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By Richard R. Klimpel

This paper summarizes the author's laboratory and industrial experiences in designing and evaluating frothers for optimal coal flotation circuit performance. The key variables discussed are particle size distribution hydrocarbon addition rate, frother chemical structure, and frother dosage. A number of detailed examples will be used to illustrate the important rare/recovery/selectivity interactions that can occur.

Jan 1, 1995

By Jon Y. Kaneshiro, Donald W. Scapuzzi

The primary purpose of the Prototype Installation Facility (PIF) for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) in this conceptual design was to test the magnets and other physics equipment. PIF was located in the northwest quadrant of the SSC 54 mile (87 km) main ring and consists of the first segment of tunnels, approximately 17,060 lineal feet (5.2 km) of 12 foot inner-diameter (ID) (3.7 m) tunnel, three 250 ± foot (60 m) deep shafts, connecting tunnels, and associated niches and alcoves. PIF would be the first portion of the main ring collider tunnel to be constructed. The geology, underground excavation conditions, underground facilities, and contractual considerations are discussed.

Jan 1, 1991

By A. M. Taweel, M. T. Ityokumbul, A. I. A. Salama, M. W. Mikhail

The liquid-phase mixing within CANMET's Western Research Centre's (WRC) 0.76-m-diem pilot-plant flotation column was characterized using a salt tracer. The process variables studied were frother addition and, gas and liquid flow rates. The response of the column to a tracer pulse was monitored at three axial and two radial locations. The results showed that the 2-tph flotation column was well mixed. Discussed are the implications of this observation to column design and scale-up.

Jan 1, 1996

By Mark W. Springett

The sampling of precious metal deposits entails inherent problems due to the low mineral abundances, high mineral specific gravities, skewed grade distributions and wide ranges of mineral particle sizes. Sampling practices and precautions are discussed with particular attention to each of the tripartite stages of sampling - sample acquisition, sample preparation and sample assaying. Practical examples of approaches to the sampling problem are given and some examples of significant sources of error are provided from gold and silver deposits in North America.

Jan 1, 1992

By Dennis Ortega, Rich Kramer

After several operational improvements to FMC's Westvaco Mine Longwall, an ergonomic and operational bottleneck resulted at the mobile belt tail/rigid conveyor junction. Ergonomic hazards, cutting time losses, and spillage problems near the belt tail were identified and targeted for improvement. FMC Westvaco, consulting with FMC Material Handling Division, corrected the bottleneck using an expandable/retractable conveyor system to fill the gap between the mobile belt tail and the rigid conveyor structure. This paper explains the operational expectations, defined before; the challenges, encountered during; and the real outcomes, measured after the installation of an expandable/retractable conveyor system.

Jan 1, 2002

By J. Kallioinen

The paper describes industrial size experiments with a 100 m3 flotation cell validating the Size Specific Flotation concept and the Tank Cell design. It discusses some variables affecting the flotation of coarse particles. The results were good. The flotation recovery of coarse particles increased up to 50%. In finer sizes the flotation improvement was 5-15% The enhanced flotation of especially the coarsest particles increased the total recovery close to 10%-units compared to conventional cells in a porphyry copper flotation. The related power draw was only 50-80% of the power of conventional cells.

Jan 1, 1995

By R. M. Campoy

In this review of the copper, lead, zinc, and molybdenum industries in Mexico, the author describes how the country's position in the world base metals market and the climate for foreign investment in Mexico have been affected by the nationalization of the banking industry in that country and by recent mining legislation and the current national debt crisis.

Jan 1, 1988

By D. D. Harbuck

Previous studies at the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) have shown that only 70% to 80% of the germanium in domestic zinc process residues can be extracted during H2S04 leaching. To increase germanium extraction, the USBM developed and researched the hypothesis that minor amounts of germanium and zinc silicate, present in zinc calcine, dissolve during the leaching stages of zinc processing, forming soluble germanium and silica gel. This silica gel then selectively adsorbs germanium from solution, rendering the germanium insoluble. Testing showed that as the amount of formed silica gel increased, the amount of insoluble germanium in the zinc residue increased. Several processing alternatives are presented for overcoming this problem.

Jan 1, 1994

By L. D. Gehi, A. W. Khair, M. Ahmad

This paper presents an analysis of the effect of the dynamics of bit wear on dust generation. Two surveys have been conducted in order to assess the mechanism and type of bit wear and to evaluate the impact of bit wear on the productivity of the continuous miners. Used bits were collected from the underground coal mines and these used bits were utilized in laboratory coal cutting. The effect of bit wear on dust generation has been quantified and its impacted on dust generation and ventilation system has been exemplified.

Jan 1, 1993

By G. Belardi, N. Sheau, P. Plescia, F. Veglio

A study was conducted to assess a new wet gravity-separation machine, identified as the Multi-Gravity Separator(MGS). Chromite fines, obained from an Albanian chromite and olivine ore and containing 23% Cr2O3 and 18% SiO2, were used in the study. The first step was to determine the influence of various operating parameters. The study indicated that the most important variables for the MGS are rotational speed, tilt angle and shake amplitude. The best treatment conditions for the ore were then identified by investigating a series of circuits designed to produce a marketable product. In open circuit, a concentrate containing 50% CI-203 was obtained with a recovery of 72%.

Jan 1, 1996

By James R. Arnold, Timothy D. Arnold

The mathematical rigor of the collegiate engineering experience prepares an engineer well for the technical aspects of his or her career. However, as that engineer progresses in the industry, how well does he or she do as a manager? The exacting, detailed, and complete problem-solving process that engineers are trained to use sometimes conflicts with the nimble, rapid decision-making process required in the dynamic world of business. This paper discusses the topic of "engineers as managers.”It will investigate the personality traits of engineers relative to the traits of successful managers, and provide specific details about how well engineers have done in the field of management.

Jan 1, 2001

By Robert J. Guardia, James Rustvold, Robert A. Robinson, Christopher A. Robertson

In 1999, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) replaced approximately 730 m(2,400 ft) of damaged 42- and 36-inch concrete pipe by microtunneling Permalock pipe through sand and partly below groundwater. Microtunneling saved $3.5 to $5 million from the estimated cost of a shored excavation and avoided a railroad and contaminated valley fill. A slurry microtunnel boring machine (MTBM) was used for two segments where groundwater was present and a wheel excavator MTBM was used for one segment where groundwater was not present. This paper describes design and construction of this project that was completed within 2% of the bid and engineer’s estimate.

Jan 1, 2001

By W. A. Rickelton

The first commercial use of phosphine derivatives as solvent extraction reagents began in the mid 1970's with the construction of several plants to recover uranium from wet process phosphoric acid. The process eventually adopted by all of these plants used the well known trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in synergic combination with D2EHPA to extract U(6+). This prompted the development of other phosphine - based reagents and led to the discovery of a variety of interesting commercial and potential applications which are summarized in this paper. The applications include cobalt-nickel and niobium-tantalum separation and the selective recovery of silver and zinc.

Jan 1, 1994

By Edward Finch, William F. Riggs

Selectivity and recovery of many industrial minerals can be directly affected by the carbon length, degree of unsaturation, and melt point of fatty acids used as collectors. Examples of several modifications are provided based on actual experiences of commercial applications. A review of recent history indicates that fatty acid collectors are applicable from C9'C18 in carbon length, however, not for all minerals. The mesh size, density, and surface characteristics of the particular mineral, as well as other related operating conditions, are important in selecting the correct fatty acid configuration. A review of some past programs are submitted as a guideline in the selection of fatty acids and supported by isolated, successful examples demonstrating the effect of carbon length and unsaturation.

Jan 1, 1986

By R. D. Hendry, R. A. Pearce, Allyn J. Steward, Dennis C. Martin

This paper outlines the geotechnical exploration and design approach utilized for the Km 80 and Km 86 Tunnels on the British Columbia Railway Tumbler Ridge Branchline. Information from surface mapping, trenching and diamond drilling was used to prepare a rational support design using accepted rock mass classification systems. Four possible support types were developed and used as a basis for preparing a cost estimate and contract documents for the tunnels. A unit price contract was selected to provide flexibility and to enable rational selection of support based on actual ground conditions encountered during excavation. Although ground conditions along the tunnels are variable, the general geology and quantities of support installed were consistent with those estimated from the geotechnical investigation and design.

Jan 1, 1985

By Richard Druesedow, Richard Ray

Tests at the VP-5 "C" shaft fan installation of Island Creek Coal's Virginia Pocahontas Mines were performed to determine pressure drop due to the design of the shaft collar and ductwork leading to the fan. Data from the test locations in the shaft, duct and fan indicate significant pressure losses in the system as well as significant turbulence in the flow. Data taken with a 3-D probe in the fan annulus confirmed the importance of using this type of instrument in turbulent flow applications. This data will be later supplemented with data taken after addition of turning vanes in the 45° turn adjacent to the fan inlet.

Jan 1, 1993

By D. Kump

Barrick closed the Bullfrog Operation in November 1999.During its life, the Bullfrog produced ore from three open pit mines and an underground mine; 32,000,000 tons of ore were processed at the 9,000-ton per day oxide mill. The mill tailings were deposited in a 320-acre tailings impoundment. When operations ceased, an estimated 750,000,000 gallons of water remained to be removed from the tailings impoundment. During operation, the drain down water from the tailings impoundment was pumped back to the mill for reuse; since closure of the mill, the drain down water has been managed by a combination of passive and forced evaporation.

Jan 1, 2004

By L. G. Austin

The use of crushed power station slags, both natural and coated, as granules for roof shingles shows some promise. Test shingles weathered for some years showed rust spotting and granule deterioration as serious problems. Chemical analysis on a particle-by-particle basis using a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy system showed the wide variability of chemical composition of the granules within a given sample. Analysis of particles acting as sources of spotting within the weathered samples showed high iron contents but no rules could he developed for predicting the long-term stability of different compositions.

Jan 1, 1990

By John F. Parmeter

On August 29, 1989, the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), published a Federal Register concerning a new proposed rule on air quality, chemical substances and respiratory protection standards. As of this writing, their proposed rule has not become a standard. However, with little revision it could be expected to become a standard, and we in the mining industry will be expected to adhere to and enforce it.

Jan 1, 1991

By Harold E. Goetzman, Blair R. Benner, Shaolin Zhong, Rodney L. Bleifuss

A commercial high pressure roller press (KHD 90125) was installed at the Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory for testing in October, 1994. Pilot plant evaluation of the high pressure roller press has shown that it can be used as an alternative to the rod mill for the comminution of taconite. A series of pilot plant tests were run to compare roller press products to rod mill products in a simulated taconite flowsheet using magnet separation and closed circuit ball milling. Further investigation of a hybrid grinding system, roller press crushing followed by ball mill grinding, indicate that the combination may represent the most energy efficient system for taconite processing.

Jan 1, 1998