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By Rafic Moubarac

FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester) equipment has been used in different and several applications during metals processing and extraction, and the hydrometallurgical process. Case histories of such equipment will be shown of major projects worldwide.

Jan 1, 2015

By A. E. Boudreau

Abstract-It has long been recognized that platinum-group-element (PGE) deposits in layered intrusions preferentially occur in intrusions that crystallized from high-Mg parent magmas. Recent studies suggest that evaluation of any given intrusion for economic PGE potential should also include assessment of the PGE, sulfur and chlorine concentrations in the cumulates and potential parent liquids. PGE: Magmas that contain relatively abundant Pt and Pd are the best candidates for forming economic deposits. Although analyses of coeval sills and dikes are the best indicators of primary magmatic PGE concentrations, analysis of the cumulates themselves is also valuable. For example, within the Stillwater complex, background PGE values in cumulates from the ultramafic sections of the complex contain, on average, several 10s of ppb Pt and Pd. Background concentrations of this order are suggestive that the magma was not depleted in the PGE. Sulfur: Conventional petrogenetic models for the formation of PGE deposits in layered intrusions require the PGE to have been concentrated during a magmatic sulfide-saturation event. In contrast, some hydrothermal models suggest that sulfur and the PGE were mobilized from footwall cumulates by upward- migrating, high-temperature hydrothermal fluids. Both models suggest that significant PGE deposits are likely to occur at and below the level where stratigraphic increases in whole rock sulfur concentrations occur. Chlorine: In both the Stillwater and Bushveld complexes the cumulate sequences below the major PGE-bearing zones contain anomalous Cl-rich apatite. The chlorapatite component of apatite in these rocks may exceed 40% and, in the Stillwater complex, typically exceeds 90%. It is stressed that pristine igneous mineral analysis and not whole rock data be used, as whole rock Cl concentrations may be affected by very localized (grain boundary), low-temperature alteration. Intrusions that crystallized from high-Mg, high-Cl magmas appear to have the best potential to host significant PGE deposits.

Jan 1, 1995

By Jerry Gagnon, Matt Burr, Timothy Ellis, Abbas Mirza, Larry Webb

"The mechanical properties of RSR anode alloys (lead-calcium-tin, 009+ and lead-strontium-tin) were investigated as a function of time with an objective of developing lead anodes for use in high temperature electrolytic processes such as in copper liberator cells and in cobalt and nickel electrowinning. At a temperature of 70 oC, the mechanical properties of rolled RSR lead-calcium-tin (PbCaSn) alloy currently used in copper electrowinning decreased gradually while the mechanical properties of rolled RSR lead-strontium-tin (PbSrSn) decreased relatively quickly and stabilized at low strength levels. Cast PbSrSn started off as the weakest alloy but its properties remained stable with time. Rolled RSR 009+ anode alloy showed improvement in ageing properties over the other alloys tested. However, its mechanical properties did not stabilize in the study timeframe of 284 days. Further investigations are planned to study the effect of alloying elements on mechanical properties of RSR 009+ anode alloy over several years as a function of time at 70 oC. The mechanical properties will be evaluated to determine the time at which they stabilize. Comparative plant trials with rolled RSR PbCaSn and RSR 009+ will also be performed in copper liberator cells and in cobalt and nickel electrowinning tankhouses to determine their mechanical and electrochemical performance at temperatures of 65-75 oC.INTRODUCTIONLead-based alloys are the primary anodes used in the electrowinning of copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt and manganese from sulfate-based aqueous systems. Lead anode technology has evolved over the years migrating from pure lead and lead-antimonial alloys to the present day PbCaSn alloys for copper and PbAg and PbCaAg alloys for zinc electrowinning (Prengaman, Ellis and Mirza, 2010). It has also migrated from cast to rolled microstructures in search of improved mechanical properties and higher corrosion resistance. Although great strides have been made in the development of new lead anode alloys and production processes for lead anodes to be used in copper electrowinning, the industry still has some unresolved issues. These relate to the necessity of having higher mechanical properties especially for the lead anodes in liberator cells in copper electrorefining and for cobalt and nickel electrowinning as these tankhouses operate at temperatures of 65-75 oC compared to 40-45 oC in case of copper electrowinning."

Jan 1, 2016

By M. Rafati

In this investigation, the effects of T4 and T6 heat treatments of AZ91 magnesium cast alloy have been studied. The effects of different microstructural details such as morphology, size and distribution of precipitates and their influence on fracture mechanisms were investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical strength of the alloy after T6 treatment was found to increase in comparison to the T4 treatment, due to the formation of discontinuous precipitates in the grain boundaries. Precipitation in this alloy occurs in two ways: continuous precipitation, which nucleates and grows inside the grains, and discontinuous precipitation, which forms at the grain boundaries. During ageing, the length of the continuous precipitates increases, and, hence, interprecipitate distance decreases. The formation of discontinuous precipitates causes initiation and propagation of cracks at and the weakening of the grain boundaries. This is the principal reason for the reduction of the ultimate tensile strength in T6 heat treatment in comparison to the T4 condition.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. E. Boudreau

It has long been recognized that platinum-group-element (PGE) deposits in layered intrusions preferentially occur in intrusions that crystallized from high-Mg parent magmas. Recent studies suggest that evaluation of any given intrusion for economic PGE potential should also include assessment of the PGE, sulfur and chlorine concentrations in the cumulates and potential parent liquids. PGE: Magmas that contain relatively abundant Pt and Pd are the best candidates for forming economic deposits. Although analyses of coeval sills and dikes are the best indicators of primary magmatic PGE concentrations, analysis of the cumulates themselves is also valuable. For example, within the Stillwater complex, background PGE values in cumulates from the ultramafic sections of the complex contain, on average, several 10s of ppb Pt and Pd. Background concentrations of this order are suggestive that the magma was not depleted in the PGE. Sulfur: Conventional petrogenetic models for the formation of PGE deposits in layered intrusions require the PGE to have been concentrated during a magmatic sulfide-saturation event. In contrast, some hydro thermal models suggest that sulfur and the PGE were mobilized from footwall cumulates by upward-migrating, high-temperature hydrothermal fluids. Both models suggest that significant PGE deposits are likely to occur at and below the level where stratigraphic increases in whole rock sulfur concentrations occur. Chlorine: In both the Stillwater and Bushveld complexes the cumulate sequences below the major PGE-bearing zones contain anomalous Cl-rich apatite. The chlorapatite component of apatite in these rocks may exceed 40% and, in the Stillwater complex, typically exceeds 90%. It is stressed that pristine igneous mineral analysis and not whole rock data be used, as whole rock Cl concentrations may be affected by very localized (grain boundary), low-temperature alteration. Intrusions that crystallized from high-Mg, high-Cl magmas appear to have the best potential to host significant PGE deposits.

Jan 1, 1995

By O. P. Garg

Based on improved methods of collection and analysis of geotechnical data, slope angles have been steepened in some mines of the Iron Ore Company of Canada at Schefferville, Quebec. This paper describes the slope design case history for Fleming NO.3 mine and illustrates the application of modern techniques. The new design has resulted in significant financial savings due to a reduction in required waste stripping.

Jan 1, 1978

By C. G. Williams

This paper describes the planning, development and operation of the Highvale Mine to supply coal to both the existing Sundance and the approved Keephills thermal power plants of Calgary Power Ltd. Reference is also made to the company 's Whitewood Mine, which feeds the Wabamun thermal plant .

Jan 1, 1979

By C. H. Lee, T. T. Wang

"Exampling of the tunneling task in the Tsengwen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion (TRTD) in southern Taiwan, this study investigates the application of the Drilling Survey System (DRISS) in both Drilling and Blasting (D&B)- and Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)-excavated sections. In the D&B section, a nonlinear relationship exists between drilling energy and uniaxial compressive strength of rock mass, in which a reasonable coefficient of determination can be analyzed statistically. Additionally, the DRISS accurately predicted an unfavorable section with a valuable position. The magnitude of uniaxial compressive strength back calculated using DRISS data also matches those acquired from geological investigations with different approaches. Study results indicate that the DRISS is an effective tool for fore-probing of both D&B- and TBM-excavated tunnels. INTRODUCTIONModern advancements in geological and geophysical investigations, and drilling techniques, have provided valuable information for detecting and interpreting geological conditions of rock tunnels with a resolution of several to ten of meters (Brückl et al., 2001, 2008, Lorang et al., 2005). Nevertheless, construction risks remain considerable during tunnel excavation, especially when a tunnel was excavated by a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). Predictions of the local fault, shear zone, and other minor geological features, which may cause moderate collapse or excessive deformation of rocks surrounding the tunnel, before tunnel excavation is highly desirable for high-quality tunnel construction and economically efficient project management.Rather than conventional geophysical prospection methodologies, which always favor large-scale investigation with moderate precision, this study focuses on the drilling method probing ahead of a tunnel. The goal of such an investigation is not only to prevent catastrophic collapse, but also to provide quantitative or semi-quantitative information for estimation of the mechanical parameters of rock mass.For the tunneling task in the Tsengwen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion (TRTD) in southern Taiwan, a drilling survey system is adopted for fore probing. Data collected from both drilling and blasting (D&B) and TBM-excavated sections are analyzed statistically and discussed. The applications of the Drilling Survey System (DRISS) are addressed accordingly."

Jan 1, 2015

By T. Newton, G. A. Bezuidenhout, P. J. Tauetsile, F. Trask

The technology to selectively leach gold, silver and base metals from ores, concentrates, and wastes, using an alkaline glycine solution, has initiated significant interest in using the new technology in various environments such as in-situ, in-place, dump, heap, and vat and agitated tank leaching. It has been shown that glycine acts synergistically with a number of other lixiviants to lower the net consumption of the other lixiviants while allowing low cost glycine solution recovery. Glycine is a non-toxic, stable, environmentally benign reagent that is available in bulk industrial quantities. It has the ability to dissolve most copper oxide and sulfide minerals, as well as native copper, whilst not interacting with acid consuming gangue nor dissolving iron and various or ubiquitous gangue elements. It acts synergistically with small amounts of cyanide to leach gold-copper ores at leach rates higher than either glycine or cyanide on their own, while significantly reducing cyanide consumption and eliminating detoxification requirements. The leaching behaviour of various glycine based systems will be reviewed, followed by the evaluation of the adsorption of gold onto activated carbon. Where the economics merit it, copper can be easily recovered using solvent extraction or sulfide precipitation.

Jan 1, 2017

By C. A. Y. Shephard, H. L. Brusset

Pressure maintenance by water flooding in the Pembina Field made consideration of wet crude dehydration and disposal of the produced water mandatory. Crude dehydration, the treatment and disposal of produced water, as well as the sale of gas and crude oil were expected to be handled more efficiently at one central point than at several conventional batteries. This plan was effected by routing the produced fluids to the central station by way of several well testing batteries referred to as satellites. To realize the full efficiency inherent in such consolidation the entire system was made self-regulating. Programming ensures the testing and proper routing of all products to their destination. Forty producing wells have been self-operated during the winter 1959 -1960 with gratifying results.

Jan 1, 1960

By J P. Bolduc, P. E. Pelletier

Preceded by brief general considerations such as the development of the mining industry in. the Province of Quebec, the choice of plant location, the types of problems studied etc., the paper gives a complete description of this new research and treatment center for metallic, non-metallic and asbestos ores. Facilities for carrying out operations in the three sections of the plant -the sampling section, the ore treatment section and the asbestos section -are fully discussed as well as laboratory facilities for (a) the preliminary testing of ores prior to pilot plant treatment and (b) the grading and testing of asbestos fibre. AT THE beginning of the century, the annual value of the mineral production of the Province of Quebec stood at the $2,500,000 level. Twenty-five years later, it was just under $24,000,000. In 1950, half a century later, it was slightly in excess of $200,000,000. But in 1959, in the span of only nine years, it

Jan 1, 1962

By R. Stach, S. Gola, P. Zgrzebski, K. Soroko

"The future of Polish copper mines KGHM Polish Miedz S.A. will be associated with mining at depth. At present, technologically advanced measures are being introduced to minimize the adverse influence of the environmental hazards on people working underground. Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine is the only mine in Poland where mining takes place in copper and salt deposits. On the basis of the current and anticipated methods of ventilation of a selected ore deposits the paper will analynze a number of solutions enabling planned mining of copper ore deposit, while minimizing the impact of natural aerological hazards in working areas. INTRODUCTION The future of copper ore mining, carried out by KGHM Polska Miedz S.A., will be based on mining from continuously greater depths (Butra, 2015). It is forecast that this will be accompanied by an increasing climatic hazard, resulting from an increase in the original temperature of rocks of more than 45°C as well as gas and geodynamic hazards (Soroko, 2015; Andrusikiewicz, 2015). Due to the safety of underground teams, a need arises to develop methods eliminating the adverse impact of the natural hazards, down to a level enabling the mining activity to be carried out on an industrial scale while maintaining favourable economic parameters. Current depths of the copper ore deposit being developed are effectively verifying the technical methods and measures employed to date for eliminating the natural aerological hazards. Amounts of air supplied to mining areas, with lengthy transport routes, are becoming insufficient for miners’ temperature safety, whereas increasing the power of cooling air-conditioning stations for cooling the air undermines the economic legitimacy. However, along with the temperature hazard, a significant problem at the current depths is an increase in gaseous occurrences in the headings’ areas. The concentrations of natural harmful gases found, even with the values below the permissible concentrations, in the case of limited amounts of air and/or low airflow rates, may pose a considerable danger to the workers. The hazards referred to are currently the major factors determining the advance of headings, above all in mining sections, being the outcome of geological structure and depth of lying of a deposit. However, at the current depths of mining minerals from deposits, room-and-pillar mining systems employed also have a decisive impact on the increase in natural aerological hazards."

Jan 1, 2019

By Wang Xianzheng

For a long period of time, the Chinese Government has been attaching great importance to and supporting the rapid development of the coal industry. Particularly since more than 30 years ago, when China introduced the Reform and Opening-up policy, the reform and development of the Chinese coal industry has witnessed world-recognized achievements. National coal production increased from 618 million tonnes in 1978 to 3.52 billion tonnes in 2011. While China?s coal production accounts for 49.5% of the world?s total, its annual production growth contributes to over 80% of global production growth. China is a country utilizing coal as its main source of energy. As the Chinese Government gives support to the rapid development of new and renewable energy sources, as well as to increased coal utilization efficiency, the ratio of coal in the primary energy consumption mix will gradually decline. However, for a long period of time to come, the total volume of coal demand will keep rising modestly. The Chinese Government has been highly committed to and actively promoting the overall, coordinated and sustainable development model, which puts people first. It has put forward a strategic task to build an ecological civilization, and highlighted its resolve to uphold the basic national policy of resource conservation and environmental protection, with a view to the pursuit of sustainable development. China will incorporate its response to climate change into the national economic and social development program, and take effective measures to lower CO2 emissions 40?45% per unit of GDP in 2020 compared to 2005. At the same time, China will increase the ratio of non-fossil fuels to 15% in the primary energy consumption mix. All of the above factors have raised requirements for the Chinese coal industry, with implications for clear directions, plans and goals for the development of the coal industry.

Aug 1, 2013

By P. G. Dunn, J. Fitzgerald

ABSTRACT The scheduling of underground mining activities is a complex task that must simultaneously satisfy a large number of constraints. A schedule optimization tool (SOT) for underground mine planning is described, and its use for investigating strategic decisions is illustrated through a case study. The maincomponents of the SOT include (a) a genetic algorithm that searches for optimal schedules, (b) guidance for the application of heuristic rules, and (c) sliding, which implements just-in-time development. Findings indicated that preliminary scheduling performed before invoking the SOT, intended to provide a good starting point for the search, did not ultimately lead to higher value schedules.

Jan 1, 2010

By T. H. Wilson

In 1901, the Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company, Limited, began producing industrial coke in 212 beehive ovens at Michel colliery. By 1908, 486 ovens had been installed and in that year 147,623 tons of coke were produced. Coke manufacture has been continuous from 1901 until the present time (1946), with total production of 2,795,402 tons. At present writing, only 100 beehive ovens are operating and production is reduced to 1,800 tons per month, due to the shortage of suitable labour. These ovens are drawn by hand, on contract, and the workmen are exposed to considerable heat. A man draws three ovens in eight hours, thereby producing approximately 1072 tons of coke per day. In addition to the inefficient and costly method of drawing coke in beehive ovens, tremendous losses are experienced in the wastage of gas and tar, which are driven off into the atmosphere. Also, the yield of coke per ton of coal fed to the ovens is low as part 9f the carbon is utilized in producing heat to carbonize the remainder of the coal. A recovery of only 55 per cent of the carbon, as coke, is obtained. The coking process takes place from the top of the charge, which is 21/2 feet deep, downward to the floor. Six and a half tons of coal are charged and 3.6 tons of coke are drawn from the oven after 72 hours' carbonization. The beehive ovens using Michel coal produce a very hard and tough coke, large in size and of silvery appearance, which has served the requirements of both foundry and smelter for many years. In 1938, the Company made a careful study of coking processes with a view to introducing a more economical method than beehive ovens and one that would be less dependent on skilled labour, the supply of which was rapidly diminishing at that time. Various methods of by-product coking were investigated, and it was decided that the Curran-Knowles process offered the greatest possibilities because of the low capital investment in relation to output and also because the horizontal oven design was suitable for an expanding coal. Consequently, a test on Michel B seam coal, supervised by Mr. E. Burrough, of the Fuel Research Department, Ottawa, was run in the Curran-Knowles plant at West Frankfurt, III. The results of this test led to the construction of a ten-oven battery of 32 ft. 6 in. by 8 ft. 3 in. Curran-Knowles ovens at Michel, which were completed in November, 1939. This battery was built as an experimental unit, with provision for an additional ten ovens if the coke proved satisfactory for the market. In 1942, an expanding coke market led to the construction of a second battery of ten ovens, which were completed in April, 1943.

Jan 1, 1947

By J. H. Schloen

"One of the most important phases in Canada's relatively rapid development of its metal mining and refining industries was launched in 1928 when the directors of Noranda Mines Limited decided to establish an electrolytic copper refinery ""somewhere in Eastern Canada”. Noranda's president, J.Y. Murdoch, had already evolved the company's ""mine to market"" policy and was determined to prove the economic feasibility of refining Noranda copper in Canada. The time appeared to be ripe as buoyant business conditions continued into 1929. In addition, proven ore reserves at the Horne Mine in northwest Quebec had virtually tripled and the price of copper had reached a healthy 15 cents per pound. Letters Patent incorporating the company bearing the date February 6, 1929 had been granted by the Secretary of State in accordance with an application that specified a capital structure of $2 million divided into 20 000 shares with a value of $100 each. Noranda assumed 70% of the original investment in the proposed refinery, while the Nicholas Copper Company of New York (which later became Phelps Dodge Corporation) and British Metal Corporation Ltd. of London, England, each were responsible for 15%. Nicholas Copper Company agreed to supply the design and to supervise the construction of the refinery and British Metal Corporation would act as sales agent and market the refinery's products."

Jan 1, 1999

By Jianwen Yang, Yucai Zhou, Yanhong Dong, Daixiong Chen

"The study of combined depressants for flotation separation of lead from copper has been carried out to solve the copper-lead separation problem. Test results show that the depressant of CMC (Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose) or sodium sulfite plays an important role on the selective depression of galena flotation. When the two reagents above are combined, the selective depression effect on galena is further enhanced. When the mass ratio of CMC to sodium sulfite is 1:4, galena was best depressed, with the lowest lead content in the copper concentrateClosed-circuit tests indicate that under a certain pH value of the slurry, with the best ratio of CMC to sodium sulfite as depressants, the copper concentrate with the grade of 28.23% copper and 4.12% lead is obtained, and the copper recovery is 84.87%; the lead concentrate with 68.12% lead and 0.86% copper is obtained, and the lead recovery reaches to 92.20%. An efficient separation of copper and lead is achieved with the combined depressants. INTRODUCTIONComplex copper-lead-zinc sulfide ore is abundant in China. With the rapid increase of mineral consumption, it has become one of the important sources to produce copper-lead-zinc metals. However, it is difficult to achieve effective separation of copper and lead, due to the complicated ore properties, such as fine dissemination, low copper grade, complex symbiotic relationship and similar floatability of copper and lead.Poisonous reagents of bichromate and cyanide are often used as depressants for copper lead separation. They have good separation efficiency, but pose serious pollution issues. As the environmental protection is becoming more and more important, it is a trend to replace traditional toxic reagents with new nontoxic efficient chemicals. Organic depressant FCLS studied by Liu has strong selectivity against galena, and does not depress chalcopyrite. A new type of galena depressant of CLS-01 discovered by Jin-lin Yang shows good results in the separation a mixed copper and lead concentrate. In addition, dextrin, chitosan and some other natural organic compounds (Drzymala, 2003; Huang, 2012; Qin, 2013) have also been studied to separate copper and lead."

Jan 1, 2016

"The standards set out requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange for company’s providing information to investors, regulators and/or the media regarding their mineral properties. In addition, information contained in new releases, continuous disclosure documents [annual report], or other forms of communication [printed investor relations materials and electronic publications] are also subject to these standards.1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe disclosure of the results of exploration and development activity on mineral properties mustcomply with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange Policy Statement on Timely Disclosure, theOntario Securities Act and all applicable policies and rules of the Ontario Securities Commission and anyother securities regulatory body having jurisdiction over an issuer listed on the Exchange. In particular,the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 must be followed.The purpose of the standards is to set out the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange when acompany provides information to investors, regulators and/or the media regarding its properties, whethersuch information is contained in a news release, a continuous disclosure document such as an annualreport, or other form of communication, including, but not limited to, printed investor relations material andelectronic publications such as Internet Web sites. These standards do not apply to prospectuses orlisting applications, the standards for which are contained in the policies and rules of the securitiescommissions and the Exchange. These standards are also not intended to establish requirements for thecontent of technical reports.Any information published by or on behalf of a company must comply with these standards. If acompany becomes aware of information published by others regarding its mineral properties which ismaterially misleading to investors, it should take appropriate action to correct such information orotherwise make it known that it is not responsible for publishing such information and does notnecessarily agree with such statements.Disclosure concerning mineral properties should identify the ""qualified person"" as defined in NI 43-101 who is responsible for the work conducted on the property and such person shall have read andapproved of the technical disclosure."

Jan 1, 2003

By M. G. Lipsett

One challenge in applying information technologies in Mining is building a business case. In Mine Maintenance, there is a complex flow of information that contributes to making informed business decisions. By understanding those information relationships and the cost of wrong decisions, analysts can estimate the value of information flow. Developers can then ensure that systems deliver key information in an accurate and timely way. In this paper, general maintenance decision-making is discussed, with examples of how model-based analysis can improve the information delivered to decision makers.

May 1, 2001

By P. S. Arthur, G. R. F. Alvear

Development of a new smelting process is risky. Many novel processes in the metals industry failed to fulfil the initial expectations of their inventors. Large sums of capital have been invested in technologies that either didn't provide a satisfactory return on investment, or didn't perform at all, and had to be replaced. One of the keys to success in process development is incremental scale up of the technology, with potential problems being identified and rectified as early as possible. In this way the cost of any rectification that is required can be minimized. The ISASMELTTM process was developed to maturity by Mount Isa Mines through the 1980's and 1990's using incremental scale up. Commercialization only occurred once the process had been proven on laboratory, pilot and demonstration scale over many years. As a result ISASMELTTM technology now operates successfully at numerous plants around the world. The methodical approach to development of the technology has allowed owners to modernise their existing operations or create new businesses with significantly reduced technical risk.

Jan 1, 2011