Annual Meeting 2009 Technical Program

Technical Program
Monday, February 23
DRYER LECTURE
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Lecturer: Stephen Leary “The Fruta Del Norte Epithermal Gold-Silver Discovery, S.E. Ecuador”

Afternoon

design method was proposed based on extensive U.S. field measurements which accounted for confinement effects. Measurements in seven U.S. seams indicated highest strength for Utah mines where the coal seam developed high confining stresses. Lower strength was measured in structurally controlled seams. This method is expanded to include data from weaker tertiary coal measure rocks and lower confinement for pillars with low width-to-height ratios. How much load a pillar is expected to take is partially dependent on the ability of overburden to transfer load laterally; this is useful for panel width selection and barrier pillar size where long-term stability is required. In caving systems, strata caving is influenced by geologic, mining and stress conditions and the released energy influences pillar reaction at loads approaching pillar strengths. Overburden deformation and caving mechanisms are analyzed in this paper in multi-panel extractions to enhance the understanding of load transfer, seismicity and coal bump control.

2:45 PM Coal Mine Burst Prevention Controls A. Iannacchione1 and S. Tadolini2; 1University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA and 2Minova Americas, Georgetown, KY
Coal mine bursts have represented a major hazard for U.S. mining operations for more than 90 years. During this time, many prevention controls have been developed and tested. This paper reviews 11 prevention control techniques. Although coal mine bursts are not common events in most underground coal mines, their occurrence almost always requires a change in mining practice. Over the many years of dealing with these hazards, specialized requirements for layouts and novel extraction sequences have been developed on a site specific basis. The keys to mitigating risks are to properly assess the coal burst hazards and to possess the knowledge and skills to prevent or remediate their occurrence.

3:05 PM Comparison of the Mark-Bieniawski and Wilson Pillar Equations Using Site Specific Data V. Scovazzo; John T. Boyd Co., Richlands, WA
This paper compares the two most common pillar design equations used worldwide by John T. Boyd Company; the Mark-Bieniawski Equation, an empirical approach, and the Wilson Equation, an analytical approach. The equations are compared by their stress profiles and by the Mark-Bieniawski Equation stability factor. Contrasting the two equations based on the visual comparison of their stress profiles is straight forward but evaluating their resulting pillar designs is problematic. Complications arise due to the differences between the use and development of stability factors for empirical equations and safety factors for analytical equations. To work around these differences, comparisons are made between the two equations by calculating pillar sizes using the Wilson Equation and then determining the Mark-Bieniawski Equation stability factor for these pillars. Pillars designed using the Wilson Equation were based on site-specific data from 23 mines located in the Americas and Australia. Comparing pillar size designed by the Wilson Equation to the Mark-Bieniawski Equation; the Wilson Equation pillar sizes were smaller in 77% of the cases, similar in 3%, and larger in 20% of the cases.

Coal & Energy: The Best of Ground Control
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: S.Tadolini, NIOSH - Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
2:05 PM Evaluation of a Multiple Seam Interaction Coal Pillar Bump M. Gauna1 and S. Phillipson2; 1MSHA, Pittsburgh, PA and 2MSHA, Pittsburgh, PA
An evaluation and analysis of a coal pillar bump in a West Virginia mine indicated that the bump occurred because of the unique combination of controlling factors. The pillar’s development stability factor of 2.6, based on Mark-Bieniawski strength and tributary loading, would typically indicate an adequate pillar size for longterm main entries. A combination of multiple-seam mining geometry and geological conditions resulted in stress concentration leading to the coal pillar bump. No high extraction mining had been performed in the area and the overlying works appeared to have adequate stability factors. However, it was interpreted that long-term flooding had softened the overlying pillar system and rendered all but the largest pillars ineffective. Contributing factors include large overlying pillars transmitting stress through the approximately 60 ft of interburden and the failed pillar’s location at a transition in the immediate roof from shale to hard, massive sandstone; mining of the pillar smaller than surrounding pillars in an attempt to avoid the channel; high overburden of 1,100 ft; and the pillar’s position in the bottom of a trough within the coal horizon.

3:25 PM A First Step in Developing Standing Roof Support Design Criteria Based on Ground Reaction Data for Pittsburgh Seam Longwall Tailgate Support T. Barczak, G. Esterhuizen and J. Ellenberger; NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Roof support systems are designed for roof control to prevent unplanned falls. It sounds logical and has been the conventional thinking in support design since supports were first installed. In order to determine which support system should be used or which would be the most effective, the degree of control provided by the support system must be known. This question embodies the concept of a ground response curve, which is a measure of support control by assessment of the convergence in the mine entry as a function of the support capacity. In this NIOSH study to optimize standing roof support design, ground response curves were developed for longwall tailgate conditions from numerical models of Pittsburgh Coal Seam geology. The models were calibrated against tailgate convergence measurements that were made in two Pittsburgh Coal Seam mines as the depth of cover varied during the panel extraction. Ground response curves were developed for loading conditions including development, side abutment, front abutment near the longwall face, and full extraction inby the face. In general, the tailgate convergence and required support capacity increase through each of these loading stages.

2:25 PM The In-Situ Pillar Strength and Overburden Stability in U.S. Mines H. Maleki; Maleki Technologies, Inc., Spokane, WA
Prudent design of coal pillars requires an estimation of in-situ pillar strength, overburden lateral load transfer capability, and a failure criterion. A new pillar

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Construction Materials & Aggregates: Urban Mining
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: K. Oakes, Olson Explosives, Inc., Decorah, IA
2:05 PM “Big Multi-Seam Happenings in Northeast, Iowa” – A Story of Vision, Development, and Working Together to Break Ground on a New Greenfield Operation K. Oakes2 and S. Krivachek1; 1Olson Explosives, Inc., Decorah, IA and 2 Operations, CJ Moyna & Sons / Moyna materials, Elkader, IA
In January of 2007, CJ Moyna & Sons of Elkader, IA, in a joint / team development concept with Pattison Sand Company of Clayton, IA broke ground and began development of a large dual resource; surface, industrial sand / aggregate operation near the communities of Clayton and Frenchtown on the banks of the Mississippi River in Clayton County, Iowa. The operation is made up of multiple commercially marketable quality members of limestone, dolostone, and industrial grade sandstone at a current development depth of 200 feet. The finished industrial sand product is being shipped by rail to Oklahoma, Texas, and Canada. The limestone/dolostone is being produced and marketed as a high quality Iowa DOT approved concrete aggregate, shipped by both rail and truck to end use customers, one of which is the largest concrete paving project that was let by the State of Iowa in 2007.

Environmental: Environmental Management, International
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: P. Acker, Goldcorp, Englewood, CO
2:05 PM External Codes and Corporate Credibility J. Allan; Goldcorp, Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada
The rise of NGOs, and the more activist nature of civil society in general, has lead to the development of a number of codes and similar external instruments. Some of these, such as the International Cyanide Code, are aimed specifically at the mining industry. Others, such as the UN Global Compact, are much more general in nature, but are being used to measure performance in the industry. With increasing pressure from external entities, how do companies choose which codes to adopt, and how do they achieve successful implementation? Goldcorp has successfully used both the top-down approach and bottom-up approach in implementing key external codes across the Group.

2:25 PM Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Implementation, Los Filos Mining Project, Mexico A. Sierra; Minero Los Filos, Mezcala, Mexico
The Los Filos Project is located in mountainous terrain in the State of Guerrero, southern Mexico. The average annual precipitation is 150 mm, most of which falls between June and September. Uncontrolled waste rock disposal during historic mining activity has resulted in erosion and the sedimentation of streams within the Los Filos Project area. Disturbance from exploration activities in the terrain has also caused erosion. In 2006 project construction was initiated, increasing the area of disturbance at the site. As part of the environmental assessment and environmental management planning for the project, the need for site-wide surface water management and sediment control plans was identified. During the 2007 rainy season high intensity storms resulted in the movement of large quantities of sediment from the historic and new disturbance of the site, emphasizing the need to implement these plans. This paper will discuss the implementation of a site wide erosion control program at Los Filos, focusing on the short-term measures used for establishing “source control” prior to the 2008 rainy season.

2:25 PM The Start Up and Operation of a Greenfield “State of the Art” Frac Sand Facility in an Environmentally Conscious Community R. Budinger; Production / Operations, Wisconsin Industrial Sand / Fairmount Industrial Minerals, Menomonie, WI
This paper will describe our business and markets with a brief introduction, describing Fairmount Minerals Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Commitment, leading to a Discussion on the evolution of the Blasting Program. It will explain how Fairmounts philosophy and reputation as a leader in the Industrial Minerals Marketplace has helped during public hearings We intend to give an update on the project operations as it stands today with photos; etc. We will discuss the LEED Certification for the Office and Shop Facilities. We intend to discuss some of the incentives we are anticipating through the “Focus on Energy” Program for the installation of high efficiency motors and VFDs.

2:45 PM Implementation of the International Cyanide Code at Goldcorp Inc.’s Marlin Mine in Guatemala P. Hughes-Hallett; Montana Exploradora de Guatemala, S.A., Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
The Marlin Mine is a gold mining and milling operation located in Guatemala approximately 120 kilometers northwest of the capital, Guatemala City. Goldcorp Inc. became signatory to the International Cyanide Management Code (the Code) in June 2007 and Goldcorp’s Marigold Mine became the first mine certified under the code. The Marlin Mine received the third party Gap Analysis in May, 2008 in anticipation of the formal audit for certification scheduled for late 2008. Cyanide Code certification includes some special challenges in Guatemala such as the incountry availability of adequately trained and serviced transportation contractors. This paper will describe the special challenges faced during the Cyanide Code certification process and their subsequent resolution.

2:45 PM Programmable Electronic Detonators - Not Just for Vibration Control K. Oakes and D. Wenzel; Olson Explosives, Inc., Decorah, IA
Since the introduction of programmable electronic detonators in the late 1990’s, most operators have viewed them as a tool to assist them in reducing the effects of blast induced vibrations, however, they have been proven to show significant additional benefits throughout the entire crushing ans srenneing circuit, as well as allowing the respective operators shoot larger shots less frequently, additionally adding to their “bottom line” with reduced downtime due to blast frequency. This paper will discuss the various “non-traditional” benefits seen through the incorporation of programmable electronic detonators, and why.

3:05 PM Minimizing Risk in Urban Quarries (Two Case Studies) W. Reisz1, J. Goldberg2 and S. Zadra-Goldberg3; 1Davey Bickford USA, Huntingburg, IN; 2Lehigh-Hanson / Heidelberg Cement Group, Thorton, IL and 3Engineered Dimensions, Inc.Cement Group, Buford, GA
Early recognition and risk assessment is critical to sustaining a safe and productive blasting operation. While every blasting environment holds inherent risk, highwall blasting in highly congested areas such as Hanson Heidelberg Cement’s Romeoville and Thornton quarries in the south Chicago area can be particularly perilous. At Romeoville, 140 foot highwalls face Illinois Route 53. The Thornton Quarry straddles Interstate 80, one of the busiest highways in North America. Areas with severely dipping bedding planes, vertical fractures and solution cavities add to the risk and contribute to the complexity of the blast design. Although public and personnel safety is always the primary concern, vibration and production levels must also be considered. Rock modeling is accomplished through 3D laser modeling and borehole path probes. Blast plans include the use of digital detonators for energy control and design flexibility. Although many of the problems have deep rooted cause and effect, often it’s the simple solution that works best. This paper will describe some of the challenges faced, as well as the collaborative processes and techniques used to address these critical areas.

3:05 PM A Risk-Based Approach to the Development of Wildlife Monitoring Programs at Gold Mine Tailings Facilities N. Overdevest; Goldcorp Mexico, Durango, Mexico
A risk-based approach to wildlife monitoring on tailings dams is a holistic and systematic approach that is different to traditional monitoring programs. It considers all aspects of a facility, including design, size, location and habitat provisions and uses this information, in conjunction with characteristics and behaviours of species known to frequent the site, to determine potential impacts (risks). Based on this information, management strategies to minimise or eliminate these risks can be developed in a cost effective and practical manner. The riskbased approach can also be used to address requirements of the International Cyanide Management Code which requires the monitoring of wildlife to be conducted in a uniform and consistent manner.

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3:25 PM Environmental Legislation in Mexico H. Perez; Goldcorp México, Durango, Mexico
Traditionally environmental legislation in Mexico has been considered as being deficient when compared to international legislation. However, over the last few years; laws, regulations and official rules have been updated and developed as a means of bringing environmental management in-line with international standards. Mexico’s new Waste Law and rules for operating tailings dams, as well as the new form of managing mining industry agreements during the closure process, demonstrate the progression and new form in which environmental administration is being carried out within Mexico.

Environmental: Microbial Technologies: Assessment, Treatment and Passivation
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: L. Figueroa, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2:05 PM Geochemical Stabilization of Mining Impacts Through Biotransformation of Iron Minerals J. Gillow1, J. Horst2 and A. Getahun1; 1ARCADIS U.S., Inc., Highlands Ranch, CO and 2ARCADIS U.S., Inc., Newtown, PA
The treatment of inorganics associated with mining residuals requires that equal consideration be given to the solid phases as to the aqueous phases. Because of its chemical nature and relative abundance, the role of iron in controlling the mobility of many inorganics is significant. One way in which iron can be harnessed is through the biologically-mediated transformation of iron within and downgradient of an in-situ anaerobic treatment zone. This involves a variety of possible mineral transformations, but of primary importance are the formation of fresh iron sulfides within the anaerobic zone, and the formation of fresh oxyhydroxides in the downgradient area. This can rely on biogeochemical transformation of natural iron present in aquifer soil and available sulfate, but can also be engineered with a supplemental source of iron. The in-situ precipitation of insoluble forms of uranium can be accomplished under anaerobic and reducing conditions, but a critical component to this approach is the creation of excess reductive poise (through the concurrent mineralization of iron sulfides) to buffer the environment over the long term and mitigate reoxidation of the precipiated uranium.

3:45 PM Wildlife Monitoring at Goldcorp’s San Dimas Mines, Mexico M. Rivas Garcia; Goldcorp México Distrito San Dimas, Tayoltita, Mexico
The San Dimas Mining District, located in the Sierra Madre mountain range and approximately 125km from the Pacific coast, has been the site of mining activities for over 100 years. Because mining activities commenced prior to the establishment of environmental regulation, very little to no information has been available on the district’s fauna. Recently, a wildlife monitoring program has been developed to meet the requirements of the Goldcorp’s corporate Cyanide Management Standard. This has been the catalyst for expanding the monitoring program to other areas of the district to develop an understanding of the district’s local fauna. The gathering of this information has been a useful tool not only in improving the understanding of the functioning of the local environment but also in raising the awareness and interest towards the protection and care of local species within the local community.

4:05 PM Rescue Program for Flora, Fauna and Topsoil, Peñasquito Project, Mexico R. Martínez; Minera Peñasquito S.A. de C.V., Saltillo, Mexico
The Peñasquito Project is a proposed open pit gold, silver, lead and zinc mine located in Zacatecas State, Mexico. The project is under construction with full production planned for late 2009. This will be a cornerstone project for Goldcorp and, at 130,000 tonnes per day, will be one of the largest mines in Mexico. The mine life of the project is currently 19 years. In October 2006, prior to the initiation of construction, the flora, fauna and topsoil rescue program began at the Peñasquito Project. The rescue program included the use of GIS, a 34-man crew, and specialized techniques for the rescue, transport and transplant of flora, topsoil excavation and storage, and live capture and release of wildlife. To date a million cubic meters of topsoil have been salvaged and 500,000 plants (including 10,000 protected species) have been transplanted for future use during reclamation and closure activities. In addition 450 species of wildlife have been relocated. This paper will describe the rescue program and the ongoing challenges of staying ahead of construction and changes in the mine plan.

2:25 PM Performance of Ethanol Fed Sulfate Reducing Bioreactors for Metal Removal from Mining Influenced Water C. Venot; Environmental Science and Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
The use of ethanol as an organic substrate for sulfate reducing bioreactors has some advantages over solid phase organic matter typically used in SRBRs. Ethanol is well suited to mining influenced water (MIW) treatment because is is relative inexpensive, does not freeze and targets growth of sulfate reducing bacteria directly. Pilot-scale evaluation of a pair of ethanol fed SRBRs has demonstrated two years of successful removal of dissolved metals.

2:45 PM Preventing Pyrite Oxidation: A Geomicrobial Strategy for Source Control of Acid Mine Drainage J. Silverstein1, H. Rajaram2 and J. Jenkins3; 1CEAE, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; 2CEAE, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO and 3Geomatrix Consultants, Inc., Denver, CO
This research project is a study of the feasibility of using carbon substrate addition for in-situ bioremediation of acid mine drainage. The coupling of microbial community composition and fundamental biogeochemistry at the rock-water interface with flow and transport processes through waste rock formations was studied in laboratory experiments at scales of a single rock fragment and wasterock columns. Addition of glucose resulted in a shift in the dominant bacterial populations from autotrophic to heterotrophic metabolism reducing oxygen availabe for iron oxidation, decreasing soluble iron, acidity, sulfur and metal leaching. We also investigated the influence of hydrologic variables (e.g. formation saturation conditions, water detention time) and rock properties (e.g. porosity) on the effectiveness of stimulating heterotrophic bacterial growth to inhibit AMD generation.

4:25 PM Environmental Management Systems as Policy Instruments: A Comparative Case Study of Mining and Metallurgy in the Kola Peninsula and the Gulf of Bothnia O. Salmi; Helsinki University of Technology, Lahti Center, Lahti, Finland
This article analyzes the role of environmental management systems (EMS) in coaligning corporate strategy with public policy for effective environmental governance. By comparing two case studies from the mining and metallurgical industry, the article shows how EMSs enable strategic fit in radically different political contexts. The first case looks at the Russian Kola Peninsula where during the past 15 years emerging EMSs in the mining industry have come to fill the void created by reduced government intervention in environmental issues. In contrast, the second case looks at the metallurgical industry around the Gulf of Bothnia between Finland and Sweden. In this case, the presence of strong public environmental policy requires a continuous renegotiation of the role of corporate environmental management, particularly with respect to carbon emissions and material recovery. On the basis of the case studies, we develop a set of key criteria for EMSs to function as mediators between strategy and policy. These criteria are based on both novel regulatory solutions and the recognition of stakeholder salience in EMS design.

3:05 PM Pore-scale Rate Model of Acid Rock Drainage Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology B. Andre, H. Rajaram, J. Silverstein and T. Yacob; CEAE, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Two key reactions of acid rock drainage (ARD) formation are oxidation of pyrite by ferric iron and oxidation of ferrous iron. Both are rate controlled processes affected by pH, oxygen, and the growth rate of iron-oxidizing bacteria. Laboratory studies of the kinetics of microbial and chemical reactions were conducted and data fitted to rate expressions by a non-linear regression method. Kinetic parameters, equilibrium chemistry conditions, and oxygen transport rates were combined to develop a pseudo-homogeneous (continuous stirred tank reactor) model of ARD generation at the pore scale. Model calculations suggest that the rate-limiting step in ARD generation is oxidation of pyrite by ferric iron, when

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oxygen diffusion is not limited. The model will be expanded to include inhibition of ARD by organic substrate additon to promote the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and competition for oxygen.

Industrial Minerals: Impact of China on Industrial Minerals
2:30 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: F. Heivilin, HGPS LLC.,Thomasville, GA
2:35 PM Effects of China’s Export Policies on World Fluorspar Supplies and Prices M. Miller; Minerals Information Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA
China’s increased production and exports of fluorspar, particularly in the 1980s and early 1990s, put tremendous downward pressure on world fluorspar prices. Chinese producers, owing to lower production costs and intense internal competition, sold fluorspar on world markets at significantly lower prices than could be matched by fluorspar miners in other countries. This resulted in fluorspar mine closures in traditional fluorspar producing areas in Europe, Mexico, and South Africa. (Most U.S. fluorspar mines had already succumbed to lower-cost Mexican producers in the 1970s.) With the installation of an export license and quota system, prices increased, but for many fluorspar miners it was too late. As a result, when China began reducing its exports, there were no fluorspar producers with the capacity to make up for the decreased supplies of high-quality acidspar to the world markets. This resulted in rising acidspar prices (c.i.f., U.S. Gulf of Mexico), which have increased from an average of $135 per metric ton in 2001 to an estimated $350 per metric ton in 2008.

3:25 PM Removal of Sr (II) From Aqueous Solutions by Using Bentonite as Natural Adsorbent S. Nikfar1, S. Milani2 and S. Mirhakimi1; 1Chemical engineering, Arak Azad university, Tehran, Iran and 2Nuclear Science Research School, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran, Tehran, Iran
In the present study, the ability of bentonite (clay,as natural adsorbent) to remove strontium ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated. Batch method was carried out during adsorption process. The effect of various parameters such as contact time, initial concentration, PH, particle size and existence of competing metal ions has been studied. Kinetic of adsorption showed that the uptake of strontium ions is very rapid during first thirty minutes and equilibrium time is independent of initial strontium concentration. Simple kinetic and thermodynamic models have been applied to the rate and isotherm sorption data and the relevant kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were determined from the graphical presentation of these models. Keywords: modeling; Kinetics; Thermodynamics; Sorption; bentonite; batch operations.

3:45 PM Concurrent Removal of Zinc and Manganese in Sulfate Reducing Bioreactors A. Gilbert1 and L. Figueroa2; 1Colorado School of Mines, Westminster, CO and 2Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
The removal of zinc and manganese in passive treatment systems typically requires at least two sequential treatment processes: an anaerobic sulfate reducing system followed by an aerobic polishing system. Reduced manganese typically passes through sulfate reducing system untreated. Manganese can be removed concurrently with zinc in anaerobic environments but requires specific environmental conditions that are not well understood. A laboratory study using crab scrap (the leftover material of crab processing) and synthetic mine water demonstrated greater than 90% removal of manganese concurrently with greater than 99% zinc removal. The study was conducted in column test analysis using crab scrap as the only organic substrate and inoculum for sulfate reducing bioreactors. The data suggest that two key components for concurrent zinc and manganese removal under sulfate reducing conditions are elevated calcium and alkalinity concentrations. The ability to use a single passive treatment system both zinc and manganese removal will result in a significant reduction in required land area.

2:55 PM Palygorskite (attapulgite) in Central China H. Murray; Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
The largest reserves of palygorskite in the world are located in Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces in East Central China. The deposits are Middle Miocene in age and range from 3 to 6 m in thickness. The deposits are the alteration product of basaltic volcanic ash. The Chinese Geological Survey estimates reserves in excess of 200 million tons. The elongate particle shape results in unique colloidal properties. Large quantities are exported to Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Australia and to the West and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. The markets include agricultural carriers, paint, joint tape compounds, animal feed binders, catalyst support, salt water drilling muds, and suspending agents for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and medicines. The viscosities are high and the quartz content is generally 5% or less.

3:15 PM Affect of Chinese Sales on U. S. Purchases Since 1979 F. Heivilin; President, HGPS LLC., Thomasville, GA

GEM: LET’S ALL WORK TOGETHER: WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chairs: Angie Harmon, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. J. Steven Gardner, Engineeering Consulting Survey, Norman, OK
Hear from individuals from government, industry, non-profit and trade associations about the improtance of working effectively with “the government”. Realize the value of interacting with different forms of government, equipping you with the skills necessary to form effective public and private partnerships across functions.

In 1979 the Chinese sold 24,000 of 267,000 tons of calcined 80% alumina bauxite used by the United States for refractories. In 1980 China sold 111,000 of 363,000 tons purchased. However, by 1984, China supplied 78,000 of 190,00 tons. Guyana has lost 42% of its sales to the U.S. and the price has dropped from $172/ton in 1980 to $121 in 1985. China was selling bauxite for $77 in 1985. China had 62% of market in 1985. Surinam dropped out of the refractory bauxite market in the United States. Within the United States C. E. Minerals had by 1985 gained control of the Harbison Walker, A. P. Green, Wilson Snead, Grefco, and Eufaula Bauxite mining deposits in the Eufaula area for making 60 and 70% alumina calcined bauxite. The fall in refractories production in the early 1980’s contributed to the chinese take over of the market.The combining of the refractories companies was a result of the lower demand for refractories in the United States. By 2007 production was back up to 282,000 tons with Brazil 93,000 tons. Guyana 36,000 tons, and China 118,000 tons. Surinam is out of the picture as it has been almost since the start of Chinese sales to the United States. This is a big change.

3:35 PM Bentonite and the Global Economy D. Eisenhour; Amcol International, Arlington Heights, IL
Over the past decade global growth has fueled demand for a wide range of mineral-based commodities; bentonite is no exception. Oil, steel, and infrastructure development have been particularly important in driving bentonite demand. The way in which these markets are inter-related and the central role of China as both a producer and a consumer will be discussed.

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3:50 PM China’s Impact on Drilling Grade Barite W. Miles; Miles Industrial Mineral Research, Denver, CO
When China first entered the barite export market in the 1970s, their extremely low pricing and ocean transport to the Gulf Coast caused many barite producers in the USA and the world to close mining operations. The major commodity market and value for barite increased rapidly since 2003 with the drilling boom to meet increased demand for oil and gas. While China is primarily a world exporter of barite, it is consuming more internally, reflecting high growth rates in both their economy and drilling activities. Because of the world shortage of barite for drilling and increased pricing, USA barite producers are reopening mines. Barite with a minimum API density of 4.20 is scarce. The API reviewed the physical properties of 4.10 density barite and is proposing new barite drilling specifications in order to provide new sources and reopen depleted mines. Only 4.10 density barite is available in the Rocky Mountain region for oil and gas drilling.

consensus exists among the mining emergency response community that there is a lack of comprehensive training facilities as well as a need for broader and more real-life training scenarios for mine rescue teams. Many new teams are being formed that must be trained for mine rescue, for team competitions and they must be ready to respond to any kind of mine emergency including a fire or explosion, a massive roof collapse, or mine inundation. This paper presents a summary of domestic and international mine rescue training facilities and identifies those that provide unique, real-life, and/or state-of-the-art training. In order to provide effective and consistent training for all mine rescue teams and incident command personnel, better training facilities are required.

2:45 PM Investigation into Dust Exposures and Mining Practices in Mines in the Southern Appalachian Region D. Pollock and J. Potts; RHCB, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Recent trends have shown an increase of rapidly progressive coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) in the southern Appalachian region (SAR) of the U.S. mining industry despite these miners working under the current dust standards. The exact cause of these elevated CWP levels in the SAR has not been established but several factors may be contributing. The mining of high rank coal is known to lead to higher CWP rates, and this type of coal is mined in a portion of this region. Also, a high fraction of the mines in the region are on reduced standards because of silica and miners may be exposed to an excessive amount of silica dust. Overexposure to silica dust can lead to silicosis, another disabling and potentially fatal lung disease. NIOSH’s Respiratory Hazards Control Branch has been investigating the possible causes of this trend by analyzing MSHA’s compliance-sampling data base, reviewing MSHA ventilation plans and inspector reports, and conducting dust surveys in targeted mines to identify dust control methods, operating conditions, and mining practices. This publication presents the findings of this research effort to date.

4:10 PM Competing with China in Rare Earth Exploration and Production C. Cox; The Anchor House, Inc., Evanston, IL
Rare Earth Elements (REE) are critical in high-tech applications for computers, healthcare, energy, lighting, and the military. They are essential ingredients in 25% of new technology applications. Yet China currently controls over 95% of world production of REE. Because of China’s dominant control and rapidly increasing internal consumption, there is a significant push by the industry to find and produce rare earth deposits outside of China. It will be difficult to compete with the Chinese REE industry because of its: *Low-cost production *Diverse REE resources – both light and heavy rare earths *Robust rare earth manufacturing base *Tightly controlled export quotas and tariffs *Less stringent environmental standards *Huge stockpile of REEs (in high REE tailings pond) Many rare earth projects outside of China are advanced and plan to come to production between 2009-2012. China says it welcomes these new projects because it will allow it to conserve its own resources. The next few years will be critical to gage how new participants and established forces navigate the complex rare earth market.

3:05 PM The Impact of Surface Features above Underground Mines on Emergency Response N. Lowe and F. Varley; NIOSH, Spokane, WA

Mine Safety & Occupational Health Symposium I
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: T. Camm, NIOSH, Spokane,WA
2:05 PM Effects of High Air Velocity on Conveyor Belt Fire Suppression Systems J. Rowland1, H. Verakis3, A. Smith2 and M. Hockenberry4; 1Disaster Prevention and Response Branch, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 2Disaster Prevention and Response Branch, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 3Technical Support, MSHA, Triadelphia, WV and 4Technical Support, MSHA, Triadelphia, WV
Four different types of fire suppression systems were tested in a large-scale fire tunnel; water sprinkler, deluge water spray, and 2 different types of dry chemical fire suppression systems. The large-scale fire tests were conducted using 72-in wide fire resistant rubber belt. Each fire suppression system was tested at a midrange air velocity of 500–550 fpm and a high-range air velocity of 1300–1500 fpm. A minimum of 2 tests were conducted at the mid and high range for each fire suppression system. Both of the water-based fire suppression systems were able to suppress the fire to the point that a miner could extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. The dry chemical suppression systems produced mixed results. Dry chemical suppression system A did not suppress the conveyor belt fire at either the mid-range or the high-rang air velocity. Dry chemical system B suppressed the fire at mid-range air velocity but produced mixed results at the high-range air velocity. Details are presented on the large-scale fire test set up, arrangement of the fire suppression systems, and conclusions regarding the influence of air velocity on fire suppression system design and performance.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane Research Lab (SRL), investigated a means to evaluate the potential impact of surface conditions above underground mines on emergency response activities. Recent events have highlighted the need to conduct critical emergency operations on the surface above underground work areas. Accessibility and usability of the surface, such as the ability to drill holes or deploy seismic monitoring or through the earth communications systems, are an important consideration for emergency response planning. This paper identifies critical surface conditions such as, surface waters, valley fill, highways, railroads and significant structures that must be considered in emergency response planning and in the conduct of emergency operations as they relate to the seismic detection of trapped underground miners.

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Advances in Operating Control and Maintenance
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: R. Magnuson, FMI,Thatcher, AZ
2:05 PM New Developments in Flow and Pipe Management Capabilities through New Velocity Profile Measurement and Pipe Wall Wear Monitoring Instrumentation C. O’Keefe1, R. Maron1, M. Fernald1, T. Bailey1 and A. van der Spek2; 1 CiDRA, Wallingford, CT and 2ZDOOR, Rotterdam, Netherlands
New developments in the non-invasive and real-time measurement of the velocity profile of slurry flow in horizontal pipes will be described. This information can be used to determine the approach and onset of solid deposition on the bottom of the pipe. Having this information in real time can enable operation at lower velocities and/or higher solids concentration while avoiding solids deposition or plugging and its associated operational costs. In addition, advances have been made in the measurement and trending of pipe wear on slurry lines. In contrast to manual methods, CiDRA’s system uses a permanently or semi-permanently installed ring of conformable ultrasonic transducers clamped onto the outside of the pipe. These transducers are used to measure the thickness of the pipe under their respective locations. This results in better repeatability, accuracy, and failure prediction, along with reduced labor costs. The benefit is significantly improved pipe wear monitoring in pipelines with abrasive solids. This provides an improvement in the ability to insure safe operation and avoidance of costly operational and environmental damage due to leaks caused by pipe wear.

2:25 PM A Global Inventory of Mine Rescue Training Facilities – Compendium of Ideas to Improve Training S. Bealko1, D. Alexander1, D. Grayson2 and L. Chasko1; 1Disaster Prevention and Response Branch, NIOSH PRL, Pittsburgh, PA and 2 Department of Energy & Mineral Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
In response to recent mining disasters and new mine rescue team legislation, NIOSH researchers conducted meetings across the U.S. with mine emergency response experts to investigate current needs and issues. A unanimous

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2:25 PM Dynamic Simulation of Grinding Circuits as an Aid for the Diagnosis of Hydrocyclone Malfunction C. Bazin; Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
Most of the grinding circuits are operated in the presence of disturbances such as ore changes and equipment malfunctions. One of the challenges faced by the operators is to detect the presence of a disturbance, to identify its origin and to take an action to correct the problem. Hydrocyclones play a strategic role in the performance of a grinding circuit and their operation may be hampered by several problems. A dynamic simulator for grinding circuits was developed to help in creating a tool box to assist the operators in rapidly identifying the source of a disturbance particularly in the case of hydrocyclones. The simulator accounts for the available instruments in a circuit and typical measurement noise produced by the sensors. Trends produced by the sensors and results of regular manual sampling are used to identify the disturbances in parallel of the simulator operation. Since different disturbances may exhibit similar signatures (change of % solids, pump speed, final product D80…) in a noisy environment, it is only possible to attribute a probability of realization of disturbance, which can however be helpful for allowing a fast pinpointing of the source of a problem.

3:25 PM How to Increase Plant Performance with Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems L. Hales, M. Hales, C. Burbidge and D. Collins; KnowledgeScape, Salt Lake City, UT
In the minerals industry we have been using expert systems to increase plant throughput rates and recovery for over thirty years now. Plant improvements, although significant, by-in-large have plateaued. A historical review of how artificial intelligence has been used will be reviewed along with the reasons performance has plateaued. Understanding the reasons improvements have plateaued points us in new directions and newer artificial intelligence concepts and methods to once again step up plant performance from the best performing expert systems in use today.

3:45 PM Using the Classifiers to Improve Energy Efficiencies of Grinding Circuits A. Mainza; Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Comminution consumes most of the energy in concentrator operations. Energy consumption increases significantly in circuits where fine grinding is required. Comminution circuits closed with classifiers are commonly practised in the minerals industry to control the product size. The energy consumption in closed circuit applications has a strong dependence on the operation of the classifier. For circuits designed to produce a finer product at moderately low throughputs single stage closed circuit operations have an advantage. In this type of circuit the key to minimising energy consumption is operating with a low circulating rate of fine material. The long history of using closed circuit single stage has shown encouraging energy utilisation results and this may become more important with the global high energy demands. Like any closed circuit, the relative merits of single stage circuits are closely associated with the design and operation of the classifier. Improvements in fine screening technology will provide an opportunity to further reduce the circulation of fine material in comminution circuits leading to improved energy utilisation and to operate at increased throughputs.

2:45 PM The Effect of Demagnetizing Coil on Hydrocyclone Performance S. Ersayin1 and R. Strukel2; 1Coleraine Minerals Research Lab, University of Minnesota, Coleraine, MN and 2Minorca Plant, ArcelorMittal, Virginia, MN
Use of magnetic separators prior to hydrocyclone operation causes magnetite particles flocculate. These particles end up in the underflow and are unnecessarily circulated back to the ball mill. A plant scale study was conducted to investigate the effect of demagnetizing coil to alleviate this problem. The coil was installed in one of the lines. Hydrocyclone feed and product streams were sampled while demagnetizing coil was on and off. The sampling survey was repeated for three different cyclone operating pressures within a short period of time to eliminate fluctuations due to cyclone wear. Size distribution and size by size magnetic iron content of samples were determined. Then, partition curves were constructed to compare the two data sets representing each cyclone operating pressure conditions with and without demagnetizing coil. Each set of cyclone data was fitted to a model and used in plant simulations Findings of this study will be presented in the paper.

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: New Projects/New Opportunities
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: J. Lommen, Consultant, Socorro, NM
2:05 PM Evaluation of Novel Clay Depressants in Iron Ore Flotation D. Tao1, X. Zhou1, J. Hines2 and D. Kennedy2; 1Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and 2Georgia-Pacific Resins, Inc., Decatur, GA
The reverse cationic flotation is the most widely utilized flotation method for concentrating iron ore. In such a process quartz is often floated with ether amines (R–(OCH2)3–NH2) partially neutralized with acetic acid. However, it is well known that the cationic flotation of hematite does not work well if much slime is present. To improve flotation performance, starch is often added to the flotation feed to selectively flocculate and depress the iron minerals and sodium silicate is used to disperse the silica gangue. The present study was conducted to improve the flotation efficiency of iron flotation by use of a new type of depressant for clay and iron minerals, i.e., GP clay binder. The GP clay binder minimizes slime adsorption on quartz and hematite particles by agglomerating clay particles to reduce their surface area. It also helps depress hematite flotation due to its unique chelating ability to iron ion. It has been demonstrated that the combined use of GP clay binder and starch improved concentrate grade from 60.8% to 67.1% and increased iron recovery from 72.0% to 78.2% while the collector dosage was reduced significantly.

3:05 PM General Repair Improvement Process C. Asgaard1, R. Phelps3 and T. Feller2; 1Shared Services, ClevelandCliffs, Ishpeming, MI; 2continuous Improvement, cleveland Cliffs, Ishpeming, MI and 3Consultant, Sinclair and Associates, Knoxville, TN
The Empire concentrator was built in four stages, with the latest most cost effective stage accounting for 50% of the overall plant capacity. This was the target area for this Project. Prior to the project, availability of the target mills decreased to 68% with general repairs taking an average of 14 days to complete. This paper discusses the improvement process that decreased the repair time significantly, while increasing overall line availability. These improvements permitted sideling less efficient equipment providing cost savings in the millions, while still making budgeted product. Specific areas of improvement are reviewed, including, work identification, planning, repair definition, scheduling-(CCPM), lining prep, work execution, post repair analysis, and process improvement.

2:25 PM More Efficient Leaching: Using Controlled Source-Frequency Domain Magnetics to Optimize Solution Distribution V. Kofoed; Willowstick Technologies, Draper, UT
This paper considers an emerging method for rapidly determining the distribution of leaching solution in a heap. The procedure, which uses Controlled SourceFrequency Domain Magnetics, begins with the insertion of electrodes into the heap structure. The resulting electrical current naturally gathers in the most conductive zones (i.e., the most saturated areas of the heap). This current emits a magnetic field (Biot-Savart Law), which can be captured by a specially tuned

Photo from Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

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reciever and analyzed to determine the distribution of the solution. Properly filtered, this data supports two-dimemensional maps and three-dimensional models of the distributed solution, providing critical information in the effort to produce more uniform saturation throughout the heaped material. This paper will consider the lessons learned through the recent applications of this promising procedure.

encompasses sequential impurity removal steps before precipitation of a salable cobalt hydroxide product; the cobalt refinery entails additional base metal impurity removal steps and electrowinning, yielding a cathode with 99.8% purity. Design challenges associated with ore treatment are discussed, as is the path forward for operation and expansion.

2:45 PM Changing the Way Iron Ores are Characterised Using Automated Mineralogy A. Benedictus1, H. Horsch2 and A. Butcher1; 1Science and Technology, Intellection Corporation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia and 2Global Technical Group (Customer Service), Intellection Corporation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Over the past few decades, the implementation of automated mineralogy has been increasing within the mining industry, but iron ore has been lagging behind, mainly due to the perceived and real difficulties of differentiating economic iron oxides and hydroxides by electron beam-based instruments. This situation has been improved recently, with the development of a new iron ore capability for QEMSCAN®, which now has the capability of accurate identification and textural quantification of metallic iron, magnetite, hematite and goethite, as well as common gangue phases. Using this new information, iron ore companies are able to better monitor and optimise the quality of their feed ores and ultimate products. This paper deals with how we have overcome the challenges in the automated differentiation of iron phases, and includes several case studies from classic metallogenic provinces.

Mining & Exploration: Step Change Mine Technologies
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: S. Holmes, Freeport-McMoRan, Safford, AZ
2:05 PM Advanced Navigation in Open Pit Mines S. Holmes1 and K. Zimmerman2; 1Freeport-McMoRan, Safford, AZ and 2Novarient Technology, San Jose, CA
Advances in navigation technology are enabling high precision navigation control to be achieved in even the deepest and most remote open pit mines. New technologies, including advanced inertia navigation and ground based satelites or psuedolites have made it possible to know exactly where people and equipment are located in real-time. This presentation reviews the current state of theindustry and focuses on the expanding use of psuedolite technology in the mining industry.

2:25 PM Fragmentation Optimization - Real-Time SPLIT S. Holmes, S. Grandone and R. Dean; Freeport-McMoRan, Safford, AZ
Fragmentation within the mine is often overlooked as a critical element in the mining process. SPLIT digital fragmentation technology has been available for some time, but requires field set-up and calibration to obtain the digital photographs needed for evaluation to get a reliable size distribution of the blasted material. The Mine Technology Group (MTG) of Freeport McMoRan has developed the real-time application of SPLIT analysis to support the company’s STOMP or Sized To Optimize Mine Process program. In addtion, MTG has worked with SPLIT and P&H to improve the algorithm and auomate the process to allow the company to measure size distribution from the mining face at any time. This data is extremely valuable to D&B operations for use in determining the end results of their drill and blast design. This presentation will describe Real-Time SPLIT utilization at Freeport McMoRan and how this new technology is changing the way modern minig is done.

3:05 PM A New Process Treating and Utilizing High Alumina Limonite Ores T. Jiang, G. Li, X. Fan and M. Liu; School of Minerals Processing & Bio-engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
Large reserve of high alumina limonite ores are widely found in Indonesia, China, etc. Traditional processing processes, such as magnetic separation, flotation, magnetization roasting-magnetic separation, are difficult to separate aluminium and iron from this type of ores due to the close combination of aluminium with iron minerals. A new process—salt added roasting-magnetic separation was developed by the authors to treat and utilize the ores. By the process, a metallic iron concentrate with the iron grade above 90% and aluminium content below 1% was achieved in laboratory for a sample of 48.85% iron and 7.86%Al2O3. The recovery of iron in the concentrate was greater than 90%. This paper will involve the fundamentals and technologies of the process.

2:45 PM 3:25 PM Significance of Measured and Modeled Unsaturated Flow results in Heap Leach Materials using Large Diameter Column Tests V. Galla1, D. Van Zyl2 and S. Morrow3; 1Mining Engineer, Newmont Mining Corporation, Battle Mountain, NV; 2Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada and 3Applied Soil Water Technologies, Sparks, NV
In the present paper, two large diameter columns six feet tall and four feet diameter filled with crushed (finer) and run off mine (coarser) heap leach materials respectively were used to perform unsaturated flow studies. Instruments measuring moisture content and matric suction were placed in the columns at different depths as water was applied at calibrated flow rates from the top of the columns. The outflows from the columns were recorded using tipping bucket rain gauge placed at the bottom of the columns. Unsaturated hydraulic parameters were also obtained for the heap leach materials, scalped (passing 4.75 mm sieve size) and whole (passing 37.5 mm sieve size) sample. The measurements obtained from the columns were later compared with unsaturated flow modeling results. The comparison indicated sensitivity towards the sample size selection for unsaturated hydraulic parameters, and initial conditions considered in the model.

Collision Detection and Avoidance in Open Pit Mines S. Holmes and J. Carpenter; Freeport-McMoRan, Safford, AZ
Collision detection and avoidance in open pit mining operations has long been a difficult goal for all mining company’s. As hualage and mining equipment have grown bigger and mining operations larger the frequency of severe, and often fatal incidents from collision has increased. New technologies are now emerging that help operators avoid collisions and maintain safety. This presentation will include new generation collision avoidance technology using a combination of advanced wireless radio technology, GPS/XPS navigation control, and an effective interactive touch control screen for operators that Freeport McMoRan, in conjunction with Motorola and NIC, has produced that is being trialed at Freeport’s operations in the US.

3:05 PM LSM: A Major Breakthrough in Mass Material Transportation S. Holmes and E. Robinson; Mine Technology Group, Freeport McMoRan, Phoenix, AZ
As open pit mines mature and get deeper the cost of haulage increases enourmously forcing many company’s to consider converting to underground. Major OEM’s have helped by producing 400T class trucks, but these giant machines may not be a cost effecive solution. Standard and high-angle conveyor systems can be productive, but are capital intensive and are inflexible. LSM is a new, step-change mass material transportation technology being developed by Freeport McMoRan, in association with MagnaMotion, Inc., AKIC, LaMar Tech and others, for deep pit mining and may have underground applications as well. LSM uses the innovation of linear synronous motor technology matched with magnetics to efficiently and reliably move pendulous skips continuously out of the pit - without an in-pit crusher! It’s the new mining industries industrial production roller coaster.

3:45 PM Process Development of the Tenke Fungurume Copper and Cobalt Project in DRC D. Meadows; Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Company, Phoenix, AZ
Located in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Tenke Fungurume concession embodies a true, world-class copper and cobalt resource. This paper describes the Tenke flow sheet process development for both the copper and cobalt circuits, which entailed thorough reviews of historical test work, bench-scale test work and, ultimately, a series of integrated pilot plant campaigns. Copper processing incorporates crushing, grinding, leaching, counter current decantation, solution extraction and electrowinning. The initial cobalt circuit

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Mining & Exploration: Underground Mining Operations: Block Caving
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chairs: D. Cooke, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Sierrita Operations, Green Valley, AZ C. Pascoe, Resolution Copper Mining, Superior, AZ
2:05 PM Underground Mining Method Selection by Using Multiple Attribute Decision Making Methods M. Yavuz; Mining Engineering, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
Underground mining method selection (UMMS) is one of the most important decisions in mining engineering. Choosing a suitable underground mining method to carry out extraction from a mineral deposit is very important for all stage of mining operations. In the real life, UMMS is one of the Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) problems and decision makers have always some difficulties in making the right decision in the multiple criteria environment. In this paper, two different MADM methods: Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Multiple Attribute Decision Making (FMADM) are applied to select the optimal underground mining method for a chromite mine located in the middle of Turkey and final solutions are then compared. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy MADM (FMADM) can be used for selection of the best underground mining method by considering the problem criteria. The study shows that those MADM methods can be easily used for decision making process in UMMS. Keywords: Underground Mining Method Selection, Multi Attribute Decision Making, AHP, FMADM.

3:05 PM Panel Caving at the Resolution Copper Project C. Pascoe; Resolution Copper Company, Superior, AZ
Resolution Copper Mining is in the midst of a prefeasibility study into mining a large copper-molybdenum deposit located 110km Southeast of Phoenix, AZ. The current plan is a underground panel caving operation with a production rate of 110,000 tonnes per day with a project life of nearly 50 years. Mining the orebody presents several technical challenges primarily related to depth (2000 meters below surface), high virgin rock temperatures (80s C), relatively weak rock, and subsidence constraints. This paper will provide an introduction to the Resolution Project as well as explore the rationale behind choosing panel caving as the preferred mining method. Resolution Copper Mining is a limited liability company owned by Resolution Copper Company, a Rio Tinto plc subsidiary, and BHP Copper, Inc., a BHP Billiton Ltd. subsidiary.

3:25 PM A Review of the Caving Mines at PT Freeport Indonesia’s East Ertsberg Skarn System T. Casten1, C. Brannon1 and L. Thomas2; 1Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, Phoenix, AZ and 2Independent Consultant, Tucson, AZ
This paper reviews the history of block cave mining, and the evolution of the mining methods, in the East Ertsberg Skarn System (EESS) at PT Freeport’s Grasberg Mining District in Papua, Indonesia. The EESS deposit has a known vertical extent of at least 1.5 kilometers; about 200 million tonnes have been mined to date and approximately 700 million additional tonnes are in reserve. Block caving began in 1980 with the Gunung Bijih Timor mine, which produced some 62 million tonnes from two levels. The third lift mined was the Intermediate Ore Zone (IOZ), which produced some 42 million tonnes from 1994-2002 and peaked at about 18,000 mtpd. The active (4th) lift is the Deep Ore Zone (DOZ) which is currently producing about 65,000 mtpd from a single mining production block and is ramping up towards 80,000 mtpd by 2009. The DOZ has an impressive production ramp-up history since early 2001 and has produced approaching 100 million tonnes to date. Remaining reserves are about 275 million tonnes. Studies are in progress for the next lifts of the mine, known as the Deep Mill Level Zone.

2:25 PM A Review of the Caving Mines at PT Freeport Indonesia’s East Ertsberg Skarn System T. Casten; Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Phoenix, AZ
This paper reviews the history of block cave mining, and the evolution of the mining methods, in the East Ertsberg Skarn System (EESS) at PT Freeport’s Grasberg Mining District in Papua, Indonesia. The EESS is a copper-gold skarn system, with adjacent porphyry style mineralization. The EESS deposit has a known vertical extent of at least 1.5 kilometers; about 200 million tonnes have been mined to date and approximately 700 million additional tonnes are in reserve. Block caving began in 1980 with the Gunung Bijih Timor (GBT) mine, which produced over 100 million tonnes from three levels utilizing postundercutting method. The active (4th) lift is the Deep Ore Zone (DOZ) which is currently producing about 65,000 mtpd from a single mining production block and is ramping up towards 80,000 mtpd by 2009. DOZ began as a post-undercutting mine and quickly transitioned to advanced undercutting. DOZ utilizes LHD’s and a truck haulage level that delivers ore to two gyratory crushers and thence by conveyor to the processing plants. Feasibility studies are in progress for the fifth and sixth lifts of the mine, known as the Mill Level Zone (MLZ) lifts 1 and 2.

Somasundaran Symposium: Innovative Processing Strategies and Green Chemistry/Processes I
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: M. Celik, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul
2:05 PM A Novel Approach to Processing Coal Combustion Ash and Organic Bio-solids R. Mensah-Biney; Minerals Research Laboratory, North Carolina State University, Asheville, NC
A novel separation process technology for the treatment of coal combustion byproducts and organic sludge is presented. The process provides for the economically viable and environmentally sound utilization of nearly 100% of coal combustion byproducts. A flowsheet for a wet separation pilot plant was designed after bench-scale testing. The purpose of the pilot plant was to confirm the design data and parameters on a continuous basis, to provide reliable operation data for commercial plant design, establish design criteria, operation parameters, process efficiency and preliminary economic and market feasibility. The integrated process consisted of wet separation technology to produce bottom ash, low LOI fly ash, high and intermediate carbon products and a dry process for lightweight aggregate (LWA). The results of the bench-scale testing and the pilot plant testing are presented together with preliminary economic and marketing initiatives for commercialization. A high carbon product with nominal 72% carbon and a low LOI fly ash with 2.5% carbon were produced. Synthetic LWA with 40-50 lb/cu ft loose density were also produced from coal ash and paper mill sludge.

2:45 PM Grasberg Block Cave Mine: Design Considerations to Achieve 160,000 tpd C. Brannon1, P. Vergara Lara3 and R. Barker2; 1Strategic Planning, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Phoenix, AZ; 2Mine Planning, McIntosh Engineering, Tempe, AZ and 3Underground Operations, PT Freeport Indonesia, Tembagapura, Indonesia
This paper describes the Grasberg Block Cave 2007 Feasibility Study mine design, provides an update on the current progress of the mine development, and discusses especially challenging aspects of the mine design. The mine infrastructure required to support a 160,000 tpd operation will be a major civil undertaking, including a four-gyratory crusher complex, 3-km long inclined conveyors, 8.5-meter diameter service shaft, rail haulage system, a pumping system capable of 20,000 gpm, and a 34.5 kV underground electrical distribution system. Apart from the construction and development challenges, the development of the Grasberg ore body is on the leading edge of the coming era of mines transitioning from a large open-pit mine to a giant block caving operation. The magnitude of this operation goes beyond any existing block cave mine, so the geotechnical design of the mine and the transition will play a vital role. As mine development continues, leading towards a 2016 start year of undercutting, detailed engineering will continue to work towards optimization of the cave design, mine infrastructure, and development plan so that the unprecedented production target rates can be achieved.

2:23 PM Zero Emissions in Iron Ore Processing Plants S. Kawatra; Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technologial University, Houghton, MI
Fully sustainable iron ore production will require the industry to reach the level of “zero waste”, where everything that comes out of an iron ore processing plant is a marketable product of one sort or another. Zero emissions has nearly been achieved in fields such as in-situ uranium extraction, which demonstrates that the goal is possible. Achieving zero emissions in the iron ore industry will require

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attention in three areas: (1) Air emissions; (2) Water effluents; and (3) Solid wastes. In order to ensure that the industry will not only meet existing environmental regulations, it is prudent to completely eliminate all wastes in so that any plausible future environmental regulations will be met.

2:41 PM Novel Use of Polymers in Canadian Oil Sands Processing Z. Xu and J. Masliyah; Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Bitumen production from oil (tar) sands represents a Canadian success story. With good processing ores, bitumen recovery often exceeds 90%. However, for high fines ores, bitumen recovery could drop significantly, as low as below 50%. Our earlier study identified that slime coating of fines in the presence of divalent cations on bitumen is a major cause for the decreased bitumen recovery and poor froth quality. To improve the processability of high fines ores in terms of bitumen recovery and froth quality, flocculation of fines by polymeric flocculates was proposed. Flocculation of fines would minimize slime coating of fines on bitumen, leading to increase bitumen recovery and improved froth quality. Selective flocculation of fines by a combination of a partially hydrolyzed polyacryamide and an aluminum hydroxide-polyacryamide hybrid was proven to improve processability of high fines ores. At the same time, selective flocculation led to significant improvement in tailings settling, allowing quick recycle of process water and improving tailings management. Our study emphasizes a holistic approach in process improvement.

simulation using five fluid phases and with the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) method for resolving turbulence. The simulated results are compared with the published experimental results of a 76mm standard dense medium cyclone design fitted with 22.54 mm vortex finder and at 15.0 mm diameter spigot opening. The simulated results of size and density based distribution characteristics of coal particles generated through discrete phase modeling technique are used for validating with the reported experimental results. Though the three phase multisimulations using RSM turbulence model is less in computational expense, the results obtained with five phase simulation using LES turbulence model is found to be accurate in terms of cut density and slope of the distribution curves.

3:53 PM Sustainability Aspects of Minerals Processing Chemicals R. Capanema, D. Nagaraj, C. English and P. Bowles; Mining Chemicals, Cytec Industries Inc., West Paterson, NJ
Sustainability is a critical topic of discussion today in the mining industry in view of the significant growth in demand for minerals and metals, shortage of mineral and human resources, stringent regulatory and environmental concerns, and inadequate technological solutions to many of the new challenges. The mining industry uses a large amount of diverse chemicals which are also subject to increased scrutiny in terms of environmental fate and footprint. This paper will explore the toxicity, transportation, environmental, and regulatory aspects of the traditionally used mining chemicals. Examples of “greener”, sustainable alternatives to these traditional chemicals that provide equivalent or better metallurgical performance will also be discussed.

2:59 PM An Integrated Approach to Mineral Sulphide Tailings Management and AMD Mitigation A. Hesketh; Dept of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
AMD is one of the major challenges facing the mining industry. Changes in legislation put perpetual responsibility for waste management on mining companies, creating a need for new approaches to AMD mitigation over the longterm. Current philosophy in the management of waste disposal in base metals mining focuses on an end-of-pipe approach which is yet to show sustainability. Various authors have shown the importance of taking a systemic approach to AMD through the identification and prediction of potential harm with the aim of reducing long-term environmental impacts and costs of AMD remediation. Literature has shown the feasibility of using flotation for the desulphurisation of sulphide tailings producing a benign tailings stream and a sulphide-rich product. This paper discusses the viable downstream options for these waste fractions. A waste management framework to provide a walk-away status for waste disposal is investigated with emphasis placed on a holistic approach to pollution minimisation. This research also provides a basis for the identification of opportunities for the development of new process designs incorporating waste management systems for mitigation of AMD.

4:11 PM A Model for the Adsorption of Hydrolysable Cations on Silica S. Vivek1, R. Yoon1 and M. Fuerstenau2; 1Center for Advanced Separation Technologies, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2 University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV
An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to measure the surface forces between silica surfaces immersed in solutions of hydrolysable cations and/or sodium oleate. Hydrophobic forces were observed at the pH range where the concentration of the singly-charged hydroxo-complexes (CaOH+ or MgOH+) in solution is the highest. In the absence of oleate, the adsorption of the hydroxocomplexes was indicated by the disappearance of the repulsive hydration force. These results indicate that hydrolysable cations adsorb on silica as singly-charged hydroxo-complexes. Based on the results obtained in the present work, a model for the adsorption of hydrolysable cations has been developed.

Somasundaran Symposium: Research, Characterization and Measurement Systems I
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: D. Nagaraj, Cytec Industries Inc, Stamford, CT
2:05 PM Bentonite-inorganic Interactions and Their Role in Industrial Applications M. Celik, F. Boylu, K. Cinku, G. Bulut and B. Benli; Mineral Processing Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
Bentonite with world annual consumption of 15 million tons is an important commercial commodity utilized over 20 different areas. The technological properties such as ion exchange, swelling and high surface area are the major features that dictate the field of utilization. However, ion exchange by itself is the single fundamental tool that leads to a number of commercial applications such as drilling, foundry, water and solvent based thickeners, nanocompozites, etc. In this study, the interaction of major inorganic ions, i.e., Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ with the bentonite matrix is elucidated with the help of data on cation exchange capacity (CEC), viscosity, swelling, filtration loss and zeta potential. The results are analyzed in view of the requirement for respective industrial application.

3:17 PM Chemically Enhancement of Physical Separation Technologies: Electrostatic and Magnetic Separation S. Ravishankar; Cytec Industries Inc, Stamford, CT
The physical separation technologies of minerals exploit the differences between properties such as gravity, magnetic susceptibility or surface electrical conductivity. The separation efficacy suffers when the feed constitutes finer particles and coated with surface contaminant resulting in production rate and product purity issues. Cytec Industries has been developing chemical enhancement technologies for physical separations. The major advantages of chemical enhancement technology to magnetic and electrostatic separation include: simple extension to existing magnetic and electrostatic separation technology to produce quality products, ability to produce comparable product in quality with cost effectiveness compared to incumbent technologies, removal of impurity minerals over wide size range, removing non-magnetic impurities, reducing the recirculation load in case of electrostatic separation and providing similar process flow combined with sustainable robust process. This paper will exemplify minerals systems including kaolin, carbonate, talc and heavy minerals.

3:35 PM Large Eddy Simulation of Dense Medium Cyclone R. Rajamani , K. Bhaskar and J. Delgadillo ; Metallurgical Eng., University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; 2Advanced Materials and Process Research Laboratory, Bhopal, India and 3Metallurgical Eng., University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
CFD simulation is carried out on a 76mm dense medium cyclone using three different approaches. The first two approaches were aimed towards reducing the computational efforts using three fluid phases and the Reynolds Stress Method (RSM) for resolving turbulence. The third stage included a more comprehensive
1 2 3 1

2:25 PM Thickener Dynamics and Control F. Concha1, J. Segovia2 and R. Bürger3; 1Metallurgical Engineering, University of Concepción, Concepcion, Chile; 2Electrical Engineering, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile and 3Mathematical Engineering, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
In this paper we present the process dynamics and control strategies for a conventional thickener. Thickening parameter determination on a copper flotation tailing and a process analysis show that the phenomenological behavior of

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thickening present strong no-linearity and even gain inversion. This explain why classical control strategies fail and operators decide to open control loops. To be able to compare Classical PID Controllers and Multivariable Fuzzy Logic Controller strategies, a phenomenological model developed by Concha and Bürger was used. During the analysis the model was subjected to several perturbations such as change in the feed rate and change in the set point of the under flow.

4:05 PM Application of Partition Modeling in the Redesign of a Heavy Mineral Sands Plant G. Luttrell1, G. Adel1 and T. McKeon2; 1Mining & Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2Dupont Mining, Starke, FL
Partition models are commonly used evaluate processing circuits incorporating gravity-based separators. Unfortunately, this useful approach has traditionally been overlooked by the heavy minerals sands industry due to difficulties associated with the use of toxic heavy liquids and accuracy limitations created by variations in feed particle size and shape. In the present study, these problems have been avoided via the development of partition models based on experimental data from microscopic grain-counts. This technique, which essentially uses the different mineral species as density tracers, provides a new tool for modeling the multi-stage circuits that are commonly required to successfully upgrade heavy mineral sands. The partition model approach easily identifies shortcomings of existing circuits and, when used with conjunction with linear circuit analysis, provides tremendous insight regarding the optimum arrangement of unit operations in terms of separation efficiency and plant throughput capacity. An industrial case involving the redesign of a heavy mineral sand spiral plant is presented to demonstrate the full capabilities of this approach for plant optimization.

2:45 PM Effect of pH and Electrolyte on the Stability of Surfactant-free Foam Films R. Yoon1 and L. Wang2; 1Center for Advanced Separation Technologies, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2School of Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
The stability of surfactant-free foam films was studied using the thin film pressure balance (TFPB) technique. In pure water, it was not possible to produce foam films due to weak film elasticity and strong hydrophobic force. In the presence of NaCl, however, the hydrophobic force was sufficiently dampened to allow metastable films to form. At 10-5 M NaCl, the equilibrium film thickness reached a maximum of approximately 130 nm at pH 6.0-7.3. The thinner films obtained on either side of this pH range was due to the increased ionic strengths caused by the HCl and NaOH added to control the pH.

3:05 PM Automated Mineralogical Study of Ore Domains at Bingham Canyon, Utah, USA J. Ross1, K. Hoal2, S. Appleby2 and P. Botha3; 1Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO; 2 Advanced Mineralogy Research Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO and 3Intellection Corporation, Westminster, CO
Predicting recovery rates in ore bodies is one of the key factors in mining operations. Understanding the mineralogy of the deposit is essential as it controls the distribution of ore minerals. In order to assess the relationship between mineralogy and recovery in greater detail this study integrates optical microscopy and automated mineralogy using QEMSCAN® to characterize the mineralogy of key ore domains from the Bingham Canyon Mine. The initial study on 13 hand samples from different domains at the mine focuses on determining the ores’ modal mineralogy and sulfide mineral assemblages. In addition, it tests the QEMSCAN® capabilities in measuring parameters such as the distribution of fractures and minerals that could impact comminution, and assessing the type and degree of alteration. Preliminary results of this study show that samples representing different ore domains vary greatly in fracture abundance and in mineralogy. This demonstrates that integrating automated mineralogy into mineral processing procedures is of major importance in improving recovery models. A more detailed study across several ore domains will correlate JK Drop Weight Tests with automated mineralogy.

4:25 PM Characterization of Frothers and its Role in Flotation Optimization F. Cappuccitti1, J. Finch2, J. Nesset2 and W. Zhang2; 1Flottec, LLC, Boonton, NJ and 2McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Significant progress has been made over the past few years in understanding the dual role of frother in controlling bubble size in the pulp and properties of the froth. Using recently developed measurement techniques, studies have shown that frothers can be classified into families, each with their own unique relationship between bubble size reduction, gas hold up, water recovery and froth stability. This makes for a complex relationship that many operators feel uncomfortable trying to optimize. This is seen as unfortunate since frother plays a large role in determining both the grade and recovery of mineral values. This paper describes a procedure to characterize frothers and how this information can be used to select a frother. Examples from plant experience will be discussed.

UCA of SME: Tunnel Ventilation
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: B. Bohlke, Myers Bohlke Enterprise, LLC, Great Falls,VA
2:05 PM Application of CFD in Analysis of Jet Fans for Emergency Tunnel Ventilation N. Shahcheraghi; Tunnel Ventilation Group, Earth Tech, Oakland, CA
Use of jet fans in emergency tunnel ventilation has become more popular in the US over the past years parallel to reduced cost of computational power. Therfore, it is inevitable that more sophisticated computational analysis are used in the analysis of jet fan performance in fire emergency conditions. CFD is the analysis tool, which has become an integral part of modern emergency tunnel ventilation analysis. Specifically, CFD analysis is used to capture the three dimensional temperature stratification patterns in the ventilation flow past a tunnel fire. These three dimensional temperature stratification patterns are used to refine the one dimensional temperature profile along the tunnel as predicted by SES. The improved temperature predictions allow for a more accurate analysis of the jet fan performance during fire emergency conditions.

3:25 PM A Proposed Model of a New Laboratory Magnetic Separator for the Mineral Processing Companies S. Ulla; Ore Dressing, Matrix Metallics, Bangalore, India
A new model of a laboratory magnetic separator has been conceived to cater the needs of process engineers and mineralogists world over engaged in the mineralogical investigations. The proposed model conceptualized after a long research in the field of process mineralogy and keeping in view the setbacks of other separators is a laboratory instrument that could separate and concentrate various minerals depending upon their magnetic susceptibilities. Based on the basic concept of isodynamic magnetic separator, the model conceived would not only speed up the work of a mineralogist, but it would save the energy and have an effective separation. Unlike other separators, it could produce more than ten fractions at a time in a span of three hours. In the present paper, the graphic design and detail operation of the separator is being proposed to various mining companies and research and development sectors for its economic feasibility and fabrication that would have worldwide market. The concept has been patented.

3:45 PM A Bubble Coalescence Study Using Sound J. Finch and W. Kracht; Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Frothers are surfactants used in flotation to aid generation of small bubbles. Studying events at the moment of bubble creation is a challenge because of the short time frame. This presentation introduces a novel acoustic approach. The technique has the resolution capable of detecting events that occur within 1-2 ms. The transition from coalescence to non-colaescence is tracked as a function of surfactant concentration and gas rate through the capillary. Results are given for some common flotation frothers and n-alcohols (C4-C8). A stress model is used to give a qualitative explanation to the observed action of frothers on coalescence prevention. Results for salt (sodium chloride) are included for comparison.

2:25 PM Differences in Design Considerations for Tunnel vs. Mine Ventilation Fans Systems G. Gamble1 and R. Ray, Jr.2; 1Clarage, A Twin City Fan Company, Akron, OH and 2PB Americas, Inc., New York, NY
Fans used to ventilate subway, passenger rail and roadway tunnels are similar to the fans used to ventilate underground mines. However, tunnel ventilation fan systems are typically designed to meet NFPA 130 or 502 standards, while mine ventilation fan systems must comply with the appropriate federal mine safety regulations. As a result, fan operation requirements and performance criteria, as well as typical fan and duct configurations differ significantly for tunnel and mine ventilation applications. Variations in environmental conditions in tunnels as compared to mines also results in differences in fan performance and material

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specifications. The need to enclose tunnel fans within building structures creates space restrictions impacting fan size selection that are not commonly encountered in mine fan installations, resulting in different approaches to sizing fans for the two types of tunnels. This paper discusses the various similarities and differences in design considerations for tunnel and mine ventilation fans.

2:50 PM Leeville Mine: Challenge and Opportunity S. McCann; Newmont Mining Corporation, Elko, NV
The Leeville Mine includes three deep, high-grade refractory gold deposits (West Leeville, Turf and Four Corners) located 1.5 miles north of the Carlin Mine, Eureka County, Nevada. Production commenced at West Leeville in 2006 and the present known mine life extends to 2017 with annual production planned at approximately 420k ounces. The deposits are dominantly hosted within flat-lying, silty limestone of the upper Siluro-Devonian Roberts Mountains Formation. Leeville ore control is challenging as ore can only be distinguished from waste by assay, and geological mapping is hampered by ground control added shotcrete. Ore grade mineralization within the mine remains open-ended, with excellent opportunities for reserve additions. Aggressive mine development and drilling is ongoing to determine the overall magnitude of the Leeville mine.

2:45 PM Heat Control in the London Underground Subway System M. Gilbey; PB LTD, Godalming, United Kingdom
London Underground is the oldest and one of the deepest tube networks in the world. The temperature of the Underground has been increasing over the last 100 years, mainly as a consequence of increases in train service. Further increases in train service are planned in the coming years to meet the predicted growth in passenger demand. Unabated, the additional service will cause temperatures on the Underground to rise. London Underground Limited has therefore set up the Cooling the Tube Programme to tackle the issues related to thermal conditions on the Tube. Some of London Underground’s studies and cooling methods have borrowed experience and techniques from the mining industry; some of methods used or proposed may in turn be of interest to the mining community. This paper presents a background into the sources of heat on the tube network, the manner in which the heat is presently dissipated, the analysis of future temperatures and heat strain criterion and a number of means and methods being used or proposed to cool the network in an environmentally sensitive manner.

3:05 PM Kinross’ Buckhorn Mountain Gold Deposit, Washington State, USA P. Cooper; Exploration - Kettle River Operations, Kinross Gold US, Inc., Republic, WA
The Buckhorn Mountain gold skarn occurs next to the Mesozoic Buckhorn Mountain pluton in northern Washington. Exoskarn is widespread in Paleozoic metasediments of the deposit, and to a much lesser extent in overlying Paleozoic basaltic volcanics. Endoskarn occurs sporadically in intermediate dikes, sills, and other small intrusions that cut the sequence. Some non-skarned intrusive phases are dated as Eocene. The deposit occurs about a mile west of the Eocene Toroda Creek graben, and graben-parallel faults are an important component of the local structural fabric. Post-mineral faulting has produced locally significant offset of the main ore zone. Gold occurs in multiple settings. In order of decreasing importance, these include: stratabound skarn in gently dipping calcareous sedimentary rocks (main zone), massive skarn in undifferentiated protolith, skarned intrusive bodies, and within hornfels and calc-silicate altered volcanics overlying sedimentary skarn. Kinross has begun development of an underground mining operation to exploit the deposit. Reserves estimated at YE2007 ($550-Au) contain 975,000 ounces of Au, at an average concentration of 0.45 ounces Au per ton.

3:05 PM The Interaction of Tunnel Ventilation Systems and Cross Passageways W. Kennedy1, M. Gilbey2 and R. Ray, Jr.1; 1PB Americas, Inc., New York, NY and 2Parsons Brinckerhoff LTD, Godalming, United Kingdom
Cross passageways between adjacent tunnels in passenger rail or transit systems may be used during train fire emergencies to evacuate passengers to points of safety in the non-incident tunnel. Rescue trains can be brought into the nonincident tunnel to remove passengers to expedite evacuation times as compared to walking along bench walls to the nearest egress stairs. In cases of multiple train emergencies, the required ventilation capacities can result in high pressure differences between the incident and non-incident tunnels. These pressure differences can make it difficult or impossible to open doors of a cross passageway between adjacent tunnels. If opened, the velocity of the airflow through an open cross passageway can reach levels high enough to compromise passenger safety. This paper describes the analysis of this problem for a sample rail tunnel. A ventilation concept that mitigates the problems of high cross passageway door opening forces and high velocities through open cross passageways is presented.

3:20 PM Geology of the Vista Phase 7 Development, Twin Creeks Mine, Nevada, USA P. Donovan; Exploration, Newmont Mining Corporation, Golconda, NV
The Vista Phase 7 layback at Twin Creeks is an extension of the Chimney Creek and Vista pits, which were mined from 1986 to 2002 by Goldfields Mining Company, Santa Fe Pacific Mining Company, and Newmont Mining Company. The ore body is the continuation of the Chimney Creek deposit, down-faulted to the east along the 20,000 fault, and is hosted by the Pennsylvanian-Permian Etchart Formation, which is comprised of silty to sandy limestone. The deposit is covered by overburden of 200 to 300 ft of alluvium and 200 to 300 feet of barren upper Etchart Fm, with the main body of mineralization hosted in the decalcified and collapsed contact zone between the upper Etchart silty limestone and lower Etchart sandy limestone. Development of the deposit began in 1986, with a condemnation hole. Due to the deposit’s depth, relatively high strip ratio, and relatively lower grades the deposit had lower priority than other deposits in the district. A focused and sustained development program was endorsed by site management in 2005 and has led to the original resource being tripled in size. The Vista Phase 7 resource is currently estimated at 1,060,000 ounces of gold.

Geology: Tons and Grade: Developments in Mine Geology
2:30 PM • Monday, February 23 Chair: M. Ressel, Kinross Gold Corporation, Sparks, NV
2:35 PM Importance of Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) in Mineral Resource Modeling and Grade Tonnage Reporting A. Samal; Geology and Mining, Pincock, Allen and Holt, Lakewood, CO
A mineral resource model is developed to predict the grade, tonnage, and economics of the deposit. Recently, computerized mineral resource modeling is the standard industry practice. The resource model is sensitive to various “parameters” applied during its development process. Prior to generating a resource model (usually a 3-D block model), rigorous exploratory data analyses (EDA) should be done in order to fully understand the characteristics of the data, so that right decisions can be made on setting up modeling parameters. The EDA includes general statistical analysis, visual investigation of spatial distribution of variables, de-clustering (for clustered data), variography (variogram map, experimental variogram analyses and variogram modeling) etc. The important decisions taken from the EDA include capping of high-grade assay data, multiple population data analyses, search-parameters (dimensions and orientations) etc. This presentation focuses on the procedures followed after validating the available sample data (drillhole, channel-sample etc). Importance of capping of the assay data, search parameters, and variogram analyses are included in this presentation.

3:35 PM Molybdenum and Gold Mineralization at the Ashdown Mine, Humboldt County, Nevada D. Tretbar; Ashdown Project, LLC, Denio, NV
The Ashdown Property, in northwest Nevada, contains economic gold and molybdenum mineralization hosted in sheeted quartz veins within a 110 Ma diorite stock. Gold was systematically mined from the 1870s until 1942, and occurs as fine-grained gold in quartz of the 2- to 3-m-wide Main Vein. The Sylvia Vein is currently mined via underground methods for high-grade molybdenum, with grades averaging 2.5% Mo over the 3.5 m vein width. Massive molybdenite is common in dilational zones and vein flexures. The Sylvia Vein also contains erratically-distributed coarse pink feldspar that commonly hosts ore-grade molybdenite. Accessory minerals include native copper and chalcopyrite; bismuthinite and pyrite are rare. Mineralization in the Main Vein transitions from shallow (<120 m depth) coarse gold to molybdenite (up to 1.1% Mo over 3m), but the depositional and mineralogical relationships between Au and Mo are poorly understood. Quartz vein outcrops are common north and south of the mine area, and high-grade molybdenum has been intercepted in drilling 1 km north of the current mine area. Re-Os dating of molybdenite collected from the Sylvia Vein yields an age of 96.31 + 0.48 Ma.

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3:50 PM Gold Belt Structural Systematics R. Madrid; Victoria Gold Corporation, Reno, NV
Gold belts have systematic strikes and dips, depending on the continents in which they occur, and on their structural history. Gold belts worldwide also display systematic fault-fracture-joint geometries and spacing, and high length to width ratios. Internal primary, secondary, and tertiary structural systems are typically developed in the belts. These have similar geometries and timing belt-wide. Minimum belt widths of 4 to 8 kilometers are necessary for high probability of +2Moz gold systems. Gold systems within the belts can be predicted based on detailed mapping, using certain geometrical constraints and by using objective observations to delineate the systems. Gold belts developed in regional extensional regimes. These extensional regimes occur after major episodes of thick crustal compressional deformation almost instantaneously in time for each gold belt system. From a conceptual view, they result from residual strain energy. Successful exploration within gold belts requires a special knowledge of detailed structural mapping and crosscutting relations, which enhances predictability of the geometries in these extensional gold belt systems.

Mining Law Reform and Energy and Minerals Policy: What to Expect From the 111th Congress and What You Should do About it
2:00 PM • Monday, February 23 Chairs: Kathleen Benedetto, Republican Legislative Staff, Washington, DC Richard Redfern, Mexivada Mining Corp., Elko, NV
During the 110th Congress, the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Nick Joe Rahall (D-WV), introduced his mining law reform package, H.R. 2262 - The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. H.R. 2262 passed the House on November 1, 2007 and was sent over to the Senate. The Senate did not take up the House bill but did hold two oversight hearings on hard rock mining and the Mining Law. At the end of the day, the Senate was unable to come to agreement on a Mining Law reform package. When the House bill was introduced, the Chairman stated that the extensive hearing record on the mining law and related issues created in the 1980s and early 1990s would provide the support for the reform legislation. This record is 13 years out of date and did not reflect new regulatory changes or industry-wide reclamation practices that had been implemented to date. Nor did the record include any analysis of the growing world-wide demand for fuel and non-fuel mineral commodities driven by China and India’s efforts to modernize and advance in rank in the developed world. That a major mineral land tenure bill could be introduced in the House and pass with an out-of-date legislative record is a monument to the lack of mining knowledge in the legislative branch. The last 15 years of changes in the industry, the changes in the regulation of the industry and most importantly the changes in world mineral commodity markets are largely unknown. Only a small group of member offices display any interest in the mining industry and its issues. Mining’s political presence is significantly diluted by the diversity of its issues, ranging from taxation, to safety, to land tenure. No one committee focuses on all of these matters. And frankly, most people in the industry simply don’t have time to learn how and why the political process works the way it does. Mining Law reform legislation will be introduced in the House within the first few months of the 111th Congress. If there is no change in the majority party it will likely pass sometime in the summer or fall. The Senate will move more slowly, which provides industry an opportunity to ask for a rational reform package for federal mineral land tenure and access. At the same time the industry must devise ways to broaden the scope of the mineral policy debates to include the other neglected parts of the nation’s mineral policy. In this session we will review the history of Mining Law Reform and our National Energy and Mineral Policy; the impact of the raw material demands of China and India and what influence that may have on reform efforts; examine the prospects for reform efforts in the new session of Congress; and, “What You Should Do About It!” Remember the best Defense is a Great Offense. For example, in the domestic energy arena, soaring gasoline prices allowed the general public to appreciate the need for more domestic energy development, and the “drill here, drill now” campaign forced those opposed to domestic development to concede on some fronts. In this area, the Congress still has a long way to go but they were encouraged to take the first step. Only by understanding and getting involved in the political process can the mining industry hope to get a similar process underway.

4:05 PM Structural Systematics for the Helen Zone: Cove-McCoy Property, North-Central Nevada R. Madrid and M. Johnston; Victoria Gold Corporation, Reno, NV
The Helen Zone is a blind, structural intersection zone below post-mineral volcanics. The zone hit on the first hole at the Cove-McCoy property in the McCoy mining district in north-central Nevada. Structural Systematics mapping defined the geometry and probable volumetrics of the gold system prior to core drilling. Depths were calculated 300 & 700 feet below previous drilling. Determination of plunge orientation was difficult. The intersection of N45°-50°W & N5°W structural systems was hit ~2,000 feet N50°W of the Cove pit and about 1,100 feet below surface. High-grade gold occurs between that depth and 2,100 feet depth. Exploration is open in all directions. The structural systems meet minimum criteria for width and hanging wall distributions necessary for the economic justification of deep drilling. Core drilling is used for confirmation of gold in the structural system and gold grades correspond to high fracture density in different host rocks. Successful drilling depends on geometries of the structural systems in which gold systems occur. Prediction is therefore dependent on the correspondence of gold and the geometry of the structural intersection in the Helen Zone.

4:20 PM Geology and Mineralization at the Thompson Creek Molybdenum Mine, Central Idaho, USA R. Cheff and J. Wall; Thompson Creek Metals Company, Denver, CO
The Thompson Creek mine (Bayhorse district, central Idaho), lies ~20 mi. SW of Challis, Idaho, and occurs in rugged terrain, from 6,000 to 8,500 ft elevation. Its discovery came from follow-up of a geochemical anomaly along Pat Hughes Creek in 1962. In 1967, Cyprus staked 21 claims over the area and drilled the first exploration holes in 1969. Mo mineralization at Thompson Creek is related to a Cretaceous (88-86 Ma) granodiorite/quartz monzonite stock near an eastern lobe of the Idaho batholith. Intrusions cut argillite of the Paleozoic Copper Basin Formation. Both sedimentary and intrusive rocks are unconformably overlain by post-mineral, Eocene Challis volcanics (49 Ma). Molybdenite is the primary ore mineral and occurs in a network of qtz-bio-musc-Ksp veinlets in the stock. The main tabular zone dips moderately NE and strikes NW, and measures ~5,000 ft length and 2,100 ft width. Cyprus began mining at Thompson Creek in 1983. From 2002 through September 2007, the mine produced 69.5 million pounds of Mo (37 Mtons @ 0.11% Mo). Currently, Thompson Creek Metals Company, reports measured and indicated resources of 255.9 Mtons @ 0.076% Mo (0.03% Mo cutoff).

4:35 PM Parameter Estimation of the Inverse Distance Estimation Algorithm G. Jalkanen1 and S. Vitton2; 1Consultant, Houghton, MI and 2Civil & Environmental Engineering, Michigan Tech University, Houghton, MI
Parameter estimation of the inverse distance estimation algorithm is presented. The objective function to be minimized is a sum of squared cross validation errors. The unknowns to be estimated are the exponent of the inverse distance estimator and anistropic angles and ratios that are used in determining the distances in the algorithm. Examples are given in both two and three dimensions.

Be a STUDENT MENTOR see page 27.
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Tuesday, February 24
GAUDIN LECTURE
8:30 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Lecturer: Raj K. Rajamani University of Utah

Morning

9:51 AM Potential Benefits of Waterjet Scaling in Rapid Tunneling Systems M. Kuchta and H. Miller; Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Tests conducted at the Colorado School of Mines Edgar Mine showed waterjet scaling to be viable scaling technique for removing loose rocks in mine openings. The test program consisted of five slash rounds blasted using conventional charging for perimeter holes and five rounds blasted using smoothwall techniques. Smoothwall blasting produced a significantly smoother drift contour and resulted in significantly less scaled material. The generally smooth drift contour produced by smoothwall blasting reduces the chances of large blocky material being formed and thus improves the performance of the waterjet scaling system. The integrity of the drift walls can be improved with subsequent shotcrete application. Previous tests also showed that shotcrete adhesion improves significantly on surfaces cleaned with a waterjet compared to the normal method of surface preparation. It is believed that the use of waterjet scaling could reduce the overall cost and cycle time in drill and blast tunneling operations. This paper will review the results of previous waterjet scaling tests and discuss the potential benefits of waterjet scaling in an integrated drill and blast tunneling system.

Mining & Exploration: Underground Mining Operations: Controlled Blasting and Rapid Excavation: International
8:30 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: W. Hustrulid, NIOSH, Spokane,WA C. Dreesbach, Montana DEQ, Helena, MT
8:35 AM Rapid Construction - A Key to Success in Mining A. Moss; Rio Tinto Copper Group, Vancouver, BC, Canada
A number of very large scale underground mines are in various stages of development. A common characteristic is the need for many kilometers of development drifting prior to production start. Even a small increase in the drifting rate can have enormous economic consequences. The Rio Tinto program to increase development rates is discussed.

10:10 AM Results and experience from a joint project on Faster and Better Development at the LKAB mine in Malmberget G. Bäckblom; Managing Director, Rock Tech Centre AB, Gällivare, Sweden
Tunnelling/drifting is a costly activity in infrastructure projects as well as in mining. Improvements in safety and advance rates were considerable until the 1980s. Since then equipment in Sweden has not yielded significant increase in advance rates, quality, or cost reduction. There is a need to generate positive cash flow from a start-up mine. For this purpose, rapid advance is more important than costcutting in the drifting process. Many mining companies, implementers of final disposal of spent nuclear fuel, contractors and equipment suppliers joined forces in 2006 to improve underground development work. The focus of the main project is to analyse the effects of improved quality on advance rate and costs. A baseline was developed at the LKAB mine at Malmberget to suggest short-term improvements. Improvements were implemented and the results were compared with the baseline. One important conclusion from the work is the need for stepchanges in the approach to ground support. RTC initiated a Mining Initiative on Development of Ground Support Systems and Equipment where several major mining companies in Canada, Poland and Finland joined forces with major equipment suppliers.

8:54 AM Norwegian High-Speed Tunneling Experience F. Nilsen; Leonhard Nilsen & Sønner As (LNS), Norway, Norway
Improved access, reduced transport distance for coal, and increased safety risks due to water were the main arguments when Store Norske Spitsbergen Grubekompani As (SNSG) in 2002 decided to build a new access to the Svea Nord coal mine. The existing access was built on the Høganes Glacier, ending at 330 masl. The road had a bold alignment and put great demands to the truck drivers. Several alternatives were investigated before deciding to build a tunnel begining from sea level to the lowest point of the mine at 285 masl. The tunnel has a cross section area of 38.5 m2 and a length of 5630 m. The tunnel contains the conveyor for transporting the coal from the mine to the surface, and it is also used for mine ventilation purposes. The tunnel was awarded as a turnkey project to Leonhard Nilsen & Sønner As. The work with the pre-cut started in July 2002 and the tunnel excavation started in November the same year. The hole through to the mine was blasted on December 3, 2003. The average performance was 103.3 m/week and the best week resulted in 150.1 m of tunnel. The average performance in the permafrost zone was 56.5 m/week while it was 108.5 m/week outside the frost zone.

Coal & Energy/UVC: Ventilation I
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: I. Loomis, Freeport McMoRan, Baton Rouge, LA B.Prosser, MVS Enginnering, Fresno, CA
9:05 AM Impact of Air Velocity and Support Advance on Shield Generated Dust G. Chekan, J. Ryder, J. Colinet and J. Listak; NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Steady increases in longwall production have required operators to apply greater quantities of ventilating air in an effort to control and dilute respirable dust. In conjunction, as shearer speeds increase this necessitates that longwall supports also be advanced at a faster rate. This contributes to overall respirable dust levels on the longwall face because as supports are lowered and advanced, broken material falling from the top of the canopy is entrained directly into the air stream. The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of NIOSH collected respirable dust samples from four longwall faces to characterize shield generated dust. This paper details respirable dust generation as a result of two main operational parameters associated with shield dust: face air velocity and rate of shield advance. The paper also discusses the effectiveness of engineering controls currently used to reduce shield dust and alternative controls being investigated by NIOSH.

9:13 AM New Experiences in Rapid Development E. Tanner; Business Line Manager - URE, Atlas Copco CMT USA, Commerce City, CO
Rapid development is a key to successful large-scale underground mining operations. The paper describes the application of modern drilling tools to achieving very high advance rates.

9:32 AM Desktop Study of Rapid Development in Mining G. Swan; XSTRATA, Onaping, ON, Canada
At the 2007 SME meeting in Denver, XSTRATA Nickel presented the technical basis for rapid development using drill and blast techniques. This paper presents an update of the XSTRATA rapid development program

9:25 AM Safe Practices for Installing Booster Fans in Underground Mines F. Calizaya; Mining, U of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
The objective of this study is to provide potential users of booster fan systems with the necessary information on the installation, commissioning and operation of main underground booster fans. The safe practices described in this paper

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were compiled from actual installations, reviewed for completeness and evaluated against U.S. and international standards. The principles involved in the design and installation of these fans as well as the provisions needed to guarantee the safe operation of these units, are illustrated by four samples cases. These cases are also used to illustrate some key design parameters and operating practices, which if not considered may results in system inefficiencies of fan failures. The study concludes with a summary of basic design requirements and factors that must be evaluated for the safe operation of the whole vent system.

the gob was divided into three zones of different permeability: unconsolidated, semiconsolidated, and consolidated. The simulation results showed that in a model ventilated by a bleeder system, the hot spot was located in the consolidated zone near the return side of the gob. It propagated along the tailgate side as the gob progressed. In the model ventilated by a bleederless system, the hot spot was located by the face line. The leakage flow through the gob played an important role in determining the size and location of the hot spot.The study concludes with a set of ventilation schemes and recommendation to reduce the development of hot spots.

9:45 AM Investigation into the Practical Use of Belt Air at US Longwall Operations R. Krog1 and C. Bise2; 1NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA and 2College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
The use of belt air as an intake source at longwall operations has changed over the past decades. This paper will investigate the previous and current ventilation practice regarding the use of belt air during gateroad development and longwall panel extraction. A ventilation history and review of current ventilation practices will be covered. Operating considerations regarding air quantities and pressures to deliver the required airflow will be investigated using network solutions. The practical considerations for the use of belt air which are controlled by a variety of factors including: airflow quantity and velocity, coal methane content, methane desorption rates, coal mining rate, belt length, leakage, and number of gateroad entries. At longwall operations, the advantages and disadvantages of belt air are different for gateroad development and for panel extraction. During gateroad development, the use of belt air on intake eliminates a possible leakage path (intake to belt return) and increases the quantity of air reaching the last open cross cut given the same amount of pressure and flow available at the mains.

11:05 AM Case Study of Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Control by Mine Ventilation Improvement for an Underground Metal Mine H. Wang; Newmont Mining Co., Elko, NV
Effective may 2008, new regulation on DPM by MSHA requires that a miner’s personal exposure to DPM must not exceed 160 microgram of total carbon per cubic meter of air. There have been many discussion and research on diesel particulate matter control technologies which include using MSHA approved engines, Engine filters, bio-diesel and higher ventilation rates. A case study at an underground gold mine indicated that improve ventilation efficiency at both the working face and haul road might be one of the most effective ways to reduce the DPM exposure.

Coal & Energy: Alternative Fuels
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: T. Yegulalp, Columbia University, New York, NY

10:05 AM Coal Mine Ventilation Efficiency: a Comparison of US Coal Mine Ventilation Systems C. Hairfield; Marshall Miller & Associates, Ashland, VA
With ever rising energy costs, it is increasingly important for mines to operate with energy efficiency. As a large portion of a mine’s energy consumption is often attributed to the operation of mine ventilation fans, maintaining an efficient ventilation system is a critical pro-active way for mining companies to reduce power costs. A common way to measure a mine’s ventilation system efficiency is to calculate the volumetric efficiency, which is simply a calculation of the percentage of total mine air that is usefully employed for production. The purpose of this study is to document a nationwide comparison of the volumetric efficiency of a multitude of U.S. underground coal mining operations. The results will aim to show just how efficient today’s coal mine ventilation systems are and what factors may be causing the efficiencies and inefficiencies.

9:05 AM Pre-Combustion Capture of CO2 from Coal Gasification Gases: Case of CaO on γ-Al2O3 A. Belova and T. Yegulalp; Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY
Conversion of coal into high-value gases via gasification offers significant pollution reduction and efficiency improvement benefits associated with controlled combustion of clean gases for power generation. However, current gasification based electricity production technologies, such IGCC, while efficient and clean when compared to traditional coal power plants, do not address carbon dioxide emission. The project focuses on CO2 capture on CaO; where to overcome kinetic and stability limitations associated with its utilization, CaO is distributed on highsurface area γ-Al2O3 and supported on a ceramic honey-comb monolith. The proposed method allows for efficient capture of CO2 from a gas mixture, as studied on a flow-through reactor system. This novel method of CO2 capture is used here to argue for pre-combustion capture of CO2 in coal gasification-based power plants. When CaO is present during the steam reforming of coal gasification gases, continuous withdrawal of CO2 from the system provides for higher yields of reforming products (hydrogen gas) by influencing the thermodynamic equilibrium of the entire system.

10:25 AM Simulation of Methane Distribution Under Normal and Outburst Conditions at Longwall Faces D. Zheng2 and J. Tien1; 1Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO and 2 Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Under normal circumstances, methane released along a longwall face represents only 10%~20% of the total methane emitted from the entire longwall panel. However, there might be a sudden surge of methane at the face which can cause a problem because the friction from shearer cutting, support movement, and scraper conveyor dragging can be ready ignition sources. Therefore, to predict the distribution of methane will be critical to prevent any dangers. In this paper, methane dispersion patterns along a lognwall face are simulated under normal and outburst conditions. With the simulation of methane released from the face, around shearer drum, and from the broken coal on the conveyor, places with possible high methane content are detected by different phases of working process and shearer positions. Local ventilation measures are evaluated so precautionary measures can be plan ahead.

9:25 AM The Benefits and Challenges of Biofuels D. Zilberman; Agriucltural and Resource Economics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Fuels from crops and their residue are becoming an important source of liquid fuels for transport. Ethanol produce d mostly from maize and sugar cane contribute to up to 5% reduction in fuel prices in 2007 but also contributed up to 20% increase in the price of corn. Expansion of biofuel acreage will lead to a significant impact on food prices, and will encounter political resistance unless food and fuel productivity is increasing. Polices will need to enhance research to develop second more productive generation of cellulosic biofuels and lighten regulations to allow better utilization of Biotechnologies in food production. It is important to introduce mechanisms to assure food security as biofuels areas are expanded. Incentive to encourage biofuel with positive effects on Green house gases need also to be introduced.

10:45 AM CFD Study on Hot Spot Location In Longwall Gob S. Lolon and F. Calizaya; Mining Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Spontaneous combustion is one of the main sources of fires in underground coal mines. Most of these fires are initiated in caved area (gob). A study was carried out to identify the location of these spots. The study is based on mine ventilation surveys, laboratory experiments, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Four CFD models were formulated and solved: three utilized a bleeder ventilation system, and the fourth a bleederless system. For each model,

9:45 AM Experimental Investigation of CH4 Production from Methane Hydrate Y. Zhou, M. Castaldi and T. Yegulalp; Columbia University, New York, NY
Natural gas hydrates have the potential to meet global energy needs for the foreseeable future. The total amount of carbon entrapped in hydrates is estimated

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to be more than twice the known fossil fuel carbon content. To test the concept of methane production via in-situ heating and characterize other alternative production schemes, a custom made novel reactor vessel has been designed, fabricated and assembled. Preliminary tests show that the reactor satisfies the conditions for methane hydrate and carbon dioxide formation. Thermocouples in the reactor detected the temperature change associated with methane hydrate formation. Hydrate was formed at 2.2 oC and about 600 psi with a concentration of 99.97% pure methane gas and DI water. Based on mass balance calculation, 4.45% volume of sediment was occupied by hydrate. Measurements and simulations suggest that hydrate was initially formed at the top section of the reactor followed by the hydrate formation within the sediment. During the dissociation via depressurization experiment, a cooling effect caused by the endothermic dissociation reaction was observed.

unexpected nature and often rapid progression of subsidence over inactive R&P mines make it difficult to investigate. Successful investigation depends mainly on: quick response to quantify the remaining process, pattern recognition of the distributions, and identification of the potential root causes. Techniques used in investigating a number of subsidence claims over inactive R&P mines are presented. The analysis showed that mine subsidence did not play any role in some of the claims while it was apparently responsible in other cases. Among the true subsidence cases, water and soft rock in the immediate roof or floor of the mined coal seams appeared to be the main root causes for the unexpected subsidence events.

9:45 AM QEMSCAN: - A New Tool for the Characterisation of Coal and Mineral Matter D. French1, A. Butcher2 and J. van Zyl3; 1Energy Technology, CSIRO, Bangor, NSW, Australia; 2Intellection Pty. Ltd., Brisbane, QLD, Australia and 3Intellection Pty. Ltd., Brisbane, QLD, Australia
In order to improve the efficiency of coal utilisation and reduce the environmental footprint there is a need within the coal industry to better characterise coal and coal utilisation by-products. QEMSCAN combines Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-dispersive X-Ray analysis to automatically measure sample characteristics such as mineralogy, particle size distribution, morphology and mineral association. This new method of phase-specific analysis is a powerful tool for coal characterisation as it provides unique quantitative mineralogical, textural, and chemical data on a particle-by-particle basis, for both coal and mineral matter. QEMSCAN automatically identifies most common ash-forming minerals on-line and then creates digital particle images. These images contain information on particle shape, area and size and modal composition, together with grain size estimates, associations, and chemical composition, all of which can be extracted from the images using Intellection’s iDiscover software, and quantified on a particle-by-particle, size-by-size basis. The analytical procedure will be described and examples of the types of quantitative output discussed.

10:05 AM Changing the Hydrate Energy Paradigm from Assessment to Production D. Sloan, C. Koh and A. Sum; Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
This work summarizes world progress with respect to making energy production from hydrates a reality. In particular progress is reported regarding (a) permafrost hydrate production testing, (b) marine hydrate viability assessment (c) climate effect of hydrates, and (d) international collaboration.

10:25 AM Pre-Combustion Capture of CO2 from Coal Gasification Gases: Case of CaO on γ-Al2O3 A. Belova, T. Yegulalp and M. Castaldi; Columbia University, New York, NY
Conversion of coal into high-value gases via gasification offers significant pollution reduction and efficiency improvement benefits associated with controlled combustion of clean gases for power generation. However, current gasificationbased electricity production technologies, such as IGCC do not address carbon dioxide emissions. The focus of the study is CO2 capture of CO2 prior to combustion of coal-derived gases. To overcome kinetic and stability limitations associated with its utilization, CaO is distributed on high-surface area γ-Al2O3 and supported on a ceramic honey-comb monolith. The proposed method allows for efficient capture of CO2 from a gas mixture, as studied in a flow-through reactor system. This novel method of CO2 capture is used here to argue for precombustion capture of CO2 in coal gasification-based power plants. When CaO is present during the steam reforming of coal gasification gases, continuous withdrawal of CO2 from the system provides for higher yields of reforming products (hydrogen gas) by influencing the thermodynamic equilibrium of the entire system.

10:05 AM How Does Limestone Rock Dust Prevent Coal Dust Explosions in Coal Mines? C. Man and K. Teacoach; Disaster Prevention and Response Branch, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Explosions involving fine coal particles are usually very violent and destructive. Therefore, abundant ventilation in all unsealed areas of a mine is important as the first line of defense against an accidental explosion. In addition to this, generous applications of pulverized rock dust can prevent the propagation of coal dust explosions. During an explosion the rock dust disperses, mixes with the fine coal dust and prevents flame propagation by acting as a thermal inhibitor or heat sink i.e. the rock dust reduces the flame temperature to the point where devolatilization of the coal particles can no longer occur; thus, the explosion is inhibited. A number of explosions using various coal dust and limestone rock dust mixes have been carried out at the NIOSH Lake Lynn experimental mine. A consistent set of postexplosion floor dust samples were taken along the entry after each test. These were analysed in the laboratory to determine how the limestone rock dust behaved during the coal dust / rock dust explosions. Preliminary results indicate that the chemistry of limestone plays an important role in its significant capacity to inhibit coal dust explosions effectively.

Coal & Energy: Research & Development
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: T. Camm, NIOSH, Spokane,WA
9:05 AM MineTracer Wireless Mesh Communications and Tracking J. Barrett; Venture Design Services, Liberty Lake, WA
State-of-the-art wireless communication and location-tracking technologies will dramatically change the face of mine worker safety. The MineTracer System developed by a Liberty Lake Washington company is a broad capability wireless sensor network based on a new breed of technologies known as wireless mesh systems. In this paper, R&D Manager Jim Barrett summarizes the balance of engineering tradeoffs that result in a system that (1) performs well, (2) is survivable against many types of mine accidents, (3) operates for many hours post-accident on battery power, (4) meets stringent MSHA requirements for intrinsic safety, and (5) is economically affordable for the mines.

10:25 AM Study on the Effects of Circulating Pulp on Separation Performance of FCSMC X. Zhou1 and J. Liu2; 1Dept. of Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and 2School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
A novel flotation device, cyclonic static micro-bubble column flotation, FCSMC, was introduced in this paper. The use of circulating pulp is an important feature of the FCSMC. For this particular column flotation system, the effects of circulating pulp on circulating pulp pressure, the gas aspiration rate and the flow field were investigated in this study. The relationship between the volumetric flow rate of circulating pulp and the number of separation cycles was investigated. The results indicate that the gas aspiration rate and the pressure of circulating pulp increase with increasing circulating pulp rate as well as intensity of cyclonic field. It has been found that the flow rate of circulating pulp should meet the requirements from cyclonic field intensity, circulating separation cycles and the gas aspiration rate as well. The circulating pulp flow rate should be 2~3 times of that of the feeding pulp. Key words: column flotation; cyclonic field; circulating pulp.

9:25 AM Techniques to Investigate Subsidence Events over Inactive Room-and-Pillar Mines Y. Luo; Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Uncertainty often arises in investigating structural damage claims over inactive room and pillar (R&P) coal mines. Disputes are often focused on whether the structural damages are resulted from mine subsidence or from other causes. R&P coal mines without pillar extraction are carefully designed not to cause surface subsidence. Subsidence do occur in some rare cases. Such unexpected subsidence events likely occur over sealed sections or abandoned mines. The

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Construction Materials & Aggregates: Resource Development
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: G.Stevens, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc, Downers Grove, IL
9:05 AM A Brief History of Aggregate Development in the Denver, Colorado Area W. Langer; US Geological Survey, Denver, CO
At the start of the 20th century Denver’s population was 203,795. Most streets were unpaved. Buildings were constructed of wood frame or masonry. Transport was by horse-drawn-wagon or rail. Statewide, aggregate consumption was less than 0.25 metric tons per person per year. One hundred years later Denver had a population of 2,365,345. Today Denver is a major metropolitan area at the crossroads of two interstates, home to a new international airport, and in the process of expanding its light rail transit system. The skyline is punctuated with skyscrapers. The urban center is surrounded with edge cities. These changes required huge amounts of aggregate. Statewide, aggregate consumption increased 50 fold to over 13 metric tons per person per year. Denver has a large potential supply of aggregate, but sand and gravel quality decreases downstream from the mountain front and potential sources of crushed stone occur in areas prized for their scenic beauty. These issues, along with urban encroachment and citizen opposition, have complicated aggregate development and have paved a new path for future aggregate development including sustainable resource management and reclamation techniques.

10:05 AM Mining’s New Sinkhole - Lack of People - Lack of Talent What are YOU Going To Do About It - Some Solutions L. Lien; Global Staffing Network, Novato, CA
Mining will expand over 50% in the next five years. New mines are being opened. Closed mines are being re-opened, and every mine is being expanded. During this same period, the industry will lose at least 50% of its professionals though retirement and death. In essence, the industry will have to recruit its current workforce in the next 5 years. And from where, one might ask? Not from the Universities. Graduation from mining schools is the lowest it has been in the last 20 years. It will specifically address solutions that can be taken by individual mining companies to mitigate the dangers of not enough “good” people. The paper will outline how companies can avoid the salary spiral for qualified professionals, and maintain a stable workforce. These solutions will require more than a renewed “recruiting” and human resource” effort. Mining companies will have to expand its sources of recruiting, engage in a more effective training and development effort, re-structure salaries and compensation. Those that perform effectively will get and keep the right people. Those that do not will suffer.

10:25 AM Co-Development of Aggregate Resources on a Multiuse Commercial Property G. Stevens; Enviromental and Mining Services, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc, Downers Grove, IL
The development of aggregate mines within urban environments may require multiuses of a property to sucessfully utilize all of the resources the properties have to offer.

9:25 AM Current Reclamation Requirements for the Arizona Aggregate Industry E. Lips; Brown and Caldwell, Phoenix, AZ
Recently, reclamation requirements for aggregate mining on private land in Arizona have changed dramatically. This paper discusses how and why these reclamation regulations have changed and summarizes the current reclamation requirements for the Arizona aggregate industry. Prior to 2005, aggregate mining on private land was not subject to any state-wide reclamation requirements. Although reclamation planning has always been part of aggregate mining on public lands, a number of city and county guidelines for reclamation on private land began appearing as part of other permitting processes or anti-mining initiatives. To provide a standardized state-wide reclamation planning process for the industry and block local anti-mining legislation, Arizona Rock Product Association and the Arizona State Mine Inspector sponsored aggregate mined land reclamation legislation. In 2005, the Arizona State Legislature enacted SB 1393 requiring approved reclamation plans for aggregate mining on private land. The resulting Statute requires reclamation plans that identify post-mining land uses, provide safe and stable conditions, and provide financial assurance to ensure implementation of the plans.

Environmental: Environmental Management Systems, United States I
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: R. Miller, MWH Americas Inc, Phoenix, AZ D.Turner, ADEQ, Phoenix, AZ
9:05 AM EMS Implementation Guideline for the Hard Rock Mining Industry P. Kunkel; Freeport McMoRan, Phoenix, AZ
How effective is your EMS? Concerns from EPA regarding current EMSs’ abilities to keep hard rock mining facilities off of the National Priorities List (Superfund) was the driver to for hard rock companies to work together to develop a guideline for EMS implementation that focuses on being effective in managing environmental risks, regulatory compliance, and environmental footprint. The guideline is designed for mining operations that are just starting to formalize their EMS and operations interested in making their EMS more effective. This paper will report on the process of developing the guideline, stakeholder involvement, an overview of the guideline, and plans to communicate/train to the guideline.

9:45 AM Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Aggregate Resource Evaluation J. Light; Granite Construction Inc., Sacramento, CA
Today’s aggregate mining industry has seen dramatic increases in costs relative to property acquisition, permitting, mining, plant equipment and plant processing. Whether you are evaluating a greenfield resource opportunity or re-evaluating a producing reserve, it is important to incorporate disciplines of geology, material testing, mine design, plant design, and mine planning into the feasibility study or operation modification plan to help control those costs. We present a case study where an integrated approach was used to better define potential mining areas in an alluvial deposit. We used surface mapping, exploratory boreholes, and gradation data to develop a geologic model that extrapolates material qualities and waste percentages throughout the deposit. We determined economic cutoff grades for percent sand. First, the model determined areas that exceeded the cutoff grade and would be non-profitable. Second, the internal variability of pit run gradation is used to suggest mining methods and blending strategies that might extend the reserve life. Finally, all of this information is rolled up into a functional mine plan.

9:25 AM Environmental Management Systems and Sustainability in Mining K. Parameswaran; Environmental Affairs, ASARCO LLC, Tucson, AZ
ASARCO LLC (“Asarco”) implemented an Environmental Management System (“EMS”) as part of a Consent Decree addressing compliance issues at its facilities. Asarco developed its EMS because of its belief that environmental management was an integral part of business management and that environmental considerations needed to be integrated into its day-to-day business management decisions. Asarco’s EMS was modeled on the ISO 14001 framework, with an increased emphasis on ensuring compliance with all its environmental obligations. This paper describes Asarco’s experience with the development and implementation of its EMS and examines how such systems can contribute to sustainable mining practices.

SME & CMA — Together Again in Denver!
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9:45 AM Environmental Management Systems – Practical Implementation A. Wagner; Questa Mine, Chevron Mining Inc., Questa, NM
Anyone can write a program, but how do you make one live and breathe? Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are becoming standard in many global industries. However, the development of the system is only part of an effective program. This presentation discusses implementation of an EMS from an operating perspective at the Chevron Mining Inc. Questa Mine. Components include a cross functional compliance team, quarterly meetings, an individual accountable for recordkeeping, comprehensive tracking spreadsheets available to the team and management, and quarterly reviews of compliance data and deadlines. The team has also identified ways to incorporate internal inspections and opportunities for internal audits to enhance the EMS. The EMS originally conceptualized and implemented 5 years ago has now become a broader compliance system. There are three components that have allowed this system to be incorporated throughout the operation: communication across functional groups, departments and management; an open and transparent approach and individual accountability. In addition to compliance, this program has enabled the Questa Mine to proactively and comprehensively address issues.

Environmental: Geochemistry and Waste Rock Characterization Techniques for Mine Closure
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: P. Williamson, Water Management Consultants, Denver, CO K. Smith, ARCADIS US, Inc, Helena, MT
9:05 AM Mitigation of Acid Generation Potential and Metals Leaching Through Geochemical Stabilization of Pyrite J. Gillow1 and J. Horst2; 1ARCADIS U.S., Inc., Highlands Ranch, CO and 2ARCADIS U.S., Inc., Newtown, PA
A process was developed to geochemically stabilize lead and arsenic-bearing pyritic solids and to halt and/or control the oxidation of pyritic solids. To verify the process, bench testing was performed using solids from a site in the eastern U.S. with low pH and elevated arsenic concentrations in the groundwater. The goal was to provide sufficient long-term control to allow the stabilized materials to be safely returned to the site while still protecting groundwater and the environment. A conceptual geochemical model was developed based on an in-depth analysis of the source material mineralogy and natural sequestration mechanisms affecting the arsenic and lead. This provided the basis for selecting the appropriate stabilization chemistry. Based on the data, the solids that were the focus of the study were primarily comprised of iron oxide and pyritc sulfur with a corresponding acid generation potential. Given the nature of the solids, the primary components of the stabilization chemistry were designed to address the net acid generation potential and the leachable lead and arsenic. In combination the amendments worked in synergy to enhance pH buffering and decrease leachability.

10:05 AM Navigating the Real Life Challenges to EMS Implementation at Cleveland Cliffs’ Tilden Mine M. Zimmermann; ERM, Appleton, WI
This presentation will discuss the challenges and lessons learned from establishing a formal EMS at Cleveland Cilff’s Tilden Mine, a low-grade iron ore mine and taconite processing facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Specific challenges included defining the initial EMS scope for Cleveland Cliffs’ Michigan Operations; implementing an ISO 14001 EMS in an established culture; making time for EMS implementation against competing demands; getting a handle on historic systems currently under transition; defining and measuring environmental performance; providing a platform for improving compliance assurance; and using the EMS as a tool in the future. Cleveland Cliff’s approach to these challenges included building accountability during EMS development and implementation, using an existing continuous improvement mindset, defining EMS jargon as applied to the mine, capitalizing on an early success, measuring progress on EMS development through the use of scorecards, and strategically using a facilitator. This presentation will provide a real life perspective on how to solve challenges faced during EMS development and implementation.

9:25 AM Clay Mineralogy of the Goathill North Rock Pile, Questa Mine, Taos County, NM: Origins and Indications of In-situ Weathering K. Donahue, N. Dunbar, L. Heizler and V. McLemore; NM Bureau of Geology, Socorro, NM
Clay minerals play an important role in the gravitational stability of man-made rock piles by affecting geotechnical and hydrological characteristics of the material. The Goathill North rock pile at the Questa Mine in northern New Mexico has been the focus of a multi-disciplinary study to determine the effect of weathering on rock pile stability and in particular to determine if clay minerals are forming in the rock pile due to surface weathering. The results of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses indicate the clay minerals found within the fine-grained soil matrix of the rock pile are of hydrothermal origins and did not detect any neoformation of clay minerals. The foremost mechanism for an increase in clay minerals within the rock pile is the physical break down of rock fragments to release hydrothermal clay minerals. The hydrothermal clay minerals within the rock pile show evidence of weathering by the dehydration of smectite from 2-water to 1-water interlayers within the clay mineral structure. This dehydration is most likely due to higher temperatures and low relative humidities in the Goathill north rock pile during surface exposure.

10:25 AM Gathering and Managing Environmental Quality Data for Mining Projects D. Rich; Geotech Computer Systems, Inc., Centennial, CO
An EMS is a key part of a company’s environmental stewardship. Procedures and practices to continually improve environmental performance can provide great benefits in operating the company. Managing site environmental quality data is a key component of this. An environmental data management system (EDMS) is an important element of the EMS for mining projects, providing project staff with the information that they need to make decisions that can have a significant impact on public health. Improvements in computers, data communications, and transfer formats have made it much easier to implement an integrated EDMS program for gathering, managing, selecting, and displaying data from the field and the lab. Software now lets users define sampling plans, create files for field data entry, and print Chains of Custody. Laptop and handheld computers facilitate field data entry and may provide automated communication back to the office. Most labs can now create usable electronic data deliverables. QC checks and limit comparisons can be largely automated. The result is organized data that can be efficiently used for reporting, graphing, and mapping, to better understand project issues.

9:45 AM Characterization of Arsenic Geochemistry in a Historical Mining Area Prior to New Mining Operations J. Gillow1, P. DeDycker1, M. Logan1, J. Gusek2 and L. Klingmann3; 1 ARCADIS U.S., Inc., Highlands Ranch, CO; 2Golder Associates, Lakewood, CO and 3Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd., West Vancouver, BC, Canada
Past mining activities in the Mojave Mining District of California have resulted in accumulation of historical tailings from the recovery of precious metals. Rock types in the District include rhyolite, rhyolite porphyry, quartz latite, and pyroclastics with ore present as epithermal fissure veins containing gold and silver minerals, as well as minor pyrite, galena, and chalcopyrite. The area is characterized by arid conditions (approximately 6 inches of precipitation annually), and the rock has very low acid generation potential; water-rock interactions are not of paramount concern. Prior to new mining activities in the area, a baseline study was performed to characterize the historical tailings and the occurrence of arsenic in order to understand its form and environmental mobility. The study included comprehensive sampling and analysis of ore, waste rock, tailings and soil, as well as advanced mineralogical analyses. This characterization of previously mined areas, prior to new mining operations, as well as materials from host rock and leached ore, provides a comprehensive understanding of arsenic and its chemical form and environmental stability.

10:25 AM The Mountain Pass Mine Environmental Management System S. Honan; Chevron Mining Inc., Mountain Pass, CA
The Mountain Pass Lanthanide Mine is located in Eastern San Bernardino County, California and faces a challenging regulatory environment. The development of a formal Environmental Management System (EMS) commenced in 1996, with certification achieved in 1998. The adoption of a formal EMS has resulted in a structured and prioritized approach to the numerous environmental issues facing the operation. The value of the EMS has been demonstrated through formal recognition during pemitting processes with the County of San Bernardino, and is reflected in a substantial improvement in environmental conditions at the site.

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10:05 AM Determining Bulk Mineralogy Using a Modified Modan Approach on the Questa Rock Pile Materials, New Mexico V. McLemore1, D. Sweeney1, N. Dunbar1, L. Heizler1 and E. Phillips Writer2; 1NM Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, NM Inst. of Mining and Tech, Socorro, NM and 2University, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD
Petrographic analysis of rocks is traditionally performed using optical microscopy point counting on thin section. However, this does not provide accurate mineral proportions for sedimentary, volcanic, and soil-like material, because rock fragments, groundmass, and matrix are not identified as specific minerals. In addition, groundmass phases in volcanic rocks can be too fine to identify, and making thin sections of intact soil-like material is difficult because of poor cementation. ModAn is a normative calculation that estimates the proportions of minerals in a sample “…by applying Gaussian elimination and multiple linear regression techniques to simultaneous mass balance equations” (Paktunc, 2001). This is done by using an integrated combination of bulk rock geochemistry, petrographic observations, clay mineral analysis and site-specific mineral compositions determined by electron microprobe. One of the features of ModAn that makes it appropriate for this study is that it can model several sulfide minerals. The mineralogical results determined by ModAn for Questa samples are reproducibly, geologically reasonable, and agree closely with results from Reitveld XRD analysis.

Weathering can change the grain shape as well, more weathered sands tend to be rounder regardless of particle size. Particle shape analysis was performed on samples collected from the Questa mine rock piles, the debris flow and the pit alteration scar. In order to increase the validity of the particle shape analysis, 4 personnel were involved in describing the particle shapes to avoid error encountered by Folks, 1955. The results of this analysis indicate that rock fragments at Questa Mine are mainly subangular, subdiscoidal and subprismoidal. The sphericity and angularity of the rock fragments of the older analogs are similar to those of the younger rock piles. This suggests that short-term weathering (100 years) and longer hydrothermal alteration has not noticeably changed the particle shapes at the test locations. Rock piles made of more angular particles are more stable compared to rock piles with rounded particles.

11:25 AM A Standard Column Weathering Test to Estimate Coal Overburden Leachate Quality E. Perry1, R. Hornberger3, K. Brady2 and J. Cuddeback4; 1USDI Office of Surface Mining, Pittsburgh, PA; 2Pennsylvania Dept Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA; 3Pennsylvania Dept Environmental Protection, Pottsville, PA and 4Computer Sciences Corporation, Alexandria, VA
Simulated weathering analyses of coal overburden lack a consistent test protocol. A three phase project developed a reproducible column technique. It includes a controlled particle size composition, weekly leaching events, and a six day aeration cycle with humidified air containing 10% CO2, for 14 weeks. Phases I and II developed and refined the protocol. In phase III, five rocks with a range of pyrite and carbonate content were analyzed in an inter-laboratory study. Specific conductance, pH, Ca, Mg and sulfate were the most reproducible parameters. Metals leached at low concentrations had the largest relative percent difference. The test produced leachate quality consistent with mineralogical and Acid Base Accounting interpretation. The US EPA is reviewing results for designation as EPA method 1627 Kinetic Test Procedure for the Prediction of Acid Mine Drainage Quality. The Kinetic Test Procedure provides a consistent protocol for estimating mine water quality of coal overburden or other pyritic rocks. It is useful for samples whose behavior is difficult to interpret from static test data alone.

10:25 AM The Effect of Weathering on Particle Shape and Rock Pile Stability S. Nunoo, V. McLemore and A. Fakhimi; New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM
Research studies have shown that the shape of particles has a significant effect on the shear strength and deformational characteristics of granular materials. Increase in the proportion of coarse material in an otherwise fine-grained granular soil results in an increase in friction angle. Weathering can change the grain shape as well, more weathered sands tend to be rounder regardless of particle size. Particle shape analysis was performed on samples collected from the Questa mine rock piles, the debris flow and the pit alteration scar. In order to increase the validity of the particle shape analysis, 4 persons including 2 geologists and 2 mining engineers were involved in describing the particle shapes. The results of this analysis indicate that rock fragments at Questa Mine are mainly subangular, subdiscoidal and subprismoidal. The sphericity and angularity of the rock fragments of the older analogs are similar to those of the younger rock piles. This suggests that short-term weathering (100 years) and longer hydrothermal alteration has not noticeably changed the particle shapes at the test locations.

Geology: Geotechnical Engineering and Mine Design I
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: R. Pratt, Call & Nicholas, Inc.,Tucson, AZ
9:05 AM A Holistic Assessment of Slope Stability Analysis in Mining Applications K. Sinha and K. Sample; Vector Engineering, Inc., Grass Valley, CA
Slope stability analysis is an integral part of various mining applications including design of waste dumps, heap leach piles, solution ponds, and tailings dams. Generally, limit equilibrium analysis using one of the several prevalent approaches is considered adequate. In earthquake-prone regions, the seismic forces are modeled as inertia forces in a pseudo-static analysis. The density, saturation, and shear strength parameters of the materials forming the slope affect the failure mode and the calculated factor of safety. These parameters are generally based on laboratory tests. Field practices and construction procedures are often not completely simulated in the laboratory for various reasons. This paper presents a holistic assessment of slope stability analysis practice. A sensitivity analysis is considered to demonstrate the effects of various factors and procedures coming into play. Finally, a simple, cradle-to-grave-type approach is used to build some realistic scenarios of sampling, laboratory procedures, construction procedures, field conditions, resulting variation in design parameters, etc., and their combined impact on factor of safety is examined.

11:05 AM Effects of Weathering and Alteration on Point Load and Slake Durability Indices of the Questa Rock Piles, New Mexico G. Ayakwah1, V. McLemore2, A. Fakhimi3 and V. Viterbo4; 1Mineral Engineering, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM; 2Mineral Engineering, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM; 3Mineral Engineering, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM and 4Freeport – McMoran Copper and Gold Morenci Operations, Morenci, AZ
Point load strength (Is50) and slake durability (ID2) indices provide a measure of the strength and durability of rock fragments and are related to the alteration intensity and frictional resistance of the materials. Samples were collected from the rock piles, alteration scars and the debris flow at the Questa mine with the purpose of examining relationships between Is50 and ID2, mineralogy, chemistry, geotechnical parameters, weathering, and alteration. The Is50 from the various rock piles ranges from 0.6-8.2 MPa and the ID2 ranges from 80.9-99.5%. The Is50 and ID2 results indicate that the samples from the debris flows are slightly stronger (average Is50=4.0 MPa and ID2=98.4%) than the rock pile samples and that the alteration scar samples are slightly weaker (average Is50=2.8 MPa and ID2=89.3%) than the rock pile samples, but still most of these rocks are strong in terms of their Is50 and ID2. The Is50 decreases as the degree of weathering increases in some rock pile and alteration scar samples, but not all. However, after 40 years of weathering, the majority of the rock fragments within the rock piles still indicate high strength.

9:25 AM An Emerging Groundwater Mapping Procedure for Use in Mine Design P. Rollins; Willowstick Technologies, Las Vegas, NV
This paper examines both the theoretical basis and the practical implications of a minimally invasive groundwater mapping method as applied to mine design. The data acquired through this method sustains both two-dimensional maps and three-dimensional models of the local groundwater system, thus providing crucial information for pre-mining surveys and tailings system design. The method involves inducing a low voltage, low amperage, high frequency audio electrical current into the groundwater system. This current naturally gathers in areas of highest conductivity—which include regions of both relatively high water saturation and relatively high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Per the BiotSavart law—which relates magnetic fields to their source currents—this current

11:25 AM The Effect of Weathering on Particle Shape of Questa Mine Material S. Nunoo, V. McLemore and A. Fakhimi; New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM
Research studies have shown that the shape of particles has a significant effect on the shear strength and deformational characteristics of granular materials..

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emits a magnetic field that reveals vital information about the location, character and preferential flow paths of the groundwater system through which it is passing. This paper will convey the findings of case studies in which the efficacy of this method has been tested in pre-mining surveys.

9:45 AM Wireless Monitoring of Microseismic Events J. Whitney; Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
As safety requirements increase in the mining environment, predictive equipment and technology must now be utilized in order to increase the overall safety of mines throughout the country. Microseismic activity is monitored in order to predict roof falls, rock bursts, high wall failures, and several other structural hazards in the mining environment. The use of wireless technology can improve these monitoring techniques by reducing the cost of the system as well as reducing the time it takes to receive measurements. This paper is a review of the current wireless technologies and microseismic monitoring systems being used today and needs in this area for the future.

are locally coincident. Thorium veins exhibit intense alkali and ferric iron metasomatism and are enriched in middle REE; identifiable hypogene minerals include monazite, allanite and thorite. Mapping discovered a Cambrian (530 Ma) syenite (cut by hematite veins) and a slightly older suite of altered mafic and lamprophyre dikes in proximity to many of the thorite deposits. Nd-rich monazite from the Lucky Horseshoe mine has complex U-Pb zoning, but preliminary results show a younger (recrystallized?) Paleozoic age signature of 300-350 Ma. Lead isotope studies are underway to look at the relationship of the sulfides, thorium veins and intrusives. Regional associations include Paleozoic igneous rocks (with local base metals) intruded along a rifted continental margin, Th-REE deposits at Diamond Creek, a Th-enriched red syenite, and Cretaceous(?) carbonatite replacements. Subsequent structural disruption, the Cretaceous thermal overprint, and lack of subsurface data obscure any buried intrusive-hydrothermal system.

9:44 AM Geology and Exploration of the Bear Lodge REE Property, Wyoming J. Clark and D. Ranta; Rare Element Resources, Golden, CO
Rare Element Resources has 100% interest in the Bear Lodge property, northeastern Wyoming, which contains extensive gold mineralization (optioned to Newmont Mining) and large disseminated rare-earth-element occurrences. Newmont is earning a majority interest in the property through the Sundance gold exploration joint venture, excluding any rights to the rare-earth elements but including rights to gold and other metals. The Bear Lodge property also encompasses one of the largest disseminated rare-earth occurrences in North America (M.H. Staatz, 1983, USGS Professional Paper 1049-D). The Bear Lodge Mountains are composed of the upper levels of a mineralized Tertiary alkalineigneous complex that has intruded and domed the surrounding Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks in the early Tertiary (approximately 38-50 million years ago). Rare-earth-element mineralization occurs in carbonatite dikes and stockworks, and their oxidized equivalents, in the north-central core of the Bear Lodge dome, which consists of multiple intrusions of phonolite, trachyte, and other alkaline igneous rocks, and a variety of associated breccias and diatremes.

10:05 AM Embankment Stability Under Cyclic Discharge G. Inci1, H. Kim1 and T. Alexieva2; 1Geo/Civil-Mining, URS Corporation, Denver, CO and 2Mining, MWH Americas Inc., Denver, CO
The centerline tailings dams usually utilized in precious metal mining have unique pore pressure and stability conditions. The tailings are typically separated by cyclones into overflow loose sand on the downstream embankment slope and underflow slimes in the impoundment. As the dams are raised for storing more tailings, steady-state seepage conditions are achieved by gravity flow between the downstream embankment and impounded tailings. Limit equilibrium slope stability analyses are generally conducted for the steady state seepage condition. However, there are few studies for the effects of this cyclic discharge on the phreatic surface and the stability. In this paper, numerical approaches were provided to simulate a realistic cyclic discharge sequence for the centerline raised tailings dam during operations. Transient stability of the partially saturated downstream embankment slope was also analyzed. Results from limit equilibrium analysis show that cyclic discharge can have direct influence on the stability of the slope.

10:04 AM The Rare Earths Market: Can Supply Meet Demand in 2013? D. Kingsnorth; Industrial Minerals Company of Australia, Mt Claremont, WA, Australia
The global demand for rare earths has risen from 80,000t in 2000 to an estimated 135,000t in 2008. This year China will supply over 90% of the global supply of rare earths and will consume over 60% of total demand. In the past 12 months China has increased export taxes and reduced export quotas; a trend that is likely to continue. These recent imposts have had a significant impact on prices and supply. During the 4th Quarter of 2008 many of the potential new rare earth producers are scheduled to announce progress on their feasibility studies. Demnd is forecast to exceed 200,000t in 2013 for the first time. The paper will trace the impact of recent rare earth industry developments with a forecast of how the potential supply deficit may be met.

10:25 AM Excess Pore Pressure Dissipation Measures for Mine Tailings, a Comparative Evaluation of Stone Columns and Wick Drains G. Inci; URS Corporation, Denver, CO
Copper and gold mine tailings impoundments are generally composed of uniform coarse to fine silty sand with some clay. They are loosely deposited and are susceptible to liquefaction under mid-intensity earthquakes and static loading. Today, some of the copper and gold mines are being reopened because of market demands. Moreover, decommissioned tailings impoundments are being utilized as foundations for storage and road embankments. Although it is not the preferred practice to place embankments or build structures on liquefiable soils, schedule requirements and space restrictions are pushing geotechnical engineers to build over tailing impoundments. Excess pore pressure induced during construction or from an earthquake can destabilize the foundation tailings. Stone columns and wick drains are generally used to reduce the excess pore pressure. In this study transient pore pressure increase in tailings and pore pressure dissipation through stone columns or wick drains were evaluated with transient seepage analyses. Impacts on stability were quantified with limit equilibrium analyses.

10:23 AM Rare Earth and Magnetite Enriched Mineral Sands in the Snake Valley – Deep Creek Range Region, Utah J. Pearson1, G. Schlenker2, D. Armstrong2, C. Maguffin2, R. McDonald1 and C. Smith3; 1Great Western Minerals Group Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada; 2Kleinfelder, Taylorsville, UT and 3Titan Mining Group LLC, Heflin, AL
The Snake Valley and adjacent Deep Creek Mountains of west central Utah are host to rare earth and iron enriched mineral sands which have their source in the 18.7 Ma Ibapah Stock, a multi-phase, peraluminous granodiorite to quartz monzonite body intruded into the upper Proterozoic and lower Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Deep Creek Mountains. Erosion of the Ibapah Stock created alluvial fans which coalesced into an extensive, flat to gently east dipping alluvial pediment of Pleistocene age. Narrow E-W trending channels of alluvial stream deposits erode the alluvial pediment and are flanked by alluvial flood plain deposits. Overlying and altering the alluvial stratigraphy are paleo-beaches and lacustrine sediments of the Bonneville, Little Valley,and Provo levels of latePleistocene Lake Bonneville. Magnetite and monazite are ubiquitous in the sediments eroded from the Ibapah stock with concentrations of 1.6 to 2.8% and 0.02 to 0.04% respectively in the alluvial pediment. They are further concentrated in areas of increasing energy giving concentrations of up to 11% magnetite and 0.2% monazite and locally massive magnetite beds over widths of 10’s of cm.

Geology: Rare Earths — Geology, Deposits, and Economic Assessment
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: J. Hedrick, US Geological Survey, Reston,VA
9:05 AM Geology of the Lemhi Pass Thorium-Rare Earth District, Idaho and Montana: Evidence for a Buried Paleozoic Alkalic System? V. Gillerman1, P. Layer2, M. Jercinovic3, M. Gordon4 and M. Schmitz4; 1 Idaho Geological Survey, Boise, ID; 2Geology & Geophysics, Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK; 3Dept. of Geosciences, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA and 4Dept. of Geosciences, Boise State Univ., Boise, ID
The Idaho Geological Survey has been studying the Lemhi Pass District, Idaho and Montana. Base metal and iron mineralization predate thorium-REE veins but

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10:43 AM Geology of the Nolans Bore REE-P-U-Th Deposit, Northern Territory, Australia K. Hussey1 and R. Brescianini2; 1Arafura Resources Limited, Darwin, NT, Australia and 2Arafura Resources Limited, Perth, WA, Australia
The Nolans Bore REE-P-U-Th deposit occurs in the central Arunta Region of Australia’s Northern Territory. Country rocks include Palaeoproterozoic felsic gneisses and subordinate metasedimentary rocks that have undergone 16001570 Ma granulite facies metamorphism. Primary mineralisation cuts later localised pegmatites and is subsequently locally deformed by 330-300 Ma shear zones. Mineralisation occurs mainly as swarms of massive fluorapatite-rich veins over a 6 km2 area. Individual veins are up to tens of metres wide and hundreds of metres in length. The extent of the mineral system has yet to be fully defined. Currently, resources are estimated at 18.6 Mt @ 3.1% REO, 14% P2O5, 0.018% U and 0.29% Th. Mineralisation is LREE-enriched and has a distinct Ca-Sr-PREE-Y-U-Th-F geochemical association. The REE are hosted in fluorapatite, cheralite, monazite, allanite and minute inclusions within apatite. Widespread but variable calc-silicate alteration hosts fluorapatite+allanite mineralisation. It appears that the primary REE-P-U-Th mineralising event is related to deep seated fluids with REE derived from an evolved source.

thickness. It is characterized by nearly complete replacement of the primary mineral assemblage by magnetite, biotite, albite, zircon, allanite, bastnaesite, monazite and fergusonite. The deposit exhibits distinct horizontal layering with HREE content generally increasing towards the base. The lowermost layer, called the “Basal Zone” contains between 1.5 and 2.5% TREO over about 20m, with HREE ranging between 15% and 30% of the total REE present. Current work is focused on resource definition and metallurgical testwork for a pre-feasibility economic study due in early 2009.

Industrial Minerals: New Technologies
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: S. Ravishankar, Cytec Industries Inc, Stamford, CT K. Conner, Freeport-McMoRan, Safford, AZ
9:05 AM Vibrating Equipment Monitoring Technology M. Garrison1, R. Kuehl II1 and C. Mapes2; 1Vibrating Equipment, Metso Minerals Industries, Inc., Columbia, SC and 2Mining, Global Large Crushers, Metso Minerals Industries, Inc., Waukesha, WI
Electronic advances now quantify multiple mining processes previously monitored only qualitatively, such as vibrating screen performance. Mechanical performance has been discerned via throw cards - a subjective “art” fraught with non-repeatable imprecision. Metso Minerals has developed two new technologies, both patents pending, that precisely quantify screen mechanical performance. The LSB is a hand-held technology that quantifies orbits, structural integrity, and bearing conditions. The technology ensures correct installation and supports long screen life, reduced operating cost, and maximum process efficiency. Often used as an auditing tool, significant use of the LSB has clarified the relationship between customer structure and moving machines, prompting improved design. A SSP (Screen Security Package) advances this technology to full condition monitoring, online or intermittent, local or remote. Since new machines have performance signatures developed on a Pilot Stand upon assembly, these signatures are referenced upon startup to ensure correct installation. With the digital record, ongoing monitoring serves to allow conversion to full predictive maintenance.

11:02 AM Supergene REE Deposits in Carbonatites A. Mariano1, J. Hedrick2 and C. Cox3; 1Consultant, Carlisle, MA; 2U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA and 3The Anchor House, Inc., Evanston, IL
The development of REE minerals from the weathering of carbonatites can, under specific conditions of climate, geomorphology, tectonics, and other factors, produce vast accumulations of supergene mineralization with respect to grade and tonnage. Deposits of this type include Mt. Weld, Australia; Araxá, Brazil; Mabounié, Gabon; Tomtor, Russia; and Cerro Impacto, Venezuela. The major source of supergene REE mineralization is substitutional impurities in the primary carbonate minerals calcite and dolomite, and apatite. Supergene REE minerals include monazite, cerianite, crandallite-type minerals, and less frequently churchite. The individual crystals are sub-micron in size and are inextricably associated with deleterious minerals which thus far have inhibited production of a marketable concentrate. REE mineralization at Mt. Weld was first reported in 1980 in drill core. Subsequent exploration of the laterite by several mining companies established impressive grade, tonnage, and REE distribution. Research to produce a viable REE concentrate is under development; this may be applied to other supergene REE mineralization from various carbonatites.

9:25 AM Significant Developments in Dry Rare-Earth Magnetic Separation M. Dobbins and I. Sherrell; Minerals Processing, Physical Separation, Outotec (USA) Inc., Jacksonville, FL
The advent of the more efficient and effective rare-earth roll (RER) separator in the early 1980’s began a new era of dry magnetic separation. The RER units quickly became the separator of choice within the materials processing industry. Though RER’s are now commonplace throughout the world, only modest advancements have been made to the original design. This paper details recent, more significant, rare-earth magnetic separation developments. These developments maintain the best features of existing technology while minimizing shortcomings. The discussion includes discerning features that aid in better metallurgical performance over a broad size range of materials. Also discussed are improved mechanical aspects that allow for both easier operation and maintenance. Performance details from various test programs are included.

11:22 AM An Assessment Of The Reliability Of The Present Determination Of The Rare Earth Resources and Reserves Of The People’s Republic of China J. Lifton; Jack Lifton LLC, Farmington Hills, MI
The “giant’ polymetallic ore deposits in the Bayan Obo region of Inner Mongolia, China are consistently cited today as the largest rare earth element, REE, ore deposit grouping ‘known’ in the world. It was in fact so referred to in a Joint U.S.G.S./Academy of Geological Sciences Of the Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources of China study of the deposits as a paradigm example of a giant polymetallic ore deposit of hydrothermal origin published in 1997 (U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 2143). Yet the estimates of the total reserves of REEs at Bayan Obo are not confirmed by official Chinese studies based on detailed and openly reported drilling data, and seem to be based on unofficial estimates and oral communications in the first place. I will discuss the influence of Chinese culture on the estimates of REE reserves in the Bayan Obo region and the influence of that culture on the expansion of reserves of REEs. This may be a factor to illuminate an unspoken reason for the recent volatility of REE production in the Bayan Obo region.

9:45 AM Maximizing Air Quality Inside Enclosed Cabs with UniDirectional Filtration and Pressurization System A. Cecala1, J. Organiscak1, J. Zimmer1, M. Hillis2 and D. Moredock3; 1 NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 2Vulcan Materials Company, Birmingham, AL and 3Sy-Klone International, Jacksonville, FL
Enclosed cabs have been used on surface mining equipment for many years to protect equipment operators from health and safety hazards. The surface mining and quarrying process is a highly mechanized process that generates large quantities of respirable dust. Due to economical factors, more older mining equipment is being used today than in years past. With this older equipment, it is common to observe deterioration of many components on the enclosed cabs which greatly reduces its effectiveness. NIOSH has recently completed a cooperative research effort with Sy-Klone International and Vulcan Materials Company to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly designed un-directional filtration and pressurization system that brings all the clean filtered air in at the roof of the cab and extracts all recirculated air near the floor. This design provides the highest air quality to the equipment operator. Testing on this new system showed a 10-fold reduction in respirable dust inside the enclosed cab. The uni-directional design is very easy to incorporate and should be considered for all new and retrofit systems in surface mining equipment.

11:41 AM The Lake Zone Heavy Rare Earth Deposit, Northwest Territories, Canada W. Mercer1, J. Pedersen1, D. Trueman1, M. Heiligmann2 and E. Sheard2; 1Avalon Ventures, Toronto, ON, Canada and 2Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
The Lake Zone Heavy Rare Earth Element (“HREE”) deposit, on Avalon Ventures’ Thor Lake property, is situated 100 km E of Yellowknife, NWT. It is hosted by the Aphebian Blachford Lake peralkaline layered intrusive complex within Archean supracrustal rocks of the Slave Structural Province. It is an unusual rare earth element (REE) deposit for its exceptionally high HREE (Eu through Lu + Y) content. The REE mineralization, is hosted in a tabular hydrothermal alteration zone, over an area in excess of one km2, and averaging 100-150m thick in

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10:05 AM Improving Electric Furnace Efficiency Utilising Gas Suspension Preheater Technology T. Osborn; FLSmidth Minerals Inc., Bethlehem, PA
A gas suspension pre-heater system was installed upstream of each of the two electric arc furnaces at the Exxaro Resources KZN Sands plant. The purpose of this technology was to improve the furnace efficiency in smelting ilmenite to produce pig iron and titanium slag. A gas suspension pre-heater is a set of multistage hot gas cyclones into which ilmenite is introduced and suspended in the hot counter-current flow gas stream, increasing the solids temperature from ambient to between 800oC and 900oC within a matter of seconds. The heat-source for this system is fuelled by the carbon monoxide furnace off-gas. The benefit of this technology on the overall smelting process is reduced power consumption per ton of solids fed to the furnace or an increase furnace output for the design power consumption. The content of this paper will cover the technical aspects of gas suspension system, the test program which proved the concept, process design considerations and actual plant operating performance with data gathered to indicate capacity increases or energy savings achieved.

11:25 AM Can the Toxicity of Asbestos Be Reduced? F. Habashi; Mining, Metallurgical and Mat Eng, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
Asbestos, an extremely useful natural resource, has been studied extensively mineralogically and for industrial application. Its extraction from ores has been greatly improved with respect to safety in the work place. In spite of that, there is a decisive effort in many countries to ban its use on the grounds that it is a toxic substance. This action resulting in drastic decrease in production and the possibility of destroying the industry. The chelation of asbestos with organic dyes seems to be a promising way to abate its toxicity. Dyeing can be done when the fibers are slurred in water at ambient conditions in the same way as textile fibers.

11:45 AM Can the Toxicity of Asbestos be Reduced? F. Habashi; Mining, Metallurgical and Mat Eng, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
Asbestos, an extremely useful natural resource, has been studied extensively mineralogically and for industrial application. Its extraction from ores has been greatly improved with respect to safety in the work place. In spite of that, there is a decisive effort in many countries to ban its use on the grounds that it is a toxic substance. This action resulting in drastic decrease in production and the possibility of destroying the industry. The chelation of asbestos with organic dyes seems to be a promising way to abate its toxicity. Dyeing can be done when the fibers are slurred in water at ambient conditions in the same way as textile fibers.

10:25 AM Bicarbonate Elution of Uranium J. Milbourne; Wildhorse Energy, Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Since in situ operations are operated in a closed circuit, chloride levels in the pregnant solution increase over time as more and more uranium is recovered from the wellfield. The ongoing increase in chloride levels in solution has two negative impacts on the in situ operation. The first is the steady depression of strong base resin’s loading capacity for uranium as chloride levels increase above 2 g/l. The second problem associated with operating an in situ recovery plant with resin in the chloride cycle is the need to restore ground water to acceptable chloride concentrations following leaching. Chloride remediation is almost exclusively effected by reverse osmosis (RO), an energy intensive proposition. The advantage of operating strong base resin in the bicarbonate cycle is that the detrimental effects of chloride, both in operation and restoration, are avoided. The paper reviews past work conducted in the 1950’s through 1970’s and describes an improved method of operating strong base ion exchange resin.

International I
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: M.Gavrilovic, E3 Consulting LLC, Englewood, CO D. Malhotra, Resource Development Inc,Wheat Ridge, CO
9:05 AM Discovery and Development of the Corani Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit in Peru M. Leduc; Bear Creek Mining Corp., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Since discovery in 2005 by Bear Creek Mining Corporation, the World-Class Corani silver-lead zinc deposit has grown from a grassroots project to a deposit containing 700 million equivalent silver ounces in the measured and indicated resource categories. The growth in the project has taken place rapidly and many technical hurdles have been faced during the development phase; these include operating at high altitudes, understanding the relationship of ore body geology to metallurgy and preparing a mine development plan for the building of the mine. The project discovery and development costs have been very low at approximately $0.02 per equivalent silver ounce. This discovery is a clear success for the junior mining sector and shows that large world-class deposits are still available for discovery, even in mature mining countries such as Peru.

10:45 AM Real-time PCR Assays to Characterize and Monitor Acidophilic Microbe Populations F. Roberto; Biological Systems, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Optimizing any bioprocess, including bioleach or biooxidation operations, requires frequent monitoring of critical environmental parameters, such as oxygen, ORP, temperature, and pH. Ideally, these and other measurable parameters would be correlated with measures of microbial growth and activity, or even discrimination and quantification of specific acidophilic microbes important to these processes. In an effort to overcome the limitations of classical methods for microbial characterization, such as plate or liquid cultivation, we are developing real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays for key microbial species known to mediate sulfide mineral dissolution. These DNA-sequence directed assays may provide a means of rapidly characterizing the microbial catalysts driving commercial bioleach processes.

11:05 AM Polysulfides as an Alternative Green Gold Leaching Technology D. Earley; Daniel B. Stephens and Associates, Boulder, CO
High metal prices and new world trade standards and accounting for environmental liability in financial disclosures are creating markets for metals commodities that are produced using “green technologies”. A promising “green” gold leaching system uses a polysulfide based lixiviant which is non-toxic and non-polluting. Laboratory testing has demonstrated selective gold extraction rates comparable to those of cyanide. The polysulfide lixiviant is a dilute aqueous solution which can be inexpensively produced from readily available chemical reagents and even mining wastes. The reagent system is self-buffering and maintains the optimal chemical environment for leaching. Treatment of residual leach solutions is not necessary because the lixiviant itself is not toxic, and breaks down as the system equilibrates. Simple closed system boiling is used to recover gold from process solutions. The polysulfide lixiviant can then be readily renewed and recycled back into the system, forming a closed loop system that conserves reagents and energy which minimizes operating costs. Economic projections have shown that the system can be used profitably for standard ore types and grades.

9:25 AM Mining in Brazil - Today & Perspectives E. Vale; BAMBURRA Ltda., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The objective of the presentation is analyze the Brazilian mining industry, offering an economic portray of its status and highlighting fundamental trends that are expected to format the climate of investment for the next years. In general, foreign investors are not adequately informed about the extent and diversity of Brazilian mineral opportunities. This portfolio is a multi-billion constellation of hundreds of exploration, exploitation and industrial mineral related projects. Mention should be made of the huge portfolio of known mineral properties and assets generated by past exploration campaigns, which is available for review under favorable relative prices and expectations. After 2003, many foreign companies have been setting up offices, seeking opportunities and making transactions in Brazil. By December 2007, more than 150 foreign mining companies, among juniors, seniors and majors, were active in exploration, development and mining. Considering the good fundaments that characterize the Brazilian actual mineralbusiness climate of investment, this trend is expected to be reinforced the for the next years.

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE MONEY!
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9:45 AM Barrick Operations in Tanzania J. Shuttleworth; Barrick Gold Corporation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Barrick Gold Corporation is well established in Tanzania East Africa with three operating mines; Bulyanhulu, North Mara and Tulawaka. Buzwagi Project is in construction and due for start-up in 2009. Kabanga Nickel Project is a joint venture partnership with Xstrata. The region hosts 19.5 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves and produces in excess of 600,000 ounces per year. The close proximity of Barrick mines in north-west Tanzania presents significant synergy opportunities, including shared infrastructure, equipment, personnel and training initiatives. This presentation will highlight sustainable development programmes that Barrick has successfully integrated at its operations in Tanzania. Water management practices include construction of a 75ha lined water harvest area at Buzwagi Project; and surface paste tailings disposal at Bulyanhulu. At Buzwagi over 200 households were relocated in twelve months with positive community engagement, resulting in a world-class achievement. Water and electricity supply, health care, schools and education initiatives have also been successfully implemented into communities surrounding Barrick’s operations.

11:05 AM Mining’s Positive Outreach to Feed the Poor- The Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative P. Dolph; Business Administration, Regis University, Pine, CO
As the mining industry continues to support and improve the living, health, and infrastructure needs in developing countries, it seldom is given the credit it is due. Recently, President Bill Clinton and Frank Giustra have teamed up to create the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) to advance philanthropic contributions from the mining and natural resource sectors. CGSGI is focusing on alleviating poverty in the developing world by building on the Clinton Foundation’s successful record of implementing and scaling up development initiatives in other countries. The Clinton Foundation is acting as the implementing partner, bringing together key stakeholders from the natural resources sector as well as the business community in the developing world. Already the CGSGI has received funding from Carlos Slim Helú, the Chairman of Grupo Carso who has committed over $100 million. Participating companies from the mining industry are also playing a key role in CGSGI. To date, over 20 natural resource, resource finance and supporting companies have endorsed or signed on as partners to the initiative.

10:05 AM Mining and Exploration in Mexico Today J. Lee; Exploration, Gammon Gold Inc, Naucalpan, Mexico
In spite of the enormous mineral potential of Mexico, the Country has a great index of subexploration, which has kept the minerals production practically static for decades.The Secretaria de Economía (*) reports 209 foreign companies operating in Mexico in 468 projects. 402 in exploration, 43 in production and 23 under development. 160 Canadian, 30 from the USA, 4 Australian, 4 from England, 3 from Japan, 3 from Switzerland, 2 from Luxemburg, and 1 each from Chile, India and Peru.There is activity in 26 States. 335 projects are associated with precious metals, 63 copper, 61 polymetallic, 6 iron and the rest other byproducts.Nonferrous metals increased their value by 62% from 2005 to 2006, the value of precious metal production increased by 61%. Ferrous group of minerals (coal, coke, iron, and manganese) increased by 16%. On the other hand, industrial minerals increased their value by only 12.6%.Copper had the highest value, representing 37% of the total. Silver had the second highest value with 24% of the total mining production value. Zinc, gold, and molybdenum followed with 15%, 12%, and 5.6% of the total, respectively. (*) Secretaria de Economia. DGM. Annual report 2007.

Mine Safety & Occupational Health Symposium: II
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: J. Brune, NIOSH, Spokane,WA
9:05 AM Enhanced Fire Escape Training for Mine Workers Using Virtual Realtiy Simulation T. Orr1, L. Matthews1, L. Mallett2 and I. May1; 1NIOSH, Spokane, WA and 2NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Recent US mine disasters identified a need for improved training of miners in escape from mine fires and explosions. Researchers at the National Institue for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL), designed and tested fire-escape training software for use in a mine-safety training course. The software allows up to four trainees to work together in a virtual world via a computer network. Trainees responded favorably and showed a marked improvement in locating the proper evacuation routes on subsequent trials. In collaboration with the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, a more elaborate fire evacuation scenario is being developed and tested. Further research is needed to confirm that virtual training will translate to improved safety outcomes in the real world.

10:25 AM Traveling in Brazil F. Habashi; Mining, Metallurgical and Mat Eng, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
Brazil is a major mineral and metal producer, has magnificent fauna and flora and superb architecture. In 1693 gold was discovered in Ouro Preto and Brazil produced about half of the world’s gold. In 1726 diamond was discovered in the region of Tijuco in the Province of Minas Gerais, 150 km east of Bello Horizonte. The country became independence from Portugal in 1822 as the Brazilian Empire. In 1876, an Englishman succeeded in obtaining from the Amazon region seeds of rubber trees and secretly transferred them to England, where they were planted in the royal gardens at Kew. Some of the seedlings which spouted were sent to Ceylon and Singapore. Thus, began the rubber industry in the East. Today, Brazil is the largest producer of niobium. The Mineral Research Center in Rio de Janeiro is the country’s main establishment for mineral research. Brazil has been a republic since 1889 with its capital in Brazilia.

9:25 AM Do Light Emitting Diode Cap Lamps Enable Improvements in Miner Safety? J. Sammarco and M. Reyes; Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
A miner’s visual performance is critical for detecting mine hazards. Moving hazards are often located in the miner’s peripheral field-of-view, while slip/trip/fall hazards are often located in the forward field-of-view. The research objective is to determine if light emitting diodes (LEDs) can enable visual performance improvements as compared to incandescent cap lamps (INC). The research presented focuses on a comparative study of a NIOSH LED prototype, a commercial LED, and an INC camp lamp. Thirty subjects participated in the study; ten subjects in each of the age groups: 18 to 25 years, 40 to 50 years, and 50+ years. Visual performance was quantified by the subjects’ speed and accuracy in detecting hazards; visual performance for disability glare was quantified by the use of contrast sensitivity tests. The results suggest that LEDs with a visible spectrum containing more of the short wavelengths could enable visual performance improvements with respect to disability glare, the detection of moving hazards in the peripheral field-of-view, and floor hazards. The NIOSH prototype LED cap lamp provided the best visual performance improvements for the older age groups in every test.

10:45 AM Social Responsibility: A Core Business Value of Apex Silver Mines P. Castanos; Apex, Apex, Denver, CO
Apex Silver Mines is committed to its role as a leader in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. We believe that this is not only the right thing to do, it is part and parcel of the way we must run our business in order to ultimately succeed. We are closely linked with the local communitieswhere we operate. The community members are our labor force and we provide the opportunity for sustainable socio-economic growth. Our commitment to responsible development has proven to be a strong competitive advantage. We can enter diverse countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Bolivia, and establish credibility from day one because of our reputation for implementing these programs. We consider social responsibility to be a core business value of Apex Silver Mines.

9:45 AM Using Mining Injuries in Research Planning P. Coleman, L. Martini and J. Brune; Spokane Research Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane, WA
NIOSH’s Mining Program uses surveillance data to help ensure that research targets significant safety & health problems. The purpose of this analysis was to explore the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) database to find

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areas that might benefit from research and identify the most frequent and/or severe injuries for prioritizing preventive efforts. Nonfatal days-lost injuries from 2002-2007 were studied. Using MSHA’s Accident/Injury/Illness Classification as the main groups, the five most frequent levels of selected variables were compared across classes. Handling Material was the most frequent class of injury across almost every commodity. Slips or Falls of Person ranked second, followed by Hand Tool, Machinery, and Powered Haulage injuries. Notable clusters included Moving Power Cable (in UG coal for both Handling Materials and Slips/Falls), and Machine Maintenance & Repair. The potential outcome should be to ensure that 1) research projects lead to more effective engineering controls, training, and other preventive measures; and 2) more useful baselines help in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to improve the safety and health of miners.

resources. This paper utilizes a case study of Gold Fields Ghana (GFG) to describe the various components of a successful strategy designed to maximize the effectiveness of corporate sustainable development programs. The GFG model represents a leading example of best practice in the international mining industry for community engagement and sustainable development.

9:45 AM The Role of the Extractive Sector in Expanding Economic Opportunity H. Wise; Wise Solutions LLC, Arlington, VA
In 2007, energy and mining companies were among the largest and most profitable companies in the world, yet the communities from which these companies extract commodities are among some of the poorest. Expanding economic opportunity in the communities and countries where they operate is in extractive companies’ best interest, since the industry is by nature sensitive to longer time horizons as well as economic and political stability. Companies can simultaneously improve their surrounding communities and serve their own interests by nesting an economic opportunity expansion approach into the core business operations of procurement and sales. Companies maximize business and social potential by creating business models that include the poor, developing human capital, building institutional capacity, and optimizing the “rules of the game” to improve access to business opportunities.

10:05 AM Update on Refuge Alternatives: Research, Recommendations, and Underground Deployment E. Bauer1 and J. Kohler2; 1Disaster Prevention and Response Branch, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA and 2Office of Mine Safety and Health, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
In response to the mandates in the MINER Act of 2006, NIOSH conducted numerous refuge alternatives research efforts that included characterizing the utility, practicality and survivability of refuge chambers and outby safe havens. NIOSH also prepared and delivered a report to Congress in late December 2007 that summarized the findings of the research, focusing on specific information that could inform the regulatory process on refuge alternatives. The report also included recommendations concerning the design and performance specifications for refuge alternatives. This presentation highlights NIOSH’s research and recommendations concerning refuge alternatives, survivability evaluations of refuge chambers, and a review of the current deployment of refuge chambers in underground coal mines in the U.S.

10:05 AM Non-Profit Partnerships for a Sustainable Solution to Global Poverty C. Crane, President and CEO, Opportunity International
Committed to solving global poverty since 1971, Opportunity International has helped poor communities around the world develop prosperous economies. Currently providing microfinance services in 28 developing countries, Opportunity supplies the poor with the financial tools necessary to work their way out of poverty. By partnering with corporations and other organizations, Opportunity helps equip poor entrepreneurs with loans, savings accounts, insurance and training. A successful partnership with the Caterpillar Foundation has allowed Opportunity to provide loans as well as safety training to workers in China. Opportunity works to help the poor build stable and productive communities and create reliable employment opportunities.

Minerals Resource Management: Mining and Economic Development: Making the Link to Sustainability
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: S. Knoerzer, Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, Phoenix, AZ T. Bame, Freeport McMoRan
9:05 AM Resource Booms and the Poor G. Davis and A. Vasquez; Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
There are frequent suggestions that domestic extractive activity increases a nation’s poverty rate. Those who suggest this negative relationship often infer that there are dynamic effects at work, such as increasing income inequality associated with extraction-led growth or Dutch Disease effects that reduce manufacturing employment. None of these studies, however, directly examine the dynamics of mineral extraction and poverty. This paper uses a unique World Bank data set on income growth by quintile across 88 countries to statistically assess how changes in extractive activity affect the poor. We firmly reject that increases in extractive activity are bad for the poor. In some of our test specifications we in fact find that increasing extractive activity is decidedly good for the poor. This impact appears to come from direct income growth in the lowest quintile of the income distribution, contradicting the many studies that assert that mineral extraction benefits only a wealthy elite.

Mining & Exploration: Mine Automation
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: M. Bartlett, Freeport McMoRan Mining Company, Safford, AZ
9:05 AM Review of Wireless Tracking and Proximity Warning Systems for Surface Mining M. Furniss; Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, Bechtelsville, PA
In the pursuit of safety and higher production, the mining industry has developed several systems that could be used as stepping stones towards full mine automation. Full mine automation is an ultimate goal that is far from being achieved in today’s industry. The next necessary step is to merge a wireless tracking system with a proximity warning system. This paper will review some of the available proximity warning systems on today’s market as well as the latest available tracking systems for surface mining.

9:25 AM Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Ghana: Integration of Leading Practice in the Design and Implementation of Sustainable Development Programs at the Tarkwa and Damang Gold Mines in Ghana T. Aubynn; Corporate Affairs and Social Development, Gold Fields Ghana, Airport, Accra, Ghana
A key challenge that confronts many mining companies operating in developing countries is how to maximize the effectiveness of, and return on investment from their sustainable development programs. In the past many mining companies’ social responsibility efforts have been primarily aimed at enhancing public infrastructure in communities where they are located, with a focus on education, water and sanitation, and health. The sustainability of the infrastructure and/or its function has been at risk due to insufficient capacity in beneficiary communities and local government to manage and maintain them. This situation has often created the risk of permanent and un-sustainable dependence upon company

9:25 AM How to Reduce Collisions and Increase Automation with Radar Systems? R. Winkel2 and K. Nienhaus1; 1BGMR Excavation and Mining Equipment Group, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany and 2 indurad - The Industrial Radar Company, Aachen, Germany
Radar Technologies are successful implemented in the military industry since decades and found recently their way in the mining industry as level gauge radars for bins. The latest generation of microwave radar sensors are capable to provide geometrical data of the surrounding area of mining machines. Radar sensors are an improvement to laser scanners as they are more robust and able to penetrate dust and mist. Radar sensors will be the key source for operator assistance systems. The key objectives for these applications are: - Performance, productivity and profitability - Condensing Information for smaller crews - Prevention of truck and excavator damages - Improvement of safety and ergonomics. The authors conducted a large series of tests within open pit mines and underground coal

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mines to determine the potential of different electronically scanning radar sensors. Several applications were determined as highly feasible and are now in the implementation stage. The authors are giving an insight in the experimental results, the implementation and an outlook for the range of applications where this technology could be valuable in the US mining industry.

9:45 AM Control Room Design Techniques for the Automated Surface Mine S. Dessureault and V. Tenorio; Mining and Geological Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
The introduction of autonomous technologies in Open Pit Mining demands the modification of traditional operations management. A fundamental change in pit access and process control will necessitate the redesign of frontline management from the traditional largely visual-oral interactions between foremen and operators, to a “coordinate and control” system. A fully integrated mine-wide frontline management control room is assumed to represent the most efficient means of ensuring the level of control necessary for maintaining safety and productivity. This presentation will review existing control room design approaches ranging from military to computer-integrated manufacturing. The adaptations of such approaches for a mine environment through reasoning and the results of experimentation at a semi-autonomous surface mine will be reviewed.

on the machine by operating within OEM specifications. The unmanned dozer can follow the planned path ensuring optimal ripping by maintaining a consistent row width and ripper penetration. Optimal ripper penetration can be commanded based on rock type. Automatic depth adjustments are made based on sensor feedback to ensure forward progress without undue strain on the machine. Automation of the dozer also makes it possible to capture performance statistics during ripping operations. The production rate in a single ripping operation is calculated based on automatic computation of the volume ripped per cycle time. Productivity statistics can be obtained from actual performance measurements by comparing them with the geometry and estimated timing of planned assignments.

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Collaborative Research: AMIRA International
9:30 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: T. Braden, AMIRA International, Aurora, CO
9:35 AM “What is P9” E. Manlapig; JKMRC, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
The Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre has focussed research on the development of equipment, tools and methods that will reduce the energy requirement in mineral processing plants. This research is being done in conjunction with the mineral processing industry as well as part of major research projects with other research institutes. This paper will introduce the overall strategy and outline the priorities that have been established to achieve this objective. Energy in comminution will be addressed but it will also consider how to separate at coarse sizes liberated minerals as a part of an overall strategy for energy optimisation.

10:05 AM Considering a People Strategy to Enable the Successful Deployment of Process and Technology L. Mottola1 and S. Holmes2; 1Mottola Consulting, Montreal, QC, Canada and 2Mine Technology Group, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Safford, AZ
When planning a large-scale technology development program, it is recommended to carefully consider the integration of people, process, and technology as one overarching strategy. Far too many promising techology rollouts have failed to deliver on expected results. Addressing process changes as well as a people strategy to support and enable technology is a difficult task which must be embedded in the overall program management at an early stage. This paper presents one possible approach currently being used in the development of a surface mining automation program in the USA.

9:55 AM The Hydrometallurgy of Gold Processing in the AMIRA P420C Project B. Staunton; Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy, Murdoch, WA, Australia
This paper will outline the research conducted in the AMIRA P420C Project and discuss the benefits received from the research.

10:25 AM Mine Systems Integration for Successful Mine Automation T. Skinner; SMART Systems Group, Calgary, AB, Canada
The Mining industry, both mining companies and OEMs, are committing human and financial resources to rapidly advance machine automation in the mining industry. Automation is seen as a needed strategic thrust to achieve improvements in mining productivity, safety, and to minimize the current and worsening dearth of human resources for mining. Many companies quote innovation and technology as strategic components of these automation strategies. A critical success factor in mining automation is mine operating integration and a systems approach. Mines and OEMs cannot automate in isolation as this approach will not only fail to spur innovation, but will also cause both automation and technology to fail. This presentation will address the need for mine systems integration, connectivity, and communications, and what is needed to support the success of mine automation and autonomous mining.

10:15 AM Electrowinning of Copper and Zinc and the Associated Problems M. Nicol; Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy, Karawara, WA, Australia
This paper will present findings from the AMIRA P705A Project.

10:35 AM Flotation Research Continues in AMIRA’s P260D Project J. Ralston; University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
This paper will present the findings related to flotation of the AMIRA P260D project.

10:45 AM Staged Autonomous Haulage System Development M. Baker; CheckMark Consulting, Inc., Tucson, AZ
As advances in computer and control technologies continue to evolve, the question of full or partial autonomous equipment development continues to float in the industry. Some key players in the industry have considered that it might be better to first introduce the required component technologies to manned vehicles before combining them into a total autonomous system. Many believe the mining process is too difficult to introduce such complex component technologies as a complete packaged system at this time. This presentation will address some of the pros and cons related to the staged development and introduction of component autonomous technologies in the mine haulage process.

10:55 AM Solids Dewatering in the Minerals Industry J. Farrow; CSIRO Minerals, Karawara, WA, Australia
This paper will present the findings from the AMIRA P266F project.

11:05 AM Autonomous Dozer for Leach Pad Ripping Operations S. Gray; Autonomous Solutions, Inc., Petersboro, UT
An autonomous dozer has been developed for unmanned leach pad ripping operations to study the benefits of automating the ripping process. By substituting the operator with autonomous technology, operations become more consistent and predictable thereby increasing productivity as well as reducing wear and tear

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Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Crushing & Grinding: The Next Generation
9:30 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: H.Walqui, Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operationd, Ishpeming, MI
9:35 AM Mill Head Castings - Educating Opinions V. Svalbonas1, J. Prunier2, J. McGoldrick3 and J. Sun1; 1Metso Minerals, York, PA; 2Ferry Capitain, Joinville, France and 3Hodge Foundry, Greenville, PA
Everybody has an opinion what the quality of a grinding mill head casting should be, yet extremely few take the time, or get the opportunity, to compare their opinions against fitness-for-purpose data. The real question is not how flawless the casting should/could be, but rather how long will “this” casting survive in operation. To validate an opinion on this topic one needs either extensive historical data, or comprehensive experimental data, or preferably, a combination of both. The same data can also be used to establish the conservativeness, or lack thereof, of analytical prediction methods.

10:55 AM Pebbles and Slurry Flow in the Pulp Lifters of SAG Mills R. Rajamani; Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Many advances have been made in improving the breakage rate of large ore particles in SAG mills. A significant advance is the design of shell lifters via the discrete element method. Here, a simulation of the charge motion in the mill is carried out. However, there is another issue that can reduce the capacity of SAG mill. It is well known that slurry pooling is a significant factor in determining the capacity of the mill. In large mills, crash-stop studies readily reveal the existence of slurry pooling. Such pooling is an indication of the lack of flow capacity in the pulp lifters. Furthermore, slurry pooling diminishes the rate of breakage in the mill. In this study, first a detailed study of grate and pulp lifters done in a pilot scale mill is discussed. In particular, the evidence is presented regarding the location of pulp discharge through the grate slots. Next, crash stop studies and related effects on mill capacity done in a plant scale mill are presented. Finally, a detailed discrete element simulation study of large scale radial and curved pulp lifters is presented. Important issues concerning the design of pulp lifters are discussed.

11:15 AM Effect of Grinding Media Shapes on Breakage Distribution Function H. Ipek; OGU, Eskisehir, Turkey
ABSTRACT In the present study, the effect of grinding media charge on breakage distribution functions was investigated. Balls and cylpebs were used as grinding charge for comparison in respect to mass and surface area. It has been observed that the breakage distribution function is dependent on the feed size but indepented of the shape of grinding media. The effect of grinding time on breakage distribution has also been investigated. As a result of a ten minutes grinding, the balls have produced relatively larger product compared to cylpebs. INTRODUCTION Cylpebs are slightly tapered cylindrical grinding charge with length equaling diameter, and all the edges being radiused. An important advantage of Cylpebs over balls is that Cylpebs produce narrower granulometric distribution due to their shapes. However, some discrepancies were found in the literature regarding the milling performance of Cylpebs in comparison with balls (Chi, 2004). The aim of the present paper is to compare the effects of cylpebs and balls on the breakage distribution function of quartz with respect to same mass and same surface area.

9:55 AM Revalations from Functional Performance, Part 1: Water Usage and Classification System Performance R. McIvor; Metcom Technologies, Inc., Ishpeming, MI
Functional Performance Analysis of ball (or pebble) milling circuits allows us to isolate the Classification System Efficiency from the Mill Grinding Efficiency. The factors which influnence Classification System Efficiency (the percentage of the mill solids content which are the targeted “coarse” size of the material being ground) are described. Water usage at the classifiers is of particular importance. Analyses showing that classifier water usage has an enormous effect (up to 30%) on grinding circuit efficiency are presented.

10:15 AM The Use of Positron Emission Particle Tracking for Investigation of the Media Flow Patterns in Vertical Stirred Media Mills N. Rowson2, R. Greenwood2, J. Hart1, D. Skuse1, D. Gittins1, X. Fan3, K. Waters4 and R. Tamblyn1; 1New Technology Group, Performance Minerals, Imerys, Par, United Kingdom; 2Dept of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; 3School of Physics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom and 4Dept of Engineering and Earth Science, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Vertically stirred media mills are a highly effective low-footprint solution for the ultrafine grinding of industrial minerals. This work investigates the of media density on flow patterns within the mill. Direct irradiation of a media particle leads to decay through positron emission, consequently forming two anti-parallel gamma rays, which allow for the real time tracking of particle position. Grinding media of the same size, but with a range of specific gravities are followed using this method, and the effect on the flow within the mill is revealed. The technique is seen to be an effective method to highlight the velocity profiles within the mill, as well as the zones where grinding is less efficient – areas of relatively low velocity and high residence time. The changing media is seen to effect the overall flow patterns within the mill, having consequential effects on the efficiency of the grind.

Somasundaran Symposium: Education and Technology Transfer
9:30 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: B. Parekh, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
9:35 AM Organizational Structure for Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources J. Botin; Explotacion de Minas, Universidad Politecnica, Madrid, Spain
Today, most mining companies declare their commitment to the values of sustainability in their vision declarations and policies, but not many achieve an efficient integration of those values down into the operational levels of the organization. Corporate commitment is an essential condition for integrating sustainability, but is not sufficient. Another key condition is a business culture where sustainability is a high professional and business value and sustainability objectives are implemented through commitment rather than compliance. Furthermore, the integration process requires of an organizational structure specific roles and integration mechanisms and adequate management systems. In this paper we focus on the integration of sustainability down to the operational levels of mining companies, the organizational structures and the management roles and systems required for integration.

10:35 AM Modelling of Ore Textures C. Bazin; Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
A computer program was developed to generate ore textures with various mineral compositions, grain sizes and preferential associations between minerals. The ore texture is generated using a 3-D seed implementation and crystal growth in random and/or preferential orientations. The generated 3-D texture can be sampled as sections in various directions and analyzed using stereological tools. The usefulness of the autocorrelation and cross correlation functions is illustrated with applications for characterizing the size of the mineral grains and the preferential associations between minerals. The generated 3-D ore texture can be broken into smaller fragments to simulate comminution. The actual 3-D fragments volume and surface compositions can be calculated and compared to results obtained from the analysis of polished sections of these fragments. The deviation between the actual fragment composition and the 2-D results provides clues to the corrections required to obtain unbiased estimated of mineral liberation from polished sections.

9:54 AM Sustainability in the Gold Mining Industry: Challenges and Solutions M. Upton; Resource Initiatives, Denver, CO
Companies engaged in the gold mining industry, from exploration to mine development and operation, are subject to increasing scrutiny and rising expectations to demonstrate leadership in a broad range of areas falling under the rubric of sustainability. Generally, these programs and policies pertain to environmental stewardship, community engagement and workplace health &

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safety, though additional areas can include protection of shareholder value, disclosure/transparency, and continuous improvement mechanisms. In response, large gold producers have implemented a broad range of sustainability programs. These programs will be discussed as well as the proliferation of international sustainability protocols (IFC Performance Principles, ICMM Sustainable Development Principles, Equator Principles, International Cyanide Management Code, et al) and the extent to which they are successfully adopted by gold mining companies around the world.

nationally, and internationally. This paper provides an overview of progress in Australia through the national joint venture – Mining Education Australia (MEA). MEA has been operational since 2007 and is developing innovative courses and delivery methods. MEA has commenced some international initiatives which are a catalyst for a far greater degree of international collaboration in the future. Such activity benefits the students, but also ensures individual university programs remain viable in terms of staffing numbers and financial performance.

11:29 AM 10:13 AM Sustainable Management of Industrial Minerals from Mine to Manufacturing J. Kogel1, N. Trivedi3 and M. Herpfer2; 1Lands and Mines, Imerys, Sandersville, GA; 2Oil Dri, Vernon Hills, IL and 3Idekin International, Easton, PA
Industrial minerals play a central and dual role in the sustainable development of natural resources.Over the past decade the mining industry has increasingly focused on sustainably extracting and processing industrial minerals. This trend has been driven by increasing energy costs, diminishing water resources and a general sensitivity towards environmental stewardship.Although industrial minerals have been used throughout human history often as low cost, naturally occurring, functional materials, today they are critical components of recycled packaging, energy efficient building materials, light weight paper coatings, and other products critical to the responsible utilization of global resources.As industrial minerals become more widespread in “green” manufacturing mining companies have established best practices for the sustainable development of these mineral resources.Management practices include reducing energy consumption, minimizing water usage, increased waste recovery through recycling and process optimization, and maximizing the amount of ore extracted per acre of disturbed land.Several case studies demonstrating these practices will be presented.

Sustainability of Namibian Artisanal Mining B. Ross1 and K. Ross2; 1Resolution Copper Mining Limited, Superior, AZ and 2Mining Engieering and Management, South Dakota School of Mines, Rapid City, SD
Although much of the mining industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and prosperity, many of the artisanal and small scale miners of developing countries struggle to survive. Artisanal miners utilize hand tools to manually produce the minerals they market. The work is hard, dangerous and can be harmful to the miner’s health and the environment. Because the miners receive low prices for their minerals they are unable to invest in the tools or training to improve their productivity, safety, health or environment impacts. This paper examines the sustainability of the artisanal miners of Namibia who produce mineral specimen for collectors, gemstones and various ores such as tantalite. Topics in this paper include the minerals that are mined, the mining methods utilized and the conditions that the miners live and work. This paper also discusses efforts to improve the sustainability of the Namibian artisanal miners through efforts to assist the miners market their minerals and help from the Small Scale Miners Support Forum.

11:48 AM The Role of Process Mineralogy in Mineral Processing D. Bradshaw and M. Becker; Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
One of the demands associated the recent gain of momentum of Process Mineralogy is that mineral processing practitioners are expected to understand the mineralogy of their ores. For many more experienced practitioners, this is expected as they have an inherent basic understanding of mineralogy since it was part of their education. Their training acknowledged that mineral processing was the process of exploiting differences in mineral properties. However, as more and more mineral processors have been educated in other departments e.g. Chemical Engineering they do not always have an adequate working knowledge of mineralogy. In addition to this, there has been the development of sophisticated analytical equipment customized for mineralogical analysis of metallurgical samples. This provides the opportunity for more detailed information, particularly in the processing of problematic or complex ore bodies. The combination of these circumstances has created the need and opportunity for bridging courses at various levels. This presentation discusses a workshop approach adopted at the University of Cape Town to meet this demand for teaching in process mineralogy.

10:32 AM Collaboration Between Mineral Industry Companies and Universities J. Herbst and A. Thulin; Metso Minerals, Kailua Kona, HI
Collaboration is not only viable it is critical for future developments in the Mineral Industry to occur. This paper describes a Collaboration Initiative designed to advance fundamental process understanding through research and to attract bright students into mineral programs in universities and ultimately to produce the needed leaders in academia required to strengthen our industry in the future. Challenges and early successes are described.

10:51 AM A Vision for Sustainable Resource Development in Universities M. Poulton; Department of Mining and Geological Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
The current economic conditions in our states are once again putting small mining engineering programs under intense scrutiny for their high costs, and relatively low enrollments and external research support. The difference between the scrutiny now and that in previous economic down turns is the great prosperity of the minerals industry and a new emphasis on sustainable resource development that gives mining programs an opportunity for more relevance on campus. The scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs necessary to develop critical minerals with the highest level of environmental stewardship require a partnership not just of industry and academia but across many different disciplines within academia. We can use the exceptional natural and human competitive advantage that exists in some of our universities to build the research capacity that can lead a step-change in the responsible and sustainable use of earth materials that are the basis of nearly every material we use. Strong interdisciplinary collaboration is fundamental to developing the technologies that assure sustainable development of critical materials.

Somasundaran Symposium: Research, Characterization and Measurement Systems II
9:30 AM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: D. Bradshaw, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
9:35 AM Liberation-Limited Grade/Recovery Curves from X-ray Micro CT Analysis of Feed Material for the Evaluation of Separation Efficiency J. Miller, C. Lin, L. Hupka and M. Al-Wakeel; Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Characterization of feed material with respect to expected concentrate grade and recovery is fundamental to the design of improved separation efficiencies and to achieve sustainable development in the utilization of our mineral resources. An important reference point for this characterization is the liberation-limited grade/recovery curve which represents the perfect separation, the best separation which can be achieved for a given feed material limited only by the extent of liberation. Now, liberation-limited grade/recovery curves can be determined based on 3D mineral liberation analysis and actual separation efficiencies compared to what might be expected for a perfect separation limited only by the extent of liberation. It is shown that 3D mineral liberation analysis based on X-ray micro CT (XMCT) is preferred to 2D section analysis which overestimates the extent of liberation. By way of example, procedures and experimental results are presented and discussed for feed material in the case of phosphate rock flotation.

11:10 AM International Education of Mining Engineers – An Update on the Australian Experience and International Opportunities for Collaboration B. Hebblewhite; School of Mining Engineering, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Collaboration between education providers is the key to long-term sustainability and improved quality in mining education. Mining staff can find themselves deployed anywhere in the world. The mining engineer of tomorrow must be willing to accept this international challenge, and must be educated to a level where he or she has a comprehensive grounding in all aspects of mining engineering, plus a well-founded appreciation of management, social, environmental and cultural issues. To deliver such an education, academic providers must collaborate

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9:47 AM Development of Machine Vision Systems for Sustained Consistent Flotation Plant Operation S. Morar, D. Bradshaw and M. Harris; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
In general, machine vision systems that have been developed to for use in flotation have utilised empirical relationships between froth surface descriptors and performance, which are known to change over time, with variations in feed and operating conditions. Within the literature, the following general empirical trends have been demonstrated under certain conditions: Froth velocity is proportional to solids recovery. Froth velocity is inversely proportional to concentrate grade. Air flow rate, is proportional to froth velocity. Coalescence on the froth surface is inversely proportional to concentrate grade. Benefit has been shown in using these relationships, where the operation of flotation circuits have improved, however, these empirical relationships limit the ability to which these strategies can be used to optimize flotation circuits. This paper presents an analysis of the value and limitations of using these empirical trends and discusses an approach linking froth surface descriptors to mechanistic phenomenon. The relationships derived from this approach use mechanistic assumptions which can better withstand variation in feed and operating conditions.

or first order manner. In the classical PBM, breakage rate depends on the environment or conditions in the ball mill while the breakage distribution function is assumed to be a material property. The NLPBM introduces time-dependent non-first order breakage rate function to predict acceleration (speeding-up) or deceleration (slowing-down) and differential mass disappearance of material in each size interval. The NLPBM is confirmed with a variety of batch ball mill experimental data. It is shown that as fines accumulate in the mill the breakage rate of coarse fractions accelerates.

10:35 AM Optimising Collector Performance in the Production of High Grade PGM Concentrates J. Wiese, P. Harris and D. Bradshaw; Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Recently operating philosophy at concentrators processing platinum bearing ores has started to move from a recovery dominated system to one in which the production of high grade concentrates at the expense of some recovery would provide greater benefits in the further upgrading of the platinum group minerals. The low grades usually obtained are associated with the presence of naturally floatable talcaceous gangue minerals in all PGM ores. Polysaccharide depressants,guar gum and carboxy methyl cellulose, are used to improve the grades of the concentrates. Recent testwork has shown that the use of high depressant concentrations can prevent any naturally floatable gangue from reporting to the concentrate. Gangue present in the concentrates would be due to its entrainment in the froth. Under these conditions higher grades can be achieved. The sulphide minerals, however, become susceptible to depression at these concentrations. This work examines how the recovery of sulphide minerals in Merensky ore was affected by the type and concentration of the collector at high depressant concentration and that the response of the sulphide minerals was dependant on the type of depressant used.

9:59 AM Characteristics and Flotation Behaviour of the PGE Arsenide, Telluride and Sulphide Minerals N. Shackleton1, C. O’Connor2 and V. Malysiak1; 1Metallurgical Services, Anglo Research, Johannesburg, South Africa and 2 Chemical Engineering, UCT, Cape Town, South Africa
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in the floatability between the PGE sulphide, arsenide and telluride minerals. It had been suggested, from empirical observations on plants, that sperrylite and moncheite are poorly floatable minerals compared to the PGE sulphide species and that this accounts for a significant loss of PGE in flotation processes. In general, it has been shown that the PGE minerals float readily when treated with SIBX and the XPS and ToF-SIMS results showed clearly that xanthate is adsorbed on the mineral surfaces at a higher concentration compared to the copper activated minerals, except for the sperrylite (NS146) and cooperite (NS144) samples. Oxidation of the PGE telluride minerals was shown to negatively affect the flotation performance of the bismuth-rich samples but not the pure Pt and Pd telluride samples. Copper sulphate was found to have a negative effect on the recovery of all of the synthetic PGE mineral samples, with the exception of vysotskite, when compared with the results obtained in the presence of xanthate on its own. Keywords: Microflotation, PGE, surface characterisation, copper activation and SIBX.

10:47 AM Control of Selectivity in Ion Flotation Using Chelating Agents F. Doyle1 and Z. Liu2; 1Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA and 2CMP Division, Rohm & Haas Electronic Materials, Newark, DE
Ion flotation shows great promise for recovering and removing metal ions from dilute process streams, either for environmental compliance or to recover values. This technique uses an ionic collector to transport non-surface active colligend ions of the opposite charge from a bulk solution to the solution–vapor interface. With a sufficiently large solution–vapor interfacial area (provided, for example, by sparging gas through the solution), the colligend can be concentrated and removed along with the collector in a foam phase. A key limitation on using the technique in the minerals industry, where many process streams contain a variety of ions and have relatively high ionic strengths, is the need to control which ions are interacting with the collector. Here the effect of three different chelating agents, namely dodecyldiethylenetriamine (Ddien), ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and triethylenetetraamine (Trien), on the selectivity of copper, nickel and cobalt, or copper and alkaline earth metal ions, is reported. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for adoption in the minerals industry.

10:11 AM Nanobubbles, Dissolved Gas, Boundary Layers and Related Mysterious Effects in Colloid Stability J. Ralston; Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
The role of dissolved gas in enhancing the interaction between suspended particles and air bubbles has been known for many years. E.N. Harvey showed how surface heterogeneities now immortalized as “Harvey Nuclei”, exert a major influence on bubble nucleation. There has been a long and intense debate about the origin and distance dependence of the hydrophobic force, first “detected” in surface force studies. It is now realized that dissolved gas plays a crucial role in determining the extent of interaction of this hydrophobic force, as does the surface heterogeneity of the solid in contact with the aqueous solution. In the absence of dissolved gas, DLVO theory is entirely adequate in explaining the interaction between hydrophobic colloid particles. With dissolved gas, understanding that heterogeneous surfaces are decorated with nanobubbles and that the surface nanobubble-nanobubble interaction is dominant, permits the colloid stability to be predicted by a simple modification of extant DLVO theory. These results are in accord with theoretical predictions and experimental observations of only very short range perturbations of water structure adjacent to smooth hydrophobic surfaces.

Tuesday, February 24

Afternoon

Mining & Exploration: Underground Mining Operations: Controlled Blasting and Rapid Excavation: US
1:30 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: C. Dreesbach, Montana DEQ, Helena, MT S. Iverson, NIOSH Spokane Research Lab, Spokane,WA
1:35 PM

10:23 AM Nonlinear Population Balance Model (NLPBM) for Non-First Order Grinding Process: Wet Batch Grinding R. Rajamani and T. Tuzcu; Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Wet grinding exhibits nonlinear kinetics, therefore the linear model used in most flow sheet simulation packages can only poorly predict grinding kinetics. The proposed model here is a Nonlinear Population Balance Model (NLPBM) to predict the breakage rate (selection) functions of the wet grinding process. Traditional Population Balance Model (PBM) sets birth and death terms in linear

An Economic Analysis of Controlled Drilling and Blasting Techniques in Metal/Nonmetal Drift Development T. Camm1 and H. Miller2; 1CDC NIOSH Spokane Research Laboratory, Spokane, WA and 2Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Substantial empiric evidence suggests that the use of controlled blasting and drilling methods in drift development reduces collateral damage to the surrounding host rock and minimizes the fracture envelope induced by commonly employed blasting practices. While the direct cost implications of over-break and peripheral blast damage are often significant, the indirect economic ramifications stemming

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from these practices can also be substantial. This paper presents the findings of a comparative cost analysis undertaken to quantify the economic benefits of using controlled blasting and precision drilling practices over conventional methods.

Coal & Energy/Research Council: R&D Panel
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: R. Ganguli, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
2:05 PM Research Priorities of the Mining Industry
This session presents the work done by the SME Research Council in developing a Top 5 Research Priorities list. The Top 5 list, as determined by SME members, is presented. The session also discusses the top research priorities for the various divisions.

1:55 PM Developments in the Numerical Modeling of Rock Blasting: Results from the HSBM Project J. Furtney, P. Kundall and M. Torres; Itasca Consulting Group, Minneapolis, MN
Over the past 4 years, a mining industry blasting consortium has sponsored a comprehensive program of software development and application. The overall objective is to provide tools for improving blasting practice with particular reference to preventing unwanted blast damage. The advances made to date are discussed.

2:14 PM The Use of Bulk Emulsion Technologies for Improved Development Round Results J. Watson; Dyno Nobel, Salt Lake City, UT
This paper describes the methodology that a dedicated mining company has adopted with the assistance of Dyno Nobel and DynoConsult to optimize their lateral development cycle. DynoConsult provided expert technical design support to the project while Dyno Nobel Canada provided personnel to suport the computerized explosive loading equipment as well as experienced field maintenance resources. The overall objective of the project was to optimize the cycle times for the 6m long rounds used in declines and in associated development work. The specific aim of this project was to optimize the drilling and blasting of development rounds while achieving over break control, eliminating most mechanical scaling, and allowing more rapid application of shotcrete. Experience in a variety of engineering projects has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve full advance for more than 95% of all development rounds fired with minimal over break. In this case, the positive impact of string loading of gassed emulsion charges (decoupled charges) on wall smoothness was demonstrated.

Coal & Energy/UVC: Mine Ventilation II: Mine Seals
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: J. Brune, NIOSH, Spokane,WA D. Loring, Freeport McMoRan, CO
2:05 PM Testing and Evaluation of an Inflatable Temporary Ventilation Control Device M. Trevits1, C. McCartney2 and W. Roelofs3; 1NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 2 Strata Mine Services, Swords Creek, VA and 3Minvent Solutions, Somo, WA, Australia
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in partnership with Strata Products tested the sealing capability of Ventstop® as part of an ongoing mine fire control and suppression research program. Ventstop® is a multipurpose, inflatable device that is produced by Minvent Solutions and is available to the Australian metal and nonmetal mining industry. Ventstop® is used as an emergency seal (temporary ventilation control device), inflatable form, overhead protection system, bin liner and shaft sealing system. Deployment, multi-day inflation and air leakage tests were conducted at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory to determine the capability of Ventstop® in a simulated coal mine setting. During the tests, Ventstop® was also subjected to low level forces of a nearby methane gas explosion. It is thought that Ventstop® could be used by the US coal mining industry to temporarily close an underground mine area in response to a fire or heating event, to temporarily redirect mine ventilation during longwall equipment moves or during stopping construction. This paper describes inflatable temporary mine sealing technology and presents the results of the NIOSH tests.

2:33 PM Recent Advances in the NIOSH Careful Excavation Program S. Iverson; NIOSH Spokane Laboratory, Spokane, WA
Since March 2006, NIOSH Spokane Research Laboratory has conducted a multifaceted research and development program in support of improving drift driving with perimeter control. This program has included theoretical studies, field blasting documentation, very sophisticated laboratory experiments and large block tests with the intent of improving mine safety. The advances in the different areas are described.

2:25 PM Methods to Improve Ventilation System Efficiency C. Pritchard; Mine Engineering, FMC, Green River, WY
Mine ventilation air is a precious commodity by the time it reaches the working face. Options that can increase underground air utilization improves working conditions through better dilution of contaminants and removal of heat. Some examples illustrated are options for mine shop air ventilation, compressor and pump stations. Air from these work areas is reused instead of being coursed directly to mine returns, improving system efficiency. Effects on overall mine system dynamics are discussed.

2:52 PM An Overview of the “Drift” Tunnel Blast Design Software M. Kuchta; Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
As part of the NIOSH project Optimum Ore Excavation (ORE), a new computer program called “Drift” has been developed for tunnel blast design. The purpose of the software is to provide the mining engineer with a user-friendly software tool for the design of underground tunnel and drift blast rounds. The software provides for automatic blast pattern generation based on the Holmberg algorithm as well as the ability for the user to interactively enter and modify a blast pattern. Emphasis is placed providing tools for evaluating smoothwall blasting procedures. The software allows for the smoothwall charging technique to be specified and for displaying the associated blast damage distances based a specified Peak Particle Velocity threshold. Blast damage distances can be calculated using the Holmberg/Person approach or the new NIOSH Rbar approach. Blast patterns are displayed graphically and report functions provide a drilling and charging summary. This paper will provide an overview of the program functions and illustrate its use with several drift blast design examples.

2:45 PM Prediction of Gas Explosion Overpressures in Underground Coal Mines M. Gadde; Peabody Energy, St Louis, MO
During the past two years, a lot of discussion and debate has taken place in the U.S. on the magnitude of gas explosion overpressure in underground coal mines. Diverse theories have been cited which predicted explosion pressures over a wide range of magnitudes. Differing concepts have been advanced on the mechanisms that induce smaller to extremely high magnitude pressures. Because of the complexity of the problem and a large amount of research yet to be done, it may be several years before acceptable answers evolve on key issues related to gas explosions. In this paper, an attempt is made to define some fundamental issues involved in predicting explosion forces due to flammable gases underground. For the first time in this country, a large amount of actual gas sampling data has been gathered from a number of mines to understand the nature of gob atmosphere encountered in the U.S. underground coal mines. Based on this atmospheric data and some fundamental research findings on gas explosions, preliminary conclusions have been drawn on the magnitude of explosion loads. Finally, some thoughts have been put forward on a meaningful approach to predict explosion overpressures.

3:11 PM Electronic Blasting Systems in Rapid Development S. Scovira; Advanced Mining Solutions Group, Watkins, CO, USA, Watkins, CO
Electronic detonators offer some exciting opportunities to improve blast performance and perimeter control in drifting. Through the use of these opportunities, the rounds are successfully completed with maximum advance, with the correct shape, and with minimum scaling and reduced need for reinforcement. The advance rate can be significantly improved and this translates into major savings. The paper discusses the opportunities.

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3:05 PM Methane Explosion Modeling in the Sago Mine G. McMahon; Spokane Research Lab, NIOSH, Spokane, WA
Following the Sago Mine Accident, the Mine Safety and Health Administration asked the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to study several possible methane explosion scenarios in the Sago coal mine. The study used a 1-ft resolution map of the mine to produce a 3-dimensional model of a portion of the mine, including the sealed area where the explosion occurred. An advanced 3-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CDF) code was used to calculate the explosion pressures within the sealed area, on the mine seals, and in nearby regions of the mine. Based on the best available information on methane concentrations and assumptions on homogeneity, layering and mix composition, three separate initial conditions of methane-air concentrations and location were studied. This paper discusses the CDF modeling technique, the results of the calculations, the challenges of conducting this type of modeling, and the advantages and limitations of CFD modeling to accident investigations of mine explosions.

Coal & Energy: Preparation & Utilization
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: R. Honaker, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
2:05 PM Dry Jigging Coal: Case History Performance R. Snoby; allmineral LLC, Alpharetta, GA
Since its reintroduction in 2002, the modern air jig has processed a wide array of coals throughout the world. This paper explores the reasons and justifications for the installations and provides case history performance data. Specifically highlighted are air jig plants processing metallurgical coal in Colombia; bituminous coal in Ohio, Utah and India; and lignite in North Dakota, Texas and Spain. Each installation had unique reasons to justify an air jig plant. It is important to note that not all of the installations produced the most ‘cost effective yield,’ normally a mantra for coal preparation plant designers and owners. Dry jigging of coal with the modern air jig is a proven unit operation for upgrading coal. It extends the amount of recoverable coal from a reserve, and does so with minimal environmental impact. In some cases, it allows market quality coal to be produced when no other option is possible. There are few endeavors as satisfying as producing a product that allows good people to remain, and even prosper, in the market.

3:25 PM Progress Toward Improved Engineering of Seals and Sealed Areas of Coal Mines R. Zipf, J. Brune and E. Thimons; NIOSH - Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
The Sago mine disaster caused by an explosion within a recently sealed area precipitated many changes to mine seal regulations. The mining community had relied upon a “build and test” approach to develop seal designs to meet the old 20 psi seal design standard; however, the recent MSHA Final Rule on Sealing of Abandoned Areas of Coal Mines moved the mining community toward the use of engineering methods for seal design to meet the new higher design pressures. Well-defined engineering approaches for professional engineers to follow to meet the new seal design requirements require further development. This paper will summarize the following: 1) Recent additions to the scientific literature about worst-case explosion pressures in sealed areas. 2) Recent changes to mining regulations based on the new scientific information. 3) Progress on new research aimed at addressing the scientific unknowns about sealed areas such as monitoring systems, recent explosion pressure calculations from the Naval Research Laboratory and new engineering design procedures for seals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

2:25 PM KeLa Energy Clean Coal Process T. Flanery and L. Moot; KeLa Energy, LLC, Orlando, FL
Coal continues to be the dominant fuel for electric production worldwide. Prior to coal utilization, pre-combustion cleaning is typically performed which results in a wet fine coal product. The fine coal is often discarded as waste in impoundments due to moisture content and handling issues. The KeLa process makes an engineered, coal-like product from coal fines, which is up to 35% renewable energy and 30-40% lower in SOx, NOx, and mercury contents, while improving the heating value by 15% and reducing the moisture to 2 absolute percentage points. This fuel has already been test burned with documented results. KeLa’s process enables coal producers to generate a low moisture, high energy fuel from coal fines, which benefits the cleaning performed on the coarser coal fractions. As a result of the high heating value product from the KeLa process, the separation density used in the coarse fractions can be increased, thereby significantly enhancing plant yield. More clean coal tons in the sales column and less waste represent a true global optimization of a mining operation.

3:45 PM A Systems Approach to Gob Sealing Using Mine Blast Attenuators Constructed of Available Mine Rock Rubble M. Sapko1, M. Hieb3, E. Weiss2, R. Zipf2, S. Harteis2 and B. Britt4; 1 Sapko Consulting Services, LLC, Finleyville, PA; 2NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 3WVOMHST, Oak Hill, WV and 4Applied Research Associates, Inc, Albuquerque, NM
In the past two years, mine ventilation seals have undergone a radical transformation. New federal rules have effectively increased the minimum design pressures from 20 psig to 50 psig or 120 psig depending on the location and size of the area to be sealed. The ability of monolithic, stand-alone mine seals to practically and reliably meet the full range of current and future seal design requirements is becoming increasingly uncertain. To develop possible solutions, the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training, Sapko Consulting Services, LLC, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are collaborating in a research effort where common mine gob and mine rubble may be used to construct barriers for use in conjunction with mine seals for the purpose of attenuating high-shock loading pressures from a mine explosion before impacting the mine seals. This paper discusses some preliminary concepts and findings of a “Mine Blast Attenuator.” Exploratory fullscale experiments conducted at NIOSH’s Lake Lynn Laboratory are promising and demonstrate a reduction in blast loading pressures of over 100 to 1.

2:45 PM Implications of Constant Incremental Quality on Fine Coal Dewatering Circuitry G. Luttrell1, S. Keles1 and R. Honaker2; 1Mining & Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Coal preparation plants play an important role in modern society by providing high quality feeds for coal-fired utilities, industrial boilers and metallurgical coke facilities. Unfortunately, field data indicate that preparation plants are often not operated under optimum conditions, resulting in lower productivity and lost profits. In many cases, this shortcoming can be attributed to a failure by plant operators (i) to recognize the importance of correctly adjusting plant operating conditions to accommodate requirements dictated by coal sales agreements within different coal markets and (ii) to properly account for variations in product moisture with particle size across different plant circuits. This paper discusses the important influence of moisture constraints on preparation plant optimization and provides a case study to illustrate the potential gains that can be realized via proper understanding of plant moisture control.

4:05 PM Methods to Improve Mine Ventilation System Efficiency C. Pritchard; NIOSH, Spokane, WA
Mine ventilation air is a precious commodity by the time it reaches the working face. Options that can increase underground air utilization improves working conditions through better dilution of contaminants and removal of heat. Some examples illustrated are options for mine shop air ventilation, compressor and pump stations. Air from these work areas is reused instead of being coursed directly to mine returns, improving system efficiency. Effects on overall mine system dynamics are discussed.

3:05 PM Recovery and Utilization of Bottom Ash Magnetics for Coal Cleaning Medium R. Honaker1, Z. Akram1 and J. Groppo2; 1Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and 2Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Dense medium processes are used to clean over 50% of the coal that is fed into preparation plant facilities worldwide. The dense medium is formed using ultrafine magnetite which is recovered after the cleaning step using drain-and-rinse screens and magnetic separators. Despite the high efficiency of the recovery system, magnetite losses of around 0.5 to 1.0 kg/ton are common. Considering the recent escalation of magnetite to around $300/ton, an alternative source of magnetic material from coal combustion bottom ash has been investigated. A relatively low cost recovery system has been developed. Dense-medium tests

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using the bottom ash magnetics revealed a high level of efficiency as indicated by probable error values around 0.03 over the range of medium densities investigated. The results from both the recovery and coal cleaning efforts will be discussed in detail.

engineering market. Geomatics includes the tools and techniques used in land surveying, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and related forms of earth mapping. As a discipline, Geomatics integrates the acquisition, modelling, analysis, and management of spatially referenced data.

3:25 PM Fine Coal Spiral Concentrator for Separation of Ultrafine Coal Particles F. Peng1 and Z. Che2; 1Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV and 2Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Spiral concentrators have been continuous development and applying in separation of fine minerals and coal as water-based separators for decades worldwide. In coal preparation, the spiral concentrator is generally implemented in cleaning of minus 1 mm to 250 µm size fraction feed. Current many coal preparation plants are separating minus 250 µm feed in fine coal flotation circuit. Recent development and applications are focus on separation of finer mineral and coal particles. For fine coal separation, particles finer than minus 250 µm particle size fraction have been developed, and implemented in the coal preparation plants. In-plant separation performance of the fine coal spiral concentrator to treat pre-sized -150+44 µm feed is investigated. The results of the separation performance of the fine coal spiral separating ultra-fine coal particles are presented. The type of spiral concentrator adopted, and operation conditions used for separating the ultra-fine coal feed are also discussed.

2:45 PM From Community Outrage Against a Greenfield Permit to a Operating Plant and a Public Relations Award in 4 Years D. Johnson1 and B. Glackin2; 1Saint Thomas Development, Inc., Saint Thomas, PA and 2Buzzi Unicem USA, Bethlehem, PA
The DePaul Group purchased 400 acres of farm land in Southern Pennsylvania in May of 2003. The company succeeded in obtaining a mining and air quality permit for an aggregate quarry after a contentious 36 month period. During the permitting period, a number of lawsuits were filed, a community grass roots organization grew to oppose the permitting process and numerous media stories (both print and national TV) ran showing the company in a poor light. Against this backdrop, the company began operations of the greenfield aggregate quarry. By making the right community connections and using those connections the company was able to turn the previous anger into a positive opinion of the new quarry. The plant was given the only award in 2007 for plant excellence in community relations by the Pennsylvania Aggregate and Concrete Association. This presentation will document the 14 months from startup to receiving the PACA award.

3:45 PM Amenability of Separating Fossil Resins Out of Egyptian Coal by Gravity Techniques A. El-Midany1 and S. Ibrahim2; 1Mining Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt and 2Mineral Processing, Central Metallurgical R&D Institute, Cairo, Egypt
Fossil resins are the most valuable material associated with coal. They represent a large group of valuable natural resins. The absence of technology to recover these resins economically led to lose them during coal burning. Recently, the attention is paid to find an economically feasible technique to separate the fossil resin from coal. In Egypt, El-Maghara coal represents a potential reserve of about 50 million tons, which currently used for energy generation. Additionally, this coal contains a substantial amount of resin whose value is much more worthy than the coal as a fuel. Therefore, in this study, attempts of separation of fossil resin from El-Maghara coal by gravity methods were conducted on different size fractions of the crushed sample. Sink-float tests, jigging, and shaking table were applied to obtain different preconcentrates. The separation results showed a noticed increase in Resin Content Material (RCM) from 17% to 24%, and decrease in ash content with a 92.2% recovery. However, the application of gravity techniques is limited only to rejection of coarse tailing from coal while Fossil RCM could not be easily separated by these methods alone.

Environmental: Environmental Management Systems, United States II
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: R. Miller, MWH Americas Inc, Phoenix, AZ D.Turner, ADEQ, Phoenix, AZ
2:05 PM The Unique Challenges of Implementing EHS Management Systems in Exploration for a Global Company J. Margolis; ERM, Exton, PA
Objective: Review case study of implementing an EHS management system for the exploration division of Freeport McMoRan. Company/Project Context: International exploration operations covering approximately 12 countries. Exploration projects vary from basic reconnaissance to advanced exploration. Locations include ones on or adjacent to mine sites as well as remote locations with no nearby infrastructure. Focus mostly on copper. Project Approach: Establish headquarters EHS management system framework and toolbox. Pilot framework and toolbox at selected sites, conducting risk assessment and gap analysis. Develop global implementation strategy based on the result of the pilot risk assessment and gap analyses. Modify toolbox and develop corporate standards to guide continued rollout across regional locations. The focus of the presentation will be on the design of the key tools used, components of the implementation strategy and lessons learned to date.

Construction Materials & Aggregates: Plants and Optimization
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: R. Ackermann, Continental Placer Inc,Wheaton, IL
2:05 PM Winner – SME/NSSGA Student Mine Design Competition J. Carnahan; Luck Stone, Richmond, VA
The team winner of the SME/NSSGA Student Design Competition will present.

2:25 PM Environmental Management Systems: Ensuring Ongoing Success with Constructive Internal Auditing M. Dieckhaus; DIV, Tetra Tech, Tucson, AZ
There are a number of resources that can be used to create an Environmental Management System (EMS) at mining sites including U.S. EPA at http://www.epa.gov/EMS, natural resources at http://www.naturalresources.org/minerals/ cd/docs/ea/booklets/ems/ems1.pdf and SME. Other resources are available during creation and implementation of an EMS; however, once the EMS is created, implemented, and certified to ISO 14001: 2004, sustaining and improving the system can be challenging. A thorough and balanced internal audit program can identify areas for focused improvements including streamlining environmental management procedures and documentation, effective training and communication methods, and organizational and documentation efficiencies. Use of trained auditors familiar with the mineral extraction/beneficiation processes enhances the effectiveness and results of internal audits. EMS internal audits incorporating other audits such as environmental compliance, health and safety, or process audits can reduce manpower requirements and work disruptions during the interview/audit process.

2:25 PM “High Definition Laser Scanning (HDLS) and The Benefits in Today’s Mining Market” M. Reese and E. Jensen; Universal Technical LLC, Quakertown, PA
Mr. Reese will discuss how changes in the mining and land surveying sectors are changing the way we conduct our business. He will focus on the use of Geomatics with new technologies – specifically utilizing the HDLS. His presentation will focus on various mining industry applications such stockpile surveys, highwall stability analysis and facility/plant as-built drawings. He will also discuss several mining applications that incorporated the use of this technology in mine engineering, inventory control, mine planning, facility and plant design. Mr. Reese will conclude his discussion on how this new technology can achieve our industries’ needs for more accurate results in a manner cost competitive with techniques commonly used today. For those not familiar with Geomatics, it is a fairly new term in the

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2:45 PM Instrumentation of the Homestake Underground Laboratory for Drawdown Measurements During Dewatering A. Davis1, L. Stetler1, W. Roggenthen1, Z. Hladysz2 and R. Salve3; 1 Geology and Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD; 2Mining Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD and 3Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
The former Homestake gold mine at Lead, South Dakota, has been selected by the National Science Foundation as the proposed host site for the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory. The deep laboratory and associated research campus will be developed at approximately the 7400-ft level. Plans also include the development of the Sanford Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory at the 4850-ft level. After the mine’s pumps were shut off in June, 2003, water levels rose to approximately the 4650-ft level by early 2008. Pumps in the 8150-ft deep mine were turned on again for dewatering in April, 2008. Instrumentation is being installed in the mine to measure water-level declines during pumping, for later analysis of permeability and related hydraulic properties of the formation. Pressure-sensitive transducers and data loggers will provide real-time information on water levels that will be available to interested parties. Quality of the water also will be monitored as it is pumped out of the mine.

removal effectiveness, energy requirements, labor demands, chemical consumption, and sludge production at three significant Western United States project sites. The RCTS replaces the reaction vessels, compressors, diffusers and agitators found in conventional systems. Oxidation and mixing is accomplished by passing acid mine drainage and lime slurry through a containment cell. The turbulence that is produced provides efficient lime mixing and dissolution, which results in less lime consumed due to the utilization of the available alkalinity, and less sludge produced as a result of less lime usage. The study determined that each treatment system effectively precipitated metals and increased pH, but the RCTS system required substantially less energy, chemical, labor and residence time.

2:25 PM Numerical Modeling on Parametric Study of Multi-layer Caps to Restrict Oxygen Transport Over Mine Waste H. Kim1 and C. Benson2; 1URS Corporation, Denver, CO and 2 Geological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Uncontrolled piles of mine waste containing sulphidic rock and tailings generate acid rock drainage (ARD) when the rock and tailings oxidize. As a cost-effective strategy for ARD control, multi-layer caps consisting of geosynthetic layers and earthen materials for minimizing oxidation of sulphidic mine waste are used. To assess the performance of multi-layer caps to restrict oxygen transport over mine waste a parametric study was conducted with the finite element model to determine which variables control oxygen transport, and what types of cap designs are most effective. Results of the parametric simulations presented in this paper will be used to develop guidelines for design of multi-layer caps for mine waste. The results show that presence of a geomembrane has the greatest effect on oxygen transport, whereas breathing of the drainage layer has the least effect. Installing a geomembrane reduces oxygen transport by 40 times, while the weather condition changes the flux by 24 times.

3:05 PM Climate Change Risk and Impact Assessment for a Global Diversified Mining Group T. Geyer and C. Wasilewski; ERM, London, United Kingdom
INTRODUCTION ERM carried out an assessment of physical risks from climate change across the international business (for the years 2015, 2025 and 2050). The study addressed 163 components of the business and included operating sites (mines, smelters, refineries), key transport routes (road & rail) and port links. Threats considered included flooding, water shortage, loss of permafrost, storms, rising sea levels and ecosystem adaptation. OBJECTIVES To assess how the business is impacted in terms of: - The key physical climate change threats - The location of the greatest impacts - The likely magnitude of the impact. RESULTS The analysis quantified the potential annual impact of the physical risk associated with climate change, and highlighted the key threats and locations. The information was disseminated across the company’s business units to enable them include the physical impacts of climate change in their operational and project planning.

2:45 PM The GARD Guide Process T. Chatwin1 and N. Bezuidenhout2; 1INAP, Salt Lake City, UT and 2 Golder Associates, Johannesburg, South Africa
Research on acid rock drainage (ARD) formation and methods to prevent it have been ongoing for over 50 years. The resulting research and guidance documents are however in disparate references. They are not easily accessible and tend to be limited in their focus. In June 2007, the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) retained Golder Associates to prepare the Global Acid-Rock Drainage Guide (GARD GuideTM) that details current best practices to prevent, mitigate and manage ARD. A beta version of the document has been prepared, and INAP is now engaging all stakeholders to vet the beta version. We are requesting stakeholders to review it, to apply it and to respond to INAP with comments and suggestions. In its final version the GARD GuideTM will be available on the web and will be updated regularly. We are on track to produce a technically definitive Guide by June 2009.

3:25 PM Green Technology: Optimizing Your Current Environmental and Sustainable Business Practices through Technology Solutions D. Longbrake; ARCHIBUS Solution Center - Environment + Sustainability Services, Columbus, OH
The use of technology solutions is critical to organizational success in today’s global business climate. Web-based tools that integrate facility management, environmental management and geographic information systems (GIS) can create a solution that create a competitive advantage by providing data and metrics to track assets and measure and report on the status of your sustainable business practices. By consolidating information there is real-time access to critical information throughout the organization. Information and metrics related to energy, greenhouse gas, water, waste, environmental compliance, chemical inventory and hazardous materials can be integrated with real property assets to quickly and easily provide organizational, divisional and/or property-specific summaries and evaluations with regard to your business operations, sustainability programs and environmental management systems (EMS).

3:05 PM Corporate, Regulatory and Community Framework K. Ferguson; Sustainability Engineering, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Management of acid rock drainage is done within a corporate, regulatory and community framework. Several companies have developed comprehensive sets of policies, guidelines and protocols. The level of guidance from regulatory agencies varies substantially with more detailed guidelines available in some states and provinces in North America, the European Union, South Africa and Australia. Risk assessment is an important part of the framework and should be applied at each mining phase in order to: establish transparency with government regulatory agencies and the public, inform decision making and provide input for priority setting. Risk assessment includes the following steps: establish the context, identify the risk, analyze the risk, assess and prioritize risk, treat the risk and review and monitor. The risk posed by ARD should be considered on a sitespecific basis and the level and depth of the risk assessment depend on the hazard associated with ARD and the sensitivity of the water resource.

Environmental: Global Acid Rock Drainage (GARD)
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: T. Chatwin, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

3:25 PM 2:05 PM A Comparison of Lime Efficiencies between Conventional Lime Treatment Systems and the Rotating Cylinder Treatment System T. Tsukamoto; Technology, Ionic Water Technologies, Inc., Reno, NV
Improving lime precipitation efficiency lowers the cost of treating acid mine drainage. Conventional lime precipitation systems often do not effectively utilize lime while requiring significant resources. This presentation analyzes treatability studies comparing the Rotating Cylinder Treatment SystemTM (RCTSTM) to conventional reactor lime precipitation systems. The study addresses metals

ARD Process and Prediction R. Verburg; Golder Associates, Redmond, WA
Chapters 2 and 5 of the GARD Guide discuss the ARD Process and Prediction, respectively. Chapter 2 defines the types of mine drainage, discusses the history of ARD, and provides an overview of possible impacts and their ramifications to stakeholders such as mining companies, the public and governments. The chapter then presents a technical description of ARD generation, including ARD sources, the sulfide oxidation process and its reaction products, neutralization processes and the factors that affect migration of ARD. Prediction of mine water quality is a critical component of ARD management, and is discussed in Chapter 5. Following

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a generic overview of prediction objectives and approach, data needs and prediction tools are presented, with a focus on geochemical characterization methods and geochemical modeling. Additional topics briefly illustrated include other types of modeling (i.e., statistical, hydrogeological, hydrological, gas transport and risk), as well as discussions of uncertainty and limitations associated with mine water quality prediction.

3:45 PM Characterization and Monitoring Chapters in the GARD Guide C. Ross; Golder Associates, Inc., Redmond, WA
The GARD Guide discusses Characterization and Monitoring, in chapters 4 and 8, respectively. Chapter 4 describes the approach and methods applied to characterize the release, transport and fate of constituents present in mine drainage. Integration of expertise from numerous disciplines (i.e., geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, biology, meteorology and engineering), to characterize sources of mine drainage and the pathways and receptors within the mine’s watershed, is discussed. The activities performed during each mine phase are described. Chapter 8 presents the development of a monitoring program intended to detect environmental changes from mining activities and to assess impacts to receptors. The chapter discusses the importance of defining clear objectives at the start of the monitoring program. Data collection and management activities associated with source, pathway and receptor monitoring are described.

of a structure in which strain components zz, yz, and zx are zero. However, if the structure is partially rotated about an axis such as the corners of a leach pad or a tailings impoundment, an axisymmetric assumption would be more representative. In the realm of finite element calculations, plane strain and axisymmetry have different iterative solutions. The objective of this study is to quantify the 3-D stability effects on leach pads and tailings dams. Specifically, a 3-dimensional problem was simplified to two dimensions with plain stain and axisymmetry models. Seepage and stability analyses were performed for the slopes. Results indicate that axisymmetry and plain strain are less critical and more critical in terms of seepage and exit gradients. On the other hand, plain strain has lower factor of safety values for slope stability than those of the axisymmetric model.

2:45 PM A Case Study on Failures of Paste Fill Barricades in Blind Longhole Stopes M. Yumlu; AMC Consultants Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Paste backfill is an engineered high density non-Newtonian slurry made from single or a combination of several suitable solid materials mixed with a preset amount of binder and produced to a toothpaste consistency. Paste is delivered underground through surface boreholes by gravity or pumping and reticulated underground using a network of internal boreholes and pipelines. Upon completion of ore production, barricades (also known as bulkheads, fill fence, fill walls or retaining walls) are constructed at the draw points of open stopes to contain paste fill while the initial pour cures and forms a plug. Mobilisation of uncured paste fill as a result of a barricade failure is a potential safety hazard and can lead to significant consequences, including endangering the safety of personnel, property damage and production losses and delays. This paper presents a case study on three paste fill barricade failures in an underground base metal mine. Details of these failures along with their back analysis and the subsequent changes made in the barricade design and fill placement are presented.

4:05 PM The Global Acid Rock Drainage Guide - Prevention and Mitigation W. Wilson1 and B. Wickland2; 1Mining Engineerin, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada and 2Golder Associates, Inc, Burnaby, BC, Canada
The objective of this paper is to outline methods for “Best Practice” used in the prevention and mitigation of ARD, NMD and SD from mine waste deposits, open pits and underground facilities. The primary strategic objective for prevention and mitigation is to minimize reaction rates, leaching, conditions and the subsequent migration of weathering products to the lowest practical levels possible. Key topics addressed within the paper for both prevention and mitigation include: i) Segregation, blending and co-disposal; ii) Additions and amendments; iii) Water management including flooding, hydrodynamic containment and seals; iv) Dry covers using synthetics, soils, alkaline and organic materials; and v) Water covers with subaqueous disposal, wetland covers and partial water covers. The application of each of the methods above is also discussed in a strategic context for use within the Global Acid Rock Drainage Guide.

3:05 PM Nature of the Immediate Floor Rocks in the Illinois Basin Underground Coal Mines M. Gadde; Peabody Energy, St Louis, MO
The immediate floor bed in the Illinois basin coal mines is often comprised of weak, plastic underclay material. Several ground control problems were encountered in the past due to the variable strength characteristics of the underclay floor. While some useful and interesting studies were conducted in the past, within the knowledge of the author, a comprehensive database describing the engineering characteristics of the underclay has never been published before. In this paper, a large database comprising several engineering properties of the floor material was put together from a number of active and inactive mines from all three states covering the basin. Analysis of this data shows some interesting trends related to the engineering behavior of the floor material. The paper also describes the practical implications of the trends shown by the data.

Geology: Geotechnical Engineering and Mine Design II
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: R. Pratt, Call & Nicholas, Inc.,Tucson, AZ
2:05 PM Rock Mechanics Tests; Application, and Limitation H. Nazeri and C. Wienecke; Advanced Terra Testing, Inc., Lakewood, CO
During the last 60 years, we have seen extensive developments in rock mechanics and its applications due to growing demands for oil, gas, coal, ore, and transportation systems. Numerical methods, in 2D/ 3D version allowing complex rock mechanics problems to be studied parametrically within seconds. However, questions about how the rock mass truly behaves for specific design purposes, regarding rock physical properties involving in situ and/or laboratory testing data, are often overlooked, due to shortage in budget, schedule, or lack of comprehensive knowledge of rock mechanics. This has often forced the engineer to perform design work while lacking adequate and reliable, high quality test data. Often, input information for parametric analyses or engineering design are taken from non reliable literature references, or simply estimated, when no information was available at all. In this paper, the authors are attempting to raise awareness about these issues, by defining the limitations and areas of application for some major rock mechanics tests, as well as to present some real world, common misapplications of rock mechanics test results in mining and civil engineering projects.

3:25 PM Design and Construction of Retaining Structures at Round Mountain Mine O. MacIntosh1 and V. Loftus2; 1Collins Engineers, Inc., Auburn, CA and 2Round Mtn Gold Corporation, Round Mountain, NV
The Round Mountain Mine is 60 miles north of Tonopah, Nevada has been producing gold since 1988. The mine owner, Round Mountain Gold Corporation decided to relocate the primary crusher facility 1000’ to make room for the next phase of open pit mining activities. The mine owner selected Hilfiker Retaining Walls and Collins Engineers, Inc. to provide design and materials for the 56’ high mechanically stabilized embankment (MSE) wall to support the haul trucks. The construction contractor is EarthTech of Norwood,Colorado. The existing facility is a log crib retaining wall and dump pocket which was installed in 1988. The basic design of an MSE wall with a cast in place concrete face with steel armor was chosen as a durable yet less expensive alternative to a reinforced concrete dump pocket which was originally designed for the project. The new installation was designed to meet a variety of operation and maintenance requirements. The design emulates the existing facility components that were developed over the years to meet those requirements. This paper will outline the selection process, design and construction of the MSE wall.

2:25 PM 3-D Slope Stability Effects on Leach Pads and Tailings Dams G. Inci; URS Corporation, Denver, CO
Generally, for stability and seepage analysis of the tailings dam, the model is assumed to be in plane strain conditions. Plane strain is a slice of unit thickness

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Industrial Minerals: Emerging Issues in Industrial Minerals
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: W. Moll, William Moll and Associates,Village of Lakewood, IL
2:05 PM Regional and International Changes - Industrial Clays H. Murray; Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Significant changes in ownership and production of industrial clays have occurred since 2000. Clays covered in this presentation are kaolins, ball clays, smectites (bentonites), and palygorskite (attapulgite) - sepiolite. IMERYS discontinued production of paper coating kaolins at their Cornwall operations and have expanded their kaolin production in Brazil. J. M. Huber sold their kaolin operation in Georgia to KaMin whose headquarters are in Ft. Worth, TX. BASF purchased Engelhardt’s kaolin and attapulgite operations in Georgia. ActiveMinerals purchased Southeastern kaolin in South Carolina, Wilkinson County Kaolin in Gordon, GA, and Zemex Attapulgite in Quincy, FL, Chemical Lime purchased Spinks ball clay company in Paris, TN. Most of the ball clays used in Italy and Eastern Europe now comes from large, high quality deposits in Ukrania. Bentonite operations have expanded in Wyoming and Montana because of the strong demand for drilling mud, foundries, cat litter, and iron-ore pelletizing. The production of palygorskite in China continues to grow. Nanoclays utilizing sodium montmorillonite, palygorskite, and halloysite are being developed.

new maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion for arsenic in drinking water. The ability to reuse the waste material in concrete would add a significant economic benefit, further reducing overall costs.

3:25 PM Benefits of Microporous Ceramic Media in Bricks M. Herpfer; Innovation Center, Oil-Dri Corporation, Vernon Hills, IL
The brick industry satisfies the marketplace from combinations of clay, shale, and grog that allow sufficient plasticity for both ease of forming yet rapid heating until the brick become “steel-hard” without cracking and distortion. A new granular microporous ceramic added up to 15 wt% in the matrix during forming and heating provides significant economic benefits. Unlike typical grogs, this MCM functions as an aluminosilicate sponge which leverages enormous amounts of microporosity interconnected via networks of capillary channels. MCM preserves its microstructure during rewetting and is stable up to 2200F. It modulates release of volatiles without the brick-body rupturing because gases escape uniformly from pores. Other benefits include: controlling extrusion moisture; enhancing dehydration and degassing rates; reducing dimensional shrinkage upon firing; and minimizing cooling cracks. Brick uniformity and quality improves by less breakage and deformation via increased compressive and rupture strengths. MCM yields lighter weight bricks while maintaining dimensional specifications, so a plant can consume less fuel per unit volume or increase its capacity per unit of energy.

3:45 PM You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide. Better Yet, Be Prepared! M. Ellis; Industrial Minerals Association - North America, Washington, DC
Emerging social, commercial, and political issues are part of our collective culture and fast-paced individual lives. They’re also affecting the industrial minerals industry. This paper will attempt to identify emerging issues of interest to the industrial minerals industry, and explore their implications, all from the perspective of a trade association executive representing the industry.

2:25 PM The Shape or Shapes of Things to Come in Global Industrial Mineral Regulation W. Moll; William Moll and Associates, Village of Lakewood, IL
Will the ad hoc expansion of the European Union REACH initiative spread worldwide to become the de facto international regulation? Or, will regional needs and economic desires produce a more complex situation? Issues include environmental questions concerned with mineral production as well as product safety. The talk will examine the spread of REACH, based on the precautionary principle, with the parallel rise of risk-based approaches in North America.

International II
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: M. Gavrilovic, E3 Consulting LLC, Englewood, CO D. Malhotra, Resource Development Inc,Wheat Ridge, CO
2:05 PM Solitario’s International Portfolio of Net Profit Royalty Structured Joint Venture Projects C. Herald; Solitario Resources, Solitario Resources, Denver, CO
Solitario Exploration & Royalty Corp. has created an international portfolio of Net Profit INterest Royalty structured joint ventures in generally neglected, but historically productive, exploration trends. The Bongara zinc project, Peru, (JV with Votarantim Metais)has potential to host 20MMT grading 10% zinc equivalent; Pedra Branca PGM, Brazil,(JV with Anglo Platimum)consists of 4 shallow deposits in a layered ultramafic complex; Pachuca Real Ag/Au, Mexico, (JV with Newmont Mining)is situated north of the famous Pachuca mining district; Cajatambo & Chonta Au and Ag/Pb/Zn projects, Peru, are under the Peru Alliance with Newmont Mining; and the Chambarra Project, Peru, (JV with Votorantim Metais) has identified 4 Mississippi Valley type zinc occurrences.

2:45 PM In The Future Maintaining and Proving Reserves Will Be More Difficult F. Heivilin; President, HGPS LLC., Thomasville, GA
Maintaining old and proving new reserves even on some permitted operating mines can and will be in jeopardy. Plants in England and the U. S. have been shut down due problems with emissions and permitting adjacent properties. Sulfur, halogens, carbon, NOX will cause problems on processed ore and dioxin and other elemens will cause problems with finished product. We have been using the least expensive highest grade deposits while permitting is taking longer and is much more difficult. Federal, state permit, and local zoning plus the endangered species, take, and Core Of Engineer permits are making it more difficult to move pipelines, mine thru wetlands and creeks, and mandated buffers are robbing us of reserves. We may need to buy outside property to mine the reserves we have. There will be new health, emission, effluent, endangered species, and permitting problems we don’t even know about yet. We need the same program to maintain acquired reserves as we have to find new reserves which involves testing for new processes and products since we acquired the old reserves.

3:05 PM Encapsulation of Limestone Waste in Concrete after Arsenic Removal from Water A. Davis1, M. Hansen2, D. Dixon3, P. Chintalapati4 and C. Webb5; 1 Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD; 2Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD; 3 Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD; 4Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD and 5 Chemistry, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Limestone-based technology for arsenic removal from water is an innovative and promising method. The technology offers the potential for low-cost disposal of a stable waste product after arsenic removal, either in an ordinary landfill or by encapsulation in concrete. Recent leaching research has shown that the waste limestone, after encapsulation in concrete, passes the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test. Disposal of arsenic-enriched waste is critical for commercial viability of arsenic-removal technologies. Low-cost disposal gives the limestone-based method an advantage that could help communities meet the

2:25 PM Kilimanjaro Mining Company Explores for Gold and Uranium - Tanzania R. Newell; E3 Consulting LLC, Englewood, CO
Kilimanjaro Mining Company is a private minerals exploration company holding over 32,000 square kilometers with more than 40 gold and uranium exploration projects in Tanzania. Barrick Gold and AngloGold-Ashanti are major gold producers in Northern Tanzania, which is the 3rd largest gold producing country in Africa.Annual gold production exceeds 1 million ounces. Southern Tanzania is the location of very active uranium exploration programs, whose model is Paladin Resources’ 10 million tonne deposit in nearby Malawi. Kilimanjaro Mining is structured to provide joint venture opportunities for companies seeking projects in Tanzania.

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2:45 PM Expertise in Moderating Conflicts Between Communities and Mining Companies M. Cedron; Catholic University of Peru, Lima, Peru
The expansion of the mining industry worldwide is causing several impacts in some of the areas where those mines are located. In spite of the positive impacts mining brings to the usually underdeveloped areas where the ore deposits are located, one negative impact is the increasing opposition to mining coming mainly from the surrounding communities, materializing in conflicts which in many cases has caused mining projects to become paralized. One of the reasons for these conflicts is the lack of proper communication and dialogue. This paper deals with the experience of the Catholic University of Peru as a mediator in the conflicts between communities and mining companies in the Andean mountains of Peru . One successful case at Yanacocha mine is presented, and another case, Rio Blanco, still in process and facing several different problems, is also discussed. A brief description of the events and the actors involved is given, followed by the recommendations on the conditions needed to reach a win-win agreement.

2:25 PM Assessment of Equipment Operators’ Noise Exposure in Western Underground Gold and Silver Mines E. Spencer; NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
An assessment of western hard-rock miners’ noise exposures was conducted as part of a multi-year National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) survey of noise exposures in each sector of the mining industry. Noise from selected mining equipment and operator noise exposures has been measured, analyzed, and tabulated for dissemination to the participating sites and is being used to direct NIOSH research and interventions to address the greatest noise hazards. Eighty-two noise dosimeter measurements were obtained along with time-motion studies as the operators used hard-rock mining machines. Ninetysix percent of the operators had daily noise doses that exceeded the Mining Safety and Health Administration’s permissible exposure level. The average dosages were as follows for operators of: haul trucks - 261%, LHDs - 235%, single boom drills - 221%, bolters - 214%, and dual boom drills - 163%. The worst exposure level was a silver miner with a daily dose of 873%. Time-motion data showed that this miner’s exposure accumulated most rapidly while operating a jack-leg drill. These results will be used to help prioritize noise control development by NIOSH and other partners.

3:05 PM How to Improve Relations Between Mining Companies and Surrounding Communities in Peru R. Mucho; Pevoex Contratistas SAC, Lima, Peru
We made a diagnosis about the difficulties that exist for the development of new mining projects in Peru,and prepared a guide of best practices. Some of those best practices are: Establishing a good relationship between the company, the community, and other stakeholders. This requires time, respect and mutual trust. Have knowledge and information of the socio-economic reality of the community where development of the new mining project is expected to take place. Be clear, and have consent from the company to listen, and know how to negotiate claims from the communities and transform them to commitments Have information and training materials to deliver lectures about modern mining, environment, civil rights, sustainable development and other concerns The strategy and guidelines for the new mine development must be accompanied by a policy of social responsibility.

2:45 PM New Application of Organic Coating to Existing Ground Support Products M. Slatter1, R. Walker2 and R. Youngblood3; 1Matt Slatter, DSI Ground Support, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT; 2Roland Walker, DSI Ground Support, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT and 3Ryan Youngblood, DSI Ground Support, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT
The need for anti-corrosion coatings has been existing for many years in the ground support industry, but the application requirements have made coating selection limited. Traditionally the industry coating preference has been hot-dip galvanizing due to its performance characteristics in highly corrosive environments and low cost nature. However, the galvanized coating has limitations. This paper highlights some of these limitations and provides selection criteria for a new organic coating developed for one such difficult application, DSI’s Omega boltTM which is an expandable ground support. As such the developed coating needed to be resistant in abrasion, highly expandable (resistant to failure during doubling of the bolt volume) and long lasting in a highly corrosive environment. This new coating also has applications to other ground support products. Case studies will also be presented as a measure of the performance of the selected coating. Matt Slatter Product and Development Engineer DSI Mining Americas Roland Walker, B. Eng. Engineering and Technical Manager DSI Mining Americas Ryan Youngblood Technical Sales Representative DSI Ground Support, Inc.

3:25 PM The Financing of Mining Projects D. Sherrod; CPM Group, New York, NY
This presentation will discuss how mining projects are financed, review recent trends in the market and give an assessment of the current market. The review will include financings by majors, intermediate and junior companies across multiple markets and sources of capital. It will also cover the process and typical requirements to complete a project financing, whether on a non-recourse or recourse basis.

3:05 PM Analysis of Chemical-Related Injury and Illness Cases in U.S. Mines D. Scott and E. Merritt; NIOSH-SRL, Spokane, WA

Mine Safety & Occupational Health Symposium: III
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: J. Hill, University of Arizona,Tucson, AZ
2:05 PM Horizontal Air Blocking Shelf Reduces Dust Leakage from Surface Drill Shroud J. Potts and W. Reed; RHCB, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Installation of a horizontal air blocking shelf around the inside perimeter of the surface mining drill deck shroud is proposed to improve dust capture. Without the use of this shelf, a strong coanda effect airflow pattern results in dust leakage to the environment, especially at the shroud-to-ground interface. Bailing air exits the drill hole and travels along the drill steel to the underside of the table, where it fans out across the bottom of the drill table and continues down the sides of the shroud. This dust-laden bailing air then strikes the ground and fans out under gaps between the shroud and the ground. The proposed shelf prevents dustladen air from striking the ground by redirecting it toward the center of the enclosure, where it can be captured. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the shelf reduced dust levels outside of the shroud by 81% under operating conditions consisting of a 1.9:1 collector to bailing airflow ratio, and a 5.1-cm (2-in) gap between the shroud and ground. The shelf was 15.2-cm (6-in) wide and located at a height equal to 2/3 the distance measured from the bottom of the shroud to the bottom of the drill table.

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze chemical-related injuries and illnesses in the mining industry. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) “Employment and Accident/Injury/Illness” data base was investigated for chemical-related cases from 1999-2006, and a total of 2,705 cases were identified. Results from this study showed that at least 70 chemicals were related to injuries and illnesses; however, coal dust, lime, cement, and caustic solutions combined accounted for about 60% of all cases. The incidence rates (IR) for chemical-related cases declined from nearly 14 per 10,000 employees in 1999 to nearly 9 per 10,000 employees in 2006. Results also confirmed that the main route of chemical exposure was direct contact through the skin; the most common body site affected was the eyes; the most common job category was cleaning plant operator/media operator/boney preparation plant operator/crusher; and the most common commodities were coal and limestone. These results can be used to target injury and illness research in the mining industry.

3:25 PM Ground Control Monitoring System in Leeville Underground Mine C. Sun; Engineer, Newmont Mining Corp, Carlin, NV
The Leeville underground mine has been in operation since 2006 and currently produces 3,000 tons of ore per day with an average gold grade of 0.4 opt. High density of joints occur in the hosted rock. Based on the RMR rate and observation on the field, the ground condition of Leeville underground mine is poor to very poor. A heavy ground support is required for the mining operation in Leeville Based on the poor ground condition, the establishment of ground control monitoring system is the key of the successful operations in Leeville underground mine. The ground control monitoring system is composted of comprehensive instrument design and installations. Instruments include Multi-Point Borehole

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eXtensometers (MPBX) and Stretch Measurement to Assess Reinforcement Tension (SMART) cables. The monitoring system covers the mining zones and infrastructure openings. After about two years applications and measurements, many useful data are collected to use in the stope and infrastructure structure design. The system provides the information making engineer and operation teams to do their job more confident and efficiency.

3:05 PM Recycling Power Plant Fly Ash and Its New Application for Construction Materials S. Hwang1, N. Kim2 and K. Han1; 1KEN Research Center, SeoKyeong University, Seoul, South Korea and 2Dept. of Chemical-Bio Engineering, SeoKyeong University, Seoul, South Korea
Economically favored Cr and Cu leaching out process from spent power plant fly ash (PPFA) has been investigated. PPFA, bearing of C, S, V, Ni, Cu and Cr, has been widely used as an assistant fuel in cement industry. Recent environmental regulation in S. Korea prohibits using PPFA as a fuel. Many researchers have also studied on extracting V and Ni from PPFA. Due to low concentration of V and Ni, 2% and 1%, respectively, economical and environmental friendly process could not be found. In this study, Cu and Cr have been removed in an economical way and which satisfied with KS Extraction Test. The rest unburned carbon, V2O5 and NiO2 in residue were found to be applicable for indoor and outdoor colored bricks or deodorant panel. Various parameters such as pH, lixiviates and time on leaching behavior were investigated in order to leach Cr and Cu remaining C, V and Ni. The sulfur species and quantity on leaching kinetics were also found to be pronounced.

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Challenges in Managing Wastes
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chairs: S. Shuey, Freeport-McMoRan Mining Co., Safford, AZ J. Hohn, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2:05 PM Beneficial Use of Waste Sludge from Acid Mine Drainage Treatment X. Wei; West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Waste sludge generated from acid mine drainage treatment poses a serious disposal problem. However, the small particles (in microns or submicrons) of metal oxides/hydroxides in the waste sludge possess a large surface area and numerous chemically-active sites for adsorption of various pollutants, which provides the waste sludge with a great potential for value-added reuse prior to its final disposal. Wastewater from textile facilities is usually highly colored due to the presence of the residual synthetic dyes, especially the azo-derivatives, which are problematic compounds. Adsorption tests of Congo Red, a commercial azo dye, by acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge were carried out at different pH, temperature, dye concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage. Precoat filtration was conducted to test if the dye could be removed during continuous filtration by a precoated AMD sludge layer. It was found that dye removal via adsorption using low cost materials was very promising.

3:25 PM Hydrometallurgical Process to make Hydrophobic Catalytic Supporter Using Spent Silver Paste Y. Jang and N. Kim; Chemical-Bio Engineering, SeoKyeong, Rapid City, South Korea
Spent silver paste contains 65~80 wt% of silver, 15~35 wt% of polymers and 3~5 wt% of inorganic materials. With the strong demands of devices in the market such as LCD, photovoltaic and plasma display devices, the spent silver paste production has been also increased. Pyrometallurgical process has been widely used for extraction silver metal from the silver paste. But silver recovery rate with high temperature has been reported around 95% because of the reaction between inorganic materials and silver metals at higher than glass transition temperature. In this study, ammonical solution with various oxidant chemicals has been studied and compared with nitric acid process. The concentrations of chemicals, pH of the solutions, particle size of the spent pastes, various oxidant concentrations have been investigated to understand the dissolution behavior of silver with hydrophobic materials. The kinetics model with various particles size has been calculated and compared with experimental data.

2:25 PM THE HWPT ENGINEERED MEMBRANE SEPARATION® (EMS®) METHOD OF COPPER RECOVERY FROM ACID-MINESITESOLUTIONS (AMS) J. Lombardi; HW Process Technologies, Inc, Lakewood, CO
Acid-Minesite-Solutions (AMS) are defined as copper containing pit lake, tailing pond, acid-mine-drainage and heap and waste dump irrigation solutions. All of these solutions are characterized by copper, acid and water contents that have value as individual commodities.HW Process Technologies, Inc. has developed nano- and hyper-filtration membrane methods for the separation of copper and other base metals, acid and water from AMS. These treatments are called collectively HWPT’s Engineered Membrane Separation (EMS®) systems. The EMS® method of copper recovery produces small volumes of higher concentration copper solution from large volume, copper dilute, AMS. A case study of the 4,000 gpm Cananea EMS®-AMS plant for the recovery of copper from an acid-pit-lake resource is described. The EMS® method of copper removal from AMD and tails pond waters has been bench scale demonstrated and are described, complete with projected budgetary capital and operating costs. Additional treatments for the recovery of sulfuric acid and high quality water from permeate (membrane passing) waters for the above described AMS treatments are presented, with budgetary capital and operating cost estimates.

3:45 PM Sustainability and Mining – 2009 Update A. Watson and J. Eshleman; MWH Americas Inc, Denver, CO
This paper will include a synopsis of how we got to where we are, reviewing the initiatives of the turn of the century and the response of mining companies to the challenge of incorporating sustainable practices into their business culture. Many case histories have been published in corporate sustainability reports, and a few will be highlighted to illustrate progress made to date. We are enjoying a period of expansion due to rising demand for our products and are responding with exploration and development in new areas. At the same time, we are endeavoring to meet higher standards with respect to the environment, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility, while confronting scarcity of other resources such as labor, energy, and water. New technology allows for more efficient use of these resources and encourages whole-system thinking related to mining processes. These are interesting times and the mining industry is rising to the challenge.

2:45 PM Sodium Alumino-silicate and Uranium Oxide Scale Formation in High Level Nuclear Waste Medium J. Addai-Mensah; Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australa, Adelaide, SA, Australia
During high level nuclear waste (HLNW) liquor processing in evaporators, dissolved radionuclides (e.g. uranium-235) invariably get concentrated. At some point during evaporation, the radionuclides may exceed their solubility limits and precipitate alongside scale-forming sodium alumino-silicates phase, fouling the evaporator. If the fouling is not effectively controlled, radionuclide scale accumulation up to 3 critical masses may proceed at an alarmingly rapid rate, posing a serious criticality concern and an intractable mitigation challenge. For reasons not fully understood, such an unwanted actinide fouling process prevails occasionally during HLNW plant operations. To manage the fouling phenomenon effectively, laboratory studies simulating isothermal crystallization fouling of sodium uranate and aluminosilicate have been undertaken. New knowledge and greater understanding gleaned the present work performed with synthetic, supersaturated liquors include: scale crystallo-chemical structures, solubilities and behaviour as function solution conditions. The implications of the findings with regards to uranium-based scale formation and its control in HLNW plants are discussed.

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Measurement, Control & Classification
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: G. Davis, FLSmidth Minerals, Salt Lake City, UT
2:05 PM Bridging the Gap Between Process Control and Business Performance G. Melvin; Mincom, Englewood, CO
Process control is a critical part of managing any mining operation but using this information to manage the business contains many challenges. In the past there have been technical hurdles but with many of these removed many companies still do not use this information for financial management. Does you production accounting process follow the same discipline that is applied to financial account? Are your month end close processes delayed while production figures are manually confirmed? If you want to better understand the opportunities to use process control data to cut waste, increase production, and enhance management awareness of production data across the entire enterprise, we invite

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you to attend the session: Bridging the Gap, delivered by Gordon Melvin, Global Director, Mincom. Gordon will discuss the complexities of good production accounting but will suggest how it can be done to provide significant benefits in better managing any mining company.

Mining & Exploration: Managing for Sustainability in the Minerals Industry
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24

2:25 PM Analysis of Sampling and Slurry Flow Using Multi-Physics Modeling D. McBride1, M. Cross1 and J. Gebhardt2; 1School of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom and 2Process Engineering Resources Inc, Salt Lake City, UT
Representative samples are required from process streams in order to accurately measure chemical and physical characteristics. This information can then be used by process operators and metallurgists to evaluate the process and affect control actions for the operation. The capture and presentation of representative samples can be critical to measuring values, such as elemental analysis and particle size, with on-line or near-stream analyzers. A comprehensive multi-physics model has been developed and used to better understand the effects of slurry flow and particle segregation under certain operating parameters. An algebraic slip model coupled with a free surface algorithm is used to track motion and position of particles and phases within a specified geometry.

Chairs: J. Botin, Universidad Politecnica, Madrid, Madrid A. Rodriguez-Avello, Madrid School of Mines, Madrid, Madrid
2:05 PM Sustainable Management of Mining Operations: An Overview J. Botin; Explotacion de Minas, Universidad Politecnica, Madrid, Spain
The use of mineral resources has been fundamental to human activity; from housing to household goods, from industrial equipment to energy and from high technology to space exploration, mining has provided the basis of life to the human race. As important as these benefits are, mining activity causes social and environmental impacts on communities that require a more responsible mining practice – it requires “Sustainable Mine Management”. Many mining companies have acknowledged the challenge and have stated their commitment to the values of sustainability. However, the public perception of the environmental and social performance of the minerals industry remains poor. In this context mining managers are expected to not only comply but lead in the development of increasingly demanding corporate policies and regulations for environmental control, safety and social responsibility. This presentation provides an overview of the concept of sustainable management as the management approach that integrates sustainability across the organization of the company.

2:45 PM Utilizing Efficient Classification Technology to Increase Grinding Productivity for the Worlds Largest Iron Ore Producer D. Switzer1 and R. Petroni2; 1Weir Minerals North America, Madison, WI and 2Weir Minerals Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil
Test work was carried out by Nabrisco-Vale and Weir Minerals to quantify the theoretical benefits of improving hydrocyclone efficiency and its impact on the capacity of the iron ore grinding circuit. The test consisted of using higher efficiency hydrocyclones installed in closed circuit with the ball mill. Within the first 40 days of the test period, productivity was increased by approximately 6 percent. Three cyclone clusters were then changed out after the test. Translating this increased capacity across the circuit results in an additional 277,383 tons of pellets produced per year.

2:15 PM Sustainability, Sustainable Development, and What They Mean for Mineral Development and Management R. Eggert; Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Despite the prominence of sustainability and sustainable development in current discussions about mining, these terms are prone to hyperbole, confusion, and disagreement over what they mean and imply for mining. This talk seeks to clarify the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and what they imply for mine management. It begins by reviewing the ideas behind sustainability and sustainable development, independent of mineral development and mining. It then defines four implications (or principles) for the mineral sector and discusses what they mean for the responsibilities of mining companies. Finally, it reviews what companies have done to put these principles into practice and what project-level tools have been developed to guide mine managers.

3:05 PM Utilizing Six Sigma to Design Blasting Operations for Optimum Mill Performance at Cleveland-Cliffs Michigan Operations A. Koski; Cleveland-Cliffs Michigan Operations, Ishpeming, MI
In early 2008, Michigan Operations formed a Six Sigma Mine to Mill Team to fully understand the relationships between blasting and downstream crushing and grinding operations. The team focused on the identification of optimum mill feed to provide blast design fragmentation goals. This paper describes the ongoing team efforts of a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, an ore control geologist, two plant metallurgists and a drilling and blasting engineer to improve mill throughput and reduce costs. Proper size distribution is critical for autogenous milling to optimize feed rates and mill throughput. Evaluating blasts for good fragmentation and efficient loading does not provide the information required to determine whether a blast is optimally designed. Blasting is only the first step in an integrated comminution process that leads from low grade iron ore to high quality pellets. Blast design must include an understanding of its influence on costs and productivity for the processing steps that follow after loading, hauling and primary crushing. Blasting must be designed and optimized to obtain the lowest overall costs or the highest operating profit.

2:35 PM Sustainable Management of Mineral processing Plants A. Rodriguez-Avello; Materials Engineering, Madrid School of Mines, Madrid, Spain
Mineral processing may be described by a multistage process starting from ore liberation by comminution to concentration of the values and subsequent disposal of the tailings. Sustainable management of the processing plant is aimed mainly by increasing efficiency of the unit operations and reduced energy consumption, together with responsible compliance of the local environmental laws and safety and health regulations. To achieve this goal, it must be put in practice the optimization of mine/mill interface,crushing and grinding circuits, efficient selection of screens and classification systems, economic ore concentration and safety disposal of tailings . Mill motors efficiency is critical for energy savings. Labor training and predictive maintenance programs can improve productivity. International safety and health regulations should be implemented for best relationship with working forces and authorities.

3:25 PM Modelling Liberation Characteristics of Comminuted Particles E. Wightman and C. Evans; Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
One of the challenges in the development of mineral processing simulators is modelling the liberation characteristics of particles produced by comminution circuits. Understanding the mineral characteristics of these particles is one of the keys to predicting their behaviour in separation circuits. While more fundamental research seeks to model the non-random breakage of ores this work examines whether we can move forward now by using observed characteristics of ores to model the composition of particles generated in comminution processes. The current work examines a range of ores and identifies which exhibit the pattern of similarity of composition for particles in a given size class that has been produced as the result of a variety of breakage conditions. The impact of mineralogy and texture on the evolution of liberation characteristics for both valuable and gangue minerals is discussed.

2:54 PM Mine Planning and Sustainability G. Davis; Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
The word sustainability can have many meanings and interpretations, and there can be considerable discord over how mining should be viewed within these various interpretations. One view of sustainability, however, is incontrovertible, and that is the view that finite resources, if they are to be extracted, should be extracted efficiently. Efficiency means that society should recover maximum value from the mined resource through its extraction. Mine planning and feasibility analysis, to the extent that it is aimed at design and extraction decisions that maximize the value of the mine, is exactly in line with efficiency. If mine planning and feasibility analysis is not done well, or could be improved, sustainability can be improved. This paper discusses mine planning with particular reference to sustainability, and how a new planning and evaluation technique, called real options, improves upon traditional NPV analysis as a means of efficiently designing and managing mining projects.

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3:14 PM Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Ghana: Integration of Leading Practice in the Design and Implementation of Sustainable Development Programs at the Tarkwa and Damang Gold Mines in Ghana T. Aubynn; Corporate Affairs and Social Development, Gold Fields Ghana, Airport, Accra, Ghana
A key challenge that confronts many mining companies operating in developing countries is how to maximize the effectiveness of, and return on investment from their sustainable development programs. In the past many mining companies’ social responsibility efforts have been primarily aimed at enhancing public infrastructure in communities where they are located, with a focus on education, water and sanitation, and health. The sustainability of the infrastructure and/or its function has been at risk due to insufficient capacity in beneficiary communities and local government to manage and maintain them. This situation has often created the risk of permanent and un-sustainable dependence upon company resources. This paper utilizes a case study of Gold Fields Ghana (GFG) to describe the various components of a successful strategy designed to maximize the effectiveness of corporate sustainable development programs. The GFG model represents a leading example of best practice in the international mining industry for community engagement and sustainable development.

the basic concepts of modern business strategy with consideration to the specificities of the Mining Industry and analyzes the external and internal factors that provide the framework of the most successful strategies.

4:32 PM Sustainable Management of Large Volume Mined Materials D. Van Zyl; Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
The volumes of mined materials increase on an annual basis as more mines operate at higher production rates. These materials include mined rock, tailings and heap leach spent ore and they have largely different physical and chemical characteristics that must be understood and incorporated in the management of the resulting facilities. New landforms are created through the placement of these mined materials. The mining industry, designers and operators have large responsibilities to develop sustainable management strategies for these materials and the resulting landforms. Sustainable management strategies for large volume mined materials include economic, environment, community and governance demands.

Mining & Exploration: New Equipment Advances
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: J.Humphrey, Caterpillar, Decatur, IL
2:05 PM Slow Speed Object Detection for Haul Trucks S. Stark; Caterpillar, Inc., Mossville, IL
A need for better operator awareness of their surroundings has been growing for many years. While existing products, such as closed circuit television systems, provide better awareness than direct observation, they still rely on the operator to consistently use the system. A more active approach is needed to make the operator aware of the presence of objects in their immediate surroundings. This is especially important when the machine has been parked for a period of time and the operator needs to start moving the truck again. This paper will cover Caterpillar’s solution to provide an integrated active detection and warning system for haul truck applications. Topics to be covered include the research that went into developing the system, discussion of technologies used in the system, and features of the system.

3:33 PM Human Resources Management L. Freeman and H. Miller ; Downing Teal Inc., Denver, CO and 2 Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
The effective management of human resources, including employee recruitment and development, is as critical to the long-term success and economic viability of a mining company as is the development of new orebodies and exploration targets. While the impact of labor productivity and cost have long been a major focus of management, the traditional philosophies engrained in the mining industry toward human resources and workforce issues have recently undergone substantial change. Many believe this transformation is symptomatic of changes in employee attitudes and the daunting challenges facing mining companies as a consequence of a shrinking talent pool, government regulation, community/social expectations, and rapidly increasing skill competencies required of today’s miner. The primary theme of this talk is to present topics which are fundamental to the creation of a corporate culture that promotes the productive utilization of human resources and the development of sustainable business practices that produce tangible benefits for the company, employees, and the communities in which they operate.
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3:53 PM Sustainability of Rock Fragmentation by Blasting B. Cebrian; Blast Consult S.L., Madrid, Spain
Rock blasting is the most efficient technique for fragmentation of a wide variety of rock masses, especially in very hard to medium hardness formations. Because of the explosives huge delivery of power, there are factors to take into account in order to maintain blasting as a feasible option over time. Main issues with blasting are safety for workers, bystanders and equipment and environmental effects due to airblast, flyrock and ground vibrations. Safety in blasting is mainly related to good practices in planning, loading and shooting a blast. All steps have to insure that no risks are taken when manipulating explosives or shooting them in a certain area. Environmental effects of blasting require a good assessment of each specific operation in which the goal of rock fragmentation has to be combined with minimum disturbance of the surrounding areas (sometimes up to few miles). Atmospheric conditions and site-specific geology play a key role in the main environmental effects of rock blasting. Finding and controlling a few key parameters of the effects of blasting in the surroundings can make the difference between keeping this cheap rock fragmentation system running or not.

2:25 PM Design and Preliminary Testing of Low-Energy Planetary Excavator J. Rostami, L. Gertsch, R. Gustafson and C. Swope; Energy and Mineral Engineering, Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA
Any mining and construction activities on the Moon can only be performed by a robust excavation machine that can excavate a variety of material from loose surface regolith to consolidated (frozen) soil with embedded rocks in the mixture. A Low-Energy Planetary Excavator is being developed under an ORBITEC Phase II SBIR project funded by the NASA Kennedy Space Center. A prototype cutterhead for the excavator was built and tested at the Kennametal facility in Latrobe PA. This paper discusses the results of tests performed on compacted lunar regolith simulant to characterize the potential range of material properties that may be encountered on the Moon, including frozen regolith that may exist within permanently shadowed craters. The results of force-indentation tests and unconfined compressive strength measurements will be presented, along with discussion of the cutting forces required for mechanical excavation of the regolith. A brief review of the testing of the prototype cutterhead in various materials will be offered along with production rates estimates under various assumed ground conditions.

4:12 PM Strategy and Sustainability in Mining Companies J. Rebollo; Economics & Business, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
The increasing weight that social and environmental factors are taking in the Mining and Metals Industry, as well as the challenges brought by globalization, are forcing companies to rethink their strategies from a totally new perspective. Designing a modern company’s strategy includes a continuous redefinition of its business geometry: its size, markets, geographical implementation, technologies and human resources, as well as its social and political attitude and interfaces. The legal frame under which the mining activities take place continues as an important limitation. However, the social, environmental and sustainability aspects are increasingly taking a predominant strategic role. Obtaining what has been called the “social license to operate” becomes today the main challenge for companies. This presentation summarizes the chapter “Strategic Management in the Minerals Industry” of the book “Sustainable Management of Mining Operations”. It develops

2:45 PM Discussion of Performance Modeling as it Relates to Mining Truck Drive Systems: Do Advances In Drive Systems Require Modeling Adjustments? M. Richards; Heavy Construction & Mining Division, Caterpillar Inc., Decatur, IL
In the past decades there have been significant changes in mining truck drive system technology, with trucks evolving from DC-electric drive to the current selection of mechanical and electric drive systems. This paper will discuss what considerations need to be taken into account to accurately model mining truck performance given this evolution. Key to this discussion is an understanding of the differences in operation of electric and mechanical drive trucks and how these

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differences impact performance modeling. This paper will not attempt to endorse a specific modeling tool, but will acknowledge that modeling tools may need to be adjusted to ensure accurate representation of truck performance given a specific drive system. The paper will also discuss accurate modeling of truck braking performance given the types of systems currently in use, including dry and wet brakes and differences in continuous versus dynamic retarding. By taking into account the correct factors when modeling truck performance and ensuring that evaluation tools accurately differentiate between truck features and drive systems, it is possible to closely predict mining truck performance in the field.

Release System utilizes the Prime Mover to pressurize and release the park brakes on disabled haul trucks, from inside the cab of the Prime Mover.

4:25 PM Hydraulic Crowd Drives Increased Production Uptime R. Haws1 and D. Lang2; 1Product Marketing, Bucyrus International, Inc., South Milwaukee, WY and 2Shovel Engineering, Bucyrus International, Inc, South Milwaukee, WI
An alternative crowd mechanism has been developed by Bucyrus International to replace traditional rope and rack and pinion crowd machinery on Electric Mining Shovels. This paper demonstrates that a shovel equipped with Hydraulic Crowd will have a planned major maintenance interval of two years or 12,000 hours. It offers the advantage of increased machine reliability and uptime. The need to change ropes 8 to 12 times per year and the need to change rack and pinion components annually are eliminated. The increased production uptime from this availability increase, coupled with reduced shock loading, translates into significant productivity gains, which contributes directly to decreased unit cost for the operation. A hydraulic assembly and power pack replaces ropes, a drum, and conventional gear box in the rope crowd shovel. The power pack is located on the revolving frame deck in the same location as the conventional gear box on a rope crowd shovel. The power pack is driven by a 700 horsepower motor controlled by the AC-IGBT drive system. The orientation of the power pack in the machinery house makes it easy and safe to maintain.

3:05 PM Operator Fatigue in Large Mining Trucks: An Objective Review and Driving Simulation Examination of Fatigue Monitoring Technologies D. Edwards; Product Safety & Compliance Division, Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL
In the mining industry over 90% of earth moving equipment accidents are due to operator error. Drowsiness decreases operator awareness and increases their mental and motor reaction time impairing operator judgment much like alcohol. Drowsy drivers are often unaware of their condition, frequently driving for 3-30 seconds with eyes totally closed. Operators falling asleep behind the wheel have been identified as a prevalent root cause of accidents involving large mining trucks. Although operator fatigue is predominantly a people and shift management issue, companies are looking to technology for assistance with this problem. This study provides an unbiased review of 22 technologies by a panel of experts from the fatigue and mining industries using an objective evaluation method. Experts scored each technology on its functional capabilities in general as well as how the technology met mining industry requirements. Select technologies were then used in a driving simulation study of sleep-deprived individuals in order to determine the potential of these technologies to reduce the likelihood of fatigue related driving accidents.

4:45 PM The Power of One, Changing the World One Truck at a Time D. Lindell1 and N. Rutter2; 1Komatsu, Peoria, IL and 2Komatsu, Peoria, IL
When a dust storm in Mongolia can change the sunset in California and rain showers in the African desert can turn into Caribbean hurricanes, we must come to the conclusion that the choices we make about what is exhausted into the atmosphere can have a measurable impact on the rest of the world. This paper investigates the potential benefits of on-board and off-board technologies designed to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption for haulage equipment. Beyond the cliché, what investments and benefits are to be found by choosing to lead the change and where can you start?

3:25 PM Simulation In Mining V. Hopkins; ThoroughTec, Durban, South Africa
Since the rise of the Roman Empire to the landing of space missions, simulation has played a large part of our reality, helping to mould, optimize and improve the utilisation of modern equipment. From a simple car to an advanced space shuttle, simulation improves efficiency, effectiveness and safety whilst at the same time reducing training costs and time.

5:05 PM Analysis of Light Elements in Earth Materials Using Handheld X-ray Fluorescence L. Stupi; NITON Analyzers, Thermo Fisher Scientific, San Jose, CA
Users of handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers in the mining community have focused on analytes such as Fe, Cu, Ag, Pb, REE’s, and other relatively heavy elements. The recent development of He purge and multi-filter instruments have advanced handheld XRF instrumentation to allow the user to analyze lighter elements such as S, P, Ca, Si, and Al with improved detection limits and accuracy in the field or in the lab. Although the best results from handheld XRF technology are achieved by performing proper sample preparation, the extent of preparation needed varies by project. For bench top XRF analysis sample preparation requires drying, grinding, mixing, and pressing into pellets or melting into discs; all samples must be of uniform dimensions. For handheld XRF, satisfactory results are achieved with much less work and without uniform samples. We have attained correlation coefficients of 0.94-0.99 for some elements, and the results from correlation studies between handheld XRF and laboratory analysis for P, S, Ca, Si, and Al will be discussed. The data demonstrates cases that required varying amounts of sample preparation to meet the data quality objectives of the project.

3:45 PM Leveraging Mine Resources through Solid Technological Advancements in Mining Shovels T. Barnes; Product Management, P&H Mining Equipment, Milwaukee, WI
It may seem like yesterday, but it has been ten years since 100 ton class shovels started laboring in surface mines around the world. The performance of 100 ton and other class shovels has steadily improved to keep up with advances in haul trucks, resulting in better cost per ton. However, there are technology developments that carry an even greater impact on surface mining operations’ profitability. Solid advances in ergonomics, communication, automation, and control technology for shovels are helping mines address growing resource management challenges, improve predictability, and adopt new material movement technologies such as autonomous trucks and integrated in-pit crushing and conveying systems. The audience will hear a brief overview of the technology currently deployed on shovels, and also a preview of new developments. We will all leave with an understanding that the next ten years, while using the same shovels, trucks, and in-pit crush and convey systems, will not look like the first ten years.

Mining & Exploration: Surface and Open Pit Mining / Production Optimization
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: D. Cooke, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Sierrita Operations, Green Valley, AZ
2:00 PM Estimating Excavator Teeth Consumption Rates C. Roos1, P. Conrad1 and S. Rosenthal2; 1Mining Engineering, Montana Tech, Butte, MT and 2Newmont Mining Corp., Englewood, CO
Ground engaging tools are used to prevent damage to the main components of earth-moving equipment. These tools consist of everything from shovel teeth to replaceable drill bits to dozer wear plates. The costs of these “consumable” items are increasing with the costs of raw materials. This project developed a tool to be

4:05 PM New Advances in Lowboy and Tow Truck Technology K. Henderson; TowHaul Corporation, Belgrade, MT
During the past 3 years, significant design improvements and technologies have greatly impacted both the maintenance and operation of off road lowboys and tow trucks on a mine site. The ability to use a wet disk brake axle on a front loading lowboy has reduced lowboy axle maintenance and increased retarding capability. Utilizing a wet disk brake axle has been inhibited in the past due to contamination concerns in the hydraulic system. The new patented TowHaul Brake Cooling Package circulates and cools the brake oil in a self contained system via the forward rotation of the lowboy tires. Modular construction of large capacity lowboys has allowed lowboys to be shipped to remote mines throughout the world with limited on-site construction time. In addition to reduced construction and shipping costs, the modular sections make repair and/or replacement of lowboy sections easy to facilitate. TowHaul has developed and patented a Park Brake Release System for use when towing disabled haul trucks. The TowHaul Park Brake

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used by Newmont Mining Corporation to predict the consumption of excavator teeth. This paper presents the results of a Montana Tech research project in which an equation was developed to predict excavator teeth consumption based on production rates and rock properties.

3:25 PM Haul Road Design & Maintenance and Payloads Role in Production Optimisation C. Davis; Global Mining, Caterpillar, Peoria, IL
The following paper will explore methodology’s for Optimising haulage fleet productivity and cost, through the management of the following variables 1. Haul Road design 2. Haul Road Maintenance 3. and Payload management. With each of these variables it is intended to work through examples on how the variation could be identified and quantify impact on productivity or cost. Whilst the individual examples will not be applicable to all applications the method for obtaining the data and developing the theoretical alternatives to enable the assessment of the potential gain should be applicable on all haulage applications.The discussion will focus on tools and onboard technologies that are available today in conducting optimization studies.

2:17 PM Mine Planning – Beginning with the End in Mind Rosemont Copper Company R. Pace; Rosemont Copper Company, Tucson, AZ
Rosemont Copper Company started its permitting and planning in the United States in the 21st Century. This simple fact makes mine planning at Rosemont unique because the public is savvier and the requirements are more stringent than they were a mere thirty years ago. Mine planning will have to incorporate the not only production, safety, productivity, and profitability but will also have to look at water conservation, reclamation, visual resources, and post-mining land uses. Rosemont is also in an unusual position because we will have to become temporary stewards of the public lands and manage these public lands in a way that will leave behind an asset for the public. The planned mining operations at Rosemont will require mining 75,000 tons of sulfide ore, 15,000 tons of oxide ore, and 250,000 tons of waste material a day. This will result in an annual production of 220 million pounds of copper concentrates, 15 million pounds of copper cathode, 4.5 million pounds of molybdenum, 2.6 million ounces of silver, and 15 thousand ounces of gold per year.

3:42 PM Tire Life Improvement H. Wilson; Freeport-McMoRan, Phoenix, AZ
This paper will cover the effort of two Freeport-Mcmoran America’s Quality Analysts’ work with data, a global team, various vendors and support groups improving tire life across our North and South America operations.

2:34 PM Decision Support Systems for Multi-Mine Material Blending Optimization P. Orr; Gemcom Software, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Among the mining industry segments facing multi-mine blending problems are iron ore, coal and bauxite mining. There are mathematical reasons why many problems are fundamentally hard to solve well, and these mathematics govern the material blend challenge. Fast Cycle Optimization is a decision-support system that enables operators to respond to unplanned disruptions in the supply chain. Fast Cycle Optimization, the main focus of this research, requires the design feedback loop in which data from production, logistics and maintenance systems throughout the supply chain and fed into a fast-cycle optimization engine. The fastcycle optimization engine enables operators to select the best available configuration of assets in response to disruptions based on user-defined priorities (e.g. optimize on on-time delivery, then cost). The paper presents results of a research project on next generation decision support tools for multi-mine material blending. Results focus on three aspects: a) Blending optimization that can handle uncertainty and disruption b) Logistics and dynamic resource allocation c) Dynamic Inventory Management.

3:59 PM Short-term Dynamic Mining Optimization with Sequencing and Blending Constrains at Red Dog Zinc-Lead Open Pit Mine H. Li, P. Norman and F. Pillifant; Mining, Teckcominco Alaska, Anchorage, AK
A dynamic production optimization model with mine cuts sequencing and stockpile blending constrains is developed to schedule weekly production in one quarter period for Red Dog Zinc-Lead Mine. The model is based on the algorithm of mixed integer linear programming (MILP) to sequence the mining activity, and to balance and stabilize the grade and other mill constrains. There are 25~30 cuts which takes place in three to four relatively detached area in the main pit are mined to build six stockpiles every quarter. There is very high fluctuation of grades between the cuts and in each cut as well. Mill gives the tonnage and grade constrains once a year. Current blending limits on mill feed are: Zn/Fe ratio ≥2.50, Zn/Pb ratio ≥3.50, Zn/TOC ratio ≥24.5, and TOC ≤0.80%. The optimization model is completed in MS Excel using Lindo spreadsheet solver add-in for real-time updating. Not only the tremendous workload released for the engineers and grade control geologists, but the best optimization of grad control obtained as well. The fluctuation of Zn/Pb ratio between the stockpiles drops to 4.1% in 3rd quarter from 15% in 2nd quarter with the use of the model.

2:51 PM A New Short- And Medium-Term Production Scheduling Tool – MineSight® Schedule Optimizer Z. Huang, W. Cai and F. Banfield; Mintec Inc., Tucson, AZ
The MineSight® Schedule Optimizer (MSSO) is a new production scheduling tool developed by Mintec Inc. using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) techniques. This package was developed to solve short- and medium-term schedule problems for surface and underground mining operations that involve multiple models, waste dumps, leach pads, stockpiles, mills or processes and blending requirements. MSSO finds the optimum schedule in each period that achieves the objective while satisfying comprehensive product quality and quantity requirements as well as physical and technical constraints. Using MineSight® Attributed Geometry Data Model (AGDM) as a central database, MSSO seamlessly works with MineSight® 3D (MS3D) block models and third-party data, MineSight® Interactive Planner (MSIP), MineSight® Haulage (MSH) and MineSight® Activity Planner (MSAP) in data preparation, MILP model formulation, schedule calculation, report, fine-tuning, saving and visualization. This paper will present the techniques and mathematics utilized in MSSO. A case study will also be given to demonstrate the applications and capacities of this new scheduling tool.

4:16 PM Development of Truck Allocation Model for Truck Dispatching in Open Pit Mining Operations K. Dagdelen1, S. Artittong1 and C. Gurgur2; 1Mining Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO and 2Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
In recent years, there has been considerable research and commercial software development providing efficient tools or methods that would give the optimized long and short term plans for open pit mines while considering complex mining operational constraints. However, the existing truck allocation optimization models are set up to satisfy the requirements of loading units on a single time period basis without consideration of the multi period mine production requirements. This paper will describe the Linear Programming (LP) based approach for truck allocation optimization by minimizing production variations from planned production targets. The Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) based approach may be used for long and short term planning. Then, the LP based approach can be used for truck allocation to synchronize the actual material movement under the existence of the complexities of mining operations to the scheduled mine plans. This paper will discuss this newly proposed method and its implementation on a realistic case study.
Photo by Bob Ashe, Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

3:08 PM Remote Asset Monitoring Process M. Lowery; FMA Maintenance Organization, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Safford, AZ
Monitoring of machine data on mobile mining equipment is being conducted at most of the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold’s open pit mine sites in North America. The Remote Asset Monitoring Process (RAMP) evaluates near real time equipment health data on Caterpillar 793 haul trucks, P&H 4100 & 2800 electric shovels and some Caterpillar support equipment. Continuous monitoring is accomplished with remote capabilities between sites. OEM & user-defined events are watched by fleet coordinators in order to avoid catastrophic or premature failures and to increase equipment capability and reliability. Important reduction of maintenance and/or operator induced events has been realized.

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Somasundaran Symposium: Energy and Water Efficiency and Optimization
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: S. Kawatra, Michigan Technologial University, Houghton, MI
2:05 PM Energy Consumption in Mineral Processing E. Forssberg; Mineral processing, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden
Rising energy prices causes concern for the energy supply to the minerals industry. The paper presents data analysed in detail. Energy demand for different unit operations are being discussed. On-going R&D preojects in the area are discussed and analysed.

an industrial rotary kiln and the model predictions for gas and solid temperature profiles at different locations along kiln length were close to the measurements. The model is useful for determining optimum settings for manipulated variables such as C/Fe ratio. It can be utilized to predict the rate of release of CO and CO2 which can be employed to design post-combustion furnaces appropriately so that ultimate greenhouse gas emissions from the DRI plant can be minimized.

3:40 PM Recycling of Process Water and Influence of its Chemistry on Sulfide Flotation F. Ikumapayi and H. Kota; Chemical Engineering and Geosciences, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden
Recycling of flotation effluents through the ore processing plant is one of the ways of reducing both plant-operating costs and industrial impact onto the local ecosystem. Such water originating from sulphide flotation are saturated with calcium and sulphate ions, and also contain several reduced sulfur compounds, cations of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, frothing molecules, residual chemical reagents and products of their degradation. The key step towards developing scientific approaches of recycling of the tailing waters is elucidation of how, in what extent, and why the chemical components, taken singly or collectively influence flotation of sulfides. The influence of process water components on sulphide flotation in terms of adsorption isotherms, zeta-potential, flotation kinetics and yield as well as flocculation characteristics has been studied. A new cost– effective approach to selectively regulate surface properties of sulfides and more effectively managing flotation effluents has been presented and discussed.

2:24 PM Metallurgical Audits For Energy Improvements D. Malhotra; RDi, Wheat Ridge, CO
Plant audits can not only help in metallurgical improvements but can assit in evaluating energy efficiency of the operation. The author presents case examples showing energy improvements as a result of plant audit.

3:59 PM Improving Empire’s Grinding Circuit Performance Using Six Sigma H. Walqui; Empire Concentrator, Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operationd, Ishpeming, MI
The Empire concentrator was built in four stages, with the latest stage accounting for 50% of the overall plant capacity. Over the past 5 years, the average throughput of the three grinding lines has decreased by 50 LTPH (15%) without significant changes in ore characteristics and despite the addition of secondary grinding capacity. This paper discusses the different areas under study that are aimed at optimizing grinding circuit utilization which includes improving system logic, pebble crushing operation and pebble mills operation.

2:43 PM Strategy on Energy Optimisation in Mineral Processing M. Powell, E. Manlapig and B. Adair; JKMRC, U Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
The Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre has focussed research on the development of equipment, tools and methods that will reduce the energy requirement in mineral processing plants. This research is being done in conjunction with the mineral processing industry as well as part of major research projects with other research institutes. This paper will introduce the overall strategy and outline the priorities that have been established to achieve this objective. Energy in comminution will be addressed but it will also consider how to separate at coarse sizes liberated minerals as a part of an overall strategy for energy optimisation.

3:02 PM Novel Low Temperature Ionic Liquids Process for Refining of Titanium R. Reddy; Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
A Novel electrochemical process for refining of titanium in ionic liquids at low temperature was investigated. Ti alloys from Ti scrap were produced from AlCl3BmimCl electrolyte at an applied cell voltage ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 V and 100 ± 3°C. Ti scrap was used as the anode and high purity Ti alloy was deposited on Ti cathode. Fine grain size deposits were obtained at low cell voltage. The composition and morphology of the deposits were analyzed using XRD, SEMEDS and ICP. The Ti-Al alloys of up to 37 wt% of Ti were produced. Cathode current efficiency up to 87% was achieved. The optimum conditions for production of high Ti content in the Al-Ti alloys were identified as 1.5-2.0 V cell voltage. The process has the advantages of low energy consumption and low pollutant emissions, compared with the current industrial refining process.

Somasundaran Symposium: Research & Characterization III
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 24 Chair: A. Hagni, Consultant, Rolla, MO
2:05 PM Carbon Emissions from Base Metals Mines M. Farrell; World Mine Cost Data Exchange Inc, Glebe Point, NSW, Australia
This paper details the specific carbon dioxide emissions for over 200 base metals mines, covering over 90% of western world production of copper, zinc, lead and nickel. Carbon emissions estimates are based on minecost model estimates of direct onsite fuel, power and explosives consumption for each mine, plus the indirect emissions associated with identified electricity suppliers to each mine. For mine complexes that include a smelter, emissions estimates are included for metallurgical processing. All estimates are audited against published sustainability statements wherever possible. Fuel and power consumption and carbon emissions data are tabulated and shown in the form of emissions curves that rank mines by their carbon emissions consistent with each producer’s sustainability reporting requirements. This allows each producer to be meaningfully compared with its competitors. The carbon emissions data can then be used ed to measure the impact of carbon penalties on the cash operating cost of each producer.

3:21 PM Modeling and Optimization of Direct Reduction of Iron Ore by Coal in a Rotary Kiln V. Runkana1, P. Natekar1, V. Bandla1, G. Pothal2 and A. Chatterjee3; 1 Process Engineering Innovation Lab, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, Pune, India; 2Tata Sponge Iron Limited, Joda, India and 3Tata Steel, Jamshedpur, India
India is the largest producer of direct reduced iron (DRI) in the world. The important step in the manufacture of DRI is direct reduction of iron ore by coal or reducing gases such as CO and hydrogen. Development of a comprehensive mathematical model for direct reduction of iron ore by a mixture of coals is presented here. Important physico-chemical phenomena such as heat transfer between solids, gases and kiln wall, devolatilization and gasification of coal, reduction of hematite are incorporated into the model. The model predicts gas and solid temperature and concentration profiles along kiln length as well as total Fe in DRI and waste gas volume and its composition. It was tested with data from

2:25 PM Identification and Characterization of Minerals from the Lamproite Deposit in Southeast Kansas, USA P. Berendsen1, A. Hagni2 and B. Beck1; 1Micro-Lite, LLC, Chanute, KS and 2Geoscience Consultant, Rolla, MO
The mineralogy of the lamproite is relatively simple, consisting of phlogopite mica, saponite clay and altered oliving set in a serpentinized groundmass. The individual minerals can potentially be used in a variety of industrial applications. Pilot plant studies have shown that the minerals can be economically recovered. Proper characterization of the individual mineral species and their use presents a set of

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challenges which are being researched. X-ray diffraction, automated mineralogy, and chemical analyses have been conducted to evaluate the minerals for use in the animal feed industry, fillers in plastics and paints, fertilizers and roofing products.

4:05 PM Utilizing Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) to Determine Pyrite, Arsenopyrite and Arsenian Pyrite Floatabilities for Carlin-trend Ores R. Kappes, J. Gathje and D. Brosnahan; Newmont Mining Corporation, Englewood, CO
Mineral liberation data is routinely obtained for a wide variety of applications, including ore charaterization and characterization of various metallurgical test products obtained in bench-scale laboratory testwork. Newmont Mining Corporation owns several properties in the Carlin-trend containing refractory gold ores. These ores are generally difficult to treat and have to undergo several processing stages for gold recovery. At Carlin’s Mill 5 operation, flotation is used to pre-concentrate some of these difficult ores to produce a concentrate to feed the roaster. It is of interest from a flotation perspective to be able to study the floatability of pyrite, arsenopyrite and arsenian pyrite, since these minerals all have different quantities of gold associated with them, and have to be recovered to ensure a successful separation has been achieved. In this paper, a detailed MLA study on several Carlin ores was undertaken on samples from flotation tests, using air or nitrogen as flotation gas, specifically to study the differences in liberation and floatability charateristics, which ultimately impacts overall gold recovery.

2:45 PM Developing a New Process Design for the Southwestern Oregon Industrial Mineral Bearing Placer System via Practical Study of the Unique Deposition, Mineralogy, and Dry Tailing Requirements J. Drew and T. Lessard; Oregon Resources Corporation, Coos Bay, OR
Initial study relating to the deposition, mineralogy, and logistical requirements of a unique industrial mineral bearing placer system in southwestern Oregon has led Oregon Resources Corporation (ORC) to develop new process, mining, and reclamation designs that will maximize the overall success of the project. The placer deposits are tectonically acted upon, leading to deposition that is relatively variable in terms of heavy mineral grade and mineralogy. Material handling and wet/dry processing were designed to allow for flexibility that produces consistent quality and quantity of chromite foundry sand, garnet and zircon. Ore will be trucked approximately twenty miles to be processed where water, electricity, and natural gas are readily available. Dewatering of the tailings ensures low process water requirements and prevents water leakage from trucks returning with tails to the mine site. Dewatering tailings at the process site also eliminates the need to construct pond systems for mine site reclamation. ORC intends to have the reclamation efforts follow immediately behind the mining activities within the same pit, keeping the working footprint of the mine site very small.

Operators Open Forum
4:00PM • Tuesday, February 24, 2009 Chairs: Jami Dwyer, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Elko, NV Don Dwyer, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Elko, NV
Don’t miss the this Annual event of “technical fun” and come prepared for anything!

3:05 PM Effects of Mineral Chemistry and Textures on Processing at the Tilden Hematite Deposit, Marquette Range, Michigan G. Scott, H. Lukey and J. Lubben; Cliffs Technology Group, Cliffs Mining Service Company, Ispeming, MI
The Tilden hematite flow sheet is the most complicated iron ore process in commercial operation with very fine grinds, selective deslime and reverse flotation required. Ore and gangue mineralogy and liberation characteristics have a significant impact on plant efficiencies. Mineralogic variation is recognized within individual mineral grains; at blast pattern (10 to 15 meter) and development drill hole (100 meter) scales. A simplified stratigraphic column consists of the Carbonate domain (martite-magnetite-various carbonates±silicates) in the core of the Main Pit anticline overlain by the Martite domain (magnetite-martite+local goethite) and the Hematite domain (martite-microplaty hematite+goethite). These compositional and associated textural variations affect plant efficiency and product quality, and are critical factors for ore reserve modeling, ore control and mine planning decisions.

Wednesday, February 25
WADSWORTH LECTURE:
8:30 AM • Wednesday, February 25

Morning

3:25 PM Uses of Helium in Geologic Exploration and Metallurgy S. Burton, S. Ali and D. Driskill; Amarillo Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, Amarillo, TX
This paper reviews the current uses of helium in gas geochemistry, mineral exploration, and metallurgy. Some key uses of helium isotopic ratios in the exploration of geohydrology, seismology, volcanology, and geothermal exploration are discussed. These uses provide a framework for generating strategies for the global exploration of helium-rich natural gas reservoirs. Additional uses for helium include helium retention on powder metals, metal working processes using helium, and helium uses in electronics manufacturing, advances in gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and metal inert gas (MIG) welding. The principal source of helium is widely accepted as the steady rate of radioactive decay of uranium (average: 2.8 ppm) and thorium (average: 10.7 ppm) found throughout the crust. While He-4 flux is largely accounted for by degassing of radiogenic helium from the crust, the rare He-3 isotope originates from the mantle where the isotopic composition of helium is ~1000 times greater than that found in the Earth’s crust.

Chair: Corby Anderson, Montana Tech of the University of Montana “The Fundamentals and Applications of Nitrogen Species Catalyzed Pressure Oxidation and Alkaline Sulfide”

Coal & Energy: Coal Bumps and Seismicity
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: F. Varley, NIOSH, Spokane,WA
9:05 AM Regional Bumps – Case Studies from the 1958 SME Bump Symposium J. Whyatt; Spokane Research Lab, NIOSH, Spokane, WA
Pillar bumps and local outbursts of coal are a concern in many coal mines, and have received considerable attention from the industry and regulators. Regional dynamic failures have been much less common. However, these events recur in mining history, much like 50-year floods, often surprising many who have not experienced such an event. A variety of regional dynamic failure cases were described in a bump symposium sponsored by the SME in 1958 - ironically, just 50 years ago at this writing. These cases include regional failure of production pillars, main haulage-ways, and openings along fault traces – and are attributed to dynamic loading of openings induced by failures elsewhere in the rock mass. Bumps resulting from such dynamic or impact loads have often been called shock bumps. Special consideration has to be given to these failures since they are not addressed by many of the tools commonly used to analyze coal mine plans, including those used to analyze the Crandall collapse. This paper seeks to provide a foundation for avoiding future shock bumps by reviewing and updating discussion of historic shock bumps documented in the 1958 SME Bump Symposium.

3:45 PM Laboratory Evaluation of Clays Prior to Processing H. Murray; Geology Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Clay minerals are one of the more important industrial minerals. They are used in many industrial products and because of different specifications may require special processing which can be either wet or dry. The clays discussed are bentonites, kaolins, and palygorskite and sepiolite. In order to design a proper process flow sheet for each of these clay minerals they need to be analyzed in the laboratory to evaluate their mineralogical, chemical, physical, and optical properties. Each species of clay minerals require a special group of tests which are described in this oral presentation and in the preprinted paper.

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9:25 AM Coal Mine Burst Hazard Trend Analysis - 1983 to 2007 A. Iannacchione; Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Coal burst risks at underground mining operations are affected by many factors and are therefore, not equal. Understanding coal burst hazards is a necessary first step towards assessing their risk and determining, if and, when a coal burst best practice should be used. Trend analysis was made solely on the past occurrences of reported burst events and injuries found in the MSHA Data Retrieval System from underground coal mining operations between 1983 and 2007. 306 coal mine burst events occurred in 69 mines within five prominent coal mining states including Colorado, Kentucky, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Utah has the majority of mines (42 %) with coal bursts occurrences. Of the 306 events, 129 events did not have associated injuries. Typically, these events would have disrupted ventilation systems or travel ways within the mine, requiring MSHA notification. Of the 187 event with injuries, 227 miners were injured from coal bursts between 1983 and 2007, 19 of which were fatalities. A backward looking risk characterization was undertaken to measure the rate of coal burst occurrences and to document their consequence to the mine’s workforce.

such as ratio’s of near miss reports to high-severity incidents, percent of employees involved in proactive reporting activities, etc. to the much more “elusive” measurements like leadership, culture, responsiveness, etc… Finally, we’ll discuss how these variables can be analyzed to identify those factors which have the strongest association to “outcomes” (losses) and briefly review how these “proven” leading indicators may be used on management scorecards to influence execution and continuously improve performance.

9:25 AM Industry Input on the Design Manual Update for Coal Refuse Disposal Facilities R. Snow and C. Lewis; D’Appolonia, Monroeville, PA
In December 2007, an advance draft of the update to the 1975 Engineering and Design Manual for Coal Refuse Disposal Facilities was provided for review and comment by the coal industry. The update included advances made in the past 30 years in dam safety and slurry impoundment design, construction, monitoring, inspection and instrumentation. Specific design sections added to the manual included engineering analysis for siting impoundments over or adjacent underground mines and consideration of earthquake impacts on refuse impoundment dam safety. Following a five month industry review period, comments were received from the industry representatives, university research and teaching professionals, and federal and state agencies involved with dam safety and coal refuse disposal. The comments covered a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the application of the updated manual for regulatory compliance to technical input on engineering methods and procedures. This paper will describe the incorporation of industry input into the updated design manual.

10:05 AM Dynamic Failure in Deep Western Coal Mines: Cases and Mechanisms J. Ulery2 and J. Whyatt1; 1NIOSH, Spokane, WA and 2NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Hard brittle coals, massive brittle sandstones and deep cover are encountered in many deep western coal mines, giving rise to a long history of dynamic failure events variously described as bumps, bounces, etc. These events vary widely in hazard to miners, impact on mining operations and production of seismic energy. A review of these events found that they fall into a number of different classes. That is, there is not just one coal bump problem, but a variety of problems with characteristic mechanisms and relationships to mine geology and operations. Moreover, these classes of events respond differently to bump control efforts. Recognition of particular coal bump mechanisms and the related geologic settings that are potentially active at a mine is an important first step towards effective control, a goal of ongoing research at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

9:45 AM Water Quality Modeling and Optimum Restoration Planning of Mining Impacted Streams J. Ludwig, H. Zhang and S. Wilkes; Tetra Tech, Inc, Charleston, WV
Historic and current coal mining activities is one of the largest sources of metals (e.g., iron, aluminum, selenium, manganese) and acidity to streams of West Virginia. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are being developed for numerous impaired streams within the state as required by the Clean Water Act. The Mining Data Analysis System (MDAS) was developed as a comprehensive data management and modeling system that is capable of representing metal and acidity loads from nonpoint (e.g., abandoned mine land, AML) and point sources (e.g., permitted mine discharges) in the watershed and simulating instream processes. The MDAS was configured and calibrated to model hydrology and water quality for metal and pH impaired streams at watershed scale. Various restoration scenarios can be tested in the model to ensure the attainment of criteria throughout the watershed, achieve equity among categories of sources, and target pollutant reductions from the most problematic sources.

10:25 AM A Review of Support Systems for Bump Prone Coal Mines in the Western United States S. Harvey and U. Ozbay; Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
In bump-prone coal mines, roof and rib support is subject to dynamic as well as static loading. Yielding support systems in many deep mining sectors, especially deep mining of precious metals, are explicitly designed to protect miners from dynamic failure. This paper examines the use of similar yielding support systems in deep coal mining, particularly in the western United States. Application of fundamental dynamic support principles to coal and coal measure rock, including energy absorption, stiffness and peak particle velocity of loading, is a primary concern. These principles must be applied to a number of dynamic failure mechanisms including coal outbursts, seismic shaking and pillar bumping. The resulting insight provides a starting point for evaluating performance of existing coal support elements under dynamic loading and the adaptability of yielding support systems commonly employed in deep hard rock mining to deep western coal mining.

10:05 AM Carbon Capture and Storage Overview – Technology Development and Regulatory Uncertainty – What Does This Mean for the U.S. Coal Industry? J. Ekmann and R. Dolence; Leonardo Technologies, Inc., Bannock, OH
Energy-related projects that emit (or offset) greenhouse gases (GHGs) are plagued with uncertainty. The uncertainty is especially critical to those contemplating the use of coal – the highest carbon to energy ratio of the three fossil fuels of coal, oil and natural gas. In 1970 the primary uncertainties were future electric demand, the cost of capital, and the return on investment granted by a public utility commission; whereas in 2008, uncertainties include a global fuel market; resource depletion; future environmental policies, including traditional pollutants, GHGs, and long term liabilities; escalating capital and labor costs; unproven technology options; and geopolitical upheavals arising beyond energy and environment. Lawmakers are increasingly asked to ensure clean, reliable and fairly-priced energy supply and energy security. This paper will provide an overview of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) including a primer on CCS with an emphasis on geologic storage; technologies being developed to capture and facilitate storage of carbon dioxide; statutory and regulatory development in the CCS arena; and lastly, CCS uncertainties related to coal utilization.

Coal & Energy: Environmental Health & Safety
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: T. Gray, Tetra Tech, Pittsburgh, PA
9:05 AM A Creative Way to Obtain Leading Indicator Metrics from Routine QHSE Work Practices J. Stough; Syntex Management Systems, Inc., Houston, TX
This session will dive into the increasingly hot topic of “Leading Indicators” and how combining a large global data set with some fundamental statistical methods can result in both finding those factors which TRULY affect performance outcomes and the mathematical support to prove it. Initially, we will explore a rather large data set involving thousands of sites and discuss how many different types of “potential leading indicators” are being extracted and analyzed to identify the TRUE mathematically-proven leading indicators of performance. We will review the many different types of metrics ranging from the standard QHSE activities

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Coal & Energy: Mine Fires
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: M.Trevits, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
9:05 AM Understanding Mine Fire Disasters by Determining the Characteristics of Deep-Seated Fires M. Trevits1, L. Yuan2, K. Teacoach3, M. Valoski4 and J. Urosek5; 1 NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 2NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 3NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 4MSHA, Pittsburgh, PA and 5MSHA, Pittsburgh, PA
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been conducting research addressing mine fire prevention, early and reliable fire detection, and fire suppression technologies. One portion of this program is focused on the characteristics of mine fire combustion products and flame spread through large scale deep-seated fire experiments and use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. In this study, two large scale deep-seated fire experiments were conducted; one fire consisted of only coal material (650 kg) and the other utilized the two most abundant fuel sources found in a coal mine: coal (560 kg) and wooden cribbing blocks (125 kg). The fires burned to completion while the combustion products were collected and analyzed to determine the maximum rate of heat release. In addition, an array of thermocouples was placed near the surface and within the burning material to measure the flame spread rate. The results of the experiments were then used to develop a CFD model to simulate the mine fires. This paper describes the deep-seated fire experiments, provides insight into the fire combustion products and presents the results of the CFD modeling work.

10:05 AM Dolph Abandoned Mine Fire Control Project T. Gray1 and R. Bruhn2; 1Energy and Natural Resources, Tetra Tech, Pittsburgh, PA and 2Geotechnical, GAI Consultants, Homestead, PA
The Dolph Mine fire site is located in Lackawanna County, PA, approximately three miles northeast of the city of Scranton. The fire is burning in both coal refuse (culm) and underground anthracite mine workings. It was reportedly begun by rubbish burning on top of the culm bank. The Offfice of Surface Mining retained GAI Consultants, Inc in 2006 to complete a site investigation to define the extent of the fire and to recommend fire control measures. A cut off trench was selected as the principal control method. Plans and specifications were prepared in late 2006. The project was bid and a contractor selected in early 2007. The trench construction was completed in 2007. This paper will focus on the investigation and selection of the fire control method.

10:25 AM Effect of Longwall Face Advance on Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Area L. Yuan and A. Smith; NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
To reduce fire hazards from spontaneous combustion in longwall gob areas, a series of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted by NIOSH to model the spontaneous heating of coal in longwall gob areas. The modeling results demonstrate that spontaneous heating of coal usually occurred behind the longwall shields and along the face with a bleeder ventilation system. Assuming the stationary longwall face, the spontaneous heating could turn to a spontaneous fire in several days for the most reactive coal under favorable conditions. When the longwall face advances, the spontaneous heating process will be affected. In this study, the effect of longwall face advance on the spontaneous heating in the gob area is investigated using the CFD model developed in previous studies. One longwall panel with a bleeder ventilation system is simulated. The width of the panel is 300 m, while the length of the panel is changed between 1000 to 2000 m. The spontaneous heating first develops in the gob when the longwall face is stationary. Then, the face advances at a certain rate. The effect of the rate of face advance on the spontaneous heating process is examined.

9:25 AM Use of Pressure Swing Adsorption Technology for Inerting Sealed Mine Areas with Nitrogen M. Trevits1, M. Thibou2 and T. Mucho3; 1NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 2On Site Gas Systems, Newington, CT and 3Thomas P. Mucho & Associates, Inc., Washington, PA
As a means of providing a safe method to render sealed, abandoned mine areas inert, On Site Gas Systems built, under a NIOSH contract, an in-mine nitrogen generation plant. The objective of this work was to create a reliable in-mine mobile plant that would extract nitrogen gas from the mine atmosphere and the generated gas would be used to create and maintain a safe sealed mine area. The plant is based on a novel design using pressure swing adsorption technology and is sized to fit on a standard shield car for easy transport in and around an underground coal mine. The plant is capable of producing about 300 scf/min of nitrogen gas. After an exhaustive series of laboratory tests, the plant was field tested at the NIOSH Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) where a portion of the mine was sealed and rendered inert. During the test, the movement of the injected gas was monitored at several underground points to observe the progress and extent of the inerting process. This paper describes the plant design and the results of the field test at the SRCM.

10:45 AM Evaluation of Smoke Detectors for Use in Underground Mines C. Litton; Disaster Prevention and Response Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA
This paper details results from both laboratory experiments and an in-mine evaluation of two promising smoke detectors for early warning fire detection. The two detectors were a prototype detector combining optical scattering measurements with ionization chamber measurements and a commercially available photoelectric smoke detector designed for use in harsh environments. In the laboratory experiments, the responses of the two detectors were measured when exposed to smoke particles from a variety of fire sources, including wood, coal, styrene butadiene rubber, and No. 2 diesel fuel. For the in-mine evaluation, the detectors were installed in an underground limestone mine and their performance measured over several months in order to assess their reliability and sensitivity to dusts and diesel exhaust particles. This report describes the experiments and the details of the in-mine evaluation and proceeds to develop guidelines and criteria for early-warning smoke sensors capable of the rapid and reliable detection of fires in underground mine atmospheres that may or may not be contaminated by either dust or the products produced from diesel engines.

9:45 AM In-Mine Study of High-Expansion Firefighting Foam L. Chasko1, R. Conti5, R. Derick4, M. Krump3 and D. Lazzara2; 1 Disaster Prevention and Response Branch, NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Lab, Pittsburgh, PA; 2Retired, NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Lab, Pittsburgh, PA; 3Production, Twentymile Coal Company, Oak Creek, CO; 4Retired, Twentymile Coal Company, Oak Creek, CO and 5 Deceased, NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Lab, Pittsburgh, PA
A mine fire is one of the most challenging safety issues facing a mine operator and can occur at any location underground. Direct application of fire suppression systems must be quickly deployed and capable of extinguishing the fire before uncontrolled growth occurs. NIOSH and the Peabody’s Twentymile Coal Mine conducted in-mine experiments to determine the capability of high-expansion foam for addressing underground fires. The tests were conducted in sloping entries with high capacity diesel engine powered foam generators. The following results were observed: a well-designed, maintained, and properly operated high-expansion foam generator can propagate a foam plug hundreds of feet in steep upwardsloping multiple entries against ventilation pressure; stoppings and partitions designed to contain a foam plug in upward-sloping entries must be substantially constructed; and the predicted quality of foam concentrate can be significantly less than the actual amount used due to foam losses, such as bubble breakage on dry surfaces. This paper describes the firefighting capabilities using highexpansion foam and describes the in-mine experimental tests and results.

Coal & Energy: Surface Mining
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: S. Michalek, US DOL - MSHA, Pittsburgh, PA
9:05 AM Analysis and Control of Energy Consumption in Surface Coal Mining D. Bogunovic1, V. Kecojevic1, V. Lund2, M. Heger3 and P. Mongeon2; 1 The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; 2Red Hills Mine, North American Coal Corporation, Ackerman, MS and 3BNI Coal, Ltd., Center, ND
The U.S. coal mining industry consumes a significant amount of energy, primarily diesel fuel and electricity. As such, the continuous increases in energy prices and environmental control costs relating to CO2 emissions represent a substantial challenge for the industry. This paper presents the results of research work on the development of an integrated data environment system for analysis and control of

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energy consumption in a surface coal mining operation. The system is able to provide the answers to the crucial questions of when, where, and how much energy is being used. A high energy consumer (equipment) can be isolated by the integrated analytical processes and data recorded in a centralized database. The system integrates additional features that utilize the existing real-time data sources in order to optimize equipment working parameters and reduce energy consumption. A case study on an operating surface coal mine is carried out to demonstrate the practical application of the developed system.

10:25 AM Application of Slope Stability Radar for Improved Safety and Productivity in the Global Mining Industry D. Noon and N. Harries; GroundProbe NA LLC, Tucson, AZ
The management of risks associated with slope instability is an essential process in the safe and economic operation of open cut mines. In 5 years, over 80 Slope Stability Radar (SSR) systems have been installed at major mines in Australasia, Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and South America to manage those risks. The SSR technology is now considered best-practice by the global mining industry for managing unstable and production-critical slopes. The SSR uses radar to remotely scan a rock slope and continuously measure any movement of the face. The technology can detect and alert users of wall movements with sub-millimetre precision. Radar waves adequately penetrate through rain, dust and smoke to give reliable and real-time measurements, 24 hours a day. To date, SSR systems have detected and recorded warning movements in over 200 rock falls and slope failures, ranging from small wedge failures of just a few tonnes to dump failures of up to thirty million tonnes. SSR systems have allowed large productivity, planning and safety gains in many operations. This paper will present recent case studies of SSR applications and discuss the integration into global mining operations.

9:25 AM Cable Shovel Dynamic Modeling for Determining Component Cycle Stress Y. Li1, W. Liu2 and S. Frimpong3; 1Mining Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO; 2Basic Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO and 3Mining Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO
In this paper, authors develop a dynamic model for analyzing cable shovel component stress based on the combination of flexible and rigid body approach. The general mechanical system of the cable shovel is modeled as seven-bar linkage with four degrees of freedom. The relevant theories applied for the dynamic model are described in terms of Lagrangian dynamics equation. Finite element analysis method is used to build the von Mises stress model for the shovel boom and handle with the automotive durability. A virtual prototype of the cable shovel is built in ADAMS environment, which allows the visualization of the motion of general mechanical system and the analysis of the dynamic stress of the structural components of the cable shovel. An example is given to perform the dynamic stress durability analysis for the boom and handle. Attention of this study is devoted to the mechanisms of damage of the cable shovel and also the critical high stress areas. Keywords: Cable shovel, Von Mises stress, Virtual prototype simulation, Stress virtualization.

Environmental: GIS for Mine Environmental Applications
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chairs: R. Kremer, Brown and Caldwell, Golden, CO D. Peters, Peters Geosciences, Golden, CO
9:05 AM

9:45 AM The Modeling and Simulation of Bucyrus Shovel, Part 1: Spacial Kinematics and Virtual Prototype Modeling Y. Li; Advanced Technology Department, Bucyrus International, Inc., South Milwaukee, WI
In this study, the authors develop a 3D model of the Bucyrus shovel motion based on kinematics dynamics of machinery in the Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS) environment. The kinematics model of the cable shovel is modeled as a seven-bar linkage with four degrees of freedom, which comprises the lower, upper, attachment and the dumping mechanisms. The Newton-Euler equations are employed as the computational framework to describe the dynamic behavior of the model. A virtual prototype of the shovel is built in the ADAMS software environment. This environment allows the visualization of a 3D motion of the general mechanical system and the prediction of interference of the moving components of the shovel. The prototype is validated with real-world data with animation and numerical analysis of digging, swinging and dumping motions for the shovel. This research provides a solid foundation for further shovel dynamics performance studies.

GIS Solutions for Mining Environmental Applications W. Lynch; ESRI, Broomfield, CO
GIS is quickly evolving to be the standard tool to help the modern mining environmental geoscientist in many aspects of their activities, from field data collection to data management, visualization, analysis, and reporting. This presentation will include a brief introduction to uses of ESRI’s ArcGIS GIS in the mining industry and continue with more detailed discussions of some mining environmental GIS applications. Mining environmental business functions where GIS is a key tool include applications for exploration and mine permittingcompliance, environmental assessments, mine water quality-quantity management, air quality, mine reclamation-closure, vegetation management, acid mine drainage, rock-water geochemistry, tailings-waste management. Other uses of GIS include the topics of risk management, due diligence, corporate sustainability and environmental auditing ESRI works closely with important business partners in the mining industry to provide complete solutions for mining environmental activities. Some case studies and solutions from TetraTech, SRK, TriHydro and AMEC will be very briefly discussed.

9:25 AM 10:05 AM A Stochastic Model of Excavation Equipment Performance at Capcoal Surface Operations R. Halatchev and L. Smith; OC Technical Services, Anglo Coal Australia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Excavation equipment performance is a significant theoretical problem in mine planning. The modelling of this performance deals with uncertainty due to the influence of many factors having a probabilistic nature. This specific feature predetermines the application of stochastic approach to the problem solution as a tool for improving the modelling adequacy. The current paper offers an original stochastic model of the excavation equipment performance at Capcoal surface operations. The model has a few objectives such as: improvement of the input estimates of the parameters of excavation equipment performance used in the long- and short-term scheduling model of Capcoal; introduction of new Key Performance Indicators to allow an efficient control and management of equipment performance; and forecast of achievable and well-grounded targets of the equipment. It is developed with the utilization of the theoretical treatments of the model of random process, which takes into account the time aspect of the equipment performance. A case study is provided to illustrate the applicability of the model developed.

Technical and Regulatory Drivers for Geographic Information Systems and Data Management, Yerington Mine Site, Lyon County, Nevada C. Zimmerman; Brown and Caldwell, Carson City, NV
The Yerington Mine Site is an inactive open pit copper mine currently under the regulatory jurisdiction of the EPA. Brown and Caldwell supports the remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) for operable units at the Site (e.g., oxide and sulfide tailings, evaporation ponds, process areas, and site-wide groundwater). In order to effectively manage, evaluate and display extremely large volumes of soils and groundwater data, and meteorological and air quality monitoring results, a SQL database and linked ArcView geographic information system (GIS) has been developed to store, query and display a variety of outputs required by RI/FS deliverables and technical meetings with project stakeholders. The GIS must satisfy EPA’s metadata requirements for sharing geospatial information. A comprehensive Data Management Plan is linked to the project Quality Assurance Project Plan and Work Plans for the RI/FS. This presentation describes the technical drivers and regulatory requirements associated with these GIS and data management aspects of the project, and examples of GIS outputs and dynamic three-dimensional visualization of groundwater data using ARC GIS 3-D Analyst.

9:45 AM Innovative Applications of Interactive Media for Mining Projects J. Sanderson; Brown and Caldwell, Los Angeles, CA
Jim is working with the Kinross Gold Corporation, Teichert, City of North Port, Florida, Orange County, California, California Department of Transportation and

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many private clients to develop interactive strategies for communications support on public presentations for mining permit approvals, bond referendums, and online workshops. GIS,Broadcast and web tools were produced to inform a variety audiences on the value of upgrading wastewater collection and treatment facilities, mining simulations to show end of project results, and seed testing procedures for landscape architects. With the projects now underway results of each outreach campaign can now be measured and feedback used to evolve the campaign as conditions change for construction, permiting and testing.

mining land use categories. This independent verification process recognizes responsible management and encourages commitment to fulfill remaining obligations and to establish a sustainable post closure period.

9:35 AM Closing San Manuel Lessons from the World’s Largest Mine Closure D. Ortman; SRK Consulting, Tucson, AZ
In 2002 BHPBilliton announced closure of their San Manuel copper operation approximately 40 miles north of Tucson, Arizona. Started by Magma Copper in the early 1950’s, San Manuel disturbed approximately 9,000 acres and included an underground mine that produced 700+ million tons of ore, an 1,100-foot deep open pit, in-situ copper leach, heap leach & SX-EW, mill, concentrator, smelter, rail facilities, and 3,300 acres of tailings that stretch for five miles along the San Pedro River Riparian Area. BHPBilliton engaged SRK Consulting to provide site characterization, engineering, permitting, and to assist with construction oversight for the closure. These activities began in 2002 with closure construction starting in late 2004. The project was successfully concluded in January of 2008 with completion of final construction and all permits in place. The work was completed ahead of schedule, under budget, with an exemplary safety record, and without a single contractor claim. This presentation includes an overview of the closure at San Manuel and presents several of the key lessons to be learned from the project.

10:05 AM Pipeline Assessment: Reducing Environmental Risk Using Existing Technologies and Software C. Miller; MWH Americas Inc, Tempe, AZ
Pipeline leaks and spills have resulted in loss of the precious process fluid and increasing costs. To prioritize areas of pipeline that presented higher environmental risks GPS, GIS, PIPE2006 modeling software and MWH’s Engineering Risk Assessment (ERA)methodology was used. GPS was used to map the pipeline and record field data and the physical condition of various features of the piping. Environmentally sensitive areas that intersected any portion of the PLS pipeline were also mapped. PIPE2006 model (flow pressure/analysis software) parameters were input. To depict a more accurate condition, factors for pipe wall thickness, age, and exposure were input. The model identified sections that were over the maximum adjusted pressure rating of the pipe and posed a higher risk for failure. The final definition of pipeline segments consisted of categorizing the pipeline into segments that fell into the same pressure category and traversed an area that had similar environmental impacts if a release was to occur. MWH’s ERA methodology was used to rank the various segments of pipeline with respect to their location and their potential to cause environmental losses.

9:50 AM Application of Best Available Technology to Reclamation Design and Integration with Mine Planning H. Hutson; BRS Engineering, Riverton, WY

Environmental: Operating for Closure — Lessons Learned and Tools to Get Us There
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chairs: C. McKeon, Resolution Copper Mining, Superior, AZ W.Tyler, Climax Molybdenum Company, Parshall, CO
9:05 AM Redrocks Diversion Channel-Understanding and Improving Channel Hydraulic Conditions B. Gunn and L. Yenne; Mining, URS Corporation, Denver, CO, CO
The Redrock Diversion Channel is an existing diversion channel constructed in the early 1970’s to divert runoff from the Redrock Canyon watershed. Since its construction, the channel has been experiencing significant degradation and bank erosion. Headcutting has progressed upstream gradually from the downstream end of the diversion channel. Continued channel degradation will potentially release tailing from Dams 2 and 3X, and impact existing reclamation activities. A hydraulic and channel degradation analysis was completed to evaluate the existing channel conditions. This indicated that the channel is experiencing extremely high flow velocities along an extended stretch of the channel for all sizable flow conditions. In order to minimize further degradation of the Redrock Diversion Channel grade-control structures are being constructed to stabilize the channel. The design includes construction of four check structures. This presentation presents the details of the existing channel conditions, geomorphological analysis, alternatives analysis and details of planning, design and construction of the rehabilitated channel.

BRS, Inc. has utilized Carlson’s Natural Regrade™ (NR)software to design the reclamation of abandoned mine spoils located in the Gas Hills Uranium District of Wyoming for the State of Wyoming’s Abandoned Mine Land Program. The project has been nominated for a National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs award. The results of this project will be presented as a case history of the NR approach to surface mine reclamation. Based on the successful application of this new mine reclamation technology, reclamation designs for a planned underground uranium mine operation for Uranium One USA, Inc. will be presented. Critical elements will be the encapsulation of unsuitable materials, long term hydrologic stability, and handling of waste for final reclamation surface construction. The goal of the project will be to apply Best Available Technology (BAT) to reclamation design and fully integrate reclamation into mine planning. Benefits should include improved public and regulatory perception of the project and facilitate permit approval. It is anticipated that the site will be reclaimed to geomorphic and vegetative conditions which will promote timely reclamation bond release.

10:05 AM What is “Integrated” Closure Planning? J. Eshleman and A. Watson; MWH Americas Inc, Denver, CO
There are many examples of leading practices with respect to mine closure planning, yet there is no consistent understanding of the requirements. We have progressed beyond the regrade and revegetate phase, through the incorporation of a range of environmental factors into planning. Now we must address the broader environmental and social issues arising from our activities. In this sense, “integrated” refers to all stakeholders and refers to the various phases of the mining cycle. We are cautioned to start with the end in mind. Previously we discussed closure cost estimating that stressed the need to make allowance for externalities often neglected early on. Our experience continues to show us that we avoid these issues at our peril, and integrated planning is a way to ensure that our requirements are adequately described, that our scope for closure is appropriate, and that we are doing today what we can to limit out future liabilities. We provide an overview of the requirements for an integrated approach to closure planning, cite examples from industry where this approach has proved beneficial, and propose a minimum standard for adoption by industry.

9:20 AM Unpermitting a Mine — or Demonstrating Successful Completion of Reclamation Permit Requirements A. Meglioli, A. Trippel, P. Corbetta and M. Taylor; ERM, Greenwood Village, CO
To un-permit a mine is not to end the company liability or obligation to manage long-term environmental liability but rather it is a process of taking credit for successful completion of permit requirements. Since 1876, the Homestake Mine has produced over 40 million ounces of gold, and set a standard for the gold mining industry. Surface mining was completed in 1998 and underground mining in 2002. Homestake has recently fulfilled the reclamation requirements for most of the property that incorporates a financial assurance mechanism to support sustainable post-closure activities. The verification of completion of requirements and release of unused financial assurance obligations is a detailed independent, for agency and public credibility, summary of the entire written record of approvals, permits, and compliance orders. The review includes confirmation that all reclamation standards (performance or specific) were met for three distinct post-

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10:20 AM Integrating Closure Planning and Principles into Henderson Mill Tailings Design and Operations H. Sauer1, B. Romig2 and T. Haynes2; 1Walsh Environmental Scientist & Engineers, Boulder, CO and 2Climax Molybdenum Company, Empire, CO
A conceptual-level strategic closure plan was developed for the Climax Molybdenum Company (CMC) – Henderson Operations based on input from CMC tailings, mining and environmental managers, as well as consultants involved with operations planning and design, water management and closure. A major component of this plan included the integration of current and future tailings operations with water management and closure goals and designs. To assist CMC in life-of-mine planning, the strategic closure plan outlines and prioritizes closure alternatives and strategies well in advance of the cessation of operation. To develop the plan, CMC’s tailing closure goals, objectives, and drivers were defined and prioritized. Closure alternatives were then developed and analyzed. Finally, preferred closure alternatives and strategies were selected that met CMC’s goals and objectives. This paper describes the closure planning process and results

and requirements and can be applied to identify and mitigate legacy problems at the very lowest level. A comprehensive tailing stewardship program begins at the grassroots and communicates risk and liabilities upward throughout an organization.

Geology: Hydrogeology
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: P. Dolph, Regis University, Pine, CO
9:05 AM From Open Pit to Underground at the Grasberg Mine, Irian Jaya, Indonesia Y. Rusdinar; PT Freeport Indonesia, Tembagapura, Indonesia
The Grasberg Mine is a copper and gold open pit mine operated by PT Freeport Indonesia and located in the high equatorial mountains of the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya. The climate is alpine/sub-alpine with little season variation in temperature or rainfall. The current mine development plan shows underground mining production to increase significantly after completion of the Grasberg open pit in 2015 and to continue to at least 2035. Surface and ground water management is an integral part of the strategic planning of the mine operation as inappropriate water management could result in significant safety, production and environmental issues such as pit slope failure, ARD contamination, water supply etc. Consequently, active dewatering drilling is a priority in light of the associated operational and safety issues for open pit and future underground mines. Active underground dewatering has effectively lowered the water table in the pit, increase the stability of the pit wall and allow for safe and efficient mining condition while reducing potential inflow to the future underground mine.

10:35 AM Lessons Learned Through the Implementation of Strategic Reclamation Planning During Closure and Start-up at the Climax Molybdenum Mine, Climax, CO R. Valentine1, T. Rogers1, K. Carlson2 and R. Bay2; 1Climax Molybdenum Company, Climax, CO and 2Habitat Management, Inc., Englewood, CO
The Climax Molybdenum Mine commissioned a “Strategic Reclamation Plan” with the goal of integrating mining, reclamation, and water management plans into one conceptual-level, life-of-mine strategy. This innovative plan integrated perpetual water and sludge handling with mine operations, closure requirements, and asset management, and provided a long-range decision-making tool. Through its development and implementation, Climax has learned many lessons from how past production decisions affected current reclamation activities to how to successfully reclaim high-altitude tailings ponds. Utilizing the Plan and gained experience Climax can now initiate start-up activities making educated decisions that look towards the future and operating for closure.

9:25 AM Site-Wide Water Balance of the Pierina Gold Mine, Peru L. George1, W. Ludwick2 and J. Chahbandour1; 1Water Management Consultants, Inc., Denver, CO and 2Barrick Gold Corporation, San Isidro, Peru
Site-wide water management for the mining industry is becoming increasingly important because of the requirements for International Cyanide Management Code and internal water volume accounting. In locations where precipitation is intermittent for parts of the year, it is important to develop storage strategies for use during dry seasons. It is critical to have an accurate inventory of solution at all times in case of uncontrolled circumstances (e.g., extreme precipitation events or power outages). The following case study presents a water balance model that was created for a complex gold mine operation in Peru. Water Management Consultants (WMC) created a site-wide water balance model in GoldSim based on conceptualizations from mine visits and on the operational conditions of the process facility.

10:50 AM The GeoFluvTM Method for Reclamation Landform Design (Using Natural Regrade Software to Design and Evaluate Landforms for Sustainable Land Uses) N. Bugosh; Carlson Software, Loveland, CO
Modern mining methods can drastically change landforms. Traditional reclamation grading methods may not address all the criteria related to these changes. Water quality standards, in-stream uses, vegetation diversity and other reclamation criteria may not be satisfied, and failure to meet or mitigate for these changes related to the proposed reclamation landform can even stop mining activity from proceeding beyond permit submittal. A new, natural approach to landform grading called GeoFluvTM offers a cost-effective alternative for sustainable mineral development than can satisfy the criteria with: greater stability against erosion, greater opportunities for plant and animal diversity, lower construction and maintenance costs, and promotion of successful bond release, as compared to traditional reclamation landform design methods. The GeoFluvTM landform design method has proven to provide landform designs that are stable against erosion in what is arguably the most erosive area in North America, just east of the Grand Canyon. It can compress design time, allow more cost-effective construction, and better address land use criteria than traditional methods.

9:45 AM Water Management at the Chino Mine, New Mexico T. Ashinhurst; Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., Hurley, NM
The Santa Rita porphyry copper deposit or Chino mine is located in southwestern New Mexico near Silver City. Mining history at Santa Rita is extensive, spanning from 880 AD to present and the estimated mined resource from 1911 to 2005 is 885 Mt with an average grade of 0.70 % Cu. Two push backs are in progress on the open pit which measures two miles across by one half mile deep. High pit slopes developed in low permeability rocks have historically created problems with slope stability and excessively wet mining conditions. A strategic program of vertical and horizontal drilling has been effective in identifying and mitigating zones of elevated pore pressure in both stable and active slope sectors. Vertical extraction wells behind design limits are combined with horizontal drains bored into the slope above and below active benches to interconnect hydrologic compartments and remove water from the pit slope and future benches. Reduced pressures and inflows support slope design achievement and enhance mining efficiency. Preparation for monsoon season is very important at Chino as thunderstorms can deliver 1-3 inches of precipitation per hour.

11:05 AM Stewardship: The Care and Feeding of Your Tailing(s) Dam(s) C. Hatton2, T. Speigl3 and W. Tyler1; 1Henderson Mill, Climax Molybdenum Company, Parshall, CO; 2URS Corporation, Denver, CO and 3Morenci Operations, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Morenci, AZ
“Tailing stewardship” has been applied to describe the many strategies used to evaluate tailing storage facility management and operation. The present and future risks and liabilities associated with the day-to-day operation of tailing storage facilities are not fully grasped by many owners. Operators are subjected to numerous engineering, operations, and environmental compliance constraints that have conflicting goals and when cumulative applied can adversely impact performance. The advent of computer modeling has allowed the geotechnical engineering community to calculate engineering properties and internal loading conditions to an unprecedented level of accuracy. However, a true understanding of how to establish and implement a proper design and construction has been lost or in some cases never truly understood. A comprehensive tailing stewardship program can be used to identify operational risk, communicate operational needs

10:05 AM Cortez Hills Project Area Hydrology and Dewatering, Northcentral Nevada, USA P. Young; Barrick Gold Corporation, Crescent Valley, NV
The Cortez Hills project area is located approximately 75 miles SW of Elko Nevada in Crescent Valley Nevada. The proposed mining area is located on the east side of the valley on the western flank of Mt. Tenabo at the southern tip of the Cortez Mountain range. Dewatering is expensive and strategies for operations should be

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optimized as early in the mine life as possible. Significant resources have been invested in the sub-surface hydro-geologic investigation to delineate the groundwater regime. The hydrology of the area is a complex highly compartmentalized system controlled structurally with normal and reverse faulting and a system of dikes and sills. An intensive monitoring system consisting of monitoring wells and multi-level piezometers have been installed to observe ground water responses. Approximately six test wells have been pumped and the response monitored to determine long-term well yields, the horizontal and vertical effects of pumping and hydro-geologic boundaries to flow.

of limestone resources. AWL presents opportunities for collaborative efforts among the crushed stone industry, electrical utilities, cement manufactures, and research scientists.

10:05 AM Delineation of Magnesium-Rich Ultramafic Rocks Available for Mineral Carbon Sequestration in The United States S. Krevor1, C. Graves1, A. McAfferty2 and B. Van Gosen2; 1Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY and 2U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
The 2005 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report on CCS suggested that a major gap in mineral carbon sequestration is locating the magnesiumsilicate bedrock available to sequester CO2. It is generally known that silicate minerals with high concentrations of magnesium are suitable for mineral carbonation. However, no assessment has been made in the United States that details their geographical distribution and extent. Researchers at Columbia University and the U.S. Geological Survey have developed a digital geologic database of ultramafic rocks in the continental United States. Data were compiled from varied-scale geologic maps of magnesium-silicate ultramafic rocks. These rock types are potentially suitable as source material for mineral carbon-dioxide sequestration. The focus of the national-scale map is entirely on suitable ultramafic rock types, which typically consist primarily of olivine and serpentine minerals. Using this dataset with other datasets on nation-wide land use and literature on carbon sequestration processes, one can develop estimates as to the capacity for CO2 mineral sequestration within the United States.

Industrial Minerals: Reducing Carbon Footprint in Industrial Minerals
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: R. Pruett, IMERYS, Sandersville, GA
9:05 AM The Carbon Footprint and Lifecycle Analysis of Kaolin and Calcium Carbonate Used as Pigments for Paper R. Pruett; IMERYS, Sandersville, GA
Paper and paperboard manufactures need to quantify the carbon footprint and environmental impact of their products to satisfy market, social, or government demands. Coated paper products contain minerals such as kaolin and calcium carbonate at significant levels, some coated paper grades have pigment mineral contents as high as 45% by weight. Some uncoated paper can contain no mineral but most uncoated paper contains some mineral to improve appearance, process efficiency, and cost. Super-calendared paper grades can contain levels of mineral up to 35% by weight. The carbon footprint and environmental impact of kaolin and calcium carbonate pigments can have a significant and favorable impact on paper and paperboard products. This paper reviews the methodology and impact of pigments on the carbon footprint and environmental impact of paper and paperboard.

10:25 AM Enhancing the Reaction Kinetics of the Dissolution of Serpentine for Mineral Carbon Sequestration S. Krevor and K. Lackner; Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, CA
Mineral carbon dioxide sequestration is a greenhouse gas mitigation technology whereby CO2 is disposed of by reacting it with magnesium silicate minerals to form a solid magnesium carbonate product. The technology offers virtually unlimited capacity to permanently store CO2 in an environmentally benign form. Energy consumption for initial processes developed, however, is high and it is not currently considered competitive with other sequestration technologies. The current low-cost process for mineral carbonation involves the carbonation of a slurry of magnesium silicate mineral. The process is limited by the slow reaction kinetics, and in particular the slow dissolution rates of the silicates in weakly acidic conditions. Enhancing the dissolution rate in weakly acidic conditions has been identified as one of the main opportunities for lowering the costs of this process. In this paper we discuss the results of dissolution experiments in which ground serpentine was reacted in weakly acidic aqueous systems containing organic and inorganic salt catalysts. Implications for the cost of an overall mineral sequestration process are discussed.

9:25 AM Carbon Impact on Your Operations B. Nemeth; Sustainability & Environmental Services, USG Corporation, Chicago, IL
This presentation will disclose how to measure your true carbon impact of your operations, and provide an action plan or strategy to managed that impact. We will discuss carbon impact, and what are your potential emission points (its more then just the power you consume). Once this data is known, we need to explore whether or not to certify the emissions, is there a value associated with these emissions, and what should a facility manager do to manage and reduce the emissions in subsequent years. This presentation will provide a business case around carbon emissions and provide the tools to determine a strategy to manage carbon in the future.

10:45 AM Geophysical Delineation of Magnesium-Rich Ultramafic Rocks for Mineral Carbon Sequestration A. McCafferty1, B. Van Gosen1, S. Krevor2 and C. Graves2; 1US Geological Survey, Denver, CO and 2Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY
Serpentinized ultramafic rocks are magnesium rich and are being evaluated as potential source rock material for use in carbon-dioxide sequestration efforts. Serpentinized ultramafic rocks are also typically magnetite rich and hence can produce distinct magnetic anomalies. We use newly compiled geologic data in combination with airborne magnetic surveys over parts of the Coast Range and Sierra Nevada Foothills ultramafic belts in northern California to illustrate how the magnetic data can be used to extend the mapping of the ultramafic rocks into the shallow subsurface and to identify potentially unmapped ultramafic rock. The geophysical data can provide three-dimensional information on the geometry, lateral extent, thickness, and volume of ultramafic rock that occurs in the shallowly buried subsurface to minable depths. Results contribute to a first approximation of accessible rock material for mineral sequestration. Airborne magnetic surveys exist for the United States and, consequently, we believe this study demonstrates an adaptable approach that can be used to map the surface and shallow subsurface extent of ultramafic rocks in other parts of the country.

9:45 AM Use of Waste Limestone fines for CO2 Mitigation: Opportunities for the Crushed Stone and Cement Industries W. Langer1, G. Rau2 and K. Caldeira2; 1US Geological Survey, Denver, CO and 2Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Large amounts of limestone fines coproduced during the processing of crushed limestone may have application in the sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2). Accelerated weathering of limestone (AWL) is proposed as a low-tech method to capture and sequester CO2 from fossil fuel-fired power plants and other pointsources such as cement manufacture. AWL reactants are readily available, inexpensive, and environmentally benign. Waste CO2 is hydrated with seawater to produce carbonic acid, which is reacted and neutralized with limestone fines in suspension, thus converting CO2 gas to dissolved calcium bicarbonate. AWL waste products can be disposed of in the ocean where they may enhance growth of corals and other calcifying marine organisms that are threatened by increases in ocean acidity. Access to an inexpensive source of limestone and seawater is essential, thus limiting AWL facilities within about 10 km of the coastline. The majority of U.S. coastal power generation is within economical transport distance

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Minerals Resource Management: Mineral Valuation Analysis of Methods and Case Histories
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: D. Warnken, Tulsa, OK
9:05 AM Direct Sales Comparison Approach To Value M. Cartwright; Mineral Business Appraisal, Reno, NV
The direct sales comparison approach to fair market value is the process in which market value is derived by analyzing transactions of similar properties and comparing those properties to the subject property. A major assumption of the sales comparison approach is that FMV of a property is directly related to the transaction prices of comparable and competitive properties. Comparative sales analysis focuses on similarities and differences among property transactions that affect value. Factors affecting value of transactions include differences in property rights appraised, the motivations of buyers and sellers, financing terms, market conditions at the time of sale, size, location, physical features and economic characteristics. This approach to value is primarily based on the principle of substitution, which holds that the value of a property tends to be set by the price that would be paid to acquire a substitute property of similar utility and desirability within a reasonable amount of time. Various examples of comparable sales will be presented.

9:45 AM Current Status and Direction of International Standards in the USA and Globaly T. Ellis; Ellis International Services Inc., Denver, CO
Substantial adoption of uniform standards by countries worldwide for reporting of resource estimates, valuations, and financial accounts has ocurred this decade. The USA continues moving closer to adoption. The current status, direction, implications, and needs as they relate to valuation, are discussed.

9:45 AM Mineral Appraisal Issues in Court Testimony S. Limb; CMC. Inc., Scottsdale, AZ
Actual issues arose during the discovery process or subsequent court testimony are presented. While most of these issues relate to the author’s specialty of mineral appraisal are more general in nature and could be of interest to those who may be involved in current or future court testimony. Several important areas to be reviewed and agreed upon with client and their legal council are discussed. General observations on litigation, the discovery process, testimony and some repercussion’s are also given.

Mining & Exploration: Drilling and Blasting
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: D. Cooke, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Sierrita Operations, Green Valley, AZ
9:05 AM Evaluation of Computer Aided Drilling in Underground Mining Applications A. Hofstetter; Queenstake Resources USA, Inc., Elko, NV
Queenstake Resources’ Jerritt Canyon Mine purchased a new Sandvik/Tamrock DD420 jumbo drill with a TCAD system. The TCAD system, which stands for Tamrock Computer Aided Drilling, is a computer aided boom positioning system. While computer aided drilling has been gaining acceptance and use in the civil tunneling sector over the past few years, its cross over to production mining has been limited. The goal of implementing the system is to achieve better blasting results by improved drill hole positioning. Initial use of the TCAD system indicates increased productivity through more accurate drilling and controlled blasting, less over break, and a faster bolting cycle. The application and evaluation of the TCAD system in an underground production setting is discussed in this paper.

9:25 AM Valuation of Donations, Conservation Easements, and Preservation Properties with Minerals G. Clark; Associated General Appraisers LLC, Springfield, OH
Federal Tax incentives have increased the demand for appraisals prepared for donations of property to qualified non-profit agencies. Many individuals and companies now realize that in addition to the tax benefit for their surface rights, mineral rights can also provide additional value to their donation. Minerals appraisers should be knowledgeable of recent IRS regulation changes and the requirements to prepare and present such appraisals for these donations. They should also be aware of new responsibilities and penalties when completing their work for IRS related deductions. Another issue to consider when preparing this type of appraisal may include timing of the donation. This paper will discuss how the appraiser should address the above changes and other issues while working with the client who is considering a donation or conservation easement of their property.

9:45 AM Larger Parcel Issues in mineral Property Appraisal R. Frahme; Gustavson Associates, Boulder, CO
Identification of Larger Parcel in eminent domain appraisal rests on three parameters: unity of ownership, unity of use and contiguity. These parameters tend to be more difficult to apply to mineral estate than to surface estates. Unity of use is often the most elusive to define because of inconsistent quality of exploration data and differing grades of ore. Contiguity is sometimes subordinated to unity of use. Errors in identifing any of the three paramenters of larger parcel can lead to appraisals that are subject to impeachment at trial or result in unjust compensation.

9:25 AM Elk Valley Coal Seams and Practical Dilution Control M. Grigons; Maxam Bulk Services Inc, Sparwood, BC, Canada
This presentation discusses the history in the geology and challenges faced with drilling and blasting practices of Elk Valley Coal’s (EVCC) Line Creek Operation in the Elk Valley, British Columbia, Canada. It provides an understanding of the complications with progressively changing geology; and, environmental conditions that challenges the Line Creek Operation. The presentation discusses the engineering practices; and, planning methodology currently used in drilling and blasting programs. Highlighting all significant impacts against multiple “steep and narrow” angled coal seams, blast induced coal dilution and coal recovery techniques used in current mining practices. The presentation also discusses how engineering can anticipate these adverse conditions and proactively adjust various parameters to improve there blasting quality and performance in coal recovery. This presentation will primarily emphasize the simplicity and practicality required in the future engineering of blast designing and stressing the importance of training in the execution of “accurate” drilling and blasting practices.

9:45 AM Eminent Domain Appraisal, Silver Lake, California W. Bagby and F. Barnard; Western Mineral Appraisers, LLC, Carlsbad, CA
Silver Lake is a privately owned iron-mine in California’s Mojave Desert, east of the U.S. Army’s Ft. Irwin training center. Iron is sold to cement plants in the region. The Army’s proposed Ft. Irwin expansion encompassed the mine and therefore, the Army proposed condemnation to purchase the mine property. Western Mineral Appraisers performed an eminent domain appraisal according to UASFLA to meet the Army’s needs. Data used in an income approach included cement and forecast market prices for iron ore used in the manufacture of Portland cement, operating costs and estimated mine life. Two critical factors were determination of iron reserve in the deposit and forecasting cement requirements for southern California and southern Nevada. Our final value opinion was used by the Army as a starting point for negotiating a purchase price. The final result was an agreement for future acquisition after the current mine-plan period ends.

9:45 AM Specialized Blasting Procedures and Explosives Technologies for Very Hot and Reactive Ground Conditions A. du Plessis; Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Limited, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
With increasing global demand for commodities and corresponding decrease in easily mined ore bodies it is becoming necessary to undertake mining of higher risk opportunities. One such risk exists when blasting a combination of hot and reactive ground conditions. At one operation, ground temperatures up to 800°C have been measured and reaction time with commercial explosives of the order of seconds recorded. In such conditions, the mine may experience premature

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detonations depending on the explosive products used. The learning curve to safely mine deposits in hot and severely reactive ground is very steep. In many instances, the specialized procedures and explosive technologies require detailed investigation and assessment in order to achieve high mine productivity with the highest degree of safety. This paper will present some of the extreme conditions worked in Australia, the safety systems used and solutions that have been developed in order fully exploit ore bodies safely and efficiently.

developed based on the data obtained from different fields. The present study deals with different models of vibration studies done so far and a case analysis has been undertaken to find out the parameters responsible for prediction of blast vibration in an opencast coal mine on the principle on “Least Square Method of Best Fit”. A Linear Regression Model has been developed to evaluate the Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) of the blast. The result of the model can be very useful for forecasting the ground vibration before blasting which has got significant contribution for designing various parameters in the controlled blasting techniques.

10:05 AM Testing Electronic Detonators to Increase SAG Mill Throughput at the Red Dog Mine N. Paley; Teck Cominco Alaska, Anchorage, AK
A blasting project was undertaken at the Teck Cominco Alaska Red Dog Mine to determine the extent that Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill throughput could be increased by using electronic detonators. The Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) blast fragmentation, jaw crusher, and SAG mill breakage models were used to relate changes in the blast fragmentation measured with the SPLIT image analysis system to the SAG mill performance. For optimum performance a SAG mill requires a particular size distribution. Physical constraints of drill and charging equipment size limit the extent that pattern geometry can be changed, and the powder factor increased, to maximize fines. However, a growing number of studies have shown that the use of electronic detonators can lead to increased fragmentation and greater uniformity, providing an alternate means of increasing the primary breakage by blasting. The economic benefit from the electronic detonators was calculated to assist in determining the optimum blast designs for their use.

Mining & Exploration: New Fleet Management Technology
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: R. Coyle, Freeport McMoRan, Safford, AZ
9:05 AM Block Model Translation Using Shovel High-precision GPS and Data-rich Truck Fleet Management Systems A. Takahashi Asano and S. Dessureault; Mining and Geological Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Commodity price fluctuations or technology advances can impact the value of mined material over the life of an operation, where marginal or waste-grades can become high-grade or marginal material respectably. This paper describes the development and testing of a materials tracking system at the block-model level. There are three key inputs: First, an ore control block model at the loading point with a shovel’s high precision positioning system to provide load origin. This would report the material mined at its lowest level of granularity, given by the characteristics of each block. The second component is a truck tracking system that provides a GPS coordinate as a dumping point. Those blocks will be tracked down from the origin to the dumping destination. The third component is the creation of a new block model of the blended destination dumps. The objective is to provide mine planners with information to design a re-handle plan if the material dumped earlier becomes economic. The ultimate objective of this research program is to develop technologies to facilitate a merging of the mine block model and the destination block model to generate a multi-pit optimization.

10:25 AM Value Added Blasting: Learning from Within J. Floyd; Blast Dynamics, Steamboat Springs, CO
While undertaking operational reviews at its sites, technical managers at Barrick Gold Corporation, realized that there was potential to optimize throughput, dilution and ore recovery by better understanding the drilling and blasting process. This paper discusses the success of a comprehensive program established to review the drilling and blasting practices of Barrick surface mining operations worldwide. The program was entitled Value Added Blasting (VAB) and included a separate program to review blast movement concerns. The VAB program has evolved into a significant review tool to identify opportunities for optimization and the capture of best practices. The VAB program established the sites with the best blasting practices and those where additional technical investment was required. Site reviews were conducted by a team consisting of internationally recognized consultants, internal blasting experts, and corporate technical services personnel. Each review resulted in a detailed report describing the sites successes and opportunities for improvement. This program has been successful in creating a community of “best practice” blasting practitioners within the company.

9:25 AM MineCare® v1.4: Real Time Monitoring Asset Management System for Open-Pit Mining Applications D. Goddard; Modular Mining, Tucson, AZ
MineCare® is an interactive asset management system for open-pits mines to monitor equipment “health” in Real Time. It is designed to assist mining operators to proactively increase mobile equipment availability while reducing maintenance and total unit costs. The system integrates real-time, historical, and predictive maintenance data to respond proactively, versus reactively, to abnormal events and potential serious maintenance issues. It results in transforming current maintenance processes, when utilizing its applications, by identifying trends and monitoring asset health in real time 24/7. This paper presents the methodology developed for MineCare® to accomplish this by enabling early identification of asset “health” degradation before catastrophic component and equipment failures.

10:45 AM Electronic Detonators and Lightning M. Lownds; Orica, Watkins, CO
At the 2008 ISEE meeting a paper was presented by some of the same authors describing four actual cases of exposure of electronic detonators to lightning strikes. It was shown that electronic detonators, like other initiation systems, are vulnerable to very close or direct lightning strikes. As a result of those incidents, two series of tests have been done, each with 2 detonator designs. In the first series detonators were subjected to capacitor discharges up to 6kV and 1kJ in energy. In the second series the intensity was increased to 800kV and 20kJ in energy. In the second series, more electrical energy was delivered to the detonator assembly than the explosive energy of the detonator. In both series both detonators showed a spectacular ability to resist very high discharge energies. The tests are described in detail with supporting photographs. The data for both pin-to-pin and pin-to-case are presented and discussed. This high-voltage testing appears to be relevant in understanding how electronic detonators might shoot as a result of a very close or direct lightning strike.

9:45 AM Building a Mine Data Historian D. Treadaway1 and D. Fisk2; 1Freeport McMoRan, Safford, AZ and 2 Matrikon, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold partnered with Matrikon in 2007 to build an advanced system to remotely monitor machine health and operator performance of mobile mine equipment. This session takes a detailed look at the development of the system and deployment to several of the FMI mines in 2008.

11:05 AM An Application of Regression Model for Evaluation of Blast Vibration in an Opencast Coal Mine – A Case Analysis B. Pal1 and K. Brahma2; 1Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India and 2Mining Engineering, AES India Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar, India
Ground vibrations generated due to blasting operation in mining, quarrying and construction industries may result in the extension of hair like crack to ultimate collapse of nearby structures depending upon the intensity and duration of vibrations. In many years, all over the world various researchers have been trying to study different factors responsible for blast vibrations and suggest methods and measures for minimising the intensity of vibration. A number of models have been

10:05 AM Fleet Management: Current Position and Future Directions D. Haneman; Caterpillar, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Fleet Management Systems (FMS) are now a recognised tool for the implementation of short term mine plans. They provide varying levels of resource optimisation and reporting. There is a growing need to integrate the FMS and the other tools across the end-to-end mining value chain. For example, mine planning, minerals processing and outbound logistics need feedback from the FMS to sense and respond to changes in short term mining capability. Similarly, enterprise level decisions need to be informed by, and able to react in a timely fashion to changes at the process level. Concurrently, the mining industry expects technology to capture and lock in productivity gains in the face of a highly mobile and youthful workforce. In the future FMS will need to provide surety for unmanned operations.

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Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Flotation Frontiers
9:30 AM • Wednesday, February 25 ChairS: J. Carlson, Michigan Tech Univ, MI R. Kappes, Newmont Mining Corporation, Englewood, CO
9:35 AM Zeta Potential Studies Throughout a Hematite Processing Circuit J. Carlson; Chemical Engineering, Michigan Tech, Houghton, MI
The purpose of this study was to determine how the zeta potential changed throughout an iron ore processing circuit that utilizes flotation. Samples were taken before and after every chemical reagent addition and processing step. The results provided in this paper reveal a snapshot of the zeta potentials at the iron ore processing circuit studied. Some of the results contradicted previously published literature. For example, literature states the isoelectric point for hematite is at a pH of 6.5, whereas our data shows I.E.P. values in the pH range of 3 to 5 depending on the plant.

10:55 AM Implementation of Advance Control on Rougher Flotation at Teckcominco Pogo Mine X. Chen1, M. Sawada1 and J. McKay2; 1Mill, Teck Pogo Inc, Delta Jct, AK and 2Optimizing Control North America, Mesto Minerals Cisa, South Jordan, UT
The Pogo Mine, near Delta Junction, Alaska is a 2500 TPD gold operation employing processes including grinding, gravity, rougher flotation, leach, CIP, and E/W. An OCS(Optimizing Control System) expert control system has been implemented on rougher flotation in early 2008. The OCS system communicates with the Plant DCS(Distributed Control System) through OPC(OLE for Process Control) communication. The initial strategy was to control the flotation cell froth level set points to achieve target froth velocities . This strategy was enhanced by controlling both level and air flow setpoints. The flotation cell air and level are adjusted to reach cell pulling rates (froth velocities). The pulling rate setpoints for each cell are determined based on downstream capacity (concentrate surge tank level). The effect of pH and upstream disturbances is also taken into account in adjusting the air and level setpoints. Feed forward compensation is employed down the flotation row to minimize disturbances.

9:55 AM Using JKMultiBal for Mass Balancing Flotation Circuits S. Schwarz, S. Gay and D. Alexander; JKTech Pty Ltd, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Benchmarking of flotation plant’s operating performance requires accurate metallurgical sampling. Once the data has been collected, a mass balance is required to provide a consistent set of data from which plant performance can be assessed. Mass balancing is a key skill that many metallurgists and mining industry professionals are aware of, but often put in the ‘too hard’ basket. Investigation of the mass balanced data enables better understanding of the flowrates within a system, as well as assessing the quality of data obtained from sampling and surveys. There are various software programs available to assist in the mass balancing and understanding of processing plants. JKMultiBal was developed by JKTech and is used to balance data in both one and two dimensions, i.e. balancing data on either sized or assay bases as well as size-by-assay. With the recent trend in flotation circuits becoming more complex, JKMultiBal has been used to gain a better understanding of the processes occurring within the circuit. This paper provides a description of the program as well as several case studies where the two-dimensional mass balancing has resulted in improvements in plant performance.

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Student Poster Session
9:30 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: J. Kellar, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD
9:35 AM Session Overview
The session will highlight mineral and metallurgical processing research conducted by undergraduate and graduate students. The first part of the program will feature oral presentations and the second portion will be a poster session by the student researchers.

Somasundaran Symposium: Innovative Processing Strategies and Green Chemistry/Processes II
9:30 AM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: P.Taylor, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
9:35 AM Flotation of Fluorite in a Column Cell Operated as a Conventional Cell W. Aliaga, C. Sampaio, I. Brum and M. Batistella; Centro de Tecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
The aim of this work was the concentration of fluorite minerals in column flotation cells. These cells are normally operated adding a wash water flow from the top of the cell over a layer of froth which can reach up to two meter thick. To operate them under steady state at these conditions, a sophisticated control circuit must be installed. However, such a circuit result expensive and is not generally affordable for low valued industrial mineral. In order to overcome such restrictions, column were tested to concentrate fluorite minerals under conditions similar to those used for mechanical cells flotation. i.e. without wash water addition and under a froth layer thickness naturally formed. Under these conditions, several parameters were optimized such as collector concentrations, feed, concentrate, tail and gas flow rates. Excellent results were obtained in a pilot column which surpassed industrial results obtained in a bank of mechanical cells.

10:15 AM Moly Plant Design Considerations P. Amelunxen2 and R. Amelunxen1; 1Amelunxen Mineral Processing Ltd, Brackendale, BC, Canada and 2Consultora Amelunxen Mineral Engineering, Santiago, Chile
This paper presents the authors’ personal experiences in the design and operation of moly separation circuits in copper-moly concentrators. Topics discussed include column cells versus mechanical cells; use of nitrogen; use of CO2 and sulfuric acid for pH modification; and general equipment selection, sizing and instrumentation considerations. A benchmarking of main operating parameters for industrial plants is presented. An upgrading curve for commercial column cleaning circuits is also presented, showing that with average flotation kinetics and rougher concentrate grades, technical grade concentrates can be easily achieved with five column cells operating in counter-current configuration.

10:35 AM High-Confidence Flotation Testing at Xstrata Process Support N. Lotter1 and D. Fragomeni2; 1Process Mineralogy, Xstrata Process Support, Falconbridge, ON, Canada and 2Process Mineralogy, Xstrata Process Support, Falconbridge, ON, Canada
The reliability of a set of flotation results is key to minimizing project risk either at concentrator commissioning, or at the point of implementing an improvement to an existing concentrator operation. High-Confidence Flotation Testing was developed for this purpose, and is part of the list of technologies of various scales used by Xstrata Process Support (XPS) in addressing these projects. The methodology is based on two principles: one, to ensure that the ore sample is representative and has been well-blended and subsampled; two, to perform the flotation tests in sufficient numbers of replicates with appropriate quality controls, so as to improve the reproducibility of the test data. Across ten years of practice and continuous improvement with this methodology at Xstrata Process Support, Sudbury, several improvements to this method have been developed. Some case studies are reviewed.

9:51 AM Study on Process of Microbial Reduction of Vanadium Matallurgical Waste Water L. Haoran1 and W. Dianzuo2; 1Institute of process engineering,CAS, Beijing, China and 2Beijing General Research Institute of Nonferrous Metals, Beijing, China
The process of Rhodoferax ferrireducens (R.f)) dissimilatory reduction of vanadium matallurgical waste water is studied by the means of microbial fuel cell (MFC). Base on the domestication test of tolerance of R.f to NaVO3, The influence of wastewater NaVO3 consistency, pH, and temperature on reduction V5+ with R.f are investigated. Optimum dosage of vanadium can promote the growth of microbes, and there are same tendency and cycle between the growth of microbes

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and the reduction of V5+. In the early stages biological effect of the vanadium compound would increase the consumption of glucose, as glucose is oxidative decomposition, the small molecule organic acids are also generated, which lead to lowering the pH level. H+ participate in the reaction of reduction V5+, and R.f dissimilatory reduction consume some small molecule organic acids, which make pH increase later. Key words: Vanadium Matallurgical waste water; microbial reduction; microbial fuel cell; microbial growth cycle.

10:07 AM Treatment of Acid-Mine-Drainage (AMD) and Water Reuse in Brazil by Flocculation-Lamellar Settling J. Rubio and R. Silva; Mining Engineering, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Aregre, Brazil
The Acid-Mine-Drainage (AMD) generated in coal and sulfides ores is a serious environmental concern in worldwide mining industry, due to the high levels of heavy metal ions, sulfate and acidity. This paper overviews the actual pollution problems in the Brazilian coal mining, summarizes the main technological processes introduced recently to treat fresh acid effluent waters and presents studies of acid water treatment by flocculation followed by lamellar settling. AMD is characterized by a low pH-value and high levels of sulfate and various metals ions, leading to pollution of surface and groundwater’s. This work describes studies (pilot scale 1-1.4 m3.h-1) to treat an acid effluent (pH 2.5-3.3) from an extinct mine (30-200 m3.h-1). Neutralization with lime at pH 9 and solids/liquid separation was conducted by flocculation-lamellar settling (FLS) to remove Fe, Al and Mn ions. Results at pH 9 showed >90 % removal of metal ions and the total cost (energy and reagents) of treatment varied between 0.3-0.4 US$.m-3, at loading capacities of about 5-6 m.h1. It is believed that FLS has a great potential for the AMD treatment and water reuse.

and widely reserved low-rank coals produces the high levels of air pollution. The hazardous pollutants in low rank coals can not be efficiently removed by conventional wet coal separation processes because a considerable amount of porose and easily friable low rank coals suffer serious particle size degradation problems in water. The magnetic fly ash used in this study was derived from fly ash obtained as a byproduct of coal combustion. The vibration’s effect on the stability of a magnetic fly ash gas-fluidized bed was studied. The dry separation results of 50.8-25.4, 25.4-12.7, 12.7-6.35 and -6.35 mm particle size coal showed that the vibrated gas-fluidized bed of magnetic fly ash can efficiently separate coals with a probable error E value less than 0.07t/m3.

11:11 AM Microbially-Induced Separation of Arsenopyrite and Bioremediation of Arsenic C. Naganna1 and N. Kootalai Ananthaiyer2; 1Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India and 2Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
This paper discusses the role of acidiphilic microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus on the beneficiation of arsenopyrite containing multisulfides (pyrite and chalcopyrite). Bacterial adaptation to arsenopyrite and controlled bacterial adhesion to mineral surfaces lead to selectivity in arsenopyrite separation. Biotechnological strategies for remediation of arsenic are discussed from different angles such as (a) Bioremoval of arsenic in the jarosite precipitates of Acidithiobacillus group of bacteria (b) Biooxidation of toxic arsenic As(III) to nontoxic As(V) (c) Microbial precipitation of dissolved arsenic through Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and (d) Arsenic bioremoval using metabolic precipitates of SRB. Development of innovative bioprocesses for environmentally benign mineral beneficiation processes is illustrated.

10:23 AM The Need for Different Reagent Management for Roughers, Cleaners and Scavengers in a PGM Operation – A Case Study A. Anyimadu; Group R&D, Anglo American Platinum, Johannesburg, South Africa
Reagent optimization is an important activity for a large platinum operation for two main reasons. Firstly the correct reagent regime and addition system can provide improvement opportunities to flotation recovery and grade; and secondly, the cost of reagents typically run into tens of millions of dollars per annum for a large PGM operation, and therefore reagent optimization presents opportunity for cost improvement. This paper presents results of a case study, and discusses some of the practical considerations that must be taken into account in order to make good use of reagent improvements opportunities identified in research findings. This need arises because, Rougher flotation, Scavenger flotation and Cleaner flotation units require different reagent optimums, arising out of differences in parameters such as % solids, flotable gangue (as compared to flotable PGMs and sulphides), and particle size distribution of material being floated. The case studies are based on material from a leading Platinum Group’s Merensky and UG2 Ores.

Wednesday, February 25
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25

Afternoon

Coal & Energy: Deep Coal Geomechanic

Chair: A. Iannacchione, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
2:05 PM A Back Analysis of the Crandall Canyon Mine Collapse K. Heasley; Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
The objective of this report is to back-analyze the August 6th, 2007 collapse at the Crandall Canyon Mine in order to better understand the geometric and geomechanical factors which contributed to that collapse. In this work, the LaModel boundary-element program along with the best available information is used for the back-analysis. To initiate the analysis, a six step base model of the mining in the Main West area was developed along with an appropriate overburden grid. This base model included a step for each of the critical stages in the mining of this area. Next, calibrated values for the critical input parameters: rock mass stiffness, gob stiffness and coal strength, were developed. As a result of this back analysis, a number of conclusions can be made concerning the mine design and August 6th collapse: 1) Overall, the area was primed for a massive pillar collapse because of the large area of equal size pillars, 2) The abutment stress from the active retreat sections and the adjacent longwall panels were significant contributors to the collapse, 3) From the modeling alone, it is not clear exactly what triggered the August collapse.

10:39 AM Improving the Capture of Coarse Particles Using Bubble Clusters S. Ata and G. Jameson; Centre for Multiphase Processes, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
Particles larger than 150 microns are generally poorly recovered by conventional flotation cells. We have recently shown that the bubbles in an agitated flotation cell could form clusters held together by bridge-forming hydrophobic particles. We found that the size of the clusters and the fraction of bubbles engaged in them, increased with increases in the particle hydrophobicity. Cluster formation may potentially improve the flotation of coarse particles, because of the enhanced lifting capacity of multiple-bubble- relative to single-bubble attachments. In the present study, we have investigated the formation of bubble clusters and the effect of welldefined agitation on the their stability. Bubble clusters can be formed beneath a cell containing a rotating impeller. The clusters then rise through a flow field of known turbulent characteristics. The size of the clusters at the time of formation is compared with their conformation after they have passed through the turbulent zone, using a high speed camera. The influence of particle size and hydrophobicity, the bubble size and the shear rate, on the formation and breakup of the bubble clusters, has been investigated.

2:25 PM Critical Review of Stress Analysis Tools for Deep Coal Longwall Panels Under Strong Strata M. Larson and J. Whyatt; NIOSH, Spokane, WA
Proper employment of numerical stress analysis design tools relies on the ability of a model to capture key elements of the geologic site model and simulate their interaction with a mine design. A deep longwall site model, representative of the geology of the Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs coal fields of Utah, was used to evaluate boundary and volume element stress analysis tools. The site model contains a set of typical geologic features and observations of how these features respond to mining. The analysis highlighted the considerable differences between boundary and volume element methods. Volume element tools can incorporate considerable detail and have fewer underlying assumptions, but this detail carries a considerable computational cost. Boundary element tools are much more efficient. But this efficiency also comes at a cost of added assumptions. These assumptions were challenged by the presence of a strong sandstone unit in the overburden, leading to boundary element results that depart significantly from volume element results. Insight into the nature and impacts of underlying assumptions is essential to proper use of results from these tools in mine design.

10:55 AM Dry Coal Beneficiation with a Vibrated Gas-fluidized Bed of Magnetic Fly Ash M. Fan1, Z. Luo2, D. Tao1, Y. Zhao2, Q. Chen2, X. Tao2 and Z. Chen2; 1 Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and 2 School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou, China
A novel dry coal separation method with a vibrated gas-fluidized bed of magnetic fly ash is put forward for low rank coal beneficiation. The combustion of abundant

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2:45 PM Roof Support Issues and Possible Solutions on Coal Mines S. Spearing and A. Mueller; Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
The support of the roof in coal mines remains a critical safety issue with 3 fatalities from roof falls in 2007 and 430 injuries from roof falls in 2006. A snap-shot survey by the authors of unplanned falls of ground in the industry revealed some useful data concerning fall dimensions, bolt lengths and spacings and the stand-up time. Using this data to calibrate a two dimensional finite element model, improved support patterns have been developed.

2:25 PM Performance Characteristics for Roof Screen Used for Surface Control in Underground Coal Mines D. Dolinar; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA
The fall of small pieces of rock from between roof bolts causes over 80 pct of the ground fall injuries in underground coal mines. Roof screen if installed on the bolting cycle can significantly reduce the number of these injuries. With roof screen as the surface of the roof fails, the screen will have to retain the broken rock without failing or excessive deformation. The load-deformation characteristics and the load capacity of roof screen materials used for surface control in coal mines were therefore evaluated in the laboratory in a specially built test frame. In the frame, the screens were held in place by bolts and bearing plates at 4 corners while a center load was applied to the screen. Both welded wire mesh and geogrids were tested. Screen performance is determined by whether the screen is fixed or slips at the bearing plate. Parameters affecting screen performance include the bearing plate conditions, bolt spacing, type of screen material, the amount of the screen covered by the plates, the size of the screen’s wires and the wire configuration. Screen design capacities were developed based on the screen displacement, stiffness and failure or yield load.

3:05 PM Analysis of Sudden Floor Heave in Deep Western US Mines H. Maleki1, C. Stewart2 and J. Whyatt3; 1Maleki Technologies, Inc., Spokane, WA; 2Bowie Resources, LLC, Paonia, CO and 3Spokane Research Lab, NIOSH, Spokane, WA
As mining continues toward deep reserves in thick western US coal fields, control of mining induced-seismicity has become a priority in many operations in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Gradual floor heave, common in many coal mines, has historically not been a safety issue. However, recent occurrences of sudden floor heave have occurred suddenly in concert with a seismic event. A review of available data in three mines, including underground observations and back analyses of an actual event, revealed the following contributing factors: (1) thick seam mined at depth exceeding 1000 ft, (2) geological discontinuities reducing the in-situ strength of the coal with calculated factor of safety near 1 for the mine floor and ribs, (3) mining approaching areas of higher than normal stress gradient (Maleki and others, 1997) associated with previous mining, structural anomalies or surface topographic highs, and (4) triggering energy from sudden failure such as periodic caving established through pressure measurements in the gob (Maleki 1981, 2008) or slip along geological discontinuities (although seismic data and underground observations in one case excluded fault slip at mining horizon).

2:45 PM Evaluating the Moisture-Sensitivity of Coal Mine Roof Rocks T. Klemetti and G. Molinda; Rock Safety Engineering Branch, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Moisture deterioration of clay-rich roof rocks causes high numbers of roof falls in coal mines in humid summer months. As a result, it is important to evaluate the moisture-sensitivity of roof rock prior to mining. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has evaluated three moisture-sensitivity index tests on roof rocks from 23 U.S. coal mines. The three tests were the University of Kentucky Weatherability Test, the Consol Energy Water Sensitivity Test, and the Immersion test. Of these three tests, the Weatherability and Water Sensitivity tests are more reliable in classifying the moisture-sensitivity of roof rocks. In addition to laboratory testing, a monitoring site was set up at a mine in Ohio to evaluate the time-dependent deterioration of moisture-sensitive roof rock. Rock fall collections show that the moisture-sensitive shale is rapidly deteriorating. A roof sealant applied to a portion of the test roof appears to be reducing the amount of rock fall. To date, the temperature and humidity monitoring has shown that the moisture levels up bolt holes are not related to the humidity in the entries, rather they are related to moisture in the overlying strata.

3:25 PM Finite Element Assessment of the Influence of Caving on Barrier Pillar Loads in Deep Coal Mines W. Pariseau; Mining Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
This paper quantifies the potentially beneficial effects of caving on barrier pillar loads in deep, underground coal mines. Caving in deep coal mines changes pillar loads and thus directly influences pillar stress, safety, and stability. Traditional equilibrium pillar load calculations such as the well-known tributary area method do not take caving into account. In the new finite element approach, an elastic-brittle material law limits the range of purely elastic behavior by strata strength in well bench marked two- and three-dimensional FE codes (UTAH2/3). Loading beyond the elastic limit induces complete loss of cohesion (tensile strength) while maintaining frictional resistance (angle of internal friction) to stress in overburden strata. Although no sitespecific data are used in the calculations, the stratigraphic column, elastic and strength properties of major formations, and mine geometry are indicative of deep coal mines in central Utah that use the longwall method of mining.

3:05 PM Improvements in Resin Cartridges for Coal Mining Rock Bolts S. Spearing1, H. Pretorius2 and J. Oldsen3; 1Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL; 2Industrial Synthetic Oils, Bothaville, South Africa and 3Jenmar Corp, Pittsburgh, PA
Resin cartridges were introduced on US coal mines in the early 1970s. The use of resin cartridges has increased from around 40% of all installed bolts in 1988 to about 70% in 2006 and it continues to grow, due to the effectiveness of the support system. The main improvements for the end user since the introduction, have been reducing the setting time thus dramatically improving bolt installation productivity, producing a convenient range of different cartridge diameters and lengths and reducing the cost whilst maintaining or even improving the installed performance. Little has however been done with the basic chemistry and the only improvements have been associated with reducing the polyester resin percentage by adding more inert fillers. This paper deals with the investigation and testing of a new resin chemistry that could hold significant benefits over the current system.

Coal & Energy: Underground Mining: Roof Control
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: J. Zelanko, MSHA Technical Support, Pittsburgh, PA
2:05 PM Current Trends in Reducing Ground Fall Accidents in US Coal Mines C. Mark and D. Pappas; Pittsburgh Research Lab, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
Ground falls (roof and rib) have historically been responsible for about 50% of all fatalities underground but, in some recent years, this rate has approached zero. One important success has been a great reduction in the number of miners killed inby roof supports. The “Inby is Out” campaign and the later “Red Zone” effort, have apparently borne fruit. Progress has also been made in pillar recovery. Safer mining technologies, including Mobile Roof Supports and cut sequences that leave a final stump, have apparently contributed to a noticeable reduction in the number of fatal incidents. Analysis of recent incidents has underlined the need for careful management of the retreat mining process to ensure that miners keep out of harm’s way. While rock fall injury rates have been reduced, more than 400 miners continue to be injured each year by rock falling from between supports. Technologies such as large roof plates seem to have helped somewhat, but experience has shown that roof screen is by far the most effective defense against rock falls. Further advances in this area will likely be the next big advance in ground control safety.

3:25 PM Improving Roof Bolter Safety A. Hammons1, D. Webb1, R. Damron1 and T. Burgess2; 1Lone Mountain Processing, Holmes Mill, KY and 2J. H. Fletcher & Co., Huntington, WV
Automated temporary roof support, (ATRS), systems have been incorporated into roof bolters since the late 1970’s. Several different types and styles of ATRS systems have been designed and deployed into the coal mining environment. During roof bolting many injuries have occurred from large pieces of draw rock falling inby the ATRS beam and tipping back into the operators area. Other injuries have occurred due to smaller, sharp rocks falling onto the operators hand and arm during initiation of roof bolt drilling. These injuries are attributed to weak immediate roof, sometimes called roof skin failure. Design innovations such as the ATRS mounted outby rocker pad deflector system have been designed to improve the roof bolter operator safety. This paper will inform the reader of the hazards, machine evolution through different design solutions, and the current state of the art in preventing roof skin failure injuries when roof bolting.

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Environmental: Advances and Updates in Remediation and Closure
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chairs: F. Jordan, Golder Associates Inc., Albuquerque, NM T. Nakaoka, Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, Superior, AZ
2:00 PM Execution of Mine Closure at Goldcorp Inc.’s San Martin Mine in Honduras R. Chaves; Minerales Entre Mares de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
The San Martin Mine is a gold heap leaching operation located approximately 70 kilometers from the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa. Mining operations commenced in 2000 and were completed late in 2007, while heap leaching operations continue. Reclamation was executed concurrently with operations to the extent practical. The area has distinct rainy and dry seasons and closure objectives include: prevention and mitigation of acid rock drainage, sediment and erosion control, and mitigation of visual impacts. Final closure is well underway at San Martin and this paper is to describe the closure processes conducted to date, problems encountered, and the subsequent lessons learned.

to provide input/verification of the WB, based on a clear understanding of water flow components. Where long term WB maintenance is required, the data management process should include evaluation of existing and proposed data streams, and development of data collection and management protocols. The most appropriate of the available software platforms should be selected based on the anticipated use and complexity of the WB, ease of use, and cost.

3:20 PM Remediation of Historical Smelter Contamination Midvale Slag Superfund Site – Operable Unit One D. Wilson; ERM, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Midvale Slag Superfund Site was affected by emissions of arsenic and lead from historical smelting operations. A private developer, Mercer Bingham Junction, LLC. (MBJ), purchased 130 acres of the Superfund site for the purpose of performing appropriate environmental remediation, and developing mixed residential and commercial real estate. Development of the property was conducted in cooperation with U.S. EPA Region 8 (EPA), the Utah DEQ and Midvale City. The project demonstrates a cooperative approach through which lands affected by historical mining and smelting operations can be restored for beneficial, alternative uses. A Soil Management Plan (SMP) was prepared to address the methodologies for identifying, removing and managing the metals affected soils, plus landfill debris and slag materials. The soil excavation and management activities were conducted during 2006 to meet EPA requirements. Upon completion of the work, a Soil Management Report was submitted and approved by the agencies documenting that the land is now suitable for unrestricted reuse for the residential and open space parcels, and no further soil excavation or removal is required for land development.

2:20 PM Management of Intense Precipitation Events, San Antonio Tailings Facility Closure Project, Mexico F. Torrecillas; Minera San Dimas, Municipio de San Dimas, Mexico
The San Dimas Mining District is located in the Sierra Madre mountain range approximately 125 km from the Pacific coast in Northwestern Mexico. The rugged mountainous terrain and steep walled canyons in the San Dimas district have presented formidable challenges to tailings management. In 1993 the construction of the most daring and challenging tailings embankment of the San Dimas District took place at the San Antonio mine; where a meander within a narrow river bed was chosen as the location of the main tailings deposit. In addition to the factor of safety, one of the key performance drivers of the closure design is the management of intense precipitation events. Short violent tropical storms from the Pacific can cause maximum flow rates up to 600 cubic meters per second in a period of 24 hours. Precipitation from a storm event with return period of 1,000 years could flood the upstream face and over top the dam. This paper describes the actions that are taking place to guarantee that the San Antonio Tailings Dam continues to stand throughout the passage of time.

3:40 PM Inactive McCracken Mine Closure Project D. Abranovic1 and J. Deisley2; 1ERM, Scottsdale, AZ and 2Teck Cominco, Vancouver, BC, Canada
An inactive turn of the century silver mine was determined to pose a potential public safety risk due to the presence of numerous unsecured mine workings. A phased approach for developing a final closure design was implemented such that all relevant site information and stakeholder concerns were considered This project included the implementation of interim safety measures that quickly reduced the safety risks associated with the site. Developed mine closure procedures and requirements necessary to prevent human access to the mine features and ensure the preservation of critical habitat; historic and/or cultural assets; and water quality. The project includes closure of 47 features by backfilling, installation of a polyurethane foam plug, and the installation of nine bat compatible closures. Closures were designed to prevent access into the mine openings and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The project was recognized by the State Mine Inspector as an example of how a private-public partnership can facilitate lead to the successful execution of a closure project..

2:40 PM Remediation and Expansion of the Cupias Tailings Dam, San Dimas District, Mexico S. Alvarado; Minera San Dimas, Municipio de San Dimas, Mexico
The San Dimas Mining District, owned by Goldcorp Mexico, is located in the state of Durango, on the border of Sinaloa state, Mexico, within the Sierra Madre mountain range. Silver and gold ore from numerous underground mines in the district is hauled to a central beneficiation plant. Following the extraction process, the tailings are discharged to the Cupias tailings dam, which has been in operation since 1985. During 2002, the dam’s safety factor was found to be lower than International Dam Safety guidelines. This led to the construction of stabilization berms to achieve the required safety factor. As few suitable tailings facility locations are available in the steep canyons surrounding the plant, a number of expansion works to increase the dam’s capacity were also undertaken to obtain an additional 16 years (at 2600 tonnes per day) of dam life. This included the conversion of the tailings process to filtered tailings and the use of compacted filtered tailings in the berm construction.

4:00 PM Tools for Estimating Environmental Risk Applicable for Mining Closure and Other Management Activities A. Redman1, J. McGrath2, R. Santore4 and D. Di Toro3; 1HydroQual, Logan, UT; 2HydroQual, Mahwah, NJ; 3University of Delaware, Newark, DE and 4HydroQual, East Syracuse, NY
An important aspect of mining procedures is the assessment of the environmental risk during closure evaluations or other management activities. Evaluating the ecological risk of hard rock mining is difficult due to the complex chemistry driving the release and bioavailability of metals and other agents to the environment. The Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) has been developed in partnership with regulatory agencies and industrial associations to address bioavailability of metals to aquatic organisms. The BLM provides a framework for establishing scientifically defensible criteria for metals regulations on a site-specific basis, which is useful for mining sites in locations where environmental regulations have not been extensively developed. The BLM has been extended to soil and sediment as well as a version for estimating bioavailability of cyanide. The BLM can be linked with watershedscale fate and transport models, speciation models and waste-rock weathering models. Similar models and frameworks have been developed for petroleum products (e.g., PETROTOX) that may have application in estimating environmental risk of fuel oil spills or oil shale development projects.

3:00 PM Site-wide water balances 101: Identifying Requirements and How to Begin P. Williamson1, A. Johnson2 and L. George1; 1Water Management Consultants, Denver, CO and 2HydroGeoLogica, Golden, CO
Site-wide water balances (WBs) are critical tools for the design, day-to-day water management, and closure of mines, particularly for large scale, open pit operations. In addition, a predictive site-wide WB is one of the requirements for the International Cyanide Code certification. In most cases, the challenge is not the design and implementation of the WB, but identification of the specific objectives of the WB and collection of the necessary data. Development of a WB should start with a clear definition of the type of WB required, an understanding of how it will be used by the mine, and identification of the information required to meet the objective. It is vital to develop a focused and robust data collection and management system

4:20 PM Hydrological Flow Through Rock Piles M. Fredlund; SoilVision Systems Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada
The quantification of the flow through a waste rock pile presents an interesting challenge. The flow aspect of the water phase in a rock pile represents an important aspect of the long-term performance of a rock pile. The water phase has impact on the geochemical reactions which take place and therefore influences the production

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of acid mine drainage (AMD). The soil suctions present in the rock pile also influence the present and long-term calculation of rock-pile stability. Calibration of a finite element numerical model to a waste rock pile may result in a significant increased understanding of the dominant processes in a rock pile. The ability of numerical models to adequately represent such complex flow regimes has historically caused significant technological hurdles which must be overcome. This paper summarizes some of the challenges in developing a hydrological model of a rock pile as well as the methodologies for approaching such modeling as applied to a study of the long-term stability of rock piles at the Questa mine site.

3:05 PM Designing Effective Grievance Resolution Systems for Mining Projects S. Wildau and D. Atkins; CDR Associates, Boulder, CO
Despite efforts to be socially and environmentally responsible, and genuine attempts to engage communities, mining projects often become the target of stakeholder criticism. Inevitably, disputes arise from affected communities. How these situations are approached, varies tremendously. It is often possible to resolve the issues satisfactorily for both sides. It is equally possible to handle them – or, more accurately, not handle them – such that grievances fester and the conflict widens. A grievance mechanism is one avenue that companies and communities can use to address their conflicts together. Grievance mechanisms can help reduce risk for companies, improve their environmental and social performance and increase productivity. They help communities obtain fair solutions without resorting to protests, litigation, or violence. This presentation will offer innovations in managing mining conflicts, including a step-by-step approach for implementing grievance resolution systems. Using real world examples, the speakers will present practical tips and provide makers of good practice for settling mining conflicts.

Environmental: Alternative Perspectives on Mining
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: P. Williamson, Water Management Consultants, Denver, CO
2:05 PM Contamination of Ephemeral Washes as a Result of Abandoned Mines in Nelson, Nevada (USA) D. Sims; School of Earth Science and Geography, Kingston University, Kingston, United Kingdom
The distribution of heavy metals in ephemeral washes due to abandoned mines has gone unchecked in arid climates. Understanding the true distribution of metals (As, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni and Ba) and other contaminates in surface sediments is an issue of importance in arid climates because movement mainly occurs during the infrequent deluge common to summer monsoons. Soil samples will be collected summer of 2008 from three wash systems originating from the historic mining area of Nelson, Nevada. Sampling will followed these three washes some 6 miles down gradient to Lake Mojave, a major water source for the Desert Southwest. Additionally, vegetation will be collected at each sampling point so that the uptake in local flora can be evaluated with the movement of soils. It is believed that metals and cyanide are moving down gradient and impacting water quality, flora and ultimately, the wider environment.

3:25 PM An Analysis of Media Reports on Gold Mining Issues in Ghana A. Sadik and R. Taylor; Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
The proliferations of media sources and non-profits organizations in Ghana have put the negative impacts of mining on the “spot”; this has resulted in public outcry about mining. Although, the gold mining industry has responded by implementing several voluntary measures to ensure sustainable mineral development, these critics label such measures as “green wash”. In this study, a content analysis of newspaper articles of the Ghana Web Database was carried out after the collection of a total 1,637 newspaper articles. The data were statistically analyzed to chronologically examine the independent and public media view points and the changing perceptions about mining. The results showed governmental, mining industry (Gold), illegal miners and non-profit and community groups as the main media view points and total of twenty-eight related mining issues. The findings of this study could be used by the gold mining industry to improve upon the communications of their unknown sustainable mineral development measures and to design effective communications and education programs for the public.

2:25 PM Participatory Environmental Monitoring as a Means to Prevent and Resolve Conflict D. Atkins1 and S. Wildau2; 1Watershed Environmental, Boulder, CO and 2CDR Associates, Boulder, CO
Many mining projects have a need to involve stakeholders in environmental monitoring, but there is little guidance available for how to create effective participation. This talk will explore participatory monitoring as a means to help prevent and resolve conflicts between companies and communities. Conflict happens when expectations are not being met, e.g., when there is a lack of information, non-equitable stakeholder engagement, or an actual impact. This lack of inclusion gives rise to feelings of suspicion and powerlessness. The ultimate objective of participatory monitoring is to prevent or minimize conflicts by creating balance. Participatory monitoring and the inherent collaboration required to design and implement a process leads to the creation of relationships, trust and understanding. This presentation will highlight the experience of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman of IFC and MIGA, World Bank Group, with participatory water monitoring in Cajamarca, Peru, and introduce a new guidance document describing the role of participatory monitoring in preventing and resolving conflict.

Environmental: Uranium Mining
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: G. Robinson, R Squared, Inc., Centennial, CO
2:05 PM Past, Present, and Future Potential of In-Situ Leaching of Sandstone Uranium Deposits in New Mexico V. McLemore; Bureau of Geology, NM Tech, Socorro, NM
In-situ leaching (ISL) operations have been proposed to recover uranium from sandstone-uranium deposits in NM. ISL (also known as in-situ recovery, solution mining, solution-leach mining, leach mining) consists of injecting a leaching solution into the mineralized zone through injection wells. The leach solution migrates through the formation, dissolves uranium and is recovered through production wells. The uranium is then precipitated through a conventional uranium recovery system. Several criteria must be met in order for in-situ leaching to be successful, most important is that the ore body must be amenable to chemical leaching. A number of ISL operations have been conducted in NM in the past (Mobil, Crownpoint; UNC-Teton, Section 23; Grace Nuclear, Hook’s Ranch, Seboyeta, Church Rock; Anaconda, Windwhip). Kerr-McGee (later Quivera Mining Co., Rio Algum) successfully produced uranium from mine-water recovery (recirculated mine water) from the Ambrosia Lake mines (mid-1960s to 2002). Despite some difficulties, ISL is a viable alternative to recovering uranium and could be utilized in the Grants district with proper aquifer characterization and monitoring.

2:45 PM Local Communities and NGOs, Special Challenges in Latin America L. Wade; Goldcorp, Inc., Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
Goldcorp Inc. has several mining operations and exploration projects in Central and South America including Guatemala and Honduras as well as partnerships in Argentina and the Dominican Republic. It is very common to have mining operations surrounded by scattered communities populated by groups with very limited education, if any. This is fertile ground for NGOs to cultivate. This coupled with a mining company’s tendency to maintain a low profile can lead to a problematic lack of trust between the local communities and the mining company. Goldcorp has been working on various plans to build trust at existing operations, as well as incorporating this policy into any new projects significantly ahead of commencement of operations. This paper is intended to describe some tested strategies that have been successful.

2:25 PM Groundwater Restoration Practices and Requirements for Uranium In-Situ Recovery Projects in the United States W. Heili; R Squared Incorporated, Centennial, CO
U.S. based In-Situ Uranium Recovery Operations are well-positioned to generate an increasing share of the global uranium production. While the mining technique is commonly regarded as one of the most environmentally benign methods of producing uranium, the industry is under increasing public and regulatory scrutiny for its potential impacts to the local groundwater quality during and after recovery

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operations. This paper reviews the various state and federal groundwater restoration requirements while reviewing past-practices, results and Best Practicable Technologies.

Country.Two classes of deep injection wells typically are viable for managing ISR wastewater (Class I and Class V)Given the dynamic regulatory environment in the western US, specific challenges related to permitting of UIC wells are presented.

2:45 PM UIC-Class 3 Permit Regulatory and Technical Challenges G. Robinson, E. Rauber and K. Walker; R Squared Incorporated, Centennial, CO
Regulatory Challenges of Obtaining an Aquifer Exemption With an Underground Injection Control Class III Permit Kaci Walker and J. Erich Rauber As in-situ recovery (ISR) of uranium continues to develop, so does the demand for Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class III well permits. While many states have primacy over their UIC programs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has final approval of aquifer exemptions regardless of primacy. Due to the fairly complex regulatory structure of the UIC program and the relative newness of ISR uranium mining in many states, the process of obtaining an aquifer exemption as part of a UIC Class III permit does not follow a clearly-beaten path and presents several unique challenges. These challenges include interpreting vague statutory language, obtaining formal EPA policy and guidance, and overcoming public perception of aquifer exemptions. With a clear understanding of the challenges ahead, a UIC Class III applicant can hopefully navigate the application process more efficiently.

Geology: Innovations in Geology: Digital Mapping, Logging and Data Management
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: S. McCann, Newmont Mining Corporation, Elko, NV
2:05 PM The Implementation of 3D Digital Geological Mapping at Turquoise Ridge J. Carlson; Geology, Barrick Gold Corporation, Winnemucca, NV
Underground digital mapping was first implemented at the Barrick operated Turquoise Ridge Mine in mid 2007 using technology pioneered at the Cortez Mine. The primary advantage of digital mapping is the nearly instantaneous availability of the data. Raw mapping data does not require additional manipulation before use by engineers, resource modelers and senior geologists. A secondary advantage is the accessibility of ancillary information available to the underground geologist. All assay, drilling, design, modeling, and previous mapping become the tools to guide production. This is especially crucial when the ore grade is not visually distinguishable, as is common in Carlin-type ore. Disadvantages of digital mapping include the sometimes fickle nature of hard and software, file propriety, licensing, advanced training, and the maintenance and risk to additional equipment. Turquoise Ridge is committed to the continual development of tablet mapping within the geology group, and it has been embraced by the engineering and operational groups as a communicative device and an underground cache of pertinent information.

3:05 PM Colorado Water Rights for the Uranium Industry-Options, Challenges and Solutions G. Robinson; R Squared Incorporated, Centennial, CO
Colorado Water Rights for the Uranium Industry-Options, Challenges and Solutions-A Case Study. Not acquiring water during an uranium in-situ recovery engineering feasibility assessment can be, and in some instances, a project “fatal flaw”. The State of Colorado administers the appropriation doctrine, “First in time, first in right” where prior water uses have seniority to new demands. New demands on existing supplies requires the mine operator to acquire or supply a water source through a plan of augmentation to allow junior water rights to divert water out of priority as long as new water is added to the system in sufficient quantities at the proper time and place to prevent material damage to senior water rights. The development of a sustainable water supply requires a comprehensive understanding of water depletion factors.

2:25 PM Application of Real-Time XRF Silver Analysis to Ore Control Midas Mine, Elko County Nevada M. Keller; Geology, Newmont Gold Corporation, Midas, NV
Newmont Mining produces gold and silver at the Midas underground mine. Gold occurs as electrum (AuAg) associated with the silver selenide mineral naumannite (Ag2Se). Chip channel samples are collected from each face advance and assayed for gold and silver using a 1 AT fire/gravimetric finish. The geologist visits each face daily to determine ore vs. waste. Usually a visual inspection of the vein determines whether the next round should be shipped as ore or waste. However, the absence of visible naumannite can hinder the geologist’ ability to make correct decisions. Real-time analytical alternatives were evaluated in an effort to reduce the risk of misclassification. Two handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers were tested, one using a selenium filter, and a new with a silver filter. Readings were collected at multiple faces, core, and pulps, all with known gold and silver fire assays. The best correlation across all grade ranges of Se or Ag to gold equivalent grade was with the pulps. In situ core and face samples yielded less favorable results.

3:25 PM Overview of Operational Issues Associated with Mining and Restoration at ISR Uranium Facilities G. Robinson1 and H. Demuth2; 1R Squared Incorporated, Centennial, CO and 2Petrotek Engineering Corp, Littleton, CO
Mining uranium using in-situ recovery (ISR) techniques involves the management of significant volumes of fluid in the subsurface.Mine unit characterization and development, production activities, and groundwater restoration efforts each involve unique permitting and operational issues.A critical concern common to all stages of ISR mining is the need to control the movement and distribution of fluids in the subsurface.In addition to characterization and material balance, the most basic aspect of Mine Unit control is bleed system operation.Bleed (fluid overproduction)is designed to result in a net inflow of groundwater into a mine pattern area to reduce potential for an excursion of lixiviant.The characteristics of the formation being mined are critical to proper design of mine operations and to the spacing of monitoring wells.This paper presents general background regarding how groundwater hydraulics work during the mining and restoration phases of ISR operations with details about how optimized mining methods and plans may impact permitting and operating requirements with possible ramifications of accelerated project schedules on consumptive use and water management requirements.

2:45 PM Digital Field Mapping R. Kofoed; Newmont Mining Corp., Winnemucca, NV
Newmont’s Nevada Geology group has been using and concurrently developing digital geologic mapping methods since mid-2005. These trials have created an evolving a set of tools and methods (centered around ESRI’s ArcGIS) for: field data collection, remote sensing, field-geologic model integration, ore control, and spatial analysis. Future development will build upon these tools and leave the field open to new technology and methods. Lessons learned during this process have revealed a strategy for successful and timely implementation. Our current focus is to develop and implement better data acquisition and analysis methods, as opposed to making digital copies of our old work-flows.

3:25 PM Wastewater Management via Deep Injection Wells at ISR Uranium Facilities G. Robinson and K. Cooper; R Squared Incorporated, Centennial, CO
Deepwell injection of process water is critical to operation of ISR uranium facilities, especially in the central to northern climates where management alternatives are limited. Given suitable geology, deepwell injection has proven to be the most costeffective method of wastewater management available.Operating costs range from 0.25 to 1.0 cents per gallon,including power,amortization of capital(based on a 9000’ well installation and surface facilities),a 20-year operational life, surface injection pressures of less than 1,000 psi, and an injection rate of 50 to 150 gpm.Deep injection wells are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Underground Injection Control program (40 CFR 144 through 148).Most states in the county have developed programs and obtained primacy from EPA. However, EPA retains direct implementation authority in some states and in Indian

3:05 PM Geoscience Information: Challenges and Opportunities B. Krzys; Exploration, Newmont Exploration Ltd., Englewood, CO
The geoscience dataset is a diverse set of information encompassing everything from analytical results in well structured databases to digital photographs and hand-written notes in yellow field books. Any part of this active resource, along with perhaps less accessible historic datasets may be critical to exploration success, or of equal importance knowing when to walk away. Managing this information to the satisfaction of Information Technology and regulatory agencies, and making it available to non-database and GIS experts is a considerable challenge undertaken in the constantly changing world of networking, computing hardware,

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databases, and applications software. In this environment it is important to stay focused on the longer-term nature of information, along with key attributes such as spatial context. Data should be managed not only to meet the immediate requirements, but with an eye to what might be useful in future analysis and visualization tools. These tools while impossible to predict with any accuracy are likely to include unlimited storage and computing resources providing opportunities to create massively integrated models to drive discoveries.

contain asbestos mineralogy, while saving efforts on the mineral deposits that are unlikely. While the vast majority of industrial mineral deposits in the Western United States are asbestos-free, there are several types that can, in some instances, host asbestos mineralization (or be closely associated with it). These industrial mineral deposits include a few types of aggregate, dimension, and decorative stone, and some deposits of chromite-nickel, magnesite, nepheline syenite, olivine, rare earth elements, talc, vermiculite, and wollastonite.

3:25 PM Safe, Easy and Efficient Geological Mapping using 3D Laser Imaging and Digital Photography J. Dolan; Maptek I-Site, Lakewood, CO
With the current high level of activity in our industry comes a shortage of available mining professionals. This includes Geologists who, among other duties, are responsible for producing geological maps for analysis. This shortage of personnel has two effects on geological mapping. First, some areas of interest are not mapped. Secondly, only some of the major geological features are mapped due to time constraints put onto the Geologists. Additionally, areas that require geological mapping are not often mapped due to hazardous conditions such as rock falls, potential failures and ground support issues. The application of 3D laser scanning technology has been used for years to create topographical maps in the mining industry. The combination of this technology and digital photography now yields a tool that safely, easily and efficiently can be used to create high resolution 3D images suitable for geological mapping. From a safe distance, 3D laser imaging can acquire the data necessary to render the digital photograph over a point cloud allowing mapping of the entire area and all its geological features.

2:45 PM Factors Influencing Use of Mineral Admixtures for Past Decade in the Western U.S G. Hoffman; NM Bureau of Geology, NM Inst. of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM
Sustainable development has brought social, environmental and energy efficiency concerns together with management and governance of natural resources. Cement manufacturing, an energy- and natural resource-intensive industry, is adapting to meet sustainable development goals. Emission standards for cement plants and increasing energy costs have lead to changes in the use of natural resources and recycled materials. Utilizing pozzolans or supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as mineral admixtures in blended cement, or as a substitute for cement in concrete, lowers energy costs and CO2 emissions. Although the western U.S. is rich in natural pozzolans, artificial products, particularly fly ash, have greater usage as mineral admixtures. Pozzolans and SCMs have many beneficial properties, such as preventing alkali-silica reactivity, a common problem in the western U.S. Barriers exist for mineral admixtures in the cement and concrete industries because of past inconsistencies in quality or availability. New environmental regulations on the industries producing artificial mineral admixtures could adversely affect the quality and quantity of these materials in the future.

3:05 PM Montana Sapphires - Past, Present, and Future R. Berg; Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Butte, MT
Montana sapphires were first discovered in the Helena area in 1865 and subsequently were discovered in other alluvial deposits in southwestern Montana and also in a lamprophyre dike at Yogo in central Montana. From about 1900 until the 1930’s, when synthetic sapphire came into use, mines produced sapphires largely for watch bearings with lesser production for the gemstone market. The Yogo deposit is now mined on a limited basis for the gemstone market and two of the alluvial deposits are mined to produce material for fee-sieving of sapphirebearing gravel and for direct sale of gemstones. The generally pale-colored sapphires from the alluvial deposits in southwestern Montana are heated to enhance their colors whereas the blue sapphires from the Yogo deposit require no treatment. Markets for sapphires from both the alluvial deposits and the Yogo deposit are strong. In spite of a reported historic production in excess of 45 tonnes, mineable resources appear to remain at most of the major deposits. Also an abundance of untested lamprophyre dikes in central Montana may host blue sapphires similar to those at the Yogo deposit.

Photo from Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Industrial Minerals: Emerging Issues for Industrial Minerals in the Western States
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: W. Langer, US Geological Survey, Denver, CO

3:25 PM 2:05 PM Bentonite Commodity Markets from 1992 and Future Trends W. Miles; Miles Industrial Mineral Research, Denver, CO
The major USA commodity markets and value for bentonite have increased since 1992. Bentonite has many uses that are tied to the USA economy and other uses that are tied to the USA population. Pet waste absorbent, a new use for bentonite beginning in 1989, is now the largest market. As the need for oil and gas increases in the USA and the world, bentonite for drilling fluids is also growing and may become the largest market in the near future. Other commodity markets increased or decreased as changes occurred in each application. Major commodity markets include: absorbents, adhesives, animal feed additives, ceramics, drilling fluids, fillers & extenders, pond sealing, pelletizing, refractories, and water proofing. Exports of bentonite change significantly each year. Future trends are expected to rise and fall by market with the USA economy.

Determining Vermiculite Source and Amphibole Content with IR Spectroscopy and Electron Probe Microanalysis G. Swayze1, H. Lowers2, R. Driscoll3 and R. Clark4; 1U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO; 2U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO; 3U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO and 4U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
Some sources of vermiculite ore contain trace to minor amounts of asbestiform amphiboles, which are known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Evaluation of this potential hazard traditionally involves collecting a vermiculite sample from an attic or wall for time-consuming analyses at an offsite laboratory. The goal of this study was to determine if near-infrared reflectance spectra could be used to identify the source of the vermiculite ore. Spectra of 27 expanded vermiculite samples, including attic insulation, commercial packing materials, and horticultural products, were measured with a portable field spectrometer. The sources of the vermiculite samples were distinguished based on differences in elemental composition as measured by electron probe microanalysis. Reflectance spectra of the samples have absorptions that vary in wavelength position and relative intensity depending on composition, which allows determination of source and detection of potential amphibole/talc contamination.

2:25 PM The Geologic Relationships of Industrial Mineral Deposits and Asbestos in the Western United States B. Van Gosen; U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
In recent years, U.S. regulatory agencies have placed a greater emphasis on identifying and regulating asbestos dust exposures in the mining environment, with a particular focus upon industrial mineral deposits in which asbestos occurs as an accessory mineral. Because asbestos minerals form in specific geologic environments, only certain predicable types of industrial mineral deposits can potentially host asbestos mineralization. By applying a basic knowledge of asbestos geology, the costly and time consuming efforts of asbestos monitoring and analyses can be directed towards those mineral deposit types most likely to

3:45 PM Production of Iodine from Morrowan Sandstones in the Anadarko Basin of Northwestern Oklahoma S. Krukowski; Oklahoma Geological Survey, Norman, OK
Iodine-rich brines in the Anadarko Basin of northwest Oklahoma are the sole source of iodine production in the U.S. Amoco Production Company discovered the iodine brines near Woodward, Oklahoma. The brines were sampled and

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analyzed in a 12-year program. High concentrations of iodine were found in the brines, ranging as high as 1,560 parts per million (ppm)from Chesterian (Mississippian) limestone and 700 ppm in Morrowan (basal Pennsylvanian) sandstone. The sandstone ranges up to 100 meters (m) thick and occur as channel-fill sands in a N-S trending paleovalley (Woodward Trench) in the Chesterian surface. Chesterian limestone does not yield large volumes of water; but the Morrowan sandstone does, yielding brines of about 300 ppm iodine. The Woodward Trench is 1.6 kilometers (km) wide and 115 km long. Wells for brine production and injection exceed 2,000 m at the north end of Woodward Trench; and are over 3,000 m deep at the south end near Vici, Oklahoma. At Dover, Oklahoma, an oilfield-brine-injection disposal facility processes waste oilfield brine from petroleum wells in northwestern Oklahoma. Iodine is extracted from these brines prior to disposal into the injection wells.

88.0% to 94.7% and 73.7% to 82.4% respectively with cyanide consumption of 0.5-0.6 kg/t. Part II of the project studied a composite sample with a composition close to the mill feed of the first year of operation.

Mining & Exploration: Strategic Mine Planning
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: R. Dimitrakopoulos, McGill University, Montreal, QC
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Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Advances and Opportunities in Metal Extraction and Recovery
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: J. Uhrie, Freeport McMoRan, Phoenix, AZ
2:05 PM Extraction of Nickel and Cobalt from Low Grade Laterite Ores by Organic Acid Leaching G. Li, T. Jiang, Z. Peng and X. Fan; Minerals Processing & Bio-engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
The traditional processes for extraction of nickel and cobalt from laterite ores, including pressure acid leaching and reduction roasting-ammonia leaching, have disadvantages of equipment erosion and environmental pollution, and they are of low efficiency when treating low grade laterite ores. A new process of organic acid leaching for extraction of Ni and Co from low grade laterite ores was developed by the authors. Technologies, such as effects of the acid concentration, additives, temperature, leaching time were investigated. A leaching recovery of 90% for Co and 66% for Ni has been achieved for a sample of laterite ore with 1.03% Ni and 0.13% Co. The leaching mechanism and the function of additives were primarily involved.

Managing Uncertain Ore Supply: The Value of Stochastic Solutions in Optimizing Mine Design and Production Scheduling R. Dimitrakopoulos; COSMO Lab, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Open pit design and production scheduling is an intricate, complex and difficult problem to address due to both its large scale and the unavailability of a truly optimal net present value solution. Uncertainty in the key parameters involved, stemming from geological, mining, and financial factors, is a major contributor to the complexity of optimal mine design. Geological uncertainty and the related ore supply is a major contributor in failing to meet production targets as well as a project’s financial expectations. Stochastic simulations are a know approach to describing geological and grade uncertainty in a deposit and are increasingly used as contributors to optimizing mine designs and production schedules in a variety of ways. There is, however, a series of questions arising as conventional optimization which assums all inputs are true values. In addition, conventional optimizers are non-linear operations and average type inputs do not assure average type outcomes. The present paper visits the above topics so as to assess the monetary value of stochastic solutions to mine design and presents a series of case studies in gold and coper open pit mines.

2:25 PM A Multi-criteria Decision Support System for Open Pit Mine Planning Under Geological and Market Uncertainties S. Abdel Sabour; AMEC AMERICAS LTD., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Conventional methods for selecting a production plan for an open pit mine is based on the assumption that ore grades and market variables are known with certainty. Another important issue that is being ignored is the value of management flexibility to revise operating policy with time according to the new information. Based on this oversimplification, an optimum mine plan that is thought to be maximizing net present value (NPV) is selected. Given the multiple sources of risk affecting the estimated NPV, there is a high probability that the actual value will be different from that estimated. This could mislead decision making process regarding selecting an optimum mine plan. This paper proposes a multi-criteria ranking system for selection between alternative mine designs under both geological and market uncertainties. The system is based on integrating multiple market and geological uncertainties as well as the operating flexibility to revise the ultimate pit limits using a Monte Carlo-based real options model. For comparison, the article applies the proposed system, along with the conventional NPV-based method, to rank possible mine designs for a copper and a gold mine.

2:25 PM Morenci Concentrate Leaching Plant – Construction and Start Up of the Copper Concentrate Leaching Plant at Morenci, AZ J. Wilmot3, J. Gillaspie1, J. Cole1 and R. Smith2; 1Technical Services, Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company, Phoenix, AZ; 2Morenci Operations, Freeport-McMoRan Americas, Morenci, AZ and 3PT Freeport Indonesia, Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold, Tambagapura, Indonesia
In March, 2006, Freeport-McMoRan began construction on a commercial scale copper concentrate leaching plant at the Morenci mine in southeastern Arizona. Commissioning and start-up of the plant occurred in 2007. This paper describes the process development, and processing facilities constructed at Morenci and discusses some start-up successes and challenges of the plant.

2:45 PM High-Copper Gold Ores: Treatment of Leach Solutions for Copper Removal and Cyanide Recovery M. Botz; Elbow Creek Engineering, Inc., Billings, MT 3:05 PM Leaching of Gold and Silver from Kupol Samples: Part I – Preliminary Investigation G. Deschenes1, J. Rajala2, H. Guo3, M. Fulton1 and S. Mortazavi1; MMSL, CANMET, Ottawa, ON, Canada; 2EastWest Gold Corporation Division, Kinross Gold Corporation, Vancouver, BC, Canada and 3 Wardrop, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2:45 PM Stochastic Mine Production Scheduling: Application at a Copper Mine and Assessment of the Value of Stochastic Solutions A. Leite; Vale Inco, Mississauga, ON, ON, Canada
The life-of-mine (LOM) production schedule of open pit mines defines the ore supply the mine can provide, while maximizing its present value. Conventional mine scheduling approaches require an average type representations of reality and ignore uncertainty in technical and economic parameters. Uncertainty about ore reserves is the most critical source of uncertainty affecting the planned ore supply in LOM schedules. Using an average type of deposit model to define reserves produces a smoothed image of the real deposit, and this smoothing leads to misleading cashflow forecasts. To overcome this, a stochastic mining production scheduling approach is considered and it explicitly integrates the uncertainty of inputs to the scheduling problem, aiming to generate a risk robust solution. Herein, a stochastic integer programming formulation for mining production scheduling is applied and tested at a copper mine. The stochastic solution maximizes the economic value of a project and minimizes deviations from production targets. The method accounts for and manages risk, leading to mine production schedules having a 29% higher NPV than the schedule obtained from a conventional scheduler.

The Kupol property (Eastern Russia), owned at 75% by Kinross Gold, hosts a high grade gold and silver vein system. A preliminary investigation, conducted on 4 samples, determined gold and silver extractions as well as reagent consumptions. The samples contained 4.3 g/t to 24 g/t Au and 75 to 377 g/t Ag, 98% gangue and 1% to 1.6% pyrite. Gold was in the form of native gold and electrum. Silver was in the forms of acanthite, stephanite, pyrargyrite and electrum. Coarse, free gold was recovered by gravity prior to leaching. The lead nitrate showed a significant effect on the improvement of silver extraction. A 120 hours leaching with 500 ppm NaCN was efficient for the treatment of the high grade sample. An 18-h pre-treatment with 250 g/t lead nitrate produced the best metallurgical response for the treatment of the low grade and medium grade ores while the high grade and chloritic samples responded best to a straight cyanidation. Gold and silver extractions varied from

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3:05 PM Problem Framing Made Easy M. Kelly; Gemcom Software, Mittagong, NSW, Australia
Maximiser LOM software has been extensively in large scale open pit operations. Its ability to blend and schedule multiple pits, processes and products has been widely recognised. Whilst it is feature rich, its input relies on numerous tables. Whittle on the other hand is the industry standard pit optimiser, but its multi-pit, multi-process functionality requires extending. The challenge is how to represent the complex mining and blending problem formulation that is easy for the strategic mine planner to understand and control. This presentation will focus on an innovative approach that will achieve this.

developed by Innov-X for sulfur analysis as a potential screening method for adjustment of fire assay fluxing requirements using loose powder samples of finely ground assay pulps. Determination of the sulfur and metals in powdered gold ore helps the assayer predict the fluxing requirement for gold ore processing by fire assay for sulfidic ores. Initial results offline proved positive, so Newmont, Carlin, and Rocklabs of New Zealand performed additional work and incorporated the XRF measurement station into automated sample preparation equipment they developed at the bulk pulverizing stage of sample preparation. Final test work to determine the instrument’s capabilities and logistics of incorporating it into the line was conducted at Carlin, Nevada, where it was installed in the Newmont Integrated Laboratory and has been running since January, 2007. The instrumental design, preliminary testing, factory modifications, implementation and performance of the method will be described as well as potential applications.

3:05 PM

Somasundaran Symposium: Innovative Processing Strategies and Green Chemistry/Processes III
2:00 PM • Wednesday, February 25 Chair: A. Staley, Freeport McMoRan, Bagdad, AZ T. Seal, Newmont Mining Corp., Elko, NV
2:05 PM Operational Practices to Reduce Copper and Other Metals Loading onto Activated Carbon in Heap Leach CIC Circuits B. Cousins1, T. Seal3 and A. Caraballo2; 1Newmont Mining Company, Carlin, NV; 2Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE and 3EverClear Solutions Inc., Emeryville, CA
Heap leach ore often contain metals that leach in cyanide solutions and present precious metal recovery challenges in carbon in column (CIC) operations due to loading competition. Metals such as Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, and Cd can form cyanide complexes and out-compete Au for activation sites on carbon when their concentrations get high enough. Countering such competition can be achieved through adding free cyanide just prior to CIC circuits, causing many of the competing metals to form larger molecular metal/cyanide complexes that cannot load onto carbon. Laboratory and operational data has been collected for the Carlin Trend, NV heap leach operations with the resultant improvement in precious metal recovery in the CIC circuits.

Surface Characterization of Xanthate Adsorption on Molybdenite J. Zhang1, S. Wiyono1, P. Lee2 and W. Xiao3; 1Mining and Geological Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; 2Chemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ and 3Sierrita Operations, Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold, Green Valley, AZ
In present investigation, the adsorption of xanthate on molybdenite has been systemically studied by several surface characterization techniques. The results of contact angle measurement show that the contact angle for bare molybdenite is 92°. The value increases to 96° after the sample was soaked in 1x10-4M KEX (Potassium ethyl xanthate) solution for 1 hour. Further Rinsing with copious ethanol reduces the contact angle back to 92°. XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and AFM (Atomic force microscopy) were also applied to characterize the molybdenite surface before and after its contact with KEX solution. The results obtained through both these techniques suggested the existence of dixanthogen on molybdenite surface after the sample being soaked in 1x10-4M KEX solution. The observed dixanthogen deposition can be removed by rinsing thoroughly with ethanol. However, no insoluble metal xanthate was detected in present study. The findings obtained from surface analysis correspond quite well to those from the contact angle measurement.

3:25 PM Reprocessing of a French Guyana Operation Tailings Using Flotation for Gold Concentration M. Durance1, P. Botané1 and A. Cailleau2; 1Caspeo company, Orléans, France and 2Compagnie Minière Espérance, Matoury, France
Compagnie Miniere Esperance operates a gold primary orebody in open pit. The ore is processed through crushing, primary gravity concentration, grinding and secondary gravity separation generating tailings with remaining fine gold. Analyses of the tailings proved a residual gold grade sufficient for a chemical treatment. However, direct cyanidation would require a too large installation, regarding the local conditions (accessibility, supplying and meteorological conditions). It has been then decided to test the feasibility of a pre-concentration using flotation. As lab tests proved the technical feasibility, an on-site pilot operation has been carried out to assess the continuous circuit performances, define the best configuration and obtain enough data for the industrial circuit sizing. Data collected during the pilot campaign have been used for calibrating a process simulator built with the USIM™ PAC software. The simulator validated the feasibility of upgrading the existing plant, including the reprocessing of tailings to obtain a good fine gold recovery in a small amount of concentrate.

2:25 PM Effective Diffusivity of Ferric Ions and Current Efficiency in Stagnant Synthetic Copper Electrowinning Solutions M. Moats; Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Copper electrowinning operations have dramatically improved their ability to produce high quality copper and low costs over the past several decades. Even so, some fundamental understandings are still lacking, which could allow operates to run more efficiency. For example, a rule of thumb exists that estimates a current efficiency loss of 2-3% per gram per liter of iron in the electrolyte. While several laboratory studies have been performed that demonstrate this rule of thumb is likely true, no definitive relationship exists. In this paper, the first steps in developing a definitive relationship are presented. The effective diffusivity of ferric ions in synthetic copper electrowinning solutions was measured using chronoampometry and the Cottrell equation. The effective diffusivity of ferric ion was determined as a function of electrolyte concentration and temperature. The same synthetic electrolytes were then used in laboratory scaled copper electrowinning experiments where it was found under stagnant conditions the relationship between current efficiency and ferric ion concentration.

3:45 PM Real Time Integration of Mining and Metallurgical Information for Efficient Use of Energy and Water A. Soudek and O. Bascur; OSIsoft, Inc., Houston, TX
The lack of integration of mining and metallurgical information with sufficient detail for analysis causes inefficient operation and hence sub-optimal energy and water use. It is difficult to analyze the performance of mining and metallurgical processes without an integrated view of mine transactions, stockpile inventories, process flows and assays. To take action requires real time information from manufacturing assets, corrected for gross errors from trucks, shovels, conveyors, faulty sensors, bad instrument calibration. This paper presents an infrastructure with advanced tools that sift through available data, identify and eliminate gross errors, and transform the data into business information for continuous improvement and optimization. Collaboration is a key component of improving efficiency of energy and water use, and the evolution of Web technology enables collaboration and troubleshooting of plant information to more quickly act on issues to reduce wasteful operation.

2:45 PM Application of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Screening Analysis for Fire Assay Fluxing Adjustment During Automated Sample Preparation of Gold Ores G. Poston1, P. Miller2, J. Borland1, C. Bucknam3 and I. Devereux4; 1 Newmont Nevada Laboratory Services, Newmont Mining Corporation, Carlin, NV; 2On-Line Systems, Innov-X Systems, Woburn, MA; 3Newmont Metallurgical Services, Englewood, CO and 4 Rocklabs, Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
Newmont Metallurgical Services and the Newmont, Carlin, Nevada, laboratories tested the feasibility of using a compact energy dispersive XRF instrument

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