Search Documents

By D. F. Scott

"DEFINITION OF THE REGION AND ITS BOUNDARIESTHE REGION of Western Canada covered by this re-port lies between the Precambrian rocks of the Canadian Shield and the structurally deformed rocks of the eastern Cordillera, extending northward from the international border to the 60th parallel. It is some 487,000 square miles in area, with a total sedimentary fill of about 535,000 cubic miles0>. It includes parts of the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and the northeast corner of British Columbia and forms part of the geological region known as the Interior Platform, commonly referred to as the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The bedrock comprises carbonates and evaporites of Paleozoic age that lie on Precambrian crystalline rocks and are over-lain by a relatively thick blanket of Mesozoic and Tertiary elastic rocks. The nearly flat-lying bedrock, covered by a thick mantle of glacial drift, forms the Interior Plains physiographic province."

Jan 1, 1970

By O. Rabeau, M. Legault, F. Fallara

"Abstract - The development of robust 3-D geological models involves the integration of large amounts of public geological data, as well as additional accessible proprietary lithological, structural, geochemical, geophysical, and diamond drill hole data. 3-D models and maps have been available, particularly in the petroleum industry, for more than 10 years. Here, we demonstrate how robust 3-D maps can be used as interactive tools for mineral deposits exploration. In particular, we show how the interrogation of 3-D data sets can constrain exploration targets at depth. The main advantages of this technique for the mining industry are the homogeneity of data treatment and the validation of geological interpretations, taking into account geophysical and geochemical data. Data integration and cross-correlation of geology and geophysics can be achieved in two dimensions in any good GIS package. However, the added strength of 3-D analysis is the integration of separate data sets in three dimensions to build more complete, more realistic models, and in delineating areas of high economic potential at depth. Furthermore, these models can be modified and improved at any time by adding new data from ongoing drilling and geoscientific surveys. This paper presents two examples of 3-D models used for mineral exploration: the Joutel VMS mining camp and the Duparquet gold camp, Quebec. In both examples, the creation of the model is discussed and queries specific to the relevant exploration model are introduced. Eight potential exploration targets are generated at Joutel and seven at Duparquet. Although the targets defined are dependent on the details of the chosen queries, it is apparent that this technique has the potential to generate promising exploration activity that can engender new targets. Sommaire - Le développement de modèles 3-D géo-intégrés fiables implique l’intégration de grandes quantités de données géologiques publiques ainsi que des données lithologiques, structurales, géochimiques, géophysiques et de forages en provenance du secteur privé. L’industrie pétrolière dispose de modèles et de cartes 3-D depuis plus de 10 ans. Ce manuscrit présente un exemple d’utilisation de modèles et de cartes tridimensionnels détaillés comme outils interactifs dans l’exploration de dépôts métallifères. L’emphase est mise sur le processus d’interrogation des données en 3-D pour la définition de cibles d’exploration en profondeur. Les avantages principaux de cette technique sont l’uniformité du traitement des données et de la validation des interprétations géologiques, tout en tenant compte des données géophysiques et géochimiques. L’intégration de données et la corrélation de la géologie et de la géophysique peuvent être accomplies en deux dimensions dans n’importe quel logiciel SIG. La plus grande force de l’analyse 3-D demeure cependant la possibilité de construire des modèles complets et réalistes permettant de cibler des secteurs à haut potentiel économique en profondeur. De plus, ces modèles peuvent être modifiés et améliorés de manière interactive en ajoutant de nouvelles données provenant de forages et de levés géoscientifiques en cours. Ce manuscrit présente deux exemples de modèle 3-D géo-intégrés développés pour l’exploration minérale : le camp de SMV de Joutel et le camp aurifère de Duparquet, Québec. Dans les deux cas, la construction du modèle est décrite et les requêtes spécifiques à chaque type de gisement sont présentées. L’exercice a permis de définir huit cibles d’exploration potentielles à Joutel et sept à Duparquet. Bien que les cibles identifiées dépendent des contraintes utilisées pour les requêtes choisies, cette technique permet de générer de nouvelles cibles qui pourraient relancer l’activité d’exploration dans les camps miniers " matures " ou dans des secteurs moins explorés."

Jan 1, 2006

By D. Campbell

Mining activity is increasing in northern boreal and subarctic regions of Canada. This is the case in the far north of Ontario, especially in and near the Hudson Bay Lowland (HBL). De Beers Canada opened the Victor diamond mine in the centre of the HBL in 2008, and advanced exploration and impact assessments are occurring to the west in the ?Ring of Fire? for ferrochrome, nickel/copper, iron/ vanadium and platinum-group elements, making it one of the richest mineral finds in Canada in recent years. However, the HBL is also a near-pristine, sensitive environment. Its peatlands forms the third largest wetland in the world and are globally important stores of terrestrial carbon. Human populations in the region are sparse, consisting almost entirely of First Nations communities. Local First Nations also have a strong land ethic and greatly influence mining developments. Through formal agreements, they have insisted on a gold standard for environmental management, including a small mine footprint and the return to representative native ecosystems after mine closure. However, knowledge on the revegetation of subarctic and northern boreal ecosystems is limited. Here, we are conducting research at the Victor mine to develop gold standard protocols for the revegetation of disturbed peatlands and mine waste uplands and present a summary of results. We first tested existing protocols for peatland restoration from southeastern Canada. We collected peat-forming plants from nearby muskeg, spread them sparsely over disturbed peatlands and applied a light phosphate fertilizer, but unlike southern protocols, no mulch appeared to be required to produce a representative cover of peat-forming plants within three years. A bigger challenge is the reclamation of uplands made of mine waste back to representative ecosystems. We first characterized reference conditions for uplands in the HBL, which are scarce in the region. Nearby natural uplands were divided into two classes, interior uplands and uplands along river valleys. Multiple parameters were examined at these sites including soil development, bulk density, soil chemistry in the rooting horizons, plant cover by stratum, plant species composition and dead wood. The mean condition and, more importantly, the range of these parameters allow us to set broad targets for progressive reclamation, which will facilitate success. Finally, we characterized local upland plant species through their functional traits to determine their likely abilities to colonize, grow and contribute to ecosystem processes. A classification of species by these simple functional attributes will help restoration managers to select candidate species to meet different goals at different successional stages (i.e. good versus poor dispersers or establishers). Research into these protocols remain in the early stages, but show promise that gold standards can be achieved to ensure that mining wastes can be reclaimed to productive ecosystems.

Aug 1, 2013

By Gobbs C., J. Lam

"The Eagle East project, accessed from the existing and operating Eagle Mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is an underground base metal project currently in execution by Lundin. This paper will provide an update on several aspects of ventilation including use of a twin-decline access, innovative airflow crossover arrangement and construction ventilation methodology. Integration into existing mine ventilation systems including construction methodology will also be covered. Performance benchmarks and lessons learned are discussed across these topics.INTRODUCTIONLundin has owned and operated the Eagle Mine since 2013. This hard rock underground mine is located in the upper peninsula of Michigan, USA. High-grade nickel ore is mined using sublevel open stoping mining methods and trucked to surface via haul ramp. The mine, having been in production for four years, is nearing the completion of the initial orebody. A satellite orebody 2,000 meters East of the current workings and approximately 900 meters below surface, was identified that could extend operations until 2023. In 2016, Lundin approved the Eagle East project and construction began in 2017 (Lundin Mining Corporation, 2017).Due to proximity to the existing mine, Eagle East will be both accessed and serviced from the existing Eagle Mine. Ventilation at the Eagle Mine uses two fresh air intakes with direct fired combustion heaters; one at the mine portal feeding fresh air into the ramp and one at a fresh air raise located near the Eagle deposit. The primary ventilation circuit is powered on the exhaust air side, with two 700 hp exhaust fans located at a single return air raise. Underground, fresh air is distributed through the main access decline and fresh air raise (FAR) to the production levels and controlled with mechanical regulators on the exhaust side. The exhaust air is collected through return air raises with a collector/transfer drift on 250 Level and then to the surface through a return air raise (RAR)."

Jan 1, 2019

By Garth D. Kirkham

The Problem The Don deposit is a series of two sub-vertical zones that pose a number of challenges with respect to modeling and interpolation. The first challenge is that, based on data and observations, the mineralization and, more importantly, the grade is layered or banded and is stratigraphically controlled. The second challenge is that, due to the undulations of the deposit and extreme changes in dip, using a standard oriented ellipse to guide the estimation process is not appropriate and does not result in an estimate that is representative on a local scale. In order to solve this problem an adapted methodology of relative elevation modelling, has been devised to effectively model and estimate deposits faced with these challenges. Relative Elevation Designed for bedded seam and gridded surface With variable dip and vertical grade variability

May 1, 2013

By L. C. Graton

Introduction The Porcupine district of northern Ontario has yielded over $300,000,000 in gold during its twenty-three years of mining operations. It thus ranks among the foremost gold producing areas of the world. Of this $300,000,000 already produced from the District, the Hollinger mine has furnished over 60 per cent and stands as one of the greatest gold mines of all time. In 1929, the Hollinger Directors decided to supplement the current geological and development work by an intensive investigation of the geology of the mine. This special study, begun in June of that year, was completed in October, 1932. An account of the geology of the mine in a degree of detail commensurate with the intensity of the study is in course of preparation. But the widespread interest manifested at the present day in gold occurrence generally, in Canadian gold deposits, and in the specific results of the investigation at Hollinger, appears to justify the immediate presentation of a highly abridged summary of our principal findings, insofar as they relate to the more general and scientific phases of the geological situation. Those conclusions having direct bearing on operating and exploratory policy are not dealt with here. The present preliminary paper, therefore, records chiefly the conclusions reached, with little incorporation of supporting argument or evidence. While intended to give a reasonably balanced perspective of Hollinger geology, the condensed presentation naturally emphasizes those views which are not in complete accord with accounts hitherto published regarding this district.

Jan 1, 1933

By J. D. Corbett

The spatial coincidence of the seven anomalies is obvious, even though the self-potential is offset northward. Because the ratio, as an indicator of conductivity, is a relative estimate at best, concise interpretation is limited in almost every instance to the location of a conductor or conductor axis. When related to the initial phase of an exploration program, magnitudes and ratios similar to those obtained from any one of the methods described, would be sufficiently attractive to warrant further investigation. The compilation shown is an empirical comparison of actual field results and no emphasis has intentionally been placed on the relative merits of one method in respect to another. Too many additional factors, i.e., size, depth and conductivity of overburden, etc., that cannot unequivocally be answered, enter into such a comparison before a relative evaluation can be made.

Jan 1, 1961

By J. Hall Carpenter

"Wet concentration has, in the history of ore dressing, been the primary treatment method following crushing, grinding and sizing, when these have been necessary. The evolution of new methods of gravity concentration has been comparatively slow.Today, the most significant and sophisticated of the new types of gravity concentrators is, no doubt, the cone concentrator developed by Ernst Reichert of Mineral Deposits Pty. Limited in Southport, Australia. These units have now had some years of use in the field, are becoming one of the standard tools of the industry and their metallurgical results, as outlined in this paper, are out-standing."

Jan 1, 1966

By T. V. Lord

Minerals containing uranium have been successfully pre-concentrated by flotation at Queen's University, Kingston. In particular, uraninite, uranothorite, euxenite, and fergusonite, have responded to flotation to yield grades of 0.2 to 6.0 .per cent U .o. with recoveries of 85 to 98 per cent, from heads analysing approximately 0.10 per cent U3Os. Of the ten or so radioactive samples examined to date, two distinct groups were recognizable, firstly, those samples in which uranium was the sole constituent of economic interest, and, secondly, those in which Columbium (with minor amount of tantalum) was present in addition to uranium. For the purpose of this paper, the results of investigation on two samples of each of the above groups have been selected as typical.

Jan 1, 1945

By G H. Reavely, The University of Western Ontario Department of Geology

The lower Middle Devonian Sylvania Sandstone occurs in the sub-surface in the western part of Mal-den township, Essex county, Ontario. The formation is composed of well rounded, frosted quartz grains with a silica content varying from 42 to 93 per cent and the grains are cemented by carbonate, constituting up to 57 per cent of the rock. This sand-stone is not a homogeneous bed but is divided by strata rich in carbon-ate cement. The thickness of the Sylvania in Malden township varies up to a known maximum thickness of 88 feet. The lower contact with the chert-bearing Bois Blanc formation is sharp but the upper contact with the Amherstburg formation (Detroit River group) exists as a transition by a gradual downward increase in quartz grains. The Sylvania would seem to outcrop in the lake bottom near the mouth of the Detroit River dipping to the north along a broad anticline the axis of which follows the Detroit River. Just south of Amherstburg, a local east-west trending

Jan 1, 1961

By Roger T. Laine

"The Carswell structure, located in the western part of the Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan, has been extensively explored since 1967. This exploration has been successful and lead to the discovery, in 1970, of the D sandstone-hosted unconformity related deposit. By the end of 1984, five additional basement-hosted unconformity related deposits had been delineated: the OP and N discovered in 1970, the Claude in 1971, the Dominique-Peter in 1981, and the Dominique-Janine in 1984. The D deposit has been mined out; the Claude open-pit has already produced more than 500 tonnes of uranium, the development of the Dominique-Peter underground mine (first phase) has been completed, and production from the latter started in 1985.All six deposits are located in the southern part of the Aphebian metamorphic core, 18 km in diameter, which has intruded at least 1250 metres of Helikian Athabasca Group sediments during a cryptoexplosion event at 480 Ma, unrelated to the emplacement of uranium mineralization. The metamorphic rocks, affected by the Hudsonian Orogeny, are divided in two lithostratrigraphic units: the Peter River gneiss, aluminous gneiss series, and the Earl River complex, mixed quartzofeldspathic and mafic gneiss series. A well developed regolith profile is recognizable in the south along the contact with the sandstone and inside the metamorphic core sometimes associated with conformable sandstone beds.Basement and sandstone-hosted uranium deposits show many similarities:-linkage to unconformity;-mineralogy and geochronology with a first phase mineralization characterized by a polymetallic sulphide-uraninite-brannerite assemblage dated at 1150 to 1050 Ma, a second phase characterized by a simple sulphide-uraninite assemblage dated at 890 to 820 Ma, and a third phase characterized by a pitchblende-hematite dated at 380 Ma; and,-linkage to early Hudsonian structures with remobilization of these structures during intense hydrothermal alteration resulting in Mg chlorite-illite halos."

Jan 1, 1986

By P. S. Arthur, G. R. F. Alvear

Development of a new smelting process is risky. Many novel processes in the metals industry failed to fulfil the initial expectations of their inventors. Large sums of capital have been invested in technologies that either didn't provide a satisfactory return on investment, or didn't perform at all, and had to be replaced. One of the keys to success in process development is incremental scale up of the technology, with potential problems being identified and rectified as early as possible. In this way the cost of any rectification that is required can be minimized. The ISASMELTTM process was developed to maturity by Mount Isa Mines through the 1980's and 1990's using incremental scale up. Commercialization only occurred once the process had been proven on laboratory, pilot and demonstration scale over many years. As a result ISASMELTTM technology now operates successfully at numerous plants around the world. The methodical approach to development of the technology has allowed owners to modernise their existing operations or create new businesses with significantly reduced technical risk.

Jan 1, 2011

By A Turek

The Lake Cinch deposit occurs in the Tazin gneisses on the footwall side of the Black Bay fault. Ore is localized by two faults, the Main Ore fault and the Cracking-stone River fault, occurring in shoots along the former and on tension fractures between the two faults. Faulting leading to the localization of the deposit is analyzed in detail and tied into the regional pattern. Pitchblende, the chief radioactive mineral, is investigated by X-ray and found to be of very small particle size. The relation-ships of U, Fe and Mn in the ore are established quantitatively, and Fe is found to bear a catalytic relation to U. The deposit is classed as belonging to Lindgren's mesothermal class. Mineralization is attributed to carbonate solutions, and the uranium is believed to have been trans-ported in the hexavalent state as the uranyl tricarbonate ion; analogy is drawn to a recently developed hydro-metallurgical technique for the production of uranium dioxide. Introduction THE Lake Cinch deposit is located in the Beaver-lodge Camp, Saskatchewan. The property was staked in 1948 and went into production in 1957

Jan 1, 1965

By A. A. Brant

Self-potential methods are based ?on measurements on the surface of voltage distributions caused by natural sub-surface oxidation phenomena. The attempt is made to. correlate voltage minima or maxima with the location of mineral materials or geological conditions which may give rise to such naturally produced spontaneous potentials. Any orebody undergoing oxidation is a source of electric current. Ground waters carrying free oxygen attack the upper surface of the body, rendering this the positive pole of a galvanic cell, with the lower portion of the body the negative pole and the surrounding weak acidic waters the electrolyte. Current flow is from positive to negative through the orebody and negative to positive through the electrolyte, i.e., through the surrounding rock. The upper end of a steeply dipping, tabular orebody is hence indicated as lying below the point on the surface where the largest negative potential is observed(l). From its basis, it is apparent that the self-potential method was developed primarily for ore exploration.

Jan 1, 1942

By V. Polotski

Initiated and financed by the Canadian Space Agency, Micro-Rover Platform with Tooling Arm (MRPTA) project has targeted the development of a robotic system with remote control and autonomous navigation capabilities for testing a large variety of analogous planetary missions. Although developed for planetary exploration, the navigation system is highly suitable to such areas of application as construction and in mining. Autonomous navigation system is capable of moving the platform to predefined position(s)/orientation(s) while continuously mapping the terrain, assessing its traversability and choosing most appropriate path to follow. Designed according to the JAUS (Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems) framework, the system consists of several interconnected components. Following components are of particular importance: Pose Estimator (PE), Terrain Evaluator (TE), Map Manager (MP), and Path Planner (PP). The PE uses a minimal sensor configuration consisting of an azimuth gyroscope, inclinometer and wheel odometry. The PE provides reliable pose estimates in spite of pronounced slippage by employing extensive use of fused data. The TE uses a nodding laser scanner which continuously sweeps the area in front of the platform and constructs a ?traversability grid? (TG) of the surrounding area. Multiple TGs are constantly constructed along the platform motion path are combined into a terrain map maintained by the MP. The PP uses this map to compute a motion path Obtained path is executed by the motion controller and remains current until it is contradicted by the most recent map ? at which point it is re-planned. This paper addresses integration issues, lessons learned and also outlines the possible applications for construction and mining.

Aug 1, 2013

By G. R. Cope, C. D. Spence

"The Mac porphyry molybdenum prospect is located 100 km east of Smithers in central British Columbia. The identification of anomalous levels of molybdenum, copper, and silver in three adjacent lakes, sampled during a regional lake sediment survey, lead to the discovery of molybdenite mineralization in float. Subsequent magnetic and soil geochemistry surveys, together with prospecting and mapping, located the source of the float. Mineralization is hosted by a leucocratic granite stock of the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous Francois Lake Intrusions which has intruded Carboniferous and Permian Cache Creek Group volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The stock measures 500 m by 300m at surface and is mineralized throughout. Sulphide mineralogy is simple and consists of molybdenite with minor pyrite and local chalcopyrite. Molybdenite occurs within fractures and as selvages along quartz stockwork veins and is best developed near the margins of the stock.Known mineralization is coincident with distinct soil geochemistry and magnetic anomalies. Two additional areas of the property display similar features and these remain to be tested.IntroductionThe Mac property is situated in the Babine Lake area of central British Columbia on NTS map sheet 93K/13E, approximately 100 km east of the town of Smithers (Fig. 1). The property lies on the western margin of the Hogem Range at the northern tip of the Nechako Plateau. The centre of the claim block lies at 54°51 ' 30""N and 125 °34 '30""W.Topographically, the claims are characterized by gently rolling hills ranging in elevation from 900 m to 1500 m. Slopes are forested with tall conifers and underbrush is minimal. Flat-lying areas are swampy with tall grasses and scrub brush.Presently, the property is only accessible by helicopter from bases located in Smithers and Fort St. James. Recent road construction by the British Columbia Forest Service has brought road access from Burns Lake to within 5 km due south of the property. It is expected that in the near future, roads will be advanced into the claim area to facilitate logging of mature timber."

Jan 1, 1995

By K. P. Wright

THREE OF the gold mines in the Red Lake Camp operates fluid bed roasters in their milling circuits. The mines are Campbell Red Lake, Cochenour Willans, and Dickenson. The roasters are used for the autogenous roasting of a flotation concentrate for subsequent gold recovery by cyanidation. Cochenour and Dickenson operate single stage reactors, whilst Campbell use a two-stage system. Ore treated by the mines is similar in that the major part of the gold is associated with arsenopyrite. Other sulphides present are pyrite, pyrrhotite, stibnite and sphalerite. Gangue minerals are mainly quartz, with carbonates and talc. Mineralization is, for the most part, extremely fine, and there is intimate association between sulphides and quartz, so much so, th at a picked specimen of apparently massive arsenopyrite will frequently contain as much as 80 per cent gangue. Gold recovery by straight cyanidation on this type of ore would not be higher than 80 per cent and

Jan 1, 1961

By E. Henderson, L. K. Daneshmend

Drawpoint control is critical in determining the cutoff point for load-haul-dump mucking operations to minimize dilution. It is also necessary to ensure even mucking distribution and to prevent possible hang-up of material within a stope. A prototype production monitoring and reporting system has been developed for load-haul-dump operations in under-ground mines. The system generates accurate and timely information regarding mucked tonnages and drawpoint and ore/waste pass utilization. The monitoring system integrates a PLC-based load weighing system with a radio frequency identification (RFID) system for locating the vehicle. The system records the identification and time of entry and exit of each draw-point and ore/waste pass visited during a shift, as well as the weight of each bucket load. A trial of the system was conducted at the CAN-MET Experimental Mine near Val d’Or, Quebec. The monitoring and reporting system functioned as designed, with the exception that the maximum read range of the RFID tags under dynamic conditions was found to be a limitation. RFID systems with greater range capabilities have been identified for a second generation system. The system is the first of its type in North America to demonstrate that RFID tagscan be successfully applied to locate trackless underground equipment. Because of their ability to locate equipment and personnel within underground mines, RFID systems should be considered a key technology for future mine information and process control systems.

Jan 1, 1996

By Lisa L. Van Loon, Neil R. Banerjee

Canada is a world leader in uranium exploration, but many deposits are located in remote regions making exploration targeting challenging. Novel approaches are needed to detect the presence of large-scale ore-forming systems and to vector toward mineralization. Boron is commonly used as a key pathfinder element associated with sandstone/unconformity-hosted and basement-hosted uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, but the genetic relationship remains uncertain. Alteration assemblages containing boron geochemical anomalies are commonly spatially-associated with – and possibly coeval with – uranium mineralization. Boron is commonly found in tourmaline minerals but in some portions of ore deposits the host mineral for the anomalous boron remains cryptic. Boron coordination chemistry within alteration haloes can better constrain boron host mineralogy, provide insight into the nature of the boron-uranium relationship, and thus has the potential to better constrain targets for exploration. Synchrotron-source X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy is a direct, element-specific analysis that identifies boron coordinated in both trigonally- (BO3) and tetrahedrally-coordinated (BO4) forms. This makes XANES uniquely suited for identifying the geochemical hosts for boron that may be related to hydrothermal ore forming processes. XANES spectroscopy was conducted on whole-rock assay powders from uranium deposits across the Athabasca basin containing boron concentrations ranging from <10 ppm to >10,000 ppm. XANES directly identifies the relative amount of trigonally- (BO3) and tetrahedrally-coordinated (BO4) boron in these complex mineralogical mixtures. Our work suggests a link between boron and uranium that is likely related to the unique physiochemical characteristics of ore bearing fluids that may provide a unique vector to mineralization.

Jan 1, 2020

By Victor F. Hollister

Although none of the deposits discovered to date are of commercial interest, significant Frasch or sedimentary sulphur deposits occur in Nova Scotia in Upper Mississippian Windsor Group evaporites. The evaporite sequence contains anyhdrite and is overlain by impervious shales. It also is •mderlain by locally petrolijerous formations that are potential hydrocarbon sources for reaction with anhydrite to produce sulphur. As well, stratigraphic and structural traps are known to exist in the Mississippian beds. Thus, all requisites for sedimentary sulphur genesis are present. Available hydrocarbon sources are numerous but small; resultant sulphur deposits therefore are probably also small. Evidence suggests, however, that sulphur deposition is not yet complete.

Jan 1, 1984