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By A. Fortin, C. Fréchette, M. Kreuh

Éléonore project is a gold ore processing plant at a mine site located near James Bay, Quebec, Canada. SNC-Lavalin was mandated by Goldcorp to perform EPCM services on the ore processing plant and permanent infrastructures of the project following an internal pre-feasibility study. The project incurred considerable challenges due to fast-tracking from a pre-feasibility to detailed engineering and construction. The paper reviews how the EPCM was carried out. Some of the challenges resulting from skipping the feasibility study stage are discussed. The paper also presents how multiple offices across Canada were used for the engineering design.

Jan 1, 2015

By A. Bouajila

To stay competitive in an open market, mineral industries have to optimise their processes, lower their production costs and improve the commercial value of their products. Up to a recent past, they were impaired in this attempt by a lack of adequate devices allowing reliable on-line and real-time process monitoring (detection or measurement). Process monitoring for process control and the product characterisation for quality control are quite different tasks. Planners and researchers should be fully aware of this when evaluating or developing monitoring equipment for on-line process control. This paper will comment on some aspects of sensor specifications, during the design and the evaluation steps, related to sampling, measurement (accuracy, sensitivity, delay and correlation to the process) and suitability to the exploitation environment. Examples of R&D projects promoted by COREM for various industrial applications will be presented.

May 1, 2001

By K. Sasaki

Ventilation measurements were carried out in a shallow underground-quarry space with relatively large internal volume of 14,600 m3 in order to evaluate its effective ventilation characteristics. Based on air velocity measurements with an ultrasonic anemometer in the exhaust airway connected to the space, it was found that the space was ventilated by natural ventilation airflow with intermittent changes in direction. It was difficult to measure the ventilation flow with typical methods of flow measurement provided from the intake portal and throughout the mine, because the cross-sectional area and volume of the openings were too large and the flow was variable. In the present study, a tracer gas method was applied to evaluate the effective ventilation airflow rate in the space. A photo-acoustic infra-red gas monitor, highly sensitive to SF6 gas used as a tracer gas, was set in the space to determine air exchange rates from gas concentration-time decay curves. The seasonal variations of airflow and thermal environment in the space were investigated through 13 sets of measurements taken over 15 months. Airborne rock dust concentrations were also measured at same time in the opening. The correlations between the effective ventilation airflow rate, thermal environment and dust concentrations in the opening space were analyzed and are discussed based on the presented measurements taken during year. It is concluded that seasonal variations in effective ventilation flow and the dust concentration are mainly due to differences in air temperature in the space, as affected by the rock?s surface temperature and atmospheric temperature. In summertime, the air temperature and associated air density difference generated lower natural ventilation flows resulting in higher dust concentrations.

Aug 1, 2013

By A. Valenzuel

Arsenic is a common impurity in copper sulfide concentrates treated pyrometallurgically, which inevitably during the smelting-converting process reports in the final copper product affecting its properties, but also it is a very toxic occupational hazard. Arsenic recovery or disposal from concentrates or arsenic-containing copper smelter dusts have been practiced in the metallurgical industry for many years. It has been recovered principally as arsenic trioxide by roasting or leaching then precipitated. On the other hand, several hydrometallurgical processes have been developed and implemented in smelters to remove it from arsenicbearing dusts and stabilize it prior to disposal in the form of a solid compound, either as calcium arsenate, arsenic sulfide or ferric arsenate. This paper reviews the methods implemented for arsenic recovery worldwide and arsenic disposal in the metallurgical industry.

May 1, 2001

By H. Saari, M. Pates, P. C. Patnaik, A. Merati

Single crystal nickel-base superalloys such as PWA1484 exhibit superior performance compared to conventional superalloys, and are used extensively in turbine blade applications requiring good high temperature properties. The life of these blades is typically limited by cracks and erosion. Due to the high cost of these blades, welding techniques are being considered to weld/repair worn components, extending their useful lives and delaying the need for expensive replacement components. However, the sensitivities for solidification cracking and post weld heat treatment cracking are relatively high in these alloys. Electron beam (EB) welding can deliver concentrated heat sources and has the potential to address these issues. Numerous welding trials and structural tests must be conducted to identify the optimum method and welding parameters. Weldability is studied over a range of material conditions, welding parameters, and directions. The influence of welding parameters on the fusion zone microstructure and resultant weldability is investigated using combination of microscopic examination and micro-hardness testing. This paper summarizes some of the results of a feasibility study conducted to understand the effects of welding parameters on localized microstructural features, cracking sensitivity, and mechanical properties of autogenously EB welded coupons of single crystal PWA1484.

Jan 1, 2004

By M. Cimenti

Fuel cells have tremendous potential as power sources but much fundamental research is still required. One key component of the research is the experimental set-up used. In particular, the placement of the reference electrode is extremely significant in measuring the half-cell overpotential of solid oxide fuel cells, since differences in area, misalignments, and also differences in the kinetics of the working and counter electrodes can cause both scaling errors and frequency distortions of the measured impedance. The impedance of thin solid electrolyte cells of different electrode geometries has been calculated using the finite element method and the results compared to experimental values obtained for the oxygen reduction reaction on platinum.

Jan 1, 2005

By Francis Dakubo, Courtney Young, Avimanyu Das

"Hydrometallurgy of copper ores typically involve acid leaching followed by solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW). EW is the final purification stage in which a voltage is applied across two electrodes causing the copper ions to reduce and deposit on the cathode. Applied voltages are near 2 volts with current densities around 300 amps/m2. In this study, research was undertaken to decrease the energy consumed in the EW process. To do this, various cell designs were constructed and tested in which a membrane was used to separate the cathode and anode compartments with concentrated solution from SX serving as catholyte and raffinate from SX serving as anolyte. Therefore, copper in the concentrated solution would be deposited on the cathode while ferrous in the raffinate would be oxidized to ferric at the anode. Because it is assumed that ferric acid leaching is used, resulting ferric would be recycled to the leaching process. A positive side effect of the envisioned process would be the elimination of oxygen evolution at the anode and thus the prevention of acid-misting. After a cell design was selected, it was used to test a number of variables: flowrate, concentration, temperature, ion-exchange membrane, and applied voltage. Following experiments in which variable ranges were determined, statistical modeling was conducted using STATEASE software. Optimal results indicate the voltage can be decreased to 1.5-1.7 volts with current densities of 300-400 amps/m2. Significant reduction in the energy consumption was accomplished by reducing the applied voltage. Furthermore, current efficiencies and copper production rates was increased by application of the membrane.INTRODUCTIONLeaching of copper ores is achieved using mostly sulfuric acid. The copper pregnant solution is contacted with an organic solvent or resin adsorbent which picks up copper ions as in Equation 1:"

Jan 1, 2016

By D. G. Ingram

This paper reviews the operating and maintenance practices at Bethlehem Copper from the commencement of operations in November 1962 to the present. Cost data and wear life of major components are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1979

By Tedd E. Lister, Andre Anderko, Peiming Wang

Mobile electronic devices such as smart phones and tablets are a significant source of valuable metals that should be recycled. Value metals in phones are gold, palladium, silver, copper, cobalt and nickel. Devices now contain increasing amounts of rare earth elements (REE). Effective recycling schemes should include the recovery of these critical materials. Targeted recycling of items containing more of the less available critical materials could address their future criticality. This presentation will describe an electro-hydrometallurgy approach to efficient recycling of metals from scrap mobile electronics. The electrorecycling (ER) process generates oxidizing agents at an anode while reducing dissolved metals at the cathode. Development of the process involved generation of E vs pH diagrams, complemented with metals dissolution experiments used to assess the effectiveness of various solution chemistries. Although several schemes were envisioned, a two stage process has been the focus of work: 1) initial dissolution of Cu, Sn, Ag and magnet materials using Fe+3 generated in acidic sulfate and 2) final dissolution of Pd and Au using Cl2 generated in an HCl solution. Results from laboratory work will be discussed.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. Probst, J. A. Finch

"Solids concentration (weight % solids) profiles and the clear liquid/slurry interface level (mud-line) were determined from conductivity measurements in thickeners at Falconbridge's Strathcona mill (Ni concentrate and non-mag thickeners) and Kidd Creek Division (Cu, Zn concentrates and final tails in the concentrator and a jarosite thickener in the Zn plant).The conductivity measurement system consisted of a probe 1.5 m in length with 23 electrode cells, a 24-channel relay, a conductivity meter and a computer. A conductivity profile is collected which locates the mud-line by a sharp change in conductivity. The conductivity measurements are readily converted to solids concentration profiles using a model due to Maxwell.The results from conductivity measurements were compared with direct measurements on local samples obtained using a modified Noranda sampler.It is concluded that the conductivity technique is applicable to locate the mud-line and to estimate the solids concentration profiles in thickeners. This on-line informnation could improve the operational efficiency of industrial thickeners."

Jan 1, 1994

By D. G. Cerigo, D. M. Bryce, P. H. Jennings

This paper summarizes the results of an experimental and economic study undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of treating an oxidized orebody of about 10 million tons, grading about 0.75 per cent copper, by agitation leaching and by percolation leaching.

Jan 1, 1968

By A P. Powell

This paper deals with the power plant at Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Ltd., Cassiar, B.C. It discusses the units installed in the plant, the distribution of power and the costs involved. The efficiencies and economics of this power plant are considered to be somewhat better than average. Introduction C ASSIAR Asbestos Corporation's power plant had its inception in 1952 with a 15-by 15-ft. log cabin containing two International Harvester diesel generator sets of 50 kw. total generating capacity. Over the years, it has grown to its present size -an 80 by 82 ft. by 35-ft.-high rigid-frame Butler building housing eight 2,300-volt diesel generating sets, a 2,300-volt distributing switchboard, a 550-volt auxiliary panel, three air compressors, six heat exchangers and other related equipment. The units in the power plant, numbered according to their order of placement, are rated as shown in Table I. The total generating capacity of the plant is 3,673 kw. All of the generators are of the open vertical design except that on No. 7 engine,

Jan 1, 1965

By Patrick J. Williams

Defining Features of IOCGs ? Sulphur-poor Cu-Au(-Fe) deposits ? Contain low-Ti iron oxides ? Hydrothermal origin (breccia, vein, replacement) ? Local structural controls (no ?causitive? intrusions) Common Features (Economically-Significant Terranes) ? Regional space-time association with plutons ? Association with widely metasomatized crust ? Na ? Na-Ca ? K ? Variable enrichment in F, Co, Ba, LREE, U ? Little hydrothermal quartz (cf. porphyry deposits)

May 1, 2006

By V. K. Srivastava1

Coal mine fires burn about 20?21 million tons of coal per year throughout the world, which not only results in loss of valuable coal reserves, but also cause serious environmental hazards over large areas. The famous Jharia Coalfield of Dhanbad, India is no exception; here a coal mine fire originally reported nearly a century ago is still continuing unabated in vast areas of the coalfield. In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyse high resolution multispectral thermal images of ASTER for mapping and delineating surface and subsurface coal mine fire areas of this coalfield. From the generated temperature gradient map, as well as from the surface temperature anomaly map, it has been possible to differentiate shallow and deep coal mine fire regions and other erroneous cultural features. It is observed that the coal fires are distributed mostly in the eastern part of the area, which has branched into two major coal fire zones: one along Lodna- Tisra-Bhulanbarari-Kujama-Jealgora Jharia and the other along the Kusunda-Kendudih area. The western fire zone is restricted in Dumra-Nadkhurkee-Jayramdih area. From ASTER thermal infrared data from 2006, the total affected area is estimated to be about 7 km2, of which the deep subsurface coal mine fire area is around 3 km2 and the shallow surface coal mine fire area is around 4 km2, as compared to 18 km2 coal mine fire area estimated in 1987 using Landsat TM thermal band data. In other words, the fireaffected region has decreased by about 50 % during the last 18 years. However, such decrease in coal fire area is seen in the central portion only, and has in fact increased in the south eastern parts of the Jharia coalfield. Study of Differential Interferometery images, generated from Earth Resources Satellite (ERS) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) tandem data has shown that the active coal mine fires are in general associated with low topography/subsidence areas.

Aug 1, 2013

By Sean Dessureault

Technological Revolution ?Information age ? brought about by: ?Low-cost processing, storage, information sharing ?Shared & integrated data ? Increasingly more sensors & data sources From data collection to data use ??Data mining??analyzing the huge volumes of data ?Key example used in MBAs: ?Wal-mart, Google Explosion of data, trickle of information ?Paralysis of action Outline Trying to provoke- What drives innovation now? ?Challenges in mining Data Action Approach ?Examples from research & consulting upon request Conclusions ?Unaddressed challenges (Research Opportunities)

May 1, 2006

By G. Couture

In the introduction to this presentation, we will cover the market of motorized recreational products. We will introduce the public to what is produced and sold worldwide, what is the nature and general behaviour of the customers for such products. We will cover the evolution of this market and put in evidence how drastic must be the changes in the manufacturers organizations in order to, in one hand, constantly adjust to the customer demand, and in the other hand, react to the competitors' offensives on the market.

Jan 1, 2006

By Forrest A. Kerr

The subject of the Coast Range batholith and its eastern contact zone needs no introduction to British Columbia mining men. Because of its reputed potentialities, this zone has aroused much interest. Because it has touched the pockets of the people by actually producing dividend-paying mines, it has been able, more particularly in certain isolated sections, to retain and accentuate that interest. However, the Stikine River section of the zone has never had the good fortune to have a mine developed, which, through profits or lack of profits, could create such interest. The Cassiar district, beyond the Stikine River area, has been a lure to the prospector for over half a century and was still strong enough in the last few years to attract close to a million dollars in capital and labour. All of this has passed through the Stikine river area, has looked at it, and ignored it. Sufficient interest has never been aroused in the area to bring forth an effort to see what is there, in spite of the fact that it belongs to the same zone in which some of our richest mining camps are located. Because the contact zone of the Coast Range batholith has long been recognized as an ore producer of considerable potentiality, the Geological Survey some years ago formulated a plan to map as much of this area as possible in order to assist in promoting its development. This plan has been furthered during the last fifteen years whenever opportunity presented itself, until today a fairly large part of the area has been covered. The work which has been done on the Stikine during the last two years is the beginning on what is the largest remaining gap in the general plan.

Jan 1, 1928

By C. Sideco

"Concentrate drying at the Sullivan Concentrator goes back to 1937 when the original coal-fired dryer was put into operation. This was a second hand 8' dia. x 56' long Struthers-Wells rotary dryer that came from the phosphate plant in Warfield, B.C.In 1962, replacement of the old dryer was seriously considered. The shell and the auxiliary drive mechanism were badly worn and needed replacing. In April 1963, the new 8' dia. x 65' long fuel oil-fired Struthers-Wells dryer went in operation at an installed cost of $174,000.In 1965, it was apparent that a major rebuilding of the dust collecting system would have to be done. A study was carried out and a Ducon Dynamic Gas Scrubber was installed. The system went in operation in November 1966 and has fully met expectations.In the same year, the zinc dryer was converted from fuel oil to natural gas. The conversion has resulted in savings in fuel cost of 12 to 15%.Frame No. 1Zinc Dryer PerformanceDryer Make - Struthers-WellsDryer Size 3/4 8' dia. x 65' long Drum Drive - 100 HPSpeed of Rotation - 5 RPMFeed Rate - 50-65 TPHFeed Moisture - 10-12%Discharge Moisture - 4-6%Dryer Inlet Temperature - 1600-1800°F Dryer Outlet Temperature - 200-250°F Stack Gas Volume - 25,000-40,000 CFNDust Collecting Efficiency - 99.75-99.98% Duet Loss in Stack - 50-300 lbs./day"

Jan 1, 1972

"In today’s world of complex projects, where engineering and execution are supported by a high level of project management and systems, how critical is the human factor in design engineering. Based on his involvement on a variety of projects, Tony Lipiec will relate his experiences as the impact of 4 factors: the ‘team’ involved in the design and execution of the project; the project and information systems supporting the project; the impact of scope, time, and budget; and finally the selection of the proper success criteria to judge the project and the people who have enacted the project.The discussion of the team will relate to the quality of people and the impact of their knowledge, attitude and experience. It will also look at the relationships and interests of the various stakeholders. Decision making and taking responsibility will be discussed.Supporting the team are the management, document and information systems. The value that these systems bring to the project as a whole will be examined. How project size impacts the applicability of the systems will be discussed.Scope, time and budget are recognized as critical. Reference will be made to the interplay between these components which are vital to project success. The issue of iterative design and whether it is necessary will be considered together with the development of supporting technical information.Finally the selection of the proper success criteria and the awards provided to the team can have a big impact on the final, production success of the project. The author will discuss his views on the impacts of these on EPCM projects."

Jan 1, 2016

By P. B. Marchant

"Considerable gold and silver values are lost to flotation tailing from both the South ern Tail orebody and the Main Zone orebody,The underlying mineralogical assemblage of the two ore types is quite different. This paper describes the research strategy employed to determine an economical method to scavenge gold and silver from flotation tailing.Much of the unrecovered gold in the Southern Tail ore is associated with arsenopyrite while silver losses are probably as unliberated tetrahedrite and minor silver-bearing sulphosalts. Processing alternatives tested include bulk sulphide recovery by flotation and gravity, selective pyrite-arsenopyrite separation, cyanidation, and oxidation pretreatments such as pressure leaching and bioleaching to enhance cyanidation response. Gold losses in the Main Zone ore are more closely associated with silver-bearing minerals, pyrite, and siliceous gangue and consequently respond more readily to conventional tank cyanidation. The 5 300 tid carbon-in-leach circuit to treat Main Zone flotation tailing is described in detail.IntroductionEquity Silver Mines Limited's open-pit silver mine, a 70% owned subsidiary of Placer Development Limited, is located 37 km southeast of Houston in north central British Columbia. The deposit consists of two major ore zones, Main Zone and Southern Tail (Fig. I). These zones are within a sequence of Cretaceous volcanic and sedimentary rocks striking 015 degree s and dipping 45 degrees west. Feasibility ore reserves were 28 million tonnes grading 106 g A g/t, 0.96 g Au !t and 0.38% Cu a strip ratio of 2.2 to I. A detailed mineralogical description has been presented and a comparison of the two ore zones is shown in Table I."

Jan 1, 1986