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By Etienne Roy Grégoire

Since the early 1990s, the Canadian mining industry has been increasingly defined by the signing of Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) between mining companies and Aboriginal peoples. While these agreements are intended to complement the legal system, they also serve to establish the legitimacy of mining projects and to encourage the harmonious integration of these projects into their social and environmental contexts. Beyond their practical implications, what are the effects of such agreements on the ability of Aboriginal communities to access the institutional space where the authorization of mining projects and the conditions of their implementation are decided? Can we view IBAs as a preliminary step towards the operationalization of the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent? This paper aims to explore the potential of IBAs as a sustainable solution to the legitimacy issues that result from the implementation of the formal regulatory framework governing mining activities in this jurisdiction. We highlight what constraints and opportunities the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) engenders for local communities and draw attention to the ways in which the negotiation of the Raglan IBA and the environmental evaluation processes act upon each other. We find that certain structural problems - and problems of legitimacy ? related to mining in Northern Quebec cannot be solved by the sole signature of an IBA, which suggests the need for caution when considering such agreements as a panacea. The Raglan case demonstrates that IBAs, like other modes of regulation relying on the direct interface between companies and communities, would benefit from a stricter framework and more explicit ties with official regulation channels.

Aug 1, 2013

By Denis Beaudoin

Program Basics: Goals, Course Content & Training Process Sudbury: History of the Program & Lessons Learned Diavik: History of the Program & Lessons Learned Most Recent Program: Totten Mine in partnership with Sagamok Anishnabek Summary -Lessons Learned Conclusion

Oct 1, 2010

By H. Jung

The microstructures and grain sizes of nanocrystalline Co and Co-1.1 wt % P alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The corrosion properties of as-deposited and annealed Co-l.l wt % P alloys and pure nanocrystalline Co were studied in a deaerated 0.1M H2SO4 solution using electrochemical measurements and XPS surface analysis. Potentiodynamic polarization testing and impedance measurements revealed that an addition of P to pure nanocrystalline Co improved the anodic-corrosion resistance, however, this enhanced corrosion resistance was compromised by the heat treatment process at 350 and 800°C. The corroded surface of annealed nanocrystalline Co-1.1 wt % P at 350°C exhibited a more porous P-enriched layer compared with the as-deposited case. A sample annealed at 800°C corroded uniformly showing second-phase precipitates. The enhanced corrosion resistance of as-deposited nanocrystalline Co-1.1 wt % P was attributed to the elemental P on the surface that acted to hinder the anodic dissolution kinetics of surface Co following an initial selective dissolution of Co. However, at a higher anodic overpotential region, the superior corrosion resistance of Co-l.l wt% P alloys did not last because of the formation of a non-protective surface film consisting of mainly hypophosphite and phosphate as well as elemental P.

Jan 1, 2005

By Patrick Mclaren, Peter B. Hale

Canada, with one of the largest continental shelf areas in the world, has done little to evaluate its offshore unconsolidated mineral resources which include heavy minerals (gold, chromite, rutile etc.) and industrial minerals (silica sand and aggregates). During glaciation much of the continental shelf was covered with an ice sheet and later subaerially exposed with the result that glacial, glaciomarine and fluvial processes deposited sediments that may contain heavy minerals derived from onland locations. With rising sea-levels, beach and nearshore processes may have served to concentrate heavy minerals by winnowing and removing the lighter mineral components. These potentially valuable resources can be found with suitable exploration techniques such as seismic profiling and bottom sampling. Gold deposits are known to exist off the coast of Nova Scotia, and on the basis of form er beach mining, gold deposits probably occur off Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Large deposits of silica sand occur near the Madeleine Islands and it appears likely that supplies of marine aggregates are present close to urban markets or sites of future mega-projects such as oil field developments. This paper, which is based upon a review of literature and consultation with members of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources' Coordinating Committee on Ocean Mining (DCOM), is the first step in assessing the Canadian offshore f or its resource potential with respect to quantified deposits, known and speculative mineral occurrences. Although this is a subjective evaluation, the potential appears promising. A more detailed resource inventory is required to provide a more certain assessment.

Jan 1, 1984

By Alyson Morley

The mining sector in Canada is facing significant challenges to develop a competent workforce, including increased technical and logistical operational demands, and the imperative to promote local content. There is an increasingly unpredictable labour pool which can be aging, or have skill shortages, or non-aligned skills. As globalisation continues, companies also require efficiencies during operation across various locations. AMEC has met these challenges in the global oil and gas sector by developing our Capability Development and Competence Assurance (CDCA) program. CDCA is applicable across all process industries, including mining. CDCA supports simultaneous consistency and flexibility by defining competence at task level, with corresponding best practice blended training programs, and evaluation criteria and processes. CDCA then defines role profiles mapped to local task definition. When combined with web-based technology, this granularity allows us to manage high volume workforces, while retaining individual learning plans and progression, aiding job satisfaction, and employee retention.

May 1, 2007

By Hans Lundberg

PREFACE THE successful conclusion of all geophysical work depends on the operator's skill and sound judgment, as well as on his knowledge of geology and geophysics. We have been fortunate enough to have as co-workers a number of very good men. Some results of their work are summarized in this paper, and it is a pleasure to acknowledge their cheerful spirit of co-operation and the enthusiasm and loyalty with which they have assisted in the building of a geophysical organization to serve the Canadian mining industry HISTORY Geophysical prospecting is commonly, but quite erroneously, regarded as something new. The name is modern, but the principle of applying physical laws to reveal the presence of hidden ore is several hundred years old. Already, at the beginning of our civilization, the need was strongly felt for methods that could indicate the presence of ore in regions where the ore-bodies were completely masked or hidden from the eye. Particularly in countries where the rocks have been eroded during periods of glaciation and later covered by a thick mantle of glacial debris, all kinds of mysterious schemes were invented to locate the hidden ore. Often magic was resorted to (for example, the divining rod), but methods based on sound principles were also developed. Such features as topography, colour and taste of surface waters, and the growth and occurrence of trees and plants, were used to reveal certain types of ore deposits. For finding bodies of iron ore, the compass was very early in use. The fact that objects of iron attract a compass needle was utilized in prospecting long bef01:e the time of Columbus, and a systematic search for bodies of iron ore by this method was organized as early as the year 1600. There are still in existence documents, dated a little over 300 years ago, which show that the Swedish Chancellor of that day, Axel Oxenstiorna, ordered dozens of sun-dial compasses from instrument makers in Germany. The Swedish Government at that time employed a great number of prospectors to search systematically for iron ore. This Government undertaking must have been quite successful, as a number of iron ore-bodies were found in areas covered by heavy overburden. These prospectors were simply Government 'geo-physicists', although they were not known by this fancy name.

Jan 1, 1937

By C. E. Baltzer

This paper highlights the electric power situation in Canada, and introduces brief explanation of the salient differences between electrical practice in the United States and Canada. The availability of bask energy in the two countries is touched on, also the hydro versus thermal outlook as applying to Canada. De-v2lopment of thermal-electric power is dealt with in some detail, followed by Canada's thermal-electric power requirements, present and future. The fuel requirements for steam-electric generating plant are assessed on the basis of a survey recently made, and the location and size of the major thermal plant operations are given. Fuel contractual obligations on the part ?of suppliers and consumers are mentioned. Finally, an opinion is expressed in regard to the types of f.uel in ?demand on a regional basis with emphasis on the need for coal in the several areas dealt with.

Jan 1, 1958

By James R. Hunter, Sandra K. Zacharias, Ursula M. Franklin

Archaeometallurgical remains can be a valuable source of information about past technological activities and, by inference, the societies that undertook them. Material traces of former metal-producing or metal-working centres can include raw materials, products, or metallurgical installations such as mines, furnaces or forges. Of these remains, the most common is slag, often left undisturbed since its original production. Physical and chemical analyses of archaeological slag and metal can often reveal the processes and materials involved in their formation. Mineral composition and softening temperature of a slag, for instance, can indicate the conditions of the metallurgical operation, such as temperature and atmosphere and, thus, help identify metallurgical processes which took place at a site(1). The present report illustrates the value of such analysis. Metal-working remains from Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, near Midland, Ontario, on the south side of Georgian Bay have been analyzed in order to determine the techniques and processes used by the 17th-century blacksmith who worked at the mission headquarters from 1642 to 1649. Samples were selected from a very large collection of blacksmith refuse which was excavated from the site by archaeologist Kenneth Kidd in 1941-42(2).

Jan 1, 1999

By A. Taylor, E. Thorn Corthay, J. Farrell, L. A. Westfall, S. Borchardt

Mining and metallurgical industries need to minimize their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; Hatch specializes in conducting mining and metallurgical energy management assessments and optimizing productivity. Projects executed have demonstrated that there is a wealth of energy management, waste reduction, and process efficiency improvements that require no or low capital investment. Typical energy cost savings are on the order of 5% to 12%, with similar reductions in GHG emissions. Hatch generates Marginal Abatement Cost Curves to optimize the implementation pathway, maximizing carbon abatement and minimizing cost. The findings of a practical case study from Cameco are presented.

Jan 1, 2010

By M. B. Kime

"A set of experimental batch leaching tests studied the effect of pH, time, temperature, and stirring speed on the relative Cu, Co, Ni, and Fe leaching yields of an oxidized copper-cobalt ore sample in an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution. The results were statistically analyzed and modelled using the structural equation modelling method. Models showed that Cu, Co, and Ni leaching yields were strong functions of the leaching time and leaching temperature, whereas the Fe leaching yield depended on the leaching temperature, stirring speed, and pH. Under optimum leaching conditions yields were 99.8% Cu, 82.4% Co, 91.3% Ni, and 30.6% Fe.RÉSUMÉ Une série d’essais expérimentaux de lixiviation en bâchée ont été menés pour étudier l’effet du pH, de la durée d’attaque, de la température et de la vitesse de brassage sur les rendements relatifs de lixiviation du cuivre (Cu), du cobalt (Co), du nickel (Ni) et du fer (Fe) d’un échantillon de minerai de cuivre-cobalt oxydé dans une solution aqueuse d’acide chlorhydrique. Les résultats ont été analysés et modélisés statistiquement à l’aide de la méthode de modélisation par équation structurelle (SEM, de l’anglais structural equation modelling). Les modèles ont montré que les rendements de lixiviation du Cu, du Co et du Ni dépendaient énormément de la durée d’attaque et de la température de la lixiviation ; le rendement de lixiviation du Fe, quant à lui, dépendait de la température de la lixiviation, de la vitesse de brassage et du pH. Dans des conditions optimales de lixiviation, les rendements étaient de 99,8 % pour le Cu, de 82,4 % pour le Co, de 91,3 % pour le Ni et de 30,6 % pour le Fe. INTRODUCTIONThe Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosts the northwestern part of the Central African Copperbelt. This region abounds with large, rich deposits of sulfide and oxidized copper-cobalt ores. In general, the main valuable minerals present are malachite (CuCO3Cu(OH)2) and heterogenite (CoO(OH)). Common impurities found in heterogenite are Cu, Ni, Si, Al, Mn, and Fe. The substitution of Co by other cations (e.g., Cu, Ni, and Fe) has an influence on the crystallinity of heterogenite (Deliens, 1974). In general, well-crystallized varieties of heterogenite have lower impurity contents, whereas amorphous heterogenite types usually contain more impurities (Thys et al., 2009). Further, in heterogenite, Co can occur in the 2+ and 3+ oxidation states. The gangue generally consists of quartz (SiO2), talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2), kaolinite (SiO2·Al2O3·2H2O), limonite (Fe2O3·3H2O), and goethite (FeO(OH)). Oxidized copper-cobalt ores are often treated by hydrometallurgical methods, whereas sulfide ores are often treated by flotation or pyrometallurgy, depending on their grades. Hydrometallurgical methods typically entail selectively dissolving the metals of interest (Cu, Co, and Ni) in aqueous solutions (leaching), transferring the dissolved metals to an organic solution, and retransferring these to a second aqueous solution (solvent extraction). Copper and nickel are readily dissolved in an acidic aqueous media. In contrast, cobalt is difficult to dissolve, especially if it is present in the third oxidation state; however, this species becomes soluble after it is reduced to Co2+ (Mwema, Mpoyo, & Kafumbila, 2002; Kime & Makgoale, 2016)."

Jan 1, 2017

By Douglas R. Schmitt

In general, knowledge of the state of stress within the Antarctic lithosphere remains largely unconstrained due in part to Antarctica?s inaccessibility and because of the paucity of seismic focal mechanism solutions. As such, an important component of the ANDRILL project was to acquire new information on the stress directions and magnitudes within the upper crust. Extensive fracture mapping of the core and oriented ultrasonic televiewer logging were carried out to provide strong constraints on both stress orientations and the faulting regime. The first hydraulic fracturing stress determinations in Antarctica were also carried out to provide complimentary stress magnitudes. These measurements were accomplished using a wire-line transported hydraulic fracturing system consisting, essentially, of two synthetic polymer packers that were inflated to isolate the 1-m long pressurization interval. The tests were conducted at the end of the drilling and logging in a ~130-m section specially drilled below 1000 mbsf (nearly 1500 m from the rig floor) for hydraulic fractures. This zone was drilled primarily through competent, dense, and low permeability diamicts. The core fracture and televiewer logging information was used to site twenty separate measurements. Classic hydraulic fracturing pressurization records with unambiguous breakdown and fracture closure pressures were obtained in about half of the measurements. The remaining tests provided fracture propagation and closure pressures that are consistent with the classic breakdown curves, but they did not include a clear breakdown pressure and are indicative of the reopening of either natural or drilling induced fractures in the wellbore wall. The preliminary analysis of the results are in generally good agreement with the stress directions indicated by the core fracture logging and the stress regime suggested by the character of the drilling induced core fractures.

Jun 1, 2012

By F. W. Tregarthen

"This paper gives a brief description of the methods used to form and implement the present planned maintenance program. The system is designed to assist plant personnel in their task of controlling a large work-force and maintaining the many and varied types of equipment used in a mining and concentrator operation. The types of reports and methods used in scheduling and work-loading are described. General built-in flexibility is derived from computer assistance to the Central Planning Group."

Jan 1, 1971

By S. Amira

The corrosion behavior of high pressure die-cast and thixocast AXJ530 magnesium alloys has been investigated in 0.05M NaC1 solution at pH 6.0 using potentiodynamic polarization tests, electrochemical noise (EN) technique, electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning reference electrode technique (SRET). The behavior of die-cast and thixocast specimens were compared using each of these techniques and the results discussed. Further tests have been carried out with die-cast AZ91D alloy to better compare and interpret the results. Experiments indicate that the thixocast specimens of AXJ530 alloy have a better corrosion resistance than those of die cast alloy in neutral solution.

Jan 1, 2006

By Louise Corriveau, Bronwyn Azar, Valerie A. Jackson, Luke Ootes, Jeff Harris

We use the results of new bedrock mapping, combined with geochemical point data and airborne radiometric data (in particular equivalent uranium concentrations) to help determine which geological units in the Paleoproterozoic Great Bear magmatic zone (GBmz) contain elevated uranium. The data collectively indicate that the highest primary uranium concentrations are in equigranular granites and subvolcanic/volcanic porphyries. Notably, these rocks host the majority of known uranium-bearing deposits and/or prospects in the GBmz. We speculate that the uranium in these deposits/prospects was derived from nearby, uranium-enriched rocks and was mobilized by much younger, circulating hydrothermal fluids. Sedimentary rocks of the Thelon and Dismal Lakes groups unconformably overlie the GBmz and are known to host unconformity-type and sandstone-hosted uranium prospects. Most likely, the uraniumenriched rocks of the GBmz acted as a uranium donor to these overlying sedimentary basins. The method of investigation employed in this study may be applicable to other ‘granitic’ terrains in order to identify regions with favourable rocks for uranium exploration.

Jan 1, 2013

By Z. Y. Liu

A local additional potential model (LAPM) was developed to illustrate the role of strain rate in stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of pipelines. According to LAPM, both density and mobility of the local active spots on the steel surface, i.e., dislocation emergence points, increase linearly with strain rate. Generation of such active spots introduces an additional negative potential locally, affecting the electrochemical reaction and, consequently, the susceptibility of the steel to SCC. Electrochemical corrosion measurements, slow strain rate tests and electrochemical hydrogen permeation test were combined to demonstrate the validity of LAPM to illustrate pipeline SCC in an acidic soil solution. It is found that a maximum of the SCC susceptibility occurs at strain rate of 10-6 s1, which is associated with an enhanced hydrogen evolution due to the local additional potential (LAP) effect.

Jan 1, 2010

By K B. Bowley

This paper covers the application of a systematic maintenance plan by the Plant Engineering Department of Rio Algom Mines Limited, Milliken Division. The plan established the function of work study, developed and installed formal work planning and labour cost control procedures, and extended the existing preventive maintenance routines. In June, 1961, assisted by management consultants, a more scientific approach to maintenance was instituted. The emphasis was placed on the control of labour. The development and application of the primary control system was established with-in six months. Since then, the Department has operated for a year, consolidating the system. The procedure of the installation, the results achieved and the results to be expected will be discussed. JNTRODUCTION THE Milliken Division of Rio Algom Mines Limited operates a 3,000-ton-per-day uranium mine, in the Elliot Lake district of Ontario, which went into production in April of 1958. The lowest operating level is 3,000 feet below surface. Mining is carried out by open stopping, with planned pillar support and footwall haulage on rail.

Jan 1, 1963

By Olivia Gamache

When working in remote and extreme environments, projects are faced with new challenges for engineering and project execution. This is heightened when also working in countries with a developing environmental regulatory framework, small skilled workforce available for recruitment, and minimal infrastructure such as power, roads, and water. There is an increasing realization that social and environmental aspects need to be built into project execution. Giving proper attention to these issues during project development and execution, and maximizing opportunities is an ongoing challenge.

May 1, 2013

By P. D. Kondos, J. R. Goode

Given the global inventory of low grade and refractory gold deposits, processes that could turn these challenged deposits into mines are of considerable interest. Such gold deposits have low value and potentially high operating costs and so they pose special challenges for the mining engineer and metallurgist. Conventionally, refractory gold ores have been processed by whole ore pressure oxidation and roasting, or flotation followed by roasting, pressure oxidation or bio-oxidation of the concentrate. Halide-based processes have recently been developed that might be applied to concentrates. Low grade refractory gold ores have been processed using heap bio-oxidation followed by cyanide heap leaching or milling. Other processes are emerging. Barrick has completed an inventory of emerging technologies (1). A summary of the current status of these developments will be presented with the view that, with additional development, some of these technologies or a combination thereof may unlock the value of these deposits.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. G. Kelly

"IntroductionOver the past twenty-five years of improvements to scooptrams In the Ontario Division of Inco Ltd., records indicate that on average, an 8 yard capacity machine at 80% availability will load, haul and dump about 100TPH from an average stoping area. This, essentially, means that Inco mines are limited to 2000 TPD as an approximate maximum production cap per minute. Some of the improvements made to scooptrams over this period have been:• dry disc and oil immersed brakes on larger loaders;• to replace air over hydraulic systems;• modulated shift transmissions;• greater breakout and tramming capacities by using larger engines and buckets;• operators' compartments have been enlarged and better seats,• joystick controls and air-conditioned cabs have been utilized'• major cost savings have been realized through tire maintenance improvements; and• major savings, safety improvements and increased ore recovery by using remote controls.After reciting the improvements listed above, and the list is by no means exhaustive, it is quite obvious that scooptrams are a mature product and that major design or performance improvements will not occur in the futre. Any futher improvements will be incremental in nature. Loading, hauling, and dumping with scooptrams is a batch process and as such is limited in its total output.Continuous Load/Crush/Convey Systems:In order to improve productivity, a radical new system was required. The target was 2000 tons per shift. In 1984, to meet the goal, Inco acquired the rights to a contiunous loader from Canadian Mine Services. Inco made modifications to the original prototype machine, such as: (I) conversion from rail mounted to crawlers for increased mobility; (2) a hydraulic cooling system was added; (3) flight bars were changed from cast to forged; (4) motor horsepower increased to 200 hp from 150 hp. Emerging from these modifications came a machine known as the CL-looo Oscilloader (Fig. 1).The CL-looo Oscilloader is an electric hydraulic 35-ton machine which is crawler mounted and has a drawbar pull of 30 tons. It has an adjustable frequency, oscillating lip which simulates the digging action of a manual .shovel. This action agitates and lifts the muckpile enough to allow it to settle by gravity onto the chain and flight conveyor table which then removes the ore to the tail end for discharge into either a crusher, a conveyor, a truck, or a combination of these.Late in 1985, six oscilloaders were fabricated and put into Inco mines for field trials. At Creighton Mine some early field trials were conducted with a rail mounted continuous loader loading directly into 140 cu.ft. Granby cars. Much of the field testing was in VRM drawpoints with the Oscilloader loading into 20-ton trucks or into Teletrams . At Levack Mine, by puttmg the truck on remote control, it was possible to have the operator run the Oscilloader and load his own truck (Fig. 2). At McCreedy West Mine, Copper Cliff North Mine, and Copper Cliff South Mine, the Oscilloaders discharged directly into 26-ton trucks."

Jan 1, 1988

By Hans Lundberg

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

Jan 1, 1948