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By Morgan Schauerte, Laura Raimondi, Mariel Palomeque

Executives in the mining industry are facing dramatically changing market expectations on reporting and transparency regarding the environmental and social impacts of projects, supply chains and products. Companies increasingly need to disclose the governance procedures they have in place to ensure communities, investors, employees, and Indigenous partners are effectively managing social and environmental risks. These disclosure requirements begin during exploration and carry through to all stages along the project life cycle. This type of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure is referred to as ESG performance by the investment community. ESG is not a new concept, and it builds on and is intertwined with many concepts such as corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility, eco-efficiency, triple bottom line thinking, life cycle management and many others. This paper will explore how mining companies can develop a credible ESG governance approach and strategy that will reduce risk, open opportunities, and create value. This paper will summarise ESG trends and drivers, discuss the economics and investors’ perspective towards ESG, and outline leading ESG standards and guidelines of interest to investors, regulators, communities and other stakeholders. Linkage of ESG to global sustainability efforts such the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact will also be addressed.

Jan 1, 2023

By M. J. Merwin

Heat treated seamless tubular products are processed in a fashion that can be easily modified to produce dual phase microstructures, through the implementation of intercritical soaking prior to quenching. Dual phase steels are known to possess low yield strength compared to tensile strength. The steel line pipe market is interested in low yield-tensile ratio materials for application in reel barge pipe laying operations. In the current work compositions of commercially produced material already in use for the line pipe market were examined and dual phase microstructures were successfully developed. The microstructure and properties of the materials were found to be stable over the range of intercritical temperatures employed. Tempering temperature and, somewhat unexpectedly, small chemistry differences were found to have the largest influence on properties. Excellent toughness performance was observed in samples tempered at temperatures in excess of 550°C. Tempering in this temperature regime produced materials with strength suitable for application as API X60 line pipe. A difference in tensile strength between steels of similar chemistry was observed, and is not fully understood at this time. Welding performance was considered through simulation of three regions of the heat-affected zone. Neither intercritical temperature, nor tempering temperature, were found to have a significant influence on the heat-affected zone properties. The peak temperature achieved in the thermal cycle was the only significant factor. The hardness of the heat-affected zone was found to increase continuously with increasing peak temperature. While toughness was found to be low for both partially-transformed and coarse-grain heat-affected zones, the toughness of the fine-grained heat-affected zone was substantially better. Based on the results found in this laboratory study, a limited production trial is expected.

Jan 1, 2005

By W. J. Li, L. Kong, G. L. Li, X. M. Xi, J. Qiu

"A novel hydrothermal method was applied to prepare the precursor of LiMn2O4 using pre-treated electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) and lithium hydroxide as the main raw materials. The precursor was subjected to heat treatment between 400 and 900ºC to obtain spinel Li1.05Mn1.95O4 and Li1.035Co0.035Mn1.930O4 positive materials for lithium ion batteries. The structure and morphology of the obtained powder materials were studied in detail by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is found that the precursor has an amorphous structure and a high reactivity, which is easily transferred to spinel structure during heat treatment, obtaining a positive material with an uniform structure and good performances. The XRD patterns reveal that single phase spinel Li1.05Mn1.95O4 can be obtained from the precursor after heat treatment at 600°C in air. The final Li-rich Li1.05Mn1.95O4 product obtained showed a well-defined stable spinel structure and distinctive crystal faces with particle size between 200 and 300 nm. The as-prepared Co-doped spinel sample exhibited a excellent electrochemical performance with an initial discharge capacity of 113.0 mAh/g and 93.8% of its original value was retained after 100 charge-discharge cycling at 0.5 C.INTRODUCTIONThe increasing demand for portable electronic devices and hybrid or full electric vehicles is driving the development of cheap, efficient, compact lightweight and environmental friendly rechargeable batteries systems (Chung et al., 2002; Scrosati, 1995). Lithium ion secondary batteries have satisfied this demand to a greater degree than other battery systems. The cathode material plays a critical role in the performance of Li-ion batteries. The high cost and toxicity of cobalt compounds for the cathode material of LiCoO2 has prompted a search for alternative materials. LiMn2O4-based spinels offer a potentially attractive alternative to LiCoO2, due to its abundance, low price, ease of preparation, environmentally friendly characteristics, better thermal stability, and its effortless recycling (Tarascon et al., 1991; Yabuuchi and Ohzuku, 2003; Amatucci et al., 1999; Tsai et al., 2003). Some achievements have been created to meet the requirements (Guo et al., 2010; Kang et al., 2005; Park et al., 2008; Takahashi et al., 2006; Lee et al., 2001; Yoshio et al., 2001; Arumugam et al., 2008). However, the largest obstacle encountered in the practical applications of LiMn2O4 is its fast capacity fading during long term cycling, which is due to Jahn-Teller distortion of the [MnO6] framework, the electrolyte decomposition at high potentials and manganese dissolution into the electrolyte (Fey et al., 2003). The electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 is also strongly dependent on its morphological properties, such as crystallinity, phase purity, surface area, grain shape and particle size distribution, etc. All these morphological properties are closely related to the material synthetic routines and heat treatment processes (Huang et al., 2000; Myung et al., 2000; Takada et al., 1998)."

Jan 1, 2012

By R. Le

"The principles of noise control aredescribed with particular emphasis on personalactive units as opposed to passive ear muffspresently in general use. A discussion followsfor their potential use in a mining environment.RÉSUMÉNous décrivons brièvement quelquesprincipes de contrôle de bruit à l’usage person-nel, puis nous passons en revue quelquescasques commerciaux dotés de ces circuits àprincipe actif. Enfn nous discutons de leurusage potentiel dans le contexte minier.IntroductionLe casque à principe actif est un produitqui existe commercialement, mais encore peurépandu en usage, sûrement à cause du prix,mais aussi de sa méconnaissance par le grand public. Il arrive parfois qu’un journaliste trouvele produit fantastique et le médiatise commeune réalisation de son pays (ou de sa province),mais peu savent qu’il s’agit là d’un principe quia commencé dans les années 30. Par delà lesensationnel, il reste que si l’on veut mettre lamain sur un de ces casques pour l’essayer, on nesait où l’obtenir. De plus, les casques n’utilisentpas tous le même principe actif. C’est la raisonpour laquelle nous faisons cette brève compara-ison. Nous le faisons en mettant l’accent pourune possible utilisation dans le domaine minier,car c’est dans ce milieu que les usagers sontconfrontés aux bruits les plus intenses qui peu-vent endommager leur système auditif, ce quin’exclut pas les autres situations (travaux publics, foresterie, écoute hi-f, etc.)."

Jan 1, 1997

By Terry Gerritsen, Sylvain Picard, Bruce MacKay

Virtually all new technologies require a control system. Any intense process has many process variables that react quickly making manual control difficult. Control system design has a significant impact on the success of a plant especially during ramp-up. New technology projects are particularly sensitive to control system design as the process response is unknown. This paper discusses the important factors encountered in the design of a control system for a new technology. Examples are given of successful new technology plant start-ups where tight coordination of the process control system implementation, process design and selection major equipment led to rapid ramp-ups.

Jan 1, 2011

By Michel Lefebvre, André Piché

Every organization performing R&D is faced with the challenge of introducing new technologies to its operations. Difficulties must be overcome if companies are to realize the benefits anticipated from such developments. This paper outlines the difficulties encountered in transferring to operations various technologies developed at the Mining and Exploration Division of the Noranda Technology Centre. The approach used in the selection of a privileged partner for the technology transfer, the criteria motivating the choice and the process followed to establish the partnership are presented.

Jan 1, 1997

By M. J. Bunyard, I. Mullany

"The pressures on mine operators are varied and constantly increasing, declining ore grades, more remote locations and increasing environmental concerns. The challenge facing the mining industry is to find new ways to process ores which are more efficient and less costly and to control them better. This requires a fundamental rethink in the way in which projects are developed, it is no longer good enough to just copy what has been done before. The process starts with the surfacing of the primary underlying constraints for the project and the establishment of new design principles to address these. The generation of new design criteria and processing options follows the well-established path of brainstorm, focus, brainstorm, refocus and economic evaluation. The aim is process intensification, doing more with less, as early as possible and better use of plant data. The methodology requires a complete geometallurgical understanding of the orebody to facilitate the evaluation of viable processing options. Examples of early stage processing considered are blast optimization and ore sorting to reject waste and reduce processing costs. Mine to mill integration, which starts with the optimization of blasting for separation, offers another way to significantly reduce operating costs and increase efficiencies.VALUE MODEL The mining industry has, over the past decade, experienced an unprecedented cycle of increased commodity prices and investments in new mining and processing capacity followed by a market collapse and fall in prices and confidence. Whilst there are now some signs of a return to investment in new capacity, the metals and mining industry is still wrestling with eroding margins and investor demand that companies achieve the full value of their assets. Metals and mining companies must work on all available levers to deflate their costs back to more manageable levels and capture the full value for their products. Levers include optimizing external spending, re-thinking make vs buy trade-offs, debottlenecking, improving availability and operating time of key equipment, more accurate and agile planning processes, value-in-use optimization, and tighter performance management. Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a company’s value model. The three goals of a successful mining enterprise are social acceptance, environmental acceptance and sound financial returns to shareholders. Some of the KPI’s used to measure the success or not of achieving these goals are shown in the translation layer."

Jan 1, 2017

By J. B. Mitchell

Many of the pre-production and plant startup problems that we regard as inevitable are actually caused by poor organizational methods. Traditional methods of organization can be modified to provide clear definitions of responsibility, continuity and depth of involvement of key personnel in order to overcome these problems.

Jan 1, 1966

By J. E. Dutrizac, J. B. Sunstrum

Until relatively recent times, virtually all gold was recovered by gravity and/ or amalgamation methods. Although such techniques are very effective on coarse gold, they become increasingly less useful for finer grains especially when the gold is partly enclosed in rock matrix. Throughout the nineteenth century a number of bonanza gold fields were found in the United States, South Africa, Australia and Canada. In every case the abundant supply of gold nuggets and coarse alluvial gold soon gave way to hard rock mining with its inevitable losses of fine gold in the stamp mill tailings. Continuing efforts to develop new technologies capable of dissolving gold from finely ground ore were eventually successful first with chlorination (the Plattner process) and subsequently with cyanidation. Even before the nineteenth century, however, European chemists such as Scheele and Berthollet were aware that gold could be readily dissolved in an excess of free cyanide(1). As early as 1840, a patent was issued to the Elkington brothers for the dissolution of pure gold in cyanide solution and its subsequent plating onto various metals, with or without an applied electrical current. In 1846, Elsner showed that oxygen was also required to solubilize gold or silver in cyanide media(1). Despite the fact that much work was done on the reaction of cyanide solutions with gold, a viable leaching process for gold ores did not quickly emerge although cyanide solutions were used to enhance amalgamation from the 1860s onward. Major problems were associated with the use of concentrated cyanide solutions; the costs of cyanide were excessive and it was difficult to recover gold from the concentrated media.

Jan 1, 1999

By R. R. Culbert

Several thousand parts per billion of uranium are present in some alkaline lake and ground waters of the Okanagan region, British Columbia. To a major extent the uranium content of these highly anomalous waters is controlled by their levels of dissolved bicarbonate. In lakes, dissolved bicarbonate and the organic content of the sediment largely control the partitioning of uranium between sediment and water. This relationship is found to a lesser extent in alkaline creeks, and transported geochemical anomalies in soils appear where uranium-bearing alkaline ground waters have encountered organic materials. There is a possibility that young, near-surface deposits (with very low radioactivity) are forming from these uraniferous waters.

Jan 1, 1978

By Stefan Planeta

On discute les performances techniques et économiques des méthodes d'exploitation à haut rendement dans les mines métallifères au Canada. L'accent est mis sur la dilution et pertes des réserves minières et sur les coûts opératoires et totaux. Une analyse technique de quelques opérations minières est également effectuée. Il ressort de cette analyse que les résultats réels des opérations minières en cours diffèrent souvent de ces planifiés suite à la dilution du minerai et aux pertes importantes des réserves minières. On propose, définit et discute un certain nombre des facteurs de performances technologiques et économiques pour pouvoir mieux apprécier les problèmes rencontrés dans plusieurs mines en opération. À l'aide des études de cas on démontre impact négatif de la dilution et des pertes additionnelles des réserves minières sur la rentabilité des opérations en cours et sur les nouveaux projets miniers. On conclut, que l'application des indicateurs proposés donnerait un outil valable, aux opérateurs miniers, aux niveaux de la planification, du suivi des travaux d'exploitation et d'éventuelles études comparatives entre les différentes situations minières. ABSTRACT The paper discusses technical and cost performance of bulk mining methods in Canadian U/G metal mines. It focuses on ore dilution, ore reserves losses as well as on operational and total cost. Technical analysis of some mining operations has been performed. It indicates that due to dilution and significant reserves losses, the actual results of mining operations often differ substantially from those planned. The paper proposes, defines and discusses several indicators quantifying technical and economical performance in order to assess better the problems encountered in several operating mines. The case studies presented here have demonstrated an adverse effect of dilution and additional reserves losses onto profitability of existing operations and new mining projects. It is concluded that the application of the above mentioned indicators may be beneficial for mine operators. They may become a very useful tool at the stages of planning, follow-up of mining works and with regards to comparative studies between different mining situations.

May 1, 2001

By R. M. de Carvalho

Empirical and phenomenological models of SAG and AG mills have dominated the scene for the last few decades, being used nearly every time a mill is scale-up or an attempt is made to improve its performance. However, in spite of their success, these models fail to describe the details of both the grinding environment and the breakage mechanisms. The result is a generally good track record, with a few ? but very important ? instances when these models fall short in their predictions, which can be very costly. Further, nearly all of these models require detailed calibration to industrial and pilot plant data, being costly in their application, although still with limited predictive capabilities. Recognizing these challenges, a new model framework has been proposed which overcomes the limitations of currently used models by coupling the microscale population balance model, the discrete element model and functions that describe internal classification at the mill grate. This model framework has already been applied to describe breakage in ball mills, with showing very promising results. However, in the case of SAG and AG mills a much greater level of complexity is involved in the model, given the interaction between the mechanical environment that is formed totally or, in part, by the ore itself, and the breakage response in the mill. The paper describes the model framework, demonstrating how it can address appropriately effects such as mill speed, mill filling and size distribution, on the response from the mill. Some of the advantages of the model are related to its intrinsic multi-component and dynamic nature, which allows simulating appropriately mixtures of ores of different competences in a transient manner.

Jan 1, 2012

By N. Shi, T. G. Joseph

ABSTRACT: A prototype test dipper (at 1/20th volume and a geometric operating scale of 2.85) was compared during field trials against a conventional dipper with the same tare weight using the same test shovel. Both dippers followed similar dig trajectories, invoked by the shovel operator. A Microsoft® Visual Basic-embedded spreadsheet was used to interpret qualitative visual and quantitative numerical loading data collected on the hoist and crowd dig response. Overall the concept dipper, even with a 50% greater capacity, provided indications of a smoother dig cycle with lower peak hoist loading events and a lower energy per unit excavated.

Jan 1, 2011

By T. G. Joseph, E. Lampard

ABSTRACT: Surface mining operations must manage variability from within their operations as well as variability imposed upon them by external forces. A framework to manage both internal and external variability through the continuous review and adjustment of a mine plan during active mining lifetime operation is introduced, to minimize lost production and maintain operational safety. The observational approach of “observe, evaluate, interpret, predict, and adapt” is employed as the backbone of this approach. Although written with a surface mining operation in mind, the framework outlined in this paper would be equally applicable to any mining or processing operation.

Jan 1, 2011

By G. Forté, R. Girard

The Alcan Bayer Process Experimental Centre (BEC) is an essential development tool for the Bauxite & Alumina researchers at the Alcan Arvida Research and Development Centre in Jonquiere, Quebec. Between the laboratory tests and the industrial prototypes or the industrial applications, the BEC is a key element for technology transfers. The Bayer process is the extraction of aluminium oxide (or alumina) from the bauxite ore. The Bayer Experimental Centre's history and flowsheet are presented. The major pieces of equipment are described. Safety and design considerations are presented. Finally, examples of applications, double digestion and pressure decantation, are briefly described.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. Holtzhausen

"An analysis of operating costs for underground mining operations in the current global economic climate considers the financial burden for a ventilation system to be in vicinity of 30–50%. These operating costs are often overlooked by management teams in the greater scale of things when looking to save money in the procurement phase. This oversight to operational costs can be as little as the effective delivery of ventilating air to the work zone. One of the biggest opportunities for substantial savings and improvements can be realized in the selection of a quality vent duct that is suitable and fit for purpose. The key component to the selection process for quality products is a solid selection criterion that is followed during the tender process. This allows the management team to filter out unsuitable suppliers and products. The case study identifies some of the key components that were considered in the procurement and selection process for lay-flat ducting products. These included the characteristics and strength of the materials. The selection criteria also considered a ducted performance comparison that offers the best aerodynamic performance with some of the following components. • Airflow at Duct Face (m³/s or cfm), Fan Pressure (Pa), Air Power (kW or hp), Assumed Fan Efficiency, Annual Running Costs, K – Factor or Lambda, Leakage Factor, Joining Method and available Duct Lengths with weights. • Critical components considered were the current Testing standards available for: o Bursting Strength AS 4878.5, Mass AS 2001.2.13, Tensile Strength AS 4878.6, Tensile Strength AS 2001.2.3.1, Tear Strength AS 2001.2.10, Tear Strength AS 4878.7 • Other key considerations were: o Warranty Claim, Damage claims, Local storage / operations, community engagement and relationships, current testing data, previous issues, after sales service with technical assistance, etc. Hidden costs associated with product failures and operational stoppages are often not quantified during the tender process. Buyer beware. INTRODUCTION The largest constraint underground mining operations currently face are their operating efficiencies and electrical costs. The overall cost of an operations ventilation system and its components requires more focus to identify what opportunities exist to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. This tender process may not always be clearly understood and it should be broken down into fewer components to achieve quantifiable results."

Jan 1, 2019

Keeping the sediment on the mine site and out of the water course is essential from the regulatory, environmental and sustainability perspectives. Regulation of this aspect of mining is embedded in environmental legislation and government receiving water quality standards, and government control has apparently been considered to be the most appropriate method to define mine site discharge standards and the environmental implications of sediment in downstream watercourses. A literature search for guidelines for the site specific design and operation of sediment ponds treating mine site runoff to remove total suspended solids, turbidity and flocculant-induced toxicity, revealed little information on the mining industry?s and government?s roles in defining the ?how to achieve? related to sediment pond design. Is there a need or reason for an industry-driven leadership to clearly define the ?how to? keep the sediment on the mine site and out of the water course? Currently, this issue is addressed in Canada by a federal mining regulation for metal mines which specifies discharge quality for sediment. This paper focuses on the method used in British Columbia, Canada, to regulate and provide a scientific methodology to control the discharge of sediment from mine sites. Management plans relative to this topic are discussed and are considered to have value from the exploration, construction, operation and the onset of closure phases. In addition, the balance and linkage between the erosion control management plan and the sediment pond management plan are discussed in terms of how they may be designed to complement each other to lower the risk of exceeding discharge and receiving water quality standards. If there were an industry-driven standard, or guidance document relative to addressing sediment release, it would benefit mining companies by eliminating the repetitive analysis of this topic for each new mine, mine expansion, and mine modification; also, government may often replace certain aspects of permitting with a regulation, if there is a government/industry established standard defining Best Achievable Technology (e.g. the Canadian Metal Mining Effluent Regulations).

Aug 1, 2013

By T. F. Pugsley, D. Gignac

"The historical background to the project dates back to the mid-30s with the discovery of surface sulphide showings in the Cape Smith-Wakeham Bay ultramafic belt. In the mid1950s, orderly exploration commenced with an extensive work program by Asarco, INCO, Lemoine, Falconbridge and Raglan Nickel Mines Ltd. on exploration permits. In 1966, Falconbridge and Raglan Nickel Mines interests merged. Extensive exploration, drilling, under- ground delineation of the Donaldson orebody and the construction of basic infrastructure such as camps, airfield, road links from Douglas Harbour to Donaldson and Katinniq, a distance of 60 km, were completed.Production project design at that time consisted of plans for a 50 000 mt per year nickel mining and concentrating operation, including a 2000 person community and smelter at Douglas Harbour. These plans unravelled in the mid-70s due to high capital costs, poor nickel market conditions and the realization that the Raglan orebodies were not large enough to economically support the construction of green field smelter and refinery facilities for processing Raglan production. Nickel market conditions in the late 70s and early 80swere generally poor, resulting in further delays on production plans.While recognizing the very high potential to discover increased tonnages of high grade(3% Ni) in excess of 20 million tonnes, the project was deferred into the late 80s when a serious re-evaluation of exploration potential occurred and the requirement to prove up additional reserves resulted in an underground exploration program at Katinniq covering the period 1990-1992."

Jan 1, 1996

By G. D. Bateson

"The Low NOx/SOx (LNS) Burner is a technology which, in pilot-scale tests, significantly reduces acid rain-forming emissions from the burning of coal. The precursors of acid rain are nitrous oxides (NO) and sulphur dioxide (SO:;) . TransAlta is currently planning two demonstration projects.Esso Resources Canada and TransAlta are undertaking a project to demonstrate how coal can be burned cleanly for steam raising in heavy oil operations by using TransAlta's LNS Burner on a steam generator at Esso's Cold Lake Production Project. The $10.7 million project started up in mid-J990, with testing to be completed in mid-I99J. The province of Alberta and Western Economic Diversification Canada, along with other private industry, are contributing funding to the project.The other demonstration project that has been selected for funding under the United States Department of Energy's Innovative Clean Coal Technology Program is a retrofit of LNS Burners to a 33 MW cyclone unit at Southern Illinois Power Cooperative's Marion generating plant. The US$13.6 million project is scheduled for completion 18 months after final funding arrangements are made.TransAlta believes that these demonstrations will lead to the development of a commercial ""clean coal"" technology. Other demonstration projects being planned will further broaden the base of applications.IntroductionTransAlta has recognized an increasing concern worldwide for the environment, and in particular the acid rain problem. Increasing public concern and the need to meet either current or possibly more stringent emission regulations have prompted them to explore various emission reducing technologies - despite the low sulphur content of its coal.The flue gas desulphurization (FOD) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology currently available to reduce sulphur and nitrous oxides from coal burning power plants is very costly. Having to incorporate FGD technology, or ""scrubbers"", greatly adds to the cost of producing power. Having to add such high costs to electric customers' bills is something TransAlta is striving to avoid.There are many research programs now underway which are evaluating ways to provide electricity from coal in a clean manner. TransAlta has been observing or participating in a variety of these programs. However, there is one new technology which the company has identified as having the potential to control acid rain causing emissions at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems. That technology is called Low NOx/SOx, Burner - or LNS Burner."

Jan 1, 1990

By François Robert, Rex Brommecker, Don S. Bubar

"The Orenada Zone 4 deposit is a small vein-type gold deposit occurring directly within the Cadillac Break southeast of Val d' Or in southeastern Abitibi Sub province. Mineralization is hosted by the Piche Group which, on the Orenada property, consists of talcchlorite- carbonate, chlorite-carbonate, and sericite-chlorite schists, derived from ultramafic volcanic, mafic igneous, and intermediate to felsic volcaniclastic rocks, respectively. All these rocks have been carbonatized.Rocks of the Pichi Group display a strong east-west, subvertical S1foliation, which is superimposed by asymmetric, intrafolial F2folds with shallow to moderate plunge to the east and to the west. F2folds are accompanied by an S2, subvertical axial planar cleavage, and are interpreted to result from dextral transcurrent shearing along sr.The Zone 4 deposit occurs within a large F2 fold, 60 m wide and plunging at 45 to the east, down to a depth of at least 300m. The auriferous zones consist essentially of zones of closely spaced, parallel quartz-tourmaline-albite-carbonate-arsenopyrite veins concordant to Sr these veins have been folded by the large F2fold and may pre-date the folding. A few discordant quartz-tourmaline-arsenopyrite veins, post- dating the F2 folding, also contain gold. Wallrocks adjacent to concordant veins have been carbonatized, albitized and contain significant amounts of tourmaline and arsenopyrite, with which gold is intimately associated.The Orenada Zone 4 deposit is a unique example of a deformed vein- type gold deposit, and exemplifies one of several types of association of lode gold deposits with folds."

Jan 1, 1990