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By A. Rajan

"Drawing upon the experiences of a gold extraction plant startup in the Southern Pacific, this paper will describe the importance of the commissioning phases to the project outcomes to achieve early target production despite an overall time compression to attain full plant production. Some of the highlights of the paper include: impact of roles played by the Owner’s construction and operations representatives during project commissioning, the formation of a capable and competent “Mod Squad,” availability of trained operating personnel, control over work priorities and the scope of work needed to bring the plant to safe initial operations. The commissioning team comprised subject matter experts skilled in process technology supported by “generalists” thoroughly conversant in overall plant operations. The merits of a structured team approach to brainstorm and resolve commissioning challenges as opposed to direction from individual subject matter experts is discussed. IntroductionStartup or commissioning is a unique period in the life of a project. Each stage of a project-exploration, feasibility, design, construction, commissioning, initial operations and continuing operations-requires special talents, know-how, and practices. Each stage makes particular demands of the people involved. Initial operations are no exception.Having experienced the 1997 startup phases of oxide and sulfide facilities for a gold extraction plant at a remote island in the Southern Pacific, I can attest to the many challenges and rewards. Commissioning for both facilities was extremely successful and brought the entire project on line well ahead of the targeted completion dates. Using this specific project as an example, this paper will highlight some of the key features of project commissioning. In this paper, the term “pre-commissioning” denotes all activities that lead to mechanical completion; “commissioning” occurs when feed is introduced; and “initial operations” are defined as the duration when operations accepts the system/facility and takes over."

Jan 1, 2000

By L. E. Cardwell

This publication contains routine analyses and related source data for 377 natural gas samples from 19 States and two foreign countries. Of this total, 373 samples were collected during calendar year 1970. The remaining four samples were collected during previous years, but releases granting per-mission to publish the analyses were not received until 1970. All samples were collected as part of a continuous survey of the free world for occurrences of helium in natural gas. This survey has been conducted in the United States by the Bureau of Mines since 1917. In late 1965, the survey was expanded to include foreign gasfields. The analyses published herein were made by mass spectrometer and a special helium analysis apparatus, which are described in Bureau of Mines Bulletins 4863 and 576.4 Twelve previous publications have presented the results of 9,050 gas analyses prior to 1970. The first three, Bulletins 486,6 576,8 and 617,7 contain analyses and related source data on 5,218 gas samples collected from

Jan 1, 1971

By Mustafa Kumral, Mehmet Balci

Strategic mine planning centers on solving cut-off grade selection, capacity planning, and block sequencing. Even though significant knowledge has been accumulated on mine planning over the last decades, there is still potential to add value to mineral sourcing by addressing various aspects. To this end, this paper addresses two issues. The effects of (1) grade/metal distribution within a mineral deposit and (2) the economies of scale (EoS) are explored in cut-off grade selection and capacity planning. In doing so, the interdependency between cut-off grade selection and capacity planning is also considered. A case study is implemented on a metallic deposit whose grade distribution exhibits lognormal distribution to detect if grade/ metal distribution influences cut-off grade selection. Also, based on the same ore tonnage and metal quantity, six different datasets are generated with different shape and scale factors. The research outcomes indicate that deposits with lower shape and scale factors of lognormal distribution are more sensitive to metal price and discount rate changes because slight cut-off grade variations significantly change net present value (NPV). While the NPV of the deposit with the largest shape factor is $3,208,112,841 with a cut-off grade of 0.058 oz/tonne, the NPV of the deposit with the smallest shape factor is $93,617,240 with a cut-off grade of 0.027 oz/tonne. Furthermore, the case study is directed to investigate the effect of EoS on a project’s value, with a specific emphasis on the ratio of variable cost to total cost (capacity factor). Two different regression analyses are conducted based on the proposed model for optimal capacity planning and cut-off grade selection, respectively. In the first one, the absolute standardized beta values for EoS of mining and mineral processing costs are 0.736 and 0.425, meaning that capacity planning is highly sensitive to the EoS of mining and mineral processing operating costs. Meanwhile, the absolute standardized beta value for grade variability is 0.054 which means that the effects of grade variability and metal distribution are almost negligible for capacity planning. However, EoS is the most critical variable for capacity optimization. In the second regression analysis, the standardized beta values for grade variability and EoS of mineral processing operating cost are 0.573 and 0.522, so their effects on cut-off grade selection become vital.

Apr 29, 2024

By Kanhaiya Mishra, Phanil. K. Mandal, S. K. Behera, P. S. Paul, Prashant Singh, C. N. Ghosh

The techno-economic and social benefits of cemented paste backfill (CPB) resulted in its wide acceptance by the mining industry. The Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) remains the key binder but to diminish its economical constraints, suitability of alternate binders has been examined worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of partial replacement of OPC with fly ash on the CPB’s strength and to determine the most optimal mix to achieve the required strength (1 MPa at 28 days of curing) at the most cost-effective way using the Bayesian network (BN). The CPB mixes were prepared at 72 wt.% solid concentration with mill tailings (87–91%), OPC (6–13%), and fly ash (0–4%), and instantly after mixing, fresh (slump, bleeding, density) CPB properties were measured. The strength was tested at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days of curing and initially analysed through traditional model. The traditional models follow the aleatory principle and are considered not appropriate for geotechnical engineering. Hence, the BN model was developed and tested. The reliability of two classifiers in learning model structure was compared which gives Naïve Bayes as the highest reliable tool. The CPB’s strength is most sensitive to the OPC content. The most consistent mix(s) is mill tailings: 87–88%, OPC: 9–11%, fly ash: 1–4%. Adding fly ash at 89–91wt% mill tailings possesses high failure probability of the CPB. The collinearity test indicates that the fines percentage and chemical composition of CPB’s ingredients are highly correlated with its slump, bleeding, and strength development.

Jul 14, 2022

This report presents the results of a study of mill tailings disposal practices and potential tailings dam stability problems. Recognizing the long period of time that would be required to develop the technology and practices necessary to significantly improve refuse disposal safety, the Bureau initiated this research effort as a first step in that development. Volume 1 includes a summary of conclusions and recommendations resulting from the overall research effort; discussions of disposal systems and methods, geology, seismicity, hydrology, and materials characteristics; evaluations of investigational techniques; discussions of usable interim generalized investigational, analytical and inspection procedures; discussion of general principles and presentation of a tailings technology manual outline; and discussion of needed future research am recommended programs.

Jan 1, 1974

Addicks, L Ambler, J O Anderson, F B Armstrong, T Allen, L M, Jr Arnold, C E Adams, C E Adams, R E Anderson, A J Booth, E L Bernhardt, D I Boyd, W S Browning, W C Blake, D E Black, T B Bergman, Julius Bowen, H P Beckett, P G Blickensdefer, F C Bond, Josiah Butler, P P Bondlas. Y

Jan 1, 1923

By Theodore M. Katz, W. Stephen Brightwell, David E. LeGrande, Joseph J. Hurrell, Jane A. Lipscomb, Nancy Lessin, Lawrence R. Murphy, Michael J. Colligan, Steven L. Sauter, Richard A. Lippin

Revolutionary changes in the organization of work have far outpaced our knowledge about the implications of these changes for the quality of working life and for safety and health on the job. This gap in knowledge is one of the 21 priority areas for research under the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)—a framework crafted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and its partners to guide research into the next decade. This report was developed under NORA as the first attempt to develop a comprehensive research agenda for investigating and reducing occupational safety and health risks associated with the changing organization of work. Research and development needs identified in the agenda include (1) improved surveillance mechanisms to better track how the organization of work is changing, (2) accelerated research on safety and health implications of the changing organization of work, (3) increased research focus on organizational interventions to protect safety and health, and (4) steps to formalize and nurture organization of work as a distinctive field in occupational safety and health.

Jan 4, 2002

By Evandro Armini de Pauli

Os aços inoxidáveis duplex apresentam propriedades superiores, quando comparados aos aços austeníticos e ferríticos, tornando-o bastante competitivo no mercado, inclusive na substituição dos aços AISI 316 e 316L. A soldabilidade dos aços duplex baixa liga, como o UNS S82441, não é tão boa quanto a dos austeníticos, exigindo um controle rígido da composição química do metal de solda e dos ciclos térmicos de soldagem, que afetam a fração volumétrica de austenita na junta soldada. O modo pelo qual o material é transferido no arco determina a estabilidade do processo e afeta fortemente a qualidade/geometria do cordão. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo estudar o formato do cordão de juntas soldadas do UNS S82441 comparando-o com os tipos de formato de onda da corrente de soldagem. Foram utilizados os processos MIG/MAG convencional, pulsado e curto-circuito controlado na realização de cordões de solda em chapas de dimensões de 100x300x6,1 mm com material de adição de arame tubular de núcleo metálico segundo a norma AWS A5.22 e gás de proteção com 98%Ar + 2%CO2. O metal de base foi caracterizado macroestruturalmente. Nas juntas soldadas foram realizadas macrografias para obtenção das características geométricas. O ataque eletrolítico foi efetuado com ácido oxálico 10%. Os resultados mostraram que a maior penetração e largura do cordão ocorreram para o MIG/MAG pulsado. O valor para a penetração foi de 4,3 mm e da largura 11,2 mm.

Aug 8, 2018

By Suzana Souza da Silva Scardua

O desenvolvimento dos aços microligados representa um grande avanço tecnológico e oferece grandes vantagens econômicas para diversas áreas da engenharia. Nas últimas décadas houve um aumento expressivo na demanda mundial por tubos utilizados na construção de dutos para transporte de petróleo e gás. Neste caso são utilizados os aços ARBL (Alta Resistência e Baixa Liga) que combinam alta resistência e tenacidade necessárias para operar em altas pressões. Os tubos são produzidos a partir de placas laminadas e posteriormente soldadas atendendo a norma API 5L. Em componentes de geometria complexa, tais como juntas, acoplamentos e conexões, a laminação não é a técnica mais adequada. Para este fim, o processo de forjamento é uma alternativa, pois permite uma ampla faixa de dimensões e formas complexas com controle da microestrutura e propriedades mecânicas após tratamentos térmicos adequados. Para avaliar novas técnicas de processamento, foram fabricadas barras forjadas de um aço microligado com composição química similar à de um API 5L X70 comercial. O aço foi lingotado e forjado em barras quadradas de 35 mm de aresta. Em seguida foram retiradas amostras para tratamentos térmicos de têmpera a 920°C e 1.050°C e revenimento de 150°C a 650°C. Após analisar as microestruturas foi escolhida a similar à de um tubo comercial API 5L X70 para preparação de corpos de prova para ensaios de tração. Resultados preliminares mostram a possibilidade de obter aços com qualidade API através do forjamento.

Aug 7, 2018

By Jacek Paraszczak

Numerous problems encountered in the mining of narrow vein deposits challenge the productivity, competitiveness and profitability of many mines. Mechanization of mining operations is one of the most important means to ensure the healthy survival of this mining sector. Vein deposits account for nearly all the world's primary silver production, as well as a significant portion of gold, tin, copper lead and zinc. In North America, narrow vein mining constitutes an important sector of the industry. Operators exploiting such deposits are concerned with the most appropriate mining method and equipment to mine in such a way as to minimize waste rock dilution. Unfortunately, most of the equipment available does not meet the additional geological and economical restrictions typical of narrow vein mining. Thus, mining these deposits is labor intensive and can result in low productivity. Consequently, the profitability of many such mines is reduced. Increased mechanization is one of the solutions to ensure their healthy survival. This paper reviews the state-of-the art in mining equipment with reference to narrow vein mining limitations. Problems encountered Geological conditions and economical factors have a decisive impact on the choice of mining method and equipment. Many ore bodies are relatively small, usually erratically distributed, often less than 2 m (6.5 ft) wide, with dips ranging from 0° to 90°. To make things worse, ore body limits are sometimes difficult to determine and the ground is hard and abrasive.

Jan 1, 1992

By Gabriela Grespan Câmara

O processo de galvanização a zinco utiliza como principal passivante o metal cromo na sua forma hexavalente. O presente trabalho estuda a remoção por zeólitas do íon cromo (VI) do efluente de uma indústria metalúrgica. Devido a grande concentração de Cr (VI) na amostra, primeiramente foi realizada uma redução deste metal utilizando metabissulfito de sódio, que é o agente redutor e de precipitação ideal para efluentes contendo concentrações de Cr(VI) acima de 100 mg L-1. Em concentrações menores o precipitado apresenta baixa cinética de sedimentação, necessitando de um polimento com um tratamento terciário. Este estudo foi realizado em coluna de leito fixo contendo zeólitas, onde foram filtradas soluções com concentrações de Cr(VI) variando de 0,5 a 10 mg L-1. O efluente tratado foi aplicado no topo da coluna e retirado pelo fundo. A partir dos dados de adsorção foram calculados as isotermas de adsorção (Langmuir e Freundlich). O modelo de Langmuir obtido mostrou-se significativo e preditivo com 97,93% de confiabilidade. A capacidade máxima da zeólita em remover cromo (VI) foi estimada em 0,02 mg de Cr(VI) g-1 de zeólita.

Aug 16, 2017

Fossil fuel consumption in the United States increased markedly over recent years, and future demands expect to be even greater. Coal, this Nation's most plentiful natural fossil fuel, will play a key role in fulfilling these demands. With expectations of increased coal exploitation, the U. S. Bureau of Mines authorized this project, the objectives of whi.ch were to prepare an authoritative report on current surface coal mining technology, to define current problems and possible solutions, and to project future developments necessary to assure adequate surfaced mined coal production to meet the Nation's future energy needs. These objectives we're accomplished by an extensive review of available published literature and data gathering field visits to active surface coal mines throughout the country.

Jan 1, 1975

By Joelma Krugel Brites

Com a perspectiva do uso de aços API em ambientes sour service, o controle de inclusões e precipitados é essencial para bom desempenho. A precipitação de carbonetos e nitretos de Nb e Ti, assim como a formação do MnS foram analisados criticamente em aços de alta resistência e baixa liga – HSLA- com Mn entre 0,3 e 1,6%, Nb 0,02-0,1%, S 0,001-0,005% e Ti 0-0,02% em peso. Os valores da temperatura de precipitação do MnS, Nb(C,N) e Ti(C,N) foram obtidos por meio do software ThermoCalc™. A partir desses resultados, possíveis tendências da precipitação foram discutidas e relacionadas com a temperatura de não-recristalização, traçando um comparativo entre temperaturas de processo e precipitação. Três aços produzidos com a composição estudada atenderam os requisitos mecânicos de tração da norma API 5L X65M.

Oct 30, 2017

By Michel Rodrigues Leite

A origem do enxofre no aço está relacionada com a utilização do coque para a produção de ferro-gusa. Para a maioria dos aços são requeridos baixos teores de enxofre porque este elemento afeta a isotropia das propriedades mecânicas, notadamente a tenacidade. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto do teor de enxofre dos carvões metalúrgicos no seu valor em uso. Valor em uso é o preço máximo que uma determinada empresa está disposta a pagar por um material de substituição, sem deteriorar os resultados econômicos. A dessulfuração de ferrogusa e o impacto do teor de enxofre dos carvões no seu valor em uso foram avaliados considerando utilização de escórias sintéticas. Os resultados mostraram que para 4 das 5 condições avaliadas os valores em uso dos carvões foram maiores que a referência do mercado. Considerando o preço do carvão de referência igual a 120,00 $/t o valor em uso referência do mercado, assumindo 0,10% de enxofre adicional no carvão é de 118,80 $/t. Nas simulações de dessulfuração com escória sintética os valores em uso foram estimados entre 118,55 $/t e 119,34 $/t.

Aug 16, 2017

Researchers, medical organizations, statisticians, and others often use data on the nature and rate of occurrence of occupational diseases in directing their efforts and plans. Very often this information is developed from the reports of the States which describe the nature of work¬men's compensation claims and awards and the frequency with which they are made. To be meaningful, the statis¬tical information must be viewed in the context of the State laws involved. There is considerable variation among the laws of the different States. The Bureau of Mines has responsibilities for protecting the health of persons employed in the mineral industries and for the development of useful mineral products. To assist the Bureau in the accomplishment of its objectives, this compilation has been undertaken. For the benefit of the mineral industries, and any others who may have a similar interest, this volume is made available. An earlier compilation of the Bureau of Mines on this subject was published in 1952.4 However, during the intervening years, sufficient changes have been made in State laws to warrant completely recompiling the information. This publication includes the laws of the States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Is¬lands through 1964. Only those portions of the workmen's compensation laws which apply to or as ' related to occupational diseases are presented, and in each case enacted additions to and deletions from the basic law have been incorporated into the text of the law, thus snak¬ing it unnecessary to search out the various amendments made each year.

Jan 1, 1967

Recommendations from 44 mining industry workshops are summarized and reviewed in the context of Bureau of Mines research and development programs on-going during the period 1974-1977. Approximately 1,000 specific recommendations for research and development are summarized in a systematic and comprehensive format appropriate for review by mining research and development program managers. Relevant Bureau of Mines research programs are briefly described and some opportunities for future research and development are identified.

Jan 1, 1979

"The Key Lake mill was commissioned in 1983 to process the two Key Lake ore deposits. With the depletion of these ore bodies in 1999, the plant was converted to mill the exceptionally rich McArthur River deposit located seventy eight kilometers northeast of the Key Lake mine site. This paper describes in detail the Key Lake milling process. The mill consists of a grinding circuit, a leachkounter current decantation circuit, a solvent extraction circuit, a yellowcake precipitatiodcalciner circuit, an ammonium sulphate crystallization circuit, and a waste treatment circuit. The paper also describes process changes to handle McArthur River ore, including the ore receiving stationLOCATIONThe Key Lake mill is located 78 kilometres south of the McArthur River mine. It is located at latitude 57' N in northern Saskatchewan, within the southern boundary of the Athabasca formation. The nearest town is Pine House, located 240 kilometres to the south. Access to the mine is by an all weather road and by a private airstrip.HISTORYAND DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONThe Key Lake mill was commissioned in October 1983 to process ore from the Gaertner and Deilmann ore bodies. The mill was designed to produce twelve million pounds of uranium oxide (U308) a year from a feed grade of 2.4% U3O8.Following grinding, the uranium is leached in a two stage leach circuit using oxygen and sulphuric acid. An eight-thickener counter current decantation (CCD) circuit is used to separate the uranium bearing solution from the solid waste residue. The uranium is further purified in a solvent extraction circuit and then precipitated using ammonia. It is then calcined at 840' Celsius, and packaged into drums for shipping to refineries. There is a crystallization circuit to recover ammonium sulphate produced in the process and a waste treatment circuit."

Jan 1, 2001

By Jorge Luis Barreto

A CBMM aplicou aços microligados ao nióbio de elevada resistência mecânica em caminhões basculantes que operam nas suas instalações de Araxá, com o objetivo de reduzir o peso das caçambas e obter maior desempenho com aumento da carga transportada, redução do consumo de combustível bem como das emissões de CO2. Também tinha o objetivo de eliminar as trincas de fadiga que ocorriam sobre os chassis desses equipamentos. Os caminhões já operam há 12 meses e o objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar os resultados obtidos até o momento. Com a aplicação dos aços de elevada resistência, foi possível desenvolver um novo desenho para sua estrutura e componentes. Houve uma redução de 25% da massa da caçamba o que proporcionou um aumento médio de carga transportada de 40,0t para 41,1t ou 2,7% por viagem, trazendo até o momento, economia de 3,00% no custo total de transporte e redução de consumo de combustível de 8,00%. Não houve trincas ou deformações no sobre chassis que apoiam as caçambas.

Aug 8, 2018

By Solange Kazue Utimura

As placas de circuito impresso (PCIs) dos resíduos eletroeletrônicos (REEEs) possuem diversos metais na composição. A recuperação desses metais tem incentivado as pesquisas inovadoras no seu processo de extração. Como alternativa de recuperação de metais das PCIs de forma sustentável optou-se pela biohidrometalurgia envolvendo a fase extração. O presente trabalho avalia a biolixiviação do cobre na presença de duas cepas bacterianas distintas em PCIs de REEEs provenientes de impressoras obsoletas. As PCIs foram caracterizadas mediante as técnicas analíticas de espectrometria ICP-OES e de fluorescência de Raios X (FRX) para determinar os elementos químicos presentes na amostra inicial. As cepas utilizadas na lixiviação bacteriana foram Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (AF) e Leptospirillum ferrooxidans (LF), cultivadas em meio de cultura T&K. Os ensaios de biolixiviação foram realizados em incubadora orbital, com velocidade de rotação de 170 rpm, temperatura de 30 oC, volume de inoculo de 10% (v/v) e densidade de polpa de 30g/L. A técnica empregada na concentração de cobre da solução após a biolixiviação foi a FRX. Foi possível determinar que a cepa AF apresentou uma extração de 100% de cobre em 8 dias em comparação com a LF na qual foi observado que a extração de cobre foi de 100% em 5 dias.

Oct 30, 2017

By D. Randolph Berry

This report describes a study to develop a detailed set of guidelines and equipment recommendations to be used as a guide for mine operators, mine inspectors, and equipment manufacturers in implementing the emergency escapeway standards for metal and nonmetal underground mines. It was sponsored by the United States Bureau of Mines. The first part of this report reviews the historical background of metal and nonmetal mine fires and the development of present and proposed mandatory standards. This is followed by a discussion of the survey of representative mines and how the proposed standard effects these mines. The remainder of the report covers technical discussions of each escapeway component including a comprehensive computer simulation of mine evacuation. Following the technical discussion of each group of escapeway components is a list of the pertinent guidelines. The major escapeway components discussed are the following: Escaperoutes Refuge Chambers Hoisting System. Escapeway Signs Ventilation Fuel Storage Fire Retardants Warning Systems Auxiliary Transportation

Jan 1, 1976