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By Max Friedemann, Alexandros Bousdekis, Anna Gustafson, Helmut Mischo, Håkan Schunnesson

Many devices used in mining are not monitored by sensors or do not have their own intelligence. By retrofitting sensors and real-time data processing, machines can be integrated into an existing digital infrastructure. Within the project Mine.io funded by the European Union a Sandvik DE110 exploration drill rig is being digitized using various AI algorithms at research and education Mine “Forschungs- und Lehrbergwerk Reiche Zeche (FLB)” of TU Freiberg. The aim is to increase the productivity of drilling with real-time evaluation of the current rock to be drilled and the current maintenance status of the drill rig. The drill rig is equipped with a speed sensor, pressure sensors in the hydraulics, 3-axis vibration sensor, borehole length measurement and temperature sensor. The sensors are additionally attached to the drilling rig and no structural changes on the drill rig are necessary. All data are processed real-time at a server structure outside of the mine using AI algorithms to analyze which rock (ore or host rock) is being drilled and to perform predictive maintenance. Processed Data are visualized for the operator to optimize the workflow and the productivity.

Feb 1, 2025

By John A. Kaufman, Terry D. Vandell

Recent mining regulations have increased the need for detailed engineering and environmental information pertaining to the hydrogeologic environment in mining areas. The cost of obtaining such hydrogeologic information has also increased. After mineralization of potentially economic grade ore and tonnage has been identified, and after completing preliminary mining feasibility studies (suggesting that development is merited), a second exploration phase can incorporate a simple, cost-effective baseline hydrogeologic data reconnaissance program that is limited but useful. Using exploration drill holes only, this program can provide a direct indication of where ground water is encountered. Also, reasonable estimates can be made on the relative production of water from various water-bearing strata, a composite potentiometric surface map can be prepared, and the general chemistry of the ground water can be characterized. This article outlines what typical baseline hydrogeologic data are needed and describes how it can be easily obtained during exploration drilling. Introduction Major engineering and environmental ground water parameters can be identified early in a project by using, drill hole data obtained from a mineral exploration program, designed by the mine geologist and hydrogeologist. Most importantly, data obtained in the exploration drilling program can be used to design a logical, defensible, and cost-effective baseline ground water data reconnaissance and monitor well program, which would be required for mine design and ultimately for mine permit approval. Drilling Where possible, exploration drill holes should be drilled with conventional rotary drilling equipment using air or, if necessary, water as the drilling fluid. Rotary air or water drilling generally allow good delineation of the first major saturated or water-bearing zone. If mud must be used during drilling, distinct hydrogeologic zones can still be defined, although the task may be considerably more difficult. Water Levels Static water levels can be obtained from selected exploration drill holes at specific depths while additional boreholes are drilled. Such measurements should not, however, be conducted until the hole has been developed with air (no water) and has stabilized at each of the depths to be measured. Such water-level information can be particularly useful when more than one aquifer exists. Where mine development is eminent, the hydrogeologist should install 50-100 mm (2-4 in.) diameter PVC casing in select drill holes. The PVC should be slotted, gravel packed, and properly sealed so additional hydrogeologic data can be collected for specific hydrogeologic zones at a later date. Such data could include water level information, permeability estimates based on injection and /or pumping tests, and water quality data. Where casing is not installed in drill holes, or when the drill holes are abandoned, the holes should be properly grouted and back-filled to the ground surface to prevent potential future ground water contamination. Monitoring Air Lift Water Production Estimates of the relative production from various water-bearing strata can be obtained from selected exploration drill holes. If ground water is encountered, its air lift (ground water flow) production can be measured at distinct intervals using a surface water flow measuring device, such as a portable Parshall

Jan 2, 1983

By J. M. Kaufman

Recent mining regulations have increased the need for detailed engineering and environmental information pertaining to the hydrogeologic environment in mining areas. The cost of obtaining such hydrogeologic information has also increased. After mineralization of potentially economic grade ore and tonnage has been identified, and after completing preliminary mining feasibility studies (suggesting that development is merited), a second exploration phase can incorporate a simple, cost-effective baseline hydrogeologic data reconnaissance program that is linited but useful. Using exploration drill holes only, this program can provide a direct indication of where ground water is encountered. Also, reasonable estimates can be made on the relative production of water from various water-bearing strata, a composite potentiometric surface map can be prepared, and the general chemistry of the ground water can be characterized.

Jan 1, 1984

By K. A. Larsen, J. L. Ariail, C. M. LaRosa

This article discusses the evolution of U.S. laws and policies towards environmental remediation at mine lands over the last 20years, the opportunities that these changes present for reuse, and the remaining challenges associated with community capacity for effective reuse planning and implementation. Emerging initiatives by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Interior for addressing these challenges are discussed.

Jan 1, 2004

By S. Nygren

Nalco Chemical Company and a North Carolina Phosphate operation have formed a successful supplier/customer team effort that has resulted in major improvements in the operation of the clay thickening circuit at the Aurora, North Carolina concentrator. A Nalco OPTICUS® Automated Process Control System for thickener and flocculant control was installed in 1994. The paper will discuss in detail the development and refinement of the OPTICUS system over the past three years. The paper will survey the development and networking of process control for monitoring, controlling and operating four 325-foot Dorr-Oliver thickeners, three 80-foot high-rate Enviro-Clear thickeners and control links to the facility's clay/gypsum blending operation.

Jan 1, 1998

By A. E. Isaacson

The U.S. Bureau of Mines is investigating a systems approach to metals recovery from leach liquors produced by in situ leach mining techniques. A successful in situ leaching process requires a thorough under-standing of the complex interrelationships that exist between leaching chemistry and metals recovery. Laboratory research is addressing these interrelationships in the solution mining of a copper oxide deposit. Laboratory tests have been conducted to gather baseline data related to the design and operation of continuous leaching-solvent extraction-electrowinning circuits. This paper addresses the findings of the baseline studies. Specific results include the characterization of simulated in situ leach liquors produced by leaching chrysocolla and chrysocolla-atacamite-bearing copper ores. Metal recovery procedures, utilizing four commercial solvent extraction reagents, are also characterized, and potentially troublesome leach liquor contaminants that may complicate waste management procedures are identified.

Jan 1, 1990

By Seal. Thom

Large heap leach operations around the world contain significant under-leached metal values that present recovery challenges to operators. The first challenge is to find the location of the highest inventory. High resolution resistivity ? has proven sensitive enough to detect such zones in the interior of heap leach pads to target treatment or re-leaching. Newmont Mining Corp. has adapted the high pressure fracturing technology, used in oil wells to stimulate select zones in heap leach pads to add reagents in 3-D for re-leaching, changing zonal chemistry for improved recovery and heap closure. High Resolution Resistivity ? is able to subsequently monitor injected solution flow and determine directional permeability during Hydro-Jex stimulation. The combination of these technologies has shown strong economic success, for selecting targets in the heaps and monitoring solution application. These technologies are now available to the mining industry for adoption.

Jan 1, 2008

By Ademar Lopes, Victor Silva, Heitor Silva, Gustavo Usero, Roberto Rolo, Lucas Pereira, Gabriel Moreira, João Lague, Arthur Endlein, Matheus Feitosa

Grade control models are supposed to provide a higher resolution than long-term or interim models. However, available grids from diamond or reverse circulation drilling do not provide that required resolution. In this study, a geostatistical workflow is proposed to integrate available grade data from production blastholes with its operational parameters taken when drilling downhole. The step of geological logging can be replaced by machine learning models for classifying blastholes into lithologies and hardness classes. Next, indicator and ordinary kriging use the classified blastholes and previous data for estimating the model domains and the grades within each one. The workflow is applied in a world class iron ore mine in Brazil.

Jun 25, 2023

By John W. Greene

ennec?tt's Bameys Canyon Mine personnel developed an mnovahve process to extract gold from a small (1.8 million tons) sulfide ore zone in an oxidized ore body located at the Bameys Canyon Mine. This approach consists of extracting the sulfides from the ore via flotation, shipping the concentrate to Kennecott's new smelter, and mixing the flotation tailings with the oxide ore, agglomerating the mixture, and stacking the resultin tailings/oxide ore combination on the heaps. Conventional heap leaching technology is utilized to recover the gold from the mixed materials. Overall, the total gold recovery from the sulfide ore is esti­mated to be 90%. This approximation is based on a smelter gold recovery of 98% from the concentrate and an 88% recovery from the tailings during heap leaching

Jan 1, 1996

By L. H. Monaco

"The evolutional process is always about solving existent problems in order to provide further achievements. But the more something evolves, the more challenges it faces towards greater evolution. Industrial automation systems in Mining have also evolved a lot in the past decades, but they now face new challenges about integration: how to integrate different locations and systems, in a way to reduce costs and increase overall mine efficiency and safety for the operation. This paper compares conventional mining process automation architectures vs. a state-of-the-art, completely integrated system using Electrical Integration based on IEC 61850 standard for Substation Automation Systems. Emphasis is placed on the benefits to manage the entire mining plant as a whole, not only looking at the production rates, but also at the energy consumption for each part of process. In addition, it is discussed how an integrated system approach unlocks safety and productivity gains such as overall process optimizations, improved operator effectiveness, increased plant availability, and reduced maintenance costs. INTRODUCTION The world is constantly changing, and evolution is a natural part of mankind history. The role of evolutional process is to solve existent problems, but usually these solutions create new issues that need to be addressed. This scenario is also applicable to the industrial environment, in which the demand for higher profitability and efficiency on their processes requires solutions with more productivity using less resource. This is not different when it comes to energy consumption: how to optimize production rates and reduce energy costs at the same time? Regarding automation systems, the trend for the industries is to focus on four main challenges: how to provide safety for personnel; how to reduce initial investment for new plants; how to connect remote and in harsh locations; and above all how to deal with the lack of integration between several systems."

Jan 1, 2018

By William A. Faust

At Gold Fields' Chimney Creek Mine, major reviews of the reclamation and closure plans are done concurrently with the annual mine planning required for budget preparation. This review includes identifying and scheduling reclamation work that can be done within the next few years and development of associated costs. Longer term mine, leach pad and waste dump development are examined to take advantage of any design changes that can reduce ongoing reclamation or closure requirements and reduce costs. The success and cost effectiveness of past efforts are continually evaluated to determine the best methods for reclamation.

Jan 1, 1992

By Roshan B. Bhappu

Integrating a research and development department into an engineering company's corporate structure can be rewarding to the engineering division, the R&D group, and, most of all, the company's clients. Actually, the R&D department is a logical extension of the conventional processing group within an engineering organization-but the R&D group provides services as needed to the engineering department while it is carrying out regular testing, pilot plant, and preliminary feasibility studies. Backup Services Provided With an R&D group, the engineering division does not need a process engineering group as such. The R&D group provides project backup services for feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed engineering, construction, and startup. The R&D group, in turn, benefits from its close association with project engineers, draftsmen, estimators, and computer capabilities in the engineering division. The client also benefits from the arrangement because R&D and engineering skills are available to both departments on an as-needed basis without standby eost. To handle the integrated responsibility of R&D projects, as well as conceptual design and preliminary feasibility studies, the R&D staff must be carefully selected. These research engineers should: • have a good background in plant practice as a mill superintendent or chief metallurgist; • be capable of organizing and supervising a testing program or a pilot plant campaign; •be innovative and willing to accept new ideas and concepts; • be able to translate lab test results into a workable flowsheet through sound conceptual design and feasibility studies; and •be able to communicate with clients. In short, the R&D engineer must be a jack of all process-engineering trades to successfully take a project from concept to operating reality. Engineers in a metallurgical R&D organization should have experience in mining and processing all types of

Jan 10, 1980

By K. H. Al-Rawahy

Appreciation and awareness of the unique nature of mineral investment and ultimate development of a mine are crucial in promoting sustainable development. Special characteristics of mineral development include high capital intensive, long pre-production period, high risk, and the unavoidable ?economic? depletion. This paper examines ways to integrate these unique attributes of the mineral industry into the educational process, so that a properly advised and knowledgeable culture in terms of a sustainable mineral industry can be developed. Specific approaches are investigated in order to achieve this objective. These include a stochastic evaluation of a mineral investment proposal, adding a premium to the cost of capital that is used for valuation process, and internalizing incidental costs to the private cost function, thereby realizing the true (vs. apparent) marginal social cost of the proposed development. Undoubtedly, a total evaluation of any mineral project that accounts for both tangible and intangible parameters will contribute to sustainable development objectives. By incorporating the practical application of apparent theoretical topics such as risk, probability, and externality, and their relevance and impact on mineral lifecycle (prospecting, exploration, development, exploitation, use, and ultimate disposal) into the educational process, it is hoped that a generation of technocrats and decision makers that are familiar with and concerned about sustainable development will emerge.

Jan 1, 2007

By E. J. Haas, K. A. Rost

"This study sought to identify changes in continuous mining machine (CMM) operators’ risk perception and risk behaviors as a result of adding a proximity detection system (PDS) into their environment. To accomplish this research task, 9 CMM operators from 5 locations were interviewed. Interviews were thematically analyzed for constructs including patterns in risk perception and behavior before and after PDS integration and the process of adapting to the PDS. Operators discussed standing in the red zone less than they did before using the PDS; however, they also discussed other risky decisions they made while learning how to operate their CMM with the PDS technology such as “cheating” the technology and working faster to meet production goals. The process of relearning job tasks with technology and unintended behaviors as a result of that relearning process need to be taken into account when introducing new technology into the mine environment. The study results show an in-depth view of mine workers’ perspectives and how their job tasks and environment could be or are affected when learning how to use new technology that are relevant to companies and mine operators when introducing new technology into the mine environment. INTRODUCTION Established “red zones” can help prevent striking and pinning incidents by providing guidance to continuous mining machine (CMM) operators about where they should stand and not stand while operating a CMM. Although red zones influence operator placement positions, these guidelines are not foolproof safety mechanisms. Depending on the job task and circumstances of the mine environment, a CMM operator may unintentionally or intentionally stand in a red zone. For example, CMM operators may work in close proximity to their CMM for better visual attention cues and the ability to work at a higher rate of production [1-3]. To further enhance protection and prevent collisions between vehicles and mine workers, a proximity detection system (PDS) was developed for the industry. The PDS determines an individual’s position relative to a specific piece of machinery, issues visual and/or audible warnings to the mine worker to change positions, and, if necessary, disables machine motion [4]. The introduction of new technology within other sectors has been identified as a factor that influences work decisions. Specifically, previous research demonstrates that when technology debuts there can be an initial intrinsic risk perceived among users about how the technology will interact with their current environment and behaviors; however, these ambiguities, including the possible risks and benefits, are seldom studied [5]. Some research suggests that the constant presence of technology can disrupt situation awareness and decision-making capabilities by increasing worker responsibilities and worker cognitive demands [6-8]. Further, if workers’ perceived risks both with and without technology are misjudged, unsafe decisions that result in human error and injury may be more likely [9-11]. Although these statements are provided within a broad contextual framework, they support the need to study how technology is perceived among end users in their own environment. Because research about technological impact on worker behaviors has suggested both positive and negative consequences of technology, this issue is worth addressing in the mining industry. Specifically, research has not determined whether CMM operators view their placement choices in the red zone as safe or risky and what effect PDS technology has, if any, on risk perception and subsequent risk behavior."

Jan 1, 2015

By Igor Gonzales G.

The Southern Peru Copper Corp. (SPCC) recently built an integrated copper project consisting of dump- and heap-leaching operations at its mine complex in Peru. The pregnant leach solution (PLS) containing the solubilized copper from the leaching operations is processed in a new solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) facility to produce high-purity cathode copper. The dump leaching and SX/EW facilities are located near the Toquepala mine site. The crushing and heap-leaching operation is located at the Cuajone Mine. The pregnant leach solution from Toquepala and Cuajone is pumped 35 km (22 miles) to the SX/EW plant at Toquepala. The SX/EW plant consists of three trains of solvent extraction (SX), a tank farm area and an electrowinning (EW) facility. The solvent extraction plant has a total PLS flow capacity of 3,210 m3/hr (113,360 cu ft/hr). The electrowinning facility has an expected long-term production capacity of 97 t/d(107 stpd) or about 35 kt/a (38,500 stpy) of cathode copper. However, present production exceeds the expected long-term by about 20%.

Jan 1, 1996

By C. J. Bise, M. F. Sindelar

Regulations, such as the MINER Act of 2006, require the installation of redundant and secondary communication systems to assure that contact can be established with coal miners who may become trapped underground as a result of an event such as a fire, explosion or inundation. For half a century, the orientation towards underground communications has been that more complex systems better serve the coal miner. However, if a goal is to provide for an alternative means of establishing communication between the surface and trapped miners underground, then some of the technology employed should be simple, reliable and cost-effective. Coal mines spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on exploratory drillholes to characterize reserves, sometimes decades ahead of mine development. During the pre-mine planning phases, certain exploratory drillholes could be located and then outfitted with a simple communication link that would remain compatible with the continuing evolution of communication systems. Inexpensive links, whose locations would be accurately recorded, would be exposed by continuous miners during mine entry development, thereby allowing an underground phone to be connected to a surface station in the event of an emergency. A latent network of these communication links could be installed for less than $500 each, minimally affecting drilling and grouting operations, and could be designed to be compatible with many communication devices. This research examines methods and materials for incorporating an embedded communication link during pre-mine exploration drilling, addresses significant factors affecting its implementation, and presents a recommended design. Since mine plans are known to change, the objective is to minimize cost so that, if not used, the investment is minimal for a potential secondary means of communication between the surface and underground workings.

Jan 1, 2014

By Didier Michel, Jean Frenay

Integration of amino acids in the thiosulfate gold leaching process has been noted in the literature. This paper presents a theoretical justification of this integration and demonstrates how amino acids can reduce the thiosulfate consumption of the process and contribute to the stabilization of the leaching system.

Jan 1, 1999

By Verya Nasri, Behrouz Esmaeilkhanian, Mohammad Motallebi

Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) is the new Light Rail Transit (LRT) network of Montreal, Canada. This new LRT network uses a century-old Mont Royal Tunnel (MRT) to connect Downtown Montreal to the north side of the Island of Montreal by passing through Mount Royal Mountain. This railway double track horseshoe tunnel is approximately 5 km (3.1 mi.) long, 8.8 m (29 ft.) wide and 5.5 m (18 ft.) high, with a constant 0.6% grade. Due to different geological characteristics of the surrounding ground, varied from hard rock to soft soil, different cross sections and excavation methods were adopted for construction of this tunnel. In order to use MRT in the modern transit system, the tunnel needed to be inspected, rehabilitated and be compliant to the recent safety standards. This paper presents a summary of history and characteristics of the existing tunnel plus the implemented steps to upgrade the tunnel. It includes the details of the structural inspection and rehabilitation methods of the tunnel. Further, this paper summarizes the procedures for the space proong, construction of the separation center wall, and the tunnel enlargement. It also describes parts of complications encountered during the construction and solutions implemented to tackle these issues.

Jun 23, 2024

By R. W. Lankston

Uranium mill tailings disposal facilities present unique problems with respect to siting, design, and long-term stability because their contents remain potentially hazardous for 100,000 years. Dawn Mining Company, operator of a uranium mill in Washington, undertook geological and geophysical studies relative to planned expansion of existing disposal facilities. Seismic refraction and reflection, resistivity, and ground magnetics data were integrated with limited drill data to determine the configuration of Quaternary sediments and the underlying basaltic and granitic bedrock. Analysis of multiple reflections and magnet modelling on a micro-computer with CRT graphics added detail to the interpretation.

Jan 1, 1980

By Barbara H. Carroll

In order to rapidly evaluate an area for its mineral potential, a reconnaissance exploration program generally includes the following: 1. Outlining an area of interest 2. Identifying known mineral deposits 3. Bibliographic search of the literature 4. Evaluation of geochemical and geophysical surveys 5. Compilation and review of geologic maps The information now available from various government agencies regarding the mineral deposits, geology, and geochemistry may be integrated and used as a tool to rapidly evaluate an area before the field season. The databases most commonly used in the United States are the USBM MAS/HILS system and the USGS MRDS system for their information on mineral deposits; GEOREF and GEOARCHIVE for bibliographic information; and NURE data for the geochemistry and geophysics. In conjunction with the project geologist, this information may be used to plot known deposits and their geochemical signature as well as any other areas of like signature for further examination.

Jan 1, 1985