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By Charlie Graham, Helen Shang, Ashley Scott, Andrew Hall

"Approaches to Energy Recovery• Upgrading for electricity generation - steam turbines• Direct extraction- process improvement or space heating- support medium for animal or plant growth– fish or microalgae• Heat pumps- space heating/coolingWater Energy Grades• High (150+ °C) - electricity Generation• Medium (26 to 121 °C) - direct extraction• Low (5 to 18 °Celsius)- use of heat pump is required• Temperatures between zones will depend on circumstances for best use."

Jan 1, 2012

By M. Boodman, E. Gertner

"At first glance, the activities related to mining and mineral exploration appear to be local or domestic, rather than international, in nature. Minerals, as corporeal or tangible property, form an integral part of the land in which they are found until extracted and exploited commercially. Even in the latter phase, the tangible nature of minerals gives the impression that the law governing the commercialization of minerals is the law of their situs at any given time. The nature of minerals appears to negate the international aspect of mineral enterprises.The fundamental flaw in the above analysis is its focus upon the nature of minerals, rather than the role of persons in mineral enterprises. The high costs of mineral exploration and commercialization invariably require the involvement of international consortiums or joint ventures. Governments may not have access to the funds necessary to exploit the mineral resources that they control. Local or domestic enterprises may not have sufficient expertise for mineral exploration. Further, markets for various types of minerals are far from localized or static. For these and other reasons, the tangible and localized nature of minerals belies the fundamentally international nature of mineral exploration and commercialization."

Jan 1, 2004

By M. Vallée

"Geological and technical problems are often considered the most important ones affecting new mining projects. Typical problems and likely causes are reviewed based on current Quality Management and Continuous Improvement (QMCI) perspectives, giving particular attention to the work of W.E. Deming. As the “system approach” is an essential part of these policies, its characteristics are described with particular attention given to cultural- behavioural, organizational and systembased constraints described by J. Gharajedaghi. Given that poor communication and interaction among geologists, mineral processors and mining engineers/operators can seriously affect the adequacy of tests, project planning and execution, and mine profitability, these interrelated processes within the mining systems are analyzed and modelled. The impacts on models and simulations of ignoring typical data, information and knowledge uncertainties are addressed. Adapting W.E. Deming’s Fourteen Points, System of Profound Knowledge and insistence on leadership, and the analysis of mining system constraints, will allow the effective QMCI approach required to reduce geological and technical risks. Whenever we achieve this goal, we will be in a better position to overcome environment-, market-, finance- and community-related problems, achieve higher company and industry profitability as well as more sustained development. RÉSUMÉLes problèmes géologiques et techniques sont souvent considérés les plus importants parmi ceux qui affectent les nouveaux projets miniers. Des problèmes typiques et leur causes sont étudiés dans la perspective de gestion de la qualité et d’amélioration continue (GQAC), en relation avec les travaux de W.E. Deming. Comme l’approche système est au centre de ces méthodes, ses caractéristiques sont décrites en donnant une attention particulière aux contraintes de types culturel-comportemental, organisationnel, et systémique décrites par J. Gharajedaghi. Compte-tenu que les lacunes dans les communications et les interactions entre géologues, minéralurgistes, et ingénieurs/opérateurs miniers peuvent affecter sérieusement la validité des essais, de la planification et de l’exécution des projets ainsi que la rentabilité des exploitations, ces processus connexes font l’objet d’analyse et de modélisation. Les impacts sur les modèles et les simulations de l’incertitude des données, informations et connaissances sont soulignés. En adaptant au système minier les Quatorze Obligations et le Système de connaissance approfondie de W.E. Deming ainsi que l’analyse des trois types de contraintes, nous pourrons développer une approche GQAC permettant de réduire les risques géologiques et techniques des projets miniers et des exploitations. Ceci nous pemettra de mieux faire face aux problèmes reliés à l’environnement, aux marchés, au financement et aux conditions sociales, d’améliorer la rentabilité des exploitations minières et de l’industrie, tout en contribuant de façon accrue au développement durable."

Jan 1, 2003

By Neil R. Burns, Michael Doggett

Abstract - The Nanisivik mine offers a unique opportunity to examine the economics of a mining scenario from its original feasibility study through to closure. In the early 1970s, the Strathcona Sound project (exploration around the Nanisivik mine) had advanced to the point where a significant mineralized body had been defined and a feasibility study was initiated. The study supported development of the Nanisivik mine, with government investment in regional infrastructure, and the mine was constructed and operated for 26 years. Many elements of the feasibility study were difficult to estimate because the project was unique in its high Arctic setting. As a result, many differences were found when comparing the actual mining data to the feasibility study. The majority of these differences were the result of an actual mine life of 26 years instead of the planned 12.5 years. Most of the mining costs were higher than estimated and production occurred at a much higher extraction rate than planned. On a constant dollar basis, the metal prices were, on average, below the feasibility estimates. For the most part, these differences balanced out, with the actual mining being only slightly more profitable than anticipated in the feasibility study.

Jan 1, 2004

By Jean Vavrek, Rob Barber

"What is CIM’s role on a planet-wide scale?That question has been coming back to the forefront of many discussions regularly in the months since we came on board as Executive Director and Vice- President International. CIM, by its name and by the nature of its history and make up, has mainly been a Canadian entity. It has been created by an act of Canadian Parliament and it is set up to work within the Canadian federal and provincial framework.Yet the name CIM is one well known and recognized for quality and professionalism worldwide. One could say that CIM has established a level of brand recognition that transcends it name and its origin. CIM has also evolved with the times, as the world has evolved and more so as the world of mining has evolved. So we stand today with a fairly large portion of our membership residing outside Canada and outside the United States. We also stand today looking back at the role CIM has played in events that we have been partners in organizing outside Canada; and for a long time CIM has provided insights into what is going on in the rest of the mining world by inviting authors and by featuring topics from around the globe.Today, Canada is still a leader in the mining industry. Canadian mining companies are involved in exploration and operations around the world. Canadian operations serve a good portion of the global demand of many metals and minerals, recently adding diamonds to the slate. Canadian expertise in various areas also makes Canada a good base for exporting a wide range of products and services around the world."

Jan 1, 2004

By Jean Vavrek

What is CIM?s role on a planet-wide scale? That question has been coming back to the forefront of many discussions regularly in the months since we came on board as Executive Director and Vice-President International. CIM, by its name and by the nature of its history and make up, has mainly been a Canadian entity. It has been created by an act of Canadian Parliament and it is set up to work within the Canadian federal and provincial framework.

Feb 1, 2004

By J. Paraszczak

For mining companies facing strong international competition and unfavourable commodities’ prices, automation of underground operations has the potential to increase productivity and help cut costs. However, despite considerable technological progress in this field, there still remain many problems to overcome. Furthermore, successful implementation of automation depends also on numerous operational, organizational, and even human factors. In this context, this paper briefly reviews technological progress with regard to different underground operations. Following that, several issues related to implementation of automated equipment and systems are presented and discussed. Particular emphasis is put on the factors whose importance is often underestimated. Some recommendations in this respect are also given. It is stated that the success of an automation project is a function of many “winning conditions,” which may be created through very thorough planning and preparation. It is also underlined that despite achievements made, a vision of a man-less underground mine is not yet as much a matter of near future as it may seem.

Jan 1, 2004

By B. Arlyuk

The complex system has been developed for long-term assessment of world prices and sale volume of primary aluminium when using the analytical model of the market and market supply forecasts as well as economy development in the Western countries characterized by the industrial production indices as correct data of Western World aluminium consumption are absent, The important part of this system is the model developed for forecasting the degree of capacities utilization of smelters and refineries depending on the price level, The model contains a statistic part corresponding to the capacities distribution by the production cost, and a dynamic part determining the deviation from the static depending on the price variation dynamics, The developed complex system has been identified by the actual data of the world prices of smelter grade alumina and primary aluminium, conservation and reactivation of refineries and smelters in the Western countries within the period from 1992 to 2003. The system was used for primary aluminium and alumina price forecasts till 2020.

Jan 1, 2004

By Jane Spooner

"The papers presented in this edition of the Bulletin cover some of the business issues that face mining companies exploring or operating in jurisdictions outside Canada. While technical innovations may, generally, be seen as fast-moving and farreaching, these papers also show that changes in approach and thinking continue to be evaluated and implemented.The Forum paper co-authored by Roger Taplin of McCarthy Tétrault LLP and Marchand Snyman of Muratie Investments Pty Ltd. highlights the quite radical changes that have taken place in South Africa’s mining industry with the introduction of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002, in October of that year, together with the Broad-based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry and the Mineral and Petroleum Royalty Bill of March 2003."

Jan 1, 2004

By Alice H. Zhu

Belt conveyors are widely used in materials handling industries. The bulk materials which can be transported include ores, coal, earth, grain, limestone, wood chips, fertilizer components such as potash and many others. Along with the new technology development and enhanced industrial automation requirements, belt conveyor instrumentation has also been modernized to improve conveyor availability and performance. Traditionally, belt conveyors are equipped with emergency pull cord switches to shut the conveyor down, misalignment switches to signal the belt offline condition, speed sensors to detect the belt slippage, and level switches to prevent material plugging in the discharge chute. Belt rip detectors are also normally provided for long belt conveyors. As a rule, equipment condition monitoring is not automated at most operating facilities, but is performed manually by maintenance staff via time-based surveillance. The new generation of condition monitoring instrumentation and control equipment can be successfully utilized to design a reliable, cost-effective, and centralized monitoring system, capable of monitoring a wide variety of mechanical equipment. The implementation of the condition monitoring automated system can provide continual monitoring of the plant equipment to ensure safe operation of the equipment to its required capacity. Any abnormal behavior of the motors, gear reducers and pulleys can be analyzed, alarmed, and recorded immediately, so problems can be detected and resolved before critical components failure. Therefore, the current trend is to provide the belt conveyors with condition monitoring system in addition to the traditional instrumentation, where temperature probes and vibration sensors can be installed on motors, gear reducers and all pulleys. Another innovative development is a three-in-one type belt rip detector which combines laser, tray and cord type detection together to ensure a prompt belt tear indication. The purpose of this paper is to present the latest development of belt conveyor instrumentation and introduce the application of newly developed instruments.

Nov 1, 2011

By A. R. Miller, M. C. Bétournay, D. L. Barnes

"A number of successful proof-of-concept projects have been carried out to replace conventional power application, such as diesel and rechargeable batteries, in underground mine vehicles. This has led to the development and testing of the world’s first fuel cell production vehicle, a mine locomotive. A fuel cell loader is being built and tested.This paper provides an insight into other projects that are being carried out. Some are related to further underground applications, and some to further research, such as refueling options, power plant durability, and vehicle automation.Also outlined is an evaluation of the overall mining applications and advantages this technology can bring to underground mining, including the facilitation of automation and tele-remote operation."

Jan 1, 2003

By Penny C. Stewart

Narrow vein underground stope design engineers in Australia have expressed significant interest in the requirements and methodology for developing site-specific stability charts. This is largely due to a concern that existing stope stability charts inadequately take into account factors influencing narrow vein stope stability, such as the effect of backfill abutments and the effect of in stope pillars. This paper presents conclusions from a comprehensive statistical examination of case history requirements for a site specific stability chart and critiques literature arguments for site-specific charts. A new statistical analysis technique and a large comprehensive stability database enabled the authors to quantify case history requirements and any site-specific effects the model exhibits. The analyses indicated that a reliable stable-failure boundary requires at least 150 case histories, of which a minimum of 10 percent should be unstable stope surfaces. Marginal site-specific effects were observed for the operating conditions captured within the database. The authors conclude that the apparent site-specific effects noted in previous literature are attributable to operating conditions inadequately represented in the database. Such operating conditions could induce erroneous stability predictions at any site, and are therefore not truly site-specific. Following from these conclusions, a strategy for taking into account operating conditions particularly relevant to narrow vein mining has been proposed. In particular, the development of a chart that accounts for the effect of backfill abutments on stope stability. Backfill abutment effects are particularly relevant to mechanised narrow vein mining methods such as modified Avoca. Collaboration from at least five sites is required to obtain access to relevant data and underground drives for geotechnical mapping. Preliminary estimations indicate that approximately three months fieldwork is required to meet case history requirements. CMS data in conjunction with 3-dimensional design software will be used to calculate equivalent linear overbreak/slough (ELOS). In contrast to stable, failure, major failure and caving categorical variables, ELOS is an objective and continuous stability variable and is therefore, more conducive to mathematical modelling.

Oct 1, 2001

By A. Azad

SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) is an in-situ oil recovery technique for heavy oil reservoirs. The technique has been successfully applied to many projects in the past 25 years and the process has been, now, well understood. It is now believed that geomechanics plays an important role in SAGD and should be considered in numerical or analytical modeling. Currently, geomechanics is numerically modeled through combining a multi-phase flow and a geomechanical simulator. Numerical modeling is, however, time consuming, need lots of input data, and could not be used for quick decision-making purposes. To decrease the modeling time, this study based on a new version of the Reis drainage model, proposes coupled mathematical model and reserves the effect of geomechanics in the process. Results showed a perfect match with the past experimental and numerical data.

May 1, 2009

By J. O. Marsden

Over the past decade, the copper industry has been through an extended downturn followed by several years of sustained high copper price. A number of new technologies have been developed over the past 10 years aimed at reducing costs by decreasing energy, labor, and materials requirements, or by increasing metal recovery. The energy intensity of different copper extraction routes and different technologies varies considerably and this has a significant impact on the economics of extraction. Based on average ore grade materials, the total energy for the extraction of copper typically varies from about 24-26 MJ/lb (6.7-7.2 kWh/lb) for the mining, crushing, milling, flotation, smelting and refining route to about 14¬16 MJ/lb (3.9-4.5 kWh/lb) for the mining, crushing, heap leaching, solution extraction and electrowinning route. New technology developments are providing opportunities for significant reductions in energy consumption for copper extraction, representing energy savings up to 20-25% in some cases. In addition, in many cases, these new technologies have introduced environmental, safety and health benefits over the incumbent technology. Some of these technology developments have been more successful than others, and many hold great promise for application in the coming decade. This paper provides an overview of the technology developments that have occurred, and explores the underlying reasons behind successful implementation.

Jan 1, 2007

By Yuanming Pan, Brett Rogers, Baoquan Hu, Gary Yeo, Christine Austman

The nature and distribution of radiation-induced defects (RIDs) in quartz from the Maw Zone, a yttrium- and rare-earth-element-enriched sandstone breccia complex exhibiting intense hydrothermal alteration, have been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. EPR spectra show that detrital quartz in sandstone, from five diamond drill holes intersecting the Maw Zone and one above the crest of the so-called Quartzite Ridge, contain only background-level RIDs, indicating that Ubearing fluids were absent in this area. However, close to the sandstone-basement unconformity, in hole WR-194 immediately west of the Quartzite Ridge, the concentration of RIDs in detrital quartz is significantly above background but at least an order of magnitude lower than those at the Key Lake and McArthur River deposits. Widespread drusy quartz at the Maw Zone, which signifies intense hydrothermal alteration, is associated with hematite-, sulfide- and carbonate-bearing mineral assemblages, which exhibit complex crosscutting relationships. EPR spectra of drusy quartz in all three types of mineral assemblages are low in RIDs as well, supporting the EPR evidence that fluids at the Maw Zone did not carry significant U. These EPR results suggest that, in spite of intense hydrothermal alteration and favorable structural geology, the Maw Zone is unlikely to host any significant U mineralization. Moreover, this study shows that the EPR technique is potentially a useful exploration tool, capable of determining whether individual alteration zones in the Athabasca Basin were associated with U-bearing fluids or not.

Jan 1, 2013

By C. Siac

"It is a widely held view that in the 21st century, the mining industry will be dominated by a relatively small number of large companies, truly global in scope and internationally staffed (Gooding, 1997). Interestingly enough, most of the exploration and exploitation activities are being carried out by junior and major mining companies from common law jurisdictions in civil law countries, in particular in Latin America, where in recent years, the region has ranked first as a destination for exploration dollars, thanks to the reforms undertaken by some countries to amend their legal framework to attract foreign investment. From a lawyer’s point of view, this is where the main challenge lies: how to bridge the gap between the two legal systems.In order to avoid pitfalls, common law lawyers should be more diligent and proactive when dealing with civil law jurisdictions, given the different systems of law, standards, traditions and customs. Common law lawyers cannot be expected to be well-versed in civil law but they should not be completely unfamiliar with it either. A balance should be struck to ensure clients’ needs are professionally taken care of and that common law requirements and standards are met."

Jan 1, 2003

By Brad Marchant, Rick Lawrence, David Kratochvil

"BioteQ has successfully developed commercial operations for ARD treatment and selective metal recovery using the patented BioSulphide and Thiopaq® biological reduction technologies. The BioSulphide-Thiopaq process was developed to provide biogenic sulphide for the selective recovery of high purity metal concentrates from acidic wastewater, which are sold to recover capital costs and off-set water treatment costs. The BioSulphide-Thiopaq process can be used on a stand-alone basis or in conjunction with a lime circuit. Process advantages include: selective recovery of metals, very low metal concentrations in effluent, reduced waste sludge liability, reduced lime treatment costs and, in some cases, profitable sale of metal concentrates. Two case studies are presented to illustrate operations focused on metal recovery at the Caribou Mine, New Brunswick, Canada, and at Phelps Dodge, Arizona. A third case study is presented to highlight environmental control as well as metal recovery for treatment of ARD at the Raglan Mine in Northern Quebec. Process flowsheets, capital and operating costs are presented for the three case studies.INTRODUCTIONProtection of water quality has become one of the most important environmental challenges facing the mining industry. Although new mining projects can be designed to minimize impacts to the environment, many existing and abandoned mining operations have water quality problems. The principal cause of water contamination is acid rock drainage (ARD), which is generated when residual sulphide minerals in waste rock, tailings and other mine components and products are exposed to air and water. These reactions can produce acidity and elevated concentrations of metals in drainage and seepage that can adversely affect surface and groundwater resources. To meet regulatory criteria for water quality in the receiving environment, many mine operators must consider treatment of mine water and other effluents prior to discharge."

Jan 1, 2003

By P. Latostenmaa, O. Forsén, M. Lundström, J. Aromaa

The history of electrolytic copper production in Finland is closely connected with the industrialization of Finland and events of the Second World War. Production of cathode copper by electrowinning from the processing of Outokumpu ore started in 1913 based on the Hybinette nickel process, however due to the poor performance of this process, the plant was closed in 1929. Outokumpu commenced copper smelting at Imatra in eastern Finland in 1936 producing blister copper for refining outside the country. Due to the threating military situation, a new electrolytic copper refinery was built in 1941 at Pori in western Finland to refine the anodes. This was the first electrolytic copper refinery in Finland. It was built with 108 cells having a capacity of 12,000 tonnes/y. In addition, the smelter was relocated to nearby Harjavalta in 1944–1945. To fulfill the war reparations included in the peace treaty with the Soviet Union, a doubling of the smelter capacity was realised, with the Pori refinery capacity increasing to 20,000 tonnes/y in 1946 by adding additional cells. The cornerstone of Finnish metallurgical technology — Outokumpu flash smelting — was invented with the new technology commissioned at Harjavalta in 1949 replacing the electric furnace and providing a further increase in copper output with subsequent enlargement of the refinery. By 1963, the plant consisted of 380 cells with a capacity of 48,000 tonnes/y of cathode copper. The Pori electrolytic copper refinery has operated continuously since 1941. Commencing in 2004 the Pori refinery has been part of the Boliden group of Sweden. The most recent plant upgrade was in 2007 with the installation of permanent cathode technology. In 2017, the production of the Pori refinery was 133,000 tonnes of copper cathode, 2,300 tonnes of nickel sulphate, along with 66 tonnes of silver and 4.6 tonnes of gold. This paper describes these outstanding achievements. INTRODUCTION In 1809 the Kingdom of Sweden was defeated by the Russian Empire in the Finnish War, and Finland was annexed by the Russian Empire as the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland. Finland’s commercial and industrial interests were developed to serve the Empire’s needs. Finland had raw materials, but at the start of the 20th century Finnish industry was based on the use of wood as raw material and agricultural products. The mining industry was only a few percent of the country’s industrial production.

Jan 1, 2019

By P. J. Routledge

THE purpose of this paper is to discuss the practical aspects of locating gravel deposits and of establishing efficient, portable concrete aggregate beneficiation plants for use on construction projects where limited amounts of high-quality gravel and sand are required. Certain projects are listed, in order to demonstrate the wide variety of problems encountered. Routledge Gravel Contractors Limited, North Vancouver, have supplied concrete aggregate for construction projects in British Colum-bia since 1957. In tl1at year, in sup-plying aggregate for a small project at a site on the northern coast of British Columbia, our quote was as follows: Concrete aggregate to specifications, f.o.b. scow, North Vancouver$ 1.75 per cu. yd. Scowing charges to site. $16.00 per cu. yd. At that time, our company realized that more attractive quotations could be submitted if local gravel was utilized where available. Port-able equipment was then acquired and a simple screening plant (Figures 1 and 1a) was at first used. This was later replaced by heavier, more versatile equipment. The use of suitable equipment, the keeping of cartage to a mini-

Jan 1, 1962

By Patrick Moore

In 1971 the government of British Columbia issued a permit for the Island Copper Mine to commence disposal of 33,000 tons per day of mine tailings into Rupert Inlet, a marine fjord on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. There was considerable controversy surrounding the development, public hearings were held, and as a requirement of the permit the company was obliged to carry out a comprehensive environmental monitoring program. The results of this program provide a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of submarine tailings disposal over the 24-year life of the mine. Following closure in December, 1995, the monitoring program continued for three years to determine the extent of marine ecosystem recovery and re-colonization. It is apparent from the findings of the monitoring program that the mine tailings were dispersed more widely than was originally predicted. It is also clear that widespread heavy metal contamination has not materialized. In retrospect it appears that submarine tailings disposal has resulted in far less severe environmental impacts than if the alternative of land disposal had been adopted. This review highlights significant aspects of public policy decision-making, design of environmental monitoring programs, and questions of interpretation of monitoring program data.

May 1, 2002