2018 CORPORATE PROFILE QUEENSLAND Diversified
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From Base Metals and Back – Isamills and Their Advantages in African Base Metal Operations
The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Base Metals Conference 2013 H. de Waal, K. Barns, and J. Monama From base metals and back – IsaMills and their advantages in African base metal operations H. de Waal, K. Barns, and J. Monama Xstrata IsaMill™ technology was developed from Netzsch Feinmahltechnik GmbH stirred milling technology in the early 1990s to bring about a step change in grinding efficiency that was required to make Xstrata’s fine-grained lead/zinc orebodies economic to process. From small-scale machines suited to ultrafine grinding, the IsaMill™ has developed into technology that is able to treat much larger tonnages, in coarser applications, while still achieving high energy efficiency, suited for coarser more standard regrind and mainstream grinding applications. The unique design of the IsaMillTM, combining high power intensity and effective internal classification, achieves high energy efficiency and tight product distribution which can be effectively scaled from laboratory scale to full-sized models. The use of fine ceramic media also leads to significant benefits in downstream flotation and leaching operations. These benefits are key drivers for the adoption of the technology into processing a diverse range of minerals worldwide, and offer major opportunities for power reduction and improved metallurgy for the African base metal operations. Keywords: IsaMill, regrind, energy efficiency, inert grinding. Introduction The development of the IsaMillTM, by MIM (now GlencoreXstrata) and Netzsch Feinmahltechnik GmbH, was initiated to enable the development of the fine-grained ore deposits at Mt Isa and McArthur River in Northern Australia. To liberate the valuable minerals and so produce a saleable concentrate this ultrafine-grained ore needed to be ground to a P80 of 7 μm. -
Orica's Flotation Reagents Increase Copper Recovery Rates, Resulting in a $2M Increase in Gross Revenue
Greater understanding, improved performance Orica’s flotation reagents increase copper recovery rates, resulting in a $2M increase in gross revenue WHO WAS THE CLIENT? combined with sodium isobutyl Xstrata Mount Isa Mines form one xanthate (SIBX). As a result, DSP 330 “The best flotation of the largest underground mining was chosen for plant trial. operations in the world. The plant trial supported the initial performance was The mines, based in North laboratory results, with copper achieved with the Queensland, produce both copper recovery improving by 3%. 50:50 addition ratio and zinc-lead-silver. Established Further laboratory testing and plant in 1924, 5,700 employees and trials conducted by Mount Isa Mines of DSP 330 and contractors today work across found an improvement in overall SIBX, with a copper Xstrata Mount Isa’s twin mining recovery of 3.5%. As a result, and processing streams. DSP 330 was adopted as specialty recovery of 92.4% for collector of choice when treating a head grade of 5.4% WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? slow cooled copper slag. Xstrata needed to improve copper and a cut-off copper recovery and called on Orica to WHAT WERE THE KEY grade of 24-25%.” identify and test collectors. OUTCOMES? Orica formulated a collector that would enhance milling and Pengfu Tan, Alberto Galvez, Lucya Yunus– Mount Isa Mines flotation of slow cooled copper slag. Identification of Ultimately, the process needed to achieve superior recovery of copper superior collector at a natural pH over a specific grind fineness. Xstrata’s key requirements were to: Optimised flotation • Identify superior collectors performance • Reduce reagent costs • Optimise flotation performance • Integrate improvements into 3.5% improvement existing operations in copper recovery HOW DID ORICA HELP? Orica developed a laboratory test work program using Xstrata’s current Reduction in performance as a benchmark. -
Mineral Processing
Mineral Processing Foundations of theory and practice of minerallurgy 1st English edition JAN DRZYMALA, C. Eng., Ph.D., D.Sc. Member of the Polish Mineral Processing Society Wroclaw University of Technology 2007 Translation: J. Drzymala, A. Swatek Reviewer: A. Luszczkiewicz Published as supplied by the author ©Copyright by Jan Drzymala, Wroclaw 2007 Computer typesetting: Danuta Szyszka Cover design: Danuta Szyszka Cover photo: Sebastian Bożek Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wrocławskiej Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27 50-370 Wroclaw Any part of this publication can be used in any form by any means provided that the usage is acknowledged by the citation: Drzymala, J., Mineral Processing, Foundations of theory and practice of minerallurgy, Oficyna Wydawnicza PWr., 2007, www.ig.pwr.wroc.pl/minproc ISBN 978-83-7493-362-9 Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................9 Part I Introduction to mineral processing .....................................................................13 1. From the Big Bang to mineral processing................................................................14 1.1. The formation of matter ...................................................................................14 1.2. Elementary particles.........................................................................................16 1.3. Molecules .........................................................................................................18 1.4. Solids................................................................................................................19 -
Grained Pyrite in the Mount Isa Copper System
Trace Element Variation of Coarse- Grained Pyrite in the Mount Isa Copper System Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the University of Adelaide for an Honours Degree in Geology Shauna Maguire-Olstad November 2016 Shauna Maguire-Olstad Mt. Isa Coarse-grained Pyrite TRACE ELEMENT VARIATIONOF COARSE-GRAINED PYRITE IN THE MOUNT ISA COPPER SYSTEM MT.ISA COARSE-GRAINED PYRITE ABSTRACT The unique Mount Isa system, northwest Queensland, contains two world class deposits of copper and lead-zinc, which have a complex spatial relationship. The formation of the copper mineralization has long been debated, and occurs in a close spatial and temporal association with silica-dolomite alteration and coarse-grained pyrite (Pyrite 2). The geochemical characteristics of coarse-grained pyrite has not previously been studied and it is believed to hold valuable insight into the fluid evolution of the Mount Isa Copper System. Using LA-ICP-MS analysis, trace element variation of Pyrite 2 was investigated for numerous elements including Ag, As, Ba, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn across an explorative transect (drill hole 0406ED2), which passed through the alteration halo of the 1100 orebody. The trace element composition of Pyrite 2 was not consistent throughout the 0406ED2 transect and it does not appear to be controlled by host lithology. The analysis determined the Pyrite 2 grains formed during, or in close association with, the ore-mineral enriched hydrothermal fluid. Pyrite 2 data is consistent with the Mount Isa system having undergone multiple hydrothermal fluid events or from an evolving hydrothermal fluid. The trace element variation of Pyrite 2 is consistent with the currently established paragenesis and is indicative of the concurrent Cu, Pb and Zn mineralising system formed during protracted hydrothermal events. -
A History of Tailings1
A HISTORY OF MINERAL CONCENTRATION: A HISTORY OF TAILINGS1 by Timothy c. Richmond2 Abstract: The extraction of mineral values from the earth for beneficial use has been a human activity- since long before recorded history. Methodologies were little changed until the late 19th century. The nearly simultaneous developments of a method to produce steel of a uniform carbon content and the means to generate electrical power gave man the ability to process huge volumes of ores of ever decreasing purity. The tailings or waste products of mineral processing were traditionally discharged into adjacent streams, lakes, the sea or in piles on dry land. Their confinement apparently began in the early 20th century as a means for possible future mineral recovery, for the recycling of water in arid regions and/or in response to growing concerns for water pollution control. Additional Key Words: Mineral Beneficiation " ... for since Nature usually creates metals in an impure state, mixed with earth, stones, and solidified juices, it is necessary to separate most of these impurities from the ores as far as can be, and therefore I will now describe the methods by which the ores are sorted, broken with hammers, burnt, crushed with stamps, ground into powder, sifted, washed ..•. " Agricola, 1550 Introduction identifying mining wastes. It is frequently used mistakenly The term "tailings" is to identify all mineral wastes often misapplied when including the piles of waste rock located at the mouth of 1Presented at the 1.991. National mine shafts and adi ts, over- American. Society for Surface burden materials removed in Mining and Reclamation Meeting surface mining, wastes from in Durango, co, May 1.4-17, 1.991 concentrating activities and sometimes the wastes from 2Timothy c. -
Evolution of the Isamill™ Into Magnetite Processing
EVOLUTION OF THE ISAMILL™ INTO MAGNETITE PROCESSING Greg Rasmussen, Xstrata Technology Pty Ltd Tommy Do , Ernest Henry Mining Michael Larson, Xstrata Technology Pty Ltd Katie Barns, Xstrata Technology Pty Ltd Xstrata Technology • Mount Isa Mines (MIM), a large Australian mining company, was acquired by Xstrata in 2003 who then merged with Glencore in 2013 • MIM internal technology group was re-named Xstrata Technology (XT) and became an independent technology developer and supplier to the global minerals industry with 250 staff worldwide • The equipment and processes which are marketed by XT are developed in our own operations • XT offers full-package solutions including: • Equipment and processes • Engineering • Commissioning and Training • Dedicated after-market support IsaMill™ Technology Development ™ • Development of IsaMill driven by inability Broken Hill to efficiently treat fine grained orebodies • Late 1980s, Xstrata required 7µm grind for new Pb/Zn orebodies in Australia • Conventional mining technologies tested (1975-1990), but 0 40 micron − Too high power consumption to achieve target size McArthur River − Ball/tower mills ineffective below 20-30μm − Negative influence of steel grinding on flotation 0 40 micron IsaMill™ Technology Development A technology was found... • Horizontal Bead Mills − Used in industries other than mining (pharmaceuticals, paint, food, etc.) − Small, batch scale − Very expensive and exotic media types • Cross-over into mining required: − Much larger scale − Continuous operation − Ability to use cheap, -
Mineral Beneficiation Contents
Lecture 10: Mineral Beneficiation Contents: Preamble What constitutes mineral beneficiation Size reduction technology Concentration technologies: Basics Recovery and grade Separation efficiency Illustration on separation efficiency Concentration methods Conclusions References Keywords: mineral beneficiation, Milling, gravity concentration flotation Preamble Mineral beneficiation is the first step in extraction of metal from natural resources. With the depletion of high grade metal ores it is important to increase the metal grade of an ore by physical methods; which are termed mineral beneficiation .The objectives of mineral beneficiation are • To increase the metal grade of ore • To reduce the amount of gangue minerals so that lower volume of slag forms in pyromettallurgical extraction of metals .Slag contains mostly gangue minerals. • To decrease the thermal energy required to separate liquid metal from gangue minerals. • To decrease the aqueous solution requirement in hydrometturgical extraction of metals. In this lecture, mineral beneficiation science and technology are briefly reviewed so that readers can apply materials balance principles. Details about the mineral beneficiation can be studied in the reference given in this lecture. What constitutes mineral beneficiation? Ore is an aggregate of minerals and contains valuable and gangue minerals .The mineral beneficiation involves separations of gangue minerals from ore and is done in the following two stages: 1. Liberation of valuable mineral by size reduction technologies. In most ores the valuable minerals is distributed in the matrix of ore. 2. Concentration technologies to separate the gangue minerals and to achieve increase in the content of the valuable mineral to increase the metal grade. Sizes reduction technologies Size reduction or communication is an important step and may be used 9 To produce particles of required sizes and shapes 9 To liberate valuable mineral so that it can be concentrated. -
Isamill™ Technology Used in Efficient Grinding Circuits
1 IsaMill™ Technology Used in Efficient Grinding Circuits B.D. Burford1 and L.W. Clark2 High intensity stirred milling is now an industry accepted method to efficiently grind fine and coarse particles. In particular, the IsaMill™, which was invented for, and transformed the fine grinding industry, is now being included in many new comminution circuits in coarser applications. While comminution has always been regarded as important from a processing perspective, the pressure being applied by environmental concerns on all large scale power users, now make highly energy efficient processes more important than ever. The advantages that were developed in fine grinding in the early IsaMill™ installations have been carried over into coarse grinding applications. These advantages include a simple grinding circuit that operates in open circuit with a small footprint, the ability to offer sharp product size classification, as well as the use of inert media in a high energy intensive environment. This paper will examine the use of IsaMill™ technology in fine grinding (P80 below 15 micron), and examine the use of the technology in conventional grinding applications (P80 20 - 150 µm). Recent installations will be examined, including fine and coarse grinding applications, as well as the recent test work that was undertaken using an IsaMill™ in a primary grinding circuit, and the resulting circuit proposal for this site. While comminution has been relatively unchanged for the last century, the need to install energy efficient technology will promote further growth in IsaMill™ installations, and result in one of the biggest challenges to traditional comminution design. 1. Senior Process Engineer, Xstrata Technology, L4, 307 Queen Street, Brisbane 4000, Qld, Australia 2. -
Damage Cases and Environmental Releases from Mines and Mineral Processing Sites
DAMAGE CASES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASES FROM MINES AND MINERAL PROCESSING SITES 1997 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste 401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20460 Contents Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Discussion and Summary of Environmental Releases and Damages ......................... Page 1 Methodology for Developing Environmental Release Cases ............................... Page 19 ARIZONA ASARCO Silver Bell Mine: "Waste and Process Water Discharges Contaminate Three Washes and Ground Water" ................................................... Page 24 Cyprus Bagdad Mine: "Acidic, Copper-Bearing Solution Seeps to Boulder Creek" ................................ Page 27 Cyprus Twin Buttes Mine: "Tank Leaks Acidic Metal Solution Resulting in Possible Soil and Ground Water Contamination" ...................................... Page 29 Magma Copper Mine: "Broken Pipeline Seam Causes Discharge to Pinal Creek" ................................ Page 31 Magma Copper Mine: "Multiple Discharges of Polluted Effluents Released to Pinto Creek and Its Tributaries" .................................................... Page 33 Magma Copper Mine: "Multiple Overflows Result in Major Fish Kill in Pinto Creek" ............................... Page 36 Magma Copper Mine: "Repeated Release of Tailings to Pinto Creek" .......................................... Page 39 Phelps Dodge Morenci Mine: "Contaminated Storm Water Seeps to Ground Water and Surface Water" ................................................................ Page 43 Phelps Dodge -
Identification and Description of Mineral Processing Sectors And
V. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS As shown in Exhibit 5-1, EPA determined that 48 commodity sectors generated a total of 527 waste streams that could be classified as either extraction/beneficiation or mineral processing wastes. After careful review, EPA determined that 41 com modity sectors generated a total of 354 waste streams that could be designated as mineral processing wastes. Exhibit 5-2 presents the 354 mineral processing wastes by commodity sector. Of these 354 waste streams, EPA has sufficient information (based on either analytical test data or engineering judgment) to determine that 148 waste streams are potentially RCRA hazardous wastes because they may exhibit one or more of the RCRA hazardous characteristics: toxicity, ignitability, corro sivity, or reactivity. Exhibit 5-3 presents the 148 RCRA hazardous mineral processing wastes that will be subject to the Land Disposal Restrictions. Exhibit 5-4 identifies the mineral processing commodity sectors that generate RCRA hazardous mineral processing wastes that are likely to be subject to the Land D isposal Restrictions. Exhibit 5-4 also summarizes the total number of hazardous waste streams by sector and the estimated total volume of hazardous wastes generated annually. At this time, however, EPA has insufficient information to determine whether the following nine sectors also generate wastes that could be classified as mineral processing wastes: Bromine, Gemstones, Iodine, Lithium, Lithium Carbonate, Soda Ash, Sodium Sulfate, and Strontium. -
Revisiting Inscriptions on the Investigator Tree on Sweers Island, Gulf of Carpentaria
REVISITING INSCRIPTIONS ON THE INVESTIGATOR TREE ON SWEERS ISLAND, GULF OF CARPENTARIA COLLINS, S. J.1, MATE, G.2,1 & ULM, S.1,3 The Investigator Tree, so named after Matthew Flinders’ ship HMS Investigator, is an inscribed tree currently on display in the Queensland Museum. Before being accessioned into the Queensland Museum’s collection in 1889, the Investigator Tree grew on the western shore of Sweers Island in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. The tree’s “Investigator” inscription, attributed to Flinders (1802), provided the catalyst for future and varied forms of European inscription making on Sweers Island, including a contentious additional “Investigator” inscription on the Investigator Tree carved by Thomas Baines in 1856. Previous researchers have speculated that Baines’ second “Investigator” inscription has caused the faded original “Investigator” inscription to be misinterpreted as either a Chinese or Dutch inscription predating Flinders’ visit to Sweers Island. For the first time, this study undertakes a physical examination of all markings on the Investigator Tree, including a second portion of the tree located at the Queensland Museum since 2009. In com bination with a review of the archival and historical record, findings provide alternative interpretations regarding the (28) inscriptions to address outstanding questions. Archival documents demonstrate that there were at least three inscribed trees on Sweers Island. This paper also revisits the possibility of there once being preFlinders inscriptions on the Investigator -
Mount Isa Mines Employee Lead Information Guide July 2010 Xstrata Mount Isa Mines Conducts Personal Dust Monitoring On-Site
Mount Isa Mines Employee Lead Information Guide July 2010 Xstrata Mount Isa Mines conducts personal dust monitoring on-site Xstrata Mount Isa Mines’ zinc-lead operations has in place a ‘Site Use Only’ clothing policy, which reduces Recycled process water is used to hose down potential hygiene risks for workers on-site and the Mount Isa community and recover fine lead dust at the lead smelter Continued uncontrolled exposure to lead has at Xstrata Mount Isa Mines the health and safety the potential to cause more serious symptoms of our employees and the Mount Isa community such as: ■ kidney damage; is our highest priority ■ nerve and brain damage. Of course, these symptoms can also be the result of reasons other than lead exposure. Our operations How lead is absorbed into the body If you are a woman capable of having children Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has comprehensive you should take special care to follow good programs in place to manage and minimise Lead can be absorbed into the body through work practices and a high standard of occupational exposure to lead and other two main pathways: personal hygiene. contaminants. We also have a strict ‘clean in/clean out’ policy to minimise the risk of ■ Inhalation: Lead may be absorbed through lead and other contaminants being taken the lungs by breathing fine particles of dust Occupational exposure to lead into the community. or fumes containing lead. Potential sources of lead exposure in your ■ Ingestion: Lead may be absorbed through Lead exists in a number of our mine’s work occupational settings include: the stomach and intestine after it enters areas.