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By I. R. Muirhead

"One approach to making new technology available is to demonstrate its value under full-scale operating conditions. Studies were undertaken to assess the feasibility of this approach to introducing a longwall mining system to the western Canadian coalfields.The longwall method of mining coal is described, world and Canadian usage is reviewed, and the merits of the system in comparison 10 other coal mining methods are discussed.The rationale for a longwall demonstration in western Canada is presented, along with a proposed organization for the design, operation and dissemination of the findings from such a trial. The factors which must be considered in the design of the demonstration, and in the assessment of a potential site are highlighted. It is concluded that a demonstration of this technology is both timely and essential to prepare the way for the western Canadian coal industry of future prospects for coal.IntroductionFor many years CANMET has encouraged research work organized on a cooperative basis. This requires that a working consensus must be negotiated by researchers and operators at the beginning of the project and continuously refined as work proceeds. The result is usually a more relevant selection of research problems, improved direct ion and con duct of experiment al work and often a validation phase in which research concepts are tested in an opera ting environment. All this tends to narrow the gap between obtaining research results and applying them.Even under the best of circumstances cooperative projects require a good deal of coordination and enthusiasm to maintain focus and the pace of work. The working perspective of a research scientist in a government laboratory is substantially different from that of a mine operator at a producing mine, and a common ground must be found. This is difficult to do and cooperative projects typically evolve over several years as experimental results progressively define the potential solutions to mining problems."

Jan 1, 1985

By C. DeLong

"The Mt. Milligan porphyry copper-gold deposits are in central British Columbia, 155 km northwest of Prince George. Mineralized outcrops and float were discovered in the Mount Milligan area by prospecting. The most recent discoveries, which utilized lithogeochemistry, were in 1983. Areas containing the outcrops and float then were investigated by geological mapping, soil and lithogeochemical sampling, ground and airborne geophysical surveys, trenching and diamond drilling. This work led to the discovery of the Mt. Milligan Main deposit in 1987 and the Southern Star deposit in 1989. Extensive diamond drilling continued until 1991 and delineated a measured and indicated resource of 299 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t Au and 0.22 % Cu from the combined deposits.The Mt. Milligan deposits lie within the Early Mesozoic Quesnel Terrane and are hosted by porphyritic monzonite stocks and adjacent volcanic rocks of the Takla Group. The Mt. Milligan Main deposit is centred around the MBX stock and Rainbow dike, and the Southern Star deposit around the Southern Star stock.Potassic alteration is extensive within the stocks and in volcanic rocks adjacent to the MBX stock and Rainbow dike. Propylitic alteration surrounds the potassic alteration and decreases in intensuy away from the stocks. Mineralization consists mostly of pyrite, chalcopyrite, lesser magnetite, and minor bornite, molybdenite and gold.Mineralogical zoning is well-developed within the deposits. A biotite-rich subzone forms the core of the potassic alteration zone and hosts most of the copper and gold. Numerous polymetallic veins lie within the propylitic alteration zone just beyond the limit of porphyry-style copper-gold mineralization."

Jan 1, 1995

By Alan Bauer, Melvin A. Cook

Measured detonation pressures of "prills and oil" (94/6 ammonium nitrate/fuel oil) and three of the new "slurry" blasting agents are presented and compared with computed, ideal detonation pressures and with detonation pressures expected from the measured detonation velocities. Results seem to show that the peak pressure in the detonation wave in these cases is the Chapman-Jouguet pressure and that no "spike" exists in these detonation waves. The absence of the Zeldovich-von Neumann "spike" is noteworthy in view of the very long reaction zone lengths of these mixtures. The measured detonation pressure of one of the slurry blasting agents (DBA-3") under steel confinement ( 172 kilobars) is shown to be considerably greater than the ideal detonation pressure of 75 per cent gelatin dynamite (p. = 135 kilobars) despite the fact that the detonation was still somewhat non-ideal in "DBA-3," its computed ideal detonation pressure being 180 kb. The popular 94/b AN /FO blasting agent exhibited a detonation pressure of only 13.5 kb in 5" paper tubes, but 37.5 kb in 5"• steel pipe compared with a computed ideal pressure of 40 kb.

Jan 1, 1961

By L. Iacopetti, A. Calderara, M. Perego, P. Perrone, T. Furusawa

De Nora, a global leader in the development, manufacture and sale of all DSA® anodes based on titanium coated with mixed metal oxide (MMO) for electrochemical processes will present key advancements made to Self-Protected Anodes (SPA) for metal electrowinning. (DSA® is a registered trademark of Industrie De Nora S.p.A., Italy). In 2017 pre-commercial demonstration cells were operated in industrial environment. The program’s focus was to fully demonstrate the SPA anode’s superior mechanical and electrochemical robustness during normal and induced dendrite shorting occurrences while providing quality of plating in commercial operation. De Nora specialists focus on key components, in particular the engineering of the self-protection system, DSA® anodes and catalyst formulation capable to cope with high levels of pollutants while providing long service life in the meantime. Results of field trials confirmed the expected anode performance and enabled the selection of the most suitable “SPA” structure, based on resistive protective elements. Summarizing the economic benefits to copper electrowinning tankhouse operation with De Nora’s self- protected all DSA® anodes are; Double-digits power savings Cobalt-free electrolyte operations Minimal dendrite shorting damage incurred at the SPA anode Smoother, uniform cathode deposits with tangible improvement on current efficiency Tankhouse operations producing lead-free copper quality cathodes, in addition to elimination of lead waste for improved operator health and environment. INTRODUCTION De Nora’s engineered “Value Technology Package” (“VTP”) for electrowinning, consisting of our DSA® anodes coated with mixed metal oxide specifically formulated for copper electrowinning in conjunction with an advanced self-protected full titanium anode (“SPA”), underwent an intense field qualification program, inclusive of the behavior under massive short-circuits as part of the field investigation, with the goal to select and appoint the ultimate design configuration of “SPA”. Optimized wireless-based monitoring system was included in the field program, demonstrating good functionality for cell parameters monitoring and remote shorts detection.

Jan 1, 2019

By H. Hejny

Economy needs mineral raw materials in almost each sector of modern life. They can only be provided by mining activities. An increasing share of the total mining production will be by underground mining. The mineral deposits will be found at gradually greater depths, including all problems associated with them. It involves an increase in overburden pressure with subsequent rock stability problems and risks of structural collapse. There is a need for new and safe technologies for almost all parts of a modern mine. The mining industry faces a number of challenges which require technical solutions that encompass the entire network and include the economic, social and environmental issues. The industry needs a new image based on pioneering solutions and a modern structure that can exploit minerals at greater depths and promote both high productivity and safe working conditions. Funding has been secured from the European Commission for the I²Mine project. Work started in November, 2011. This initiative is designed to focus on the technological challenges that the mining industry is currently facing including the exploitation of ever deeper deposits and the aspiration for an invisible, safe, zero impact mine. The project comprises a consortium of 27 organisations from 10 European countries. I²Mine marks the start of a series of development activities aimed at realising the concept of an invisible, zero impact, deep mine. The extractive sector, still seen as being old fashioned and environmentally unfriendly, will show that mineral extraction and processing can be done in a highly innovative and sustainable manner with low impact underground and zero impact above ground. The concept of I²Mine is to develop innovative methods, technologies, machines and equipment necessary for the efficient exploitation of minerals and disposal of waste, all of which will be carried out underground. This will dramatically reduce the volume of surface transportation of both minerals and waste, minimising above ground installations and reducing the environmental impact. New eco-efficient technologies will be applied in order to make the entire mining process more efficient and environmentally sound. The concept is for an integrated mine, with the majority of the installations underground, and only the final product will be transported above ground to be shipped to the customer. Production waste will be treated and stored underground and gaseous emissions will be managed underground as far as practical. I²Mine will also focus on ideas and concepts that increase energy efficiency and decrease waste. The core of the project will be to develop breakthrough technologies for autonomous, highly selective, continuous mineral extraction processes and machinery based on new sensor technologies, face front separation as well as innovative concepts for mass flow management and transportation integrating state of the art technologies. The concept of an invisible, zero impact mine requires a refined process underground that selectively extracts the mineral thereby reducing waste. For this reason, improved extraction machines and near to face processing methods, including backfill procedures, need to be developed. These developments include rock mechanics and ground control solutions, incorporating health, safety and environmental issues.

Aug 1, 2013

By Cindy Schiewek

Industrial injury occurrences are an ongoing concern for Mine Operators. Along with the personal suffering of injured workers comes an increase in compensation and productivity costs. Growing recognition of repetitive stress and bodily injuries, accompanied by recent studies, validates the assumption that a relationship exists between ergonomic injuries and machine design. Intuitively, there is a belief that an ergonomically designed machine will reduce repetitive stress injuries through design and education however; quantifying this belief has been a challenge for Mine Operators. Sandvik Tamrock has undertaken a project aimed at developing a business model to assist in quantifying the benefits of ergonomic intervention. This model focuses on distinguishing and quantifying this method of intervention to allow for a better evaluation of the machine. For simplicity, the project initially focused on the Face Drill Jumbos. The target of the project was three fold: !" Recognition of the cost drivers for compensation; ergonomic injuries !" Identification of the relationship between ergonomic machine design, and the decrease of the negative effects associated with the cost drivers !" Systematic prioritization for ?prevention by design? The project findings substantiate the expected reduction in injuries and compensation claims. Based on all ergonomic intervention studies conducted, each case showed a reduction in compensation cost; through prevention by design, one can reduce the amount of potential risk. The paper addresses the resources and methodology used, along with the findings and its relevance to the issues that face the Mining industry.

May 1, 2003

By James Mackie

The Vancouver Stock Exchange (VSE) has been providing venture capital for start-up companies since 1907. Ninety years' experience in the junior mining industry has enabled the VSE to develop policies and procedures tailored to the unique needs of start-up companies. Policies and procedures applicable to listed companies are documented in the Corporate Finance Services Department "Policy and Procedures Manual." Approximately 50% of the companies listed on the VSE are in the mineral exploration and development business. The largest number are exploring base metal, precious metal or diamond properties. A recent count shows that about 20 companies are exploring industrial mineral or non-metallic deposits. The minerals sought by these companies include limestone, decorative stone, building stone, lava rock, wollastonite, zeolite, garnet and graphite. There are two basic routes to obtaining VSE financing for an industrial mineral property. The owner can either sell an interest in the property to a listed company or form a company and have it listed on the VSE. In each instance, the listed company is responsible for raising funds to develop the property. A typical financing consists of the sale of company securities byway ofeitherprivate placement or prospectus offering.

Jan 1, 2001

By Denis Yaychuk, Gary Billingsley

The economic eva luation of a mineral property or mining venture should include the quantification of ri k as part of the analy is. The re ults of such an analysis provide the decision-makers not only with the most likely financial outcome and the probability of achieving that or any other outcome. but al o with a ranki ng of the relative impact of all the ri sk factors. These type of resu lts offer more complete information for investment and technical deci ions than the traditional cash flow/ ensitivity analysis. In addi tion. by attempting to quantify ri sk. the personnel providing the va ri able input are forced to take a much clo e r look at the data involved, and are fo rced to work together. the reby increa ing substantially the awa reness of the impact their work and others· work has on th e outcome of the analysis.

Jan 1, 1986

By C. J. Edmonds

Of the gold mined in Canada over 90 percent is extracted from the ore by the process of "cyanidation". In this process crushed ore is treated with lime to provide "protective alkalinity" and cyanide, usually in the form of sodium cyanide. The gold is dissolved in the cyanide solution, which after further treatments for clarification, is precipitated by the addition of zinc dust. Wastes from the process consist of tailings which will contain cyanides. Water consumption, mill size, effluent quantity and quality are depicted in transparency (1). It should be noted that as far as the wastes are concerned it has been impossible to postulate a typical situation. Variation from the above data will occur. A summary of data from tailings pond effluents is presented in transparency (2). The figures in parentheses indicate the usual range of values for the parameter.

Jan 1, 1973

By Thomas M. Ware

"MR. Chairman, our Honourable Minister, Mayor Cole, it is a pleasure for me to come here, and join with you in one of the largest industrial shows ever held in Saskatchewan.It is an honour to be asked to keynote your meeting, to help mark an early chapter of this new industry for Saskatchewan. God has placed in our hands a new resource for His man on earth. This store of potash, 350 million years in the making, offers a vital resource to help man support his advanced intellect for thousands of years. It is a gift so large we must all wonder at its purpose and our responsibilities in serving our fellow man with it.We who are here to plan and implement the development of this essential mineral resource enjoy a great -privilege; and we share a great responsibility -to see that the billions of tons of potash which have waited beneath these prairies for millions of years are widely and wisely used to nourish the earth through future millenniums.To know the true value of potash, to be able to bring forth this re-source from over 3,000 feet deep in the earth, to establish markets and develop its potential worldwide is all part of our great heritage from generations past. So I think it is fitting on this occasion that we reflect for a moment on this heritage, to help us assess the responsibilities of its future development."

Jan 1, 1966

By L. A. Jameson, J. Awmack, P. J. Lind

"Peñasquito is a polymetallic deposit containing gold, silver, lead, and zinc. The operation is currently the largest producer of gold in Mexico. Over the next few years, the process flowsheet will be expanded beyond the flotation of lead and zinc to include flotation of pyrite from zinc tails and subsequent leaching of the pyrite concentrate. This paper outlines mineralogical leach characterization that has been carried out to improve the understanding of the complex hosting of gold and silver minerals in the ore. Organic carbon that is present in the ore can have an impact on flotation and leaching. Mineralogical techniques used to characterize this deleterious component of the ore are introduced.INTRODUCTION Goldcorp’s Peñasquito operation is located in the Mexican state of Zacatecas, approximately 200 km from the city of Zacatecas as shown in Figure 1. Peñasquito has been in operation since 2009 and is currently Mexico’s largest gold mine. Mining is carried out by open-pit methods, with oxide ore proceeding to a heap leach facility and sulfide ore treated in the sulfide processing plant.The processing capacity of the sulfide plant is 130,000 tonnes of ore per day and in 2016 production amounted to 450,000 ounces of gold, 17.6 million ounces of silver, 109 million lb of contained lead, and 263 million lb of contained zinc in lead and zinc concentrates. GEOLOGY The Peñasquito deposit is hosted in and adjacent to two breccia pipes; Peñasco and Breccia Azul. The two breccia pipes are branches of a larger intrusive-related complex, which is hosted in the sedimentary Caracol formation as illustrated in Figure 2. The regional geology is dominated by Mesozoic sedimentary rocks which comprise a thick series of marine sediments deposited during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. A 2 km thick sequence of carbonaceous and calcareous siltstones and interbedded sandstones is underlain by a 1.5 to 2 km thick limestone sequence (Goldcorp Inc., 2015)."

Jan 1, 2017

By S. Espley, G. Tan

"Inco's Little Stobie Mine is a low-grade nickel operation producing approximately 4()()() tons per day. Backfill has never been an economical option at the mine; therefore, the only viable type of mining in the upper zones has been by sub-level cave. This mining method allows for the draw-down of a rock cover into the empty stopes to provide stability to the over-all rock mass. In the lower areas of the mine, bulk blasthole mining methods have taken place, without rock fill, resulting in extremely large open stopes. As the mine reaches its final stage of recovery, it is inevitable that the hangingwall of the large voids will undergo tensile failure via spoiling.This paper deals with the collaborating efforts of Inco's Rock Mechanics group and the Little Stobie mining operations toward the successful recovery of the ore zone remnants such that the inevitable failure, and time of failure, of the rock mass is ""controlled"". Within the mining scheme, several key requirements had to be met to satisfy the operations: (1) production rates; (2) good blast fragmentation; and (3) secure pulling-horizons. A full-scale rock mechanics study was carried out involving: numerical modelling studies; pulling ellipse analyses; blast design, monitoring and analyses; laser profiling; and time domain rej7ectometry (TDR) instrumentation. The final recovery scheme, employing a controlled failure, involves recommendations on: (1) blasting techniques; (2) support systems; (3) mining sequences and scenarios; and (4) monitoring systems."

Jan 1, 1994

By B. J. Keating

"AT PRESENT, it is not certain that any of the sulphide de in the Province of Nova Scotia attain the lower grade limit of 60 per cent sulphides over the minimum area of 1,000 square feet suggested as cut-off specifications for inclusion in this Symposium. However, several of them do include massive sections of substantial size and others represent concentrations of sulphide material that are well above average. It is felt, therefore, that a tentative classification of the deposits and presentation of their geological settings are justified and may help round out the genetic aspects of this study. Accordingly, data considered to be the most pertinent are assembled here in the event that some may fit into larger-scale patterns of mineralization that may take shape as a result of this investigation.The three principal massive sulphide deposits in Nova Scotia are the Stirling, the Smithfield, and the Walton. The locations of these are shown on the accompanying key-map (Figure 1).Three other deposits, the locations of which are also indicated on the map, are the Meat Cove, Rocky Brook, and Gays River de¬posits. Although these fall far short of the minimum dimensions and grade specifications referred to above they are singled out because they have received more than passing attention and are illustrative of the mineralization types to which they belong."

Jan 1, 1960

By Norman R. Paterson

"Under certain conditions useful gravity information of a reconnaissance nature can be obtained with-out measuring elevations by spirit level surveys on the ground. Gravity surveys can become part of a practical exploration program where high cost and slow progress previously hindered their utility. The advantages of the new elevation procedures are realized mainly in remote areas, in areas where ground transportation is slow and difficult and on surveys where the station spacing is large in comparison with the distance of the average optimum level shot. To utilize the advantages, transportation by helicopter or light plane is usually necessary. Methods of obtaining elevation control without leveling include: barometric altimeter survey; photogram-metric -APR spot determinations; methods involving the measurement of gravity gradients. The accuracies of these methods have been tested and compared with the normal accuracy of level surveys. It is felt that each method has its place in reconnaissance gravity work, particularly in the open areas of Northern Canada."

Jan 1, 1960

By J. F. Henderson

"IntroductionTHE National Advisory Committee on Research in the Geological Sciences was set up by the Privy Council of Canada in 1949. It was set up because you, the Geology Division of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, asked that it be set up. The Committee is, therefore, to a consider-able degree, your offspring. In the role of good parents you, of the Geological Division of the C.I.M., should be interested in the progress of your progeny. How is the Committee organized? What has it recommended? What has it accomplished? On behalf of the National Advisory Committee, that is what I want to tell you about this afternoon.HistoryYou will remember that, in 1946, the Geology Division of the C.I.M. set up a Committee on Geological Research. This Committee, under the Chairmanship of Dr. J. E. HAWLEY, found ""that there is no national organization interested in surveying, co-ordinating, and implementing with financial help, fundamental and much needed geological research. Accordingly, the first and most necessary step to put the geological sciences in Canada on a proper footing .is the recommendation that a National Advisory Committee on Research in the Geological Sciences be formed"" (l).This recommendation was endorsed •by the President and Council of the C.I.M. in 1947 and submitted to the Minister of Mines and Resources."

Jan 1, 1952

By A. Ignatow

"A review is made of some of the principal factors and conditions that are, and will be, important to the over-all market climate for asbestos fibre and for the future of Canada's asbestos industry: - health hazard associated with asbestos exposure;- uncertain international regulatory environment for continued asbestos use;- adverse public reaction to asbestos;- product liability/litigation costs (U.S.A. primarily);- promotion of substitution by governments and asbestos user industries; and- minimal product and market development efforts by asbestos producing and consuming industries.In addition, Canadian producers, who export some 95 per cent of their production, face additional constraints:- dramatically reduced integration with asbestos-consuming industries;- 60 per cent of exports to most rapidly declining markets (U.S.A., Europe);- increased competition from offshore producers favourably located to growth markets in developing countries;- increasing production costs;- a strong dollar;- disadvantageous freight rates; and- loss of price leadership and price erosion.Future market trends, as well as prospects for Canada's asbestos industry, will be projected in this paper.Economic FactorsTable 1 presents asbestos fibre production in all countries for the period 1980-82. In certain instances, e.g. U.S.S.R. and China, these are capacity estimates as production statistics are not officially published. The U.S.S.R, by far, is the world's largest producer accounting for some 50 per cent of world production, though most production is consumed internally or by COMECON countries. It is estimated that some 700 plants produce asbestos-containing products within the U.S.S.R.Canada accounts for some 25 per cent of world production though it ranks first in world trade. Other important producers are South Africa Zimbabwe, Brazil and Italy. Since 1979, Canada's asbestos mining industry has experienced a dramatic drop in production and exports of asbestos fibre, as demonstrated in Table 2."

Jan 1, 1985

By V. Ushakov, P. Bogdan

Daily production scheduling in a highly dynamic smelter environment has always been a great challenge for the operation management due to a significant amount of uncertainties. Planned and unexpected equipment failures, various energy outages, inaccuracies in flow and mass balancing, manpower availability conflicts and other constraints make the job of daily production planning exceptionally difficult. This paper discusses a general scheduling approach utilized by the production management of the Phelps Dodge Miami Smelter (the Smelter). It also describes logical assumptions and some practical software solutions that have been exploited by the Smelter managers to assist the front line supervisors in dealing with daily planning activities for several years.

Jan 1, 2007

By B. K. Gorain

Barrick' s Buzwagi copper-gold deposit in Tanzania comprises oxide, saprock and sulphide mineralized zones averaging approximately 0.058oz/t gold, 0.13% total copper and 0.03% cyanide-soluble copper. A comparative evaluation of the project based on two potential flowsheet alternatives is presented. The first flowsheet included a gravityconcentration and carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant. The second flowsheet was based on a Gravity-Flotation-CIL plant, which proved to be more economically robust. Selective flotation of copper minerals to produce a saleable copper concentrate proved to be challenging. Detailed characterization of the Buzwagi deposit was carried out through understanding of ore mineralogy, mineral liberation, floatability and selectivity, reagent chemistry and regrinding issues. With this insight, a flotation concentrate of greater than 25% Cu was achieved, recovering a significant amount of copper minerals and tellurides. The overall economics of the project improved significantly with the addition of flotation. Leach tests on gravity and flotation tailings showed an overall increase in gold recovery of approximately 6% for a Gravity-Flotation-CIL plant compared to that for a Gravity-CIL plant.

Jan 1, 2007

By S. U. Baltuch, E. G. Baltuch

"Ventilation in process buildings is key to proper mill function. Correctly engineered systems to evacuate surplus thermal energy from process areas allow optimized rates of air change, thus assuring the good functioning for the lifecycle of the process while demonstrating conformity with occupational hygiene standards. Computational fluid dynamic simulations, coupled with traditional calculations and physical modeling, can demonstrate to end users and assist engineers in the optimization of mill ventilation, reducing total installation costs while assuring that the proper solution is in place for the complete lifecycle of the process equipment. Results have been fully implemented on a number of steel mill and aluminium smelter applications and we continue to study, optimize, and innovate as new tools become available to provide the best possible engineered solutions for particular applications. INTRODUCTIONThe objective of this research project is the development and implementation of modern approaches and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation in the engineering of green ventilation of hot process buildings. This will assure the predictive performance and improve the quality and ease of construction of industrial gravity ventilation equipment, along with the adjunct hot process buildings, while lowering the overall project costs and time to completion.In order for a hot process building, such as a steel mill, to properly function, heat must be extracted from within. This is accomplished by having air inlets at the bottom of the building and outlets at its apex. The reason for this is to maximize the potential chimney effect. When using stack (buoyancy) effect ventilation, the process heat becomes the driver. Therefore, increasing this distance (height) improves the ability of the heated airstream to utilize basic gravity for acceleration of the heat/air flow, allowing a regular number of air changes per hour while ensuring that the process environment remains weather resistant under normal operating conditions.This process has been understood since the time of King Charles I of England, who decreed in 1600 that buildings should have 10 foot ceilings and that windows should be made taller rather than wider to allow better smoke extraction.Figure 1 is a painting of the Bethlehem Steel Works in the 1860s, where the concept of air inlets and penthouses on the roofs for air outlet was already being put into practice. Figure 2 is an early photograph of the Pittsburgh Steel Works."

Jan 1, 2012

By Allan A. Este, Bruce Arthur

"Rio Algom's Stanleigh Mine and Mill Operation Was' officially started up in August 1983. In September 1982, Rio Algom contracted Estonix International Inc. from Lively, Ontario, to develop and implement two innovative programs: (1) Work Renovation Planning, and (2) Systems Performance Training. This paper deals with the development and implementation of these two concepts relative to the plants technology from start-up to present and the exceptional results achieved. This paper discusses how a small but motivated workforce resulted in the smooth transition from startup to full production. It also deals with how these concepts were applied elsewhere in the organization which permitted a successful transition and downsizing of the over-all operation.IntroductionRio Algom Limited produces uranium in Elliot Lake, Ontario. In the late 1970s Rio Algom entered a contract with Ontario Hydro to supply uranium from its Stanleigh property, which had been idle since 1960. The mine was subsequently upgraded, and a new modem mill was designed and built, commencing operation in 1983.From then until September 1990,Rio Algom had three producing mines and mills in the Elliot Lake area. Quirke mill, with a capacity of 6350 tonnes per day, operated continuously from 1968. The Panel mill with a 3000 tonnes per day capacity, operated since 1979. Stanleigh mill continues to operate under long-term contracts, although at a production rate about 25070 lower than its rated capacity of 5000 tonnes per day.Both the Quirke and Panel mills, although not entirely similar, were conventional uranium mills utilizing crushing, grinding, leaching and ion exchange. As such, and in keeping with the traditional management style, there was a rather large mill operating workforce, which utilized a line-of-progression job classification system."

Jan 1, 1993