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By W. A. MacWilliams, R. G. Reynolds

"This paper describes, for the first time, a patented method of extracting sodium sulphate from a natural deposit in Western Canada. The method resembles, but is not, strictly speaking, solution mining. The fact that a plant based on this method has been in successful operation since late 1969 will be of added interest. The deposit in question is located near Metiskow, Alberta, and conventional surface recovery methods could not be applied because of heavy concentrations of mud. Considerable pilot work went into the separation and recovery process on which the plant operation is based. The history of the industry is covered briefly as background to this development. Today it is clear that the method has broader application within the industry and, in concept, may generate interest in many other applications."

Jan 1, 1973

By A. P. LeBis

This article attempts to relate the concept of utility to the risk involved when only a small number of projects (compared to their probability of occurrence) are accessible to a firm and to quantify utility when other financial and physical parameters are known.

Jan 1, 1978

By Stewart W. Daniel

"Increasing labour costs, the trend to larger mills, the processing of lower grade ores and a diminishing sup-ply of well-trained and experienced mill operators contribute to the necessity of automating a grinding circuit. With sophisticated process control techniques, supervision of the mill line is reduced to an occasional inspection by the shift supervisor. Process operating decisions and/or adjustments are quickly and accurately performed by the electronic devices to be described. When the variables in the grinding circuit are stabilized using the sensors and controllers as discussed, the over-all grinding circuit is maintained at its optimum grinding load level, with ample protection against under-and overloading."

Jan 1, 1967

By Melvin S. Taylor

The environmental control program at Cassiar Mine is an active one involving government, unions and company personnel all working together to achieve a goal- "A clean and safe working environment". This can only be achieved by utilizing three of Cassiar's most important resources; i.e., people, time and money. Past environmental programs have more than proved that the goal can be reached and. with the future programs now in progress. Cassiar Asbestos will achieve its environmental goals.

Jan 1, 1978

By MacDonald W. L. F. C. A.

IN accordance with the usual approach to a participation in a panel discussion, this paper is, in some respects, intentionally controversial. I would suggest, how-ever that there is more than a grain of truth in many of the comments made. Before dealing with a particular problem. It is appropriate to set out a few of the more significant objective of an: accounting system: (1) The provision of historical data <•concerning past events, for the information of shareholders, tax authorities, etc. This data can also be used as a tool to predict the future. (2) The provision of a record to safeguard the company's assets and to form the basis of any claim for insurance or other damages. (3) The provision of an accounting framework in making an economic study of a proposed course of future action such as the development of an orebody or the outlay of a substantial sum for new equipment. ( 4) The

Jan 1, 1962

By A F. Kravic

Carbonyl nickel powders of irregular particle shape and low a11parent density are used extensively in the production of porous nickel electrodes for nickel-cadmium storage batteries and hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells employing alkaline electrolytes. Such porous nickel matrices are at-tractive for these intended applications as they are relatively inexpensive, are corrosion resistant, have good electrical conductivity, can be welded to form electrical contacts, have a long life (as demonstrated in alkaline storage batteries), and are rugged and vibration and shock resistant. This paper describes a feasibility study concerning the production of porous multi-layer nickel electrodes by the pressing and sintering of stacked layers of green-powder rolled nickel sheet. Background H AUSNER (1) conveniently listed nine different powder compaction processes used for forming metal powders into useful shapes. These are shown in Table I. There are additional powder metallurgy processes; however, most of these are combinations of two or more processes listed in the Table. A study of the literature revealed that every powder compacting process, with the exception of isostatic pressing and explosive forming, has been evaluated or is being used for the manufacture of porous metal electrodes.

Jan 1, 1965

By E. Allen

Quebec Cartier Mining Company operates approximately two hundred and fifty pieces of equipment in a climate with a temperature that has averaged 27.5°F during the last seven years. The use of special-purpose lubricants, fuels, antifreeze, rubber compounds, and alloy steels have reduced the cold-weather hazards. In some areas, high-cost cold-weather protective heating devices are being eliminated with experience.

Jan 1, 1966

By H. Dundar

The first application of High Pressure Grinding Rolls was in 1985 at a cement plant, for the purpose of capacity improvement. Then various circuit configurations were derived to achieve a reduction in overall specific energy consumption, by transferring more of the grinding required to the HPGR. In most circuit configurations, the recycle of fines is required for effective breakage between the rollers. By increasing the fines amount in the feed material to a specific level within the recycling load, a uniform material bed is created and a higher pressure gradient along the roller width is obtained, resulting in compact flakes, including more fines. The fines recycle results in enhancement of the interparticle breakage. This paper will discuss the effect of the feed size distribution on HPGR performance.

Jan 1, 2012

By Brian G. Pewsey

Located in the northern part of the Province of British Columbia, the Cassiar Mine started development of its asbestos orebody in 1952, and is currently producing 105.000 tons of asbestos fibre annually. The townsite is nestled in a beautiful valley and supplies more than average facilities. The fibre is shipped to more than 40 countries and is used in many industrial products.

Jan 1, 1978

By T S. Cochrane

A variety of practical tests have been tried in the mining industry to determine the support properties of mine roof bolts. Such tests include torsion wrench readings, hammer blow tests and the use of plates with built-in tension indicators. This paper gives some details of pull tests with a hydraulic jack, as carried out in coal mines of western Canada. M A~Y criteria exist for establishing the efficiency of roof bolting, and the one adopted de-pends on the nature of the problem and on the individual leanings of the investigators. Consequently, sufficient studies have not been made from a common viewpoint or under similar geological and techno-logical conditions to compare these methods of evaluation. However, regardless of whether certain tests provide sufficient factual data to form a basis for theoretical research on bolting or not, many of these tests can and do provide a positive means of judging the suitability of chosen roof bolting techniques and equipment under definite geological conditions.

Jan 1, 1963

By C. Han, S. J. Zhou, Y. B. Shen, D. Z. Wei, P. Fang

"Collecting property of two hydroxamic acid collectors have different type of nonpolar structure to hemimorphite has been comparatively studied via monomineral flotation test, and the reason causes different collecting performance has been discussed from the view of relationship between molecular structure and collecting property. The flotation tests results show that C5-9 hydroxamic acid has an unbranched linear alkyl nonpolar group shows better collecting property to hemimorphite than cyclohexyl hydroxamic acid which has a naphthenic nonpolar group. FTIR detecting results show that the adsorption type of collector adsorbed on hemimorphite surface is chemical adsorption. Calculation results of polar group’s geometric structure parameters, polar group’s electron density distribution, octanol-water partition coefficient (logP) and molecular frontier orbital energy show that the key factor caused different collecting property of two collectors to hemimorphite is the logP; unbranched linear alkyl nonpolar group is more conducive than naphthenic nonpolar group to make hemimorphite particle more hydrophobic.INTRODUCTIONZinc-bearing mineral recovered from lead-zinc ores is the main source that people can obtain zinc resource from nature. However, natural sulfide ores are currently getting depleted steadily for the primary zinc source. In order to satisfy the future demand of zinc resource, there is an obvious recognition that the recovery of zinc oxidized minerals from the ores is a crucial alternative (Hosseini & Forssberg, 2007; Navidi Kashani & Rashchi, 2008).But the fact that can’t be ignored is the flotation of zinc oxidized minerals is much more difficult than that of zinc sulfide minerals, which is mainly due to the flotation characteristics of these zinc oxidized minerals such as lower selectivity and higher reagent consumption, as well as complex and variety of lead-zinc ores. Presently, there have been many various beneficiation technologies used for recovering zinc oxidized minerals and dealing with ores for recovering metallic zinc such as flotation and hydrometallurgy (Abkhoshk, Jorjani, Al-Harahsheh, Rashchi, & Naazeri, 2014; Önal et al., 2005). But from an overall perspective, flotation is the most common method used for the beneficiation of zinc oxidized minerals, and there have been extensive investigations conducted on the flotation of zinc oxide ores (Ejtemaei, Gharabaghi, & Irannajad, 2014). Until now, the most well-known method used commercially for the flotation of zinc oxidized minerals is sulfidization with sodium sulfide and flotation with a cationic collector of amines containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. However, a major problem for this method is the large amount of fines and slime results in the increase of reagent consumption and promotes the phenomenon of slime-coating. For preclude this negative effect, the de-sliming and processing optimization is indispensible (Peres, Borges, & Galery, 1994; Salum, de Araujo, & Peres, 1992)."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. P. Morgan, D. B. Stewart

"AbstractLoad-haul-dump machines equipped with. a torque converter and hydraulic pumps have been field tested by means of an engine monitoring instrumentation package. It was found that owing to parasitic losses in the ancillaries and drivetrain, maximum available useable pourer may peak at less than full engine speed. Simple reduction of engine speed may save 15 to 25 percent on fuel consumption, with no significant loss of available power. On some machines, speed reduction will require modification of the torque converter . The cost of this modification, when necessary , would be offset by reductions in exhaust emissions, ventilation requirements, fuel consumption , heat, noise and hydraulic system maintenance, and by increased life of rotating components and filters and machine availability.IntroductionTHE CANADIAN EXPLOSIVES ATMOSPHERES LABORATORY, in conjunction with Deutz Canada Limited, has designed, constructed and field tested a portable instrumentation package. This package monitors diesel engine performance in underground mining machinery by continuously recording engine speed and volumetric fuel delivery. During tests designed to determine the engine load and speed conditions for the various segments which constitute actual underground operation of a Deutz F6L 714-powered 4-yard load-haul-dump machine, it was discovered that an unexpectedly large percentage of the engine power was required to overcome the ancillaries and drivetrain drag (1). That this large component of engine power is functionally related to engine speed rather than the operator's needs was verified by repeat tests of the used 4-yard machine and by testing of a new 5-yard machine powered by a Deutz F 8L 714."

Jan 1, 1977

By K. D. Bulin

"An interesting brief history review of shovels as the primary excavating tool will permit the reader to see that immeasurable development and resources have preceded the shovel excavators which today are used extensively throughout the mining industry. With this as a background, the shovel manufacturer has the ability to utilize his resources best in those areas of shovel development in which the maximum benefits of increased reliability, performance and ease of maintenance will improve the operating rewards to the user of the equipment. The author explains the function of the shovel as a part of the material handling system. A detailed description of those areas of the shovel in which the most recent developments and major improvements have been implemented in the manufacture of the shovel excavator arc included."

Jan 1, 1973

By C. Tong, B. Hilscher

"Sensor based ore sorting is being rapidly adopted by the mining industry. The ability to boost mill feed grade by rejecting waste grade rocks early in the process has proven revolutionary for some operations.This paper briefly reviews the current position of ore sorting in the industry, as well as abridged results from specific operations such as Barrick, McEwen, New Gold, and two others. The paper also introduces the concept of “Profit Recovery™”, the measuring of recovery based on rock profitability rather than just metal content.IntroductionSensor based ore sorting is being rapidly adopted by the mining industry. The ability to increase mill feed grade by rejecting waste grade rocks early in the processing stage is proving to be revolutionary for some operations. These potential outcomes have been too invaluable to be overlooked by both producing operations and prospective projects, thus leading to a wide range of studies on ore sorting. In addition, the advent of ore sorting has also called for a new standard of recovery analysis. The answer to this is the creation of a new term and concept - Profit Recovery™.This paper evaluates the most recent results of ore sorting in the mining industry, and presents the results from five different mining operations. Additionally, this paper will discuss and evaluate the Profit Recovery™ of each of these operations. The goal of this paper is to address common concerns regarding ore sorting rejects and their actual impact on project economics.State Of The ArtOre Sorting is a sensor-based sorting and pre-concentration technology implemented before the processing stage that is used to reduce the amount of waste reporting to the mill feed. This technology can also be utilized to recover ore from previously uneconomic waste, as well as reduce the mill energy and reagent consumption (Tong, 2012). In greenfield projects, sensor-based sorting can further provide value by reducing processing capital costs. The decline of available high grade orebodies and decreasing head grades has further increased the attractiveness of pre-concentration, and subsequently ore sorting (Lessard et al., 2014).There are currently two notable types of sensor-based sorting: bulk and rock-by-rock. Bulk sorting consists of live, high tonnage sorting that can be installed on a scoop or on a conveyor belt with a diverter. Rock-by-rock is a selective sorting method that scans and sorts individual rocks on a conveyor belt, and rejects rocks using air jets or mechanical levers. Figure 1 shows a diagram for a typical air jet sorter."

Jan 1, 2018

By T. Thriveni, Ji Whan Ahn

"The current advanced technologies for the manufacture of light weight metals processing significantly increasing and attributes to the safety, performance, recyclability and economy. Still lack of technologies developed for light weight metals processing waste utilization and application. Environmentally friendly methods need to develop for better understanding the processing waste utilization. Alumina and aluminium processing creates a wide range of waste products, the most significant being is red mud. Bauxite residue is a high volume hazardous waste and nearly 3 billion tons have been dumped worldwide. Approximately, 120 Million tons/yr of red mud being produced without any environmental sustainable solution. Currently the most significant technology is waste utilization. The bauxite residue is suitable for road base construction, golf bunker sand, back fill and, general fill. Sustainable recycling technologies are necessary for the bauxite residue utilization for the recovery of rare earth elements and cement materials. Carbonation or CO2 sequestration of carbon dioxide is a method pioneered for the bauxite residue is modified to reduce alkalinity. The carbonation of alkaline material is an inexpensive and safe process that leads to the formation of thermodynamically stable products. The use of the carbonation can be an advantageous solution for environmental climate change and sustainability problems in the new century.INTRODUCTIONIn 2014, bauxite consumption was estimated to be 9.6 million tons, nearly all of which was imported, worth an estimated 269 million dollars. More than 95% of the bauxite was converted to alumina, and the remaining 5% went to non-metallurgical products, such as abrasives, chemicals, proppants, and refractories. Global aluminum demand is growing steadily spurred by growth in India and China (RBCAluminum Market Outlook, 2013) (Figure 1). Aluminum consumption is expected to rise 5% annually through the end of the decade, reaching 67 million tons per year by 2020. Global bauxite production decreased by 17% from that of 2013, principally owing to lower production in Indonesia. In response to a Government ban on exporting bauxite and other unprocessed mineral ores that took effect on January 12, 2014, bauxite mines throughout Indonesia shut down and production decreased from 55.7 million tons in 2013 to an estimated 500,000 tons in 2014. The ban was part of a mining law that was instituted in 2009 to increase development of downstream processing facilities in Indonesia."

Jan 1, 2016

By D. G. E. Kerfoot

In September 1945, when the Lynn Lake nickel orebody was discovered Sherritt Gordon Mines was a small copper mining company with rapidly depleting ore reserves at its single producing mine at Sherridon in the Cold Lake area of Manitoba, 100 miles north of The Pas. The company has been formed in 1927, largely through the efforts of Eldon L. Brown, a 27-year old mining engineer, with the financial backing of Thayer and Halstead Lindsley and the Gordon family. The Lindsleys were American mine promoters who had been successful in the Sudbury area, and the Gordons had extensive interests in the lumber industry in northern Ontario. Carl Sherritt, who gave his name to the company, was an American trapper and prospector who had staked the copper property and sold his interest to the new company. Carl Sherritt died in a flying accident at The Pas in 1928. The Sherritt Gordon Mine started production in 1931, shipping copper concentrate to the new Hudson Bay copper smelter at Flin Flon, Manitoba. In 1931 the price of copper was 18¢/lb. Within a year the price had fallen to 5¢ /lb and the mine was forced to close. It remained closed through the Depression years.

Jan 1, 1999

By C. F. Starr

This paper deals with the various types of cable in use in mines, with special attention paid to their construction. There will be a few comments regarding the different insulants, jacketing materials and armouring used, depending on their application. Governing standards and the differences therein will also be discussed.

Jan 1, 1969

By A. D. Misener, L. G. D. Thompson

"IntroductionIt was shown by work previously reported that reliable geothermal gradients representative of various regions of the earth's, surface could he obtained from extended surveys of the rock temperatures in operating mines. These surveys showed the presence of anomalies in the isothermal levels and the existence of regions of regular behaviour. Below about 3,000 feet the temperature gradients became quite regular over the areas stud1ed. It is these regular gradients which are taken as representative of the region, wherever possible.The present paper describes the extension of this work which was undertaken to obtain further temperature gradients with a view to correlating them to other geophysical properties determined for the same regions. The additional data obtained have indicated possible reasons for the temperature anomalies. The experimental procedure was similar to that already described and was again made possible through the wholehearted co-operation of the management and the assistance of the personnel of the mines concerned. The research was entirely supported by a grant from the Research Council of Ontario.The equipment was a distinct improvement over that previously used and made it possible to take many more accurate temperature readings in a given time. Thermistor resistance thermometers were used, encased in silver sheaths and protected against damage by heavy copper casings. These were calibrated with a standard platinum resistance thermometer.The bridge used with these thermometers was one of a number designed and built by the Meteorological Service and designated M.S.C. Thermometer Indicator Type C-3. This very convenient and portable instrument operated from batteries in the instrument case. Multiple thermometer connections were provided so that rapid readings• of a number of thermometers was possible to accuracy of the order of 0.1°F. All electrical connections on the panel are covered with Dow-Corning ignition compound to prevent; electrical leakage due to moisture condensation. This, together with the high resistance of the thermometers and components of the bridge, gave much more reliable results than previously obtainable."

Jan 1, 1950

"Coupon testing has been used to investigate stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of rockbolts in a laboratory based experimental program. This program has focused on the use of ASTM G39 three- and four-point bent beam coupon specimens, immersed in an acidified sodium chloride test solution containing hydrogen sulfide. The specimens were loaded to a range of stresses from zero, to just above the materials yield strength. It was found that only specimens above an applied stress of 580MPa failed by means of SCC, showing that rockbolts loaded to near their yield strength may be susceptible to SCC in-situ.INTRODUCTIONStress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a failure mechanism that affects material through the growth of hairline cracks when exposed to a corrosive medium while under stress (Jones and Ricker, 1999). SCC has been found to affect rockbolts in the Australian underground coal mining industry and has the capacity to cause the catastrophic failure of ground support systems, potentially leading to falls of ground in underground excavations, injury or death to mine personnel, damage or loss of equipment, and loss of productivity through the loss of roadway access (Crosky et al, 2002).Coupon testing utilises small scale samples that are intended to be indicative of the behaviour exhibited by a material in-situ (ASTM G39). The small scale, and usually high surface area to volume ratio of coupon specimens mean that they corrode at faster rate proportional to their mass, greatly reducing testing times. The small scale of the specimens allows them to be more easily prepared and handled, loaning them to mass manufacturing techniques.A previous study conducted by Vandermaat et al (2012b) into the use of three- and four-point coupon testing in-situ in an underground coal mine failed to result in SCC of the specimens. This paper serves as a follow up laboratory investigation in order to understand why these specimens did not fail. Previous studies into the SCC in rockbolts carried out by Gamboa and Atrens (2003) determined that rockbolt steel has a critical stress threshold of approximately 90% of the material ultimate tensile strength (800-900MPa). This study will focus on this critical stress threshold as a possible explanation for the lack of failure in the in-situ specimens (Vandermaat, 2012b)."

Jan 1, 2015

By L. Chunpongtong

The Athabasca oil sands mineable resource is located in northeastern Alberta, Canada. In oil sands mining, the ore zone is regulated to have a minimum mining thickness of 3 m and a cutoff grade of 7 wt.%. The current algorithm that is widely used to flag ore zones and waste zones tends to overestimate oil reserves and causes low-grade ore to be processed. This paper presents the development of a more complex algorithm that is more representative of the actual oil found during operations and that can prevent low-grade ore from being sent for processing.

Jan 1, 2014