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By Daniel D. M. Adams

In 2004, Rio Tinto started a major project to implement Mine Monitoring and Control (MMC) systems worldwide. A detailed selection processes was undertaken and migration to a standard system was started. Today systems are operating around the world and serve as the core of to many business processes. Implementations include highly union areas, large mines, centrally managed mines, and remote areas. Each implementation has unique challenges but all are working towards the common goal with common systems. This paper reviews two projects that Rio Tinto has deployed in diverse conditions. The projects are the Rossing Uranium upgrade from the original Wenco system to the common standard and Iron Ore of Canada?s general technology upgrade. Also discussed is the future of mining at Rio Tinto, specifically the drill automation projects, and how it is utilizing the common standard MMC systems.

May 1, 2010

By B. N. Church, A. R. Pettipas

"The second vertical derivative method of processing aeromagnetic data from low level helicopter surveys yields results correiatable with the known geology and may be utilized to indicate possible targets for future exploration in the Silver Queen and Equity Silver mines areas, near Houston in central British Columbia . The principal zones of alteration associated with mineralization, known from detailed mapping, are further delineated and extended in a way not possible by a cursory examination of the original magnetic data.IntroductionThe second derivative method of processing aeromagnetic data is a long established procedure used to enhance the short wavelength content of the magnetic fields. Some recent exam pies of the use of the second derivative technique have been published by Chandler (p. 385), Sun Yunsheng et al. (p. 424) and Yarger (p. 223) in Hinze, 1985. According to theory, the ""second vertical derivative"" is closely related to the rate of curvature of magnetic (or gravity) fields and is particularly useful in resolving and sharpening local anomalies. The contours on second derivative maps may coincide with important features such as lithological boundaries, faults and mineralized zones.In the Houston area, central British Columbia, aeromagnetic data supplied by local mining companies provide a ready base for analyses. Examples are data sets for the Silver Queen and Equity Silver mines centred 35 km and 34 km south and southeast, respectively, from Houston (Fig. 1), (Cochrane, 1970 and Church, 1985)."

Jan 1, 1990

By G. Wang, L. R. Moore, Y. Xiong, A. Gorken

"Mining is a very water intensive industry. As such, the industry has become dependent on applying alternate sources in efforts to minimize the impact on the locally available fresh water. Sources such as recycled water, sea water, and even acid mine drainage have been applied at some limited applications, while other mines may not even have the option of fresh water available in their region. However, the different sources of water will have varying concentrations and types of soluble salts and suspended solids, which can lead to dramatic differences in mineral processing when comparing these types of waters. Water quality is known to affect bubble generation and strength, mineral surface charge, and even reagent coordination properties. This paper focuses on the exploration of how water quality and soluble salts affect the flotation of iron and titanium containing minerals from feldspar, and the design of flotation collectors for optimal performance in this water.INTRODUCTIONFeldspar is defined as a tectosilicate mineral with the generic structure of MAlxSixO8, where M represents the cation (Celik, 2001). Feldspar is most often found naturally occurring with quartz, iron containing minerals (i.e mica), and titanium containing minerals (i.e. rutile). The alumina component of feldspar is of interest to glass making, while the alkali metal component is of interest to ceramics (Vidyadhar, 2002). In glass making, the alumina is known to improve product hardness, durability, and resistance to chemical corrosion. In ceramics, the alkalis act as a flux; a flux lowers the melting temperature of the mineral mixture, and assists in connecting the other components present in ceramics. Quartz is stated as having a negative effect on the melting point of the feldspar. Although quartz is typically not removed during the feldspar applications in the glass industry, it needs to be reduced for the ceramics industry. Iron and titanium based minerals are known to have negative effects on color and quality of the products in both glass and ceramics. Thus, these “contaminants” must be reduced to a certain product specification via feldspar beneficiation (Table 1)."

Jan 1, 2016

By Alan F. Stewart, Frederic B. Claridge, Robert S. Nichols

"In recent years, an increasing number of mines in mountainous terrain have examined the possibility of placing mine waste rock into stream valleys. Pressure to utilize stream valleys as a primary location for waste disposal has increased at many of the mines currently under development or expansion. As the number of environmentally and economically ideal wastedumping sites is limited, consideration must be given to utilization of stream valleys. This raises concerns about maintaining water quality in streams passing through or beneath the dumps and potential detrimental effects to dump stability. Commonly, the flows in the streams tend to be flashy, reflecting localized intense storms and rapid runoff in steep-sided slopes within the watershed. These conditions pertain particularly to British Columbia, which is characterized by mountainous terrain and periodically intense precipitation events.The method of conveying flow through a waste dump depends on a number of geotechnical and hydrological factors, including the size, durability and transmissivity of the rock and the design stream flood flow. This paper describes the approach to the design of waste dumps in stream valfeys developed at several mines in British Columbia."

Jan 1, 1986

By J. Zollinger, J. R. Kennedy, E. Bouzy, B. Rouat, D. Daloz

"Ni-based superalloys have been replaced in the last low pressure stage of jet turbines for aircraft by titanium aluminides. In order to improve the properties of these Ti-Al alloys and extend their usage deeper into aircraft engines grain refinement by inoculation has been investigated. Borides are the most common inoculants for Ti-Al alloys, however they form brittle particles which are detrimental to the final properties of the alloy. Inoculants manufactured from a Ti-Al alloy with refractory metal additions were proposed to alleviate the issues arising from inoculation with brittle particles. An alloy was chosen which had less than 10% lattice mismatch with the alloy of interest (Ti-46Al) to maximize efficiency. Initial experimentation showed a decrease in as-cast grain size by a factor of 2 between the inoculated and non-inoculated samples along with an absence of the brittle particles found with boron inoculations. Investigations into the interaction between the inoculants and the melt were also carried out to better understand the inoculant size distribution and efficiency upon solidification.INTRODUCTIONTitanium aluminum alloys are an interesting material for aerospace applications. Their high temperature oxidation resistance and high specific strength make them particularly promising (Kim & Dimiduk, 1991). Recently, titanium aluminides have replaced nickel based superalloys in the last low pressure stage of the GEnx turbine engine. In order to increase their usefulness in turbines their properties must be improved for high temperature (>800oC) applications. Grain refinement is one method to improve the properties of a material, however current methods of grain refinement of Ti-Al alloys by inoculation have significant drawbacks. A new method of inoculating Ti-Al alloys by using Ti-Al alloys with small refractory metal additions (Nb, Ta) has been developed to avoid the drawbacks of current methods while still being effective grain refiners."

Jan 1, 2016

By D. A. Trotter

"This paper traces the main advances in mine lighting from neolithic times to the 1960s. The earliest lights consisted of reeds or strips of wood soaked in grease. As man's knowledge increased, the oil lamp, the candle, kerosene, acetylene and finally electricity have allowed him to see where no natural light could penetrate. These advances in technology, however, did not come easily. Many false starts were made and great dedication was required by a few lighting pioneers to overcome the many technical difficulties that were encountered. The lighting of coal mines in particular caused unique problems, as there was the ever-present threat of methane explosions. Advances in mine lighting will continue, but these advances are only possible because men like Davy, Wolf, Marsuat and Edison paved the way.IntroductionMan's first efforts at mining consisted of merely picking rock off the surface of the earth. The sun was his only source of light. The early mines of the Neolithic age were simply vertical pits, 5 to 8 m deep. In order to follow an orebody, miners began to dig horizontally from the bottom of these pits, and as work progressed the need for additional light became apparent. With the discovery of the light-giving properties of fire, man was no longer dependent on natural light. Figure 1 gives an impression of the earliest artificial mine lighting used.Early Evidence of Mine LightingCarbonized residue from wood chips which had been inserted into rock cracks can be found in early Neolithic workings. The mines at Krzemionki Opatowski in Poland contain very narrow low tunnels that were lit in this fashion and were worked from 2300 to 1800 B. C. The wood had to burn downward to provide light and because wood burns poorly in this position, the chips were probably soaked in animal fat to make them burn more easily."

Jan 1, 1982

To create a successful growth oriented diamond company that succeeds in the practical business of mining and selling rough diamonds, and which pursues an aggressive exploration strategy to seek and develop worldclass diamond mining opportunities in a market that has become increasingly under-supplied.

May 1, 2008

By Robert B. Parsons

"With several hoots of the whistle, Canada's fiscal engineers are once again cranking up the income tax locomotive, in an effort to inject new stimulus into a stubborn economy. And once again, additional gears, wheels, levers, and other mysterious part s are being added to the already complex machinery in order to accommodate the new push.This time, a significant new mechanism involves a major overhaul and expansion of the investment tax credit system.Although the shiny new devices have considerable appeal to a certain group of potential passengers, one wonders if all of the renewed chugging and huffing is on the right track.IntroductionAs indicated in Tax Notes in the July 1983 issue of CIM Bulletin , the April 19, 1983 federal bud get introduced a number of new measures which would permit investment tax credits and research and development deductions to "" flow through "" from a corporation to another taxpayer."

Jan 1, 1984

By Julian Baldry

"This paper begins by describing the parameters of high-speed underground tracked drifting operations and the mucking cycle, and-discusses their variations. The railbound Haggloader 8HR is then described, as well as the Hagglund shuttle trains, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the system. A comparison with conventional mucking operations is then given.IntroductionDrift and tunnel rounds are mucked by one of two major methods, either trackless with diesel loaders and trucks or with track loaders and cars. The aim of this paper is to compare the conventional tracked mucking cycle with the Hagglunds system alternatives.For many years, the traditional method of attacking the mucking cycle has been with a rocker shovel loader, a string of cars and a locomotive. The rocker shovel loads the first car and when full it is taken to a side drift, cherry picker or some other transfer point and is exchanged for an empty one. This empty car is then pushed back into the face and the loading continues until all cars are full . Then the whole train is taken out to a dump point where the cars are emptied. Normally the train's capacity is less than the volume of the muckpile, so the cars go back to the face. This loading cycle is repeated until all muck is removed from the heading. The last train out from the heading usually takes the loader and parks it in a side drift before continuing on to the dump where the cars are emptied.This simplified version of the traditional loading cycle excludes the ancillary work elements such as track laying and so on, but does point out that the cars must be transferred when full and that the whole train normally makes at least two round trips from the dump to the face. The prime aim in drifting is to cycle a round whithin a working shift which necessitates that no one part absorbs so much time as to prevent the completion of the cycle.Mucking, drilling and loading and the ancillary work such as rock bolting, vent and service pipe hanging typically each take one-third of the available work time. Drilling or mucking can and often do, because of various factors, take nearly half of the total cycle time. Once any segment of the operation starts to take this portion of the shift, the likelihood of missed rounds becomes increasingly greater."

Jan 1, 1981

By A. R. MacPherson

"This paper considers four aspects of autogenous grinding. Part 1 discusses statements on power efficiency of autogenous grinding compared to conventional crushing and grinding systems. It also demonstrates how high-power efficiency can be obtained from autogenous grinding systems. Part 2 considers a simple method of testing ores to determine the type of autogenous plant which can treat these ores on a commercial basis. A comparison of testing for simple small plants vs large plants or complex ores is included. Part 3 considers important aspects which have to be considered in proper design of an autogenous grinding system. Part 4 discusses problem ores and how they can be treated in an autogenous system. INTRODUCTIONAfter about 35 years of using autogenous grinding plants in the mining industry, it is perhaps time to review where we are with this, by now, relatively old development. Autogenous grinding in this paper means grinding run-of-mine ore by fully autogenous means or by using a ball charge to assist the grinding (semi-autogenous). Also, autogenous grinding can be eitherby dry or wet.The use of autogenous grinding in the fifties was making its slow start, and it was not until the sixties that more of the mining industry would consider its use . By the seventies, most builders of new plants would have considered autogenous grinding, whether they used it or not, in the final design.In the eighties, most large plants use autogenous mills and to reduce over-all operating costs, many older conventional plants are now looking and actually retrofitting these old plants with autogenous grinding mills.It is evident that many misconceptions concerning autogenous grinding are still current. Some come from improperly designed plants which result from poor test work. There are many considerations in the proper design of autogenous plants. Some ores have been found to give problems even in a well designed plant. These ore types are beginning to be classified and recognition in the test stage allows steps to be taken in the design so that these ores can be efficiently handled in autogenous grinding plants.Therefore, this paper will address the following aspects of autogenous grinding:1. Misconceptions regarding autogenous grinding.2. Testing of ores to ensure a well designed commercial plant.3. Important considerations in mill design.4. Difficult ores, their recognition and types of design to handle such ores."

Jan 1, 1989

By E. M. De Souza, R. Penner

"Water is encountered at the majority of underground mines, both over their lifetime and during each stage of development and production. The dewatering system is one of the most important and costly components of an underground mining operation and it is often not well designed and analyzed. An effective design of a mine dewatering system will greatly reduce its energy cost as well as improve working conditions and reduce production costs. A computer-based system, called Qpump, has been developed to assist the underground operator to effectively design and/or assess over-all and local mine dewatering systems. The design features and principles used in the development of Qpump are introduced and an example which illustrates typical applications is presented.IntroductionTraditionally, dewatering operations have been given lower priority than many other operations in underground mining. Invariably water will be encountered during the sinking of the mine shaft, during development and subsequent production. The dewatering system thus becomes a very important component of an underground mine operation and, in fact, any mine manager will attest to the importance and necessity of an efficient mine dewatering system.The water problem is of varying importance at different mines. There are several factors that contribute to the water encountered. It is a function of the mining method and techniques utilized (backfill system, drilling and raising technology, dust control sprays, shaft water rings, etc.) and of prevailing conditions (ground water, rock structure and permeability). In some cases a mine may be so dry that little pumping is required while in others, the weight of water pumped may exceed by many times that of ore mined.The successful design and application of a mine dewatering system is dependent upon the operating conditions of each specific operation. There are no standard procedures and systems which can be used for all mining situations. However, an effective water system will greatly reduce the energy and production costs of a mine, improve working conditions and eliminate headaches because of flooded working places."

Jan 1, 1993

By H. Stocker, C. E. Makepeace

"This paper presents the statistical analyses of several sets of data acquired in several programs of sampling of radon daughters in uranium mines. The measurements were taken over periods of days or weeks for given locations or location occupations within these mines. Because the sampling applies to specific intervals of time and specific locations, a method is suggested f or the eventual application of a monitoring program which would be suitable on an annual basis for these locations. The present data and analyses thereof are not justifiably applicable to a monitoring regimen on an annualbasis, without a number of additional assumptions.The aim of the present analyses of concentration measurements is the determination of the minimum number of measurements required to achieve an annual radon daughter exposure estimate, for individual workers, having an error no greater than 50% at the 95% confidence level. The criterion of accuracy is taken from a statement in the American National Standard, Radiation Protection in Uranium Mines (ANSI NI3.8-I973), and is currently used, in somewhat modified form, as a guide to uranium mining licensees in Canada. Uncertainties associated with occupancy time are ignored in the present analysis. IntroductionOne of the principal aims of any scheme of radiation protection is that of improving the accuracy of exposure estimation for workers. The example presented here is from the area of radon daughter exposure estimation for uranium miners. The conventional means of estimating workers' exposures is grab sampling of radon daughter concentrations combined with occupancy time weighting in the various work and travel locations. Uncertainties exist in each of these components, and in an environment of highly variable radon daughter concentrations (such as an active uranium mine) one is always uncertain as to the representativeness of the grab sample (compared to the average concentration) unless a sophisticated monitoring scheme has been implemented based on previous experience in such an environment.Improvements in the accuracy and precision of employee radon daughter exposure records depend, primarily, on three factors;"

Jan 1, 1980

By David Eichenberg

A154S A154N After 3 Years of Mining ?Current mining Level A154S 280RL ?110 Vertical metres of A154S ?Current mining Level A154N 300RL ?100 Vertical metres of A154N ?Variations in Kimberlite Volume ?Ore Types and Plant Production

May 1, 2006

Objectives ? New deposits can be found in mature Mining CampsNew Camps ? Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposits ? polymetallicpolymetallicexamples are desirable exploration targets examples ? Genetic and exploration models for VMS deposits are robustrobust ? subtle but important differences exist between deposits and districts ? sometimes ??neglectedneglected??in resource modeling and exploration efforts ? ReRe-evaluation of a prominent existing camp is rewarding ? update on the exploration strategies currently being applied on a practical level The Falconbridge-Alexis approach includes GoCAD modelling

May 1, 2006

By K. E. Prince, S. Burling, R. J. Ring, M. K. Maley, W. R. Taylor

Vanadium occurs as a component of carnotite, which commonly occurs in calcrete type ores, and in association with uranium in some sandstone-hosted deposits. Increasing demand for vanadium, which is used in high-strength steel and Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs), is offering some uranium producers a potential option for by-product vanadium recovery to improve project economics at a time when uranium prices are low. This paper presents the results of recent optimisation studies on the Bigrlyi deposit for the recovery of both uranium and vanadium. The impact of carbonate leaching conditions on uranium and vanadium extraction from a range of carnotite-in-calcrete ores is also examined, with vanadium extraction limited by the proportion of non-carnotite vanadium present in the ores. The findings are particularly relevant to developing projects as results show that elevated vanadium content in ore does not necessarily equate to a high vanadium extraction in leach.

Jan 1, 2020

By A. I. Gorshkov, Y. A. Bogdanov, O. Y. Bogdanova

Abstract - Detailed crystal-chemical study of iron and manganese oxides and some other minerals from low-temperature hydrothermal deposits in a newly discovered inactive mound in the TAG hydrothermal field were used to determine the precipitation sequence of mineral phases during lowtemperature processes and their post-sedimentary transformations. Particles of primary sedimentary X-ray amorphous proto-ferrihydrite with high silica content were replaced in situ by nontronite, ferrihydrite, or goethite during alteration. Ferrihydrite is the only proto-hematite phase. The transformation of the iron minerals, related to change in the physicochemical environment, is an important characteristic of low-temperature hydrothermal processes. The occurrence of hydrogenetic Fe vernadite and Mn feroxyhyte in the uppermost part of low-temperature deposits and bottom sediments near the base of the mound is evidence for cessation of low-temperature hydrothermal processes. Among the investigated mineral phases, goethite, nontronite, and hematite are stable in reduced sediments only.

Jan 1, 1999

By Andrew Popko

Introducing EnCana ?? A leading North American Oil and Gas company ?? Focused on natural gas and oil sands development in 12 key resource play areas across North America ?? In 2007, over 4300 wells drilled, producing about Enterprise value of approximately $50 billion ?? Invest between $5.8 Billion in 2007 ?? Over 7500 employees ?? Headquarters ? Calgary, AB

May 1, 2008

By Dale Scott

"The Aggregate Resources Inventory Program was initiated 10 produce reports which assess the aggregate resources of municipalities designated under the Pits and Quarries Control ACI, 1971.Each report consists of three copies accompanied by a text. The text describes the local mineral aggregate resources, extractive activity and characteristics of the ""Selected Deposits"". The first map shows the known sand and gravel resources and their quality. The second map indicates selected sand and gravel resources of primary, secondary and tertiary significance. The third map indicates both bedrock resources and bedrock areas suitable f or extraction. These maps and the text are prepared in a formal suited for use by planning personnel.Recently, the Aggregate Resources Inventory Program has undergone evolutionary changes. New sources of data are being utilized in the inventory reports; in particular, detailed field assessment by inspecting, sampling, drilling and backhoe pitting. Liaison and joint assessment with district and regional Mineral Resources staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and personnel of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, are key components of the Program.Twenty-two reports were available to the public as of December 1980, with a further thirty-six awaiting publication. Our present production rate is 3.5 reports per month. The reports appear to be well accepted by the municipalities and have proven effective in conserving prime aggregate resource areas.IntroductionThe urbanization of Southern Ontario has resulted in a major increase in the production of industrial minerals, such as sand, gravel, clay, shale, gypsum and stone, for use as cru shed aggregate, building stone, lime and cement.Although mineral aggregate deposits are plentiful in Southern Ontario, they are fixed-location, non-renewable resources. The potential for extractive development is usually greatest in urban fringe areas where land-use competition is extreme. Comprehensive planning and resource management strategies are required to make the best use of available resources, especially in those areas experiencing rapid development. Such strategies must be based on a sound knowledge of the total mineral aggregate resource base at both local and regional levels."

Jan 1, 1982

By Dale Scott

"The Aggregate Resources Inventory Program was initiated 10 produce reports which assess the aggregate resources of municipalities designated under the Pits and Quarries Control ACI, 1971.Each report consists of three copies accompanied by a text. The text describes the local mineral aggregate resources, extractive activity and characteristics of the ""Selected Deposits"". The first map shows the known sand and gravel resources and their quality. The second map indicates selected sand and gravel resources of primary, secondary and tertiary significance. The third map indicates both bedrock resources and bedrock areas suitable f or extraction. These maps and the text are prepared in a formal suited for use by planning personnel.Recently, the Aggregate Resources Inventory Program has undergone evolutionary changes. New sources of data are being utilized in the inventory reports; in particular, detailed field assessment by inspecting, sampling, drilling and backhoe pitting. Liaison and joint assessment with district and regional Mineral Resources staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and personnel of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, are key components of the Program.Twenty-two reports were available to the public as of December 1980, with a further thirty-six awaiting publication. Our present production rate is 3.5 reports per month. The reports appear to be well accepted by the municipalities and have proven effective in conserving prime aggregate resource areas.IntroductionThe urbanization of Southern Ontario has resulted in a major increase in the production of industrial minerals, such as sand, gravel, clay, shale, gypsum and stone, for use as cru shed aggregate, building stone, lime and cement.Although mineral aggregate deposits are plentiful in Southern Ontario, they are fixed-location, non-renewable resources. The potential for extractive development is usually greatest in urban fringe areas where land-use competition is extreme. Comprehensive planning and resource management strategies are required to make the best use of available resources, especially in those areas experiencing rapid development. Such strategies must be based on a sound knowledge of the total mineral aggregate resource base at both local and regional levels."

Jan 1, 1982

By H. D. S. Miller

"Artificial stope support has become an essential component of many underground mining operations. Because the use of cable bolts in open stopes is a relatively new concept, most support is still designed by trial and error or by rules of thumb. This often results in costly overdesigned support or inadequate support which leads to stope failure.This paper proposes guidelines to determine support requirements using the stability graph method. The stability graph method is an empirical open stope design technique that takes into account the key factors that influence stope stability. The factors for the design of a cable bolt support system include bolt length, bolt intensity and the original rock mass competency and can be estimated using empirically calibrated charts. The empirical charts were developed based on more than 60 case histories of cable bolting success and failure in Canadian open Slope mines.The concept of pre reinforcement and supp ort stiffness will also be discussed.INTRODUCTIONArtificial support, in the form of rock anchors, has become an important component of all underground mining operations because its stabilizing effect contributes to make underground workings safer. There are several types of rock anchors featuring different properties and having a variety of functions. This paper focusses on grouted cable bolt applications in large open stope mining. Such a support system may improve the competency of the disturbed rock mass to a point approaching the undisturbed rock quality by limiting joint movement and dilation. This results in more stable, possibly larger and, thus, more efficient production stopes."

Jan 1, 1989