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By F. Sorensen

ABSTRACT Electricity production by the Electricity Supply Commission of South Africa (Eskom) is the most important beneficiation process for South African coal. As one of the world’s lowest cost producers, energy-intensive industries such as ferroalloys and aluminium were introduced. However the poor were neglected. The white paper on energy policy (Department of Minerals and Energy, 1998) sought to redress this. Also, chasing economic growth to generate jobs resulted in high electricity demand and interruptions. Lifespan estimates of South African coal reserves based upon peak theory vary widely. Approaching peak, coal production in the future will be more expensive and, thus, contribute to more expensive electricity, which could inhibit industrial development unless South Africans work smarter.

Jan 1, 2011

By B. N. Church, J. J. Barakso, A. F. Bowman

"An evaluation of mineralization in the Goosly- Owen Lake area of central British Columbia is the result of a comprehensive geochemical study of rock samples obtained from a regional geological survey. The dispersion of metals in country rocks about a line of Tertiary intrusions suggests that these igneous bodies may be genetically related to known sulphide replacements, disseminations and vein deposits. The geochemical investigation is based on the determination of 12 elements from samples gathered from more than 800 scattered field stations. To assist processing and interpretation, the data are subjected to a variety of statistical procedures, including correlation of the elements, factor analysis, clustm• analysis and computer contouring of the elements. Some practical applications of rock geochemistry in regional exploration are indicated."

Jan 1, 1976

By J. E. Udd

"In early 2000, CANMET-MMSL was engaged by the Ontario Ministry of Labour (OMOL) to conduct an international study of the practices, in several key mining jurisdictions, of determining the criteria that are used to decide when the wire ropes used in mine hoisting are to be retired from service. Subsequently, the author visited key officials and institutions in Canada, the United States, the Republic of South Africa, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland. Material from the Australian province of New South Wales and Hungary was also included.The report that resulted included, among other sections: (1) the history of wire ropes and trends in manufacturing technology; (2) a review of mine hoisting practices; (3) the requirements regarding safety factors; (4) a review of the various operations and their potential future development; (5) the criteria for rope replacement; (6) potential future developments that could take place in both hoisting and rope inspection practices in Canada; and (7) recommendations.Subsequently, the report was issued by OMOL, and as a CD-ROM by CANMETMMSL. In this paper the author presents the key findings and the recommendations made in the study."

Jan 1, 2004

By Wignall. T. K., J. De Geoffroy

Statistical models are fitted to the observed distributions of eighteen characteristics of the population of commercial porphyry deposits of North and South America. The statistical base required for the formulation of the statistical models includes 58 commercial porphyry-copper-molybdenum deposits of the Cordilleran Belt from which geological, geometric and economic data were collected. Predictive and composite models are derived from the statistical study to assist explorat10n. planning, engineering studies and fmanc1al analyses as required for the development of new porphyry deposits in the Cordilleran Belt.

Jan 1, 1973

By S. Klingmann

ABSTRACT In this paper, we used data collected from the Gibraltar mine to analyze the effect of the TyreSense tire monitoring system on tire performance by reducing tire wear and preventing premature tire failure or damage. We analyzed the relationship between tire temperature, tire pressure, and tire failure or damage to help better understand the importance of controlling high tire temperature and pressure. The results enhance and expand the knowledge of the management of tire operational pressure and temperature.

Jan 1, 2014

By R. A. Campbell, R. R. Rogers

"AbstractThe experiments described show that crude bismuth metal containing up to 5 per •cent lead, 0.14 per cent silver, 0.015 per cent copper, 0.02 per cent iron, .and small amounts of antimony, nickel, and tin may be refined to a bismuth content of 99.98 per cent by distillation followed by chlorination. It also is shown that bismuth trichloride of high ,purity may be produced by passing chlorine over hot •crude bismuth metal and allowing the resulting vapours to •condense in a cooler .part of the system.IntroductionBISMUTH is used in the production of alloys and pharmaceuticals. During 1952, the New York price for the refined metal was $2.25 per pound in ton lots.Some months-ago a Canadian producer requested the Mines Branch to investigate methods of refining the bismuth which they had been producing. Their crude product had been selling for $1.50 to $1.70 per pound and it was desired to increase its purity to at least 99.98 per cent so that it could be sold for $2.25 per pound."

Jan 1, 1955

By Scott G. Honan, Wayne F. Luinstra

"Since 1992, the concentration of gold using gravity methods has progressed to become an important part of production at Hemlo Gold's Golden Giant Mine. Currently, the gravity circuit accounts for approximately 25% of the Golden Giant Mine's Gold production. This circuit consists of a 30 inch Center-Drain Knelson Concentrator and a Shaking Table. The evolution of gravity concentration will be discussed with an emphasis on the economic justification for a gravity circuit as well as the practical aspects and metallurgical impact of operating such a circuit. It will be demonstrated that the operation of a gravity circuit has definite benefits to the operation of the Golden Giant Mill and will continue to play an important role in future gold production.1.0 IntroductionHemlo Gold Mines Inc. Golden Giant Mine is a 3000 TPD underground gold mine and milling facility located 40 km east of Marathon, Ontario. Mining is accomplished by means of sublevel longhole open stoping. The ore is processed using conventional crushing, 3-stage ball milling, conventional cyanidation and CIP processes. The mill and concentrator are described in more detail in other publications1,2.Since July of 1992, the Golden Giant Mine has been using a gravity circuit for gold recovery in the mill's grinding circuit. Despite the fact that gold recovery averages over 96% using conventional cyanidation and carbon-in-pulp processes, the gravity circuit has become an integral part of milling operations. This paper will discuss the economic justification for a gravity circuit as well as the practical and metallurgical aspects of its operation."

Jan 1, 1996

By Christopher P. O?Connor

Stereolithography is a well known rapid prototyping technique in the manufacturing sector. Essentially it is a three dimensional printing process that produces plastic prototype parts from standard CAD files. At present, Canadian mining companies are not fully aware of the potential of Rapid Prototyping Techniques (RPTs) for their production and mine design systems. Mining engineers and geologists attempt to visualize and understand the characteristics and layouts of orebodies on computer models and in cases where it is decided to develop physical models, the process is time consuming based on simplified constructions. Rapid prototyping techniques (RPTs) such as stereolithography can facilitate engineers and geologists to quickly and with satisfactory accuracy to visualize sections of orebodies and evaluate alternative ore extraction techniques using 3D solid models. The research discussed in this paper is carried out by the Laurentian University Mining Automation Laboratory (LUMAL) in collaboration with the Department of Mines Research of Inco Limited and the Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute (IMTI) of the National Research Council of Canada. The main objective with this research is to evaluate the applicability of state-of-the-art RPTs (e.g. stereolithography) to underground hard rock mining systems. RPTs can play a significant role in accelerating the design and development process of mining systems.

May 1, 2002

By R. Pandher, R. Schonewille, N. Tripathi

Advanced process modelling tools were developed for the Xstrata Nickel Sudbury Smelter flow sheet using a combination of FACTSAGE TM METSIMTM and ARENATM software. These tools were employed to assist with plant optimisation, emission control, process design, troubleshooting and case studies as applied to the smelter. The development of process modelling tools in pyro-metallurgy commonly involves an in-depth study of the therm o-chemical properties (heat capacity, liquidus temperature, etc.) of all high temperature phases, usually matte and slag. The preferred tool for this purpose is FACTSAGETM, a well-known then-no-chemical modelling software package. The results from the therm o-chemical model have been subsequently incorporated into the development of a process model for the entire smelting facility using the METSIMTM platform. Such process model also includes a number of special features adopted to effectively simulate the complex industrial phases; matte and slag systems. To ensure the robustness and reliability of the process model, several process parameters and assumptions were verified with laboratory and plant data. Consequently, the model includes the ability to examine the impact of a number of plant parameters on potential plant performance. Primary variables are the percent sulphur elimination during concentrate roasting, furnace matte grade and degree of matte metallization. Key output parameters include operating temperature, furnace coke requirement, sulphuric acid production, CO2 emissions and overall energy requirements. Selected outputs from the process model (for example blowing time, slag production rate and matte converting rate) can then be utilised in the development of a discrete event model (DEM) for the smelter using ARENATM software. Incorporation of reliable and validated mass balance parameters enhances the robustness and reliability of the DEM model. The integration of then-no-chemical, process and DEM modeling tools has a distinct advantage in planning plant trials and examining process design initiatives at Xstrata Nickel's Sudbury Smelter. The present paper discusses the development of these three models and the synergies existing among them. Typical results from all three models are also presented.

Jan 1, 2011

By R. Pandher, R. Schonewille

Advanced process modelling tools were developed for the Xstrata Nickel Sudbury Smelter flow sheet using a combination of FACTSAGETH METSIMTM and ARENATM software. These tools were employed to assist with plant optimisation, emission control, process design, troubleshooting and case studies as applied to the smelter. The development of process modelling tools in pyro-metallurgy commonly involves an in-depth study of the therm o-chemical properties (heat capacity, liquidus temperature, etc.) of all high temperature phases, usually matte and slag. The preferred tool for this purpose is FACTSAGETM, a well-known then-no-chemical modelling software package. The results from the therm o-chemical model have been subsequently incorporated into the development of a process model for the entire smelting facility using the METSIMTM platform. Such process model also includes a number of special features adopted to effectively simulate the complex industrial phases; matte and slag systems. To ensure the robustness and reliability of the process model, several process parameters and assumptions were verified with laboratory and plant data. Consequently, the model includes the ability to examine the impact of a number of plant parameters on potential plant performance. Primary variables are the percent sulphur elimination during concentrate roasting, furnace matte grade and degree of matte metallization. Key output parameters include operating temperature, furnace coke requirement, sulphuric acid production, CO2 emissions and overall energy requirements. Selected outputs from the process model (for example blowing time, slag production rate and matte converting rate) can then be utilised in the development of a discrete event model (DEM) for the smelter using ARENATM software. Incorporation of reliable and validated mass balance parameters enhances the robustness and reliability of the DEM model. The integration of then-no-chemical, process and DEM modeling tools has a distinct advantage in planning plant trials and examining process design initiatives at Xstrata Nickel's Sudbury Smelter. The present paper discusses the development of these three models and the synergies existing among them. Typical results from all three models are also presented.

Jan 1, 2011

By Celine Y. Zhang, Chloe J. Feng, Charles Q. Jia, Donald W. Kirk

Oil sands petroleum coke (OSPC) is a by-product of coking - a high-temperature process that converts the mined bitumen to the synthetic crude oil (SCO). For every barrel of the SCO produced, about 20 kg of OSPC are generated. Over 70 million metric tons of OSPC have been produced and stockpiled as a result of the development of oil sands industry in the past few decades. Unlike conventional petroleum coke, OSPC has uniquely high impurity contents, particularly sulphur (~ 7 wt%) and metals (e.g. vanadium at ~0.15 wt%), which has hindered its large-scale applications as a solid fuel. Vanadium is a valuable metal that is widely used as an alloy for strengthening steels. The stockpiled OSPC contains about 100,000 tons of vanadium, while the world’s production in 2013 was only 75,600 tons. At the current price of $25US/kg, the OSPC-bound vanadium represents a total value of $2.5 billion US dollars. In this work, we investigate the technical feasibility of extracting vanadium from OSPC. The work focuses on the characterization of vanadium in OSPC and the conditions for effective extraction of vanadium from the OSPC.

Jan 1, 2015

By W. Petruk

Mineralogical studies and concentration tests were conducted on samples from an oolitic iron deposit from the Peace River district in Alberta to determine what concentrate grades and metal recoveries could be obtained. The samples assayed 32 to 37 wt. % Fe, and consisted of goethite, nontronite, ferruginous opal, siderite , quartz, amorphous phosphate and illite . Flotation with fatty acids yielded the best over-all results. A flotation concentrate from a composite sample of the iron horizon assayed, by weight, 43.0% Fe, 12.3% SiO2 , 1.9% CaD, 0.9% MgO, 4.5% Al2O3 and 2.0% P2O5 and lost 17.2% on ignition, for an iron recovery of 48.8% and a silica rejection of 80%. When heated to drive off the water, the concentrate assayed 52 w t. % Fe and 14. 8% w t. % SiO2

Jan 1, 1977

By Samuel Frimpong

Synthetic fuel is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel synthesized from unconventional resources, such as tar sands, heavy oil, coal, and oil shale. These unconventional resources are immense and will be a major energy source for the 21st Century as the availability of conventional crude oil and natural gas declines. The authors review the available global distributions, production data, research frontiers, and current research organizations involved in tar sands, heavy oil, coal, and oil shale. Tar sands and heavy oil is mainly deposited in Canada, Venezuela, and the United States. Oil shale reserves are found in United States, Jordan, China and Australia. Coal occurs in United States, Russia, China, Canada, and Australia. Major research and development efforts are focused on reserves identification, transportation technologies, production cost modeling, bitumen extraction process improvements, coal liquefaction technologies, elimination of pollutants, greenhouse gases, and safeguarding human health and the environment. This review forms a major source for educating the public about these important energy sources, and the need to develop environmentally sound technologies and policies for their extraction.

May 1, 2007

By Ron Light, Doug Applett

"HistoryThe Nanisivik mine began operation in October 1976 as the world's most northerly metal mine and the first permanent industrial project in the Canadian High Arctic. Located 700 km north of the Arctic Circle on Baffin Island's Strathcona Sound, exploration by Texasgulf Inc. between 1957 and 1970 had outlined the ore deposit. In 1974, Nanisivik Mines Ltd. was formed with Mineral Resources International, the Government of Canada, Metallgesellschaft and Billiton being shareholders, and Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd. providing project management. In 1996, Breakwater Resources purchased the mine from Alberta Energy Corporation Limited which had recently acquired the assets of then owners Conwest Exploration Ltd.Ore DepositThe main ore deposit is very flat, approximately 80 m in width and varying in thickness from 3 m to 16 m. The length of the deposit is approximately 3000 m with satellite zones located on the perimeter of the main zone. The economic mineralization is sphalerite with minor galena and silver. The sphalerite and galena are coarse grained and associated with pyrite as the main gangue component with minor inclusions pf dolomite and calcite within the deposit. The deposit being hosted in a permafi·ost environment creates a number of challenges. Dry drilling is employed in room and pillar production drilling. The permafrost aids in the stability of both the pillars and the back."

Jan 1, 2000

By D. R. Pyke

Many of the gold deposits in the Timmins• area show a close spatial association to ultramafic metavolcanics. Available analytical data suggest that ultramafic rocks contain significantly higher gold contents than other major rock types. In addition, recent analyses by Keays (1975) suggest that talc-carbonate alteration of ultramafic rocks releases significant quantities of gold. It is proposed that the ultramafic volcanics formed the principal source of gold for the deposits in Timmins, and that the gold was derived from the ultramafic flows when they were extensively carbonatized. Carbonatization of the ultramafic rocks and emplacement of the auriferous quartz-carbonate veins was probably coincident with the last major period of deformation in the gold camp. Delineation of hitherto unrecognized ultramafic volcanics could be an important guide to the discovery of further gold deposits.

Jan 1, 1976

By M. F. Goudge

This paper is intended to call attention to the manifold uses of limestone in industry; to indicate the types of limestone desired by some of the large consuming industries; and to give some information on the resources of limestone in Canada, so that an idea may be obtained of the present and future possibilities for limestone production. The word limestone is used in the usual broad sense to include both high-calcium limestone and the highly magnesian variety known as dolomite, as well as all intermediate types. Lime is simply calcined limestone, and in this general paper its uses have been included with those of raw limestone. It is of interest, in dealing with this subject, to glance back over the early history of the utilization of limestone, for by so doing we see that limestone has been of importance to mankind since the beginning of civilization and has contributed in no small measure to the development of a number of the arts and sciences. One of the first uses, if not the first use, of limestone was in connection with the making of lime for plastering purposes. This use antedates civilization. In the day of the ancient Greeks and Romans, the art of plastering had been brought to a state of perfection that is not nearly approached by the modern artisan.

Jan 1, 1930

By J Zhou

Based on the mineralogical characteristics and mineral processing techniques required, gold ores can be classified into 12 types, including gold placers, quartz vein-lode ores, oxidized ores, silver-rich ores, iron oxide copper gold ores, porphyry copper gold ores, iron sulphide ores, arsenic sulphide ores, antimony sulphide ores, bismuth sulphide ores, telluride ores and carbonaceous sulphide ores. The bulk mineralogy and gold deportment of each ore type is different and may have a significant impact on ore processing and metal extraction. This paper summarizes the bulk mineralogy and gold deportment in some major types of gold ores and discusses the potential impact of gold deportment on gold metallurgy.

Jan 1, 2011

By A. R. Sorta, D. C. Sego

ABSTRACT The settling, shear strength, and index properties of oil sands fines-sand mixture tailings (FSMT) for a wide range of solids and fines content are investigated. Results indicate that the liquid limit of FSMT obeys a linear mixture law. The fines-water ratio (FWR) governs the permeability of composite tailings (CT) and CT with comparable geotechnical behaviour can be produced from the same initial FWR mixtures. A phosphogypsum (PG) dosage > 900 mg/kg does not improve the dewatering behaviour of CT. The undrained shear strength of FSMT at the liquid limit is approximately 2.4 kPa, but is dependent on fines content at the plastic limit.

Jan 1, 2013

By Xing Jin, Dan Graffi, Glenn MacPherson, Dan Rioux

"The complexity of a modern flotation circuit makes it susceptible to disturbances such as changes in feed, ore mineralogy, equipment degradation, poor measurements and faulty instruments. Good measurements and a robust control system are critical to create and maintain a stable and optimum flotation process.This paper focuses on the development and implementation of process control applications in the flotation circuits at Xstrata Nickel’s Strathcona Mill ( referred to as the mill hereafter ) in Sudbury, Ontario. Following the path of ‘stabilize-improve-optimize’, basic controls to stabilize process variables such as flotation cell pulp level, air and reagent addition rates, cleaning-column feed and wash-water rates have been established. Factors such as best practice in pulp level and valve position measurement, feedforward control and the application of an appropriate control philosophy, have contributed to the significant reduction in process variability. For instance, standard deviation reduction of 79% for the Ni impurity in the column Cu concentrate grade was experienced and is shown. The variability reduction of the flotation circuits’ key process-variables paves the way to further improve and optimize flotation performance. A grams-per-metal unit reagent addition control scheme has been improved upon, particularly for different operating scenarios and better robustness. In addition, following significant stabilization of the primary controls and columns feedrates, Cu/Ni separation cleaning-column bias-control (cascaded to the wash-water rate) and hold-up control (cascaded to air flowrate) have been developed and tested. This strategy – from stabilization to optimization - is expected to achieve a more consistent control of final concentrate grades and improve recoveries.INTRODUCTIONFlotation is considered the most important and value-added process in the milling metallurgical plant and is still undergoing continuous evolution to treat greater tonnage and different ores (Wills, 2006). Starting over three decades ago, with the advent of on-line slurry content analysis devices, flotation automatic control has received persistent interest and a large number of applications have been reported (Thwaites, 1983, 1986 ; Mckee, 1991). Bergh and Yianatos (2011) reviewed different aspects of process control in flotation circuits and have evaluated the applicability of model predictive control to the process. Mckee (1991) analyzed the difficulty in developing lasting/robust process control applications for flotation circuits and stated that the path of stabilization-refinement-optimization would more likely lead to successful flotation circuit process control. Best practice on column process control was discussed by Bouchard, etc. where a multi-layered approach was proposed, provided that the measurement of column process variables ( i.e. bias, froth depth, hold-up, etc. ) are measured reliably (Bouchard & Thwaites, 2008). Wills (2006) stated that the best practice for flotation automatic control starts with fulfilling basic control objectives, such as stabilized flotation cell level, air flow, pH, reagent flow etc., before considering more advanced, or even optimal, control of metallurgical targets, which are more closely linked to economic performance."

Jan 1, 2013

By P. T. Bloomer

Introduction Mining of the orebody of the Sullivan mine, which is owned and operated by the Consolidated Mining & Smelting Company of Canada, Limited, has reached a point where pillar extraction is rapidly becoming a major part of the operation. Very few of the larger pillars have been completely extracted; consequently, this paper contains much that is theory and expectation. Due to early mining methods and the physical characteristics of the Sullivan deposit, similar conditions may not exist in other older mines facing the problems of pillar extraction, but it is thought that the methods employed and those contemplated may be of general interest. History The Sullivan orebody, which is at Kimberley in the Fort Steele mining division of the East Kootenay district of British Columbia, was discovered in May, 1892, by Messrs. Sullivan, Smith, Cleaver, and Burchett. After passing through the hands of several owners the property was optioned in 1909, and purchased in 1910, by The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited. Early mining was highly selective, the objective being a clean, high-grade silver-lead ore. By 1923 the difficulties of milling the very complex ore had been overcome and the first unit of a concentrator was completed with a capacity of 2,500 tons daily. Capacity was increased by stages to the present rate of 8,500 tons per day. Concentrates are shipped over the Canadian Pacific railway ? to the Company smelter at Tadanac, British Columbia, for final treatment. Approximately 45,000,000 tons of ore has been mined to date.

Jan 1, 1948