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By James Herbert Bartlett

The MANUFACTURE of Iron in the PROVINCE of Quebec. The St. Maurice Forges.—The deposits of iron-ore in the St. Maurice district, in the rear of Three Rivers, were probably known to the Indians and .Jesuits, but it is not till 1667 that any discovery is reported. The affairs of the colony were then in the control of the " West India Company," who amongst other monopolies had a right to all mines and minerals." Specimens of the iron-ore were examined in Quebec. in 1668 by the Sieur la Potardière, who reported unfavorably on them. In 1671, Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac, was appointed governor of La Nouvelle France ; and in the original manuscripts relating to his administration some allusion is occasionally found to the St. Maurice iron mines.? In a letter to the Imperial Government, dated 2d November, 1672, he says: "The iron mine of which I have already spoken is of great consequence. I have visited it myself, in order that I may be enabled to give a more accurate account of its nature. I am gratified to learn that another mine has been discovered in Champlain, which is much richer than the Cap de la Madelaine mine, and the ore is in greater

Jan 1, 1886

By D J. Hill

"Mining companies routinely invest in improvements to their processing operations, but often these enhancements do not work to full effect.Improvements can be ineffectual because underlying process problems are not identified or prioritised for correction or repair.This is frequently because ‘black box’ solutions deployed to implement process control improvements typically rely on instrumentation to provide data for algorithms to work effectively, and these solutions are often ineffective or disabled at mineral processing sites.There are three key reasons they can fail to deliver: vital instrumentation is not calibrated or functioning as required basic process control and loop tuning was not implemented correctly or is in need of tuning there is an inability to support the ‘black box’ solutions on-site.Many of these problems can be overcome by implementing operational analytics that identify where problems are occurring and prioritise where improvements need to be made.Incorporating operational analytics into process improvement is not a new methodology. It is more a back-to-basics approach to make more efficient use of capital and systems already deployed.Data collection systems, such as the OSIsoft PI System, provide real-time and historical process information for process control experts to analyse and identify areas for improvement. However, most systems are not used effectively. With some simple enabling, data collection systems can provide evidence for prioritising investments in improvements and determining an investment’s effectiveness.MIPAC advocates that the initial step, with analytical evidence, is that clients review the control strategies and implement small influential instrument repairs/calibrations and operator training. This can significantly boost process productivity without the need to spend large sums of money on new capital or employing expensive, difficult to maintain ‘black box’ solutions.A simple Stage-Gate®-style approach ensures that small investments in evidence-based process improvements deliver significant benefits to mining operations.CITATION:Hill, D J, 2014. How to prioritise process improvements, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2014, pp 307–314 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Sep 1, 2014

By João Vitor Mokan

O presente trabalho avalia o efeito das camadas de conversão a base de CrVI e CrIII aplicadas na superfície de arames galvanizados por imersão a quente. As bitolas testadas foram 1,24mm, 1,65mm e 3,00mm, utilizando os ensaios de Névoa Salina e Câmara Úmida, avaliando o aspecto superficial dos arames após 1, 3, 6, 24 e 28 horas de exposição ao ambiente agressivo. Pode ser observado que o ensaio de Névoa Salina é pouco indicado para avaliar a oxidação superficial do arame em função de sua agressividade. Os resultados foram melhor interpretados utilizando o ensaio de Câmara Úmida. Inicialmente os arames recobertos por uma camada de conversão a base de CrIII apresentaram desempenho levemente superior àqueles recobertos por CrVI, considerando os mesmos tempos de exposição. Após seis horas os arames galvanizados apresentaram comportamentos semelhantes. O arame galvanizado com maior resistência a oxidação foi aquele protegido com CrIII, porém com o passar do tempo os dois tipos de revestimento se equivalem.

Oct 30, 2017

By William R. Rumbold

THE Kinta valley in the State of Perak, one of the largest of the Federated Malay States, is probably at the present time the richest alluvial tin-district in the world, Perak producing from 20,000 to 25,000 tons of tin annually, and the Kiuta valley being the chief producer. The valley runs approximately north and south, and is 30 miles long by 12 wide. It is very flat, the mountain-ranges on either side rising abruptly from the plain, that on the east being the great Central range of the peninsula, and that on the west a subsidiary range marked " Kledang " on the map, Fig. 1. The valley is drained by the Kinta river, which rises in the eastern mountain range and flows south to join the Perak river, being joined by numerous streams from both mountain-ranges. The rain-fall is heavy, averaging annually about 90 in. The whole country is covered with dense jungle, except where it has been cleared for mining-operations and a small amount of cultivation. Mining villages are scattered throughout the valley, the chief towns being Kampar, Batu Gajah, Lahat and Ipoh, the latter being the center of the mining-operations. An ideal section of the main geological features of the Kinta valley is given in Fig. 2. The valley is composed of a highly crystalline limestone, usually white in color, sometimes gray; in fact, it may be called marble. It is always highly inclined and often contorted, and in some places is interbedded with shale. On the east side of the valley, near its contact with the granite, it forms a remarkable series of limestone cliffs, which rise in some cases as high as 2,000 ft. above the level of the limestone in the valley. It is non-fossiliferous, and its geo-

Sep 1, 1906

By D. J. Steynfaard

Sishen Iron Ore Mine is situated 280 km north-west of Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The mine produces and sells high quality iron ore of various specifications to various national and international clients. The saleable product is derived from the blending and beneficiation of different types and qualities of hematite iron ore. This paper documents the new developments which were implemented (or are in the process of being implemented) on the mine in the long-term planning, medium-term planning, grade control and material tracking in the beneficiation plant with special attention being paid to the quality of the final, saleable product. The process starts with the long-term planning where the pit shell and pit optimization is determined by Whittle 4X. New developments include the introduction of a linear programming based scheduling system to enhance the long-term schedule generated by Whittle 4X. The LP route was decided on in order to take into account all the constraining factors of the final product that could not be configured in Whittle. To complement this the XPAC Auto Scheduler scheduling package was introduced to do the medium-term mine scheduling. This 18-month rolling plan includes cost parameters to enable the planner to extract a detailed operational budget from the scheduling while ensuring that production standards are maintained and grade constraints are met. The existing grade control system was enhanced with GPS capabilities and a computer system to do material tracking. The high precision GPS system introduced on the shovels allows for the accurate control of the loading procedures at the mining face. Because of the complicated geology and grade composition of blasting blocks it is imperative to accurately differentiate between different materials in the same blasting block and being able to excavate that with the loading equipment. The GPS system on the trucks allows for accurate location monitoring of dumping in order to keep track of specific material types. The state-of-the-art material tracking system developed for Sishen will enable the grade control officer to keep track and record various parameters of the material from its in situ position in the blasting blocks, through the crusher and onto different stockpiles, in various stages of the beneficiation process and onto the blending beds, into the dispatching trains and eventually into the ships for international distribution. These developments elevate the Sishen planning and grade control systems to a new level of service excellence from which management can obtain accurate and timely information on product status. It also enables Sishen to maximize resource utilization while still complying with the tough market constraints.

Jan 1, 2003

By Terry Owen

Business development process. Throughout Cyprus Amax's early months in Russia, the company stayed focused on what was needed from a deposit for economic success. Cyprus Amax's reason for success in Russia is that all involved - its Russian partners, the workforce and expatriates - provided a focused effort that served the project as it worked through the tender process and the Russian regulations. The company developed an understanding of the regulatory process by working with solid, ethical partners. Infused into the Kubaka management structure were Russians with the knowledge to facilitate the process and a professional group of expatriates. Developing credibility and a solid rapport with the Russian mining authority was critical to the success of this venture. Identifying and gaining the trust of key Russian individuals was also critical during the early stages. Gaining their trust and building credibility was part of the process. These key Russians were brought to the United States to visit existing Cyprus Amax mines. These efforts proved valuable in building an understanding with the Russians about the kind of company Cyprus Amax is and the kind of efficient operations that it can run. This was a learning process for all parties. Fortunately, the company was dealing with intelligent and educated people.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. A. López-Molina, S. García, V. Castellanos-Pedroza

"Groundwater inflow into underground constructions may cause hazardous working conditions and environmental problems. It is essential to localize and characterize potential flow paths and to estimate the amount of water leakages, so that appropriate sealing works can be performed. Estimating the amount of water ingress is a multi-phase process starting from qualitative and quantitative examination of rock mass. Due to association of uncertainty, vagueness and incompleteness with the monitored data set, particularly resulted from the in situ tests, accounting relevant approaches such Fuzzy Logic and Recurrent Neural Networks, are proposed in this research for learning acquisition, extraction of rules and prediction of behaviors. The computational set of artificial tools permits using the complex information entities or information granules (rock types, geologic structures, hydro-fracture potential) for data abstraction and derivation of knowledge from records (numerical or linguistic format). This is more a theoretical perspective than a set of methods or principles. As a theoretical perspective, this proposal encourages an approach to data that recognizes and exploits the information present in indexes at various levels of resolution or scales. In this sense, it encompasses the methods which provide flexibility and adaptability in the resolution at which knowledge or information is extracted and represented. The product of merging these tools is a 3D artificial-mapping of rock classification (Qi-system), geological conditions and Lugeon units that permits, as far as possible, to understand more and better the flow behavior."

Jan 1, 2015

By K. J. Bruxvoort

Background ground water quality is often used to drive remediation programs at sites with waters affected by mining activities. In the past these levels were sometimes chosen without rigorous statistical and geochemical analysis. A probability distribution approach was used at the Sweetwater Uranium Project to separate a large set of geochemical data into populations that represent contributions from different sources. Natural background populations were identified for major ions, metals, and radionuclides, and were submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to modify the extent of a Corrective Action Program and to establish control limits for future monitoring.

Jan 1, 1998

By W. D. Monaghan

One of the major ignition sources of fires and explosions in underground U.S. coal mines is flame cutting and welding. On May 20, 2006, a flame-cutting operation at the Darby Mine No. 1 led to an explosion that resulted in five fatalities. On Jan. 22, 2003, another explosion caused by flame cutting at the McElroy Mine resulted in three fatalities and three serious injuries. On June 22, 1999, a flame-cutting and welding operation at the Loveridge Mine caused a fire that required sealing the mine for an extended period. On March 19, 1992, an explosion initiated by welding at the Blacksville No. 1 Mine resulted in four fatalities. These examples of mine incidents demonstrate the need to conduct research to develop best practices for safely conducting flame cutting and welding in underground coal mines. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study on fires and explosions in underground U.S. coal mines that were caused by flame-cutting and welding operations to determine the root causes of these types of incidents. The methodology included interviewing mining personnel who perform flame-cutting or welding operations in underground U.S. coal mines and visiting mines to observe these operations. In addition, MSHA reports of investigations and accidents statistics were analyzed. The findings were used to identify and compare differences between flame-cutting and welding practices and techniques in small and large mines, eastern and western mines, low-seam and high-seam mines, room-and-pillar and longwall mines, and between experienced miners and new miners. As a result of this study, best practices were developed to reduce the number of ?res and explosions caused by flame cutting and welding. This paper provides a summary of this research.

Jun 1, 2010

By George C. Stone

AS most of you probably know, Australia has had many strikes. The two places that had the worst reputation were the Broken Hill mines and Port Pirie, where the smelter was located. About four or five years ago, the smelter changed hands. The new proprietors - immediately endeavored to get on better terms with the men and made such progress in that respect that, the men came to them and said, "There is no use giving us any more money. You have just raised our pay one- bob a day, but the store-keeper and the boarding-house keeper have raised their prices. The boarding housekeeper raised our board three bob a week and the storekeeper took the rest of it and we are no better off." Learning that what the men needed most was firewood wood the company bought the wood on a tract of ground across Spencer's Gulf and- sent men over to cut it. The wood was brought to the works and given to a man to cut up. He thought he had an easy job and loafed, but when the committee representing the men discovered that his loafing added to the cost of 'the wood, it promptly disciplined him and made -him work as he had never worked before. The next question that arose was the distribution of the wood. The committee got bids from several cartmen whose prices varied from about two to five shillings. It gave the work to the next to the lowest bidder. The fact that if delivering the wood cost more, the user would have to pay for it, was an entirely new idea to the men.

Jan 1, 1920

By M. A. Mahtab

This report presents the geometric parameters (attitude, spacing, extent, and aperture) of fracture patterns in a selected portion (study area) of San Manuel copper mine, Arizona. The geometric parameters are quantified for input to structural analyses for studies of the influence of fractures on cavability of ores. Using an orientation analysis procedure developed earlier by the Bureau, three prominent and nearly orthogonal sets of fracture orientations were delineated in the study area. Sets 1 and 2 dip nearly vertically, and generally strike east-west and north-south, respectively, whereas set 3 is nearly horizontal. Both a horizontal rotation (of 14° to 26° for sets 1 and 2, respectively) and a tilt (of 20° for set 3) is shown to occur between the 1415 and 2015 levels of the mine. Gomparison of the three major rock types present in the study area (quartz monzonite, monzonite porphyry, and rhyolite) show that the rhyolite is characterized by short extent, small spacing, and tightness of fractures as well as the general absence of fracture set 3, which may account for its generally observed strong resistance to caving.

Jan 1, 1973

By T Horberry

This paper describes work conducted as part of an overall research project that aims to identify current and emerging trends in the development of automation and remote mining technologies, and to provide an operator-centred perspective to the design and deployment of such systems. More specifically, this paper outlines a research and development process being constructed to examine the issues of the human skills and capabilities required to operate or maintain automated/remote controlled mobile mining equipment. A human factors approach presented here, where the focus is upon designing equipment interfaces to fit operators, rather than purely designing and deploying the equipment based on a technology-centred approach. However, the importance of training to help develop the required skills and capabilities is also emphasised.The work built on a full review of the literature about the effects of automation in mining and elsewhere, extensive interviews with different stakeholders in mining automation and recognised best practice regarding designing for the human element in automated systems. The human element research and development process proposed is in four stages, ranging from understanding the tasks involved in both manual and automated equipment operation through to user trials to ensure that the automated systems are acceptable to operators and are fit for purpose.It is outside the scope of the current paper to present the full data collection described by this four stage process, but an overview of what will be collected is presented. As such, this paper focuses on the broad methods being developed, rather than the specific results to be obtained. The ultimate objective is to apply a broad ‘technology assessment’ approach to the design, deployment and evaluation of automated mining technologies, in particular by considering the user-centred design implications of these technologies.

Nov 22, 2011

By R. V. Taborelli, P. B. Bucky

This investigation was carried on by means of models and the application of the principles of similitude to determine the effects of props, props and cribs and sand filling in longwall mining. The geologic structure and rate of face retreat were kept constant and the only change introduced was in the method of support. It is not felt necessary to repeat a description of apparatus, or to explain the fact that a scalar model made in all parts of the same material as the prototype will behave similarly to the prototype when rotated at speeds such that the centrifugal force is as many times the gravitational force as the prototype dimension is a similar linear model dimension. The reader is referred to earlier papers1,2 for further information regarding these statements. All models were made of sandstone and were as in Fig. 6. They are composed of a 3/16-in. ore body bed A, overlain by a 3/16-in. bed B, a ?-in. bed C and two ?-in. beds D and E. The model was rotated at + 2350 r.p.m. equivalent to a model ratio of 1268. It was worked back ¼ in. at a time before being replaced in the centrifuge and again rotated. Table 1 gives model and prototype dimensions occurring in this discussion, the prototype dimensions being 1268 times the model dimensions. Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 were taken while the model was rotating at 2350 r.p.m. One was taken for each face retreat of 26.4 ft., but for obvious reasons all are not presented. Fig. 1 (A-E) shows the behavior of this type of structure with face retreats of 26.4 ft. and no artificial support. Fig. 2(A-E) shows the behavior of this type of structure where breaker and face props were used. The props were exceptionally strong, being of steel ? in. square in cross section, and capped with 1/16 in. ± of soft wood and paper, to allow for roof deflection. The face props were

Jan 1, 1940

By P. B. Bucky, R. V. Taborelli

This investigation was carried on by means of models and the application of the principles of similitude to determine the effects of props, props and cribs and sand filling in longwall mining. The geologic structure and rate of face retreat were kept constant and the only change introduced was in the method of support. It is not felt necessary to repeat a description of apparatus, or to explain the fact that a scalar model made in all parts of the same material as the prototype will behave similarly to the prototype when rotated at speeds such that the centrifugal force is as many times the gravitational force as the prototype dimension is a similar linear model dimension. The reader is referred to earlier papers1,2 for further information regarding these statements. All models were made of sandstone and were as in Fig. 6. They are composed of a 3/16-in. ore body bed A, overlain by a 3/16-in. bed B, a ?-in. bed C and two ?-in. beds D and E. The model was rotated at + 2350 r.p.m. equivalent to a model ratio of 1268. It was worked back ¼ in. at a time before being replaced in the centrifuge and again rotated. Table 1 gives model and prototype dimensions occurring in this discussion, the prototype dimensions being 1268 times the model dimensions. Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 were taken while the model was rotating at 2350 r.p.m. One was taken for each face retreat of 26.4 ft., but for obvious reasons all are not presented. Fig. 1 (A-E) shows the behavior of this type of structure with face retreats of 26.4 ft. and no artificial support. Fig. 2(A-E) shows the behavior of this type of structure where breaker and face props were used. The props were exceptionally strong, being of steel ? in. square in cross section, and capped with 1/16 in. ± of soft wood and paper, to allow for roof deflection. The face props were

Jan 1, 1940

By Y Xie, L O’Connor, S C. Dominy

"Sheeted vein gold deposits are characterised by multiple subparallel veins and free milling gold. In situ heterogeneity of mineralisation results in grade and process parameter variability, which will increase project risk. Measured variability is often enhanced by poorly designed sampling and test work protocols. Protocols that are optimised within the framework of the theory of sampling to suit the ore type, together with quality assurance/quality control systems, will reduce variability and provide fit-for-purpose results. The geometallurgical approach requires spatially distributed samples within a deposit to support variability modelling. Diverse attributes from core logging, mineralogical/textural determination and small-scale tests are used to measure variability. This contribution emphasises early stage geometallurgical intervention during project development. It presents a discussion of representative sampling in the context of the theory of sampling. A case study presents a protocol that exemplifies how data can be gained from a well-designed and planned program to support a resource estimate and prefeasibility study.CITATION:Dominy, S C, O’Connor, L and Xie, Y, 2016. Sampling and Test Work Protocol Development for Geometallurgical Characterisation of a Sheeted Vein Gold Deposit, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 97–112 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By Caruline de Souza Carvalho Machado

Tensões residuais podem ser muito prejudiciais ao desempenho de um componente, tornando sua quantificação e avaliação extremamente uteis. A difração de raios-X é um método de análise não destrutivo que permite avaliar as tensões sem comprometer o material. Neste trabalho, tiras de aço duplex UNS S32304 com 1,8mm de espessura foram cortadas nas dimensões 36x72mm e soldadas de modo autógeno através do processo TIG. Produziram-se dois tipos de amostras variando-se o gás de proteção a saber: mistura de argônio 98% e nitrogênio 2% e argônio 99.995%. Utilizou-se um difratômetro com geometria Bragg-Brentano, fonte de radiação CuKa ( = 1,5419Å). A técnica sen2 ? foi empregada para determinar a tensão residual da fase austenita no ângulo 2?=146.22°. Os resultados mostram um estado de tensões residuais trativo nas proximidades da zona fundida, chegando a um estado compressivo em regiões distantes. A análise comparativa dos perfis de tensão residual revela que a amostra soldada apenas com argônio apresenta menor tensão residual trativa na zona fundida.

Aug 8, 2018

By Z. T. Bieniawski

Geomechanics signifies the science and engineering of soil and rock materials and of rock masses. It is a field of professional practice and research that draws heavily on the elements of soil and rock mechanics. Geomechanics contributes to a number of disciplines: mining engineering, civil engineering, geological engineering, petroleum and natural gas engineering, and engineering geology (including the elements of geohydrology and geophysics). These disciplines are involved in the design and construction of such projects as mines, tunnels, foundations for structures, excavated rock slopes, dams, shafts, boreholes, oil reservoir wells, underground storage facilities for oil and gas, and hazardous waste repositories. Geomechanics allows us to improve both our environment and our quality of life. In the context of this Handbook, the scope of geomechanics is discussed mainly from the point of view of applications to mining engineering. However, the coverage of the subject mate¬rial is so comprehensive that it is relevant to other disciplines as well. Section 10 covers the field of geomechanics in a structured fashion, beginning with the fundamental principles and leading into practical applications in mining engineering. Throughout the treatment of the subject, knowledge of geologic conditions is assumed since this is discussed in other sections of the Handbook. An important feature of this section is a series of practical examples illustrating the various aspects of geomechanics. Since geomechanics is concerned with both soil and rock mechanics, Chapter 10.1 introduces the fundamentals of soil

Jan 1, 2008

By Y. I. Yang, Y. -B. Tang, D. -J. Ma

Chlorine-containing minerals are commonly present in coal. Associated minerals such as pyrite can undergo exothermic reactions. Consequently, it is of great significance to study the effect of inorganic chloride on the spontaneous combustion of coal. In this study, the effects of five inorganic chlorides (sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and zinc chloride) on the spontaneous oxidation of coal were investigated. Analysis of the gaseous products of coal oxidization at low temperatures (323K to 453K) showed that the presence of inorganic chlorine in coal markedly decreases O2 consumption and the generation of CO and CO2. Samples of raw coal and chlorine-loaded coal were oxidized for 36 hours under the same experimental conditions. Infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy results showed that inorganic chloride can inhibit the oxidative decomposition of some functional structure components (methyl, methylene, methine, and hydroxy) in the coal. The influence of inorganic chloride on the oxidation characteristics of the functional groups in coal during spontaneous combustion was investigated using benzyl alcohol and 1-phenylpropanol as model compounds, which were tested under the same experimental conditions as the coal samples. The oxygen consumption of model compounds with and without the addition of inorganic chloride further suggested that inorganic chloride may hinder the oxygenolysis of these structures during low-temperature oxidation. This phenomenon can be attributed to the radical reaction from the perspective of radical chemistry. It can therefore be concluded that inorganic chlorides play an inhibitory role in the spontaneous combustion of coal.

Jan 1, 2015

A Kellogg type computer model of the slag fuming process is applied in reverse to derive some thermodynamic properties of components in lead blast furnace slag. At 1200¦C, the average activity coefficients calculated were 3.40 (S.D. 0.50) for ZnO referred to the pure solid; 0.657 (S.D. 0.022) for PbO referred to the pure liquid; for the ratios y 3.175 y (referred to the Feo.9450, Fe304 pure solids) 4.19 (S.D. 1.15), and for yCaS/ 1CaO (referred to the pure solids) 5.10 (S.D. 2.96). Statistical relationships were derived for these activity coefficients and ratios as functions of the composition of slag, which contained in molar percentages 1.9 - 12.6% ZnO, 19.8 - 24.9% Fe0.9450, 0.9 - 1.6% Fe304, 0.002 - 1.9% PbO, 16.1 - 18.6% CaO, 25.9 - 31.0% SiO2, 4.8 - 5.5% MnO, 9.2 - 10.3% A101.5, 1.2 - 1.4% CaS, and 5.1 - 9.6% "Mgo" (the balance).

Jan 1, 1980

If lead buttons are cupelled under closely controlled conditions in a suitable design of furnace, silver losses during cupellation are given by a simple equation. The effect of copper on these silver losses has been studied and a "copper limit" for cupellation has been determined. Scorification and crucible fusion procedures for copper-bearing materials have been designed so that the lead buttons produced will not contain amounts of copper greater than this determined copper limit. Silver losses during these crucible fusion and scorification procedures are given by the distribution law, and can be calculated. Thus, silver can be determined in copper-bearing materials with a satisfactory degree of accuracy provided that the appropriate corrections for losses are applied to the weight of the silver prill produced.

Jan 1, 1957