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By J. L. Taylor, E. B. Viljoen, W. M. Craig, A. M. McIntosh

The Chemwes uranium plant treats old gold-plant residues from the Sttifontein and Buffelsfontein Gold Mines by acid leaching, belt filtration, countercurrent ion exchange (ClX), and Bufflex solvent extraction (SX). The uranium is recovered by precipitation as ammonium diuranate. Absorption and elution in the CIX section are achieved in four NIMCIX columns operating as two parallel streams. Each loading column is 4,85 m in diameter and contains 12 absorption stages. The elution columns are 3 m in diameter and contain 8 stages. The eluant used is 10 per cent sulphuric acid at ambient temperature. During the commissioning and initial operating periods reported here, the plant yielded an average barren solution of 1,6 p.p.m. of U3O8 from a feed with a mean U3O8 concentration of 132 p.p.m. The U3O8 concentrations in the barren solution were better than 2 p.p.m. some 85 per cent of the time, and better than I p.p.m.73 per cent of the time. Investigations are underway to institute an automatic control system that will result in the U3O8 values on the resin and in the barren solution being maintained at or near the target values in spite of changes in the concentration of uranium in the feed solution.

Jan 1, 1982

By F. W. Petersen

The Conference Minerals & Materials '96 was held in Somerset West, South Africa, from 31st July to 2nd August, 1996. It was organized by the Universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town, the Cape Technikon, and the Western Cape Branch of The South African institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). The three-day Conference was attended by 180 delegates, representing countries such as Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The programme and associated exhibition were well organized, and each of the delegates received two volumes of proceedings containing the 77 papers presented at the Conference.

Jan 1, 1996

The February General Meeting of the Branch was held in the St. Helena Club at 8.00 p.m. on the 10th February, 1971. Mr G. Y. Nisbet (Chairman, O.F.S. Branch) was in the chair. There were also present: Seven Fellows: Messrs. N. A. Honnet, C. J. Isaac, J. M' Meyer, I. Thomas (Committee Members), J. Lorenzen, S. L. S. Swart and D. Waterman. Six Members: Messrs. R. Campbell, D. J. Couperthwaite, R. Cross, A. H. Edwards, C. G. J. Vermeulen and G. J. C. Young. Two Graduates: Messrs. J. McLuskie and M. H. Smith. Six Associates: Messrs. J. Dean, W. F. de Lange, J. S. Freer, A. Hooper, A. Paschalides and L. Vorster. One Student: Mr D. J. Hammond and nine visitors, a total attendance of thirty-two. Minutes As the minutes of the General Meeting held on the 17th November, 1970 had not yet been published in the Journal, the Chairman moved that the adoption and discussion thereof be deferred to the next General Meeting. This motion was adopted unanimously. Office-bearers The Chairman informed the meeting that this branch had received the resignation of Mr J. N. Saunders. Following his resignation the Committee elected the following office-bearers: Chairman - Mr G. Y. Nisbet Vice Chairman - Mr J. M. Meyer The Chairman also announced that Messrs. J. M. Meyer and G. J. C. Young had been co-opted onto the Committee. General Members were advised that arrangements had been made for the Cookhouse Tunnel visit towards the end of March. Talk by J. Freer The Chairman called on Mr J. Freer to deliver his talk on "Uranium Extraction, Processing and Conversion for Fuel Element Manufacture". The presentation of this talk, illustrated by sketches, proved very interesting and entertaining and was received with applause from all present. Mr I. Thomas proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Freer on behalf of all members of the O.F.S. Branch. After thanking Mr Freer for his talk and all present for their attendance, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

By M. Z. Emad, A. Khan, N. Abbas, K. G. Li

Probability-based empirical methods were employed as an alternative approach to predicting uncertainties associated with rock mass properties. The focus was on developing probabilistic spreadsheets to forecast rock mass classification indexes. Histograms were constructed to describe the best distribution in predicting rock mass properties. The developed models also offer utility in predicting the impact of discontinuities within the rock mass on rock strength and rock mass classification systems. Statistical analyses identified volumetric joint count, joint spacing, joint frequency, and rock strength as the most influential parameters. Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed varying degrees of correlation among different rock mass properties. While some properties demonstrated significant correlations suitable for modelling, others did not align well with any correlation model. The results highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to rock mass characterization, considering multiple factors beyond volumetric joint count. Geological complexities, including tectonic activity and weathering processes, may obscure direct correlations. These results emphasize the importance of empirical modelling and detailed site investigations for accurate assessment of rock mass quality and stability in the Himalaya.

Jun 10, 2024

1. New Publications Tin and its uses no. 140. Greenford (England), International Tin Research Institute, 1984. Catalogue. English translations of German standards 1984. Berlin, Beuth Verlag GmbH, 1984. Mining and mineral processing operations in Canada 1983. Ottawa, Canadian Government Publishing Centre, 1984. $6.00. Canadian mineral deposits not being mined in 1983. Ottawa, Canadian Government Publishing Centre, 1984. $6.00. 2. Mintek Publications Report M42D The recovery of tantalite and cassiterite from a bulk sample of pegmatite supplied by Falconbridge Explorations Limited. (First issued 1982.) Report M46D Tests on the nature and reduction of the chlorine in fluorspar concentrate from the western Transvaal. (First issued 1982.) Report M58D An electrochemical process for the recycling of tungsten carbide scrap. (First issued 1982.) Report M59D Testwork on samples of oxidized ore from the Potgietersrus Prospect. (First issued 1982.) Report M60D The production of electrolytic manganese dioxide from furnace sludge. (First issued 1983.) Report M64D Isotope-source neutron-activation analysis for the determination of manganese in bulk samples. (First issued 1982.) Report M128 The determination of cyanide in hydrometallurgical process solutions and effluents by ion chromatography. Report M132 Mineralogical parameters influencing the acid-bacterial leachability of low-grade nickel ores. Report Ml34 The NIMROC reference materials: revised values for thorium, yttrium, lanthanum, and the rare-earth elements. ReportM140 The effect of physical and chemical factors on the corrosivity of a synthetic mine water. Report Ml44 The development of standard procedures for the evaluation of magnetite for use in heavy-medium separation. Report M145 A preliminary study of the mineralogy of the nickel occurrence at Mabilikwe Hill, northern Transvaal.

Jan 1, 1984

Palladium Alloys. E. M. Savitskii, V. P. Polyakova, M. A. Tylkina. Translated by: R. E. Howard. Published by Primary Services, New York, N.Y. 10012. $24.50. The output of palladium in the U.S.S.R. greatly exceeds the internal usage. The primary purpose of this 200 page volume is therefore to record details of fundamental researches on the properties of this metal with a view to expanding its marketability. Theoretical studies have revealed a number of alloys with great promise in electrical instruments and for the chemical industry. The success of these researches in the U.S.S.R. and in the U.S.A., resulted in the industrial usage of palladium exceeding that of platinum in 1957 and increasing its lead during the next decade. This volume is divided into three parts. Section I covers the mineralogy, extraction and the physical metallurgy of the metal. It records a considerable area where the resistance to corrosion of palladium equals that of platinum. Section II deals with the preparation and the properties of palladium in alloys and contains a comprehensive metallographic treatment of the many binary alloy systems. Section III is devoted to industrial applications. The 460 references which are quoted are mainly from the U.S.S.R. but otherwise have a world-wide coverage. H.B.

Bowen, R., and Gunatilaka, A. Copper, its Geology and economics. London, Applied Science Publishers, 1977. Miller, D. S. Internal flow systems. (Volume 4 in the BHRA Fluid Engineering Series). 1978. 288 pp. £21,50. MACH 80 The Machine Tool Trades Association of Great Britain (M.T.T.A.) announce that MACH 80 - The International Machine Tool Exhibition - will take place from Tuesday, 22nd April, to Friday, 2nd May, 1980, at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.

Jan 1, 1979

1. Mintek reports The folowing reports are available from Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg, 2125 South Africa. They are available at R25 (plus R3,25 GST) per copy to South African addressees, and US$25 per copy (including airmail postage) to addressees elsewhere. Report M91D A mineralogical investigation of samples from the Renosterkop tin prospect near Upington, by M.J. Southwood. First issued Jul. 1983, reissued May 1989. 16 pp. Report M256D The upgrading of Mamatwan manganese ores heavy-medium separation, by P. W. Overbeek. First issued Apr. 1986, reissued May 1989. Report M299D A mineralogical investigation of samples from the Eenzaamheid cobalt-molybdenum deposit, by C.D. de Nooy. First issued Jan. 1987; reissued May 1989. Report M301D The evaluation of manganese metal powder by automatic image analysis, by E.J. Oosthuyzen. First issued Feb. 1987, reissued May 1989. 13 pp. Report M311D Mineralogical and beneficiation studies of ore from Lutzputz, by R.N. Guest and C.T. Logan. First issued Mar. 1987, reissued May 1989. 13 pp. Report M314D The beneficiation of a sample of magnesium ca/crete, by L. Jonker. First issued Apr. 1987, reissued May 1989. 13pp. Report M369 The determination, by flow-injection analysis, of thiocyanate, by E.A. Jones and M-J. Hennings. Jun. 1989. 7pp. Report M389 A spectrophotometric method for the determination of zinc by flow-injection analysis, by D.E. Barnes and RA. Jones. Jul. 1989. 15 pp.2. Recent publications Pumps-principles and practice. Available from K. Myles & Associates CC, P .0. Box 2212, Northclif 2115. :200pp. R99 including GST. Standard handbook of hazardous waste treatment and disposal, edited by H.M. Freeman. Bergano Book Co., P .0. Box 190, Fairfield, CT 06430, USA. 1120 pp. US$130.Quality control handbook, by J. Juran and F. Gryna Jr. Bergano Book Co. (address as above). 4th 00. 1536pp. US$125.Refractories in the manufacture and transport of pig iron. Verlag Schmid GMBH, P.O. Box 6609, 7800 Freiburg, West Germany. DM 100. The user-computer interface in process control, byW.E. Gilmore, D.I. Gertman, and H.S. Blackman. London, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Ltd, 1989. " 312pp. $29.Aluminum alloys-contemporary research and applications, edited by A.K. Vasudevan and R.D. Doherty. London, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Ltd, 1989. " 676 pp. " £90.3. TMS publications issued recently The folowing publications are available from The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, 420 Commonwealth Drive, Warendale, PA 15086, USA (Telephone: (412) 776-9000, Telex: 9103809397, Fax: 4127763770). Advances in magnesium alloys and composites, by H. Paris and W.H. Hunt (eds.). 145 pp. $65. Arsenic metallurgy-fundamentals and applications, by R. Reddy (ed.). 515 pp. $104. Casting of near net shape products, by Y. Sahai (ed.). 7oopp. $155.Continuous casting of non-ferous metals and alloys, by H.D. Merchant, D.E. Tyler, and E.H. Chia (eds.). 360 pp. $90.Dislocations and interfaces in semiconductors, by K. Rajan, D. Ast, and J. Narayan (eds.). 210pp. $75.

Jan 1, 1989

By M. Dworzanowski

The difference in the magnetic properties of minerals is the basis for magnetic separation. All minerals can be generally classified as ferromagnetic (strongly magnetic), paramagnetic (weakly magnetic) or diamagnetic (non-magnetic). Magnetic separation can be conducted dry or wet. The majority of the applications of wet magnetic separation in the mining industry are based on the wet drum magnetic separator. The wet drum magnetic separator has been in use for over 50 years and its design is based on a rotating drum installed inside a tank. Inside the drum are stationary, permanent magnets arranged in an arc to provide the magnetic field. These magnets can be of the ceramic ferrite type providing a low intensity magnetic field or of the rare earth type providing a high intensity magnetic field.

Jan 1, 2010

By A. Kotze, D. Messina, E. Nagels, Y. Cryns, S. Arnout

The FlashPhos process aims to recover white phosphorus (P4) from sewage sludge by drying, flash combustion/gasification, and carbothermic refining steps. This study evaluates the material behaviour of sewage sludge ash melting and reduction in a refining furnace for the novel FlashPhos process. Thermodynamic modelling in FactSage 8.2 is combined with experiments from a tube furnace to determine the possible phosphorus recovery and minor element behaviour. For the two studied sludges, a yield of 40% and 75% white phosphorus is achieved after 1 hour at 1600°C, corresponding with a 60% and 25% loss to the metal phase. This is slightly above the calculated equilibrium yield of 28%–73%, which depends mainly on the Fe/P ratio of the sludge. Temperature is found to have a significant influence on the final phosphorus yield when leading to incomplete melting of the ash. A clean slag is produced in the process free of heavy metals making it suitable to be used as a cement-like binder material. The main heavy metals that co-evaporate with the phosphorus are Zn, Pb, As, Sb, and Sn. Additional processing steps will be required to remove these to produce a pure P4 product. The metal alloy consists of mostly Fe and P with smaller amounts of other components such as Mo, Cr, Cu, Mn, Sn, Sb, and V. The final slag consists of CaO, SiO2, MgO, and Al2O3 with virtually complete removal of P and heavy metals.

Oct 2, 2025

By E. Van Der Lingen, A. Paton

"The South African ferrochrome industry has been faced with various challenges during the past few years, such as influences from the market, manpower strikes, China’s control over the demand for both ferrochrome and chrome ore from South Africa, and electricity supply constraints, placing increased pressure on the local industry to improve output in order to remain globally competitive. The year 2016 brought a dramatic change in the local ferrochrome industry, being marked by higher chrome ore prices and the takeover of some idle smelters.This study investigates the methods of technology acquisition used in various parts of the ferrochrome smelter value chain throughout a business cycle, and whether there is a preference for a specific acquisition in an explicit part of the value chain. The study also considers whether companies prefer to partner with local or global institutions for collaborative development, and the methods used by companies to protect their technologies.IntroductionSouth Africa holds the world’s largest chrome ore reserves and was the world’s largest producer of ferrochrome until 2012, when China became the leading ferrochromeproducing country. South Africa’s chrome ore (chromite) supply into the Chinese market has risen significantly from 36% of China’s total chrome ore imports in 2010 to more than 70% in 2016 (Fowkes, 2014; Creamer, 2017). China controls the demand for both ferrochrome and chrome ore from South Africa (Fowkes, 2014). China’s high import rate of chrome ore has resulted in ferrochrome prices being driven down and a depressed ferrochrome market. The South African industry meets the chrome ore demands but loses out on ferrochrome beneficiation.Furthermore, the local ferrochrome industry has been threatened with the overall poor competitiveness over the past few years, resulting in four of the eight producers ceasing operations at the beginning of 2016. Challenges experienced by the producers, some of which are directly linked to production costs, include influences from the market, productivity that was affected by wildcat strikes, China’s control over the demand for both ferrochrome and chrome ore, and electricity supply issues (Fowkes, 2014, 2013; Biermann, Cromarty, and Dawson, 2012). Ferrochrome production is energy-intensive and South African producers have faced higher electricity costs, electricity supply complications, and a weaker currency exchange rate since 2009."

Oct 1, 2018

By S. O. Castro, R. E. González, L. E. Velasco, J. M. Van Sint, P. V. Lois

Abstract Several zones with expansive rocks were encountered during construction of two tunnels of the water conduction system for the Chacabuquito Hydropower Plant, located in the Aconcagua river valley of the Chilean Central Andes Mountains, at elevation 1.075 m a.s.l., and 65 km north-northeast of Santiago. The expansive behavior was associated to three different geological features. Firstly with the crossing of important north-south trending faults, with montmorillonitic and caolinitic fillings. Secondly to the presence of zones of rock mass showing a penetrative presence of clay minerals (montmorillonite, illite and caolinite) and penetrative thin veins of ceolites. And thirdly to the hydrothermal alteration of the rock and the consequent generation of clay minerals (predominantly montmorillonite, sericite and minor caolinite). The geological and mechanical characteristics of the expansive rock domains, as well as the field and laboratory reconnaissance and characterization program, are described in the paper together with the bases for design and the guidelines for construction and definitive tunnels support. Resúmè Pendant l’excavation des deux tunels du système d’adduction d’eau pour alimenter la centrale hidroélectrique Chacabuquito, plusieures zones de rochers expansifs ont été découvertes. Ces tunnels sont dans la vallée du fleuve Aconcagua de la Cordillère des Andes du Chili Central, à une altitude aproximée de 1.075m s.m.n. et à 65km vers le nord-nord-ouest de Santiago. Cette conduite expansive est associée à trois différentes caractéristiques géologiques du massif rocheux. Un premier lieu, à l’intersection de plusieures zones de failles, d’orientation nord-sud et subverticales, avec remplissage de rochers désintégrés, montmorillonite, caolinite et sérite. En seconde lieu, a la présence de zones de rochers expansifs, avec des nombreux minces veines de céolite-calcite et aussi des minéraux argileux (montmorillonite, illite et caolinite). Et, dans troisième lieu, dût à la présence de zones d’altération hidrothermale du massif rocheux et la conséquente génération de minéraux de remplacement argileux (surtout sérite, montmorillonite et en plus petit degré, caolinite). Les caractéristiques géologiques et géomécaniques des rochers expansifs, ainsi que la reconnaissance du terrain et les résultats du programme d’essais de caractérisation géomécanique du laboratoire sont décrits dans ce travail, ainsi que les bases de dessin et recommandations constructives pour placement du support définitifs pour ces tunnels Zusammenfassung Während der ausgrabung der zwei tunnels der wasserleitungssystem, um die Chacabuquito Wasserstromzentrale zu besorgen, wurden verschieden ausgedehnte gesteinadern gefunden Die beiden tunnels befinden sich im Aconcaguatal, wo der Aconcagua Fluss fliesst, auf einer Höhe von 1.075 m über dem Wasserspiegel und ca. 65 Km Nord-Nordest von Santiago entfernt, in mittleren Anden Cordillere (chilenische Gebirgskette). Drei verschiedene geologische merkmale dieser massiven gesteine können dieses ausgedehnte verhalten erklären. Erstens, hier befinden sich verschiedene und auch ganz wichtige

Jan 1, 2003

The June General Meeting of the Branch was held in the St. Helena Club on Wednesday, 18th June, 1969. Mr J. G. Kirchner (Chairman of the O.F.S. Branch) was in the chair. There were also present: Eight Members: Messrs A. F. Leger, J. N. Saunders, T. Zadkin (Committee Members), Messrs M. G. Cullen, M. S. Grobler, C. J. Isaac, S. L. S. Swart, P. S. Turner. Eight Associate Members: Messrs R. Campbell, D. E. Couperthwaite, J. D. Couperthwaite, A. Hepburn, P. A. Hoffman, H. J. Reeders, R. B. Sutherland, P. R. Wheeler. Two Graduates: Messrs M. T. G. Davies, B. D. Goodwin. Two Affiliates: Messrs L. D. Hulley, K. L. Wilson. Three Visitors. Total Present: 24. Apologies were received from Mr L. O. W. Leimer. The Chairman declared the meeting open and, after extending a welcome to all visitors, said that it was his sad duty to announce the recent death of Mr. R. Jack, Associate Member. As a mark of respect to the deceased and in sympathy with the bereaved, those present stood in silence for a few moments. MINUTES OF PREVIOUSGENERALMEETING The Minutes of the Previous General Meeting held on the 19th February, 1969, which were published in the April Journal, were taken as read and their adoption proposed by Mr J. N. Saunders and seconded by Mr D. E. Couperthwaite. MA TTERS ARISING FROM THESE MINUTES There were no matters arising from these minutes. ELECTION OF SCRUTINEERS Mr V. J. Isaac proposed and Mr M. S. Grobler seconded a motion that Messrs J. G. Kirchner, J. N. Saunders and M. G. Cullen be elected scrutineers in the forthcoming election of Committee Members. GENERAL BUSINESS The Chairman announced that a visit to the South African Railways Workshops in Bloemfontein had been arranged for the 23rd July, 1969 and expressed the hope that this would be well patronised. TALKS The Chairman called first on Mr D. E. Couperthwaite to present his paper on 'Heavy media separation' and then on Mr A. F. Leger to present his paper on 'Engineering plastics'. Both presentations, which were illustrated with diagrams, proved of great interest to all members. A vote of thanks to both speakers was proposed by Mr T. Zadkin. CLOSURE After thanking the speakers, the Chairman thanked all present for their attendance and declared the Meeting closed at about 9.30 p.m. Refreshments were then served.

By A. Pareek, V. S. Masampally, V. Runkana

Mineral processing plants, in general, consist of comminution and separation circuits. Rougher flotation is considered as the heart of the separation circuit with concentrate grade and mineral recovery being the key productivity and quality parameters that affect the downstream operations and profitability. Online prediction of these parameters can help improve process performance in real-time. Past efforts to predict flotation cell performance have focused on building physics-based or machinelearning (ML) based models. Although physics-based models are popular in process design applications, ML models are more appropriate for online monitoring, control and optimisation due to their lower computational requirements. Deep learning (DL) is gaining prominence nowadays for application in industrial operations where a large amount of data is available. We have developed a DL model based on long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks to forecast the two key performance indicators (KPIs), namely, mineral recovery and concentrate grade in a mineral processing plant. Rougher feed characteristics such as mineral grade and particle size distribution, upstream measurable disturbances such as throughput of the comminution circuit and pulp density, and control variables such as aeration rate, pH, and collector addition rate are considered as explanatory variables to train the model. The model was tested with data from an industrial mineral processing plant. For real-time dynamic predictions, the trained model appropriately accounts for mismatch in measurement frequency of real-time process data and off-line laboratory analysis data. Such a time series model can be used as a state observer in model predictive control techniques for optimal control of unit operations in a mineral processing plant. Keywords: Mineral processing, flotation, time-series, dynamic modelling, deep learning

Jan 1, 2020

1. Recent publications Canadian minerals yearbook 1986. Review and outlook. Mineral Report 35. Available from Printing and Publishing, Supply and Services Canada, Hull, Quebec KIAOS9, Canada. $44.70. The 1987 Sigma cataloge. SI. Louis (USA), Sigma Chemical Co., 1986. 1736 pp. Der Maschinenschaden. Munchen(G. rmany), Koningstrasse 28. Metallurgicalworks in Canada primary iron and steel 1987. Mineral Bulletin MR 214. Available from the above address at $6.60 per copy. Annual report 1986. Oxbridge, International Research Institute, 1987. Canadian iron ore industry statistics, 1986, by B.W. Boyd and A. Cadieux. Publication MRI 87/6. Micromedia Limited (Document Delivery, 165 Hotel de Ville, Place du Portage 2, Hull, Quebec J8X 3X2, Canada). Tin and its uses no. 153. Oxbridge (England), International Tin Research Institute, 1987. This issue includes articles on can-making, titanium-tin alloy, coppernickel2. New journal Pergamon are producing a new journal, entitled Minerals Engineering, which they describe as 'an international journal devoted to innovation and developments in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy'. 3. Mintek publications Report M298. The effect of flocculant additions to the leaching solution on the kinetics of the oxidative dissolution of sphalerite, by F.K. Crundwell. Report M304. The smelting of ilmenite in a d.c. transferred-arcplasma furnace with a molten-anode configuration, by AD. Brent. Jut 1987. 17 pp. Report M312. The reactions of some thiol collectors at noble-metal and pyrite electrodes, by D.R. Groot. Jut 1987. 21 pp. Report M321. The determination of molybdenum, arsenic, and uranium in activated carbon by X-rayfluorescence spectrometry,by A.M.E. Balaes and G.J. Wall. Aug. 1987. Report M321. The determination of molybdenum, arsenic, and uranium in activated carbon by X-rayfluorescence pectrometry, by A.M.E. Balaes and G.J. Wall. Aug. 1987.

Jan 1, 1988

By M. A. Roberts

Oebswana's Jwaneng Mine (south-central Botswana) is the richest diamond mine? in the world and has been contributing substantial revenue to Botswana since the mine started operating in 1982. The resource consists of 3 separate volcanic pipes/vents namely North, South and Centre pipes (2 additional small kimberlite bodies have also been intersected within the mining pit) which erupted through Transvaal strata and the overlying Karoo sediments -245 million years ago. Although earlier drilling and geophysical surveys suggest that the 3 pipes extend to depths greater than 1 km below the surface, the resource is only at an indicated level of confidence to a depth of 400m, and mining activities will start exploiting the inferred resource material below 400m in 2014.

Jan 1, 2010

By K. E. Mantell

1. TRACKLESS MINING AT OAMITES by K. E. MANTELL Oamites Mine, brought into production in late 1971, is located 50 km south of Windhoek, South West Africa, on the northern boundary of and just outside the Rehoboth Gebied. Oamites was known as a possible mining proposition at the turn of the century when Hanseatische Minen Gesellschaft was adit mining on the adjacent farm Kamzwas. Rand Mines Limited carried out a small amount of prospecting in the early 1960s, Falconbridge Explorations Limited later taking over the prospect. Approximately 4600 m of diamond drilling was carried out between 1965 and 1967.

By N. C. J. Dempers, J. A. L. Parker, R. A. Wildenboer

More than half of global cobalt reserves are located in the Southern African Copperbelt, stretching over the northern tip of Zambia and southern area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In these areas, cobalt is not typically produced as a primary product but as a byproduct of copper production. Ores from this region often contain uranium, which is readily leached under typical copper leach conditions and enters the process. Uranium does not pose a challenge to copper production, but it becomes a significant problem when it follows cobalt to the cobalt precipitation process and results in unacceptably high levels of U in the final Co product. This paper evaluates the existing process technologies that can be used to remove uranium from cobalt-bearing process streams, including phosphate precipitation and ion exchange. Advantages and disadvantages of the uranium removal processes are discussed, and important design considerations are highlighted.

Jan 1, 2023

By R. M. Mashishi, T. Malehase, O. J. Okonkwo

The concentrations of selected trace elements (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in run-of-mine (ROM) coal, discard, and coal product were investigated to assess the efficiency of beneficiation in reducing trace element concentrations and ascertain any implications regarding environmental compliance to regulatory frameworks. Samples were collected from a colliery in Mpumalanga Province twice a month for a period of 24 months. The samples were ashed to approximately 0.21 mm, then digested in a mixture of 70% HNO3 and 40% HF and analysed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Except for Pb, the mean concentration of all elements decreased from the ROM stage to the coal product stage. The order in which trace elements occurred from the highest to lowest throughout the production chain was Pb>As>Hg>Cd. With the exception of Cd, the mean trace element concentrations in the discard were above the total concentration threshold (TCT) set for landfill disposal. The As, Hg, and Cd concentrations in the product were well below the thresholds for all land uses. However, Pb concentrations in the product coal were above legal limits, which is of concern with regard to environmental compliance and the performance and marketability of the product.

Dec 13, 2023

Mr R. C. J. Goode (President) was in the Chair. There were also present one hundred and thirty-six Members, including Messrs R. J. Adamson, Dr J. M. Bereza, Messrs M. Barcza, H. Britten, H. E. Cross, J. K. E. Douglas, G. W. Holl, Dr J. P. Hugo, Messrs C. J. Irving, P. Lambooy, Prof J. de V. Lambrechts, Mr D. G. Maxwell, Dr J. T. McIntyre, Prof R. P. Plewman, Messrs J. F. Reid, V. C. Robinson, H. Simon and P. W. J. van Rensburg (Council Members), G. Abdinor, C. B. Anderson, H. F. Allan, E. L. Atkinson, V. C. Barnes, J. F. Bennet, W. W. Bath, R. E. Barnes, C. L. Berrange, J. P. Buds, Dr W. Bleloch, Dr L. A. Bushell, Messrs D. L. Carson, D. D. Cornier, R. S. Cooke, R. R. M. Cousens, J. P. Coetzee, W. L. Cousens, J. Daniel, R. Daniel, D. G. Davies, S. K. de Kok, V. S. Dillon, B. S. Dykhouse, Dr H. G. Denkhaus, Dr R. S. J. du Toit, Messrs J. I. L. Edwards, R. C. Espley-Jones, J. C. Ferguson, D. T. Fourie, A. Frost, W. R. Flook, Dr N. P. Finkelstein, Messrs D. F. H. Grave, J. M. Gosnell, E. K. Gibson, R. W. Grout, E. W. Gray, J. S. Hay, F. G. Hill, H. N. Hepker, J. P. Hoffman, C. G. Hodges, D. M. Jamieson, Dr D. G. Krige, Dr N. P. Lategan, Messrs J. E. Laschinger, J. Levin, C. P. Linsell, J. O. Kempe, F. Q. P. Leiding, A. I. Lee, D. G. Malan, W. Malan, H. W. McCulloch, R. D. R. Munro, C. S. Macphail, Dr T. F. Muller, Dr A. J. Nel, Messrs S. C. Newman, G. G. Nicolson, G. Y. Nisbet, J. A. Papenfus, E. Pavitt, W. H. Pittie, P. C. Pirow, P. G. D. Pretorius, N. F. Peverett, R. P. Plaskett, M. P. Pearse, W. Pilkington, T. K. Prentice, Dr R. E. Robinson, Messrs R. B. Richardson, R. St. J. Rowland, R. J. Rouillard, F. O. Read, W. T. Ruhmer, D. Savile Davis, E. F. Statham, K. Smith, H. Simon, G. B. Stern, C. D. Storrar, Dr N. B. Strydom, Messrs J. H. Talbot, A. H. Taute, J. H. Taylor, G. W. Thiel, K. A. Tweedie, W. E. Vance, Dr H. J. van Eck, Messrs L. W. P. v. d. Bosch, P. A. von Wielligh, N. B. Vinson, S. J. Venning, W. M. Walker, D. T. Watt, Dr H. J. R. Way, W. T. L. Wayman, R. G. Williams, L. G. S. Wright and C. F. Ziervogel. Thirty Associate Members, including Messrs E. Collier, G. Douglas, D. H. Gray, H. G. Gericke, R. Hemp, N. M. Hayne, A. Hazell, P. M. Johnston, D. E. Love, Miss V. E. Marting, Messrs R. G. Matthews, P. Malpage, D. Nicolle, R. Pendreigh, J. J. Rosslee, R. W. Shearer, R. F. Taylor, G. C. Thompson and D. A. Viljoen. Three graduates, Messrs G. S. Giles, J. P. Hatfield and J. A. Jones. Five Affiliates, Messrs A. C. Collie, E. Collier, A. B. Cook, W. Jacobs and G. M. Thain. Two Students, Messrs C. J. Bircher and R. P. Henrard.