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By W. P. Channon, J. B. See

The reduction of fluxed and non-fluxed manganese, ores by ferromanganese silicide by W. P. CHANNON, B.Se. (Eng.), M.Sce. (Eng.) Wits. (Visitor) and J. B. SEE, B.Sce. Hons., Ph.D. (New South Wales), M.I.M., M.I.M.M. (Member) In South Africa, medium-carbonferromanganese is produced by the silicothermic reduction of slags containing MnO. Because of its importance in the production of refined ferromanganese, a study was made of the reaction between a premelted South African Mamatwan manganese ore and various ferromanganese silicide reducing alloys, with and without fluxing agents. Because the reaction is highly exothermic, temperature appeared to have little effect on the rates of manganese transfer to the metal and silicon transfer to the slag, and an apparent equilibrium was rapidly approached. Limits were determined for the favourable effects of fluxing additions, and manganese recoveries were found to decline as the ratio of CaO to MgO decreased as a result of the addition of basic flux. The recovery of manganese passed through a maximum, and subsequently decreased for variations in the ratio of alloy to ore. The results obtained, when used in conjunction with other physicochemical data related to this slag-metal system, suggest optimum slag compositions for the efficient manufacture of medium-carbon ferromanganese from Mamatwan ore.

Jan 3, 1977

COUNCIL The following served on Council during the year under review: Office bearers: Prof D. D. Howat (President), Dr J. P. Hugo and P. W. J. van Rensburg (Vice-Presidents), V. C. Robinson (Immediate Past President) and D. G. Maxwell (Honorary Treasurer). Ordinary Members of Council: H. P. Carlisle, R. C. Espley-Jones, G. H. Grange, Dr D. I. Legge, W. W. Malan, Prof R. P. Plewman, Dr R. E. Robinson, Dr M. D. G. Salamon, L. W. P. van den Bosch and P. A. von Wielligh. Branch Chairmen: A. Bain (Witbank-Middelburg Branch), J. M. Meyer (O.F.S. Branch). Past Presidents serving on Council: R. J. Adamson, M. Barcza, H. Britten, H. E. Cross, J. K. E. Douglas, R. C. J. Goode, P. Lambooy, Prof J. de V. Lambrechts, Dr J. T. McIntyre, J. F. Reid and H. Simon (until March 1972). Ten Council meetings were held during the year with an average attendance of nineteen, and the standing committees held 27 meetings. FINANCE The annual accounts which are attached to this report show an excess of income over expenditure of R21 519. It is very gratifying to be able to report that Council's efforts to stop the depletion of our accumulated funds are meeting with success. The most important contributors to our surplus this year are symposia and colloquia, sales of publications, Company Affiliate subscriptions and the profit on the journal. While we do not expect continued profits from all these sources in the future we do feel that we are now in the process of accumulating a substantial financial foundation. This will give the Council the necessary confidence to initiate the new developments in the activities of the Institute which are now under consideration. The decision to create a new grade of membership, Company Affiliate, is dealt with elsewhere in this report. There has been a generous initial response from companies and this is the cornerstone of our improved financial expectations. The MacArthur Forrest Memorial Fund shows an excess of income over expenditure of R91 and the total fund was, therefore, increased by this amount to R4 502. The balance sheet shows that the market value of quoted shares and debentures increased during the year from R9 160 to RH 331, which is R2 134 in excess of the book value. Accumulated funds now amount to RH 529 compared with R23 010 a year ago. MEMBERSHIP Sixteen Fellows, twenty Members, six Graduates, nine Associates, twelve Students and twenty-four Company Affiliates were elected during the year. One Member and two Associates were reinstated. Twelve members were admitted to retired membership. Transfers: Member to Fellow, three. Graduate to Member, seven Associate to Fellow, one. Student to Member, one. Student to Graduate, four. Student to Fellow, one. Your Council records with deep regret the death during the year of the following: Dr A. J. Orenstein (Honorary Life Fellow), R. A. Cooper, R. J. Spargo, H. Simon and F. Meyer (Life Fellows), S. D. Loxton, W. P. Arnold, G. C. Needham, W. G. Pyne-Mercier, J. Innes and O. T. Wright (Fellows), E. P. Mennell and O. B. Prentis (Members), J. Brits (Associate). After careful consideration of all the implications it was decided during the year to create a new grade of membership to be known as Company Affiliate, in order that there might be a formal and permanent channel for companies to contribute to the important work of the Institute. As recorded above, 24 companies had joined by the end of the year and many further applications have been received since. We extend a hearty welcome to all our new members. A comparative statement of membership as at 30th June, 1972, and the end of the previous year is shown in the following tabulation:-

1. Book reviews Tungsten: 1982. London, Mining Journal Books Ltd, 1982. 179 pp. Reviewer: G.A. Brown The geology of industrial minerals in Canada, edited by G.R. Guillet and Wendy Martin. Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, special volume 29. Reviewer: R.W.O. Kersten Foam flotation - theory and applications, by Ann N. Clarke and David J. Wilson. New York, Marcel Dekker, 1984. 418 pp. Reviewer: B.K. Loveday Industrial and financial indicators of the steel industry, by Patrick Genevaz. Paris, La Chambre des Cartes, 1982. 2 vols. Vol I: Analysis and conclusions, FF3500. Vol. 11: Tables, FF4000. Reviewer: R.J. Dippenaar An encyclopaedia of metallurgy and materials, by C.R. Tottle. Plymouth, Macdonald and Evans and The Metals Society, 1984. 481 pp. RI44,50. Reviewer: P. T. Wedepohl The role of crack growth in metal fatigue, by LP. Pook. London, The Metals Society. Reviewer: C.A. Boothroyd Hydraulic coalmining - new technology and its geological and industrial significance, by H.C. Siebert. Hamm, Zentraldruckerei BAG, 1984. 33 pp. Hydraulic coalmining - hydromining update: potential impact on coal deposits and coal mining industry, by H.C. Siebert. Hamm, Zentraldruckerei BAG, 1984. 130 pp. Victoria's brown coal. A huge fortune in chancery, edited by J .T. Woodcock. The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 1984. 204 pp. Reviewer: J.J. Versluis 2. Canadian publications The following reviews of the activity and developments during 1982 in respect to the chief minerals produced or consumed in Canada are now available. Zirconium. An important mineral commodity. Mineral Policy Sector, Mineral Bulletin MR 202, $6.60. Canadian minerals yearbook 1982. Mineral Policy Sector, Mineral Report 32, $40.75. Canadian reserves of copper, nickel lead, zinc, molybdenum, silver and gold as of January 1, 1983, by W.H. Laughin. $4.20. Mineral Policy Sector, Mineral Bulletin MR 201. Sulphur market profile, by B.W. Boyd. Mineral Policy Sector, MRI 84/5. 3. Mintek publications Report M123 The use of of activated charcoal in a NIMCIX column for the recovery of gold from cyanide solutions. Report M150 Energy transfer in the hearths of submerged-arc furnaces. Report M151 A preliminary investigation of the initiation of pitting corrosion in austenitic stainless steels and nickel-based alloys. Report M154 The reduction of Winterveld chrome spinel at 1300°C under an argon atmosphere in the presence of carbon. Report M165 The development of an improved on-line gold analyser. Report MI67 three nebulizers for use with an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. 4. New publications Mineral Industry Consultants Association (as at 31st March, 1984). Parkville (Australia), The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 1984. 112 pp. Philosophical and procedural guidelines for the planning professions. Johannesburg, the Environmental Planning Professions Interdisciplinary Committee (EPPIC, P.O. Box 61019, Marshalltown 2107), R2.50. Directiona//y solidified materials for high temperature service, by M. McLean. London, the Metals Society, 1983. 337 pp. Tin and its uses no. 142. Greenford (England), International Tin Research Institute, 1984. Metals engineering International Symposia & Exhibitions Ltd - a subsidiary of Industrial Newspapers PLC - are pleased to announce that they will be organizing a mammoth engineering event, entitled Metals Engineering 86, comprising five important exhibitions in 1986:. Agglomeration A major symposium on agglomeration is being organized in Toronto for the 2nd to 5th of June, 1985. Speakers from around the world (Canada, U.S.A., Brazil, Australia, Japan, West Germany, Italy, India, China, Switzerland, Poland, Yugoslavia, and France) will address delegates on various aspects of agglomeration relative to iron ore, coal, coke, and fuels. Plenary theme papers will also be presented by speakers from Japan, the U.K., and the Netherlands.

Jan 1, 1985

By L. Godfrey, Z. Nontso, F. Magweregwede, B. Maphalala, S. Khan

The aim of this paper was to establish if mineral resource scarcity is a driver for South Africa to transition to a circular economy. The project objectives were achieved by investigating economically viable, and critical or strategic minerals remaining in South Africa, as well as resource scarcity, as a driver for South Africa to transition to a circular economy. The study found that some minerals in South Africa, such as iron ore, lead, manganese, gold, and cobalt have less than 50 years of economically viable mining remaining. At least 18 minerals can be classified indicatively as critical or strategic: aggregates, bauxite, chromite, cobalt, copper, gold, graphite, iron, limestone, lithium, manganese, nickel, phosphorous, platinum group metals, rare earth elements, silver, titanium, and vanadium. The classification was based on the minerals’ economic importance, supply risk, and potential use in the development and manufacturing of emerging technologies. The findings suggest that the scarcity of mineral resources is a critical driver for the country to transition to a circular economy. Other identified drivers include socio-economic factors, climate change commitments, and business objectives. All minerals are non-renewable resources and at risk of depletion, therefore sustainable extraction and use are critical. Priority should be directed at investigating circular economy opportunities and substitutes for commodities at risk of being depleted within the next 50 years. There is an opportunity for South Africa to transition from a minerals export-based model to one that promotes local mineral beneficiation and manufacturing of end products.

Mar 5, 2025

By A. Whillier

Recovery of energy from the water going down mine shafts by A. WHILLIER, Pr. Eng., Se. D. (M.I.T.) (Fellow) The influence of energy-recovery systems on the rise in temperature of water going down mines is examined. It is concluded that the, cost benefit of such systems, deriving partially from the reduced temperature rise in situations where cold water IS sent underground from surface, would more than justify the installation cost.

Jan 4, 1977

Visit to the Modderfontein factory of A. E. & C. I. Ltd 23rd November, 1972 A full programme was arranged to suit both the mining and metallurgical sections of the Institute. After refreshments were taken and visitors welcomed by the factory management we were split into two groups, viz metallurgical and mining. Book review Stress-relief Heat Treatment of Vanadium Steels by Or G. O. Joy and Or A. M. Sage (21 pp, 77 references).

By G. P. Schoonraad, J. E. Clay

Treatment of zinc silicates by the Waelz Process by J. E. CLAY (M.I.M.M.) (Visitor) and G. P. SCHOONRAAD. Pr. Eng.. B.Sc. Eng. (Rand) (Member) A review is given of the Waelz process. The chemistry of the process and the mechanism of crust formation (accretions) are briefly dealt with. The plant of Kiln Products Limited and its operation are described. The problems encountered and methods for their elimination are presented.

Jan 8, 1976

By H. W. Glen

In the hope of finding out what the readers of the SAIMM Journal want of our Journal, we sent out a questionnaire with the October 1979 issue. The 2500 copies of the questionnaire sent out elicited 228 responses, which represents a return of 8,8 per cent. The number of responses received from overseas was 24, i.e., approximately 10 per cent of the total. The following is an analysis of the responses received.

Jan 1, 1980

It is perhaps somewhat unusual for a contributor to comment on the authors' reply to his critique. However, I should like to return to a specific comment made by the authors. Award to Bob Laburn The Federation of Societies of Professional Engineers (FSPE) is pleased to announce that the 1984 FSPE Award for Services to the Engineering Profession was presented to Dr R. J. (Bob) Laburn at a function held on 14th February, 1984.

Jan 1, 1984

By M. Hermanus, N. Coulson, N. Pillay

"SynopsisThis paper assesses the effectiveness of the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Leading Practice Adoption System (MOSH) and its potential to improve mine health and safety in South African mines. Developed by the Chamber of Mines, which represents the majority of the country's large scale mining employers, MOSH was devised to accelerate progress towards achieving health and safety milestones, which were set by tripartite agreement in 2003. The paper documents and builds on the findings of a study conducted by the Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI) in 2011 that evaluated MOSH strategy, structures, and process of implementation.The study found that MOSH operated across the mining sector, was directed and dominated by experts and, despite best efforts to include other stakeholders, was led by employers. Statutory worker health and safety representatives and structures were not integrated into the complex change process developed by MOSH. The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI) and organized labour were ambivalent about direct involvement in MOSH and preferred regulatory measures to enforce the participation of mines. MOSH interventions were not targeted at mines with a poor health and safety record, and MOSH lacked a baseline from which to track impacts on sector-wide health and safety performance. The leading practices most widely adopted by mines were designed to improve, rather than fundamentally alter, existing practice. Although the depth of engagement with MOSH among stakeholders and on mine sites varied, mining companies, labour representatives, and the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI) saw the programme as significant.IntroductionIn 2011, the Chamber of Mines commissioned the Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI) to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the rollout of the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Leading Practice Adoption System (MOSH). CSMI, based in the School of Mining Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, is an independent research centre conducting health and safety research relevant to all major stakeholders in the mining sector. The purpose of the evaluation was to identify the factors that enabled or hampered the adoption of new technologies or practices. The timing of the evaluation, two years before the deadline for the 2013 safety and health milestones, allowed time for adjustments to be made. This paper summarizes the results of the evaluation and includes further analysis and discussion of the nature of the programme and the conditions that act to advance it or it hold back."

Jan 1, 2015

By R. W. O. Kersten

The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy recently held a School on iMine Project Planning, the objective being to educate mine personnel who are involved in the planning and management of major projects, as well as young engineers who may become involved in this field. Book prizes for universities Prizes are awarded annually by The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy for outstanding academic achievement by mining and metallurgical students at South African universities.

Jan 1, 1985

By M. G. Atmore

As is usual when preparing for this type of occasion, I looked back at the subjects covered by my predecessors when they assumed the presidency of this Institute. You will appreciate that, in the eighty odd years since the Institute was founded, the diversity of subjects has been very great. In almost all cases it is quite natural that the speaker should have chosen a topic of special interest to him and one in which he was particularly knowledgeable.

Jan 1, 1979

By D. W. Horsfallt

The above paper gives a fair amount of information and is a useful addition to the literature on a subject of growing importance. I believe that more experimental results could have been given, together with more details of the modifications made to the plant that enabled it to operate with the success mentioned in the paper. One important omission is a definition of the word fines. As pointed out elsewhere!, this word is used very loosely.

Jan 1, 1980

By J. Petersen, S. W. Robertson

Heap leaching is used extensively for the processing of low-grade copper, gold, and uranium ores. The hydrodynamics is often the most important factor that limits the rate of metal recovery. Over the past decades the author has performed physical and hydraulic testing of a large number of ore samples considered for heap leaching. The data were reviewed to investigate the effect of physical properties such as particle size distribution (PSD) and bulk density on the hydrology. The unsaturated flow through the bed is traditionally modelled with soil science models such as Brooks-Corey (BC) and Van Genuchten-Mualem (VGM), which relate the hydraulic conductivity to the degree of saturation, also known as the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF). However, most authors found a disconnect between the saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS) and the rest of the HCF, which is explained as resulting from a transition from capillary-to gravity-controlled flow. However, the author found no such transition, and found the flow to be governed by capillary flow throughout. Traditional BC or VGM fits were found to be appropriate, however it was necessary to modify the model to include a point of inflection, above which the hydraulic conductivity remains constant while the moisture content keeps on increasing. It was proposed that this is the result of unconnected or poorly connected pores, which fill with solution but do not create additional flow channels. The point of discontinuity was also found to correspond with the air entry point, measured independently from the air conductivity curves. On average, the air entry point corresponds to the experiential rule that the void saturation should remain below 65% for aerated heaps.

Dec 11, 2024

By N. A. Sithole, S. A. C. Hockaday, P. J. A. Bezuidenhout

The Northern Cape Province in South Africa has high levels of annual direct normal solar irradiance and reserves of zinc (Zn) ores. The question arises as to the benefits of integrating renewable solar energy into the beneficiation routes of these reserves. The paper evaluates a novel flowsheet for the production and beneficiation of Zn in this region, maximising localised solar energy as a source for both electricity and process heat. Solar variability is discussed and the cost and benefits of thermal storage in the flowsheets are evaluated by its influence on the levelised costs of electricity and process energy over the project life-time at a possible implementation site. The results of the developed scoping model showed that solar photovoltaic integration to provide electricity for electrowinning without battery storage can lead to more than 10% cost saving on electricity over the lifetime of the project. Additional savings potential was identified when battery storage was included to enable the solar PV system to supply electricity during peak tariff periods. The solar thermal case showed the most promise with savings of 70% on heating costs for casting, while solar PV electricity without storage resulted in a 16% cost saving on heating for casting over the lifetime of the project. Solar PV electricity generation resulted in the avoidance of more than 20% of CO2 emissions from grid electricity use. Solar thermal heating can avoid up to 80% of the CO2 emissions associated with grid electricity use for remelting of Zn cathodes for casting. The CO2 emissions are indirect and not subject to South African carbon tax. Keywords: Solar process energy, zinc beneficiation, flowsheet evaluation

Jan 1, 2020

By D. M. C. Valbom

The introduction of new diamond sorting technologies as well as additional manufacturers I vendors, has increased the equipment selection and combinations available for recovery flowsheet design. This paper describes the methodology used and the benefits realized in the design of recovery plants by ensuring a fundamental understanding of the advantages and limitations of the technology embodied in the equipment, a comprehensive knowledge of the ore body characteristics, and the effective matching of this information in combination with operational commercial requirements.

Jan 1, 2010

By C. Hartford, T. Holmes

Bulk-solids handling systems are often the most over-looked component and thereby weakest links in a processing plant’s value chain. Since their performance can dictate that of the entire operation, they actually deserve special attention. When designing a liquid handling plant, density and viscosity are well known and commonly used as design parameters. Bulk solids however, differ. While the design process is similar, the relevant parameters in handling bulk solids are instead friction, cohesive strength, compressibility, and permeability. These then vary depending on the mineralogy, particle size distribution and shape, moisture content, storage time-at-rest, temperature, and consolidation pressure. With so many variables, it becomes important to characterize each individual bulk solid across the full range of representative process conditions within the handling system, plant wide – or if you are not very lucky, suffer the consequences of poor material flow. Measuring flow properties and applying them correctly in bulk solid handling system design reduces project risk, saves significant capital, and drastically increases throughput, especially when done in the early stages of a project. Keywords: Flow Properties, Bulk Solids, Process Conditions, System Design

Jan 1, 2020

By Zdenek Kunicky

Kovohute Pribram is a plant recycling lead wastes, lead acid batteries in particular. Relevant new recycling technologies are being gradually developed. Outdated technology of smelting lead plates has been replaced by a new technology based on processing of entire batteries in a blast furnace according to the process developed by know-how of German Varta company. The classical Harris refining has been substituted by the oxygen refining. New technologies aimed at utilization of related wastes arising from refining lead bullion in Kovohute Pribram are being developed in house. At present, a new technology of utilization of spent battery acid for extracting zinc from various wastes has been developed. Zinc oxide dross from alkaline refining of lead bullion, during which residual zinc from the preceding vacuum de-zincing is removed as well as waste zinc galvanic sludges (a product of neutralizing precipitation of metals from industrial wastewaters with lime) were treated. In this study, the new developed technology yielding basic zinc carbonate - a valuable raw material for zinc electrowinning, is described together with the first experience of applying the developed method to processing zinc wastes on a pilot scale. Most of the equipment used in the past to regenerate alkali solutions originating from Harris refinery was utilized in the practical realization of this new technology.

Jan 1, 2008

1. Book review Assay and analytical practice in the South African mining industry, byW.C. Lenahan and R. de L. Muray- Smith. Johannesburg, The South African Institute of Mining and Metalurgy, 1986. RlOO (R80 to Members). Reviewer: N.G. Randolph 2. Canadian publications A market profile for industrial minerals in Canadian manufacturing sectors, by M. Prud'homme and D. Francis. 1987. Micromedia Limited (144 Front Street, Toronto, M5J 1G2, Canada).The following three publications are available from the Centre for Resource Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6. An analysis of Japanese coking coal procurement policies: The Canadian and Australian experience, by D.L. Anderson. Feb. 1987. $25. Technology policies in the Canadian mineral industry, edited by M.J. Wojciechowski. Sep. 1986. $20.Value-added taxation: Issues and impact for Canadian mines, by B.l. Dyack. Nov. 1986. $7.3. Mintek reports Report M295 A mineralogical investigation of refractory gold ores and their beneficiation, by P.M. Swash. Report M296 The determination, by distilation-spectrophotometry, of chlorine in apatite-type materials containing fluorine, by M. Solomons. Report M297 The interference of zirconium in atomic-emission spectroscopy using inductively coupled plasma, by P.l. Wright.

Jan 1, 1987

By J. S. Freer

Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) involves the integration of environmental factors Into project planning, execution, and operation from inception to final closure and after-care. The objective IS to develop the most cost effective, environmentally acceptable manner in which the project can proceed, and to gain the approval of the authorities and the support of the interested and affected parties (I & APs) for the benefit of the developer, the economy, the people of South Africa and the environment on which they depend.

Jan 1, 1993