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By S. Radacina Rusu

The satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) has significantly changed the way site operations are carried out in surface mining. The GPS has impacted safety, productivity, fleet efficiency, and maintenance practices. However, no comparable global localization system exists for underground mines. This paper discusses recent work in the application of ideas from the mobile robotics research community to the problem of real-time vehicle positioning in underground drift networks. Related previous work recently focused on the creation of globally consistent 2D maps of underground environments that possess sufficient detail to be used for underground localization. Our current work entails the development of a GPS-like system for mobile mining equipment, with results given from both laboratory and field experiments.

May 1, 2011

By Jerry Handford

Investing in the Development of our Future Workforce ?Collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, industry associations, governments and other businesses. ?Programs: »Co-op / Discipline Student Program »Trades Development Initiatives »Operator Training Programs »General Student Program »Careers Next Generation / Community Careers Co-operative

May 1, 2006

The 2-4D window shown above is the base startup window which allows you to begin a new project. ??Setting up the project is the first step ??The next step is to setup the properties to be used in this project

Feb 1, 2008

By G. M. Brownell

A DEPOSIT of hematite occurs on Black island, lake Winnipeg, at a point known locally as Red Rock, on the south shore of the island directly across from Clements point. The mail boat from the Canadian Pacific Railway terminus at Riverton, crossing the lake to Manigotogan twice weekly, passes near Red Rock and provides a convenient means of transportation to this part of Black island (Figure 1). HISTORICAL The occurrence of hematite on Black island has been known for a long time. Dowling's report of 1898 states(1): "An iron-ore deposit on the south side has been known' for many years, and on Jeffrey's map of 1762, showing Canada and northern part of Louisiana, Iron island is shown a short distance south of the narrows, evidently the same as the Black island of today".

Jan 1, 1945

By Helge B. Wurst, Michael P. Cipold, Jan F. Bachmann, Claus C. Bachmann

"In washability, the objective is to establish the set of maximum possible separation performance criteria for a given mineral feed. The method of choice for this has been the conventional sink-float analysis. Time, cost and safety aspects of the sink-float method have prompted the search for a new approach for establishing separation performance criteria, especially as performance levels of separator plants can be maximized if reliable information based on an analysis of washability in conjunction with particle size distribution, elemental constituency becomes readily available. The new method to establish washability and associated performance information utilizes at least two measurement technologies concurrently: single energy x-ray transmission and image processing. For porous or very inhomogeneous materials the results can be refined further by using dual energy x-ray transmission and image processing. The value of the collected data increases considerably if the washability data were additionally available in time to be considered in the control of the process plant. The incorporation of an automated washability monitor gives near real-time data that would impinge positively on the profitability of the plant operation. The method was extensively tested with a range of sample with different densities, varying from 1 g/cm³ (coal) to 5 g/cm³ (iron ore).INTRODUCTIONWashability of minerals like coal and iron ore is expressed by a curve or graph showing the results of a series of float-and-sink tests. Several of these curves are drawn to illustrate different conditions or variables, usually on the same axes, thus presenting the information on one sheet of paper. Washability curves are essential not only for the design but also for the operation of preparation plants.In determining the washability analysis, particle density is the underlying feature of all washability curves. Conventionally, the particles are separated into density fractions by immersing them in fluids of a predetermined density followed by skimming of those particles that stay afloat. The particles remaining afloat thus have a density lower than that of the fluid they were subjected to. The particles that remained at the bottom of the fluid container thus had a higher density higher than that of the fluid. By progressively increasing, for example, the density of the fluid and immersing the remaining particles so as to be able to skim the next density fraction, the particles would be fractionated into density groups. The liquids used range from aqueous solutions to organic liquids to suspensions. Unfortunately the liquids used for this separation process are often toxic and expensive. It stands to reason that a new method of determining washability is sought."

Jan 1, 2016

By Vladislava A. Ignatkina, Victor D. Samyguin

"Within the limits of two-phase approach, considering mass transfer with pulp and air streams was shown that each bubble appears to be an elementary carrier, transporting particles from the collection zone into the froth. The kinetics of flotation was described by the exponential equation in which first order flotation speed constant has to be replaced with two-phased coefficient of a mass transfer. Criteria of selectivity of two ore fractions separation, based on determination of optimum time at which maximum difference between extractions and components content in separated fractions were offered. An interrelation between optimum time of pulp residence in a flowing chamber of a flotation machine, time of bubbles mineralization and an optimum airflow has been ascertained. Cumulative criterion of mass transfer efficiency of flotation process has been ascertained to be a form of the spectrum and its position on axis of three-phase coefficient of a mass transfer.INTRODUCTIONRegularities of a mass transfer of three bearing streams: pulp stream, air stream and froth stream underlie theory of mineral complexes flotation (Samygin, Filippov, & Shekhirev, 2003)However, only description of mass transfer in pulp stream by means of kinetic equations that were simple and convenient for practical use, has gained a full distribution (Tykhonov, 2009;Rubinstein&Filippov, 1980; Saleh, 2010).Within the limits of a single-phase approach, the role of gas stream in increase of speed and selectivity of flotation, was associated with an improvement of hydrodynamic mode. An influence of particles and bubbles sizes (Rubinstein&Filippov, 1980; Rubinstein&Samygin, 1998, Samygin et al., 2003; Dai, Fornasiero,& Ralston, 2000), of pulpflow and airflow (Finch& Dobby, 1990) and turbulent energy intensity (Shubert, 1979; Massinaei, 2007) on the flotation process has been studied. It was stated that flotation selectivity is increasing by means of gradual airflow increase from first to final cameras of the impeller flotation machine (Aslan&Boz,2010; Finch, 2011) and by means of using a multizone flotation machine (Samyguin, Filippov, Matinin, Lekhatinov, &Tertyshnikov, 2013)."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. B. Yianatos, F. A. Contreras

Mineral carrying rates across the pulp-froth interface in the range of 1.4-3.2 tph/m2 and bubble surface coverages between 7 and 22 %, have been determined in large rougher flotation cells operated under normal conditions. To evaluate these variables, measurements of bubble size distribution, bubble load and size distribution of particles collected by true flotation, were performed at different concentrators. A model for estimating the bubble surface coverage at the pulp-froth interface level as a function of bubble load, Sauter mean bubble diameter and particle size distribution of the mineral collected by true flotation, was developed. Bubble loadings in the range 24-70 kg/m3, bubble sizes between 1.5 and 3.2 mm and superficial gas rates between 1.2 and 2.0 emfs, were measured in copper rougher flotation cells under normal operating conditions. Estimated bubble surface area fluxes were in the range 31 to 62 cm2/s/cm2- Results of carrying rates and bubble surface coverage, at the pulp-froth interface, were significantly lower than the maximum carrying rate for the collection zone, indicating that in this case is difficult to achieve maximum carrying rate at the pulp-froth interface level. The main constraints regarding carrying capacity limitations are then related to the froth transport characteristics (i.e. cell design, froth residence time, froth stability, froth recovery). Advances in Mineral Processing Science and Technology Proceedings of the 48th Annual Conference of Metallurgists ofCIM Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Edited by

Jan 1, 2009

By H. Staton, XPS Consulting & Testwork Services, T. Deng, M. Kelvin

"Lundin Mining’s Eagle Operation, located in Marquette County, northern Michigan consists of a mine and concentrator that processes a Ni-Cu-(PGE) ore. Mine production began in 2014 and is expected to achieve production of approximately 23,000 tonnes of Ni and 20,000 tonnes of Cu per year. The ore is trucked to the Humboldt Mill, where both a Ni and Cu concentrate is produced.XPS Consulting & Testwork Services (XPS) has assisted the team at Eagle since 2013. Prior to start up, the ore was piloted at the XPS lab in Sudbury, Ontario to demonstrate the concentrator flowsheet and establish flotation operating strategy. XPS consulting metallurgists worked closely with the Eagle team during the commissioning of the plant providing troubleshooting, sampling, metal balancing expertise and support. Finally, a series of monthly composites over a 6 month period was submitted for mineralogical characterization to assess plant performance, identify opportunities for improvement and to provide a baseline for the future operation.Lundin’s investment to test the ores ahead of mining and to team with XPS’s experienced mineral processing engineers to help commission the plant has led to the plant achieving concentrator production targets shortly after startup. The commitment to training and implementation of best practices, and a culture where ongoing testing is the norm, puts the Eagle Operation on sound footing for future operation.INTRODUCTIONLundin’s Eagle Mine is a subsidiary of Lundin Mining located in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The mine itself is an underground operation and the ore is trucked from the Eagle mine site 2 hours to the Humboldt mill.The ore is an ultramafic hosted high grade Cu Ni deposit and exists as either massive or semi massive sulphides. The high resource grade of Cu (2.49%) and Ni (2.93%) make this a valuable ore source. (Owen & Meyer, 2013) A metallurgical team was put together by Lundin to ensure the mill was designed and commissioned to optimize metallurgy in the shortest time from this valuable deposit. The commissioning plan targeted commercial production by Q1 2015."

Jan 1, 2016

By Erik Q. Dahl

The strength of green and sintered pellets during reduction under various conditions in a laboratory kiln has been investigated. Equipment and test methods are described, together with the results obtained. The strength of sintered pellets drops sharply when the reduction starts, and goes through a minimum at the 70 per cent oxidation level. At more advanced reduction, the strength increases with increasing metallization. Successful use of green pellets as kiln feed requires that more attention be paid to the pellet preparation than is necessary when producing pellets for separate sintering. In particular, the ores have to be ground to a greater fineness. The initial strength of green pellets is low. Below the 70 per cent oxidation level, however, the strength of these pellets is about the same as the strength of sintered ones. Additions of such materials as silica, limestone and anthracite coal; within reasonable limits, affect the strength only slightly.

Jan 1, 1966

By B. R. Bowerman, W. J. Thoburn, M. J. Humphris

"Nickel granules are produced for carbonylation by pouring a molten stream into a path of high pressure water. Granules and water are separated in dewatering bins. The overflow, which contains up to 0.1 weight percent solids, was initially cooled and recycled to the granulating step. However, the rate of buildup of these solids in the handling system was intolerable. A lamella thickener was installed to solve the problem by removing solids from the dewatering bin overflow. Its description, application and performance to date are discussed.The lamella thickener treats a slurry containing about 0.1% solids of which about 30 weight percent is less than 325 mesh. It recovers 80 to 90 percent of the input solids in an underflow slurry containing 90 weight percent solids. Since its installation the frequency of cleanout of the recycle water handling system has dropped from about once per month to about once or twice per-year."

Jan 1, 1977

By Suzanne Paradis

Geographic distribution ? Deposit economics ? Temporal distribution ? Tectonic settings ? Basin architecture ? Morphology ? Ore-fluid chemistries Key exploration criteria

May 1, 2006

By E. M. Hillary, D. F. Sangster

"Abstract - As a contribution to the World Minerals Geoscience Database Project, an index-level database comprising information on 142 SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits and occurrences was constructed in Microsoft Access 95 format. Although consisting of only basic information, the compilation, with full referencing of all data, is possibly the largest non-corporate SEDEX Pb-Zn database in the world. It thus provides an opportunity to make geoscience queries of SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits on a scale not previously available. This report provides a summary of the results of a few such queries both as a contribution to a better understanding of SEDEX lead-zinc deposits and as a demonstration of what even such a simple database can offer.During the compilation process, it became apparent that SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits could be assigned to one of the following three sub-types: Type 1 (53.5% of total) in which sulfide minerals are the only exhalative components; Type 2 (33.1%) in which the exhalative components are sulfides plus chert, siderite/ankerite, and/or barite; Type 3 (13.4%) which contains any components of Types 1 and 2 plus abundant iron-oxide minerals (commonly magnetite) and/or is associated with iron oxide-rich sedimentary rocks.Highlights of systematic queries of the database reveal that:1. a majority (84%) of the world’s SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits are not underlain by a discordant footwall feeder zone or vent complex;2. 63.6% of deposits occur in Proterozoic strata followed by a second peak in the Devonian (16.8%). Of those in the Proterozoic, 83% of Type 3 deposits occur in the Gondwanaland supercontinent, whereas only 42% of Type 2 and 39% of Type 1 are located in this large paleo-landmass;3. median (Pb+Zn) grades in Types 1 and 2 fall between 9% and 10% with a majority clustering within this range. Type 3 grades, however, range from ~1% to ~20% (Pb+Zn) with a median of 5%; 4. median size of Type 3 deposits is ~33 Mt, whereas Type 1 and 2 median sizes are ~7 Mt and ~8 Mt, respectively.The report concludes with a brief discussion of how an index-level database such as this can be used in conjunction with other, similar databases to reveal interesting and instructive relationships for guiding both research and exploration."

Jan 1, 1998

By S. Khoshkhooei

In this research, the effects of rare earth elements addition on thermal fatigue behaviors of AZ91 alloy were studied. Repeated heating and cooling cycles were applied on the samples at 170°C and 210 °C to develop thermal fatigue cracks, Crack growth mechanisms and microstructural influences were investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Thermal fatigue behaviors were improved successively by addition of up to 2-wt% RE, This improvement is attributed to consummation of the aluminum of the melt by precipitation of the needle shape Al 11 RE3 phases, This process reduces the volume of Mg17Al12 phases and consequently decreases the brittle Mg/Mg17Al12 interfaces which are the main reason of weak thermal properties of the alloy at rather high temperatures, Further additions of RE, however, reduced the thermal shock resistance of samples by increasing in the mean length of the brittle needle shape phases.

Jan 1, 2005

By Parissa Mirjafari, Ron Martel, Susan A. Baldwin, Luke Moger

Mine drainage contains metals and sulfate, which may be toxic to aquatic life at certain concentrations and should be removed to acceptable levels before release of any drainage to the environment. One method for treating mine drainage is passive treatment, which is increasing in popularity due to lower construction and operating costs. This method is based on the activity of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) respiring on sulfate while using fermentation products from decomposing complex organic materials. The product of this biological process is hydrogen sulfide, which reacts with metals in mine drainage and precipitates them as metal sulfides. However, in practice passive treatment systems are not always effective, reducing the reliability of this approach. In this study, a mixture of hay, cow manure and wood chips was tested in continuous flow experiments for efficacy at sustainable treatment of sulfate and selenium containing water from a mine tailings pond. Factors that contributed to a decline in performance included lowering of the pH due to acids leaching out of the organics, re-oxidation of sulfide back to sulfate and a reduction in dissolved organic compounds over time. In this paper methods are described to overcome these problems so that treatment is made more reliable.

Jan 1, 2011

By Charlie Harper

Open Pit Mining of Golden Band Resources? EP Gold Deposit Golden Band Resources Inc. (GBN:TSX-V) is Saskatchewan's newest Gold Producer. Located in the La Ronge Gold Belt of northern Saskatchewan, GBN has over 875 km2 of claims with 12 known gold deposits and 4 former producing mines. Production has begun at the Roy Lloyd Mine (Bingo Deposit), to be followed initially by our EP and Komis properties. Development of the underground infrastructure at the Roy Lloyd Mineis continuing and on schedule. Production from these deposits will feed our centrally located and 100% owned Jolu mill. We have our provincial environmental permits in place, and we have an established infrastructure including a 400 tonne-per-day mill, year-round road access, and access to grid power. Construction of the grid power line and the above ground tailings facility are now complete.

Nov 1, 2011

By L. S. Almeida, U. A. Courbassier, C. T. Guimãaraes, M. N. Souza, V. L. Silva, H. P. Dias, G. A. Bicalho, B. S. Rocha, P. N. Rodrigues, A. Carnevale

During primary aluminum production the anode changing is a very important task. So improvements on it will be essential to avoid disturbance and have a better operational control. After anode changing a good current distribution will be guaranteed using a cavity cleaner and precise anode setting. Albras switching a manually anode setting to an automatic one solved the setting problems. In this paper it will be shown some pot line results and the improvements on workers ergonomic and safety conditions. The device was developed in a partnership between Albras and Pesto.

Jan 1, 2006

By L. Furtenbach, T. Möller

"Grinding mills are the heart of the mineral processing plant, and are production-critical machines which are required to achieve high availability. Liner wear life and a liner design that promotes ease of installation are important variables to achieve a high level of mill availability. Increased mill size results in more mill internal surface to protect, and more liner components to install and remove. This drives designers toward an increase in liner size to minimize the number of components to be installed by the liner handler. The liner attachment method can also have a large impact on mill availability as well as safety during installation.This paper outlines the experience from the development, installation and follow-up of liners installed in two 38' x 45' AG Mills at Boliden Aitik in Sweden. A new Poly-Met shell liner concept has been developed to minimize the number of liner components. The new Poly-Met shell liner components are made much larger than conventional Poly-Met or steel liners. This reduces the number of components to be installed/removed by the liner handler and helps to minimize installation time and consequently down- time. A new attachment system has also been developed to eliminate the need for the installation crew to be in the “drop-zone” of the shell liners while installing the liner bolts.One interesting aspect of this project was the requirement to predict liner life for these new large format AG mills. The existing 22' diameter mills at Aitik provided a base-line reference for this purpose, and DEM studies were used in the project development stage to predict the wear life of shell liners for the new 38' diameter AG mills. The results from this study are included."

Jan 1, 2012

By J. P. Jylhä, A. Jokilaakso

The Outotec Flash Smelting process is widely used in primary copper production. A layer of slag on top of matte (copper–iron sulphide melt) creates a barrier through which matte droplets descend. Droplets of different sizes settle through the layer at different rates, which increases possibility of copper losses as smaller matte droplets may be removed with the slag. In this work CFD-DEM (computational fluid dynamics – discrete element method) coupling was used to simulate matte droplets settling through the slag during slag tapping. Discrete droplets and slag flow were simulated with DEM and CFD, respectively. This new approach enables tracking and solving movement and interactions of individual droplets. User-defined models were created to take coalescence and reaction kinetics into account. Coalescence created larger droplets, while the reactions decreased droplet size and increased its density. Drag caused funnelling effect, which pulled droplets towards the centre line of the descending cluster. This research is the only study known by the present authors in modelling liquid-liquid systems with the CFD-DEM coupling. Simulating coalescence and chemical reactions for discrete droplets enables more realistic simulations. However, CFD- DEM simulations are computationally resource intensive already without additional models, so a full scale industrial settler modelling still waits for further increase in computer performance. INTRODUCTION Flash smelting is a method used in copper and nickel production. In the flash smelting process, oxidation of sulphides in a concentrate is used to release energy needed to smelt the feed. In the process, copper matte is formed. Matte has copper content in the range of 55 – 70% (Sridhar, Toguri, & Simeonov, 1997), the rest is mainly sulphur and iron but has still many other impurities (Taskinen, Seppälä, Laulumaa, & Poijärvi, 2001). Oxidized iron forms iron-silicate slag while SO2 is collected for acid production (Davenport & Partelpoeg, 2015). The Outotec flash smelting furnace (FSF) can be divided in four major component: concentrate burner, reaction shaft, settler and uptake. Concentrate, flux and oxygen enriched air are injected into the reactor through the concentrate burner. The mixture then reacts in the reaction shaft forming matte and slag, which are collected in the settler, while off-gases flow out of the reactor through uptake for heat and dust recovery, and SO2 collection for H2SO4 production. The matte and slag form separate layers due to immiscibility and density difference. Raw material feed is continuous, but the matte and the slag are tapped periodically. A flash smelting furnace is depicted in Figure 1.

Jan 1, 2019

By B. C. Legg, G. L. Tiley

"Many of the ore bodies presently being developed are in remote locations and are, or will be, served by electrical power supply systems of limited capacity.The largest single components of the electrical systems of an underground mine are usually the production hoist drives; the power demands of these drives vary continuously throughout each hoisting cycle.Before 1970mine hoists were driven by either wound rotor induction motors or DC motors in conjunction with motor generator sets.Static Power conversion equipment now costs less to purchase and install and is claimed to be more efficient than motor generator sets. On the debit side, however, it can adversely affect the hoist motors, it operates at relatively low power factors, and it produces harmonic currents.This pa per discusses the effects of static equipment on both DC motors and AC power systems, and evaluates the relative consumption of the three classes of drives."

Jan 1, 1993

By A. I. Gorshkov, Y. A. Bogdanov, O. Y. Bogdanova

Abstract - Detailed crystal-chemical study of iron and manganese oxides and some other minerals from low-temperature hydrothermal deposits in a newly discovered inactive mound in the TAG hydrothermal field were used to determine the precipitation sequence of mineral phases during lowtemperature processes and their post-sedimentary transformations. Particles of primary sedimentary X-ray amorphous proto-ferrihydrite with high silica content were replaced in situ by nontronite, ferrihydrite, or goethite during alteration. Ferrihydrite is the only proto-hematite phase. The transformation of the iron minerals, related to change in the physicochemical environment, is an important characteristic of low-temperature hydrothermal processes. The occurrence of hydrogenetic Fe vernadite and Mn feroxyhyte in the uppermost part of low-temperature deposits and bottom sediments near the base of the mound is evidence for cessation of low-temperature hydrothermal processes. Among the investigated mineral phases, goethite, nontronite, and hematite are stable in reduced sediments only.

Jan 1, 1999