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By K. Hoover, G. Labarre, S. Rantanen

"As part of the Namew Lake project a mill was constructed to treat 1900 tpd of ore grading approximately 0.90% CU and 2.45% Ni to produce copper and nickel concentrates.Nickel occurs mainly as pentlandite and violarite while copper occurs as chalcopyrite. Two main ore types are present1 lower grade disseminated sulphides in a talcose ultramafic gangue and a higher grade solid sulfide with a granitic breccia matrix.Primary crushed ore from underground is treated on surface in a conventional closed circuit crushing plant using 2-stage cone crushing. Crushed ore is conveyed to storage and then fed at a controlled rate to a grinding circuit employing a rod and ball mill with hydrocyclone classification. Rougher flotation separates and cleans nickel and copper sulfides from waste materials followed by a high lime separation circuit to separate the minerals into final concentrates. Dewatering is achieved through use of high capacity thickeners and pressure filters prior to delivery to a loadout area. The crushing and milling control is highly automated.Plant design was based on metallurgical samples obtained from drill cores. After the first year of operations, plant results compared favourably with design projections.INTRODUCTIONThe Namew Lake Project is a joint venture partnership between Outokumpu Mines Ltd. (Canada) and Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company Ltd. (60%). The project included construction of a mine and milling complex to treat approximately 500,000 tonnes per year of copper-nickel ore grading o.91% and 2.44% Ni. Known reserves are estimated at 2. 65 million tonnes. The deposit is located approximately 65 km south of Flin Flon (120 km by road) and about 5 km east of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. The decision to construct a concentrating facility was made June 15, 1987 and construction started a week later. The facility, designed for 1900 tonne per day throughput, was ready for commissioning in September 1988. Outokumpu Engineering of Finland was chosen to prepare metallurgical flowsheets, select and develop plant layouts, and provide construction management. Kilborn (Toronto) contributed detailed engineering for civil, structural, mechanical and electrical components and outokumpu Equipment of Canada, the design, the supply, and commissioning of the instrumentation package. Hudson Bay undertook the initial metallurgical test work and preliminary design work."

Jan 1, 1990

By C. J. R. Braithwaite, Giancarlo Rizzi

"The Navan zinc-lead ore deposit (70 million tonnes) is hosted principally (97%) by the Meath Formation (Lower Carboniferous, Courceyan, Navan Group), comprising a lower, mainly carbonate mudstone unit, the Stackallan Member, and an upper grainstone-dominated unit. TheStackallan Member, about 60 m thick, comprises about 35 peritidal cycles including an oolitic grain-stone interval. Grainstones forming the upper part of the formation, about 150 m thick, comprise at least six shallowing-upward ramp cycles. Emergence horizons are indicated by subaerial dissolution surfaces, in situ breccias, and a single palaeosol.Most dolomitization at Navan is con?ned to the Meath Formation. The linear dolomite body,trending NE-SW, has a ?attened, laterally limited, tabular geometry in cross-section, suggesting that dolomitizing ?uids initially rose vertically, cross-cutting stratigraphic and sedimentological bound-aries, although ?uid ?ow was subsequently controlled by these features.Three stages of dolomitization are indicated by textural relationships, cathodoluminescence (CL),oxygen isotopes, and ?uid inclusion data. Stage 1 crystals, with generally dully luminescing cores and up to six overlying subsidiary zones, are the main replacive phase. Crystal surfaces are commonly corroded and overlain by bright stage 2 rhombs (which also form new nuclei lining molds and fractures). Three subsets of zones are present in stage 2 crystals: bright, non-luminescent, and dull; these are locally separated by additional corrosion surfaces. Stage 3 comprises relatively large baroque crystals, generally dully luminescent but with up to seven sub-zones. Isotopic and ?uid inclusion data suggest growth of successive stages from waters which became progressively hotter(60°–160°C).The distribution of the ores follows the dolomite trend. Ores were precipitated between Stages1 and 2 of dolomite growth, following Stage 2, and also during the nucleation and growth of Stage3 crystals. Dolomitization and mineralization appear to have been temporally and genetically related. The cyclic sedimentation of the host rocks, which accentuates lithological and petrographical contrasts between depositional units, controlled dolomitization. The relationship between dolomitization and mineralization, which is closely associated with faults, provides powerful exploration criteria. The recognition of these features in limestones elsewhere in the Irish ore ?eld may point toward unrecognized zinc-lead prospects."

Jan 1, 1997

By C. J. R. Braithwaite, Giancarlo Rizzi

"Abstract-The Navan zinc-lead ore deposit (70 million tonnes) is hosted principally (97%) by the Meath Formation (Lower Carboniferous, Courceyan, Navan Group), comprising a lower, mainly carbonate mudstone unit, the Stackallan Member, and an upper grainstone-dominated unit. The Stackallan Member, about 60 m thick, comprises about 35 peritidal cycles including an oolitic grainstone interval. Grainstones forming the upper part of the formation, about 150 m thick, comprise at least six shallowing-upward ramp cycles. Emergence horizons are indicated by subaerial dissolution surfaces, in situ breccias, and a single palaeosol.Most dolomitization at Navan is confined to the Meath Formation. The linear dolomite body, trending NE-SW, has a flattened, laterally limited, tabular geometry in cross-section, suggesting that dolomitizing fluids initially rose vertically, cross-cutting stratigraphic and sedimentological boundaries, although fluid flow was subsequently controlled by these features. Three stages of dolomitization are indicated by textural relationships, cathodoluminescence (CL), oxygen isotopes, and fluid inclusion data. Stage 1 crystals, with generally dully luminescing cores and up to six overlying subsidiary zones, are the main replacive phase. Crystal surfaces are commonly corroded and overlain by bright stage 2 rhombs (which also form new nuclei lining molds and fractures). Three subsets of zones are present in stage 2 crystals: bright, non-luminescent, and dull; these are locally separated by additional corrosion surfaces. Stage 3 comprises relatively large baroque crystals, generally dully luminescent but with up to seven sub-zones. Isotopic and fluid inclusion data suggest growth of successive stages from waters which became progressively hotter (60°-160°C).The distribution of the ores follows the dolomite trend. Ores were precipitated between Stages 1 and 2 of dolomite growth, following Stage 2, and also during the nucleation and growth of Stage 3 crystals. Dolomitization and mineralization appear to have been temporally and genetically related. The cyclic sedimentation of the host rocks, which accentuates lithological and petrographical contrasts between depositional units, controlled dolomitization. The relationship between dolomitization and mineralization, which is closely associated with faults, provides powerful exploration criteria. The recognition of these features in limestones elsewhere in the Irish ore field may point toward unrecognized zinc-lead prospects."

Jan 1, 1997

By E. J. Fuller, J. C. Monette

"Gold and silver cyanide complexes are presently desorbed from activated carbon by means of hot caustic elutions. These solutions may or may not contain additional sodium cyanide. There are several parameters which affect the rate of stripping. Some of these include pH, ionic strength, and temperature. (1) Stripping is conducted in recirculating (ZADRA) or once through (AARL) circuits.This paper describes the development of a new chemical eluant which significantly increases the rate of stripping of both gold and silver cyanide complexes from activated carbon. Two case history applications are also described.INTRODUCTIONAdditional cyanide is used in strip circuits in order to prevent its depletion which could lead to precipitation of base metals or lead to a change in the nature of the gold cyanide complex to one which does not strip as easily. (2)The strip circuits that are able to function efficiently without the use of cyanide are mostly those where the carbon is acid-cleaned after stripping.Once the minimum cyanide requirement to maintain the complexes in their proper state are fullfilled, any futher incremental increase in the level of cyanide will have no bearing on the rate of stripping. (3)DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW ELUANTGeneral DiscussionVarious carboxylated materials were investigated including octanoic acid, polycarboxylic acid (various molecular weights), salicylic acid, polymaleic acid, acetic acid. benzoic acid, terephthalic acid, 4, bi-phenyl carboxylic acid, phosphoric acid and stearic acid.The initial work was done on medium activiiy, non acid-cleaned carbon. The silver to gold ratio on the carbon varied greatly.Two different blanks were used. The first was an elution using a 2% caustic and 0.4% cyanide solution while the second was a 2% caustic elution."

Jan 1, 1992

By G M. Young

IT IS most appropriate that this first Memorial Lecture should be given in the Province of Quebec, near the site of the first metallurgical industry in Canada. At La Forge, about seven miles north of Three Rivers, iron was produced in 1783. We are told that the early settlers obtained most of their iron-ware -stoves, kettles, axes and ploughshares -from this smelter, with its foundry and forge. The Canadian copper industry also had its beginnings in Quebec when, nearly 100 years later, in the 1880's, several small copper smelters were erected in the Eastern Townships. Later, in 1899, Canada's first aluminum smelter was built at Shawinigan. From these small beginnings has grown a vast metals industry, the export value of its products being only exceeded by that of our forest products -newsprint, pulp-wood and lumber. As we are not a large country in terms of population, our domestic capacity to consume is often small in relation to our developed capacity to produce.

Jan 1, 1963

DynoMiner APS Delivery Systems Overview ? New Design of DynoMiner APS-M2 ? Stand alone or attach to Cargo type 10,000 lb (4536 kg) emulsion bins. ? Hose reel w/200-ft (61-m) by 1-inch I.D (25-mm) hose capacity, power rewind. ? Increased water and trace capacity. ? Hose reel and gassing offered as options. ? New Flow Meter ? DN-100: aluminum body, UHMWPE rotors. ? Will be offered as an option. ? APS Nomenclature ? Proposed changes ? DynoMiner APS and APS-M1 to become DynoMiner APS Drifter ? DynoMiner APS-M2 to become DynoMiner APS Stoper. ? Both to have optional gassing / flow metering.

May 1, 2004

By David H. Searle

This paper will discuss the common trends existing in various Canadian jurisdictions for the closure and reclamation of mines. Included will be a discussion of the requirement to post security as well as its form and how security is calculated and refunded. Reclamation can no longer be left to the end of mine life. Progressive reclamation must occur throughout mine life and must be part of the mine plan from the beginning.

May 1, 2006

By A. A. Goss

We investigate the relationship between corporate financial performance (CFP) and environmental and social performance (CSP) in a sample (n=165) of large, publicly traded U.S. mining and oil and gas firms. Using optimally scaled principal components analysis to generate aggregate measures of CSP strengths and concerns, we find higher concerns are related to higher volatility of unexpected earnings and discount rates. Furthermore, these earnings shocks are more likely to be negative as concerns increase. Decomposing this relationship shows that negative environmental performance dominates proactive environmental management as a driver of unexpected earnings, but proactive community efforts increase the magnitude of earnings shocks. We document some evidence of the strategic use of CSR, with those firms that have greater risk investing more proactively in CSR.

Aug 1, 2013

By F. C. Lendrum

"This paper had its origin in a panel discussion organized by the Canadian Uranium Producers Metallurgical Committee (CUPMC) at their Annual Meeting in Blind River in May, 1964. The reason for the panel was the formation of the National Uranium Tailings Research Program funded in the amount of ten million dollars by the Federal government. According to the bureaucrats in charge the program would seek to solve the perceived problems as well as any actual problems they believed existed with uranium tailings. Dr. Allan Ashbrook of Eldorado Nuclear chaired this panel and his summation of the panel's purpose was set out as ""Regulation and the Regulatory Process in the Nuclear Industry, Where Have We Been, Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going""?"" This paper will try to relate these questions to the whole mineral industry.The Canadian Mining Association has been telling us our natural resources are today required only if they are competitively priced with those produced in so called ""third world"" countries where labour rates are lower, environmental restrictions may be less and every effort is made by the local government to sell their product. It is in this hostile economic climate that the Canadian mining industry now finds itself. Before going further I want to stress these comments apply only to: a) Mines financed by private capital in a free enterprise society.b) Mining companies want to operate in an environmentally safe manner. However, they must earn a profit because no company financed with private capital can borrow money ad infinitum.WHERE HAVE WE BEENNone of us today would want to return to the days when the mill waste management system consisted of pumping the tailing to the nearest slope and letting nature's law of gravity do the rest. This was the way it was in early gold mines in Nova Scotia, tin mines in Cornwall, England or silver mines in Cobalt, Ontario and survives today in countries where climate, customs and methods of doing business are far different from Canada. As mill tonnage rates increased, more sophisticated systems evolved often designed for mining areas with different climates. Systems imported from arid climates such as south-west United States retained the solids but allowed bacterial oxidation of the sulphides promoting acid drainage. Environmental regulations were introduced and Canadian mines learned to handle tailings in our climates."

Jan 1, 1986

By Tony Lipiec, Greg Gosson

"When it comes to new mines being developed, there is a general industry consensus that most low-hanging fruit has been picked. Many projects currently in the mine development pipeline have been around for decades, but were held back because of technical challenges. Future development of these deposits will likely require access to the public capital markets, and in Canada that means providing scientific and technical disclosure on these deposits in compliance with NI 43-101. As many of these “challenged” projects have metallurgical issues, the companies that own the projects need to ensure their metallurgical Qualified Persons provide transparent disclosure regarding proposed solutions to those issues.This paper provides an overview of the disclosure requirements under NI 43-101 that are pertinent to metallurgists, and other Qualified Persons who prepare technical disclosure regarding the metallurgical characteristics of a mineral project. It lists the triggers for a technical report under NI 43-101 and Canadian stock exchange policies, and identifies the sections of the report that should involve input from a metallurgist or process engineer. It briefly outlines new civil liabilities under Canadian securities laws that increase the possible consequences for not complying with the technical disclosure standards.These materials are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Readers are advised to seek specific legal advice from their own legal counsel in relation to any decision or course of action contemplated."

Jan 1, 2003

By Samantha Beeson, Collin Poole

"This paper examines the development of two new selective flocculation techniques for recovering KCI values from low grade carnallite potash ore.Direct recovery of KCI was achieved using one of two mid-range molecular weight polymers, one non-ionic and the other strongly cationic, in conjunction with the same selective anionic dispersant. From initial response studies on pure minerals and selective flocculation tests on synthetic mixtures, investigations were extended to recover KCI values from a natural carnallite potash ore. A single-stage process achieved products grading up to 61.3% KCI at recoveries up to 85.4% for the cationic flocculant suite and up to 64.8% KCI with recoveries as high as 90.3% for the non-ionic flocculant suite, with dispersant and flocculant dosages of 150-250gr1 and 10-75gr1, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate not only the feasibility of treating such problematic ores at low reagent dosages, but also the potential elimination of desliming prior to froth flotation.The experimental results presented are considered in terms of the reagent adsorption phenomena present in the system and various aspects of floe formation and cleaning.IntroductionAs high-grade sylvinite potash ores become scarce, lower grade sylvinite and carnallite potash ores are becoming more attractive. However, these ores often contain large amounts (up to 15% by weight) of water-insoluble slimes which must be removed prior to KC! flotation, owing to their high adsorptive capacity for the amine collectors used. The slimes are generally removed by scrubbing followed by hydroclassification and any residual material not eliminated is blinded with reagents such as guar gum or starch to inhibit interference in subsequent KC1 flotation.An alternative approach used commercially in Canada by Agrium Inc. involves water-insoluble slimes flotation prior to KC! flotation. In this process, the slimes are selectively flocculated and then separated by froth flotation. Losses of KC! to the slimes product and associated brine requirements are both reported to be less than those encountered in conventional desliming, but the technique is somewhat limited in its application at present."

Jan 1, 1997

By Richard Morland

Some simple and fundamental objectives To challenge and inspire our people to embrace safety as a value ?A stand for safety as a value ?A stand for our people ?A stand by our people ?Prevent harm to our people ?Eliminate suffering for individuals, families, friends, colleagues

May 1, 2010

By Natasha A. Essar

Nevsun Resources Ltd. Bisha Mine Project is a gold and base metal development project in the Gash Barka region of west-central Eritrea. The project has the potential to be one of the largest industrial developments in the country, and Eritreans have no experience in modern mining. Nevsun recognized early that the success of the Bisha Project would require meaningful consultation and engagement with all levels of Eritrean society. Meaningful engagement required not only full disclosure, but also capacity building from government officials at all levels to other stakeholders who live in the nearby communities. This paper describes the approach used to develop capacity and to help introduce a modern mining culture in a country without previous experience in mining.

May 1, 2007

By J. C. Loretto

"OPENING REMARKS Yesterday and today we have heard some very interesting papers on operating matters and some of you are probably wondering what we are now doing talking about Communications in Plant Design. Let me tell you! Before the techniques we have heard being discussed can be used, there has to be a properly operating plant. It is certainly a fact that many mineral processing plants achieve only limited success and a number of them can even be said to be failures. Some of you sitting here are probably living with operating problems that are clue to errors in the design.If the histories of these problem plants are examined, it will be found that in many cases, the necessary skills were available during the period of the plant design. There was extensive operating know¬ledge together with a full range of project expertise. Why then the failures? In a substantial number of cases it can be traced to the old, old problem of communications. As plants get bigger, money costs more and smooth startups become more important, it becomes less and less economic to fix up any design errors during plant operations.During our careers in mineral processing, nearly all of us will be involved in at least one plant design and I feel that it is as well if we understand some of these communication difficulties that can lead to a problem plant. There is little point in us being experts in mineral processing if the knowledge we have acquired doesn't somehow get incorporated into the plant.I would, therefore, like to present this short paper that mentions a few of the significant communication problems that can occur during the design of mining and mineral processing plants, together with some thoughts on answers to these problems."

Jan 1, 1973

By J-L. Tang

A new rhcoforming processing of Al alloys with component shaping systems apart from slurry preparation systems is experimentally exploited, using the reversible multilevel-speed electromagnetic stirrer, the slurry transfer tool and its coating, the thin plate sample with five steps and rheocasting mould, all of which are independently developed. The results show that semi-solid A356 alloy slurry with shape factor of about 0.85 and particle size of 70~80 µm (under air-cooling condition) could be prepared in 20~25 s, fully meeting the production rate of high pressure die casting. The slurry could be smoothly transferred from the slurry preparation equipment to the rheocasting shot chamber while the slurry temperature of slurry decreases by no more than 3 . The tensile strength and elongation of the semi-solid rheocasting samples could be respectively increased by 11.6~18.2 % and 42.5~50 % compared with the traditional liquid die casting ones, and the rheoforming processing has close affinity with the traditional hot working processes.

Jan 1, 2007

By T. Yalcin

"This paper describes the development of a mathematical model for determining the liberation of an ore at various grinding sizes, based on the combined results of microscopic counting, grinding tests, and chemical analysis.The method is illustrated with an application to the magnetite ore of Sherman Mine in Temagomi, Ontario. For this ore, a degree of liberation of 98.7% was determined at a grinding size of 90% passing 44 microns, which closely corresponds to the final grinding size employed at the Sherman Mine Concentrator.Introduction Liberation characteristic of ores have direct and significant bearing on overall economics of concentration processes.Target grades and recoveries can be achieved only it minerals are adequately liberated prior to separation. Degree of liberation depends on the extent of size reduction. However, due to the high costs associated with size reduction processes, it is important to keep size reductions within limits of satisfactory liberation. Prevention of excessive size reduction is also necessary because of inefficient mineral separations in very fine sizes. Hence, a study of reduction size — liberation relationship is essential for optimum profit from milling operations.A number of procedures have been developed for liberation studies (1-12), but there is lack of method for universal adoption.A new approach is presented in this paper that might provide a realistic estimate of liberation and give a practical guidance as to the degree of size reduction required for satisfactory liberation."

Jan 1, 1985

By Robert B. Parsons

"Investors in flow-through shares are going to need an expanded road map to find their way through a growing maze of tax rules affecting such shares. At the end of 1985, no fewer than three new sets of important tax amendments were tabled which could have a significant effect on flow-through share issues. This proposed legislation is discussed this month in Tax Notes.IntroductionIn a flurry of legislative activity at the end of 1985, the federal government tabled legislation which includes the introduction of new rules which will have a notable effect on investors in flow-through shares and on companies that issue such shares.First, on November 26, 1985, Bill C-84, the legislation to implement most of the changes announced in the May budget, was introduced in Parliament. This legislation includes the rules for the $500,000 capital gains exemption, a matter of considerable interest to flow through share investors.Next, on December 2, 1985, the government tabled a Notice of Ways and Means Motion which would extend the time horizon for spending flow-through share funds to include the 60-day period following the calendar year. But all news was not good news. On December 4 the government released its proposals for a minimum personal income tax, which would include rules that would catch an investor's CEE expenses and capital gains."

Jan 1, 1986

By Philippe Poirier

Les parcs à résidus miniers représentent un risque environnemental qui nécessite une gestion adéquate. Suite à la publication du « Guide sur la gestion des parcs à résidus miniers » en septembre 1998, les membres de l?industrie minière ont appliqué les éléments de gestion du Guide, permettant ainsi une amélioration continue des opérations. En février 2000, l?industrie minière a indiqué le besoin d?établir des lignes directives plus spécifiques pour l?opération sécuritaire des parcs à résidus. Dans cette optique, l?Association Minière Canadienne a publié, en septembre 2002, un Guide pour l?exploitation, l?entretien et la surveillance (EES) des parcs à résidus miniers. Suite au développement du Guide et à son application sur plusieurs sites miniers, il apparaît que la mise en oeuvre d?un Manuel ESS des parcs à résidus miniers permet : ? d?établir les responsabilités des intervenants; ? de s?assurer que les critères d?opération sont appliqués; ? de mettre en oeuvre le plan de déposition des résidus et de gestion de l?eau; ? de rencontrer les normes et exigences environnementales; ? de définir un programme d?entretien et de surveillance des ouvrages; ? d?identifier les risques et de mettre en oeuvre un plan d?intervention d?urgence; de démontrer une opération diligente.

Nov 1, 2002

By H. P. Jacobi

"INTRODUCTIONPine Point Mines, operated by Cominco Ltd., is located approximately 65 miles east of Hay River, N.W.T. on the south shore of Great Slave Lake.The milling operation started in the fall of 1965 with a capacity of 5,000 tpd. An addition was put into operation late in 1968 to bring the nominal capacity up to 8,000 tpd. The present milling rate is 11,000 tpd.With a feed grade of approximately 2.9% Pb and 6.0% Zn the annual concentrate production amounts to roughly 130,000 SDT of lead concentrate and 370,000 SDT of zinc concentrate for a total of 1/2 million tons of product.This tonnage is moved by railroad. Pine Point is served by the Great Slave Lake Division (G.S.L.) of the Canadian National Railways which connects to the Northern Alberta Railway System (N.A.R.) at Roma Junction, at Peace River, Alberta. The system in turn connects to the CNR and the CPR in Edmonton, Alberta. From here the concentrates move inland chiefly to Trail, B.C., with some shipment to other Canadian and U.S. smelters, and to the port facilities of Pacific Coast Terminals at New Westminster, B.C. for offshore export.This paper will focus on the problems associated with the movement of lead and zinc concentrates from Pine Point to port facilities on the west coast."

Jan 1, 1975

By Jacek Paraszczak

Application of teleoperated and automated mobile equipment in underground metal mines represents a promising avenue to overcome some of the challenges facing the industry. This paper addresses the issues of overall effectiveness of the autonomous loading and haulage equipment in comparison with conventional man-operated machines. It overviews and discusses the factors affecting availability, utilization and production rate. It puts an emphasis on some problems and risks not present in conventional man-operated systems, as well as their character and criticality. It stresses the need to analyze the factors affecting OEE of the autonomous equipment more in-depth than it has been done up to date and to take them into consideration at the stage of feasibility studies. The paper concludes with some recommendations and indicates the directions of the future research in this field.

Oct 1, 2009