Search Documents

By W. S. Hargratt

THE present era of exploitation of the Little Long Lac and Sturgeon River areas commenced in 1925, when Beardmore Gold Mines started development of what is now the property of Northern Empire Mines. A shaft was sunk in 1927-28 and a very limited amount of underground work was carried out, following which the property was shut down. It remained idle until 1932, when Empire Star Mines, a Delaware Company, optioned the property. This Company formed the Northern Empire Mines Company, Limited, to operate the mine, and immediately instigated an aggressive programme of surface and underground development. By the summer of 1933, sufficient ore was indicated to justify the installation of a small mill. The decision was also reached to bring in electric power. A power-line was built from Hydro, the Ontario Power Commission's development on the Nipigon river, to the mine, a distance of approximately 50 miles. This work was entirely financed by Northern Empire Mines. Mill construction was commenced in October, 1933, and completed by March, 1934, thus making this mine the first producer in this district.

Jan 1, 1940

By M. R. Khalesi, S. Bellec, C. Bazin, D. Hodouin

Batch grinding tests conducted on a gold ore indicated that gold is not randomly distributed within the size fractions of the ground ore. Since gold leaching performances were found to be dependent of the size of the gold carrying particles an integrated gold ore grinding-leaching simulator should incorporate a method to predict the gold size distribution of a ground ore. The paper describes the results obtained from batch grinding tests showing the non random distribution of gold within the size intervals of a ground ore and the initial developments of a grinding model to predict the gold size distribution in a batch grinding product.

Jan 1, 2011

By S. Kashani-Nejad

The formation of oxides during the dehydration of MgC12,6H20, Bischofite, was studied by heating the bischofite over a range of time and temperatures in ambient atmosphere. Using a methanol-leaching technique developed by authors, the oxides that formed were isolated, identified and assayed. Three distinct regions of oxide stability were identified. The oxide produced at dehydration temperatures less than 300 °C was Mg2(OH)3C1,2H2O; at 300 °C, mixtures of MgOHC1 and Mg2(OH)3C1.2H2O were formed and at 400 °C, MgOHC1 was the only oxide produced. The presence of MgO observed in the products of the dehydration of bischofite at temperatures above 400 °C was due to the thermal decomposition of the MgOHC1 that was formed while the sample was heating to over 400 °C.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. E. McIlhinney, I. E. Puddington, C. E. Capes, A. F. Sirianni

"Two main problems are associated with the removal of pyritic sulphur from coals. The first is due to the fine state of dissemination of pyrite, which requires grindin1 to a very fine size to accomplish liberation. The second problem is caused by the similar surface chemical characteristics of coal and pyrite, which complicates separatio11 methods based on this property. In the work described here, the problem of fine particle size was overcome by using the selective oil agglomeratioa method developed at the National Research Council of Canada. Recovery of more than 90% of the combustible values was possible, even with particles only a few microns in diameter. Experiments using conventional chemical depressants for pyrite met with little success. It was found, however, that pyrite may be rejected during coal agglomeration through treatment with the iron.oxidizing bacteria, thiobacillus-ferrooxidans. The conditions for maximum pyrite separation are described and possible mechanisms by which the bacteria act are discussed."

Jan 1, 1973

By Jan W. Merks

The objective of metrology in mineral exploration is to derive unbiased confidence limits for masses of metals contained in reserves and resources. Sets of test results for gold and silver determined in pairs of interleaved bulk samples give unbiased confidence limits for the central value of each metal. The same sets of test results show how to verify spatial dependence by applying Fisher?s F-test to the variance of a set and the first variance term of the ordered set. A significant degree of spatial dependence gives a higher degree of precision for the central values of gold and silver. Plotting variance terms of an ordered set against the variance of the set and its lower limits of asymmetric 99% and 95% confidence ranges gives a sampling variogram. Sampling variograms put in plain view where spatial dependence in sampling units or sample spaces dissipates into randomness. The application of statistical methods to test results for sets of ordered core samples within boreholes, and for sets of ordered ore volumes within profiles, plays an important role in defining reserves and resources.

Oct 1, 2009

By J. Mrozowski, R. Kurowski, A. Chmielarz, Z. Szolomicki

PbSO4 is a commonly encountered component of the materials used in lead recycling (e.g. battery paste) and in by-products of metallurgical processes (e.g. residues from zinc hydrometallurgy, dust from copper smelting). Smelting of battery paste results in SO2 emission and in generation of significant amounts of hazardous ‘white slag’. Those adverse phenomena can be eliminated by removal of sulphur from the paste. Lead-bearing by-product materials are of polymetallic character with usually low Pb content, which makes lead recovery technologically difficult and uneconomic. However it can be successfully achieved by extraction of lead sulphate from solid phase with triethylenetetramine (TETA) water solutions. That compound has capability for selective solvation of a whole lead sulphate molecule. Virtually pure lead carbonate can be precipitated by means of saturation of lead-loaded aqueous TETA solution with carbon dioxide, and complete regeneration of the extractant is achieved by fixing of sulphate ion into gypsum through operation of calcium hydroxide suspension. The paper presents results of the lab and pilot scale studies into process of battery paste desulphurisation and recovery of lead from the residue of zinc calcine leaching.

Jan 1, 2014

The Autogenous milling of ores holds an increasing attraction as the focus moves towards reducing energy usage, both direct and embodied in grinding media. However, most of the early AG mills were converted to SAG for improved stability and increased throughput. This imposes a huge penalty in steel grinding media consumption. The LKAB iron ore operations in Sweden process highgrade magnetite through fully-autogenous milling lines to a final product P80 of about 45µm. The outcomes of P9O AMIRA research surveys, covering a wide range of mill fillings and throughputs and with different feed blends, are presented. Insights are provided on operational strategies, opportunities, the influence of feed size control and balancing the blend of competent gangue and softer magnetite. Areas of importance in the successful operation and control of energy-efficient autogenous circuits are highlighted.

Jan 1, 2012

By Raj Rajamani

In general, many past works examine mill load, mill power, shell lifter design etc with a view to improving the mill capacity. On the contrary, only a handful of papers have addressed the transport of fine slurry through the pulp lifters. We present the flow dynamics of pulp lifters via laboratory scale experiments, high speed photography and modeling with computational fluid dynamics. Next, the flow behaviour in ArcelorMittal?s Mont-Wright autogenous mill discharge flow is examined. In an effort to improve mill throughput, a comprehensive simulation and plant scale study of the mill was taken up with a focus on the shell and pulp lifter design. The shell lifter was found to be at its optimum limit for breakage of ore particles given the constraints of wear life and occupied volume. Next, the pulp lifter study was taken up with computational fluid flow code and discrete element code. The simulations directly showed that there was considerable carry-over of slurry. This effect was traced to the area restriction in the pulp lifter channels. Further, crash-stop studies confirmed slurry pooling within the mill. Thus it was readily apparent that mill throughput can be increased if the pulp-lifter could be redesigned. Consequently, the discharger section of the pulp-lifter was redesigned. First, this paper outlines the modeling in laboratory scale studies and plant scale studies leading up to the discharger design. Next, the discharge flow in seven different published mill surveys is predicted with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology shown here. Finally, Mont-Wright mill circuit performance before and after the discharger redesign is described. The usefulness of fluid flow simulations in the design of pulp-lifters is emphasized.

Jan 1, 2012

By Robert Yobou, Jacques Naho, Benjamin A. Allou, Jacques Carignan, Huan-Zhang Lu, Jayanta Guha, Koffi Pothin

"Résumé - Les seules productions de columbo-tantalite en Côte d'Ivoire sont effectuées dans les éluvions, colluvions et alluvions d'Issia, au Centre-Ouest de la Côte d'Ivoire. Même si un lien direct avec les roches granitiques est suspecté, aucune attention particulière n'a été accordée à l'étude de la minéralisation primaire en relation avec l'évolution de ces granites et des pegmatites associées. Ces granites, qui sont en intrusion dans les roches sédimentaires du Protérozoïque inférieur, comprennent: le granite orienté à deux micas (type Lobo), le granite orienté à muscovite dominante (type Bitapia) et le granite porphyroïde non orienté à muscovite dominante (type Issia). Les résultats de cette étude indiquent que les pegmatites à Nb-Ta-Be-Li sont liées au granite de type Issia. Les observations de terrain et les analyses sur roche totale montrent que: (1) les trois principaux granites de la région sont de type-S et peralumineux dans leur composition, (2) ils ont été formés pendant la période tardi- à post-Éburnéenne, (3) le granite de type Issia fut le dernier à se former.Les pegmatites liées au granite de type Issia ont été classées en quatre types : A- pegmatites stériles; B- pegmatites à Be; C- pegmatites zonées à Nb-Ta-Be; et D- pegmatites zonées à Be-Nb-Ta-Li. Les pegmatites zonées comprennent les zones suivantes: I- zone à aplite; II- zone graphique; III- zone à albite, microcline, béryl et columbo-tantalite; IV- zone à microcline massive; V- zone à quartztourmaline. Ces pegmatites présentent une zone d'altération métasomatique externe.La minéralisation de Ta, Nb, et Be est liée à la zone III des pegmatites de types C et D, la minéralisation de Li est associée aux greisens qui peuvent être observés n'importe où dans les pegmatites de type D. Les données de terrain et de laboratoire indiquent que le granite de type Issia est la roche parentale des pegmatites à éléments rares de la région. Les pegmatites minéralisées sont distribuées seulement autour du granite de type Issia et les patrons des terres rares des granites et ceux des pegmatites à éléments rares sont très similaires. Les analyses de la composition totale montrent un lien génétique entre le granite de type Issia et les pegmatites à éléments rares. Il est suggéré que les pegmatites ont été formées durant le transport et la cristallisation fractionnée du magma. Les éléments rares sont restés dans le liquide résiduel jusqu'à ce que les conditions favorables à leur précipitation soient atteintes.L'établissement de ce lien génétique ouvre des voies pour des nouvelles stratégies d'exploration."

Jan 1, 2005

By Norman A. Jull

"IntroductionThe scope of this paper is intended to deal mainly with cyclones in grinding circuits. However, the section on Cyclone Equipment, contains more general descriptions, to cover most of the cyclones used in mineral separation plants.Cyclones as heavy media separation vessels are discussed by Mark Freberg (this volume). Their use in tailings deslirning is discussed by P.C. Lighthall, eta/. (this volume).Cyclone EquipmentCyclone TerminologyApexObviously, the apex of a cone is the smallest end. However, with cyclones the term is usually used for the fitting which is attached there to control discharge of the underflow stream.Note that the cyclone need not be so mounted that the apex is the lowest point, although that is the most common method. Keeping the apex below the rest of the cyclone helps avoid plugging when the underflow contains very large particles and the tonnage of underflow solids can fluctuate.Various devices for adjusting apex diameter or otherwise controlling the underflow are discussed later under ""Cyclone Construction"".BypassingThe transport of a portion of feed slurry directly to underflow so that classification is bypassed by that portion of feed.This action is fundamental in any hydraulic classification, whether gravity or centrifugal, because the large particles going to underflow have some void volume between them, which remains filled with feed slurry.D50By definition, D50 is that particle size which has an equal probability of going to overflow or to underflow.It is calculated by drawing a curve of recovery vs particle size and noting the size at which 500Jo recovery occurs.This may be done equally with corrected or with gross recovery (see below) and the resulting value should therefore be identified as d50c (corrected d50) or as d500 (gross d50).Note also that it is common in industry practice to plot size analysis data on the retained size rather than on the average of passing and retained (the middle of the size band). To portray sizing alone it makes no difference, but to read a D50 value off a curve of corrected or gross recoveries, it is essential to plot those values on the average size of each band."

Jan 1, 1989

By T. E. Morimoto

Summary The Research Council of Alberta has made a series of tests with the cyclone washer to investigate the influence of the following operating variables: underflow apex diameter, .specific gravity of medium, pulp ratio, density distribution of the feed, and size analysis of the feed. The results obtained for all the variables studied, except size analysis of the feed, are included in this paper. The tests were made with smaller underflow apex diameters and lower specific gravity .suspensions than have been recommended by Cerchar for the sharpest separations. However, what is considered to be sufficiently good cleaning was accomplished with a suspension of 1.30 specific gravity and an underflow to overflow diameter ratio of 0.56. It was found that the sharpness of separation was not affected appreciably by variations in specific gravity of suspension or underflow apex diameter provided that the density of separation was within the normal range of washery operation. Cyclone performance was not too adversely affected by decreasing the pulp ratio. The minimum figure which gave reasonable separation was 4 to 1. The tests with various density distributions of feed revealed .that the degree of washing difficulty had no detrimental effect on the .sharpness of separation given by the cyclone. Introduction A major problem of the bituminous coal industry today is that of reducing the ash content of the finer sizes (minus 1/4-inch) of coal. This problem is particularly acute in Alberta, where, because of tectonic movement subsequent to deposition, the coals have been rendered friable, and bands of impurities have been intimately mixed with the clean material. As a consequence, most Alberta coals, as mined, contain a large proportion of fines and have a high inherent mineral-matter content. The advent of mechanized mining and stripping operations ?has further aggravated this problem.

Jan 1, 1952

By M. I. Kalashnikova, Y. M. Shneerson, M. V. Keskinova

Interaction between mattes having various compositions and solutions with a wide range of free acid and non-ferrous metals concentration have been studied in terms of chemistry, mechanism and kinetics. The solution acidity and oxidizers to reducers ratio in the matte-solution-gas phase system have been demonstrated to be the major factors determining the process behaviour. It was found that the types of copper and nickel secondary sulphides resulted from nonferrous metals precipitation from solution, depend on of the solution and initial matte composition. Based on these studies, technologies of matte leaching and nonferrous metal precipitation in the form of rich sulphide concentrates are developed.

Jan 1, 2004

By G. Lodewijks

This paper explores the savings that can be achieved in the energy consumption of belt conveyors used in mines by changing the conveyor components, the operational parameters of the system or the belt properties. First the concept of energy savings is introduced by looking at the energy consumption of belt conveyors from a theoretical point of view. Also methods for the calculation of the power consumption of a belt conveyor and the associated emissions are presented. Two case studies are presented in which the effects of the change of the operational parameters of the system, in this case the belt speed, and the belt properties, in this case the application of aramid products in the belt, are presented.

Aug 1, 2013

By A. R. Hekmat

Hypereutectic Al-Si alloys are used in applications that require high resistance to wear and corrosion, hardness and low coefficient of thermal expansion, To maximize the properties of these alloys, semi-solid processing can be utilized to modify the solidification structure of the primary silicon crystals as well as to reduce microsegregation and porosity, The transformation and spheroidization of primary Si crystals by shearing in the semi-solid state are not fully understood as they precipitate in the presence of other alloy phases, The objective of the present work is the determination the rheological characteristics of A390 (Al-17%Si-4,5%Cu-0.5%Mg) alloy using a Couette type (Haake RV12) viscometer and examining the microstructural evolution during continuous cooling and isothermal shear rate experiments, The effect of shear rate, solid fraction (temperature) and morphological evolution of the silicon crystals are investigated.

Jan 1, 2005

By R. St. C., G. E. Morris, M. Zbik, Smart

Effective flocculation and dewatering of slurry streams containing clays (particularly kaolin and smectites which are often <200nm in lateral dimension) is becoming increasingly urgent. Release of water (often >75 wt%), for recycle and reduced make-up water consumption, from slurries in tailings streams and dam beds is usually slow and incomplete. Changes in settling rates and solids density of tailings containing clays can be achieved in practice by changes in pH, dissolved cations and flocculant additions. To achieve fast separation of clays from water and minimization of retained water, individual particles need to be bound in the initial stages of thickening into large, high-density aggregates, which may sediment more rapidly with lower intra-aggregate water content. Quantitative STIMAN (STructural IMage ANalysis) cryo-SEM imaging, shows that the structure of aggregates formed before flocculant addition has a determinative effect on these outcomes. Without flocculant addition, 4 stages occur in the mechanism of primary dewatering of kaolinite: initially separate particles and aggregates are dispersed (<0.3GP, where GP is the gel point); a partially-gelled chain network then forms linking particles edge-edge (EE) still well below the OP but remains largely suspended; after an induction time, this network structure rearranges from EE to face-face (FF) contacts densifying, compacting and dewatering the aggregates with settling rates well above Stoke&apos;s Law estimates for >20µm particles or aggregates; the GP is rapidly reached during settling producing a network spanning the vessel with compressive strength. This sponge-like structure with EE oriented particles limits slurry dewatering because the steric effect in the resulting partially-gelled structure is much more dominant than the electrostatic effects predicted by DLVO theory. Van der Waal&apos;s forces at very close distances, as particles slide across each other, may be responsible for the EE to FF change in structure. In this way, the previously extended network contracts, and when the solid volume fraction is low, the continuous network breaks apart forming aggregates and aggregate associations as flocs which arc able to freely settle. These densified aggregates settle at increased rate, give lower bed density and retain less water after drainage. With flocculant addition, the internal structure and networking of the pre-aggregates is largely preserved but they are rapidly and effectively bound together by the bridging action of the flocculant(s). The STIMAN analysis shows that there is a inverse correlation of intra-aggregate porosity (and void permeability) with Darcian permeability (and extent of dewatering) whereas there is a strong positive correlation of Darcian inter-aggregate permeability with settling and primary dewatering rate.

Jan 1, 2004

By Xueyi Guo

The total production of nonferrous metals in China is 31.35 million tons in 2010, which ranks first in the world for the past ten years. Large quantities of solid wastes including slag, residue, ash, and dust are produced every year in the production of nonferrous metals. These secondary resources are renewable, not only contain abundant valuable metals which can be recycled by metallurgical processing, but also could eliminate the pollution to the environment. In this paper, the status quo of the main nonferrous metals recycling in metallurgical industries in China was summarized, and the future development of waste processing and resource recycling was prospected.

Jan 1, 2011

By H. Fujihara, K. Uesugi, H. Toda, A. Takeuchi, K. Shimizu

"Hydrogen is trapped at a variety of microstructures, for example grain boundaries, dislocations and particles. It is thought that hydrogen trapped at trapping sites is redistributed to the other sites under loading and then brittle fracture occurs with hydrogen accumulation. In order to understand hydrogen embrittlement behavior, it is necessary to investigate the time evolution behavior of hydrogen accumulation at each trap site. In the present study, changes in hydrogen distribution are observed under stress using Kelvin force microscopy (KFM) that can visualize hydrogen concentration distribution on material surface at high resolution. Spot-like hydrogen enriched regions are observed on the surface of a material. In addition, hydrogen depleted regions are observed around those enriched regions, and the appearance of hydrogen trap due to particles existing near the material surface is revealed. On the other hand, hydrogen trapped at grain boundary can be visualized. From in this result, it was suggested that crystallographic factors influence hydrogen accumulation. The relationship between initiation and propagation of intergranular crack and hydrogen accumulation under stress will be discussed.INTRODUCTIONHydrogen present in a metal sometimes has significant effects on various properties. Hydrogen in a metal is trapped at a variety of microstructure, for example dislocations and grain boundaries. Grain boundaries, dislocations and micro pores are the major trap sites in aluminum alloys. Some researchers considered that hydrogen redistribution and accumulation between these trap sites in a material with loading plays an important role in the brittle fracture behavior. In general, in intergranular fracture and quasi-cleavage fracture, the hydrogen trapped at grain boundaries and dislocations contributes to fracture behavior, respectively. Recently some researchers have shown that the ductile fracture in aluminum alloys is resulted from growth and coalescence of hydrogen micro pores. Analysis using first principles calculation indicates that intergranular fracture occurs when hydrogen concentration reaches 20 atom H/nm2ongrain boundary. From this report, it is considered that hydrogen redistributed during deformation accumulates locally in order to cause hydrogen brittle fracture. In order to understand hydrogen embrittlement, it is necessary to investigate the time evolution behavior of hydrogen accumulation at each trap site. In the present study, we evaluate the relationship between hydrogen accumulation behavior and fracture behavior in Al-Zn-Mg based alloys. In-situ observation was made by combining the tensile test with Kelvin force microscope (KFM) that can visualize the hydrogen concentration distribution on the material surface with high resolution. We also investigate the relationship between hydrogen distribution behavior and crystal orientation."

Jan 1, 2018

By Hamidreza Soltanzadeh

The injection of CO2 into a reservoir or aquifer can potentially result in deformation, induced fracturing and fault reactivation in the injection zone and/or the rocks that surround it. This paper reviews the data collection and geomechanical analyses performed to assess these potential hazards for the Heartland Area Redwater Project (HARP), in which CO2 sequestration is being considered in a carbonate (Leduc Formation) reef. A three-dimensional mechanical earth model (3D MEM) was developed using available geophysical log data from several wells. The geomechanical response to CO2 injection was studied using a finite element numerical model based on the 3D MEM and pore pressure distributions predicted using a reservoir simulator. The modeling results suggest that the potential for induced fracturing and fault reactivation is low and the maximum predicted ground surface heave is less than 2 cm. Sensitivity analyses conducted with a 2D geomechanical model that was extracted from the 3D model confirm that this conclusion holds true even when a reasonable measure of uncertainty in rock mechanical properties, ambient pore pressures and horizontal stress magnitudes is accounted for.

Jun 1, 2012

By James F. Archibald

A research effort has been undertaken, under WSIB sponsorship, to characterize the support capabilities of conventional and innovative spray-on lining materials for mitigating dynamic failure effects created by simulated rockbursts. Conventional spray support media, such as shotcrete and fibrecrete linings, and a variety of new spray-on lining materials (TSL?s), typically polymer-type thin coatings, were subjected to simulated rockburst influence. For baseline comparison, conventional rockbolt and boltand- mesh support products were also evaluated. Observation of lining performance was undertaken through completion of field scale support and rock detonation trials. Controlled blasting tests were conducted at the Queen?s University Explosives Laboratory to examine the effectiveness of the variety of surface coating agents for modifying dynamic rock spalling processes. All tests were performed upon largely undisturbed and homogeneous rock materials in highly repeatable fashion. Both conventional and innovative TSL-type surface lining materials were subjected to ?rockburst? exposure in rigorously-controlled blast trials. All blasts were observed seismically and photographically to provide detailed information concerning rock motion, surface fracturing, ejected fragment motion and support liner survivability characteristics. These material comparison trials were performed to assess the relative effectiveness of a wide range of currently-available area support techniques for suppressing hazards associated with dynamic rock ejection. The results of this study validates that thin, sprayon linings may be equally as effective, and often better, than conventional support materials at mitigating rockburst or like damage in highly stressed mine environments.

May 1, 2003

By G. A. Gross

"Nearly 90 per cent of the iron ore produced in Canada is derived from iron-formation or bedded iron deposits. About 70 per cent of this consists of concentrates obtained from iron-formation; another 20 per cent was formed by natural enrichment processes.Four principal varieties of iron-formation are recognized -the Algoma, Superior, Clinton and Minette types. Differences in their geology, mineralogy, chemical com-position and environment of deposition are of special significance in their evaluation as ore.The properties of the ores, including grade, beneficiation qualities and minor element content in taconites, metataconites and naturally enriched ores, reflect characteristics of the primary stratigraphie units from which they are derived. A detailed description of the stratigraphie facies is essential for efficient utilization of these source beds."

Jan 1, 1966