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By Peter Broad

"Extracting any metal, especially specialty metals and rare earth elements, requires an in-depth analysis of the costs and potential revenue as well as a due diligence study of other stakeholder interests. Rare earth projects are generally in the billion dollar US range or above, and thus failure to accurately predict any loss of revenue caused by impurities within the product or additional effluent treatment costs can destroy an otherwise viable study. Two prime sources of input impurity are considered: impurities in the material feed and from reagents. The effect of these impurities factor on both the product (in reduced revenue) and on residual “tailings” that may incur additional unforeseen costs.INTRODUCTION“Truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident” – Arthur SchopenhauerThe era of unscoped, unbudgeted construction ended about 150 years ago. Today’s engineer must design with confidence; but do so amidst proprietary secrets and unfamiliar pollutants, which present a myriad of interesting challenges. Is it possible to build a viable rare earth plant to a realistic budget, without destroying that which we cherish? Some see this as contradictory but in reality it is the only viable option.WHEN GOOD PROJECTS FAILWithout rare earths the Copenhagen agreement might be null and void. Running a wind turbine with a 30 tonne conventional magnet requires some hefty engineering and prohibitive investment. Despite their ‘Green metal’ applications, production of rare earths have created environmental nightmares, as Folger stated in 2011 when visiting Baotou, or has Jaing Mainheng who has been quoted by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard 6 Jan 2013. This comment is not a criticism of China; the details are from a 2012 white paper published by the Chinese Government that initiated a $6 billion environmental clean-up. Nor is China unique; other plants have had problems as well. There were toxic leaks in the 1990s from Mountain Pass, and the Mitsubishi Bukit Merah Plant (built in Malaysia in 1958) required a $100 million clean-up."

Jan 1, 2016

By N. R. Thote, J. L. Porathur, C. P. Verma

Highwall mining is a highly mechanized coal mining method associated with several advantages, such as a very high production rate (approximately 3,000 t/d) and low production costs. There is no requirement for underground support, ventilation, or blasting. Production leads to added recovery, which is otherwise lost in the ultimate pit. The use of highwall mining can bridge the gap that exists between supply and demand in the energy sector. This paper presents a brief review of highwall mining technology, including current status, analysis tools, and design techniques. In addition, it identifies important parameters from the analysis of failure case studies.

Jan 1, 2014

By C. C. Walden, A. Bruynesteyn

"Chemical and biological aspects of the formation of acidic effluents from sulfide waste materials are discussed. Test procedures to determine the acid producing potential of waste materials, as well as the characteristics of such acidic effluents, are presented. Practical applications of the test procedures are discussed with reference to predictior of environmentally unacceptable drainage and to estimation of metal recovery by dump leaching.INTRODUCTIONNatural leaching of sulfide minerals, exposed to the atmosphere, has been occurring for geological time. For centuries, man has been aware of the acid drainage originating from coal workings, copper mines and waste dumps. With the advent of the technical sciences, the processes involved in acid mine drainage production were considered to be solely chemical in nature. However, in 1947, it was shown (1) that a specific microorganism, called Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, was responsible for acid mine drainage from coal workings. It was demonstrated that under suitable conditions - this bacterium oxidized pyrite and marcosite in the coal to ferric sulfate and sulfuric acid. Numerous studies have subsequently demonstrated that - under suitable conditions - Thiobacillus ferrooxidans can attack most sulfide minerals, producing weak sulfuric acid, oxidizing ferrous to ferric iron and solubilizing other metals present (notably copper and zinc) as their sulfate salts."

Jan 1, 1980

By K. G. Stowe

"1. Introduction Mattagami Lake Mines and Orchan Mines operate zinc copper mines adjacent to one another near Matagami, Quebec, situated approximately 300 kilometres north-east of Rouyn-Noranda. (Note: Mattagami Lake and Orchan are in the process of being absorbed by Noranda Mines and will become Noranda Mines-Matagami Division). Both concentrators began operations in late 1963.The Mattagami Lake concentrator is capable of treating up to 3,500 metric tons per day of massive sulphide ore with a mineral composition shown in TABLE 1. The Orchan concentrator consists of two separate circuits - the Orchan circuit with a capacity of 1,050 metric tons per day and a custom circuit with a capacity of 825 metric tons per day. Throughout its operation, Orchan has custom milled ore from several smaller deposits in the Matagami district."

Jan 1, 1979

By Hans Lundberg

Introduction Today, geophysical exploration is recognized as a special science wedged between geology and mining. Universities and technical institutes have special professors teaching geophysics applied to oil and ore prospecting. The list of literature on geophysical exploration has grown from practically nothing at all some twenty-five years ago to ~ several thousands of books, some of them very imposing volumes. Most of the methods now used have been developed since the first World War, and very large systematic exploration campaigns have been carried out in many places, in many countries. It has been rather difficult to obtain enough information as to what is going on in Canada. However, since the Associate Committee on Geodesy and Geophysics of the National Research Council became more actively engaged in promoting geophysical research, it may be easier to obtain information and, in the future, the quarterly issued Canadian Geophysical Bulletin may throw considerable light on the current geophysical activities in Canada. Some twenty crews have been engaged the last few years in geophysical prospecting for ore. In the United States, between 500 and 600 crews are employed exclusively in geophysical prospecting. Most of these, however, are engaged in oil exploration. During the winter 1942-1943, the German Government employed some fifty crews on geophysical exploration, and some ten crews were working for private enterprises.

Jan 1, 1948

By D. C. Crothers

"What is new in air compressors? A good deal - the designers have been keeping pace with technical developments in related fields and also contributing new techniques of their own. Plant reliability no longer requires bulky slow-speed machines. Even the reciprocating machines, which still provide the most efficient method of compressing air, have been greatly reduced in size and installation cost for a given capacity rating. New materials and fabrication techniques are being used, by most manufacturers, to produce less costly plants in total. Many packaged plants are available, which generally means a more complete assembly for shipment. This type of construction offers savings in handling and erection costs at the site. A warning is in order, however - the extent of packaging in any given plant should be investigated carefully to determine what is included and just what field costs can be realized. A suggested specification has been offered for consideration when studying comparative costs. Rotating machines intrigue many because of their potential as regard fewer wearing parts, higher speeds and hence smaller units, utilizing less expensive drivers, and lack of contamination of the compressed air by lubricants. The inherent shortcomings of these machines - lower •efficiency and capacity control - have been much improved lately, and this type of plant is now becoming quite popular. Noise control, of much concern to everyone, is another development that has received considerable attention.Systems for efficient capacity control and continuous monitoring of compressor operation offer additional reliability and low-cost operation of the modern compressed air plant. Accessory equipment and its effect on over-all plant operation is also considered."

Jan 1, 1972

By A. B. Rossetti

"THE MISSION TO Offshore Scotland was in my opinion a very worthwhile venture, as it indicated the scope of the offshore oil and gas business and how we might exploit it to the fullest here in Nova Scotia - if our offshore fields eventually become producing fields. The writer was able to attend a considerable number of lectures and as a result gained some valuable know-how on the engineering design, financing and operation of the North Sea oil industry. There are many new fields of technology that had to be developed to overcome the North Sea's hostile environment and a great deal of the same technology will have to be developed to win oil and gas from our continental shelf. The visit left me with several impressions, which in the main are:(1) The high order of investment required to develop offshore oil. The investment ranges from 10 to 20 times that required for a similar output on land. Each barrel of oil costs on the average of about $2,- 500 per barrel per day.(2) Because of the high investments required, before the first oil is produced the field must be brought into production at the earliest possible date and initial lead time from decision to production is less than four years. In the British Petroleum field, working at a depth of 450 feet will require an investment of $900,000,000 to develop a production of 400,000 bbl per day. (3) The size and complexity of equipment required is beyond anything ever imagined. Problems which must be overcome are such factors as water depth, wind velocities, wave height, wave period, long periods of darkness, low temperatures, distance from land, and fog."

Jan 1, 1973

By John C. Wilmot, Robert E. Brewer, Royce J. Smith

In March 2003, Phelps Dodge started up an innovative pressure leach facility for processing copper concentrates at the Bagdad mine in Arizona. This paper describes the development of the concentrate leaching plant at Bagdad and the operational results from start up to present. Optimization efforts and an approach to mineralogical modeling of the concentrate to calculate oxygen utilization are also presented.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. Buckle

"Recognition of the diamond potential of the Wawa subprovince was initially determined from regional data using a kimberlite model. The world’s largest stable Precambrian craton, the Superior Province, is considered to be favourable for the emplacement of diamondiferous kimberlite. The Wawa area is located near the intersection of intra-craton structures visible in the regional magnetic data.The Enigma project is located north of the town of Wawa in northern Ontario. From field evidence and background research, it became obvious that in the Wawa area there were at least two potentially diamond-hosting events, Archean lamprophyric volcaniclastics and Proterozoic kimberlites. The host lamprophyric rock does not contain the classical KIM signatures. However, to complicate the Enigma, stream sediment samples within 200 m of the diamond-bearing lamprophyre produced a typical suite of kimberlite indicator minerals.The micro- and macro-diamond content of the Wawa lamprophyric volcaniclastic rocks is typically 0.2 ct/t to 1 ct/t, although it can be higher locally. The economic diamond potential of these Archean dykes, sills and irregular lamprophyre bodies is still under-explored (Kaminsky, 2002, unpubl.). Oasis Diamond Exploration is currently exploring the area using geophysical, geochemical, and geological data."

Jan 1, 2002

By J. G. Kelly, C. P. Brown

"In June 1983 a new borehole hoisting system was commissioned at Sherritt Gordon's Fox Mine. Twelve hundred tons-per-day of ore from the 2600 and 2800 levels are being hoisted to the 2000 level through an 8-jt diameter bored winze. This new method replaces the diesel truck haulage system which had been in operation at the mine since 1975.A study was initiated in 1980to determine the most effective method of achieving the required production. The study examined several hoisting alternatives including: expanding the existing trucking system; converting to electrically -powered truck haulage; and deepening the skip compartments of the existing main shaft. The alternative selected as the hoisting method most suited to the requirements was borehole hoisting.Development of the new system commenced in April 1982. Underground excavations included 700 feet of 8-ft diameter borehole, a hoistroom and headframe, storage bins, and a grizzly and rockbreaker station. Equipment installations included: a 5-ft diameter double-drum Nordberg hoist; a counterweighted Kimberley-type skip; two rockbreakers; and the steel sets in the winze. These installations were completed in June 1983. Some problems were encountered after the initial commissioning but these were solved, and since August 1983, the system has proven that the designed capacity is achievable within expected costs."

Jan 1, 1985

By E. Ghali

"Corrosion of support system components (e.g., bolts, mesh, plates) is a safety and economic concern in underground mines. This paper reports the results of a five-year study wherein corrosion coupons were installed at select locations in participating mines, recovered at regular intervals, analyzed for signs of corrosion, and tested to quantify loss in capacity. Complementary tests were conducted on recovered mesh and friction bolt specimens. The data provide insights into contributing factors for support systems corrosion, which aid in the selection of appropriate support strategies and reliable assessment of the useful life and need for rehabilitation of a support system.RÉSUMÉ La corrosion des composantes des systèmes de soutien (p. ex. boulons, grillages et plaques) est une préoccupation économique et de sécurité dans les mines souterraines. Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude de cinq ans pendant laquelle des coupons de corrosion ont été installés à des endroits spécifiques dans les mines participantes; ces coupons ont été retirés à des intervalles réguliers, analysés pour des signes de corrosion et mis à l’épreuve pour quantifier la perte de capacité. Des essais complémentaires ont été effectués sur les grillages récupérés et sur les échantillons de boulons d’ancrage. Les données aident à comprendre les facteurs qui contribuent à la corrosion des systèmes de soutien, ce qui est utile dans le choix de stratégies appropriées de soutien et pour une évaluation fiable de la durée de vie utile et du besoin de remise en état d’un système de soutien."

Jan 1, 2015

By D. E. Gorse, R. G. Anderson

"Indusmin's history dates back to 1937 when they developed the Blue Mountain Nepheline Syenite deposit at Nephton, Ontario, and began supplying material for the glass, fiberglass, paint, ceramics and rubber industries.Since then, as a subsidiary of Falconbridge Nickel Mines, Indusmin has expanded the Nephton operation, diversified into the aggregate quarries for the construction industries, with operations at Acton and Halton, Ontario, established silica plants at St. Canut, Quebec and Midland, Ontario, to supply the glass, carbide, ceramics, cleanser and concrete products industries, and the purchase of a foundry, Fahramet Limited, Orillia, Ontario, supplying steel and alloy castings to the mining, construction cement and petrochemical industries.Indusmin also has a Technical Resource Centre and Head Office facilities in Toronto.As this paper deals with Indusmin's experience with dust abatement, and although dust control is a concern at the Nephton, St. Canut and Orillia plants, we will be confining this paper to the experience gained at the Badgeley Quarry and Midland plant of the Ontario Silica Operation."

Jan 1, 1980

By E. W. Vekris

Patents are playing an increasingly important role in the business world. A diverse patent portfolio can enable a company to secure a monopoly within the market, which can provide a competitive advantage over competitors. At the same time, possessing a diverse patent portfolio greatly increases the value of a company's intangible assets. This paper provides an overview of the patenting process as it pertains to the fields of metallurgy and mining, and summarizes some general patenting strategies. A review of new "green technology" initiatives recently adopted by Patent Offices around the world is also provided.

Jan 1, 2011

Why Innovate in Mining? ?Obvious, right? ?Increase productivity and profitability ?Improve safety and ergonomics ?Improve our environmental record and eliminate liabilities ?Implement process control methodology ?Introduce information systems technology to gain control ?Low hanging fruit ?Reference ?Heather Ednie, Innovation CIM Magazine Feb. 2006 ?Peck & Skinner, Getting better bang for your buck with technology

May 1, 2006

By Joseph D. Martinez

"The benefits of modern technology can readily be identified with energy availability. A clear correlation has been established between per-capita energy consumption and the GNP for various nations. The United States is an outstanding example of a nation which has benefited from vast energy reserves. The nation is now challenged, how¬ever, by dwindling reserves and the need to develop new sources consistent with the preservation of environmental quality. The development of new, virtually inexhaustible and environmentally acceptable sources cannot be expected for several decades. Meanwhile, we will have to depend on coal, nuclear energy and/or rigorous conservation measures.The net effect of environmental considerations has been to delay and perhaps ultimately eliminate the nuclear energy option as a national energy alternative. This forces a more positive move toward coal as the next major source of electrical power. Our coal resources are large, but the use and production of coal is also a threat to the environment. Thus, we seem to be moving from one major accessible source to another due to environmental concern only to face the probability that the alternative is also environ¬mentally unacceptable.Controversies revolving about energy choices must be resolved by an analysis of the relative benefits and impacts of these two sources and others. The pattern of changing energy sources is not new. We have moved from wood to coal to oil and gas in the past and must learn to adapt in the future. Rational decisions must be made relative to the utilization of intermediate energy sources pending development of promising future approaches. A collapse of current levels of energy supply could threaten our technological society and the means to develop a new energy base."

Jan 1, 1976

By R. Duinker

"This paper, an update to the 2003 paper titled "Knowledge, Technology and Profit" (Twigge-Molecey, 2003) analyzes 45 "problem projects" from the mining and metals industry over the last eleven years representing $133 billion in CAPEX. The projects have been designated as "problem projects" as they did not meet their owner’s initial expectations for project performance as defined in the paper. This paper explores some of the challenges that were present, through interviews with the knowledgeable individuals that were familiar with the projects and investigations using publically available information. The aim of the exercise was to identify the key challenges faced by the projects, and the contributing factors that led to the project failures so that the lessons can be applied to future projects.The project challenges have been categorized into four themes, technical, organizational, environmental & social and missing "homework" prior to board approval. Of noteworthy interest is that environmental permitting aspects have risen to become a significant and notable contributor to problem projects in 11 years from 2003 to 2014. It is further observed that many projects have been challenged by increasing size and complexity and with execution in more remote locations since the previous paper.It is a reality that every project will face challenges. Some projects are simply more challenging than others, and success or failure of the project is often determined by whether the project team is fully prepared to respond to the challenges. This in turn is largely dependent on whether the project "homework" was adequately completed and considered for all aspects of the project."

Jan 1, 2015

By C. Ketata, M. C. Rockwell

During the operation of a mineral processing plant, the unit processes are investigated by analyzing the data extracted by means of stream sampling. The data structure is identical to the time series form. Data analysis is a crucial step in understanding the plant performance. To control the plant performance efficiently, it is very important to avoid sampling errors, which is impossible. However, it is possible to minimize these errors. The factors influencing these errors are divided into two categories: material properties illustrating its heterogeneity, and sampler features. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of the material composition variation on sampling errors, and to compare our evaluation method with that of Gy. Note that the stream mass flowrate is assumed to be constant during the sampling process.

Jan 1, 2001

By T. G. Joseph, K. Barron

A strain-softening constitutive relationship is introduced that describes the post-failure stress-strain curve for rock regardless of whether the rock is intact or broken. The core of this relationship is an “apparent friction” concept that relates the post-failure apparent cohesive and frictional characteristics of the rock to the strain. The relationship can be determined for a given rock via a series of triaxial strength tests establishing the peak strength and corresponding strain for a range of confining pressures, together with the determination of the base angle of friction via a simple tilt test. The postulates and assumptions used in deriving this relationship are verified from results of tri-axial tests on both intact and broken rock. This strain-softening relationship is then applied to coal. Having determined the post-failure stress-strain curve for coal specimens, this information can then be used in a finite element program, such as Phase 2, to examine the post-failure characteristics of coal pillars. Using example data, the strength of coal pillars of different width/height ratios are estimated and compared with well-known empirical pillar size-strength relationships. In addition, the post-failure stress-strain behaviour of a coal pillar is compared with an empirical relationship reported in the literature.

Jan 1, 2003

By M-d-N. Gagnon, P. Okono, Y. Bergeron

In the mining industry, decisions regarding the type and number of comminution tests to be completed typically rely on geologists? observations and conclusions when studying drill cores. Given that these decisions are based on visual observations, they are essentially approximate and often inaccurate from a comminution viewpoint, causing a sizeable margin of error in estimating characterization test needs. Consequently, companies are often forced to perform more tests than necessary, requiring a significant quantity of material, and accruing significant costs. Recently, a new device, called the Hardness Index Tester (or HIT), was developed, offering users a low cost in-house mechanism for estimating the comminution parameter A*b and the Bond Ball Mill Work Index at any mine site, with potential applications on fragments up to 25 mm from drill core. In late 2016, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited initiated a trial to investigate if having an HIT device installed in a core repository would make it possible to identify the different rock properties more accurately and determine the number and type of comminution tests required. The application of the HIT was not to replace the standard comminution tests, but rather to generate a high number of comminution and geomechanical parameters for the rock mass. Ultimately, the objective would be to determine the uniformity of the rock mass and, therefore, easily distinguish any potentially problematic zones. With this method, the appropriate number of standard tests could be determined, making the HIT not only an excellent complement to the standard laboratory tests, but also an indispensable device for a geometallurgical characterization. This paper presents the results from the HIT trial using samples from the Odyssey Project, which is a Mine Canadian Malartic property.

Jan 1, 2017

Background ArcelorMittal?s (formerly QCM?s) Port Cartier iron ore pelletization operations 2 side-by-side induration furnaces each producing 578 t/h of cured pellets Firing No. 6 fuel oil and coke breeze (in bed) Very large heat losses to be addressed primarily by gas recirculation

May 1, 2011