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"In mining operations, it is widely accepted that strategies to drive operational goals must revolve around improving plant availability, reliability and process efficiency. In this paper, an integrated solution framework for reducing process variability, increasing process efficiencies and maximizing plant availability and reliability is discussed within the context of a typical milling circuit. The framework exploits a real-time analysis “gap” evident in production operations that prevents timeous identification of equipment and process failures. This is achieved by leveraging predictive analytics for equipment health monitoring, control loop monitoring and advanced regulatory control solutions towards enhanced process performance, improved asset management and regulatory compliance. The framework provides for early and actionable warnings on equipment and process degradation using real-time operational data.INTRODUCTION The changing landscape of gold mining and processing presents many challenges that threaten sustainability of existing (marginal) operations as well as deter investment in new projects. As existing “shallow” ore resources become depleted, mining operations are increasingly treating low-grade ores with complex and randomly variable mineralogical characteristics. For example, in South Africa, historically one of the major gold producers, the average grade of ore treated has been decreasing from averages above 4.5 – 5 g/t to current grades averaging less than 3 g/t within a decade (Chamber of Mines, 2012). Moreover, lower tonnages are being treated as a result of the narrowing of the available resource base. Also, the regulatory framework has tightened over the years due to heightened concerns on the safety, health and environmental impacts of mining and related activities."

Jan 1, 2014

The construction of the pipeline was completed in June 1956 and the line placed into operation in December 1956, ie. it has now been in continuous operation for approximately three years under an operating pressure of up to 350 lb. p.s.i.In reviewing the operating experiences of the line we must consider three major factors, which are:(a) The effectiveness to date of the protective methods for prevention of corrosion of the pipeline, ie. the preservation of the asset.(b) The maintenance of the line in regard to interference as to its stability which could be occasioned by erosion of the line, land-slides, accidental interference by the public, or construction authorities, etc.(c) The operating techniques employed.PROTECTIVE METHODS OF THE PIPELINESo to permit a clearer appreciation of the effectiveness of the protection of the! steel pipe against corrosion, I will briefly describe the methods used in the construction of the line.The line, which is 18 in. O.D. by %6 in. thickness steel pipe, is located approximately It miles south of the main Melbourne/Gippsland electrified railway.The steel from which the pipe was manufactured conforms to ASA.A33-1937 with the following modifications.Minimum elongation on a 2 in. test specimen...

Jan 1, 1960

Ilmenite production in Western Australia commenced in 1956. There are now five producers, all in the Bunbury-Capel district, and current total production capacity is about 450,000 t.p.a.The deposits occur near the surface and average between 10 and 50 per cent heavy mineral. About 70-85 per cent of the heavy mineral is ilmenite. Other heavy minerals present include leucoxene, zircon, rutile, monazite, and garnet. The ilmenite contains 52-60 per cent Ti02. and is very low in chromium (0·03-0·04 per cent CrS03)Mining is done by sluicing, drag line excavation, or dredging. Primary concentration of the heavy minerals is achieved by spirals, revolving cones, or Reichert cones. After drying and screening, ilmenite is separated from the heavy mineral concentrate by various types of magnetic separator.Separate leucoxene, zircon, rutile, and monazite concentrates are also produced. Each plant uses a different technique and the processes used include chemical attritioning, screen plate electrostatic separation, high tension rolls, air tables, and dry launders.INTRODUCTIONThe treatment of beach sands in the Bunbury/Capel area for the extraction of ilmenite is a very recent development in the mining industry in Western Australia. Nevertheless, since the commencement of production in 1956, ilmenite has become the sixth most important mineral produced (Table 1).The increasing world recognition of Western Australia as a major producer of ilmenite (Table 2) is due primarily to the low chromic bxide content of the mineral (0' 03-0' 04 per cent Cr203), combined with a medium to high titanium dioxide content (54-60 per cent Ti02), supported by large reserves, a stable government, and close access to good shipping facilities. Ilmenite is. produced from these deposits at low cost which enables the industry to compete on world markets despite high rates for sea freights because of the distance from major markets.

Jan 1, 1965

By S. K. Sharma, ANKUSH GALAV, G. S. P. Singh

Providing a suitable protective water barrier pillar (PWBP) is common to reduce inundation hazards in underground coal mines. The imperative factors influencing its performance include the water head acting on the pillar, cover depth, pillar width, strength properties, and permeability characteristics. The mechanical failure of such pillar is a stress-controlled phenomenon, whereas the hydraulic failure is a strain-based phenomenon. A finite-difference numerical modeling approach was developed to study the hydro-mechanical coupled behavior of protective water barrier pillars. The mechanical stability was evaluated in terms of the percentage of failed (ZoF) and intact zones. The influence of the strain-controlled weakening on the permeability of the flow medium was studied through the coupling of the mechanical and hydraulic effects. The coupled steady-state model was used to estimate the outflow rate and its hydraulic stability. The adequacy of the protective pillar was also investigated by assessing mechanical stability and capability to resist hydraulic pressure against the maximum expected water head. A seepage rate-based classification system has also been proposed to evaluate the seepage potential and assess the hydraulic stability. The model has been validated for two case studies at the cover depth of 136–189.5 m and the existing pillar width of 16–42 m against the water head of 25–141 m.

Aug 18, 2022

By T. T. Read, F. C. Houghten

"The bad effects upon the health and output of miners that result when the ventilating current in a mine lacks sufficient cooling power have been described by Harrington and Sayers in a previous report (1)*** The normal temperature of the human body is about 98.5°F. and whenever work is done by the muscles, indeed even when sitting still, the normal bodily processes generate heat which must be given off, otherwise the body will become overheated and a number of bad effects will be produced. If it were possible to so enclose a man that he could continue to breathe and no heat could escape from his body he would die within a short time. In a series of experiments made at the Pittsburgh Station of the Bureau of McConnell and Houghton (2) found that a dry-bulb and a wet-bulb temperature of 112.5°F could he borne for only 35 minutes, even when the subject was at rest. A wet-bulb temperature of 100.4°F (dry-bulb 157°F) could only be tolerated for 45°F minute. Under such conditions the bodily temperature rises as much as 45°F above normal and the pulse is accelerated. Very uncomfortable sensations are felt when the pulse rate exceeds 135. The human body, like any other internal combustion engine, must be cooled in order to function properly.Under ordinary circumstances the air surroundings people is enough coder than themselves to permit this heat generated within the boiy to be river off with¬out difficulty. At higher temperatures, or when the rate of work, with its corresponding generation of heat is high, the body can not throw off heat fast enough, so it begins to sweat and the evaporation of the sweat cools the body. But the results of the experiments cited above indicate that in still air, even with the body at rent, it can not adjust its temperature when the air is above 90° wet- bulb. J. S. Haldane (4) says ""at a wet-bulb temperature of 60°F the actual amount of work done by the miner begins to fall off; as the wet bulb temperature rinse farther the work Bona gradually diminishes to the vanishing point. Then the temperatures indicated by the wet-bulb exceeds 85°F hard work in a mine seems hardly or the commercial working of a mine the wet-bulb thermometer should not in generaI, be allowed to rise above 80°F, unless perhaps where there it a good current."

Dec 1, 1923

By N. Mashaba, D. Botha

The aims of this study were to investigate the factors that influence women’s engagement in technical positions in the South African mining sector and to determine what could be done to promote their successful participation. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was used to ascertain the factors that facilitate, inhibit, and influence engagement. In the quantitative phase of the study, questionnaires were circulated to women employeees; and in the qualitative phase, semistructured interviews were conducted with employer representatives, most of whom were human resource personnel. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three-factor structure (vigour, dedication, and absorption) of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale fit the sample data reasonably well. Although there is room for improvement, respondents demonstrated acceptable levels of engagement in their work. On the other hand, the qualitative findings showed that employee engagement is impacted by unfavourable working conditions, work–life balance, and the mining industry’s male-dominated work culture. The findings showed that employee engagement should be elevated to a core human resource function. To increase the participation of women in mining, human resource professionals are encouraged to collaborate with mine supervisors, managers, and employees to develop programmes that promote employees’ absorption in and dedication to their work.

Nov 6, 2023

In the early stages of opening up a mine, when there is some uncertainty as to its future career, necessitating caution in laying out works of a permanent character, the want is often felt of an assay furnace, easily built and easy of transportation, should the" mine " prove to be " no mine." Again, cases occur in which parties buy the right to treat comparatively small heaps of tailings, and then shift their plant to other localities. Under these circumstances it is necessary to restrict the plant to the barest necessaries, to suit, so to speak, the nomadic character of the work.An assay furnace that is really portable, easily transported, erected, taken down, of little weight, always ready for action on short notice, is indeed in these cases a desideratum which has long been wished for. The gasoline furnaces introduced intothe Australian market some time since practically fulfil these conditions; but they have the fatal drawback of being dependent on a constant supply of the liquid fuel, gasoline, which is seldom, if ever, obtainable locally in' any wayback mining township...

Jan 1, 1904

By Edward L. McHugh

In 1984, at the request of the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied an 84,165-acre portion of the 84,935-acre Clover Mountains Wilderness Study Area (NV-050-139) in order to evaluates its identified mineral resources. The area studied is in Lincoln County, NV, about 90 miles north of Las Vegas, NV. No mineral resources were identified in the study area. Volcanic rocks are the most common in the study area, consisting mainly of a thick sequence of ignimbrites in a cauldron complex. Cambrian to Triassic marine sedimentary rocks and Cretaceous to Oligocene clastic rocks are along and partly inside the west and south sides of the study area. No mineral production ha s come from the study area, but gold, silver, copper, and fluorspar have been mined nearby. Eleven mines and prospects in or adjacent to the study area were examined. Workings inside the study area include two shafts, 10 and 60 ft deep, and eleven shallow prospect pits at four sites along the west edge.

Jan 1, 1987

By D Craw, J Youngson

Recent exploration for mesothermal gold deposits in the Otago Schist has focussed largely on extensions of, or analogies to, the reverse fault-hosted Hyde-Macraes Shear Zone deposit. Abundant normal fault-hosted mesothermal and epithermal vein deposits in the Otago Schist have attracted less attention, largely because they have limited lateral extent and steeper dips. Northwest-striking normal fault-hosted vein sets near Barewood and Hindon in east Otago crosscut schist foliation on the Barewood-Hindon plateau at a high angle along a combined strike length in excess of 20 kilometres. The trend of the vein sets is not linear, but rather contains several right lateral steps. Almost all veins dip steeply to the northeast. Angular discordance between schist foliation and the plateau surface along the trend increases from near zero at the northwest end of the veins to about 30¦ at the southeast end. Crude formation depth estimates decrease from about 7.5 km at the Barewood end of the zone to

Jan 1, 2002

By Malcolm Ross

Fibrous minerals are common in nature but asbestiform minerals are rare. The unique mineralogical characteristic common to all the asbestos minerals is their morphologic form (or habit of crystallization) as polyfilamentous fiber bundles. The individual fibrils within the bundles have a tendency to be very long with a narrow range of diameters and grow with their long fiber axis in parallel orientation to the bundle length. The asbestiform habit imparts to the asbestos minerals sufficient flexibility and tensile strength so that most can be woven into cloth. In the past application has focused on their ability to insulate against the transfer of heat. However, these minerals possess other properties which make them useful in many industrial applications. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Asbestos; Asbestiform; Fibrous

Jan 1, 2007

By T. J. Yeomans

"The Kidd Creek metallurgical site is situated twenty-six kilometres east of Timmins, Ontario. The site consists of a 4.5 niillion tonne per year concentrator, a 127,000 tonne per year electrolytic zinc plant and a 79,000 tonne per year copper smelter/refinery complex.The concentrator commenced operations in 1966 and was expanded to its present capacity in 1978. The zinc plant commenced operations in 1972, and the copper smelter/refinery in 1983.The concentrator tailings, and both liquid and solid waste products from the other plants are disposed of within a 1215 hectare tailings disposal area. Here, a method known as centraljzecl thickened discharge is used to form a stable cone-shaped hill. A low permanent perimeter dyke structure encloses the cone and directs cone run-off and thickener overflow to a treatment pond. After treatment with lime slurry, this neutralized effluent is recycled to the metsite and also discharged into the Porcupine River system.The tailings system has been in operation in its present form since 1972, upon completion of dykes and a 110 metre thickener unit. Underflow densities were continuously increased until thickener overloading became a serious problem. This necessitated the construction of a second 110 metre thickener, which was completed in 1983. Target densities have been achieved without difficulty since then.This paper discusses the operation of the tailings system, reviews past performance, and outlines future operations."

Jan 1, 1986

By Bolestaw A. Ktosihski

Preloading of bored pile bases by grouting is an effective way of reducing foundation costs. The bearing performance of a pile may be considerably improved. Various techniques and devices are used. Preloading of a pile base by a special grouting installation is preferred. The grouting device consisting of a U-shaped grouting tube with sleeves and a plastic membrane, separating the tube from the pile concrete, has well proven in Polish practice. The preloading may raise the pile design loads by as much as 30%, and increase their stiffness by 50%, in suitable conditions. The preloading equalizes the deformability of piles in a foundation or a structure. Examples of the base preloading use and load tests of base grouted piles are presented.

Jan 1, 2006

THE science of topography deals with the various natural and physical features of the earth's surface. These features are determined by the manifold constructive and destructive processes of nature, and their many diverse forms and characteristicsare dependent primarily upon geologic structure. Thus it is that a close relationship exists between the rocks of a region and the topographic features of the lJountry wherein they occur. Again, the existence of all sorts of mineral wealth is dependentupon the nature of the rocks, and their extension is directly connected with the topographic features represented upon the enclosing land-area.In studying any district with a view to deciphering its geological structure, to locating any mineral deposits it may contain, and to ascertaining, so far as a surface-examination may show, their probable and economic possibilities, it is therefore ofprimary importance to have at hand a correct topographical map of the area under investigation.GENERAL REMARKSThe actual amount of topographic detail shown will depend upon the money and time available for topographic surveying and upon the scale upon which the final map is to be produced...

Jan 1, 1912

Up to 19 chemical parameters were studied in flotation pulps in six Australian lead-zinc concentrators with the aim of obtaining a better understanding of the nature of, and changes in, the chemical environment. This paperdiscusses pH, redox potential, and oxygen concentrations, which were all measured continuously.Two plants operated at natural pH in slightly acid circuit and one at natural pH in alkaline circuit, and pH was stable at all these plants. In two plants varying amounts of cement fill were present in mill feed and pHwas variable. At the other plant pH was controlled with soda ash and lime.Redox potentials became more positive as the pulp passed through the plant. The minimum change was 20 mV and the maximum about 250 mV. Potentials tended to be variable at any point early in the circuit, but were more stable later on. In some plants reagent additions had no noticeable effect on redox potentials. However in the two plants operating in acid circuit the redox potential of .zinc rougher feed was markedly affected by changes in copper sulphate addition rate. Sodium sulphite additions had an effect at other plants.Oxygen concentrations in grinding circuits tended to be low (30 per cent of saturation) and very variable. Flotation was usually conducted in pulps at least 90 per cent saturated with oxygen. Addition of sodium sulphite had a marked effect on oxygen content in one plant, but less effect in two others.Statistically significant relationships were found in some plants between pH and redox potential, redox potential and oxygen saturation, and oxygen saturation and pH.Improved control of copper sulphate and sodium sulphite additions could result from applications of this work.

Jan 1, 1970

The seams of black coal occurring in Victoria are so disturbed by faulting, wash-outs, thinning, etc., that it is necessary, for the prevention of costly errors in development, that close boring be undertaken so that the correct positions of the shafts, tunnels, main and auxiliary roadways can be set out in order that the area can be economically worked. The State Coal Mine has two boring plants continuously at work, which have given good service for the last twenty-five years.The information supplied herein is merely our experience in boring at the State Coal Mine over an extended period. The type of plant in use is that known as the Victoria Drilling Plant, equipped with an 11 h.p. portable oil engine, using power kerosene as fuel. It was purchased in 1914, complete with mechanism for cable drilling, capable of boring to a depth of 1500 ft. with a guarantee of 1000 ft., with Calyx cutters, boring rods and all necessary equipment for the sum of £1473. The chief mechanical features of the plant are as follows:-The derrick is in the shape of a tripod (see Fig. 1), two of the legs being of steel channel built together to form a frame which, when lowered on to two sets of road wheels, forms a carriage for the transport of a portion of the boring equipment. The third leg is made of oregon in the form of a double bow, with bolts and distance pieces between the wooden sides. The top of this is hinged on to the steel frame, and the bottom is fitted into a cast iron block, having two small wheels to facilitate erection. A rope attached to the cast iron block and to the winch easily...

Jan 1, 1936

By Jeff R. Reinson

The Diavik Diamond Mine is producing diamonds from two orebodies, the A154 South and A154 North kimberlite pipes, discovered beneath the waters of Lac de Gras. Innovative dike technology with appropriate water collection and treatment systems allowed Diavik to start open pit mining of the ore bodies in 2002. To allow planning, engineering, and implementation of sufficient water handling infrastructure, reasonably accurate estimates of groundwater inflow quality and quantity over the life of mine are required. Prior to mining, a numerical model using the continuum approach was developed for regional and site wide water management. After approximately two years of mining, groundwater inflows to the pit were found to exceed those predicted by the base case hydrogeologic model. The most likely explanation was flow through Dewey?s Fault zone. As this fault was not explicitly accounted for in the model, a detailed hydrogeologic investigation was conducted to evaluate its geometry and hydraulic properties. A multi-disciplined approach was used and involved core logging, fluid logging, geophysical logging, packer testing, a pumping test, and water quality sample collection. The results of the field investigation were used to update the conceptual and numerical models and to develop a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model to address small scale problems such as flow into future underground drifts. The updated numerical hydrogeologic models predict that up to 70 per cent of the groundwater inflow to the A154 N/S open pit is through the relatively narrow fractured rock zone associated with Dewey?s Fault. Consistent with the continuum model, the DFN model predicts that inflow to a drift excavated in Dewey?s Fault will be approximately 10 times the inflow to a drift excavated in competent rock. The DFN model provides a better understanding of the distribution of these inflows on a local scale over the length of the drift.

May 1, 2006

By Iván Calmell del Solar Salas

Desde el año 2014, se ejecutaron pruebas piloto en zonas en condición de cierre progresivo dentro de la Unidad Minera Constancia, propiedad de Hudbay Perú S.A.C. El objetivo de estas pruebas fue lograr cierres sostenibles en base a metodologías no convencionales y al uso de conocimiento ancestral local. Para la revegetación de estas áreas hemos sustituido la práctica común de siembra de pastos exóticos de rápido crecimiento, por el uso de recursos fitogenéticos nativos con el fin de proveer a las áreas intervenidas de una cobertura vegetal idónea con el propósito de que sea la base para la rehabilitación y mejora de la Biodiversidad

Sep 1, 2017

By Raúl Prebisch

Continuando con el análisis de la realidad latinoamericana, el presente texto señala los factores estructurales internos de la insuficiencia dinámica de desarrollo latinoamericano como la absorción productiva de mano de obra, el aumento de productividad y necesidad de nuevas inversiones, los motivos principales de la insuficiencia dinámica, acumulación de capital, el obstáculo de la tierra, el funcionamiento de la estructura social, la inflación y la estructura social, los tipos de capital extranjero y la planificación y funcionamiento del sistema económico.

May 1, 1964

By P. Miranda, K. Le, G. Maes, R. Peters

"The Mount Milligan Mine, owned by Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc. (TCM), started operations in September of 2013. It is located between the communities of Fort St. James and Mackenzie and is the first major metal mine to open in British Columbia in 15 years. Based on reserves as of January 1, 2014, it has an estimated 22 year mine life with 2.1 billion pounds of copper and 6 million ounces of gold in reserves. Like all commissioning operations, there have been issues achieving design throughput and recovery due to flow sheet design, equipment failures, control philosophy, and reagent scheme. Efforts to improve overall mill performance include equipment modifications, reagent screening and testing, and grind size testing. Applying these changes to the mill and working closely with the mine has resulted in continuous improvement each month as Mount Milligan looks to achieve the nominal design capacity of 60,000 dry metric tonnes per day in the later part of 2015. Considerable focus is being placed into ensuring size reduction equipment is utilized effectively. Additional modifications and tests are being undertaken to steadily improve processes and alleviate restrictions in the mill. This paper will discuss the start-up and present ramp-up history of Mount Milligan, the current mill processes, and the steps taken to achieve expected production numbers.OPERATION BACKGROUNDMount Milligan is an open-pit copper and gold operation wholly owned and operated by Thompson Creek Metals. It is located approximately 155km northwest of Prince George, British Columbia, between the communities of Mackenzie and Fort St. James. The copper-gold porphyry deposit contains a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 706.7 Mt at 0.18% Cu and 0.33 g/t Au, containing 2.84 billion lb. copper and 7.50 million oz. gold. Mine life is currently estimated at 22.1 years (“Feasibility Update – Mt. Milligan,” 2009). The mill is designed to process 60,000 dry metric tonnes per day and produce 400 dry metric tonnes of concentrate per day averaging 25.5% Cu and 40 ppm Au. Concentrate is delivered by truck and trailer to Mackenzie followed by rail to Vancouver for overseas shipping to various customers.Mount Milligan is considered a “zero discharge” operation meaning no process or surface water will be discharged to the environment. As well, stockpiling is very limited and is only permitted for a short period of time. This scenario presents several unique challenges. Scheduling of ore/waste production must be carefully planned as waste rock is used to build the tailings storage facility (TSF). Reagent selection is also important as persistent chemicals will have a tendency to build up in reclaim water which feeds the process water tank."

Jan 1, 2015

A massive cobalt-containing pyrite orebody occurs in banded albite-quartz-biotite rocks at Thackaringa, some 30 km SW of Broken Hill. Because of the world-wide shortage of cobalt during the late 1970s, serious consideration was given to the development of a suitable flow-sheet to recover the cobalt from this ore. Details of a pressure leaching process in which more than 90 per cent of the cobalt is extracted from a pyrite concentrate are presented.

Jan 1, 1983