiary sands which extend several kilometers inland from the coast. The heavy mineral suite includes ilmenite, rutile, leucoxene, zircon and monazite, along with gamet, pyroxene and amphibole. Three deposits are recognized, two of which comprise the resource to be mined by Namakwa Sands Limited, a recently formed Anglo American Corporation subsidiary company.Mineable reserves in excess of 500 million tonnes have been delineated, sufficient to sustain mining for over 35 years at projected production rates. During the feasibility study, on-site investigations included test mining at various sites to assess rnineability and to provide material for metallurgical testing in a pilot plant located at the site. llmenite produced at the mine will be smelted at a new facility to be built at Saldanha Bay. Saleable products comprise titania-rich slag, pig iron, zircon and rutile.During the exploration phase, company environmental guidelines were established and monitored. The feasibility study incorporated a Class 1 Environmental Impact Report, the contents of which were made public following the principles of the Integrated Environmental Management legislation."

Jan 1, 1994

By D. L. Millar

The hydraulic air compressor (HAC) is driven only by water, held up by a dam, to create relatively low head (typically 10-20 metres), such that the developed hydropower is used to cause flow in openings deeper underground. Air is entrained in the water at the inlet to the sub-surface openings (an air to water volume ratio of 1:1 is reported to be optimal) and is compressed as it is carried along by the deepening water flow. At depth, and with lower water velocities arising from larger cross sectional area tunnels, air bubbles separate out of the water flow and are collected in a receiver space above the flowing water. Water, free of air, then passes back up a return shaft (up-pipe) and rejoins the river or stream flow. In principle, an HAC can produce any pressure and flow rate required, given large enough shafts and enough water supply with head sufficient to overcome frictional resistance in the sub-surface tunnels. Practically, as air solubility in water increases with pressure, HAC installations with depths greater than 100 metres may lead to higher rates of compressed air loss, without special separation measures. A modern HAC application for mine refrigeration and cooling is presented.

Aug 1, 2013

By T. Macpherson

ABSTRACT: Drawing on past research experience with sprayable polymer mine support agents (TSLs), Spray On Plastics Ltd. has developed a TSL ground support system called RockWeb. Using a relatively new polyurea polymer technology, RockWeb has been engineered to solve problems encountered underground with polyurethane liners by incorporating rapid curing, moisture insensitivity and superior physical performance. RockWeb possesses a unique, patented ability to be sprayed in a ?cobweb? like consistency allowing the applicator to span fissures in the rock, ensuring no initial defects in the liner, and maintaining design thickness over highly irregular surfaces. This ability, coupled with the high strength and elasticity of polyurea, allows RockWeb to mitigate rock movement through yielding, while maintaining intimate surface confinement. RockWeb provides reduction in logistics through the transport of 1/25 of the material quantities required for shotcrete, rapid deployment rates of as little as 30 minutes per round, and immediate return to the work area. This paper will discuss the technology and advantages of RockWeb as well as opportunities for overall mining cycle cost reduction. The safety benefits, as well as health and environmental considerations regarding application of isocyanate-based liners will also be discussed.

May 1, 2009

Overview of Presentation Why Enter Agreements with First Nations Making it Win-Win ?The Principles The Process Making the Process Work Resource Agmts Defined Resource Agreements are legally binding agreements between a resource company and the First Nation(s) whose Aboriginal or Treaty rights may be impacted by the activities of the proposed project

May 1, 2009

By A. Fortin, C. Fréchette, M. Kreuh

Éléonore project is a gold ore processing plant at a mine site located near James Bay, Quebec, Canada. SNC-Lavalin was mandated by Goldcorp to perform EPCM services on the ore processing plant and permanent infrastructures of the project following an internal pre-feasibility study. The project incurred considerable challenges due to fast-tracking from a pre-feasibility to detailed engineering and construction. The paper reviews how the EPCM was carried out. Some of the challenges resulting from skipping the feasibility study stage are discussed. The paper also presents how multiple offices across Canada were used for the engineering design.

Jan 1, 2015

By W. Dan Hausel

"Hundreds of diamonds have been found in the United States. The majority of the discoveries occurred during the 19th century as a by-product of placer gold mining. Most of these early diamond finds have no known source, and in many cases are situated in areas unfavorable for diamond exploration based on current models that require kimberlite or lamproite to be emplaced in a stable Archean craton or Proterozoic craton margin.Diamonds have also been recovered in situ from lamproite at Murfreesburo, Arkansas, from kimberlite in the Lake Ellen region of Michigan, and in several kimberlites in the Colorado–Wyoming State Line district. Unverifed reports also suggest that diamonds may have been recovered from other related intrusions at a number of localities in the United States.IntroductionTo date, diamonds have been recovered in situ from kimberlite in the Colorado–Wyoming State Line district and from a kimberlite in Michigan. Additionally, diamonds have been recovered from lamproites in Arkansas. Diamonds have also been reported from kimberlite in Kansas, and from peridotite in New York and Maryland. However, these latter reports have not been verified."

Jan 1, 1995

By S. Y. Mostowy, P. W. M. Shibley

"When Texas Gulf Sulphur Company discovered the Kidd Creek ore body in 1964, a crash program began almost immediately for the design and construction of a modern concentrator. It was necessary to mill two distinct ore types; one containing copper and zinc, the other lead, silver and zinc minerals. The final concentrator design was to handle 9,000 tons of ore daily in three circuits. One circuit was to treat copper-zinc and another lead-zinc ore exclusively on a permanent basis. A central circuit was designed with adequate flexibility to treat either of the above ore types in accordance with planned mining schedules. Ecstall Mining Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary, now operates the mine and concentrator complexes for Texas Gulf. The mine is located 15 miles north of Timmins and the concentrator 15 miles to the north-east along Highway 101. The ore is hauled from the mine to the concentrator over a 17-mile railroad. Initial milling operations began in November, 1966.1 - ABSTRACTThis paper deals with bulk reagent handling at the Kidd Creek concentrator. The reagent section at Kidd Creek has operated excellently since milling began in 1966. The bulk handling techniques are satisfactory. They have contributed substantially to good working conditions, economical practices and metallurgical efficiencies. The bulk handling features described should be considered in existing and proposed concentrators."

Jan 1, 1970

By Alan L. Sangster

Auriferous, bedding-parallel veins occur in zones of carbonaceous, argillaceous and sulfidic turbidites in the Lower to Middle Cambrian sandy flysch of the Goldenville Formation. The 0348 values for vein and wall-rock arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite, and for regional pyrite and pyrrhotite, are highly positive. The values are similar to those from Cambro-Ordovician sediment-hosted deposits of other types, and display trends that increase upward in the stratigraphic sequence. The similarity in composition of vein and wallrock sulfides indicates a seawater-sulfate sourCe for sulfur, derived from the enclosing rocks at the time of vein formation. The upward increase in ?34S values is consistent with closed system sulfate reduction in the anoxic portion of a stratified water-colurnn. Published ? 13C and ? 18() values for Meguma Group vein carbonates are unlike those of other gold-vein carbonates, but are similar to those of diagenetic-metamorphic carbonates from the Meguma Group and elsewhere. These data indicate that the source for the vein-related sulfides and carbonates may be the host strata; possibly the arsenic and gold were derived from the same source.

Jan 1, 1992

By C. W. Eggert

"The idea for this talk came to me last year when I was attending the Canadian Gold Metallurgists Meeting. I talked about it to a friend of mine who is an authority on mineral dressing, particularly the theoretical end of the business. He remarked that this was an excellent technical note, why don't you write it up. This is what I have for presentation this morning. I hope in presenting this type of idea in this way it is in keeping with the tradition of the Canadian Gold Metallurgists which was to function on a not too sophisticated level and where operators could get together and trade ideas in an informal way.My basic thesis is that it should be possible to evaluate screen analyses by the application of the standard statistical probability theory. In any statistical analysis the sample is the first consideration. If we look at existing methods of size evaluation we find it is usually based on the fact that a given particle will pass one square aperature and not another. One system of standardizing how these aperatures will be set up is based on Rittenger' s work with the ratio of hole sizes proportional to the square root of 2. Keeping in mind the limitation we have accepted this as our method of 11 sizing"" in attempting to apply standard statistical methods to screen analysis."

Jan 1, 1968