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By J. V. Thirgood

"Reclamation legislation was introduced in British Columbia in 1969 amidst public concern and controversy. This paper reviews this legislation as it relates to coal mining, and how it is being implemented.Although the principles of land reclamation are reason-ably well understood, reclamation of industrial wasteland has never previously been attempted under such rugged conditions as occur in the Canadian Rockies and a new methodology is being developed.The resolution of the technical and organizational problems involved are discussed and the techniques and experiences described."

Jan 1, 1971

By R. Carter, C. S. Samis

"SummaryThe results of this investigation indicate that the gold in the cyanide tailing of refractory gold cyanides is occluded in fused •particles formed during roasting. This conclusion was reached following microscopic examination of calcines produced at various furnace temperatures with different atmospheres, and a •comparison with calcines produced by decomposing samples of completely sulphated concentrate under conditions such that the maximum particle temperature varied between 6•50°C. and 1,100°C. This comparison showed that the particle temperature during a normal roast may be several hundred degrees higher than the furnace atmosphere, or that the fusion is associated with a low melting (950°C.) eutectic mixture of FeO and FeS.Because of the unavoidable particle fusion during a furnace roast, and because low particle temperatures are essential for gold extraction by cyanidation, aqueous medium oxidation under high oxygen pressures was studied. Gold recovery from calcines produced by this means was over 98 •per cent •compared with a maximum of 80 per cent from furnace calcines.IntroductionMANY arsenical gold ores are called 'refractory' because much ' of the gold cannot be satisfactorily extracted by cyaniding the raw ore or concentrate. Even when such ores are roasted to oxidize .the iron and arsenic and 'release' the gold, often 10 to 25 per cent of the gold present is lost in the cyanide residues."

Jan 1, 1952

By F. J. Gauthier, R. G. Gray

"The possibilities of expanding the production rate from the Copper Mountain Mine have been examined using computer programs for analysing a complete range of data, beginning with the diamond drill assays and embracing all steps up to the final rates of return.Programs have been developed to calculate the mineralization inventory file, a matrix of blocks containing the grade and the type of mineralization estimated for each block. Given the topography, prices of metals and costs, the pit limits are optimized using a three-dimensional technique. Within the pit, ore reserves at any cutoff can be calculated. Mining of the pit is then simulated using an interactive production scheduling program on a timesharing computer. The annual tonnage and grade figures from the production schedule are input to a financial analysis program, where the present value and the rate of return are calculated at various metal prices. The expansion possibilities can be run through the programs with their respective costs, and evaluated using the rate of return on the marginal cash flow compared to the additional capital expenditure."

Jan 1, 1971

By C. T. Wiliams, John B. Bush, John Lamb

"THE TOWN OF HEDLEY is in the valley of the Similkameen River, about 200 miles east of Vancouver and 25 miles north of the International Boundary between British Columbia and the State of Washington. The main ore deposits are located on Nickel Plate Mountain, northeast of the town.The outcrop of the Nickel Plate system of orebodies is at an elevation of 5,900 feet. It was discovered in 1898 by prospectors and sold in the following year to the Marcus Daly interests of Butte, Montana. Production commenced in 1904 under the name of Daly Reduction Company. In 1909 control passed into the hands of the Hedley Gold Mining Company. Operation of the mine continued until 1930, when exhaustion of known ore reserves forced it to close. Upon the recommendation of Paul Billingsley (3) the mine was optioned by the 1. W. Mercer Exploration Company in 1932. Production began once more in 1934 under the name of Kelowna Exploration Company Limited, and was practically continuous until August 1955, when the mine was again shut down. The name of the latter company was changed in 1951 to Kelowna Mines Hedley Limited.The Mascot Fraction, a small wedge-shaped claim lying astride the Nickel Plate orebodies, was mined by Hedley Mascot Gold Mines Limited between 1935 and 1949. The geological setting and structural control of ore are essentially the same as in the adjoining Nickel Plate Mine.Total production from all operations on Nickel Plate Mountain to the end of 1954 was approximately 3,800,000 tons of gold ore, with a gross value in excess of $48,000,000.General GeologyNickel Plate Mountain occupies the gentle westerly dipping limb of an asymmetrical anticline, the axis of which trends northeasterly. The rocks are composed of a thick pile of Triassic limestone, limy argillite, and quartzite, -resting on a flattish floor of granodiorite near the base of the mountain. Associated with these sediments is a host of porphyritic sills and dykes of gabbro-diorite composition. In the mine area east-west brown soda-rhyolite dykes and north-south black andesite dykes crosscut all the other formations and the ore, probably following steep later fractures."

Jan 1, 1949

"Line Creek Resources Ltd. produces three million clean tonnes per year of metallurgical and thermal coals for the international market. The mining operation, which is located in the mountains of southeastern British Columbia, produces coal from four pits by conventional truck and shovel methods.The South Pit, which has been in operation since J982, has a benched highwall 490 m in height. Shallow dipping coal seams at the base of the syncline formation will be exposed in the highwall over the next four years of pit life. The first of these seams, which will measure 500 m in final highwall length, was exposed in J994. An auger, powered by a 1250 hp engine capable of cutting 2.2 m diameter holes, was brought on site in J994 and has proven to be a successful means of recovering coal from the J3 m thick seam.This paper covers the background to the selection of an auger mining method to recover highwall reserves together with the geotechnical and methane considerations for this approach.IntroductionLine Creek Resources Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Manalta Coal Ltd., owns and operates the Line Creek mine. The operation which consists of four active pits, a processing plant, and rail loadout is located in the southeastern coal fields of British Columbia. Figure 1 shows the general area.The coal bearing sequence at the mine is preserved on the east and west limbs of a major syncline. Up to twelve mineable coal seams, ranging in thickness from 2 m to 15 m are contained in the formation. Within the pits the seams are stratigraphically consistent and structurally undisturbed, except for small-scale thrust faults that create multiple repeats of the seams."

Jan 1, 1995

By E. L. Martheleur

The use of electricity in coal mines dates almost from the time when it was realized chat it could be used to produce mechanical power. The first motor put in service underground was installed to drive a small pump nearly 40 years ago, and since then the use of electricity in mines has reached an extent undreamed of at that time. We now find its universal adoption in all the mining countries of the world. Great progress has been made in the development of mining electrical apparatus in the last decade, and excellent and adequate material is now available for the use of electricity underground. Although mining accidents, due to the use of electricity, are not frequent, the miner is justified in demanding chat all electrical apparatus for installation below ground be constructed with a greater degree of safety than that used on the surface. That this view is shared by the authorities of the different mining countries is evidenced by governmental regulations relative to the use, erection, and maintenance of electrical apparatus below ground. Those with which we are specially concerned are the regulations for the installation and use of electricity in the coal mines of Nova Scotia. The potential dangers of electricity in coal mines are: Shock or burns by contact from live parts. Shock or burns by contact with parts which, although normally dead, have become accidentally alive. Fire. Explosion of gas or coal-dust Explosion of apparatus.

Jan 1, 1928

By Z. Xie

Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) have been prepared using ZrP-modified Nafion ionomer. The performances of these GDEs as cathodes and anodes were evaluated and compared with conventional Nafion ionomer GDEs using Nafion 112 as the PEM under elevated temperature and reduced relative humidity. ZrP-modified Nafion ionomer was incorporated into the catalyst layer to enhance water retention and/or increase the protonic conductivity. The fabrication of ZrP-GDEs was implemented by the ion exchange of Nafion solution with zirconyl chloride, followed by the impregnation of GDEs in H3PO4 solution. The composite electrolytes in the catalyst layer possessed a ZrP content of 20% by weight. GDEs were characterized by TGA, SEM, XRD, and CV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated evenly distributed elemental Zr and P within the catalyst layer. Cyclic voltammetry shows a reduced electrochemically-active surface area when the ZrP is incorporated into GDEs. Polarization and impedance analyses indicate the cathode with ZrP-modified Nafion ionomer did not show an enhanced or decreased performance, compared with conventional Nafion ionomer GDEs under elevated temperature and decreased humidity. However, when GDEs with ZrP¬Nafion ionomer were used as the anode, an improved performance was observed. Preliminary experiments show that the anode is more sensitive to dehydration than the cathode under elevated temperature and/or low humidity. Improving the anode water retention capability will help to reduce losses at the anode. However, the incorporation of hygroscopic agents in the cathode catalyst layer is not essential because it is self-humidified by electrochemically-produced water even under elevated operating temperature and lower humidity.

Jan 1, 2005

By F. H. Edmunds

Introduction This paper, it is hoped, will serve as an introduction to further work upon the origin of the soils and to a more complete interpretation of the geology of Saskatchewan from a study of the soils of the Province. The great difficulty that is encountered in mapping the structure of the prairie regions of the west must be evident to all who have made the attempt. The rarity of good exposures, due to the extensive coverings of glacial drift, is the greatest obstacle, making it difficult to determine the exact stratigraphical position of such exposures as may be found. In many cases palæontological evidence is lacking, or, if available, our present knowledge of the stratigraphy is insufficient to justify division of the formations into horizons; and until many of these formations have been subjected to petrographic investigation, little can be done in using lithological differences as an aid to the correlation of the usually sparse outcrops met with in the Province. Topography may be of the utmost value as an indication of geological structure when considered in conjunction with other evidence. It does not necessarily follow that, because an area in Saskatchewan has resemblances in surface configuration to an area of oil-producing land in Texas, there is sufficient justification for sinking money in wells without further investigation. Such - investigation should include the study of available soil maps.

Jan 1, 1929

"The Val d'Or Division now comprises the Lucien C. Beliveau Mine and Concentrator (formerly the Pascalis, described below) and the Chimo Mine. Cambior acquired an initial 50% interest in the Chimo Mine in May 1989 and the remaining 50% in April 1990. Cambior's share of 1989 production was 2121 ounces; the company expects to net 23 750 ounces from Chimo in 1990. Pascalis MineUPDATERenamed the Lucien C. Beliveau Mine at its official inauguration in September 1989, the mine is exceeding forecasts, producing over 11 500 ounces of gold in the first half of 1990. Cambior expects 1990 production to total 34 000 ounces.IntroductionThe Pascalis Mine is located 16 miles east o f Val d'Or, Quebec, and is accessible by a three mile gravel road off highway 117 (Fig. I).The property is wholly owned by Cambior.The Pascalis gold deposit consists o f a sub-vertical diorite dyke 1000 ft long by 30 ft wide containing quartz and tourmaline veins with inclusions of pyrite and native gold . Three vein systems ca n be seen in the deposit , the most important being tensile veins oriented at a right angle to the direction of the dyke and inclined at 40 degrees. These overlapping veins vary in thickness from 4 in. to 40 in. and occur at intervals of six to ten ft. The deposit is, therefore, very difficult to evaluate; a complete evaluation would require drifts over the whole width of the dyke combined with relatively short drill holes (Fig . 2)."

Jan 1, 1990

By Derek Perkins

"Brenda Mines Ltd. operates an open pit copper and molybdenum mine located in south central British Columbia. The main economic mineralization is chalcopyrite and molybdenite. Pyrite, galena and sphalerite are also present in varying quantities. The mineralization is present in small veins and fractures in a porphyritic quartz diorite host rock.The mill processes approximately 30,000 tonnes of ore daily. The ore is crushed in three stages and then ground in conventional rod mill - ball mill circuits with cyclone classification. The cyclone overflow is fed to the bulk flotation circuit as a pulp with a density of 50% solids. The particle size distribution is approximately 35% plus 65 mesh. Bulk rougher and cleaning flotation produce a concentrate grading approximately 20% copper and 4% molybdenum. This concentrate is fed to the separation circuit, where the copper is depressed with sodium hydrosulphide and the molybdenum is floated. These products are further ground and then upgraded by column flotation. The molybdenum concentrate is pumped to the leach plant to reduce concentration of lead and copper. It is then washed, filtered, dried and packed for shipment to Europe. The copper concentrate is filtered, dried and subsequently shipped to Japan.Prior to November 1977, the mill flotation control was carried out by the assay laboratory using a Philips PW 1540 sequential x-ray spectrograph. The assay set consisted of twelve samples, analysed on a two hourly basis for copper, molybdenum, lead, iron and silica.In order to provide elemental composition information on a much shorter sampling interval and to produce speedier control analysis for automating process control, an Applied Research Laboratories PCXQ on stream analyser was purchased. The installation of this analyser, reduced the turnaround time of the control analyses from (2) hours to (20) minutes. At Brenda, the following assays are used in the mill control strategies."

Jan 1, 1989

By J. M. Livingstone

"This paper covers some of the problems confronted by Canada's railways in moving bulk materials from their source to the dock-site. The ""cost center"" concept is presented, and hypothetical examples of its use given. Also discussed are systems design, the unit train and pipelines.INTRODUCTIONCANADA LIVES BY RER EXPORTS and the Port of Vancouver by the exports of the Mountain and Prairie Empire at her back. The most recent estimates of off-shore shipments of bulk from the Port of Vancouver rise to 35.8 million shipping tons in 1985 and deep-sea general cargo estimates, in and out, are estimated at 7.6 million shipping tons for the same year. This compares to 7.67 and 2.87 million shipping tons, respectively, in 1965."

Jan 1, 1968

By W. Schubert, N. Radoncic

"The term “squeezing” is frequently used, although it is ill defined. Definitions like “large and long lasting displacements” raise the questions about the threshold values for the magnitude and duration of displacements. Large displacements during tunnelling frequently are observed in fault zones with high overburden. Whether this causes problems very much depends on the design approach used. On the one hand, the magnitude of expected displacements has to be predicted prior to excavation to provide for enough allowance for the displacements without violating the clearance profile. On the other hand, the support characteristics must be compatible with the expected imposed strains. As the magnitude of the displacements and thus the strains in the support depend on the support capacity and its characteristic (yielding potential), only well engineered systems will be successful.Experience in Alpine tunnels over the last decades has shown that closed shotcrete linings can sustain a strain of approximately 0.8% to 1% without failure. Any strain above this value inevitably leads to failure of the lining, and thus a loss of resistance, causing additional displacements. Based on a large number of simulations, a criterion for a critical overburden depth up to which closed linings can be used has been developed. Traditionally open gaps in the shotcrete linings have been used to allow for larger strains. To enhance the efficiency of the linings, yielding elements have been developed, which are integrated in the shotcrete lining, allowing large strains and controlled development of support resistance (Figure 2). When designing such yielding support systems, the development of the displacements, as well as the rheological behaviour of the supports must be considered. As the development of displacements to a large extent depends on the face advance, also the advance rate has to be considered, to be able to compare the time-dependent strength of the lining to the stresses developing as a result of the imposed strains. Another issue is the compatibility of the rock bolts with the large strains. With standard grouted bolts, there is a potential that the “fresh” grout is sheared due to the initially large strain rates. Special rib designs of the bolts allow for a higher strain tolerance.For successful tunnelling through fault zones quality monitoring and up-to-date data evaluation is of crucial importance. With advanced evaluation tools, changes in the ground conditions ahead of the face can be reliably predicted. With the help of empirical relations, the development of the displacements for different advance rates and supports can be predicted, allowing for the determination of the required overexcavation.The paper presents a review of the development of ductile elements, methods of analysis, and monitoring data interpretation."

Jan 1, 2015

By H. Rozovsky

This paper deals with the large iron ore concentrating plant owned by the Iron Ore Company of Canada. The plant is part of the Carol Project, which is being developed in the Wabush area of western Labrador. The mining and milling operations were officially opened in July of this year. The handling of fine material has always been considered a serious operational problem. The crushing, grinding and sizing of 50,000 tons of iron ore per day, in a dry state, could present sizeable problems in maintenance and orderliness. The operation, as a whole, embraces many recent developments in the iron ore industry. Mining operations include the latest techniques of jet piercing and blasting. Primary crushing involves a single crusher, which handles the complete production. Grinding of the ore includes the latest concepts of dry autogenous grinding in air-swept mills. The actual concentration of the ore is per-formed, in the wet state, by the use of spiral concentrators, with provision for possible flotation or magnetic separation, if required. The upgraded concentrates are either stored or pelletized, prior to shipment by rail to Seven Islands.

Jan 1, 1962

By J. De Geoffroy, T. K. Wignall

The paper describes a statistical method based on regression and classification analysis which is designed to assist exploration management in the selection of prospecting areas and drilling targets in regional programs. The classification is based on three criteria which are formulated from sets of relevant geological, geophysical and geochemical factors: (a) regression estimates of expected ore values, (b) Bayesian probabilities of success and (c) expected utility payoffs. The advantages of the method are: (a) rational and unbiased ratings for areas or targets in a manner consistent with management's goals; (b) calculation of probabilities of success and confidence intervals for the ratings, and (c) rapid and accurate handling of a large amount of data by computer programs.

Jan 1, 1970

By James F. Allan

"Abstract -The Kipawa yttrium-zirconium prospect is located about 150 km south of Noranda, Quebec . Yttrium-zirconium mineralization occurs in an elongate, regionally metamorphosed and deformed peralkaline complex in the Grenville terrain. The mineralized zone, as defined by ? 0.10% Y203, is 1300 m long and 10 m to 30 m wide. Zirconium content typically ranges from 0.50 to 1.20% Zr02. The mineralized zone strikes northwest and dips 20 degrees to 35 degrees to the southwest. It occurs at the structural base of the peralkaline complex in syenite gneiss and cale-silicate rocks and is conformable with both the footwall contact of the complex, and the layering and gneissosity in the enclosing rocks. Minerals of economic interest are eudialyte (sodium-zirconium silicate), mosandrite (sodium-titanium silicate), britholite (calcium-silica phosphate), and a few other uncommon zirconium and titanium silicate minerals.The highest and most continuous yttrium grades occur in the upper part of the syenite gneiss unit in areas containing eudialyte, mosandrite and rninor britholite. Yttrium also occurs in britholite in cale-silicate rocks and in mosandrite in syenitic rocks in the lower part of the syenite gneiss unit. Both the yttrium-bearing minerals and yttrium grades are erratic in the lower part of the unit. Zirconium is generally more uniformly distributed than yttrium. A peralkaline granite gneiss phase of the complex intrudes the syenite gneiss and possibly truncates it, and the mineralization, near the southern boundary of the mineralized zone.The mineralized zone is coincident with a radiometric anomaly and discontinuous yttrium and zirconium soil anomalies.More drilling and metallurgical studies will be required to determine the economic viability of the yttrium and zirconium mineralization at Kipawa."

Jan 1, 1992

By Maurice Séguin

The primary aim of all ground geophysical work has been, of course, to locate orebodies. As with any geo-physical method, its success depends on a proper mastering of the types of surveys and equipment used and their application to the physical properties associated with the orebodies. The Schefferville deposits are iron ores subjected to enrichment by the process of leaching. Although some ore types are porous and low in demiity, most of the ore zones have had a net increase in density brought about by enrichment. In the course of their formation, the magnetic characteristics of the rocks have usually changed, as much of the magnetite was altered to relatively non-magnetic iron oxides and hydrous iron oxides. Ali drift-covered areas underlain with iron-formation are potential ore-producing areas. From these first two physical proper-ties and a determination of the thickness of the over-burden, a combined gravity-magnetic-seismic and/or resistivity survey allows for the detection and sorting out of iron-formation and potential ore zones from the country rocks. If the iron-formation possessed relatively uniform physical and chemical properties, the problem of locating areas underlain with ore, using geophysical methods, would be greatly simplified. Unfortunately, the iron-formation is a complex assemblage of rock types, each having different physical and chemical characteristics. In spite of this, qualitative and semi-quantitative correlation between the results of the surveys and the geology and structure of the area could be established. In addition, a semi-quantitative to quantitative correlation of the values of the residual gravity anomalies with the specific gravity, the iron content, the porosity factor, the dimensions of the under-lying orebodies and the values of the ground magnetic intensity above a reference lithologie unit, with the per cent weight Fe304 recovery and the susceptibility, led to the discovery of a direct-shipping iron ore deposit in the Schefferville mining district of Canada.

Jan 1, 1968

By R. E. Eyre

ALTHOUGH the idea of roasting zinc concentrates in suspension had intrigued investigators for a number of years, no commercial application of a process appeared successful until the development of the "Cominco" process. The efficiency and high capacity of this process may be judged by the fact that nearly all other electrolytic plants and many zinc retort plants in the world use this method. A furnace of the Cominco type can roast without special preparatory treatment and without supplementary fuel, mineral sulphides such as zinc sulphides and iron sulphides containing varying amounts of moisture at any desired rate ranging from one-half up to full capacity. The full capacity of a unit is in general about three times that of a multiple hearth furnace of the same size. The latest type of "Cominco" furnace can be built for capacities from 25 to 500 tons per day. The quality of the calcine is subject to positive control and may be

Jan 1, 1961

By A. Oja, M. Lahtinen, P. Salonen, B. Saxen

Most of the secondary and low grade zinc raw materials cannot be treated successfully by either conventional roasting - leaching - electrowinning (RLE) process or even by atmospheric direct leaching process. The problems arising especially from high impurity content of these raw materials can be effectively solved by implementation of the solvent extraction process. The utilization of solvent extraction process has been demonstrated by Outotec with raw materials like Waelz oxide, crude zinc oxide and zinc containing concentrator tailings. Based on batch and continuous test work it has been shown that SHG quality zinc can be produced even from the lowest grade raw materials. Impurity control in the solvent extraction process has been examined. The solvent extraction process is the key feature of the whole zinc plant for such raw materials. However, design of the entire zinc process including neutralization and bleed treatment is important for optimization of investment and operation costs of the plant. Very careful evaluation of the zinc process with modern simulation tools is essential. The optimized Outotec zinc process ensures a sustainable and profitable process containing minimal effluent and requiring little residue treatment.

Jan 1, 2014

By E. Krause, V. G. Papangelakis, S. Garg, R. Mahadevan, E. Edwards

"Bioleaching uses iron and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria to extract base metals from sulfide minerals. As bioleaching involves breaking the iron-sulfur bonds by ferric attack, the biologically mediated rate of iron oxidation is recognized to play a key role in influencing the overall kinetics. In this study, we investigate the catalytic ability of an indigenous AMD culture for oxidizing Fe(II) in solution. This culture was subsequently adapted on pyrrhotite tailings (0.6% Ni) by gradually increasing the solids loading. Results from this study show that such an adaptation reduces the initial lag phase in the biotic oxidation of Fe(II), thereby allowing for a higher Ni extraction when compared to experiments with an un-adapted culture at a similar solids loading. The use of adapted cultures also helps to reduce the residence time for bioleaching of Ni from pyrrhotite tailings. INTRODUCTIONAs the world demand for pure base metals grows; the mining industry is increasingly faced with the burden of processing lower grade ores and mining waste streams in order to recover the occluded metal VALUES ((Watling, 2006). The extractive metallurgy of nickel from sulfide minerals focuses on using a combination of mineral processing, pyrometallurgical (smelting) and hydrometallurgical techniques to extract Ni from its ore bodies.Pyrrhotite (Fe1-xS) is commonly found in association with pentlandite and chalcopyrite in sulfidic Ni ores, such as those found in Sudbury, Ontario, and in Russia, e.g. Norilsk. The vast majority of this pyrrhotite needs to be removed using mineral processing techniques, in order to minimize the Fe and S contents of the concentrates that proceed on to smelting. If all pyrrhotite were left in the concentrate, much more slag and SO2 would be produced, and the smelter throughput would be limited. Beneficiation of Ni sulfide ores leads to the rejection of unwanted constituents as mining wastes, which may still contain extractable amounts of Ni (Edgar Peek et al., 2010)."

Jan 1, 2012

By W G. Brese

The attention of the world is being focused on the spectacular rise of elemental sulphur production in Alberta. In the short space of a decade, production has increased from less than 10,000 long tons, in 1952, to al-most 1,000,000 long tons in 1962. Moreover, 1963 sulphur production is expected to rise by 50 per cent to approximately 1,500,000 long tons, and further increases are forecast for ensuing years. The reason for this dramatic in-crease in elemental sulphur production, particularly in the last year or two, is that Alberta elemental sulphur is recovered in association with the production of sour natural gas. When very large volumes of natural gas began moving to U.S. markets in the latter part of 1961, the resultant increase in sour gas production led to a marked increase in the production of sulphur. Consequently, Canada, mainly on the strength of sulphur produced in Alberta, will soon become the second largest producer of sulphur in the Free World

Jan 1, 1963