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By B. M. Loftus

An investigation into the use of impinging stream (jet) reactors for the leaching of a free milling ore produced an increase in gold recovery by 10% while decreasing leaching time by up to 90%.Tests on refractory ores demonstrate no apparent improvement in recovery. However, leaching kinetics are dramatically increased when these ores are subjected to jet reaction prior to agitation.

Jan 1, 1997

By M. D. Dolan

In this study, the development of a new method for investigating the diffusion of metal cations in multi-component slag systems, using microprobe analysis is discussed. This method allows the analysis of the diffusion of multiple species within a single system. This project has focused on the diffusion characteristics of manganese, iron, calcium and silicon in silicate slags, in order to simulate industrial steel and ferromanganese production. The diffusion behaviour of transition metals is of particular interest because of the effects of their variable valence. This study identified the variation in diffusivity of slag components with changes in composition and temperature of multi-component slag systems. The molecular structure of the experimental calcium-aluminosilicate slags was investigated to determine the chemical and physical properties that influence diffusion behaviour. This experimental data was used to develop predictive models for diffusivity. These models enable the estimation of the diffusivity of many slag components in complex slags, over a range of compositions.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. M. Font, R. G. Reddy

Jan 1, 2004

By J. C. Carrasco, M. Sánchez, R. Jara, F. Marquez, F. Parada, R. Parra, J. Palacios

In past years, Chile has been the largest copper producer in the world and for 2002 mining represented country average of 10 % of the GDP, accounting for 47 % of the total exportation. As copper sulphides are the main mining resources in the country, the metal is produced using the classical processes of flotation and pyrometallurgical extraction. Seven copper smelter plants, which extends from the northern Atacama desert to the central part of the country produced1,522,000 metric tons of fine copper in 2002, approximately one half of total copper concentrate production, with a notorious environmental impact due to the great amount of slag produced during these extraction steps. In this work, a global characterization of copper pyrometallurgical slags produced and disposed of in Chile and worldwide is done, and the concept of total project development is considered to explain the scopes of the study, recovering different compounds and generating new activities around mining. The presentation is completed with the proposal of various methods and techniques being developed today in a joint project between smelter plants and the University of Concepción, with the support of the Chilean government and mining companies, addressed to generate new materials from copper slag. Recovery of copper, molybdenum, precious metals, silica and iron, that is the most abundant component of the slag, are the goals for this research. Metals, commercial compounds, alloys and different forms of iron oxides for steel industry are proposed products.

Jan 1, 2004

By M. Syamujulu

In 1994, Nkana smelter commissioned a multimillion US Dollar Chilean Teniente converter (CT) in its operations in order to improve its smelting technological base. The main objective was to reduce the overall smelting energy costs and increase the sulphur capture for sulphuric acid production to support the company?s leaching operations at Nchanga tailings leach plant. A decade of CT operations have since ensued following its installation and start-up. This paper provides a technical and operational audit of the performance of the CT in the first 10 years of its operations at Nkana smelter.

Jan 1, 2005

Viscosity measurements were carried out on slags in the CaO-Cu2O-CuO-MgO-SiO2systemcontaining ~ 63 wt% SiO2in air. The experimental work was carried out over a range of temperatures where the slags were completely liquid. Initial measurements were on a binary CaO-SiO2slag to which incremental additions of CuxO-MgO-SiO2slag with the same silica mole fraction were made. The viscosity-temperature relationship was measured for slags with‘Cu2O’contents of 0.02, 0.19, 0.38, 0.79, 1.69, 2.47, 3.01, 5.31 and 10.0 wt%. The proportions of Cu+and Cu2+in the slags were determined. The oxidation state of Cushifted from predominantly Cu+to Cu2+, with the Cu+/Cu2+ratio of approximately 0.3 for slag with a Cu content above 2 wt%. This is equivalent to Cu1.13O. The trends observed for changes of Cu2+/Cu+redox ratio with slag chemistry were consistent with the literature. Decreasing the CaO content by substituting copper oxide resulted in a decrease in the Cu+/Cu2+redox ratio. The change in ratio corresponded to a shift of the value of x in CuxO from an initial value of 1.8 to 1.1,when the slags contained 10% ‘Cu2O’. In this study, the SiO2content of the slags varied between 64 and 60 wt% as the Cu content increased. The viscosity of the slag containing 10 wt% CuxO was nearly 4.5 times lower than the binary CaO-SiO2slag. As the silica mole fraction (xSiO2) actually stayed constant (0.61±0.009),the results show that CuxO acted as a network breaker. Comparison with other ternary slags with similar silica mole fractions suggest that that addition of CuxO to silicate slags has a stronger effect on lowering the viscosity than FeO or MnO has on a molar basis. Keywords: viscosity, copper, silicate, slags

Jan 1, 2004

By P. Gonzalez, C. Ariyo, L. Holappa

Oxidation state of titanium was determined in CaO-SiO2-TiOxslags in the composition range25–53 per cent CaO, 27–46 per cent SiO2, 10–55 per cent TiOxat 1873K using gas equilibration method. In the experiments, slags with different titanium oxide contents were equilibrated with a known carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide ratio. The results were used to determine the Ti3+and Ti4+contents as well as the activity coefficient ratio of corresponding oxides in the slag. The dependency of the activity coefficient ratio as a function of oxygen partial pressure was determined. Keywords: titanium, titanium oxide, activity, activity coefficient, slag iron, carbon monoxide,carbon doixide, gas, equilibrium.

Jan 1, 2004

By S. R. Sankaranarayanan, T. Sowmya

Slags and fluxes used in metallurgical processes are typically made up of oxides (especially silicates), with additions of fluoride and carbonaceous matter. Despite the efforts made towards understanding the role of slags in various processes, little information is available on the structure of these slags. Tools such as X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and electron microscopy could be used for this purpose. This paper is based on an ongoing spectroscopic and structural investigation of slags and related materials. Spectroscopic studies of various commercial slags (predominantly ferrous), ores, glass and related materials, covering a wide range of compositions, have been carried out to understand the structure. The infrared spectra were recorded, predominantly, using FTIR spectrometer (Bruker IFS 66U) spanning 4000 to 100 cm-1using the KBr pellet method. The resolution was typically 4 cm-1. The spectral outputs have been compiled in terms of bands present (corresponding to different bonds) and then compared with the typical bands expected for such bonds. Efforts are in progress to identify the trends with respect to the chemical composition?for example, the effects of SiO2, Al2O3, and non-bridging oxygens. Data obtained so far indicate some trends such as (i) a shift in the Si-O band (969 to 1099 cm-1) towards a higher wave number with increasing silica content (almost 2 to 92 weight percentage) and (ii) further strong shifts as a function of the alumina content. These are being further investigated structurally and in terms of chemical composition/parameters. Keywords: slags, silicates, structure, spectroscopic analysis, shifting of bands

Jan 1, 2004

By J. P. Theron

Paper written on project work carried out in partial fulfilment of Phd.(Process Engineering) degree Process modelling is an essential element in the development of advanced (model-based) process control systems, accounting for up to 80% of the cost of development. Often, models based on historic process data are the only viable option when dealing with processes that cannot be modeled cost-effectively from first principles. Despite major advances that have recently been made in the field of nonlinear process modeling, some basic idea of the dynamic behaviour of a process system is important prior to system identification. While many process systems seem unlikely to be linear, the possible nonlinear aspects of their dynamics are not necessarily supported by the data. This may have significant implications for subsequent system identification or interpretation of the data. For example, it is quite possible that an underlying nonlinear deterministic signal may be obscured by a high degree of measurement or process noise, to the extent that it may be critical in the choice of model to fit to the data. The method of surrogate data analysis has recently been proposed as a means to classify the underlying dynamics of complex systems, and in this paper the use of Fourier transform surrogates to classify process systems is explored. Keywords: modelling, process control, simulation, surrogate data analysis, nonlinear systems.

Jan 1, 2004

By I. A. Minaev

The conditions of a stability of metallurgical films on a surface of solid on the basis of classical regularities of a thermodynamics are considered. For specific conditions of metallurgical processes the basic equations relevant to non-metallic inclusions (product of steel killing) migration and transfer through the interface boundary of metal-slag are obtained. The basic criteria equations of conditions of stability of metallurgical dispersed systems are developed in view of films formation. The probable thermodynamics reason of wetting due to formation of stable films are discussed. The experimental measurement of thin and thick films elastic resistance for metallurgical systems are carried out and the results are discussed. The presence of a wetting thick film increases stability of dispersed systems (facilitates an inverse implication of non-metallic inclusion in a melt) due to a barrier effect of wetting films. The quantitative evaluations of non-metal inclusion stability for steel in contact with any metallurgical slag are carried out. The results are in accordance with technological experience. Keywords: Inclusion removal, Film thermodynamic, Slag-metal dispers system

Jan 1, 2004

Escalating energy and electricity costs have become one of the largest drivers of expenditure in mining operations. Over the last eight years, energy costs have tripled when expressed as a percentage of total expenses in South African mines. In an effort to manage and reduce electricity costs, energy management strategies can be developed, inefficient operating units replaced, and the operation of energy-consuming components of ventilation systems optimized. Power consumption on mines is controlled mainly by three strategies, namely load clipping, by which energy use is reduced for certain parts of the day; load shifting, by which energy use is shifted to other parts of the day; and energy efficiency, by which energy use is reduced permanently. In this paper several projects that were implemented using the first two strategies of load clipping and load shifting are investigated. The actual and potential savings that can be achieved by implementing such energysaving interventions are presented. To reduce the operating costs of ventilating and cooling underground mines permanently, system optimization studies must be completed. Methods that can be used to reduce energy usage by optimizing cooling and ventilation systems are described, and network simulation models that accurately reflect the current and planned ventilation conditions are discussed. These models are then used to examine various options for improving the overall ventilation and cooling strategy. Different optimization scenarios can be simulated, and this assists the design engineer in obtaining the most energy-efficient system that will satisfy design workplace conditions. The final outcome is a reduction in operating costs, which can result in better operating margins and an extension of the life of mine.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. M. Ortiz

Mineral resource evaluation requires defining geological domains that differentiate the types of mineralogy, alteration and lithology. Usual practice is to consider the domain boundaries as hard, i.e. data from across the boundaries are disregarded when estimating the grades within a given domain. This practice may hinder the quality of the estimates when a significant spatial correlation of the grades exists across the domain boundaries. In this paper, several geostatistical methodologies to handle soft geological boundaries are compared through a case study on a copper mine in Chile. The estimation methods considered are: ordinary kriging using hard boundaries between geological domains; ordinary kriging omitting the geological boundaries; traditional and standardized ordinary cokriging of the grades assayed in different domains; ordinary kriging within dilated geological domains, that is, incorporating samples from adjacent domains up to a given radius from the boundary of the domain being considered. The estimations are performed using a set of exploration data (drill hole samples) and are validated using a set of production data (blast hole samples collected for grade control). Results indicate that kriging with dilated domains performs better than ordinary kriging using hard boundaries or no boundaries and better than the ordinary cokriging approaches. It therefore appears as a simple alternative to global kriging (without considering the geological domains) and allows accounting for changes in the grade average, dispersion and spatial continuity with the geological characteristics of the deposit, via the use of grade variograms proper to each geological domain. The maximal distance for searching samples from adjacent domains should be chosen according to the spatial correlation of the grades across the domain boundaries, or via a cross-validation at an early stage of the mine or a jack-knife if production data are available. Keywords: Kriging; cokriging; soft boundaries; hard boundaries; geological control; geological domains.

Jan 1, 2006

By J. Griesel, P. H. F. Bouwer, K. Bisaka

Transalloys produces 160 000 tons of SiMn per annum from five AC submerged-arc furnaces. The lime-ore melt from two AC open-arc furnaces is contacted with SiMn to produce 50 000 tons of medium carbon FeMn per annum. Metallics in the slag are reclaimed in a jigging plant, which has been in operation since 1999. The flow of materials between the jigging plant and furnaces has been optimised. The amount of recycle slag in the feed of the SiMn furnaces has been decreased by more than 30% which still provides satisfactory stability of the furnace operation. The jigging plant has absorbed all the additional slag generated, to recover SiMn metal. A review of the raw materials used and operating parameters for SiMn production was also undertaken. Slag to metal ratios were decreased by more than 30% by reducing the slag recycle, removing magnesite from the recipe and introducing high-grade ore. Electrode penetration was improved by reducing coke levels and by utilising more reactive coal. The pitch circle diameter (PCD) was reduced to get a better operating stability on furnace no 5 using the MINSTRAL Control System. Energy consumption on the furnaces improved by more than 15% while SiMn production increased as a result by more than 18%.

Jan 1, 2004

By R. P. H. Willis

Uranium is back on the radar. Uranium has always been a controversial metal, from its role in the arms race to its claim to be the only viable alternative to fossil fuel. This paper will cover its properties and use, its occurrence and production in South Africa, the current market drivers and its future role as a primary energy fuel. It will highlight the difference between uranium used to make a bomb and uranium used in a power station. The recent significant uranium price rise will be put into context of the market drivers including geopolitical issues. Planned expansions in nuclear power station capacity will be reviewed, as will new mine production. Future demand will also be speculated on.

Jan 1, 2006

By C. Daly

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers a core first-year engineering design and innovation course, ENGG1000, undertaken during the first and second semesters. This course is highly regarded in the sense that it provides an introduction to many concepts and activities that students will experience over the four-year minimum for which they are undergraduates at UNSW. Approximately 1400 students enrol in the semester 1 course across the Faculty, typically 80 of which undertake the Mining Engineering stream. Students in teams of between six and eight design and construct a physical model to represent an aspect of their chosen discipline. For example, in 2013 the mining engineers designed and built a model dragline. This paper concentrates a major aspect of the course ? the involvement of team members in group activities and the development of the associated skills of peer assessment and peer review as the course progresses over a period of 12 weeks. The term ?peer assessment? in this paper refers to the requirement for students to assess the design components of their peers. This course has a structured requirement in terms of how a successful design is a result of a sound design process rather than a ?try and see? approach. Each student must describe in detail the process they undertook to achieve their final design ? hence the approach is independent of the discipline and/or project selected. Peer review is a process whereby students review the contribution of their team members to the overall design. This activity encourages team involvement and interaction. The final assessment mark can be moderated by the outcome of this peer review, although it is run twice during the semester. The first ?run? is for feedback only during week six and hence no moderation is undertaken. It was found through consultation with students and from questionnaires that both processes are well accepted and highly regarded by students, as they give them a degree of ownership of the assessment process. In addition, the processes provide rapid and relevant feedback on the progress of individual students. Peer review and peer assessment are also considered to be very valuable tools for use in courses in succeeding years. For instance, many of the courses in mining engineering rely heavily on group assessment tasks.

Jan 1, 2014

By C. Daly

"The Faculty of Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers a core first-year engineering design and innovation course,ENGG1000, undertaken during the first and second semesters. This course is highly regarded in the sense that it provides an introduction to many concepts and activities that students will experience over the four-year minimum for which they are undergraduates at UNSW. Approximately 1400 students enrol in the semester 1 course across the Faculty, typically 80 of which undertake the Mining Engineering stream. Students in teams of between six and eight design and construct a physical model to represent an aspect of their chosen discipline. For example, in 2013 the mining engineers designed and built a model dragline. This paper concentrates a major aspect of the course - the involvement of team members in group activities and the development of the associated skills of peer assessment and peer review as the course progresses over a period of 12 weeks.The term ‘peer assessment’ in this paper refers to the requirement for students to assess the design components of their peers. This course has a structured requirement in terms of how a successful design is a result of a sound design process rather than a ‘try and see’ approach. Each student must describe in detail the process they undertook to achieve their final design - hence the approach is independent of the discipline and/or project selected.Peer review is a process whereby students review the contribution of their team members to the overall design. This activity encourages team involvement and interaction. The final assessment mark can be moderated by the outcome of this peer review, although it is run twice during the semester. The first ‘run’ is for feedback only during week six and hence no moderation is undertaken.It was found through consultation with students and from questionnaires that both processes are well accepted and highly regarded by students, as they give them a degree of ownership of the assessment process. In addition, the processes provide rapid and relevant feedback on the progress of individual students.Peer review and peer assessment are also considered to be very valuable tools for use in courses in succeeding years. For instance, many of the courses in mining engineering rely heavily on group assessment tasks."

Jan 1, 2014

By P. J. Bhonde, R. D. Angal

Conventionally low carbon ferromanganese is manufactured globally by refining high carbon ferromanganese in liquid state. This process is an expensive and lengthy technique. Hence, the present work was undertaken with the objective of understanding the feasibility and kinetics of the solid state refining of ferromanganese. The process involved transformation of carbon rich carbides viz. Mn3C2, Mn7C3 into metal rich carbide i.e. Mn15C4, Mn23C6 by subjecting the alloy powder to a flowing stream of carbon dioxide. Effect of the process governing parameters such as time, temperature, particle size, pressure on the extent of decarburization was studied. Without any loss of manganese in the form of fumes or slag, it was observed that, there was substantial reduction, viz. 65 per cent in the total carbon content, by this technique. Subsequently, the process was investigated to find out the mechanism of carbon removal. Depending upon the temperature and the particle size, it was found that the rate controlling mechanism changes from chemical reaction control to product layer (ash) diffusion control. The activation energy for each of the aforesaid mechanism was computed. The values thus obtained substantiated the aforesaid mechanisms.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. -Y. Jia, G. -B. Qiu, C. -G. Bai, D. -F. Chen

Due to the great importance of the smelting process, it is essential to establish a calculation model on the viscosity of the slag system containing titania. In this paper, the calculation models of mass action concentrations and viscosity for the CaO-SiO2-TiO2slag system have been established according to the coexistence theory of the slag structure, as well as the referenced viscosities ofCaO-SiO2-TiO2at different temperatures and TiO2compositions. With the two models, corresponding calculated programs are made by means of programming language Matlab5.3, and the curves of viscosity of the TiO2concentration (?TiO2/%) at 1400°C, (R=0.9~1.0) are plotted. The results show that mass action concentrations of TiO2increases with increasing percentage ofTiO2, while the viscosity of CaO-SiO2-TiO2system is decreased. The results show that the models are in good agreement with the experimental and referenced data. They also shows that the models are reasonable for the CaO-SiO2-TiO2slag system. Keywords: coexistence theory; CaO-SiO2-TiO2slag system; viscosity ; calculation models.

Jan 1, 2004

By Manoj Kumar, S. Ranganathan, S. N. Sinha

The reducibility of three different manganese ores with coke was studied. The three ores were reduced to different extents under the same experimental conditions. The investigations showed that in the temperature range of 900-1000 ×C, Fe2O3 in the ore was reduced to metallic iron. MnO2 was reduced to Mn3O4 in all cases except one in which it was reduced to Mn2O3. The kinetics of reduction was controlled by different mechanisms in the different ores. Temperature had a significant influence on the reducibility of the ores.

Jan 1, 2007

By A. du Plessis

The study summarized in this paper focused on expanding existing South African mine closure cost calculation models to provide a new model that incorporates risks, which could have an effect on the closure costs during the life cycle of the mine. This research is important because currently there are a number of mines that do not have sufficient financial provision to close and rehabilitate the mines. The magnitude of the lack of funds could be reduced or eliminated if the closure cost calculation is done in a more risk-orientated manner. The model consists of an expansion of existing closure cost calculation models, by applying the Monte Carlo risk simulation technique to model influences of external and internal changes affecting closure costs. It is shown that the proposed risk-based model provides a way to understand better the implications of uncertainty on the closure costs.

Jan 1, 2006