Global Economics, Local Effects

The #1 regional minerals conference in the Midwest!

2016 SME MN Conference DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER April 11–13, 2016 www.smemnconference.com Calendar of Events Monday, April 11, 2016 Registration 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Short Courses: Mining Hidden Losses: The 8:00 am – Noon Key to “Free” Optimization and Sustainable Profit Maximization Direct Reduced Iron and 8:00 am – 4:00 pm 2016 SME Metallurgical Iron MN Conference Testing Your Mettle: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Environmental Review and Permitting for Modern Global Economics, Mining Projects Vendor Move-In 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Local Effects Welcome Reception 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Registration 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Student Breakfast 7:00 am – 8:30 am Vendor Move-In 7:00 am – 9:00 am Welcome and Plenary 8:30 am – 10:00 am Exhibit Hall Open 9:00 am – 6:30 pm Break (Exhibit Hall) 10:00 am – 10:45 am Technical Sessions 10:45 am – 12:15 pm Lunch 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm Technical Sessions 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm Break (Exhibit Hall) 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm Technical Sessions 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Reception (Exhibit Hall) 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Registration 7:00 am – Noon Breakfast 7:00 am – 8:30 am Trade Show Opens 7:00 am Ethics Course 8:00 am – 9:00 am Technical Sessions 9:00 am – 10:00 am Break (Exhibit Hall) 10:00 am – 10:45 am Closing Plenary 10:45 am – Noon Trade Show Closes 11:00 am Professional Networking Lunch Noon – 1:30 pm Annual Business Meeting 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

2 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER About the Conference The 89th Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Section of SME is the premier regional minerals conference in the Midwest featuring a wide range of session topics addressing pressing industry issues, emerging industry trends and latest industry technology developments. The conference is hosted annually in Duluth, Minnesota and has a long history of being one of the top performing regional conferences in the iron ore industry. Today, our industry is affected by changes across town as well as those from around the world. The 2016 SME MN Conference is your opportunity to learn more on the current economic trends in our mining region and how it is impacted by global economics. Testimonials The SME Minnesota Conference provides The SME MN Conference is a breath of “a great opportunity to network with my fresh“ air every Spring! After being cooped up industry colleagues and the short courses all winter in a work, home, work, home cycle, are a great way to gain in-depth knowledge the April Conference provides the opportunity from industry experts. to get out and to network and learn – Julie Marinucci, Sr. Project Engineer” for SEH about success stories, breakthroughs, and happenings in our industry. – Mike Perala, Director – Strategic Accounts,” Minnesota Power Exhibit Information – Booth sales are now open! Your booth includes: Space Cost: · One 8-foot skirted table · Wireless Internet service · $700 – 1st 10’ x 10’ booth · Two chairs · Four booth staff registrations · $600 – 2nd 10’ x 10’ booth · One 7” x 44” company ID sign with company name and booth number To purchase your booth, please visit the conference website www.smemnconference.com or contact the Exhibits Department at [email protected]! Housing Information A block of rooms has been reserved for meeting participants at the following hotels from April 11–13, 2016. The rates are subject to a 12.88% Duluth hotel tax. Make your reservations early! Room blocks are released on March 9, 2016. Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Sheraton Hotel-Duluth 200 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802 301 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802 Phone: 218-722-1202 or 800-477-7089 Phone: 218-336-2701 or 888-627-8122 Rates: $99 (single/double) Rates: $109 Please call for reservations, reference Society for Please call for reservations, reference Society for Mining,Metallurgy & Exploration group rate. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration group rate. The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza The Inn on Lake Superior 325 Lake Avenue South, Duluth, MN 55802 350 Canal Park Drive, Duluth, MN 55802 Phone: 218-727-4663 or 800-794-1716 Phone: 218-726-1111 or 888-668-4352 Rates: $89 double, studio or pool view king suites Rates: $94.99 $95 one bedroom king suite Please call for reservations, reference Society for $124 one bedroom with whirlpool suite Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration group rate. $124 two bedroom king suite For online reservations, please visit Please call for reservations, reference SME 2016 www.theinnonlakesuperior.com, select Reser- group rate. vations, select Sign In, select Attending a Group Function, and enter the Group ID and Password: Group ID: 6653 Password: 37000033

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 3 Sponsorship Opportunities Gold Level Co-Host Sponsorships – $400 Onsite Promotions: · 4 Tickets to the Tuesday Vendors’ Reception · Recognition as sponsor of all exhibit hall functions · Recognition on general sponsor signs · Company description and contact information in onsite program Silver Level Co-Host Sponsorships – $300 2016 SME Onsite Promotions: · 2 Tickets to the Tuesday Vendors’ Reception MN Conference · Recognition on general sponsor signs · Company contact information in onsite program Global Economics, Student Breakfast Table Sponsor – $500 Onsite Promotions: Local Effects · Recognition as official sponsor of Student Breakfast · Students would be invited to sit at your table to network with representatives from each company · Recognition on general sponsor signs Before the conference · Invitation for a representative to sit on the panel during the breakfast each sponsor will receive: Welcome Reception Sponsor – $250 · Your logo will be included Onsite Promotions: on promotional material · Recognition as official sponsor of Welcome Reception · Recognition on general sponsor signs for the conference Wine Sponsor at Welcome Reception – $1,000 · Your logo and link to your Onsite Promotions: website are included on the · Recognition as official sponsor of the Welcome Reception conference website · Recognition on general sponsor signs Added Benefit: · Recognition on all print · You will be allowed to bring promotional material to be set by the beverage area advertising Beer Sponsor at Welcome Reception – $1,000 · Logo on all printed Onsite Promotions: promotional material · Recognition as official sponsor of the Welcome Reception · Recognition on general sponsor signs Added Benefit: · You will be allowed to bring promotional material to be set by the Thank you to our 2016 beverage area Conference Sponsors: Breakfast Sponsor – $250 Onsite Promotions: · Recognition as official sponsor of Wednesday Breakfast · Recognition on general sponsor signs Breakfast Champagne Sponsor – $1,000 Onsite Promotions: · Recognition as official sponsor of the Wednesday breakfast · Recognition on general sponsor signs Added Benefit: · You will be allowed to bring promotional material to be set by the beverage area Professional Networking Luncheon – $250 Onsite Promotions: · Recognition as official sponsor of Professional Networking Luncheon · Recognition on general sponsor signs As of 1/15/16

4 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER Minnesota Short Courses Monday, April 11, 2016 All courses are held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Metallurgical Iron 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost: $125 per person This one-day course includes a combination of theoretical and practical content, providing attend- ees with valuable training related to the production, utilization, and economic market comparisons of blast furnace, direct reduced iron (DRI), and metallurgical iron grade concentrate. The course will start with a discussion of mineral process flowsheet circuit designs that may be used to eco- nomically produce direct reduced iron and metallurgical iron grade iron concentrates as compared to blast furnace grade concentrate. The course will then focus on the industrial application and utilization of DRI and metallurgical grade concentrate products including desired quality character- istics, potential markets, and methods of steel making. The course will conclude with an economic comparison of the production costs and final product steel making costs. Speakers: Sarat Panigrahy, Joe Poveromo, Renard Chaigneau, Peter Jongewaard Joseph J. Poveromo received his Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering in 1974 at the Center for Process Met- allurgy, State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNYAB). He then joined Bethlehem Steel’s Homer Research Lab- oratories where he advanced to the position of Research Consultant. In 1993 he established his consultancy, Raw Materials & Ironmaking Global Consulting. From 1993 through 2008 his principal client was the Quebec Cartier Mining Company. Currently, he consults for steel, natural resource, technology provider, financial and consultancy companies on a global basis. Dr. Poveromo is a Distinguished Member of the Iron and Steel Society (now AIST) of AIME. He has received a number of Iron & Steel Society Awards including the T. L. Joseph Award in 1998 for his long-standing contributions to ironmaking technology. He is also a Special Member of the IIMA (International Iron Metallics Association). Rénard Chaigneau, Manager Technical Marketing – Atlantic for Rio Tinto Iron Ore. Rénard Chaigneau has over 13 years experience in the iron and steel industry and 9 years with Rio Tinto. With the steel industry he had various functions in the R&D department of former Hoogovens, Corus and nowadays Tata in IJmuiden. This included the execution of projects on their pellet plant and subsequent quality and use of those pellets in the blast furnace. He currently leads within Rio Tinto product development initiatives and provides technical support to concentrate and pellet customers of IOC, the Canadian mining operations of Rio Tinto and to strategic development within the broader Rio Tinto Iron Ore Group. He holds a Ph.D in Raw Materials Processing and has a Master in Mining Engineering at Delft University of Technology where he currently also provides guest lectures. Rénard has published a number of papers on pelletizing, sintering and burden behaviour in the blast furnace and direct reduction process, and has co-authored the book Modern Blast Furnace Ironmaking (2015). Dr. Sarat Panigrahy has a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy from the Indian Institute of Science, a Masters in Mate- rial Science and Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate in Metallurgical Engineering from the State University of Ghent in Belgium. He has held multiple positions thru the years including manager of Indian Iron and Steel Company LTD, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Montreal, President of Advanced Materials Engineering Inc., Managing Director of Inno-Tech Powders Limited, and Taconite Industry Minerals Re- search Endowed Chair at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute. Peter Jongewaard, CPG, is a consulting geologist with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree of Science in Geology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Peter’s experience includes time spent as a Project Geologist for Noranda Exploration, Mine Geologist at United Taconite (EVTAC), and Senior Staff Geologist with Cliffs Natural Resources. He has worked on various regional and international mining projects.

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 5 Minnesota Short Courses Continued Mining Hidden Losses: The Key to “Free” Optimization and Sustainable Profit Maximization 8:00 am – Noon Cost: $75 per person When prices are low, focusing on cost will not deliver the kind of profit increase that companies need and hope for… but understanding and reducing hidden losses will! These losses exist regardless of price and are rooted in organizational weaknesses, not equipment. When companies seek to optimize performance, they often depend on equipment and systems for the solution, not recognizing that the organization must be “upgraded” as well. When this step in optimization is omitted, millions of dollars of potential profit are at risk. It is time to get a handle on the losses caused by organizational weaknesses. For the past 100 years, these losses have been subtracted from reported profit without management’s knowledge. This short course will offer new perspectives about management’s “cash cow” and how to “mine” it for little or no cost. Speaker: Kay Sever Kay Sever is an industry leader in profit maximization, performance optimization and culture transformation. She has 35 years of mining experience, including 19 years with Cyprus Amax Minerals. Kay is a Certified Management Consultant, Change Management Coach, Author, and Speaker. She graduated from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management and is President of OptimiZ Consulting LLC in Gilbert, AZ, USA. Her books and 60+ articles offer new perspectives on management’s challenges with change. Kay’s 3-year study of the links between profit, culture, change, and the management system revealed hidden orga- nizational barriers that “trap” profit, shape culture and prevent change. To maximize profit and change the culture, these barriers must be removed and these linkages must be actively “managed”. To assist management teams with this work, Kay created 3RD Stage Management, the world’s first management team training and tactics program for maximizing profit and changing culture through barrier removal.

The #1 regional minerals conference in the Midwest! 2016 SME MN Conference Global Economics, Local Effects

6 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER Testing Your Mettle: Environmental Review and Permitting for Modern Mining Projects 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Cost: $75 per person Companies involved in exploring or developing minerals as part of new and expanding mining projects face a daunting and evolving array of federal and state permitting require- ments administered by many different agencies. Accordingly, before embarking on a project, it is increasingly important that industry members (including mining companies, consultants, and attorneys) understand the applicable permitting requirements, the roles of the various agencies, and opportunities for third-parties to influence the process. This course will provide attendees with insight from experienced attorneys on how to navigate some of the most significant aspects of these permitting and environmental review requirements in a manner that achieves desired business outcomes. Speakers: Aleava Sayre, Greg Fontaine, Dennis Donohue, Dan Ettinger Aleava Sayre is a Co-Chair of Stinson Leonard Street’s Mining Practice Group and focuses her practice on the areas of mining exploration and development, environmental review, permitting, and litigation. Ms. Sayre advises mining companies regarding a wide array of issues that include accessing federal and state surface lands, securing and preserving mineral tenure, developing and defending environmental review and permitting documents, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws and standards. She also provides guidance regarding project devel- opment initiatives, mine planning, legal risk analysis, and engagement with federal and state land management and environmental agencies to obtain necessary environmental approvals. Greg Fontaine is a Co-Chair of Stinson Leonard Street’s Mining Practice Group. During his three-decade career in environmental law, Mr. Fontaine has represented clients ranging from Fortune 500 businesses to individuals. He regularly advises clients in a wide range of project-development, land-use, environmental review, permitting and regulatory compliance matters. Before joining the firm, Mr. Fontaine served as General Counsel and later Chief Executive Officer for a group of agribusiness companies after spending 18 years in private practice at one of Min- nesota’s largest law firms. Dennis Donohue practices at the law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd in the area of environmental law, including mining and resource development. Mr. Donohue has unique experience in applying his expertise in the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, wetlands and mine permitting to help companies obtain the regula- tory and social licenses needed to successfully develop sustainable resource development projects. In addition, Mr. Donohue’s environmental permitting and enforcement experience across a range of regulatory programs, including programs governing remediation of contaminated property and sediments, enables him to assist clients in managing a broad spectrum of environmental risk, transactional due diligence and compliance issues. Dan Ettinger is a partner at Warner Norcross & Judd LLP in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Ettinger practices in the areas of mining, natural resource, and renewable/alternative energy development, environmental litigation, NEPA/ NHPA compliance, and zoning and administrative law, with a special focus on issues related to Native American tribes and cultural resources. He advises mining and natural resource development clients regarding tribal engagement and consultation, compliance with laws aimed at protecting tribal interests and resources, such as the National Historic Preservation Act, and other cultural resource issues that can arise in the course of permitting a development project. Mr. Ettinger also has extensive experience representing mining and other natural resource development companies in federal and state courts, and before administrative tribunals.

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 7 Technical Sessions Program Chairs: Julie Lucas, HTC and George Hudak, NRRI

Tuesday, April 12

Session Chair Session Chair Session Chair Session Chair Session Chair Rory Oberhelman Greg Beckstrom Moe Benda Doug Learmont Jon Maki

NRRI Co-Chair Co-Chair NRRI Co-Chair NRRI Co-Chair NRRI Co-Chair Sara Post Dennis Martin TBD Sarah Gordee Matt Mlinar Environment – Social License and Start Time Industrial Minerals Mining and Exploration Processing Technology Responsibility 10:45 am A Comparison of Pyrite New Aggregate Changing the Public’s Understanding the Evaluation of Amine Oxidation Processes Resources Web Map and Perception of Mining Why of Continuous Type and Effect of and Sulfate Generation Data from the Minnesota with Readily-Available, Improvement in Mining Particle Size in the in Mine Tailings at Four Department of Natural Accurate Science Productivity Environ- Reverse Flotation of a Minnesota Taconite Resources DNR Tracy C. Benzel ments Liberian Iron Ore Operations Kevin J. Hanson Zach Saufley M. Gotelip Barbosa, Travis K. Bavin, T. Junqueira Marques, Steven R. Koski, G. Siboni, Cheyanne S. Jacobs A. C. Araujo 11:15 am Development of a The Remote Assessment The Game Has Changed Driving Productivity Effects of Reactive-Transport Model and Designation of – Building a Coalition to Improvements – Flotation Reagents to Estimate Long-Term Construction Aggregates Support the Regulatory You Need the Data on the Zeta Potential Sulfate Release from a Resource Potential on Process David Fisk of Hematite Ore Northeast Minnesota School Trust Lands Jason George, Xihui Yin Taconite Tailings Basin Corrie Thomas Floyd Nancy A. Norr, Megan J. Kelly, Kyle Makarios, G.H. Crystal Ng, Dave Lislegard Patrick O’Hara 11:45 am Combining Hydrology Taconite-Based Implementation of Seed Grinding Optimization Models with Geochem- Pavement Repair Form Vibration Analysis, through Smartmill ical Measurements to and Preservation Modelling and Electronic Marcelo Perrucci Evaluate Sulfate Impacts Applications Detectors for Blast on Mercury in the St. Lawrence Zanko Vibration Control and Louis River Blast Performance Michael E. Berndt, Thomas L. Barkley J. Wes Rutelonis 12:15 – 1:45 LUNCH 1:45 pm Application of Thickened New Technology Creating Keeping Your Social Tele-Remote Drilling: Iron Ore Pelletization Tailings and Co-disposal Beneficial Products From License to Explore for An Innovative Idea for with Starch and Humic Mine Waste Management Mining Related Waste Metallic Minerals in the Iron Range Acid Strategies Products Has Positive Minnesota Benjamin Sutton S. Komar Kawatra Mitch Vanderydt, Economic and Environ- Glenn D. Melchert John Starke mental Effects Mel Bollom 2:15 pm Use of a Dispersed Peat Based Sorption Sustainable Mine Planning UAS: The Future of Aerial Sprial Surface Alkaline Substrate and Media a New Method for — Creating a Positive Data Collection Property Investigation Limestone Beds to Treat Treating Mine Drainage Legacy Jay R. Haskamp Niel Lourens Acid Mine Drainage at Paul Eger Al Trippel, Soudan Mine, Minnesota Erik R. Carlson Kristen Dieterman 2:45 – 3:30 BREAK 3:30 pm Stabilization of Iron How Many Acres of Waging Peace In The A Change in Perspective: Production of High Mine Tailing Particles Land Are Tied up in Community And Winning Using GIS for Confident Quality Pellets for Direct through In-Situ Micro- Gravel Mining? While Avoiding The Seven Decision Making Reduced Iron Production bially Induced Calcite Heather Arends, Deadly Sins That Kill Melissa Martinie Basak Anameric Precipitation Kevin Hanson Community Relationships Kyle Heideman Bonnie E. Zwissler, And Projects Noah D. Buikema, James E. Lukaszewski Eric A Seagren, Stanley J. Vitton, Thomas Oommen 4:00 pm Thermal Remote Sensing A New Dimension Stone Eagle Mine: Developing Opportunities and for Moisture Content Quarry in Northeastern an Effective Operating Challenges for North Characterization at Mine Minnesota Partnership American DRI Projects Tailings Impoundments: Jacob Barkley Colin Connors, Janice D. Bolen A UAV-based Field Study Adam Brookins John Larsen Bonnie E. Zwissler, Thomas Oommen, Stanley J. Vitton, Eric A. Seagren

8 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER Wednesday, April 13

Session Chair Session Chair Session Chair Session Chair Session Chair Steve Koski Greg Beckstrom Julie Lucas Christian Schardt Dan Palo

NRRI Co-Chair Co-Chair NRRI Co-Chair NRRI Co-Chair NRRI Co-Chair TBD Larry Zanko Steve Munson-Geerts George Hudak Basak Anameric Environment – Start Time Industrial Minerals Environmental & Policy Mining and Exploration Processing Technology 9:00 am Quantifying the Iron- Development of Managing Wetlands/ Lithofacies Mapping The Roy Hill Iron Mine Based Sulfide Absorption Alkali-Activated Concrete Aquatic Resources of Glacigenic Deposits: and Port Laboratories: Capacity of Aquatic Binders in the Upper Permits – What to do Managing Engineering Aligning with the Sediment and Iron Midwest with Long-Term, Legacy and Environmental Risk Corporate Mandate for Minerals Mary Christianson Mining Projects as on the Shield Next-Gen Integration Nathan W. Johnson, Regulations and Personnel Phillip Larson Technology and Nicholas R. Osmundson Change, but Permit Processes Conditions do Not Brad McBain Allyz Kramer Bob Whiting

9:30 am Preliminary Evaluation of Considerations in the Water Quality Regulatory Gold-in-Till Anomalies Leachate Concentration Recovery/Removal of Challenges for Closed in an Archean Granite Limits from two Duluth Stamp Sands Mines in Non-Compliance Greenstone Terrane, Complex Rock Types Thomas J. Logue Erik Carlson Northern St. Louis Zach Wenz County, Minnesota Don Elsenheimer

10:00 – 10:45 BREAK

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCALAERIAL EFFECTS LIFT . DULUTHBRIDGE ENTERTAINMENTAT SUNSET IN DULUTH CONVENTION MINNESOTA, CENTER CANAL PARK 9 Technical Program Abstracts

11:45 am: Combining Hydrology Models with Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Geochemical Measurements to Evaluate Sulfate Environment – Technology Impacts on Mercury in the St. Louis River Chairs: Michael Berndt, Minnesota Department of Natural Rory Oberhelman, Minnesota Department of Resources Natural Resources J. Wes Rutelonis, University of Minnesota, Depart- Sara Post, Natural Resources Research Institute ment of Earth Sciences An HSPF (Hydrologic Simulation Program Fortran) 10:45 am: A Comparison of Pyrite Oxidation Processes and Sulfate Generation in Mine model for the St. Louis River Watershed is being used Tailings at Four Minnesota Taconite Operations to provide contextual information for 33 water sam- Travis Bavin, Steven Koski and Cheyenne Jacobs, ples collected systematically from the St. Louis River Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2012. Dissolved methylmercury (MeHg) correlated with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations The Minnesota DNR collected coarse and fine tailings and reached similar peak concentrations upstream cores of known provenance from four taconite opera- and downstream from the mining region during an tions in 2015 as part of a larger study to investigate extended period of short residence times and high sulfate release and fate at tailings basins. Sulfur groundwater recharge. Mine water became a vanish- concentrations, pore water chemistry, and tailings ingly small component of the flow during this period, physical properties were measured at multiple depths but became important as residence times increased in each core. Tailings samples were also examined and MeHg levels fell. Future plans are to use the using reflected light microscopy to better understand Riparian Profile Flow-Concentration Integration Model the size and distribution of pyrite in the samples and (RIM), which was developed in Sweden, to model Hg the degree of oxidation on the individual grains. The and MeHg concentrations in this watershed. petrologic results will be combined with the sulfur concentration, pore water chemistry, and physical 1:45 pm: Application of Thickened Tailings and measurements to infer sulfide oxidation and sulfate Co-disposal Mine Waste Management Strategies release rates and controls on sulfate release for dif- Mitch Vanderydt, Foth Canada Corporation ferent tailings sizes in each basin. John Starke, Foth Infrastructure Environment, LLC 11:15 am: Development of a Reactive-transport In response to increased environmental regulatory Model to Estimate Long-term Sulfate Release from oversight, the mining industry has employed innova- a Northeast Minnesota Taconite Tailings Basin tive technologies that can effectively store and man- Megan Kelly, MN DNR, G.H. Crystal Ng and age mine waste while reducing the environmental Patrick O’Hara, University of Minnesota impact from mine development through to closure. The Department of Natural Resources recently com- These technologies include tailings dewatering and pleted a two-year intensive sampling effort at taconite tailings co-disposal with waste rock. Benefits asso- tailings basins across the iron range of northeastern ciated with these two emerging mine waste manage- Minnesota. Water and tailings samples were analyzed ment strategies include reducing project footprints, for a suite of chemical (including sulfate, chloride, minimizing dam construction costs, and reducing the water and sulfate isotopes) and physical parame- long term liabilities associated with mine waste stor- ters to characterize existing conditions and develop age facilities by limiting the environmental risk. This Geochemical Tracer-Based (GTB) water and sulfate presentation focuses on the benefits and challenges balance models for each basin. In coordination with associated with employing these strategies in highly the University of Minnesota, an additional pilot GTB regulated water source rich environments. modeling study was initiated at U.S. Steel’s Minntac tailings basin. Six two-dimensional cross-sectional transport and reaction models will be constructed that incorporate information on sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction along the flow path. The goal of the modeling effort is to estimate sulfate release from the basin to nearby surface and groundwater.

10 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 2:15 pm: Use of a Dispersed Alkaline Substrate and Limestone Beds to Treat Acid Mine Drainage Industrial Minerals at Soudan Mine, Minnesota Chairs: Kristen Dieterman, Winona State University Greg Beckstrom Dennis Martin, Minnesota Department of Natural Although the Soudan Mine treats their entire discharge Resources with a conventional ion exchange system, two smaller flows within the mine contribute 80 – 90% of the over- 10:45 am: New Aggregate Resources Web Map all metals. If these waters could be treated individually, and Data from the Minnesota Department of expensive surface treatment might be avoided. A lime- Natural Resources DNR stone dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) followed by Kevin Hanson, Minnesota Department of Natural a limestone bed was successful in increasing pH from Resources 2.5 to around 7 and removing over 99% of the iron, The Minnesota DNR recently published a new web aluminum and copper. The bed operated successfully map application that greatly facilitates public access for about a year without plugging. Unfortunately, the to DNR’s Aggregate Resource Mapping Program’s limestone beds were not effective in removing either (ARMP) maps and data. Twenty-seven county aggre- manganese or cobalt. gate resource mapping projects were compiled into a single ArcGIS File Geodatabase and shared in a web 3:30 pm: Stabilization of Iron Mine Tailing map application. This web map allows a user to overlay Particles through In-Situ Microbially Induced aggregate resource potential data, aggregate mines, Calcite Precipitation and field observations over several base maps. The Bonnie Zwissler, Noah Buikema, Eric Seagren, new web map and data release utilizes the latest GIS Stanley Vitton and Thomas Oommen, Michigan technologies to further ARMP’s mission to identify and Technological University classify aggregate resources to assist local units of gov- Mine tailings impoundments are subject to seasonal ernment and others in making comprehensive land-use temperature/moisture fluctuations that can destabilize and zoning plans. the impoundment’s surface particles. Wind-induced shear stresses on the destabilized particles can create 11:15 am: The Remote Assessment and large-scale dust storms. One novel method for con- Designation of Construction Aggregates trolling dust emissions is biomodification of tailings to Resource Potential on School Trust Lands form a crust. For example, S. pasteurii can promote bio- Corrie Thomas Floyd, Minnesota Department of cementation of surface particles via ureolysis. However, Natural Resources application of this method to fined-grained mine tailings The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is challenging due to the small pore size. The goal of is assessing construction aggregates resource poten- this work was to perform a proof-of-concept demon- tial on nearly 52,000 School Trust parcels (1.9 million stration of biocementation applied to iron ore tailings, acres) not yet covered by county-focused mapping and examine the associated strength increase at the programs. Our desktop investigation utilizes readily soil surface. available geospatial data to identify conditions favor- able for aggregate deposits. Parcels that may contain 4:00 pm: Thermal Remote Sensing for Moisture aggregate resources are designated in the land records Content Characterization at Mine Tailings and this information is available for monetizing School Impoundments: A UAV-based Field Study Trust Land mineral assets. The importance of locating Bonnie Zwissler, Thomas Oommen, Stanley aggregate resources can be underscored by a pipeline Vitton and Eric Seagren, Michigan Technological crossing in 2010 that resulted in more than $800,000 University paid to the School Trust Fund because an aggregate An important and heavily regulated environmental encumbrance was identified. hazard associated with mine tailings impoundments is tailings dust emissions. In addition to dust emissions, 11:45 am: Taconite-Based Pavement trafficability can be a concern to impoundment manag- Repair and Preservation Applications ers trying to monitor/prevent dust emissions. Moisture Lawrence Zanko, NRRI, University of Minnesota content is a controlling factor for tailings dust suscep- Duluth tibility and trafficability, so understanding spatial/tem- Findings are presented of a recently-completed MnD- poral variations in moisture content for surface tailings OT-supported project, during which NRRI evaluated two is critical for characterizing these issues. A field study taconite-related approaches to pavement repair and was conducted at a North American iron mine tailings preservation. The first approach uses a rigid pavement/ impoundment where UAV-based thermal imaging was pothole repair compound formulation developed and used to show that changes in moisture content can be patented by NRRI that is fast-setting, taconite byprod- detected at the tailings impoundment scale with ther- uct and co-product based, and contains no petroleum mal remote sensing. or portland cement. The second approach employs a high-power, truck-mounted microwave system for

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 11 in-place pothole or pavement repair, in which magnetite 3:30 pm: How Many Acres of Land Are Tied up in and/or magnetite-containing aggregate (taconite rock) Gravel Mining? can enhance the system’s microwave absorption. Field Heather Arends and Kevin Hanson, Minnesota performance suggests both alternatives have long-term Department of Natural Resources potential for more widespread use, and therefore merit Gravel mining is conducted in all 87 counties of Min- further development and consideration. nesota. The Aggregate Resource Mapping Program 1:45 pm: New Technology Creating Beneficial (ARMP) of the Minnesota Department of Natural Products from Mining Related Waste Products Has Resources calculated the land use impact within a Positive Economic and Environmental Effects portion of the state. Using two data sources, ARMP Mel Bollom county gravel pit surveys and Land Use Satellite Im- Northwoods Research and Testing Laboratory LLC, agery (LANDSAT), the number and size of pits were in cooperation with Sand Depot LLC, Wisconsin Lim- estimated. Analysis derived from both data sets yield- ited Liability Companies, are proposing to develop an ed similar results. Percent land used for aggregate industry that uses waste products to produce/man- mining equaled 0.075% (ARMP) and 0.19% (LAND- ufacture beneficial products. These products exceed SAT). Even though gravel mining is required for private current competitive product quality characteristics, and public construction, the land use impact of gravel have significant environmental advantages and pro- mining is low. vide cost savings for the buyer. The plan is to utilize: 4:00 pm: A New Dimension Stone Quarry in 1. Power Plant waste materials that cannot be used Northeastern Minnesota as a concrete additive to manufacturing lightweight Jacob Barkley and Adam Brookins, aggregates; 2. Class F fly ash and paper plant waste Kasota Stone Fabricators products for erosion control spray applications and soil The focus of this presentation will be on the recent enrichment mulch; 3. Encapsulated unusable sulfur development of a new granite quarry near Ely, MN and content taconite tailings for use as aggregate for pre- how Kasota Stone Fabricators intends to produce viable stress and high-strength/high performance concrete; stone with nearly no waste byproduct. Through the use and 4. Extra fine silica sand not usable as frac sand. of video and pictures, you will gain an understanding of New, unique and proprietary technology, developed in the process Kasota Stone Fabricators uses to extract, Australia and given international recognition/award, fabricate and prepare dimensional stone for distribution. meeting all EPA and State environmental permitting specifications, is used in manufacturing the above described products. This multiple phased project Social License and clearly relates to supporting the growth and future of Responsibility mining in a data driven world. All of the technology advancements of this project facilitate economic and Chair: Moe Benda, University of Minnesota Duluth market changes and are available for all associated mining industries. 10:45 am: Changing the Public’s Perception of Mining with Readily-Available, Accurate Science 2:15 pm: Peat Based Sorption Media a New Tracy Benzel, Benzel Soil Services, LLC Method for Treating Mine Drainage Paul Eger, Global Minerals Engineering Recent mining and exploration proposals in Wiscon- sin have produced an opposition blitz of misleading Mine water often contains trace metals that must be and emotion-evoking information in the media and removed prior to discharge. Conventional treatment on the web – the main sources of citizen information. technologies are labor intensive and expensive. Peat- The lack of unbiased, science-based, accurate, and based sorption material can be a less expensive alter- well-referenced information in layperson terms makes native and is easily deployed in either “semi-active” or it impossible for information with these qualities to be passive treatment designs. The media is a hardened “readily-available” to citizens and public officials. Pro- granular material produced from reed sedge peat, with viding an alternative to the typical anti-mining literature a hydraulic conductivity of around 1 cm/sec and metal that dominates the first couple pages of an internet removal capacities ranging from 1–15% dry weight. search will start to increase the public’s general knowl- The media has been used successfully to remove cop- edge of mining, environmental science, and regulatory per, aluminum, lead, zinc and cadmium. Treatment effi- science and reduce institutionalized opposition. ciencies range from 75% for fine particulate metal to over 90% for dissolved metals.

12 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 11:15 am: The Game Has Changed – Building a sentation will highlight successful mining projects that Coalition to Support the Regulatory Process employ SMP approaches which have resulted in posi- Jason George, International Union of Operating tive legacies for communities, the environment and the Engineers, Nancy Norr, Minnesota Power, an mining industry. ALLETE Company, Kyle Makarios, North Central 3:30 pm: Waging Peace in the Community and States Regional Council of Carpenters and Winning While Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins Dave Lislegard, City of Aurora That Kill Community Relationships and Projects It’s no longer enough to provide facts and comply with James Lukaszewski, TLGRisdall the environmental review process. Resource devel- Projects have a home base usually over, under, next to, opment projects such as pipelines and mines have nearby, or through someone else’s backyard, sacred become magnets for media coverage and high-profile forest, waterway, well system, aquifer, fault line, native opposition by environmental groups. Building social burial ground, pristine view. Perceived impact on health capital and public support is critical to securing the and safety, the environment, property values, peace of social license to move forward. We’ll discuss how to mind, local culture disruption; make people crazy. STOP build coalitions utilizing partners such as local elected repeating common mistakes. Learn to win. Wage peace leaders, suppliers and unions, who are able to make the first- constantly. Wage war first, the war will last longer case for a project based on its importance to jobs and than you will. Critics and enemies created have eternal local economies and to refute the false choice between life and will dog your project forever. Respect com- jobs and the environment. We will share the experience munity core values to build enough neutrality to start. of the Jobs for Minnesotans coalition that is supporting Answer every question and only the unconvinceables the Polymet and Twin Metals projects. keep asking. Winning means getting less than you pro- 1:45 pm: Keeping Your Social License to Explore posed but more than enough to get a project underway. for Metallic Minerals in Minnesota Glenn Melchert, Minnesota Department of Natural Mining and Exploration Resources Chairs: Environmental advocates monitor exploration activi- Doug Learmont, Solutions Strategies Group, LLC ties more than ever and demand greater governmen- Sarah Gordee, Precambrian Research Center tal scrutiny and transparency of exploration activities. 10:45 am: Understanding the Why of Continuous Companies or explorers that explore for metallic min- Improvement in Mining Productivity Environments erals have increased incentives to ensure their actions Zach Saufley, Joy Global do not compromise their social license to operate. This In a tough global mining economy, Continuous Improve- is especially important if a project advances to the ment projects begin to become high priority for many environmental review phase for a mining proposal. The mine operators. The standard CI projects focus on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources strives to ‘what’ of the improvement, but what about the ‘why’? communicate regulatory, legal and other expectations Information is in over-abundance on many surface to explorers to achieve compliance. Some requirements operations – you can get overwhelmed by the ‘what’ include registrations, licensing, and a legal authority to of production goals and metrics. Getting back to the the land. Approval from federal, state, or local govern- basics of operating can be a huge, yet simple, CI effort. ment units may be needed before work can be done. Identifying the ‘what’ of loading area bottlenecks from This presentation describes the laws, rules and protocol metrics like truck exchange time, spot time, truck wait for a successful exploration program in Minnesota. time, and cycle time can help with the ‘why’ of it for 2:15 pm: Sustainable Mine Planning – Creating a help in operator best practices, supervisor training, and Positive Legacy managerial goals. Al Trippel and Erik Carlson, ERM 11:15 am: Driving Productivity Improvements – Mine life cycles start with exploration, resource estimation, You Need the Data engineering, and economic analyses – without those fun- David Fisk, 3D-P Inc. damentals, no mine could be justified. However, ERM’s Increasing use of productivity and safety systems on experience and research shows that viable large capital board our mobile production equipment has increased projects are often delayed by undermanaged environ- our reliance on our wireless networks for real time con- mental and social risk issues. Proactively addressing nectivity and data collection. Yet, the networks in many such issues early in the mine planning process is the mines do not perform anywhere near optimum. In this best assurance a project will be approved, operate, and paper we look at advances in networking technologies close with a sustainable positive legacy. Sustainable and some of the practices to help optimize performance mine planning (SMP) methods are key to assessing in our networks. and resolving economic, engineering, environmental, and social risk issues while significantly decreasing development timelines and permitting delays. This pre-

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 13 11:45 am: Implementation of Seed Form 3:30 pm: A Change in Perspective: Using GIS for Vibration Analysis, Modeling and Electronic Confident Decision Making Detectors for Blast Vibration Control and Blast Melissa Martinie and Kyle Heideman, Krech Ojard Performance & Associates, Inc. Thomas Barkley, Barkley D B Consulting Businesses make numerous locally and globally signifi- In early 2015, the Seed Waveform method was used cant decisions each day. Making confident decisions is to measure the Geologic response of the Mesabi Iron possible when data is available to a broad audience and Formation to explosives energy input. This single charge that audience has the tools to ask questions of the data. wave form was then used to design a critical first blast at A variety of industries, including mining, are leveraging a newly developed Taconite mine. This initial blast had GIS platforms to integrate information and understand it several irregular restrictions on design and performance. within a geographic context. A modern GIS platform is It had a very unusual “Frying Pan” shape, the regulatory used for more than making maps, it includes solutions agency required that no fly-rock land in State owned and processes that promote confident decision making waters less than 200 feet away, there was no open face anytime and anywhere. In this presentation we’ll exam- to blast to, design criteria included the need to detonate ine how a GIS platform can be leveraged throughout the blast with two sinking cuts, and have the sinking the decision making process in a mining environment. cuts meet through a narrow neck between the cuts. 4:00 pm: Eagle Mine: Developing an Effective All these had to be met using a 16 inch diameter hole. Operating Partnership Blast modeling with the Seed Waveform recommended Colin Connors, Lundin Mining – Eagle Mine a counter intuitive design of 100 ms between rows and John Larsen, Cementation USA 25 ms between holes in a row. This design guaranteed multiple holes per delay. The use of electronic detonators The Eagle Mine was purchased by Lundin Mining in insured exact duplication of the modeled time. Vibration the summer of 2013 and was brought into production results were significantly lower than generally accepted in the Fall of 2014. In late 2013, Cementation (USA) historic research would predict. The vibration result was was selected as the mining contractor to perform all also much less than well correlated local historic data underground operations and underground maintenance predicted. Blast performance proved the ability to greatly functions. The presentation will discuss the concept of reduce the expected results. All vibration, fly-rock, air a “One Eagle” team, the development of this operating blast and fragmentation results were much better than strategy and the learnings that have occurred by both expected by the customer and conventional expectations. organizations in effectively building the operating teams and structure. 1:45 pm: Tele-Remote Drilling: An Innovative Idea for the Iron Range Processing Benjamin Sutton, United States Steel Chairs: Innovation is the name of the game, do we spend money Jon Maki, Kemira Chemicals, Inc. now in hopes of creating savings later or do we save money Matt Mlinar, Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory now and pray it doesn’t cost us more down the road. On 10:45 am: Evaluation of Amine Type and Effect of the Iron Range there has been one area that has seen lit- Particle Size in the Reverse Flotation of a Liberian tle innovation for the past several decades: drilling. United Iron Ore States Steel partnered with Joy Global and Atlas Copco to M. Gotelip Barbosa, T. Junqueira Marques, see if that could be changed. Tele-remote drilling could cut G. Siboni and A. C. Araujo, Arcelor Mittal Mining costs by operating multiple drills at a time, create jobs for and Mineral Processing Research Center additional surveyors and engineers, and enhance safety by removing the operator from the rig. One question still Cationic reverse flotation of quartz is largely applied in remains, can it work on the Iron Range? iron ore in order to concentrate the iron bearing parti- cles. Amine and starch are the most common reagents 2:15 pm: UAS: The Future of Aerial Data Collection used as collector and depressant respectively and the Jay Haskamp, Frontier Precision, Inc. selection of those reagents is very important to the It is no secret, UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) is the definition of the beneficiation route. An iron ore from latest buzz in many industries. In this session we will Liberia, which is composed by three iron bearing min- show you how we can take something as simple as a erals - goethite, hematite and magnetite – and mainly high resolution aerial image, and turn it into a 3D map. quartz as gangue mineral, was submitted to reverse flo- Attendees will learn what is required to safely and legally tation using different types of amines as collectors and operate UAS in the United States. We will also discuss starches as depressant. The tests were also performed the benefits of UAS as it relates to mapping, inspection, with different size fractions aiming to evaluate the volumes and most importantly safety. Both fixed wing impact of the particle size in the process. The results and rotor solutions will be shown and the differences of this study are presented and discussed to show the between them discussed. The future of aerial data col- effect of chemical reagent selection and its effect on lection is here. flotation of three different size fractions tested.

14 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 11:15 am: Effects of Flotation Reagents on the 0.05-0.1 % starch, and 0.5-0.8 % MHA. However, Zeta Potential of Hematite Ore in laboratory scale abrasion tests, mass losses with Xihui Yin, Kemira Chemicals starch binder were high relative to the MHA and ben- Flotation is an important separation technique in iron ore tonite binders. To increase the abrasion resistance of beneficiation. In this process, the separation efficiency the pellets, small quantities of dispersants or bentonite is highly dependent on the surface chemistry of iron clay were used with the starch binders – this signifi- minerals and gangue minerals, which are basically con- cantly increased pellet preheat compression strengths trolled by surface nature of different minerals, flotation (1100 °C) and abrasion resistances (1100 and 1250 reagents, as well as water quality. Depressants, such °C). These laboratory results suggest that MHA and as starch and dextrin, are commonly used to selectively mixtures of starch, bentonite and dispersants are good adsorb on iron minerals and render them hydrophilic, candidates for pellet binders, and should be further while ether amine is used as collector for silica. These evaluated by pot-grate testing. flotation reagents react with different mineral surfaces 2:15 pm: Spiral Surface Property Investigation through different mechanisms. For example, starch is Niel Lourens, Multotec Canada normally considered to adsorb on iron oxide through An uncertainty in the industry is when to change spi- chemical complexation, while amine reacts with silica rals out. In other words, how does spiral performance via physical adsorption, driven by charge difference. deteriorate over time and a decrease in recovery is Since depressant is normally added before the addition noted? An investigation was launched to research the of amine, how the depressant influences the surface common belief that spirals experience a decrease in charge and adsorption of amine is an important issue. efficiency and therefore recovery, after a certain period In this research, the zeta potential of hematite and silica of operation. The investigation looked at the change in will be studied by electrophoresis technique at varying the surface properties of the Polyurea at different oper- dosages of depressant and collector. The effects of iron ating times. Surface characteristics were studied under depressants, including corn starch and a novel depres - a microscope and surface roughness measurements sant from Kemira, will be discussed. were taken. Metallurgical test work was conducted to 11:45 am: Grinding Optimization through Smartmill compare the grade, mass yield and recovery of the Marcelo Perrucci, ABB Switzerland different spirals under the same conditions. The paper In today’s difficult market, it’s critical to maximize sets out to present the results from the investigation and asset’s efficiency. For an effective grinding, the oper- test work findings. ator must achieve high throughputs, without too much 3:30 pm: Production of High Quality Pellets for recirculation, while adjusting mill feed according the mill Direct Reduced Iron Production load. While doing this, he must remember that push- Basak Anameric, University of Minnesota Duluth ing the mills too much will increase wear. To overcome The blast furnace technology is still the predominant these challenges, ABB has developed an embedded method of iron making at North America. However over ™ control for variable-speed drives – called SmartMill the recent years, interests towards the direct reduction – that utilizes online data for continuous, standalone (DR) technologies have increased, due to abundance of control of mills. This paper describes the advantages of shale natural gas resources. The continued interest and ™ SmartMill , the tests results and a return of investment growth of DR technologies will depend on an adequate analysis of an existing fixed-speed grinding mill to be supply of high quality pellets along with natural gas. ™ upgraded to SmartMill . Thus, considerable amount of research and develop- 1:45 am: Iron Ore Pelletization with Starch and ment activities has been undertaken for production of Humic Acid high quality DR pellets from iron ore processing plants S. Komar Kawatra, Joseph Halt and Youlian Zhou located at Northern Minnesota. The objectives of this Barkley, Michigan Technological University, Depart- study were to support these activities by investigat- ment of Chemical Engineering, Houghton, MI ing the optimum fluxing conditions and pellet basic to Starch (produced from corn and wheat) and modified acid ratios. Throughout the study, (i) low silica iron ore humic acid (called MHA, extracted from lignite coal) concentrate was produced in the pilot plant, (ii) green- have been proposed as iron ore pellet binders instead balls were produced in the pilot agglomeration disk, (iii) of bentonite clay. Starch and MHA are more desirable greenballs produced were indurated in the pot grate than bentonite for high-purity pellets, such as pellets furnace, (iv) a suitable induration cycle was identified, for direct reduction (DR) processes. Starch and MHA (v) fluxing condition and fluxes (limestone and dolomite) were evaluated on two iron ore concentrates: a fluxed used were varied, and (vi) pellets produced were evalu- hematite with an 80% passing size of 35 µm and an ated for their physical and metallurgical properties. unfluxed magnetite with an 80% passing size of 38 µm. The dosages required to make pellets with good wet drop (>5 drops), dry compression strength (>5 lbf), and fired compression strength (>400 lbf) results were

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 15 4:00 pm: Opportunities and Challenges for be based on the specific rock type being evaluated. A North American DRI Projects comparison of the solute release rates between the two Janice Bolen, Hatch ASTM standard humidity cells and four specialized cells North American DRI projects are facing business case will also be presented. and pricing challenges. This presentation will review potential North American DRI projects and outline the Industrial Minerals future market for DR grade iron ore pellets around the Chairs: Great Lakes region. DRI opportunities for merchant Greg Beckstrom producers will be reviewed with a focus on how likely Lawrence Zanko, NRRI, University of Minnesota Duluth the import alternative iron unit and scrap displacement 9:00 am: Development of Alkali-Activated case is. Opportunities for EAF and integrated steelmak- Concrete Binders in the Upper Midwest ers to use DRI will be outlined using operating cost com- Mary Christiansen, University of Minnesota Duluth parisons for various process routes. The production of portland cement for use in concrete is responsible for 5-8% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions and as a result the investigation of alternative Wednesday, April 13, 2016 cementitious binders has increased dramatically in the Environment – Technology last several decades. Of particular interest is the devel- Chair: opment of alkali-activated binders, which are produced Steve Koski, Minnesota Department of Natural from the alkali activation of a powdered aluminosilicate Resources source by an alkaline solution. The resulting binder is a dense three-dimensional matrix of tetrahedrally linked 9:00 am: Quantifying the Iron-Based Sulfide aluminosilicates. Also referred to as geopolymers, Absorption Capacity of Aquatic Sediment and these binders have shown great potential as a building Iron Minerals construction material, offering similar mechanical and Nathan Johnson and Nicholas Osmundson, durability properties to ordinary portland cement con- University of Minnesota Duluth crete. This paper investigates the development potential In some cases, sulfide accumulation in porewaters of of these binders based on the quality and availability of freshwater sediment depends on the quantity of iron materials in the upper Midwest. present in sediments. We tested the capacity of aquatic sediments and an iron carbonate mineral (siderite) to 9:30 am: Considerations in the Recovery/ sequester added sulfide and remove it from the aque- Removal of Stamp Sands ous phase in batch and column laboratory experiments. Thomas Logue, Torch Lake Industries, Inc. When sulfide was added incrementally to sediment, 100 years ago, the Keweenaw Peninsula was the little sulfide was present in porewater until solid phase largest producer of copper in the world. Leftover mine sulfide exceeded solid phase iron stoichiometrically. In tailings, or stamp sand, are a visible reminder of those batch experiments, both iron-containing aquatic sedi- days. Numerous government agencies including the ment and siderite removed sulfide produced via biologi- EPA as well as the local state university have studied cal sulfate reduction. In laboratory-scale columns (6 day these massive deposits of post industrial waste, but residence time) fed lactate-amended water containing widespread remediation plans have proven elusive. >600 mg/L sulfate, the rate of iron release and overall Torch Lake Industries, Inc. was formed in 2013 to per- sulfide absorption capacity from siderite was related to mit, process and transport stamp sand product to newly surface area and mass of the iron amendment. created markets. This presentation chronicles the mar- ket considerations, logistic challenges, governmental 9:30 am: Preliminary Evaluation of Leachate requirements and environmental concerns navigated in Concentration Limits from Two Duluth Complex this complicated process. Rock Types Zach Wenz, Minnesota Department of Natural Environmental & Policy Resources Chairs: In 2015, the MN DNR initiated six laboratory rock weath- Julie Lucas, Hibbing Taconite Company ering tests to evaluate leachate concentration limits for Steve Munson-Geerts, University of Minnesota two Duluth Complex rock types. The two rocks under test are from the NorthMet and Mesaba projects and 9:00 am: Managing Wetlands/Aquatic Resources Permits – What to Do with Long-term, Legacy have respective sulfurwt% values of 0.06 and 1.24. Mining Projects as Regulations and Personnel Preliminary results indicate substantially different solute Change, but Permit Conditions Do Not concentration limits for the two rock types. No consis- Allyz Kramer and Bob Whiting, Short Elliott tent correlation between leachate metal concentrations Hendrickson (SEH) and rock sulfur concentration has been exhibited. This U.S. mining projects undergo comprehensive environ- lack of correlation demonstrates that concentration limit mental review and mitigation planning for wetlands/ parameters for water quality prediction models should

16 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER aquatic resources permits to be authorized. Complex glaciolacustrine unit responsible for the Mount Polley mine plans of operation often dictate when, where, and TSF Breach. Extreme spatial variability in shield area how wetlands/aquatic resources will be impacted, typ- GS composition is poorly captured by lithostratigraphic ically leading to required mitigation. Such permits may classification and mapping schemes, and NRCS soil be authorized for different timeframes depending on the mapping similarly fails to characterize vertical variabil- agency or the mine plan. With mining operations driven ity. Site-specific GS lithofacies mapping, coupled to by current and projected economic conditions, which predictive depositional models, provides the framework can alter, temporarily idle, or even close a mine indefi- to guide subsequent geotechnical and hydrogeological nitely, how are existing permits affected when operations investigations. change? Can permit conditions and expiration dates be 9:30 am: Gold-in-Till Anomalies in an Archean amended? Who’s responsible for maintaining valid per- Granite Greenstone Terrane, Northern St. Louis mits? When regulations change, what happens to older, County, Minnesota legacy permits still having valid, enforceable conditions? Don Elsenheimer, Minnesota Department of Natural What steps should mine managers and personnel take Resources to ensure that permits do not expire, that conditions are A gold-in-till survey of nearly 200 near-surface glacial adhered to, and that legacy decision-making is accurately sediment samples has identified areas of high mineral documented? This paper will provide recommendations potential within the Cook Area, a 200 square mile sec- for maintaining permits, understanding the legalities of tion of Archean granite greenstone terrane south of Lake permit decisions and enforceable conditions, and the Vermilion, between Cook and Tower. Three areas of state- importance of accurate record-keeping. owned/managed mineral rights with clusters of high gold 9:30 am: Water Quality Regulatory Challenges grain counts and/or pristine gold grains have not previ- for Closed Mines in Non-Compliance ously been explored for gold. Local bedrock sources are Erik Carlson, ERM suggested by gold grain counts, geochemical analysis of Responsible management of closed mine sites is nec- associated -0.063mm fractions and HMC, and historical essary to leaving a positive legacy for the mining indus- exploration records. This project supports the manage- try. One particular aspect of responsible mine closure is ment of State-owned/managed mineral rights and adds long-term management of water resources. The Clean value to Minnesota’s mineral estate. Water Act, however, did not anticipate such a long-term water management scenario, especially in resolv- Processing ing existing non-compliance. Regulatory compliance Chairs: within the legal confines of the Clean Water Act can Dan Palo, Barr Engineering be confounding. Consideration of variances, compli- Basak Anameric, University of Minnesota Duluth ance schedules, water quantity requirements, and the 9:00 am: The Roy Hill Iron Mine and Port Labora- determination if a discharge is from a point or non-point tories: Aligning with the Corporate Mandate for source can paralyze mine owners and regulators alike Next-Gen Integration Technology and Processes as they try to find a path to a permit. Brad McBain, IMP Automation Canada Ltd Ryan Wilson, IMP Group Pty Ltd. Mining and Exploration The Roy Hill Project is an iron ore mining, rail and port Chairs: project based in the Western Pilbara region of Australia. George Hudak, NRRI, University of Minnesota, Duluth Projected to produce its first ore by the end of 2015, Christian Schardt, University of Minnesota, Duluth this project has been designed to maximize returns on 9:00 am: Lithofacies Mapping of Glacigenic every tonne of ore produced. The corporate mandate Deposits: Managing Engineering and Environ- is a focus on consistent grade and quality of ore that is mental Risk on the Shield produced using consistent, low-cost production tech- Phillip Larson, Vesterheim Geoscience PLC niques. The IMP Group has designed, constructed and Characterization of glacigenic sediment (GS) physical commissioned labs for both the mine and the port in and chemical properties and distribution is critically Port Hedland, featuring state-of-the-art automation important to environmental assessment and engi- systems and process control parameters. This pre- neering design in glaciated shield terranes, including sentation will highlight IMP’s laboratory and sampling northeastern Minnesota. Here, the vast majority of systems, with examples of the deliverables that align groundwater flow occurs in GS, while engineering with the Roy Hill mandate. design must account for widely varying geotechnical properties in GS overlying hard bedrock. Shield GS deposits (till, glaciofluvial sand and gravel, and glaci- olacustrine silt and clay) are commonly draped over irregular bedrock topography, resulting in lateral com- positional and thickness variability on the scale of 100s of meters, not coincidentally the size of the subsurface

2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 17 Special Events Monday, April 11, 2016 Welcome Reception $15/person advanced registration required 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Greysolon Ballroom by Black Woods Celebrate the beginning of the 89th Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Section of SME with this evening social held in the Greysolon Moorish Room. This reception is the perfect opportunity to make new connections with other confer- ence attendees and our conference exhibitors. Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Student Breakfast 7:00 am – 8:30 am Location: Gooseberry Falls 1 This casual networking breakfast provides students the opportunity to meet industry representatives, learn about internships, co-ops, employment opportunities and SME student chapters and related activities. (open to registered students only) Trade Show And Vendors’ Reception 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Location: Pioneer Hall Food and beverages provided, name badges required for admission. Sponsored by the 2016 SME Trade Show exhibitors and co-hosts from the mining industry, the Vendors’ Reception is open to conference attendees, vendors, co-hosts, mining representatives and guests. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 SME-MN Section Annual Business Meeting 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Location: Board Room, Level 2 The agenda for the annual SME-Minnesota Section Business Meeting will include the announcement of the annual election results for the 2016-2017 officers, the annual treasurer’s report, reports from the Twin Cities and Northern Minnesota subsections, as well as various Minnesota Section committee reports. In addition, the floor will be open to other new business items from the membership. Professional Networking Luncheon $35/person advanced registration required Noon – 1:30 pm Location: Gooseberry Falls 3 Play All the Cards in your Hand – It’s the Gender Energy Leadership Advantage Betty-Ann Heggie Wise leaders choose the best option for every situation, venue and audience. They play their trump cards. In our hands, each of us hold the naturally collaborative, feminine energy Queen of Hearts along with the masculine energy King of Spades, which is not afraid to take a risk. By playing these cards strategically, you’ll not only create more innovation, employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and community support, you’ll be considered a wise leader. Betty-Ann Heggie, a retired SR VP with PotashCorp, the world’s largest fertilizer company, a member of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame, the Canadian Women in Mining 2015 Trailblazer and one of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining as named by WIM (UK), will use university research and personal stories to reinforce these principles providing lots of laughs along the way. Attendees will leave inspired to use the wider range of leadership actions available to them by using both gender energies.

18 2016 SME MN CONFERENCE . GLOBAL ECONOMICS, LOCAL EFFECTS . DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER 89th Annual Meeting Minnesota Section of SME 77th Annual University of 89THMinnesota ANNUAL Mining MEETING Symposium MINNESOTA SECTION OF SME 2016 SME MN Conference April 11-13, 2016 Global Economics, Local Effects 77TH ANNUAL UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MINING SYMPOSIUM APRIL 11-13, 2016

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REGISTRATION FEES SHORT COURSES Early Regular Late Additional cost Before March 15, 2016 March 16-31, 2016 April 1-10, 2016 MONDAY, APRIL 11: MEMBER: $300 $325 $375 $______Direct Reduced Iron and SC1 $125 $______Metallurgical Iron NONMEMBER: $390 $415 $465 $______Mining Hidden Losses SC2 $75 $______RETIREE: $60 $60 $60 $______Testing Your Mettle SC3 $75 $______

STUDENT: $30 $30 $30 $______SOCIAL FUNCTIONS Included with registration  Check if you have any special needs. If so, please identify them (1992 ADA). TUESDAY, APRIL 12: Attending Lunch TL  Yes  No Attending Vendor Reception TVR  Yes  No WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13: I agree to pay the total according to card issuers agreement. Attending Breakfast WB  Yes  No METHOD OF PAYMENT SOCIAL FUNCTIONS Additional cost  American Express  Discover  MasterCard  Visa MONDAY, APRIL 11:  Check or Money Order Welcome Reception WR $15 $______WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13: Networking Lunch NWL $35 $______Card No. Exp. Date

SEND FORM AND PAYMENT VIA ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Signature CSR Code MAIL: Meetings Dept. Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, Inc. 12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle, Englewood, CO 80112 TOTAL DUE $ FAX: 303-979-3461 Total of Registration Fees, Short Courses and Social Functions ONLINE: www.smemnconference.com 12999 E. Adam Aircraft Cir. Englewood, CO 80112