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By P. Rosario

"Industry practice for high-pressure grinding roll (HPGR) assessment and sizing relies on tests using pilot-scale machines with 0.7–1.0 m roll diameters. Typically 1–10 t of sample are required, depending on the level of study and resource complexity. This is challenging during early-stage development, which hinders incorporating HPGR into designs. With support from the Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization, researchers at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at The University of British Columbia developed bench-scale piston–die press tests (PPTs) that correlate to pilot- and full-scale HPGRs. This paper describes a new regression model to estimate the HPGR-specific throughput rate using both PPT results and an HPGR database. A case study is presented to show how the current PPT method is used for engineering studies. ¦ KEYWORDS Empirical modelling, High-pressure grinding roll (HPGR), Piston–die press test (PPT), Sizing and scale upRÉSUMÉ La pratique en vigueur dans l’industrie concernant l’évaluation et le calibrage d’un cylindre de broyage à haute pression (HPGR, de l’anglais high-pressure grinding roll) dépend d’essais menés à l’aide de machines à l’échelle pilote dont les diamètres de bobine sont de 0,7 à 0,10 mètre. On a généralement besoin de 1 à 10 tonnes d’échantillons en fonction du niveau de complexité de l’étude et des ressources. C’est une pratique difficile durant les premières phases de développement, qui empêche l’intégration du HPGR dans les plans. Bénéficiant du soutien de la Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization (CAMIRO, l’organisation de recherche de l’industrie minière canadienne), des chercheurs du Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering (l’institut Norman B. Keevil de génie minier) de l’université de la Colombie-Britannique (UBC) ont mis au point des essais en laboratoire sur des presses à matricer à pis¬ton (PPT, de l’anglais piston–die press tests), qui mettent en corrélation les HPGR aux échelles pilote et réelle. Cet article décrit un nouveau modèle de régression qui évalue le taux de production spécifique aux HPGR à l’aide des résultats tirés des PPT et d’une base de données dédiée aux HPGR. Une étude de cas est présentée afin de décrire l’utilisation de la méthode actuelle des PPT dans les études techniques. ¦ MOTS CLÉS calibrage et mise à l’échelle, cylindre de broyage à haute pression (HPGR), essai sur presses à matricer à piston (PPT), modélisation empiriqueINTRODUCTION It is widely accepted that high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs) are a viable, energy-efficient solution for modern comminution flowsheet design. Table 1 summarizes select examples of HPGR applications in the mining industry. The main benefits of HPGRs are energy savings, which leads to lower operating costs, and stable operating characteristics that can better cope with variations in ore hardness compared to the conventional autogenous (AG) or semi-autogenous (SAG) mill-based comminution circuits."

Jan 1, 2019

By Veerendra Singh, Y. Rama Murthy, Sunil Kumar Tripathy, Nikkam Suresh

"High intensity dry magnetic separation is commonly employed to separate different para-magnetic minerals including mineral sand. Separation in these separators is majorly influenced by the combined effect of gravity, centrifugal and magnetic forces on a particle. These separators are included in the process flow-sheets either for pre-concentration purposes or for the beneficiation of paramagnetic minerals. Separation in these separators is majorly influenced by the difference in the magnetic susceptibility of the associated minerals, particle size and shape along with the process variables of the machine. Particle size is one of the major parameter that plays an important role and decides its probability of selectivity under the magnetic field. However, effect of particle size on the performance of these separators are not well understood which is evident from the literature.In the present investigation, an effort is made to bring out the effect of particle size on particle separation in an induced roll magnetic separator while treating ilmenite fines. Effects of operating parameters, such as; magnetic field intensity, roll speed, feed rate and splitter position have been studied and their influence on particle size has been analysed in terms of yield (wt.%) to magnetic product, particle size distribution characteristics in terms of D50 and D80 size, skewness, kurtosis. Also, the particle size distribution of each test was fitted in Rosin-Rammler equation. The test results were analysed statistically to understand and quantify the influence of each variable on particle separation. It is found that, rotor speed of the separator had maximum influence on yield to the magnetic product whereas splitter position had major influence on D50 and D80 (µm) size of the product."

Jan 1, 2016

By H. O. Seigel, J. C. Gingerich, E. O. Köstlin

"To satisfy their continuing need to replenish or expand their ore reserves, mining companies are faced with the dilemma of arriving at a proper balance between the dual avenues of discovery through in-house exploration and of acquisition of properties that are relatively proven or are even in production. The returns from exploration activities may be spectacular, but are unpredictable. The allure of an acquisition lies in its promise of quick and risk-reduced addition to reserves. However, it is historically clear that quantum increments in shareholders’ values have arisen primarily through major exploration discoveries, rather than through major late-stage acquisitions. Late-stage acquisitions can prove highly profitable, sometimes based upon the planned use of superior mining or metallurgical technology, but more often occur as the result of unexpected windfalls. At the other extreme, they can become expensive failures through inadequate due diligence, or unforeseeable factors.Citing numerous case histories and industry statistics, it is concluded that a judicious combination of both exploration activity and the acquisition of prospects is the most advantageous strategy for adding new ore reserves. A skilled exploration staff is essential for success, be it through exploration discoveries or through opportunistic acquisitions, preferably at their early stages. In the future, it is anticipated that there will be fewer opportunities for acquisition because of reduced funding for junior exploration companies, leading to increased competition and higher costs for fewer properties, both in the advanced exploration and mining stages."

Jan 1, 2002

By G. S. Hume

Introduction Core drilling of the bituminous sands of northern Alberta has been carried on by the Mines and Geology Branch, Department of Mines and Resources, under the supervision of the Director, W. B. Timm. This was part of the Dominion Government's wartime investigations, which included an agreement with Abasand Oils, Limited, for the study of commercial possibilities of obtaining oil from the bituminous sands. The drilling programme, commenced in 1942 by the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, was continued in 1943 and subsequently by Boyles Bros. under contract with the Mines and Geology Branch. Several areas have been investigated and one of these, the Mildred-Ruth Lakes area, ' herein described, is of special importance in that it contains a sufficiently rich and large deposit of bituminous sands and bitumen beds to warrant consideration of commercial developments for the production of oil. The Steepbank Area, East Side of Athabaska River The Steepbank area, on the east side of Athabaska river in township 92, about twenty-two miles north of Fort McMurray, was selected for drilling in 1942 because previous investigations by Ells indicated it was one of considerable promise both from the standpoint of having reasonably rich bituminous sands under relatively light overburden and also having an excellent tailing disposal and plant site for large-scale operations in proximity to Athabaska river. The drilling done in 1942 and 1943 was largely exploratory, and, when it was found that the southerly part of township 92 had only low-grade material, closer drilling was done in 1944-45 in the richer, more northerly part.

Jan 1, 1947

By H. S. Price, F. N. Kissell, R. C. McCulloch, J. C. Edwards

"The methane em1ss10n from deep coalbeds which are actively mined is a serious problem facing the mining industry today. Pinpointing the source of methane and predicting the emission of this gas from these coalbeds is necessary if preventive techniques are to be effectively used to control methane emission. In general, because most coalbeds have water associated with them, the system to be studied may be either single-phase (methane gas) or two-phase (methane and water). Because coal mine geometry is complex and the fluids have variable properties as functions of pressure and methane concentration, the differential equations describing the flow of methane and water are not amenable to analytic solution, but must be solved numerically using high-speed computers. This paper presents the development of such a complex mathematical model along with some preliminary applications of the model to methane emission from one- and two-dimensional coalbeds with and without water present."

Jan 1, 1973

By J. A. Finch

Individual mineral cyclone performance curves were determined for the four major minerals at two lead-zinc concentrators. Sizing was by screen and cyclosizer down to approximately 10 um, with lead , zinc and iron as saying of each size fraction. The performance curves were similar in shape and located according to the mineral specific gravity, Pm. The curves displayed a discontinuity at the fine end and a magnitude of short-circuiting of fines to the underflow which increased with Pm. Mass fraction of water to the underflow was only a guide to this short-circuiting. Sharpness of separation seemed in dependent of Pm. An inflection in the over-all performance curve was shown to be a consequence of the individual component mineral performance. A general relationship was observed showing that the flow regime of classification changed from laminar/ intermediate to turbulent with increasing cyclone feed size. Individual mineral size reduction for the four major minerals at one of the concentrators was also determined. Size reduction of the silica was greater than that of the galena, in contradiction to their accepted relative grind-ability. The observation did correlate with silica being much coarser than the galena in the feed to the ball mill. It is suggested that the silica acted as a buffer to the galena.

Jan 1, 1977

By E. Howard Lambert

"Operating costs of mining plants are increasing due to the increased cost of labour, materials and fuels. Labour and materials costs are factors not readily controlled. However, the use of energy from fuels may be controlled by plant operations. This paper describes the fossil fuels, their expected rate of depletion and their costs. The paper considers methods which may be used to provide an efficient use of energy from fuels. It includes an outline of obtaining energy, as heat, from mine milling operations (air compression) and obtaining the maximum use of energy from fuels used to generate electricity."

Jan 1, 1973

By T. Vovan, A. Galibois, M. Fiset

"In order to establish some links between the 22 specimens found on the site of Les Forges du St. Maurice, their slag inclusions have been analyzed by electron microprobe. Comparison between their contents of various specific oxides allowed us to segregate them into two major groups and even to isolate two sub-groups possibly characterized by some equilibrium between their oxides and/or the type of ores used.In all probability, limes/one coupled systematically with a soil rich in hydrated aluminum silicates was used as a flux.Based upon the existence of a pseudo equilibrium between the slag and the metal, the elaboration of the bulk of the specimens can be ascribed to the indirect rather than the direct method whereas the process temperature can be estimated at at least /400°C.RESUMEDans le but d'etablir des liens entre les 22 objects provenant des Forges du St-Maurice, leurs inclusions de scories ont été analysées par microsonde. La comparison des teneurs en divers oxydes a permis de les séparer en deux groupes majeurs et même d'y distinguer deux sous-groupes pouvant être reliés à la forme d'équilibre entre certains oxydes et/ou au type de minerai utilisé. Selon toute vraisemblance, le fondant utilisé était de la pierre à chaux à laquelle on ajoutait systématiquement une terre riche en silicates hydratés d 'aluminium.Des considérations sur l'existence d'un certain équilibre entre les scories ei le métallaisset croire que la plupart des objets ont été élaborés plutôt par la méthode indirecte que directe et que la température d'élaboration se situait à au maint 1400°C."

Jan 1, 1984

By P. D. Waters

"Mineral deposits are where you find them; they have no allegiance to territorial boundaries. Over the past decade much of the new investment in mining has been outside of continental North America, let alone Canada. The larger Canadian Banks have pursued this offshore business through their multi-national organizations; this reflects both the increasingly international orientation of today's business environment, and to a degree, the competitive advantage of these offshore developments.The current oversupply situation in mineral markets and the increasing maturity of the Developed World Economy reduces the need for new mining projects relative to growth' in GNP. Those that are brought on stream in the future due to their competitive advantage, will continue to be pursued by lenders and equity investors alike. IntroductionProspects facing those who search for mineral wealth were described rather well more than 200 years ago by a Scottish professor of moral philosophy, who also happens to be the father of modern economics.In search for new mines, Adam Smith wrote in The Wealth of Nations, ""there seems to be no certain limits either to the possible success or to the possible disappointment of human industry"".How true that statement remains today, where we are seeing economic cyclical problems compounded by basic fundamental structural change within the mining industry.Despite the enormous advances in earth sciences during the past two centuries, the rewards of mineral exploration still remain uncertain. Even though a promising orebody is found, ultimate profitability may still depend on the vagaries of the marketplace, where large and unanticipated changes in supply, demand and prices can play havoc with the best of calculations.The Canadian mining industry has had its share of disappointment during the past few years, with savage competition, shrinking demand, declining prices, and disappearing profits. But it has also had some share of success, such as at Hernlo, which now seems certain to provide some of the lowest cost gold production in the world"

Jan 1, 1986

By P. Nos, L. Kolbeinsen, M. W. Kennedy, A. Filzwieser, R. T. Jones, A. MacRae

Modern furnace designs often incorporate extensive use of cooled elements to achieve long campaign lives at high operating intensities. However, contact between water and high temperature fluids can result in powerful Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosions (BLEVEs). Therefore cooling such elements with water carries inherent risks when used under slag and particularly below molten metal or matte. Alternative cooling media exist that can reduce or eliminate the risk of BLEVEs. These media are analysed and discussed in the context of deeply cooled furnace elements. Important factors in selecting alternative coolants are explored including: critical heat flux, thermal limits, toxicity, flammability, unit cost, etc. Key cooling system design criteria are reviewed in the context of both traditional and alternative coolants. Results of Computational Fluid Dynamics are presented for an example tap-block cooler design using a number of selected coolants. Research needs to advance the safe use of alternative coolants are presented.

Jan 1, 2015

By The Staff

The San Anconio mine, owned by San Antonio Gold Mines, Limited, is located on the north shore of Rice lake, thirty miles east of lake Winnipeg, and about one hundred miles northeast of the city of Winnipeg. The three claims which formed the original San Antonio group were staked in 1911. Subsequent additions to the Company's property have in-creased their holdings co thirteen claims. Preliminary development of the property took place between 1925 and 1930. The major ore discovery during this period was the 16 vein. The mine was closed in September, 1930, but re-opened in April, 1932, since which rime it has been in continuous operation. In 1933, a development of special importance was that of the 26 vein. The mill capacity, originally designed for 150 tons, was increased to-wards the end of 1933 to 170 tons. With highly satisfactory mine development, mill enlargement to approximately 300 tons was made possible. The Company has financed the additions and improvements from mine production. Iris of interest to note that San Antonio is the first gold mine in Manitoba to pay a dividend. The first dividend was paid to the shareholders in March, 1934, and the fourth was recently declared. Electric power is transmitted to the property from the Great Falls plant of the Manitoba Power Company over a 66,000-volt transmission line approximately 62 miles long. The old camps, which had been in use since work on the property was started, in 1927, were demolished in the spring of 1934, and new camps were built on the Ross dam. Lumber for these buildings was out at the Company's saw-mill on Gold creek, eight miles from the mine. Two bunk-houses with a capacity of 72 men each were constructed, also a dining room co accommodate 144 men, a store, staff house, hospital, burcher shop, and warehouse. The camp buildings are all steam-heated from an electric boiler. They are all insulated on walls, roofs, and floors with a heavy building board, and are covered on the outside walls with asbestos siding, and on the roofs with corrugated iron. A community of about 800 persons has grown up around the mine, at Bissert. Attention has been given co their social interests, and the management of the mine has assisted its employees co build a community hall, which is used for dances, picture shows, and other entertainments and amusements. A two-room school, with an attendance of 50 pupils, is supported by Company employees. In addition, picnics, boxing contests, and hockey games are encouraged among the employees.

Jan 1, 1936

By J. A. Morgan, W. A. Barclay, J. C. Pedersen, I. C. Campbell, D. S. Bubar, R. P. Taylor

"Abstract - The Lilypad Lakes property is host to a group of Ta-mineralized dikes that occur over an area of at least 10 km2. Field relationships are consistent with a syn- to late syn-tectonic timing for their emplacement (with respect to the major regional D1 episode of deformation), with several of the dikes exhibiting a steeply dipping, open, S- to M- to Z-shaped fold geometry. Individual dikes range up to 30 m wide (Rubellite Dyke, Pollucite Dyke), have strike lengths of up to 750 m (e.g., JJ Dyke), and are continuous to depths of greater than 250 m (e.g., Rubellite Dyke, Pollucite Dyke). Typically, they display sharp intrusive contacts characterized by the development of thin, holmquistite-rich haloes. The Tamineralized dikes are comprised of silica- and alumina-rich, sodic, granitic pegmatites that display extreme levels of geochemical fractionation (K/Rb typically < 10.0, as low as 2.2; Nb/Ta typically < 0.20, as low as 0.03), and enrichments in an economically important group of lithophile elements, most notably Li, Rb, Cs, and Ta. Geochemical assays of individual surface grab and drill core samples have yielded values as high as 1.51 wt.% Li2O, 1.25 wt.% Rb2O, 6.21 wt.% Cs2O, and 0.108 wt.% Ta2O5. Diamond drilling has established the presence of wide (~20 m), potentially ore-grade intersections of Ta mineralization (>0.045 wt.% Ta2O5) in both the Rubellite and the Pollucite Dykes.Three Ta-oxide minerals (microlite, wodginite, manganotantalite) of primary origin predominate in the Ta-mineralized dikes, where they occur as fine, disseminated grains in the albite-rich pegmatite matrix. The sequence of crystallization is typically manganotantalite wodginite microlite, which conforms to a well-established paragenetic sequence for rare-element granitic pegmatites in general. All three of the primary Ta oxides are characterized by a high degree of chemical purity (e.g., average Ta concentrations in microlite from 77-79 wt.% Ta2O5), a compositional feature consistent with the extreme levels of geochemical fractionation characteristic of the host granitic pegmatites, and one that indicates that the Lilypad Lakes pegmatites are likely to produce Ta mineral concentrates of the very highest quality.Locally, a second generation of Ta minerals is present, restricted to small vugs in the pegmatite matrix that are surrounded by fine aggregates of K-rich mica or clay. The secondary Ta minerals are dominated by microlite, which is typically intergrown with fluorite and Fe-sulphides, and is distinguished from its primary counterpart by its lower Ta content (around 70 wt.% Ta2O5) and much higher concentration of uranium (up to 9 wt.% UO2). Also, secondary microlite consistently yields low analytical totals from electron microprobe analysis, suggesting that it is H2O-rich. The presence of this second, vug-related generation of microlite, together with the occurrence of localized networks of crosscutting fractures that host high concentrations of Cs and Rb (in the minerals pollucite and Rb-Kfeldspar), suggests that a late-stage, fluid-dominated metasomatic/hydrothermal event may have been important in certain sections of the dikes, and has effected a redistribution of the economically important elements Ta and Cs."

Jan 1, 2005

By M. Tiedtke, T. Crary, P. MacPhail, M. Ounpuu

"The SGS carbon-in-pulp (CIP) / carbon-in-leach (CIL) model was used to evaluate and optimize the carbon circuit at Alamos Gold’s Young-Davidson Mine. Plants samples (pulp and carbon) were tested in a series of small scale batch experiments to determine rates of gold leaching and adsorption on carbon from a combined flotation concentrate/tailing product. The testwork data, along with existing plant data were then used to model the performance of the existing CIL plant and optimize the circuit to improve performance and overall recovery. The primary purpose of the modelling exercise was to determine the most cost effective way to lower solution losses at the plant. The modelling was also used to learn how the various parameters in the CIL circuit affect solution losses and the gold inventory tied up on the carbon. This resulted in recommendations for minor changes in the CIL flowsheet, which were successfully implemented in the plant. The approach, results and plant changes are presented.INTRODUCTION This paper presents the details from testwork conducted on samples from Alamos Gold’s Young- Davidson gold mine which is located near the town of Matachewan, approximately 60 km west of Kirkland Lake in Northern Ontario, within the southwestern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. The objective of the test program (completed by SGS Canada in 2013) was to investigate and model the combined flotation concentrate / tailing carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit and suggest ways to improve gold recovery. The metallurgical test program included mineralogy, rheology, and carbon modelling testwork. Plant information was provided during the test program and used in the optimization process. Upon completion of the testwork, plant changes were recommended and implemented at site (October 2014). Plant results from 2014 to 2017 confirmed the modelling results."

Jan 1, 2018

By P. Kostuik

"Recent interest in the pipeline transport of solid mate-als has been sparked by the idea that, in an inflationary onomy, pipeline costs are more stable than the costs of any other transport systems. Pipelines have proved over 1e years to be dependable, records indicate that main-•nance and operating costs are comparatively low, and 1eir amenability to automation is of considerable im->rtance.The concept of hydraulic hoisting of solids from under-round, or cross-country hydraulic transportation of con-~ntrates and ores, is currently of prime interest to the ining industry. In general, this paper deals with a preliminary investi-ation of energy losses incurred while transporting a rela-vely heavy, crushed mine product, namely magnetite, oth vertically and horizontally. The basis and validity of everal equations derived by other experimenters to com-ute these losses is discussed. A theoretical analysis of ydraulic hoi:,,ting is made, and, based upon test results, calculation of horsepower requirements for hoisting an re under a given set of conditions is presented. Results indicate that:n vertical transport, the friction head losses are identical to those of clear water, and the total energy requirement for hydraulic hoisting then becomes a function of height of lift, concentration and specific gravity of the solids being hoisted. .-In horizontal transport, friction head losses can be calculated with reasonable accuracy using Bonning-ton's correlation curve. Losses computed utilizing Durand's correlation (K = 85) result in estimates which are too low by 10 to 30 per cent, an<l those calculated using Newitt's correlation (K = 1,100, K = 66) give friction loss values which are too high by 10 to 30 per cent . . -The theoretical horsepower (RMS-hp.) required for hoisting hydraulically is approximately half of that required for conventional double-drum skip hoisting."

Jan 1, 1966

By H. E. Grier, H. H. Aronson, H. F. Coffer

"Nuclear explosions are currently being planned for use in oil and gas production, the recovery of oil from oil shale, gas storage and copper leaching. The current status of each of these projects is discussed, with emphasis on the economics of each application. The first commercial application of nuclear explosives will be in gas stimulation. Project Gasbuggy will be rapidly followed by two additional shots, also related to gas production. These three events, each in a different formation, will be described in this paper with a discussion on their significance to the world's oil and gas industry. The use of nuclear explosives in oil and gas stimulation should be a standard accepted practice within a few years. Calculations based on explosions in media such as tuff, alluvium, granite and dolomite predict large increases in productivity when nuclear devices are used in tight, thick formations. The broken-up rock resulting from the explosion becomes the new well bore, with a production rate of six to twelve times that of a normally completed well.Also included in the paper is a discussion of the real or possible problems associated with nuclear explosive engineering. The only major foreseeable problem is the seismic shock wave. This limits the size of explosive which can be used near important surface structures. A discussion is included on the radiation problem, which we believe to be largely psychological in the case of contained explosions."

Jan 1, 1968

By E. A. Sobering

Hydraulic filling or sand filling is a system used to fill underground excavations with a dense pulp. Milltailings are commonly used. The resultant fill, after being placed and de-watered, is known as hydraulic fill. These fills have been effectively used to (a) provide immediate support of the workings place during stoping; (b) .facilitate the recovery of pillars; (c) limit surface damage by subsidence; (d) permit the mining of parallel hanging-wall orebodies; (e) stabilize the ground in mines, thereby reducing the rock burst hazard; (f) control and prevent mine fires; and (g) solve tailings disposal .problems. The various uses of hydraulic filling have been developed during the last ninety years. In 1864 it was employed only to control surface subsidence. Since then, this system has been successfully applied to meet specific ground support problems. Methods of handling mine-fill derived from a source outside the stope include transportation ?Of the material by hand, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic means, or a combination of these methods. The hydraulic method has many advantages not found in the others; a significant advantage is the low compressibility of the material when compared to other mine-fill material. The hydraulic filling operation includes the .preparation and transportation of the pulp. The underground practices in .placing the fill vary from mine to mine. The chief reason, formerly, for using hydraulic fill was the exceptional support it provided, but recently it has proven an important means of reducing mining costs. This is especially true where labour is a large part of an alternative method, or where timber consumption is greatly reduced. The indirect benefits of hydraulic filling are probably as important as the direct benefits, and few important disadvantages exist.

Jan 1, 1956

By A. Alwasel

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) threaten the wellbeing and livelihood of a large number of construction workers incurring a significant cost to society. We present a new method to monitor and diagnose MSD risks in the workplace. The sensing unit of the system is an optical encoder encompassed within a non-intrusive exoskeleton to measure the joint angle of interest. This sensor can be applied to ball-and-socket and hinge-type joints of the human body, such as the shoulder, elbow, and knee joints. The system is contactless and does not require markers or cameras. Angle measurements are acquired directly without mathematical post-processing, thereby avoiding numerical noise and drift challenges. The system is a simple, robust, and deployable, but it currently lacks resolution of parallel degrees of freedom.

Aug 1, 2013

By Charles B. Newmarch

Abstract In the course of coal studies undertaken by the B.C. Department of Mines in southeastern British Columbia, special attention was directed to problems of coal seam correlation. Methods that had been used successfully in other coalfields were found, in the Crowsnest area, to have a restricted use or furnished only additional evidence that might prove helpful when used in conjunction with other criteria. A correlation technique involving semi-quantitative spectrographic analyses of coal ashes was developed. Elements detected in the ash include Si, B, P, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Ti, Cr, Ga, Ca, Al, Ge, Ba, Mo, V, Ag, ?y;b, Na, Zn, Zr, Ni, Sr, Cu, K. Of these, the elements found to be most useful in correlation were Na, Ba, Si, V, and Mg. The element Na was invariably detected in the ash from one of the seams but was not found in samples taken from any of the others. In all of the four seams sampled statistically, significant differences in the amount of certain trace elements were noted. When the values obtained for these trace elements were portrayed in the form of histograms, the resulting diagrams had a characteristic shape for each seam. The diagrams provided a basis for seam identification within the limited area (8,000 feet by 4,000 feet) that was investigated. Introduction During the field seasons of 1946, 1947, and 1948 the British Columbia Department of Mines undertook a geological investigation of the coal measures of southeastern B.C. As field work progressed in the Crowsnest area it was found that, within the Kootenay formation, which contains all the commercial seams of the region, the coal beds are the most persistent stratigraphic units. Because of relatively rapid changes in ?both the thickness of the seams and the interval between seams, difficulty has invariably been experienced in attempts at correlation. Even short-range correlati0ns by able geologists who have worked in the Crowsnest coal basin have been questioned by the operating companies. It was apparent, therefore, that a more dependable correlation technique was needed so that stratigraphic and structural studies could be of greatest value. This paper presents, firstly, a summary of the results obtained in attempted correlations using methods that have been found effective in other coalfields. Secondly, a method based on semi-quantitative spectrographic analysis of coal ash is described and the apparently promising results are discussed.

Jan 1, 1950

By D. E. G. Maschmeyer

The operation of the pilot plant for the S-C Copper Process during 1976 has provided the basic data for the design of a commercial-scale plant. This paper introduces the commercial aspects of the S-C Copper Process through the presentation of a process flow diagram, a schematic flow diagram and basic design parameters for 75,000 tonnes per year (tpy) copper rod production from chalcopyrite concentrate. Basic operating requirements are outlined and a preliminary estimate of operating and capital costs for a Western Canadian location are summarized. The results have been compared with a modern smelter/electrorefinery to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of these two alternatives and to show why the new S-C Copper Process technology should be of interest to the copper industry.

Jan 1, 1978

By Atul Bhatnagar, M. P. Sinha, Md Zahid Ahmad, Pallav Garg, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Shashi Ranjan, An Ecolab Company Nalco Water

"Froth Flotation is undoubtedly one of the most critical processes in coking coal washing plants. This work was carried out at Bhelatand Coal Preparation Plant of Tata Steel was with an objective of cost optimization in fine coal processing. The sources of raw coal for the plant include coal from underground mines of Jharia coalfield and procured open-cast raw coal. Coal from different sources vary in quality and possess different floatability characteristics.Synthetic collector is being used in plant as a flotation reagent. An alternate collector with new chemistry was developed for reducing total treatment cost without compromising product yield and quality. A series of laboratory tests were conducted to assess the performance of various sources of raw coal and plant scale trial was started. At first, the new generation coal collector was entirely substituted with the existing collector in the laboratory scale. However the plant scale trial data was not in accordance with laboratory results and indicated inferior flotation performanceThe issue was studied and data based conclusions were drawn that the new generation collector aids faster and uncontrollable kinetics. A decision was taken for co-dosing of the synthetic and new collector for the second phase of the trial. A detailed laboratory analysis was done again and few dosing ratios that predicted optimum results were selected for plant trial. The dosing ratio was optimised as per flotation yield and product ashes during the plant trial. The results showed significant improvement from the first phase and optimum dosing rates were decided based on plant observations and data collection. The influence of various process indicators including water quality, feed and product ashes and process yield was studied during all the trials and promising results were established. The co-dosing of both the collectors conferred cost advantage and enabled to achieve superior performance."

Jan 1, 2016