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By Sharma T

Laboratory investigations have been carried out on direct leaching of lead-zinc complex sulphide ore and zinc concentrate using ferric chloride. From the investigation it was observed that the use of 0.15 M and 2 M FeC13 gave an optimum dissolution of metal ions from ore and concentrate respectively. The kinetic studies conducted showed that the leaching reaction followed a shrinking core model for galena and sphalerite. The presence of impurities such as pyrite had increased the dissolution rate and reduced the consumption of ferric chloride. Further, the studies were conducted to recover dissolved zinc from the chloride solution by selectively precipitating it as zinc ammonium chloride.

Jan 1, 1992

By A Boeing

Rock-breaker automation and remote operation improves the safety and efficiency of mining operations. This paper presents an overview of the Rocklogic rock-breaker automation system architecture that provides collision avoidance, automated parking and remote operation functionality. The system consists of a distributed computer control system that interfaces with sensors attached to the rock-breaker, the rock-breaker hydraulics and the site infrastructure. We present results of an automated Transmin rock-breaker installed in a production environment at an underground Australian mine site. The system has been in production use for over 900 days, during which there have been no reported collisions and 100 per cent adoption of the remote operation technology. As a result, Rocklogic has significantly improved the safety of rock-breaking operations and reduced the rock-breaking cycle time, thereby improving the site’s overall throughput.CITATION:Boeing, A and Douglas, E, 2014. A remotely operated robotic rock-breaker with collision avoidance for the mining industry, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 131–136 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Mar 24, 2014

Activated carbon is ideally suited to treating low grade ores and tailings by the carbon-in-pulp process and is rapidly replacing the use of zinc for recovering gold from cyanide leach solutions. Coarse carbon particles derived from coconut shell adsorb up to 30,000 ppm Au as a gold cyanide complex and can leave barren solutions containing

Jan 1, 1982

By N Voller, A Ishmurzin, G Hackl, M Wu, A Kharicha, M Chintinne, C M. G Rodrigues, A Ludwig

Slag fuming (SF) is a critical process for recycling zinc-containing slags, but the corrosive nature of molten slag poses challenges to the reactor durability. The freeze-lining (FL) technique offers a solution by forming a protective layer on the reactor wall. It requires intensive cooling using watercooled jackets, which can stabilise the FL while compromising the energy efficiency of the process. This study presents a computational fluid dynamic (CFD)-based model to optimise the SF process by considering FL formation and its impact on heat transfer and reactor wall temperature. A volumeof- fluid (VOF) model is coupled with a mixture continuum (MC) solidification model to capture the intricate multiphase flow dynamics within the SF furnace. Two FL types are considered: FL solidifying on the reactor wall in the slag bath region; and FL solidifying on the reactor wall in the freeboard region. The FL of the first type forms when the slag temperature drops below liquidus temperature. The FL of the second type only forms when a splash-induced slag droplet collides with the freeboard wall and solidifies. A series of splashing events are necessary to coat the freeboard wall. The simulation was run until a global energy balance was reached. This means that the heat losses from the water-cooled jacket, bottom wall, outlet and fuming balance the heat gains from the hot gas injected through the submerged plasma torches. The increase in FL thickness, due to its low thermal conductivity, reduces the heat losses through the reactor walls. The calculated FL thickness and heat fluxes were in good agreement with industrial data, validating the model’s credibility. The simulation results provided valuable insights into the fuming process, including slag bath temperature evolution, slag splashing dynamics, FL formation patterns, local heat fluxes through the reactor wall and overall energy balance. These findings can inform process optimisation strategies to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of SF operations. The authors have built a prior version of the model framework and applied it to simulate FL formation in an electric smelting furnace (ESF). The results from both the ESF and the current SF highlight the applicability of such model framework to a range of industrial processes involving FL formation. This model framework can ultimately contribute to more energy-efficient and sustainable industrial operations.

Aug 21, 2024

By G W. Wilson, P Ritchie, N A. Currey

The design and rehabilitation of potentially acid forming (PAF) waste rock dumps is site specific, being a function, among other factors, of the rock types, the dumping and storage method employed, and the climatic setting. The æstore and releaseÆ cover system developed to manage acid rock drainage (ARD) from mineralised waste rock dumps at Kidston Gold MinesÆ open pit operations in the semi-arid climate of North Queensland, Australia, has been monitored for seven years. The paper describes the philosophy behind the design of the PAF dump and æstore and releaseÆ cover system and the adaptation of the cover system over time to suit KidstonÆs conditions. The results of monitoring over the seven years since the first cover was constructed are presented, and the approach being taken at Kidston to ensure that the risk of impacts from any residual ARD is accommodated and to facilitate lease surrender are described. The Kidston story is a valuable case study of a successful approach to remediating an identified source of ARD in a semi-arid climate, which has actively engaged all Stakeholders.

Jan 1, 2003

We are all no doubt aware that with today's high costs it is more important than ever to get the maximum possible return on capital invested in the mining industry. Screening is an important and often costly process in the size classification of industrial minerals and for this reason alone it is essential for both managers and operators to fully understand what type of screening equipment is best suited for a particular application and why. The advent of elastic materials such as rubber and polyurethane have added a new dimension to the process of screening. It is important to understand why the physical properties of these materials can be of benefit in the screening process, and recognise which type of screening applications best take advantage of these orooerties.

Jan 1, 1984

By A J. Moore

Predictive assessment of surface blast vibration requires the identification and quantification of significant factors, and the summation of their combined effect. Methods available for the prediction of significant factors are described, and examples are given of the combined use of these methods to evaluate alternative proposals.

Jan 1, 1999

By A Radici, M Attwill

The Dampier Port Upgrade Project (DPU) involves an upgrade to Hamersley IronÆs Parker Point iron ore port facility at Dampier, Western Australia. The $US700 million DPU Project will increase Hamersley IronÆs shipping capacity at Dampier from 72 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 116 Mtpa. The DPU Project comprises a new car dumper facility and rail spur, an upgrade to the existing stockyard and conveying system, a new screen-house and a 450 m wharf extension with two new shipping berths and a new ship-loader. This paper discusses the innovative design and construction of the new car dumper facility, which is capable of automatically unloading 240 car iron ore trains at a rate of 10 000 t/h. The facility design is unique compared to more conventional designs currently in operation, and greatly improves operation and maintenance functions.

Jan 1, 2005

By K Nguyen

The advances in computerised processors and digital microscopic imaging have enabled more studies that attempt to quantify textural information from rock images. However, a texture classification system designed for geometallurgy has always been challenging, as it combines general image analysis techniques and specific texture classifications in terms of the size, shape and orientation of mineral particles. In this paper, a novel texture analysis technique using grey level radial shell association (GLRSA) and spectral angle mapper (SAM) to discriminate between different geological images is outlined. The technique can be applied in routine analysis and characterisation of mineralogical and textural attributes which may correlate with variability in mineral processing behaviours. Using this texture analysis technique, a set of small texture reference images, a texturelet reference library, has been identified from a suite of drill core images. Rock types are classified according to the proportion of each texturelet type recognised. The library is site specific.CITATION:Nguyen, K, 2013. A new texture analysis technique for geometallurgy, in Proceedings The Second AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2013 , pp 187-190 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 29, 2013

By B Cronin, M Gao, M F. Young

Fine grinding technology has become extremely important for Mount Isa Mines Limited in the last decade for flowsheet development for the McArthur River deposit and in rejuvenating the Lead-Zinc Concentrator at Mount Isa. Regrinding products with 80 per cent passing seven microns and 12 microns were required, respectively, for the McArthur River ore and the Lead-Zinc Concentrator at Mount Isa. Development of the ISAMILL, a horizontal stirred mill with a gross mill volume of 4000 litres (a net volume of 3000 litres), has been successful in delivering the required grinding product sizes with an energy consumption acceptable to a mining operation. The ISAMILL performance for processing both lead and zinc streams at Mount Isa is discussed in this paper, including the milling energy efficiency, the media wear and the size-by-size recovery data for one flotation process following the fine regrinding stage. The potential use of the ISAMILL technology at various phases of the mining cycle is also discussed.

Jan 1, 1998

By P Bonniwell

As a part of the Newcrest, Telfer Expansion Project, a consortium of Australian, Canadian and South African Mining Contractors in joint venture have been contracted to develop the hoisting shaft. The parties namely; Byrnecut Mining Pty Ltd, Murray and Roberts RUC and Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada Ltd have combined their individual expertise to excavate the shaft. There is a particular emphasis on the use of proven shaft sinking techniques from North America and in particular integrating electric hydraulic drilling equipment and personnel from the Canadian Mining industry. The Telfer hoist shaft when completed will have a finished diameter of 7.1 metres and extend to a depth of 1170 metres below the collar. The shaft will be fully concrete lined and will later be equipped for hoisting ore from the Telfer deeps at a rate of five million tonnes per annum. The shaft when completed will be the largest shaft ever completed in Australia on a volumetric basis. This paper will examine the technical aspects of the shaft sink, as well as exploring the integration of personnel and equipment from the frozen prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada into an operation in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia. What are the spin-off benefits for the development of other shafts within Australia?

Jan 1, 2005

By R Brake

The Enterprise Mine Project (EMP) is being developed by Mount IsaMines Limited as the future source of copper ore at the Mt Isa miningand processing complex. Environmental engineering is one of the majortechnical challenges facing the project because of the depth of theorebodies, high virgin rock temperatures and hot ambient surfacetemperatures in summer. This paper discusses the engineering principles adopted by EMP to manage the risks associated with working in these adverse thermal conditions.

Jan 1, 1998

By B J. Andrew, M R. Daley

Mount Isa Copper Mines is a world-class mining operation producing approximately six million tonnes of ore per annum. With over 50 years of mining history and over 76 million tonnes of underground resource remaining there are many challenges facing the mine technical team today and into the future. The mine consists of nine distinct areas: the Hangingwall Lens, Footwall Lens, 1100, 1900, N1100, N1900, 3000, 3500 and N3500 orebodies. Each of these areas have different characteristics, requiring varying methods of mine design and ground control for safe and efficient orebody extraction. Each of the areas operate with an independent sequence whilst interacting with the entire underground operation. Within the first five years after graduating mining engineers tend to orient their careers in either a technical or operations direction. Engineers working towards a specialised technical career will often be working as mine planning engineers, whilst others more focused in the operations stream occupy roles such as operations or project engineers. At this stage of a mining engineerÆs career they are not yet categorised into one stream or another, but career decisions made now can generally focus their ultimate career path in one direction or the other. Due to the size of the Mount Isa operations there are many opportunities for engineers pursuing both career path and plenty of room for growth forthose as yet unsure.

Jan 1, 2005

By Mur D. M

Metal ferrites are formed by the high temperature reaction of various metal oxides with hematite and are commonly found in the calcines derived from the sulfation roasting of zinc, copper and nickel sulfide concentrates. The Jarosite Process is designed to treat such zinc ferrites by hot acid dissolution but little information is available on the basic reactivity of various ferrites and the effect of Eh. As part of an overall study of the reactivity of calcine products from copper and nickel sulfide concentrates it has been found that Eh plays an important role in the rate of dissolution of magnetite, hematite and nickel oxide by HC1 and H2SO4. Further studies on the reactivity of pure synthetic copper,zinc,and nickel ferrites also show a dependence on Eh. This paper discusses the relative reactivity of iron oxides and metal ferrites in 1 M HC1 and the results of electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry. A mechanism for the dissolution reaction is proposed as well as factors which determine their leaching. It is shown that the rate of leaching of metal ferrites with HC1 is enhanced in the presence of reducing agents such as Cu(I) and Sn(II). By contrast the leaching of NiO is enhanced by oxidising agents such as Cu(II).

Jan 1, 1987

The Fraser Range is composed dominantly of basic pyroxene granulites derived from basalts, many of which appear to have been vesicular and*pillowed. Acidic and basic garnet-bearing granulites are important in the west, and acidic granulites and narrow anortho- site layers are dominant in some regions east of the Fraser Range. An extensive flat-lying olivine gabbro sheet cuts the granulites, and in places has been converted to spinel-bearing meta-gabbros and pyroxene granulites. The granulites of the Fraser Range (Proterozoic) are separated from the gneisses and schists of the Goldfields regions (Archaean) by the Fraser Fault, over which there is a large gravity anomaly (gradient 20 milligals per mile). Some of the problems associated with the concentration of Cu, Ni, etc. liberated from mineral lattices during metamorphism, and other principles of metal concentration in granulite terranes, are discussed. The recognition of vesicular and pillowed zones, even though highly metamorphosed, is of fundamental importance.

Jan 1, 1969

CONTENTSSummaryIntroductionGeographical and Geological Outline of the RegionGrowth of the Mining IndustryTable 1: Production StatisticsGeneral GeologyRecent Alluvium and River GravelsSambeto SeriesMudstone and Basalt ContactVatukoula SeriesIntrusivesStructureGeologic HistoryLodesTable 2: Principal Lodes and Their OrebodiesMineral Assemblage and ParagenesisOre Shoots and Their ControlEmperor MineLoloma MineDolphin MineExplorationConclusionAcknowledgmentReferencesSUMMARYThe Tavua Goldfield was found in 1932 within a basin, both topographical and structural, near the sea on the north side of Viti Levu, Fiji, and has produced over £13,000,000 (Fijian) worth of gold and silver from the three mines...

Jan 1, 1953

By Rogers R, Kinnane T

In a typical open cast mining operation, investigation of how existing truck performance compares with the highest achievable truck performance is largely neglected. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a computerised system that will provide a systematic method for comparing existing truck operational performance to the highest performance considered achievable. Through analyses of existing versus achievable performances, various inefficiencies associated with truck operations can be identified. These inefficiencies could occur due to machine configurations, haul route design and conditions or operator skill level. Remedial action should then be taken in a timely fashion to better manage these factors and to ensure the fleet is always operating at its peak efficiency.

Jan 1, 1994

In the new refinery, at the works of the Broken Hill Associated Smelters Proprietary Limited, situated at Port Pirie, South Australia, the refining routine is similar to that carried on in the old one in that bullion is progressively refined first for arsenic and antimony, then for copper and gold, then for silver, and finally for zinc. However, actual procedure differs in that each refining operation is now conducted continuously, whereas in the old refinery intermittent batch treatment was practised.The early experimental work was concerned solely with the development of the continuous desilverising process, which, in addition to continuous treatment, embraces the novel feature of conjugate solution formation with consequent production of a silver product relatively high in silver and low in lead.

Jan 1, 1932

Mt. Whaleback, the property of the Mt. Newman Joint Venturers, contains more than one thousand million long tons of high grade hema- tite averaging 64% Fe, ranging from 70%, the grade of absolutely pure hematite, to 54%. The ore occurs in the Dales Gorge and Joffre Members of the Brockman Iron Formation. The interbedded shale bands common in other orebodies occurring in these horizons are seldom more than a few inches thick and are commonly partially enriched to about-35% Fe. In the generally hard, massive hematite orebody, the gangue minerals tend to break preferentially to the fines, or -6 mm product, and for this reason it is of a somewhat lower grade than the lumpy product. The control of the chemical qualities is concentrated on the fines product for it has been found that maintaining the iron and alumina levels in this product ensures that all chemical specifications are met in both the lump and fines products. Physical qualities are monitored to ensure that the physical quali- ties of decrepitation and degradation of the lumpy product are maintained at levels accept able to the buyers.

Jan 1, 1973

By C Quirion

Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited, Laronde Division, operates the deepest single-lift shaft in the western hemisphere. The initial Penna hoisting plant was designed for a production rate of 1800 tonnes per day (t/d) from a 2240 m deep shaft. Exploration success, while sinking the shaft, led to a decision in 1998 to increase the production rate to 4500 t/d of ore from a loading depth of 2200 m. The new production rate was achieved by increasing the size of the rope and reducing the rope static factor from the existing 5.0 required by regulation to a static factor using the formula 25 000/(4000 + L) contained in a draft document that would eventually become SABS 0294 in South Africa. The formula permits Laronde to use a static factor as low as 4.0. The upgraded Penna hoisting system is the first hoisting plant outside of South Africa to meet the South African requirements. This paper describes the conversion of the hoisting plant to the lower rope selection factor in the year 2000 and the operating and maintenance issues experienced since then.

Jan 1, 2005