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Conservation and environmental issues are raising their profile with respect to both demand restraint and electricity supply options. In New Zealand, conservation pressures and energy efficiency need to be seen in relation to the supply system currently in place which has capacity for economic supply of electricity in quantities substantially in excess of the current market. Consequently, energy efficiency and conservation need to be interpreted in relation to the supply system as well as in relation to end use. The relationship between the environment and conservation is strongest when new generation is required. New Zealand's electricity supply system consists of a large proportion of hydro production and this has significant environmental benefits when considered in relation to concerns of global wanning and the greenhouse effect. However, environmental trade-offs in supply options need to take account of both the efficiency of electricity end use, the trade-off between hydro and thermal generation and the inter-regional effects of shifting development options from one region to another. The Electricity Corporation has a high level of consciousness with respect to environmental and conservation issues and this paper demonstrates its own moves to maximise energy efficiency and illustrate the environmental trade-offs for supply.

Jan 1, 1990

By Sushil Bhandari, Amit Bhandari

Drilling and Blasting are core operations in a mine. They impact all the downstream operations and their costs. Digital technologies exist for optimizing both drilling and blasting for many years. However, these technologies have largely been non-integrated and non-real time. This gap results in sub-optimal drilling and blasting operations. Also traditionally focus has been on optimizing individual areas (drilling or blasting and subsequent subsystems). Industry has largely lacked real time or near real time integration available to the user in the field and in the office. In this paper, a case study is presented of a large global cement company using a cloud and mobile based platform across 17 of their mines consistently over a large number of users over a period of over two years. The use of a blast platform is detailed which include blast designs, blast data collection and the trends in terms of results. On the drilling side, this paper describes the ability to capture drill logs, plod reports etc. Also actual drilling information in the field using a mobile device and its real time synchronization with a blast designer to provide visibility of expected fragmentation and vibration levels based on the drilling done. Key parameters such as hole ID, design depth, actual depth, hole status, designed and actual charge (length and weight), designed and actual stemming length are captured. The case study also highlights the challenges in technology adoption and implementation in mining in drilling and blasting. Making drill and blast results predictable should be the desired direction. Also digital technology tool adoption has been seen at the biggest miners – not so much in mid-sized miners or drill and blast contractors. Benefits of this platform on the safety side are highlighted including predictions on safety parameters and appropriate alerts if blast safety parameter / clearance zones are not met. The safety parameters are made available visually to the operator using maps and / or on drone images. Future possible improvements in the digital technology platform at the site are also highlighted including greater possible automation.

By K. G. Gorling, S. J. Wallden, N. B. Lindvall

It is the policy of The Metollurgical Society to provide, in the TRANSACTIONS OF THE METALLURGICAL SOCIETY OF AIME, a prompt and accurate medium for publication of reports of significant new research in both the scientific and engineering aspects of metallurgy. Papers submitted to the Society are judged by competent reviewers according to established criteria for technical merit, accuracy, originality, and presentation. STAFF: Editorial Director, Rixford A. Beals; Associate Editor, James J. Burke; Assistants, L. Capria and R. K. Larkin. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE METALLURGICAL SOCIETY: A. W. Thornton, Choirmon; Dennis Carney, John Chipman, J. C. Fulton, J. H. Hollomon, H. tl. Kellogg, A. E. Lee, R. Maddin, J. D. Sullivan, and O. Swan. Review and selection of manuscripts is under the supervision of the following Publications Committees: Extractive Metallurgy Division T. B. King. Cha~rmon; S. J. Dickenson, R. P. Hermsdorf, R. Schuhmann, Jr.. and P. T. Stroup. Institute of Metals Division: Robert Maddin, Chairman. F. Lincoln Vogel, Jr., Vice-chairman, W. A. Backofen, R. W. Balluffi, J. H. Bechtold, M. B. Bever, R. S. Busk, C. G. Goetzel, Paul Gordon, C. D. Graham. Jr., Robert F. Hehe-mann, R. I. Jaffee, F. E. Jaumot, Jr., lrving R. Kramer, A. J. Leno, Horold Margolin, C. J. McHorgue, Russell A. Meussner, J. 6. Newkirk, H. W. Paxton, G. E. Pell~ssier, I. S. Servi, Alan U. Seybolt, A. J. Sholer, and Sack Wahsburn. Iron and Steel Division: J. C. Fulton, Chairman; T. B King, F. C. Langenberg, W. O. Philbrook, and T. B. Winkler. Published bimonthly by the American Institute of Mining Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers Inc., 29 West 39th Street, New York 18, N. Y. Telephonne pennsylvania 6-9220.Petroleum Subscription Engineers$20 per year for non-AIME members in United States and North South and Central 6-9220.SubscriptionAmerica $25 toreign; $5 for AIME members. Single copies, $4.00, iinalo copies Southfpr;ign,andCentral $5 00. The AIME 'is $25not responsible for any statement made or opinion expressed in its publications Copyright 1958 1958 by the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc. . Registered coble address, AIME New York . . . Indexed in Engineering Index, Industrial Arts Index, ...and Chemical Abstracts . . . Application for second class mail privileges IS pending at New Yark, N. Y. Volume 212, Number 2.

Jan 1, 1959

By W. J. Kroll

Jan 1, 1960

Grey River Gold Mining Limited (GRGML) has constructed and largely completed the commissioning of an alluvial gold dredge designed to recover gold from a low grade gold deposit in the Grey River Valley, New Zealand. The most important resource that GRGML has are the people who are employed by the organisation. The low grade of the deposit necessitates the requirement to operate the dredge at optimum efficiency, which in turn requires the work force to be of high calibre and continually motivated. The primary prerequisite for employment at GRGML is for employees to be receptive to new ideas and have the adaptability to develop new skills and apply those skills to the changing demands of the workplace.   A continually changing organisational structure is utilised to meet the needs of a changing work environment. The adoption of an innovative site employment agreement allowing for flexible working hours has aided the achievement of good employee productivity and attendance.   Employees gain a higher quality of life by working a roster pattern involving twelve hour shifts and a four day on, four day off pattern.   Employees and management are communicating very well and working together to achieve organisational goals which will ultimately benefit the employees, the shareholders, the local community and the mining industry generally.

Jan 1, 1989

By F. L. Bosqui, A. D. Wilkinson

EVEN though the world has not been crying for more copper for the last three or four years there has been some important mill and smelter construction. Discovery and development of large new high-grade copper deposits in Africa has led to the construction of extensive reduction facilities there, prominent among which is the concentrator and smelter of the Rhokana Corporation at N'Kana. Northern Rhodesia. The 3000-ton concentrator adjoins the central shaft. A little over half a mile to the southeast, at an altitude of 40,010 ft., is the smelter, designed on the site by 1. H. Wynne. It is arranged primarily to treat N'Kana copper concentrates, but can also handle concentrates and direct-smelting ore from outside sources. Excavations were started late in 1930; concrete was first poured on Jan. 6. 1931; and the first blister cop¬per was cast on March 1.9, 1932, less than fifteen months later. During this period, which included several months of heavy tropical rains, some 10,000 cu. yd. of concrete was poured and 41000 tons of structural steel erected under the supervision of construction engineer, A. Ek, with a labor force of 60 to 30 Europeans and about 300 natives. The steelwork was fabricated by Head Wrightson & Co. in England, and the boiler plant equipment furnished and erected by the International Combustion Co. Ltd.

Jan 1, 1934

By Helmut Hass, Michael B. Gilbert

The extension of the commuter railway system (S-Bahn) in Leipzig, Germany willrequire the construction of an underground line crossing the downtown area of thecity to tie the Bavarian Station in the South to the Main-Station in the North. The City-Tunnel-Leipzig is currently one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. This system extension will have a length of approximately five kilometers. 3.9 kilometers of that length are currently being constructed using either cut & cover construction or tunnelingmethods. The design and construction of this project currently is and will continue facing very significant challenging urban and demanding geotechnical conditions.

Jan 1, 2007

By Thomas A. Printz

The wide use of carbon steel in construction and engineering projects makes this engineering material accountable for approximately 85% of the total annual steel production worldwide. Despite the lack of corrosion resistance of carbon steel, it is incorporated into the permanent work for marine applications, power plants, transportation projects, chemical processing, mining, petroleum production and refining, pipelines, mining and construction equipment. Corrosion is an electro-chemical process that occurs in the presence of water and air. When an electric current is introduced to water or soil, the rate of carbon steel corrosion increases rapidly. Gaseous atmospheric constituents that are capable of electrolytic activity can also increase the rate of corrosion. Corrosion tends to be more rapid in environments in which the steel is exposed to water, and then air, rather than being constantly submerged. The exposure to seawater increases steel pitting because the electrical conductivity is improved in salt water.

Jan 1, 2013

Electricity will play a major part in providing energy services in the 21st century. Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), that is accommodating the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations, will provide a focus for optimising the use of electrical energy. Environmental externalities may redefine the cost structure of electricity. Strong corporate environmental management will ensure that current environmental objectives are met and that future ones, identified by the ESD process and environmental externalities accounting, can be developed and implemented by receptive business managers. This paper addresses the current environmental issues of electricity production. It outlines a management strategy for the SECV becoming a community leader in protecting the environment. ESD is discussed in terms of using non-renewable resources wisely, extending their availability and putting in place mechanisms which ensure their ultimate substitution by renewable resources and conservation. The paper explores options for dealing with costing environmental externalities, particularly in relation to greenhouse emissions.

Jan 1, 1992

By W L. Jennings

This paper summarises work undertaken to date as part of an investigation into the mineral resources of the proposedNorth West South Island National Park. The area covered by the proposed national park is underlain by many rock types that have undergone a long and complex history of evolution which has endowed it with some of the best potential for a wide range of different minerals in New Zealand. Many of these minerals occur only in this area or in Fiordland National Park.   The first gold-rush in the area occurred in 1856 and followed the discovery of payable gold at Lightbands Gully, south of Collingwood. The miners first focused on the alluvial deposits but soon shifted attention to lode potential. The total historical gold production for the area may be over 400 000 oz (NZ$250 - NZ$295.6 M at 1993 prices).   In addition to gold, a wide range of other minerals have been reported from the area including molybdenum, copper, nickel, zinc, silver, bismuth, stibnite, lead and antimony. The Onekaka iron-ore deposits have produced small tonnages of ochre and iron-ore at various times. Tungsten, platinoids and other metals have been. given only minor attention. The diverse geology of the Northwest Nelson has resulted in the occurrence of many industrial minerals which have been exploited in generally small-scale operations. Aggregate, chrysotile asbestos, clay, dolomite, marble, limestone, dimension stone, rip-rap, talc-magnesite and wollastonite have all been produced.

Jan 1, 1993

By F. Lombard

We consider the Grubbs estimation of the precision of an online gauge. Typically, this type of estimation involves independent results from two or more reference instruments (sampling and laboratory analysis operations). The properties of the estimator are then independent of the product variability. However, the use of more than one reference instrument entails significant additional costs. The two-instrument Grubbs estimator, which is based on results from a gauge and a single reference instrument, has the disadvantage that its standard error is heavily dependent on the degree of product variability. We propose a new estimator that has a variance that is more or less independent of product variability. In fact, the variance is typically less than that of the Grubbs estimator based on the use of two reference instruments. In order to function successfully, our methodology requires some prior knowledge of the extent of product variability and of gauge precision. In practice, such prior knowledge is often available and it is a weakness of the traditional two - and three-instrument Grubbs methods that no use is made of such knowledge. The efficacy and robustness of the new method is illustrated by Monte Carlo simulation.

Jan 1, 2012

By Richard Wilson

In the early 1970s, it became a concern that exposure to the mineral fibers associated taconite ore processed in Silver Bay, Minnesota would cause asbestos-related disease including gastrointestinal cancer. At that time data gaps existed which have now been significantly reduced by further research. To further our understanding of the types of airborne fibers in Silver Bay we undertook a geological survey of their source the Peter Mitchell Pit, and found that there are no primary asbestos minerals at a detectable level. However we identified two non-asbestos types of fibrous minerals in very limited geological locales. Air sampling useful for risk assessment was done to determine the type, concentrations and size distribution of the population of airborne fibers around Silver Bay. Approximately 80% of the airborne fibers have elemental compositions consistent with cummingtonite-grunerite and the remaining 20% have elemental compositions in the tremolite-actinolite series. The mean airborne concentration of both fiber types is less than 0.00014 fibers per milliliter that is within the background level reported by the World Health Organization. We calculate the risk of asbestos-related mesothelioma and lung cancer using a variety of different pessimistic assumptions. (i) that all the non-asbestos fibers are as potent as asbestos fibers used in the EPA-IRIS listing for asbestos; with a calculated risk of asbestos-related cancer for environmental exposure at Silver Bay of 1 excess cancer in 28,500 lifetimes (or 35 excess cancers per 1,000,000 lifetimes) and secondly that taconite associated fibers are as potent as chrysotile the least potent form of asbestos. The calculated risk is less than 0.77 excess cancer case in 1,000,000 lifetimes. Finally, we briefly review the epidemiology studies of grunerite asbestos (amosite) focusing on the exposure conditions associated with increased risk of human mesothelioma. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Risk; Fibers; Particles; Taconite; Asbestos; Exposures

Jan 1, 2007

By P. K. Das, S. K. Singh, C. C. Chang, E. C. Wang, R. B. Roberts

As part of the New York City’s redevelopment of the far west side of mid-town Manhattan, this project will add 1.5 miles of twin bored tunnel to No. 7 Subway Line. The proposed alignment extending from the Times Square Station west beneath 41stStreet turning south under Eleventh Avenue and terminating at 25th Street will include two new stations. The tunnels and station caverns will be primarily constructed in the Manhattan Schist, and will pass in close proximity to several major overly ingstructures. This paper discusses the lithology and structural discontinuities of rockmass along the project alignment, tunnel and cavern rock loading, groundwater hydrology, groundwater quality, groundwater treatment and sustainable design.

Jan 1, 2005

A study of the accessory opaque iron-titanium oxide minerals of the Oiles Complex, central Australia, was an Important complement to an investigation of the magnetic properties of the Complex. These minerals constitute no more than 10 per cent of the rocks sampled, and generally less than 1 per cent of the ultramafic rocks ("magnetite" concentrations were not sampled for magnetic investigation).Titanomagnetite is the main opaque mineral present, although ilmenite exsolution has been widely developed. High-temperature oxidation of these produced mainly titanohematite, pseudobrookite and rutile. Both exsolution and high-temperature oxidation developed along specific crystallographic directions (along {111}), and in Irregular patches. Low-temperature oxidation is generally not well-developed, indicating the small degree of weathering in the rocks sampled.Although the Oiles Complex is layered, no apparent overall preferred orientation of the iron-titanium oxide minerals was observed, other than crystallographically controlled alignment of very fine grains within pyroxene crystals. Other textural features of the opaque oxides are restricted to symplectic intergrowths mainly with the ferromagnesian silicates.

Jan 1, 1971

By P. A. Plunkert, D. E. Morse, L. McCartan, S. F. Sibley

The average annual growth rate of real gross domes-tic product (GDP) from the third quarter of 2001through the second quarter of 2003 in the United States was about 2.6 percent. GDP growth rates in the third and fourth quarters of 2003 were about 8 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Many other indicators reflected a rebounding U.S. economy — rising consumer confidence, higher retail sales, greater industrial production and more housing starts. Inflation also reached a 38-year low in 2003. The upward trends in many sectors of the U.S. economy in 2003, however, were shared by few of the mineral materials industries. Annual output declined inmost non fuel mining and mineral processing industries, although there was an upward turn toward yearend as prices began to increase (Table 1).

Jan 1, 2004

By B. Leong, H. Joubert

Keywords: Pyrometallurgy, furnace, auxiliary equipment, copper slag launders Pyromet has designed copper launders for tapping slag. What makes Pyromet?s launder design innovative and safe is that it does not have any cooling water channels underneath the launder runner, whilst achieving effective cooling of the runner. If matte burn-throughs were to occur through the launder runner, the risk of damaging water channels and the risk of explosions are reduced. In addition, since the cooling water channels are not harmed, the launder is easily repairable and reusable. Pyromet makes use of Finite Element Analysis to optimize the launder geometry to ensure that sufficient energy is removed from the centre of the launder. Factors considered during the launder design include the suitability of the geometry to the client?s needs, experience from existing installations, and ease of fabrication. Pyromet goes so far as to develop procedures for fabricators to ensure that fabrication issues do not compromise the functionality of the launder. When launder orders are received by Pyromet, the entire fabrication process and the functioning of the launders during operations are monitored to ensure that the launder designs are continuously improving with every installation.

Jan 1, 2006

By Poltak Sinaga

PT Kaltim Prima Coal?s 13.1 km overland conveyor (OLC) was commissioned in 1991. It is of conventional 3 roller 350 trough belt type. Cost and performance optimization during initial design ended up with 5.4 mps belt speed, 1000 mm belt width to convey 1350tph, and 7 mtpa of coal. Despite high initial figure, the belt speed was lifted to 6.5 mps in 1996 to accommodate mine throughput increase. In 2002, new low loss ST2100 1100mm wide belt replaced the old ST2250 due for change-out. An upgrade project was initiated at the end of 2003 to further increase the belt speed to 8.5 mps, hence to increase the OLC capacity to 30 mtpa (million ton per annum). Performance data, experience of site personnel, site observation and tests, benchmarking, and information from equipment manufacturers were major inputs to the design review. The project fast track was another challenge in addition to executing modifications on a production lifeline. The project was completed within fifteen months and the OLC was successfully commissioned at 8.5 mps belt speed in February 2005. The OLC has been to date conveying 4 200 tph satisfactorily.

Jan 1, 2008

By P. J. Hancox

Heavy mineral deposits have been known from Liberia since the1950s from both river and beach placers. The heavy mineral content of beach sands ranges between 28?62% and the suite includes ilmenite, rutile, zircon and magnetite. These occur together with kyanite, sillimanite, staurolite and garnet. The average ilmenite content is 82% with minor zircon (11%), rutile (6%) and monazite (1%). The ilmenite is, however, of poor quality with haematite intergrowths and a titanium content ranging from10?42.4% (average ±25% TiO2). The amounts of rutile and zircon, while of suitable quality, have also previously been deemed too low for economic exploitation.

Jan 1, 2000

By F. Grajales Muñoz

The Ciénega project, now under construction by Peñoles group, is located in the mountains of northwest Durango, Mexico. The gold and silver deposits are found in a 4-km (2.5mile) long system of veins. An underground operation will be built. The planned 1 kt/ d (1100 stpd) process plant will contain a countercurrent cyanide circuit for oxide ore and a flotation circuit for sulfide ore. Considerable resources have been devoted to the development of infrastructure in the isolated location, as well as for the mitigation of environmental impacts. Startup is scheduled for the third quarter of 1994. Ciénega’s ore bodies consist of quartz veins containing gold, silver, lead and zinc values. The vein thicknesses vary from 2 to 10 m (6.5 to 33 ft) with a northwest trend and nearby vertical dip. Veins are hosted in Tertiary volcanic rocks. The district has intermittently been explored since 1971 by Penoles. After the third series of diamond drilling and direct development work on vein, Peñoles decided to begin project construction.

Jan 1, 1994

By M. A. Reyes, L. Yan

Heat and humidity buildup within refuge alternatives (RAs) may expose occupants to physiological hazards such as heat stress. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations require RAs in underground coal mines to provide a life-sustaining environment for miners trapped underground when escape is impossible. RAs are required to sustain life for 96 h while maintaining an apparent temperature (AT) below 95 °F (35 °C). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) tested a 10-person tent-type RA, a 23-person tent-type RA, and a 6-person metal-type RA in its underground coal mine facilities to investigate the thermal environment over a 96-h period. The test results showed that mine air and mine strata temperatures surrounding an RA occupied by simulated miners (SMs) increased over the 96-h test period. The test results suggest that RA manufacturers should consider this increase in temperatures when calculating and evaluating RA components during surface and laboratory tests. The findings can equip stakeholders with additional considerations for calculating the interior heat and humidity temperature profiles for occupied RAs not tested in situ

Nov 22, 2019