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By M. Sokoto, H. Hata, K. Nishina, K. Haiki

Fluoride ions in zinc electrolyte cause corrosion to aluminum cathode plates at zinc electrowinning process, so we have developed an iron compound as a fluoride ion adsorbent used in zinc sulfate solution. The iron compound is synthesized from FeC13 solution with a small amount of sulfate ion by neutralizing reaction with Na2CO3 solution. The fluoride ions adsorbed on the surface of the iron compound are desorbed in alkaline solution and the iron compound can be reuse as a fluoride ion adsorbent. Moreover, if adsorption capacity of the iron compound decreases, it can be dissolved in HCl solution and re-synthesized.

Jan 1, 2008

By J. B. Rubenstein

This work demonstrates the feasibility of using confocal surface profilometry to measure and characterize wear of graphite anode surfaces. This method was tested using anode samples that were electrolyzed for 24 hours in a laboratory-scale magnesium cell with a high oxide molten salt electrolyte. The oxide produced accelerated wear on anodes designed for low oxide electrolytes. Contour maps, which are effective at displaying non-uniform wear, and total graphite consumption values were generated from the collected surface coordinates. Along with both qualitative and quantitative analysis capabilities, this measurement system was shown to have a fine resolution and a low detection limit.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. J. Benitez

MIBC (methyl-isobuthyl carbinol) was previously shown to enhance significantly sylvite flotation when used at the stage of preparation of amine dispersions. In this paper Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is used to study the effect of MIBC on deposition of octadecylamine (ODA) on the surface of mica. The AFM images indicate that amino terminated, and therefore hydrophilic, deposits of ODA are observed on the mica surface in the ODA dispersions free of MIBC. In the presence of MIBC a methyl terminated (hydrophobic) monolayer is obtained on the mica surface. The transition between the monolayer and bilayer phases is due to the presence of MIBC. Experiments carried out in distilled water reproduced the results obtained from the brine. Working in pure water instead of brine simplifies the preparation conditions and the analysis by AFM.

Jan 1, 2006

The original JKMRC AG/SAG mill model was developed over 30 years ago and has been upgraded a number of times since then, with the current published version being the Variable Rates model that is now over 15 years old. Since this model was developed further enhancements have been derived, some of which are applied in-house and some which have yet to be incorporated. The published and the commercially available model in JKSimMet is currently undergoing a comprehensive overhaul with a vastly extended data base for model evolution and validation. Improvements developed within the AMIRA P9 project, in-house development and a number of collaborative projects, are being incorporated into the upgraded model structure. Enhanced capabilities will include: power-based breakage rates scaling; a far wider mill filling range (from 10% to 40%) that exhibits peak in throughput as mill filling increases; higher ball loads; improved pebble discharge function; improved slurry discharge function incorporating important mill design and operational influences; and the new size dependent breakage function. The model will also be able to accommodate some influence of liner design and multi-component ores (blends of hard and soft components). This upgrade is still a work in progress but substantial changes have been made to date. This paper presents some of the new improvements and their influence on the predictive capability of the model.

Jan 1, 2012

By Lev Filippov, Saeed Farrokhpay

"Flotation process has had less success to recover nickel from laterite ores. Nickel in laterite ores is often finely disseminated in various minerals in very fine size. Therefore, fine grinding should be used to liberate nickel containing particles. Particles resulted from fine grinding are often very fine, and recovery of such particles is generally low using conventional flotation methods. One option to overcome this problem is enhancing the particle-bubble interaction by increasing the particle size and forming flocs. Selective flocculation of fine particle can be therefore the key to enhance the flotation performance of low grade laterite ores.INTRODUCTIONThe majority of the world’s nickel resources occur as laterite ores which are complex, low grade and expensive to treat using conventional smelting and high temperature and/or high pressure autoclave methods (Xu et al., 2013). While about 70% of the nickel resources are contained in laterites, only 40% of the world’s nickel production comes from these ores. Researchers have tried to improve the nickel laterite flotation recovery by using a number of feed preparation techniques. For example, in a study on a laterite ore sample from Australia, flotation tests on a narrow sized fraction of 38-75 µm resulted in only a small increase in the nickel content, from 1.0% to 1.4% (Quast et al., 2015a). In fact, no physical separation technique (including flotation) has been able to dramatically upgrade nickel in laterite ores (Quast et al., 2015b). Thus the challenge of processing low grade nickel laterite ores still exists. This paper aims to explore the possibility of applying selective aggregation in pre-concentrating of valuable minerals in nickel laterite ores."

Jan 1, 2016

By D. F. Sangster, P. J. Hood, G. A. Gross

"Some results are presented of an integrated geological and geophysical study of Precambrian magnetite-quartz iron-formation in the Kapiko Iron Range north of Nakina, Ontario. Detailed geological and topographical mapping was carried out in conjunction with detailed geophysical investigations such as vertical magnetic field, vertical magnetic gradient, hammer seismic, horizontal-loop electromagnetic and magnetic susceptibility surveys. In addition, oriented drill cores were obtained for magnetic polarization studies.Vertical-force magnetic anomalies within individual rock units showed a strong positive correlation with topographic relief. Moreover, magnetic intensity was found not to be quantitatively proportional to the magnetite content in the rocks, due to the presence of high remanent magnetization of the magnetite. Also, the remanent polarization direction was sub parallel to the plunge of the fold structure and mineral lineation in associated rocks.Vertical magnetic gradient measurements were found to be more accurate in locating buried contacts between magnetite-quartz iron-formation and country rock than the vertical magnetic force data.An in-situ magnetic susceptibility meter was used to measure the magnetite content of iron-formation, and the measurements were subsequently compared with vertical-force magnetic results.The results of the EM survey were inconclusive; some magnetite-rich zones produced anomalies in the out-of-phase component. whereas others did not. The reasons for such inconsistencies are not yet apparent.Longitudinal seismic wave velocities measured parallel to the bedding in magnetite-quartz iron-formation ranged from 10,600 ft/sec. to 14,500 ft/sec. The seismic velocity appears to increase with an increase in deformation of the rocks."

Jan 1, 1966

By J. D. Jones

The geographic occurrence of economic mineral deposits presents a variety of problems in modern tailings disposal operations. This paper presents case histories in several sectors of the mineral industry as well as the several stages of operations planning required for new designs, system expansion, reactivation of abandoned systems and upgrading to present environmental standards.

Jan 1, 1978

By F. Charette

The paper reviews the requirements of the instrumentation required to monitor mining excavations in a high stress environment, and the development plan to instrument the D-Bolt in such a fashion as to be able to follow the behaviour of the bolts in relationship to the ground movements and support performance. Recent field observations of D-Bolts under static and dynamic conditions are also presented. Also discussed is the assumed mechanical behaviour of the D-Bolt. D-Bolts are used in two (2) Canadian underground mines operating in high stress environments and tested in three (3) other operations.

Jun 1, 2012

By S. Makni, S. Koppalkar, A. Bouajila

This paper reviews briefly the gravity recovery involving conventional gravity separators and centrifugal gravity separators. The advantages of semi-continuous gravity separators will be discussed. Techniques for upgrading the gravity concentrates will be addressed briefly. The research efforts in optimizing semi-continuous gravity separators will be recalled. Innovative gravity circuit for eliminating or minimizing the use of complex processing schemes will be reviewed. On-going gold gravity research at COREM has revealed that gold particle shape transformation is the main factor explaining the lower recoveries of the plant units. Efforts to devise possible remedies for improving gravity recovery at plant will be discussed.

Jan 1, 2011

By K. G. Markkola

Since 2005, Compafifa Contractual Minera Candelaria (CCMC) has defined various strategies which aim to optimize the usage of the available energy in each of the SAG grinding circuit modules (SABC-A configuration). For this purpose, the use of larger size balls along with operating with an optimum balls/load ratio has been implemented. Additionally, in the ball mills, the amount of balls in relation to the equipment's usable diameter has been optimized. In the pebble crushing circuit, the percentage of material passing 12 mm (112 in) product has been increased by 15% by: (1) modifying the crusher mantle profile, (2) implementing a strategy for maximizing the power in each crusher, (3) using continuous improvement tools (Lean - Six Sigma), (4) redesigning SAG mills discharge grates, and (5) changing discharge grates in order to control the crusher feed size distribution profile. All these activities have improved plant throughput by 1,000 t/d with no significant capital investment. As part of the energy consumption optimization study, we have considered determining the optimum operational rate of each SAG mill, in relation to the mill liner life and also the improving the control strategy in conventional grinding.

Jan 1, 2007

By W. J. Adams

It is recognized that within life cycle assessment that the eco-toxicity potentials (TPs) derived for metals require additional research to improve their reliability. Current models used to develop TPs do not include important fate process for metals such as speciation and bioavailability. Toxicity potentials are standard values used in LCA to enable a comparison of potential toxic impacts between substances. Huijbrechts (2001) calculated toxicity potentials for 181 substances utilizing the USES model for six impact categories, i.e. freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, freshwater sediment ecotoxicity, marine sediment ecotoxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity and human toxicity (not considered here). Marine ecotox potential for metals is typically high using this approach, whereas most open ocean metal concentrations are very low. A sensitivity analysis of the USES-LCA model was undertaken using copper as an example. Results indicate: fate processes on the global scale are driving the marine water and sediment TPs for copper most; the second most important fate parameter is sedimentation from the water and burial in deep sediment layers; inclusion of speciation and bio-availability processes would be very beneficial; more accurate estimates of input parameters should be used, and the PNECwater and PNECsediment and all partition coefficients for metals should be updated in the model.

Jan 1, 2007

By J. R. MacDonald

MINING literature contains very few descriptions of operations producing as little as 25 to 30 tons of ore per day. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the gradual development of a mining method for such a small-scale operation at the No. 2 mine of Central Patricia Gold Mines, Limited, and in doing so to review several systems of stoping applicable to narrow ve1ns. MAIN ECONOMIC FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED (1) Overhead.-The outstanding feature of most mines operating on a single narrow vein is chat of small daily tonnage. The reason for this low output can be readily understood. The strictly limited ore-reserves present a condition unfavourable for a policy of large initial expenditures, with the result that the capacity of the plant provided must be governed by the? amount of ore in sight at the time when mill construction is planned. This is immediately reflected in the cost per ton, there being relatively few tons over which to distributed the more or less static charges, such as hoisting, heating, supervision, administration, pre-production expenses, and other write-offs. (2) Development.-In mining this type of orebody, the main factor contributing to high costs is unquestionably the small tonnage of ore made available by a given amount of development. Thus, for example, from the data tabulated below it can be seen chat, assuming a 12-in. vein and a drifting cost of $9.00 per foot, the development charge for this item alone would be 71 cents per ton. Add to this the charges for raising, cross-cutting, shaft-sinking, and pumping, besides charges arising from development in waste, and the figure will be very considerably higher than 71 cents.

Jan 1, 1941

By J. R. Johanson, A. W. Jenike

"A solid flows out of a bin provided that the outlet is sufficiently large so that stable obstructions to flow do not develop. The geometry and surface finish of a bin and the construction of the feeder determine the type of flow pattern which then develops within the bin. The pattern, in turn, affects the uniformity and consistency of the stream, segregation, caking, degradation, live capacity and the action of level measuring devices.In most bins now in operation, material flows toward the feeder through a channel which forms within the stationary solid. This is referred to as funnel flow. If the hopper of the bin is sufficiently steep and smooth and the feeder capable of drawing material across the whole area of the outlet, all the solid flows whenever the feeder is in operation; this is referred to as mass flow. Mass-flow bins are usually far superior to funnel-flow bins; their initial cost is also usually higher.The paper describes the design criteria used in deter-mining the minimum bin outlet needed for flow and the bin geometry needed for mass flow."

Jan 1, 1970

By Navid Bahrani

The grain-based model (GBM) has resolved the difficulty of matching both the directtension (sc) and unconfined-compressive (st strengths of typical brittle rock by providing a synthetic material that mimics deformable, breakable polygonal grains cemented along their adjoining sides with deformable, breakable interfaces modeled as smooth-joint contacts. In this paper, a GBM utilizing a parallel-bonded base material is calibrated to match both st and sc of Lac du Bonnet granite and then used to simulate a Brazilian test. The Brazilian strength (sB) is slightly overestimated and the failure mode includes ductile post-peak response that is not representative of what occurs in laboratory Brazilian tests. By reducing the grain tensile strength, grain failure occurs during the Brazilian test and a more realistic failure mode that includes brittle post-peak response is obtained. However, the unconfinedcompressive strength of the modified material is too low. Sensitivity analysis on the grain and grainboundary strength properties demonstrates that the grain tensile strength controls the sB/sc ratio. Because the grain strength is controlled by the parallel-bond properties and the lowest achievable st/sc ratio in a parallel-bonded material is ~0.25, it is concluded thatsc, st and sB for a typical brittle rock cannot be matched with a GBM that utilizes a parallel-bonded base material.

Jun 1, 2012

By T. Winkler

This paper presents elements of the Virtual Working Environment for identification of hazards occurring in the mining industry. The Virtual Working Environment includes models of machinery and models of anthropometric features. Examples are given for identification of technical hazards at the design stage using the following computer programs: Finite Elements Method, Multibody System Analysis and Human Body Modeling. One of the methods to improve work safety at the machine and equipment maintenance stage is to share design and operational knowledge in a form of an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). An IETM is created using so-called reusable knowledge elements connected by relationships. A metamodel created in Unified Modeling Language is one of the forms for description of these relationships. The metamodel can represent, for example, interrelations between elements of repair procedures. Examples of procedures realized during the replacement of a damaged cutting bit are presented and discussed.

Aug 1, 2013

By M. Mirnezami, J. A. Finch, M. S. Hashemi A.

This study examined the effects of pH and sulphate concentration on the surface charge and stability of alumina and pyrite dispersions. The relationship between these properties was investigated using measurements of electrophoretic mobility and settling velocity. The maximum aggregation for both minerals was observed near the iso-electric point (iep) where the force of repulsion is at a minimum. Aggregation decreased at pH values away from the iep, where an increased surface charge causes electrostatic repulsion between particles. Zeta potential data revealed that sulphate ions were adsorbed only on positively charged surfaces for both minerals. Adsorption of sulphates on the alumina surface increased aggregation by reducing the surface charge from >+25 mV to close to zero. These results indicate an electrostatic bonding of sulphate ions to alumina surface. Preliminary results on the interaction of pyrite and sulphate ions indicate a similar response.

Jan 1, 2004

By A. Osouli, B. Moradi Bajestani

"Increase in permeability of rock mass is vital for both petroleum and geothermal applications. Hydraulic fracturing is a common method to create and increase the permeability for production. Due to the complexity of fracture propagation in a naturally fractured medium, understanding the interaction between hydraulic fracture (HF) and natural fracture (NF) is of great importance to optimize the fracturing process. The possibility of interaction between HF and NF is partly a function of orientation. Various scenarios are predictable for hydraulic fracture regarding the intersection with NF such as being arrested by NF, crossing NF or crossing the fissure while injecting water into it. Different parameters such as geomechanical and geometrical properties of surrounding rock mass, the operational parameters such as injection rate and the angle between created hydraulic fracture and natural fracture (approach angle) can affect the result of hydraulic fracture and natural fracture intersection. In this paper, using a series of flow-coupled Distinct Fracture Network (DFN) simulations, hydraulic fractures were analyzed to investigate the influence of the aforementioned parameters on the hydraulic fracture propagating. Results show that the most significant parameters affecting the interaction of natural and hydraulic fracture are orientation of the intersection as well as injection rate. The interaction and fracture propagation in NF and HF intersections are also studied and discussed in detail.INTRODUCTIONThe hydraulic fracture technology has substantially changed the oil, gas and geothermal industries. With the help of this technology, extraction of fossil resources from tight shale reservoirs will be economical, feasible and sustainable. Due to presence of massive oil and gas trapped in these reservoirs, this technology has been the center of attention for the past 40 years (King, 2012). Hydraulic fracturing is the process in which high pressure water is pumped into shale unconventional reservoirs with low to ultralow permeabilities. With this process paths are created in these mediums for delivering oil and gas to horizontal wellbore and increase the surrounding rock medium permeability. Economical and sustainable stimulation of these tight reservoirs is highly dependable on our understanding in regard to fracture propagation in the highly complex rock medium. Hydraulic fracturing process in rock mediums with preexisting natural fractures is more complex because of the high possibility of Hydraulic Fracture (HF) being arrested or deviated by Natural Fracture (NF). Also, HF and NF intersection can influence the required pumping pressure, injection rate, the outcome of horizontal wellbore and the affected geological underground zones. Since the 1950s, numerous studies have been conducted to predict and plan fracture propagation with the help of modeling and simulation methods. Having a thorough and accurate prediction of fracturing process will not only prevent stimulation of unwanted geological zones or pollution of aquifers, but also will improve the efficiency of the fracturing process. Previously, several studies have been conducted in order to investigate and analyze the interaction of hydraulic fracture and natural fracture (Cottrell, Hosseinpour, & Dershowitz, 2013; Doe, Lacazette, Dershowitz, & Knitter, 2013; Shakib, 2013; Zhang & Jeffrey, 2006)."

Jan 1, 2015

By L. Chunpongtong

ABSTRACT Oil sands production occurs on a massive scale, making orebody estimation a challenge. In rainy conditions, operators can have difficulty accessing ore at the mapped location. Without enough inventory as a buffer, the high-cost stockpile is depleted quickly, necessitating the removal of significant amounts of overburden and interburden to meet plant feed requirements. The inventory curve—a plot of ore inventory on a period-by-period basis—plays an important role in selecting an appropriate scheduling scenario. This paper presents a programmable method for creating an inventory definition by using a pit optimization tool.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. Bouajila

To stay competitive in an open market, mineral industries have to optimise their processes, lower their production costs and improve the commercial value of their products. Up to a recent past, they were impaired in this attempt by a lack of adequate devices allowing reliable on-line and real-time process monitoring (detection or measurement). Process monitoring for process control and the product characterisation for quality control are quite different tasks. Planners and researchers should be fully aware of this when evaluating or developing monitoring equipment for on-line process control. This paper will comment on some aspects of sensor specifications, during the design and the evaluation steps, related to sampling, measurement (accuracy, sensitivity, delay and correlation to the process) and suitability to the exploitation environment. Examples of R&D projects promoted by COREM for various industrial applications will be presented.

May 1, 2001

By João Felipe Costa, Jair Carlos Koppe, André C. Zingano

Abstract - Traditional mine planning based on block models built with interpolation techniques such as kriging does not take into account the uncertainty associated with the estimates. These models are inadequate for short-range mine planning. In contrast, conditionally simulated models reproduce the actual variability (histogram) and spatial continuity (variogram) of the attributes of interest. Conditional simulation can be used to address the problem of measuring the uncertainty associated with an estimate. This paper outlines how the sequential Gaussian conditional simulation algorithm can be used to assess uncertainty of grade estimates and also illustrates how simulated models can be incorporated into mine planning and scheduling. A case study demonstrates the efficiency of the method in assessing risk associated with geological and engineering variables.

Jan 1, 2000