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By P. G. Semple

"In January 1985, Equity Silver Mines Limited began operation of a cyanidation circuit to scavenge precious metals from the flotation tailings. At present, this process is treating 270,000 tonnes of tailings per month and is recovering in excess of 0.20 grams of gold per tonne. To obtain these results Equity is operating a carbon-in-leach circuit that utilizes pressure stripping, zinc precipitation acid washing and thermal reactivation. A cyanide destruction circuit is also required to minimize the deleterious effects on reclaim water in the flotation stage. This paper describes the existing scavenger plant, and details the start-up problems encountered and the modifications made to correct these problems.INTRODUCTIONEquity Silver Mines Limited , a 68% owned subsidiary of Placer Development Limited , is located 38 km southeast of Houston in north central British Columbia. The geographic location of Equity Silver Mines is shown in figure #1. In September 1980, production first began with the ore being supplied from the Southern Tail open pit. In March 1984, the Southern Tail deposit had reached its economic pit depth, and since then ore has been supplied by the Main Zone pit the gold mineralization in the Main Zone is less refractory than the Southern Tail and cyanidation of the flotation tailing appeared to be a viable alternative.An extensive test program was undertaken and the results confirmed that considerable gold and silver values were amenable to cyanide leaching. A feasibility study showed that these values could be economically recovered and the detailed engineering work began."

Jan 1, 1987

By S. W. Stogran

"A brief summary of the environmental testing and analyses required to ensure and maintain compliance of mining properties will be discussed. Programs for new and existing properties and for properties which may be purchased will be outlined and potential solutions to problems will be discussed. In addition to the compliance aspects of operations, due diligence will be discussed.1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe impact of mining projects on the environment is an area of major concern to the public, governmental agencies and mining companies. Due to the ever increasing pressure on the government by special interest groups and the public, governments have implemented legislation to control potential environmental impact of mining, from the exploration phase through to close-out. By not planning for environmental issues during all phases of a mining operation, unavoidable delays and retrofitted environmental programmes will be expensive and cause projects to be delayed, which, ultimately, may cause the abandonment of a mining prospect. Most jurisdictions require at least one full year of background environmental data. Therefore, many thousands of dollars are wasted as construction is interfered with or held up due to data collection. This may be avoided by a thousand dollars worth of sample being collected and analyzed early in the project."

Jan 1, 1992

By Larry A. Lien

"A brief summary of the different membrane separation options currently available to the mining industry will be presented and discussed. The processes described involve operating membrane plants on the following applications: pregnant leach solutions (PLS) in the copper and gold industries, fractionation and concentration of metals and acids in refineries, and wastewater treatments to meet state-of-the-art surface discharge criteria.Included is a specific discussion on cost savings resulting from an operating membrane treatment system of nearly 3,500 m3/hr barren water relative to the prior, conventional precipitation practice at a major heap leach gold mine. This Engineered Membrane Separation® (EMS®) plant has produced water for six years that has met all standards for direct discharge into the environment, and captures and returns to the operation valuable minerals and solvents which were not previously being extracted in the Merrill-Crowe process.INTRODUCTIONMembrane technology has been available for more than 35 years, but has been used sparingly in the mining industry. However, recent developments in polymer chemistry, spiral-wound element design and construction, water clarification pretreatment equipment and techniques, and an expanded understanding of membrane fouling and cleaning techniques have dramatically improved the reliability and robustness of membrane-based systems for potential use by the mining industry.In the past 15 years large operating plants have successfully demonstrated the use of this “new” membrane technology to include the separation of pay-metals from large-volume acid and cyanide heap leach mining solutions containing copper, zinc, gold and silver. Moreover, variations on these same membrane technologies are ideally suited to fractionations that add value to processing fluids from refineries, like separating metals from acids or concentrating acids and producing high-quality process fluids."

Jan 1, 2010

By Sergei Decterov, Peter Hayes, Evgueni Jak, Taufiq Hidayat, Denis Shishin

Copper smelter operations around the world are under sustained pressure to reduce costs and increase output. Through the provision of reliable data on fundamental properties of the chemical systems the opportunities for improvements of industrial copper production can be identified. Experimental and modelling studies on phase equilibria, thermodynamics of copper slag/matte/metal/gas systems have been combined into an integrated research program undertaken at PYROSEARCH. Experimental phase equilibria studies involve high temperature equilibration in controlled gas atmospheres, rapid quenching and direct measurement of compositions of equilibrium phases with electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA). Thermodynamic databases development and modelling is undertaken using the computer package FactSage in conjunction with advanced models used for complex solution phases. Progressive development of these research methodologies has brought significant advances in characterisation of these complex systems, including a new optimised thermodynamic database for the copper-containing slag system Cu2O-Al2O3-CaO-FeO-Fe2O3-MgO-S-SiO2.The new data and models can now be applied to assist in improvements of the processes. The effects of changes to chemistry and process conditions within the smelting reactor can be examined. Several examples of new descriptions of the phase chemistry of the Cu2O-CaO-SiO2 and Cu2O-FeO-Fe2O3-SiO2 systems in equilibrium with metallic copper showing calculated and experimental data are presented.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. O?Shea

From the characteristics of the new (1976) electronic components and units that are being marketed, the author has tried to foresee the types and the performances of the near-future slope-monitoring equipment. Much-improved sensors, instruments and systems for pit use can now be developed - sun-powered telemetry remote stations are feasible, very sensitive as well as precise and drift-free liquid level inclinometers will be available, new techniques for distance measurement with lasers obviate the need for atmospheric corrections and the latest generation of desktop calculators have become easily programmed minicomputers. Thus, it is realistic to assume that fully automatic pit-slope monitoring systems will be operational in the foreseeable future.

Jan 1, 1978

By P. P. Andrieux

The recovery of the Zone G crown pillar, located between the bottom of the open pit and the top of the underground workings at the Raglan Katinniq Mine in Nunavik, started in the summer of 2008 and should be completed by the end of 2009. This article describes the rock mechanics-based approach implemented to design the recovery of this valuable block of ore. The stereophotography-based ShapeMetriX3D technique was first used to provide a comprehensive assessment of the various joint sets that comprised the pillar. Then, the statistical distributions obtained for the dip, dip direction, spacing and persistence of these sets were used in conjunction with the geometry of the large-scale faults present in the area to build and run a series of explicit rigid numerical models. Each of these models had a slightly different jointing geometry, randomly constructed from these statistical distributions. Incorporating in a properly formulated numerical model the variability of some of the input parameters has allowed the engineering team to assess in a rational and reliable manner the likelihood of success of the proposed mining method and sequence.

May 1, 2009

By François Girard

La zone 1 de la mine Doyon (zone altérée), se situe à l?extrémité sud de la mine et est constituée d?une série de veines étroites à fort pendage et ayant des épontes de très faible résistance. Les épontes supérieure et inférieure ont des valeurs de RQD variant de 0 à 20 lors que les valeurs de RQD de la zone minéralisée se situent entre 20 et 40. Le minerai de la zone 1 s?étend sur environ 300 m de long et sur 900 m de profondeur avec des épaisseurs variant entre 2 et 15 m. Des méthodes de minage long-trous y sont utilisées avec des accès longitudinaux ou transverses selon l?épaisseur de la zone minéralisée. L?exploitation de la zone 1 a débuté en 1991 et plus de 1,7 millions de tonnes auront été extraites à la fin 2008. Plusieurs techniques y ont été testées que ce soit au niveau du développement ou du minage afin d?améliorer la sécurité des travailleurs, de réduire la dilution des chantiers et d?en augmenter la récupération. Différentes modifications ont été apportées aux dimensions et orientations des galeries, aux patrons de forage, aux techniques de sautages, au support de terrain, à la séquence de minage et aux méthodes de remblayage. Le texte suivant élabore sur plusieurs approches utilisées lors du minage de la zone 1.

Feb 1, 2008

By P. J. Sylvester, D. H. C. Wilton, R. I. Wheeler, M. A. E. Huminicki, D. Evans-Lamswood

"Systematic characterization of the mineralogy of massive sulfide ore deposits can provide valuable insights into ore genesis and metallurgical processing that would not be apparent otherwise. We describe a method wherein (1) normative mineral abundances are calculated from whole-rock chemical assays using an algorithm, (2) the results are cast in block models, (3) the results are then verified with automated image analysis of a subset of samples prepared as grain mounts by backscattered electron imaging and X-ray mapping on a scanning electron microscope, and (4) those verified results are integrated with textural data determined by optical microscopy.The technique is applied to the magmatic Ni-Cu-Co sulfides of the Ovoid orebody, based on geochemical assays of 3175 whole-rock samples. Three principal ore zones are defined in the Ovoid. Type I ore occurs in the center of the deposit; it is magnetite-rich and pyrrhotite-poor with intermediate contents of pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Type II ore surrounds Type I ore and is pentlanditechalcopyrite- rich with intermediate contents of pyrrhotite and magnetite. Type III ore occurs at the base and along the outer periphery of the northern part of the orebody; it is pyrrhotite-rich and chalcopyrite- poor with an intermediate content of pentlandite, and a low-to-intermediate content of magnetite. La caractérisation systématique de la minéralogie des gîtes de sulfures massifs peut fournir des indications précieuses sur la genèse des minerais et le traitement métallurgique qui ne seraient pas disponibles par d’autres méthodes. Nous décrivons un procédé par lequel (1) un algorithme est utilisé pour calculer l’abondance de minéraux normatifs à partir d’analyses lithogéochimiques, (2) les résultats sont exprimés dans des blocs diagrammes, (3) les résultats sont par la suite validés par analyse d’image automatisée sur un microscope électronique à balayage en électrons rétrodiffusés et par cartographie en rayons X sur des échantillons constitués de grains montés en résine, et (4) les résultats de cette validation sont combinés aux données texturales obtenues par microscopie optique.Cette technique est appliquée aux sulfures magmatiques de Ni-Cu-Co du gisement Ovoïde, en utilisant les analyses géochimiques de 3175 échantillons de roche totale. L’Ovoïde comprend trois types de minerai. Le type I est situé au centre du gisement; il est riche en magnétite et pauvre en pyrrhotite avec des quantités intermédiaires de pentlandite et de chalcopyrite. Le minerai de type II entoure le minerai de type I et est riche en pentlandite et en chalcopyrite avec des quantités intermédiaires de pyrrhotite et de magnétite. Le minerai de type III se trouve à la base ainsi qu’à bordure externe de la partie nord du gisement; il est riche en pyrrhotite et pauvre en chalcopyrite, avec un contenu intermédiaire en pentlandite et une quantité faible à moyenne de magnétite."

Jan 1, 2012

By Frank van der Meer, Jorge Portocarrero, Alexandra Gruendken

"The number of High Pressure Grinding Rolls (“HPGRs”, also called Roller Press) installations instead of tertiary crushers is rapidly increasing. The technology has been largely accepted in the minerals industry and benefits, such as superior energy efficiency and a lower overall operating cost compared to alternative technologies, have been demonstrated at a number of operations throughout the world.This paper focuses on coarse hard ore operations and reviews the successful installation of the first Roller Press installed instead of a tertiary crusher at the Los Colorados Plant of CMH (Chile) in 1998. It details the experience obtained over the past ten years of operation from commissioning to the present day. It highlights examples of further developments made in the design to improve machine maintainability and availability as well as wear life of the grinding surfaces.A second focus lies on procedures to derive from small scale testing material properties such as wear life, flake formation and strength and their application to industrial size machines to optimize circuit design, especially when Roller Presses are used in closed circuit with screening.INTRODUCTIONRoller Presses (also known as HPGR, High Pressure Grinding Rolls) are considered today state of the art for the preparation of pellet feed. They are also gaining wide acceptance in coarse ore operations. One of the first successful operations in which a roller press was used to replace a conventional tertiary and quaternary crusher is the Los Colorados plant of CMH in Chile.When the Roller Press at Los Colorados was commissioned in 1988, there were 169 Humboldt Wedag roller presses in operation throughout the world. Of these, 14 were installed in the minerals industry. However, these were installed mainly for grinding pellet feed to increase the Blaine value. Up to that time, only three KHD roller presses had been applied for crushing coarse ore in specialized circuits. Moreover, the installation at Los Colorados was the first Roller Press ever to replace a conventional tertiary and quaternary crusher in a hard ore application."

Jan 1, 2009

By N. Kuyucak

"Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the mining industry worldwide. It occurs as a result of natural oxidation of sulphide minerals contained in mining wastes at operating and closed/decommissioned mine sites. AMD may adversely impact the surface water and groundwater quality and land use due to its typical low pH, high acidity and elevated concentrations of metals and sulphate content. Once it develops at a mine, its control can be difficult and expensive. If generation of AMD cannot be prevented, it must be collected and treated. Treatment of AMD usually costs more than control of AMD and may be required for many years after mining activities have ceased. Therefore, application of appropriate control methods to the site at the early stage of the mining would be beneficial.Although prevention of AMD is the most desirable option, a cost-effective prevention method is not yet available. The most effective method of control is to minimize penetration of air and water through the waste pile using a cover, either wet (water) or dry (soil), which is placed over the waste pile. Despite their high cost, these covers cannot always completely stop the oxidation process and generation of AMD. Application of more than one option might be required.Early diagnosis of the problem, identification of appropriate prevention/control measures and implementation of these methods to the site would reduce the potential risk of AMD generation. AMD prevention/control measures broadly include use of covers, control of the source, migration of AMD, and treatment. This paper provides an overview of AMD prevention and control options applicable for developing, operating and decommissioned mines."

Jan 1, 2002

By D. Wolfe, R. Cleminson

"The Aurora North mine has been operating for more than ten years, and is the source of over half of Syncrude’s bitumen production. The hydrotransport systems at Aurora experience high rates of wear, and mission lengths on current slurry pumps are nominally 1,500-2,000 hours. Recent work has enabled a better understanding of the significant adverse effect of large particle impingement damage to impeller vane leading edges - which is the known life determining issue for Aurora hydrotransport pumps. A new pump design has been developed and installed at Aurora, incorporating significantly increased impeller diameter and pumping vane lengths. The new pumps are expected to triple Aurora’s previous mission length for hydrotransport pumps. Part II of this paper will share actual hydraulic and wear performance observed in the first several months of operation, and draw comparisons relative to what was expected for these pumps in design / development.INTRODUCTION Slurry Pumps are Critical Equipment at Syncrude Slurry pumps are a key component in Syncrude’s operations. In a typical Aurora application, each 5000 HP pump stage helps move over 8,000 dry tonnes per hour of oil sand, plus an equal volume of process water that has been added to create the slurry. The average impeller life in oil sand hydrotransport service at Aurora has been nominally 1,500 to 2,000 hours, or 12 to 16 million tonnes of oil sand pumped. Generally, the slurry pump application at Aurora has proven very difficult to improve due to the unique combination of high sand abrasivity, 125 mm (5”) large particle top size (lumps), and high flow rate relative to basic pump size; a factor that results in unduly high impeller vane leading edge speeds for the service conditions."

Jan 1, 2014

By E. Henry, C. Mayer, H. Rott

Hangingwall deformation monitoring at Kiruna mine is a major concern for Luossavaara- Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB) since underground production is deepening toward the town of Kiruna. In the quest for more effective monitoring techniques, LKAB decided to evaluate the ability of satellite-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry to monitor ground subsidence by generating continuous deformation maps from satellite radar images. While adopted by other geoscience-related industries, SAR interferometry is still relatively untested in the mining industry. This paper describes the basic principles of SAR interferometry and describes how subsidence is monitored at Kiruna mine. The encouraging results are discussed as well as the benefits (continuous deformation mapping, low cost, fast, etc.) and limitations (sensitivity to snow and vegetation cover) of the technique.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. Z. Cui

In this paper a statistical multi-scale method for the mechanics parameter prediction of the rock mass with random distribution of multi-scale cracks/joints is presented. First the micro-structure of the rock mass with random distribution of multi-scale cracks/joints is represented. Then the statistical second-order two-scale method for the mechanics performance predictions of the rock mass structure with random cracks/joints distribution is presented, including the statistical second-order two-scale expression on the vector-valued displacement, strain tensor and stress tensor, and the algorithm procedure of statistical multi-sale computation for the mechanics parameters. Finally some numerical results for mechanical parameters for the rock mass with random distributions of multi-scale joints/cracks by statistical multi-scale method are shown.

May 1, 2009

By O. Rabeau, M. Legault, A. Cheilletz, L. Z. Cheng, J. J. Royer, M. Jébrak

"By compiling geological, structural, geophysical, and geochemical information into a 3D geological model, we evaluated the orogenic gold potential in the vicinity of a hidden segment of an important Archean fault zone, the Cadillac-Larder Lake fault (CLLF) in the region of Rouyn-Noranda. The segment of CLLF in the present study is partly covered by Proterozoic sedimentary rocks. Because more than 2000 t Au have been extracted along the CLLF to date, our objective is to evaluate the gold potential at depth along a poorly known segment of this fault. A 3D geological model (50 km × 9 km × 1.5 km) including the covered segment was built through the compilation and homogenization of available geological data and the construction of 23 cross sections. The geology under the Proterozoic cover was evaluated using geophysical inversions, drill holes (42 in total), and surrounding geology. All available assays were filtered and upscaled to a 250 m × 250 m × 250 m regular cell grid to determine and quantify spatial relationships between geological features and mineralized occurrences using the weights of evidence method. Structural features, such as E-W-trending faults and fault intersections, and certain lithologies with a high primary porosity such as volcanoclastic rocks of the Blake River Group and Timiskaming sedimentary rocks, proved to be very prospective, yielding favourable factors with a weight of evidence index W+ > 0.24. These salient features were then assigned a combination index for ultimately evaluating the orogenic gold potential under the sedimentary cover. The zones resulting in an optimization of exploration targeting were attributed the highest probability, representing ~1% of the initial volume. La compilation des données géologiques, géophysiques, structurales, et géochimiques et leur intégration au sein d’un modèle géologique 3D a permis d’évaluer le potentiel aurifère dans les environs d’une importante zone de faille archéenne sous couverture protérozoïque. Cette méthodologie a été développée en utilisant le cas de la Faille Cadillac-Larder Lake (FCLL) dans la région de Rouyn-Noranda. Puisque plus de 2000 t d’Or ont été extrait à proximité de la FCLL, l’objectifs des travaux est l’évaluation du potentiel aurifère en profondeur de ce segment. Un modèle géologique 3D (50 km × 9 km × 1.5 km) incluant le segment sous couverture de la FCLL a été construit en utilisant l’ensemble des données géologiques disponibles et 23 coupes géologiques. La géologie du socle archéen sous la couverture protérozoïque a été interprétée avec des inversions géophysiques, des forages (42 au total) et les contacts géologiques exposés. Les teneurs aurifères dans le secteur ont été filtrées et ajusté à une grille régulière de 250 m × 250 m × 250 m afin d’évaluer et de quantifier les relations spatiales existantes entre certaines entités géologiques et les emplacements minéralisés en utilisant la méthode du poids de la preuve. Les failles de direction Est-Ouest, les intersections de failles ainsi que certaines lithologies possédant une porosité primaire importantes comme les certains tuf du Groupe de Blake River et les sédiments du Timiskaming se sont montrés très prospectifs avec des valeurs de W+ > 0.24. Ces entités géologiques ont ensuite été utilisées par le biais d’un indice de combinaison pour évaluer le potentiel en or de type orogénique sous le couvert sédimentaire. Cette méthodologie permet une optimisation des campagnes d’exploration puisque les zones pour lesquelles la probabilité de minéralisations a été évaluée à la plus haute valeur représentent 1% du volume initial."

Jan 1, 2009

By R. H. Colquhoun

"INTRODUCTION The Holt-McDermott Mine is wholly-owned gold mining operation of American Barrick Resources Corp. that begun operations in June 1988.The property is located 0.5 km. south of Highway 101 East in the Harker-Holloway Townships of Northeastern Ontario, 7 miles south of Lake Abitibi and 15 miles west of the Quebec-Ontario border.Employees of the operation travel daily from various communities in the area, predominantly from Kirkland Lake, Ont., which is located 65 km. to the southwest.The significance of the operation is that it is the first full scale operation associated to the Oestor-Porcupine Fault to go into full production in recent history as well as the first Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) operation in the province owing to the natural occurring carbonaceous ores that are associated to the ore body and the geological fault systems.GEOLOGYThe Holt-McDermott deposit is located in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, a short distance west of the Ontario-Quebec border. Ore grade material follows the footwall contact of a fault zone known locally as the McKenna Fault, which is thought to be a splay off of the Oestor-Porcupine Fault, itself a major feature in the Abitibi belt.The McKenna Fault strikes approximately east-west (as does the Oestor-Porcupine) and dips to the south at sixty-five to seventy degrees. The fault lies within a package of mafic volcanic rocks (basalts). These rocks have been strongly altered and mineralized adjacent to the McKenna Fault, and the resulting lens-like ore bodies constitute the mining targets."

Jan 1, 1989

By Markus Timusk

This paper describes a research project that focuses on developing a diagnostic routine to assist in decision support for the condition based maintenance of mobile mining equipment subject to unsteady duty. The objective is to develop a general method for initial identification of mechanical faults in machinery operating under non-steady state conditions. The platform to be used for the experimental development and validation of the system is the swing machinery in an electric mining shovel operating in an open pit mining environment. The strategic approach that is proposed for the diagnostic routine will involve using novelty detection augmented by temporal classification.

May 1, 2004

By Mika Muinonen

"Dewatering of nickel concentrate at the INCO Thompson integrated mine-metallurgical site takes place within the smelter plant. The eight original 60 foot diameter cable torque thickeners of which four were operational and eight Dorrco internal drum filters have been replaced with a single Outokumpu high rate thickener and a single Lasta pressure filter. The modernization has resulted in a filter cake which has a more stable and lower moisture content. Control of the entire dewatering process has been improved and costs have been reduced.Typical filter cake produced from the Dorrco filters during processing of high tonnages of Birchtree mine ore was ~20% moisture vs. ~13% moisture for concentrate produced from the Thompson mine ore. The high moistures were correlated with the amount of fine magnesium silicate gangue in the concentrate. As Birchtree ore processing rates have increased, this filter cake moisture became unacceptable because of material handling problems and the impact on furnace metallurgy. The Dorrco filters were replaced with the Lasta filter in 2003 that has consistently produced filter cake at ~11% moisture.This paper summarizes the piloting, design, installation and commissioning of the modernized dewatering circuit.INTRODUCTIONThe Thompson integrated nickel processing facility was built in 1958 and originally consisted of a mine-mill-smelter and, soon after, a refinery.Nickel concentrate is pumped from the mill as a dilute slurry directly to the smelter facility ~200 meters along an unheated pipe trestle. Originally, nickel concentrate was de-watered using up to 8 conventional 60-foot diameter thickeners and 8 internal vacuum drum filters."

Jan 1, 2006

By Simon D. Handelsman

?Artisanalmining ?Application of human energy (e.g. pick & shovel) directly to produce minerals ?majority no technical skills and lack adequate working tools ?Small-scale mining ?Application of modern technology for limited scale mineral production Significance of ArtisanalMining ?15 million people in artisanaland small scale gold mining ?55 developing countries ?Use of mercury damages health of 100 million people

May 1, 2006

By Adil Aledresse, N. Emre Altun, Bern Klein, Nuri Hmidi, Brent Hilscher

A study was conducted to investigate high gold grades in water lines and carbon fines collected from the Musselwhite gold recovery circuit. It was discovered that fine magnetic particles in the overflow from the carbon fines settling tank launder had high gold grades ranging from 2,000 to7,000 g/t. The -37 micron fraction had up to 17,000 g/t gold. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the gold was attached to the surface of iron particles. The objective of the study was to identify possible mechanisms that result in the attachment of the gold to the magnetic iron particle surface and to recommend process modifications that would reduce these types of gold losses around the carbon circuits. Solid and solution samples were collected from the gold recovery circuit and analysed. Two possible mechanisms were identified including gold cementation onto iron and heterocoagulation of colloidal gold onto iron oxides in the elution column. Possible sources of the colloidal gold include reduction of gold cyanide complex to metallic gold in the carbon regeneration kiln and gold detached from cathode in EW cell. Based on SEM+EDX, the sources of iron were natural magnetite and roasted iron sulphides. Thermal reduction of gold is believed to be the cause of dendritic gold from the carbon regeneration kiln.

Jan 1, 2014

By John R. Goode

"The year 2011 witnessed a major surge in rare earth prices as China, supplier of +95% of the world’s rare earths, reduced export quotas and increased export taxes and duties. In response, companies around the world are scrambling for alternative sources. In Canada too, there is a race to be the “first” rare earth producer. Something that is not generally realized is that Canada has a long history of rare earth production and was a major supplier from the early 1960’s to 1990. At one stage, Canada was said to be supplying more than one third of the world’s yttrium and probably supplied even more than that. Five decades ago, thorium was a key element in many non-nuclear applications and Canada became a major supplier of thorium from the late 1950’s to 1968, first as a by-product of uranium and then as a co-product of rare earths. This paper reviews the development of Canada’s original rare earth and thorium production facilities, which were located in the Elliot Lake uranium camp in Northern Ontario. The uses of these elements, geology, mineralogy, markets of the time, and processing are all discussed. Some of the lessons learned from these pioneering operations might be useful in today’s race to develop the next generation of rare earth production plants.INTRODUCTION The rare earths and thorium were first identified in the early 19th century but were little more than curiosities for the next century. However, in the mid-1960’s the invention of rare earth-based phosphors for the cathode ray tube in colour television sets launched a major demand for certain rare earths. The use of thorium as an alloying agent in aircraft and missiles grew rapidly in the late 1950’s. In the same period, demand for uranium for both weapons and power production soared. Also in the late 1950’s, the Elliot Lake uranium-thorium-rare earth deposits (also known as the Blind River deposits) were discovered. This conjugation of events led to uranium production in the Elliot Lake camp, quickly followed by the co-production of thorium and, later, the rare earths. Uranium production in the Elliot Lake camp continued from 1955 to 1996. Thorium was produced continuously from 1959 to 1969. Rare earths were produced, intermittently, from 1965 to 1990. Complete production records are not readily available for thorium and the rare earths but unquestionably Elliot Lake production made a significant contribution to world production. This paper is intended to present as much of the information that is available."

Jan 1, 2012