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By M. Frenzel, D. Ebert, K. Bachmann, A. D. Renno, R. Möckel, J. Gutzmer, J. Krause

With the increasing demand for metalliferous and mineral raw materials and the consequent depletion of the global natural resource base, the possible utilization of secondary raw material sources is receiving more and more attention. In the present study, we present results from a detailed vanadium deportment study of three basic oxygen furnace slag (BOS) samples known to containing elevated bulk concentrations of vanadium. Complementary analytical methods that were used to quantify the abundance and composition of V-containing phases include SEM-based automated mineralogy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction as well as electron probe microanalysis. The vanadium deportment was quantified using Monte-Carlo simulations of the data obtained from automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis. The total V concentrations identified by XRF are between 1.7 and 2.2 wt.% V. The most important hosts of vanadium are larnite-, brownmillerite- and portlandite-solid solutions. In two samples Ca carbonates also significantly contribute to the V deportment, while wuestite, lime, and native iron do not contribute significantly to the vanadium deportment. A thorough consistency check identifies considerable uncertainties in the density of the V-bearing phases as the most likely reason to explain remaining discrepancies between measured and calculated V values.

Oct 14, 2023

By Robert Kimutis, Heather Dougherty, Eric Watkins

Gas wells have often intersected mining resources, but unconventional shale well drilling has more recently challenged mines to balance the risk of interaction due to higher pressures and larger quantities of gas. Full extraction mining, such as the longwall method, induces ground movement that may influence the casings if wells are drilled within the mining area. The possibility of a casing shear would lead to the risk of unplanned gas migration into the mine. This has the potential to quickly overcome the ventilation system and reach the explosive range which, if ignited, can have catastrophic consequences on the health and safety of underground workers. The utilization of network software to model mine ventilation is a common practice in the mining industry as a predictive tool for planning and monitoring and can assist with a well breach scenario over a large mining area. This work focuses on a well breach in between two longwall panels after second panel mining with gas entering primarily through the gobs of the adjacent longwall panels. Applying the network software Ventsim, a gob zone and ventilation network were created to better understand the distribution of gas within the mine and the limitations and effectiveness of a ventilation system. The model shows both a transient flow simulation and steady state concentrations throughout the mine ventilation system. Using a standard Pittsburgh coal seam longwall ventilation scheme, we find that the system can dilute a significant inflow of up to 700 cfm of methane.

Oct 12, 2023

By A. K. Raji, M. O. Ojumu

Robotic subsea dredging crawlers are dynamically and remotely controlled vehicles that are used for deep sea mining and recovery operations. These exploration machines are released from a mother ship and move around on the ocean floor using tracks. Current ocean crawlers such as the MK3 ROST are hydraulically powered. In this paper we develop a scaled-down model for simulating and performing static loading analysis of an electrically powered robotic subsea dredging crawler (EPRSDC). The modeling, simulation, and analysis were carried out using modelling software from Solidworks. The structural frame was assembled using the Tetrix max robotics kit. The kit’s structural components were produced from 1050 aircraft-grade aluminum. The results were used in optimizing and for considering other materials, and the to identify specific areas to be reinforced in future crawler designs.

Oct 3, 2023

By A. F. van der Merwe, R-D. Taylor, M. Jacobs, F. H. Conradie

Total bound moisture (TBM) is a typical quality indicator of industrial-grade gypsum. This gypsum is comprised of three distinct phases, namely anhydrite, dihydrate, and hemihydrate, of which only the latter is of much industrial use. TBM analysis is a lengthy laboratory procedure, and an artificial neural network (ANN) TBM inference measurement is proposed as a fast and online alternative. An ANN inference model for gypsum TBM based on plant data was developed. The inputs to the network were primarily focused on the plant's calciner, and different network topologies, data divisions, and transfer functions were investigated. Furthermore, the applicability of the TBM value as a quality indicator was investigated based on a gypsum phase analysis. A strong correlation between TBM and the gypsum hemihydrate and anhydrite content was found, validating the plant target TBM of 5.8% as a quality indicator. A network topology consisting of one hidden layer with logarithmic-sigmoid (logsig) and pure linear (purelin) transfer functions showed the best performance (R > 90%).

Oct 3, 2023

By Ehab Gomaa, K. A. El‑Nagdy

Backfilling material such as tailing (mine wastes) mixing with cement or gypsum has grown throughout the world’s underground mines. However, despite their growing popularity, the typical hydraulic and mechanical fill types utilized in many mines still exist. Deep underground mining has increased due to the lack of commercial minerals nearby. Mine wastes were considered the main part of backfilling to prevent environmental pollution, ground subsidence after mine abandonment, and mine collapse during deeper extraction phases. The cemented backfill technique is the principal technique used in underground mines, which include cement with fly ash and/or filter dust, cement with tailing material and fly ash, gypsum with fly ash, and synthetic anhydrite with fly ash and have been reviewed. It has concluded that a backfilling material must be selected based on further goals, available material near the mine site, and economic factors. This paper analyzes different backfill material mixtures to create a technique that will increase safety in underground mining conditions and foresees an appropriate formula that gives high uniaxial compressive strength. The multiple linear regression (MLR) on the collected data from the experimental works to construct the relationship between the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the mixture and the components of the backfilling and the prediction formula for expected compressive strength was obtained. The results revealed that the predicted regression equation was robust and reliable to predict the (UCS) for the new components of the filling (cement (CE), filter dust (FD), water content (WC), and time (T)).

Oct 3, 2023

By Manoj Kumar, Anil Kumar Singh, Prabal Patra, Ashish Agrawal, Souvik Ghosh, Subhashis Kundu, Kamma Ramakrishna Rao, Manish Kumar Gupta, Anindya Sarkar

The slag measurement systems in the cast house are very important. In the conventional method, the slag is granulated in a slag granulation system, and the slag flow rate is measured by the associated belt scale. However, in places where a slag granulation system is not available, the alternate approach is to deduce a theoretical calculation and develop the measurement because the commissioning of such slag granulation requires huge capital and has inherent geographical limitation. However, the theoretical approach suffers from several drifts and is far from the reality. In the present paper, we have innovatively engineered a sensor by designing the stellite-coated thermocouple that can measure the temperature of the slurry and placed it in such a way that the abrasive slag granules do not obstruct it, but we could measure the temperature of hot water, and further based on the thermodynamic approach, the slag flow rate is determined that can be compared with the theoretical approach. This approach of slag rate measurement is cost-effective and long-lasting.

Oct 2, 2023

By Leping Liu, Sachin Urade, Li-Ting Chen, Pengbo Chu

This study aims to provide industrial perspectives on the current U.S. metal mining engineering education and areas for improvement. An online survey was designed to seek opinions from the U.S. mining industry. Findings indicated a shortage of qualified graduates from the current U.S. metal mining engineering education system. The qualifications that need to be improved include engineering sciences underlying mining methods, mining design experience, mining feasibility study, the connection between theory and practice, and understanding of the overall mining operation. The survey also identified future desired qualifications, such as the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed and sufficient field experience. Respondents recommended enhancing collaborations between industry and academia.

Oct 1, 2023

By Jorge Armstrong, Sean Warren, JOSEF BOURGEOIS

The paper investigates the influence of slope height, slope angle, slope material, and rock size on rockfall runout distance in openpit mines. Using statistical analysis and simulation, the study aims to improve rockfall hazard assessment and catch bench design by identifying key variables affecting rockfall behavior.

Oct 1, 2023

By Adriana Aurazo

Actualmente, el Perú cuenta con una minería del primer mundo, más sostenible en su desarrollo productivo y con mejores práctica en tecnología e innovación que contribuyen al cuidado del medio ambiente, así como respecto de su interrelación con los actores de su entorno y el Buen Gobierno Corporativo. Luego de analizar algunas consideraciones generales en materia de estándares medioambientales, sociales y de gobernanza (ESG, por sus siglas en inglés) para el sector minero, se destaca la importancia de la automatización de datos así como de plataformas de sistematización integrada que permiten realizar un seguimiento de las métricas ESG y la presentación de informes de sostenibilidad. Por ende, la inversión digital minera en dichas materias, será el foco en los próximos dos o tres años.

Sep 29, 2023

By Armando Moyonero, José Villegas, Peggy Peñaloza

La CIA Minera Antamina alineada con su propósito de la búsqueda permanente de la excelencia operativa, la cual permitirá mejores índices de seguridad y resultados operativos más estables y predecibles, decide implementar la metodología LEAN a través del programa denominado ES+. La gerencia de mantenimiento, con el objetivo de mejorar los indicadores y procesos de mantención, haciéndolos más seguros y eficientes con el fin de alcanzar las aspiraciones internas propuestas tanto en seguridad IFAR1, ISAR2, así como disponibilidad en las flotas de palas y camiones de acarreo; inicia la implementación del programa ES+ LEAN en las áreas de palas y camiones de mantenimiento mina.

Sep 29, 2023

By José Estela, Yoshiro Chicmana

El presente trabajo, consiste en la implementación de un Sistema Híbrido Solar Fotovoltaico con Baterías para el suministro eléctrico actual y futuro del aeródromo Chagual, de propiedad de Compañía Minera Poderosa S.A. (CMPSA).

Sep 29, 2023

By Gabriel Castillo

The global warming and the associated changes in climate variability would increase the risk to the mining industry in both magnitude and frequency. Consequently, extreme climate conditions would disturb the infrastructure, equipment and mine closure strategies in areas that have not consider this potential impact. To cope with these climate-associated risks is critical to understand the exposure and vulnerability with a local perspective. Having a clear knowledge of the current climate risks, the vulnerability of species, ecosystems, and ecological processes in the watershed where the mining operations are is essential to inform how patterns of risks and potential benefits are shifting due to climate change.

Sep 29, 2023

By Alfonso Núñez

There are many assets on a typical industrial site that are not monitored continuously by a SCADA system or the DCS. Many of these assets are critical and must be running correctly for production to meet its targets. Most companies schedule inspections of these assets regularly by sending skilled operators to the field who take notes using paper and a clipboard. There are many advantages related to the digital transformation of operator rounds. In particular, the collection process is supported by digital prompts and the data — once it is collected — is automatically routed to a database and made readily available to all the software applications and stakeholders that need it.

Sep 29, 2023

By Herminio Nieto, Andy Corales

Este documento plantea una gestión de los recursos hídricos eficiente mediante la automatización del balance de aguas operacional. Esta herramienta busca mejorar la eficiencia y precisión en el seguimiento y gestión de los recursos hídricos utilizados en la operación minera, a través de la recopilación, análisis y visualización de datos en tiempo real. La automatización del balance de aguas se basa en datos recopilados de flujómetros, sensores de monitoreo, registros de campo y otros, que utiliza algoritmos de procesamiento de datos para calcular el balance de aguas bajo los lineamientos del Consejo Internacional de Minería y Metales (ICMM).

Sep 29, 2023

By Fabio Loyola

La planta de adsorción de carbón de Pampa Larga (CIC_PL) es la principal planta que contribuye a la producción de Yanacocha. Las pérdidas de oro ocurren a partir de la solución gastada que va a la planta de tratamiento de agua y luego se descarga al medio ambiente. Se identificaron dos oportunidades de mejora para lograr un mejor desempeño de la planta. Una oportunidad está relacionada con mejorar la adsorción de oro sobre el carbón en una solución con alto contenido de cobre. La otra oportunidad está relacionada con mejorar el control operativo de la planta de carbón, al usar el manual corporativo de carbón activado, como también aumentar la actividad del carbón y optimizar la cantidad de carbón en los tanques del circuito de adsorción.

Sep 29, 2023

By Eduardo Guanilo

El uso de la Analítica de Datos permitió una gestión adecuada en nuestros indicadores de seguridad - productividad y su implicancia directa en el logro de los objetivos de producción mina todo esto a través de la excelencia y la disciplina operacional. La información obtenida con la herramienta de Analítica de Datos, el proceso sistemático de revisión de variables claves para la operación minera, la identificación de desviaciones y la interacción constante entre nuestra supervisión durante la revisión de las recomendaciones en tiempo real, permitieron mejorar y optimizar las decisiones operativas logrando los objetivos establecidos.

Sep 29, 2023

By Jairo Romero, Fernando Pajuelo

Los avances en tecnologías digitales han permitido nuevos métodos de trabajo para realizar pruebas, como el análisis granulométrico. Por esta razón, este estudio propone aprovechar la fotogrametría mediante drones para realizar un análisis granulométrico completo y preciso a partir de fotografías digitales aéreas, especialmente en áreas de almacenamiento de material (StockPiles). Esto permite optimizar los recursos de mano de obra y reducir los costos operativos hasta en un 71%. Además, se realizó un análisis económico comparativo entre el método digital propuesto y el método convencional de estudio de granulometría.

Sep 29, 2023

By Gabriella Vaschetti, Pascual Perazzo

A paper presented at Perumin 35 in 2022 described the concepts and a state-of-the-art system with extruded curbs and PVC anchor wings, adopted among others at the first four stages of Las Bambas tailings dam in Peru, discussing how upstream geomembrane water barriers can mitigate the numerous issues, including environmental aspects, of tailings dams’ design and operation. This paper, beside presenting a summary of what has been carried out so far at Las Bambas, amplifies the subject, presenting the results by means of the data of the leakage monitoring system, showing that the flow monitoring data at the downstream toe are seasonally consistent, and in alignment with design predictions.

Sep 29, 2023

By Iván Ibañez

An essential aspect of energy efficiency is determining the opportunities to improve a system or machine's performance from the energetic point of view. For the mining industry, it's a classic problem that mainly all the equipment manufacturers face today to produce the same results with the minimum energy requirements. Existing research focuses on light-duty vehicle energy losses. However, heavy-duty off-road machinery is understudied. This article presents an energy balance assessment of a mining vehicle utilized in an open-pit mine in Colombia.

Sep 29, 2023

By Alex Villanueva, Fredi Cárdenas

La importancia de la gestión de residuos ha sido clave en las últimas décadas. La actividad minera genera grandes cantidades de residuos sólidos, los cuales deben ser manejados y tratados en forma eficiente en todas sus etapas, desde la generación hasta la disposición final, en el marco de los principios de la economía circular y la valoración económica para su máximo aprovechamiento reduciendo así los impactos negativos en el medio ambiente.

Sep 29, 2023