Search Documents

By Louis Frost

"A FIRE which forced the sealing -of the east side of Dominion No. 16 Colliery in the Town of New Waterford, Nova Scotia, occurred on October 6th, 1952 (Figure 1).So far as can be ascertained, the fire was first noticed in the roof of No. 7 East Lateral, after a brushing shot had been fired in the pavement. There appears to .be no doubt that this shot •blew out, igniting a small feeder in the roof.Regular air measurements and air samples, taken over a long period prior to the fire, indicated that the ventilation was adequate, for at no time had the percentage of CH4 in the general air current exceeded one per cent in this location. The last regular monthly samples and air measurements, taken at the end of September, showed the condition of the ventilation to be:Return at the Top of No. 8 East WallQuantity .... 27,700 cu. ft. per min.CH4 .......................... 0.32 per centC02 ................................ 0.10 per centHowever, in the week preceding the fire the mine examiner on four occasions had reported small feeders of gas at the face of the brushing in No. 7 East Lateral.Figure 2 is a diagram of the working place where the shots were fired. The face brushing had been shot down at 3 :45 p.m. and cleaned up. Two 'hurdle screens' had also been erected, one close to the face brushing and the other fifteen feet from the face."

Jan 1, 1953

By J. A. Brothers, M. R. Foran

"AbstractThis paper reviews the progress made in the manufacture of hydraulic cement from iron blast-furnace slag by simply grinding the granulated material with other constituents. The influence of the chemical and mineralogical composition of the slag, the conditions of granulation, the manner of drying, and the fineness of grinding, on the hydraulic properties of the cement, is discussed. The effect of additions of lime, portland cement, and anhydrite, alone and in combination, on the physical and cementing qualities of the mortar and concrete made from Sydney blast furnace slag, is shown in tables of data and is reviewed in some de- tail. The work at the Nova Scotia Technical College has shown that a cement equivalent in every respect to portland cement can be made from basic blast furnace slag- by the us2 of certain quantities of portland cement as an activator.IntroductionBlast furnace slag is a potentially valuable material for the manufacture of hydraulic cement. It is a by-product of the manufacture of iron in the blast furnace, and is formed by the combination of the silica and alumina .of the iron ore with the limestone flux. The metallurgist terms a slag .acid or •basic according as the percentage of lime is less or greater than the percentage of silica plus alumina. The basic slags have the •more pronounced hydraulic properties."

Jan 1, 1950

By F. Awotwe-Appiah, P. Koshy, A. Y. Fosu, J. Dankwah, J. R. Dankwah

Ghana currently exports its bauxite raw without any value addition. Gradual depletion of high grade bauxite (with high alumina content) and the emergence of low grade bauxite (with high iron oxide content) calls for novel and inexpensive ways to recover alumina from these low grade ores. Bauxite users have indicated their willingness to pay 10% to 50% higher for a corresponding reduction in impurities by a similar amount. This project therefore investigates the carbothermal upgrading of the Ghana Awaso bauxite using waste polypropylene as reductant in a locally designed gas-fired furnace. Composite pellets of low grade bauxite sample (assaying 45% Al2O3) containing pulverised waste polypropylene were formed, oven dried, placed in fireclay crucible and fired for 30 minutes. The magnetic fraction after reduction was separated by a Low Intensity Magnet and weighed. It was observed that up to 97% of the iron oxides (occurring as hematite and goethite) could be separated into the magnetic fraction as magnetite leaving a nonmagnetic fraction with over 98% Al2O3 as opposed to the 45% Al2O3 in the as-received bauxite sample. This research direction provides yet another simple but effective way for simultaneously upgrading low grade bauxite and recycling waste polypropylene, whilst at the same time decreasing the amount of waste material generated as red mud after the Bayer process.

Jan 1, 2015

By Adam Chrzanowski, Eugene E. Derenyi, Peter Wilson

"The rapid growth of the mining industry in Canada necessitates a reevaluation of existing mining surveying techniques and the development of new methods. In this connection, the Department of Surveying Engineering at the University of New Brunswick initiated a research program, and the major points of investigation conducted to date are as follows: 1. Based on practical experience and theoretical studies, all factors influencing classical shaft-plumbing procedures were analyzed. Refined methods were developed to increase accuracy. 2. The performance of electronic and optical distance-measuring instruments in underground conditions were investigated. In this connection, test measurements were made in various mines, employing four types of Tellurometers, two models of Geodimeters and a proto-type optical range-finder. 3. Tests were conducted and methods developed for the mapping of large underground chambers by photo-grammetric means. The aforementioned points are discussed at some length in the paper. The authors have also indicated areas where further research is needed and suggested ways and means to improve and modernize mining surveying as a whole throughout Canada."

Jan 1, 1967

By D. K. Fountain

"High metal prices and advanced technology in open-pit mining methods have resulted in considerable interest in the development of large, low-grade mineral deposits. Brenda Mines Limited is presently testing such a deposit of copper-molybdenum mineralization near Penticton, British Columbia.The mineralization of economic interest at Brenda has a total metallic sulphide content of between 1 and 1.5 per cent. This sulphide content approaches the limits of detectability of standard geophysical methods. How-ever, due to a favourable geological environment, it has been possible to utilize the Induced Polarization Method to outline the mineralization at the Brenda property."

Jan 1, 1968

By Ralph W. Edie

"IntroductionTHE GOLDFIELDS AREA in northern Saskatchewan has be-come important in recent years because of numerous discoveries of pitchblende. The area is underlain by rocks of Precambrian age and, because of metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration, the geology in the vicinity of the pitchblende deposits is exceedingly complex and presents a challenge to all geologists •working in the district. This paper is a contribution to the geological literature of the area and presents a description of rock types, supplemented with petrographic, chemical, and spectrochemical data.Field work in connection with this paper was carried out during the summers of 1948, 1949, and 1950 while the writer was employed as assistant geologist for the Crown Corporation, Eldorado Mining and Refining ( 1944), Limited, Gold-fields area. Laboratory work was undertaken at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during the winter months of 1949-50 and 1950-51 and extended through the summer of 1951.With the exception of SiO2and FeO, all of the new analyses ( 1) presented were carried out by quantitative spectrographic techniques under the supervision of Dr. L. H. Ahrens at M.I.T. Many of the techniques have only recently been developed at that Institute and detailed laboratory procedures have not yet been published."

Jan 1, 1952

By J. B. Gilliatt

The discovery of ore at Wabana was quickly followed by the mining of the ore beds where they outcropped in the land areas. The third phase, as at present carried out, consists of extensive submarine operations, which were commenced in 1908, by driving a pair of slopes out under Conception bay, opening. the mine for a distance of a mile and a half from the shore. Two other slopes, now driven just beyond the shore line, are being sunk to the submarine territory where, it is generally recognized, huge reserves of ore lie under the bay. The process of erosion of the land, the solution and re-disposition of its iron-bearing minerals in thick beds of ore have been considered elsewhere, but these bear small relation to the physical forces which have acted upon the ore-beds since the deposition of the strata. These physical changes are made manifest by jointing and cleavage and faulting. The discussion of these, the relation they bear to each other, and to the folding of the strata, is the purpose of this article. For the benefit of those who may not be familiar with the formation in which the ore occurs, I include a general summary of the geology of Be!! island and its environs; also a description of conditions that prevailed during the period of deposition, so that the reader may appreciate some of the later changes that took place during or subsequent to its emergence from the sea, and the folding or tilting of the strata to the position it now occupies.

Jan 1, 1924

By John H. Walsh

"ForewordPart I of this paper, published in the March 1992 issue of the CIM Bulletin, surveyed the probable consequences of a limitation on the emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere for the steel industry. What might be termed the conventional responses to this restriction open to the industry were also surveyed in that section. This section, Part II of the paper, explores a new option - the possibility for the joint production of iron and liquid fuels useful for transportation purposes. In this case, it is shown that it is important to minimize the production of carbon dioxide during the reduction stage to maximize the proportion of the reductant carbon embodied in the fuel. It is also advantageous to conserve hydrogen in the reduction step. In essence, the same carbon fulfills two purposes: it serves as a reductant and fuel for ironmaking and then as a constituent of a liquid fuel. If recovered plastics could be used in ironmaking, the same carbon could serve three useful purposes in turn. The conditions and limitations for the joint use of carbon in such 'cascading' processes are explored below. ABSTRACTIt is becoming increasingly probable that emissions of carbon dioxide from the fossil fuels will have to be reduced to deal with the threat of global warming. This issue is likely to be resolved one way or the other in the period 1995 to 2000 which does not leave much time to develop responsive options. In the intervening period, the policy of the Government of Canada is to stabilize emissions of greenhouse gases at their 1990 level by 2000, by encouraging greater efficiency in the use of energy. Should further reductions prove necessary, economic instruments would probably be employed but these would not be applied before a comprehensive international agreement is reached.There are three main themes in this paper: it is assumed that measures to control carbon dioxide emissions will in fact be necessary by the turn of the century; that there will be a rising need for liquid fuels to supply the world's steadily growing fleet of motor vehicles for many years to come, and that the future niche for Canada's industry in such a carbon-constrained world will be the operation of the energy-intensive industries with efficiency and environmental sensitivity.The steel industry, as a large user of both coal and energy in other forms, would be significantly affected by a need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This paper first examines what might be called the conventional responses open to the industry in such a situation and then explores a new possibility for making better use of carbon by the co-production of iron and liquid fuels."

Jan 1, 1992

By A. Trusiak

"Increasing energy costs in mineral processing is making it necessary for tighter controls over various parts of the concentrating process. Continuous monitoring and control of critical process streams can be easily performed by today's many computer systems. Indeed, the list of successful applications of computers to grinding and flotation control continues to grow. The day is rapidly approaching when the use of computers within concentrators for either process control or simply metallurgical accounting will no longer be a luxury, but a necessity. The benefits from such applications far out weight the initial investment.This paper describes the current application of a process control system at Brunswick Mining in north-eastern New Brunswick. Emphasis is placed on the control of a CuPb flotation circuit, and the benefits derived-from this control.No. 12 Cu-Pb Flotation: The complex nature of the Brunswick flotation process has been described else-where. 1,2,3 Four final concentrates are eventually produced, these being a Zn concentrate assaying 53% Zn, a 30% Pb concentrate, a 20% Cu concentrate, and a bulk Pb Zn concentrate assaying 35% Zn and 17% Pb. The Cu concentate, Pb concentrate, and bulk Pb Zn concentrate are all derived from a primary CuPb concentrate assaying 26% Pb, 11% Zn and 1.8% Cu.The No. 12 CuPb circuit produces approximately two thirds of the total primary CuPb concentrate. No. 12 ore, assaying 3.5% Pb, 9% Zn, 0.25% Cu and 100 g/tne silver, is ground in two parallel grinding circuits. Each line uses a 3.2 x 4.2 meter rod mill in closed circuit with two parallel 3.2 x 3.9 meter ball mills. Ball mill and rod mill discharges are classified in two stages of cycloning. The secondary cyclone overflow, or flotation feed, is controlled at 65% passing 37 microns."

Jan 1, 1981

By M. F. Lopez, A. J. Mattus, S. B. Magid, D. B. Mobbs

"The use of Caro's acid as a replacement for hydrogen peroxide for the oxidation of vanadium prior to solvent extraction resulted in a 56% reduction in oxidant usage when compared on an equivalent hydrogen peroxide basis. Comparative oxidation tests, using two actual uranium mill raffinates, resulted in premature precipitation of an amorphous ferric vanadate when hydrogen peroxide was used to oxidize one of the raffinates containing a high iron to vanadium ratio. The use of Caro's acid eliminated the precipitation problem, thereby permitting the adjustment of the raffinate pH to a higher, more favourable level prior to solvent extraction.Potentiometric characterization of the raffinates revealed that vanadium is responsible for the inefficiency of hydrogen peroxide compared with Caro's acid, with the oxidation efficiency of iron being the same for both oxidants. A limiting potential between 720 and 740 mV was observed when using hydrogen peroxide, while, when using Care's acid, potentials approaching 1200 mV were achievable.A four-stage, countercurrent extraction performed on the oxidized raffinates did not reveal any operational problems. The extraction efficiency and the extraction coefficient were found to be higher when Caro's acid was used as the oxidant, as opposed to hydrogen peroxide.IntroductionMost vanadium is recovered as a by-product of some other process: leaching of Carnotite uranium ores, oil fly ash, phosphate rock or chromite processing. The major source of vanadium has been from uranium mills incorporating acid leaching of Carnotite ore s at elevated temperatures and pressures. The by-product recovery of vanadium from uranium ores of the Uravan Mineral Belt, located in the Colorado Plateau , is a common occurrence when vanadium recovery is economically viable."

Jan 1, 1983

By R. D. Brown

In his April 10, 1978 budget address, Finance Minister Chretien declared that the federal government will restrict the growth of its spending to less than the trend growth of the gross national product; over the past year, both the federal and a number of provincial governments have taken action to cut back on spending policies. This new emphasis in restraint would seem 10 be a response to a mounting public reaction to the rapid growth of government spending - and taxation - over the past 25 years. Although this relatively new government posture on public spending may be admired by many, to others it raises the question: "Can the growth in government spending really be stopped?" This article comments on just how government revenues - and spending - have grown over the past few years in Canada, and mentions some of the issues relating to a slowdown in that growth.

Jan 1, 1978

By A. C. Headon, K. W. Lam, D. P. Dautovich

"Microbiological activities affecting the performance of materials have been encountered in diverse situations within Ontario Hydro. Case histories of bacterial problems which are presented include ground rod corrosion at transformer stations, corrosion of a bare steel cooling water intake structure in Lake Huron and corrosion of steel components in a nuclear generation station vacuum building. Possible microbiological activities which may affect the corrosion behaviour of containers for the disposal of nuclear fuel waste in the future are discussed, as are bacterial actions suspected of causing an odour problem in residential water heaters.IntroductionBacteria are ubiquitous. Except by use of sterilization methods, bacteria -free environments are no t possible to find. Bacteria lie dormant in hostile environments, spread easily through air and water currents and reproduce rapidly under favourable conditions. Although different types of bacteria have different preferable conditions for growth, they are highly adaptive and in general, whenever there is a source of water and carbon (carbon dioxide or organic matter), there will be bacterial activities . These activities often induce or enhance costly metallic corrosion in industries and water odour problems in rural water supplies . Underground structures and systems in contact with natural water or water containing organic matter are most susceptible to bacterial attack.The types of metal-degrading bacteria , their characteristics and the conditions for growth have been reviewed extensively in the literature(1,2,3). There are several often encountered groups of bacteria which, through their metabolic processes, may lead to the degradation of metals. A large variety of bacteria produce corrosive in organic or organic acids as waste, such as the well known formation of sulphuric ac id by aerobic sulphur oxidizers . Anaerobic sulphate reducers produce hydrogen sulphide which is corrosive and has an obnoxious smell, slime-forming bacteria from slime which shelters sulphate reducers and iron bacteria oxidize ferrous to ferric ion which precipitates as hydrated oxides creating oxygen concentration cells . The following are bacterial problems encountered in Ontario Hydro. Although the number of recognized cases has been few, they show the diversity of location and environment where bacterial problems could arise. These include ground rod corrosion at transformer stations, corrosion of bare steel in a water intake structure, corrosion of steel in a nuclear generation station vacuum building and an odour problem in residential hot water tanks. In addition, possible bacterial- enhanced corrosion in containers for future disposal of nuclear fuel wastes are also discussed."

Jan 1, 1984

By Jason Berenyi

Presentation Overview ? What is Potash? ? Where are the potash deposits? ? Current potash mines ? production, capacity and planned upgrades ? Saskatchewan Saskatchewan?s Potash Production Potential s ? Current Status of Potash Exploration ? Increasing Demand for Potash ? Saskatchewan global role

May 1, 2009

By John R. Goode

"This paper reviews options for the separation of a mixture of rare earth elements (REE) into its component elements. Earlier separations used selective chemistry such as double salt precipitation and reductive/oxidative processes – methods that still have a place in the industry. Fractional crystallization was developed for more complete separations of adjacent REE. The latter method was replaced by ion exchange (IX), which was in turn replaced by solvent extraction (SX). Two main SX chemistries are in use, solvation and cation exchangers, with several variants (mixed solvents, ionic liquids, etc.) now under investigation. SX plant configurations have evolved including advanced techniques like “hyperlinking”, novel saponification methods, and alternative stripping techniques. The classic mixer-settler is the most commonly employed device although centrifugal contactors have been pilot-tested. Non-dispersive SX options including microfluidic devices and membrane-assisted SX techniques are being developed and could revolutionize the SX option. Other REE separation techniques now being studied include Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT), Free Flow Electrophoresis (FFE), newer IX systems, and electrolytic processes. Additionally, the classical crystallization and selective precipitation methods and newer bacteria-mediated processes, chloride volatilization, high performance liquid chromatography, and magnetic separation systems have been studied. This paper reviews the options and concludes that conventional SX is the technology of choice but viable alternatives could be demonstrated and acceptable within a couple of years.INTRODUCTIONThe chemical properties of the individual REE are very similar which is why REE minerals and ore deposits almost invariably contain a mixture of all fifteen REE, i.e., La to Lu plus Y. That said, the distribution of REE in a given deposit is frequently dominated by the light REE (LREE, i.e., La to Nd). Examples include the Bayan Obo, Mianning, Lynas Mt. Weld, and Molycorp Mountain Pass deposits where heavy REE (HREE – Sm to Lu and Y) typically account for well under 5% of the REE content. The LREE operations produce some HREE but the main sources of these important elements are the ionic clay deposits of Southern China. Importantly, all of the REE recovery operations referenced above, except for cerianite-bearing ionic clay deposits, initially produce a mixed REE precipitate or calcine with a REE distribution similar to that in the ore (Goode, 2016). However, the consumers of the REE, the manufacturers of magnets, phosphors, catalysts, optical glass, etc., require separated products with purities generally ranging from 99% to as high as 99.9999% depending on the element in question and the end use. Hence there is a need to separate the individual REE one from the other. This paper is intended to review the options."

Jan 1, 2016

By M. F. Goudge

BRUCITE associated with highly metamorphosed Precambrian limestone was discovered in the vicinity of Rutherglen in northern Ontario by the writer during field work on the limestones of that district in 1937, and later was identified in similar limestone at Bryson and Wakefield, Quebec. The brucite occurs as granules disseminated through the limestone (Figure 1) and comprises from 20 to 35 per cent of the rock. Such rocks may be referred to as predazzites or pencatites, depending on the proportions of the constituent minerals. In this paper, however, the general term brucitic limestone is used to designate limestone containing brucite. In none of the deposits does the magnesia content of the rock approach that of magnesite, and in the deposits near Bryson and Wakefield the magnesia content is only that of dolomite. Therefore, without some method of concentrating the brucite, the deposits would be of little or no more value as a source of magnesia than is ordinary pure dolomite, which is abundant in many parts of Canada. Investigations in the laboratories of the Bureau of Mines have, however, resulted in the development of a method whereby, from certain of the deposits, pure calcined brucite, or magnesia, in granular form can be obtained, apparently at a cost that will enable it to compete in eastern Canada with imported magnesia. The granular magnesia so obtained appears to be highly suitable for use in basic refractories, for making magnesium metal, and for various other purposes for which magnesia is commonly used. Prospecting in the neighbourhoods of the original discoveries has resulted in a number of other deposits being found in each of the three areas, and there is now apparently available s1.dficient brucitic limestone of a grade that will lend itself to commercial exploitation to supply for many years a large part of the present and prospective Canadian market for magnesia and its products. Furthermore, it is expected that additional deposits will be discovered as prospectors and others become more familiar with the appearance of brucitic limestone.

Jan 1, 1940

By Raymond S. Suglo

Increasing depths of mining coupled with the mechanization of most underground mining operations have led to growing complexities in the mine environments with the production of large amounts of gaseous and particulate contaminants. Over 100,000 lives have been lost due methane gas and dust explosions in coal mine workings in both the US and Canada since 1900 when the methane concentrations exceeded stipulated levels in some workings. There is therefore the need to constantly assess and evaluate the performance of the existing mine ventilation systems to maintain safe and acceptable mine environmental conditions in workings to meet the requirements of federal, state or provincial laws. This paper uses the results of continuous monitoring of methane concentrations conducted in selected development headings in coal mines in North America to assess the effectiveness of existing auxiliary ventilation systems in the control of methane gas concentrations in the headings. The results show that the average quantities of fresh air required to dilute, disperse and remove methane concentrations within set levels of one minute varied from 5.43 m3/s in Heading #11 (Condition 2) to 27.97 m3/s in Heading #10 (Condition 1) and this represented about 12 to 26% of the quantities required to dilute methane concentrations to safe levels within one minute under Condition 1 and 32 to 139% under Condition 2. The average dilution times in the headings studied were less than 8 minutes. The forcing efficiencies of the auxiliary systems in the headings studied ranged from poor to excellent implying that the auxiliary ventilation systems were capable of controlling the methane concentrations below statutory levels but may not be able to cope with large and unusual methane concentrations in the headings. This study is important to prevent methane gas and coal dust explosions in coal mines and thus avoid any loss of lives and property.

May 1, 2001

By William D. Macdonald

The Upper Devonian Kettle Point black shale of southern Ontario is poorly exposed. Structural maps pre-pared from the data of numerous wells show that the upper surface of the formation has low regular relief, and that the lower surface reflects domes in the Middle Devonian and also local subsidence of the Devonian rocks due to solution of salt in the Silurian Salina Formation. The appearance of minor amounts. of marcasite, pyrite, and calcite, m that order, as interpreted from the evidence of concretions from the type locality at Kettle Point is thought to have been influenced by a rise m the pH within anaerobic sediments preceding compaction.

Jan 1, 1960

By R. W. Zeindler, D. A. Fawcett

"A summary is presented of the report completed by the Coal Mining Research Centre in 1980. This report was of a cross-pit conveyor system applied as an auxiliary mining complement to the major stripping unit, a dragline. The purpose of the CMRC report was to evaluate selective mining and replacement of the upper horizons of the strata as an aid in reclamation. These strata were the topsoil, subsoil and glacial till.Past utilization of cross-pit conveyor systems and related engineering studies were assessed. The parameters of the study were based on the mining and geological conditions of the Alberta prairie coal mines. The principal excavator for stripping was a dragline. Excavation of the upper horizons was done by a bucket-wheel excavator discharging onto the crosspit conveyor. Alternative equipment applications were economically compared. Four cases or geological sections were evaluated in detail. The economics of the alternative mining systems for each of the cases were determined. In all instances, the most economical solution was a tandem system utilizing a dragline with a bucket-wheel excavator/ cross-pit conveyor system."

Jan 1, 1981

By C. E. Rodgers

WHEN I was asked to prepare, for presentation at the 1938 Annual Meeting of the Institute, some data concerning low-discharge grinding at the Sylvanite mill, it seemed entirely reasonable to expect to have at my disposal the results of at least four full months' operation after the last unit, as then proposed, was installed. Delays in delivery of equipment, nevertheless, shortened the interval, as will be shown herein. In submitting the data contained in this discussion, I wish distinctly to state that the intention is not to claim that final conclusions can be reached at this time concerning our operation. Test periods, in certain instances at least, have been too short for this purpose, although some, where so stated, have been extended through March and April. It is hoped, however, that an advantageous trend in practice can be shown and that the experience related may be of interest to others who are now operating, or who are considering the operation of, low-discharge grinding mills. In the plant under review, four mills are in use: one primary and three secondary. Present mill capacity (grinding, as shown by screen test, about 99 per cent through-200-mesh and approximately 88 to 89 per cent minus-325-mesh with infrasizer giving about 90 per cent of the latter) averages about 525 tons per day. A brief description of each unit will be given and comments will also be made relating to operation. This will be followed by certain test data from which, in conclusion, operating results are summarized.

Jan 1, 1938

By Lars A. Bergstrom

High-voltage direct -current transmission is a relatively new technology. The successful development and operation of AC/DC converters, capable of handling large power blocks, have made HVDC transmission generally accepted by utility engineer s and planners around the world. HVDC technology still has significant development potential and, as a result, it is expected that equipment costs will escalate at a substantially slower rate than those of conventional AC equipment. This development will also result in still more compact terminal stations. This paper reviews two modern HVDC installations. In Zaire in Africa. a 1700-km overhead DC line rated at 500 kv, will supply power to the copper mining district in the Shaba region. Another HVDC link connects Norway and Denmark through a submarine cable rated at 250 kv. This is the longest HVDC cable in the world, 127 km, and the water depth , maximum 530 m, is also much greater than for any previous similar cable. The reasons for selecting HVDC are discussed, and the design and layouts are presented.

Jan 1, 1978