Search Documents

By M. J. Gole, R. E. T. Hill, S. J. Barnes

"The Agnew (also known as the Perseverance) nickel deposit and its northern extension, the Rocky's Reward deposit, form one of the world's largest accumulations of nickel sulphides hosted by komatiites. Agnew was previously classified as an ""intrusive dunite-associated"" deposit . It has now been shown that the sulphides are hosted by komatiite flows which underlie an adcumulate-textured dunite body that crystallized in a large lava channel.The rocks of the mine area have been subjected to a metamorphic temperature of550°C and pressure of up to 3 kb. The komatiites have mostly been reconstituted to olivine-amphibole chlorite assemblages. There is a zoned sequence of enstatite-, anthophylite-, talc- and antigorite-bearing assemblages inwards from the western margin of the ultramatic reflecting variations in the CO/HP ratio of metamorphic fluids.Facing directions are determined from variations in the proportions of metamorphic minerals and in rock compositions which reflect asymmetric layering in the flows . Olivine-sulphides matrix ore is hosted in a single 50 m thick, east-facing flow that is overlain by flows containing massive sulphides. Much of the massive sulphide has been physically remobilized into fold noses, faults and shear zones. Chemical diffusion of ore components has upgraded a sulphide-rich metasedimentary unit where it is in structural contact with massive ore.To the north, the mineralized flow sequence is separated from a stratigraphically higher komatiite sequence, the Perseverance ultramafic complex, by approximately 150 m of felsic meta volcanic and meta sedimentary rocks. Southward, the Perseverance ultramafic grades laterally into an olivine adcumulate body and its lower contact cuts progressively down stratigraphy until it lies directly on top of olivine-sulphide ore of the mineralized flow sequence. This discordant contact is interpreted as the base of a thermal erosion channel formed by a voluminous komatiite lava flow. This contact greatly influenced later deformation of the mineralized flow sequence."

Jan 1, 1989

By Bruce W. Downing, Philip G. Claridge

"The availability of environmental data is a major concern in the development of an exploration project through the permitting and feasibility stages. The collection of these data should ideally start very early in a major exploration program. Although a large proportion of the environmental data can also be used for exploration purposes, (e.g. stream-sediment, soil, and rock analyses), environmental sampling will rarely have been initiated at an early date. For the Windy Craggy project, a major environmental concern is the potential for generation of acid rock drainage from waste-rock piles. The project is reviewed with respect to the environment of the deposit, deposit geology, mineralization and reserves, the sequence of exploration activities to the present, the potential for the development of acid rock drainage, the geochemistry and water quality, and the integration of exploration and environmental databases and their application to environmental planning. IntroductionIn the classical sense of exploration of a mineral deposit, the efforts throughout exploration are routinely directed at confirming the existence of the deposit and defining its extent, grade and continuity. Environmental issues are usually tackled separately, possibly by different personnel at a later date. When that is the case, an opportunity is lost to build, from an early date , a comprehensive database that (I) will satisfy the needs of conventional exploration and environmental monitoring, and (2) is usable as a predictive tool for environmental impact assessment.The concept of environmental geochemistry is not complex. The availability of environmental data is a major concern in the development of an exploration project to the feasibility and permitting stages. The collection of data should ideally start very early in any major exploration program. In many cases a significant proportion of the geochemical exploration data gathered early in the life of a project will also be used later for environmental purposes (e.g. stream-sediment, water, soil, and rock analyses). Rarely, however, will the data gathered in a geochemical exploration program provide information as complete as that attainable if environmental objectives had been considered in scoping the work.A knowledge both of local and regional geochemical processes can lead to a better understanding of environmental impacts. This understanding is the basis upon which good environmental management practices may be built. Geddes Resources Limited has undertaken a major study of the natural environment in the Windy Craggy area which includes geology, surface and underground waters, soils, stream sediments, glaciers and geomorphology (Geddes Resources Limited, 1990). This paper deals with the building and integration of the exploration and environmental databases."

Jan 1, 1993

By L. A. Mells

"A laboratory test program was initiated by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources as part of the National Uranium Tailings Program to investigate the applicability of a radium selective ion exchange complexer for removing radium from Canadian uranium mining effluents. The test program was carried out by Melis Consulting Engineers Ltd. under contract to the Department of Supply and Services using the Saskatchewan Research Council facilities located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.The results of this work showed the ion exchange complexer, Dowex XFS 43230.00, to be efficient in removing radium from contaminated water of uranium mining operations with the ultimate loading capacity of the resin on one type of water treated being determined as approximately 1,600 Bq/cm3 of new resin. Although this resin has potential application for treatment of effluent streams in uranium operations it has been identified that the resin efficiency and capacity is directly related to the chemistry of the water being treated and site-specific testwork is required in order to establish reliable design data for full-scale operations.IntroductionThe possible applicability of a radium-selective ion exchange complexer for removing radium from Canadian uranium mining effluents had been identified and discussed as a possible alternative to present radium removal methods during a review of disposal technology options for the National Uranium Tailings Program of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources(1). Work by other workers(2.3) had shown the complexer to be very efficient in removing radium from contaminated water. Also, plant trials on contaminated minewater at the Mt. Taylor uranium mine in New Mexico is reported to have shown the resin complexer to be efficient under plant operating conditions.As a result, a laboratory test program was initiated by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources as part of the National Uranium Tailings Program to investigate the suitability of this resin for Canadian uranium mining effluents. The test program was carried out by Melis Consulting Engineers Ltd. (MCEL) under contract to the Department of Supply and Services using the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) facilities located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan."

Jan 1, 1985

By N. D. MacFarlane, D. J. Mossman

"The Nemeiben Lake ultramafic complex, in the Churchill Province of the Canadian Shield in north-central Saskatchewan, is a small I. 6-km circular plug largely composed of high-alumina pyroxene cumulates forming a series of grossly concentric layers of clinopyroxenite, websterite and wehrlite. Minor dunite and gabbro are present in the northwestern part of the pluton.Disseminated primary magmatic pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite, magnetite and chromite occur throughout the intrusion. Sulphides occur in proportions of economic interest in the northern outcrops. A secondary assemblage of fine-grained oxides, sulphides and native metals occurs in serpentinized and uralitized peridotites and pyroxenites. Primary opaque minerals are largely altered to marcasite, violarite and hematite. The ores represent a primary magmatic assemblage extensively modified by metamorphism and, to a lesser extent, by supergene alteration.The complex intruded an Early Aphebian supracrustral succession during the waning stages of the Hudsonian orogeny. The metamorphic peak during Hudsonian time reached middle to upper amphibolite facies, granitized the country rocks and contributed to the partial amphibolitization of the ultramafic pluton.The Nemeiben complex has a number of features in common with the zoned intrusions of southeastern Alaska, including: the diopsidic composition of clinopyroxene, highly magnesian olivines, ubiquitous primary magnetite, relatively high alumina content of clinopyroxenes and the unlikelihood that associated gabbroic rocks are derived from a magma common to the ultramafic rocks. However, at Nemeiben, orthopyroxene occurs as a widespread postcumulus phase and, to a lesser extent, as a cumulus mineral. This fact, together with geochemical data on whole-rock and mineral compositions, indicates a tholeiitic parentage.The nickel-copper deposits of the Nemeiben Lake ultramafic complex are not currently economic, although standard technology for recovery of sulphide minerals in the clinopyroxenite (and websterite) would probably be adequate. Most ore minerals in the altered peridotites belong to the fine-grained secondary assemblage of opaques due to the formation of retrograde hydrous silicates and are probably too fine grained for standard recovery methods."

Jan 1, 1982

By Carl Edmunds

Talk Outline Deposit?s Vital Statistics and Economic Environment Regional Geologic Setting Deposit Geology UBC Research Search Model and Current Exploration Plans Kemess Operations Kemess South Mine Mining rate (2006) ?135,000 tonnes / day Mill throughput (2006) ?52,000 tonnes / day Average Annual Production ?300,000 oz gold and 75 million lbs copper ?Production until mid-2009 Kemess North > Open pit reserve 423.8 million tonnes @ 0.3 g/tgold and 0.18% copper > 4.1 million ounce gold reserve (127 tonnes) > 1.45 billion pound copper reserve (636,000 tonnes) > 0.75:1 Strip Ratio

May 1, 2006

"Many underground mines are achieving extended life and optimizing existing facilities by mining at greater depths. The challenges to do this require a sound engineering approach to mine design and mine services, as well as ingenuity in safety design. The social consequence is full utilization of existing infrastructure.Accessing ores at depths of 2000 m to 3000 m requires exceptional hoisting design. May’s theme issue includes a paper that examines a case study of one such hoisting plant, with emphasis on the hoist rope selection at Agnico-Eagle’s Penna shaft. The paper also describes the process whereby consultation with provincial safety authorities resulted in a revised safety factor suited to the hoist. Another paper examines the challenges of ventilating mechanized mines to 3000 m, including air cooling and dilution of diesel exhaust emissions. Vent system designs are discussed, using sound engineering design, and proven technology that minimizes emissions to achieve cost efficiencies. The paper suggests design based on process and ventilation simulators to obtain realistic economic data at the design stage. Increased ground pressures present unique challenges for production and safety. While this is not confined to deep mining, one paper examines rock pressures and seismic events at the Brunswick mine, for which experience may be applied at depth. It describes seismic monitoring as a predictive tool in a real mine situation, and how it is used to improve overall recoveries and maintain worker safety."

Jan 1, 2004

By R. W. Thompkins

"PREFACEPart 1 of this paper, published in the September issue, covered the occurrence of uranium, radiation from uranium ores, the uranium series, radioactive theory, radioactive equilibrium and application to the radon series, the working level, the theory of emanation and diffusion, transport by thermal diffusion of radon emanating from porous rocks, and definitions.The October issue carried Part 2, which dealt with radiation theory applied to uranium ores, other radon migration factors, factors affecting the radon gas release rate, the measurement of radon gas emanation rates, the tunnel concept, variation of emanation rate with grade and estimating radioactivity from grade analysis.Part 3, in this issue, concludes the series by discussing the techniques for controlling radiation and providing some example calculations.17.0. Techniques for Controlling Radiation17.1. Altering the Factors In the Diffusion EquationIt has been noted that radon gas emanates from the surfaces of exposed ore to the mine atmosphere. The diffusion laws establish the rate of this flow. The fundamental relationship is that the rate of flow (J) is a function of the pore concentration and the distance from the surface. It is expressed as: []If any of these terms is varied, either naturally or artificially, the rate of gas emanation will be altered.Altering the Diffusion CoefficientThe literature describes many ways to lower the radon gas emanation rates which are dependent on changing the diffusion coefficient:1. A layer of ice on top of a tailings dam or on a soil.2. Humid clayey materials and swamped soils over a radon source."

Jan 1, 1982

By A. R. Miller, M. C. Bétournay, D. L. Barnes

"A number of successful proof-of-concept projects have been carried out to replace conventional power application, such as diesel and rechargeable batteries, in underground mine vehicles. This has led to the development and testing of the world’s first fuel cell production vehicle, a mine locomotive. A fuel cell loader is being built and tested.This paper provides an insight into other projects that are being carried out. Some are related to further underground applications, and some to further research, such as refueling options, power plant durability, and vehicle automation.Also outlined is an evaluation of the overall mining applications and advantages this technology can bring to underground mining, including the facilitation of automation and tele-remote operation."

Jan 1, 2003

By R. B. Casault, J. D. Boyd, D. R. Bell

"Full-scale sections of three different types of Grade 483 line pipe have been evaluated extensively. The variations in chemical composition, optical microstructure, tensile properties, hardness and Charpy impact toughness with specimen orientation and location were determined. Significant variations in several properties, notably Charpy shelf energy, impact transition temperature, inclusion content and ferrite grain size, were observed for different locations in the pipes. The results indicate that current specifications call for test samples for the most conservative locations, except for impact tests. Minimum Charpy impact values generally occur at the II2-width location, which may be a more appropriate specified test location than the present I/4-width location. The anisotropy of impact toughness, and the importance of low sulphur content and inclusion shape control for adequate toughness in the transverse/rolling-direction orientation were demonstrated. The orientation of impact specimens is critical for spiral-weld pipe, and the current specification test is non-conservative in that it can give results which are two to three times higher than the minimum value for the steel.IntroductionThis report presents the results of an extensive metallurgical evaluation of three different Grade 483 line-pipe steels. The sample material came from full-scale sections of line pipe, which represented current commercial practice at the time of manufacture (1975-1977). Since then, significant improvements have been made in the manufacturers' procedures for producing skelp and pipe, and the line-pipe specifications have been revised. Hence, the information in this report is dated in terms of current design, but it is unique and significant in several respects:"

Jan 1, 1982

By Ronald E. Pike

"PREFACEAt the CIM Annual General Meeting in Quebec City, R.E. Pike of The Toronto-Dominion Bank described how the Canadian banking industry worked with the minerals industry to assemble the large capital requirements for resource projects in Canada and overseas. He developed a profile of the mining industry and Canadian banking, both being important sectors of the Canadian economy and global in context. He also outlined the banking and financing partnership that existed in the past. In looking to the future and challenge that lies ahead f or each industry, Mr. Pike questioned whether the financing practices of the 1970s will be acceptable over the next decade. In that regard, he highlighted the risks that impact on each industry and illustrated how that financing partnership might evolve in response to those forces. The folio wing is a synopsis of his paper.IntroductionThe Canadian mining and metals industry is prominent in the domestic economy and respected internationally. Any measure of its performance illustrates that status-percentage of GNP, employment, exports, capital investment, size relative to other producing nations, etc.Energy, Mines and Resources Canada has forecast that the non-fuel minerals industry will grow in real terms by an average annual rate of 3.0% over the period 1981 to 1991. Using the GNP as reference, that growth in non-fuel mineral production will represent 7.7% of GNP. In translating that growth to capital expenditure, the EMR Canada estimates the aggregate amount at $43.8 billion ('79 dollars) or approximately 12% of total business investment in Canada during the 10-year period.About half of the $43.8 billion will be devoted to the ferrous sector-$8.4 billion in iron ore mining and $12.4 billion in the steel industry. Capital investment in nonferrous s projects is estimated at $13.3 billion, and it is projected at $6.7 billion for industrial minerals. The residual $3.0 .billion is exploration spending."

Jan 1, 1982

By P. A. Geusebroek, N. A. Duke

Abstract - The Lupin mine, located in the central Slave province just east of the western boundary of Nunavut Territory, is a world-class example of a Neoarchean-aged banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted lode-gold deposit. At the minesite the gold-mineralized Lupin BIF, separating stratigraphically underlying psammitic wacke and overlying argillaceous turbidite sequences, delineates the Lupin dome, a hammerhead-shaped F2/F3 interference fold structure occurring at the greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphic transition within the thermal aureole of the Contwoyto batholith. Detailed paragenetic relationships indicate that peak thermal metamorphism coincided with the switch from regional D2 compression to rapid D3 unroofing of the Neoarchean orogenic infrastructure. Gold initially precipitated with pyrrhotite, replacing amphibolitic BIF at the apex of the Lupin deformation zone, separating the east and west lobes of the Contwoyto batholith. Over the course of associated prograde/retrograde metasomatic overprints, gold was further remobilized during garnet and loellingite/arsenopyrite growth in chlorite-altered selvages of late-forming ladder quartz veins. A metamorphic model of ore genesis, with gold being scavenged and transported by metamorphic fluid that was shed and structurally trapped at the amphibolite recrystallization front, is favored over the previously proposed syngenetic and exogenic models of gold concentration that have tended to polarize genetic interpretations to date.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. J. Gillman

"The coal deposits from Cape Perce on Cape Breton Island have been known to supply the coal requirements of the people living in or visiting the area for close to 300 years.A major block of coal has been identified off Cape Perce, which has several seams from which coal can be taken. The initial development by the Cape Breton Development Corporation will be in the Harbour Seam and constitutes the Donkin-Morien Development Project.The CBDC's confidence in this indicated resource is based on its knowledge of the Sydney Coal Field and from boreholes driven into the block during the summers of1977, 78 and 79. In 1980, further geological data were gathered from surface drilling and an intermediate-depth high-resolution seismic survey. The surface facilities for the Donkin-Morien Development Project will be located on the northern half of the cape, with access declines extending 3.9 km in a north-northeasterly direction to the Donkin block of coal reserves. The development has the potential of supplying all the coal needed f or the future electrical power generation requirements of Nova Scotia for many years to come.The planned mine, for which a project definition study has recently been completed, will have a production rate in excess of 3 million tonnes per year.IntroductionAt the Second CIM District 1 Meeting held in Halifax in October 1980, a background paper on Phase II of the Donkin-Morien Development Project was presented. The project involves a 3.2-million-tonne, saleable, underground coal mine. At that time, the chronological sequence of events had unfolded, starting with the initial boreholes through to the feasibility study, and on through site clearing and site preparation. This led to engineering design contracts for the portals and the two tunnels to be driven to intersect with the Harbour Seam close to 4 km from their entry point."

Jan 1, 1982

By A. R. MacPherson

"This paper considers four aspects of autogenous grinding. Part 1 discusses statements on power efficiency of autogenous grinding compared to conventional crushing and grinding systems. It also demonstrates how high-power efficiency can be obtained from autogenous grinding systems. Part 2 considers a simple method of testing ores to determine the type of autogenous plant which can treat these ores on a commercial basis. A comparison of testing for simple small plants vs large plants or complex ores is included. Part 3 considers important aspects which have to be considered in proper design of an autogenous grinding system. Part 4 discusses problem ores and how they can be treated in an autogenous system. INTRODUCTIONAfter about 35 years of using autogenous grinding plants in the mining industry, it is perhaps time to review where we are with this, by now, relatively old development. Autogenous grinding in this paper means grinding run-of-mine ore by fully autogenous means or by using a ball charge to assist the grinding (semi-autogenous). Also, autogenous grinding can be eitherby dry or wet.The use of autogenous grinding in the fifties was making its slow start, and it was not until the sixties that more of the mining industry would consider its use . By the seventies, most builders of new plants would have considered autogenous grinding, whether they used it or not, in the final design.In the eighties, most large plants use autogenous mills and to reduce over-all operating costs, many older conventional plants are now looking and actually retrofitting these old plants with autogenous grinding mills.It is evident that many misconceptions concerning autogenous grinding are still current. Some come from improperly designed plants which result from poor test work. There are many considerations in the proper design of autogenous plants. Some ores have been found to give problems even in a well designed plant. These ore types are beginning to be classified and recognition in the test stage allows steps to be taken in the design so that these ores can be efficiently handled in autogenous grinding plants.Therefore, this paper will address the following aspects of autogenous grinding:1. Misconceptions regarding autogenous grinding.2. Testing of ores to ensure a well designed commercial plant.3. Important considerations in mill design.4. Difficult ores, their recognition and types of design to handle such ores."

Jan 1, 1989

By Denni Nikols, Farrukh Z. Khan

"Highvale Mine, located at Wabamun, Alberta, produces thermal coal for TransAIta's Keephills and Sundance generating plants. Overburden stripping in the mine is conducted by draglines which normally operate on top of the overburden bench. In certain areas oj the mine, however, these overburden benches are susceptible to slope failure. In these areas, due to safety considerations, the draglines are utilized in the less productive chop-cutting mode, supplemented by mobile equipment where the bench height exceeds the dragline chop-cutting limit. This paper proposes maintaining the draglines in their normal digging mode through areas of unstable or jailed overburden, by utilizing a dragline carried toe buttress 10 ensure adequate bench stability. The data requirements and methods of slope analysis to design a toe buttress across an unstable highwall area are examined in rigorous detail. INTRODUCTIONLocationHighvale Mine is owned by TransAlta Utilities Corporation and operated under contract. It is Canada's largest coal mine with an annual coal production in excess of II million tonnes. The mine is located approximately 80 km west of Edmonton on the south shore of Wabamum Lake (Fig. I) and production is currently provided by three pits 02. 03 and 04 (Fig. 2). The entire coal production is consumed at the nearby Sundance and Keephills power generating plants.ScopeThe mining operation at Highvale Mine has had occasional slope stability failures of its high wall overburden bench. This paper examines one such failure which occurred in the summer of 1983 at Pit 03. In addition to an investigation of the failure, Terracon was asked to recommend mine operation procedures which would minimize the impact of these slide zones on dragline productivity. A method of removing the failed material by utilizing the dragline in its normal digging mode is designed. The method's advantages and disadvantages as well as the required support procedures are reviewed."

Jan 1, 1989

By Earl Gebhardt

The planning and design of mining panels in the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., Lanigan Division mine Block B involved a number of investigative techniques. The techniques utilized to gain insight into the viability of mining included 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys, longhole drilling, exploration wells, photolineament, magnetic and gravity surveys, and actual room excavation.

Feb 1, 1993

By D. M. Ward

"The uranium deposits upon which the Rabbit Lake project story is based are located at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin just west of Wollaston Lake in northern Saskatchewan. This paper provides a general review of the exploration history for the major deposits and the influence of an expanding geological data base, which served to guide the continuing exploration programs.A brief description of each of the deposits is provided in order of their discovery and with emphasis upon their relative geological and mineralogical characteristics.The Rabbit Lake and Eagle Point orebodies are monometallic uranium deposits localized by thrust faults within the Aphebian Wollaston Group. The Cof/ins Bay A-zone, B-zone, and D-zone are polymetaflic U, Ni, As, Co (Au , Ag) deposits located within the Helikian Athabasca Group at its unconformable contact with the underlying Wollaston Group. INTRODUCTIONThis paper demonstrates the importance of applying the accumulated geological knowledge, gained through the exploration, mining, and development process, to the ongoing success of exploration programs. To emphasize this point, the basic geology of each of the major Rabbit Lake area deposits will be presented in chronological order of their discovery and subsequent development. These depos its include Rabbit Lake, Collins Bay A-zone, B-zone, D-zone and Eagle Point. The geological descriptions are based primarily upon the detailed observations of many current and former geologist s employed by both Gulf Minerals Canada Limited and Eldorado Resources Limited. Much of the early historical data was obtained from Dr. E.E.N. Smith, formerly with Eldorado Resources Limited. Regional GeologyThe Rabbit Lake area which includes the Rabbit Lake, Collins Bay A-zone, B-zone, D-zone and Eagle Point deposit s, is located on the eastern edge of the Athabasca Basin close to the western shores of Wollaston Lake (Fig. I). The area is in the Churchill Province of the Canadian Shield within the Wollaston lithostructural domain, at the eastern edge of the Athabasca Group. The uranium deposits occur within both the Wollaston Group metasedimentary assemblage of probable early Aphebian age, and the diagenetic ally altered quartz sandstones and conglomerates of the Athabasca Group of Paleohelikian age. Both units unconformably overlie granitoid gneisses interlayered with metasediments and a graphitic iron formation all believed to be of Archean age. All uranium depo sits in the Rabbit Lake area occur in close proximity to the Paleohelikian - Aphebian or Paleohelikian - Archean unconformity."

Jan 1, 1989

By J. M. D. Wilson, W. Petruk, C. Coté

"The behaviour of minerals in the Mount Wright spiral circuit was investigated to find methods of improving iron oxide mineral liberation and recovery. The feeds, concentrates and tailings from rougher, cleaner and recleaner spirals in one mill line were sampled before and after the sizing screen openings were reduced from 2 mm to 1.6 mm. Sized fractions of each sample were analyzed with the MP-SEM-IPS image analysis system at CANMET to determine mineral quantities and liberation characteristics of the iron oxide minerals. Mass balance techniques were used to calculate stream recoveries of iron, silica, total iron oxide minerals, hema¬tite, goethite, quartz, ferromagnesian silicates, and liberated and locked total iron oxide minerals for each sieve fraction.The reduction of the sizing screen openings increased the ap¬parent liberation of the total iron oxide minerals in the screen undersize from 89% to 94% and raised the over-all iron recovery from 84.4% to 85.3%. Apparent liberation of iron oxide minerals in the cleaner sand also increased from 70% to 85%, but the – 75 µm fraction re¬mained the only fraction containing an acceptable amount of liber¬ated iron oxide minerals in each case. Due to limitations of spiral and grinding efficiency it is recommended that the cleaner sand be screened at 300 m, the +300 m fraction be reground, and the – 300 p.m fraction be rerouted to the rougher spirals.The amount of fine liberated iron oxide minerals (– 106 m) lost in the tailings was 46 TPH in mill line 3. This value represents 41 wt % of the free fine iron oxide minerals, or 7 wt % of the total iron oxide minerals in the spiral feed. Further work is needed to investigate the possibility of recovering this material by other methods.Middling iron particles (010 50%) and presumably free gangue in the size range –300+ 75 m tend to be recovered by spirals by entrapment."

Jan 1, 1990

By Y. Mitani, H. Ikemi, K. Kitamura, H. Honda

"Instead of carbon capture and geological storage (CCS) that does not rely on structural aquifers, injecting carbon dioxide into sedimentary rock deep underground has been considered. For advection velocity of the fluid is slow, the permeability of sedimentary rock deep underground is low. In order to perform the CCS on the low permeable sedimentary rock, it is necessary to clarify the behavior of long term storage properties of carbon dioxide (CO2).In this study, the permeability and storativity of CO2 injected into low permeable rock has been evaluated. The injection of supercritical CO2 has been conducted on the specimen of Ainoura sandstone (unit weight: 2.39 g/cm3, porosity: 11.9 %) saturated with water by using flow pump method. The experiment has been set up to reproduce the similar condition of deep underground reservoir under 20 MPa confining pressure, 10 MPa pore pressure, 35°C temperature and 3 µl/min CO2 injection rate. In order to prevent an increase in pore pressure, the boundary condition on the outlet side of specimen has been kept a constant pressure.As a result, it has been possible to observe step by step the change of the differential pressure between both ends of specimen. Furthermore, the relative permeability and specific storage of rock under supercritical CO2 injection has been examined by the theoretical analysis of flow pump permeability test incorporating Darcy’s law for two-phase flow. It is observed that CO2 has been transmitted gradually while CO2 stored in the rock. It is also clarified that residual water has existed in specimen after showing the constant differential pressure in the end of the experiment. Using the results of the experiment, 3D core-scale flow-simulation by using TOUGH2 has been conducted due to confirm the flow of fluid and CO2 distribution in the specimen. From the experimental results and analytical solution to them, permeability and storativity are identified, and simulation results support the validity of the experimental results."

Jan 1, 2015

By Trevor McGiddy

"Australia's prosperity relies significantly on income generated from exports of resources and agricultural products. In 1989-1990, coal was Australia's most valuable export commodity, contributing. A $5.7 billion or 14% of all export income.The abundance and quality of its coal resources and the proximity of Australia to the rapidly developing economies of Southeast Asia were significant factors that encouraged export-oriented growth and investment and will continue to do so. On the other hand, the 1980shighlighted the sensitivity of the industry to international changes in supply and demand, currency and socio-political forces.Following many years of disappointing returns for investors, mainly as a result of falling Australian dollar coal prices, resolve will be necessary to maintain competitiveness with resource-rich nations. In recent years, operators, unions and governments have begun to embark on a long overdue rationalization of domestic issues in a bid to increase productivity and reduce costs.The nature of mining operations is also changing; deeper surface mines and the growth of longwall mining will require the development of new technology and skills. Other challenges emerging from the international environmental debate will require that Australia responds appropriately to demands for cleaner fuels, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.The future development of the Australian coal industry will therefore be influenced by its own ability to become more efficient and mature in the production of quality coal products and through rational international response to environmental questions."

Jan 1, 1992

By Matthew S. Bingham, David H. Searle

"One of the most significant developments in environmental law has been the development of mandatory project review processes, at both the federal and provincial levels.FederalWhile, in the past, project review processes have, f or the most part, been spelled out in guidelines, the guidelines have not had the force of law. All that has changed, particularly at the federal level, with the Federal Court decisions commonly referred to as the Old Man River and Alameda and Rafferty Dam cases. These decisions, taken as a whole, are authority for the proposition that the Environmental Assessment and Review Process Guidelines Order, SOR 82-487 is a law of general application, not a mere guideline which may or may not be applied. This federal environmental assessment process first provides for a screening, and, depending upon the results of the screening process, the possibility of a public review. This federal process only applies, however, when the proposal is being undertaken by a federal department, or where the Government of Canada makes a financial contribution, or where federal lands are involved, or where a federal licence or permit is required.Bill C-78, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, will replace the Federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process Guidelines Order once it has been passed by Parliament. Currently the bill is being widely discussed, both between governments as well as public interest groups.ProvincialOn the provincial scene, there are three project review processes, one concerned with new mines, the second with energy projects and the third with all other major projects. The most recent initiatives taken by British Columbia are twofold. First, the Mine Development Review Process which was in the form of a guideline, has been replaced by the Mine Development Assessment Act. Second, the Major Project Review Process has been formulated and is to apply to four main categories of major projects:1. Pulp and paper production;2. Mineral smelting and refining;3. Chemical products; and4. Major ports and marinas.Energy projects are governed by the Energy Project Review Process which is legislatively mandated under the Utilities Commission Act."

Jan 1, 1991