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To ensure that its voice is heard in the development of policies and plans under the Resource Management Act, the mining industry is challenged to participate in their preparation. This paper outlines a number of practical ways in which the industry can participate in debate on sustainable management and how it can be put into practice within the industry.

Jan 1, 1992

By Steven A. Mathe, Seokbin Lim

Current analytical models can accurately predict the final velocity of explosively driven flyers and can somewhat predict the acceleration profile, but do little to address the deformation of the flyers. Explosive systems such as linear shaped charges and explosively formed projectiles, which can be described as multiple interacting explosively driven flyers, often involve interactions between the flyers that occur much before the flyers reach their predicted final velocity. In this regime, it is important to accurately understand both the acceleration profile and the deformation profile of the flyers, as both significantly affect the functioning of the explosive systems. Previous work proposed an analytical model to meet this need. As the expanding gas cloud of detonation products drives the flyers, rarefactions impinge upon the gas cloud from around the flyer edges, which produces a pressure difference across the back face of the flyer leading to deformation of the flyer. Previous research condensed the effects of the rarefactions into a single term, the pressure release ratio, ?, which was calculated based on hydrocode simulations of a block of explosive only and an assumption of isentropic expansion. This work intends to determine the value of ? for different explosive compounds. The results of this analysis were compared to hydrocode simulations of an open-faced sandwich configuration explosive/flyer system with an average accuracy of 15% across the tested compounds.

Jan 1, 2015

By George F. Kunz

Jan 1, 1902

By Glen Frank, David R. Chapman

Determining the number of boulders and cobbles that will be encountered in the tunnel envelope is one of the most difficult problems confronting the geotechnical engineer in the design of tunnels in glacial terrain. This issue is very important to the contractor, both in determining what methods will be used to construct the facilities and the advance rate that can be achieved for the chosen construction methods. The cost of constructing tunnels by pressurized face tunneling techniques is very sensitive to accurate characterization of the very coarse fraction (large cobble and boulder sized clasts), and no standard method is current available for characterizing boulders and cobbles. Careful use of large diameter borings and the sampling and analytical techniques outlined in this paper can provide a means to answer this difficult question. By performing large diameter borings and carefully recording and sampling the cobbles and boulders encountered, an estimate for the amount of these materials present in the formations sampled can be provided. Using this method allows the designer to communicate the expected geologic conditions to the prospective bidders in a manner that is both definitive and defensible. This paper describes the method as it was used in conjunction with the design of a large diameter sewer tunnel in the Columbus, Ohio area.

Jan 1, 2005

By T. Robyn

The Bolivar Cu-Zn skarn deposit in the Piedras Verdes mining district of Chihuahua is one of many base and precious metal deposits in the north-northwest trending Sierra Madre Belt extending across the states of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora in northwestern Mexico. The information presented here is drawn from two papers on the Bolivar property1,4 plus new information. Historical mining and exploration for polymetallic Cu-Zn-Pb-Ag-Au deposits in the Sierra Madre Belt dates to Spanish Colonial days. Access to the Bolivar Property (Figure 1) is by paved road (approximately 305 km southwest from Chihuahua) and approximately 80 km by all-season gravel roads to the villages of Cieneguita (population ~1,000) and Piedras Verdes (population ~500) adjacent to the property. [ ] The Bolivar property comprises an old Cu-Zn producer (the Bolivar Mine), exploration concessions adjacent to the Bolivar Mine, and a new camp at the mine that supports mining, exploration and maintenance. From 1980 to 2000, former operators extracted approximately 300,000 tonnes of ore that was hand sorted to an average grade of 5-6% Cu and 25-30% Zn. From 2005-2010, Dia Bras produced from the mine just over 600,000 tonnes at an average grade of 1.7% Cu and 8.6% Zn. Dia Bras transported mineralized rock 275 km by truck and rail to its Malpaso mill, located about 30 km west of Cuauhtémoc in central Chihuahua, from 2005 until October 2011 when the new Piedras Verde mill was commissioned only 5 km from the mine. (Note: the Company cannot use the term ?ore? because it has never completed a feasibility study.)

Jan 1, 2012

By Thomas L. Ochs

The stripping of iron-laden solvent with hydrochloric acid in the iron-removal step of the clay-hydrochloric acid process for the extraction of alumina from calcined kaolinitic clay results in a loaded ferric chloride stripping liquor. Treatment of this stripping liquor at boiling with calcined kaolin to form insoluble Fe203(s) and a dilute A1C13 solution was undertaken by the Bureau of Mines to characterize process problems and to aid in sizing of solids-liquid separation equipment. Variables identified as important in the chemical reaction were calcined kaolin particle size, ratio of calcined kaolin to FeC13, and reaction time. These parameters were tested for significance and their interactions investigated. Fine calcined kaolin (-65 mesh) at a greater than 1:1 mole ratio of contained acid-soluble A1203 to Fe203 equivalent of the FeC13 in the stripping liquor required less reaction time than coarser (-16 mesh) material. Solids-liquid separation of the reacted slurries by both settling and filtration requires flocculation.

Jan 1, 2011

By R. Fuenzalida

Since 2007, a number of Multivariable Predictive Control (MPC) Applications have been implemented on SAG mills, among others, within the Kairos Mining Concentrator Automation Program using ?Profit Controller?? and other tools comprising the ?Profit Suite??. Along this journey, several interesting and challenging issues related to SAG mill operation and control have been faced, which are relevant to be shared with the Mineral Processing community. These advanced control applications have an operational objective whose goal is to increase marginal profit on the concentrator, together with increasing mill stability. In regard to this objective, the issues to be presented and described are in direct relationship with ?Profit Controller? features and the SAG role; they are also stated and linked to get the most of the mill. Some conclusions and findings are also presented, leading to recommended practices on how to use the controller. These findings have also lead us to decide further actions to be taken on new applications to deploy and also on devising and implementing some complementary components to increase robustness of the overall automation solution, as well as reducing the need for operator intervention.

Jan 1, 2012

By Francis E. Federspiel

Silver and gold are the principal metals in the study area; they occur in quartz veins or silicified portions of shear zones. In some deposits, lead, antimony, zinc, and molybdenum are associated with gold and silver. A uranium-bearing buried stream channel lies near the southern boundary. Since 1850, more than 300 lode claims and relocations have been recorded mainly in the southeast corner of the study area (fig. 1). Complete mine production records are not available; however Clark (1977, p. 28) reported less than $300,000 of gold and silver were produced, mainly from the Exchequer, IXL, and Pennsylvania Mines. Other mines in the area probably yielded are before 1900, but early records are not available.

Jan 1, 1981

By Martin Stoklossa

Surface mining operations typically require run-of-mine material to be sized for further processing. In-pit crushing facilities serve this need, as stationary, semi-mobile or fully mobile units. Although in particular fully mobile crushing facilities have been in use for over half of a century, other surface mining techniques have typically been implemented. However, with increasing operating costs in truck and shovel operations, and other economic considerations, mobile crushing plants are increasingly a viable option. The operational and economical parameters in relation to the optimal surface mining equipment selection will be reviewed. The role of the mobile crushing technology within the continuous vs. noncontinuous surface mining operation and basis for mine planning are also discussed. Current applications and respective case studies will be reviewed. Key performance indicators will be presented. These performance parameters can be viewed as a tool to aid in the equipment selection process. The future direction for further research and development in mobile crushing facilities will also be presented.

May 1, 2008

By Murali Thirukkonda, Rahul Shah, Srinivas Tangrila, Shankar Rachakonda, Jan Kajuch, Arthur Gurson

"High-temperature superconductors have potential for a variety of applications such as power generators, superconducting magnets for mine sweepers or ship propulsion motors, and magnetic levitation transportation systems. Interest in the use of superconducting wires and tapes increased dramatically after the discovery of high-critical-temperature (high-Tc) oxide superconducting compounds, which offer operating temperatures above that of liquid nitrogen. Several techniques have been proposed to produce commercially viable high-Tc oxide based superconducting wires. One of the promising methods involves multi-pass powder-in-tube (PIT) wire drawing followed by rolling and heat treatment. This work focuses on the development of a numerical model to simulate the PIT drawing process for fabrication of long lengths of silver sheathed Bi-2212 superconducting wires. The finite element based model was used to predict densification of the oxide powder, wire drawing forces, and silver sheath thickness during drawing. A cap-type pressure dependent constitutive equation was implemented in the model to simulate the powder behavior. The model incorporated experimentally obtained material data for the silver and powder. Results indicate that powder densification is increased by decreasing the initial silver thickness and increasing the silver strength. Data from wire drawing experiments were used to verify model predictions. IntroductionSuperconducting wires and tapes can be used to carry large dc currents with no measurable loss due to resistivity. When used in superconducting magnets for power generators, motors, levitation devices, magnetic detectors, or energy storage devices, they could potentially result in significantly reduced energy losses. In the past, most prototypes were tested in liquid helium at 4.2K [1]. However, the necessity to provide liquid-helium cooling systems proved to be a serious limitation in commercialization. In 1986 high-critical-temperature (high-Tc) oxide superconductors were discovered [2], which could allow for higher operating temperatures above liquid nitrogen (77 K). Since then, both academia and industry have concentrated their efforts on the development of high-Tc oxide superconducting wires, tapes and coils. As yet, large scale fabrication of long lengths of these wires with the required current carrying capacity and mechanical properties remains an enormous challenge."

Jan 1, 1994

By A. D. Dalvi

With the current economic situation, the demand for nickel and other base metals has fallen significantly. More than 440 kt/yr world nickel capacity has been taken out of production within the last year, or more than 25% of the total [1]. This situation is similar to that at the end of 1970?s and it will take a number of years for the demand to recover to the levels before the economic downturn. In the meantime, the challenges facing the industry have increased due to diminishing ore grades, more inaccessible and complex deposits, mounting capital and operating costs and the various external pressures which include socio-economic, environmental, and energy challenges. All industries will be faced with paying the ?total ownership costs? in the future. This will only increase the burden on the industry. How to cope with this in what Thomas Friedman calls the ?Energy-Climate Era? [2] will be the most pressing challenge for the next generation of metallurgists and managers. It will force us to take a broader view of the problems and the solutions beyond mere technical. The metallurgists, engineers and project managers will have to look at the overall projects and their objectives in designing the solutions, requiring a top-down strategic approach.

Jan 1, 2009

By A. W. Deurbrouck

This report describes the washability characteristics of 18 coal samples taken from 11 drill hole cores from the San Juan Basin area of New Mexico and Colorado. The ash content of these coals could generally be substantially reduced by removing the heavy impurities. The coals were characteristically low in sulfur content; only one sample contained more than 1 percent sulfur after removing the sink-I.50 specific gravity material. The coals ranged in rank from subbituminous C to high volatile C; 11 of the samples were subbituminous A. Many of these core samples came from areas where very little fieldwork has been done; consequently, an outgrowth of this work has been an increase in known coal reserves of the San Juan Basin area.

Jan 1, 1972

By Northcutt Ely

This volume summarizes mining and petroleum legislation in 25 jurisdictions of East Asia and the Pacific. Within these jurisdictions, primary attention is given to requirements that must be met in each country for acquisition of rights to permit development of mineral resources. Coverage includes: First, identification of the controlling laws or statutes governing minerals acquisition and reference to the administrative authority; second, analysis of the laws governing mines and quarries and their products; and third, analysis of laws applicable to natural gas, petroleum, and related materials. Where pertinent, sections dealing with historical background or administration have been added. In countries where minerals are subject to control of States or Provinces, those areas are considered separately from the central government.

Jan 1, 1971

By W. M. Cross

Bubble attachment time measurements for the rare-earth phosphate minerals monazite and xenotime were made as a function of oleate concentration, sodium fluoride addition, and temperature. Results indicate that the rare-earth phosphates behave similarly to other phosphate minerals, notably collophanlte and fluorapatite, which have been studied previously. The addition of sodium fluoride yielded a modest decrease in bubble attachment time with fluoride additions below the apparent fluoride surface precipitation point, while at fluoride additions greater than the apparent precipitation point a significant decrease in attachment time occurs. Increasing the temperature or the system gave a slight decrease in bubble attachment time in the absence or sodium fluoride. With sodium fluoride addition and below the apparent fluoride surface precipitation point, an increase in temperature actually increased the attachment time. For sodium fluoride additions above the apparent fluoride surface precipitation point, a temperature increase significantly decreased the attachment time.

Jan 1, 1989

By Verne E. Hooker

Near-surface temperature measurements in two granite quarries show that diurnal temperature variations are significant to a depth of 1 or 2 feet, and annual temperature variations are significant to a depth of at least 25 feet. As a result, ground stress anomalies due to temperature exist near the surface, and their magnitude depends upon the time of day and the time of year. Rock stress and corresponding temperature measurements were made in one granite quarry over a rock temperature range of 33° to 81° F. Measured rock temperatures show good agreement with values predicted from one-dimensional heat flow theory. Calculated and measured stress-temperature coefficients for the two granites in this study are given. Thermally induced stress variations in near-surface rocks tested were as large as 1,690 psi from combined daily and seasonal temperature changes.

Jan 1, 1971

By Mario E. Rossi

Las simulaciones condicionales geoestadísticas se utilizaron como herramientas de control de leyes en operaciones diarias que evalúan la incertidumbre y el riesgo de las reservas mineras en estudios de factibilidad, así como el potencial de mineralización en ciertos ambientes geológicos. Otras aplicaciones incluyen evaluación de recursos y reservas recuperables (dilución), clasificación de recursos y reservas, y optimización de espaciamiento de sondajes. En ese sentido, el presente trabajo señala los aspectos de los esquemas de clasificación de recursos y reservas utilizados en la industria, el cual está basado en el modelo de incertidumbre que las simulaciones condicionales proveen. Asimismo, se analiza el riesgo que este modelo de incertidumbre implica para sub-regiones (unidades) de extracción del yacimiento, como las definidas por fases de extracción mineras o períodos de tiempo.

Jul 17, 2000

By A. J. Van Der Merwe, J. F. Erasmus

One of the valuation approaches applied to Advanced Exploration Areas and Pre-Development Projects is the so-called ?in situ Mineralization Method? or the ?Yardstick Method?. This method is based on the concept of a known undeveloped Mineral Resource being worth a certain fraction (the ?Yardstick?) of the contained commodity value (?metal in ground?), using commodity prices ruling at the date of valuation. The Yardstick value is derived usually from an average market-based figure obtained from an analysis of recent transactions and is expressed as a monetary value per ounce or per tonne. It maybe modified to accommodate the quality (e.g. grade) and category (e.g. confidence level) of the Mineral Resource/Reserve involved and the time, effort and expenditure expected to be involved in bringing the project to fruition. Some eighteen recent and relevant transactions were analysed, allowing the following general conclusions to be reached: ? a Yardstick with which to value undeveloped PGE mineral resources is likely to range between 0.5% and 2.5% of the in-ground contained metal value ? the expected method of mining (especially with regard to mining costs) and the grade of the mineralization both have a strong influence on the Yardstick ? the status (classification) of the Mineral Resource has some influence on the Yardstick and ? the ruling price of platinum and the regional location of the deposit appear to have insignificant influences on the Yardstick.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. C. W. Webber

Mining up to depths of 5 000 m would be a world first and, accordingly, no previous experience in the determination of acceptable heat stress limits, criteria or indices is wholly applicable. However, some South African gold mines are already operating at depths beyond 3000 m and much of the knowledge gained in reaching and working at such depths will be helpful in making adequate provision for acceptable environmental control at the greater depths being contemplated. Accordingly, it is necessary to take cognisance of the industry?s experience in deep-level mining and of standards and regulations already established in South Africa and elsewhere in order to ensure acceptable working conditions and control standards, that compare favourably and defensibly with those in other mining industries. The local and international use of heat stress limits, criteria and indices were investigated as it was necessary to determine to what extent any other indices, limits or criteria would be applicable to South African deep mine conditions. In addition, it was necessary to establish whether there was a single heat stress index that could be used for South African ultra deep mining conditions. It was found that an appropriate combination of heat stress indices would be required in planning for and ultimately controlling thermal conditions in ultra-deep mining. The depths being contemplated and the concomitant potential heat hazard present too great a risk for reliance on a single environmental component of heat stress, such as wet-bulb temperature at present in common use locally. The study recommends that a heat stress index, preferably Air Cooling Power (ACP), be used to design an ultra deep mine?s ventilation system and that wet-bulb temperature be used to monitor and control the system once it is implemented.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. N. Brodie, John Chapman

INTRODUCTION - DEFINITION & HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE While this symposium is concerned with comminution which, by definition, relates to all stages of size reduction of an ore body to a form suitable for mineral separation, the electrical drive aspect of the grinding section will receive most attention in contrast to the crushing, screening and materials handling elements of the process. The reason for this is that today's large mills, thirty feet diameter and upwards, present mechanical and electrical problems which require a degree of sophistication in their solution not previously required. The ability to satisfy these demands, so far as electrical technology is concerned, largely results from the development of semi-conductor devices. These can now handle typical electrical distribution power levels within remarkably s m all volumes and with high efficiency when compared with the motor-generator sets, mercury arc rectifiers, rotating amplifiers, magnetic amplifiers and vacuum tubes which were commonly used to provide speed and torque controls as recently as the early nineteen-sixties. The hardware available to the electrical engineer has changed dramatically whereby even the simplest control system formerly using hard-wired relays is now superseded by the program m able logic controller with its computer-like memory containing the sequence of operation, in other words, the software. Reverting now to the mineral process itself, it is assumed that the ore body has been mined using explosives and is delivered to the concentrating plant in its 'run of mine' form. The problem becomes one of reducing the material to a size which will permit an acceptable recovery of the mineral with the most economical use of energy. The size of 'run of mine' material will range from about minus five feet for high tonnage open pit operations to minus two feet for the smaller underground mine. The final reduction in size may range from minus ten mesh to minus two hundred mesh (exceptionally as fine as minus six hundred mesh) depending upon the concentration method and dissemination of the mineral values within the ore. There is no single circuit that satisfies all applications, but the pattern of metallurgical equipment use shown in Table 1 appears discernable from current practice, in general terms.

Jan 1, 1982

By D. Harrington

As no cure is known for silicocis after it has developed, prevention is the only effective remedy. There are two main lines of approach to the problem of dust-disease prevention in industry - the engineering, through control of dust production, and the medical, through selection of workers by examination; success probably depends upon a combination of the two. Hatch (146) considers the following measures essential to a complete, well-balanced program of control of the dust hazard in industry: 1. Selection of workers by means of physical examinations in order especially to eliminate those with tuberculosis and other disorders of the respiratory system. 2. Reduction of the duct concentration below the standard of permissible dustiness through adequate moans of dust control and good housekeeping. 3. Limiting the frequency and duration of employment in the dusty occupations, thus reducing the rate of deposition of dust in the lungs. 4. Routine measurement of the effectiveness of the dust-control program by means of periodic medical examinations and duct surveys.

Jan 1, 1935