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By William V. Robinson

The Iron Ore Company of Canada mines, processes and ships crude iron ore, concentrate and pellets from the rich ore bodies of the Labrador Trough area in the extreme north-eastern part of Canada, some five hundred miles from Montreal (see figure 1). There are three main sites of activity. At Schefferville, approximately 12 million tons a year of crude ore (chiefly limonite) are mined, crushed, screened and shipped to Sept-Iles. At Labrador City, 40 million tons of specular hematite are mined annually for processing into 17 million tons of concentrate. Of this, 9 million tons are converted into pellets. All product 1s shipped to Sept-Iles. At Sept-Iles, on the north coast of the St. Lawrence, a six million ton per year concentrator and pellet plant process much of the Scheffervllle ore into high-grade pellets. Also at Sept-Iles are the company's administration offices stockpiles and shipping facilities. The Terminal facilities can berth and load a 250,000 ton bulk carrier at 19,000 tons per hour.

Jan 1, 1975

By LUKAS FAHLE, Andrew J. Petruska, JURGEN F. BRUNE, Gabriel Walton, Elizabeth A. Holley

Adverse ground behavior events, such as convergence and ground falls, pose critical risks to underground mine safety and productivity. Today, monitoring of such failures is primarily conducted using legacy techniques with low spatial and temporal resolution while exposing workers to hazardous environments. This study assesses the potential of novel simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM)-based light detection and ranging (Lidar) data quality for rapid, digital, and eventually autonomous mine-wide underground geotechnical monitoring. We derive a comprehensive suite of quality metrics based on tests in two underground mines for two state-of-the-art mobile laser scanning (MLS) systems. Our results provide evidence that SLAM-based MLS provides data of the quality required to detect geotechnically relevant changes while being significantly more efficient for large mine layouts when compared to traditional static systems. Additionally, we show that SLAM-specific processing can achieve an order of magnitude better relative accuracy relevant for change detection than quality metrics derived from traditionally deployed tests would suggest while reducing SLAM drift error by up to 90%. In collaboration with an operating block cave mine, we confirm these capabilities in field tests on a mine-wide scale and, for the first time, demonstrate methods of rockfall detection using MLS data. While more work is required to investigate optimal collection, processing, and utilization of MLS data, we demonstrate its potential to become an effective and widely applicable data source for rapid, accurate, and comprehensive geotechnical inspections.

Aug 16, 2022

By G. J. Olson

This paper describes the microbiology basics underlying heap and tank biooxidation of metal sulfide ores and concentrates. The primary organisms are identified and described along with the reactions they catalyze and their growth requirements. Also described is the interaction between ore leaching bacteria and the leaching environment in terms of solution chemistry, temperature, and mineral precipitation. Specific factors and agents that stimulate or inhibit growth and activity of ore bioleaching will be identified. Some of these factors are organism-specific and others are generic for microorganisms that grow under acidic conditions. Current knowledge of the limits of bioleaching in terms of dissolved ions in leach solutions, pH, and temperature will be summarized.

Jan 1, 2003

Samples collected during the exploration phase of mining represent baseline conditions at the site. As such, they can be very important in forecasting potential environmental impacts should mining proceed, and can become measurements against which future changes are compared. Constituents in stream water draining mined and mineralized areas tend to be geochemically, spatially, and temporally variable, which presents challenges in collecting both exploration and baseline water-quality samples. Because short-term (daily) variations can complicate long-term trends, it is important to consider recent findings concerning geochemical variability of stream-water constituents at short-term timescales in designing sampling plans. Also, adequate water-quality information is key to forecasting potential ecological impacts from mining. Therefore, it is useful to collect baseline water samples adequate for geochemical and toxicological modeling. This requires complete chemical analyses of dissolved constituents that include major and minor chemical elements as well as physicochemical properties (including pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen) and dissolved organic carbon. Applying chemical-equilibrium and appropriate toxicological models to water-quality information leads to an understanding of the speciation, transport, sequestration, bioavailability, and aquatic toxicity of potential contaminants. Insights gained from geochemical and toxicological modeling of water-quality data can be used to design appropriate mitigation and for economic planning for future mining activities.

Jan 1, 2011

After several years of laboratory and field evaluations, it has been established that each frother has its own unique relationship among bubble size reduction, gas hold-up increase, froth stabilization and frother concentration. It has been shown that a frother?s hydrodynamic properties can be characterized using the relationship between the froth zone property froth height and the pulp zone property gas hold-up. The relationship is established in a bubble column run at a given air rate over a range of frother concentration. The use of relationships in frother selection and plant diagnostics is illustrated in a series of plant case studies.

Jan 1, 2009

By S. M. Carpenter

In an ever increasing ?carbon? society; management and growth will be measured by one?s carbon footprint (or output). Industries, especially mining, are under an ever increasing scrutiny of carbon, water and environmental mandates. These mandates are measured by the emissions caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. The fundamental building-block for any business, strategic or management decision must be based on an understanding of one?s ?footprint?. The scrutiny is most stringent for the commodities producers, power producers & fuel suppliers in the energy market. An overview of currently acceptable standards, application of those standards and nuances experienced in collecting the data necessary to analyze and complete a company?s carbon footprint will be presented. A lack of regulation, the fear and expectation of new and ever constraining rules, regulation and a change in the federal administration is a recipe for uncertainty in the marketplace.

Jan 1, 2010

By S. Hamilton

Occurrences of boron-containing ores are relatively rare on a global basis. The first verifiable use of borax was in the 8th century by Arabian gold and silversmiths. Due to the rarity of the borate mineral occurrences, borates were originally traded at relatively high prices and were used for very specialized applications. Today, there are

Jan 1, 2006

By M. Deal

Particle size analysis is a fundamental measurement utilized in the mining industry, especially in comminution, hydrometallurgy, and mineral processing. While sieves and cyclosizers are the standard methods used to determine particle size distributions, in recent years alternative instruments have been developed that claim to provide more rapid and equally reliable results. Newmont Metallurgical Services has implemented the use of two such instruments, along with traditional methods (sieves and a cyclosizer), on a daily basis. The Malvern Mastersizer 2000 laser analyzer is a wet sample system that can analyze particles in the size range 0.02µm to 2000µm, and the Horiba CAMSIZER® is a dry system that can analyze particles in the size range of 30µm to 30mm using digital image processing. A comparative analysis has been performed to determine the applicability of each particle sizing method in laboratory testing.

Jan 1, 2011

By A. L. Anderson, J. T. Rybock

KEECO has developed the Silica Micro Encapsulation (SME) technology for the treatment of acidic, metal-laden waters. Utilizing a silica-based chemical formulation that entails chemisorption and micro-encapsulation of heavy metals in a permanent silica matrix, encapsulated particles settle quickly and are effectively isolated from the surrounding environment, producing a stable sludge that is characteristically non-hazardous. In a number of independently-verified pilot and full-scale applications (including the Bunker Hill Mine, Leviathan Mine, Wheal Jane Mine, and Meldon Quarry), SME has been proven highly effective. The technology has been featured in a number of mining publications and selected for innovative technology awards.

Jan 1, 2000

Although out of the ordinary, MINING ENGINEERING is pleased to present a few photographs that typify Western US mining activity during WWII. The photographs, taken by R.G. Zellers at Colorado mining operations between 1942 and 1946, were primarily intended for equipment manufacturers. The pictures capture scenes of hardworking miners during a time when output was essential to fuel a wartime effort. In addition to providing a rare opportunity to step back 40 years and view the equipment and activity common at the time, Zellers' skill with photo composition and his ability to obtain clarity in dimly lit underground operations gives viewers an acute awareness of the dampness and dirt of the mines, and a sense for the miners' limited working space.

Jan 6, 1983

By D. M. Carris

Since the Buffalo Creek incident in February, 1972, Federal and state environmental agencies have had the pressure on the coal industry in the Appalachian area to close the coal processing plant water circuits. In an attempt to comply with this requirement, Eastern .Associated Coal Corp. decided to install a vacuum disc filter system at its Kopperston plant to eliminate the tailings pond and reduce the amount of plant make-up water. It was recognized at the time that the plant static thickener tailings would be a very difficult slurry to dewater because of its unusually high clay content. The following is a case history of the Kopperston installation and the refinements Eastern has made in its vacuum disc filter operation to increase efficiency.

Jan 1, 1979

By Peter Shuttleworth, Chris Fesq, Eddie Woods

Precast concrete segmental linings for tunnels have traditionally been designed with conventional steel bar reinforcement. In many cases, this has been satisfactory in service, but in others, major problems have occurred with the durability of the linings. Commonly this has resulted from corrosion of the reinforcement, mainly from chloridesin ground water, causing spalling of the concrete and leading to very expensive and disruptive repair programs. This paper discusses the relative merits of designing tunnel linings with steel fiber reinforcement to provide long-term durability, improved impact resistance and toughness for greater load capacity across joints, enhanced robustness during transportation and erection, plus improved fire resistance with the addition of polypropylene fibers. Guidance is also given in the selection of the correct fiber type, mix design and testing methods to establish the optimum dosage required and production techniques to ensure even distribution and compaction.

Jan 1, 2005

By B. S. Pierce

The National Coal Resource Assessment – 2000 project was a multi-year effort by the U.S. Geological Survey to identify, characterize, and assess the coal resources that will supply a major part of the Nation’s energy needs during the 21st century. The purpose of the USGS National Coal Resource Assessment (NCRA) was to (1) digitally assess selected coal beds and zones that will be the most important in the next few decades, (2) create publically available stratigraphic, geochemical, and geographic information system (GIS) databases to answer a variety of questions of importance to government, industry and public decision makers, and (3) provide interpretive geologic and geochemical information for the primary coal resources of the Nation. Five priority regions were assessed: the Appalachian Basin, Illinois Basin, Gulf Coast, Illinois Basin, and Northern Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. The NCRA was a cooperative effort between the USGS and a number of State geological surveys in these coal-bearing regions. A study of coal resources on Federal lands was also conducted. Adequate energy supplies and the efficient use of those supplies are critical to the economic well being of a country. Affordable and reliable coal supplies are essential to the interests of our national and local policymakers. Policy makers require a range of information on the energy supply, as well as the economic and environmental issues associated with that energy source and its use. Formulation of an effective national energy policy and development of energy resources requires that we understand the geology, distribution, quality, and size of the national energy endowment.

Jan 1, 2001

By F. E. Heuze

This article deals with the effects of high-explosive and nuclear explosions in rock masses. We first highlight the strong influence of geological discontinuities, such as joints and faults, on ground motion characteristics. Then, we briefly introduce the Discrete Element Method, as a new technique for numerical simulations. II is shown to be far superior to continuum-based approaches, when dealing with the dynamics of discontinuous media such as jointed rocks. Finally, we simulate the ground effects from a generic contained nuclear explosion, which bears some similarity to the SHOAL event in granite. This calculation is intended to emphasize the influence of the near-source geology on the distribution of energy, and on the motion at various azimuths in the medium.

Jan 1, 1991

By J. S. Bays

Industries are challenged to meet increasingly stringent regulations for selenium and metals. Cost-effective treatment is required to minimize the economic impact of environmental compliance. Low-cost biological treatment of selenium can be achieved passively using biochemical reactor cells composed of natural organic media components such as wood chips, sawdust, hay, composted manure, and peat. The reactor cells create an anaerobic microenvironment for biological reduction and sequestration of selenium and other metals. Biochemical reactors can be combined with constructed wetlands for flow equalization and to remove the organic byproducts in reactor cell outflow. Passive treatment reduces capital cost and operational effort compared to more expensive and complex physical and chemical treatment. Recent pilot and full-scale projects by mining companies and by the US Bureau of Reclamation demonstrate that passive treatment can achieve compliance with selenium concentrations over a range of flows and environmental conditions. Case histories of passive selenium treatment systems and their key findings are provided, and prospects for future applications are summarized.

Feb 27, 2013

By Hernan Fernandez, Khalid Saif F S Al- Khayareen, Volkan Salepciler, Jacek B. Stypulkowski

Wakrah and Wukair Drainage Tunnel, WWDT is 13 km long with a 4.5 m ID sewer water tunnel about 50 to 60 m below ground surface. Integral to the project are several adits with provisions for future connections as well as four work shafts, four intermediate access shafts, ancillary hydraulic structures, and an Odor Control Facility. The shaft depths range from 50 to 60 m. The project is constructed in aggressive ground with aggressive ground water. The construction activities require years of pumping and disposal of the ground water during tunneling operations as well as construction of permanent structures in shafts. Grouting of the corrosive rock mass in corrosive groundwater for the WWDT has been described in detail.

Jun 23, 2024

By W. G. Willson, Y. L. Li, P. D. Rao, D. E. Walsh

The combination of high moisture and low heating value has restricted most low-rank coal (LRC) usage worldwide to mine-mouth power generation. The objective of this study was to subject two Alaska low-rank coals to hydrothermal drying to enhance their marketability in the Pacific Rim markets and to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of the dried products as a function of process conditions. Coals from Usibelli Coal Mine and the Beluga coalfield have a heating value of approximately 18.5 MJ/kg and contain about 28% moisture. Hydrothermal treatment (at 275° to 325° C) of lump coal, from the Usibelli Coal Mine and the Beluga coalfield, enhanced the heating value of the material, on an equilibrium moisture basis, from 18.5 MJ/kg to nearly 27.8 MJ/kg. The product coal, with a high heating value and only 0.2% S, is an environmentally-acceptable premium fuel; additionally, with the Hardgrove grindability index of the coal greatly improved, its value is even further enhanced. An increase in hydrothermal drying temperature promotes vesiculation of resinite. Also, ulminite reflectance increased to 0.92%, and ulminite was subjected to widespread vesiculation; this resulted in a coke-like structure indicative that the material went through the fluid stage.

Jan 1, 1993

By F. J. Brenner

The Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition was organized to restore a 70 km2 portion of the headwaters of the Slippery Rock Watershed in northwest Pennsylvania. Thirteen passive treatment systems have been installed with engineering and funding provided by private industries, county government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, experimental systems have been installed at the Jennings Environmental Education Center which, in addition to monitoring the systems installed within the watershed, provide an array of educational and research opportunities for secondary, college and university students. The coalition sponsors an annual seminar for students to present the results of their research and field trips for public officials and private citizens to learn how public and private partnerships work together to restore the Slippery Rock Creek watershed.

Jan 1, 2002

By S. James Campbell

Ladies and Gentlemen: Never in the history of our mining industry has the emphasis on public relations been accelerated as much as it has in the last few years. Knowing of your keen interest in this subject I consider it a great privilege that your program committee has asked me here to discuss the crushed stone segment of our industry approach to this important part of our daily business lives. As you are aware, crushed stone operations are present in almost every segment of the country wherever aggregates for construction projects are required. The tonnage of crushed stone produced is second only to sand and gravel - another source of aggregates - and this together with sand and gravel amounts to over half of the tonnage of all mined products in the United States. What is unique about this industry that will be of interest to all of you in analyzing how they have approached Public Relations? The fact that it is so wide-spread is of course obvious, but perhaps a more significant nature of this segment of the mining industry that has brought it more in the limelight of public interest and on a larger scale is the location of a large part of the quarries quite close into the urban area and population centers where you have the greatest demand for aggregate products.

Jan 1, 1969

By W. J. Miles

At the beginning of the 20th century, barite was a mineral of minor importance in the USA. Its primary use was to extend lead oxide in white paint. Barite also added the special qualities of hiding power and flatness to paint. Because white lead sometimes turns black or yellow and barite does not, ground barite became a pigment on its own merit. Barium chloride was added to bricks before firing to stop efflorescence when exposed to weather. Barium carbonate or nitrate added luster and brilliance to glass. Barium chemicals were added to refining sugar, enameling iron, making oilcloths and paper collars, and in the manufacture of paper, artificial ivory, rubber and lithopone. Lithopone became a major paint ingredient in the 1920s; its use lasted until the 1950s, peaking at 150,000 metric tons of barite in both 1937 and 1947 for the manufacture of lithopone. Later in the 20th century, titanium dioxide replaced lead oxide, barite and zinc oxide in the coatings industry. In the 21st century, barite is used as a filler, extender, or weighting agent in products such as paints, plastics, and rubber. Some specific uses include its use in brake and clutch pads for automobiles, automobile paint primer for metal protection and gloss, add weight to rubber mud flaps on trucks, and add weight to the cement jacket around petroleum pipelines under water. In the metals casting industry, barite is part of mold release compounds. Because barite significantly blocks X-ray and gamma ray emissions, it is used as aggregate in high density concrete for radiation shielding around x-ray units in hospitals, nuclear power plants, and university nuclear research facilities. Ultra-pure barite consumed as liquid is used as a contrast medium in medical X-ray examinations. Barite is the raw material for barium chemicals, such as barium carbonate, which is an ingredient in faceplate glass in the cathode-ray tubes of televisions and computer monitors. In the 21st century, barite industrial uses account for an estimated 78,000 tons per year in the United States. Another barite use was patented in 1926 by the oil industry. In this patent, barite is primarily used as a non-abrasive weighting agent for drilling for oil and gas exploration and production. As a weighting agent, it provides the downward force in a water based or oil based drilling fluid for cutting through rock with a tri-cone diamond drill bit. In order to minimize the wear on the drill bit and drill stem, minimum abrasion of the weighting agent is preferred. In recent years in the USA, 95% of the barite produced and about 80% on a world basis are used as a fluid weighting material during the search for oil and gas. During the latter part of the 20th century, barite was used in the drilling mud of oil and gas wells, particularly for wells deeper than 2000 meters, and petroleum well drilling demand for barite became the mineral?s major end use during economic expansions after World War II and subsequent increased use of oil and gas in the USA. The profitability of oil and gas production had a strong effect on the number of drill rigs and consumption of barite. The United States was the leading petroleum well drilling country starting in 1970, reaching 4,530 drill rigs in December 1981, and was the largest consumer of barite. In the USA, record highs of about 2.6 million tons of barite produced and 4.3 million tons consumed were reported in 1981. From 1997 to 2006, barite production declined from 662,000 to 589,000 metric tons. However, USA imports increased from 1,470,000 to 2,530,000 metric tons for lump barite. World production of barite increased from 6,780,000 to 7,960,000 metric tons during the same period. Table 1 (see Appendix) lists USA production, imports and exports and world production from 1997 to 2006. Major sources of imported barite include China, India and Morocco. Table 2 (see Appendix) lists the USA imports and price of barite by country. China, India and Morocco are the three largest exporters of barite to the USA and the world. Vietnam is a new producer, beginning in 2006. IMPACT OF CHINA ON DRILLING GRADE BARITE In the 1970s or before, China began supplying barite to the world drilling market in order to help develop their economy. When China first entered the barite export market, their high production volume, low pricing and low ocean transport expenses to the Gulf Coast forced barite producers in the USA to supply only regional markets, such as Battle Mountain Nevada barite for the western and Rocky Mountain states and Canada. Until recently, it was China?s government policy for domestic consumers to use barite below the API 4.20 specific gravity specification, leaving higher grades for export, but this is no longer the case. In recent years the internal demand for barite in China increased tremendously as their economy rapidly developed. China reduced their former 15% VAT tax rebates to 5% for Chinese barite producers, and then eliminated all VAT tax rebates on December 15, 2006. On the supply side, some high-grade barite deposits in China have been depleted. In particular, the low heavy metals sources are less plentiful. Additional mine capacity is being developed, but the new mines are underground and therefore costs will be higher. China?s appetite for other raw materials has tied up a large portion of the world?s bulk vessel fleet, including Panamax vessels (preferred for barite ore transport). Ocean transport freight rates have increased in recent years, and receiving ports in the USA are congested with imports of higher-added-value products. The Panamax Index, which tracks maritime shipping rates, more than doubled in 2006. China has also devalued its currency from RMB8.30 to RMB7.80 per dollar. These factors are driving up the import price of crude and ground barite for drilling. In addition, in the USA, rail congestion and high fuel prices led to higher trucking rates, increasing the delivered cost of ground barite to oil customers. India is the second largest supplier of crude barite to the USA and world drilling market. It produces all of its barite from a single deposit in the Cuddapah region of Andhra Pradesh State. More than 90% of production comes from the State-owned Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corp., and the government continues to closely control production, export volumes, and prices. India saw a dramatic increase in barite prices as a result of its last 3-year tender in 2004. However, in 2004 and 2005 their shipments of crude barite to the USA were not significant. In 2005, India began supplying barite pulverized to meet API specifications to the Gulf Coast. In 2006, Indian production was reduced owing to severe flooding in November 2005 that curtailed mining until mid-April 2006. Morocco has been the third largest supplier of crude barite to the USA and world drilling market. In 2003 and 2004 their shipments of crude barite to the USA were not significant. In 2005, Morocco resumed shipment of crude barite to the Gulf Coast and began supplying barite ground to meet API specifications to the Gulf Coast.

Jan 1, 2009