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By G. A. Kordosky

Solution mining followed by solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) is one possible way to economically extract copper from ore bodies which cannot otherwise be profitably exploited. Published costs for the unit processes of SX and EW are out of date especially in view of the newer reagents now available and the newer circuit configurations, This paper updates the costs for SX-EW in 1985 dollars and also discusses some of the trade-offs which must be made when designing an SX-W plant.

Jan 1, 1986

By S. E. Younis

The mining industry is currently looking to better understand, anticipate, and be able to mitigate business and operational risks in order to deliver the rewards of risk taking, and to minimize the frequency and impact of risk on the downside. Assessing risk works from the premise that the identification and management of existing risks can be very challenging, especially when threats are not easy to detect, the likelihood of occurrence is difficult to gauge, and/or the consequences are uncertain. Some approach this as a ?check the box? task, even though fire and safety incidents continue to occur and investigations often find the hazard analyses did not properly identify the cause or consequence. You cannot engineer protective designs and safeguards for causes and consequences that have not been identified appropriately. For the mining industry, risk management is an important tool for making critical decisions and, in some cases, meeting regulatory requirements. Providing high-quality documentation that meets both regulatory and corporate requirements is critical for maintaining safe, uninterrupted mining operations. Risk management is a five-part process: 1. Identify the hazards and their causes, 2. Determine the hazard consequences, 3. Calculate the frequency of occurrence, 4. Quantify the risk associated with the system, process, or procedure, and 5. Provide feasible solutions for the risks

Jan 1, 2012

By S. W. Nicholson, L. G. Woodruff, K. J. Schulz, W. E. Cannon

The 1.1 Ga Midcontinent rift of North America has many similarities to the geology of the Voisey's Bay region in Labrador and the geology of the Noril'sk region in Siberia. These similarities include the hosting of large volumes of sulfur- undersaturated and trace-element-enriched basalt, having igneous centers characterized by crustal contamination, being characterized by metal depletions in some mafic units (an indication of prior sulfide segregation) and having known occurrences of Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization. These similarities along with new geophysical data and refined models for Ni-Cu sulfide deposits suggest that the Midcontinent rift probably contains undiscovered Cu-Ni [±] PGE sulfide deposits, some of which could be the size and grade of a Voisey's Bay or Noril'sk deposit. In particular, intrusions and related feeder systems that occur in northern Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as to the southwest along the rift margin, deserve serious examination.

Jan 1, 1999

By Terry Owen

Business development process. Throughout Cyprus Amax's early months in Russia, the company stayed focused on what was needed from a deposit for economic success. Cyprus Amax's reason for success in Russia is that all involved - its Russian partners, the workforce and expatriates - provided a focused effort that served the project as it worked through the tender process and the Russian regulations. The company developed an understanding of the regulatory process by working with solid, ethical partners. Infused into the Kubaka management structure were Russians with the knowledge to facilitate the process and a professional group of expatriates. Developing credibility and a solid rapport with the Russian mining authority was critical to the success of this venture. Identifying and gaining the trust of key Russian individuals was also critical during the early stages. Gaining their trust and building credibility was part of the process. These key Russians were brought to the United States to visit existing Cyprus Amax mines. These efforts proved valuable in building an understanding with the Russians about the kind of company Cyprus Amax is and the kind of efficient operations that it can run. This was a learning process for all parties. Fortunately, the company was dealing with intelligent and educated people.

Jan 1, 1997

By V. E. May

Has your organization adopted Six Sigma as part of their Performance Improvement strategy? What about Lean manufacturing or Lean Six Sigma? If you already have any of these business process improvements in place where will you go next? In this article we will focus on transforming your organization beyond Lean Six Sigma to the next level of performance. In the future companies can take another quantum step forward by combining Lean Six Sigma with advanced Root Cause Analysis (RCA). The value of taking this natural progression on the way to achieving new levels of organizational excellence is presented.

Jan 1, 2011

By James P. Ludwig

While we are all aware of the need for reclamation of mine sites, few managers and engineers seem to be aware that good reclamation begins with the earliest plans for mining and processing of ores. Far too often the attitude that reclamation is an add-on to worry about at the end of the mining process dominates the thinking of mine engineers and management, A common result is that the reclamationist can be faced with mining and waste disposal designs that are nearly impossible to deal with effectively from an ecological perspective. Everyone of us has been victimized by the down time and maintainence cost that resulted from the purchase of an outwardly attractive, but poorly designed piece of equipment. When confronted by design defects in equipment, a distraught owner can always trade it in, call a consumer advocate, or follow up one of the "lemon laws" at either the federal or state level. A poorly designed mine for reclamation purposes usually cannot be treated either with ease or cost effectiveness. Good reclamation can be effectively prevented by the designs used when the mine was planned. The purpose of this paper is to share some of the experiences our firm has had with reclamation projects at mines in the Upper Midwest as these were influenced or controlled by mine design decisions. My aim is to sensitize mine planners and managers to planning processes they should consider, and hopefully use, early in the mining process to assure successful reclamation during and after mining. Many of the examples I will cite are from experience gained at the recently closed Jackson County Iron Company taconite operation at Black River Falls, Wisconsin. I am particularly grateful to Mr. Vern Metzger, mine manager at JCIC, for his unflagging support of good reclamation practices, employee training programs (which have included reclamation techniques), and his forebearance to put up with our group of ecologists. I realize that this was a time when there were significant internal and external pressures to cut all costs including reclamation efforts. The collaboration has been successful as you will soon see.

Jan 1, 1984

By Ma Fangyuan, Li Min, Xu Bing, Xian Yushuai, Zhao Tonglin

The study explored a new combination amine collector (XK-28) that can obtain better flotation index and defoaming rate for magnetic iron ore. A pure quartz mineral test indicates that dodecylamine, XK-I, or XK-II has good collection effect on quartz and their best flotation pH is in the range of 6–7. The experimental results of a combination collector (XK-I:XK-II = 2:8.) show that the separation effect for quartz and magnetite is better than that of a single collector. The single factor for actual mineral test shows that when the combined reagent is used as the collector, the best conditions are pH = 7, 90 g/t dosage, and XK-I:XK-II = 2:8, which is consistant with the pure mineral test. The difference for dodecylamine as a collector is that the optimal dodecylamine dosage is 60 g/t. Under the best conditions of actual ore test, dodecylamine and XK-28 are respectively used as the collector to compare the flotation indexes. Study results indicate the magnetite grade using XK-28 as the collector is higher by 3.02% than that of using dodecylamine, recovery is increased by 1.92% over that of using dodecylamine. Based on the measurement results of zeta potential, uses of XK-28 can slightly increase the zeta potential difference of quartz and magnetite to enhance the flotation effect. The mechanism of action between the XK-28 collector and the actual ore from the Gongchangling plant is physical adsorption, and this adsorption also has hydrogen bond formation. Contact angle results shows that XK-28 improves the hydrophobicity of quartz better than dodecylamine. Compared with dodecylamine, XK-28 is more sparsely arranged on the surface of the foam. The foam produced by the XK-28 collector has better air permeability and it is more likely to merge and disappear with bubbles.

Jul 21, 2021

By D. A. Swanson

Predicting when and at what rate seepage will occur from waste-rock facilities is becoming an integral part of permitting and closure at mines situated in dry climates. Such predictions require development of a conceptual framework that accurately describes how water will percolate through a waste-rock facility. Also needed is a detailed hydrological characterization of the waste-rock facility, including measurement of the hydraulic properties of the waste rock and any potential cover materials. This paper presents a conceptual framework describing unsaturated water flow in a waste-rock facility and describes methods for characterizing the hydrology of a waste-rock facility in a dry climate. The methods are designed to collect site-specific data to support accurate and defensible predictions of long-term seepage rates.

Jan 1, 1998

By F. G. Rinker

The world demand for metallized iron continues to increase, keeping pace with steelmaking requirements for lower cost hot metal. Virgin iron ore and in-plant oxide fines can be reduced to direct reduced iron (DRI) and hot briquetted iron (RBI). MR&E has developed an improved coal-based process for cost-effective production of either DRI or HBI. Starting with dry compaction, the process combines the latest technology for material preparation, rotary hearth furnace construction and environmental control. Coarse iron ore fines are blended with pulverized non-metallurgical coal to produce a highly metallized (>90%) product. This paper presents production and installation cost data based on operating and under-construction iron oxide reduction facilities.

Jan 1, 1999

By G. T. Austin

Every year the United States consumes millions of dollars worth of abrasive materials as blasting media. Entrained in either a gas or liquid stream or propelled by paddles or wheels, they are directed onto the surface of another material to modify that surface. The modifications to impacted surfaces include cleaning, cutting, deburring, etching, finishing, and peening. Blasting media can be either organic or mineral abrasive materials. Information and data presented are for only a portion of the mineral abrasives, they are; fused aluminum oxide, coal slag, copper slag, garnet, metallic shot and grit, nickel slag, olivine, silica sand, silicon carbide, and staurolite.

Jan 1, 1994

By Rahul Bhaduri

Mercury levels in Twin Creeks Vista pit ore (previously Chimney Creek, North pit ore) increased substantially since plant start-up in November 1987. Consequently, modifications were necessary to minimize industrial hygiene hazards and potential operational problems. The original plant design included mercury control measures. With progressive increases in mercury levels, the issue had to be re-addressed. Modifications to operational practice, industrial hygiene and management philosophy will be discussed. Additionally, a detailed examination of the mercury vapor suppression system currently employed at Twin Creeks will be presented.

Jan 1, 1994

By Ronald B. Stone

This paper describes a proposed solution to the problem of mining a 315 foot diameter unsupported sphere at a depth of 2700 feet in a salt dome by conventional mining methods. The proposed solution utilizes many of the varied technologies available to the mining engineer for solving mining and underground construction problems. The following are reviewed in the paper: A. The location of the sphere within the dome as required by construction criteria. B. The relation of the location of the access shafts to the sphere. C. The rock mechanics theory in relation to the salt dome and large size of the excavation. D. The proposed "honeycomb" method of mining which will be a partial answer to rock mechanics stability requirements. E. The equipment which it is recommended be utilized to accomplish the construction. F. The rock mechanics measuring instruments proposed. G. The methods of disposal of the mined salt. Conclusions and areas of further study are outlined in the final statement.

Jan 1, 1968

By T. Karalis

Perlite is a generic term for naturally occurring siliceous rock. It is a form of natural volcanic glass the main constituent of which is amorphous silica (70-76%). Perlite, when heated rapidly to its softening temperature range, expands from four to twenty times its original volume, due to the presence of 2-6% ?combined? water, in a manner similar to popcorn as the H2O molecules vaporize and create countless tiny bubbles, which account for its exceptional physical properties: light weight (30-150 kg/m3), low thermal conductivity, cellular structure, in general. These properties make perlite adaptable for numerous end-uses, which can be distinguished into 2 categories: Expanded perlite applications in: a) Construction Materials market (e.g. Acoustical Tiles, light-weight insulating Mortars, self-levelling Concrete), b) Agriculture (e.g. Hydroponics), c) Food and Chemical industry (e.g. Filtration Media, Filler, etc.), d) Insulation and Heat resistance technology (e.g. Cryogenic vessels, Refractory Bricks, etc.). Unexpanded Graded perlite applications in: a) Phosphoric Fertilizers industry (additive in H3PO4 production), b) Foundry technology (slag-aid, insulating and heat resistance agent).

Jan 1, 2006

By Chris A. Minnucci

In 1978, the U.S. Department of Energy funded a 2-year study to identify and quantify causes of the post-1969 coal mine productivity decline. A large number of factors hypothesized to have affected productivity during this period were analyzed using regression techniques. The results were particularly interesting for two of the factors--mining method and shift scheduling. The study results indicate that the use of longwall mining has an insignificant impact on overall mine productivity, compared to other methods, and mines operating on a two-production shift per day schedule are more productive than mines employing other shift schedules.

Jan 1, 1984

By James A. Strosnider

INTRODUCTION The Metro Rail Project is approximately a 20-mile initial portion of Southern California's planned 150-mile transit network and will provide transit service to the dense population and employment centers within the Los Angeles regional core. The Southern California Rapid Transit District (SCRTD) has defined, as the first segment, a 4.4-mile five station rail line, which extends from the yard and shop area near Union Station to the Wilshire/Alvarado Station. Design packages are completed; utilities are currently being relocated; demolition is underway; early construction contracts have been awarded; and construction has started. This paper will describe the current status of the Metro Rail design and construction, after first briefly reviewing its history, objectives, and main components. PROJECT HISTORY The California State Legislature created the SCRTD in 1964 with a legislative mandate to design, construct, and operate a rapid transit system within the Los Angeles County area. To obtain the monies required to support this program, in June, 1974, Proposition 5 was passed by a solid majority, allowing a portion of state gasoline taxes to be used for rapid transit development. This measure provided a local source of funds for SCRTD to begin its rail rapid transit development program in Los Angeles.

Jan 1, 1987

By G. E. McClelland

Agglomeration techniques have been successfully applied to commerical heap leach cyanidation operations for the recovery of precious metals from low-grade ores, mine wastes, and tailings. The major parameters important for successful agglomeration pretreatment of these feed materials are discussed. Several commercial agglomeration-heap leaching operations are described. Two of the operations converted from conventional heap leaching to agglomeration-heap leaching after coventional heap leaching proved unsuccessful. Heap performance before and after agglomeration is discussed. A fairly recent operation that began production using agglomeration-heap leaching technology is also described. Two operations that processed milled tailings by agglomeration are discussed. The tailings feeds could not have been economically processed by means other than agglomeration-heap leaching.

Jan 1, 1986

By V. de Macedo Torres

There are technical and commercial limitations on using high fluorine copper concentrates in industrial copper smelters. The presence of more than 1000 ppm of fluorine in copper concentrates affects the sulfuric acid units generally integrated to copper smelters, and penalties are normally applied to high fluorine concentrate prices. Several process alternatives to this issue were studied at CVRD Technology Center (SUTEC): modifications on conventional sulfuric acid plants to use high fluorine concentrates, removal of fluorine containing minerals in flotation using depressants, selective leaching of fluorine minerals and sulfuric leach of copper concentrates. Finally, a hydrometallurgical process of removing fluorine was developed by SUTEC.

Jan 1, 1997

By M. Stephen Enders

The Little Rocky Mountains host epithermal gold-silver bearing vein and stockwork deposits in a syenite intrusive complex. Pegasus Gold Ltd. is currently mining the oxidized deposits by open-pit methods and recovering gold and silver by heap-leach processes. A geologic program has been designed to effectively determine the basic ore characteristics; 1)mineralization; 2)oxidation; 3)structural setting; 4)lithology; 5)alteration; and ultimately, 6)the leachability of the ore. Geologic mapping, sampling, drilling, assaying, and testing are routinely used in exploration, development, production control, mine planning, and ore reserve estimations. Timely and accurate assay results are essential for the program's success.

Jan 1, 1983

By M. S. Fraley

As we compete for close margins in wholesale sales, the effects of both quality and price have a major impact on the cost of producing electricity.SO2 emission allowances have traded as low as$60/ton to as high as $215/ton over the last three years. This price spread in emission allowances clearly demonstrates the correlation between the quality of fuels versus the price utilities will be willing to pay for them. This paper provides an overview of the effects of the qualities of fuel, coupled with transportation as well as environmental concerns on the price of fuel and the ability to compete in a deregulated electric market.

Jan 1, 2000

Energy Developments Ltd. (EDL) has developed power plants at two Australian coal mines that featuring 94 gas-fueled Caterpillar G3516 engine/generator sets. They will convert to electricity 145 kt/a (160,000 stpy) of coal-seam methane gas for sale to a local utility. The $100-million project will cut the sites' methane emissions in half, provide a low-cost energy source and offset mine operating costs. The project began in May 1995. It is located at the Appin and Tower longwall underground mines, 80 km (50 miles) south of Sydney in New South Wales. The installation is one of the first to capture coal-seam gas from mine ventilation air and gas drainage systems. Coal- seam gas contains 40% to 60% methane, which fluctuates constantly. The system is expected to convert 578,000 m3/d (20.4 million cu ft/d) of coal-seam gas to 94 MW. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 Mt/a (3.8 million stpy) of CO, equivalent emissions. The Appin and Tower mines each produce 2 Mtla (2.2 million stpy) of clean coking coal. They operate around the clock with about 400 workers per site. The mines are owned by BHP Steel, Collieries Division, which will share the revenues from energy sales. The Appin Power Partnership consists of EDL and Lend Lease Development Corp.

Jan 1, 1997