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In 2009 Newmont Mining Corporation?s annual global spend on grinding media reached $94M USD, having doubled in the five years since 2004. The major contributing factor to the spend escalation during this period was unit consumable price, with total media consumption also rising as a function of annual ore tonnes milled. In an effort to better understand and manage the growth of this expenditure a significant supply chain management program was implemented. This was complemented by a series of technical initiatives focussed on grinding media specifications, quality management and the prediction of grinding media wear rate as a function of physical ore characteristics. This paper discusses the methodology and outcomes of these activities.

Jan 1, 2012

By F. McCarthy, W. Zhang, R. McDonald

"The processing of nickel laterites has been a topic of major interest at CSIRO for almost twenty years. During this period CSIRO has collaborated with other researchers and industry in developing a better understanding of existing processes and been actively involved in testing/developing new beneficiation and process options for these ores. The current paper summarises the results of selected studies and highlights improvements that have been achieved. Key topics to be discussed include enhancements in the mineralogical characterisation, beneficiation approaches, improvements in the understanding and application of leaching technologies, the development of synergistic solvent extraction (SSX) for the recovery of nickel/cobalt from laterite leach liquors and the collaborative development of the Direct Nickel process. Future opportunities and key research questions will be briefly examined.INTRODUCTION Nickel laterite ores comprise a significant resource in Australia and according to United States Geological Survey data nearly a quarter of world reserves are located there (USGS, 2016). More specifically, around 95% of Australian nickel resources (laterite and sulfide) are located in Western Australia (Australian Government, 2017). Given the recent closure of Queensland Nickel, essentially all of Australian nickel production occurs in Western Australia and the primary producers of processed nickel products include Nickel West (Kwinana) with ~84,000 t saleable nickel metal in 2016 (BHP Billiton, 2017), Minara Resources (Murrin Murrin) with 46,700 t nickel metal produced in 2015 (Glencore Australia, 2017), and First Quantum Minerals Ltd (Ravensthorpe) who sold 25,882 t nickel as mixed hydroxide product in 2016 (First Quantum Minerals, 2017). The total sales of nickel from Western Australia in the 2015-16 financial year were 175,722 t. The study of nickel laterites at CSIRO recommenced at the time second generation High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) plants were being commissioned at Bulong, Cawse and Murrin Murrin in the late 1990’s. A combination of technical and engineering issues meant that the ramp-up times at these operations were slower than expected and the outcomes resulting from the attendant problems are well documented (e.g. Griffin & Becker, 2000; Reid & Barnett, 2002; O’Callaghan, 2003) while the issues faced at the BHP-Billiton-built Ravensthorpe plant have been addressed by the current owners of this project, First Quantum Minerals Ltd (Piper, 2012)."

Jan 1, 2017

By J. Desrosiers

"Minnova Inc. has five operating divisions thoughout Canada. One of them is Lac Dufault which was established in 1964.Lac Dufault is located 15 km north of Rouyn-Noranda, in what is known as Noranda volcanic centre, in northwestern Quebec. For more than 25 years, Lac Dufault has produced copper, zinc, gold and silver from four different mines: Norbec, Millenbach, Corbet and now Ansil.Ansil, officially in production since July 1989, is one of the deepest mines presently in production in Quebec. This high-grade copper, gold, zinc and silver orebody is being mined at a rate of 1200 tonnes per day with a total workforce of 200 employees.Of particular interest are the high mechanization level of the underground mine, technical innovations also underground, and computer applications throughout the division.IntroductionMinnova Inc. was formerly known as Corporation Falconbridge Copper until 50% of its shares were bought by Kerr Addison Mines Ltd . in 1986 and it became a member of Noranda Group of Companies.Minnova stands for mining innovation. It means Minnovaaims to use state-of-the-art technologies in mining and exploration to achieve maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness. It also means that they aim to use both proven and innovative management principles to the optimum benefit of their employees and shareholders. Minnova has operations across Canada. Presently four mining divisions produce copper, zinc, gold, silver and lead. Two are situated in Quebec: Lac Dufault (established in 1964) and Lac Shortt (established in 1985); one in Ontario; Winston Lake (established in 1988); and one in British Columbia; Samatosum (established in 1989).Minnova has an annual exploration budget of $15 million divided 60/40 between base metals and precious metals. Most of Minnova's exploration efforts are concentrated around their existing mines. Exploration is carried out from six regional offices located at Rouyn-Noranda and Chapais in Quebec; Thunder Bay in Ontario, Vancouver in British Columbia, Reno, Nevada in the United State and Panama City Panama. Each of the Canadian offices maintains close liaison with nearby operations.Lac Dufault Division is located in the Noranda mining camp, approximately 15 km north of the city of Rouyn-Noranda, in northwestern Quebec (Fig . 1)."

Jan 1, 1991

By B. W. Smee

Glacial lake sediments or glaciolacustrine deposits form a significant portion of the Canadian, Scandinavian and Russian landscapes. Furthermore, 50 per cent of the Archean volcanic belts within the Canadian Shield area are covered wholly or in part by these deposits. Because of the high electrical conductivity and low hydraulic conductivity of these compact sediments, the application of geophysical (electrical) and geochemical techniques in such areas becomes a difficult task. The presence of these sediments has therefore hampered exploration for metallic sulphide deposits in some of the most important metallogenic environments of Canada. Similar problems exist in some tropical countries, such as Australia, where the overburden may be very conductive. In this paper, the extent and provenance of the glaciolacustrine deposits within the Canadian Shield are described. The geochemical and geophysical factors that hinder exploration in the clay belts are reviewed, with case histories of successful and unsuccessful applications of some of these techniques. The most successful geochemical technique used within glacial clay belts is the sampling of lodgement till beneath the clay cover, and the analysis of the heavy mineral fraction of that till. Surficial sampling has not been successfully applied. Some geophysical techniques, more specifically electromagnetic and magnetic induced-polarization techniques, have detected mineralization beneath substantially deep clay or saline overburden layers. Some suggestions have been made, such as the use of anions in hydrogeochemical surveys and the use of wide-band multi-frequency EM systems. When implemented, they will hopefully make the current geochemical and geophysical methods more effective in exploration for base metal sulphides within clay-covered terrains.

Jan 1, 1979

By Mike Fontaine

The success of a project is defined by meeting the financial performance objectives of the business case within a stipulated timeframe. Early in design, little information is normally available; the uncertainty introduces risk to the project outcome. Using a range of risk management tools and techniques, a project can be developed from front end loading phases 1 through 3 (FEL1–FEL3), and project implementation (FEL4) and then into operations with an optimized probability of success. For every project element, the risk management framework embodies: establishing a context; assessing risk (identify, analyze, and evaluate); and treating risk. Embedded within design activities, this process mitigates or eliminates risks. Monitoring and control, as well as extensive communication and consultation with stakeholders, is integral to the risk management process.

Jan 1, 2015

By H. J. McQueen

Pressure welding is a solid state joining technique that depends on bringing the parts into sufficiently close contact that inter-atomic bonds are achieved. Pressing is more effective at elevated temperatures where plastic flow causes the asperities to collapse; improved application conditions are derived from hot-work research to clarify temperature and strain rate dependence of hot strength and ductility. The substructure evolution systematically studied in hot working to determine dynamic recovery or recrystallization is applied to clarifying that developed in welding. The various processes are affected differently by work-piece geometry and final shape requirements. In addition to pre-cleaning of the surfaces, the plastic flow helps disperse the remaining oxide layers as was originally exemplified in blacksmith hot forging of layered sword blades and in bellldie welding of wrought iron tubes. The presentation critically compares the utility for various materials and configurations of simple pressure, ultrasonic application, diffusion, explosive, rotary and linear friction and friction-stir processes. Diffusion bonding (primarily Ti) with light cleaning, low pressure, little distortion in protective furnace atmosphere contrasts strongly with the heavy upsetting in friction welding, or complex alloy mingling and substructure variations in friction stir joints.

Jan 1, 2011

By P. Bakke

Following extensive R&D efforts, Hydro Magnesium has launched a new alloy series with remarkable combinations of properties. The AE alloy family is based on additions of aluminium and rare earth elements to control mechanical properties, including elevated temperature creep strength. By combining these alloying elements with manganese additions, high purity alloys with outstanding corrosion performance are defined. A basic philosophy behind the developments has been to simultaneously approach all the critical issues related to developing a commercial material. Apart from the obvious requirements for material properties, the critical issues relate to die casting performance, as well as alloy production, recycling and environmental compatibility. Some of the important elements related to alloy production and recycling are addressed in the present paper.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. Haldar

The major problem encountered in the casting of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys is the stoppage of flow below the rigidity level of solid fraction. In this study, the flow stoppage mechanism was studied using three Al-Si alloys with 14%, 18% and 22% silicon. The horizontal foam patterns used were 12.50 mm (0.50 inch) wide with two section thicknesses 12.50 mm (0.50 inch) and 6.25 mm (0.25 inch) with a common sprue. The primary silicon distribution along the length of the casting was studied to determine the mechanism of flow stoppage. It was found that the surface of the flow tip of Al-14%Si alloy was smooth with a few undulations. As the silicon level increased, undulations at the flow tip increased. The number and size of undulations were maximum for the Al-22%Si alloy. Microstructural analysis using optical image analyzer revealed that the flow tip consisted mainly of eutectic silicon in the aluminum matrix and a few primary silicon crystals (PSC). The PSC were in the interlocked condition few centimeters behind the flow tip. It was also found that the gap between the flow tip and the PSC concentrated area increased with an increase in silicon level. Phase characterization was done with SEM-EDX to identify the precipitating phases.

Jan 1, 2007

By Alfred W. G. Wilson

In this paper is presented a review of the changes that have taken place in certain Canadian non-metallic mineral industries since 1909. The fifteen-year period 1909 to 1923, inclusive, has been selected for two reasons. In the first place, statistical treatment of the subject under review has been nearly uniform throughout the period. In the second place, this decade and a half is itself further subdivisible into three well marked quinquennial periods, the middle one covering the period of the great war when industrial conditions were greatly disturbed. It then becomes possible to institute certain comparisons between equal periods before and after the war disturbances. The items selected for inclusion in this review are certain of the more important members of that class of minerals usually grouped together under the heading of non-metallics. They are all minerals of which Canada is known to possess important resources, and which are indispensable to many of our greatest manufacturing industries.

Jan 1, 1925

By J. C. Underwood

"The wear performance of grinding balls under conditions of impact and abrasion is affected by their chemical composition and structure. The selection of appropriate analyses and heat treatments that will provide both abrasion and impact resistance takes into account the effects of certain elements on structure and harden-ability, as well as the over-all effect of composition and hardness penetration on the residual stress pattern developed through heat treatment. Direct quenching from forging temperatures substantially increases hardenability over that obtained in reheat-quench practices, and can be done without undue risk of damage to the ball provided that the harden-ability bears the correct relationship to ball diameter.Average volumetric hardness and percent hardened volume are convenient parameters for quantitatively expressing the response to heat treatment and indicating anticipated wear properties. A number of factors which can lead to reduced wear life as a result of material or processing problems are reviewed and illustrated."

Jan 1, 1959

By S. K. Schwartz

"This paper describes the general layout of the environmental monitoring scheme at Devco 's No. 26 Colliery, including wall face ventilation, fan performance and methane drainage, and then goes on to discuss the sensors, the outstation layout, the surf ace control room and the protection of the system.IntroductionCape Breton coal mines have been pioneers in the use of the latest technology in mining coal on this continent. To mention just one example, continuous methane monitoring at the coal face was started in 1976 and the idea of automatically stopping the face conveyor during high gas levels using the face signalling system was conceived and developed by CBDC engineers.With the introduction of remote environmental monitoring, No. 26 Colliery will be the first underground coal mine in Canada and possibly in North America to have computer-based comprehensive environmental monitoring.Traditionally, surveillance of the mine environment has been based mainly on periodic checks by portable or hand-held monitors. Although this method proved adequate, it has some limitations, namely:1) restricted 'number of observations and samples;2) relatively long time between taking measurements and availability of results for assessment.With remote monitoring, the above limitations are overcome because (a) monitoring is continuous and (b) monitored data are updated quickly (typically 5-7 sec.). Remote monitoring also provides a centralized 'information center' at the surface from where the entire mine environment can be monitored. Details of modes in which data can be displayed and features available at the location will be discussed later in the paper."

Jan 1, 1982

By G. S. Hume

Introduction Core drilling of the bituminous sands of northern Alberta has been carried on by the Mines and Geology Branch, Department of Mines and Resources, under the supervision of the Director, W. B. Timm. This was part of the Dominion Government's wartime investigations, which included an agreement with Abasand Oils, Limited, for the study of commercial possibilities of obtaining oil from the bituminous sands. The drilling programme, commenced in 1942 by the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, was continued in 1943 and subsequently by Boyles Bros. under contract with the Mines and Geology Branch. Several areas have been investigated and one of these, the Mildred-Ruth Lakes area, ' herein described, is of special importance in that it contains a sufficiently rich and large deposit of bituminous sands and bitumen beds to warrant consideration of commercial developments for the production of oil. The Steepbank Area, East Side of Athabaska River The Steepbank area, on the east side of Athabaska river in township 92, about twenty-two miles north of Fort McMurray, was selected for drilling in 1942 because previous investigations by Ells indicated it was one of considerable promise both from the standpoint of having reasonably rich bituminous sands under relatively light overburden and also having an excellent tailing disposal and plant site for large-scale operations in proximity to Athabaska river. The drilling done in 1942 and 1943 was largely exploratory, and, when it was found that the southerly part of township 92 had only low-grade material, closer drilling was done in 1944-45 in the richer, more northerly part.

Jan 1, 1947

By J. A. C. Ross

Introduction To enlighten those who may be wondering where anyone could find sufficient data to write a paper on underground concrete work, the author would like to explain that, at Copper Mountain, we have found it necessary to line numerous headings with a layer of concrete in order to keep them in a safe and serviceable condition. The majority of these headings are scram drifts and ore-pass raises. This paper will therefore deal, in the main, with the methods of and reasons for placing concrete in these headings. During recent years, radical changes have been made in the methods of mining ore at the Copper Mountain mine. After considerable experimenting, a mining system has been developed making use of diamond drills for primary breaking and transfering such broken ore through scram drifts with slusher hoists. With the advent of scram drifts, it soon became apparent that some substantial means of reinforcement and protection for the scram drifts themselves would be necessary. Since the orebodies in this mine are cut by numerous dykes or faults, and often both, it was anticipated that some means of support would be required where headings necessarily passed through these incompetent zones. Further, as experience was gained, scram drifts were driven into pillars and in close proximity to old workings so as to recover the maximum amount of ore. In such places, the ground is often severely fractured, either as a result of previous mining or from the effect of excessive rock pressures.

Jan 1, 1950

By Paul R. Terry

This paper presents a brief picture of the quality of coal produced in Eastern Canada for use in thermal generating stations. It describes, in particular, the characteristics of coals burned in six power plants -two in New Brunswick and four in Nova Scotia. Each station is dis-cussed in turn, and comments are made on the coals used therein with regards to origin and physical and chemical properties affecting station operation. A table of coal data shows, at a glance, the wide variation in the quality of coals received by these stations from producers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. "The promotion of improved coal quality for thermal generation can benefit our national economy." T HIS is the opening statement in a paper which was presented by Mr. D. A. Pirttinen at the Coal Division's Toronto meeting in April, 1960. In bringing the power engineer's viewpoint to the coal producers' attention, Mr. Pirttinen made a survey of utility steam plants operating in Canada, and the results of this survey formed the basis for his paper, which he titled: "Generating Station Coal Quality.

Jan 1, 1965

By R. Stach, S. Gola, P. Zgrzebski, K. Soroko

"At the moment climatic conditions are a primary problem of the exploitation of copper ore. The efficiency of preventive actions in order to improve climatic conditions is connected with the knowledge of changing air in underground excavations. This article demonstrates the analysis of types of ventilation dams which are used in sealing abandoned areas on the maintenance of climatic working conditions in excavations has been conducted at the exploitation in Polish copper ore mines. INTRODUCTION The basis for mining activity performed by KGHM Polska Miedz S.A. is mining copper ores from the deposit lying at depths between 600 and 1,200 m below ground level. Activity has continued since 1963. The copper ore deposit is mined in ‘Lubin’, ‘Rudna’ and ‘Polkowice-Sieroszowice’ mines, where difficult climatic conditions occur. The major factor moulding the climatic conditions in headings is the original temperature of rocks, being the result of geological conditions of the lying of the deposit and the existing geothermal degree. In the faces of present opening-out and preparatory headings, driven from mining areas of ‘Rudna’ and ‘Polkowice-Sieroszowice’ mines in order to open out deeper parts of the deposit, the original temperature of rocks reaches 45°C. Excluding the original temperature of rocks, the following are additional factors affecting the deterioration in the climatic conditions: • thermal properties of deposit rocks, • employed room-and-pillar mining systems, which are characterised by a large surface of exposure of rocks, • using self-propelled mining machines with diesel drive, • a high concentration of mining works, • setting up high-power electrical equipment in headings, • complex structures of mine ventilation networks, • a limited number of ventilating shafts, • constantly longer air-transport routes, • a significant accumulation of water increasing the humidity of supplied air. According to the valid Polish provisions (§21, 2013), the primary criterion of assessment of a climatic hazard is the occurrence at a workstation in an underground mining heading of an equivalent climate temperature of more than 26°C, which temperature is determined according to the following dependence:"

Jan 1, 2019

By E. M. Stiles

THE Wellington Lake power plant of the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited, about 25 miles from Goldfields, Saskatchewan, is the second hydro-electric project operating in that Province, the first being the Island Falls plant of the Churchill River Power Company which serves the operations of the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company at Flin Flon, Manitoba. The Churchill River project develops 90,000 h.p. at 56-ft. head; the Wellington Lake plant 3,300 h.p. at 75-ft. with pro-vision for an additional 3,300 h.p. unit. Churchill River power is trans-mitted at 110,000 volts over a 58-mile line of steel towers to Flin Flon and an additional 45 miles over a wooden pole-line to Sherritt-Gordon. Our steel tower-line is 22 miles long, and the voltage is 60,000; this choice be-cause certain such equipment was available from Trail. The diversion of 15,000? second-feet at 56-ft. head for 90,000 h. p. at Churchill river dwarfs our 500 second-feet flow at 75-ft. head for 3,300 h.p. In both cases, the main obstacles to be overcome during plant construction were the lack of transport facilities and the short open season. Let it be noted here that this paper deals mainly with those phases of plant construction which were particularly interesting to the writer. With-out these variations from the ordinary routine, this is just another power project whose story is better told by the accompanying charts and pictures. To many members of the Institute it is still just that; but I am writing for those who, like myself, have been too seldom responsible for major under-rakings at an appreciable distance from a railway siding. When it was planned in early 1937 to erect a 1,000-ton mill at our Box mine, both hydro and Diesel power were discussed. With ten years' ore in sight, even an expensive hydro project, such as ours turned out to be, produces kilowatts materially below the 2-cent operating cost of a Diesel plant using fuel-oil at 14 cents a gallon.

Jan 1, 1940

By C. Jay Hodgson

Hydrothermal systems form on land where and when an impermeable cap-rock unit ( either natural or self-sealed) , a permeable aquifer. and permeable discharge and recharge channels (cross-stratal permeability) develop in an anomalously hot part of the crust. A consideration of the relationship between magmatic and tectonic events in volcanically active areas indicates these conditions arise during: (1) the resurgent doming stage of the resurgent caldera cycle; (2) following movement on the bounding faults of tilted fault blocks ; and (3) as a result of hydrothermal boring associated with the intrusion of major sills. On the assumption that the submarine hydrothermal systems which deposit volcanogenic massive sulphide ores are comparable to subaerial hydrothermal systems, it is suggested that: (1) the horizon of mineralization corresponds to the time period when conditions favour the development of hydrothermal systems, as outlined above; (2) exploration for Cu-rich Cu-Zn-Pb or Cu-Zn ores should be directed to paletopographically high areas near discharge conduits , whereas exploration for Cu-poor ZnPb ores should concentrate on paleotopographically low areas down slope from conduits; (3) deposits with stringer zones lying above normally permeable units may be underlain by regionally extensive weakly mineralized and altered zones (self-seal caps) ; (4.) in the absence of a self -sealed cap, the ore horizon may be underlain by a naturally impermeable unit (e .g. a fine clastic sediment) ; (5) the condition of cross-stratal permeability may be evidenced by features such as dykes. alignment of vari ous magmatic and hydrothermal phenomena, abrupt thickness changes in stratiform units indicative of ponding against syn-volcanic faults, and fault-scarp slump deposits; (6) the condition of high heat flow may be evidenced by near-surface magmatism and steep thermal gradients preserved in metamorphic mineral assemblages.

Jan 1, 1977

By L. Heber Cole

Introductory During the past few years, salt (sodium chloride) strata have been encountered in western Canada in a number of wells, while prospecting for oil and gas. The ever increasing number of such wells points to the presence of a vast salt basin, the boundaries of which are at present unknown. This basin extends in a northwesterly direction from a point near the United States boundary south of Regina, crosses the Saskatchewan- Alberta boundary northwest of Unity, Sask., and continues with more northerly trend to Waterways and beyond. The beds, as encountered, appear to have a general dip to the southwest of between 10 to 20 feet to the mile and a pitch along the strike to the southeast. Thus one finds the salt strata at Waterways, Alta., at 600 feet below the surface (121 feet above sea level) whereas at Radville, Sask. south of Regina, the top of the salt is at a depth of 6,643 feet below the surface (4,430 feet below sea level). Whether this is a continuous salt basin or a series of separate basins is not yet known. We do know however, that in some of the well~ more than one salt horizon occurs while in others which normally should have encountered corresponding beds, the salt strata are absent. This latter condition, however, may occur only in the southern part of Saskatchewan, where a barren area seems to come in from the southwest. In the northwestern part of the basin, on the other hand, the occurrence of the salt strata seems to be more regular and continuous, and depths at which salt should be encountered in a drill hole in this part of the basin may be predicted with a fair degree of accuracy.

Jan 1, 1948

By Charles Camsell

At the last annual meeting of this Institute the programme very properly was drawn up and carried out with the special object of calling attention to the Dominion's position and problems with regard to fuel supplies. That subject, always one of serious concern, was a source of considerable anxiety twelve months ago. It is still so, but in a decidedly less degree than at that time. So far as the immediate fuel situation is concerned our anxieties have been relieved. And I think we can safely say that such a consciousness of our difficulties and determination to overcome them, has been developed in the minds of our people that there will be no slackening of the offensive until a final solution is reached. In selecting a subject of major importance for the present occasion I have felt free to digress from the pressing problems of last year and to go back, for a starting point, to the presidential address of two years ago .. I do not, however, wish to enter the controversy that has developed as a result of that address, though in spite of my own failure to amass a fortune from participation in certain mining ventures, I am decidedly inclined to the optimistic view that Dr. Corless presented of the future of our mining industry. You will perhaps have observed that in its general wording the title of my paper bears a marked resemblance to that of that address. This simila1ity of titles is not accidental. It is intentional on my part.

Jan 1, 1924

By C. Mawdsley

The Tata Steel mill at Skinningrove in the North East of England produces top hat sections for mineshaft guides in sizes 102 and 150 mm. The top hat section is the technically preferred shaft guide choice for modern deep mine shafts. This paper explores the relative service performance of top hat and square hollow section guides in service. Comparative corrosion performance is reviewed and the paper describes work commissioned by Tata Steel (as Corus) undertaken by Aker Kvaerner Engineering to evaluate relative winding speeds, relative loads and fatigue life in service. The experience of supply to UK Potash mining is discussed and the future view of high capacity hoisting and larger section size market need and availability is assessed.

Aug 1, 2013