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By D. H. Rousell

"Rocks of the Whitewater Group (Aphebian age) oc ithin the Sudbury Basin and consist of three formations rre, from oldest to youngest: Onaping, heterolithic breccias lus an igneous-textured component; Onwatin, argillite and siltstone; and Chelmsford, greywacke with minor argillite with siltstone. Mineralization in these rocks is as follows:1) Sulphides are disseminated throughout the Onaping Formation. Pyrrhotite, the major sulphide mineral, occurs mainly as fragments; other sulphides are chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrite and marcasite.2) Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag and A u mineralization in the Vermilion member, a carbonate-chert unit near the base of the Onwatin Formation (Vermilion and Errington mines).3) Pyrite and minor base metals in the Onwatin Formation .4) Mineralized quartz veins, located at or near the base of the Onaping Formation, include such deposits as Moore Lake (Pb, Zn and Ag), Foisey (Zn, Pb), Papineau (Cu, Au and Co) and Proulx (Pb, Zn, and Cu). Quartz-carbonate veins in a meta-gabbro sill contain Cu, Zn, As and Au. Material from quartz veins from two former ""gold mines"" (Gordon Lake and Creighton) yielded no Au values.5) Anthraxolite veins in the Onwatin Formation .The mineral occurrences can be explained in term of either the volcanic theory or meteorite-impact theory of basin formation. According to the latter theory, the sulphide fragments in the Onaping Formation may have been formed by the brecciation of sulphide-rich pods located in the upper mantle and at the base of the transient crater; some of the sulphides may have been derived from target rocks of the Huronian Supergroup. The Vermillion-Errington deposits may represent sedimentary exhalative deposits of the Remac type; mineral-rich brines, trapped at the base of the transient crater, rose upward and precipitated the mineralized carbonate-chert under reducing conditions. These conditions continued throughout the deposition of the upper Onwatin Formation but pyrite was the only sulphide that formed.The quartz veins were emplaced during the time of basin deformation. Metamorphism remobilized and concentrated carbonaceous material in the Onwatin Formation 10 form the anthraxolite veins."

Jan 1, 1984

By D. Furrer, M. Dallaire

The arrival of Image analysis in the last 20 years has changed the world of quantitative metallography. Many standard measurement techniques which were previously manual can now be done with fully automated systems. This reduces subjectivity and operator fatigue and therefore enhances the quality of the statistical results. In many laboratories, Titanium Alloy microstructures continue to be evaluated by traditional methods, where quality of results is subject to operator fatigue and level of experience. Advances in Camera technology have tremendously improved image acquisition. One can often see clearly at 500x what can not be observed at 1000x, allowing for a larger area to be analyzed, without the inconveniences associated with very high magnification objectives. Powerful and versatile Image analysis software combined with a high precision motorized stage gives access to a multitude of applications, which were extremely challenging or impossible until now. Image Analysis tools such as Multilayer Grab, which reconstructs an uneven image into one plane of focus (ex. Observation at high magnification of texture resulting from etching) and Mosaic which builds an image from a number of fields of view (ex. Reconstruction of very large grains at low magnifications) expand even further the power and flexibility of IA systems. This presentation will describe how automated methods are applied to the point count method and grain size measurement. We will show how cameras and software work together to permit quantitative measurements of primary alpha and prior beta microstructures, as well as lamellar alpha plate thickness in titanium alloys.Automated and semi automated quantitative measurements of various Titanium microstrures have been assessed, using the Clemex Vision PE. Examples of the methods and steps used are presented.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. Singh

Two alloys Mg96.9Zn2.7Ho0.4 and Mg93Zn6Ho have been processed by direct extrusion at 300°C and 200/230°C to produce various microstructures containing icosahedral quasicrystalline phase with different grain sizes. The alloys were mechanically tested in tension and compression. The mechanical properties were related to the grain size and microstructures studied by transmission electron microscopy. The extruded alloys showed a mixture of nano-sized icosahedral and monoclinic Mg4Zn7 phase, as well as icosahedral phase particles a few hundred nanometers in size distributed in the matrix. Coarse icosahedral phase particles several micron in size also remained after extrusion. The alloys Mg96.9Zn2.7Ho0.4 and Mg93Zn6Ho extruded at the same temperature of 300°C produced very different grain sizes of 15 and 3 µm, respectively. The alloy Mg96.9Zn2.7Ho0.4 extruded at 200°C and Mg93Zn6Ho extruded at 230°C produced grain sizes of 0.7 µm and 1.5 µm, respectively. Both the alloys showed yield stresses of about 300 MPa in both tension and compression with elongations of about 18%. Hall-Petch parameters are calculated for the alloys.

Jan 1, 2006

By C. V. Deutsch, O. Babak, J. G. Manchuk

High levels of geological heterogeneity occurring over relatively short distances pose a challenge to the unconventional open-pit techniques used in oil sands mining. There is strong motivation to mine selectively and minimize dilution and loss; however, the large equipment and high mining rate used to meet production targets tend to reduce selectivity. A numerical model is developed to account for geological complexity, mining equipment, regulatory criteria, and other operational parameters. This framework is used for more accurate forecasts, optimization of equipment, and other operational decisions. An example demonstrates the approach in light of Alberta Energy Regulator criteria.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. P. E. Dirige

The stability design of cemented backfills is normally conducted using conventional approaches. Analytical or numerical models, backed by trial-and-error methods, are the primary means used to describe or predict the support performance of backfills during mining. The stability of paste backfill free-standing faces is a major concern due to potential consequences to production, ore dilution and safety. Available analytical or mathematical models are developed based on assumptions of the failure modes that may occur when vertical fill faces are exposed during adjacent mining. Numerical modeling serves to provide an understanding of backfill strength and deformation behaviour. Such approaches offer inherent limitations and generally result in conservative designs. In this paper, centrifuge physical modeling was conducted not only for performance evaluation studies, including stability analysis, but to develop an understanding of the strength and deformation behaviour of paste backfill exposed faces when the adjacent ore zone is removed. The failure mode and mechanics of failure observed in the centrifuge model of a given prototype situation are discussed in detail. Centrifuge model results were compared to numerical modeling and it was concluded that a sliding block failure mechanism that resembles a circular slip appears to be the predominant failure mode.

Aug 1, 2013

By G. R. Cope, J. S. Getsinger, K. D. Lund, T. Neale

"Mineral exploration in the Sicker Group, a belt of Paleozoic volcano-sedimentary rocks on Vancouver Island, has traditionally centred on auriferous polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits such as those currently mined by Westmin Resources Ltd. near Buttle Lake. Recently, however, the focus of exploration in the Sicker Group has shifted toward targets of structurally controlled gold concentrations, with notable success. Major north and northwesterly-trending structural features such as the Cowichan-Horne Lake break (one of several regional high-angle thrust fault s active throughout a long period of geological time) and related fault systems have contributed to localization of gold mineralization.Using the extensive information database compiled by MPH Consulting Limited during numerous exploration projects in the Sicker Group, two cross sections through areas with significant gold occurrences southeast of Port Alberni are presented. The cross sections combine geological, geochemical and geophysical data in an attempt to emphasize the relationship between structural trends and gold mineralization. Examples from specific properties, including gold discoveries along the Mineral Creek fault zone, are used to illustrate this relationship."

Jan 1, 1990

By R. Shamsodini, A. Poor Zaeif Doost, H. Haji Amin Shirazi, M. R. Garmsiri

"With columns being installed in rougher section at Miduk Copper Complex, the rougher feed mainly reports to rougher-scavenger cells. To evaluate the efficiency of regrinding circuit, we conducted flotation experiments on samples of the feed and the products of the regrinding circuit. The grade difference of these products at 85% recovery was considered as the efficiency index. Results show that, with weight recovery of the rougher-scavengers the efficiency of the circuit increases. Exclusion of the rougher-scavenger concentrate from the feed to the regrinding circuit, resulted in an increase in the efficiency index from 10.12 to 17.6%.INTRODUCTIONThe flotation circuit at Miduk Copper Complex consists of five flotation columns as roughers and ten mechanical cells as rougher-scavengers. According to design criteria, 75% of the final product was expected to be produced by the rougher columns, while most of the feed consisting of liberated valuable particles is introduced into rougher-scavengers. To liberate locked particles, the rougher-scavengers concentrate is introduced into the regrinding circuit (see Figure 1 below). The regrind mill is in reversed closed circuit with a secondary hydrocyclones cluster, and the cyclone overflow is introduced into three parallel cleaner columns. Cleaners concentrate reports to concentrate thickener and the column tailings is introduced into six mechanical cleaner-scavenger cells. The cleaner-scavengers concentrate reports to the regrind circuit(Figure 1)."

Jan 1, 2012

By P. Reyes

The Codelco Chile El Teniente Division Caletones Smelter has an objective to smelt 1,250,000 tonnes per year of copper concentrate. This is a great challenge for the smelter facilities and particularly for the acid plants. The analysis ensuring that there are no obstacles to achieve the production capacity was of great importance. Therefore a series of activities were undertaken as well as studies dedicated to reach the target. This paper presents work focused on a fluid dynamic study, translated in an operation methodology of integrated handling of the smelting and converting gases with the objective to optimize the gas flow and S02 concentration. The optimization should be done employing the current installations, equipment and instrumentation and/or minor modifications. In the first part of the work the condition of the instrumentation involved in the gas handling was checked, improvements determined and the corresponding corrective actions were carried out. The proposed operation method consists of operation of the Cleaning Gas Plant 2 (TC' s gases) and operation of Gas Cleaning Plant 1 (the remaining gas plus the gases from CPS). The implementation of the operation method involves the modification of the valve of the gas into the duct to plant 1 from On to Off to modulate flow. After modification a three days test was carried out. To evaluate the tests, a "Sulphur Capture" indicator was used. During the test the behaviour of the effluent treatment plants was closely examined. No problems or unusual operating conditions were observed. The reduced flow of gas to Gas Cleaning Plant No. 1 permitted the start up of the 2nd test day treating most of the gas received by Gas Cleaning Plant No. 2. The operation was carried out with the limitation not to increase the effluent pond level, which was maintained constant.

Jan 1, 2007

By D. V. Ziehlke, J. M. Franklin, T. M. Gordon, A. G. Galley

The Snow Lake-Wekusko Lake region of northern Manitoba conta ins numerous lode gold occurrences, including the largest gold deposit in the Churchill Prov ince, the Nor Acme mine. The Aphebian volcanic and sedimentary rocks of this region are comprised of submarine volcanic strata, overlain by turbidites, both of the Amisk Group, and fluvi atile sedimenta ry strata and bimodally composed subaerial volcanic rocks of the overlying Missi Group. Gold occurs as: 1) accessory gold in volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, 2) lode gold in shear zones related to sy n- to post-FI thrust fa ults, and 3) lode-gold associated with post-F2 fault . An alteration a emblage of biotite, al bite and calc ite is associated with both groups of lode-gold deposits, and has been superimposed on the regionall y-developed metamorphic assemblages. AJthough these deposi ts are spatial ly related to britt le-ductile faul ts of different initial ages, they appear to have all fo rmed after the major period of reg ional fo lding and metamorphism, and thus may be penecontemporaneous. The alteration is different from the sericite-ankerite-quartz assemblage that is typically associated with gold deposits in Superio r Prov ince. Deposits in thi s area of Churchill Prov ince may have formed either at a higher temperature or a deeper structu ra l level than tho e in Superior Prov ince.

Jan 1, 1986

By Robin Belley

Outline Introduction Wabush Mines HistoricalBackground Mine and Concentrator at WabushMines High Intensity Magnetic Separators (HIMS) Development of the Manganese Removal Process Pilot Plant Testing Phase Manganese Removal Line 1 Coming Phase: Manganese Removal Line 2 Manganese Concentration Process Development Historical Background 1847: Creation of the Cleveland Iron Company1850: Opening of its first iron ore mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan 1965: Beginning of Wabush Mines at Scully Mines, Wabush, Labrador. 1980-1990: Questions raised about how to exploit Scully high Mn Ore (> 2%)Part of the available ore is not saleable due to too high a level of pyrolusite (MnO2) Adding this ore to the resources would be valuable (longer mine life and lower stripping ratio) 1990s: Testwork for Manganese removal Many different processes are studied over more than a decade High Intensity Magnetic Separators (HIMS) are identified as the best technology for Mn removal 2007: Pilot Mn removal line installed Testing carried out through 2007-2008 First Production Line is ordered (2008) 2009: Cleveland Cliffs (now Cliffs Natural Resources)acquire the remaining part of Wabush Mines 2010: Mn Removal Line 1 construction & commissioning Summer 2011: Mn Line 2 Construction

May 1, 2011

By S. J. Buckler

Many metallurgical processes use submerged gas injection to increase the contact area between gas and liquid phases in order to promote faster overall reaction rates. The work presented in this paper is part of an experimental investigation to measure the gas-liquid interfacial area available in bubble plumes within molten metal baths. Measurements of the nitrogen absorption rate during submerged injection into molten iron baths have been used to estimate the interfacial areas of the bubble plumes. A theoretical model was used to predict the superficial nitrogen transfer rate under mixed liquid phase mass transfer -interfacial reaction control. The interfacial area was calculated by dividing the overall nitrogen absorption rate by the superficial rate. Reasonable agreement was obtained between the interfacial areas measured in our laboratory with data from a comparable system reported in the literature. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of three theoretical models and one empirical correlation. The models of Turkdogan (3) and Zhao and Themelis (5) gave the best agreement with our data.

Jan 1, 2004

Iron deposits of every major type except laterite occur in Quebec, and form one of the major iron ore resources of the world. The five principal types of ore described are: (1) hematite-goethite masses derived from iron formation through the oxidation and enrichment of iron by natural processes; (2) taconites consisting of fine-grained iron formation; (3) metataconites composed of coarse-grained iron formation; (4) iron and titanium oxide minerals in massive or disseminateed deposits within gabbro and anorthositic rocks; and (5) replacement or contact? metasomatic magnetite deposits associated with complex silicate and skarn mineral assemblages. Most of the ore, although relatively low grade, is easy to concentrate. The physical properties of the ores that affect the choice and efficiency of beneficiation methods are described. The extent to which iron ore from this area can be utilized in the future will depend on the continued use and improvement of highly efficient methods of beneficiation.

Jan 1, 1964

By M. Imamura

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. has developed a novel hydrometallurgical process for producing not only copper metal but also iron metal from copper concentrates. Because copper concentrates generally contains the same amount of iron as copper, cost-effective rejection of the iron is a key issue for the development of the process. Conventional hydrometallurgical processes produce a large volume of goethite or hematite for disposal and the residues are not environmentally friendly. In the novel Sumitomo hydrometallurgical process, copper is leached effectively from chalcopyrite concentrates using chlorine gas, followed by purification through solvent extraction and electrowinning for copper and iron recovery. This process has many advantages such as the minimization of the volume of solid waste by the recovery of metallic iron and the production of high purity copper. Iron metal with a purity of more than 98% can be recovered from the purified raffinate. This paper presents the results of the batch and continuous tests of the process flowsheet.

Jan 1, 2006

By K. Kawagishi, K. Matsumoto, Y Koizumi, H. Harada

A new burner rig for cyclic and hot corrosion testing of Ni-base superalloys and high-temperature coatings has been developed at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan. The concepts of the rig design include: use of kerosene as fuel, easy operation for materials research and multi-specimen testing capability per test run. The burner rig consists of six blocks including combustion block, corrosion-solution injection block, furnace block, specimen block, controller block and outdoor facility block. During verification testing, it was confirmed that the rig had accurate specimen temperature control within ±1? from 600 to 1100? and automated easy operation. Cyclic testing of several Ni-base superalloys was conducted. The results from 50 cycle testing indicated that a new NIMS alloy developed for 1700? class gas turbine had higher oxidation resistance than CMSX-4. This new burner rig testing capability at NIMS can be very useful for future oxidation, hot corrosion and coating durability studies.

Jan 1, 2010

By J. Bouchard, A. Desbiens, M. Maldonado, R. del Villar

ABSTRACT: Despite many years of practical applications in mineral processing plants, the potential of column flotation has still not been fully exploited. The challenge in measuring some key variables is certainly an important contributing factor to this situation. Reliable online measurement of varibles, such as the froth depth, bias, gas hold-up, frother concentration, bubble surface area flux, and bubble size distribution, provides opportunities for the application of various advanced control strategies and real-time optimization based on an economic criterion. For several years, Université Laval’sLaboratoire d’observation et d’optimisation des procédés researchers have been working on these opportunities. This paper describes the most recent advances and current research trends.

Jan 1, 2011

On the recent trip from Vancouver to Calgary with the President, Mr. C. C. Huston, and yourself, I had the opportunity of outlining a plan based on the following: Among the aims of the Institute are, obviously, the fostering of the confraternity of those engaged in the technical and management fields of the mining and petroleum industries. This may be achieved in a number of ways, of which, to me, the interchange of ideas and experience between different parts of Canada and different sections and divisions of the Institute appears to be one of the most important. I think you and the membership as a whole are, and have been, well aware of this. The annual tour of the President .and Secretary, particularly their visits to Branches, shows this to be true. The interchange of ideas through the medium of the BULLETIN also illustrates the point; indeed, most Institute activities are directed along these lines. I am convinced that much more could be accomplished if it became financially possible to do so. Many able and fine men are, I think, willing and anxious to give their time and energy to furthering these phases of Institute activity, but it is unfair to expect them to assume as well the financial obligations involved. Specifically, I would suggest that the following could be done if sufficient funds were available:

Jan 1, 1952

By K. Reipas

"Westmin Resources Ltd. operates the 3300 TPD H-W underground copper/zinc mine on Vancouver Island. Ore storage underground is handled in a 6000 tonne coarse ore bin and a 3000 tonne fine ore bin. Both of these bins have experienced significant wear since excavation and construction in 1985. Wear problems have included both deteriorating rock walls as well as worn out steel liners and concrete at the discharge points from the bins. Extensive rehabilitation work was completed in 1993.The basis o/this paper is the rehabilitation work done on the coarse ore bin. The design and installation of ground control measures are discussed. The bin access methods used to allow the work to proceed quickly and safely are also presented. This involved the use of a Tekfoam safety bulkhead to protect workers.IntroductionMine DescriptionThe H-W mine was commissioned in 1985. Mine access is by vertical shaft with most production areas at a depth of about 500 m. Host rocks are composed of andesite and rhyolite. Mine capacity of 3300 tonnes per day is achieved mainly by longhole open stoping methods, complemented by room and pillar mining. Metals recovered from the massive sulphide ore are copper, zinc, gold, and silver. Mineable reserves at January I, 1994 were 9.7 million tonnes."

Jan 1, 1995

By R. T. McAndrew

Introduction Drinnan is situated in the Prairie Creek coal area in the Foothills belt of Alberta. It lies on the main line of the Canadian National railway from Edmonton to Jasper. The exact location is shown on the map (Figure I). Interest in the field was aroused by several circumstances: Its proximity to Brule and Pocahontas on the southwest and to Coal-spur on the southeast led to the belief that coal might be economically produced here. There was already at Hinton a 3 ft. 9 in. coal seam being mined by Seabolt. The coal was of very good grade, being black and shiny in appearance with well defined cleavage and a heat value of 12,000 B. t.u. Outcrops of coal had also been noticed on the north side of the Athabaska river and Fish creek. These facts led the Jasper Coal Company to investigate the field. This Company considered taking over the Seabolt property at Hinton, but, owing to the size of the seam, this plan was abandoned and prospecting by diamond drills and test pits was started two years ago in the district east of Hinton. After prospecting had been completed, the most favourable district was found to be in township 51, ranges 24 and 25, west of the 5th meridian. The Company's lease includes all or parts of sections 18, 19, 20, and 28 in range 24, and sections 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 in range 25. The approximate boundaries of the property are the Canadian National railway on the north, Happy creek on the west, and Cache Percotte creek on the east. The lease comprises 3,100 acres, and the total amount of coal in sight is estimated at 100,000,000 tons.

Jan 1, 1931

By Ben D. Thompson

Cemented Paste Backfill has proven to be of critical importance to the operation of a number of Canadian mines, primarily due to the rapid backfilling rate this method permits. In order to improve the efficiency of this backfill system (i.e. optimize binder contents, fill fence design, and the employment of two stage filling strategies) there is a requirement to better understand its geomechanical behaviour. In response, in-situ experiments have been conducted in long-hole stopes to quantify the evolution of total earth pressures and pore pressures at a series of instrumented points within both the core of the backfill and close to fill fences. The deflection of fill fences as a result of paste loading has been measured and additional instrumentation has also been employed to measure cement hydration, negative pore pressures, and blasting induced vibrations within fresh and cured paste backfill. Installing geotechnical instrumentation within an open long-hole stope can be an extremely complex procedure and this paper details the methods that have been successfully employed. Preliminary results are presented, and the pressures induced by backfill with differing binder contents, at a number of different in-stope locations are considered.

May 1, 2009

By J M. Gibbs

Craigmont Mines Limited mine 50,000 tons of ore and waste per day from the open pit at Merritt, British Columbia. An electric-powered "down-the-hole" drill, a diesel-powered rotary drill and two electric-powered rotary drills have been used. All primary drilling, as a result of cost and operating experience, is now performed with two electric-powered rotary drills. Trials with various loading techniques have increased the amount of AN-FO and decreased the amount of commercially prepared slurries used for primary blasting. Approximately 95 per cent of the primary blasting is accomplished with AN -FO, mixed at the hole. Introduction THE Craigmont mine is located near the village of Merritt, B.C., 240 miles northeast of Vancouver. The concentrator has been in production since September of 1961. Craigmont is a combined open-pit and underground operation. To date, slightly more than 95 per cent of the mill feed has been mined from the open pit. As underground development proceeds, the ore requirements from the open pit will decrease. The average milling rate from September, 1961, to April, 1964, was approximately 4,900 tons per day.

Jan 1, 1965