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By Nav Dhadli

Tailings from Oil Sands MiningWhat are they? Challenges Solutions Regulatory Environment Definition of the AFD Tailings Treatment Process 2010 AFD Pilot/Demonstration ProgramTechnical challenges Performance and Results Next steps Oil Sands Industry Collaboration on Tailings Technology TAILINGS ?WHAT ARE THEY? Mixture of remaining water and solids following bitumen extraction process Composed of water, sand, silt, clay, small amounts of hydrocarbon (bitumen, solvent, and asphaltenes) A necessary part of production in excavation of oil sands and removal of bitumen

May 1, 2011

By A. A. Brant

BECAUSE of its simplicity, the dip needle is widely used for locating magnetic rock formations in drift-covered areas. Although it responds only to strong magnetic disturbances, it has the advantage that surveys with it can be carried out rapidly, at relatively low cost, by untrained operators. More accurate surveys can be made with a much more sensitive instrument known as the magnetometer, but this must be operated by a specialist and the resulting survey costs are much higher. Mining men use the dip needle for the location of magnetic ores or mineral deposits associated with magnetic rocks. In certain districts, a survey with the dip needle may aid in solving geological structure. In the Little Long Lac and Crow River gold camps of Ontario, it has recently been used for these purposes. In interpreting the results of a dip needle survey, an understanding of the chief magnetic and mechanical factors determining the dip recorded by the needle is definitely necessary. For example, many observers locate a magnetic body by the highest dip values, apparently unaware that these frequently may not lie directly above the body. It should also be realized that a careful dip needle survey may yield information regarding the dip, breadth, and perhaps depth, of the magnetic body. Moreover, the observer should know when numerous closely-spaced dip readings are necessary, and when the dip may be measured at more widely separated intervals. The purpose of the following article is primarily to describe the factors affecting the registration of the dip needle, with a view to aiding investigators in a more accurate and complete interpretation of their results. To explain the cause of magnetic disturbances (anomalies) and the action of the dip needle, a knowledge of certain fundamental magnetic terms is necessary.

Jan 1, 1938

By Soumitry J. Ray

Poor visibility of powered industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, used in industry is often the cause of accidents that include pedestrians. Current standards allow up to 20 % non-visible regions for forklifts where measurement of these regions is performed by using lamps. A collaboration of research organizations, including National Institute of Standards and Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology (NIST), and Direct Dimensions, has been evaluating advanced methods for measuring a forklift operator?s visibility. These methods can potentially improve visibility standards. They can also help forklift and sensor manufacturers to determine (1) how visibility-assist sensors and algorithms can be designed and (2) where sensors can be mounted on forklifts. This paper includes explanation of visibility measurement experiments performed and results, associated language suggested to standards organizations, and a prototype design for measuring the visibility of forklifts automatically.

Aug 1, 2013

By O. Leuangthong, E. Schnetzler

"The McMurray formation in the Athabasca oil sands deposits of northern Alberta is part of the world’s second largest proven crude oil reserves. The formation is characterized by stratigraphic layers that correspond to three different depositional environments: Marine, Estuarine, and Fluvial facies. Resource estimation for oil sands has traditionally relied on polygonal and inverse distance schemes. These techniques are simple and straightforward in practice, but they do not permit reliable uncertainty assessment. This paper describes the modelling of the McMurray formation using modern geostatistical techniques.Geostatistical modelling should be performed within homogeneous geological facies. The methodology for geostatistical simulation within each of the identified facies involves: 1) assessing the most appropriate stratigraphic transformation for optimization of the correlation structure; 2) determining representative distributions with declustering and debiasing techniques; 3) modelling spatial continuity of the bitumen grade, fines grade, water saturation, and other petrophysical variables; 4) performing estimation and cross validation as checks against simulation results; 5) performing simulation for uncertainty quantification of bitumen and fines grade; and 6) model checking of simulation results against the input data, and comparisons against the kriged models. These steps are described in detail. The application of these models for uncertainty quantification in support of resource classification is also discussed."

Jan 1, 2006

By M. Abumiya, N. Onodera

Stabilization of arsenic via the precipitation of large-sized scorodite (FeAsO4·2H2O) particles usually involves the use of expensive autoclave systems operated under high temperature and pressure conditions. Alternatively, DOWA developed a novel scorodite synthesis process (DMSP®) wherein the Fe(II) ions in solution containing As(V) ions were oxidized by O2 gas under atmospheric pressure. In this process, crystalline scorodite particles were formed via the formation of a gel-like precursor containing Fe(II). Based on this concept, in this study, we have demonstrated the synthesis of scorodite particles by the addition of Fe(III)-containing solution to the experimental solution containing Fe(II) and As(V) ions, without the O2 gas oxidation process. Ferric sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3) was used as the source of Fe(III) ions. Results indicate the precipitation of scorodite particles, comparable to that of the O2 gas oxidation method.

Jan 1, 2014

By E. B. Wilson

"Although the Operations Research technique of Reliability Theory has been applied with marked success in many fields, including the Apollo spaceship programs, the concept of reliability has not been generally adopted in mining and other heavy industries. Of course, reliability, or the probability that a system will be able to operate without a failure for a given interval of time, does not require the same emphasis in mining as in the aerospace industries. Nevertheless, certain aspects of Reliability Theory can be followed advantageously. For example, reliability calculations can determine the best time to overhaul and whether to retain stand-by units.The usefulness of the pseudo-operations research technique known as Replacement Theory is more readily re-cognized by the maintenance engineers in mining and other heavy industries. One of the least complex models enables the optimum Lifetime of an asset to be determined."

Jan 1, 1970

Several inorganic reagents and organic polymers were tested as depressants in the single mineral flotation of ultrafine iron oxide and hydroxylapatite with Dowfroth 250 as a frother. It was observed that the inorganic reagents and the low molecular weight polymers generally caused dispersion of the ultrafine particles, and consequently their recovery into froth products more or less equaled the recovery of water. On the other hand, the high molecular weight polymers caused different degrees of flocculation of the ultrafine particles, and their recoveries were much lower than the recovery of water. These observations pointed to a need to re-define flotation depressants in fine particle flotation. The traditional definition of a flotation depressant, i.e., to make particle surfaces hydrophilic by forming a hydrophilic film and/or by removing collector and activator coatings, is sufficient for relatively coarse particles. However, to prevent fine and ultrafine particles from floating, a successful depressant should not only make the particles hydrophilic, but also enlarge the particle sizes so that they do not enter the froth product by mechanical entrainment. Polymeric depressants are ideal for these purposes. The different schemes to use polymeric depressants in the selective flotation of fine and ultrafine particles were discussed These schemes involve the integration of the polymeric depressants into other size enlargement processes such as shear flocculation, oil agglomeration, etc., for hydrophobic particles.

Jan 1, 2004

By C. Matthews, A. Vo

"Australia is one of the world’s leading exporters of bulk commodities and the extensive use of sampling equipment is key to the successful management of each mining operation. At the process plant, without a full understanding of the feed, product and tails, it is impossible to fully optimise the performance of the plant, such that the metallurgical balance is often open to error. At the port, a statistically correct, bias free and compliant sampling system is crucial to ensuring exported minerals are reflective of their true value and to avoid penalties. Over the last decade, as a result of the iron ore boom, there has been high demand for reliable, representative and standard compliant solids sample systems in Australia. This paper reviews several solids sampling applications at Australian mine sites, the challenges and experience gained and how the implementation of reliable representative sampling systems has provided better understanding of plant process performance, improved plant control and overall benefits to the operations.INTRODUCTION Mining is the primary contributor to the Australian economy with Australia ranking in the top 4 in economic resources for 21 primary industrial minerals in 2016 (Britt, et al., 2017). Australia is one of the world leaders in the export of the majority of its commodities including gold, copper and iron ore (Britt, et al., 2017). Therefore, a suitable and standard compliant sampling system is essential for evaluating plant performance and content verification. At the mine and at the port, the larger iron ore miners in Australia have developed stockpile models to predict the grade of their ore down to individual blocks of the stockpile. This allows the miner to create the right blend of material for sale to their customers and ensures they are not underselling their product or at risk of penalties for impurities or low grade. As an example, the average difference between the benchmark 62% Fe and low grade 58% Fe fines at the time of this report averaged US $30/tonne according to the Metal Bulletin Iron Ore Index. At a shipload of 180kt this would be a variation of US $5.4M. Whilst this is an extreme example, it highlights the economic importance of producing the correct grade product and a recognised representative sample of said product."

Jan 1, 2019

In most instances, the preferred mining methods in steeply dipping narrow vein deposits are selective methods such as cut and fill or shrinkage. The main advantage of these methods lies in the higher degree of control over dilution that can be achieved. However, where ore body geometry lends itself to it, high yield bulk methods can also be attractive. Higher productivity (and the associated lower costs) and lower worker exposure are some of the significant advantages that have made such methods so popular. The Lapa gold mine located in North-Western Quebec uses the long hole mining method (with cemented rock fill) very successfully despite challenging ground conditions. This paper focuses on the experience of the mine with regards to drilling and blasting practices. Firstly, the reasons that prompted the selection of this mining method at Lapa are examined. Secondly, the challenges that the difficult ground conditions found at Lapa pose to drilling and blasting are discussed. Finally, the results of trials of different drilling and blasting strategies that were performed at the mine are presented with particular emphasis on the lessons learned.

Aug 1, 2013

By P. B. Queneau, Peter V. Avotins, Lauch F. Farris

"The Lang Bay germanium property is a carbonaceous sandstone deposit outcropping near the Pacific coast, 100 km north of Vancouver. The germanium-bearing seams are up to 5 m thick. Where one such seam outcrops, it averages 50 to 60 g Ge/tonne. Drill core analyses have shown considerably greater concentrations of germanium at depth. Additional drilling to establish continuity and grade of the germanium-b earing strata is scheduled for 1986. The germanium occurs in association with lignite, which makes up 1 to 2% of the seam. American Cyanamid Company engineers have developed a proprietary flotation reagent effective for concentrating the germanium rich vitrain portion of the Lang Bay lignite. Ongoing laboratory studies are developing procedures for further upgrading and refining of this germanium. This paper outlines progress made by Fargo Oil Corporation on Lang Bay geology, reserve estimation, mine planning, ore dressing, refining, and economic evaluation.IntroductionIn 1871, Mendeleyev specula ted on the properties of a ""missing"" element between silico n and tin on the periodic table. The discovery of germanium fifteen years later proved the Mendeleyev predictions to be remarkably accurate. Almo half a century later, the pioneering work of McCutcheon of Eagle-Picher led to production of germanium dioxide from Oklahoma zinc smelting residues. Demand for the element surged due to development of the Ge02 diode rectifier during World War II, followed by development of the transistor in 1947. The chief commercial sources for germanium during the following two decades were the Cu-Zn mines in the Congo and the Zn-Cu-Pb mines of Tsumeb in Southwest Africa. The germanium was chemically combined in complex Cu-Fe sulphides (germanite and renierite), from which the element was recovered either by leaching the selectively roasted sulphide, or by direct fuming of GeS(I). Although these deposits have reportedly been depleted (2), new deposits of renierite have been discovered in Zaire. Alternative sources of germanium are therefore being sought worldwide for use in infrared optics, semiconductors, fibre optics, and catalysts. One such source is germanium-rich coal (2)."

Jan 1, 1986

By Iwueze Anaekperechi Rose

The International Labor Organization has declared mandatory adequate provision of safe workplace and safety for all workers in all occupations including the mining sector. Early scientists like Agricola (1559) who studied the health of Miners, found that there are peculiar health problems associated to their work and working environment. This unsafe working condition was one of the major factors that resulted to the Industrial revolution in England and eventually led to the establishment of regulations and laws guiding operations in all workplaces and workers in England and all over the world. Recent studies by Heinrich suggested chains of events of safety issues in the mining sector. Occupational injuries, accidents and ill health have huge social and economic implications on workers, their families and communities. Top mining top issues are respiratory diseases, noise, explosives, ventilation, fire, and explosion. However, one of the principal mechanisms for achieving Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) goals and mapping the future is government regulations of employers. In Nigeria, the situation is not different; mining operations are equally hazardous and have far reaching implications. In 1995 the Ministry for Solid Minerals was established to focus on the development of other categories of mineral products ranging from gold, coal, uranium, and tantalum deposited across the country. Prior to this an Act of Parliament Act Cap 121 of 1946, was in place to regulate amongst other contents mining safety. This was subsequently reviewed following the incidence of Lead poisoning resulting from small scale miners processing gold ore highly contaminated with lead in Zamfara state (northern Nigeria). Hundreds of children died as a result of exposure to lead poisoning, it was clear that the regulations were not sufficient (details to be discussed). However, advances have been achieved in mining engineering since then. A review team was constituted to provide a more stringent law to regulate mining operations in Nigeria. The strategies for mapping the future of OHS in mining engineering will employ amongst others setting and adopting ISO/ILO standards and enforcement; providing technical assistance; and establishing sustainable developmental structures as surveillance and compensation. The management systems approach was also developed as a result of cases of accidents. The accepted international standards guidelines and requirements will be proposed. Furthermore in mapping the future for Mining Engineering, it is suggested that most countries have their own management strategies and legislation to improve safety of workers through greater consistency and efficiency of OHS programs. Some American researchers came up with the Safety Engineering Model. The Australian Mining Council of mineral and petroleum resources after the Catastrophic Maura Disaster developed the National Mine and Safety Framework. In Canada, after the Hillcrest mine disaster in 1914, Allan shaft coal mine catastrophe in 1918, Westray mine explosion in 1992 and other disasters, Occupational Health and Safety Act R.R.O 1990 was sufficiently developed to provide adequate safety conditions and standards. In Nigeria after the disastrous Zamfara lead poisoning, which claimed the lives of hundreds of children due to exposure and lack of appropriate safety measures, stringent measures were developed by the federal ministry of Justice to address and regulate mining process in Nigeria.

Aug 1, 2013

By T. T. Wang, T. H. Huang, Y. C. Chiu

Quantitatively analyzing deformation of a tunnel with lining anomalies for structural safety evaluation is essential for sustainable tunnel engineering. However, a complete theory and associated methodology accounted for displacement of a built tunnel is absent. This manuscript introduces a novel characteristic matrix method proposed by the authors which is an integrated procedure that analyzes displacement of rock tunnels in operation. First, establish a numerical model expressing a specific state of the tunnel in interest. Derive the characteristic displacement modes by a unit disturbances and check their independency. Once the characteristic displacement modes are proved to be orthogonal (independent), they are ready for use. Given a tunnel displacement, modal decomposition returns the magnitude of each characteristic displacement modes that together consist the given displacement. By realizing the definite value of horizontal and vertical translation, rotation, uniform compression/expansion, elliptic deformation, triangular deformation…etc. for a tunnel displacement, one can distinguish tunnel displacement and deformation types from their modal composition. A circular tunnel with elastic structure and surrounded by elastic rock mass is chosen to demonstrate the outcome of characteristic modes and how they work. The influences of tunnel shape, elastic modulus ratio between rock mass and tunnel structure, and numbers of monitoring points on a tunnel profile were also discussed. Identifying possible tunnel deformation causes is attainable if further connections between mode combination and force increments were built.

Jan 1, 2015

By M. Dupuis, V. Bojarevics

It is well known that horizontal current density in the metal pad contributes greatly to the generation of MHD driven bath-metal interface wave. It is possible to compute very accurately the metal pad current density using a very detailed finite element model [1], but a MHD model must be compatible to this level of mesh refinement and to recalculate the current distribution at each time step, including the full busbar supply system. The accuracy of the instability prediction of the cell depends on the accuracy of the metal pad current density calculation. This study presents the comparison of the metal pad current density calculation of the detailed finite element model and the MHD-Valdis model for different metal pad heights and ledge thickness. It also presents the corresponding cell MHD stability predictions.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. D. Brown

Higher employer costs and increased employee benefits will result from the current sweeping revisions of the un-employment insurance system now receiving consideration before Parliament. The new legislation, the Un-employment Insurance Act, 1971, will substantially increase the unemployment insurance costs of many employers through an increase in the level of employer contributions -generally, employer contributions will go to 1.4 times employee costs -as well as by extending coverage to many classes of employees now exempt. Under the new legislation, executives, technicians, teachers, institutional workers and others will be covered, and eligible for the higher benefits which it provides. For the first time, absence from work because of illness or accident may qualify individuals for unemployment insurance benefits.

Jan 1, 1971

By R. D. Brown

Manitoba has now joined Ontario and Quebec in providing for new incentives and lower tax rates for the mining industry. A single rate of tax (to replace the former two-tier royalty), an investment tax credit and a relatively straightforward set of rules for calculating taxable mining profits are the main features of new mining tax legislation announced by Manitoba's Finance Minister Donald W. Craik in his May 15, 1979 budget address. On introducing amendments to reform The Metallic Minerals Royalty Act, the Finance Minister indicated that the new tax regime is intended to restore the Manitoba mining tax system to a competitive position in Canada, and should result in renewed investment in the province's mining industry. 1n this regard, the government could be right-there is little question that the new tax regime will produce greater incentives for the mining industry than the two-tier royalty system introduced by the New Democratic government in 1975. The proposed changes, contained in Bill 57, would largely be effective January I. 1979.

Jan 1, 1979

Reaction between xanthate ions in solution and oxidized compounds present on the surface of galena to form lead xanthate is considered to be a side reaction not contributing to flotation, although accounting for some consumption of reagent. The direct reaction of lead sulphide with xanthate and oxygen to form lead xanthate is the most significant to flotation. Coadsorntion of dixanthogen is also involved. Previous work has shown lead recovery in lead rougher flotation to be a function of m [H+] where: m = concentration of xanthate in solution rHl = hydrogen ion concentration. A plausible explanation for this relationship is suggest-ed. Likewise, the experimental findings that the amount of xanthate adsorbed under certain conditions is a function of m'[H+] are explained in terms of reaction between xanthate ions and soluble basic lead salts such as PbO.PbS04? It is also shown that m[H+] should have a constant value in lead cleaners operating at a higher pH than the roughers. This conclusion is confirmed by plant data, and the value of the constant agrees well with the calculated value. The finding is useful in mill control.

Jan 1, 1965

By P. A. Crane, N. Shirley, Aung Moe, H. M. Nicholson, D. Kan

Kazakhstan’s first commercial copper-leach solvent extraction-electrowinning plant, Central Asia Metals’ Kounrad project, was commissioned in April 2012. Exploiting low grade waste stockpiles produced during Soviet era open pit mining, a 10,000 tpa copper cathode plant was designed, constructed and commissioned within 18 months. Overcoming initial challenges with a workforce unfamiliar with the technology and with extensive periods of sub-zero conditions during winter the project has consistently met targets and produced high quality copper cathodes at cash costs of less than US$1/lb. Challenges encountered during the first two years of operation are described and future plans briefly discussed.

Jan 1, 2014

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 Thomas. Lisa, Mark Coleman

Schenck Process is an established customer-driven solutions provider, utilising its knowledge, expertise and technologies to transform production processes. Operating across several industries Schenck Process have developed quality solutions from their range of equipment to solve problems and fill holes in other people’s processes. In the non-ferrous metals industries Schenck Process have been using their Clyde Brand solutions in Pneumatic Transport to solve problems on smelter sites for a number of years, handling of concentrates, additives and metallurgical dusts. Working alongside clients around the world they have developed a number of dust handling systems for flash furnaces from New Boliden, through Codelco to PASAR. Solving handling issues in dust collection has proved to suit Schenck Process range of equipment well and now a series of solutions are available. Solutions have been developed to handle materials up to 600°C and can convey over 1 km. Conveying to remote location for disposal, injecting directly into a furnace through lances, return to furnace burner feed, or deliver and dose into leaching reactors, Schenck Process are ready to ‘make processes work’. Historic solutions at New Boliden and Codelco demonstrate a range of material application and the long term performance of the equipment. Recent installations at Pasar utilise the Schenck new ProPhaseTM equipment and handle the Waste Heat Boiler and ESP dusts directly and simplify the dust train. The paper will seek to show how this equipment can bring benefit in handling high temperature materials directly and eliminate several traditional steps that are often unreliable. The systems can be paired with Schenck Process new PHASiQTM and STREAMiQTM control systems which are complete PC, HMI, PLC, Interface system with full SCADA, Data Storage and IoT ready remote interrogation and support available. Installed in this challenging environment the systems are ready for smelter use. The systems can be also joined to our new E-nizingTM web portal. A perfect partnership to deliver the trend in ‘Big Data’ while providing visibility and off site support. The paper will show how these systems can deliver reliable equipment and remote support for these often isolated sites as well as delivering rapid return on investment. This paper discusses a step change in simplifying Flash Furnace Dust handling which Schenck believes shows the truth of Schenck Process Solutions claim that ‘we make processes work’.

Jan 1, 2019

By Y. M. Jubeli

"Gamma-ray spectrometry, an effective tool in geological mapping, was used to de?ne boundaries between various lithological formations in three adjacent areas of Central Syria, namely, the Syrian Desert, Ar Rassafeh Badiayat and the Northern Palmyrides mountains.This paper describes the role of an airborne gamma spectrometric survey which was originally undertaken to assist uranium exploration. Interpretation of the total count data obtained through the survey has led to signi?cant modi?cations and corrections to the previously published distribution map of the palaeogene phosphate rocks.Another important result of the survey is the discovery of four previously unknown phosphorite horizons in the Rasm Al-Aawabed area of the Northern Palmyrides. In addition, previously unknown phosphatic horizons are outlined in the other study areas. The importance of this technique as an effective prospecting method, not only for U but also for exploring for the economically important phosphorite formations in Syria, is emphasized. Furthermore, its role in geological mapping is stressed, especially in areas that lack suf?cient geological data."

Jan 1, 1997