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By Jane Li, Kevin Tom

"Research has shown that broken rock on conveyor transport systems can contribute upwards of 50% towards the overall heat load in underground mines. However, few studies have made significant efforts to predict the temperature distribution of the ore and air simultaneously, which can help implement heat management strategies. The present investigation explores a transient, analytical heat transfer model to track ore-pile temperature distributions, along conveyor systems in an example underground mine. Production rate, ambient conditions, ore pile thickness and belt velocity are adjusted to evaluate the effect on dry and wet bulb temperatures.INTRODUCTIONWith an ever increasing demand on Earth’s resources due to a multitude of factors like population growth and step changes in technology, pressure on the mining industry to bring out more ore with improved margins is a persistent challenge. Typically, high-volume producing mining methods (i.e., exceeding 5000 tons per day (tpd)) such as sublevel and block caving, room and pillar, and longwall shall utilize belt conveyors instead of trucks as the primary haulage method to surface to save on operational costs (de la Vergne, 2014). However, studies have shown that when such material transport systems are installed at mine depths with virgin rock temperatures (VRT) above 40oC, the heat dissipated by the conveyed ore can account for over 50% of the underground heat-load (Pareja, 2000; Bluhm, Jones, Moreby, & von Glehn, 2012; van den Berg, Moreby, & Kok, 2015).Unlike other types of heat sources encountered in underground mines, such as diesel machines, strata, electrical devices, and autocompression, heat transfer by conveyed broken rock is much more difficult to estimate. The seminal work of McPherson (1993) states that broken rock heat transfer is a function of its surface area, and the air’s psychrometric condition. It is additionally a function of the VRT, its specific heat, production rate, heat transfer coefficient and the residence time (Bossard, 1997; Ross, Tuck, Stokes, & Lowndes, 1997). Consequently, few studies have attempted to analytically quantify the significance of ore heat flow."

Jan 1, 2019

By Ken Witherly

Modern airborne EM surveys typically acquire more data than is processed or analyzed at the time of acquisition Suitable additional processing can provide more diagnostic information, thereby allowing for more effective ranking and hopefully, follow-up of outcomes

Apr 1, 2005

By M. Vallée

"RÉSUMÉDurant les 10 dernières années, les améliorations dans le contrôle des limites des sautages et les arpentages après l’exploitation ont fourni des informations préalables et post facto sur les limites minières réalisées par rapport à la planification, plus particulièrement pour les grands chantiers exploités par les méthodes chambres vides et sous-niveaux. Cependant, peu de recherches ont été faites pour améliorer la délimitation du minerai, l’estimation des ressources et des réserves, les études de faisabilité et la récupération minière dans d’autres types de gisements. Il faudra d’abord expliciter les impacts des lacunes, en quantité et en qualité, de l’information géologique et de l’échantillonnage sur le rendement de l’extraction. Il faudra également remplacer la notion de « dilution générale » par celles de « dilution » et de « perte de minerai ». Les impacts des lacunes observées sur l’exploitation des gisements d’or filoniens sont démontrés par une simulation basée sur des résultats d’études antérieures à la mine Thompson d’Inco, des impacts financiers de densités d’information moindre et par des analyses des valeurs actualisées nettes (VAN) de deux cas types.Deux gisements similaires, de 3 m et 6 m de largeur et exploités par chambres vides sont étudiés, en prenant pour cas de base la délimitation sur maille de 7,5 m (25 pi.) et en étudiant les impacts des limites moins précises supportées par une maille de 15 m (50 pi.), en assumant que ces imprécisions moyennes de +/- 0,62 m se transforment soit en surestimation (dilution), soit en sous-estimation (pertes de minerai).Les impacts d’information moins précise ont été beaucoup plus forts sur le gisement plus étroit : autant la dilution que les pertes de métal ont diminué les VAN du gisement de 3 m de 39,27 % et 45,41 % respectivement, tandis que les VAN du gisement de 6 m ont été diminuées que de 12,84 % et 11,55 %.Ces impacts des valeurs actualisées nettes diminuées justifient et exigent des efforts plus systématiques pour s’assurer que les travaux de mise en valeur et les études de faisabilité soient réalisés de façon requise pour optimiser l’exploitation et offrir aux investisseurs des rendements compétitifs par rapport à ceux des autres secteurs industriels. ABSTRACTDuring the past 10 years, research work to improve the survey of stope limits after mining supplied useful information, particularly for large open and sub-level stopes, regarding waste dilution caused by differences between final production limits and planned stope limits.However, the efficiency of this information to improve the overall efficiency of the mining process is limited, given that the impacts of inaccurate ore limits leading to dilution (sensu stricto) and ore losses have not been considered adequately. Geological/sampling information should be optimized in terms of quantity and/or quality for the deposit characteristics and the constraints of the mining method used. As industry practice regarding the definition and recording of dilution is flexible and as ore losses frequently are poorly documented, the use of these terms is reviewed.Simulations were carried out on two typical narrow gold deposits, based on an earlier study at Inco’s Thompson mine regarding the impacts of wide to narrow delineation grids using recorded variations of vein geometry. Vertical to sub-vertical deposits of 3 m and 6 m widths mined by long-hole open stopes were considered. Deposits delineated by 7.5 m (25 ft) grids were taken as a base case and the impacts of less accurate limits in conjunction with long hole mining based only on a 15 m (50 ft) delineation grid. The impacts of overestimation (dilution) and underestimation (metal losses) were considered separately, using the average error of +/-0.62 m recorded in the Inco study.The impact of less accurate information was much stronger on the narrower deposit: both dilution and ore losses diminished the net present value of the 3 m wide deposit"

Jan 1, 2005

By J. Sammut, T. G. Joseph, R. Andreev, M. Curley

"Decisions regarding mining method and subsequent choice of excavator must take into account the quantitative factors of productivity, availability, and capital, operating, and maintenance costs. Dig performance was compared between a hydraulic excavator (HE) and electric rope shovel (RS) of similar size class (i.e., use the same amount of energy to excavate a unit quantity of the same material from a mining face), focusing on the quantitative factors above. Machine performance, normalized to bucket capacity, was assessed as a function of hours of service (60,000 hours per machine). Results showed higher production rates for the HE of similar capacity and age. In general, the RS exhibited lower service cost per volume capacity, though it had higher capital cost. The RS became more cost effective than the HE of similar capacity within approximately 30,000 hours of service. ¦ KEYWORDS Cost, Electric rope shovel (RS), Excavation, Hydraulic excavator (HE), Surface mining RÉSUMÉ Les décisions concernant la méthode minière à adopter et le choix ultérieur d’un engin d’ex¬cavation doivent tenir compte des facteurs quantitatifs de la productivité, de la disponibilité ainsi que des coûts d’investissement, d’exploitation et d’entretien. Cette étude compare les performances en termes d’excavation d’une excavatrice hydraulique et d’une pelle électrique à câbles de même taille (qui utili¬sent par exemple la même quantité d’énergie pour creuser une quantité unitaire du même matériau dans un front de taille), en se concentrant sur les facteurs quantitatifs susmentionnés. La performance de la machine, normalisée à la contenance du godet de volume unitaire, est évaluée en fonction des heures de service (60 000 heures d’activité par machine). Les résultats montrent des taux de production plus élevés pour l’excavatrice hydraulique d’une capacité et d’une ancienneté similaires. De manière générale, la pelle électrique à câbles affiche un coût d’entretien par capacité volumique inférieur, mais son coût d’in¬vestissement est plus élevé. La pelle électrique à câbles devient plus rentable que l’excavatrice hydrau¬lique d’une même capacité au bout d’environ 30 000 heures de fonctionnement. ¦ MOTS CLÉS coût, excavation, excavatrice hydraulique, exploitation à ciel ouvert, pelle électrique à cablesINTRODUCTION The most common excavating tools in surface mining operations are the hydraulic excavator (HE) and electric rope shovel (RS). In general, electric RSs are more reliable and cheaper to maintain (P&H Mining Equipment, 2007), but where complicated geological conditions exist, HEs are preferred because they are generally considered to be more mobile."

Jan 1, 2019

By Ernie Doell, Trung Nguyen

"In early 1995 Cluff Mining commissioned a newly constructed high density tailings thickener at its Cluff Lake uranium mill. The 85 ft diameter high density thickener is one of the first of its kind in North America, and incorporates the novel paste technology in its design to produce densified (in the range of 60 -65% solids) mill tailings suitable for stable deposition in the tailings management area. This paper discusses the impetus behind the installation of such an unconventional thickener, and the many trying experiences in making it operational.IntroductionCluff Mining, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cogema Resources Inc., is the operator of a uranium mine and mill complex at Cluff Lake which is located in northern Saskatchewan. Since 1980, the company has developed and mined out several different ore bodies within the Cluff Lake region for the production of uranium concentrates, commonly known as yellow cake. Based on the known ore reserves, the Cluff Lake operations are projected to last till the early 2000's.Tailings from the Cluff Lake mill have been discharged to a tailings management area consisting of a tailings pond and two facilities for primary and secondary treatment systems. The tailings pond has an impervious bentonite lined dam, and it is divided into a solids and a liquids holding areas. Until the beginning of 1995, the mill tailings were discharged in two separate lines to the solids pond; one line carried the slurry residue of 45-50% solids (w/w) from the CCD circuit, and the other discharged raffinate tails containing less than 1 % (w/w) gypsum precipitate. Supernatant in the solids pond is treated in the primary treatment system prior to discharging to the liquids pond. Figure 1 shows the site plan of Cluff Lake tailings management area.It has been estimated that by the end of 1995 the solids pond would be filled to about 60% of its design capacity, and probably would be full before the year 2000. Therefore, Cluff Mining had to consider a more efficient tailings disposal method that could extend the service life of the existing Cluff Lake tailings management area. A high density tailings thickener was believed to be the most practical and economical system for tailings disposal at Cluff Lake mine."

Jan 1, 1996

By Richard Morland

Some simple and fundamental objectives To challenge and inspire our people to embrace safety as a value ?A stand for safety as a value ?A stand for our people ?A stand by our people ?Prevent harm to our people ?Eliminate suffering for individuals, families, friends, colleagues

May 1, 2010

By Richard Poulin

Rehabilitation of mined out areas is often enforced by environmental bonding. It is usually assumed that this process provides financial assurance that rehabilitation will be carried out as agreed at the permitting stage. Shortcomings of the current practice in environmental bonding for mining are reviewed. Of particular importance for the public, for governments and for the environment is the absence of protection against cost overruns and companies defaulting before the bond amount is entirely paid. Elements of solution are identified through the emergence of environmental insurance as a complement to bonding for cost overruns and defaults. A cover of environmental catastrophes could also be added, hence reducing the risk for the public and the environment. We examine the merit of creating a captive insurance company under the responsibility of the mining industry. The use of insurance techniques would incorporate a genuine risk management dimension to the financing of rehabilitation.

May 1, 2004

By G. A. Kosick, G. S. Dobby, O. Matwijenko

"A 100 kg/hr portable flotation pilot plant has been operated at Kidd Creek Mines with the objectives of:(a) determining performance expected by column flotation circuits on primary zinc and copper cleaning, and (b) evaluating column flotation circuit configurations.The self-supporting pilot plant, owned by Minnovex Technologies Inc. and operated by Minnovex and the University of Toronto, consisted of three 16 cm diameter by 6.5 m high columns and a bank of four Denver No. 7 cells. It was configurable to any arrangement using these four (or fewer) units. The columns were controlled through the use of multiple pressure transducer measurements. This paper presents the approach to testing and the results of more than 70 circuit tests. INTRODUCTIONThe integration and retrofitting of flotation columns within existing mechanical cell flotation circuits is becoming a common occurrence. The correct approach to this integration, however, is often difficult to define, due to a scarcity of previous experience and the difficulty in predicting column circuit performance. In most cases, the effect of column implementation has been experimentally assessed using a single pilot column, with the consequence that selection of an appropriate circuit to implement is difficult. Important considerations are the impact that column water addition will have on the existing operations, and the differences between mechanical cell and column performance in integrated cleaning circuits.To address the problem of circuit selection a portable flotation pilot plant, consisting of both columns and mechanical cells, was designed and constructed by Minnovex Technologies. The pilot plant was structured for complete flexibility of circuit configuration, with the intent to provide a means by which both research and plant personnel could determine the best possible column circuit configuration for a given application."

Jan 1, 1990

By Bill Parnell

"Friction winders and double drum winders have been used in the vertical shaft mining industry for over 100 years. In that time, there have been many changes made in the electronic and mechanical fields of hoisting, but few changes made in the manufacturing and performance of steel wire rope, until recently.In the past ten years, with the advent of high polymer thermoplastics, the industry has seen some major advancements in steel wire rope. By incorporating a polymer with steel, improvement of rope life and reduction of costly maintenance downtime has been accomplished.IntroductionThe Williams Mine is Canada's largest gold producer with an annual production of some 500 000 ounces of gold from 2.2 million tonnes of ore. The Williams Mine is situated in the Hemlo area of northwestern Ontario, approximately 40 Ian east of the town of Marathon. It is operated by the Williams Operating Corporation which is owned equally by Teck Corporation and Homestake Canada Inc. It is one of three adjacent properties forming the Hemlo gold camp."

Jan 1, 1995

By Sami Hindstrom, Travis Orser, John Starkey

"A great deal of effort has been expended in the last 11 years by the authors and others to identify the correct power required to grind ore in a SAG mill, by developing ore hardness variability functions for the ore body to be mined. This paper describes the next step in the SAG design process, which is choosing a SAG mill to accomplish the required specified design performance.At the test work stage, each ore hardness data point is a unique and discreet bit of information that represents the energy required to grind the ore represented by that sample at optimum SAG conditions. When the design criteria are set, it is now considered necessary that the required power draw in the mill chosen be provided at optimum conditions as well.Based on actual 3-ft diameter pilot plant results, we can now show that the grinding efficiency and throughput drop when the optimum load limit is exceeded. Future work is expected to show a similar reduction in efficiency when exceeding optimum speed. Providing specified power by exceeding these optimum conditions is not adequate and leads to a lower cost but underperforming SAG mill.It is possible in some cases to modify a SAG circuit to force it to perform better, but this often takes time, much effort and costly modifications. In most cases the capital spent on a properly sized SAG mill may prevent production losses that would be many times greater over the extended start up period. This is the direct result of choosing the proper SAG mill at the start.INTRODUCTIONThe sequential steps required for the design of any grinding circuit, have changed dramatically in the last seven years. Previously, it was considered necessary to do six foot diameter SAG mill pilot plant tests on representative samples of minus six inch ore (F80), in order to understand design requirements. It can now be shown that this method is costly and not likely to produce the desired result because it is difficult to recover six-inch material from deep within a new mine. The representative nature of the sample is often compromised when the sample is selected."

Jan 1, 2003

By T. L. McCall

CHANGES in mining practices have evolved so quietly and unobtrusively that perhaps we scarcely appreciate how truly startling these changes are unless we cast our minds back so as to compare the past with the present. Such retrospection is, indeed, necessary when attempting to forecast the future, for it is only by carefully reviewing the past that we can hope to obtain an indication of what the future may hold in store. In this instance, it is not necessary to delve into the very early history of . coal mining, as our purpose will be served if the last three or four decades are reviewed, a period that is still fresh within the memory of many of us. These earlier days might be termed the selective period of mining, for at that time the coal resources of the world had not been tapped to anything like the extent they are at present and this condition enabled the owners and operators to exercise selective powers and only mine such seams of coal as could be most easily reached an worked at the lowest possible cost and which, at the same time, would suit the requirements of the market. Carrying this thought of selective mining still further, the miner, who was then an artisan skilled in all the branches of his calling, was able to select or discard such parts of the seam he was working that the co al sent out of the mine was acceptable to the consumer with just the barest minimum of preparation. Compare these conditions with the? conditions prevailing today, when coal seams of medium height, good quality, and readily accessible have been largely depleted and the operator has been compelled either to carry on his operations under much greater depths of cover where the coal is more costly to win, or else to work seams of lesser height or of poorer quality.

Jan 1, 1938

By L. S. Urbanoski

This presentation describes a major modernization project at the Geco concentrator. The objectives of the program were to replace obsolete flotation equipment and upgrade process controls.Noranda Minerals Inc. — Gecc Division is located at Manitouwadge in Northern Ontario. The community is situated north of Lake Superior approximately equidistant from Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.Milling operations began in September, 1957. The mill processes a complex base metal ore by differential flotation techniques to produce copper, lead and zinc concentrates. To date some 43 million tons have been milled, qualifying Geco as a rather major base metal deposit.II. BACKGROUND:The Geco concentrator was designed and constructed in the mid 50's. A number of features specific to a concentrator of that vintage provided the justification for the modernization efforts described herein.Firstly, the mill was constructed without any instrumentation, not even pneumatic controls. Solid state electronics, computers and related instrumentation were unheard of, or rather primitive by today's standards.Secondly, some of the major equipment, in particular the flotation equipment, did not compare favourably to that in use today. MacIntosh flotation machines (more commonly known as Mac cells) were installed at Geco. These cells were prevalent in a number of concentrators built by Noranda, including Quemont Mining Corporation Limited, Gaspe Copper Mines Limited and Noranda — Horne Division. The Mac cells were used for copper and zinc rougher and scavenger operations. Some units were also installed for a pyrite recovery circuit that was never operated. In total, 104 Mac cells were installed in the main flotation area of the concentrator.

Jan 1, 1987

By I. Dimitrov, S. R. McCutcheon

"Industrial-grade limestone is found in both the Lower Silurian La Vieille Formation and Upper Silurian LaPlante Formation of the Chaleurs Group in northern New Brunswick. Currently, between 150 000 and 200 000 tonnes of limestone are produced per year from the proximal facies of the LaPlante Formation at the Sormany quarry of Elmtree Resources Ltd., located west of Bathurst.The proximal facies of the LaPlante Formation was deposited on the margins of tectonically uplifted Ordovician terranes. This facies comprises stromatoporoidal-algal bindstone intercalated with wackestone, packstone, and floatstone in variable proportions. The distal facies comprises calcareous shale and minor limestone deposited deeper offshore.Folding and faulting related to Middle Devonian Acadian tectonism have caused an increase in the apparent thickness of the limestone sequences, especially adjacent to the regional Rocky Brook-Millstream fault. Structural and stratigraphic observations indicate that some of the limestone bodies in the area have been tectonically displaced from their site of deposition.A variety of prospecting techniques was used to locate new limestone resources, including geological mapping, airborne and ground electromagnetic surveys, and satellite remote sensing. Clastic rock units above and below the LaPlante Formation have distinctive properties that help to trace the intervening limestone along strike. Because of water-saturated glacial cover, thick vegetation, and the small size of targets, airborne geophysical methods did not prove effective in delineating limestone beds, but aeromagnetic surveys helped map the underlying clastic unit. The remote-sensing data and especially high-resolution digital elevation models helped in identification of karst topography related to limestone."

Jan 1, 2007

By Samantha Beeson, Collin Poole

"This paper examines the development of two new selective flocculation techniques for recovering KCI values from low grade carnallite potash ore.Direct recovery of KCI was achieved using one of two mid-range molecular weight polymers, one non-ionic and the other strongly cationic, in conjunction with the same selective anionic dispersant. From initial response studies on pure minerals and selective flocculation tests on synthetic mixtures, investigations were extended to recover KCI values from a natural carnallite potash ore. A single-stage process achieved products grading up to 61.3% KCI at recoveries up to 85.4% for the cationic flocculant suite and up to 64.8% KCI with recoveries as high as 90.3% for the non-ionic flocculant suite, with dispersant and flocculant dosages of 150-250gr1 and 10-75gr1, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate not only the feasibility of treating such problematic ores at low reagent dosages, but also the potential elimination of desliming prior to froth flotation.The experimental results presented are considered in terms of the reagent adsorption phenomena present in the system and various aspects of floe formation and cleaning.IntroductionAs high-grade sylvinite potash ores become scarce, lower grade sylvinite and carnallite potash ores are becoming more attractive. However, these ores often contain large amounts (up to 15% by weight) of water-insoluble slimes which must be removed prior to KC! flotation, owing to their high adsorptive capacity for the amine collectors used. The slimes are generally removed by scrubbing followed by hydroclassification and any residual material not eliminated is blinded with reagents such as guar gum or starch to inhibit interference in subsequent KC1 flotation.An alternative approach used commercially in Canada by Agrium Inc. involves water-insoluble slimes flotation prior to KC! flotation. In this process, the slimes are selectively flocculated and then separated by froth flotation. Losses of KC! to the slimes product and associated brine requirements are both reported to be less than those encountered in conventional desliming, but the technique is somewhat limited in its application at present."

Jan 1, 1997

By Aleksandar D. Bugarski

Despite extensive research efforts conducted in the past decades, occupational health risks associated with exposure to nano and ultrafine aerosols emitted by diesel power equipment are still not completely understood. The complexity of physical and chemical properties of diesel aerosols, constantly changing with the implementation of advanced diesel emissions control technologies, make this task rather challenging. The objective of this paper is to identify and characterize nanometer and ultrafine aerosols emitted by diesel engines in the underground environment and evaluate the effects of selected contemporary control technologies on physical properties, chemical composition, and in-vitro toxicology of diesel aerosols. The physical and chemical properties of the nanometer and ultrafine diesel aerosols are to be characterized through a test series in the NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory experimental mine. The crucial part of the study has been development of a facility that allows researchers to generate field results with precision and accuracy characteristics of a laboratory environment. The knowledge obtained from this study should strengthen our understanding of the health implications related to exposure to diesel particulate matter and aid in assessing the potential of various control technologies for reducing this exposure.

May 1, 2007

By Derek H. C. Wilton, David T. W. Evans

"Abstract - The Midas Pond gold prospect, central Newfoundland, is hosted by sheared and altered felsic and mafic pyroclastic rocks of the Tulks Hill volcanics, Victoria Lake Group, and has been trenched and tested by 19 diamond-drill holes. Gold values are sporadic, with the best diamond-drill intersection assaying 7.3 g/t over 0.9 m, and the highest grade channel sample containing 14.7 g/t over 1.15 m. Alteration and mineralization are confined to a 200 m wide brittle-ductile shear zone. This shear zone formed in response to regional D1 deformation, and the shear zone fabric parallels the regional S1 foliation. D2 deformation resulted in broad Z-shaped flexuring of the shear zone. The deformation was probably related to the ca. 396 Ma to 420 Ma Salinic Orogeny.Advanced argillic alteration and an extensive halo of Fe-carbonate and pyrite surround the gold mineralization. Alteration minerals include pyrophyllite, paragonite, quartz, plagioclase, chlorite, fluorite, Fe-carbonate, and pyrite. As such, the alteration seems to reflect combined epithermal (argillic) and mesothermal (carbonate) mineralizing environments. The argillic alteration and fluorite represent a regional hydrothermal effect on the felsic volcanic rocks; whereas, the Fe-carbonate and pyrite represent a mesothermal alteration associated with auriferous quartz veins. The Au, which is spatially associated with pyrite, occurs in three structurally-controlled vein sets. These veins are confined to the contact between a highly deformed breccia (the banded mafic tuff) and structurally overlying, altered felsic tuffaceous rocks. The vein sets include: V1 boudinage veins that parallel the shear-zone fabric (C-shear veins), and V2 and V3 extensional fracture veins which are controlled by an S2 fracture cleavage. V1 veins are the earliest and contain the lowest concentrations of Au. V2 and V3 veins are concentrated within the hinges of the D2 flexures.Pb isotope data for galena separates indicate that the Pb in the vein systems was probably of local derivation. Sulfur, C, and O isotope data for mineral separates are similar to data for typical mesothermal lode gold deposits. Fluid inclusion data suggest the presence of at least three hydrothermal fluid types in the region, viz., (1) an early saline fluid which produced the argillic alteration, (2) a CO2-bearing fluid directly related to the auriferous mineralization, and (3) H2O-NaCl fluids which flowed through the Midas Pond shear zone at a lateral distance from the zone of mineralization. The mineralizing fluids are interpreted to have been CO3 -2-rich types which originated through metamorphic dehydration and decarbonation of mixed island-arc and continental crustal rocks. Gold precipitation resulted from the reaction of these fluids with the Fe-rich breccia unit. Pre-existing and simultaneously crystallizing pyrite served as loci for Au precipitation."

Jan 1, 2000

By S. K. Schwartz

"This paper describes the general layout of the environmental monitoring scheme at Devco 's No. 26 Colliery, including wall face ventilation, fan performance and methane drainage, and then goes on to discuss the sensors, the outstation layout, the surf ace control room and the protection of the system.IntroductionCape Breton coal mines have been pioneers in the use of the latest technology in mining coal on this continent. To mention just one example, continuous methane monitoring at the coal face was started in 1976 and the idea of automatically stopping the face conveyor during high gas levels using the face signalling system was conceived and developed by CBDC engineers.With the introduction of remote environmental monitoring, No. 26 Colliery will be the first underground coal mine in Canada and possibly in North America to have computer-based comprehensive environmental monitoring.Traditionally, surveillance of the mine environment has been based mainly on periodic checks by portable or hand-held monitors. Although this method proved adequate, it has some limitations, namely:1) restricted 'number of observations and samples;2) relatively long time between taking measurements and availability of results for assessment.With remote monitoring, the above limitations are overcome because (a) monitoring is continuous and (b) monitored data are updated quickly (typically 5-7 sec.). Remote monitoring also provides a centralized 'information center' at the surface from where the entire mine environment can be monitored. Details of modes in which data can be displayed and features available at the location will be discussed later in the paper."

Jan 1, 1982

By Emilio Giuseppe Sarno Severi

Mining and Petroleum Similar Industries ?Asset Intensive ?Exposed to market volatility ?Highly Risky Operations ?Scarcity of Experienced and Trained resources ?Operating in diverse countries with different cultures ?Increasing Environmental and Safety Regulations

Nov 1, 2011

By Laura Mottola

This paper outlines a framework for ensuring the success of the implementation phase that follows research and development of new mining technologies and systems. It is based upon recent and past lessons learned that have demonstrated the critical challenges to effective technology transfer, which frequently receive inadequate attention within the culture of the mining business. The paper focuses on mining automation implementation challenges and then outlines a Roadmap which is proposed as an integrated framework to deal with the key aspects of people, process and technology. This framework is built upon: assembly of a Strategic Team to develop a Roadmap; fully understanding the business requirements of the technology initiative; defining Key Performance Indicators in a Balanced Score Card; performing a Stakeholder Analysis to identify the affected groups; and finally developing a master Project Plan to execute the Roadmap.

Oct 1, 2009

By D. Fleury

"This paper describes the challenges of mining a sill pillar under various types of paste backfill quality. From 1994 to 2002, Louvicourt mine produced approximately 12,600,000 t grading 3.5% Cu, 1.5% Zn, 27 g/mt Ag, and 0.85 g/mt Au. The mining method is transverse blasthole stoping, mining primary and secondary stopes. The production of this 4,300 t/d operation was accomplished using two mining horizons; from the 655 m level to the 415 m level and from the 860 m level to the 680 m level. The main sill pillar is between the 680 m level and the 655 m level. The second sill pillar is between the 885 m level and the 860 m level representing a quarter of the main sill pillar in size. Since 2002, production has gradually decreased and mining activities are expected to end in mid-2005. The sill pillar production will represent almost 25% of the total mine production. The overall recovery of the sill pillars stopes will be discussed in this paper. To recover the sill pillars, more than 1,500 m of development was planned in or under paste backfill. The first sill pillar stopes under paste backfill were mined out in 2002 with excellent results."

Jan 1, 2005