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Decision-making regarding plant-scale reagent dosage regimes and air rates is a topic of ongoing investigation and high importance. The current work explains some techniques that have proven useful in deciding on plant-scale flotation operating regimes. Specific focus has been placed on the reagents: frother and depressant, as well as some discussion around the control of air rate and froth depth. Air rate has been selected based on its effects on the froth phase. Froth velocity and froth height above the cell lip are the two variables measured and used to select the operating air rate. Pulp level is then adjusted to increase or decrease mass pull. A technique has been developed using the Anglo Platinum Bubble Sizer on an industrial flotation cell to determine the relationship between bubble size and frother concentration. This technique has been extended to measure the equivalent frother concentration or frothabilities of various streams on a rougher bank. A mass balance for frother was performed successfully, and this provided a better understanding of the way frother moved in the rougher bank. With this knowledge, more informed decisions can be made about frother addition required in subsequent flotation stages. For depressant, a new protocol for deciding on dosage rate has been developed. The depressant dosage should be based on the amount of fresh feed material reporting to a bank. Currently 400 g per ton of fresh feed has been assumed a reasonable starting point, with promising results. Improved froth stability and grades were observed. There is scope for more accurately defining the optimal dosage rate. Importantly, the combined effect of changing the chemistry and the hydrodynamics together has been demonstrated. A significant upward shift in the grade-recovery relationship for a cleaner bank was observed.

Jan 1, 2013

By A. Sokolov, M. Demsky, E. Hasikova, V. Gostilo

"Previously, we upgraded and implemented two gamma activation assay (GAA) systems designed to analyse the gold content in raw ores at Zarafshan laboratory, Uzbekistan, and achieved a detection limit of less than 0.05 g/t under actual industrial conditions. Having started to design a fully modern, industrial GAA system for mining companies, this paper analyses the advantages, disadvantages, and special features of all major system components that can influence the sensitivity and accuracy of the analysis. The results of a study to optimize the detector geometry and sample size are presented and the performances of the linear electron accelerator, detector array, and sample transportation system of a modern, industrial GAA system for analysing gold, silver, and rare earth elements are considered. IntroductionGamma activation analysis (GAA) has considerable potential as a future replacement for traditional fire assay analysis in gold mining (Hoffman, Clark, and Yeager, 1998; Morse, 1977; Bourmistenko, 1986, 1981; Sammut, 2016; Tickner et al., 2017). The essence of GAA is to irradiate ore samples with high-energy gamma quanta generated by an electron linear accelerator (LINAC) and then to use a gamma spectrometer to detect the induced activity of the excited gold nuclei. The advantages of this method are discussed in detail elsewhere (Hoffman, Clark, and Yeager, 1998; Morse, 1977; Bourmistenko, 1986, 1981; Sammut, 2016; Tickner et al., 2017), where it is shown that GAA is uniquely suited to analysing ore samples when mining for gold, other precious metals, and accompanying elements.These advantages were realized in three industrial GAA laboratories that were commissioned in Zarafshan, Uzbekistan in 1977, in Magadan, Russia in 1979, and in Batagay, Russia in 1986 (Bourmistenko, 1986; Nii Tekhnicheskoy Fiziki I Avtomatiki, n.d). In 1989, a fourth industrial GAA laboratory was commissioned at a gold mine in Tommot, Russia. However, the project was subsequently halted due to economic reasons (Moshkov and Tjamisov, 2017). Currently, only the laboratory of the Muruntau mine in Zarafshan, Uzbekistan is in operation. The gamma activation method for gold determination is widely applicable at this mine owing to its high productivity and low cost of analysis. An outstanding aspect is the performance of more than one million analyses per year."

May 1, 2019

By C. Mosoane

ERPM was formed in 1893 and as a result of its age, a large volume of data exists in a paper-based format and it was decided to electronically capture data in one of two critical mining areas?namely at Far East Vertical (FEV) Shaft Area (Lower Areas) and Hercules Shaft Area (Upper Areas). The life of mine is dependent on tonnage and grade from these areas. Geostatistical evaluation of the gold reserves has been applied on an ad hoc basis in the Hercules Shaft Area and on a continuous basis in the FEV area. This is the first evaluation using geostatistics that was performed on the Upper Areas. This paper is based on the premise that regardless of cut-off grades, geostatistical estimation (kriging) estimates and locates reserves better than ?traditional? methods e.g. polygonal method, inverse squared distance method and it endeavours to estimate and locate the high grade reserves in the Main Reef Leader of Upper Areas.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. Webster

"Daniel Krige’s influence on soil science, and on soil survey in particular, has been profound. From the 1920s onwards soil surveyors made their maps by classifying the soils and drawing boundaries between the classes they recognized. By the 1960s many influential pedologists were convinced that if one knew to which class of soil a site belonged then one would be able to predict the soil’s properties there. At the same time, engineers began to realize that prediction from such maps was essentially a statistical matter and to apply classical sampling theory. Such methods, though sound, proved inefficient because they failed to take account of the spatial dependence within the classes.Matters changed dramatically in the 1970s when soil scientists learned of the work of Daniel Krige and Georges Matheron’s theory of regionalized variables. Statistical pedologists (pedometricians) first linked R.A. Fisher’s analysis of variance to regionalized variables via spatial hierarchical designs to estimate spatial components of variance. They then applied the mainstream geostatistical methods of spatial analysis and kriging to map plant nutrients, trace elements, pollutants, salt, and agricultural pests in soil, which has led to advances in modern precision agriculture. They were among the first Earth scientists to use nonlinear statistical estimation for modelling variograms and to make the programmed algorithms publicly available. More recently, pedometricians have turned to likelihood methods, specifically residual maximum likelihood (REML), to combine fixed effects, such as trend and external variables, with spatially correlated variables in linear mixed models for spatial prediction. They have also explored non stationary variances with wavelets and by spectral tempering, although it is not clear how the results should be used for prediction. This paper illustrates the most significant advances, with results from research projects."

Jan 1, 2015

By M Lipalile, A B. Tunono, A W. Naismith

Konkola No 3 shaft experienced severe mining induced stress and time related deterioration in ground conditions in an area where an over-cut and bench (OCB) mining method was used to extract a shallow dipping wide orebody. This caused an unacceptable risk for safe mining operations to sustain the required levels of production. After a review of the conditions it was decided to change the mining method to CASCADE to recover ore in the affected area and modify the OCB method and use a modified over-cut and bench method (MOCB) for new mining sections. This paper describes the geotechnical criteria included to derive the mining standards for the MOCB. The geotechnical risks are identified and taken into account to develop stope design parameters, stoping sequences and support requirements. A monitoring programme to assess conditions as mining progresses is also discussed.

Jan 1, 2005

By C. S. Chenga

Sustainable development is currently an extremely relevant concept worldwide, especially in developing countries like South Africa. Mining and metals companies are also directly affected by the sustainable development agenda. The Mining Charter?s requirements as well as new legislation (Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act) expect, among others, for mines to support infrastructure and poverty eradication projects in the communities surrounding the mines. The aim of this paper is to, against the background of a qualitative study of mining communities in the North-West Province of South Africa, put forward some critical factors for the sustainability of social development projects in the mining sector.

Jan 1, 2006

By S. K. Murphy, K. B. Le Bron, A. K. Ward, S. Hayes, T. Rangasamy

A process for evaluating different options for extraction of mining blocks is presented. The process is described and an example of the application of the process to a case study is presented. Un procédé pour évaluer différentes options pour l’extraction de blocs d’exploitation est présenté. Le procédé est décrit et un exemple de l’application du procédé à un cas particulier est présenté. Ein Prozeß für das Auswerten der unterschiedlichen Optionen für die Extraktion von Abbaublöcken wird dargestellt. Der Prozeß wird beschrieben und ein Beispiel der Anwendung des Prozesses zu einer Fallstudie wird dargestellt.

Jan 1, 2003

By S. Vorberg, J. Preussner, B. Fischer, U. Glatzel, R. Völkl, M. Wenderoth

Pt-Al-X alloys have shown good mechanical properties and adequate oxidation resistance. Starting from a promising Pt-Al-Cr alloy, the influence of Ni additions was investigated. After ageing finely dispersed precipitates are observed. Nb, Ta, Ti and Re increase strength when added as partial substitute for Al. Minor additions of B increase creep resistance and rupture time remarkably, owing to strengthening of the grain boundaries. The evolution of the alloy development programme as well as selected properties of the multi-component Pt-base alloys are presented.

Jan 1, 2006

By J. S. Harington

Our purpose is to record and to explain the widely changing numbers of the huge total of black workers on the gold mines of South Africa over the century from 1896 to 1996. These men were recruited from up to twenty territories, and their contributions are examined. The major areas providing labour over this long period have been Lesotho, the former Transkei within South Africa and Mozambique. From 1989 to 1996, for instance, these three areas accounted for over sixty per cent of the total labour force (tlf). Our principal Figure 1 shows the tlf fluctuating through time to reach a peak of 480 000 in 1988. Irregular falls are also documented with the most serious in 1995 to 180 000. Based on this graph we consider the political, economic, sociological and historical reasons behind these changing employment opportunities. These have included external world-scale events such as war or depression, as well as internal changes of national economy and policy. We show the importance for numbers employed of the discovery of gold in the Orange Free State in 1946, the influence generally of the ?Winds of Change? and the firm maintenance by the State of law and order. Varying gold production costs and profitability against high tax rates, allied with increasing wages and a lack of development capital, have led in the last decade to employment falling by fifty per cent, despite an actually higher value of gold output. Finally, this analysis considers the role of the migrant labour system as it affects, and is affected by, conditions in the gold mining industry, with special reference to its less than humane consequences in the numerically dominant territories of Lesotho and Transkei.

Jan 1, 2004

By R. M. Spang

Abstract Between the German city of Dresden and the Czech capital Prague a 4-lane highway is under con-struction. At the outskirts of Dresden it will cross the narrow and deeply eroded Weißeritz Valley by a bridge. Two twin tube tunnels under oblique angles join the bridge out of the rocky valley flanks. The different geotechnical conditions of these 4 tunnel portals, their design and construction are described within this publication. The two southern portals of the tunnel Dölzschen are situated within a vertical 65 m high former quarry slope, 25 m above the valley floor. The slope proved instable due to toppling failure and exposed serious rockfall risks. Systematic anchoring, scaling, rock bolting, netting and filling under extreme access conditions eliminated these risks. Tunnel excavation started from the slope surface without any pre-cut or conventional portal construction. The opposite northern portals of the tunnel Coschütz are situated in more gentle rock slopes. After removal of debris, excavation of the eastern tunnel started in a 30° slope striking oblique to the driving direction, without any precut, too. Because of the gentle slope inclination the cross section was not earlier completely covered by rock than 30 m behind. The western tunnel started from an optimized short, narrow and steep precut. Its flanks were stabilized by reinforced shotcrete and rock bolts. Because of the small distance between the tubes rock bolts were drilled into the cross section of the neighboring tunnel. Tunnel excavation was made by drill and blast operation, preliminary support consisted of steel arches, reinforced shotcrete and radial rock bolts. Thorough survey of the bolt’s coordinates and direction prevented them from meeting each other. Rock bolts were of the permanent type to prevent the final lining from being obliquely loaded. Systematically arrayed measuring devices checked deformations of slopes and tunnels. Zusammenfassung Der Neubau der Bundesautobahn A 17 wird Dresden und Prag miteinander verbinden. Die vierspurige Autobahn quert westlich von Dresden das enge und tief eingeschnittene Tal der Wilden Weißeritz mit einer Brücke. An beide Brückenwiderlager schließen mit schiefwinkligem Anschnitt doppelröhrige Tunnel an, deren Portale in den felsigen Talflanken liegen. Die unterschiedlichen geotechnischen Verhältnisse, die Überlegungen für einen jeweils optimalen Entwurf und der Bau der portalnahen bergmännischen Tunnelabschnitte sind Gegenstand dieser Veröffentlichung. Die Südportale des Tunnels Dölzschen liegen in einer vertikalen, 65 m hohen Felswand, 25 m über dem Talgrund. Die Felswand erwies sich als global kippgefährdet, außerdem lagen flächig verteilte erhebliche Steinschlag- und Felssturzrisiken für Bau und Betrieb vor. Die Kippgefahr wurde durch ein Systemraster aus vorgespannten Felsankern, die Steinschlag- und Felssturzrisiken durch bergsteigerisches Beräumen mit dem Brecheisen, Felsnägel und Steinschlagschutznetze eliminiert. Der Tunnelausbruch begann von einer Vorschüttung direkt in der Felswand ohne Voreinschnitt im Schutz einer kurzen Luftbogenstrecke. Die gegenüberliegenden Nordportale des Tunnels Coschütz befinden sich in wesentlich flacheren Hängen. Nach dem Aushub einer mehrere Meter dicken Abraumhalde begann der Tunnelausbruch der östlichen Röhre asymmetrisch mit einer Luftbogenstrecke in einer spitzwinklig zur Vortriebsrichtung streichenden, 30° mit dem Vortrieb steigenden Felsfläche, ebenfalls ohne Voreinschnitt. Wegen der flachen Neigung der Böschung war der Tunnelquerschnitt erst nach 30 m vollständig überdeckt. Für den Vortrieb der westlichen Tunnelröhre mussten erst eine zwischen den Röhren vorhandene Felsnase teilweise abgetragen, die westlich anschließende zurückspringende Felswand vertikal gestellt und gesichert und Felsaushub in der rechten Flanke getätigt werden. Der damit entstehende Voreinschnitt wurde so kurz wie möglich und ohne seitliche Arbeitsräume ausgeführt. Die Sicherung der Böschungen erfolgte mit bewehrtem Spritzbeton und Felsnägeln. Wegen des geringen Abstands der beiden Röhren wurden die unteren Lagen der radialen Ausbruchsicherung durchgeankert. Der Tunnelvortrieb begann im Schutz eines geankerten Portalkranzes und ebenfalls von einer Luftbogenstrecke aus.

Jan 1, 2003

By D van der Merwe

Tracers of known densities are used world wide in coal processing plants to evaluate plant performance. Tracers are added to the feed stream and are counted after being recovered from the product and discard streams to determine partition curves. The need to recover the tracers can be eliminated by adding radio frequency identification tags to the tracers. Readers mounted on the product and discard streams record the passing RF tracers and produce the partition curve instantly. Tests were performed with three different shaped tracers at different collieries on cyclones ranging from 510mm to 800mm in diameter. Sink and float analyses of coal samples were used to compare conventional partition curves to partition curves obtained by using RF tracers. The average amount of tracers recorded was 78% of tracers in the feed. The results indicate that the stone shaped tracers represent the results from the sink-float analyses the best. The results suggest that RF tracers can be used to evaluate cyclone circuits in the coal industry and will make it possible to evaluate a coal circuit?s efficiency without stopping a plant and waiting for laboratory analyses. Keywords Coal tracers, partition curve, radio frequency tracer, RFID

Jan 1, 2006

By H. Naghavi, M. Karimi

"In self-aerated flotation machines, the gas rate depends on operational variables (e.g. froth depth and impeller speed), pulp properties (e.g. solid content and viscosity), and reagent addition (e.g. type and concentration of frother). The gas rate has a strong correlation with the flotation performance by influencing the gas dispersion properties and froth retention time. A factorial experimental design was used to study how the gas dispersion properties, the froth retention time, and the flotation performance respond to changes in froth depth and impeller speed (as the most common operational variables). An in-depth understanding of the effects of impeller speed and froth depth on the gas dispersion properties, especially the bubble surface area flux and froth retention time, is necessary to improve operating strategies for self-aerated flotation machines. All experiments were carried out in a 50 m3 selfaerated flotation cell in an iron ore processing plant. The results showed that the froth depth affected the metallurgical performance mostly via changing the froth retention time. The impeller speed had two important impacts on the metallurgical performance via varying both the froth retention time and the bubble surface area flux in the froth and pulp zones, respectively. The interaction effects of the froth depth and impeller speed were also established. This allowed us to develop a strategy for operating selfaerated flotation machines based on varying the froth depth and impeller speed with regard to the cell duty. IntroductionA mechanical flotation machine may be divided into two distinct zones. namely the pulp zone and the froth zone (Goodall and O’Connor, 1989; Yianatos, Bergh, and Cortes, 1998; Rahman, Ata, and Jameson, 2015a, 2015b). The overall flotation recovery, Ro, including the true flotation (particles attached to the bubble lamellae) and entrainment (particles recovered in water held in the bubble plateau boundaries), is a function of the recoveries in the two zones. It is calculated as follows (Dobby, 1984):"

Jul 1, 2019

By H. Hamma, R. Fehrmann, M. Gaune-Escard, G. Hatem, S. B. Rasmussen, K. M. Eriksen

The molten salts M2S2O7and MHSO4, the binary molten salt systems M2S2O7-MHSO4and the molten salt-gas systems M2S2O7-V2O5and M2S2O7-M2SO4-V2O5(M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) in O2, SO2and Ar atmospheres have been investigated by thermal methods like calorimetry, Differential Enthalpic Analysis (DEA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Fundamental thermodynamic data like temperatures and molar heats of solid-solid transition and fusion, phase diagrams, heat capacities of solids and liquids, heat of mixing, and heats of complex formation have been obtained and are reviewed here. Also EPR spectroscopic evidence of V(IV) complexes and their structure are reported and the results are discussed in relation to the mechanism of SO2oxidation by V2O5based industrial catalysts. Keywords: Alkali pyrosulfates, alkali hydrogen sulfates, vanadium pentoxide, EPR spectroscopy, complex formation

Jan 1, 2004

A large number of brittleness concepts have been used in very different studies in the literature. One of them is the B1brittleness concept. In this study, the objective is to criticize the B1 brittleness concept on rotary blast hole drills. The B1 brittleness concept, the ratio of uniaxial compressive strength (sc) to tensile strength (sT), are widely used as a rock brittleness concept in the literature (Inyangand Pitt, 1990; Verhoef, P.N.W. 1993; Neil, D.M. et al.1994;Becker, et al.1984; Evans and Pomeroy, 1966; Göktan, R.M.1992; Kahraman, S. 2001; Yamaguchi, U. 1970; Verhoef, P.N.W. et al.1996; Bilgin, 1982; Howarth and Rowlands,1987; Howarth, D.F. et al. 1986). So, it was used as a rock brittleness concept in this article. The value of the B1brittleness concept is equal to the tangent of ß angle in the following graph. It was seen that more meaningful relationships could be obtained with the B2 brittleness, the under ?Area?(= 1/2(scxsT) = B2) under the curve, instead of tangent ß, (=B1), of the curve.

Jan 1, 2003

By Dave Capstick, Ken Garner, Jim Porter

Technologies and systems used in the management of energy consumption in the mining and metal processing industry are well understood and documented from the supply side of the business. It is our contention that in many instances, through a more complete understanding of the demand side of the business, based on the detail of the operations plan, will provide greater lead time in terms of the design, implementation and utilisation of power supply infrastructure. Thus, optimal management of demand in a proactive manner, based on production requirements, will ensure both security of supply as well as continuity of operations. This paper describes the technology and methodology that is being developed to enable the above statement to be achieved. We use a case study to demonstrate the ability of the tools and methodology and conclude by outlining the business benefits achievable as well as the future developments emanating from this initiative.

Jan 1, 2005

By L. Archambeault

This paper describes preliminary research on the application of Markov Decision Processes (MDP) to Real Option Valuation (ROV) and the optimisation of mine scheduling. The MDP framework is a novel approach to option valuation and scheduling in mining operations. A learning agent is introduced into the valuation process of an open pit, where prices and block ore grades have probabilistic values. The prices are modelled using a mean reverting diffusion process and the block grades using sequential Gaussian simulation. The agent is asked to learn which production parameters should be used in order to maximise the overall value of the project. The introduction of the agent permits a real option approach to mine valuation, such that the value associated with the robustness of a design to uncertainty can be measured. A simulated example is used in which there are ten blocks to be extracted under conditions of grade and price uncertainty. Using policy iteration, an optimal policy is generated and the value of production options is found. The potential financial gains from applying MDPs to mine valuation and optimisation are substantial and warrant further investigation.

Jan 1, 2007

By E de Villiers

Several methods exist by which the capacity of a dense media separation (DMS) plant can be improved: 1) Increase the feed rate in spite of efficiency 2) Replace with bigger equipment 3) Add whole new module 4) Replace total plant 5) Change over to four shift/ seven days per week roster 6) Replace with alternative process 7) Increase the availability and utilization Options 1 ? 6 have varying degrees of cost implications. The seventh option would seem to be the easiest. Normally it is also the function of the plant operating and maintenance team to maximize this. Usually higher operating and maintenance cost are associated with an increase in these parameters. A general principle that is applicable to plants and systems is that as the complexity increases, the total availability decreases. By simplifying the flow line it may be possible to reduce cost while at the same time increase the availability and utilization. The typical standard DMS flow line contains components that compensate for the variance in pump performance or for the inefficient recovery of ferrosilicon with additional equipment. Things have changed though: 1) Advanced electronic control and monitoring is possible 2) More efficient magnetic separators are available 3) New more user friendly densifiers are available ORIGINAL FLOW LINE In principle the process consists of four flow lines or streams 1) Ore flow ? the feed is divided into a waste and product stream by means of the separating vessel

Jan 1, 2006

By A. B. Fox, R. P. Thackray, K. C. Mills

The role of mould fluxes in continuous casting is reviewed. The main functions of the flux are described and the importance of the flux in providing lubrication and the right level of heat transfer between the shell and the mould is described. The major problems of longitudinal, transverse and star cracking, gas and slag entrapment and deep oscillation marks in the steel product and ?sticker breakouts? are analysed. The important physical properties of the flux in combating these various problems are identified. Physical property data for the fluxes are given.

Jan 1, 2004

By T. C. Alex, K. M. Godiwalla, R. K. Jana

Manganese nodule, available in ocean beds, is a potential resource of the future for copper, nickel and cobalt. Recovering only these metals, containing less than 3% by weight, will result in the generation of large amount of residue. In addition to the material losses, several environmental and ecological problems arise out of this. The present study has been aimed at reducing the environmental and ecological problems associated with massive generation of this residue together with utilization of the resources. Presence of ~ 20% manganese and ~16% silicon in the residue has prompted us to check its suitability as a raw material for silicomanganese production. Lower manganese content and lower Mn/Fe ratio of the residue than that required for silicomanganese production has been corrected in this study by suitable blending. The efficacy of blending and its thermodynamic aspects using FACTSAGE software are discussed. The studies conducted indicate viability of bulk utilisation of the residue through silicomanganese production and thereby reducing the burden on environment to a great extent.

Jan 1, 2007

A mining engineer from South Africa, whose research has taken him to some of the world?s deepest gold mines, is the winner of the St Andrews Prize. Daniel Limpitlaw, 27, picked up a cheque for $25,000 for his dissertation on reversing the damage done by early mining technology, which he claims is partly responsible for blighting the urban environment in many South African cities. Launched in October 1998 by the University of St Andrews and international energy company Conoco, the St Andrews Prize sought practical solutions to environmental problems. It attracted interest from 450 individuals and groups from countries as diverse as China, Pakistan, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, the UK and the United States.

Jan 1, 1999