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By N. Vayenas, G. Yuriy

"The combination of a predictive reliability assessment model and discrete-event simulation can be an effective methodology to study the impact of equipment failures on the capacity of production systems in mines. In our case, a predictive reliability assessment model using genetic algorithms is combined with a discrete-event simulation model to analyze mine equipment systems.Discrete-event simulation involves modelling of real-life systems based on variables and events that occur or change at distinct points in time. The Simul8 simulation software, by Visual Thinking, is used in this research. It is a two-dimensional (2D), discrete-event simulation/ animation software tool for creating realistic depictions of manufacturing and materials handling systems.The simulation model developed for the purpose of this research represents a typical two-level, sub-level stoping section of an underground mine in the Sudbury region in Ontario, Canada. This 2D model was created to assess the impact of equipment failures to a mine’s production throughput. In more detail, using mean time between failures (MTBF) data of scooptrams derived from a reliability assessment model based on genetic algorithms, LHD failures are incorporated into the simulation model. These failures cause production interruptions to the development cycle and consequently loss of hauling capacity.Another purpose of this research work is to demonstrate how low-cost simulation tools such as Simul8 can be successfully applied to model underground hard rock mining operations. The research discussed in this paper is carried out by the Laurentian University Mining Automation Laboratory (LUMAL)."

Jan 1, 2005

By D. Berkley

"Economic and environmental constraints drive more and more industrial organizations in using energy management as one of the means for addressing these issues. The recent increase in energy price could even make energy management a matter of “survival” in some cases.Experience shows that energy management is successful when the energy is managed like a resource, i.e. continuously, systematically, and in an organized manner, not like an expense, paying the bills once a month. This requires the development and implementation of an energy management program (EMP).This paper outlines some of the barriers, keys to success, components, and approaches to a successful energy management program, plant- or corporation-wide."

Jan 1, 2005

By C. H. Bucknam

Net carbonate value (NCV) characterization methods for acid generation potential measurement originated from studies on the Carlin Trend during the 1990's and have been subsequently standardized through cooperation of the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative Metal Mining Sector and the American Society of Testing and Materials International. The paper describes the evolution and standardization of the NCV methods, the importance of mineralogy in interpreting the results and application of the methods to implementation of the Global Acid Rock Drainage (GARD) Guide.

Jan 1, 2011

Cominco began investigations about ten years ago relative to noise abatement in underground operations. As a result of intensive research, this study has advanced so that the practice now has wide application. Automotive mufflers are used on vane-type blasthole diamond drills. Exhaust hoses are attached to longhole percussion drills. Hand-held drills, such as airlegs and stopers, are equipped with mufflers which are either part of the drill, as received from the manufacturer, or are light rubber de-vices developed, fabricated and installed by Cominco. Ear defenders are in general use. The paper reviews details of practices employed, and assesses the success achieved. Noise is generally associated with some of the basic equipment used in mining. About ten years ago, in order to improve on this situation. The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada Limited began investigations relative to noise abatement in its underground operations. As a result of intensive research, this study has advanced to the point

Jan 1, 1964

By E. G. Leonardon

The question of geophysical prospecting is one that is beginning to occupy a pre-eminent place in the minds of those actively concerned in the discovery and exploitation of ore deposits. This is in marked contrast to the reception accorded such ideas when the Junior author, six and a half years ago, began introducing electrical prospectii1g to the mining fraternity on this continent. Happily, the mention of geophysics no longer evokes the sceptical and pitying smiles that it did in those days. A little reflection will show that modern geophysical methods are merely a logical development from pre-existing technique. In the study of geological problems, is it not logical to use all possible physical properties of matter? The study of crystal form and cleavage, the examination of thin sections of minerals by means of polarized light or ordinary light, in fact, utilize physical properties of minerals for the benefit of the geologist. These are, of course, laboratory methods, and the extension of the study of similar properties into field work was inevitable. This began with the magnetometric surveys, used as early as 1760 in New Jersey to locate iron ores. Eighty-four years later, John Locke's work in the United States resulted in pointing out relationships between the terrestrial magnetic field and main tectonic features of the earth's crust.

Jan 1, 1928

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 William A. Napier

The Mantaro Phosphate Property is located ~ 250 km east of Lima, Peru in the Andean altiplano near the city of Huancayo, Junin District. The Mantaro deposit is a mineralized zone of phosphatic rock currently defined by surface outcrops, trenches and drilling extending over a strike length of more than 30 km and a width of more than 5 km covering ~27,700 hectares. Mineralization is exposed as three roughly parallel exposures (?mantos?) trending in a northwest-southeast direction along the Mancaspico syncline. Estimated mineral resources1 contained in Manto 1 of the Property (4% P2O5 cut-off) as of February 21, 2010, are: Measured 5.548 million tonnes @ 10.8% P2O5 Indicated 33.975 million tonnes @ 9.9% P2O5 Measured + Indicated 39.523 million tonnes @ 10.0 % P2O5 Inferred² 376.265 million tonnes @ 9.0% P2O5 1Tonnes rounded to the nearest 1,000 and grade to 1 decimal place. 2Inferred material reported with no cut-off and an assumed grade. There is considerable potential to expand the resource base. Mantos 2 and 3 of the deposit have been geologically mapped and exhibit surface mineralization widths similar to Manto 1. Given that the deposit is of marine sedimentary origin, it is reasonable to infer that comparable grades and depth of mineralization are present within Mantos 2 and 3. Based on this assumption, the potential mineral deposits within Mantos 2 and 3 are estimated to be approximately: Manto 2 425-435 million tonnes @ 9% P2O5 Manto 3 280-290 million tonnes @ 9 % P2O5 These potential quantities and grade are conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in these targets being delineated as a mineral resource. However, should such conceptual resources be confirmed by trenching and drilling, the Mantaro Phosphate Property would rank as one of the most significant phosphate deposits in the world.

May 1, 2011

By Karl J. C. Harries

"The Table of Contents that follows is only an example and is the Table of Contents from an actual negotiated agreement. It is merely intended to show how an agreement might be set out and the nature of possible provisions. As a negotiated agreement the format was dictated by the negotiations. It is not offered as a precedent of what should be contained in a joint venture agreement (“JVA”), the “proper” sequence of Articles, or a complete listing of the contents of joint venture agreements generally. The set-up used for an agreement should be decided by the parties and be one they consider flows in a logical and workable sequence. This example sets out the “deal” first, followed by the provisions relating to how work is to be carried out and then by administrative provisions necessary to make the agreement work. If you are more comfortable with, say, having the Committee provisions at the beginning, by all means have it drafted that way -- you are going to have to live with the agreement and work under it.Notes:1. The Table of Contents provisions appear in bold print. The italicized sections are annotations, which have been provided in some cases where the heading may not clearly describe the contents. They are not intended to be comprehensive, but refer to some specific matters that are considered to be of interest or to need some clarification.2. The subject matter of many of the articles and paragraphs is discussed or commented upon in the text of the book. Some of section cross-references have been provided. Such references are only to sections where the topic is a principal subject and no attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive indexing.3. Although this particular agreement is a three-party agreement, *B* and *C*, the Owners, are required to act as a unit (see para. 1.09. – § 8.44.), making the agreement effectively a two-party agreement. The parties insisted upon having a decision-making Committee and structuring the agreement accordingly. As is explained in § 8.11., such an arrangement is not recommended and can result in problems.5. See also §§ 8.24., 8.41. and 14.13. for discussions on tables of contents, summaries, and headings."

Jan 1, 2003

By A. Boucher, D. Marcotte

"Abstract- The accepted practice for the estimation of thin (2D) vein deposits recommends the use of the grade x thickness service variable (i.e., the accumulation). Grade estimates are obtained indirectly by the estimated accumulation/estimated thickness ratio. This practice stems from the varying support (thickness) problem and the resulting non-additive nature of the grade variable. We compare the actual performance of the direct grade estimation approach used by some practitioners to that of the indirect approach using accumulation. Our simulated and real data indicate that the direct approach is more accurate for point grade estimation where the grade-thickness correlation coefficient is positive (and vice-versa). Moreover, the relative gain of the direct method increases with the (positive) correlation coefficient. This finding contradicts common thinking that the indirect approach should be the preferred method where grade-thickness correlation is strongly positive. Also, for a given positive grade-thickness correlation, the relative gain of the direct method increases with the coefficient of variation of the grade and thickness. Résumé - L’estimation de veines minces (2D) minéralisées est normalement réalisée à l’aide de la variable auxiliaire épaisseur x teneur (i.e., accumulation). Les estimés des teneurs sont alors obtenus indirectement du rapport accumulation estimée/épaisseur estimée. Cette pratique découle du problème du support variable pour la teneur, l’épaisseur de la veine, qui fait que la teneur est alors une variable non-additive. Nous comparons les performances de l’estimation directe de la teneur, utilisée par certains praticiens, à celle de l’approche indirecte. Pour l’estimation ponctuelle des teneurs, nos données simulées et réelles indiquent une meilleure justesse de l’approche directe quand la corrélation teneur-épaisseur est positive (et vice-versa). De plus, le gain relatif de la méthode directe s’accroît avec la valeur de cette corrélation (positive). Ce résultat contredit l’opinion répandue que l’approche indirecte devrait être utilisée en présence de forte corrélation positive de la teneur et de l’épaisseur. Nous montrons également que pour une corrélation positive teneur-épaisseur donnée, le gain de l’approche directe augmente avec les coefficients de variation de l’épaisseur et de la teneur."

Jan 1, 2001

By E. A. Morris

It has been shown that Alberta oil-sands fluid coke can be effectively used to reduce SO2 to elemental sulphur while simultaneously producing sulphur-impregnated activated carbon (SlAC). In the capture of mercury from industrial flue gases, SIAC has proven to be a highly effective adsorbent material. The current research aims at developing an existing SlAC technology to meet the needs of copper smelters for mitigating both mercury and SO2 emissions, while making elemental sulphur as a co-product. The challenge behind this undertaking is that these flue gases generally contain percent levels of 02 and H20 vapour (2-12%). The focus of this study is therefore on the feasibility of reducing SO2 using fluid coke under copper smelter flue gas conditions, as well as the optimisation of SIAC properties for capturing vapour phase mercury. It is hypothesised that mercury capacity is strongly affected by the 02 potential of the activation gas due to changes in surface sulphur types arising from different reduced sulphur species. To verify this, gas chromatography is used to analyse the reaction products while XPS and XANES will be used to describe the nature of sulphur on the SlAC surface. CVAFS analysis of mercury capacity will finalise the hypothesis assessment. Preliminary results indicate that 02 at 5% does not play a significant role in SSA or pore development. As expected, increased residence time contributes to SO2 reduction and elemental S yield.

Jan 1, 2007

By Harry Jomini

Introduction The Wakefield plant of the Aluminum Company of Canada, Limited - a member of the Aluminum, Limited, group of companies - produces magnesia, magnesia fertilizer ingredient, and hydrated lime, from brucitic limestone. Wakefield is on the Gatineau river in Wakefield township, Quebec, some 22 miles north of Ottawa. The plant is near the western bank of the river adjacent to the Ottawa-Maniwaki highway and branch line of the Canadian Pacific railway. The plant is unique in the sense that it is the only place in Canada where brucite is processed. It is also distinguished for its outstanding safety record, as not a single lost-time accident occurred during either 1948 or 1949. The plant is amply provided with safety and comfort provisions in keeping with the standard practice in all of the twelve plants operated in Canada by Alcan and its associated companies. History Following the identification of brucite in the Rutherglen and Bryson districts in Ontario, occurrences of the mineral were discovered in the Wakefield area, Quebec, in 1939. After exploratory work on these deposits and investigation by the Bureau of Mines, Ottawa, on a method of extracting the brucite from the ore, a plant for treating the ore from the Maxwell property was built in 1941 by the Aluminum Company of Canada and commenced operations in early 1942. The process used is more or less in accordance with the method worked out by Mr. M. F. Goudge of the Bureau of Mines.

Jan 1, 1950

By M. Tadie, J. Wiese, K. Corin

The use of potential control in the flotation of ores has been applied in a variety of operations and presents an opportunity for improvement of selectivity and recovery of valuable minerals. Although it is possible to vary the redox potential (Eh) using chemical additives such as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide this is more commonly done by varying the pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. The present study involves an investigation into the effect of varying dissolved oxygen concentration, ionic strength (IS) and pH on the flotation response with the aim of application to a South African lead-zinc ore. In all cases the Eh is measured as a function of the different DO, IS and pH values. The main objective was to achieve selective flotation of galena from sphalerite. The first part of the work was micro-flotation tests conducted on single minerals with galena used as the basis for effect of the factors studied on redox potential and ultimately recovery. The DO was varied by alternating between the use of air and nitrogen as the gas source to the micro-flotation cell. PH was varied between pH 9.2 and pH 11.8 using sodium hydroxide. In the first part of this study a factorial design approach was used to determine the interactive effects of the variables tested, viz. DO, ionic strength and pH, on the Eh and on the recovery. Redox potential was measured using a combination electrode made up of platinum wire and Ag/AgCl reference combination. Recoveries indicated that pH had the most significant effect on recovery and Eh. The influence of redox potential on recovery was found to be of relevance to the condition of high dissolved oxygen concentration and less so at low dissolved oxygen concentrations. It was also noted that that the combined interaction between ionic strength and dissolved oxygen concentration had a positive effect on recoveries, however this was not so with Eh. The chemistry of the ions in solution was observed to play a dominant role on the recovery due to changes in solubility arising to pH modification. The longer term objective of this work is to determine the optimal Eh conditions for the separation of galena from sphalerite.

Jan 1, 2016

By H. Y. Sun, Q. Y. Tan, X. P. Niu, L. Li, Y. Jia, R. M. Ruan

During bioleaching processes of sulfide minerals, the sulfide minerals act as the natural habitats for acidophiles, of which, most are autotrophic iron and sulfur oxidizing microbes. These microbes acquire energy by oxidation of sulfide minerals, and play crucial role in bioleaching processes. In the industrial bioleaching heaps, microbial community and their activity are highly related to engineering configurations, while the optimized industrial operation can help to fast dissolution of aim minerals and acid/iron balance under optimized microbial condition. Microbial community succession and activity formation, the function of microbes to mineral dissolution, the mechanisms to promotion and inhibition of sulfide minerals oxidation, and the industrial instances for microbial community regulation were reviewed. For these instances, promoted microbial activity helped to fast pyrite oxidation for sulfuric acid generation, which realized zero sulfur acid addition to the irrigation solution in the initiation of a bioleaching heaps. High microbial activity by optimized operation parameters improved Cu leaching efficiency during the heap bioleaching process. And also by inhibition of microbial activity, especially the iron oxidizing microbes, the excessive pyrite oxidation can be inhibited, which helped to the acid/iron balance during heap bioleaching. INTRODUCTION Around the world, high grade copper ore are exploited, while barely new high-grade deposits are succeeded, the copper grade of ore deposit is constantly decreasing. The increasing copper demands worldwide requests to process these low-grade ore deposits. Processing of low-grade ores are not economical by usual extraction processes. Heap leaching is a cheaper process for recovery of low-grade ores, and has been applied to extract valuable metals from sulfide minerals worldwide, such as copper, gold, uranium and nickel (Gericke et al., 2009). Heap leaching process has greatly decreased the economic grade and expanded the recoverable ore reserve worldwide (Brierley, 2008). It is usually carried out in the open environments, and could process huge amount of ore (usually in millions of tonnes in one reactor) in the heap reactor (Gericke et al., 2009). For copper sulfide, especially the secondary copper sulfides, heap (dump) bioleaching is successfully applied. Heap bioleaching process is cost saving, and sometimes can be achieved without adding chemical into heaps, by microbial fixing of the atmospheric N2 and CO2, and generating oxidant Fe3+ and sulfuric acid in heaps from oxidation of sulfide minerals. Also heap bioleaching is environment friendly by cycling use of the leaching solution, and without exhaust emission.

Jan 1, 2019

By Arthur M. Whiteside

Discussion of the laws bearing upon the economics of mining in this province at once resolves itself under three headings: (a) The rights and obligations of holders of mineral bearing lands; (b) Taxation of mines; (c) Regulation of methods adopted in financing mining operations. Titles: The law relating to titles is contained in the Mineral Act, Placer Mining Act and Coal Mines Prospecting Act. Origin: Mining laws in force in this province and elsewhere on the continent had their origin in the rule-of-thumb regulations adopted by prospectors themselves, when, far from the centres of civilization and the seats of the courts of justice, they found it necessary, for mutual protection, to fix the conditions of possession by right of location, and to prescribe the duties to be performed in order to enable the individual to maintain his ground against all comers. These regulations have been codified and added to by legislatures, until we find adequate protection and safeguard to property in the laws of this province.

Jan 1, 1924

By The Mill Staff

"IntroductionCOMMENCEMENT of operations at the new No. 7 shaft and 10,000-ton mill at Creighton mine was a major step in the programme of conversion to all-underground mining by the International Nickel Company of Canada, Limited. Planned ten years ago, the orderly transition has been greatly speeded-up to offset the heavy drain on production imposed by World War II and also to meet the increased demand for nickel caused by the current international situation. Development of new mining methods, and process changes in the reduction plants, have made possible the economic recovery and utilization of ore of lower grade than formerly used and of varying metallurgical characteristics. By 1953, when the Company's open-pit mining operations are scheduled for completion, the hoisting capacity of its five underground mines in the Sudbury district will have been increased to 13,000,000 tons per year, compared with 5,700,000 tons of underground ore hoisted in 1950.Two types of ore occur at Creighton. One is a breccia and stringer type that contains a high percent-age of massive sulphides and is located in sheets along shears and in large and small pockets on the underside of the main norite mass; the other type, forming the main part of the ore zone, is mineralized norite that occurs as a •sheet up to 400 feet thick overlying tl1e breccia ore. In both types of ore the minerals of economic interest are pentlandite, which is intimately associated with pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Early mining was confined to the breccia ore; this ore was mined by open stoping methods. The hanging-wall was later allowed to cave, with the result that the old stopes are now filled with caved low-grade ore."

Jan 1, 1952

By Staff, G. M. Hogg

"The eastern portion of the Late Precambrian geosynclinal structure known as the Labrador Trough comprises a 16,000-square-mile sulphide-bearing belt of good potential as a base metal exploration area. Hollinger and Hanna mining interests have carried on exploration in the region since 1953, with encouraging results. This program has been considerable in terms of both effort and expenditure, and has resulted in an apparently successful primary evaluation of the entire belt.Much detailed work remains to be done in the area. Exploration to date has been largely of a reconnaissance nature, employing various methods in common use in Canada today. In the course of this work, several deposits of promise, containing near-economic quantities of copper, zinc, nickel and other metals, have been located. A broad classification of these deposits is proposed.Exploration in the sulphide belt was started on the basis of partial control of the area under mineral exploration concessions. This was necessary to justify operations in an area of difficult access and high operating costs. The results of this now-terminated arrangement are regarded as being of benefit to those directly concerned as well as to the mineral industry in general."

Jan 1, 1966

By M. Phylli Bray

"Mining has the reputation of being a very ""macho"" industry. Recently, wider educational opportunities for women in nontraditional occupations and changes in mine technology have combined to make mining a viable career choice for women also. To benefit from this new resource, the mining industry faces the challenge of developing a different work environment from the one now burdened with sexism. Management supported initiatives are needed to facilitate such a transformation. The same rethinking of gender attitudes might also be extended to mining women in their traditional role as ""wife of"". The assumption that the male worker's wife is an unpaid adjunct is being questioned. It is suggested that women's separate concerns both as helpmate and as part of the mining workforce should be considered when planning for mining into the 21st century.IntroductionI must confess that, during the preparation of this paper, there have been many moments when I questioned my temerity. After all, I am not male, I am not an engineer, and I have never had a position in mine management. But as the wife of a mining engineer and a long-time resident of Northern Ontario mining towns, I do have an interest in the mining industry. This interest has had little to do with the technical and management aspects of the industry. Instead my research has been concerned with the impact the mining industry has on the people involved, particularly women, whether directly as employees or indirectly as wives. As I look toward the 21st century, I believe that the whole question of gender relations in the mining industry is one of the critical management issues smouldering below the surface."

Jan 1, 1995

By Damien Gaboury

"Two practical methods for correlating two or more diamond-drill core intersections, using a stereographic projection software are presented. The first may be used to establish if two or more vein intersections are correlative, based on their core angles and diamond-drillhole attitudes. The second method allows prediction of main vein attitudes from numerous intersections, based on a spherical density contouring projection. The methods are suitable for: (1) correlating veins in complex orebodies; (2) ascertaining lateral continuity of ore for reserve estimations; (3) demonstrating the hidden complexity of an orebody; and (4) correlating and interpreting various planar elements.IntroductionModern mineral exploration relies on diamond- drill core data and on the ability of geologists to interpret them. Drill core generally yields unoriented information, unless an expensive orientation device is used. As a consequence, strike and dip of planar elements such as lithological contacts or mineralized veins cannot be determined easily. This is particularly true for blind deposits (covered by thick overburden) and complex orebodies, where field data cannot support drilling interpretations. Such a problem has been addressed previously using two and three diamond drillholes and several solutions were proposed based on trigonometry, and geometric and stereographic projections (Mead, 1921; Wisser, 1932; Fischer, 1941; Stein, 1941; Bucher, 1943; Gilluly, 1944; Addie, 1962; Mills, 1963; Lyons, 1964). However, these solutions are time consuming and not relevant to present day computerized data plots."

Jan 1, 1997

By G. A. Witwicki

"The Thyssen Mining Group of Companies has successfully applied ground freezing technology to numerous projects throughout Europe and North America for over 100 years. Recently, the aspect of data acquisition and data verification has received greater focus.Thyssen Mining has been engaged in several relatively deep shaft sinking projects over the past five (5) years, all of which have required ground freezing to successfully sink through water bearing rock. To safely and economically sink through a quantity of water similar to Saskatchewan’s Potash Mines, it is imperative to understand freeze wall thickness and growth rate.Critical to understanding freeze wall thickness and growth rate, is the collection of accurate data as well as the interpretation of those data. The data can then be utilized to gain a better understanding of the freeze wall growth rate in active projects as well as to provide data to be utilized in modeling for future projects.This paper elaborates on the installation and operation of the data acquisition system utilized at the Newmont Leeville project, Nevada’s first frozen shaft project. In addition, this paper elaborates on the methodology developed by Thyssen Mining to manipulate the freeze wall data derived through the data acquisition system.The successful incorporation of the new system of collection and analysis of freeze wall data for the Leeville Project has given Thyssen Mining a high degree of confidence in the understanding, as well as prediction, of the ground conditions during shaft sinking.This paper will include:•,A brief description of ground freezing and its objective;•,An overview of previous data acquisition methods employed;•,Current data acquisition methods;•,Installation requirements; and,•,Data manipulation and presentation methods."

Jan 1, 2015

By J. Stiksma, R. Kalanchey, M. J. Collins, G. Owusu, R. Raudsepp, K. R. Buban, L. A. Barta, I. M. Masters

This paper describes the results of testwork for the treatment of Ambatovy laterite ore by a pressure acid leach process, with recovery of the soluble nickel and cobalt values as mixed sulphide intermediate by precipitation with hydrogen sulphide, and subsequent refining of the mixed sulphide to nickel and cobalt metals. These process development studies were carried out primarily in 2004, as part of a bankable feasibility study for the Ambatovy Nickel Project. The Ambatovy orebody is located in Madagascar. The mini pilot plant testwork was carried out in the Dynatec metallurgical laboratory in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The results of the testwork were very encouraging, including nickel and cobalt extractions in the range of 95.5% to 97.0%, and 94.0% to 97.0%, respectively, in the ore leach step with sulphuric acid. High recoveries of nickel and cobalt were achieved throughout the remaining process steps, yielding separate nickel and cobalt metal powders with better than acceptable purity.

Jan 1, 2005