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By B Newcombe

From many years practical industrial experience the author has drawn together a list of the key points to consider when embarking on a large-scale geometallurgical project. Fundamental aspects which must be considered include (but are not limited to):understanding the variability of the orebody both laterally and with depth;comminution properties and variability;flotation properties, requirements and variability – differing ore zones may have substantially different requirements for optimal performance;the role of texture – the consequences of both grain size and distribution and how the circuit will handle these;realistic expectation in terms of the financial requirements and time frame results are required within; andintegration of, and communication between key personnel within the various departments of the site (mining, geology and processing) is a fundamental aspect of any geometallurgically based processing system. An example of a highly complex nickel sulfide ore will be used as the basis of discussion.

Sep 5, 2011

By Smith F. A, Both R. A

The application of biogeochemical methods in mineral exploration in the semi-arid to and environment of Western Australia was investiga- ted in an area near Norseman. The reliability of these methods was evaluated by comparing trace element characteristics of rock, soil and plants in the vicinity of the Pioneer BB pros- pect. The prospect is located in the south- western part of the Pioneer Dome, where granite gneiss core is surrounded by a 'greenstone' sequence of ultrabasic, basic and sedimentary rocks. Nickel-iron sulphide mineralization occurs discontinuously along one of the basic- ultrabasic contacts. Analyses of unweathered and partly weath- ered rock from diamond drill cores show the ultrabasic rock to be highly variable with re- spect to nickel, copper, cobalt, zinc and manga- nese. Samples of weathered bedrock and over- lying soil were analysed both for total trace element contents and for the trace elements associated with secondary iron and manganese oxides. Approximately 30 per cent of the total nickel content of the weathered basic rock is associated with secondary iron and manganese oxides, compared to approximately 15 per cent in the weathered ultrabasic rock. The soil is partly transported but has a residual component sufficient to provide a reli- able indication of the underlying rock chemistry, although the trace element content of the soil is less variable than that of the rock. Total

Jan 1, 1973

An integrated approach to risk management to complement insurance is the sustainable way forward for the modem organisation. For risk management to work, its various aspects need to operate interactively, not in isolation from insurance. This is the approach recommended in this paper. The risk management process is a strategic method for reducing an organisation's total cost of risk. Well established and basic risk management techniques will help identify and achieve risk management Objectives.

Jan 1, 1994

By Jiricek F

Legislative change has reformed the licensing process in Victoria. The Mineral Resources Development Act 1990 and the two stage system of licensing with the authority to commence work is discussed. A key part is the requirements of planning consent, being either an Environmental Effects Statement or the issue of a Planning Permit prior to the issue of an authority to commence work for mineral extraction. Examples of recent experience is discussed.

Jan 1, 1997

Thank you and good morning. I am delighted to be here and to see so many of my colleagues and competitors. The general topic of this week's conference - World's Best Practice in Mining and Processing - suggests a focus on mining and processing. I am somewhat of a `jack of all trades and a master of none'. But I'm not even a jack when it comes to mining and processing technology and practices, and so I will leave those topics to speakers better 'qualified than I. Instead, what I would like to do is give you my thoughts on the best management practices of mining. You see, the times are changing for the mining business. There is great uncertainty in our industry. Anyone who received their education in an English-speaking school probably remembers the famous poem `Invictus' by William Ernest Henley. The two most famous lines from that poem are, if you remember, `I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul'. The fact of the matter is that the metals industry, including the copper industry, is not the master of its fate. To a great extent we're at the mercy of forces over which we have little control, such as the world economy or political situations in individual countries. The copper industry is like a surfer at Manly - we can't influence where the wave is going; all we can do is stay in front of the curl and on our board. Historically, discovering, developing and processing ore reserves were the primary facets of our capital intensive business. To stay competitive today, we must invest equally in intellectual capital - our employees - in order to succeed in the face of economic, regulatory and political challenges and global competition (Schonberger, 1986). Everyone seems to have a different theory about being competitive. A lot of people use sports analogies when talking about competition. Others, like American businessman and former US presidential wanna-be Ross Perot, take a more interesting approach. In Mr Perot's hypothetical corporation, competition is a lot like having a snake in a factory. If someone sees a snake, the first thing they do is create a committee on snakes. Then, the committee on snakes meets and discusses the problem for a couple of years. The most likely course of action is nothing. Everyone figures that the snake hasn't bitten anyone yet, so they just let him crawl around the factory floor. Perhaps a vice president of serpentine affairs is appointed to continue watching the snake - making sure it doesn't grow. Ross Perot sees it a little differently. In his corporate world, business needs to build an environment where the first guy who sees the snake kills it. Of course in our industry, we better make sure the snake isn't on an Endangered Species List before we go after it! I am not going to talk about competition and competitive forces in terms of sports or snakes, but I would like to share some thoughts with you about how the mining industry can better utilise competitive thinking to get ahead and stay there. You may be wondering how an executive from a 160-year-old company could know much about competitive spirit, but the founding ancestors of Phelps Dodge were wizards at identifying

Jan 1, 1995

By P D. Munro

The spatial distribution of ore with similar processing properties or domains within an orebody may be identified early in the assessment of an orebody to provide a sound basis for later development of the orebody. The assignment of domains in the primary sulfide portion of an orebody is often more difficult than recognition of the oxidised, supergene and related domains usually located towards the top of the mineralised volume. This paper will discuss some approaches to assigning domains within the primary sulfide portion of an orebody. The processing properties of each mining block will be known if the contained domain(s) and their proportions are known. The use of both physical and chemical ore properties to assign the domains is discussed. The domains based on similar processing properties do not necessarily coincide with geological zones assigned by geoscientists. As part of assessing the physical properties of ore, the modal analysis of the ore with respect to the valuable sulfide minerals and the sulfide and non sulfide gangue minerals has to be known, along with the traditionally used elemental assays for valuable and penalty elements. Two scales for determining other physical ore properties will be considered: the mesoscopic scale (examined by human eye) and the microscopic scale (examined via a microscope under high magnification). The strengths and weaknesses of the data obtained at the two scales are discussed in the paper. Broadly, data collected at the mesoscopic scale are much less expensive but the types of data available are more limited. Methods for evaluation of chemical ore properties are also discussed. After establishing a basis for establishing the spatial distribution of domains, variability testing is required to verify the integrity of the designated domains. In contrast, each block of ore in some orebodies has been assessed principally via the results of a laboratory separation on a number of drill core samples or composites from throughout the block, with minimal or no attention to the concept of domains.

Jan 1, 2008

By Buisman C. J N, Koch R. O

Soil and groundwater beneath the Budelco zinc production plant at Budel-Dorplein (The Netherlands) are contaminated with metals and sulphate. To avoid contamination of nearby drinking water aquifers in the very distant future, a geohydrological containment system (GCS) and a microbial treatment plant for extracted contaminated groundwater have been developed. As a first step in the design of the system groundwater data from over 150 wells and geological profiles were used to model geohydrological conditions beneath the site. Several configurations of water-extraction wells were deduced from the model. Data gathered during additional fieldwork were then used to improve the model. Finally results that were calculated for the various configurations were used to select an optimal groundwater containment system. Currently some 5000 m3/day groundwater are extracted from a combination of 12 shallow and deep wells. Heavy metals and sulphate have to be removed from the extracted water before it can be discharged into the river system or used as process water. Several water treatment methods have been studied and pilot-tested at the site. The preferred and selected process is based on the activity of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) and combines sulphate removal and heavy metal removal in one single step. The anaerobic bacteria reduce the sulphate to sulphide resulting in the precipitation of metal sulphides. A pilot plant gave promising results and a commercial-scale plant has been designed. The proposed design has been tested in a demonstration plant which included all main process units. Test results for all process units are presented. The collected information was then used to optimise the design of the commercial-scale plant. Special attention was paid to automation and safety items. Construction of the plant was finished in May 1992. Start-up, commissioning and operational experience are reported. The concentrations of metals and sulphate in the effluent of the SRB water treatment plant are well within the limits set by the authorities for discharge to public waters.

Jan 1, 1993

Basic premises for evaluating special characteristics of gold-bearing porphyry metal systems stem from their contrasts with properties of the class as a whole. Included features are differences in geologic, thus tectonic, environments, subtle but real differences in the proportions of accessory metals Mo-Ag-Au that are regionally and within some regions, tempo-rally distinct, contrasts in the Ag:Au ratios, petrological-geo-chemical as well as isotopic differences between intrusive suites, the age and nature of host terranes, contrasts in alter-ation style, and zoning variations of mineralogical and physical properties of rocks. These properties are linked in various ways in different regions and suggest that in large gold-bearing systems where gold may be uniformly distributed, environ-ments of emplacement, and compositions or sources of igneous "progenitors" may dominate in importance over processes, and that systems in which gold is zoned are processes-dominant.

Jan 1, 1990

By AJ LYNCH

Broken Hill metallurgists have been responsible for some of the most important developments in mineral processing technology. These occurred mainly in two periods, 1902 - 15 and 1955 - 70. Mineral flotation was developed as an industrial process during the first period and this happened in two stages, the recovery of zinc minerals from the tailings dump accumulated during the gravity concentration of the oxidised ores and the selective recovery of galena and marmatite during flotation of the primary ores. During the second period fast accurate analytical procedures were developed to provide rapid assessment of process performance, and new means of controlling the process were devised which improved throughputs, grades and recoveries. These technological successes were due to the skills of the metallurgists and the commitment of the companies. They brought large financial returns. They were achieved under difficult circumstance. There are important lessons to be learnt from these successes.

Jan 1, 1992

Modern, research-based approaches to mineral exploration are essential to the future maintenance of the mineral industry. These need to fully utilise the rapidly expanding growth of understanding of the evolution of the earth's crust, and be properly integrated with advances in understanding of chemical and physical processes involved in ore formation. BMR has a major role to play in supporting the growth and utilisation of this research base, as well as maintaining the national geological and geophysical bases which are essential both to tactical and strategic interests of Australia and of its mineral industry. The objective development of data-process modelling is one target of such strategic research based on a more integrated approach to research by BMR, mineral companies, CSIRO and the universities with emphasis given to promoting positive feedback during research activities. Examples of the success of strategic research in Australia and overseas are noted in the Text.

Jan 1, 1986

By Tiu C, Sarmiento G, Uhlherr PHT

Fundamental rheological properties of slowly settling mineral slurries are reviewed. Slurry flow is discussed in terms of observed shear stress-shear rate behaviour. Particular emphasis is placed on establishing procedures for scale-up and design. Flow property measure- ments on red mud, a waste product from the Bayer alumina process, are presented and used to illustrate recommended design procedures.

Jan 1, 1978

By T Tran, F Lucien

Supercritical fluids (SCFs) have gained recognition as solvents for the extraction of a wide range of organic materials. Their principle advantages over conventional organic solvents are that they possess much more favourable transport properties and that such properties can be easily altered by adjusting the system temperature and/or pressure. More recently, SCF solvents have been employed in the extraction of metal ions. The direct extraction of metal ions using SCFs such as CO2 is normally not possible due to the charge neutralisation requirement for solubilisation. However, extraction can be achieved with a SCF solvent containing an organic complexing agent as a cosolvent (Laintz et al, 1992; Laintz and Tachikawa, 1994; Dehghani, 1996). The role of the SCF is therefore similar to the role of a diluent in conventional liquid-liquid or solvent extraction processes. In this regard, SC-CO2 is a particularly good diluent since it exhibits good solubility for many organic complexing agents. The extraction of metals with SCF solvents has been examined mainly in the analysis of environmental samples and the treatment of metal contaminated wastes. Nonetheless, some interesting results have been reported recently on the extraction of rare earth metals, which highlight the potential of SCF solvents in mineral processing applications (Laintz and Tachikawa, 1994; Dehghani, 1996).

Jan 1, 2000

Because of the work of the pioneers of sampling theory, we know the principles, test work and equations to use to design sampling systems to meet targets for precision and accuracy. However, we do not see such æproperÆ systems deployed everywhere a sample is obtained around mineral processing plants. In many cases, we do not have solutions that satisfy all of the theoretical, economic and practical considerations. There are some well-known problems, such as high-volume streams with wide size distributions combined with a sparse valuable component that is heterogeneously distributed (such as gold ore SAG mill feeds). However, other difficult sampling issues are common, such as streams which vary widely over a day in flow rate and slurry density (many flotation concentrates), and loaded CIP carbon on transfer to elution. Inventory measurement issues abound, especially for leaching operations where daily inventory change is significant for metallurgical accounting. The result is that operators realise that although they issue reports daily, they do not know what is actually going on in their plant on a daily basis with sufficient confidence to quickly diagnose problems or confidently predict the benefits of potential enhancements. The industry needs practical and economic solutions that can be awarded the ætheoretically correct samplerÆ tick in order to better understand and optimise their processes.

Jan 1, 2008

By B R. Castley

Consumable materials used in mines are often transported to the working areas down shallow angle decline shafts, typically at anywhere between 10¦ and 30¦ to the horizontal. The winding equipment is usually a relatively small single-drum winder and the material is transported in one or more cars, running on rails in the decline. The winding rope is attached directly to the cars, which are mechanically coupled together. For small rock hoisting declines, the cars are replaced with hoppers or skips. The winder is normally of basic design, fitted with only the minimum required safety devices and very elementary brake control. Since these winders are not ælicensedÆ and are usually located in remote areas, the standard of maintenance on the installations is often poor, leading to frequent accidents, resulting in runaways, derailments and broken ropes. These problems can be overcome easily with the application of the rope haulage principle. When large volumes of ore have to be transported to surface, belt conveyors are used on shallow angle inclines, or high-capacity friction winders are used in vertical shafts. Conveyors are limited to inclines no steeper than 14¦ and vertical shafts with large friction or drum type winders are extremely capital-intensive. Rope haulage systems can be used on decline shafts where the inclination is too steep for belt conveyors and too shallow for conventional drum winders. Rope haulage systems also offer a variety of safety, technical and cost advantages over other winding and transport systems. This paper describes the adaptation of the rope haulage principle to modern requirements and, combined with 21st century electronic technology, explains how the principle can be used as an efficient, safe and practical solution to some problems associated with the transport of materials, personnel and ore in mines. The authors describe the designs, methods of operation, safety aspects, automated control, loading and unloading facilities of modern rope haulage systems used for transporting personnel, material and ore. This paper considers a variety of systems already designed for different applications, from small material-only installations to multi-purpose and large rock-hoisting systems with payloads as much as 180 t. It also describes in more detail, a material transporting system recently commissioned in South Africa.

Jan 1, 2005

By Dionne S, Goodwin F. E

Zinc-aluminium alloy cast matrix composites have been made by squeeze casting, pressure infiltration, spraying forming and stir casting. The overview describes composites made . with these processes. Improvements in properties compared to the conventional alloys are most significant at elevated temperatures. Since stir casting is the most economical viable route of producing composites, progress made in this area is particularly emphasised.

Jan 1, 1993

A formalised approach to risk management has been regulated in the United Kingdom (UK) since the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM) came into force in 1995. These regulations have recently been revised in 2007. In response to a series of significant claims around the world the UK insurance industry published a code of practice for risk management of tunnels in 2003, and that was followed by an international version in 2006. Probably one of the main contributions of this new approach is the recognition that health and safety risks can best be addressed early in the process, initially by the owner and then by the designers. One of the aims is to achieve elimination of risks by good design. The advantage of a risk-based approach to tunnel design is that all risks are considered explicitly, and any residual risks in the design are communicated clearly to the construction team. This paper looks at the implementation of this formalised approach to risk management with reference to the A3 Hindhead Project. The design has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the CDM regulations, and also in compliance with the Joint Code of Practice for Risk Management of Tunnel Works in the UK. An outline of the risk-based design process used is provided, including examples.

Jan 1, 2008

By Quan P. M

The great advances made in the application of solvent extraction to the recovery of copper from low grade ore sources over the past 15 to 20 years are well known. Solvent extraction is an essential step in the recovery and purification of copper from dilute sulphate leach solutions by which some one million tonnes of copper are now electrowon annually. A reagent is also available for the selective recovery of copper from chloride leach solutions and this may hold the key to the processing of complex sulphide ore concentrates. By comparison, the use of solvent extraction in the recovery and processing of zinc has as yet found little favour and is confined to only a few specific and comparatively small applications. This is despite the ready availability of a large number of low grade zinc sources and zinc-bearing wastes and residues. It is suggested that this difference is due in large part to the absence of suitable reagents having the particular features required to enable them to fit into a solvent extraction - electrowinning based process for zinc. Ideally, for the recovery of zinc from dilute sulphate solution, an extractant should operate on a proton exchange principle and be strong for zinc in the same way that o-hydroxyaryloxime reagents are strong towards copper. It should load efficiently with zinc at the pH of typical sulphate feed streams without the need for neutralisation and yet be stripped efficiently by spent zinc electrolyte. Another factor of major importance for many applications, however, is that it should be highly selective for zinc over ferric iron. These features have now been realised in a development extractant DS5846, which is a formulation of a novel class of reagent currently under investigation by Zeneca Specialties. The properties of this reagent are described with respect to selectivity, isotherms and how they compare with phosphoric and thiophosphoric acids that have been previously proposed for the extraction of zinc. For the recovery of zinc from concentrated chloride solutions a solvating or neutral donor type of extractant is required which again should ideally have high selectivity for zinc over a number of other metals, particularly iron. The new reagent Acorga ZNX50 is based on a formulation of a novel class of compound developed specifically for this purpose. It gives efficient extraction of zinc from feed solutions that are four to six molar in chloride ion but is readily stripped at 60 - 65¦C using either water, dilute brine, or spent zinc chloride electrolyte. The reagent is highly selective for zinc over iron and a range of other metals including cadmium, arsenic, lead and magnesium.

Jan 1, 1993

By Frfas C, Parrilla F, Regife J. M

A project to develop the Zinclor electrowinning cell to industrial size is being conducted at Tecnicas Reunidas' Research and Development Centre with Spanish Ministry of Industry support. This project is the final development phase in zinc electrowinning from a chloride medium, the highest ZINCLOR technology development level prior to the industrial scale having already been reached. This paper covers the outcomes and conclusions corresponding to project Phases 1 and 2: Process Selection and Industrial Electrodes (1 m2) design and testing. The most important achievement reached is that there are presently available industrial cathodes and anodes for the Zinclor diaphragm cell giving an optimum response for zinc chloride electrowinning with unit power consumptions between 2.65 and 2.80 kWh/kg Zn, depending on the diaphragm type. Standard electrolysis conditions were: 65 g/L ZnC12, 3 g/L HCl, 160 g/L NaCl, 350 g/t Zn arabig gum as the addition agent, 36¦C, and 400 A/m2 current density. The selection of electrodes, diaphragms and organic additives for the industrial scale tests have been optimised. The complete electrowinning cell development, with electrodes having an active area of I m2, enables the evaluation of Zinclor Technology application for industrial processes.

Jan 1, 1993

By Fuerstenau MC

Zinc cementation and carbon adsorption are both presently used for precious metals recovery from cyanide leach solutions. Each of these techniques exhibits unique processing features which renders them suitable to treat solutions with different properties and in different applications. In this study, the two processes are reviewed and compared. Operating data from a number of Merrill-Crowe precipitation and carbon adsorption plants in North America have been obtained and used in this analysis. The relative capital and operating costs for the two processes have also been considered.

Jan 1, 1993

The papers in this section of the conference and indeed the conference as a whole will rightly focus on the recent û the state of play around the Pacific Rim. However, to set the scene I propose to take a longer-term perspective. In so doing I wish to illustrate and emphasise that change is normal and natural û to paraphrase Bob DylanÆs 1963 classic, æThe times they are (always) a-changinÆ Æ. The challenge is how to cope with such change, in an industry, a corporate and a personal sense. A further challenge for geologists, both exploration and mine-based, and indeed for anyone, is to understand where they fit in the broader picture. For several reasons it is appropriate first to look briefly at the minerals industry in the Pacific Rim around a century ago. It was here in Adelaide in April 1893 that the first general meeting of the Australasian Institute of Mining Engineers (or The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy as it later became) took place and where the Centenary Meeting was held in 1993. The late 1800s and early 1900s was a period of extraordinary change in the minerals industry regionally and worldwide. The industry benefited from the economies of scale provided by improved mechanisation. It further benefited from the introduction of technically qualified professionals, such as chemists, metallurgists and mining engineers, although the usefulness of geologists had yet to be recognised commercially. With the rise of such professionals, technical societies formed and flourished. At the same time international financial markets and trade were expanding, a gold standard was widely supported and the financing of mining ventures was well established. Mining was an international business and its people travelled widely. As a consequence of the better-educated mining professional, the ready exchange of knowledge and the availability of finance, new processing techniques such as pyritic smelting, the cyanide process and flotation were developed. These, together with much improved materials handling in the mining and processing phases, dramatically changed the economics of the minerals industry.

Jan 1, 2004