PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Sponsored by: Newmont Mining ... - SME

Shaping A Strong 

Future Through 

Mining 

Sponsored by: Newmont Mining Corporation 

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM 

www.smenet.org 

SUPPLEMENT TO

Join Before You Register and Save $$$ 

Join SME by January 28, 2011 and 

SAVE $130 

on Your 2011 Annual Meeting 

Registration Fees! 

SME’s Annual Meeting is the best opportunity to 

develop and sharpen your professional skills and 

knowledge. Technical presentations will feature new 

horizons and new challenges facing the minerals 

industry. Networking with 4,000+ professionals is 

priceless. The SME Exhibit will feature over 350 

companies exhibiting state-of-the-art products and 

services that you won’t want to miss. 

SME Membership Has VALUE: 

• OneMine.org – online global mining and mineral library – over 50,000 

technical papers and books available for download - FREE! 

• Members receive a free monthly subscription to Mining Engineering 

magazine. 

• Members save an average of 25% on books. 

• Members save an average of $100 on SME meetings and short courses. 

• Members have access to the career site – www.miningjobs.com. 

• Free Membership Directory: includes over 11,000 professionals in the 

mining industry. 

• SME Website provides: Discussion Forums with members around the 

world; the SME Directory; Industry Newsfeeds and Commodity Indexes/ 

Prices; SME Link List with more than 200 listings, and much more. 

• Members are eligible for Life and Medical Insurance; Credit Program; Car 

Rental Discounts; and Liability Insurance. 

SAVE AN 

ADDITIONAL $100 

When You Register For Short 

Courses Held in Conjunction 

with the Meeting 

IT’S EASY! 

Once your paid application 

is received and approved 

you will be given a member 

number which can be used to 

register at member rates (a 

savings of $130 for the 2011 

SME Annual Meeting). 

www.smenet.org · sme@smenet.org 

8307 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton, CO 80127 

800·763·3132 · 303·948·4200

DENVER • COLORADO 

HOW TO REGISTER 

For Meeting Registration and 

Hotel Reservation 

ONLINE 


PHONE/FAX 

Telephone: 1-866-229-2386 

Fax: 301-694-5124 (Secure Line) 

MAIL 

SME Meeting Registration (RET102) 

c/o Experient 

PO Box 590 

Frederick, MD 21705 

Full payment MUST be received with completed registration form. 

Registration and Housing forms are provided in this mailer. 

When registering online, or by phone/fax 

DO NOT SEND ANOTHER COPY BY MAIL 

Confirmations will be e-mailed to the individual at the address 

provided on the form. If no e-mail address is provided, 

confirmation will be sent by regular mail. 

CONTENTS 

Alumni and Special Functions .......................... 32 

Calendar of Events ....................................................6 

Education Agenda ................................................... 31 

Exhibit Floor Plan ................................................. 104 

Exhibit Highlights ................................................. 103 

Exhibitor Listing .................................................... 105 

Field Trips .................................................................... 26 

General Information ..................................................2 

Hotel Information ................................................. 109 

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM ....................110 

IM&AD 75th Anniversary ..............................33&34 

Keynote Session .........................................................5 

Membership, SME ................Inside Front Cover 

Mentor/Mentee Program .................................... 30 

Mine Emergency Response Exercise ........... 25 

Miners Give Back ..................................................... 10 

New Activities for 2011 ........................................ 33 

Preprint Contest ....................................................... 31 

Program Committee .............................................. 38 

REGISTRATION FORM ....................................111 

Short Courses ........................................................... 20 

SME Foundation ...................................................... 19 

Social/Division Highlights .................................. 34 

Sponsors/Sponsorship .................................... 108 

Student Activities .................................................... 29 

TECHNICAL PROGRAM 

Sessions-at-a-Glance ................................... 37 

Monday ................................................................. 39 

Tuesday ................................................................ 50 

Wednesday ......................................................... 81 

Things to See & Do in Denver .......................... 28 

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS 

Specially prepared registration forms have been provided in your exhibitor service kit. Booth personnel 

of exhibiting firms should NOT use the registration form contained in this brochure. 

For more information contact: SME Exhibit Sales and Operations, 303-948-4213

GENERAL INFORMATION 

ADVANCE DEADLINE: JANUARY 28, 2011 

For Hotel Reservations and Meeting Registration 

All technical sessions, division luncheons, and short courses will be conducted at: 

Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 

Website: www.denverconvention.com 

Registration Fees 

To receive advance registration rates, SME must receive 

your registration form and payment by January 28, 

2011. After January 28, 2011 on-site registration fees 

apply. One-day advance registration is available for 

members and authors only. 

Nonmember Registrants 

Join SME or CMA by January 28, 2011 and save money 

on your full meeting registration fee. 

Registration Policy 

All attendees and authors at the SME/CMA Annual 

Meeting are required to register. Nonmember authors 

may register at the member rate. The one-day rate 

for members is available only for the day you want to 

attend (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday). The 

appropriate badge is required for admittance to the 

technical sessions and exhibit and will be checked at 

the entrance of all activities. Attendees interested in 

touring the exhibit only can purchase a one-day pass. 

Exhibit-only registrations ARE NOT permitted to attend 

the technical sessions. 

Legion of Honor Registration Policy 

Legion of Honor Members are entitled to receive 

reduced registration fees for the 2011 SME/CMA 

Annual Meeting. Attendees requesting this category 

of registration must meet eligibility requirements and 

must be on record at SME as a Legion of Honor Member. 

A Legion of Honor Member must have acquired 50 years 

of membership. SME Members are automatically moved 

to this membership class. 

Senior Member Registration Policy 

Retired Senior members are entitled to receive 

reduced registration fees for the 2011 SME/CMA 

Annual Meeting. Attendees requesting this category 

of registration must meet eligibility requirements and 

must be on record at SME as a Senior Member. A Senior 

Member is a retired member who has reached 70 years 

of age with 30 continuous years of membership with 

SME. Individuals must contact the SME Membership 

Department and request this category of membership 

(based on qualifications). Questions regarding 

Senior Member status should be directed to the SME 

Membership Coordinator at 303-948-4204. 

Student Registration Policy 

Student registrants for the 2011 SME/CMA Annual 

Meeting & Exhibit must meet eligibility requirements. 

SME requires that an individual must be attending a 

college, university, or higher education institution on a 

full-time basis to qualify for student registration rates. 

SME cannot process student registrations without 

evidence that you are a full-time student. Students 

enrolled in 12 or more semester credit hours are 

considered full-time. When sending your registration 

please provide registration confirmation from your 

educational institution. Acceptable confirmation 

includes: transcript, most recent report card, or official 

school registration documents. Student registration 

forms without this information will not be processed. 

Cancellation/Substitution Policy 

If circumstances require you to cancel your SME/ 

CMA registration, you must do so in writing. Written 

notice must be sent to SME Meeting Registration, 

c/o Experient, PO Box 590, Frederick, MD 21705. 

Cancellations received by January 28, 2011 will receive 

a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. There are no 

refunds for no-shows and cancellations postmarked 

after January 28, 2011. Registrants are responsible 

for cancellation of their own hotel accommodations. 

Substitutions will be accepted in writing at no charge 

until January 28, 2011. After January 28, 2011 a $25 fee 

will be charged for substitutions. 

NO REFUNDS – for Registration, Short Course, Social 

Function, Tour and Field Trip tickets will be issued 

after the January 28, 2011 DEADLINE. 

International Delegates – 

Letter of Invitation 

SME will send a letter of invitation to paid, full 

registrants upon request. Invitations are intended to 

help international delegates raise travel funds or obtain 

a visa. It is not a commitment from the Conference 

or the organizers to provide any financial support. 

Request for letters of invitation must include: attendee 

name, job title, company name, mailing address (PO 

Boxes are not acceptable), city, state/province, country, 

zip/postal code, phone and fax number, and beginning 

and end dates of travel. Also provide the address, 

phone and fax number of your embassy. All items 

must be submitted to complete a letter of invitation. 

Send your written request to: SME Meetings Dept., 

8307 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton, CO 80127-7002 USA 

or e-mail: meetings@smenet.org. 

2


Housing Reservation Information 

Hotel accommodations are available at the Grand 

Hyatt, Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center, 

Marriott City Center, Sheraton Denver, Westin Tabor 

Center, and the Hilton Garden Inn. See page 37 for 

detailed hotel and address information. 

Please complete the Hotel Reservation form and 

RETURN NO LATER THAN JANUARY 28, 2011 TO: 

SME Housing Bureau, c/o Experient 

PO Box 590 


Phone: 1-866-229-2386 

Fax: 301-694-5124 

E-mail: smeattendee@experient-inc.com 

Online: www.smenet.org 

DO NOT send your housing form to SME. 

A VALID CREDIT CARD NUMBER MUST ACCOMPANY 

THE COMPLETED HOTEL RESERVATION FORM TO 

GUARANTEE RESERVATION. 

Acknowledgements will be sent either by e-mail or fax 

from the SME Housing Bureau. 

Purchasing Tickets 

Attendees must register to purchase tickets for social 

functions and/or field trips. Registrants may purchase 

multiple tickets. 

CD-ROM – Meeting Pre-prints 

Sponsored by Mintec, Inc. 

Each full, one-day and student registrants will receive 

a CD-ROM of pre-prints from the 2011 SME/CMA 

Annual Meeting. Additional CD-ROMs are available for 

purchase. See Registration Form in this mailer. These 

will be available for pick-up in the SME Bookstore 

during the meeting (offer excludes discounted and 

exhibits only registrations). 

Short Courses 

SME Short Courses will be conducted at the Colorado 

Convention Center. See page 11 for details. 

Technical Sessions 

All technical sessions will be conducted at the Colorado 

Convention Center. Technical session information starts 

on page 29. 

Field Trips 

Field trips are subject to cancellation based on limited 

attendance. Make your reservations early using the 

registration form. See page 17 for field trip details. 

SME Cyber Cafe 

The Cyber Cafe will be located in the exhibit hall at 

the Colorado Convention Center. Computers will be 

available during exhibit hours to surf the net, retrieve 

and send e-mail messages, and view mining websites. 

Registration Hours 

On-site registration will be conducted during the 

following hours in the Convention Center. 

Saturday, February 26 

(Short Course and Exhibitors Registration Only) 

Sunday, February 27 

Monday, February 28 

Tuesday, March 1 

Wednesday, March 2 

7:00am – 5:00pm 

7:00am – 7:00pm 

7:00am – 5:30pm 

7:00am – 5:00pm 

7:00am – 2:00pm 

Exhibit Hours 

Exhibitor products and services will be showcased at 

the 2011 SME/CMA Annual Meeting at the Colorado 

Convention Center. Badges are required for admittance. 

All food and beverage functions held in the exhibit hall 

will be located in the three lounges and restaurants. 





5:00pm – 7:00pm 

11:00am – 5:30pm 

11:00am – 5:30pm 

8:00am – Noon 

SME Bookstore Hours 

The SME Bookstore will be located in the Colorado 

Convention Center. It will feature SME publications 

and a large selection of merchandise. You can also 

pick up your copy of the pre-print CD-ROM of the 2011 

Annual Meeting by redeeming the ticket enclosed in 

your registration packet on-site. 

The SME Bookstore will be open the following hours: 


8:00am – 5:00pm 


8:00am – 5:00pm 


8:00am – 5:00pm 


8:00am – 2:00pm 

3


Airport 

Denver International Airport 

Airport Code: DEN 

8500 Peña Blvd. 

Denver, Colorado 80249-6340 USA 

Phone: 303-342-2000 

For further detailed information regarding Denver 

International Airport, please contact the airport directly 

or visit the official Web page at: www.flydenver.com 

Transportation Services 

Downtown Denver is accessible via shuttle, taxi, and 

personal vehicle. 

SuperShuttle 

Phone: 800-525-3177 or 303-370-1300 

Approximate cost for shuttle service from Denver 

International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver is $19 

one-way / $34 round trip. Please contact SuperShuttle 

for the prevailing rates. Reservations are not required. 

Proceed to Level 5 / Baggage Claim of the main terminal. 

SuperShuttle’s counter is adjacent to the car rental 

counters. For further details, please visit SuperShuttle’s 

official Web page at www.supershuttledenver.com. 

Taxis 

Taxi service from Denver International Airport to 

downtown Denver is approximately $50 one-way. 

• Freedom Cab 303-444-4444 

• Metrotaxi 303-333-3333 

• Yellowcab 303-777-7777 

Driving directions from Denver International 

Airport to downtown Denver: 

• Follow signs to Peña Blvd. 

• Take Peña Blvd West towards Denver 

• Take I-70 West 

• Take I-25 South 

• Exit onto Speer Blvd. South 

Meeting Registration Includes 

FULL REGISTRANTS RECEIVE 

• 2011 Pre-print CD-ROM 

• Daily Exhibit Hall Access 

• Grand Opening Reception (Sunday, Exhibit Hall) 

• Welcoming Luncheon (Monday, Exhibit Hall) 

• Admittance to Technical Sessions 

• Admittance to Keynote Session 

• Afternoon Social (Tuesday, Exhibit Hall) 

• Continental Breakfast (Wednesday, Exhibit Hall) 

1-DAY MEMBER-ONLY REGISTRANTS RECEIVE 

• 2011 Pre-print CD-ROM 

• Exhibit Hall Access (On Registered Day) 

• Grand Opening Reception 

(Sunday Registrants Only, Exhibit Hall) 

• Welcoming Luncheon 

(Monday Registrants Only, Exhibit Hall) 

• Admittance to Technical Sessions (On Registered Day) 

• Admittance to Keynote Session (Monday Registrants Only) 

• Afternoon Social (Tuesday Registrants Only, Exhibit Hall) 


EXHIBIT HALL-ONLY REGISTRANTS RECEIVE 

• Exhibit Hall Access (On Registered Day) 

• Grand Opening Reception 

(Sunday Registrants Only, Exhibit Hall) 

• Welcoming Luncheon 

(Monday Registrants Only, Exhibit Hall) 

• Admittance to Keynote Session (Monday Registrants Only) 

• Afternoon Social (Tuesday Registrants Only, Exhibit Hall) 


Please refer to page 101 for addresses 

and locations of hotels. 

Parking 

There are a number of parking options near the 

Colorado Convention Center that range from $6 – $13/ 

day. Please visit www.downtowndenver.com for 

updated information regarding surface and garage 

parking options in downtown Denver. Check with your 

selected hotel regarding parking services, rates and 

availability. 

Shuttle Service 

There will be NO SHUTTLE SERVICE provided 

between hotels and the Colorado Convention Center. 

Please see the hotel concierge for alternatives. 

4

SME/CMA KEYNOTE SESSION 

Shaping a Strong Future 

Through Worldwide Mining 

8:30am • Monday, February 28, 2011 

Colorado Convention Center 

Sponsored by: Aker Solutions 

The United States has become the world’s most powerful and prosperous nation by 

leveraging its vast natural resources in an array of products essential to modern life. 

Cell phones, automobiles, computers, and virtually everything we use requires minerals. 

This appetite for minerals will continue to grow. But permitting delays, the increasing 

burden of government regulation, and lack of public awareness of the benefits of mining, 

have discouraged domestic mineral investment in recent years, notwithstanding 

increases in commodity prices. In fact, a recent survey of mining executives shows that 

companies spend less than 10% of their exploration budgets within the United States. 

Meanwhile the U.S. is becoming increasingly dependent on foreign minerals. For 

example, the United States is 100% import dependent on 19 key minerals including rare 

earths, which are essential for military and renewable energy technologies. America 

also imports most of the silver, tungsten, titanium and palladium used to manufacture 

everything from automobiles to solar power. 

As the developing world countries continue to grow their economies, it is certain 

competition for resources will continue to grow, unless the U.S. adopts and successfully 

implements strategies designed to secure its energy and mineral security. This will 

involve developing the resources we have here in the U. S. and abroad. We need 

more than a national minerals or energy policy. The U.S. needs a revolution in public 

awareness of the essential role that mineral products play in our society. This will 

require companies to effectively deploy programs to gain such acceptance through 

sustainable and environmentally responsible mining. 

WELCOMING: 

John Hickenlooper 

Denver Mayor (invited) 

MODERATORS: 

Don Ewigleben 

Uranium Resources Inc. 

Bill Langer 

US Geological Survey 

SPEAKERS: 

Hal Quinn 

President and CEO, National Mining Association (NMA) 

Russell Ball 

Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, Newmont Mining Corp 

Stephen D’Esposito 

President, RESOLVE 

Vince Matthews 

Director, Colorado Geological Survey 

5

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

CC = Colorado Convention Center • H = Hyatt Regency Convention Center 

SHORT COURSES 

Short Course: Equipment Management: Key to Equipment 

Reliability and Productivity in Mining 

9am – 5pm • CC 

Friday, February 25, 2011 

2nd Annual Miners Give Back: 

Benefiting Food Bank of the Rockies 

12:30pm – 4pm • H 

EXHIBITOR SET-UP 

8am – 5pm • Exhibit Hall • CC 

EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION 


SHORT COURSES 

Short Course Registration 

7am – 9am • CC 

Short Course Coffee Break 

7:15am – 9am • CC 

Short Course: Equipment Management: 

Key to Equipment Reliability and 

Productivity in Mining 


Short Course: Beyond Mining: Diversify 

and Expand your Local Economy 

with Sirolli Enterprise Facilitation 


Short Course: National Instrument 

43-101 Standards of Disclosure for 

Mineral Projects 


Saturday, February 26, 2011 

Short Course: Mine to Mill Process 

Optimization 


Short Course: Ore Reserve Risk 

and Optimization in Strategic Mine 

Planning 


Short Course: Strategic Open Pit 

Mine Planning and Cutoff Grade 

Optimization 



10:15am – 10:30am • CC 

Short Course Lunch 

Noon – 1:00pm • CC 

Short Course Break 

2:30pm – 3pm • CC 

BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

Leadership Orientation 

8am – Noon • H 

Audit Committee 

9am – 11am • H 

ABET General Information & 

Training Lunch 

Noon – 1pm • H 

ABET General Information & 

Training 

1pm – 5pm • H 

Strategic Committees Joint Meeting 

1pm – 2pm • H 

Strategic Committees Breakout Meetings 

2pm – 5pm • H 

Internet Committee 

3pm – 5pm • H 

Board of Directors Meeting (Closed Session) 

5pm – 6:30pm • H 

Sunday, February 27, 2011 

EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION 


EXHIBITOR SET-UP 


REGISTRATION 

7am – 7pm • Lobby B • CC 

SME BOOKSTORE 

8am – 5pm • Lobby B • CC 

EXHIBITS OPENING 

5pm – 7pm • Exhibit Hall • CC 

SHORT COURSES 

Short Course Registration 



7:15am – 9am • CC 

Short Course: Equipment Management: 

Key to Equipment Reliability and 



Short Course: Beyond Mining: Diversify 

and Expand your Local Economy 

with Sirolli Enterprise Facilitation 


Short Course: Improved Water 

Recovery Through Implementation 

of Alternative Tailing (ATD) Disposal 


Short Course: National Instrument 

43-101 Standards of Disclosure for 

Mineral Projects 


Short Course: Mine to Mill Process 

Optimization 


Short Course: Ore Reserve Risk 

and Optimization in Strategic Mine 

Planning 


Short Course: Science and Practice 

for Managing Cyanide in a 

Responsible Manner 


6




SHORT COURSES 

Short Course: Strategic Open Pit 

Mine Planning and Cutoff Grade 

Optimization 



10:15am – 10:30am • CC 

Short Course Luncheon 

Noon – 1pm • CC 

Short Course Break 

2:30pm – 3pm • CC 


SME/NSSGA Student Design 

Competition Finals Presentations 

7am – 2pm • H 

WAAIME Executive Committee 


Professional Engineers Exam 

Committee Workshop 

8am – 4pm • H 

Coal & Energy Division Executive 

Committee 


Environmental Division Executive 

Committee 


IndMD Executive Committee 


M&E Division Executive Committee 


MPD Executive Committee 


Mineral Schools Department Heads 

9:30am – Noon • H 

Student Chapter Reps Subcommittee 


Board of Directors 

12pm – 4pm • H 

ADTI – MMS Meeting 

1pm – 4pm • H 

IndMD Program Committee 

1pm – 2pm • H 

Student Forum and Reception 

1pm – 3pm • CC 

Coal & Energy Unit Committee 

2pm – 3pm • H 

Construction Materials and 

Aggregates Committee 

2pm – 4pm • H 

MPD Unit Committee 

2pm – 3pm • H 

Mentor Meeting Place 


Educators Forum 


Annual Meeting of Members 

4pm – 5pm • H 

MMSA Annual Meeting 

4pm – 6pm • H 

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS 

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Reception 


Foundation Dinner and Dance (Ticketed) 

6:30pm – 7pm: Cocktails • H 

7pm – Midnight: Dinner, Awards, 

Dancing • H 

Student Mixer 

9pm – Midnight • H 

Monday, February 28, 2011 

REGISTRATION 

7am – 5:30pm • CC 

AUTHORS’ COFFEE 

7:30am – 8:30am • CC 

SPEAKER READY ROOM 

7:30am – 5pm • CC 



SME KEYNOTE SESSION 

8:30am – 11am • CC 

EXHIBIT 

11am – 5:30pm • Exhibit Hall• CC 

DREYER LECTURE 

1:30pm – 2:30pm • CC 

MPD PLENARY LECTURES: 

Gaudin, Richards, 

Wadsworth, and Yoon 

2:00pm – 4:30pm • CC 


OTC Planning Committee 

7am – 9am • H 

MPD Nominating Committee 

7:30am – 9:30am • H 

Young Leaders Committee 

8am – 11am • H 

IndMD Technical Committee 


Environmental Div. Business Meeting 


WAAIME Scholarship Committee 

8am – 4pm • H 

Bulk Material Handling Committee 

11:30am – 1pm • CC 

7 

Accreditation and Curricular Issues 


Peer Review Editorial Board Meeting 

1pm – 2:30pm • CC 

OneMine Board Meeting 

2pm – 4pm • H 

Mining Engineering Committee 

2:30pm – 4:30pm • CC 

ABET Visitor Selection Committee (Closed) 


IndMD Nominating Committee 

4pm – 5pm • H 

Dreyer Award Committee 

4pm – 5:30pm • H



3rd Annual Spouse/Guest 

Meet and Greet Brunch 

11am – 1pm • H 

Exhibit Hall Luncheon 

11:30am – 1pm • Exhibit Hall • CC 



New Member Orientation & Reception 

5pm – 6:30pm • CC 

WAAIME Members & Scholarship 

Recipients Reception (Invitation Only) 

5pm – 6:30pm • H 

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates 

75th Anniversary Gala (Ticketed) 

6pm • Cocktails • H 

7pm • Dinner • H 

Rising Professionals Social (Ticketed) 

7pm – 9pm • H 

Mining Engineering Handbook 

Reception 

5pm – 7pm • H 

REGISTRATION 



7:30am – 8:30am • CC 


7:30am – 5pm • CC 



EXHIBIT 

11am – 5:30pm • Exhibit Hall • CC 

SME 2012 ANNUAL MEETING 

EXHIBIT SPACE SALES 

10am – 5pm • CC 


Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting 

7am – 9am • H 

Section Reps 

8am – 9am • H 

SME/NSSGA Student Design 

Competition Planning Meeting 


Sustainable Development Committee 


WAAIME Membership Meeting 

9am – 11am • CC 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 

National GEM Committee 

9am – Noon • CC 

M&MP Editorial Board 


Student Member Affairs Committee 


Silent Auctions – ED & MPD 


Coal & Energy Division Business 

Meeting (held during Luncheon) 


IndMD Business Meeting 

1:45pm – 2pm • CC 

Research Council Meeting 


SME Membership Committee 


Council of Education & Accreditation 


Information Publishing Committee 

3pm – 5pm • H 

Government Relations Committee 

4pm – 5pm • H 

M&E/Coal Underground 

Ventilation Unit Committee 



Women of SME Breakfast/ 

Panel Discussion (Ticketed) 

7:30am – 9am • H 

Coal & Energy Division Luncheon, Silent 

Auction and Business Meeting (Ticketed) 


Environmental Division Luncheon (Ticketed) 


IndMD Luncheon and Silent Auction (Ticketed) 


Exhibit Hall Afternoon Social 

3:30pm – 5:30pm • Exhibit Hall • CC 

Plant Operators Open Forum 


International Visitor’s Reception (Invitation Only) 

5:30pm – 7pm • H 

CMA Environmental Stewardship 

Awards Banquet (Ticketed) 

6pm – 9pm • H 

Scotch Nightcap 

Scholarship Fundraiser (Ticketed) 

8pm – 11pm • H 

8



Wednesday, March 2, 2011 

REGISTRATION 

7am – 2pm • Foyer • CC 


7:30am – 8:30am • CC 


7:30am – 5pm • CC 



EXHIBIT 

8am – Noon • Exhibit Hall • CC 

EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT 

Noon – 8pm • Exhibit Hall • CC 

JACKLING LECTURE 

1:30pm – 2pm • CC 

2012 SME ANNUAL MEETING 

EXHIBIT SPACE SALES 

8am – 11am • CC 


2012 SME Annual Meeting 

Program Committee 

7:30am – 9am • CC 

SME/AIME Past President’s Breakfast 

7:30am – 9am • H 

2013 SME Annual Meeting 

Program Committee 

9am – 10am • CC 

Mii Combined Committee Meetings 


AIME Mudd Fund Committee 

9:30am – Noon • H 

Distinguished Member Award 

Nominating Committee (Closed) 

10am – 11am • CC 

Educational Sustainability 


Registered Member Admissions 

and Ethics Committees 

11am – 12:30pm • CC 

MPD Business Meeting 

1:45pm – 2pm • CC 

International Committee Meeting 


M&E Division Business Meeting 

2pm – 2:30pm • CC 

M&E Division Unit Committee 

2:30pm – 3:30pm • CC 

Environmental Division Nominating 

Planning Committee Meeting 


MPD Executive Committee 


Resources & Reserves Committee 

Meeting 

3pm – 4:30pm • CC 

Nominating Strategic Committee (Closed) 

3:30pm – 5pm • CC 


Exhibit Hall Continental Breakfast 

8am – 9:30am • Exhibit Hall • CC 

CMA/Colorado Division of Mining, 

Reclamation & Safety Awards 

Luncheon (Ticketed) 


M&E Division Luncheon & 

Silent Auction (Ticketed) 


MPD Division Luncheon / 

Student Poster Session (Ticketed) 


SME/AIME Dinner 

Head Table Reception 

6pm – 7pm • H 

SME/AIME Dinner Reception (COD) 

6pm – 7pm • H 

SME/AIME Dinner (Ticketed) 

7pm – 9:30pm • H 

President’s Reception (Invitation Only) 

9:30pm – Midnight • H 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 

8am – 11:30am • H 

Thursday, March 3, 2011 

FIELD TRIPS 

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY 

EXPLORATION (Ticketed) 

7:30am – 6:30pm • H 

HENDERSON MINE (Ticketed) 

7:30am – 3:30pm • H 

LEADVILLE AML (Ticketed) 

8am – 5:00pm • H 

9

MINERS GIVE BACK 

2nd Annual • Friday, February 25, 2011 

12:30 – 4pm 

Benefiting Food Bank of the Rockies 

Got time? Volunteer it to Miners Give Back! 

Participate in the 2nd Annual Miners Give Back 

project on Friday, February 25th, 2011 from 1:00pm 

to 5:00pm benefiting the Food Bank of the Rockies. 

Did you know that 49% of the individuals that Food 

Bank provides for have to choose between buying 

food or paying their power bill each month? Join 

your fellow Miners to inspect, clean, sort and pack 

donated food items at the Food Bank of the Rockies 

Warehouse which are then distributed to numerous 

Colorado families in need. 

In Phoenix, 2010, 40 miners volunteered their time. 

We are looking to grow our efforts and double that 

participation in 2011. No special skills are required 

just the desire to give back to the community. 

Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and 

closed toed shoes as you will be working in a 

warehouse environment and standing the majority 

of the project. Transportation will be provided 

departing the Hyatt Regency Denver Convention 

Center hotel promptly at 12:30pm so plan your 

arrival into Denver accordingly. Beverages and 

snacks will also be provided. 

Sign up to volunteer on the registration page printed 

at the end of this mailer or online at www.smenet. 

org. Can’t volunteer your time? Donate financially 

at www.foodbankrockies.org/goto/minersgiveback. 

Food Bank of the Rockies has been Fighting 

Hunger and Feeding Hope since 1978. For further 

information visit www.foodbankrockies.org. 

10

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration Annual Meeting & Exhibit 

Colorado Mining Association 113th National Western Mining Conference 

February 27 - March 2, 2011 


Denver, Colorado 

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration and the Colorado Mining Association 

are once again teaming up to host the biggest and best mining conference and 

trade show to take place in Colorado in 2011. “Shaping a Strong Future Through 

Mining” will emphasize the critical need for minerals throughout the world and 

the contribution of mining to prosperity and economic development. This will be 

your opportunity to learn how the United States will declare and pursue energy 

and mineral independence in the 21st century, while continuing to expand mineral 

development opportunities abroad. Featuring dozens of technical and policy sessions 

focused on the opportunities and challenges in worldwide mineral resource 

development, the meeting will draw more than 5,000 resource professionals and 

650 exhibitors, so make plans to attend now. 

11

NWMCE 

SHAPING A STRONG FUTURE THROUGH MINING 

IN COLORADO AND THE WEST 

THE COLORADO MINING ASSOCIATION’S 

113TH NATIONAL WESTERN MINING CONFERENCE 

Securing our nation’s mineral and energy independence is key to our nation’s 

survival. As the developing world modernizes, the competition for minerals will 

intensify. Yet the United States and Colorado have become increasingly dependent 

on minerals from countries outside the United States. Mineral deposits are elusive 

and their location respects no geographic boundaries. It is not only important 

to mine the deposits here in the United States, but also in areas throughout the 

world where they may be found, using the most advanced technologies possible 

and applying the principles of sustainable development to environmentally and 

socially responsible mining. 

CMA’s 113th National Western Mining Conference will provide you with a roadmap 

for the opportunities and challenges in mineral resource development throughout 

Colorado, the U. S., and the world. As always, the conference will highlight the 

growing role of Colorado – your launchpad for mineral development worldwide. 

12

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2011 - 1 P.M. 

MINING IN COLORADO 

All meetings to be held in Rooms 605 and 607 

of the Colorado Convention Center 

NWMCE 

Chairman: Fred J. Menzer 

Vice President – Colorado Operations 

Climax Molybdenum Company 

Empire, Colorado 

Colorado continues to lead the way in mineral resource development, ranking first the 

production of molybdenum, fourth in gold, and 10th in coal. This session will feature 

presentation by new leaders of Colorado’s major operations and focus on what’s new in 

mineral resource development. Traditional sectors such as coal, gold, and molybdenum 

will take center stage. The session will also provice a glimpse of mining of the future. 

The New Elk Coal Properties 

Ron Thompson 

Mine Manager, New Elk Coal Company 

Trinidad, Colorado 

Update on Climax and Henderson Operations 

Fred J. Menzer 

Vice President – Colorado Operations, Climax Molybdenum Company 

Empire, Colorado 

The Trapper Mine and Future Operations 

James “Jim” Mattern 

President & General Manager, Trapper Mining Inc. 

Craig, Colorado 

The Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine: Living the Mining Heritage 

Raymond G. DuBois 

Vice President & General Manager, Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company 

Victor, Colorado 

There will be a short break prior to the Annual Meeting 

13

NWMCE 

CMA ANNUAL MEETING 

4 TO 5:15 P.M. 

Welcome and Call To Order 

Joel Christman 

Chairman, Colorado Mining Association 

Mining Sales Manager, Wagner Equipment Company 

Aurora, Colorado 

Annual Report to the Membership 

Stuart Sanderson 

President, Colorado Mining Association 

Election of Officers and Directors 

Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors 

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011 - 9 A.M. 

INTERNATIONAL MINING OPPORTUNITIES 

Chairman: Mark Nesbitt 

Attorney, Nesbitt & Associates, LLC 


Chairman: John Stine 

District Manager, Rocky Mountains, Australian Trade Commission 

Denver, Colorado and Sydney, Australia 

Colorado is both a starting point and headquarters for international mineral development. 

Colorado companies are engaged in exploring for and developing mineral resources 

throughout the world, ranging from Australia to Afghanistan. This session will explore the 

exciting new partnerships with other nations, the activities of Colorado mining companies, 

and the efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable economies. 

Emerging Markets in Australia and the Asia Pacific 

Nigel Warren 

Senior Trade Commissioner and Consul General, San Francisco Consulate of Australia 

San Francisco, California 

Newmont Mining Corporation and Sustainable Development Worldwide 

David Baker 

Chief Sustainability Officer, Newmont Mining Corporation 

Greenwood Village, Colorado 

14

Tailings Storage Facility Stewardship 

Han Ilhan, P.E. 

Vice President, Global Mining Business Director, URS 


NWMCE 

Mineral Development Opportunities in Afghanistan 

William Crowl 

Vice President, Mining Sector, Gustavson Associates, LLC 

Boulder, Colorado 

Finding Solutions to Challenges in Global Mineral Development 

Dave Cole 

CEO, Eurasian Minerals 


TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011 - 1 P.M. 

REGULATORY CHALLENGES FACING THE MINING INDUSTRY 

Chairman: Paul M. Seby 

Partner, Moye White, LLP 


Colorado is ground zero for regulatory challenges impacting the mining industry. Legislation 

to displace coal use, as well as regulations restricting mineral development and 

access to lands essential for continued mine operations, and increasingly stringent water 

quality standards, are among the many issues that this session will explore. The session 

will also include perspectives from both utilities and labor on the impact that such initiatives 

will have on household incomes, employment, and future energy policy. 

Perspectives From a Utility Customer of Coal 

Barbara Walz 

Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. 

Westminster, Colorado 

Regulatory Challenges Facing Mining in Colorado 

and the Western States 

Paul M. Seby 

Partner, Moye White, LLP 


15

NWMCE 

Energy Cost Impacts on American Families 

Eugene M. Trisko 

Attorney at Law 

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia 

The Impacts of Water Quality Standards on Mine Development 

and Operations in Colorado and Throughout the United States 

Ron Rimelman 

Principal Engineer, TetraTech 

Golden, Colorado 

113TH NATIONAL WESTERN MINING CONFERENCE BANQUET 

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARDS 

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011 

RECEPTION 6 TO 7 P.M. 

Hyatt Regency Convention Center Hotel - Continental Ballroom 

Reception, Dinner, Awards 

BANQUET – 7 P.M. 

AWARDS CEREMONY – 8 P.M. 

SPEAKER: ERIC SONDERMANN 

Founder of SE2, Denver based Political Analyst, Pundit and Commentator 

A Colorado native, Eric Sondermann founded and now chairs SE2, a Denver-based consulting 

firm specializing in public persuasion and media relations. A high-profile political 

analyst and media pundit, Sondermann has been interviewed by a laundry list of local, 

national and international publications and media outlets. He appears as a regular panelist 

on the weekly “Colorado Inside Out” program on local public television and as host 

of the “Colorado Decides” political debate series sponsored by CBS4Denver and KBDI- 

Channel 12 (and until recently, the Rocky Mountain News). He will offer his insights on 

Colorado and the nation’s political landscape. 

16

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011 - 9 A.M. 

URANIUM MINING IN THE NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE 

NWMCE 

Chairman: Don Ewigleben 

President & CEO, Uranium Resources, Inc. 

Lewisville, Texas 

Uranium mining and nuclear energy are experiencing a renaissance, as utilities focus 

on securing new and clean sources of energy in an era of increasing demand. Although 

demand for nuclear fuel is rising, the United States remains dangerously reliant on 

imported uranium. The session will address the challenges and the opportunities at the 

local, national and global policy arenas for all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. Speakers 

will also assess the status of efforts to build and permit new uranium mills and projects in 

Colorado, concluding with a legal overview of obstacles that remain. 

National Energy Policy: Impacts on the Nuclear Industry 

Ganpat Mani 

President & CEO, Converdyn, Inc. 

Englewood, Colorado 

The National Legislative and Regulatory Outlook for Uranium 

Katie Sweeney 

General Counsel, National Mining Association 

Washington, DC 

The Pinon Ridge Mill: An Update 

Steve Antony 

President & CEO, Energy Fuels Resources Corporation 

Lakewood, Colorado 

Challenges to Uranium Mine Development in Colorado 

John Fognani 

Partner, Fognani & Faught, PLLC 


CLOSING LUNCHEON 12P.M. TO 2 P.M. - DOORS OPEN 11:45 A.M. 

COLORADO MINING ASSOCIATION 

COLORADO DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING & SAFETY 

COLORADO MINED LAND BOARD AWARDS CEREMONIES 

Four Seasons Ballroom 4 - Convention Center 

A Placer View of the National Mining Museum: 

It’s More Than Just a Museum 

Robert E. Hartzell 

Executive Director, National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum 

Leadville, Colorado 

Colorado Mining: A Regulator’s Perspective 

Loretta Pineda 

Director, Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining & Safety 


17

NWMCE 

JOIN THE COLORADO MINING ASSOCIATION 

AND SAVE $130 ON CONFERENCE REGISTRATION 

THERE IS REAL VALUE IN CMA MEMBERSHIP 

Providing opportunities for business development and professional 

growth, throughout Colorado and the West, including: 

• 113th National Western Mining Conference & Exhibition – 

Colorado’s largest annual mining conference 

• CMA’s Directory – the complete listing of mining professionals 

and companies 

• Rock & Coal – one of the industry’s leading publications 

containing the latest developments and mining news 

• Discounts on meetings, membership forums, and other events 

held continuously throughout the year 

• Links to CMA’s web site at www.coloradomining.org for sustaining 

members 

• Discounts on workers compensation insurance 

In today’s changing world, you need a strong, alert and dedicated 

ally. At CMA, we have been working to promote mining for 

more than 130 years! 

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 

Full Name___________________________________Title__________ 

Business Name_____________________________________________ 

Mailing Address____________________________________________ 

City________________________State_____________ZIP_________ 

Business Phone___________________________Fax_______________ 

Home Address_____________________________________________ 

City________________________State____________ZIP__________ 

Home Phone_____________________________Fax______________ 

Preferred mailing address: Home_____________Business___________ 

Is your company a CMA Sustaining Member?_____________________ 

Please send information for Sustaining Membership_________________ 

My check for $100.00 is enclosed_______________________________ 

Credit Card No.___________________________________Exp______ 

Signature__________________________________________________ 

COLORADO MINING ASSOCIATION 

216 16th Street, Suite 1250 Denver, CO 80202 

Phone: 303-575-9199 Fax: 303-575-9194 

Email: colomine@coloradomining.org 

Web: www.coloradomining.org 

18

S 

M E 

19 91 

F O U N D AT 

I O N 

THE SME FOUNDATION 

SME Foundation Booth and Silent Auction 

Located in the Exhibit Hall • Open during Exhibit hours 

S 

M E 

19 91 

F O U N D AT 

I O N 

Once again, the SME Foundation is soliciting items for auction. 

This is an excellent way for your company to advertise 

while donating to the Foundation. Donors and their booth 

numbers will be listed with the auction items. The unique 

and valuable items that are donated make the SME Foundation 

booth one of the most popular stops in the exhibit hall. 

Cash donations are also greatly appreciated as this helps us 

purchase highly desirable items for the auction. 

This will be the fifth year for the silent auction to benefit 

the programs under the umbrella of the SME Foundation. 

These programs include ABET, GEM, Mii, PE 

Exam, MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarship, Syd S. 

Peng Award and Scholarship, McIntosh Scholarships, 

and most recently, the Rong Yu Wan Memorial Scholarship 

and the George Weisdack Memorial Scholarship. 

All of these programs benefit SME members though education, 

outreach, licensure, scholarships and awards. 

If you, or your company, would like to make a tax-deductable 

donation (items or cash) please contact John 

Murphy (jmurphy@pitt.edu) or AnnMarie Estrada (estrada@smenet.org) 

or mail your donation directly to 

The SME Foundation, Attn: AnnMarie Estrada, 8307 

Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, CO 80127. 

Popular items in the past have been historical mining 

memorabilia, maps, high-quality mineral or fossil specimens, 

quality jewelry or gem specimens, artwork and 

books. This year we are excited to again offer the Pebble 

Project trip/tour to Alaska for four, generously donated by 

the Pebble Ltd. Partnership, as well as the Carlin Trend Mine 

trip/tour in Nevada, generously donated by Newmont Mining 

Corporation. These, and all our donated items, will be 

displayed on the SME Foundation website for early viewing, 

www.smenet.org/foundation. 

Please plan to drop by and visit with SME Foundation 

Trustees and SME staff to learn more about the current 

activities and future goals of the Foundation. 

SME Foundation 

Dinner - Dance 

Sponsored by Consol Energy 

Date: Sunday, February 27, 2011 

Time: 6:30pm 

Place: Hyatt Regency Convention Center 

Tickets: $95 

The Foundation Trustees will hold a Luau-themed Foundation Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation 

on Sunday, February 27th. You can look forward to an evening filled with great food, 

Hawaiian ambiance and music, a live auction, dancing and much more. The activities we have 

planned will provide you with an opportunity to relax and enjoy the evening, while supporting 

the SME Foundation’s fundraising efforts and taking part in the vision the Trustees have for its 

future. 

The Foundation Dinner Dance always provides a fantastic opportunity to see old friends and 

colleagues. And as always, the SME Foundation is very appreciative of the tremendous support 

SME members give to this event! 

We extend our gratitude to Consol Energy for hosting this exciting evening. Please purchase 

tickets for this event on your SME Annual Meeting registration form. 

19

SHORT COURSES 

Friday-Sunday, February 25-27, 2011 


2.1 CEU 

Equipment Management: Key 

to Equipment Reliability and 


Member: $695 • Nonmember: $795 

Student Member: $550 

Overview 

The objective of the course is to equip attendees 

with the ability to successfully implement modern 

maintenance management techniques and work 

control procedures that ensure maximum equipment 

reliability and full productive capacity. Attendees 

should include mining managers, operations 

managers and maintenance managers together with 

their supervisors, planners, engineers and technicians 

as well as craftsmen who play a leadership role in 

team organizations. The course has applicability to all 

types of mining and mineral processing operations on 

both the surface and underground. 

Course Content 

Day one 

Understanding equipment management 

Applying the principles of equipment management 

Developing the equipment management program 

Leadership and equipment management 

Organization 

Work load versus workforce 

Improving workforce productivity 

Day two 

Understanding preventive maintenance 

Effective planning and scheduling 

Reliability centered maintenance 

Total productive maintenance 

Day three 

Implementing information systems 

Essential information 

Non-maintenance project work 

Benchmarking 

Material control 

Cost control 

Assessing maintenance performance 

Instructor: 

Paul D. Tomlingson 

Principal, Paul D. Tomlingson Associates, Inc. 

Tel: 303-377-5585 

E-mail: pdtmtc@msn.com 

Saturday-Sunday, February 26-27, 2011 


1.4 CEU 

Beyond Mining: Diversify and 

Expand your Local Economy with 

Sirolli Enterprise Facilitation 



Overview 

Historically, mining companies have provided jobs, 

hiring preference to local business and physical 

infrastructure for neighbouring communities. To 

varying degrees communities become reliant on your 

mine for employment, business activity and a strong 

local economy. This reliance can be disastrous if your 

mine contracts or closes. Therefore, mining jobs and 

infrastructure development should be balanced by the 

creation of local businesses. 

Facilitating new enterprises in communities is the 

specialized field of the Sirolli Institute. In 1985, the 

Enterprise Facilitation ® experiment was conducted by 

Ernesto Sirolli in Esperance, Western Australia, seeking 

an answer to: “Could it be that economic development 

can be achieved helping people transform their own 

dreams into a way to make a living?” 

Mining companies using Enterprise Facilitation 

can contribute to a self reliant and diversified local 

economy. You do so by responding to passionate local 

people who are totally committed to the success of the 

venture. Gaining skills in this field will allow you to 

leave behind a legacy of entrepreneurial know-how. 

This 2-day course will take you deep into the 

psychology of personal growth and will explain 

how true facilitation releases the indomitable spirit 

of people. It will also identify the practicality of 

transforming local ideas into successful social and 

economic enterprises. 


As a course participant you will: 

Understand a never initiate, never motivate attitude 

Identify the benefit of working at the time, pace and 

inclination of clients. 

Differentiate Enterprise Facilitation from other 

economic development approaches. 

Explain the balance between creating infrastructure 

and facilitating enterprise. 

Learn what it takes to set up a successful enterprise. 

Take away tools and resources for client development. 

20 

Day 1: 

We launch the course by creating the environment 

necessary for true communication and learning to 

occur. Participants will be encouraged to share their

SHORT COURSES 

passions in life and to describe to others how they wish 

to improve their relationship with the communities 

that they impact. A discussion about successes and 

failures will help set the stage for learning. 

Sharing the Philosophical Foundation of Enterprise 

Facilitation: Participants are asked to read 

and summarize short articles by a number of 

writers from different disciplines and historical 

periods. Sociologists, psychologists and business 

commentators are introduced to the participants. 

What emerges is an understanding of the concept of 

responsiveness and its foundation in human potential 

and the intrinsic wish to grow. 

Day Two 

The Role of the Enterprise Facilitator: The principle 

of responsiveness obliges the practitioners of 

Enterprise Facilitation to reconsider their role visà-vis 

the community. It requires discipline to never 

initiate the relationship with the client and to never 

motivate them to do what we wish for. How to work 

in the community in a responsive way is discussed 

together with the concepts of accessibility, visibility, 

and confidentiality. 

The Tools for Counseling Community Members: The 

tools of the Family Doctor of Business are introduced 

and discussed. The Enterprise Facilitator only works 

with individuals who ask for their help. When called 

upon, the Enterprise Facilitator is no longer passive; 

rather he/she acts as a family doctor. Namely, the 

Enterprise Facilitator diagnoses what is wrong with 

the “patient” and suggests a “remedy”. Diagnostic 

tools are introduced and their uses are explained. 

Emphasis is placed on the Trinity of Management® 

and its implication for the success of new and 

expanding businesses. 

Practicing the Tools in Small Workshops: This session 

is organized with the assistance of the participants 

who volunteer to use the tools in mock up sessions. 

Personal, family, and friends’ experiences are used to 

show how the Trinity of Management can be used to 

help the venture succeed. 

Instructors: 

Ernesto Sirolli 

Chairman and CEO, Sirolli Institute International Inc. 

Phone: 877 747 6554 

E-mail: ernesto@sirolli.com 

Mr Greg Blaylock, PE 

Phone: 541 263 0868 

Email: greg@sirolli.com 

National Instrument 43-101 Standards 

of Disclosure for Mineral Projects 



Overview and Content 

Proposed changes to NI 43-101: 

• The Canadian Securities Administrators published 

proposed changes to NI 43-101 by April 23, 2010, 

for public comment. 

• Presenters will review what these changes will mean 

to the mining industry that must comply with the new 

rules (when they are finally adopted in mid 2011) 

Overview of NI 43-101 and Other Mining Disclosure 

Standards 

• Who are the securities regulators in Canada? 

• Technical disclosure standards for mining 

companies under Canadian securities law (NI 43- 

101 and Canadian stock exchange policies). 

• Technical disclosure standards under United States 

Securities and Exchange Commission Industry Guide 7. 

• Common misconceptions about NI 43-101. 

Some fundamental compliance issues under NI 43-101: 

• Meeting the definition of a Qualified Person. 

• Disclosing estimates of mineral resources and 

mineral reserves prepared by others. 

• Defining the different types of mining studies. 

• Consents of Qualified Persons and Experts required 

under Canadian and US securities regulations – 

when are they triggered; what must they say? 

NI 43-101 Technical Reports: 

• Technical report triggers under NI 43-101 and stock 

exchange policy. 

• What must be included in a technical report; what 

can be left out? 

• Responsibilities of the Qualified Persons that 

prepare the technical reports. 

• Regulatory issues that come up with technical 

content/form. 

• Determining whether a technical report is still 

current for filing purposes. 

The new civil liability regime under Canadian 

securities law 

• New Canadian securities legislation on civil liability 

for secondary market disclosure. 

• Taking advantage of defenses against civil liability. 

Notes on the presentation as well as documents that 

provide templates for Consents of Qualified Persons, 

and Consents of Experts under required under Canadian 

and US requirements, and guidance for technical report 

preparation will be made available to participants. 

Instructors: 

Greg Gosson, AMEC Americas Limited 

Stella Searston, AMEC Americas Limited 

Phone: 604 648-6026 

E-mail: greg.gosson@amec.com 

21

Mine to Mill Process Optimization 



Overview 

Mining and processing operations involve a variety of 

steps, each with their own attributes and requirements for 

efficiency. However, in some cases the conditions required 

to optimize any one of these steps may be counterproductive 

for the achievement of optimisation in another. An approach 

is therefore warranted in which conditions for each step are 

varied so as to achieve global optimization. 

The Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre at 

the University of Queensland has been involved in 

implementing such a holistic methodology “Mine to 

Mill Process Optimization” to maximize the overall 

profitability of mining operations. The objective of 

this methodology is to develop and implement sitespecific 

mining and milling strategies to maximize the 

operations profitability in a sustainable manner. 

This workshop explains the methodology and discusses 

in detail the critical aspects to successfully implement it 

in a sustainable manner. Benefits of such an approach 

on the energy consumption, green house gas emissions 

and the overall costs and benefits of an operation will 

be explained using case studies. 

The objective of this workshop is to increase the 

awareness and communication between mining 

engineers and metallurgists to work collaboratively to 

improve the overall profitability of their operations. This 

workshop is aimed for drill and blast engineers, mine 

superintendants, metallurgists, plan superintendants, 

mine managers, concentrator managers, general 

managers, asset optimization managers and business 

improvement managers - personnel responsible to 

improve the overall productivity of operations. 


Day 1 

Mine-mill Philosophy 

Introduction to Drilling and Blasting 

Introduction to Crushing and Grinding 

Introduction to Flotation and Recovery 

Rock Breakage during Blasting 

Rock Breakage in Crushing and Grinding 

Rock Characterization for M2M Purposes 

Day 2 

Blast Audits 

Crushing and Grinding Surveys 

Flotation Surveys 

Blast Modeling 

Crushing and Grinding Modeling 

Flotation Modeling 

Implementation of a Mine to Mill Project: Case Study 

Instructors: 

Sarma S Kanchibotla & Sarah Schwarz 

JKTech Pty Ltd, Australia 

T - +61733655842 

www.jktech.com.au 

SHORT COURSES 

22 

Ore Reserve Risk and Optimization in 

Strategic Mine Planning 



Please note: It is strongly recommended that participants 

bring a laptop. 

This two-day course presents the new generation 

of applied technologies integrating conditional 

simulation methods for reserve risk management with 

new risk-based mine planning optimization, leading to 

improved cash flow assessments. Emphasis is placed 

on the downstream applications pertinent to the 

feasibility, design, development and planning stages of 

mining ventures, as well as in the financial optimization 

of relevant aspects of operations and production. 

Participants will: 

• Discover how and why risk-based models create 

value and opportunities 

• Understand how to quantify and utilize grade/ 

tonnage/metal uncertainty and variability 

• Learn about new efficient simulation methods for 

modeling orebodies and how to utilize the results in 

a diversity mining applications 

• Understand how to use quantified orebody risk in 

ore reserve estimation, mine planning and design, 

and mineral project valuation 

• Learn from actual industry examples and diverse 

applications 

• Participate in hands-on computer workshops using 

real case studies 


Introduction 

• Quantification of uncertainty in strategic planning 

creates opportunities, value, shelters investment 

and maximizes profits 

• Frameworks for uncertainty modeling, profitability, 

optimization and mining operations 

Concepts and Techniques 

• An intuitive introduction to Monte Carlo simulations 

and risk assessment 

• Mining data analysis and description 

• Grade estimation or simulation? 

• Fast and efficient sequential conditional simulation 

algorithms 

Practice of Conditional Simulations for Risk 

Modelling in Mining 

• Simulation based resource/reserve classification 

(gold deposit) 

• Drillhole spacing optimization 

• Reserve risk quantification, selectivity and dilution 

(nickel deposit) 

• Fault simulation and uncertainty assessment (coal) 

• Assessing risk in recoverable reserves and meeting 

project production schedules ahead of mining (gold 

deposit) 

• Uncertainty in pit design and production scheduling

SHORT COURSES 

with simulated orebodies (disseminated gold deposit) 

• Stochastic pit limits are larger pushback design with 

grade uncertainty (disseminated gold deposit) 

• Profitability and risk based grade control (gold 

deposit case study) 

• Risk based optimal design for sublevel open stoping 

(underground copper mine)* 

• Stochastic production scheduling application and 

comparison to conventional scheduling (copper 

deposit) 

• Product quality management and production 

scheduling with simulated deposits (iron ore deposit)* 

• Rehabilitation and environmental modelling (Spring 

water in space-time) 

Computer Workshops 

• Simulation of a lateritic nickel deposit with SGeMS 

and assessing the risk from resource variability 

• Stochastic production scheduling in a copper deposit 

Instructor 

Roussos Dimitrakopoulos 

McGill University 

E-mail: roussos.dimitrakopoulos@mcgill.ca 

Strategic Open Pit Mine Planning and 

Cutoff Grade Optimization 



The course participants need to bring their own laptop 

computers. 

Overview 

Open pit limit analysis, pushback designs, mine 

sequencing, scheduling and cutoff grade policy are 

fundamental elements of long and short term mine 

planning process. Strategic open pit mine planning 

involves analysis of factors impacting these fundamental 

elements in an effort to maximize profitability of mining 

operations. 

Cutoff Grade is defined as the grade that that is normally 

used to discriminate between ore and waste when ore 

is treated using a single metallurgical process. Cutoff 

grades are defined as the grades that differentiates 

between different processing options when ore is 

treated using multiple processing options. Although the 

definition of cutoff grade(s) is precise, the choice of a 

cutoff grade policy to be used during the exploitation 

of a deposit is not. The cutoff grade policy to be used 

during the exploitation of the deposit that maximizes 

the Net Present Value (NPV) of annual cash flows coming 

from a mining project not only depends on solutions 

to pit limits, pushback designs, mine sequencing and 

scheduling steps but also optimization of each of these 

solutions with respect to one another and the processing 

options. In this short course, assumptions related to 

fundamental elements of mine planning process will be 

critically reviewed and the shortcomings to currently 

used solution methods will be identified. 


Day 1 

• Economic Definition of Ore 

• Cutoff Grade Definition – Breakeven Cutoff Grades 

for single and multiple process operations 

• Economic Block Model Generation from Resource Model 

• Definition of Ore Reserves – Strip Ratio Analysis and 

Cone Mining Method 

• Optimization of Pit Limits - Learchs and Grossmann 

(LG) Algorithm 

• Mining Sequence – Definition of Nested Pits, 

Pushbacks and Phases 

• Breakeven Cutoff Grade Policy, Scheduling and Cash 

Flow Analysis 

• Net Present Value Calculation 

• Traditional Mining Industry Cutoff Grade 

Optimization Methods and Stockpiling 

• Cutoff Grade Optimization for Single Commodity 

Operations with Single Capacity Constraint - Crusher 

Day 2 

• Optimizing Cutoff Grades by Lane’s Approach 

• Relationship between Opportunity Cost and 

Declining Cutoff Grades 

• Economic Cutoff Grades and Balancing Cutoff Grades 

• Determination of Cutoff Grades When Mill is the 

Bottleneck 

• Determination of Cutoff grades When Mine and Mill 

capacities are limiting 

• Determination of Optimum Cutoff Grades When 

Mine, Mill and Refinery/Market Capacity Constraints 

are limiting the Output. 

• Case Study 1 - Gold Mine Cutoff Grade Optimization 

using Lane’s Approach; 

• Case Study 2 - Copper Mine Cutoff Grade Optimization 

using Lane’s Approach 

Day 3 

• Optimization of Cutoff Grades for Multi Commodity Mines; 

• Optimization of Cutoff Grades for Multiple Mining 

Operations 

• Cutoff Grade Optimization for Mining Operations 

with Blending Constraints and Stockpiles 

• Cutoff Grade Optimization for Mining Operations 

with Multi Metallurgical Processes and Stockpiles; 

• Case Study 1 - Optimization of cutoff grades for a 

single open pit mine containing multiple phases 

(i.e. pushbacks), a single metallurgical process for a 

single commodity with or without stockpiles. 

• Case Study 2 - Optimization of cutoff grades for large 

gold mining operation with multiple mines and 

pits having multiple ore types containing multiple 

commodities and multiple metallurgical processes 

requiring blending and stockpiling options. 

• Case Study 3 - Maximizing NPV of a large copper 

project through optimization of cutoff grades, mining, 

metallurgical process and stockpile capacities. 

Instructor: 

Kadri Dagdelen 

Colorado School of Mines 

E-mail: Kdagdelen@mines.edu 

23

SHORT COURSES 



.7 CEU 

Improved Water Recovery through 

Implementation of Alternative Tailing 

Disposal (ATD) Methods 



Overview 

This short course will explore the intricacies of 

implementing Alternative Tailing Disposal (ATD) 

methods and will help participants understand the 

value of each ATD method (filtered, thickened, paste) 

with regard to water efficiency and conservation. 

Equipment vendors will share their hands-on 

experience on what does and does not work. Industry 

best practices and the limitations of ATD technologies 

will also be explained. The course agenda includes 

the following topics: a) conventional vs. ATD; b)slurry 

transport; c) thickeners for optimal water recovery; 

c) pumps and pipelines; d) filtered tailing disposal. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their tailing 

disposal issues and challenges for discussion. 


• Synopsis of typical practice: conventional disposal 

of tailing slurries. Limitations of this technique and 

conventional equipment. 

• What is a slurry: brief synopsis on bi-modal fluids, 

rheology and non-Newtonian fluid dynamics. 

• Equipment that pushes the envelope: high rate 

thickeners, hydro-cyclones, and how to recover 

process water at the plant 

• How to deal with the resulting product: pumps and 

slurry transport. How far can we take this before we 

run into physical limitations? 

• Filtration and its advantages and limitations 

• Comparison to wet disposal 

• A discussion about participants’ mines / circumstances 

Instructors: 

Clint Strachan 

MWH 

Phone: (970) 212-2772 

E-mail: Clinton.Strachan@us.mwhglobal.com 

Pat Corser 

MWH 

Phone: (970) 879-6260 

E-mail: Patrick.G.Corser@us.mwhglobal.com 

Jos Vandekeybus 

MWH 

E-mail: Jos.Vandekeybus@be.mwhglobal.com 

Science and Practice for Managing 

Cyanide in a Responsible Manner 



Overview 

The course objective is to discuss a variety of cyanide topics 

related to the cyanidation extraction of gold and silver. The 

course will cover the introduction to cyanide chemistry 

and analytical methods for cyanide, and cyanide-derived 

species including the review of the process analyzers. 

The proper analyses impart a thorough knowledge of 

the chemistry of the cyanida tion circuits, which in turn 

may help lower cyanide consumption and increase gold 

extraction. In addition, a detailed discussion related to 

cyanide detoxification, as well as cyanide recovery and 

recycling will be presented. The course is intended for 

metallurgical, chemical and environmental engineers, 

chemists, regulators, students, consultants, etc. 


• Cyanide Chemistry Primer 

• Type I cyanide species 

• Type II cyanide species 

• Cyanide derived species 

• Other species of importance in cyanidation circuits 

• How to Analyze for Cyanide 

• Sampling, preservation and holding time 

• Distillation based methods 

• AgNO3 titration methods 

• Picric acid method 

• Other methods 

• Flow Injection gas-diffusion amperometric methods 

• Analyses of cyanide derived species 

• Analyses of other species of importance in 

cyanidation circuits 

• Process analyzers 

• Cyanide Detoxification 

• Chlorine/chloramine 

• SO2/AIR 

• Caro’s acid 

• Hydrogen peroxide 

• Advanced oxidation technologies 

• Cyanide Recovery/Recycle 

• AVR Process 

• Cyanide recovery using Hollow Fiber Membrane 

Reactors (HFMR) 

• Ion-exchange cyanide recovery processes 

• Cyanide recovery from thiocyanate 

• SART Process 

• HFMR assisted copper electrowinning 

• Closing the Cyanide Cycle 

• Examples 

• Cyanide Methodology 

Instructor: 

Emil Milosavljevic 

Consultant 

Phone: (775) 827-1453 

E-Mail: emilandlilly@sbcglobal.net 

24

MINE RESCUE CHALLENGE EVENTS 

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety and 

The Colorado School of Mines would like to announce the 

1st Biennial Collegiate MERD 

(Mine Emergency Response Development Exercise) 

& Edgar Mine Resue Challenge Events 

EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO SME STUDENT MEMBERS! 

February 24th & 25th, 2011 

Wednesday, February 23 • 10am–3pm 

• Drop of equipment, written test, and gas person testing 

Location: Edgar Mine, 365 8th Avenue, Idaho Springs, Colorado 

Wednesday, February 23 • 4pm–8pm 

• MERD briefing and social gathering 

Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 

Thursday, February 24 • 6am–5pm 

• MERD (student mine rescue teams will rotate through at least these 3 responsibilities) 

° Main underground mine team 

° Backup mine rescue team 

° Incident Command 


Friday, February 25 • 8am–5pm 

• Open to ALL SME Students interested in Mine Rescue and Emergency Response 

• Edgar Mine Rescue Challenge Events 

• Teams of 4 to 7 people will cycle through 5 events 

° Smoke Exploration ° Confined Space Maze Chase 

° Fire Fighting ° Rope Rescue Work 

° Patient Extraction 

• Each University can field up to 3 teams 


For registration forms and further information 

about these events, please e-mail 

Collin Smith at 

cosmith@mymail.mines.edu 

25

FIELD TRIPS 

Henderson Mine 

Date: Thursday, March 3 

Time: 7:30am – 3:30pm 

Departs: Hyatt Regency Convention Center 

Tickets: $75 

Includes: Transportation, Tour and Lunch 

Please Note: 50 maximum participants. Dress for a 

winter mountain climate that is normally 15°F to 20°F 

cooler than that of downtown Denver. Comfortable 

walking shoes/boots, winter gloves, parka and hats are 

recommended. Henderson will provide hard hats. 

Climax Molybdenum Co., a subsidiary of Freeport McMoRan, 

is the world’s largest primary molybdenum producer. 

Climax Molybdenum Co.’s Henderson Operations are located 

approximately 50 miles west of Denver, CO. It is Freeport 

McMoRan’s only active underground mine. 

The Henderson Operation, commissioned in 1976, operates 

half a mile under the Continental Divide. Henderson 

currently mines 30,000 tons/day of ore in one of the world’s 

largest block cave operations. The tour will begin with an 

overview of the mining operation and a safety orientation. 

Participants will then take the cage from the surface at 

10,200 feet in elevation to the 7,500 level elevation of the 

mine. The steps involved in pannel development will be 

seen including the development and initial blasting of the 

cave drawpoints. A variety of drills are used or blastholes. 

Active drawpoints will then be seen and ventiliation will 

be discussed. Participants will see the geometry used in 

pulling the ore with CAT Elphenstone 1,700 LHD’s. 

From the dump chutes ore is transferred to the underground 

gyratory primary crusher using Supra 80 ton rigid frame 

five-axle trucks. These unique units have two driven axles 

and four steering axles. Crushed ore is transported to the 

mill by three series conveyors that constitute one of the 

longest conveyor trains in the world. 

PC1 is 1.6km in length from the ore storage pocket to a point 

near the old haulage level of the mine. PC2 is 16.8km in 

length and is reported to be one of the longest single flight 

conveyor in the world. Approximately 14km of this flight is 

underground in the existing railroad tunnel. PC3 is 6.4km in 

length and negotiates several vertical and horizontal curves 

in route to the mill stockpile. 

Geothermal Energy Exploration, 

Development and Environmental 

Issues in Colorado 


Time: 7:30am – 6:30pm 


Tickets: $75 


Please Note: 50 maximum participants. No safety 

equipment required other than appropraite clothing 

and footwear for Colorado mountain country in late- 

February/early-March. Some walking will be required. 

The tour will view geothermal development potential in 

Colorado in general and specifically at Mt. Princeton Hot 

Springs and Poncha Hot Springs in Colorado. The tour will 

include discussion of development potential, exploration, 

environmental, permitting and other issues. 

Trip Agenda: 

• Depart Hyatt Regency Convention Center - 7:30am 

• Arrive at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs - 10:00am 

• Overview of geothermal development potential and 

environmental issues in Colorado followed by specifics 

on Mt. Princeton Hot Springs and Poncha Hot Springs - 

10:00am to 11:00am 

• Lunch in Mt. Princeton, local restaurant. 

• Tour of Mt. Princeton Hot Springs project - Noon to 

2:00pm 

• Travel to Poncha Hot Springs (weather and timing 

dependent) - 2:00pm to 2:30pm 

• Tour of Poncha Hot Springs (weather and timing 

dependent) - 2:30pm to 4:00pm 

• Leave for Denver - 4:00pm 

• Arrive at Hyatt Regency Convention Center - 6:30pm 

The conveyor design incorporated many interesting features 

including custom designed idlers and special optimized belt 

rubber compounding that resulted in 30% less power draw 

than was originally designed. Other design features include 

variable frequency drives that allow matching of conveyor 

speed with tonnage, belt turnovers to mitigate carry back 

and winch-assisted counterweight take-up systems which 

automatically lock during emergency stops.Participants 

will see part of the underground conveyor system, then will 

head back to the surface. The mill is 15 miles from the mine 

on the opposite side of the continental divide. The mill will 

not be included in the tour. After the tour, a box lunch will be 

provided, and all questions will be answered by Henderson 

personnel. 

26

FIELD TRIPS 

Abandoned Mine Land 

Reclamation - Leadville, CO 


Time: 8am – 5pm 


Tickets: $75 


Please Note: 24 maximum participants. No safety 

equipment required other than appropriate clothing 

and footwear for Leadville in early-March, which is at 

an elevation of over 10,200 feet (3,100 meters). 

If weather conditions preclude visiting the AML 

reclamation sites, an alternate could be to visit the 

Leadville Drainage Tunnel (prior to lunch) and 

National Mining Hall of Fame Museum (after lunch) in 

Leadville. 

The tour will view reclamation at four Abandoned Mine 

Land (AML) sites west of Leadville, Colorado. These include 

the Dinero Tunnel and Tiger Tunnel reclamation sites in the 

Sugarloaf Mining District, as well as some of the reclamation 

work completed along California Gulch in the Leadville 

Mining District. As a side bar, the trip will include a roadside 

view of tailing reclamation at the Climax Mine. Coach buses 

or vans will be taken to Leadville - the tour would need to 

take vans the last mile to the AML reclamation sites. 

Trip Agenda: 

• Depart Hyatt Regency Convention Center - 8am 

• Arrive at overlook to Climax tailing reclamation - 

9:45am 

• View Climax tailing reclamation - 9:45am to 10am 

• Depart overlook to Climax tailing reclamation - 10am 

• Arrive at AML reclamation sites west of Leadville - 

10:30am 

• View AML reclamation sites 1 and 2 - 10:30am to Noon 

• Lunch in Leadville - Noon to 1pm 

• View AML reclamation sites 3 and 4 - 1pm to 2:30pm 

• Depart AML reclamation sites - 2:30pm 

• Arrive at Hyatt Regency Convention Center - 5pm 

27

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN DENVER 

Denver Restaurant Week 

February 26 - March 11, 2011 

Experience Denver’s best restaurants at substantial 

savings. Dinner for two for just $52.80 at 

participating restaurants. 

www.visitdenver.org 

The Denver Zoo 

2300 Steele Street 

(on 23rd between Colorado and York) 

Phone: 303-376-4800 

www.denverzoo.org 

Downtown Aquarium 

700 Water Street 

Phone: 303-561-4450 

www.oceanjourney.org 

Larimer Square 

A restored section of Denver’s oldest street, this 

block of victorian buildings house restaurants, 

shops and clubs. 

14th - 15th on Larimer 

Phone: 303-534-2367 

Denver Art Museum 

100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway 

Phone: 720-865-5000 

www.denverartmuseum.org 

Denver Museum 

of Nature and Science 

2100 Colorado Boulevard 

Phone: 303-322-7009 

www.dmns.org 

16th Street Mall 

Enjoy Denver’s pedestrian mall and Denver Pavilions 

between Market and Broadway Streets - only 

a few blocks from the Convention Center. 

(A free shuttle is available for 

transportation up and down the 

16th Street Mall) 

Please visit the SME website at www. 

smenet.org 

for more things to see 

and do in Denver. 

28

STUDENT ACTIVITIES 


STUDENT DESIGN 

COMPETITION FINALS 

7:00am – 2:00pm 

Hyatt Regency Convention Center 

2011 STUDENT FORUM 

1:00pm – 3:00pm • Convention Center 

Hosted by: New Mexico Institute 

of Mines & Technology 

Sponsored by: 

• Joy Global, Inc. • MWH • SRK Consulting 

A continuing tradition for SME Student 

Members and Professionals. Join us for 

Food, Fun, Information and Prizes! 

STUDENT CHAPTER 

REPRESENTATIVE 

SUBCOMMITTEE 

11:00am – Noon 


Hosted by: New Mexico Institute 

of Mines & Technology 

Student Chapter officers and members are 

invited to attend the subcommittee meeting. 

STUDENT MIXER 

9:00pm – Midnight 


Sponsored by: Newmont Mining Corp. 

Registered students are invited to attend 

this social featuring music and refreshments. 

29

MENTOR PROGRAM 

ATTENTION PROFESSIONALS: 

Whether you’re a seasoned SME Annual Meeting veteran or a firsttimer, 

you have the opportunity to participate as a mentor in this 

year’s SME Annual Meeting Mentor Program. 

Mentors can be instrumental in helping students to begin 

developing a network in the industry by showing students the ropes 

and introducing them to colleagues. This is a marvelous opportunity 

to have a real impact in the Society at a personal level. Those 

students requesting mentors will be matched with SME members 

volunteering to serve as mentors. 

Both mentors and their students will be notified before the 2011 

Annual Meeting. Mentors are expected to contact their student(s) 

prior to the 2011 Annual Meeting, meet with the student(s) the first 

or second day at the Annual Meeting, take time to have lunch or 

coffee, discuss the Society, give advice, and introduce your student(s) 

to colleagues whenever possible during the meeting. 

Mentors will have an introductory meeting with 

students on Sunday, February 27th at 3:00pm 

All students need mentors – participate in making the future of the minerals industry successful 

ATTENTION STUDENTS: 

The 2011 Annual Meeting provides the best venue for 

meeting people and getting the information you need to 

get ahead. More than 4,000 mineral industry professionals 

attend the SME Annual Meeting and one of them wants to talk 

to you, to be your mentor and assist you in understanding the 

“ins” and “outs” of professional life in the minerals business. 

Your Mentor at the SME Annual Meeting is a 

professional in one of the following areas: 

• Coal & Energy • Construction Materials & Aggregates • 

• Economics • Environmental • Geology • 

• Industrial Minerals • Metallurgy • Mining • 

It Is Very Important To Sign Up Early! 

Early registrants receive the best fit with a mentor/mentee. 

Students whose applications are received after January 28, 2011 will be assessed a $10 late fee 

that will be applied to the 2012 student forum. 

APPLY ON-LINE AT: 

www.smenet.org/mentor 

Completed Applications are due 

January 28, 2011 

For more information or to apply for the 

2011 SME Annual Meeting Mentor Program contact: 

Mona Vandervoort, SME Education Coordinator 

1-800-763-3132, ext. 227 • 303-948-4227 

Fax: 303-948-4265 • vandervoort@smenet.org 

30

EDUCATION AGENDA 

Mineral Schools Department Heads Meeting 

9:30am – Noon • Hyatt Regency Convention Center 

Educators’ Forum 

3pm – 5pm • Colorado Convention Center 

Many changes have occured during the past decade 

in the way in which course work and/or training 

may be delivered to students and to professionals. 

Efforts have been made to make course work more 

readily available to the professional who is working 

at a distance for a campus where residence course 

work is offered. Societies such as SME have entered 

the efforts to deliver continuing education course 

work that is germane to the professions which the 

respective society serves. The 2011 Education Forum 

will focus on these developments. The relatively new 

“SME Tech Online” offerings will be described and 

a disussion of this project will be part of the forum. 


University offerings in distance credit course work 

and continuing education offerings such as those 

provided by the Missouri University of Science and 

Technology (formerly the University of Missouri- 

Rolla) Mining Engineering and Geological Engineering 

and the University of Arizona Department of Mining 

and Geological Engineering will be presented by 

representatives from these institutions. As time 

allows, other institutions’ offerings will be highlighted 

in addition to this institution. It is anticipated that 

and updated inventory of offerings for both distance 

and continuing education courses and certifications 

will be shared at this forum. 

WE WANT YOUR PREPRINT! 

SME is giving $15,000 in scholarship money to the winner of the 

2011 SME PREPRINT CONTEST 

The 2011 Annual Meeting Technical Program is off to a great start. 93 sessions are planned 

resulting in more than 500 presentations! 

The SME Products and Services Strategic Committee has developed a contest to capture 

all timely technical information submitted in manuscript form from the Annual Meeting 

and award significant scholarship money to the winners. 

2011 SME PREPRINT CONTEST 

Following are the eligibility requirements and general contest outline: 

To be eligible, a SME Division or Committee must have programmed at least five sessions 

(and a maximum of twenty papers) for the 2011 Annual Meeting. 

Paper pre-prints must be received by the SME staff in time for inclusion on the pre-print CD-ROM. 

First Prize: $10,000 • Second Prize: $5,000 

will be awarded to the two divisions with the highest and second highest percentage of pre-prints 

acepted by SME staff in time for inclusion on the pre-print CD-ROM. 

The full amount of prize money received by the winning divisions must be paid into a scholarship fund 

of the winning division’s choice. 

Annual Meeting authors wishing to submit a pre-print can retrieve guidelines at www.smenet.org 

31

ALUMNI & SPECIAL FUNCTIONS 

ALUMNI FUNCTIONS – Tuesday, March 1, 2011 

University of Arizona Reception 

Dept. of Mining & Geological Engineering 

5pm – 7pm 

Contact: Patricia Bosco 

520-621-2147 

pbosco@u.arizona.edu 

Columbia University Henry Krumb School of 

Mines Earth & Environmental Engineering 

5pm – 7pm 

Contact: Peter Rennee 

212-854-7065 

pr99@columbia.edu 

University of Kentucky 

Dept. of Mining Engineering 

5pm – 7pm 

Contact: Christie Oliver 

859-257-8026 

coliver@engr.uky.edu 

Michigan Tech University Dept. of Geological 

& Mining Engineering Sciences 

6pm – 8pm 

Contact: Amie Ledgerwood 

906-487-2531 

asledger@mtu.edu 

Missouri University of Science & Technology 

Alumni Reception 

5:30pm – 7:30pm 

573-341-4897 

alumni@mst.edu 

Montana Tech Alumni Reception 

6pm – 8pm 

Contact: Patti Corran 

406-496-4403 

pcorran@mtech.edu 

University of Nevada - Reno Mackay School of 

Earth Sciences & Engineering Reception 

6pm – 8pm 

Contact: Jill Baker 

775-682-8786 

jillb@unr.edu 

Pennsylvania State University, Mining 

and Mineral Processing, Department of Energy 

and Mineral Engineering Alumni Reception 

5:30pm – 7pm 

Contact: Rachel Altemus 

814-865-3439 

rla7@psu.edu 

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology 


5pm – 8pm 

Contact: Tim Vottero 

605-394-2347 

tim.vottero@sdsmt.edu 

University of Utah College of Mines 

& Earth Sciences 

5pm – 7pm 

Contact: Pam Hofmann 

801-585-5176 

pam.hofmann@utah.edu 

Virginia Tech Mining & Minerals Engineering 


5pm – 7pm 

Contact: Kathryn A. Dew 

540-231-7055 

dewk@holdendomain.com 

West Virginia University 

5:30pm – 7:30pm 

Contact: Royce J. Watts 

304-293-5695 ext. 2102 

royce.watts@mail.wvu.edu 

MMSA 2011 Annual Meeting 


4pm – 6pm 

Hyatt Regency Denver Convention Center 

MMSA 2010 Annual Banquet 


6:30pm – 10:30pm 

University Club 

For further information and tickets contact: 

MMSA • 303-444-6032 • contactmmsa@mmsa.net 

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS 

32 

US Bureau of Mines Reunion 

“Friends and Former Employees Get Together” 


6pm 

Wynkoop Brewing Co. 

1634 18th St. • Denver, CO 

Pay your own way, no RSVP required. 

Contact: danielwitkowsky@aol.com

NEW & ENCORE ACTIVITIES FOR 2011 

SME Educational Sustainability 

Graduate Student Poster Contest 

Sponsored by: Alpha Natural Resources 

Date: February 27 – March 2 

Time: During Exhibit Hours 

Place: Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 

The purpose of the Graduate Student Poster Contest 

is to recognize excellence in research by SME 

graduate student members and to encourage them 

to continue their pursuit of excellence through 

an academic career. The contest will provide an 

opportunity for the graduate students to showcase 

their work in a very visible setting and to compete for 

cash prizes based on the quality of their posters and 

determined by a team of judges. 

The Graduate Student Poster Contest will be open 

to any SME member who is currently enrolled 

in a graduate program at one of the mineralrelated 

schools. The posters will be on display in a 

designated area in the Exhibit Hall for the duration 

of the exhibit. The contestants will be required to 

be present at a pre-determined time to discuss their 

research with interested attendees and to answer 

questions posed by the judges. The winners will also 

be recognized at the SME Dinner. 

3rd Annual Spouse/Guest 

Meet & Greet Brunch 

Date: Monday, February 28 



If you are registered in the Spouse/Guest category, 

please plan on attending this exciting encore event 

specifically planned for you. Meet special guests of 

honor Nishita Trivedi and Cathy Murphy as well as 

the spouses and guests of meeting attendees while 

enjoying a light brunch. Plan on attending and 

meeting new friends. 

WAAIME Members and 

Scholarship Recipients 

Reception (Invitation Only) 


Time: 5pm – 6:30pm 


WAAIME members and scholarship recipients will be 

invited to attend this formal mixer. 

Young Leaders 


Time: 7pm – 9pm: Rising Professionals Social (Ticketed) 


SME Young Leaders will be hosting a reception to 

gather young industry professionals together to enjoy 

each others company and get caught up on each 

others’ career development. 


Division 75th Anniversary Gala (Ticketed) 

Sponsored by: AMCOL 


Time: 6pm – 8pm 

Place: Hyatt Regency 

Convention Center 

Plan on joining a dinner gala celebrating the 75th 

Anniversary of the Industrial Minerals & Aggregates 

Division. Join your peers from across the globe in 

acknowledgement of this milestone. Dinner will 

include entertainment and chronicle 75 years of 

advancing the industry. 

New Member Orientation & 

Reception 



Place: Colorado Convention Center 

Members who joined SME in 2010 or 2011, please 

plan on attending this encore reception to learn 

about the benefits of membership while networking 

with your peers. This is a great opportunity to gather 

information and maximize your SME membership 

experience while meeting many of the wonderful 

people in the industry. 

33

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS & DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS 

Date: Wednesday, March 2 

Time: 6pm – Cash Bar Reception 

7pm – Dinner 



Tickets: $80 

$800 – Table of Ten 

The 2011 SME Dinner program 

is conducted by 2010 SME 

President, Nikhil C. Trivedi 

The following awards are 

presented or recognized: 

Distinguished Members 

Jürgen F. Brune 

Yoginder (Paul) Chugh 

William Hustrulid 

Francis Martino 

SME / AIME Dinner 

Robert M. Dreyer Award 

Thomas C. Patton 

GEM Student Chapter Award 

West Virginia University 

Student Chapter 

Syd S. Peng 

Ground Control in Mining Award 

Keith A. Heasley 

President’s Citation: Individual 

Hassan E. El-Shall 

Gary C. Huber 

Jessica Kogel 

President’s Citation: 

Local Section Recognition 

Michael C. Korb 

Rohini P. Sharma 

Outstanding Student Chapter 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute 

and State University 

Student Chapter 

Henry Krumb Lecturers 

David W. Armstrong 

Michael Karmis 

Rimas C. Pakalnis 

John T. Shively 

Mark A. Smith 

Past President’s Plaque 

Nikhil C. Trivedi 

Special Recognition 

Len & Rosa Harris 

AIME Awards to SME Members: 

William L. Saunders Gold Medal 

Harry F. Cougher 

Hal Williams Hardinge Award 

Mike O’Driscoll 

Erskine Ramsay Medal 

Michael J. Sapko 

Robert H. Richards Award 

Gary L. Simmons 

Frank F. Aplan Award 

Peter J. Bethell 

Mineral Industry Education Award 

Christopher J. Bise 

Charles F. Rand Gold Medal 

Richard C. Adkerson 

AIME Honorary Member 

Barbara A. Filas 

Mineral Economics Award 

Phillip Crowson 

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division’s 75th Anniversary 

75 th Anniversary Gala 

(Ticketed) 

Sponsored by: AMCOL 





Plan on joining a dinner gala celebrating 

the 75th Anniversary of the Industrial 

Minerals & Aggregates Division. Join 

your peers from across the globe in 

acknowledgement of this milestone. 

Dinner will include entertainment and 

chronicle 75 years of advancing the 

industry. 

The Industrial Minerals & Aggregates 

Division is celebrating their 75th 

Anniversary starting at the 2010 

Annual Meeting in Phoenix and lasting 

throughout 2010, culminating with a Gala 

Celebration at the 2011 Annual Meeting 

in Denver, CO. Special programming and 

articles will highlight three-quarters of a 

century of industrial minerals exploration, 

mining and market growth and will 

feature comparisons between then and 

Industrial Minerals & 

Aggregates Division 

Luncheon & Silent Auction 


Oil-Dri Corporation of America 

Date: Tuesday, March 1 

Time: 

Place: 

Tickets: $45 

Noon 

Colorado Convention 

Center 

34 

now for those everyday commodities and 

conveniences that shape our world. 

Plan on joining a dinner gala celebrating 

the 75th Anniversary of the Industrial 

Minerals & Aggregates Division. Join 

your peers from across the globe in 

acknowledgement of this milestone. 

Dinner will include entertainment and 

chronicle 75 years of advancing the 

industry. 



Distinguished Service Award 

William H. Langer 

Young Scientist Award 

John M. (Mike) Randolph 

Hal Williams Hardinge Award 

Mike O’Driscoll 

Robert W. Piekarz Award 

Abani R. Samal 

Gordon Stevens 


Division Chair Award 

Fred G. Heivilin


SME Highlights 

3rd Annual 

Spouse/Guest Brunch 





Wives, husbands and significant 

others of SME members please mark 

your calendar for a light brunch on 

Monday! It’s the perfect time for 

spouses to relax, connect and meet 

other spouses of SME members 

while your “significant others” are 

attending other functions. You will 

meet special “Guests of Honor,” 

Nishita Trivedi, wife of current SME 

President, Nikhil Trivedi, and Cathy 

Murphy, wife of incoming SME 

President, John Murphy. This event 

is open to any spouse of an SME 

member who pays the $120 spouse 

fee. Please RSVP to this event on 

your registration form. 

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening 

Reception 

Date: Sunday, February 27 

Time: 5pm - 7pm 

Place: Colorado Convention 

Center - Exhibit Hall 

SME Foundation Luau 

Dinner/Dance 

Sponsored by: Consol Energy 


Time: 6:30pm – 7pm: Cocktails 

7pm – Midnight: Dinner, 

Awards, Dancing 



Tickets: $95 

Student Mixer 


Newmont Mining Corporation 


Time: 9pm 



Complimentary for registered 

students and their guest only. 



Time: 11:30am – 1pm 



New Member Orientation 

& Reception 




Center 

People who joined SME in 2010 and 

2011 are invited to this information 

and networking reception. 

Women of SME Breakfast 

and Panel Discussion 


Time: 7:30am 



Tickets: $35 

Panel Discussion: “Hiring: What 

Old People Are Looking For and What 

Young People Are Looking For” 

Panelists: 

Barb Filas, Geovic Mining Corp 

Angie Harmon, Freeport McMoRan 

Nikky Manke, NIOSH 

DeAnn Craig, Colorado School of Mines 

Kristyn Kiley, Colorado School of Mines 



ThyssenKrupp Robins Inc. 


Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm 



Plant Operators 

Open Forum 


Time: 4pm 


Center 

Exhibit Hall 

Continental Breakfast 


Time: 8am - 9:30am 



35 

CMA Highlights 

CMA Environmental 

Stewardship Awards 

Banquet 





Continental Ballroom 

Tickets: $95 

CMA/Colorado Division 

of Reclamation, Mining 

& Safety Luncheon and 

Colorado Mined Land 

Board Awards 


Time: Noon 


Center 

Four Seasons Ballroom 

Tickets: $50 

Coal & Energy 

Division Highlights 

The Coal & Energy Divison 

encompasses technologies in coal 

exploration, mining, preparation 

and utilization. 

Coal & Energy Division 


Sponsored by: Preptech, Inc. 


Time: Noon 


Center 

Tickets: $45 




Gary M. Buchan 

Howard N. Eavenson Award 

Sukumar Bandopadhyay 

Stefanko Best Paper Award 

Timothy Beck 

Gerrit Goodman 

Jeffrey Listak 

J.W. Woomer Award 

Ryan M. Murray 

Erskine Ramsay Medal 

Michael J. Sapko 

Rock Mechanics Award 

P.R. Sheorey 

Coal & Energy Division Chair Award 

Thomas W. Camm


Environmental 


The Environmental Division provides 

a means for cooperation and 

communication among professionals 

in the minerals industry engaged 

in any aspect of the physical 

environment and its condition. 

Environmental Division 

Silent Auction 

Sponsored by: Veolia Water 

Solutions and Technologies 




Center 

Environmental Division 

Luncheon 

Sponsored by: Veolia Water 

Solutions and Technologies 


Time: Noon 


Center 

Tickets: $45 

Speaker: 

Michael Hillesheim 

“Linking Renewable Energy 

Technologies to the Mining 

Industry” 




Mark D. Stock 

Environmental Division Chair Award 

Anne L. Williamson 

Mining & Exploration 


Mining & Exploration Division 

specializes in exploration, 

production, research, and 

specialized aspects of metal mining. 

Mining & Exploration Division 


Sponsored by: Hitachi 

Construction & Mining Products 


Time: Noon 


Center 

Tickets: $45 



Ben F. Dickerson, III Award 

Gregory E. McKelvey 


Hugh B. Miller 

Daniel C. Jackling Award 

Richard L. Bullock 

William L. Saunders Gold Medal 

Harry F. Cougher 

Outstanding Young Professional Award 

Philip J. Joggerst 

Program Area Manager Awards 

Mark W. Bartlett 

Sterling S. Cook 

Eben D. Robinson 

Stephen P. Winkelmann 

Robert Peele Memorial Award 

Ruben A. Terrazas 

M&E Division Chair Award 

Robert V. Washnock 

Jackling Lecture 

(Held in conjunction with the M&E Luncheon) 


Time: 1:30pm 

Award Recipient/Lecturer: 

Richard L. Bullock 

“Controlling Reserve Definition, 

with No Control of Feasibility 

Study Definition Leads to Deceptive 

Projections and Poor Accountability” 

Mineral & Metallurgical 

Processing Division 

Highlights 

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing 

Division was established for the 

advancement of metallurgical and 

mineral technology as applied to 

the mining industry. 

Gaudin Lecture 


Time: 2:00pm 



Janusz S. Laskowski 

Wadsworth Lecture 


Time: 2:00pm 



Willam G. Davenport 

36 

Richards Lecture 


Time: 2:00pm 




Mineral & Metallurgical 

Processing Division Luncheon 


M3 Engineering & Technology Corp. 


Time: Noon 


Tickets: $45 



Antoine M. Gaudin Award 

Janusz S. Laskowski 

Outstanding Young Engineer Award 

(in memory of Subhash Chander) 

Henry J. Walqui 

Robert H. Richards Award 


Arthur F. Taggart Award 

Ronald L. Wiegel 

“Comparison of Volumetric and 

Section Area Particle Compositions 

Using the Gaudin Random Mineral 

Liberation Model” 

Milton E. Wadsworth Award 

William G. Davenport 

Millman Award 

D. R. Nagaraj 

MPD Scotch Nightcap 

Social Function - 

Scholarship Fundraiser 

Sponsored by: Polysius Corp. 

& Weir Minerals 

The proceeds from this event go 100% 

ungarnished to the MPD Scholarship 

Fund for those college students who 

want to make a career in the mining 

industry. The event will feature hors 

d’oeuvres, live music, cocktails and 

scotchtails. Each attendee receives 

two complimentary drink tickets to 

redeem at any time during the event. 





Tickets: $50

SESSIONS AT A GLANCE 

Monday, February 28 – Morning 

8:30AM 

SME/CMA Keynote Session: Shaping a 

Strong Future through Mineral and Energy 

Interdependence 

Monday, February 28 – Afternoon 

1:00PM 

• CMA: Mining in Colorado 

1:30PM 

• Dreyer Lecture 

2:00PM 

• Coal & Energy: Alternative Fuels 

• Coal & Energy: Dust 

• Coal & Energy: Research and Development 

• Coal & Energy: The Best of Ground Control 

• Environmental: Special Topics/Emerging Issues 

• Environmental: Uranium 

• Environmental: Waste Management 

• Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: A Review of 

Emerging Markets for Industrial Minerals 

• International I 

• Mineral and Metallurgical Processing: Plenary 

Session: Gaudin, Richards, Wadsworth and Yoon 

Lectures 

• Mining and Exploration: Advances in Mine Safety 

• Mining and Exploration: Autonomous Mining 

and Operator Assist Technologies 

• Mining and Exploration: Change Management 

for Business Improvement and Technology 

• Robert Bates Symposium: Robert L. Bates: Man 

of Letters and Man of Minerals 

• Valuation I: Concepts and Methods 

• Young Leaders 

2:30PM 

• Geology: Rare Earth Mine Development 

Opportunities: A Variety of Perspectives from 

Industry and Government 

• Geology: Resource Estimation and Exploration 

Successes 

Tuesday, March 1 – Morning 

9:00AM 

• CMA: International Mining Opportunities 

• Coal & Energy: Business process Improvement I 

• Coal & Energy: Mine Environmental Reclamation 

• Coal & Energy: Small Mines Health and Safety 

• Coal & Energy: Surface Mining I 

• Environmental: Abandoned Mine Lands 

• Environmental: Carbon Management 

• Environmental: Water Treatment I 

• GEM/Mii: Industry Outreach to Educators and 

the Public 

• Geology: Rare Earths: Geology and Exploration 

• Geology: Rock Mechanics: Open Pit and 

Underground Mining I 

37 

• Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: Aggregates 

and Urban Mining 

• International II 

• Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Comminution I 

• Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Separation 

Techniques to Meet Oil Spill Challenges I 

• Mining and Exploration: Cost Reduction and 

Productivity Improvement Initiatives 

• Mining and Exploration: Mine Fragmentation I 

• Mining and Exploration: Mine Haulage: Super 

Trucks 

• Mining and Exploration: Operational Impacts 

and Issues of Advanced Mining Systems and 

Technology 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Coal Processing 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Metal Processing 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Surfaces Forces and 

Hydrophobicity 

• Robert Bates Symposium: Lithium REE Minerals 

of the Future 

• Underground Construction Association of SME I 

• Valuation II: Special Purpose Appraisals 

Tuesday, March 1 – Afternoon 

1:00PM 

• CMA: Regulatory Challenges Facing the Mining 

Industry 

2:00PM 

• Coal & Energy: Business Process Improvement II 

• Coal & Energy: Mine Emergency Preparedness 

and Response 

• Coal & Energy: Surface Mining II 

• Coal & Energy: Underground Mining 

• Environmental: Cyanide 

• Environmental: International 

• Environmental: Water Treatment II 

• Geology: Rare Earths: Extraction, Application, 

and Markets 

• Geology: Rock Mechanics: Open Pit and 

Underground Mining II 

• Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: Aggregates 

Operation Optimization 

• International III 

• Mineral and Metallurgical Processing: 

Comminution II 


Techniques to Meet Oil Spill Challenges II 

• Mining and Exploration: Labor/Management 

Relations 

• Mining and Exploration: Mine Fragmentation II 

• Mining and Exploration: Mine Ventilation 

• Mining and Exploration: Underground Mining 

Equipment 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Dewatering and Drying 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Gravity Separations 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Industrial Minerals 

Flotation

SESSIONS AT A GLANCE 

• Robert Bates Symposium: Other Strategic 

Mineral Changes 

• Underground Construction Association of SME II 

• Valuation III: Valuation and Economic Evaluation 

Research 

Wednesday, March 2 – Morning 

9:00AM 

• CMA: Uranium Mining in the Nuclear 

Renaissance 

• Coal & Energy: Carbon Sequestration 

• Coal & Energy: Coal Mining An Industrial 

Perspective I 

• Coal & Energy: Software Applications 

• Coal & Energy: Ventilation I 

• Environmental: Biodiversity 

• Environmental: Financial Assurance for Mine 

Closure and Remediation 

• Environmental: Water Management 

• Geology: Strategic Materials: 

And The Answers Are 

• Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: Aggregate 

Resource Development and Environmental 

Permitting 

• Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: NIOSH’s 

2010 Revised Road Map for Research: After 

NAS Review and Its Impact on Mining Elongate 

Minerals Particles: Part II 


Techniques to Meet Oil Spill Challenges III 

• Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: Student 

Poster Session 

• Mining and Exploration: Digital Data Mining 

• Mining and Exploration: Health and Safety Mine 

Management 

• Mining and Exploration: Open Pit Mining I 

• Mining and Exploration: Organizational 

Structure and Effectiveness: Mining 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Flotation Equipment and 

Practice 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Magnetic and 

Electrostatic Separation 

• R-H Yoon Symposium: Modeling and Process 

Control 

Wednesday, March 2 – Afternoon 

2:00PM 

• Coal & Energy: Coal Mining: An Industrial 

Perspective II 

• Coal & Energy: Geothermal Energy Resources 

• Coal & Energy: Preparation and Utilization 

• Coal & Energy: Ventilation II: Fires and 

Explosions 

• Environmental: Environmental Planning for 

Exploration 

• Environmental: Geospatial Technologies for 

Environmental Applications 

• Geology: Exploring the Ocean Floor 

• Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: New 

Processes for Energy, Water, and Waste 

Conservation 

• Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: USGS 

Mineral Resources Research 

• Mining and Exploration: Open Pit II: Planning 

and Optimization 

• Mining and Exploration: Process Redesign: The 

Lynchpin for Information-based Technologies 

Success 

Mining and Exploration: Safety Technologies for 

Safer Mines 

R-H Yoon Symposium: Process Improvements 

R-H Yoon Symposium: Process Reagents 

R-H Yoon Symposium: Resource Engineering 

2011 SME Annual Meeting Program Committee 

Chair: 

Bill Langer 

US Geological Survey, 

Denver, CO 

Coal & Energy: 

Vladislav Kecojevic 

West Virginia University, 

Morgantown, WV 

Environmental: 

Robert Reisinger 

URS Corp, 

Denver, CO 

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates: 

Abani Samal 

Pincock Allen & Holt, 

Denver, CO 

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates: 

Gordon Stevens 

Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc, 

Lombard, IL 

Mining & Exploration: 

Steve Holmes 

ASARCO LLC, 

Hayden, AZ 

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing: 

Courtney Young 

Montana Tech of the Univ. of Montana, 

Butte, MT 

UCA of SME: 

Jamal Rostami 

The Pennsylvania State University, 

University Park, PA 

38


This is the Technical Program as of September 10, 2010. IT IS SubjecT To change. 

Please see the onsite Program for final details. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28 

S 

AFTERNOON 

Coal & Energy: Alternative Fuels 

2:00 PM • Monday, February 28 

Chair: K. edwards, Caterpillar Global Mining, Peoria, IL 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

DREYER LECTURE 

1:30 PM 

Lecturer: Thomas C. Patton 

2:05 PM 

Utilization of Biodiesel to Reduce Diesel Particulate Matter in 

Metal/Nonmetal Underground Mines 

J. Scharingson; Renewable Energy Group, Ames, IA 

Biodiesel has proven to be a tremendous tool utilized by the underground mining industry 

to significantly reduce diesel particulate matter in metal/nonmetal underground mines as 

required by MSHA. Many underground mines are utilizing heavy concentratations of 

biodiesel in their underground construction equipment, improving air quality for workers 

with no performance problems with their heavy construction equipment. REG is the nations 

leading producer and marketer of biodiesel with an estimated 25% share of the US biodiesel 

market. REG has been supplying underground mines with biodiesel across the country with 

fuel since 2005. The presentation will focus on points to consider when considering utilizing 

biodiesel in mining operations and best practices that mining companies across the country 

have utilized when introducing and adopting biodiesel. 

2:25 PM 

Carbon Footprint Reduction in Mining Operations 

M. Willi; Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL 

Coming regulations requiring the capping or reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 

will potentially have a dramatic impact on mining operations worldwide. There are two 

ways to address the need for GHG reduction; improve the efficiency of operations so that less 

fuel is used to perform a certain amount of work or use a fuel that results in lower life-cycle 

GHG emissions. The potential for GHG emissions reduction via these approaches will be discussed 

along with the expected timeline for the availability of certain solutions. 

2:45 PM 

Natural Gas for High Horsepower Mine Trucks and Locomotives 

B. Hodgins; Westport Power Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada 

Westport’s High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology allows diesel engines to operate 

on a high percentage of natural gas fuel throughout the operating cycle, reducing operating 

cost and emissions while retaining the full performance and efficiency of the diesel 

engine. Commercial deployment of HPDI for on-road HD trucks in North America and 

Australia commenced in 2008 as a factory-fit option on Kenworth and Peterbilt chassis. 

Extensive testing of the Australian HPDI engine showed a greenhouse gas reduction of 25- 

29% relative to the base diesel engine in steady-state and transient engine tests. Wesport is 

eager to pursue high horsepower applications for HPDI with engine and vehicle OEM’s for 

mining trucks and locomotives. 

3:05 PM 

LNG for Fuel in the Mining Sector 

J. Burns; Shell, Houston, TX 

Shell takes a range of approaches to producing energy today to help meet demand in a way 

that ensures supplies for the future. Natural gas is an important component of a sustainable 

global energy mix, and vital for meeting increased demand for clean electricity. Natural gas is 

abundant and affordable, and a natural ally of intermittent wind and solar electricity. Shell 

holds a strong natural gas position among international oil companies – as the second 

largest gas producer, largest LNG producer and leader in GTL and coal gasification. Creating 

a portfolio of options (from conventional to shale gas, from LNG to Arctic gas) will foster increased 

energy reliability, security of energy supply and dampened volatility. Having a robust 

portfolio will ensure that the most competitive resources will be developed with the 

most direct beneficial impact for consumers – including a direct impact on the local economy 

and jobs. Having all options available allows companies to develop appropriate technologies, 

continuously improve operating practices, which minimize environmental impact and lower 

the cost of production through experience and the application of new technology. 

39 

Coal & Energy: Dust 


Chair: j. colinet, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Face Dust Levels at Deep-Cut Underground Coal Mines 

J. Potts, W. Reed and J. Colinet; NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Dust surveys were conducted at six underground mines to determine if deep-cut mining 

practices expose face workers to higher levels of respirable dust. The surveyed mines were 

able to successfully implement deep-cutting methods without significantly increasing the 

dust exposures of face workers. For exhausting face ventilation, field data indicates that 

scrubber airflow is the most important factor for controlling dust. Data collected for this 

study indicates that 20-mesh screens should be cleaned for every 40 ft of advance because 

22% of the deep-cuts surveyed for this study experienced a 20% to 35% decrease in scrubber 

airflow over the course of the cut. For blowing face ventilation, field data and past research 

indicates that maintaining a proper curtain-to-scrubber airflow ratio of 1.0 (measured 

before scrubber activation) as well as a curtain setback distance that allows the miner 

operator to stand at the mouth of the curtain for the entire cut helps control dust. Dust levels 

on the bolting faces did not appear to be affected by the longer cycles associated with deepcut 

mining when good ventilation practices were used. 

2:25 PM 

CFD Modeling and Validation of Dust Dispersion in Mine 

Airways 

V. Kollipara and Y. Chugh; Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering, 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 

Dust dispersion characteristics in mine airways are important for developing engineering 

controls for dust and explosions. There is a limited knowledge in this area and field data are 

sparse. Therefore, the authors are attempting to develop CFD modeling to better understand 

dust dispersion away from the generation source in room-and-pillar mining. This should 

help in designing mine layouts and engineering controls to minimize dust exposure and dust 

explosions. Bhaskar and Ramani performed experimental studies on dust dispersion in a 

straight rectangular drift (2.12m × 5.49m × 407m) with two different types of coals (Semianthracite 

and Bituminous) and at three different velocities (0.8384 m/s, 1.855 m/s and 

1.53 m/s). The authors developed a CFD model to validate the experimental data published 

by them. The results obtained are in reasonable agreement. Studies are now planned to analyze 

dust dispersion characteristics in room and pillar mining areas using CFD modeling. 

Parametric studies will also be conducted to evaluate the effect of air velocity, input dust 

concentration and the specific gravity of particles on the dust dispersion characteristics. 

2:45 PM 

Characterization of Coal and Quartz Dust in Interior Basin 

Coal Mines 

Y. Chugh 1 , K. Mondal 1 and J. Hirschi 2 ; 1 Mining and Mineral Resources 

Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Carbondale, IL and 

2 

Research and Development, Illinois Clean Coal Institute, Carterville, IL 

NIOSH and the Illinois Clean Coal Institute are funding studies on characterization of coal 

and quartz dust in Interior Basin mines. Goals are to: 1) Develop physical and chemical characteristics 

of quartz dust from bulk samples, 2) Develop similar data for in-mine dust samples, 

and 3) Implement engineering controls for quartz dust. Characteristics of fines produced 

from bulk samples vary widely. Statistical data from mines for the period 2000-2009 

show that reduction in total dust concentration does not necessarily reduce quartz content. 

Particle size distribution, inter-particle interactions when exposed to wetting agent and 

quartz associations with organic and inorganic matter in seams are vital for dust control. 

Silica content in the non-wetted fractions was found to be very high during wetting tests. 

Quartz control may be limited by its association to hydrophobic materials as well as buoyancy 

forces resulting from particle size characteristics and particle-particle interaction in 

the wetting agent. 

3:05 PM 

Definining Controlled Flow Conveyor Transfers for Reduction in 

Dust, Spillage, Plugging and Wear 

M. Koca and D. Wood; Flexco, Bolingbrook, IL 

Moving material is always a challenge, especially at transfer points. At these critical junctures, 

spillage, dust, and plugging cause serious problems – reductions in output, conveyor 

belt damage, safety hazards, environmental issues and more. Technology is currently available 

for development of controlled flow chute design. Material flow property models accurately 

predict material trajectory and airflow analysis to minimize dust. Choosing the proper 

transfer system can substantially increase throughput, minimize belt wear and noise, reduce 

spillage and cleanup costs, and minimize maintenance requirements, but understanding the 

limitations of the design process are essential for obtaining these benefits. Off-the-shelf software 

provides only a “snapshot” analysis and does not take into account real life applications


and conditions. This paper will define what true control flow is and discuss the typical parameters 

required for a controlled flow transfer, the most common means of predicting controlled 

flow and the difficulties associated with the process. 

3:25 PM 

Dust, Dust Control and Pneumoconiosis in Chinese Coal Mines 

J. Tien; Mining Engineering, Missouri S&T, Rolla, MO 

The exact no of China’s coal mines is unclear, but estimated to be at least 50 k UG coal operations 

and vast majority of them are small mining operations producing 100 k mt or less annually. 

These small coal operations are typically inadequately engineered, poorly ventilated, 

use drilling and blasting mining employing antiquated mining equipment. Although state 

law sets dust standard at 10 mg/m3, it is not uncommon to have dust concentrations exceeding 

100 mg/m3 with little of no protection for miners. It comes as no surprise that 

China’s black lung cases have become wide spread throughout her vast coal mining regions 

and remains a major concern. Black lung accounts for 80% of new cases of occupational diseases 

in 2009. Of 722,730 cases reported since the 1950s, 90% were black lung cases. There 

was an increase of 18,128 cases of occupational diseases in China in 2009, the three occupations 

with the highest rates are the coal, metal alloy and metallurgy industries and of the 

14,495 new patients diagnosed with black lung in 2009, 748 died. This article describes 

China’s mining method, commonly used dust control practices, and the status of black lung 

reporting and compensation. 

3:45 PM 

Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis Prevalence Disparity between 

Australia and the United States 

G. Joy, J. Colinet and D. Landen; Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, 

NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Although rates of pneumoconiosis in coal miners have declined substantially in the United 

States since the passage of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, new cases 

continue to occur, including cases of rapidly progressive disease. Australia has reported few 

new cases of pneumoconiosis for over twenty years. A number of factors, including coal 

rank, coal dust exposure and silica exposure were examined as potential contributors to the 

observed differences. Comparison of coal rank data from each country did not shown any 

significant differences. Air sample data from the coal mining industries in both countries 

shows that coal dust levels in Australian mines are somewhat higher than those reported in 

similar U.S. mines, which would not explain the lower CWP rates in Australia. However, available 

sampling data shows that quartz exposure for Australian miners is lower than for many 

U.S. miners and may be a possible cause for the lower pneumoconiosis rate in Australia. If 

quartz is a contributing cause of the larger caseload of advanced pneumoconiosis in the U.S., 

more effective dust control measures need to be implemented to prevent this potentially disabling 

condition. 


Research and Development 


Chair: M. Trevits, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Subsidence Factors Over Supercritical Longwall Panels 

Y. Luo; Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, 


In traditional subsidence theory, maximum possible subsidence (Smax) is reached once the 

mine gob reaches its critical width. For most US coal fields, the ratio of critical width to depth 

is about 1.2 times and such a subsidence basin is a critical one. Smax remains the same but 

spreads to an area as the gob width increases further and the subsidence basin formed is supercritical. 

The ratio of Smax to mining height is called subsidence factor. In theory, subsidence 

factor remains the same in critical and supercritical conditions. The longwall panel dimensions 

have been expanded continuously since its introduction. In recent years, many of 

the wide longwall panels have a width/depth ratio greatly exceeding the aforementioned 1.2 

ratio resulting in supercritical subsidence basins with large flat bottoms. Deviating from the 

traditional subsidence theory, subsidence factors of such “super” supercritical subsidence 

basins appear increase as the area of flat bottom expands further. In this paper, the derived 

subsidence factors from numerous longwall subsidence cases are analyzed. Method to predict 

subsidence factor over “super” supercritical panels will be presented. 

2:25 PM 

Strategies of American Coal Companies in Promoting the 

Continued Use of Coal 

W. Rogers and S. Dessureault; University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

An atmosphere of political risk overshadows coal companies, largely due to the varying environmental/energy 

regulation proposals, social concerns over climate change, land use, employment, 

and mine safety. In order to promote the continued use of coal and to protect U.S. 

based investments, mining companies have developed long term strategies to abate political/social 

risk exposure. These include investments in charities, lobbying groups, in-kind contributions 

to trade associations, international diversification, investment in clean-coal technology, 

mine safety, and public education. Executives and other strategic planners intuitively 

understand that these investments reduce political risk. The information age the subsequent 

availability of information allows for the development of quantitative models to establish relationships 

between scale and type of investment with company size, regional presence and 

other industry variables. These analytics provide strategic planners valuable benchmarks and 

direction for further investments. This paper reviews the development of such a data warehouse 

comprising the companies accounting for 80% of the U.S. coal production. 

2:45 PM 

Assessment of Coal Geology, Resources, and Reserves in the 

Northern Wyoming Powder River Basin 

D. Scott 1 , J. Haacke 1 , L. Osmonson 1 and J. Luppens 2 ; 1 U.S. Geological Survey, 

Denver, CO and 2 U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 

The U.S. Geological Survey has completed an assessment of coal resources for the Northern 

Wyoming Powder River Basin assessment area, which covers an area of about 3,000 square 

miles. A total of 33 coal beds were identified during the assessment, 24 of which were modeled 

and evaluated to determine in-place resources which totaled 285 billion short tons. 

Applying current mining technology, economic constraints, and restrictions to mining, 7 of 

the beds were evaluated for potential reserves. Assessment results for those 7 beds are 50 

billion short tons of recoverable coal with a reserve estimate of 1.5 billion short tons of coal. 

3:05 PM 

Assessment of Coal Geology, Resources, and Reserves in the 

Southwestern Wyoming Powder River Basin 

L. Osmonson 1 , D. Scott 1 , J. Haacke 1 and J. Luppens 2 ; 1 U.S. Geological Survey, 

Denver, CO and 2 U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 

The U.S. Geological Survey recently assessed the coal resources and reserves for the 

Southwestern Wyoming Powder River Basin, which completes the coal assessment for the 

Wyoming portion of the Powder River Basin. The assessment area covers an area of about 

4,750 square miles. A total of 37 coal beds were identified during this assessment, 23 of 

which were modeled and evaluated to determine in-place coal resources. Applying current 

mining technology, economic constraints, and restrictions to mining, 2 of the beds were evaluated 

for potential reserves. 

3:25 PM 

Research and Engineering Solutions for Dump Truck Vibration 

Problems in HISLO 

S. Frimpong 1 and N. Aouad 2 ; 1 Mining and Nuclear Engineering, Missouri 

University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO and 2 Project Engineering, 

Freeport McMoran, Phoenix, AZ 

The deployment of large machinery for low cost, bulk surface mine production operations 

has resulted in high-impact shovel loading operations (HISLO). In extreme cases, shovels 

load large dump trucks with 100-ton (or more) passes generating high-impact forces under 

gravity. HISLO generates high-frequency shockwaves that cause severe truck vibrations exposing 

operators to whole body vibrations (WBV). Current research study in this area has 

established that the vibration levels affecting the operator’s seat, lower-back, lumbar and 

cervical regions fall within the extremely uncomfortable zone compared to the ISO 2631 

comfort zone. These results pose health threats to truck operators over long-term exposure 

to these vibrations. In this paper, the authors will examine engineered solutions to mitigate 

these health threats. 

3:45 PM 

Thermal Cycling of Global AC Excavator Motor Stator 

Insulation System 

S. Haq; General Electric Canada, Peterborough, ON, Canada 

In this research work thermal cycling followed by diagnostic testing on Global AC Excavator 

motor stator insulation system is performed and results are presented. Global Excavator AC 

motor is developed for dragline or shovel application with an equivalent speed-torque envelope 

previously demonstrated by the DC system. Excavator AC motor will be operated under 

PWM-VSCs with voltage pulses exhibiting fast rise times (less than 200 nanoseconds) and 

having magnitudes greater than twice of the peak nominal voltage. High peak voltages of 

short duration create both electrical and thermal stresses that can cause motor insulation 

system to deteriorate in a much shorter time than motor insulation operated at the same 

nominal voltage, but sinusoidal waveform. To demonstrate impact of frequent start and stop 

and to determine effect of temperature rise thermal cycling test is performed according to 

IEEE Std. 1310. Diagnostic and AC hipot withstand testing after completion of 250 cycles 

showed promising results during the assessment of stator insulation system. 

4:05 PM 

Application of Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) for the 

Qualitative Analysis of Stopping Leakage 

E. Jong, K. Griffin and K. Luxbacher; Mining Engineering, 

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

The schlieren technique describes an optical analysis method designed to enhance light distortions 

caused by air movement and visualize stopping leakage. The ability to visualize air 

flow has significant implications for analyzing underground mine ventilation systems, including 

the enhancement of surveys and models. However, traditional schlieren methods are 

impractical underground. Background oriented schlieren (BOS) provides a solution to this 

problem. BOS requires two primary components, a professional quality digital camera and a 

schlieren background. A schlieren background contains a varying contrast repetitive pattern, 

such as a rock face. This background allows the camera’s sensor to capture the minor 

light diffractions. Although BOS shows great potential for ventilation analysis, sensitivity and 

noise in the image are both issues. Multiple camera settings need to be manipulated in combination 

with digital processing to remediate this problem. This paper seeks to validate the 

BOS technique for imaging leakage through stoppings by comparing BOS images with traditional 

schlieren images and outlines initial experimental efforts used for the validation. 

This is the Technical Program as of September 10, 2010. IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please see the Onsite Program for final details. 

40



The Best of Ground Control 


Chair: S. Tadolini, Minova, Georgetown, KY 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Application of Tensioned Cable Bolts for Supplemental Support 

B. Mirabile; Jennmar Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 

The majority of U.S. underground coal mines use some form of cable bolt as supplemental 

support to a primary roof bolting system. Many coal operators employ the high load capacity 

of non-tensioned cable bolts, cable roof trusses, or solid bar trusses in an attempt to suspend 

the primary bolted horizon to overlying strata. However, in cases where many discontinuities 

exist in the roof strata or pre-existing fractures are present, these passive supplemental 

support systems often cannot adequately control roof deflection. This paper examines the 

application of tensioned cable systems to minimize roof deflection in very laminated and 

fractured strata. Three underground case studies are presented to demonstrate the application 

of tensioned cable bolts. The first case study involves the rehabilitation of a longwall 

head gate in the Eagle Seam with highly laminated and fractured sandstone. The second case 

study examines the recovery of a longwall face in the Alma Seam. The final case study addresses 

rehabilitation of a longwall head gate in the Pittsburgh No. 8 Seam developed in a 

sandstone channel margin area, and subjected to horizontal stress concentration. 

2:25 PM 

A Method to Determine the Corrosion Potential of Rock Bolts on 

Coal Mines 

A. Spearing; Mining Engineering, Southern Illionois University, Carbondale, IL 

The US coal mining industry uses about 100 million rock anchors per year. ASTM F432 specifies 

the requirements for rock bolts on mines but does not address corrosion. Corrosion has 

been found to be an issue in Australian coal mines (Hebblewhite et al., 2003 and Villaescusa 

et al., 2007) where the problem has been researched and stress corrosion has been found to 

be a significant cause of rock falls. Corrosion is also a major concern for underground civil 

construction in the US but has not been considered an issue or adequately researched in coal 

mines. Conditions are conducive to corrosion underground mainly because of water quality 

and humid conditions. There is a perception however that when bolts are fully grouted, adequate 

corrosion protection is offered to the steel. Research has shown that this is not necessarily 

the case due to the formation of micro-cracks as the resin sets and with subsequent 

rock movement shearing the resin column. The paper outlines a method to determine the 

corrosion potential of bolts used in long term excavations and suggests ways to mitigate 

such effects, based on research conducted in the lab and on three mines. 

2:45 PM 

Roof Bolting in Low Seam Mining with Thick “Stack Rock” Roof 

Under High Horizontal Stress 

P. Zhang; Maxxim Shared Services, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., 

Waynesburg, PA 

Thinly-laminated silty shale, falling like “stack rock”, is always difficult to support in underground 

coal mines. With thin laminations of 0.1 to 2 inches thick and weak bonding between 

laminations, the roof is much weaker under horizontal stress than under vertical load. 

Buckling of thin laminations and cutters are common signs of initial failure for this type of 

roof. When a roof fall occurs, it is mostly above the primary bolted horizon with a flat top and 

steep breaking angle above the pillar ribs. As silty shale is brittle, roof falls mostly develop 

without significant roof sagging. With thick laminated silty shale, it is difficult to build a 

strong solid beam with short primary bolts. Longer bolts, straps, and supplementary cable 

bolts are required. Since installation of longer primary bolts in low seam mining is operationally 

inefficient, supplementary bolting is important to maintain overall roof stability. The 

bolting plan should also be chosen based on the geologic hazard map which indicates the 

distribution and thickness of laminated silty shale, and the transition areas. 

3:05 PM 

A Comparison of the Overburden Loading in ARMPS 

and LaModel 

I. Tulu; Minerals Engineering, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 

The Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS) and the LaModel programs have been 

used successfully in the U.S. for designing safe pillar recovery operations for many years. 

However, the recent Crandall Canyon Mine collapse showed that further research is required 

to improve the pillar design for recovery under deep cover. This presentation compares and 

analyzes the overburden loads calculated by ARMPS 2002, the new ARMPS 2010, and the 

LaModel program with regard to the retreat pillar line, the gob, and barrier pillars. The analysis 

shows a number of distinct differences between the ARMPS and LaModel loading disstributions. 

Ultimately, the programs, with their distinctive load distributions, are used to analyze 

a data base of 52 deep cover pillar retreat case studies, and the ability of each program to discriminate 

between successful and unsuccessful retreat pillar plans are evaluated. 

3:25 PM 

The Ground Response Curve, Pillar Loading and Pillar Failure in 

Coal Mines 

M. Murphy; NIOSH, Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, Pittsburgh, PA 

The response of the surrounding rock mass to the creation of mining excavations determines 

the ultimate load on a pillar support system. In conditions where the ground is relatively soft 

and weak, the full overburden weight can be transferred to the pillar system. However, in 

stiffer and stronger rocks, a greater portion of the overburden load is transferred to the unmined 

coal barriers or abutments, and the pillar stress is reduced. This presentation makes 

use of numerical models to examine the interaction between typical pillar systems and the 

surrounding rock mass for weak and strong geological conditions at various soans and 

depths of cover. The concepts of structural failure and functional failure of pillars are used to 

access pillar performance when pillars are deformed beyond their peak resistance. The results 

show that the span-to-depth ratio is an important factor in determining the pillar stress 

and the ultimate deformation of pillars. The ultimate pillar strain appears to be closely related 

to the functional success of pillar systems. 


Special Topics / Emerging Issues 


Chairs: c. Russell, US SPA, Golden, CO 

K. Lewis 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

The Future of Dicalcium Phosphate 

F. Habashi; Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada 

The phosphate fertilizer industry is at present based mainly on the use of sulfuric acid. This 

technology results in the generation of large amounts of radioactive gypsum that represents 

disposal and environmental problems. Also it involves the use of expensive reactors for acidification 

that necessitates the frequent replacing the damaged agitators. Applying hydrometallurgical 

techniques such as in-situ, heap, or vat leaching to phosphate processing could 

solve these problems. In this case, however, nitric acid must be used and dicalcium phosphate 

(40% P2O5) may be obtained as a final product. It is insoluble in water but soluble in 

citric acid and is an excellent fertilizer. This technology does not interfere with uranium recovery 

if desired. In addition it permits the recovery of rare earths which are otherwise lost 

in the gypsum. 

2:25 PM 

Structured Geomembrane Liners in Mine Closure Systems 

C. West; Western Region, Agru America, Fernley, NV 

With movement to extend periods of care and maintenance of closed mines and with that the 

increasing costs of dealing with Acid Rock Drainage more mines are looking at synthetic closures 

as an alternate to long term treatment of contaminated liquids. Structured or embossed 

HDPE and LLDPE geomembranes have been available to mines and designers for over 10 

years and their use in new leach pads, expansions and final closure designs has been steadily 

increasing, especially over the past10 years as owners and designers discover and demand 

the consistent high quality characteristics of this type of geomembrane due to the unique 

manufacturing process. This paper will discuss the structured or embossed geomembrane 

concept and manufacturing process as well as present comparative testing, illustrating the 

major advantages to the implementation of this type of product in these types of applications. 

Both technical and economic advantages will be illustrated with examples of recent cost-effective 

case history solutions. Case studies will be included such as the Gilt Edge Mine. 

2:45 PM 

Thermal Processing of Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr Alloy 

S. Vadiraja; Montana Tech, Butte, MT 

Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr alloy is an important beta type titanium material that is used in biomedical 

applications. The beta type titanium biomaterials are known for their good combination 

of static/fatigue strength combined with high fracture toughness and low elastic modulus. 

The investigated alloy was subjected to two different heat treatment cycles. One was 

annealed at 800C-1hr and was then cooled in air and the other one was solution treated at 

850C-1 hr and aged at 500C-10 hr. The tensile tests were conducted to evaluate the tensile 

properties. Optical microscopy was carried out to characterize the effect of heat treatment 

and its influence on mechanical properties. The fracture characteristics were investigated 

using scanning electron microscopy. Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr Alloy demonstrated a good 

combination of tensile strength and toughness as a function of heat treatment. The microstructures 

and fracture characteristics are being investigated. 


41


3:05 PM 

Mercury Air Emission Rule – An NGO Perspective 

D. Chambers; Center for Science in Public Participation, Bozeman, MT 

The EPA is scheduled to publish a rule regulating the mercury air emissions from gold mines 

in December, 2010. In preparation for this court-ordered rulemaking EPA has canvased state 

regulatory agencies, the mining industry, and environmental groups. Each group submitted 

detailed comments and suggestions on the proposed rules. This talk will briefly outline the 

history of the need and impetus for the rule, and will then provide a prospective on the efficacy 

of the rule from the point of view of the environmental community. This perspective 

will be technically-based, and related to the comments provided by NGO technical experts to 

EPA during the comment period for the rule. 

3:25 PM 

Should There Be An Aquatic Life Water Quality Criterion 

for Conductivity? 

R. Gensemer, S. Canton, G. DeJong, C. Wolf, S. Pargee and N. Paden; Ecology 

Division, GEI Consultants, Inc., Denver, CO 

A number of state and federal agencies are calling for development of aquatic life criteria for 

conductivity. These aquatic life benchmarks are based on correlations between conductivity 

and benthic macroinvertebrate community composition. However, development of an 

aquatic life criterion for a composite variable like conductivity is made difficult by a number 

of factors. Observed patterns of invertebrate community composition versus conductivity 

may instead be related to a combination of abiotic (e.g., ionic composition, habitat) and biotic 

(e.g., life history patterns) factors. Many benthic invertebrate taxa also do not respond to 

increasing conductivity in a consistent fashion. In addition, other states have determined 

that a composite variable, like conductivity or TDS, is not appropriate for criteria development, 

as toxicity varies as a function of ion composition and can be mitigated by elevated 

hardness. We conclude that the relationships between conductivity and changes in benthic 

macroinvertebrate community composition are neither strong nor reliable enough to warrant 

derivation of a criterion at this time. 

3:45 PM 

Storm Water Drainage from Hydrothermal Alteration Zones and 

Its Impact on Water Quality of the Red River, New Mexico 

T. Cox; ARCADIS, Highlands Ranch, CO 

The Red River is located within the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range in northern New 

Mexico. An approximate 12-mile segment of the river from the village of Questa (Questa) to 

the town of Red River includes several hydrothermal alteration zones. Alteration “scars” 

formed as a result of rapid chemical weathering and physical erosion of pyrite-rich 

hydro¬thermally altered rocks. Storm water runoff from the scar drainages contributes 

metal-laden, acidic water to the river and creates a visible plume of discolored water in the 

river. Acidic runoff reduces the river pH from 7 to the mid 3’s for at least 2 hours during large 

storms and the low pH water continues downstream. Runoff from scar drainages increases 

some metal concentrations in the river from below chronic ecological criteria to as much as 

two orders of magnitude greater than acute ecological criteria, and results in acutely toxic 

conditions for macroinvertebrates. A general improvement in river’s water quality occurs 

downstream due to dilution from tributary inflow from non-mineralized watersheds, the 

natural buffering capacity of the river, and storm water controls at the Chevron Mining Inc. 

Questa mine. 

4:05 PM 

How to Get Value from the GARD Guide? 

T. Chatwin; INAP, Salt Lake City, UT 

The International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) has developed the GARD Guide (a 

best practices guide for acid rock drainage (ARD) prevention) so that all mining stakeholders 

can gain value from studying and using the GARD Guide. Mine operators, consultants, 

regulators, financiers, academics and community leaders each have a role to play in assuring 

that sulfidic waste materials from mines and other excavations are managed in a manner to 

prevent ARD. Two of the significant elements of successful implementation of the GARD 

Guide practices are early and frank communications among stakeholders and timely integration 

of the ARD management plan into the mine operations. In this paper, we will discuss all 

stakeholders’ roles and how the GARD Guide can be applied to each ensuring that ARD best 

management practice is implemented successfully. 

4:25 PM 

Reclamation with Switchgrass for Biofuel Production 

in West Virginia 

J. Skousen and T. Keene; Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, 

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 

The high cost and demand for transportation fuels has created a need for biofuels. 

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a possible biofuel feedstock crop because it can produce 

large amounts of biomass over a wide range of growing conditions. Reclaimed mine 

lands in Appalachia have the potential to become centers of biofuel production and identifying 

the best varieties, their planting requirements, yields, and biofuel feedstock potential are 

needed. Three mine sites in West Virginia were planted and each had unique minesoil characteristics. 

Hobet 21 had gray sandstone topsoil substitute, Coal-Mac mine had brown sandstone 

and original topsoil, and Hampshire Hill had original topsoil amended with biosolids. 

Three varieties of switchgrass (Carthage, Cave-in-Rock and Shawnee) were planted into 0.4 

ha plots and replicated three times. At the end of the third growing season, biomass yields 

were highest for the Cave-in-Rock variety. Hampshire Hill with biosolids outperformed other 

sites and produced yields of 6500 kg/ha. 

Environmental: Uranium 


Chairs: g. Robinson, R2 Inc., Sedalia, CO 

V. McLemore, New Mexico Bureau of Geology and 

Mineral Resources, Socorro, NM 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Public Outreach in Permitting the Piñon Ridge 

Uranium/Vanadium Mill 

F. Filas; Energy Fuels Resources Corp., Lakewood, CO 

Although environmental permitting of new mining projects is largely driven by technical and 

compliance issues, public perception and acceptance of a project is increasingly becoming an 

important aspect of the permitting process that has to be actively managed. Energy Fuels 

purchased the Piñon Ridge site in western Montrose County, Colorado in July 2007 with the 

intent to permit and construct the first new conventional uranium mill in the United States 

in almost three decades. The company realized that anti-nuclear groups would strongly oppose 

the project and therefore started an informational campaign to educate the public and 

build support for the mill early in the permitting process. The campaign included hosting 

voluntary public informational meetings, establishing a mill website, electronically posting 

project documents, keeping state and county regulators and officials informed of our activities, 

and maintaining an open-door policy with the media. This ultimately paid large dividends 

as the majority of the “West Enders”, as the locals refer to themselves, strongly supported 

the mill during the extensive public meetings conducted by the county and state. 

2:25 PM 

Predictive Modeling Strategies for Proposed Uranium 

In-Situ Recovery Mines 

R. Johnson 1 , M. Yoshino 1 , S. Hall 1 and V. Shea 2 ; 1 Geologic Discipline, USGS, 

Denver, CO and 2 UIC Program, U.S. EPA, Denver, CO 

Uranium in-situ recovery (ISR) mining extracts uranium via enhanced dissolution of solidphase 

uranium in groundwater aquifers. This changes the pre-existing groundwater geochemistry 

and makes uranium more mobile in solution. Aquifers within the mining zone are 

often not suitable drinking-water supplies, but surrounding aquifer zones can be of drinking 

water quality. Local groundwater users are concerned about future impacts on their water 

quality with nearby ISR mines (either existing or proposed). This research proposes predictive 

modeling strategies for addressing the following questions at proposed uranium ISR 

mines: 1) how well do identified aquitards limit groundwater flow between aquifers?, 2) 

what is the groundwater quality at the end of mining after restoration efforts are complete?, 

and 3) what is the long-term fate and transport of any groundwater contaminants away from 

the mined zone? 

2:45 PM 

ISR Permitting in Wyoming 

M. Thomas; Uranerz Energy Corporation, Casper, WY 

What does it take for a junior uranium company to license a new in situ recovery (ISR) uranium 

operation in the state of Wyoming? For the past two and one half years, Uranerz has 

been working to become one of the newest uranium producers in the United States. 

Uranerz Energy Corporation began the licensing and permitting process in 2006 for their 

Nichols Ranch ISR Project. After a year of collecting baseline information, Uranerz submitted 

permit applications for the Nichols Ranch ISR Project in December of 2007 to the 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Wyoming Department of Environmental 

Quality (WDEQ). Uranerz Energy Corporation was one of three companies in over two 

decades to submit permit applications to the NRC and the WDEQ for a new ISR operation. 

Currently, the Nichols Ranch ISR Project application has been accepted by the NRC for a detailed 

technical and environmental review, and the application has been deem “complete” 

by the WDEQ also allowing further detailed review. Commencement of operations at the 

Nichols Ranch ISR Project is currently projected for sometime in 2011 depending on the 

timing of regulatory approval. 

3:05 PM 

Technical Aspects of In Situ Uranium Permitting at the 

Dewey Burdock Project, South Dakota 

R. Clement; Powertech (USA), Inc., Albuquerque, NM 

Powertech (USA) was formed in 2006 and controls several uranium properties. Dewey 

Burdock project in S.Dakota is the company’s most advanced project, having been discovered 

during the 1970’s by Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA drilled over 4000 uranium exploration 

test holes and discovered a large accumulation of high grade uranium (0.20%). 

Powertech acquired the majority of the exploration data that was generated by TVA and 

began a focused permitting program in 2007. To date the company has submitted applications 

to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a source material license and an underground 

injection control (UIC) permit application to the U.S. EPA. This paper will share an 

overview of the requests for additional information from the different agencies and will 

focus on the technical aspects of the permitting process. Today, the emphasis is on minimizing 

future risk through modeling and design in much greater detail than previously necessary. 

However, no matter how much pre development data a company can provide, it can 

never equate to completion of wellfields before operating solutions are injected. 


42


3:25 PM 

Identifying Mineral Schemes for Aquifer Restoration After 

Uranium In-Situ Recovery 

A. Tarrell 1 , L. Figueroa 1 and J. Gillow 2 ; 1 Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

and 2 ARCADIS U.S., Inc., Highlands Ranch, CO 

Uranium in-situ recovery (ISR) involves the injection of an oxidizing lixiviant into the ore 

zone of an aquifer dissolving uranium in minerals and keeping the U(VI) in solution by forming 

strong aqueous complexes. Groundwater quality effects are caused by reactions with the 

lixiviant and the geologic medium. At the conclusion of ISR, it is necessary to restore the 

groundwater quality. Groundwater sweep alone is insufficient for complete restoration because 

of aquifer heterogeneities and alterations to the host rock mineralogy caused by the 

lixiviant; oxygen scavengers or reducing agents are then added to re-establish reducing conditions 

in the aquifer. Current methods of groundwater remediation are simplistic and show 

an initial decrease in contaminants, but concentrations tend to rebound shortly after. Focus 

should be placed on restoring the mineral phases and establishing “mineral schemes” that 

achieve sustained compliance with restoration targets. We present a framework for a 

restoration strategy that emphasizes synergy between microbiology and mineralogy. Data 

from ISR case studies will be discussed in this context, including geochemical modeling and 

mineralogical evaluations. 

3:45 PM 

Wyoming’s Core Area Sage Grouse Protection Standards 

Applied to an In-Situ Recovery Project 

W. Heili; Ur-Energy, Casper, WY 

Ur-Energy’s Lost Creek ISR Project lies within a State of Wyoming designated Core Habitat 

Area for the Greater Sage Grouse. In August 2010, the Wyoming Governor issued an updated 

Executive Order directing state agencies to enact specific protective measures to ensure the 

maintenance of suitable habitat and grouse populations throughout the Core Habitat Areas 

of the state. This presentation reviews the Core Area Stipulations and how Ur-Energy’s Lost 

Creek Project Wildlife Management Plan specifically addresses Sage Grouse protections and 

compliance with the Executive Order protections and stipulations. 


Waste Management 


Chair: j. Parshley, SRK Consulting, Reno, NV 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Mining in the Future: Mine Waste Design 

M. Javier; EnviroMINE, Denver, CO 

Mining waste is a huge problem in its mass accumulation and long-term toxic uncertainties. 

Its value “zero” is strictly calculated by economy. Waste is widely known consequence of the 

mining process. This mining model begs the question: Can waste have value & what would 

that mean to the mining industry? Abundant waste accumulation negatively impacts society 

& nature as it has no use, no destiny. In reality, wastepiles is a monument of imperfection of 

extractive industries worldwide. Our planet is finite & has strict limitations that mining has 

traditionally ignored. Solving this problem requires a waste design fully integrated with the 

whole mining process; time is of the essence. This paper presents a concept in waste design 

by which toxic mining waste not only can be rendered inert but also act as a nutrient to balance 

ecosystems. It will call upon extractive industries to pursue EQUILIBRIUM with nature 

(Geomimic).This concept offers countless opportunities & by converting liabilities into assets, 

mining engineers become MANAGERS OF NATURE. Waste design offers new solutions 

for sustainable waste management in the mining industry. 

2:25 PM 

Selection of Appropriate Analytical Methods for Calculating the 

Settlement and Consolidation Properties of Mine Tailings 

D. Geier, K. Morrison and G. Gjerapic; Golder Associates Inc., Lakewood, CO 

Accurate estimates of tailings density and settlement are critical for successful design, operation, 

and closure of tailings impoundments. Often the limitations of the analytical method 

being employed are not well understood or the method is not appropriate for the intended 

purpose. This paper provides a brief discussion of some common methods used to model the 

settlement and consolidation behavior of tailings, the relative accuracy of these methods, 

and the common pitfalls encountered in their use. Recommendations are provided on how 

to estimate and account for potential error in the analysis. Recommendations are also given 

regarding the applicability of various methods given impoundment geometry, tailings properties, 

filling rate, and accuracy requirements. Methods considered include traditional (i.e. 

Terzaghi) and large-strain consolidation methods, as well as one and three-dimensional 

analyses. To illustrate the differences in methods, settlements were calculated for two hypothetical 

tailings impoundments. Also presented is a comparison of estimated (calculated) 

and actual tailings density (based on mill production data and bathymetric surveys) for an 

example facility. 

2:45 PM 

Assessing the Potential of Future Breakthroughs of Impounded 

Coal Refuse Slurry into Underground Mines – The Effect of 

Slurry Flow Characteristics and Other Considerations 

P. Michael 1 , M. Richmond 2 , M. Superfesky 3 , D. Stump 1 and L. Chavel 4 ; 1 Office of 

Surface Mining, U.S. Dept. of Interior, Pittsburgh, PA; 2 Office of Surface Mining, 

U.S. Dept. of Interior, Charleston, WV; 3 Office of Surface Mining, U.S. Dept. of 

Interior, Morgantown, WV and 4 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago, IL 

On October 11, 2000, approximately 306 million gallons of water and fine coal refuse slurry 

drained from an impoundment in eastern Kentucky into an adjacent underground mine. 

Approximately 245 million gallons of the water and slurry discharged from two underground 

mine portals and affected over 75 miles of streams. As a result of this and several 

other breakthroughs, the U.S. Office of Surface Mining and other institutions undertook investigations 

to assess the causes of the events and the potential for additional breakthroughs 

in the future. Several studies addressed the flow characteristics of impounded refuse slurry. 

A closely related issue concerns appropriate measures and available methods to assure that 

underground mines adjacent to or underlying impoundments are known and accurately located. 

Current, limited information on the engineering properties of coal refuse in existing 

facilities provides no assurance against fine refuse flowability during any stage in the impoundment 

construction and reclamation process or after reclamation has been completed. 

3:05 PM 

Tailings Paste Disposal – More than Water Recovery 

S. Slottee 1 and M. Biesinger 2 ; 1 PasteThick Associates, Salt Lake City, UT and 

2 

WesTech Engineering, Salt Lake City, UT 

The technology of making and using “paste” from mine tailings is increasingly well known by 

the minerals industry. The primary applications are water recovery and “stacking” of tailings 

with minimal use of dams and ponds. This paper highlights some applications, other than 

water recovery and stacking, that have come to the attention of a paste thickener equipment 

supplier. Examples of paste applications other than water recovery or stacking include: 

“mine” an existing tailings pond by removing slurry, recovering coal or iron ore values, and return 

the new tailings to the pond as a paste that does not res-suspend; use paste to seal an existing 

tailings pond from leaking to groundwater or to an underground mine; extend the life of 

an existing tailings pond by thickening the tailings to paste; move an existing dry tailings impoundment 

to a new location by slurrying, pumping, paste thickening, and redeposit; minimize 

the size of a filter by paste thickening the feed; operate a paste thickener and filter in 

parallel on a tailings stream with re-mixing to achieve a high solids concentration. 

3:25 PM 

Lithology-dependent Selenate Reduction by Native Bacteria in 

Phosphate Mine Waste 

L. Kirk, B. Stewart, R. Macur and R. Gerlach; Center Biofilm Engineering, 

Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 

Native bacteria in groundwater from the Meade Peak member of the Phosphoria Formation 

in southeast Idaho have been shown to reduce soluble selenate Se(VI) concentrations under 

saturated, micro-aerophilic to anaerobic conditions using carbon naturally present in mined 

chert and shale. Operational waste management that promotes such Se(VI) reduction in facilities 

constructed with mined waste must account for long term stability of reduced selenium 

to provide a reliable method for source control. Samples of sterile chert and shale exposed 

to a live consortium of groundwater bacteria, which demonstrated Se(VI) reduction in 

batch reactors, were studied using ion chromatography (IC), high performance liquid chromatography-inductively 

coupled mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICPMS), synchrotron-XRD, and 

bulk X-ray adsorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) to determine the aqueous and solid 

phase selenium reduction products in chert and shale lithologies. Production of different 

organo-selenium compounds, as well as different reduced selenium mineral end products, in 

chert and shale indicates distinct, lithology-dependent reduction pathways. 

3:45 PM 

The Use of Geosynthetic Clay Liners in Heap Leach Pad Liners 

C. Athanassopoulos; CETCO, Hoffman Estates, IL 

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are bentonite clay-based hydraulic barriers commonly used 

as alternatives to compacted clay liners in waste containment and mining applications, including 

heap leach pads, process solution ponds, tailings impoundments, and mine closures. 

This paper will present a feasibility study of heap leach pad liner alternatives, including 

geomembranes, geomembrane/compacted clay composites, or geomembrane/GCL 

composites. The feasibility study will include comparisons of technical effectiveness (based 

on design tools commonly used in the design of solid waste landfills) and cost effectiveness 

(based not only on installed material costs, but also on cost savings associated with improved 

metal recovery rates afforded by improved containment). 

4:05 PM 

Neutral Drainage and Available Acid Neutralization Capacity 

from Silicates in Eagle, A Magmatic Sulfide Deposit, Marquette 

County, Michigan (USA) 

M. Logsdon 1 , L. Logsdon 1 and K. Mariuzza 2 ; 1 Geochimica Inc., Aptos, CA and 

2 

Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company, Ishpeming, MI 

Silicates may make an important contribution to the neutralization of potential acid- rock 

drainage from mine wastes. Reliance on acid-neutralization capacity (ANC) as a function of 

time from silicates is seldom studied with long-term empirical data. We examine the availability 

of ANC in low- and high-sulfide rocks from Eagle, a small, high-grade, Ni-Cu magmatic 

sulfide deposit. The ore is pentlandite > chalcopyrite in pyrrhotite hosted by peridotite. Longterm 

column-leaching shows that waste intervals will generate neutral drainage with dis- 


43


solved metals that depend on sulfide minerals and their grades as the pH range evolves during 

sulfide oxidation. Available ANC, determined from solution chemistry, increases by a factor 

of more than 7 between the weak-acid titrated, low-sulfide, and the strong-acid titrated, 

high-sulfide samples at comparable times near 300 weeks. The available ANC increases with 

the strength of the dominant weathering acid and with H+-flux from sulfide oxidation. 

Effluent chemistry implies long-term neutralization by silicates (olivine and serpentine) that 

is rapid enough to control the longevity of neutral drainage in Eagle rocks. 

4:25 PM 

Waste Rock Sample Number Requirements for Geochemical 

Characterization 

P. Moran and S. Krajewski; Tetra Tech, Golden, CO 

Selection of waste rock samples for inclusion in mine waste geochemical characterization 

programs is a key first step that can significantly impact data interpretation. As a result, numerous 

guidance documents are now available that address the selection of representative 

samples. There is a general consensus that samples should be geospatially distributed and 

representative of each lithology/alternation type that will be mined or excavated. However, 

the number of samples to collect is still a hotly debated topic that remains open to interpretation. 

This study provides an overview of various strategies used to determine how many 

samples are adequate to meet characterization program objectives during the various 

phases of mine development. 

Industrial Minerals and Aggregates: 

A Review of Emerging Markets for 

Industrial Minerals 


Chairs: R. Pruett, Imerys, Sandersville, GA 

j. gauntt, Marston, Lakewood, CO 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Recent Trends in the Markets for Industrial Minerals: Meeting 

the Challenges of an Uncertain Economic Outlook 

T. Harris; MineSet Partners LLC, Rockaway, NJ 

Since the latter half of 2008, industrial minerals suppliers around the world have been 

faced with a number of challenges, owing to the dramatic contraction in sales volumes from 

the ongoing global recession, unfavorable exchange rate influences, and the rapid inflation 

in variable costs, to name a few. Several major players in this business have taken needed 

steps to adjust production capacities to meet the changing demand trends, and maintain 

operating income and expenses at acceptable levels. As major construction related markets 

for industrial minerals continue to lag in regions like North America, a number of suppliers 

are also starting to expand their reach into other profitable niche markets. In addition, 

some of the larger and more stable companies in this sector have been able to expand their 

portfolio activities through strategic acquisitions during this period of volatility, which 

should place them in a favorable position as the economy improves. This paper will provide 

insights on these and other trends as they impact the domestic markets for performance 

minerals, based on a continuing series of reports in this area that MineSet Partners is 

currently developing. 

2:25 PM 

The Evolution of the Markets for Talc 

E. McCarthy; Rio Tinto Minerals, Greenwood Vilage, CO 

The mineral talc has been mined and processed for commercial applications for almost 150 

years and is used in a wide variety of applications due to its softness, morphology, surface 

characteristics and chemistry. In that time the major uses of talc have evolved and changed 

with ore availability, end use technology and competitive economics. This presentation will 

review some of those uses, why they grew at the time and have declined in recent years and 

in doing so, will illustrate the critical relationship between mining and markets that make for 

success in the industrial minerals field. 

2:45 PM 

Zeolite Minerals – Will Their Markets Ever Emerge? 

W. Miles; Miles Industrial Mineral Research, Denver, CO 

Synthetic minerals were first used to develop detergent and catalyst markets for zeolites. 

New markets for natural zeolite minerals are being developed, based on their physical and 

chemical properties. Zeolites are composed of 3-dimensional structures of SiO4 and AlO4 

tetrahedral units where oxygen atoms are shared between silicon and aluminum atoms. The 

3-dimensional zeolite crystal structure of these tetrahedral units creates channels and large 

cavities. Each aluminum creates a negative charge within its tetrahedral oxygen unit attracting 

cations to the zeolite surface or into zeolite channels in order to neutralize these negative 

charges. However, these cations do not become part of the zeolite crystal structure and can 

be replaced by other cations. Cations drawn into the zeolite channels are typically monovalent 

or divalent, and accasionally trivalent. The size and shape of the cross-section of the 

channels vary among zeolite minerals. These differences result in preferences for some 

cations versus other cations. In addition the channel volume or void volume also varies 

among zeolite minerals. These differences lead to different markets for each zeolite mineral. 

3:05 PM 

Global Markets for Rare Earths and the 

Re-Establishment of a North American Rare Earth 

Mine-to-Magnets Supply Chain 

M. Smith; Molycorp, Inc., Greenwood Village, CO 

Global demand for rare earths in industrial, clean energy, transportation, defense, communications, 

and other applications is growing rapidly. Global supply, currently met almost entirely 

by China, is increasingly constrained. China’s recently announced plans to further 

tighten rare earth exports to the world – putting rest-of-world supply below rest-of-world 

demand – has moved the rare earths supply issue on the front burner of governments and 

corporate boardrooms around the world. Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Molycorp, 

Inc., the Western Hemisphere’s only rare earth producer, will provide new insights on global 

rare earth market trends. He also will give an update on the scheduled deployment of 

Molycorp’s highly anticipated rare earth Mine-to-Magnets’ manufacturing supply chain. 

3:25 PM 

Current Trends in Kaolin Pigments 

R. Pruett; Imerys, Sandersville, GA 

Kaolin pigments continue to be used mostly for coating paper and paperboard to provide 

brightness, gloss, and printability. Most kaolin pigments are wet processed through complex 

beneficiation operations located in Georgia, USA; Para, Brazil; and Cornwall-Devon, UK. 

Production data from the USGS show that overall kaolin growth has stopped. Paper mill closures 

and the increased use of carbonate pigments are mostly responsible for slowing kaolin 

pigment demand in paper. Brazilian kaolin production continues to increase because of high 

quality sedimentary kaolin deposits that yield kaolin pigments having exceptional quality. 

Georgia kaolin producers continue to diversify their kaolin product offerings and markets. 

International I 


Chairs: Len harris, Lone Tree, CO 

Mick gavrilovic, G3 Consulting, Denver, CO 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

An American Down Under – Living and Working in Australia 

J. Pippenger; Thiess, Kingaroy, QLD, Australia 

The mining industry has driven Australia’s economy over the past decade, contributing 8% 

to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and 26% of Stock Exchange market capitalization. 

Australia is the world’s largest exporter of coal, iron ore, alumina, lead and zinc; and second 

largest in gold and uranium1. This resource boom has created a demand for professional and 

operating talent that has far outstripped the capacity of Australia’s 21M residents. The mining 

industry in Australia offers a wide variety of work choices including urban corporate, 

rural residential, Drive-In/Drive-Out (DIDO) and Fly-In/Fly-Out (FIFO) options to meet most 

any career goals. Additionally, living in Australia provides numerous lifestyle advantages due 

to its small population, abundant recreational activities and rural way of life. This presentation 

provides one American’s perspective on the current Australian mining industry, work 

options available, and enjoyment in living and working in the Land Down Under. 

2:25 PM 

Extraterritorial Application of U.S. Laws on Mining Companies: 

The FCPA and the Alien Tort Statute 

J. Drimmer; Steptoe and Johnson, LLP, Washington, DC 

Over the past several years, there has been a sharp rise in US legal proceedings premised on 

alleged overseas conduct by mining companies and their affiliates. The two most prominent 

US laws involved in those matters are the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), enforced by 

the US Department of Justice and the SEC, and the Alien Tort Statute (ATS), a law that permits 

civil lawsuits based on foreign human rights violations to be filed in US courts. Although 

the thrust of the laws differ - the FCPA is a criminal law prohibiting foreign bribery, while the 

ATS concerns human rights issues - both are US laws that are extraterritorial in scope, claims 

are sharply on the rise, cases in large part depend on interactions with foreign government 

officials, cases commonly are based on the conduct of third parties, and both carry grave 

consequences when violated. For mining companies, the best methods to prevent claims includes 

a robust compliance program targeting FCPA and ATS issues, managing and monitoring 

relationships with third parties, and developing a clearly defined plan when potential 

breaches are suspected. 

2:45 PM 

Social License: Fact or Fiction 

A. Baertl; Gestora de Negocios, Lima, Peru 

It is a fact that mining operations must comply with all legal requirements, including licenses 

and permits, and that the government’s role is to guarantee the legitimacy, efficacy and enforcement 

of those licenses and permits. Today, however, the foregoing is a fiction because in 

transition economies, such as the great majority of Latin American countries, governments 

lack the ability to secure such effective enforcement and provide the necessary investor 

guarantees. To be sustainable, a mining venture needs to gain credibility and develop mutual 

trust within its community, and based on it, build a strategic alliance with its main stake- 


44


holders, aiming to be an active partner in their future development. Consequently, it is a 

CEO’s role to understand and deal with this new reality as part of a mining company’s way of 

doing business in transition economies. My comments are based on my experiences in mining 

in Peru, one case in times of terrorism, and the second on mining in poverty-stricken 

areas. I will share lessons learned from these Peruvian experiences, and show how a promining 

consensus can be reached within the context of social unrest. 

3:05 PM 

Mining and the Community in Peru – Innovative Partnering 

at Ollachea 

D. Benavides; Minera IRL, SA, Lima, Peru 

The Peruvian mining industry has expanded rapidly with lease coverage of nearly 20 million 

hectares. This has impacted Andean native communities and is often a source of conflict in 

negotiating a Surface Rights Agreement, required to access a property for exploration and 

development. Many disputes result from fear of social and environmental impact on traditional 

lifestyle and tend to overlook the economic benefits and social improvement that can 

be brought about by the sustainable and environmentally acceptable development of mineral 

resources. Minera IRL SA, through its subsidiary Minera Kuri Kullu, negotiated an innovative 

Surface Rights Agreement with the local community at its Ollachea Gold Project in 

Southern Peru. This agreement comprised traditional components such as health, education 

and welfare programs, and sustainable development projects. Minera IRL also incorporated 

provision for a 5% equity participation in the project upon commencement of production. As 

equity partners, the community has a vested interest in success of the project and has thus 

far proved highly successful in aligning the people of Ollachea with Minera IRL. 

3:25 PM 

Social Performance: The Hard Science Behind the “Soft” Stuff 

J. Render; ERM, Washington, DC 

This session is designed to take some of the mystery out of measuring social performance by 

applying monitoring and evaluation techniques to community relations and community development 

efforts at the project level. It will provide a brief and practical introduction to current 

international performance and assurance standards, include example indicators that 

can be used by site-level or corporate managers, and review current tools and their application. 

The discussion will be led by a senior social performance expert who has practical experience 

in working with GRI, ICMM, and IFC assurance standards. 

3:45 PM 

Proposed Changes to Canadian National Instrument 

43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects 

G. Gosson; AMEC Americas Inc, Vancouver, BC, Canada 

National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects became law in 

Canada on February 1, 2001, and was revised December 30, 2005. On January 20, 2009, the 

Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) launched a project to revise NI 43-101 in response 

to industry and regulatory concerns, including 1)Request frequency for consents from qualified 

persons (QPs) that authored technical reports to meet filing requirements under 

Canadian and US securities law; 2)Technical report form was unsuited to mineral projects 

that had progressed beyond a Preliminary Feasibility level of study; 3)Impression that QPs 

were inappropriately being made responsible and taking on the liability for an issuer’s disclosure; 

4)Disclosure of previous resource and reserve estimates were inflexible where issuers 

had acquired a mineral property with an existing resource or reserve from a previous 

operator; 5)Reviewing technical report triggers to ensure they were appropriate; 6)Need for 

clarity on interpretation and application of certain disclosure requirements; 7)Need to update 

accepted foreign professional associations under NI 43-101. The revised NI 43-101 is 

planned to take effect by mid-2011. 

4:05 PM 

A Proposed Tool to Reduce Social Conflicts by Eliminating 

Information Asymmetries in Regulations – The Peruvian Case 

O. Tovar; ARCADIS, Lima, Peru 

A Mining Project Development uses to deal with a long negotiation period between authorities-citizens-investors 

to make the project real, and the lowest cost process will depend on 

how clear are for everyone the rules to set a ‘common transaction price’, which in fact is not 

that common. In a country like Peru, where over 60% of exports and 10% of GDP comes from 

mining activity, it is critical to show and comprehend a unique set of full and clear rules to 

share between stakeholders for a fair and low cost negotiation process to develop any mine 

project. This Joined Booklet -edited by the author in a two-year work- incorporates 66 Acts 

in 250 Articles, topics such as: 1) General Definitions and Concepts; 2) Government’s 

Competences; 3) Mining Rights and Lands; 4) Taxation and Stability; 4) Health and Safety; 

and 5) Environmental. The purpose of this work is to show to Investors-Citizens- 

Government a practical and organized way to help them to unify all the country’s Act-level 

Regulations in a single Joined Booklet to reduce information asymmetries and reduce transaction 

costs typically reflected as social conflicts. 

Join SME by January 28, 2011 

and Save $130 

on Your 2011 Annual Meeting 

Registration Fees! 

Mineral and Metallurgical Processing: 

PLENARY SESSION 

NEW 

This Year! 


Chairs: M. jorgensen, Rio Tinto, South Jordan, UT 

b.K. Parekh, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 

P. Taylor, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

c. Young, Montana, Tech, Butte, MT 

S 

Chair: P. boman 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

GAUDIN LECTURER 

Janusz Laskowski 

RICHARDS LECTURER 


WADSWORTH LECTURER 

William G. Davenport 

“Platinum Group Metal Extraction” 

R-H YOON LECTURER 

R-H Yoon 

Mining and Exploration: 

Advances in Mine Safety 


2:05 PM 

Devices to Enhance Miner Self Escape in Smoke-filled Entries 

S. Harteis, D. Alexander, L. Chasko and C. Slaughter; NIOSH - Office of Mine 

Safey and Health Research, Pittsburgh, PA 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health (NIOSH), Office of Mine Safety & Health Research (OMSHR), with the assistance 

of cooperating underground mining operations and state agencies, has conducted research 

exploring the use of devices and technologies that could be used to assist miners navigating 

through smoke and dust resulting from a fire or explosion. Recent events confirm 

smoke and dust can enter and contaminate mine escapeways creating an atmosphere with 

severely reduced visibility. This reduced visibility results in substantially increased escape 

times, possible disorientation or confusion, increased stress levels, and may prevent evacuation 

altogether. Tools or devices that assist miners to navigate through smoke-filled areas 

void of lifelines could make the difference in successfully escaping from the mine. This paper 

presents the results of OMSHR research to identify and evaluate tools and devices that could 

provide meaningful information to evacuating miners in areas with limited visibility and 

without the benefit of a lifeline. 

2:25 PM 

Predicting Model for the Number of Fatal Injuries in the Mines; 

Case Study of the USA Underground Coal Mines 

K. Oraee 1 , A. Yazdani-Chamzini 2 and M. Basiri 3 ; 1 managment, Stirling 

University, Stirling, United Kingdom; 2 mining, Tarbiat Modares University, 

Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran and 3 Mining Department, Tarbiat Modares 

University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 

Most management decisions at all levels of the organization are as directly or indirectly depends 

on the case of predicting in the future. As regard to predict future events in the 

process of decision-making plays a major role, therefore, forecasting is very important for 

many organizations and institutions, so every organization must be able to predict for decision 

making consciously. There is a variety of methods to predict. In general, these techniques 

can be divided as following: statistical, artificial intelligence and analytical techniques. 

Two of the most common methods for time series prediction is ARIMA and ANFIS 

methods, these methods are the subset of statistical and artificial intelligence techniques respectively. 

In this paper, ARIMA and ANFIS models are employed to predict the number of 

fatal injuries in the USA underground coal mines. This research showed the result of ANFIS 

model is better than ARIMA model. 


45


2:45 PM 

Is the System of Mine Safety in the U.S. Broken? 

D. Lauriski and B. Yang; Safety Solutions International, Inc., 

Parker, CO 

The recent spate of catastrophic events causes us to ponder whether our safety and health 

system in American mines is broken. The prescriptive regulatory regime in the U.S. is not a 

cure all for a broken system. Without totally diminishing the contribution of a prescriptive 

regulatory approach, this paper argues that safety in the U.S. mining industry would be enhanced 

if we adopted a scheme that provides a balance between specification standards and 

two alternatives: performance and systems-based standards. This would allow effective and 

flexible means to continuous health and safety performance improvement. Mine operators, 

regulators and politicians could then go beyond thinking that compliance alone equals 

strong safety by creating a proactive system that emphasizes continuous improvement. By 

adopting performance and systems-based standards, exemplary safety and health performers 

can be recognized, allowing regulators to focus their efforts on those without sound occupational 

safety systems and who have sub-standard safety performance. 

3:05 PM 

MSHA After the Upper Big Branch Disaster 

L. Beverage; Occupational Safety and Health Practice Group, Jackson Kelly 

Attorneys At Law, Denver, CO 

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act and the Administration has been under scrutiny by 

Congress in the wake of the UBB disaster that occurred in April 2010. What will occur as an 

outgrowth of this effort is yet to be seen. However, change is likely whether it be legislative, 

regulatory, enforcement attitudes, or contest processses for contested cases. The impact may 

well be felt on mine operators, mining plan approval process, compliance, and penalties. 

This ever evolving process and what it means to mine operators will be explored in this presentation. 

3:25 PM 

A Systems Approach for Managing the Costs, Risks, and 

Liabilities of Fatigue in 24/7 Operations 

W. Sirois; Circadian, Stoneham, MA 

There is now a global body of scientific evidence that shiftwork in the 24/7 workplace is a 

high risk, occupational health and safety exposure, and that the development of Fatigue Risk 

Management Systems (FRMS) has emerged as the internationally accepted standard for 

managing the inherent costs, risks and liabilities of shiftwork. This session will review the 

new ANSI standard for FRMS, how industries as diverse as Aviation, Railroads, Mining and 

Oil and Gas are implementing Corporate FRMS systems to address these issues. It will also 

provide examples of technology and behavioral management combined to optimize shiftworker 

health, safety and quality of life, as well as operating efficiency. 

3:45 PM 

Comparison of the Drum Friction Test to Large-Scale Fire Tests 

and BELT Test Results 

J. Rowland and A. Smith; NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER ACT) amended 

the Mine Safety Health Administration Act of 1977 to improve the safety of mines. The 

MINER ACT established a Technical Study Panel (The Panel) to provide recommendations on 

the utilization of belt air and new technology that may be available for increasing the fire resistance 

properties of conveyor belt used in underground coal mines. Recommendation 2 of 

the Panel Report states that MSHA adopt a drum friction test to be utilized for a period of 

two years to evaluate and assess the contribution to conveyor belt fire safety. Continuance of 

this test would be based on the MSHA evaluation at the end of this time period. The Panel is 

recommending that a drum friction test be assessed to determine if it could complement the 

BELT method. This paper will describe research conducted to determine if the drum friction 

test adds a layer of safety by comparing the results of the drum friction, large-scale conveyor 

belt burn tests, and the BELT results. Several different conveyor belts that meet different 

flammability standards in the U.S. and other foreign countries will be tested to show how 

they correlate. 


Autonomous Mining and Operator 

Assist Technologies 


Chair: M. baker, CheckMark Consulting, Inc., Tucson, AZ 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Rio Tinto’s Surface Mine Automation Program 

A. Stokes; Rio Tinto, Bundoora, VIC, Australia 

This paper presents an overview of the objectives and key elements of 

Rio Tinto’s Surface Mine Automation Program. 

2:25 PM 

Autonomous Mine Haulage, The Intangible Business Case 

P. Carter; Modular Mining Systems, Inc., Tucson, AZ 

The practical application of Autonomous haulage systems in open pit mining is a reality, 

more than 70 million production tonnes were hauled from open pit mining operations using 

autonomous haulage during 2009. Compared to other industries such as manufacturing autonomous 

technology in mining is in its infancy. The focus on eliminating truck driver wages 

and on-costs highlights the low level of maturity and industry experience to-date. The real 

long term value of autonomous haulage revolves around paradigm shifts in the way mines 

are designed, planned and operated. The attributes of autonomous haulage that will eventually 

manifest themselves in mining companies generating sustainable profits are precision, 

reliability, and replication. These will create a platform to precisely extract and deliver material 

with conveyor like consistency and extremely low variability of quality and product 

rates. The workplace by design will be substantially safer. The largest long term value will be 

created by the systematic application of business rules that take advantage of the precision, 

reliability, and replication attributes, institutionalizing and under-writing continuous 

improvement. 

2:45 PM 

Continuing Evolution of Autonomous Technologies in Mining 

M. Murphy; Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria, IL 

Caterpillar has been developing autonomous mining technologies for several decades. The 

first autonomous haul truck system was deployed in an actual customer’s operation in Texas 

in the early 1990’s. Although it provided the proof of concept necessary to continue advancing 

automation goals, the necessary technologies required for success were either not available, 

or were too costly to make such systems commercially viable. Customers at that time 

did not have the same business drivers for automation as they have today. As newer and 

more affordable system components began to appear in the marketplace, Cat started a building 

block approach for the re-introduction of commercialized automation in the mining industry. 

Today, Caterpillar offers a variety of automated solutions including its proximity 

safety alert systems (CIODS) and its underground automated and tele-remote LHD system 

(Minegem). Plans are already underway for field trials of its soon to be released autonomous 

haulage and autonomous drill solutions. This presentation will provide an overview of 

Caterpillar’s ongoing efforts and commitment to develop and provide the next generation of 

mining solutions to its customers. 

3:05 PM 

Automated Drilling – Benefits and Pitfalls 

C. Stacy; APG, flanders electric, Pima, AZ 

The definition of automated drilling varies from system provider to system provider. True 

automated drilling requires the drill to be able to drill 100% of the holes in the mine to the 

proper elevation with a high degree of quality holes remaining after the machine has moved 

on to the next pattern. Many benefits can be realized from the use of automated systems on 

drills. These benefits include increased overall production of the machine, normalization of 

operator performance, reduction in performance drop offs due to fatigue, increases in productivity 

during shift changes and blast outages, and increased life and availability of the 

machine. Of course, there are a lot of pitfalls associated with automated drilling as well. 

First and foremost is the problem of change management. This can be at least partially mitigated 

by incremental changes in the drilling process, by gradually introducing automation 

instead of thrusting it on the user. Support technologies are also a big challenge. Specifically, 

obstacle detection, communications, and high quality/high availability GPS pose challenges 

to most users. 

3:25 PM 

Automation of Underground LHDs 

J. Bontje; Global Mining, Caterpillar, Denver, CO 

It is now possible to use automation technology to dramatically increase the safety and productivity 

of many types of underground mining. A common method of mining an unsupported 

area is through a line-of-site remote control system. However, remote control operation 

of an LHD presents many opportunities for injury to mining personnel and for 

equipment damage. The installation of a MINEGEM automation system, now available from 

Caterpillar, removes the need to operate a machine by line-of-site remote. With MINEGEM, 

an LHD can be operated for a complete load, haul, dump, and return cycle from a safe, secure, 

and comfortable remote station. Higher productivity, greater equipment utilization, 

and a decrease in equipment damage are other aspects of equipment automation that will 

be considered. 

3:45 PM 

Implementation & Integration of Unmanned Autonomous 

Vehicles into Surface Mining Operations 

M. Torrie; Autonomous Solutions, Inc., Petersboro, UT 

Autonomous Solutions will present an overview of the state of the art in autonomous unmanned 

vehicles for surface mining applications. From earthmoving robotic bulldozers, to 

auto-tramming unmanned blasthole drills, to fully unmanned haul truck fleets, ASI will summarize 

present-day technical capabilities including what has been demonstrated in the field 

and what’s just around the corner. Incremental approaches to introducing robotic vehicles to 

mining will be contrasted with mine-wide adoptions in terms of the business case and the 

costs/risks of various approaches. A primer on the technology will be given covering principles 

of GPS-based and GPS-denied navigation, automation of the OEM vehicle, sensing for 

obstacle detection, and algorithms for robotic behaviors. Issues concerning integration at 

mine sites will be examined including radio networking and integration with existing mine 

planning and dispatch software systems, as well as safety systems and process changes 

needed to accommodate autonomous vehicle technology. 


46



Change Management for Business 

Improvement and Technology 


Chair: L. Mottola, Quadra FNX Mining Ltd., Vancouver, BC 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

The Next Decade of Change – Mining’s New Future Management, 

Metrics, Methods, Machines, Maintenance, Money 

L. Lien; Global Staffing Network, Novato, CA 

The reduced need for traditionally trained and educated personnel in the mining industry is 

systemic to the changing mining industry. Our universities and other training institutions 

are doing just fine meeting the traditional skill needs required by the industry. But are the 

skill needs going to be the same in the near future? NO!! Mining is changing. Increased liabilities 

and costs of environmental and safety issues; lower grades of minerals in traditional 

mining activities; the advent of new bio-chemical processes and robotic equipment as more 

productive and economic alternatives; and larger more sophisticated and automatic equipment. 

Engineering is more specific, accurate, precise and expensive. Measurement is more 

thorough and timely of progress, production, costs, and productivity. And we will be engaging 

in more undersea mining, possibly space bases processing, less human interaction, and 

more remote control of events than was ever thought possible in the past. This paper presents 

several of the systemic changes that are presently and will continue to change the face 

of mining. It will identify area where education and management will have to address these 

changes. 

2:25 PM 

Introducing Technological Advancements in Mining – Ensuring 

Enduring Success 

M. Baker; CheckMark Consulting, Inc., Tucson, AZ 

Continued advancements in technology-based solutions have stimulated the thought 

process for how to apply appropriate elements to help improve productivity and accountability 

in a give operation. The enticement of potential immediate gains has caused most people 

to overlook a broader “big picture” view to the introduction of such technologies. 

Understanding the need to change the way new systems are introduced and sustained in an 

operation can help avoid troublesome problems that constrain the ability to achieve and 

maintain the maximum benefits these major advances can provide. This presentation will 

provide an overview of some of the change management issues mining companies should 

ponder when considering advanced technologies for their operations. 

2:45 PM 

Transformation Towards a Continuous Improvement Culture – 

The Critical Success Factors 

T. Krawchyk; Business Improvement, Barrick Gold Corp., Toronto, ON, Canada 

Toyota is a benchmark for Continuous Improvement culture but many fail to realize stark realities 

of lean transformations that can stall or crash a company’s journey. Toyota is one of 

the most studied companies in today’s business era with countless publications,first-hand 

tours taken, and systems / processes copied in an effort to replicate Toyota’s success. Yet still 

today, the intimate knowledge of “what it really takes” is missed by the majority. This is your 

chance to hear from a former Toyota leader, first hand knowledge of lessons learned while at 

Toyota, along with additional insight from his experiences implementing CI/Lean principles 

with the world’s biggest gold mining company, Barrick Gold. This session will provide insight 

into 4 distinct stages of a CI/Lean cultural transformation. There will be no “sugar coating” 

during this presentation. Instead, you will hear only the facts regarding the good, the 

bad, and the ugly, so you can leave with a true reflection of what it really takes to be successful 

on your CI journey. 

3:05 PM 

Culture Change at Asarco Ray Operations – Empowerment in a 

Union Environment 

S. Holmes; Asarco LLC, Hayden, AZ 

The Asarco Ray Operation has been mining copper for over 100 years. Asarco has successfully 

survived two recent economic downturns and a five-year bankruptcy, emerging into a 

new era filled with opportunities for improvement and growth. Workforce and management 

practices have seen little change over the last decade where the union represented workforce 

and management focused on survival. Under new leadership Ray is now embarking on 

an exciting process of culture change through workforce empowerment using Kaizen with 

some exciting results. This presentation summarizes a brief history of Ray, its unionized and 

salaried workforce, new leadership practices, and describes the challenges and successes of 

those efforts. 

3:25 PM 

Fatigue Monitoring – Is Big Brother Watching? 

A Case Study in Change Management 

M. Bartlett; Technology Center, Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company, Safford, AZ 

New technologies are coming to the mining industry more rapidly than ever before. Those 

that directly impact the work force typically struggle for survival even though the technology 

solution is straight forward and the business process is thoroughly understood. People are 

creatures of habit and very few willingly accept change, especially if there are perceptions of 

new consequences. Fatigue monitoring technologies are moving from field trials to extended 

pilot tests. Haul truck operators are being told to accept cameras in their cabs or to wear special 

hats or glasses which are capable of measuring their state of alertness in real-time. Big 

brother is watching, but for what purpose? This paper will present the authors experience in 

introducing Fatigue Monitoring technology to surface mining operators at several large open 

pit mines. Successful acceptance is highly dependent on the message from management and 

their actions. 

3:45 PM 

Optimization or Capital Allocation 

G. Gonzalez; IAMGOLD Corp., Toronto, ON, Canada 

The mining industry can be very capital intensive and is often marked by high levels of depreciation 

and fixed assets on the balance sheet. Reaching a certain size can lead to 

economies of scale that may minimize the impact of on-going expenses, but the industry still 

requires structure to control costs and improve efficiencies. The presentation will focus on 

the steps that mining companies need to take to avoid the risk of chronically acquiescing to 

capital requests from their mine sites. Operational definitions for equipment availability, utilization, 

productivity, efficiency and especially OEE have to be understood and taken into 

consideration before any expenditure gets approved. The presentation will look at the policies 

and guiding principles that need to be adopted by management to ensure that optimization 

and capital allocation are given equal weighting. Effective asset utilization is crucial to 

any mining operation. By failing to achieve optimal effectiveness, production will suffer and 

costs will continue to rise over the life of mine. The presentation will look at why it is vital for 

mining companies to substitute writing checks for implementing ‘checks and balances’. 

4:05 PM 

Educating the Next Generation of Leaders for the 

Mining Industry – Missouri S&T’s Experience 

S. Frimpong; Mining and Nuclear Engineering, Missouri University of Science 

and Technology, Rolla, MO 

The mining industry faces tough workforce readiness challenge. This challenge has become 

more critical given the erosion of the capacity of global universities to educate mining engineers 

and other resource engineers and scientists. In 2003, only 84 mining engineering 

graduates were produced by the 12 accredited US universities, far below the US demand of 

300. The workforce readiness challenge is compounded by employees’ age profile. From a 

recent SME survey, 60% of the industry workforce is over 50 years and just four per cent 

under 30 years. The problem is further aggravated by a difficulty in replacing the skilled retiring 

workforce. The industry is in need for young graduates that are job ready and could be 

mentored into leadership positions fairly quickly. Missouri S&T is working with industry on 

strategies to address these challenges in preparing the next generation of leaders. This 

paper will focus on this partnership for the successful implementation of these strategies. 

4:25 PM 

Maximing Return On Capital Projects 

J. Humphries; Fluor, Greenville, SC 

Paper presents an overview of the key processes and strategies for achieving maximum return 

from capital projects. Best practices discussed address stage gate management for project 

evaluation, selection, and oversight,project execution efficiency, value improving 

pactices, operational readiness, and operational effectiveness. A model of key metrics and 

benchmarking will also be described with tips for application. 

Robert Bates Symposium: 

Robert L. Bates Man of Letters and 

Man of Minerals 


Chair: n. Shaffer, Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, IN 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

The More Things Change… 

N. Shaffer; Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, IN 

Fifty years ago in his classic book, Geology of the Industrial Minerals, Robert L. Bates highlighted 

characteristics and trends of industrial minerals. Though some details have changed, 

he was very prescient in his initial observations. A very few additional trends wrought by 

technology could be added, but the old saying “the more things change – the more they stay 


47


the same” has proven to be true. Bates observed that industrial minerals are characterized 

by: 1) diversity, 2) interdependence, 3) importance of physical properties, 4) place value of 

deposits, 5) substitution, and 6) importance of laws. These characteristics are still very true 

as shown by current examples. Bates also recognized critical trends that affected the mining 

business of the mid-1900s: 1) increasing mechanization, 2) more open pit mines, 3) improved 

extraction and processing, 4) new uses or specifications, and 5) development of a 

discipline and literature. These factors are still major aspects of today’s mining. 

Improvements unknowable to Bates have occurred in imaging, data handling, and computation. 

These have streamlined exploration, planning, and mining. 

2:25 PM 

Recent Developments in the Clay Industry 

H. Murray; Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 

The kaolin industry changes involved the purchase of PPSA in the Capim Basin in Brazil by 

EVIERYS and the sale of J. M. Huber’s kaolin operations in Georgia to a financial group in Fort 

Worth, Texas. The name of kaolin operations in Georgia is now KaMin. Advantage Minerals 

International purchased Wilkinson County Kaolin in Gordon, Georgia, and Southeastern 

Clays in South Carolina. A new kaolin operation has been announced in the Ivory Coast in 

Africa. Laviosa Chimico in Livorno, Italy announced a new 50,000 Tpa processing plant in 

Turkey. Wyo-Ben Inc. plans to bring the idled Thermopolis, Wyoming, facility back online. 

Palygorskite operational changes include the purchase of the Zemex Operation in Quincy, 

Florida, by Advantage Minerals International and a new production operation in Russia. 

2010 has been a good year for the clay industry in comparison with 2009, and the bentonite 

production has been very strong. The outlook for 2011 is for continuing growth in the clay 

mineral markets. 

2:45 PM 

The Scholar Robert L. Bates 

N. Shaffer and D. Pride; Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, IN 

Ohio State University (OSU) was the intellectual home of Dr. Robert Latimer Bates for more 

than 25 years, where much of his scholarly works were produced. Bates grew up in New 

England and received a B.A. from Cornell and his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1938. 

He worked briefly in the oil industry then worked at the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and 

taught at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology until 1947. After teaching at 

Rutgers (1947–1951), Professor Bates taught at Ohio State until reaching emeritus, status in 

1977. In his research and publications he focused on industrial minerals or nonmetallics. 

Bates authored the classic, Geology of the Industrial Minerals, in 1960 (reprinted 1969). He 

authored several editions of Geology: An Introduction (1964 to 1973), and Laboratory 

Manual for Introductory Geology (1969) with Walter Sweet. In 1984 he penned Geology of 

the Nonmetallics, and in 1990 he wrote Industrial Minerals: Geology and World Deposits 

with Peter Harben. Bates edited the AGI Glossary of Geology (1980, 1987) with 

Julia Jackson. 

3:05 PM 

The Forum on the Geology of Industrial Minerals 

N. Shaffer and G. Austin; Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, IN 

Robert L. Bates originated the Forum on the Geology of Industrial Minerals in 1965. The 

Forum has grown to become one of the foremost annual international meetings devoted 

solely to the geology of industrial rocks and minerals. Forums have been held throughout 

North America, mostly in the United States, with five in Canada and rarely in other countries 

such as Great Britain or Turkey. Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, hosted the first 

Forum; Ohio has hosted two subsequent meetings (1974, 2009) as has Bloomington, 

Indiana, which hosted the second Forum plus two later meetings (1982, 2004). Most often 

state geological surveys, often in concert with local colleges, organize Forums and produce 

proceedings volumes. The Robert L. Bates Foundation was established to encourage students 

to attend the Forum. In the past 15 years, at least one student has presented research 

at each of the Forum meetings. The Forum on Industrial Minerals, as founded by Professor 

Bates, is a venerable institution that has contributed greatly to understanding and advancement 

of industrial minerals activities. 

3:25 PM 

Robert L. Bates – Man of Minerals, Man of Letters 

N. Shaffer and J. Jackson; Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, IN 

Most geologists know the name of Robert L. Bates because of his important books about industrial 

rocks and minerals. Bates also contributed to less scholarly parts of geology. The 

classic Geology of the Industrial Rocks and Minerals first published in 1960 became the textbook 

for nonmetallic mineral resource studies. Later books—Geology of the Nonmetallics 

(1984) and Industrial Minerals: Geology and World Deposits with Peter Harben (1990)— 

dealt with international operations. The widely distributed Geologic Column written by 

Bates, starting in 1955, for the American Geological Institute’s (AGI) monthly Geotimes 

pointed out grammatical, logical, typographical, and humorous errors in in the geological literature. 

AGI published a compilation of this column material, Pandora’s Bauxite, in 1986. 

Bates was a great punster, poet, and wordsmith. Bates, working with Julia Jackson, produced 

two editions of the AGI Glossary of Geology, the definitive reference for geologists. He clarified 

or defined many terms now in common usage. 

Valuation I: Concepts and Methods 


Chairs: R. jolk, Golden, CO 

T. ellis, Ellis International Services, Denver, CO 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Scope of Work: Building Block for the Appraisal 

G. Clark; Associated General Appraisers LLC, Springfield, OH 

The unique characteristics of minerals appraisal have often been in conflict with standards 

written for real property surface assets and businesses. Changes to U.S. standards with the 

Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and international standards 

with the International Valuation Standards (IVS) are providing more freedom to structure 

minerals appraisals that better meet the client’s needs. It is the appraiser’s responsibility to 

establish a framework within the appraisal that leads to credible results that are not misleading 

to the reader of the report. The appraiser accomplishes this first by providing information 

expected by most readers of similar reports. Then a course is set for the intended research 

and analysis to be preformed, clearly explaining the steps to be taken to develop the 

opinions and conclusions of the finished work. This paper is intended to provoke thought on 

ways the appraiser may use the scope of work to meet the client’s needs, while at the same 

time accomplish a credible minerals appraisal that is not misleading. 

2:25 PM 

Contribution to Value – What Counts? 

R. Jolk; Ellis Intl. Svcs., Golden, CO 

Many tangible and intangible elements of a mineral property make up its value; often overlapping 

in their contribution. Discussed in this paper are the main elements contributing to, 

or detracting from, the value of mineral properties. Consideration of these elements in the 

three approaches for market value appraisal will be introduced – the Sales Comparison 

Approach, the Cost Approach, and the Income Approach. Presented is a summary of the essential 

elements that must occur in combination for a property to approach its highest potential 

value as a mineral property. 

2:45 PM 

Highest and Best Use in Minerals Valuation: 

Fundamental Step in Approach to Value 

E. Moritz; Gustavson Associates, Boulder, CO 

Highest and best use is a fundamental step in the appraisal process and required under the 

USPAP standards. Although the subject as it pertains to real estate is widely discussed, there 

is limited treatment when it comes to mineral rights. This presentation reviews the concept 

of highest and best use and discusses the general methodology with an emphasis on its application 

to valuing mineral rights. 

3:05 PM 

A Review of the Many Cost Approach Methods for 

Minerals Valuation 

T. Ellis; Ellis International Services, Denver, CO 

Many appraisers/valuers believe that the only valuation method available within the cost 

approach is depreciated replacement cost. This paper introduces the minerals appraiser to a 

number of methods that are based on the principle of contribution to value. Most of the 

methods are primarily for use in valuation of exploration stage or early stage properties. 

However, the very powerful “land mix adjustment method” is applicable to even producing 

properties. 

3:25 PM 

How to Tie the Discounted Cash Flow Calculation to the Market 

in a Mineral Property Valuation 

D. McMahill 1 , F. Pirkle 2 and N. Stouffer 2 ; 1 Independent, Orange Park, FL and 

2 

Gannett Fleming, Inc., Jacksonville, FL 

If sufficient data exist, discounted cash flow analysis (DCF), is recognized by many as the 

preferred method of mineral property valuation. In performing DCF analyses of mineral 

projects, certain characteristics of mining a mineral project are based on the existence of reserves, 

costs as determined by the tons of ore produced, and revenue as determined by the 

price for product sold. It must be accepted that profit is generally more sensitive to changes 

in revenue than changes in cost, since product price is the driving force in revenue, and price 

posses the greatest uncertainty and therefore creates the greatest risk. Important factors to 

be considered when performing a DCF on a mineral property are (1) the accuracy of the reserve 

estimate, principally regarding recovered grade; (2) project timing: (3) the product 

selling price; and (4) the risk of not sustaining the projected quantities and selling price. 

Market comparable valuations, royalty value, and NPV as determined by the DCF approach 

should not be viewed as alternative approaches to estimating project value, but rather 

should be used together to derive a single value estimate based on both market and fundamental 

data. 


48


3:45 PM 

Sales Comparison Valuation of Development and Operating 

Stage Minerals Properties 

T. Ellis; Ellis International Services, Denver, CO 

Minerals Appraisers/Valuers often find great difficulty or failure in attempting to employ the 

Sales Comparison Approach to the market value appraisal of development and operating 

stage mineral deposits. An important factor generally overlooked, or otherwise mishandled 

in the comparative adjustments, is a comparison of profit margins on a per unit of production 

basis between mineral properties, whether these be demonstrated or forecast margins. 

Profit margins can vary greatly between mines or quarries that are producing similar products. 

Ultimately, the expected profit margin determines what a buyer is willing to pay for an 

income producing property. In this paper, example sales comparison adjustments will be 

used as the basis for discussion of ways to employ adjustments for operating economics, 

while cautioning about the potential for double counting. 

4:05 PM 

Reconciliation in Minerals Appraisal – The Final Adjustments 

G. Clark; Associated General Appraisers LLC, Springfield, OH 

Often overlooked and hurried, the final reconciliation of an appraisal can bring home the efforts 

of research and analysis that were presented in the pages that preceded it. Just as an attorney 

presents closing arguments in a trial, the appraiser can sell his or her opinion of value 

by summarizing points made throughout the appraisal and give added weight to important 

specific ideas and concepts. This paper looks at some questions the appraiser should be asking 

while writing the final reconciliation. It is also intended to provoke thought on various 

methods that can be used to better convince the reader. 

Geology: 

Rare Earth Mine Development 

Opportunities: A Variety of Perspectives 

from Industry and Government 


Chairs: K. Delaney, REITA, Greenwood Village, CO 

K. baughman, Glendale, AZ 

j. hedrick, Hedrick Consultants Inc., Burke, VA 

2:30 PM 

Introductions 

2:35 PM 

“Rare Earth Mine Development Opportunities – A Variety of 

Perspectives” 

K. Delaney 1 , D. Cordier 6 , M. Smith 2 , D. Ranta 4 , D. Bubar 5 and 

G. Billingsley 3 ; 1 REITA, Greenwood Village, CO; 2 Molycorp, Inc., Greenwood 

Village, CO; 3 Great Western Minerals Group, Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada; 4 Rare 

Element Resources, Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Canada; 5 Avalon Rare Metals, Inc., 

Toronto, ON, Canada and 

6 

US Geological Survey, Reston, VA 

As Chinese Rare Earth exports continue to shrink in the face of unprecedented global demand, 

a distinguished group of panelists representing North American mining 

companies,owners of Rare Earth resources and a representative from government share 

their unique perspectives on meeting the global supply challenge for of Rare Earth materials 

for Clean Energy and defense. 

YOUNG LEADERS TECHNICAL SESSION 

Chair: 

justin anderson, URS – Civil Construction & 

Mining Group 

Professional Engineer: Who, What, When, Where, Why 

and How 

Jami Dyer 

Ever think about getting your P.E.? Wanna know more about the benefits of being a P.E. or 

need more information to get started? Then this is where you need to be. 

Everything You Wanted to Know About Government 

Regulations but Were Afraid to Ask 

Mark Savit 

This paper will outline areas of regulation for which engineers are not necessarily prepared 

in school. Many young engineers find themselves confronted with regulatory realities 

that make little or no sense and appear to impose unnecessary or impossible requirements 

on a project. In addition to surveying the regulatory landscape, this paper 

will describe a number of ways in which engineers can prepare themselves to face and 

cope with these requirements. 

Understanding Company Financial Statements 

Jim Turner 

An introduction into understanding companies financial statements and their annual 

reports. Learn about the important things, both positive and negative, to look for and 

recognize. 

Trial By Fire: The Challenges of Being a New Engineer 

Zachary Savit 

You’ve had internships. You’ve had practical experience in training mines. You have sat 

through (and possibly enjoyed) many hours of class and labs. But now it is time to enter 

the real world and join the workforce. Are you ready? This session will discuss challenges 

faced by newly graduated engineers as they enter full time. 

2:55 PM 

Rare Earth Mine Development Opportunities – A Variety of 

Perspectives – Rare Element Resources Ltd 

D. Ranta; Rare Element Resources, Golden, CO 

As Chinese Rare Earth exports continue to shrink in the face of unprecedented global demand, 

panelists representing mining companies, owners of rare earth resources, and the U.S. 

Government share their unique perspectives on meeting the global challenges of rare earth 

supply for clean energy and defense. Rare Element Resources is evaluating for possible development 

the Bear Lodge property, which contains significant rare-earth deposits at the advanced 

exploration stage. Inferred resources of 17.5 million tons averaging 3.5% rare-earth 

oxides (REO) have been estimated (NI 43-101 compliant), and the upper oxidized portions 

of the resources contain 8.0 million tons averaging 3.6% REO with high-grade zones. 

Excellent exploration potential suggests that the resources can be substantially expanded 

and new discoveries made. A Scoping Study (preliminary economic assessment) has been 

completed indicating that the Bear Lodge oxide deposit is minable by open pit and amenable 

to metallurgical and hydrometallurgical processing with good recovery. A pilot plant test and 

a prefeasibility study are scheduled for completion in 2011. 

3:15 PM 


Perspectives – Avalon Rare Metals, Inc 

D. Bubar; Avalon Rare Metals, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada 

As Chinese rare earth exports continue to shrink in the face of unprecedented global demand, 

a distinguished group of panelists representing North American mining companies, 

owners of rare earth resources, and a representative from the U.S. Government share their 

unique perspectives on meeting the global supply challenge for rare earth materials for 

clean energy and defense. 

3:35 PM 


Perspectives – Molycorp Minerals, LLC 

M. Smith; Molycorp Minerals, LLC, Greenwood Village, CO 






3:55 PM 


Perspectives – Great Western Minerals Group Ltd 

G. Billingsley; Great Western Minerals Group Ltd., Saskatoon, 

SK, Canada 







49


4:15 PM 


Perspectives – U.S. Rare Earths, Inc. 

E. Cowle; U.S. Rare Earths, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 






4:35 PM 


Perspectives – J.A. Green & Company, LLC 

J. Green; J.A. Green & Company, LLC, Washington, DC 






4:55 PM 


Perspectives – Wings Enterprises 

J. Kennedy; Wings Enterprises, St. Louis, MO 






Geology: Resource Estimation and 

Exploration Successes 


Chair: T. Wakefield, AMEC, Sparks, NV 

3:15 PM 

The Rattlesnake Hills Project, Natrona County, Wyoming 

Q. Hennigh; Evolving Gold, Longmont, CO 

The Rattlesnake Hills gold prospect is located in Natrona County, Wyoming, 70 km west of the 

city of Casper. Evolving Gold acquired a 100% undivided interest in the project in an Option 

Agreement with Golden Predator US Mines Inc. and Bald Mountain Mining Company. At the 

North Stock target, early, low-sulfide, disseminated gold mineralization is hosted by diatreme 

breccias and surrounding Archean schist. Late, high grade gold-carbonate-sulfide veins are 

found along the south wall of the diatreme complex. At Antelope Basin, mineralization is 

hosted by a stock of monzo-diorite. Throughout the Rattlesnake system, mineralization is associated 

with widespread potassic alteration, typically replacement adularia and lesser biotite. 

Evolving Gold undertook a robust drill program of 6,500 m in 15 diamond core holes as 

deep as 650 m in the summer of 2008, testing the deeper part of the mineralized system. 

Results from these holes demonstrated that the property has the potential to host a very large 

volume of mineralized rock. In 2009 and 2010, Evolving undertook a very aggressive drill 

program completing approximately 50,000 m in 123 diamond core holes. 

3:35 PM 

Modeling Geological Uncertainty: Examples of Using 

Multiple-Point Statistics to Capture True Uncertainty 

P. Jones and I. Douglas; Newmont, Greenwood Village, CO 

Traditional, geostatistical based, categorical modeling techniques can often fail to adequately 

reproduce the complex non-linear geological features seen in mineral deposits. The 

lack of reproduction can be attributed to the reliance of traditional methods on secondorder 

spatial statistics i.e., the variogram. Multiple-Point Statistics (MPS) is one technique 

that can be used to characterize data that displays higher-order spatial relationships such as 

curvilinear features. It is not normally possible to infer the required statistics from the available 

data, but rather these high-order, complex, spatial relationships are inferred through 

the use of Training Images (TI’s). A TI is an exhaustive model that is representative of the 

conceptual geology of the deposit being modeled. Using this technique, multiple realizations 

may be produced, allowing for an assessment of uncertainty in geological modeling. The geological 

uncertainty can then be combined with grade simulations to afford a more complete 

picture of the true uncertainty. Newmont applied this methodology to two deposits. 

Examples are shown and results are discussed. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 

S 

MORNING 

2:30 PM 

Introductions 

2:35 PM 

The Caspiche Gold-Silver-Copper Porphyry Deposit in Atacama 

Region, Northern Chile 

T. Wakefield; AMEC, Sparks, NV 

The Caspiche gold-copper-silver porphyry deposit contains an Indicated Mineral Resource 

of 23.9 M gold equivalent ounces, and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 17.8 M gold 

equivalent ounces, based upon exploration drilling through January 2010. The deposit is located 

in the Maricunga metallogenic belt of Northern Chile that hosts many significant highsulphidation 

epithermal gold and gold-copper porphyry deposits. Anglo first discovered 

high-sulphidation epithermal gold mineralization in the Caspiche area in the 1980s. Anglo 

and Newcrest intersected porphyry-style mineralization in the late 1990s at the Caspiche 

Porphyry prospect area. Exeter optioned the property in 2005 and has focused on defining 

the limits of mineralization at the Caspiche Porphyry deposit. Oligocene to Miocene volcanic 

and porphyritic intrusive rocks of andesitic to dacitic composition comprise the bedrock geology. 

Gold and copper mineralization is hosted by pervasive silica-altered volcanic rocks, 

and intense stockwork veining in volcanic and intrusive rocks. Over 90% of the property is 

covered by Quaternary glacial deposits and alluvium, up to a maximum depth of 60 m. 

2:55 PM 

Legacy Data in Mineral Exploration and Development 

T. Eggleston; AMEC, Sparks, NV 

Legacy data were collected prior to widespread implementation of rigorous QA-QC. Those 

data are available for many types of deposits found in the last century. Use of those data for 

exploration is fundamental; however, use of those data for resource estimation must be done 

with caution because most of those data do not meet current QA-QC requirements and, in 

many cases, some documentation of sample collection, assaying, and QA-QC is incomplete or 

missing. These data must be validated prior to use in resource estimates. Reassaying of 

archived pulps, splitting archived core or cuttings, or twin hole samples are common methods 

of validating legacy data. Evaluation of the data consists of comparison of paired samples 

or composites, or comparison of nearest samples. Statistics employed must be rigorous, but 

simple so that a reasonable conclusion is reached and implementation is accomplished with 

a minimum of work and possibility of errors. Results will indicate that legacy data can be 

used with no adjustments, be used with adjustment, or not be used for resource estimation. 

Case studies for iron ore, Cu, and Au deposits will discuss the methods used and problems 

encountered. 


Business Process Improvement I 

9:00 AM • Tuesday, March 1 

Chairs: D. Shaver, Alpha Natural Resources, Bluff City, TN 

a. Schissler, Tetra Tech Inc., Golden, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Cutting Edge Tools to Improve Processes at Coal Mines 

A. Schissler; Tetra Tech Inc., Golden, CO 

Since 1993, the mining industry and partculaly coal has embraced process improvement 

tools imporve safety, productivity, and cost control. The Summit on Mining Performance fo 

Penn State University has been a clearinghouse for companies to share best practices. The 

purpose of this paper is to highlight process improvement methodology gained from the first 

4 Summits held in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009. 

9:25 AM 

Perspective on Optimizing the Net Present Value of Your Surface 

Coal Mine 

B. Saul; Wardrop Engineering, Sudbury, ON, Canada 

Design techniques for Open Pit coal mines have tended to lag behind those used for base 

metal and gold. Very often simplistic methodologies are used to define final highwall location. 

Use of cut-off strip ratios, for example, will often result in less than optimal return on investment. 

Mine planning techniques that take into account time value of money, cutoff 

grades, competing mining techniques (highwall and underground mining) must be investigated 

so that value is not destroyed. The practical application of some of these more rigorous 

mine planning techniques will be presented. 


50


9:45 AM 

In a World of Constant Change – Systemize, Humanize, and 

Individualize Change Management: A Case Study on Successful 

Transformational Change in a Mining Environment. 

S. Rosene; Madison River Associates, Inc., Spring, TX 

The study’s objective was to determine the impact a systematic approach to change management 

had on achieving transformational change and improvements of $400,000,000 a full 

year ahead of schedule. The $400 mm transformation strategy had these levers around 

which performance was to be measured, tracked, and monitored, (1) revenue improvement, 

(2) cost containment, (3) organizational capability, and (4) organizational sustainability. 

This study found that transformational change had failed or fallen well short of stated goals 

in previous efforts at these operations. This study’s conclusion: The key differentiator, this 

time, was a well lead and well defined change management strategy that energized and focused 

the entire organization. 

10:05 AM 

Getting Past Go 

L. Cerrillo; Ingenuity Enterprises Int’l, Inc., Evergreen, CO 

Regardless of your endeavor—mining, oil and gas, water, housing, roads, lumbering, raising 

llamas or raising cane, you most likely cannot get past go until all real and perceived stakeholders 

are happy. You may have acquired all the requisite permits, licenses and bonds, but 

the local municipal or county regulator bolstered by NIMBY minions can cause you interminable 

and costly delays. One of the cards you can play is the ADR or Alternative Dispute 

Resolution card; preferably viewed as collaborative problem solving. Employing one or more 

of ADR tools early-on in your proposed project will save considerable time and money as you 

approach GO. Most applicable of these tools are facilitated collaborative processes and mediation. 

For those familiar with “partnering”, collaborative processes may be viewed as similar. 

10:25 AM 

Application of Advanced Quantitative Risk Assessment Methods 

to Cigar Lake Mine Flood Control Strategy 

E. Alderson 1 and M. Oliverio 2 ; 1 Process Risk Management, AMEC NSS, Toronto, 

ON, Canada and 2 Superior Propane, Formerly at AMEC NSS, Toronto, ON, 

Canada 

Cameco Corporation, one of the world’s leading uranium miners, incurred a flood at their 

Cigar Lake mine in northern Saskatchewan, Canada in 2006. To improve future mine flood 

control strategy, Cameco contracted AMEC NSS to undertake a mine flood control options 

risk assessment. A Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) was conducted using an integrated 

event tree and fault tree method to quantify option financial risk ($/year) and overall mine 

dewatering system reliability for an inflow event. Four principal options and three enhancement 

cases were evaluated producing a matrix of results. These provide insights which will 

improve the reliability of the overall dewatering system once the mine is recovered and construction 

completed. In addition to providing quantitative risk-informed input to decisionmaking, 

the study demonstrated the benefits of applying advanced risk assessment methodology 

to mining operations. 


Mine Environmental Reclamation 


Chair: P. conrad, Montana Tech, Butte, MT 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Reclaiming Steep-Slope Eastern Coal Mines for 

Successful Reforestation 

D. Kumar; Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 

A methodology has been developed and demonstrated to be effective in reclaiming surfacemined 

land for a forestry post-mining land use. The Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) 

has been applied, almost exclusively, to flat or gently rolling surfaces. One of the primary 

steps in the FRA is to grade loosely the top four feet of material to avoid excessive compaction. 

Concern has been expressed by regulators and the public that loose grading on 

steep slopes could lead to slope failures, which is one of the issues that SMCRA sought to correct. 

A field investigation was conducted at a steep-slope contour operation in eastern 

Kentucky to test the applicability of FRA in this setting. Final grading was performed according 

to FRA standards. The surface consisted of two distinct substitute rooting media and a 

variety of native hardwoods was planted following the FRA guidelines. The slope was instrumented 

with 70 survey monuments to monitor for mass movement and factor of safety calculations 

were performed. The reclaimed spoil was also characterized using bulk density 

and penetrometer resistance methods. 

9:25 AM 

Stray CO2 from Mineral Carbonates and AMD: Implications for 

Post-Mining Land-Use 

K. Awuah-Offei 1 , A. Baldassare 2 and M. Mathiba 1 ; 1 Mining & Nuclear 

Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO and 

2 

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pittsburgh, PA 

In recent years, dangerously high CO2 concentrations in home atmospheres have been reported 

in homes built on/adjacent to reclaimed/active coal mines. The CO2 has been shown 

to come from acid mine drainage and mineral carbonate reactions. These incidents threaten 

the use of reclaimed coal mines for residential and commercial construction, and present liability 

to mining companies. This paper reviews the state of our knowledge, assesses the 

need for research and provides viable mitigation methods. The authors believe that sub-slab 

pressurization (as opposed to de-pressurization) presents the best mitigation method for 

buildings constructed on such sites. The paper recommends that sub-slab pressurization be 

included in all construction on AMD land with mineral carbonates as a precaution. The authors 

recommend further research to understand the causes of this phenomenon and develop 

evaluation methods to assess land prior to post-mining development. 

9:45 AM 

Effects of Surface Coal Mining on Soil Hydraulic Properties in 

Eastern Montana, U.S.A 

H. Rhee 1 , L. Xiangdong 1 , S. Dun 1 , J. Wu 1 , W. Elliot 2 , P. Conrad 3 and 

R. McNearny 3 ; 1 Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 

Pullman, WA; 2 Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDA Forest Services, 

Moscow, ID and 3 Mining Engineering, Montana Tech, Butte, MT 

Federal and state regulatory agencies require simulating watershed discharge and sediment 

yield to evaluate site-specific sediment control and reclamation plans, and therefore control 

sediment yield below the pre-mined level. To adequately model surface runoff and erosion, 

we must understand the effects of surface coal mining on soil hydraulic properties. This 

paper describes field methods to measure soil properties under undisturbed natural conditions 

and following reclamation (roughly-regraded, topsoil applied before seeding, and 

revegetated) in surface coal mines. It was found that compared to natural conditions, sand 

content increased, organic matter increased, and hydraulic conductivity either remained unchanged 

or greatly decreased, depending on the method of measurement, following reclamation. 

The effect of these changes on surface runoff are likely to be minimal. These soil 

property values will be used to parameterize the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) 

model, along with climate and topography data. WEPP can then be used to estimate pre- and 

post-mining discharge and sediment yield, and to evaluate site-specific sediment control and 

reclamation. 

10:05 AM 

Influence of Atmospheric Pressure, Soil Temperature & 

Moisture on Reclaimed Mine Land Soil CO2 Fluxes 

M. Mathiba 1 , K. Awuah-Offei 1 and A. Baldassare 2 ; 1 Mining & Nuclear 

Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO and 

2 

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pittsburgh, PA 

Incidents of potentially lethal concentrations of stray carbon dioxide (CO2) in homes constructed 

on or adjacent to reclaimed mine lands have been increasing in recent years. The 

major source of the CO2 is believed to be from neutralization of acidic drainage and carbonaceous 

material. This trend is expected to increase given growing demand for land for 

residential and commercial development and comparatively lower cost for reclaimed mine 

land. In trying to understand the causes and factors influencing this phenomenon, reclaimed 

mine soil CO2 fluxes were sampled on a reclaimed mine site on a 150 x 75 ft. grid. The objective 

of the study was to test two hypotheses: (i) that CO2 fluxes are correlated to soil temperature 

and moisture as well as atmospheric pressure, and (ii) that CO2 fluxes on reclaimed 

mine land are spatially correlated. Preliminary results indicate statistically significant 

correlations. 

10:25 AM 

The Physical and Financial Impact of Topsoil Regulation 

R. Dillinger; Mine Development, Luminant, Dallas, TX 

In today’s environmentally conscious social atmosphere, new regulations have begun to impact 

the mining and power generation industries. Due to the codependent nature of these industries 

the final impact has become significant, and is felt by us the consumer on the retail 

end. Specifically for the purpose of this paper the topic of topsoil regulation in surface mines 

will be in the forefront. The main discussion will focus around the basis of these regulations, 

the physical implications, and the financial impact. Subtopics will begin with the discussion 

of the regulation, including a comparison of standards based and performance based regulations 

(with comparisons to EPA exhaust regulations on automobiles). The discussion will 

then lead into the physical limitation of surface mining equipment (especially draglines), 

and the steps necessary to compensate for these limitations and meet the standards. Finally, 

a detailed financial analysis will reveal the impact of these regulations. The underlying focus 

of the paper will be on the fundamental nature of a standards based regulation, and why a 

shift to a performance based regulation would be beneficial to all entities involved. 

10:45 AM 

Surface Coal Mine Reclamation Practice in China 

J. Tien; Mining Engineering, Missouri S&T, Rolla, MO 

Although only less than 5% of China’s coal is mined from surface mining, most of the 300 

some surface operations are located in environmentally sensitive northern China. With increasing 

surface mining activities in these regions, surface vegetation and ground water 

have become increasing concerns. Recent estimates show that the current total damaged 


51


land due to various mining activities amounts to 40,000 km2, with an annual increase of 

330-470 km2. In addition, 85% of the industrial solid wastes come from mining. There has 

been a shift emphasis of China’s environmental protection from the traditional focus on the 

control and prevention of air and water pollution to mined land reclamation as specified in 

the Regulations on Land Reclamation (RLR) promulgated in 1988. This article describes in 

general RLR regulations and their impact on China’s surface mining practice. 


Small Mines Health and Safety 


Chair: j. brune, NIOSH, Spokane, WA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Assessing Small Underground Coal Mines for High 

Safety-Related Risk 

H. Kinilakodi and L. Grayson; Energy and Mineral Engineering, The 

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 

In 2008 the authors developed a methodology for assessing underground coal mines for 

high risk for major-hazard events. It focused on major hazard-related violations of safety 

standards associated with high-risk conditions. Later using a sample of 107 mines, injury 

measures and MSHA citation data were combined into a Safe Performance Index (SPI). The 

SPI was used to assess the relative safety-related risk of mines, including by mine-size category. 

The methodology can be used to assist companies, MSHA, or state agencies in targeting 

mines with high risk for serious injuries and elevated citations for remediation of their violation 

and/or injury experience. 

9:25 AM 

Small Hardrock Mining: Current Challenges & Opportunities 

H. Miller 1 and P. Jones 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO and 2 Sovereign Management Group Ltd., 

Golden, CO 

Today’s “small miner” represents a unique class of opportunistic companies that are highly 

adept at operating in environments that are usually considered too risk intensive or subeconomic 

for larger public companies. Often global in character, these entrepreneurs comprise a 

broad range of dynamic small to medium sized companies engaged in well-defined activities 

associated with the discovery, delineation, exploitation, and marketing of mineral resources. 

Unfortunately, these companies are now facing a myriad of regulatory and economic challenges 

unheard of just two decades ago. This paper focuses on these challenges and the future 

of these small entrepreneurial companies. 

9:45 AM 

Performance Evaluation of MSHA’s Small Mine Office 

K. Burns; Educational Policy & Development, US DOL - MSHA, Arlington, VA 

The paper explains the purpose and goals of the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s 

(MSHA) Small Mine Office (SMO). The paper details how the SMO specialists work one-onone 

with small mine operators and help them develop and maintain an effective safety and 

health program tailored to fit the company. The program measures: leading indicators that 

measure the proactive safety and health efforts of the small mine operators assisted by the 

program; lagging performance indicators that measure program outputs, and the fatal incidence 

rates to measure outcomes or results. The improvements in the fatal injury rates for 

the small mine operators assisted by the SMO are significant and are detailed in the paper. 

These short-term results are consistent with the results of the leading program measures 

and outputs, which indicated that the small mine operators were taking proactive safety and 

health steps to control risks and promote safety and health. However, these are short-term 

results and proactive efforts and continued improvement is dependent upon continued efforts 

by this group of small mine operators and the SMO. 

10:05 AM 

Success by Systematic Safety: International Experiences and 

Concepts for Small Mine Operations 

H. Ehnes 1 and J. Kretschmann 2 ; 1 Prevention, BG RC I , Langenhagen, Germany 

and 2 Technische Fachhochschule Georg Agricola für Rohstoff, Energie und 

Umwelt zu Bochum, Bochum, Germany 

Many well organized small businesses in the mining industry demonstrate a clean accident 

record for many years. This success is most of the time influenced by effective strategies for 

safety and health at work. Many years of international experience in the prevention of accidents 

and occupational health hazards in small scale mine show how certain factors play 

vital roles, in every operation, worldwide. The presentation will discuss basic principles and 

examples of successful prevention in the industry including “Seven Golden Rules” for safe 

and economic production – basing on decades of comprehensive experience in the field. The 

presentation will show the design of media and seminars suitable to the needs of the target 

group and talk about models to implement suitable OSH management systems, lean and 

practical enough to find the full support of operators while highly efficient. 

52 

Coal & Energy: Surface Mining I 


Chair: S. Frimpong, Missouri University of Science and 

Technology, Rolla, MO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Haul Truck Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emission Under Various 

Engine Load Conditions 

V. Kecojevic 1 and D. Komljenovic 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering, West Virginia 

University, Morgantown, WV and 2 University of Quebec, Montreal, QC, Canada 

Environmental and economic cost issues related to equipment fuel consumption and carbon 

dioxide (CO2) emission represent a substantial challenge to the mining industry. Haul trucks 

are an integral part of the overall surface mining system that consume a large amount of fuel, 

and consequently produce a significant amount of CO2. The objective of this research was to 

(i) establish mathematical relationship among truck’s fuel consumption, power and engine 

load factor and (ii) determine the amount of truck’s CO2 emission and associated cost imposed 

by potential CO2 legislation. These objectives are considered for Caterpillar haul 

trucks working under various engine load conditions that are commonly encountered in surface 

mining operations. The research work presented here may be used by mining professionals 

to help reduce cost and environmental burden of trucks’ application, and for efficient 

management of energy consumption. 

9:25 AM 

Advancements in Coal Body Technology for Mining Trucks 

M. Richards; Caterpillar Inc., Decatur, IL 

Coal haulage using mining trucks has evolved due to the application of new technologies as 

well as a re-think in coal body design. Higher top speeds, better tire technology, and new coal 

body designs that offer higher payloads have caused a shift away from bottom dump, tractortrailer 

coal haulage to rigid frame trucks with coal bodies. This paper will primarily discuss 

advancements in coal body design for rigid frame haulers, and the enhancements in productivity 

that have been observed through the application of the latest generation of coal bodies. 

Considerations for the application of alternatives, such as bottom dump coal haulers, will 

also be discussed. 

9:45 AM 

Open Pit Coal Mining Botswana 

E. Scholtz; Resourses Company, Sandton, South Africa 

Botswana has a huge largely untapped coal resource of estimated at 211 billion tons.CIC 

Energy is a Toronto listed company that has acquired and drilled a major resource in 

Botswana, called the Mmamabula coal resourse (estimated at 2,6 billion tons).CIC is working 

on two projects: a 1200MW Power Station and dedicated open cut coal mine as well as 

a smaller 300MW Power Station with it’s own open cut coal mine. It is expected that both 

these projects will get underway in 2011. The coal field has 3 coal seams, varying in thickness 

between 3 metres and 5 metres. These resources were evaluated using a strip ratio of 

6:1, the resources were classified into 30% underground and 70% in the underground category. 

CIC Energy anticipated the looming shortfall of electricity in Southern Africa and to 

this end developed the Mmamabula Coalfields. The planning, financing and EPC contracts 

for the two projects are largely in place with execution of the projects about to start in 

2011. This paper will present the planning and final designs of the two open cut coal mines 

of 6 million tons per annum and 1,3 million tons per annum using conventional truck and 

shovel operations. 

10:05 AM 

Cable Shovel Dipper Dynamics 

S. Frimpong and M. Raza; Mining and Nuclear Engineering, Missouri 

University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 

Cable shovels are large capacity, capital intensive machines used as primary excavating machines 

in many surface mining operations. The variations in the formation diggibility and repeated 

loading-unloading cycles cause stress development in the boom, handle, dipper-andtooth 

assembly, and the ropes; resulting in fatigue failure of the boom, dipper-handle and 

dipper-tooth-loss. One potential solution of the problem is the implementation of intelligent 

cable shovel exacavation technology. This research is focused on the kinematic and dynamic 

modeling of the shovel dipper. Dynamic models of the shovel-dipper will be developed using 

Newton-Euler techniques, and the forces acting on the teeth, dipper-lips and sides and bottom 

of the bucket will be calcuated. ADAMS/NASTRAN will be used to solve the dynamic 

equations of the dipper. The research would advance the shovel availability, maintainability 

resulting in improved shovel performance. 

10:25 AM 

Implementing an Efficient Mine Planning System 

H. Gurgenli, M. Oommen and E. Minnes; Marston & Marston, Inc., 

St. Louis, MO 

Mining companies require accurate short term mining forecasts to meet budget targets and 

customer needs. However, challenging mining conditions along with employee turnover 

and lack of standard geologic modeling and mine planning processes result in time-consuming 

and inconsistent mine plans. Documentation and automation of the processes involved 

in mine planning, as well as correct software utilization, are critical in overcoming 

these challenges. This paper discusses the steps involved in achieving an optimized mine 

This is the Technical Program as of September 10, 2010. IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please see the Onsite Program for final details.


planning system to accomplish productive and cost effective operations. In addition, a case 

study is included to describe the process of implementing an automated system whereby 

the geologic model and mine scheduling database is updated monthly to incorporate 

changes in geology in a relatively complex open pit coal mine. This case study proved that 

the ability to update geologic models based on the latest information gathered from production 

drilling and mining activities can greatly enhance the ability to accurately predict 

short term mining production. 

10:45 AM 

Estimating the Capital and Operation Cost of Backhoe Loaders 

K. Oraee 1 , A. Lashgari 2 and A. Sayadi 2 ; 1 Department of Management, University 

of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom and 2 Mining Engineering Department, 

Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 

Adequate estimation of equipment costs is a key factor in feasibility study and evaluation of 

design alternatives of mining projects. In this paper, capital and operation costs of backhoe 

loaders are estimated using multiple linear regression (MLR), based on principle component 

analysis (PCA). These cost functions are consisted of five independent variables; bucket size, 

digging depth, dump height, weight and horse power. The MLR is conducted in two steps. At 

the first correlation between independent variables is omitted using PCA technique. 

Thereafter, MLR functions are established using selected significant PCs and total cost functions 

are constituted as functions of initial variables. At the end, accuracy of functions are 

evaluated using mean absolute error rate method. 

Environmental: Abandoned Mine Lands 


Chairs: b. Stover, Colorado Division of Reclamation, 

Denver, CO 

S. odell, US Dept. of Interior, Durango, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Utilizing Paste Technology for Reclamation of the 

Ute-Ulay Tailings Impoundments, Lake City, Colorado 

T. Tafi; Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, Gunnison, CO 

The Ute-Ulay Paste Repository site, located in Hinsdale County, Colorado, is situated on six 

acres of publically owned land, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Prior to 

reclamation, an estimated 9,000 cubic yards (yd3) of low pH, metals laden, silver mill tailings 

were located in five impoundments adjacent to Henson Creek. An additional 4,000 yds3 

of mine and mill wastes from three other BLM managed sites located along Henson Creek 

had previously been hauled to the site, and were incorporated into this project. Reclamation 

of the approximately 13,000 yds3 of mine and mill waste materials was completed utilizing 

paste technology. All waste materials were screened and separated on-site, and the finegrained 

waste materials were used to form the paste. The repository was constructed using 

a layered design, with paste forming the base and cap, and coarse waste materials placed as 

a middle layer within the enclosing paste. Following repository completion, the site was 

graded, channels were constructed, and six acres were revegetated. 

9:25 AM 

Semi-Passive Treatment of Arsenic in Abandoned 

Mine Drainage 

G. Hickman 1 , C. Lau 2 and T. Lae 3 ; 1 CH2M Hill, Corvallis, OR; 2 CH2M Hill, San 

Diego, CA and 3 CH2M Hill, Sacramento, CA 

Adit drainage from the abandoned Lava Cap Mine portal near Nevada City, CA, is slightly 

acidic and contains concentrations of arsenic, iron, and manganese greater than their respective 

preliminary discharge limits (PDLs). This site is in a remote area of the Sierra 

Mountain foothills and is unmanned; consequently, a relatively low-maintenance treatment 

system is needed for metals removal. Working with the U.S. EPA, CH2M Hill designed, constructed, 

and operated a semi-passive treatment system based on iron co-precipitation for 

removal of arsenic. The system consists of a passive aeration structure, ferric chloride feed, 

aerobic sedimentation pond, horizontal-flow limestone bed, and polishing wetlands. During 

the first period of operation, the 1.5 to 2.5-gpm pilot system achieved excellent removal efficiencies 

for all three target metals. Effluent concentrations of iron and manganese were well 

below the PDLs, and the system demonstrated the potential for meeting the arsenic limit. A 

second round of testing is underway to evaluate seasonal variability in water quality and test 

minor process modifications intended to improve arsenic treatment reliability. 

9:45 AM 

Grass Valley Coal Mine Fire Abatement Project 

A. Amundson; Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Colorado 

Department of Natural Resources, Denver, CO 

August, 2009, the Silt Fire Department and several citizens contacted CDRMS to report that 

people were being sickened by coal mine fire smoke from Harvey Gap. CDRMS and U. S. OSM 

did an emergency soil seal to temporarily address the fire, while funds, permits and a design 

were put in place to address the mine fire. CDRMS personnel prepared specifications, an EA 

and a UIC permit application to address the coal mine fire, and engaged the low bidder, 

Hayward Baker to perform the work, beginning on May 24, 2010. The work consisted of construction 

of a road on slopes between 30% and 60%, drilling and compaction grouting the 

entry near the portal to seal the air intake, followed by drilling and compaction grouting to 

seal the fan raise, located 320 feet horizontally and 140 feet vertically from the portal. This 

53 

grouting eliminated the coal smoke. Following grouting, holes were drilled and casing 

cemented in them to allow fire-fighting foam to be injected into the mine between the portal 

and the fan raise. After injection of the fire-fighting foam, these holes were grouted to fill the 

voids encountered. This project eliminated the smoke, cooled and controlled the fire. 

10:05 AM 

Mineralogic Sources of Metals in Leachates from the 

Weathering of Sedex and Cu-Pb-Zn Mining Wastes 

S. Diehl 1 , P. Hageman 1 , R. Seal 2 and N. Piatak 2 ; 1 U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, 

CO and 2 U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 

Weathered mine-waste consists of oxidized primary minerals and chemically unstable secondary 

phases that can be sources of readily soluble metals and acid rock drainage. Elevated 

concentrations of metals such as Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn are observed in DI water-based 

leachate solutions derived from complex Sedex and Cu-Pb-Zn mine wastes. Leachate (USGS 

FLT) from the Elizabeth mine, a massive sulfide deposit, has a pH of 3.4 and high concentrations 

of Al (16700 ug/L), Cu (440 ug/L), and Zn (8620 ug/L). Leachate from the sedex Faro 

mine has a pH of 3.5 and high concentrations of Al (2040 ug/L), Cu (1930 ug/L), Pb (2080 

ug/L), and Zn (52900 ug/L). In contrast, higher-pH leachates produced from tailings of polymetallic 

vein deposits have an order of magnitude lower metal concentrations. These data 

show that highly soluble secondary mineral phases exist at the surface of waste material 

where the samples were collected. Sulfide minerals at all sites exhibit differential degrees of 

weathering, from dissolution etched grain rims, to rinds of secondary minerals, to skeletal 

remnants. These microscale mineral-dissolution textures enhance weathering and metal 

leachability of waste material. 

10:25 AM 

Application of a Watershed-Scale Metals Transport Model to 

Explore Remediation Planning at Abandoned Mine Sites 

M. Velleux 2 and A. Redman 1 ; 1 HydroQual, Mahwah, NJ and 2 HydroQual, 

Providence, UT 

A recent EPA state of the science workshop showed that surface water pollution by metals 

from point and non-point sources is a widespread problem. For example, there are over 

100,000 abandoned or inactive mining sites across the U.S. that may eventually require remediation. 

By focusing on hydrologic and sediment transport processes, watershed models 

can identify landscape areas that contribute most to metal transport, assess options to reduce 

transport, and prioritize remediation to improve water quality. To demonstrate this 

process, conditions at the California Gulch (Leadville, Colorado) site were simulated with the 

TREX watershed model using field data from 1984-2004. Simulations for a 1-in-100-year 

rainfall event resulted in concentrations of metals that exceeded threshold levels, suggesting 

a high probability of downstream effects. Much of the exported metal mass originates from 

slag piles adjacent to the lower gulch floodplain and an old mining site near the head of the 

lower gulch. This information was used to develop a series of simulations to explore how selective 

landscape modification and mine waste remediation have the potential to substantially 

improve water quality. 

Environmental: Carbon Management 


Chairs: a. Williamson, URS, Phoenix, AZ 

D. armstrong, Montana Tech, Butte, MT 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Managing Carbon Emissions While Mining for Closure 

R. Jakubowski, P. Corser and J. Thompson; MWH, Steamboat 

Springs, CO 

In recent years, mine lifecycle analysis has developed as a common and an especially robust 

framework within which mine planning, development and closure decisions can be made. 

This paper evaluates the benefits of managing carbon emissions released from mobile 

sources by optimizing mine planning throughout the life cycle of the mine. We demonstrate 

that reductions of material handling through efficient planning combined with concurrent 

reclamation results in less emissions being released, with increased carbon offset potential 

through the subsequent sequestration of carbon by the vegetative component of the closure 

cover system. Considering carbon allows mines to manage their emissions and reduce their 

carbon footprint through incorporating carbon best management practices. A streamlined 

reclamation process that limits earthmoving and introduces revegetation efforts early in the 

mine lifecycle will also be favoured by this decision model. 

9:25 AM 

Reducing the Carbon Dioxide Footprint of Coal Utilization in the 

U.S. Using Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies: 

An Evaluation of Long-term Effects Using the Times Model 

I. Miskovic and M. Karmis; Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering and 

Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Reserach, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

It is well recognized by policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders that implementation of 

new U.S. climate change legislation can significantly increase uncertainties about the future 

of the U.S. coal industry. Without deployment of new carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies 

continued utilization of coal will face great opposition, eventually leading to significant 

decrease in coal consumption by the power generation industry and other industrial 

users in the U.S. This paper provides an economic and technical analysis of current CCS tech- 



nologies and assesses direct effects of the implementation of the CCS on the carbon dioxide 

footprint of coal utilization in the U.S. The central goal of this study is to investigate effects of 

different U.S. climate and energy policies, with and without CCS, on coal producers, electric 

utilities, and non-utility industrial coal users in the U.S. over a long-term time horizon. The 

paper will review results from different scenario simulations performed and evaluated using 

The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES) model generator, developed by the Energy 

Technology Systems Analysis Program (ETSAP) of the International Energy Agency (IEA). 

9:45 AM 

The Study of Energy Consumptions and CO2 Emissions in the 

Production of Aggregate for Different Rock Units 

A. Bascetin; Mining Engineering, Istanbul University, 

Istanbul, Turkey 

The selection of production method in aggregate mining is very important for optimum use of 

energy. So the properties of the aggregate material must be known well to obtain the target. 

Rock properties effects the electricity consumption of the crushing-screening plants and the 

other equipments used in the production. Within the scope of this study, the unit value of 

CO2-e that release during the production of aggregate in different formations is determined. 

Thus, the effects of green house gas emission can be evaluated according to the characteristics 

of material in aggregate production planning. The study presents the methods of determination 

the CO2 emissions (CO2-e) and energy consumption in aggregate production. In this 

study, the energy consumption during the production of aggregates at a quarry in Istanbul 

Cendere region were investigated by taking the different formations encountered at the 

quarry into consideration. In order to establish a useful relationship between rock properties 

and electricity consumption, the regression analyses were performed. As a result, the most 

powerful relationship was found between the energy consumptions and rock properties. 

10:05 AM 

Comparison of Energy Efficiency and CO2 Emissions for Truck 

Haulage vs. In-Pit Crushing and Conveying of Materials: 

Calculation Methods and Case Studies 

T. Armesy; Sales & Marketing, ThyssenKrupp Robins, Inc., 

Greenwood Village, CO 

Under pressure from rising truck haulage costs, mine planners and operators frequently 

consider In-Pit Crushing and Conveying systems to replace costly truck haulage routes. This 

paper compares the amount of energy required to crush and move material by conveyor instead 

of truck haulage, for a range of different materials. By developing unit rates for energy 

usage according to the horizontal and vertical distances hauled, the results allow quick comparisons 

of the relative energy consumption and carbon emissions for different options. The 

calculations and case studies show that conveyors typically consume significantly less energy 

than haul trucks to move material. By determining the relationship between energy 

consumed and operating costs for the different haulage modes, the approach also provides a 

way of estimating the lowest possible operating costs and carbon emissions per ton hauled. 

In the case of one copper mine where a semi-mobile crushing plant with a capacity of approximately 

40 million tpa will be used, the savings in CO2 emissions in comparison to 

truck-only transportation will amount to around 150,000 tpa. 

10:25 AM 

Looking for Value in Wastelands: Developing Renewable Energy 

on Degraded and Polluted Lands 

R. Rushforth; University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

Unlike the days when cowboys and bandits sought cattle and mineral riches in Arizona, now 

multinational corporations and entrepreneurial start-ups seek land and tax incentives for 

solar energy development. The surge of activity in the solar energy market, spurred by government 

incentives, has created new and more efficient solar technologies, but issues surrounding 

land- and water-use have backlogged the full-scale development of solar farms. 

This paper will focus on the issues surrounding siting solar power plants on degraded or 

polluted lands, such as mine tailings impoundments and salinized agricultural lands. 

Historically, mining and agriculture have been integral to Arizona’s economy, but have dwindled 

in relevance due to urban pressures and environmental regulations. Currently the question 

remains whether the economics of this degraded lands solar development is more favorable 

than developing pristine land. The paper will explore the economics of developing 

mine tailings impoundments and fallow agricultural lands at both the institutional and financial 

level. Financial models using the prevailing renewable energy tax incentives show 

positive economic benefits. 

Environmental: Water Treatment I 


Chair: j. gusek, Golder Associates Inc., Lakewood, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Anaerobic Biochemical Reactor (BCR) Treatment of Mininginfluenced 

Water (MIW) – Investigation of Metal Removal 

Efficiency and Ecotoxicity 

B. Butler 1 , M. Smith 3 , J. Lazorchak 2 and D. Reisman 1 ; 1 LRPCD, US EPA - ORD - 

NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH; 2 US EPA - ORD - NERL, Cincinnati, OH and 3 McConnell 

Group, Cincinnati, OH 

BCRs have been successful at removing a high percentage of metals from MIW, while BCR 

effluent toxicity has not been examined previously in the field. This study examined 4 active 

pilot BCR systems for removal of metals and toxicity. Removal efficiency for Al, As, Cd, Cu, 

Ni, Pb, and Zn was > 90%. Influent MIW samples were acutely toxic to the test organisms. 

Treated water was not acutely or chronically toxic in samples having BCR treatment followed 

by an aeration process, while samples not having aeration in the field were acutely 

and chronically toxic. Acute toxicity was removed [1 site] or significantly reduced [1 site] 

following aeration in the laboratory, most likely through removal of hydrogen sulfide produced 

within the BCRs. Toxicity testing methods require dissolved oxygen (DO) levels be 

high enough that it is not a cause of observed toxicity. Overall, results indicate that BCR 

treatment is effective at removing a significant proportion of metals present and that inclusion 

of in-field aeration as part of the passive treatment system would be beneficial for removal 

(or significant reduction) of acute toxicity prior to discharge of the water into a receiving 

stream. 

9:25 AM 

Design Considerations for Organic Substrates Used in Vertical 

Flow Wetlands for Mitigation of Mine Impacted Water 

R. Thomas 1 and L. Figueroa 2 ; 1 CH2M Hill, Inc., Atlanta, GA and 2 Colorado 

School of Mines, Golden, CO 

Mine impacted water (MIW) is a significant environmental problem worldwide. Passive 

treatment systems (PTS) offer a sustainable approach to MIW treatment. One of the main 

units employed in PTS is the vertical flow wetland (VFW), which may serve as a limestonebased 

system used to neutralize acidity or a biochemical reactor designed to remove metals 

though biochemical precipitation (e.g., sulfide). Vertical flow wetlands usually consist of an 

organic substrate overlying a limestone drain; however, variation in the organic substrate 

recipe impacts the remedial mechanism. For example, with highly acidic MIW, dispersing an 

alkaline material (e.g., limestone) within a low-reactive organic material (e.g., hardwood 

chips) results in a limestone-based VFW. In contrast a highly labile organic substrate treating 

near-neutral trace-metal laden MIW can promote sulfate reducing bacteria to remove the 

trace metals as biogenic sulfides. In this presentation, we will propose design considerations 

for VFW organic substrates and recommendations based on influent chemistry and potential 

concern for nuisance parameters. 

9:45 AM 

Detailed Analysis of Varied Depth Lysimeter Monitoring in a 

Passive Treatment Biochemical Reactor 

E. Blumenstein 1 , S. Mason 2 and J. Gusek 1 ; 1 Water Treatment Group, Golder 

Associates, Lakewood, CO and 2 Hydrometrics, Inc., 

Kalispell, MT 

Passive treatment of mining influenced waters (MIW) has proven to be an effective alternative 

to traditional active MIW treatment. While not appropriate for all MIW sites, it can typically 

resolve MIW problems at a lower cost than traditional methods. One such passive treatment 

technology that has been developed is a biochemical reactor (BCR), which treats water 

by way of biological and chemical reactions using a combination of organic substrates and 

microbial activity to remove constituents of concern (COCs) and stabilize pH in MIW. 

Lysimeters were installed at varying depths of an operating down flow BCR to further understanding 

of the removal mechanisms and reaction fronts that occur throughout the BCR 

substrate. The results of the lysimeter sampling events are used to identify the depths of COC 

removal, determine where nuisance constituents are created, and identify the reaction 

fronts of soluble cellulytic organic substrate. This data helps optimize the hydraulic retention 

time for best COC removal while limiting nuisance parameter production, as well as to 

develop a better estimate for the life of the organic substrate before it will need to be replaced 

with fresh material. 

Photographer: Michael R. Daley 

10:05 AM 

Design Considerations, Construction Challenges, and 

Implementation of the Mayer Ranch Passive Treatment System 

in the Tri-State Mining District 

R. Thomas 1 , R. Nairn 2 , J. Bays 1 , T. Beisel 1 , J. LaBar 2 and K. Strevett 2 ; 1 CH2M Inc., 

Bishop, GA and 2 School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, 

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 

Artesian discharges cause considerable surface water degradation at the Tar Creek 

Superfund Site. A large multi-cell passive treatment system was designed to receive approximately 

1000 L/minute of mine water flowing from these abandoned boreholes. The passive 

treatment system (~ 2 ha) includes an initial oxidation pond followed by parallel treatment 

trains consisting of aerobic wetlands, vertical flow bioreactors, re-aeration ponds, and hori- 


54


zontal-flow limestone beds. Waters from the parallel trains are recombined in a polishing 

wetland prior to final discharge. The parallel treatment train is extensively piped between 

cells making the system operable in multiple modes, allowing for comparative analysis between 

the parallel trains. During the design phase, two century old flowing boreholes were 

over-drilled, cased, and valves installed to establish control and quantify flow. Storm water 

flows from an approximately 1,200 acre up-gradient developed watershed required diversion 

before construction could begin. During construction, an unknown third mine water 

artesian discharge was discovered within the footprint of the original system and incorporated 

into the system. 

10:25 AM 

Successful Full-Scale Passive Treatment in the Tri-State Lead- 

Zinc Mining District 

R. Nairn 1 , K. Strevett 1 , J. LaBar 1 , T. Beisel 2 , R. Thomas 2 and J. Bays 2 ; 1 CEES, 

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK and 2 CH2M Hill, 

Atlanta, GA 

A multi-cell passive treatment system was designed to receive approximately 1000 

L/minute of mine water flowing from abandoned boreholes (pH 5.95±0.06, total alkalinity 

and total acidity of 393±18 and 364±19 mg/L CaCO3, respectively, with Fe 192±10 mg/L, Zn 

11±0.7 mg/L, Cd 17±4 µg/L, Pb 60±13 µg/L and As 64±6 µg/L) at the Tar Creek Superfund 

Site, part of the historic Tri-State Lead-Zinc Mining District of Oklahoma, Kansas and 

Missouri, USA. The completed passive treatment system (~ 2 ha total wetted surface area) 

includes an initial oxidation pond followed by parallel treatment trains consisting of aerobic 

wetlands, vertical flow bioreactors, re-aeration ponds, and horizontal-flow limestone beds. 

Waters from the parallel trains are recombined in a polishing wetland prior to final discharge. 

In the first two years of operation, mean final effluent waters had pH >7, were net alkaline 

and contained ~1 mg/L total Fe and 0.2 mg/L total Zn, and had concentrations of Cd, 

Pb and As below detectable limits. The system is successfully addressing a substantial portion 

of watershed contaminant mass loading and is the first full-scale mine water treatment 

system in the district. 

10:45 AM 

Organic Substrate Selection Criteria for Sulfate Reduction 

Treatment of Mining Influenced Water 

P. Hagerty 1 and L. Figueroa 2 ; 1 Hagerty Environmental, LLC, Kennett Square, PA 

and 2 Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

Selection of an appropriate organic substrate mix is critical to the overall effectiveness and 

longevity of any passive sulfate reduction treatment system. Recent findings regarding key 

selection criteria are summarized in this paper. Factors considered in the substrate selection 

process include primary parameters (source availability, economics and bioavailability) and 

secondary parameters (grain size, hydraulic conductivity and longevity). This paper focuses 

on the secondary parameters and the balancing of the criteria to achieve acceptable metals 

removal, sustainable hydraulic conductivity, minimal consolidation and maximum system 

longevity. Pilot tests were conducted in 35 gallon vessels containing combinations of wood 

chips, sawdust, alfalfa pellets and corn stover. Influent Zn and Pb concentrations were ~1.5 

mg/L and ~0.1 mg/L, respectively. Data suggest that grain size has a significant impact on 

total metals removal efficiency. The substrate mixture selection is a balancing of large grain 

size for hydraulic stability and distribution of a smaller grain size for metal complex particulate 

retention while maintaining ample bioavailable organics for sulfate reduction. 

GEM/Mii: 

Industry Outreach to Educators 

and the Public 


Chairs: c. Dale elifrits, Northern Kentucky University, 

Highland Heights, KY 

Mary b. Korpi, Newmont Mining Corporation, 

Elko, NV 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

What are the Keys to Successful Public 

Education/Outreach Programs? 

This session will focus on industry activities and events that have led to positive results. 

Consideration will be given to two principal venues: the general public audience and the K- 

12 teacher audience and their students. Successful programs will be described and case histories 

reviewed. Obstacles and “pit-falls” to successful outreach programs will be described 

and, based upon successes, “work a-rounds” will be provided. This session will provide the 

opportunity for mining industry representatives to share experiences and offer ideas for 

others to consider. Attendees will have the opportunity to take from this session the needed 

tools to plan successful outreach programs at their facilities and in their communities. 

Geology: 

Rare Earths: Geology and Exploration 


Chairs: j. hedrick, Hedrick Consultants Inc., Burke, VA 


9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Geology and Mineral Deposits of the Gallinas Mountains 

(Gallinas District), Lincoln, County, New Mexico; 

Preliminary Report 

V. McLemore 1 and C. Knowles 2 ; 1 NMBGMR, NM Tech, Socorro, NM and 

2 

Consultant, Grand Junction, CO 

Rare earth elements (REE) are becoming more important in our society. REE deposits are 

found throughout NM. REE past production (1950s), as bastnaesite, came from the Gallinas 

district, Lincoln County, NM. Several companies and the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) have 

conducted recent exploration programs to identify REE potential. Four types of deposits are 

found in the district: epithermal REE-F veins, Cu-REE-F veins, REE-F breccias and iron skarn 

deposits; all are associated with Tertiary peraluminous, alkaline to alkalic-calcic volcanic 

rocks. District zonation is defined by base metals (REE-F-Cu veins) that form center of the 

district, surrounded by REE-F veins. The magmatic-hydrothermal breccias deposits form a 

belt partially surrounding the veins. Iron skarns formed at the top and edge of the trachyte 

intrusion and are likely the earliest stage of mineralization. In 1991-1992, USBM calculated 

an inferred resource of 0.487 million metric tons with a grade of 2.95% TREE. With the projected 

increase in demand of REE, areas such as the Gallinas district in New Mexico are being 

re-examined for additional REE potential; preliminary results for the Gallinas district are in 

this report. 

9:25 AM 

Open-ended, Inferred REE+Y Resources of the Pea Ridge Iron 

(-lanthanide-gold) Deposit 

R. Grauch, P. Verplanck and B. Van Gosen; U.S. Geological Survey, Lakewood, CO 

Four lanthanide-bearing breccia pipes occur within the Pea Ridge iron (-lanthanide-gold) 

deposit, Missouri. Chemical and density data for a limited number of core samples from 

within, and adjacent to, one of the breccia pipes are consistent with data used by the producers 

to calculate lanthanide and magnetite ore grade and reserves. The breccia-pipehosted 

lanthanide resource is higher grade and enriched in heavy REE+Y as compared to 

world class lanthanide deposits such as Bayan Obo (China), Mountain Pass (California), and 

the south China clay lanthanide deposits (China). However, this open-ended, inferred REE+Y 

resource has a smaller volume in comparison to the others. Additional lanthanide resources 

exist as disseminated monazite and xenotime inclusions in apatite within the iron ore and 

tailings. See Grauch et al, 2010, USGS Open-File Report 10-1080. 

9:45 AM 

Carbonate Rare Earth and Niobium-bearing Rutile Deposits of 

North Fork, Lemhi County, Idaho, and Sheep Creek, Ravalli 

County, Montana, USA 

J. Hedrick 2 and R. Reed 1 ; 1 Idaho Engineering & Geology, Inc, Boise, ID and 

2 

Hedrick Consultants, Inc., Burke, VA 

Carbonate rare earth and niobium-bearing rutile vein or dike deposits occur near North 

Fork, Idaho. The deposits are structurally controlled local replacements of crystalline limestone 

and gneissic and schistose rocks of a complex metamorphic border zone of 

Precambrian porphyritic granite-augen gneiss. The deposits are considered to be of magmatic 

origin and are carbonatitic in nature. Rare-earth oxide plus thoria contents as high as 

21.5% have been reported at North Fork and contents as high as 17% have been reported at 

Sheep Creek. The primary minerals reported are allanite, monazite, apatite, barite, rutile, ilmenite, 

magnetite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and calcite. Total REE was measured recently as high as 

26.3%. The average REE content of all the carbonate vein samples, analyzed in 2009, is about 

5.8%. The average TREE/Th ratio for all samples is about 140/1. Appreciable amounts of 

gold, niobium, and titanium were measured in a few of the carbonatite veins. Limited exploration 

and development work has been done to date at both sites. The deposits of principal 

interest are contained within the claim holdings of Blue Cap Development Corp. of 

Salt Lake City, UT. 

10:05 AM 

Rare Earth Element Resources of the United States: 

Moving Toward Alkaline and Carbonatite Deposit Models 

P. Verplanck, B. Van Gosen and R. Grauch; US Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

As part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) preparation for a new national assessment of 

undiscovered mineral resources, comprehensive mineral deposit models are being updated 

or created. Because rare earth elements (REEs) have become a significant commodity, an effort 

is underway to create deposit models for REEs. In this context, known REE deposits associated 

with alkaline and carbonatite igneous complexes are being evaluated. Their attributes 

are being assessed to better understand the occurrence, nature, and origin of this 

deposit type. Information from literature reviews, previous USGS studies, and current exploration 

of potential deposits forms the basis of our work. 


55


Geology: Rock Mechanics: 

Open Pit and Underground Mining I 


Chair: P. Kulatilake, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 


10:25 AM 

Exploration and Evaluation of the Kipawa Rare Earth-Yttrium 

and Zirconium Project, Zeus Property (Quebec, Canada) 

A. Gauthier and A. Leclerc; Matamec Explorations Inc, Montreal, QC, Canada 

This presentation will introduce work done by Matamec Explorations Inc on its rare earthsyttrium 

and zirconium Quebec Zeus property. The resources were recently greatly increased 

on the Kipawa deposit by completing drill campaigns. Also, work done on four other areas in 

the property are showing potential new zones. It is estimated that the Kipawa Deposit is 

continuous over a distance of 1.45 kilometres, is 200 metres wide and is 50 metres thick. It 

has been calculated that the Kipawa deposit contains resources of rare earths-yttrium oxides 

(“TREO”) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2). The resource has been calculated under two scenarios: 

either a resource of rare earth yttrium with a zirconium by-product, a resource of zirconium 

with a rare earths-yttrium by-product. Initial metallurgical tests done on samples 

from the deposit show encouraging results. The project is evolving toward a preliminary 

economic assessment (PEA) study. 

10:45 AM 

Carbonatite-related Polyphase Rare-earth Mineralization at the 

Bear Lodge Alkaline Complex, Wyoming 

M. Moore; Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada 

The focus of the current research is rare earth element mineralization in late-stage carbonatites 

intruding the Bull Hill diatreme in the Bear Lodge alkaline complex, Wyoming, which is 

currently being examined for economic viability by Rare Element Resources, Ltd. This study 

examines petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the carbonatites 

and associated rare earth element (REE) mineralization. Different parageneses that are developed 

in the rocks and the paragenetic evolution that has resulted in enrichment of the 

REE are investigated. Materials for this study include drill core supplied by Rare Element 

Resources, Ltd. from the 2004, 2007, and 2008 exploration program and surface samples 

collected by the author. Rare earth minerals include bastnäsite, parisite, synchysite, ancylite, 

calcioancylite, monazite, cerianite, carbocernaite, and burbankite. A preliminary paragenetic 

sequence is presented based on the interpretation of petrographic and analytical data and is 

compared to similar mineralization documented in the literature from other complexes 

worldwide. 

11:05 AM 

Rare Earth Potential of the Pea Ridge Mine, 

Washington County, Missouri 

L. Nuelle; Consultant, Rolla, MO 

The idled Pea Ridge mine (Washington County, Missouri) consists of a magmatic-hydrothermal 

iron ore deposit that is host to REE-bearing minerals. The magnetite orebody had over 

225 million short tons of ore; some 175 million tons of ore (+57% iron of >95% magnetite) 

remain. The deposit is enriched in lanthanides present in REE-bearing minerals as inclusions 

in apatite, in iron ore, and HREE in cross-cutting breccia pipes. Additional lanthanide 

resources are present in tailings. Past metallurgical studies by the U. S. Bureau of Mines show 

that the lanthanides are potentially recoverable. In light of the desirability of domestic rare 

earth production because of national defense concerns and industrial supply issues resulting 

from China’s near monopoly on rare earth products, Pea Ridge has the potential for low 

cost / high value rare earth byproducts should mining resume. 

11:25 AM 

Resource Definition and Exploration at the Bear Lodge 

REE Project, NE Wyoming 

J. Clark 1 and A. Mariano 2 ; 1 Rare Element Resources, Ltd., Vancouver, BC, 

Canada and 2 Consulting Geologist, Carlisle, MA 

Rare Element Resources is developing the Bear Lodge REE deposit in NE Wyoming. The 

2010 drilling program focused on expansion and upgrade of the resource category. As of 14 

April 2009 the Bull Hill SW deposit contains an inferred mineral resource of 17.5 million 

tons at an average grade of 3.46% TREO, including 8 million tons of shallow oxide mineralization 

averaging 3.62% TREO. Results from the resource definition drilling will be presented. 

The REE mineralogy is hosted in carbonatite bodies and oxidized equivalents that intrude 

diatremic intrusive breccias and hypabyssal alkalic intrusive rocks. The REE’s are 

contained primarily in bastnasite-group minerals (BGM) in the oxide zone, BGM and ancylite 

in the transitional zone, and ancylite-subordinate BGM in unoxidized carbonatite. 

Subordinate monazite and other REE minerals may be present in all three zones. REE exploration 

targets at Bull Hill NW and Whitetail Ridge were investigated during the 2010 exploration 

program. Past drilling at Bull Hill NW includes an intercept of 186’ grading 9.56% 

TREO, while historic drilling at Whitetail Ridge yielded an intercept of 430’ grading 2.44% 

TREO. New exploration results will be discussed. 

9:05 AM 

Mitigation of the CPlus Failure in Q7 Cut of Rio Tinto’s Bingham 

Canyon Mine 

D. Nutakor; Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon Mine, South Jordan, UT 

This paper presents results of a study conducted on a slope failure that occurred in February 

2009 in Q7 mining cut of Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon mine. The analysis involved the use of 

Adam Technology Photogrammetric method with a 2-dimensional rock fall simulation program 

(RocFall software) to design a 10- foot high berm located 24 feet from toe of the failed 

mass. Back and forward analyses were performed on a cross-section through the slide using 

Slope/W software, resulting in flattening the inter-ramp angle (IRA) from 44-degrees to 38- 

degrees. This design modification produced a factor of safety (FOS) of 1.14, which is less than 

industry recommended FOS of 1.20. Sensitivity analysis involving FOS versus pore water 

pressure showed that FOS is sensitive to water saturation. A dewatering system using horizontal 

drain holes has since been established below the slide to improve the FOS. Over oneyear 

period since this investigation, no significant slope movement has been detected by the 

GrounProbe Slope Stability Radar, and mining is in progress below the failure. 

9:25 AM 

A Neural Network Approach to Predict Mean Particle Size in 

Rock Blast Fragmentation 

Q. Wu 1 , P. Kulatilake 2 , T. Hudaverdi 3 and C. Kuzu 3 ; 1 Engineering Faculty, China 

University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; 2 Geological Engineering Program, 

Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, 

AZ and 3 Department of Mining Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 

Maslak, Turkey 

Neural network methodology is used to predict mean particle size resulting from rock blast 

fragmentation. A blast data base developed in a previous study is used in the current study. A 

part of this blast data was used to train a single-hidden layer back propagation neural network 

model for each of the similarity groups obtained in the same previous study. 

Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm provided the most stable and efficient training out of the 

four algorithms evaluated. An extensive analysis was performed to estimate the optimum 

number of units for the hidden layer for each similarity group. The spare blast data are used 

to validate the trained neural network models. Capability of the developed neural network 

models is determined by comparing predictions with measured values and predictions 

based on one of the most applied fragmentation prediction models appearing in the blasting 

literature. Prediction capability of the neural network models was found to be strong and 

better than the existing most applied model. Diversity of the blasts data used is one of the 

most important aspects of the developed models. The developed neural network models are 

suitable for practical use at mines. 

9:45 AM 

A New Model for Blast Fragmentation Prediction Based on 

Multivariate Analysis 

T. Hudaverdi 1 , P. Kulatilake 2 and C. Kuzu 1 ; 1 Mining Engineering, Istanbul 

Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey and 2 Mining and Geological Engineering, 

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

In this study, a new multivariate analysis procedure for prediction of blast fragmentation is 

presented. Several blasts performed in various mines and rock formations in the world were 

brought together and evaluated. Blast design parameters, the modulus of elasticity and insitu 

block size were considered to perform multivariate analysis. A complete multivariate 

analysis procedure was applied into three steps. First, the hierarchical cluster analysis was 

used to separate the blasts data into different groups of similarity. Two different groups were 

formed based on the elasticity modulus values. As a second stage, group memberships were 

checked by the discriminant analysis. At the last stage, the multivariate regression analysis 

was applied to develop prediction equations for estimation of the mean particle size of 

muckpiles. Two different prediction equations were developed based on the rock stiffness. 

Validation of the proposed equations on various mines was performed. Prediction capability 

of the proposed models was found to be strong. The models are not complex and suitable for 

practical use at mines. 

10:05 AM 

Cemented Rock Fill System Design and Application in Leeville 

Underground Mine 

C. Sun; Engineer, Newmont Mining Corp, Carlin, NV 

A long-hole stope nd cut-and-fill mining methods are used at Leeville underground mine. 

Cemented rock fill (CRF) is used as the backfill in the open stope. CRF design includes the aggregate 

design, the ratio of cement and fly ash design, and strengths for the long-hole stope 

and cut-and-fill. In the aggregate design, the particle size distribution is one of the most influential 

aggregate characteristics in determining how it will perform as a basic backfill material. 

Gradation helps determine durability, porosity, cement and water requirements, 

strength, and shrinkage. To cut the backfill cost, fly ash usually is added into the binder to replace 

some part of cement. However, adding fly ash can affect the strength of the backfill. The 

reasonable percentage of fly ash is also important for making a good and low cost backfill. 


56


Based on the different mining method, the different backfill with different strength is designed. 

A systematic quality control procedure for aggregate and backfill is followed. After 

four yeas application, CRF system in Leeville achieved very good results. 

10:25 AM 

Raise Excavation Method Selection 

S. Chen 1 , R. McKinnon 2 and S. Konieczki 3 ; 1 Software Development, Mintec, Inc., 

Tucson, AZ; 2 Operations, Great Basin Gold, Winnemucca, NV and 

3 

Management, Great Basin Gold, Winnemucca, NV 

Raises are widely constructed underground in hard rock mining for ventilation or emergency 

escape. The four major raise excavation methods, Drop Raise, Conventional, Alimak 

and Raise Bore can be divided into two categories from ground control point of view, one 

ground support can be installed during excavation, the other not. Raise failure during excavation 

or serving period had happened with lost of production and precious time. Based on 

different raise projects, this paper summarized how to collect and use geotechnical data to 

select excavation method to guarantee construction success, cut cost, save time and how to 

maintain raise wall stability during its serving period. 

10:45 AM 

Study on Effect of Tunnel Shape and Support System on Tunnel 

Stability in a Deep Coal Mine in China 

Z. Yu 1 , P. Kulatilake 2 and F. Jiang 1 ; 1 School of Civil and Environmental 

Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China and 

2 

Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering, The University of Arizona, 

Tucson, AZ 

Failure and support systems of soft-rock tunnels are important problems for deep coal 

mines located in high in situ stress conditions. They have a great influence on the production 

and economic performance of mines. Stress distribution around deep soft-rock tunnels in 

high in situ stress has its own features. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tunnel 

shape and support pattern on the stability around a tunnel located in a coal rock mass in 

China and to select an appropriate tunnel shape and a support pattern to provide stable 

stress-deformation conditions around the tunnel. Using the geology, geological structures, in 

situ stress measurements and geomechanical properties of intact rock and discontinuities a 

three-dimensional numerical model was built by using FLAC3D software to simulate the 

stress conditions around the tunnel in the coal rock mass. Analyses were conducted for several 

tunnel shapes and support patterns. Results obtained for the distribution of failed zones 

around the tunnel, and stress and displacement fields for different cases studied were compared 

to select the best tunnel shape and support pattern to achieve the optimum stability 

conditions. 

11:05 AM 

Geomechanics of Crandall Canyon Barrier Pillar Mining 

W. Pariseau; Mining Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Barrier pillars that defend a set of five main entries at the Crandall Canyon mine in central 

Utah were formed during extensive longwall mining. Retreat mining of these pillars led to 

disastrous events August 6 and August 16, 2007, with the loss of nine lives. Two-dimensional 

finite element analysis of the sequence of main entry development followed by longwall mining, 

and subsequent barrier pillar mining indicate extensive yielding as a consequence. The 

analysis is constrained by observed surface subsidence, strata properties, and a premining 

gravity stress field. This retrospective analysis calls into question the safety of the mining 

plan contrary to guidance provided by boundary element analyses in advance of pillar mining. 

A vital lesson learned from this study is the need to select the proper computer program 

for geomechanics guidance in the realm of ground control and mine planning. An additional 

conclusion is the desirability of a second opinion when novel mining plans are being 

proposed based on numerical analyses with little or no precedent at hand to justify 

the approach. 

11:25 AM 

Suggested Method for Estimation of Uniaxial Compressive 

Strength of Rock from Point Load Testing – A Case Study at 

Newmont’s Ahafo Mine in Ghana, Africa 

D. Nutakor 1 and T. Byers 2 ; 1 Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon Mine, South Jordan, UT 

and 2 Golder Associates Inc., Reno, NV 

This paper discusses results of point load and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) testing of 

rock specimens carried out at Newmont Ahafo mine site in Ghana. The study involves point 

load testing of 16 rock samples and UCS testing of 8 samples. In order to estimate the UCS of 

rock specimens tested in this study, index-to-strength conversion factors were used to develop 

site specific models. Linear and non-linear models (with non-linear being more accurate) 

were developed from which the intact rock strength data could be made available 

through point load testing. The point load test apparatus and procedure enables economical 

testing of core or lump rock samples in the field. 


Aggregates and Urban Mining 


Chairs: M. Sheahan, Front Range Aggregates, LLC, 

Castle Rock, CO 

b. Langer, US Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Leveraging Community Relations to Achieve Maximum 

Operational Goals 

R. Archibald and B. Weaver; Archibald Consulting Services, LLC, Elburn, IL 

An aggregates operations veteran and a community relations professional give blow by blow 

details of three case studies where operational capabilities were expanded as a result of 

strategic community relations planning. The case studies include a surface quarry, a sand and 

gravel operation and an underground mine. 

9:25 AM 

Gravel Mining, Reclaiming it as a Liquid Asset 

M. Applegate; Applegate Group, Inc., Westminster, CO 

Growing demands for managing Colorado’s water supplies present a good opportunity for 

gravel mining operations to reclaim their completed projects into a second asset. Gravel pit 

water storage projects have become an important piece of water supply projects for municipalities, 

water districts and mutual ditch companies. The presentation will cover the legislative 

history of gravel pits and water storage, the regulatory requirements, the techical approaches 

that can be used and some basic principals to consider in determining the 

feasibility of creating gravel pit water storage. 

9:45 AM 

Monitoring and Advanced Evaluation Techniques for Aggregate 

Mining in Urban Settings 

J. Straw 1 and D. Rudenko 2 ; 1 Florida Office, GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech, Davie, FL and 

2 

Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc., Hazleton, PA 

Blasting for aggregate mining operations is required. Permitted operations within urban environments 

are affected by politics and the neighbors. To demonstrate the overall vibration 

the Iso-Seis program may be the ultimate demonstration device. Iso-Seis vibration contouring 

uses over 175 seismographs surrounding an urban mining operation. The data represents 

equal lines of vibration showing reduction of vibration with distance and identifying 

geologic features that affect off-property vibration. Results give a better understanding of 

what residents actually feel in their homes. The Vibra-Map provides computer simulation of 

thousands of potential blast designs. Vibrations from each single hole detonated will produce 

ground vibrations with resulting frequency spectrum dictated by the geology. It is possible 

to synthesize the frequency spectrum from hundreds of potential blast designs and 

identify the blast patterns least likely to affect houses. When blasting complaints come often 

times we overlook or place less emphasis on the collected air overpressure data. Air blast 

like ground vibration is an undesirable side effect of blasting and can produce considerable 

structural response. 

10:05 AM 

Mine Water Management and Water Quality Control 

J. Renner; Golder Associates Inc., Atlanta, GA 

Effectively managing water is a challenge at all mine sites. Particular challenges arise in 

urban and suburban areas because of the close proximity of people and property that may 

be impacted by mining and the stressed condition of waterbodies, including: - Municipal 

water suppliers view industrial withdrawals of surface or ground water as competition for 

a scarce resource and often oppose permits for quarry dewatering and water withdrawal 

for mineral processing. - Options for controlling and treating stormwater and wastewater 

are limited by lack of available land area, high land prices, and zoning regulations. - 

Discharge of wastewater is complicated because many receiving streams in developed 

areas are already impaired and have little assimilative capacity. - Local ordinances may require 

mine operators to use (and pay for) municipal wastewater treatment. - Development 

increases impervious surface, causing increased stormwater runoff onto mine sites. 

Residents around a mine often blame the mine for any problems. Therefore, quarrry operators 

in urban areas should anticipate these concerns when obtaining permits, preparing the 

mine plan, and operating the mine. 

The Official 2011 Meeting Sponsor 

57 

10:25 AM 

Signature Analysis and Vibration Control 

J. Babcock; South Technical Services, Atlanta, GA 

Recording the vibration waveform from a single, typical blast hole is an extremely useful analytical 

tool commonly referred to as “Signature Hole Analysis.” The signature wave generated 

by the signature hole is modeled to simulate the results of a designed blast through time 

shifting to produce the predicted waveform and vibration. Proper planning, design, and application 

of the single blast hole are essential in obtaining accurate information that will produce 

reliable results. Successful modeling of the resulting waveform can be completed by 

several different programs. With clearly identifiable goals, the signature analysis process can 

be used to improve the blasting program in several different areas by adjusting the timing 



used between holes and rows. The information can also be used to model the different initiation 

schemes and identify initiation sequences that will lower vibration and increase productivity.The 

three case studies included in this presentation will follow the execution and 

application of the signature hole by assisting the blasting program in producing lower vibration, 

better fragmentation, and improved cast in several different types of geology. 

10:45 AM 

Underground Aggregate Extraction in the UK – Barriers 

and Opportunities 

J. Cowley; Mineral & Resource Planning Associates Ltd, Blandford Forum, 

United Kingdom 

Underground extraction of aggregate is a relatively common activity in the US. Underground 

extraction may be economically viable, because it maintains market presence with less 

haulage costs, and more environmentally acceptable, because it reduces surface impacts. 

Viability also appears to reflect pressure on land values and the impact of land use policies 

and decisions. Such drivers also affect the aggregates industry in the UK but to date there has 

been no development of underground aggregate extraction. This seems strange given the 

greater restriction on land use options due to the density of development in the UK. John is 

leading a team undertaking a project funded through the aggregates levy looking into (i) the 

barriers (physical, economic, legal, etc) that are apparently affecting the potential to start 

underground extraction in England and (ii) options (technical, legislative, policy, etc) that 

might overcome such barriers. This paper will provide a background to the issue and discuss 

some of the apparent barriers and their potential, or otherwise, for mitigation or removal. 

International II 


Chairs: M. gavrilovic, E3 Consulting, LLC, Englewood, CO 

Len harris, Lone Tree, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Human Rights and Mining: Clarifying International Norms and 

Practice 

J. Render; ERM, Washington, DC 

Efforts within international institutions such as the United Nations and reviews of international 

performance standards such as the IFC’s are placing increasing attention on the role 

and responsibilities of mining companies to respect human rights. But, what does that mean 

at the practical level? This session will provide a brief overview of the international debate, 

the growing number of initiatives and toolkits being developed to help guide companies, and 

the core common elements defining what “good practice” looks like at the ground level. 

9:25 AM 

Social Investment and Project Sustainability – How to Spend 

Your $$$ Wisely! 

C. Stevens; ERM, Washington, DC 

This session will focus on providing practical guidance on how to think about social investment, 

including answering commonly asked questions: “What is social investment? Why do 

social investment? How does it link to the sustainability of my project? What is the difference 

between social investment and donations? It will also provide a practical introduction to the 

tools you can use to design social investment programs, based on the recently published IFC 

Handbook on Strategic Social Investment which the presenter helped author. 

9:45 AM 

A Focused Review of Chinese Mining Industry on Environment 

and Safety 

B. Bian; Schlumberger Water Services, Schlumberger China S.A., Beijing, China 

With the recent high profile pollution accident of Zijin Mines Corporation (a public company 

majority owned by a local government), the Chinese mining industry once again received 

very bad publicity. This accident was compounded by routine disasters on mining safety accidents. 

This presentation will review background and characteristics of the Chinese Mining 

Industry and its players. It will focus on its environment and safety practices and thus public 

backlash against mining industry as a whole. It is pivotal to understand complex regulations 

from different levels of governments prior to any involvement in Chinese mining industry. 

10:05 AM 

Mining in Russia 

D. Palmieri; Honorary Consul General of Russia, Deb Palmieri Russia LLC and 

Institute, Denver, CO 

Russia provides both risks and opportunities for foreign investors. There is a history of success 

and failure for foreign mining company operations since the early 1990s. Russia is a 

major player in the worldwide mining industry, given its vast metal and mineral reserves, including 

gold, coal, palladium, uranium, copper, vanadium, precious gems and more. This 

paper will focus on providing the latest assessment of the Russian mining sector. What are 

some of the key economic, political, social and technical issues that the U.S. mining industry 

should be aware of? What are Russia’s natural resource capabilities and current output? As 

one of Russia’s major export industries, the mining industry offers risks and rewards for foreign 

companies. Companies who understand the unique Russian environment, and who 

have thoroughly investigated potential risks and have developed risk mitigation procedures, 

have the potential to succeed in Russia. 

10:25 AM 

Role of Coal and Nuclear Power for Energy Security in India 

B. Samanta and D. Chakravarty; Department of Mining Engineering, Indian 

Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India 

Coal is the chief contributor to the Indian energy scenario and 59% of energy demand of the 

country is currently met by coal alone, while remain percentages are shared by Hydro 25%, 

Gas 11%, Diesel 1%, Nuclear 2% and Wind 2%. With a coal dominant scenario, coal demand 

is expected to rise up 1887 Mty by the year 2031-32. Although the current share of energy 

supplied by the nuclear sector is negligible, it promises to contribute a large share in future 

years. India’s nuclear energy self-sufficiency is in progress on several fronts. These efforts 

are in uranium exploration and mining, fuel fabrication, heavy water production, reactor design 

and construction, to reprocessing and waste management. India is also developing technology 

to utilize its abundant resources of thorium as a nuclear fuel. This paper will highlight 

the current status and activities, development, opportunities and roles of coal and 

uranium mining in India to sustain the energy security of India. 


Comminution I 


Chair: e. Spiller, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Pump and Cyclone Design/Optimization to Maximize Grinding 

Circuit Efficiency 

R. McIvor; Metcom Technologies, Inc., Marquette, MI 

Grinding circuit “Classification System Efficiency” (CSE) is defined by the fraction of coarse 

material inside the mill, upon which grinding energy is expended, versus the remaining fraction 

of suitably finished size material inside the mill, upon which grinding energy is wasted 

(on over grinding). The role of the pump and cyclones is to maximize CSE. Although a number 

of today’s grinding circuits have been so designed and/or optimized, the vast mjority 

have not. This paper presents guidelines for achieving maximum CSE through design/optimization 

of the pump and cyclone(s), with examples from existing plants. 

9:25 AM 

Regrind Mills: Scale Up or Screw Up 

M. Larson 1 , R. Morrison 2 , M. Young 1 and G. Anderson 1 ; 1 Xstrata Technology, 

Brisbane, QLD, Australia and 2 University of Queensland JKMRC, Brisbane, 

QLD, Australia 

As ore deposits have become finer grained the requirements for regrinding have increased 

substantially. Grinding a flotation concentrate prior to cleaning or leaching in a stirred mill 

presents issues in that the common bond ball test does not apply at product sizes below 70 

microns. With no standard test to predict regrinding energy it is left to engineering companies 

and their clients to determine the grinding energy requirement. With no standard 

methodology for determining regrind power requirement supplier claims of grinding efficiency 

become the only method of sizing mills. In many cases the supplier energy estimation 

can vary widely even between similar mills. This paper examines the actual operating requirements 

of full scale regrind mills against their original design criteria. It also analyzes 

the basic principles of laboratory regrind tests and shows how failing to accurately undertake 

proper laboratory/pilot work can mean the difference between accurate scale-up and 

complete failure. 

9:45 AM 

The Use of HPGR in Copper Leaching 

W. Baum and K. Ausburn; Technology Center, Freeport McMoRan Mining 

Company, Safford, AZ 

High pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) are now an accepted and increasingly used comminution 

technology in copper, gold and platinum mining. To date, HPGR has not been used as a 

crushing device for copper heap leaching. However, the first installation of HPGR for gold 

heap leaching is operating in Africa. HPGR offers inherently important benefits for the near 

and long-range future challenges of copper heap leaching. This presentation summarizes 

test work on copper leach ores which indicate that HPGR use in the crushing circuit may, in 

specific instances, result in 2- >10% increases in copper extraction. The extractions are 

crush size, rock type and copper mineralogy dependant. Energy savings and higher throughput 

with faster leach kinetics are additional benefits. Various other process parameters may 

also be optimized. 


58


10:05 AM 

Research into the Effects of Tramp Grinding Steel on the 

Ball Mill Breakage Environment Using a Bond Mill Approach 

D. Walsh; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 

Tramp grinding steel (TGS) is defined here as non-spherical, steel particles that are generated 

from the wear of liners or grinding media present in comminution equipment. TGS accumulates 

in ball mill circuits, due to its high density, its extremely high Bond Work Index 

and the cyclone classifiers that close the grinding circuit. The objective of this investigation 

was to study the effects of TGS on ball mill grinding efficiency at a laboratory scale using a 

Bond Grindability Mill. Tests were run using three distinct size fractions of TGS from 3.4 mm 

through 125 microns at saturated breakage site conditions (80% grinding media void filling). 

TGS impacts on grinding efficiency were assessed by the changes in net grams of minus 

105 micron product produced per revolution of the mill, when TGS size fractions were present, 

compared to conditions when no TGS was present in the mill. Very measureable changes 

were observed, ranging from a 6%-42% decrease in mill product production per revolution. 

This paper describes the study in detail and offers explanations for the observed decreases 

observed in grinding efficiency. 

10:25 AM 

Development of Laboratory Hardware and a Protocol for 

Direct Determination of Breakage Functions for Fine Particles 

in Ball Mills 

D. Walsh; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 

With respect to modeling ball mills, estimates of the breakage rates for individual size 

classes of ore particles are fundamental, as are the particle size class breakage functions (the 

progeny of particle sizes produced from the breakage of a coarser particle size class), also 

termed appearance functions. Fundamental research into particle breakage in tumbling 

mills focuses on how much energy is input into single particles versus how they break and 

what size distribution of particles results. Several test methods, including JKMRC’s dual pendulum 

test and drop weight test, have been developed for the breakage of coarse particles 

down to approximately 6 mm in size. Work on the breakage functions of finer particles is still 

an area of intense interest. This paper describes a fine particle, breakage function determination 

method developed by the author during a sabbatical leave spent at Australia’s CSIRO. 

The laboratory hardware and test protocol are described and breakage function data for 

1.7 x 1.18 mm, 600 x 425 microns and 150 x 105 microns feed particle size classes are 

presented. Future research and test method modifications are suggested. 

10:45 AM 

The Applicability of Alternative Particle Size Analysis Methods 

in Laboratory Testing 

M. Deal, J. Lee and R. Kappes; Newmont Metallurgical Services, Englewood, CO 

Particle size analysis is a fundamental measurement utilized in the mining industry, especially 

in comminution, hydrometallurgy, and mineral processing. While sieves and cyclosizers 

are the standard methods used to determine particle size distributions, in recent years 

alternative instruments have been developed that claim to provide more rapid and equally 

reliable results. Newmont Metallurgical Services has implemented the use of two such instruments, 

along with traditional methods (sieves and a cyclosizer), on a daily basis. The 

Malvern Mastersizer 2000 laser analyzer is a wet sample system that can analyze particles in 

the size range 0.02µm to 2000µm, and the Horiba Camsizer is a dry system that can analyze 

particles in the size range of 30µm to 30mm using digital image processing. A comparative 

analysis has been performed to determine the applicability of each particle sizing method in 

laboratory testing. 


Separation Techniques to Meet Oil Spill 

Challenges I 


Chairs: P. Somasundarn, Columbia University, New York , NY 

R. Farinato, Cytec Industries Inc., Stamford, CT 

9:05 AM 

A Tale of Two Spills of a Spill with Two Tails: 

An Overview of the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill 

Sean Anderson, CSU Channel Island, Camarillo, CA, USA 

9:25 AM 

Preferential Accumulation of Light End Alkanes and 

Aromatics at the Crude Oil/Air and Crude Oil/Water Interfaces: 

Potential Mechanisms of Accelerated Tar Ball Formation 

for Spilled Crude Oil 

Norman Morrow, University of Wyoming, WY, USA 

9:45 AM 

Remediating Oilfield Waste and Spills 

Raymond Farinato, Cytec Industries, Stamford, CT, USA 

10:05 AM 

A Bio-degradable Polymer-assisted Oil-water Separation from 

Their Emulsions 

Zhenghe Xu and Jacob Masliyah, University of Alberta, Edmond, 

Alberta, Canada 

10:25 AM 

Synthetic Biology and Rapid Response to Unmet Need for Safe 

Renewable Oil Dispersants 

Kevin Jarrell, Modular Genetics Inc, Boston, USA 

10:45 AM 

Bacterial Motility in Guiding Confined Spaces through 

Capillary-Video Microscopy 

Kyriakos Papadapoulo, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA 


Cost Reduction and Productivity 

Improvement Initiatives 


Chair: j. Davis, FMI, Clifton, AZ 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Continuous Improvement at Doe Run’s Viburnum Trend Mines 

G. Sutton; The Doe Run Company, Viburnum, MO 

The Doe Run Company operates six underground room and pillar mines in Southeastern 

Missouri (SEMO). The primary product mined is lead with byproducts of zinc and copper. 

These metals occur in the forms of galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite. The SEMO Mining and 

Milling Operations have a long history of continuous improvement activity which have resulted 

in improvements to safety, costs, and production and enabled the mines to survive during 

tough metals prices and thrive during good metal prices. This presentation will discuss 

some of the successes during recent years and the attitude that has led to the continuous improvement 

philosophy of “Making it better tomorrow than today”. 

9:25 AM 

Impact of Quality of Development Cycle on Mine Feasibilities 

S. Kenzap 1 and V. Kazakidis 2 ; 1 Mining & Mineral Processing, Hatch Ltd., 

Sudbury, ON, Canada and 2 School of Engineering, Laurentian University, 

Sudbury, ON, Canada 

Quality assurance of the particular components of the development cycle becomes paramount 

in achieving high rate of advance in lateral development process. Quality issues include 

performance parameters of a particular process in lateral development. Large capital 

projects, which are critically dependent on lateral development targets to improve their profitability, 

require a great focus on cost analysis and cost saving as they fulfill the technical specifications 

of the project. Poor quality costs affect both the lost opportunity costs (external failure 

costs) and operating costs (internal failure costs) in a mining operation. This paper 

focuses on analyzing the cost of poor quality, which is the sum of internal and external failure 

costs, using process simulation and economic analyses. A conceptual example, based on the 

lateral development practice followed in Sudbury mines, shows the practical application of 

the proposed approach and quantifies the impact of failures in a lateral development process. 

9:45 AM 

Cost Reduction Utlizing New Catergory Management Tools 

B. Atkin; 3M Mining Markets, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN 

Given the current economic conditions, Miners are looking for every possible way to optimize 

inventory and costs. 3M’s Personal Protective Equipment cost saving solutions program 

utilizes the tools of category management to help facilitate sku rationalization, vendor 

consolidation and drive cost savings. This presentation will review the process and discuss 

the success 3M has had at various Mines and customers globally. 

10:05 AM 

Business Excellence Process Allows Newmont Leeville to 

Become the Biggest 

G. Sargent; Newmont Mining Corporation, Carlin, NV 

Leeville, North America’s largest underground gold producer, is located in Carlin, Nevada 

and is owned and operated by Newmont Mining Corporation has improved its operating efficiencies 

by reducing non productive labor by 13% and increased its mechanical availability 

on their production fleet by restructuring its PM process using Lean Six Sigma tools. The result 

is that Leeville will be producing gold for the next two decades efficiently and cost effectively. 

This presentation will share all of the Business Excellence projects that Leeville has 

deployed and will feature its “Rocks and Rolls Team” strategy. 


59


through strategic integration with Energy Management Software. This data integration will 

provide information at a level of granularity that will enable the identification of EEO’s and 

facilitate energy reduction in mining operations. Additionally this solution approach is able 

to enhance production scheduling, energy modeling and forecasting to optimize energy 

consumption per ton. 


Mine Fragmentation I 


Chair: c. Dahl, Southwest Energy, Tucson, AZ 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

10:25 AM 

A Method to Choose the Most Important Variables for 

Optimizing an Underground Mine Operation 


The economics of an underground operation is related to the combined dynamic effect of 

multiple variables such as: metallurgical recoveries, mining costs, etc. However, most operations 

tend to erroneously ‘optimize’ their operations through the control of expenses using a 

80/20 Pareto chart. In general words, economic variables can be grouped in two different 

ways: 1) The process’ source; 2) Income/Expense. In this way, each and every economic variable 

are identified in both ways, in order to assure their effect in cash flow (positive or negative), 

as well as its ‘weight’ in terms of net smelter return value. The innovation in this paper 

is the use of continuous distributed economic variables –based on historical information- in 

the evaluation. The author has developed an MS Excel template which uses @Risk to find the 

Net Smelter Return for all metals in a polymetallic underground mine, and in the process, the 

software generates a Tornado Graph which weights the economic importance of each metal. 

Some of the continuous distributed variables used are: block grades, mine dilutions, mine recoveries, 

mine costs, concentrates’ quality, and metallurgical recoveries. 

10:45 AM 

The Pit Falls of Benchmarking and How to Avoid Them 

K. Hanson 1 and D. Tutton 2 ; 1 AMEC, Sparks, NV and 2 Consulting Mining 

Engineer, Dierdorf-Elgert, Germany 

When done properly, benchmarking is an extremely effective tool for assessing performance, 

finding areas for improvement, and identifying strengths. However, when done improperly it 

can be an exercise in futility. A primary pitfall of benchmarking is collecting too much unreliable 

information. Surprisingly, the evolution of data storage and the ease of data collection 

are not helping us with better data collection. Instead, it is just allowing us to collect more information, 

while at the same time inundating us with too much data. Another primary pitfall 

of benchmarking is poorly designed metrics including: metrics that rely on information that 

is difficult to collect, metrics that are poorly defined, metrics which are too site focused, and 

metrics that measure low consequence practices. To avoid the pitfalls of benchmarking, the 

authors have developed a set of benchmarking metrics which are populated by data that is 

readily accessible at mine operations, and that provides insight into operational performance 

when compared to pier groups. These metrics have been used in multiple benchmarking 

exercises with very good success at both mine operations and in mining projects. 

11:05 AM 

Using Static and Mobile Laser Scanners to Measure and Manage 

Open Pit Mines 

J. Green and D. Conforti; Optech Incorporated, Vaughan, ON, Canada 

Many mining companies are finding that terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) provide a way to increase 

productivity and improve competitiveness in the market. This paper compares the results 

of TLS mining applications that used two different instruments: a static laser scanner 

(ILRIS-3D), and a mobile laser scanner (Lynx Mobile Mapper). Both instruments are manufactured 

by Optech Incorporated, and were used to obtain the highest accuracy level and the 

best possible coverage of inaccessible areas by taking advantage of the available “Enhance 

Range” option. The final output of the test survey includes high-density lidar point clouds. 

The 3D geo-referenced spatial data contained in the point clouds allowed geologists to extract 

needed information, including the “real” geometry of the mine, maps of unstable 

slopes, and finally, accurate volume estimates of removed material. These volumetric estimates 

were derived through comparisons among multiple temporal surveys, and can also 

generate maps of surface displacements. 

11:25 AM 

Identifying Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Mining 

Operations – The Production Energy Optimization Concept 

F. Mielli and R. Steele; Schneider Electric, Alpharetta, GA 

In addition to the need for compliance with environmental regulations, mining operations 

need to improve energy efficiency in order to remain cost competitive in today’s global market. 

A major obstacle to implementing Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEOs)is the lack of 

sufficient data on energy usage presented in the context of plant production data. The paper 

examines the opportunity for the expanded application of Mining Execution Systems (MES) 

9:05 AM 

Oversize Reduction Project at the Iron Ore Company of Canada 

R. Proulx 1 and R. Pinksen 2 ; 1 Advanced Mining Solutions, Orica USA Inc., 

Watkins, CO and 2 Primary Ore Technical Services, Iron Ore Company of 

Canada, Labrador City, NF, Canada 

IOC expressed an interest in reducing the amount of oversize material (>1.0 m) being produced 

and its subsequent downstream effects. To achieve this goal an oversize reduction 

project was undertaken by the mine and to date has significantly improved upon baseline 

measures. One key approach used to reduce the amount of oversize was the implementation 

of thicker emulsion. This emulsion provided more resistance to the forces created by dynamic 

water and reduces the infiltration of the emulsion into the cracks of the rockmass. 

Reduced amounts of oversize and more consistent fragmentation throughout the muckpiles 

has been a result. A significant reduction in nitrates leached into the mine water discharge 

has also been realized. To determine the effectiveness of the project, IOC used a of first-ofkind 

technology using a Digital Vision System to assess fragmentation presented to the 

shovel at the digging face. A large population of digital images were analysed to produce a 

robust fragmentation distribution baseline that was used as one of the mine key performance 

indicators (KPI). Changes to blasting practice were subsequently measured against the 

baseline KPI to assess effectiveness. 

9:25 AM 

Fragmentation through Technology and Team Work 

D. Brandt and I. Martinez; Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, Safford, AZ 

The topic for my proposed presentation is how better fragmentation was achieved at the Dos 

Pobres Mine a unit of Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold. By using state of the art systems, 

statistics and the cooperation of different departments we have verified our improvements 

and kept costs under control. 

9:45 AM 

Improving Fragmentation at ASARCO 

T. Phillips; ASARCO, Tucson, AZ 

This presentation will outline fragmentation improvements at ASARCO properties in 

Arizona. 

10:05 AM 

Improved Fragmentation through Data Integration 

R. Owen; Fragmentation, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Morenci, AZ 

To optimize fragmentation results the correct application of technology and data is crucial. 

The data and tools to make safe and economic business decisions are ever growing. Freeport 

McMoRan Morenci Operations has integrated size fraction imaging, drill fleet management, 

blasting resource database and bulk explosive QA/QC into sustainable tools that allow for 

near real-time reporting and accurate forecasting. Increased information access promotes 

better decision making and allows for detailed investigation. The ability to look at all the parameters 

influencing fragmentation increases the understanding of the interaction between 

elements allowing shots to be tailored to specific mining requirements and confidently respond 

to economic changes. 

10:25 AM 

Fragmentation Improvement by the Use of StemPlugs at the 

Phoenix Mine 

S. Aguirre, V. Galla and J. Rackley; Engineering, Newmont Mining Corporation, 

Battle Mountain, NV 

Drilling and blasting is one of the key operations in the mining industry. Rock fragmentation 

becomes challenging when the hardness and geology of the rock dictate the blasting principles 

and methodology. At Newmont’s Phoenix Mine, as part of the continuous improvement 

methodology, a fragmentation team was initiated to improve rock fragmentation in an effort 

to achieve optimum mill throughput. Experience has shown that the high powder factor 

used to blast the hard rock resulted in energy loss, generating undesired stemming ejection, 

air-blast and poor fragmentation. Crushed rock was used to minimize the stemming ejection, 

which did not yield the desired result. Two blasting trials were conducted using a StemPlug 

product, which showed a better energy confinement within the blast, reducing stemming 

ejection and increasing the amount of material below 8”. This paper will summarize the findings 

of using the StemPlug product in a larger scale. Results from the StemPlug test will be 

measured using the data from mill throughput, energy consumption by the crusher, image 

analysis of material and belt cut sieve analysis. 


60


10:45 AM 

Getting to Know Your Shot 

B. Sandhaus; Orica USA, Mechanicsburg, PA 

The purpose of this paper is to inform people of ways to know their blasting shot before the 

shot has been fired. It will encompass technologies used today on mine sites to accurately 

portray what the shot looks like above, in front of, and inside the bench itself prior to shooting 

the shot. Items that will be included are bore hole tracking, face profiling both two and 

three dimensional, the importance of drill logs, then tying these technologies together to optimize 

powder factors and improve breakage. Understanding these elements can help reduce 

the risk of fly rock, poor breakage, and other problems associated with firing a shot. 


Mine Haulage: Super Trucks 


Chair: h. grant, Liebherr, Tucson, AZ 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Effects of Ultraclass Rigid Dump Truck Design on Mine Planning 

D. Lindell; Mining Division, Komatsu America Corp., Peoria, IL 

Most miners consider “ultraclass” trucks as 290 mt and larger. The proper application of this 

tool class requires careful planning beyond the, “It’s the biggest, so it must be the best.” 

Despite the engineer’s attempts to define it, a mine is an organic, living thing and managing 

the change process requires social planning as well as mine engineering. This paper reviews 

some of the key performance issues when considering a move to ultraclass trucks. Topics 

will include changes to shovel queue & match, body sizing, and road maintenance and infrastructure 

planning. 

9:25 AM 

Evaluation of Mechanical and Electric Drive Trucks for 

Mine Haulage Applications 

M. Richards 1 and D. Rea 2 ; 1 Caterpillar Inc., Decatur, IL and 2 Caterpillar Inc., 

Peoria, IL 

With the continued development of both AC-electric and mechanical drive trucks in the ultra 

class, mining companies now face significantly more choices than in the past when selecting 

the appropriate mining truck for a haulage application. Caterpillar, in particular, offers two 

offerings in the ultra class - the mechanical-drive 797F and the electric-drive 795F AC. This 

paper will discuss considerations for application of trucks based on drive systems, as well as 

other considerations such as shovel match and haul road conditions. Discussion will center 

on key performance differences as well as a discussion of technology that may make mechanical 

or electric trucks more suitable to an application. In addition, common beliefs about 

the application of electric and mechanical drive systems will be examined and compared to 

field experience to see if technology in recently introduced trucks should cause a re-examination 

of these beliefs. 

9:45 AM 

Ultra Class Truck Design Challenges & Solutions 

F. Wickert; Marketing, Liebherr Mining Equipment, Newport News, VA 

The purpose of this paper will be to site specific challenges with the design of ultra class 

trucks. Specifically, areas of discussion will include frame design and drive system design. 

Areas of discussion will include design philosophy of the frame and versatility of applications 

due to drive selection. 

10:05 AM 

Operational Strengths and Weaknesses of the Super Class 

Haul Truck 

J. Stewart; ASARCO, Kearny, AZ 

Economies of scale, horsepower, technology and comfort; all good, but what what are the 

challenges that must be overcome to realize the actual potential of these Super Class haul 

trucks. Safety, mixed fleet, road construction and other challenges will be presented. 

10:25 AM 

Mining Haulage for the 21st Century; The First Significant 

Change in Truck Design for 50 Years 

E. de Jongh; European Truck Factory GmbH (ETF), Nordhorn, Germany 

Why, during the last 50 years has so little changed in mining truck construction and design? 

One reason could be the current rigid platform has worked reasonably well, compared with 

all other manufacturers’ products in the same market? So what is the incentive to develop 

something totally different that will initially cost more to produce, especially when the majority 

in the industry still preserve the same constricted thinking process? Historically the 

mining industry requested two major refinements to machine design, increased loading capacity 

with reduced total cost of ownership. However, in order to achieve this and so much 

more, some blue sky thinking was required and a total revision to haul truck design – essential. 

After years of development, ETF has risen to the challenge and now presents the first 

product of that research. The HT-218 haul truck one that far exceeds customer expectations 

offering advanced operating features combined with significant cost reduction, while effectively 

transporting combined material payloads far exceeding anything available today. 

10:45 AM 

MineSight Haulage: New Equipment Management System 

A. Moharana and S. Dutta; Mintec Inc, Tucson, AZ 

MineSight Haulage generates cycle times, haulage requirements, and material/routing reports 

and is integrated with MineSight Interactive Planner for reserves reporting. 

MineSight Haulage is scheduled to be further integrated with MineSight Schedule 

Optimizer which will provide short term schedules optimized to respect the haulage requirements. 

MineSight Haulage has been successfully implemented at many mines. The 

haulage network can be graphically designed using CAD functions. MineSight Haulage then 

uses a combination of haulage nodes (source, mill, dump, stockpile) and roads to find the 

best routes through the haulage network and corresponding cycle times. This paper will 

discuss the MineSight Haulage setup for a typical mine and some new enhancements including 

trolley assist, rimpull and braking curves, and the equipment repository for storing 

equipment definitions and sharing them between projects. 


Operational Impacts and Issues of Advanced 

Mining Systems and Technology 


Chair: T. Skinner, SMART Systems Group, Calgary, AB, Canada 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Building a New Mine With Advanced Integrated Mining Systems 

and Technology 

S. Vereschagin 1 and G. Tucker 2 ; 1 Information Systems, QuadraFNX Mining Ltd, 

Vancouver, BC, Canada and 2 Mining, QuadraFNX Mining Ltd, Vancouver, 

BC, Canada 

QuadraFNX is developing the Sierra Gorda project, a new greenfield copper molybdenum operation 

in Chile. QuadraFNX intends to design and build the mine using advanced integration 

techniques, mining systems, and technology. To develop and deliver an effective integrated 

mine systems and technology design requires advance techniques and methods, and presents 

unique challenges. The system design is driven by the operational considerations, requirements, 

and design, but also in turn directly impacts the operational performance, organization, 

process, and equipment selection. This paper presents an overview of the process, the 

impacts, and experiences of the design exercise. 

9:25 AM 

Artificial Neural Networks as Rock Classifiers in a Hard Rock 

Open-Pit Mining Environment 

L. Daneshmend 1 and N. Beattie 2 ; 1 The Robert M. Buchan Department of 

Mining, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada and 2 SNC-Lavalin, 

Mississauga, ON, Canada 

This case-study illustrates the pitfalls in attempting to port an established, proven, advanced 

mining systems technology from one mining sector to another. Monitoring-While-Drilling 

(MWD) for rock classification on surface blast-hole drills is a tool that has evolved in an effort 

to increase efficiency in mining operations. MWD involves the recording of drill variables 

while drilling in order to obtain information about the drilling environment. Several 

successful applications for MWD in surface mining have been developed, including ore 

boundary determination, rock strength estimation, drill performance optimization, blast 

hole design optimization, drill automation, and bit wear monitoring. However the overwhelming 

majority of these MWD applications have been in soft rock and coal mining. This 

paper investigates the capabilities of artificial neural networks as rock classifiers in an openpit 

hard rock environment using MWD data. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the 

generalization abilities of the neural networks as rock classifiers. The results indicate that 

neural networks by themselves are not capable rock classifiers on MWD data in such a hard 

rock environment. 

9:45 AM 

Managing the Drill and Blast Process 

L. Berry; Implementation/Solutions, Mintec, Inc., Tucson, AZ 

Drill and blast planning is critical to successful mine production, both in timing and in results. 

However, typical planning, reporting, and information exchange usually involves large 

quantities of data collated in a discordant set of spreadsheets, databases, and reports. 

Collecting, analyzing, modeling, and distributing all data necessary for efficient drill and 

blast operations is time consuming and cumbersome. MineSight Axis Drill & Blast provides 

an extensible core of functions, seamlessly integrated with other MineSight software tools, 

to make sense of this information. The benefits of improving the management of drilling 

and blasting processes are immense and result in improved fragmentation at a lower cost, 

improved shovel and truck productivity, and enhanced ore processing. 


61


10:05 AM 

Integrated Mine Production – The Key to Increased Production 

and Cost Control 

F. Carew and C. Forrest; Gemcom Software International Inc., Vancouver, BC, 

Canada 

Accurate knowledge of what mass and grade is to hand and where it is stored is key to mine 

efficiencies and overall profitability. In order to make the right decisions and align production 

with stockpile capacity, feed and contract demand, a clear and accurate view from production 

through blending and processing is required. The use of a mine production management 

solution can provide you with a high degree of confidence in and visibility into 

validated data as well as auditable and traceable material movements, activities and surveys. 

A robust calculation engine enables mass and grade changes to propagate to material movements 

and stockpiles to ensure you are getting the most accurate view at all times. Tracked 

changes in material balances can be readily incorporated in revised production schedules to 

close the loop. The availability of accurate, timely information, coupled with predictive trend 

indicators, is a significant advance in narrowing the gap between claimed and planned production 

that is common to many mines, regardless of commodity. 

10:25 AM 

Designing, Scheduling and Managing Waste Rock Facilities – A 

Case Study on the Waste Rock Dumps at Phoenix Mine, Nevada 

V. Galla 1 and P. Zacarias 2 ; 1 Newmont Mining Corporation, Battle mountain, NV 

and 2 Newmont Mining Corporation, Cajamarca, Peru 

Waste rock facilities (WRF) generally have a large footprint depending on the strip ratio the 

mine plan provides. Considerable planning is involved during the initial phase of the mine 

plan regarding the location of the WRF. As the mining operations are commenced the locations 

of the WRF change accordingly with the variations in the mine plan involving feedback 

and support from local communities and stakeholders. Waste rock dumps management becomes 

challenging when the area available for dumping is limited due to terrain topography, 

environmental and permitting constraints. Risks associated in the design of waste rock 

dumps constitute particle size of rock, chemistry associated with the rock for reactivity and 

stability of the over all dump. This paper will provide some insights on designing, scheduling 

and managing a WRF. 

10:45 AM 

Automated Sorting: New Sensors for Pre-Concentration 

M. Kowalczyk 1 and J. Bussières 2 ; 1 Terra Vision, Surrey, BC, Canada and 

2 

Terra Vision, Quebec City, QC, Canada 

Sorting has always allowed mine operators to add low grade resources to the reserves, reduce 

haulage and hoisting costs, remove contaminant from mill feed, and transition to 

cheaper mining methods through the removal of internal dilution. These concepts have 

driven industrial minerals produces to successfully apply sorting machines over the last 20 

years. Color sorting machines have mainly been used by industrial minerals processors and 

miners and is well established. However new sensors have opened up other possibilities for 

sorting in these established sorting installations along with some new applications and installations 

in base metals, precious metals and gemstones. Some of the new sensors that 

have demonstrated great promise in current or planned installations are X-ray transmission, 

near infra-red spectroscopy for mineral identification, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for 

elemental analysis, conductivity, magnetic susceptibility and thermal conductivity. Several 

examples of these sensors and their application to gold, nickel, tungsten, copper and coal 

projects are presented herein. 

11:05 AM 

Which Grade Tonnage Curve Represents Your Deposit? 

A. Samal; Pincock, Allen and Holt, Littleton, CO 

This research demonstrates the variability of grade-tonnage curves by changing the interpolation 

parameters. Data from a mined-out area is used for this research project. It is assumed 

as if the project is at the advanced exploration stage; so no blast-hole data or, production 

data is available. Ordinary kriging is used for constructing the grade tonnage curves. Attempt 

is made to demonstrate that the grade-tonnage curve can be optimized using advanced geostatistical 

techniques. 

R-H Yoon Symposium: 

Coal Processing 


Chair: V. Davis, Alpha Natural Resources, Scarbro, WV 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Maximizing Mine Profitability through the Development, 

Implementation and Auditing of Preparation Plant 

Best Practices 

P. Bethell; Coal Processing, Arch Coal, Inc., Charleston, WV 

The paper will outline the development of processing plant best practices (PASOP) at Arch 

Coal, Inc. Implementation of these practices will then be covered. The audit procedure 

whereby best practice compliance is assured will be reviewed. The impact of sustaining best 

practices on plant processing efficiency will be outlined, followed by a section detailing the 

economic impact of plant processing efficiency on total mine cost. 

9:25 AM 

Fine Coal Recovery Coal Slurry Impoundment Structures, 

Thickener Underflow and Other Unprocessed Coal from 

Existing Preparation Plant Circuits 

C. Henry; Beard Technologies, LLC, Rockwood, PA 

The sampling and analysis of various coal slurry impoundment structures, thickener underflow 

and other unprocessed circuits in existing preparation plants, at various mine sites 

throughout the United States and Canada, indicate potential to install advanced fine coal recovery 

systems to develop an economically feasible project. The recovery systems can incorporate 

the following advanced technologies: 200 TPH all-electric hydraulic transportable 

dredge, compound spirals, Deslime cyclone circuit, DBD technology to treat and dry the 100 

mesh X 325 mesh and 325 mesh X 0 coal material, hyperbaric screenbowl centrifuges, 

process the fine coal product through an extrusion technology to develop an engineered briquette 

/ pellet and paste thickening applications to increase the percent solids of the refuse 

material. The recovery plant will have the ability to separate fine coal products, blend the 

product streams or briquette / pelletize as needed to comply with the market and blending 

specifications of the coal at the existing coal preparation plants. 

9:45 AM 

Development of an Automation and Control System for 

Coal Spiral 

B. Zhang 1 , H. Akbari 1 , F. Yang 1 , J. Hirschi 4 , A. Mahajan 3 , H. Wang 2 and 

M. Mohanty 1 ; 1 Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering, Southern Illinois 

University, Carbondale, IL; 2 Electrical and Computer Engineering, Southern 

Illinois University, Carbondale, IL; 3 College of Engineering, University of Akron, 

Akron, OH and 4 Illinois Clean Coal Institute, Carterville, IL 

Spiral concentrators have been widely used in coal preparation plants world-wide to separate 

high-density reject materials from low-density clean coal commonly in the particle size 

range of 1 mm x 150 micron. Recent studies also report the high efficiency separation obtained 

for fine coal cleaning up to a bottom size of 45 micron. The main objective of this 

study was to develop a relatively low cost microprocessor-based control system for automatic 

adjustment of the splitter position to maintain desired density cut-points irrespective 

of fluctuations in the plant feed. The main research steps included the development of a 

sensing/measurement system, setting up the microcontroller truth table, and integrating 

the entire system so as to actuate a servo motor to adjust the spiral splitter position based on 

real-time measurements. An inexpensive mechanical strain gage based control system was 

developed and calibrated using a lab-scale spiral. Ongoing research focuses on developing a 

electrical conductivity and mechanical strain gage based sensing scheme required for a fullscale 

spiral. 

10:05 AM 

Optimal Design of Fine Coal Cleaning Circuitry 

G. Luttrell 1 , Z. Ali 1 , R. Bratton 1 , A. Dynys 2 and L. Watters 2 ; 1 Virginia Tech, 

Blacksburg, VA and 2 Taggart Global LLC, Canonsburg, PA 

While dense medium processes have largely become the standard approach for treating 

coarse (>1 mm) coal, the types of unit operations used to upgrade fine (


9:25 AM 

Investigation of the N-Octanohydroxamate Reagent Interaction 

with the Surface of Oxide Copper Minerals and Copper Metal 

G. Hope 1 , R. Woods 1 , G. Parker 1 , A. Numprasanthai 1 , A. Buckley 2 and 

J. McLean 3 ; 1 BPS, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia; 

2 

School of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia and 3 Axis House, 

Melbourne, VIC, Australia 

The interaction of n-octanohydroxamate solution with the surface of copper metal and the 

minerals bornite, malachite and chrysocolla has been investigated. XPS, vibrational spectroscopies 

and electrochemical techniques were used to characterise the nature of the surface 

layer. Malachite and chrysocolla form layers of a copper hydroxamate product that can be 

observed using unenhanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques. The product layer that 

forms on air exposed copper and bornite surfaces is less than the thickness required to be 

observed with normal Raman spectroscopy. XPS investigation revealed that a multilayer of 

Cu hydroxamate was retained at the surface of both substrates after they had been rinsed 

with water. Linear scan voltammetry of a copper electrode exhibited an inhibition of copper 

oxidation when the n-octanhydroxamate concentration was greater than 10-4 M. The cupric 

hydroxamate observed spectroscopically on the sample surfaces was consistent with the 

properties measured for bulk cupric n-octanohydroxamate powder. 

9:45 AM 

Evaluation of Sulfide Mineral Flotation Efficiency Using 

Liberation-Limited Grade/Recovery Curves 

J. Medina, C. Lin and J. Miller; Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, 

Salt Lake City, UT 

The efficiency of sulfide mineral flotation is evaluated with respect to particle size based on 

liberation-limited grade/recovery curves as determined by high resolution X-ray micro tomography 

(HRXMT) for particle sizes ranging from 25 to 2000 microns in diameter. Issues 

such as sampling statistics and reproducibility of the HRXMT analysis are discussed. 

10:05 AM 

Procedure for Ore Evaluation 

M. Xu; Vale, Mississauga, ON, Canada 

Over the years, a comprehensive procedure has been established for ore evaluation and 

flowsheet development at Vale Inco Technical Services. When an ore sample comes from a 

mine with an existing concentrator, the ore is subject to a set of standard tests with a known 

flowsheet. This is termed ore evaluation. When an ore sample comes from an exploration 

project, the ore is subject to testwork with different flow sheets. This is termed flowsheet 

development. In general, this procedure consists of the following nine steps: 1) Ore preparation 

2) Grinding time determination 3) Mineralogy using Mineral Liberation Analyzer 4) 

Incremental rougher flotation 5) Staged rougher and scavenger flotation 6) Batch full circuit 

simulation test 7) Spreadsheet or Bilmat Simulation 8) Miniplant testing (20-50 kg/h) 

9) Pilot plant testing (>100 kg/h) This communication describes the above steps and 

discusses the best practices in the industry for reliable and accurate assessment of 

separability of ore samples. 

10:25 AM 

The Effect of Grinding Environment on the Surface and 

Floatability of Micro-fine Disseminated Molybdenite 

Z. Guowang, X. Xiao, L. Ziqiang, Z. Xiang, X. Shouxiao and H. Lilong; Changsha 

reseach institute of mining and metallurgy, Changsha, China 

Micro-fine disseminated molybdenite was grinded in ball mill and stirred mill using steel 

media and ceramic media respectively. The surface morphology, chemical properties and 

floatability of grinded molybdenite were investigated. The SEM photos show that the 

shapes of grinded molybdenite were flatter and the surfaces were smoother in stirred mill 

than in ball mill, which leads to better floatability in stirred mill. In stirred mill, the surface 

chemical properties of molybdenite using ceramic media were greatly different from that 

using steel media. When steel media was used, hydrophilic iron compound generated on 

the surface of milled molybdenite, which damaged the floatability of molybdenite. 

10:45 AM 

Flotation Optimization Studies at Vale’s Conceição – 

Itabiritos Concentrator 

R. Silva 1 , G. Esteves 4 , C. Gonçalves 4 , R. Mazon 4 , A. Weber 2 , T. Olson 1 , 

H. Schreiber 2 and J. Menezes 3 ; 1 R&D, FLSmidth Minerals Salt Lake City, 

Salt Lake City, UT; 2 FLSmidth Minerals Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT; 

3 

FLSmidth Minerals Brazil, Belo Horizonte, Brazil and 4 Vale, Itabira, Brazil 

Vale’s Conceição- Itabiritos concentrator is located in Brazil’s Minas Gerais Province, 100 km 

from Belo Horizonte. The main iron mineralization is in the form of Hematite, Martite, and 

Goethite with the main contaminant being Quartz. The plant is designed to treat the Itabirite 

and Hematite ores separately.. The fines from both circuits are then combined for treatment 

by flotation. During the past year, a 130 m3 Wemco® Smartcell flotation cell has been installed 

at this site to investigate the effect of machine configuration on metallurgical performance. 

The 130 m3 cell is installed as a scavenger. The machine was designed to accept 

two, sizes of rotors, zero to twelve radial launders, and three different rotor-draft tube engagement 

heights. Two series of tests are planned with this machine. The first series will explore 

the effect that rotor speed, carry capacity, aeration rate, froth height and rotor engagement 

has on metallurgical performance. The second series will test the same set of 

operational variables, but at a higher pulp circulation rate. This paper reviews the results obtained 

from the first series of in-plant testing on Wemco® 130 m3 Smartcell flotation cell. 

11:05 AM 

How to Evaluate Current Efficiency in Copper Electrowinning 

M. Moats; Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Current efficiency is one of the key matrices that all copper electrowinning operations monitor, 

track and try to improve. While it is well known that the main current inefficiencies in 

copper electrowinning are ferric reduction, short circuits and stray currents, operators generally 

lack the ability to quickly ascertain how much inefficiency is each causing. Over the past 

several years, the University of Utah has developed an algebraic empirical model to evaluate 

the impact of ferric reduction and a measurement method to determine the impact of stray 

currents on current efficiency. By combining the model and method, an operator can obtain 

an understanding of what is causing current inefficiencies in a tankhouse. This paper will discuss 

how to use the model and method to improve copper electrowinning current efficiency. 

11:25 AM 

Experimental Studies on Flash Oxidation of Chalcopyrite 

Z. Zhang and R. Reddy; Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, 

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 

Experimental studies on flash oxidation of chalcopyrite to minimize formation of copper ferrite 

and copper sulfate and identify the conditions for maximize the recovery of copper in 

the subsequent leaching process was investigated. Two sets of experiments, oxidation of 

chalcopyrite minerals in air and in oxygen were conducted. Flash oxidation experiments 

were carried out at 750 oC for the four particle sizes varying from 38 µm to 125 µm. The experimental 

results showed that: a) oxidation of chalcopyrite in air was incomplete, b) oxidation 

of chalcopyrite in oxygen was complete and also copper ferrites were formed. The oxidation 

results of experimental study and thermodynamic analyses of chalcopyrite minerals 

were compared and the results obtained are in good agreement. 


Surfaces Forces and Hydrophobicity 


Chair: L.Wang, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 

QLD, Australia 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Effect of Frother Mobility on the Bubble Behavior in Bubble 

Rise Velocity Measurements at the Initial Stages of 

Bubble Formation 

K. Heiskanen; Materials Science, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland 

In this research we focus on the differences caused by the experimental conditions in bubble 

rise tests at the initial phases of motion in Dowfroth 200, Nasfroth 240 and Dowfroth 250 

frother solutions. The first 50 milliseconds of the rise of bubbles created in pure water then 

passed into surfactant solution and of bubbles created in surfactant solution with a capillary 

were filmed with high speed camera. The results suggest, that the method of bubble creation 

strongly influences the behavior of bubbles. The adsorption/desorption hysteresis and mobility 

of the DF200 on the bubble surface is much larger than in the case of the other two 

studied frothers, which creates an asymmetric surfactant coverage leading a bubble behavior 

very similar to the one of bubbles moving in ultrapure water. The results also highlight 

that while terminal velocity measurements and results might be brought into some relation 

to the gas holdup in the flotation cell, bubble rise studies in the ms time scale at the initial 

stages of bubble formation and rise could give indication and explanation to some particlebubble 

attachment/detachment phenomena happening in flotation cells. 

9:25 AM 

Surface Deformation During the Bubble-particle Colloidal 

Interactions Quantified by Atomic Force Microscopy and 

Numerical Modeling 

E. Taran and A. Nguyen; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia 

Selective bubble-particle attachment in flotation is controlled by colloidal forces of the van 

der Waals, electrical double layer and non-DLVO interactions. The deviation from the celebrated 

Derjagin-Landau-Vervey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory has been attributed to the surface 

hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. Here we show that the bubble surface deformation during 

the colloidal interaction is also a significant factor. We used an atomic force microscope 

(AFM) to investigate the normal interactions between a hydrophilic silica particle and an air 

bubble in deionised water. We modeled the AFM measurements of bubble-particle interaction 

using the augmented Young-Laplace (AYL) equations with the inclusion of the DLVO disjoining 

pressures. The AYL equations were numerically solved employing the fourth order 

Runge-Kutta algorithm and the condition of bubble volume constancy. Comparison between 

the model and AFM results for the interaction forces allowed quantification of the local deformation 

of air-water interface and revealed the nonlinear behavior of the local air-water 

interface deformation. This outcome also sheds new light on converting actual AFM data into 

force versus separation. 


63


9:45 AM 

Inter-bubble Attractions in Aqueous Solutions of 

Flotation Frothers 

L. Wang; The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia 

Hydrophobic interactions exist between two hydrophobic surfaces in aqueous media. Air 

bubbles are hydrophobic, and studies on bubble hydrophobity and bubble-bubble interaction 

can provide insights into froth flotation. This paper describes the use of the thin film 

pressure balance technique to determine the surface forces in foam films stabilized by flotation 

frothers such as methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) in the 

presence of 0.1 M NaCl. The Reynolds lubrication approximation was used to estimate the 

hydrophobic force from measured film thinning rates while the capillary wave theory 

(Valkovska et al., Adv. Colloid Interface Sci. 2002, 96, 101) was used to calculate the hydrophobic 

force from measured critical rupture thicknesses (Hcr). The hydrophobic force 

was expressed by a power law in the same form as the van der Waals force, which makes it 

possible to directly compare these two forces by means of the hydrophobic force constant 

(K232) and the Hamaker constant (A232). It was found that the hydrophobic forces were 

substantially larger than the van der Waals forces. Also, the K232 values were insensitive to 

surface mobility of the foam films. 

10:05 AM 

A Novel Surface Force Apparatus to Study Interactions Between 

an Air Bubble and Bitumen Surfaces 

L. Wang, D. Sharp, Z. Xu and J. Masliyah; Chemical & Materials Engineering, 

university of alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada 

The interaction of air bubble and bitumen surfaces is studied using a new surface force apparatus. 

Including a bimorph force sensor coupled with computer-interfaced video capture 

and data acquisition, this novel surface force apparatus allows receding and advancing contact 

angles, long-range attractive force, capillary force and detachment force between an airbubble 

and bitumen surface to be measured simultaneously. In a typical force measurement, 

an air-bubble, generated from a capillary tube is driven by a speaker diaphragm at controlled 

rate towards the bitumen surface, until attachment is observed. Then the air-bubble 

is retracted until it detaches from the bitumen. The corresponding charge accumulated on 

the bimorph surface by the deflection of bimorph cantilever is measured and related to the 

interaction forces between the two surfaces. A user-developed program interfaced with 

LabVIEW 8.0 is used to monitor and investigate the entire dynamic process by analyzing the 

video to determine the receding and advancing contact angles. This new apparatus can be 

applied to a wide range of systems of great importance in flotation and emulsions. 

Robert Bates Symposium: 

Lithium REE Minerals of the Future 


9:45 AM 

The Principal Rare Earth Element Resources of the United 

States: An Overview of Deposit Attributes and Processes 

B. Van Gosen 1 and N. Foley 2 ; 1 U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO and 

2 

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 

The USGS is studying the rare earth element (REE) resources of the U.S. The largest domestic 

REE deposits are in carbonatites, veins in alkaline intrusive systems, magmatic-hydrothermal 

iron deposits, and fluvial and beach placers. A carbonatite stock at Mountain Pass, CA, 

grading ~9% REE oxide, hosts the largest known REE resource in the U.S. Other REE-rich 

stocks include the buried Elk Creek carbonatite, NE, and the Iron Hill carbonatite, CO. REEvein 

deposits occur in the Lemhi Pass area, MT-ID; the Bear Lodge Mountains, WY; Bokan 

Mountain on Prince of Wales Island, AK; and the Wet Mountains area, CO. Current exploration 

by industry in the first three vein districts is providing new subsurface data. Massive 

magnetite bodies of magmatic-hydrothermal origin host REE in the Pea Ridge iron deposit, 

MO, and in the Mineville district, N.Y. Monazite-bearing stream placer deposits occur in ID 

and the Piedmont of NC and SC. Beach deposits in FL and GA contain monazite in thin heavy 

mineral layers. REE mineralization in the carbonatites, vein, and iron deposits is related directly 

to alkaline magmatism and, in placer deposits, formed by erosion of alkalic terranes. 

10:05 AM 

Rare Earth Resurgence: Reestablishing a North American 

Mine-to-Magnets Supply Chain 


China’s near-total dominance of global rare earth production, coupled with its recently announced 

plans to further tighten exports, underscores the near-term criticality of bringing 

alternative, non-Chinese sources of supply online. Molycorp, Inc. is the Western 

Hemisphere’s only rare earth producer, and Chief Executive Officer Mark Smith will discuss 

the challenges related to rare earth processing and marketing, as well as provide an update 

on Molycorp’s deployment of its rare earth ‘Mine-to-Magnets’ manufacturing supply chain, 

which is on schedule for deployment by mid-2012. 

10:25 AM 

DoD’s View of Rare Earth Elements 

D. Cammarota; Office of Industrial Policy, Department of Defense, Arlington, VA 

Global concern regarding green house gas emissions and the “green technologies” necessary 

to mitigate the environmental impacts of economic activity has focused attention on a small 

basket of previously obscure metals and minerals, in particular, rare earth elements. 

However, these elements also are important to the U.S. defense industrial base. The U.S. defense 

industry now finds itself involved in an intense global competition with a rapidly increasing 

demand from the commercial sector for access to these materials. The Department 

of Defense undertook a study to determine its need for rare earth elements, especially in the 

context of overall demand, and assess strategies for minimizing disruptions in access to supply. 

The Office of Industrial Policy will share the findings and recommendations of this study. 

Chairs: b. Van gosen, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

D. bryan, Western Lithium, Reno, NV 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

The Lithium Industry – Challenges for the Future 

I. Kunasz; Retired, Tucson, AZ 

The second half of the 20th century saw a dramatic shift in lithium chemical production from 

historical pegmatite sources to brines. Today, nearly all lithium carbonate, the basis of various 

downstream lithium chemicals, comes from brines of the Salar de Atacama, Chile 

(Li2CO3, LiOH, LiCl), the Salar del Hombre Muerto, Argentina (Li2CO3, LiCl) and Clayton 

Valley, Nevada (Li2CO3, LiOH). Due to the potential lithium battery application in automobiles, 

various other salars and playas in China, Bolivia, Argentina, and Tibet are being evaluated 

for future lithium chemical production. Once dominated by two major U.S. producers, 

the Salar de Atacama in Chile began operations in 1984 and became the world’s largest producer 

of lithium carbonate. One Australian producer ships spodumene concentrates for 

chemical conversion in China. Minor producers in Brazil, Portugal, Russia, and the People’s 

Republic of China mine various lithium minerals and produce minor quantities of lithium 

chemicals. While traditional markets for some chemicals are increasing or remain flat, any 

substantial increase in lithium demand is predicated on the potential development of 

lithium batteries for cars. 

9:25 AM 

Nevada Hectorite – A New Source of Lithium for the 

Electrification of Transportation – An Update 

D. Bryan; Western Lithium Corp, Reno, NV 

Western Lithium Corporation is undertaking the development of a world class domestic 

lithium deposit in response to the general acceptance of lithium as the battery of choice to 

power the electric vehicles of the future. Lithium demand is projected to blossom by the end 

of the decade as portable devises requiring lithium measured in grams morphs into vehicle 

batteries with lithium measured in kilograms. Western Lithium’s deposit is a lithium-rich 

smectite clay, including hectorite, found in lacustrine and volcaniclastic sediments associated 

with the McDermitt Caldera in Northern Nevada. The lithium was believed to be introduced 

by hot springs associated with hydrothermal leaching of nearby rhyolites. An historical 

resource estimate by Chevron Resources in the 1980’s indicated potentially 2 m tons of 

lithium. WLC continues to characterize the deposit by drilling and metallurgical evaluation. 

64 

Underground Construction Association of 

SME I 


Chairs: j. Rostami, Pennsylvania State University, 

University Park, PA 

D. Klug, D.R. Klug & Assoc., McMurray, PA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Geotechnical Challenges at the Gualcamayo Mine 

N. Ward 1 and J. Fenoglio 2 ; 1 Paul C. Rizzo Associates, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA and 

2 

Rizzo Associates Argentina S.A., Mendoza, Argentina 

The Gualcamayo Mine is located in the Andes Mountains north of San Juan, Argentina. A 

property of Yamana Gold Inc, it declared commercial production in July 2009 and has a total 

mineral reserve and resource base of approximately 3.1 million ounces of gold. Crushing operations 

for the open-pit mine are located in an underground cavern with a ceiling height of 

22 meters. More than 3,800 meters of drill and blast tunnels are used to access the cavern 

and convey the ore. This paper discusses the geology of the area and the challenges encountered 

while constructing the tunnels and cavern. 

9:25 AM 

Wear Patterns and Prediction of Disc Cutter Consumption for 

Tunnel Boring Machines 

C. Frenzel; Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

Tunnel boring machines (TBM) utilize disc cutters as the primary means for excavating hard 

rock. Depending on rock excavatability and rock abrasivity disc cutters can exhibit significant 

wear. A detailed analysis has been carried out to characterize failure modes and wear patterns 

of disc cutters. The relationship between rock properties, operation of the TBM, and failure 

modes of cutting tools is clearly highlighted. On that basis a prediction tool for disc cutter consumption 

has been developed that allows to estimate not only gross cutter life, but accounts 

for cutterhead design, premature cutter changes, and disc cutter repair costs. Finally, the consequences 

of variable rock properties on the rate of penetration and disc cutter consumption 

is shown by a Monte-Carlo simulation. 



9:45 AM 

Backfill No Top Access Narrow Vein Cut and Fill Stope at 

Hollister Mine 

S. Chen 1 , B. Heeter 2 , S. Konieczki 3 and R. McKinnon 4 ; 1 Software Development, 

Mintec, Inc., Tucson, AZ; 2 Operations, Great Basin Gold, Winnemucca, NV; 

3 

Management, Great Basin Gold, Winnemucca, NV and 4 Operations, 

Great Basin Gold, Winnemucca, NV 

Stope width was controlled around 3.5 feet for the narrow high grade vein system at 

Hollister Gold Mine. Without top access, backfill material was pumped from bottom access 

up into stope through a series of pipes after ore had been slushed out in each mining cycle. 

Backfill material was changed from one layer of low strength concrete plus one layer of high 

strength concrete cap to one layer of low strength cellular concrete plus one layer of high 

strength concrete cap. Backfill cost was cut down to 30 percent during this process. To reduce 

the steel concrete pipe set up and tear down time which was about 2 to 3 shifts in each 

mining cycle, steel pipes were left in man-way between mining cycles. Cellular concrete was 

firstly introduced into backfilling stopes at Hollister mine in Nevada Mining. This process including 

concrete pump selection, pumping pipe selection, material mixing, material mechanics 

and quality control were fully covered in this paper. 

10:05 AM 

Large Diameter Segmentally Lined Shafts 

D. Kruse, A. Basso and J. Pineros; Cobal Construction Company, Simi Valley, CA 

Top down constructed large diameter (up to 90 m [300 ft]) shaft design and constructability 

issues present an interesting suite of challenges and opportunities highlighted in this paper. 

The study covers 2D and 3D finite element models used to: analyze various failure modes, 

evaluate the shaft liner and internal structures’ response to seismic loading, assist in segment 

design, and assess final structural design tradeoffs. Efforts to achieve economic advantage 

over conventional heavy civil practices have prompted innovative solutions for ring and 

segment design, ring build assembly, and annulus backfill grouting. Intended for soft ground 

conditions, relationships between soil parameters and structure design are also explored. 

10:25 AM 

Analyses of Tunnel Stability Under Dynamics Loads 

N. Hosseini 1 , B. Oraee 3 and K. Oraee 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering, Azad University 

South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; 2 Management, 

University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom and 3 Civil, Environmental and 

Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom 

In this paper the stability of Jiroft water transform tunnel in Iran is analyzed. In this study, 

based on seismic analysis the stability of tunnel using closed form solutions method, Wang’s 

equation and Penzien’s equation are analyzed. Then, by using of numerical methods such as 

finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM) the tunnel stability under 

dynamic loads are studied. Finally, the results of each method are comparison. Therefore, the 

ability of each method in seismic analysis of tunnel stability is determined. 

10:45 AM 

Concrete Plug Operation 

B. Hayes; Tunnel & Underground, McConnell Dowell Constructors, Hawthorn, 

VIC, Australia 

The Ambuklao and Binga Rehabilitation Project is a 175 MW Hydro Power Project currently 

under construction on dual sites in the small villages of Ambuklao and Binga in the Benguet 

province of Philippines. A major component of these works is the decommissioning of a section 

of the seven metre diameter Headrace Tunnel whilst remaining live and connected into 

the closed system that connects the dam via a shaft; exhibiting a hydrostatic pressure of 15 

bar at the location of the Headrace Plug. Working under live, pressurised conditions, the 

Headrace Plug will be an underwater tremie-pour operation that includes the drilling and 

concrete injection through blow-out-preventer caissons installed in the floor of underground 

chamber above the tunnel. The purpose of this paper is to describe the key engineering 

and planning components involved in this operation. 

Valuation II: Special Purpose Appraisals 


Chairs: T. ellis, Ellis International Services, Denver, CO 

R. jolk, Golden, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Financing of Mineral Property Development – Is There a Role 

for the Minerals Valuer? 

J. Kern; Resource Technologies Corporation, State College, PA 

Most major U.S Financing institutions have specific requirements for the appraisal of mining, 

mineral, and mineral processing facilities. These requirements focus on the use of all three 

approaches to value – cost, income, and market. The financing appraisals generally require 

an in-depth analysis of several factors, as well as documentation of potential cash flows: - 

Current and previous cash flows on the property and similarly situated properties - Actual 

and/or hypothetical royalties - Market conditions including market opportunities and 

patterns and competition - Leases, deeds, contracts, operating agreements, operating restrictions 

- Mining/processing operation, environmental quality, water quality, local zoning, 

and other legal controls of the operation - Physical attributes of the deposit and the site 

While a team approach is usually necessary to complete the appraisal assignment within a 

45 to 60 day time frame, most lending institutions require that the lead appraiser or author 

be a Certified General Appraiser. The paper, using a case study, discusses the procedures 

used to satisfy the requirements of the lending institutions. 

9:25 AM 

Mineral Valuations in Royalty Financing 

D. Hammond; Hammond International Group, Highlands Ranch, CO 

During the past decade royalty financing has been increasingly used by mining companies as 

an alternative to debt and equity funding for project development. The royalty structure has 

aspects of both these traditional forms of financing, but its flexible characteristics can offer 

project sponsors unique economic value and risk mitigation advantages. Evaluation methodologies 

appropriate for both the funding provider and the mine operator to utilize in assessing 

the economic merits of a royalty, while similar in form to typical valuation techniques for 

mining projects, do entail nuances requiring careful consideration. This presentation describes 

the more important of these methodological differences in valuing both conventional 

royalties and a royalty financing. The pros and cons of royalty use in project funding, and 

characteristics of the frequently used “Metal Stream Purchase” royalty structure are also described. 

9:45 AM 

Discount Rates in Mineral Company and Mineral 

Property Valuation 

J. Lizak; Mineral Valuation & Capital, Inc., Northampton, PA 

The derivation of a discount rate is often the most contentious and flawed component of a 

mineral valuation. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is the discount rate that 

should be used in the common income approach to derive the present value of a company’s, 

or a mineral lease’s, future cash flows. The WACC method has many applications in investment 

management, corporate finance, and regulatory and tax proceedings. It is used in business 

valuation, regulatory proceedings, project selection, and shareholder value determinations. 

It is used in the valuation of entire mineral companies and mineral properties. The 

derivation of the WACC, and the resultant discount rate, will be examined in this paper. The 

historical discount rates and the risk premia for the energy mineral, the industrial mineral, 

and the metal industries will be tracked and compared to current transactional rates. The 

discount rates used to value entire mineral companies will be compared to the rates used to 

value mineral royalty interests. 

10:05 AM 

Federal Condemnations and Takings – A Journey Down the 

Yellow Book Road 

A. Stagg; Stagg Resource Consultants, Inc., Cross Lanes, WV 

The Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, affectionately known as the 

“Yellow Book,” is a formidable document laden with legal citations. From a practical standpoint, 

assuming knowledge and familiarity with appraisal standards and reporting methodology, 

Section B – Legal Basis for Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, Section 

D-11 – Valuation of Mineral Properties, and Section D-12 – Leasehold Acquisitions are the 

salient sections. This presentation examines a number of the issues and apparent conundrums 

that affect the mineral appraiser in attempting to conform the requirements of the 

Yellow Book with the practice of the mining industry in buying and selling interests in mineral 

properties (i.e., the market for such interests). 

10:25 AM 

Canadian Valuation and Reporting Standards – Problems 

and Solutions 

R. Lawrence, J. Hinzer and B. Berhe; Watts, Griffis & McOuat Limited, Toronto, 

ON, Canada 

Paper to be presented at SME Meeting March 1, 2011 Canadian Valuation and Reporting 

Standards – Problems and Solutions by Ross D. Lawrence, Joe B. Hinzer and Bereket A. Berhe 

of Watts, Griffis and McOuat, Toronto, Canada Mineral property valuations for Canadian securities 

regulation purposes must comply with CIMVal (Standards and Guidelines for 

Valuation of Mineral Properties, CIM, February 2003). The technical basis for a CIMVal report 

is the same as that required for a National Instrument 43-101 technical report. 

Following a brief explanation of these standards, the authors discuss some examples of technical 

and valuation issues that made compliance difficult or unusual. 

10:45 AM 

Pass-Through Entities and the Appraisal Process – To Tax Effect 

or Not To Tax Effect? 

C. Wood; Stagg Resource Consultants, Inc., Cross Lanes, WV 

Over the past couple of decades, it has become more prevalent for businesses to be structured 

as pass-through entities for income tax purposes. While S-corporations and limited 

partnerships have been with us for a considerable period of time, limited liability corporations 

and master limited partnerships, among others, have become increasingly common. 

This is particularly true within the mineral industry and especially so for landholding entities. 

There is disagreement between many appraisers in the business valuation profession 

and the tax courts on the proper method of treating income taxes in the valuation of these 

entities. Notwithstanding those differences in opinions regarding the methodology, it is important 

to understand what is currently accepted by the tax courts when preparing an appraisal. 

This paper reviews the history of tax court decisions on this subject, the reasoning 

behind several noteworthy business appraisers’ disagreement with those decisions, and discusses 

the methodology currently accepted by the tax courts. 


65


11:05 AM 

Valuation of Mine and Quarry Businesses – 

Are Standards Relevant? 

D. Wimberly; Blackthorne Group LLC, Tallahassee, FL 

Existing Business Valuation Standards include those issued by the Appraisal Foundation 

(USPAP), the American Society of Appraisers, the National Association of Certified Valuation 

Analysts, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Is it possible for a practitioner 

to pick and choose between which set(s) of standards he will use? Are there conflicts 

between the standards? What guidance is there for a practitioner if there are conflicts? 

These are just a few questions which must be answered in performing business valuations in 

general. This paper will focus on the scope and applicability of these standards to business 

valuations in general and valuations of mine and quarry businesses in particular. 

11:25 AM 

Valuations for Fairness Opinions and Other Tight 

Turnaround Needs 

C. Wyatt; Behre Dolbear, Denver, CO 

A client calls and says his company just got an offer to take the company over and is getting 

ready to close the deal. He has been informed by counsel the board of directors needs a fairness 

opinion to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities and of course it needed to be done yesterday. 

Fairness opinions require a different approach than a valuation - in essence a verification 

of the value being offered is fair and they typically need to be done quickly. This paper 

reviews actual cases and the differing methods employed in developing fairness opinions for 

companies with properties in differing stages of the mining cycle. One company has an unexplored 

property with limited exploration work, a second company has an operating mine, 

and a third company that has property that was mined and shut down during low mineral 

prices and is now reclaimed. 

S 

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 

AFTERNOON 


Business Process Improvement II 

2:00 PM • Tuesday, March 1 

Chairs: a. Schissler, Tetra Tech Inc., Golden, CO 

D. Shaver, Alpha Natural Resources, Bluff City, TN 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Supercharge Lean Six Sigma with Root Cause Analysis 

V. May; Reliability Center, Inc., Hopewell, VA 

Has your organization adopted Six Sigma as part of their Performance Improvement strategy? 

What about Lean manufacturing or Lean Six Sigma? If you already have any of these business 

process improvements in place where will you go next? In this article we will focus on transforming 

your organization beyond Lean Six Sigma to the next level of performance. In the future 

companies can take another quantum step forward by combining Lean Six Sigma with 

advanced Root Cause Analysis (RCA). The value of taking this natural progression on the way 

to achieving new levels of organizational excellence is presented. 

2:25 PM 

Western Canadian Coal Production Optimization and 

Risks Characterization 

S. Frimpong 1 and R. Suglo 2 ; 1 Mining and Nuclear Engineering, Missouri 

University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO and 2 Mining Engineering, 

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana 

The cost of mining and haulage of coal in Western Canada is critical when compared to inexpensive 

coal from Australia. Spot coal price volatility affect contractual prices creating pressures 

on profit margins. In order to alleviate this pressure, short-term measures are taken 

that may hurt strategic positions in the long-term. Companies must also create a mix of products 

to ensure effective maintenance of profit margins. In this paper, an optimization model 

is formulated for typical coal mining operations, processing and haulage from mine sites to 

the Vancouver Ports using linear programming algorithm. A stochastic model is also formulated 

to analyze the associated risks and uncertainties. These models are validated using 

data from five operating mines in Western Canada with varying quantity and quality products 

and uncertainties. 

2:45 PM 

Writing Effective NI43-101 Coal Resource Reports 

J. Wilson; Geology, Wardrop/Tetra Tec, Vancouver, BC, Canada 

The talk is aimed at anyone concerned with technical disclosure of coal in the Canadian 

Market. Coal exploration, development and production has to be disclosed in accordance 

with National Instrument 43-101 (NI43-101)in Canada. Coal resource reporting can also 

draw upon Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) Paper 88-21. Definitions and categories contained 

within his paper are subordinate to NI43-101, but it is common industry practice to 

consider the structural complexity aspect of the GSC classification in resource reporting. 

However, unlike the Paper, NI43-101 does not consider the mining method in resource definition. 

Instead, this is considered later during Preliminary Assessment. NI 43-101 is 

currently undergoing major review, estimated to complete spring-summer 2011. We will 

discuss how to apply aspects of NI43-101 and GSC Paper 88-21 to write effective reports of 

coal resources. 

3:05 PM 

Running Right… Alpha’s Culture of Safety and 

Continuous Improvement 

D. Shaver; Running Right, Alpha Natural Resources, Abingdon, VA 

Alpha is combining the processes of safety and continuous improvement through engagement 

of all their employees. The overall basis is empowering people to give their ideas for 

safety improvements, operational improvements and overall business improvements in the 

workplace. The basis of our safety program is behavior based and focuses on employee observations 

in the workplace. A no-name card process allows employees to submit observations 

without fear of discipline. Drawing upon the thousands of years of employee experience 

and active engagement the potential for improvements is endless. Focusing on those 

who are doing the work and their ideas will enable our culture to provide benefit across all 

levels of workplace activity. This is still a process and we are committed to changing as 

needed over time to make this culture value added to our employees. We work with a structure 

across 6 different business unit and 9 CI Coordinators to facilitate improvements with 

cutting edge process improvement tools and disciplines. We also work with corporate functional 

groups to facilitate improvements and engage employees at all levels in the company. 

3:25 PM 

Finding the “Best Fit” Alternative to Slurry Disposal 

C. Bennett; Alpha Natural Resources, Waynesburg, PA 

While transitioning from an impoundment to slurry cells Rockspring was told that they 

would receive no more elevation increases; when they had planned for 7 more years. In 

order to maximize the storage capacity of the current impoundment, several alternatives 

were investigated: Paste Thickening Geo Tubes Slurry Injection Mini Impoundment Belt 

Presses All alternatives were looked at for continued short and long term operation of the 

mine and plant. It was determined the best course of action was a combination of three of 

the alternatives in order to maximize the opportunities for success. 1st, Rockspring received 

the last slurry injection permit that was issued by WV. Currently, Rockspring injects for one 

24-hour period each week. 2nd, they applied for a mini impoundment with DEP and MSHA. 

The approved permit only allowed 15 months of storage. Lastly a plan was put together to 

install belt presses; it was implemented this summer. The belt presses are considered the 

best long term solution and provides the plant the most options for the future refuse disposal. 

By implementing a combination of these alternatives we have been able to keep the 

mine’s production levels. 

3:45 PM 

A Process Improvement and Employee Engagement Approach 

to Longwall Development 

D. Shaver; Running Right, Alpha Natural Resources, Bluff City, TN 

The timing and performance of longwall development has been a reoccurring issue since inception 

of the longwall mining process. At the Emerald Mine in the Pittsburgh #8 Seam we 

have taken a process improvement approach coupled with employee involvement to facilitate 

improvements. Six sigma tools were used to identify and work on problems that would 

provide the greatest benefit and value to the mine. All of the processes used for identification 

and implementation of projects involved hourly and salaried participants that we on the 

front lines. The ability to use their knowledge to work on problems and also their buy in 

once the project reached implementation phase was critical to our success. The mine used 

local talent, CI Coordinators and Implementation Services to conduct this 6 month project. 

The teams used Design of Experiments and Kaizen events to tackle specific projects once 

they were identified. A few of the projects were Strap Spacing, Miner Bit 

Design/Performance, and Bolter Performance Overall it was a great success and really engaged 

the workforce to become a part of the process and use their ideas to make 

improvements. 

Coal & Energy: Mine Emergency 

Preparedness and Response 


Chair: S. bealko, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Simtars’ New Mobile Gas Laboratory for Emergency Response 

D. Brady 1 , P. Harrison 1 and S. Bell 2 ; 1 Simtars, Goodna, QLD, Australia and 

2 

Safety and Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia 

The need for onsite gas monitoring during or following a major incident at an underground 

coal mine has long been known. Recommendations from Inquiries following Queensland 

mine disasters have included “qualified persons and equipment for rapid analysis of gas 

samples be available in times of emergency” and that “this may be accomplished by either 

mobile laboratories or laboratories established in each mining locality.” Following the Moura 


66


No. 2 disaster, the Queensland Government allocated funds to Simtars for a mobile laboratory 

to respond to such disasters. This vehicle was commissioned in 1996 and has been used 

at many mine sites under a wide range of scenarios. Simtars, armed with over ten years operational 

experience has taken an active role in the design and construction of a replacement 

laboratory. With a twenty point tube bundle system and ultrafast gas chromatograph the result 

is arguably the best equipped mobile gas analysis laboratory for mine emergency response 

in the world. This paper outlines the features of the new laboratory, its capabilities 

and the philosophy behind the design and inclusions. 

2:25 PM 

Gas Monitor Simulator Development and Mine Rescue 

Contest Field 

D. Alexander 1 , S. Bealko 1 , J. Holtan 2 , L. McWilliams 1 and M. Whoolery 3 ; 

1 

PRL, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; 2 LightsOn Safety Solutions, Houston, TX and 

3 

Mine Training and Technology Center, Prosperity, PA 

NIOSH OMSHR researchers completed field trials during coal mine rescue team contest practices 

using simulated gas detectors in place of placards. The Gas Monitoring Simulator (GMS) 

devices replaced static, paper placards to deliver gas concentration data. Eleven teams were 

observed during the MSHA-approved skills contest. GMS devices were given to three team 

members, the captain and both gasmen. Observation of teams revealed that they changed 

behavior by acknowledging and sharing information more often while using the GMS. As a 

result of this research, it has been demonstrated that under the existing contest format, the 

newly developed GMS device may be used with no adverse impact on team contest performance. 

Furthermore, when GMS technology advantages are utilized, contest realism is improved. 

In the future, competency assessment may be incorporated. 

2:45 PM 

Fire Suppression Gel Technology for Underground Mines 

S. Dagit 1 and M. Meighen 2 ; 1 Phoenix First Response, Glassport, PA and 2 Murray 

Energy Corporation, Galatia, IL 

Since the inception of the 1977 Mine Act underground conveyor belt terminal groups have 

been required to employ fire suppression systems, commonly known as water deluge systems. 

Systems have slowly evolved from ‘hose’ sprinkler designs into durable hard-plumbed 

pipe sprinkler systems. Other than this minor modification into what may be called a more 

permanent or durable system, very little has changed in regard to the technology of fire suppression 

in these areas. Other systems may use foaming agents or dry chemicals; however, 

these systems require extensive modification or complete replacement of all system components 

to enhance the currently deployed fire suppression systems. Fire Suppression Gel 

Systems are being utilized by emergency fire fighting services worldwide as well as in fire 

suppression systems used by other industries to enhance their efficiency in extinguishing 

and preventing fires. Current Deluge systems employed at underground conveyor belt terminal 

groups may be readily retrofitted with fire suppression gel technology. The novel use of 

fire suppression gel technology in an underground application will more effectively and efficiently 

extinguish an ensuing fire. 

3:05 PM 

Draeger X-Zone 5000 Bridging the Gap Between Fixed and 

Portable Gas Detection 

K. Armstrong; Draeger Safety Inc, Mississauga, ON, Canada 

The 2010 proposed Miner Act is calling for fixed gas systems underground. In response, 

Draeger has developed a new concept that bridges the gap between fixed and portable gas 

detection. The Draeger X-Zone 5000 is a turn-key area monitor which can be easily and economically 

deployed in a mine to monitor a variety of hazardous mine gases. This paper describes 

the functionality and versatility of this hybrid system as well as its underground and 

mine rescue applications. Right now, multiple units could communicate from one unit to another 

unit. However, futuristic plans are being formulated to integrate the Draeger X-Zone 

5000 into the mine-wide communications system. 

3:25 PM 

Mine Fires and Explosions – Expectations 

J. Urosek; Mine Emergency Operations, Mine Safety and Health 

Administration, Pittsburgh, PA 

A fire or explosion has just occurred in a mine. All of the miners may not be able to be contacted. 

Excessive levels of carbon monoxide may have been detected in the mine. Decisions 

must be made and be made quickly. What information is important to be able to make these 

critical decisions? Representatives from state, federal, labor organizations and other responders 

will soon be arriving at the mine. The Mine Safety and Health Administration may issue 

a J or K order and require a plan to begin rescue operations. A command center must be established. 

Families of the missing miners have to be contacted. Security must be established. 

The media will arrive and need information. Atmospheric monitoring must be established. 

Engineers to locate borehole sites must be contacted and drilling rigs to drill those boreholes 

must be mobilized. This paper will discuss some of these very critical issues and provide 

some insight into recent mine fires and explosions. 

Coal & Energy: Surface Mining II 


Chair: S. Frimpong, Missouri University of Science and 


2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Risk Assessment for Dragline Productivity: A Case Study of GLI 

Draglines in Turkey 

N. Demirel 1 and S. Duzgun 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering Department, Middle East 

Technical University, Ankara, Turkey and 2 Mining Engineering Department, 

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey 

Estimating productivity of a walking dragline is of paramount concern to mining engineers 

and mine planners. Risk based evaluation of the dragline productivity is a valuable tool to estimate 

the dragline’s long-term performances and availabilities, to develop preventive maintenance 

plans, and to make future projections about the machine’s performance. This paper 

aims to provide mining professionals with an overview of risk assessment methodology for 

productivity of two walking draglines, PAGE 736 and MARION 7820, which have been operating 

in Tunçbilek open cast coal mine of Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKI) in Turkey. The study 

encompasses three main stages as: (i) acquiring of monthly maintenance records, operating 

hours, mechanical and electrical failure hours between 1998 and 2009; (ii) reliability modeling 

using mean time between failure data; (iii) determining hazard rate and consequences 

to compute risk associated with dragline productivity. The results showed that that PAGE 

736 (20 yd3) is seemed to be more reliable and less likely to fail when compared with MAR- 

ION 7820 (40 yd3). The operating hours without failure range from 41 to 51 hours with 50 

percent reliability. 

2:25 PM 

Open-Pit Geometry Modeling and Economic Analysis of Current 

Mining System and an AFS Conceptual Option 

S. Frimpong 1 , R. Suglo 2 and O. Brown 1 ; 1 Mining and Nuclear Engineering, 

Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO and 2 Mining 

Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana 

The production schedules and sequence of materials movement from multi-bench and 

multi-face operations are difficult to plan and execute. The mining schedule determines the 

life of the mine, projected cashflows and the investments over the mine life . The pit volumes, 

expansion rates and the volume of materials at any given time on the different benches in a 

multi-bench, multi-face open pit mine determine the equipment requirements. The volume 

of materials excavated as well as the changes in the pit geometry from circular and elliptical 

pits of a hypothetical oil sands mine were modeled. The results show that the values from 

geometric calculations using Matlab algorithms are almost the same as those obtained from 

PDEs for different pit configurations. The results show that both the current mining system 

(CMS) and the cyclic excavator conveyor belt control system (CycEx CBCS) are viable with 

high profits. 

2:45 PM 

Dragline Acquisition- A Comparison of New Versus Used 

R. Govier; Bucyrus International, Inc, South Milwaukee, WI 

This paper will compare the economic, technological, and risk advantages and disadvantages 

of acquiring a new dragline in comparison to acquiring a used dragline to meet the needs of 

your mine. 

3:05 PM 

Variability Reduction in Dragline Operator Performance 

S. Norman; Thunder Basin Coal Company, Wright, WY 

The ability to increase and maintain dragline productivity is a key mine driver for the Coal 

Creek Mine. The Coal Creek Mine is owned by Arch Coal Inc subsidiary Thunder Basin Coal 

Company; located near Gillette, WY. Coal Creek Mine overburden stripping is primarily accomplished 

by a BE-1570W walking dragline in combination with cast blasting and dozer assist 

for bench preparation. The two main variables impacting dragline performance are 

maintenance reliability and operator skill levels. The mine’s most recent process improvement 

efforts have focused on its most valuable asset - the operator. Various techniques have 

been used to reduce variability in the dragline operator’s digging performance. Utilization 

and communication of operator performance data, statistics, and video reviews have been of 

great value towards achieving this goal. Operators are given a chance to critique operational 

tendencies from a third-person point of view, and are also presented statistical feedback to 

support observations. From these sessions, operators gain knowledge as to what portions of 

the dig cycle can be improved in order to reduce cycle time and increase productivity. 

Thank You Sponsors! 

67 

3:25 PM 

Meandu Rising – The Second Life of Tarong Coal Project’s 

Meandu Mine 

J. Pippenger; Thiess, Kingaroy, QLD, Australia 

Pacific Coal Pty Ltd (PCPL) developed the Meandu Mine in Queensland, Australia in 1983 to 

deliver thermal coal to the adjacent newly constructed Tarong Power Station. PCPL successor 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia estimated Meandu’s economic life at 27 years, planning to replace 

the mine in 2010 with a new mine located 17 kilometres away. That plan changed in 

October 2007 when power plant owner Tarong Energy Corporation (TEC) chose to pur- 



chased the Meandu mine and adjacent reserve rather than extend RTCA’s contract. TEC then 

selected Thiess Pty Ltd (Thiess) to operate Meandu until the new mine could be opened. 

Upon assuming operation in February 2008, Thiess began reviewing Meandu’s remaining 

reserves and quickly realised that Meandu still held long term economic potential. TEC and 

Thiess jointly performed several analyses on both coal reserves, eventually resulting in TEC 

postponing the new mine’s development in favor of continuing Meandu for up to 20 additional 

years. This paper offers a brief history of Meandu and the steps undertaken to transform 

a mine believed near the end of its life to one that will provide economic energy to 

Tarong Power Station for the next two decades. 

Coal & Energy: Underground Mining 


Chair: c. bise, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Improved Model to Assess Stress Condition on Buried Pipelines 

Affected by Mine Subsidence 

Y. Luo and B. Qiu; Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, 


Mine subsidence can impact buried pipelines to various degrees. A mathematical model introduced 

in the 1980’s has been used to estimate the pipeline stress. Uncovering the overstressed 

sections of pipelines only (partial uncovering method) has been a common subsidence 

mitigation practice. This method has been successfully applied to protect numerous 

pipelines with significant reductions in mitigation efforts as compared to the full uncovering. 

However, it is felt that the model should be improved. Ground strain makes up the majority 

of the stress on a buried pipeline through frictional contact between pipeline and surrounding 

soil. More accurately representing the pipeline-soil interaction in varying burial conditions 

is an important improvement. The ability to consider the time-dependent effects of dynamic 

subsidence process on pipeline stress condition is an addition. A method to evaluate 

the effectiveness of uncovering is needed. This paper presents the improved model. A case to 

protect a long section of a buried pipeline over two longwall panels is shown. A partial uncovering 

plan was developed. The stress on the pipeline was monitored to quantify the 

stress reduction. 

2:25 PM 

A Risk-Management Approach to Coal-Pillar Extraction 

C. Bise and P. Bucks; Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, 


Central Appalachian coal reserves are a valuable natural resource in high demand, both domestically 

and internationally, justifying efforts to increase percentage recovery through pillaring. 

Unfortunately, the challenge associated with pillar extraction introduces additional 

safety risks during the activity. Although pillaring has its roots prior to mechanized mining, 

current technology and mining practices have made this form of mining highly modernized. 

However, current fatality trends suggest that work still needs to be done to control the residual 

risk that is not controlled by modern practices, such as those having a personnel-performance-based 

component. This paper investigates the application of modern coal pillaring 

techniques and will present a risk-management-based strategy that targets personnel-performance-based 

risk, in order to improve the ability of safety engineers, managers, and 

trainers to provide training programs addressing the needs of pillaring sections. 

2:45 PM 

Performance Analysis of Pure Resin and Resin-assisted 

Mechanical Anchorage Bolting Systems 

J. Chen 1 , R. Walker 2 , T. Blevins 3 and P. Gramlich 1 ; 1 BD Group, DSI Underground 

Systems, Inc., Martinsburg, WV; 2 BD Group, DSI Underground Systems, Inc., 

Salt Lake City, UT and 3 Engineering and Mine Services, DSI Underground 

Systems, Inc., Martinsburg, WV 

To build an effective entry roof beam, a roof bolting or supporting system must be of the ability 

of providing a clamping force to the bolted roof strata. Currently, two roof bolting systems 

have been widely used to serve the purpose of providing such a clamping force. They are 

pure resign and resin-assisted mechanical anchorage bolting systems. Both numerical modeling 

and double shear testing results indicate that a greater pre-installed load or pre-tension 

of a roof bolting system is very critical for effective beam building. However, no published 

information or data are available to prove that the resin-assisted mechanical 

anchorage bolting system can provide a greater pre-tension than a pure resin anchorage 

bolting system although several world well-known experts and researchers did mention this 

in their publications. This paper analyzes the results of our laboratory and field tests on both 

roof bolting systems, explains why one roof bolting system is better than the other under a 

typical roof condition, and finally discusses the effective means for coal mine operators to 

determine the best roof bolting system for their roof conditions. 

3:05 PM 

Calibrating the Critical Parameters of the LaModel for Deep 

Cover Pillar Retreat Mining 

K. Heasley and I. Tulu; Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, 


The LaModel program have been used successfully in the U.S. for designing pillars to ensure 

the global stability of the pillar recovery operations for many years. However, the recent 

Crandall Canyon Mine collapse showed that further research is required to improve the design 

of the pillar recovery under deep cover. In this regard, the new calibration procedure 

was implemented into the LaModel for deep cover retreat mining. In this paper, the new calibration 

method proposed was explained. There are there critical input parameters with regard 

to controlling the mechanical response of the program to accurately calculate stress 

and loads, and therefore, pillar stability and safety factor: The rock mass stiffness, the gob 

stiffness and the coal strength. New “Wizards” were programmed into the LaModel to make 

the calibration of these parameters easy for the users. Then to verify the new calibration 

method for calibrating the LaModel, 47 deep cover pillar retreat case histories were analyzed 

with the new calibration procedure. Also, the effect of the mine specific input parameters: 

mining height, overburden depth and panel width on the critical input parameters were 

investigated. 

3:25 PM 

Polymer Grid Structures in Mining Myth or Magic 

B. Travis and R. Oler; dsi underground systems, Salt Lake City, UT 

This paper will address key issues involved in the utilization of polymer grid structures since 

their invention in the early 1990’s. The original patent holder of the first “polymeric longwall 

screen” will address early applications, the evolution of these products, applications of these 

products and a new way to specify these products. All specifications to date, although applicable 

to these product’s civil engineering applications, are not applicable to the primary applications 

of underground mining. The author intends to present new data and testing methods 

which will enhance underground mining’s use and facilitate their safe use in Longwall Shield 

Recovery and Roof and Rib Screening applications. 

3:45 PM 

A Deeper Look at Contractor Injuries in Underground 

Coal Mines 

D. Pappas and C. Mark; Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, NIOSH, 

Pittsburgh, PA 

Over the past decade the number of contractors working in underground coal mines has 

nearly doubled, however, the effect this has had on the industry’s injury rates has been the 

subject of much speculation. To better understand the safety record of the contractor segment 

of the industry, NIOSH undertook a comprehensive analysis of the data contained in 

the MSHA database. The first part of the study compared overall contractor and operator 

trends from 1983 to 2009 related to employment, hours worked, injury rate, and days lost. 

The second part of the study directly addressed the role of contractors on the safety record 

of 10 large underground coal mines. A detailed analysis provided estimates of both injuries 

and contractor hours worked at these mines for the period 1992-2005. Comparison between 

the estimated contractor injury rates with the reported operator injury rates at these 

mines indicated that the contractor injury rates were significantly higher at most of the operations 

studied. However, the industry-wide data indicates that contractor and operator injury 

rates have converged since 2005, and are now nearly equivalent. 

Environmental: Cyanide 


Chairs: c. bucknam, Newmont Mining Corporation, 

Englewood, CO 

e. Milosavljevic, Consultant, Reno, NV 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

The International Cyanide Management Code – Five Years of 

Implementation 

N. Greenwald; International Cyanide Management Institute, Washington, DC 

In January 2000, a cyanide spill from the Aural Gold Mine in Baia Mare, Romania, focused the 

world’s attention on the risks of cyanide use in the gold mining industry. The ensuing public 

outcry called for banning the gold industry’s use of cyanide, and resulted in the creation of 

the International Cyanide Management Code for the Manufacture, Transport and Use of 

Cyanide in the Production of Gold (Code). In the 5 years since the initial 14 gold mining companies 

and cyanide producers become Code signatories, the Code has evolved into an operating 

voluntary global program covering the production, transportation, use and disposal of 

cyanide used the global gold industry and has grown to a total of 75 signatory companies 

representing over 180 operations in 36 countries. This paper highlights aspects of the Code’s 

development process and key program elements that have enabled it to gain acceptance and 

acknowledgement by a broad range of stakeholders as the expectation for responsible 

cyanide management necessary to secure a social license to operate, and considers some the 

continuing challenges it faces as it enters its second five years of implementation. 

2:25 PM 

Cyanide – The Perfect Chemical 

J. Burrows 1 and R. Norcross 2 ; 1 Cyanco, Reno, NV and 2 Cyanco Canada Inc., 

Montreal, QC, Canada 

Cyanide has all of the criteria to be “The Perfect Chemical” for the separation of gold and silver 

from ore. Despite over 100 years of safe and economical use in the mining industry, 

cyanide still gets a “bad rap”. Considering the low percentage of total cost, an inordinate 

amount of time must be spent addressing the use of this product - including with increasing 

importance, social and political considerations. With that in mind, this presentation will review 

the basic chemistry of cyanide, other beneficial uses in industry and where it occurs 


68


naturally. Cyanide must be respected, but not necessarily feared. The facts about this chemical 

– as well as the history of safe use in mining – demonstrate that hysteria and hyperbole 

about cyanide are unfounded. This paper discusses existing technologies for handling this 

product from production through detoxification, highlight some new technologies and industry 

initiatives – including the ICMC – to promote the safe and economical use of cyanide 

in mining for many more years. 

2:45 PM 

International Cyanide Management Code Mine Audit Process 

P. Stella; Mining, Golder Associates, Lakewood, CO 

The International Cyanide Management Code for the Manufacture, Transport and Use of 

Cyanide in the Production of Gold (Code) is to promote responsible cyanide management; 

enhance human health protection; reduce environmental impacts. The International 

Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) requires audits be completed by ICMI approved auditors. 

Signatory mining companies commit to adhere to Code’s Principles; implement its 

Standards of Practice. ICMI identifies measures in broad terms to allow auditor professional 

judgment; implementation flexibility. Audit process: inspect cyanide facilities, review documentation; 

interviews; observe mix/offload; verify systems in place to address the Code and 

being implemented; reporting. Audit reports have sufficient detail to provide clear justification 

for resulting audit findings. Auditor reviews findings with operation. Auditor submits 

draft detailed and summary reports to ICMI and operation including operation’s compliance 

status. ICMI conducts completeness review of reports. Auditor addresses ICMI comments; 

submits final reports to ICMI and operation. Detailed reports maintained confidential by 

ICMI. Summary reports available on ICMI website. 

3:05 PM 

An Introduction to a New ASTM Standard Guide for Selection of 

ASTM Analytical Methods for Application to International 

Cyanide Management Code Guidance 

W. Lipps; OI Analytical, College Station, TX 

This guide is applicable for the selection of appropriate ASTM standard analytical methods 

for metallurgical processing sites to use for to apply to International Cyanide Management 

Code guidance for the analysis of cyanide bearing solutions. The proposed guide and recommended 

methods for the sampling preservation and analysis of total cyanide, available 

cyanide, weak acid dissociable cyanide, and free cyanide will be discussed. 

3:25 PM 

Managing Copper in Leach Solutions at the Çöpler Gold 

Project – Metallurgical Testing and Process Design 

M. Botz 1 , A. Kaczmarek 2 , S. Orser 2 and S. Myrhow 2 ; 1 Elbow Creek Engineering, 

Inc., Billings, MT and 2 Anatolia Minerals Development Limited, Ankara, Turkey 

Anatolia Minerals Development Limited is constructing the Çöpler Gold Project in eastern 

Turkey.. The project will be a 15,500 tonnes/day oxide heap leach. Leach solution copper 

levels are expected to be relatively low during the first two years of production but will increase 

in later years. Over the mine life approximately 35,000 tonnes of contained copper 

will be placed on the leach pad in the approximately 40 million tonnes of ore to be processed. 

Metallurgical testing indicates copper extraction will vary by ore type and may lead to copper 

levels exceeding 500 mg/L in pregnant solutions if a means of controlling copper is not 

implemented. Using data from laboratory leach column testwork, the heap leach was modeled 

using METSIM process simulation software to estimate the build-up of copper in leach 

solutions over mine life as a function of varying copper leach extractions. Laboratory testwork 

was also performed to evaluate and develop process conditions for treating a portion 

of pregnant leach solution via sulfide addition to precipitate saleable copper as Cu2S 

(“SART process”). 

3:45 PM 

Development of Amperometric Flow Injection Method for 

Determination of Permonosulfuric (H2SO5) Acid Content in 

Plant Generated Caro’s Acid 

E. Milosavljevic 1 , L. Solujic 2 and C. Bucknam 3 ; 1 Consultant, Reno, NV; 

2 

Consultant, Reno, NV and 3 Newmont Metallurgical Services, Englewood, CO 

A flow injection method for reliable determination of permonosulfuric acid (H2SO5) content 

in Caro’s acid solutions based on the oxidation of SCN- to CN- with the analyte (H2SO5) has 

been developed. The platform used for determination of cyanide with the EPA Method OIA- 

1677 may be easily modified for permonosulfuric acid determination. The only change that 

has to be performed is to switch the reagent solution from hydrochloric acid to thiocyanate 

in sulfuric acid solution, which can be done without even switching the analyzer off. This 

method has been successfully used to determine the H2SO5 content in Caro’s acid generated 

at Phoenix Operation (Newmont). 

4:05 PM 

Chemical Controls on the Bioavailability of Cyanide: 

Regulatory Implications 

A. Redman and R. Santore; HydroQual, Providence, UT 

Aquatic organisms are sensitive to free cyanide (HCN) though the presence of certain metals 

that can form stable complexes and thereby reducing both the amount of bioavailable 

cyanide. Recent work has suggested that consideration of HCN rather than total cyanide can 

provide the basis for water quality criteria. Cyanide is often present in complex effluents that 

affect speciation and bioavailability. We have developed a model to predict the speciation of 

cyanide in complex effluents and have shown that this model can predict the toxicity of metalcyanide 

complexes in terms of HCN. This study evaluated available cyanide toxicity exposures 

with this model to assess the role of water chemistry (e.g., metal-cyanide interactions) on the 

observed. Toxicity endpoints based on total cyanide ranged over several orders of magnitude 

for a variety of metal-cyanide mixtures. However, predicted HCN concentrations among these 

same tests described the observed toxicity data to within a factor of 2. Aquatic toxicity can be 

well described using HCN though in certain metal-cyanide mixtures toxicity was jointly described 

by HCN and elevated levels of bioavailable metals. 

Environmental: International 


Chair: M. Villavisencio, Knight Piesold, Lima, Peru 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Biodiversity Assessments in Baseline and Monitoring of 

Mining Projects 

J. Ugarte-Núñez; Enviromental Area, Knight Piésold Consultores S.A., 

Lima, Peru 

It discusses the methodological differences that must be used in biological baselines and 

monitoring. At the baseline, the richness of certain groups of biota are indicators, these 

groups may include the five classes of vertebrates and vascular plants. These lists should include 

information on their conservation status nationally and internationally, as well as information 

on their relative abundance and the actual factors that threaten their populations in 

the study area. Must be proposed that elements of biodiversity should be monitored. For 

baseline can be used extraction methods. The monitoring, require other methodologies that 

not include methods that involve removal of individuals. The monitoring assumes that 

species or species groups can be properly identified in the field, based on the results of the 

baseline. In the monitoring, the information should incorporate attributes of populations or 

individuals in order to determine their status or variation, information about absolute abundance, 

density, reproductive stage, nesting behavior, phenology in plants, migration, etc. 

which will be the parameters on which to infer possible changes and take appropriate action. 

2:25 PM 

Galvanic Interaction and Particle Size Effects in Self-Heating of 

Sulphide Mixtures 

R. Payant, F. Rosenblum and J. Finch; McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 

The self-heating of sulphides occurs in some conditions of moisture and oxygen. We test a 

hypothesis that galvanic interaction between sulphides promotes self-heating. Galvanic interaction 

is controlled by rest-potential difference(∆E) between minerals and the surface 

area of contact. Four sulphides were tested: pyrite(Py), chalcopyrite, sphalerite(Sp) and 

galena. Two series of samples were run in standard self-heating tests. The first was mixtures 

of two sulphides of low and high ∆E . The second set of tests involved a Py-Sp mixture at four 

particle sizes (850µm,300µm,75µm,38µm). Results showed that individual sulphides and 

sulphide mixtures of low ∆E did not self-heat, mixtures of high ∆E did. In the second series, 

self-heating increased inversely with particle size. It was the fineness of the Py that governed 

the effect, suggesting the rate-determining reaction is reduction at the nobler mineral (Py). 

The increase in self-heating with high ∆E and particle fineness supports the hypothesis that 

galvanic interaction contributes to sulphide self-heating. This will be of interest to those involved 

in storage, shipping and disposal of sulphide mixtures. 

2:45 PM 

The Use of Agglomeration Agents in Heap Leaching 

J. Milbourne; Sulliden Gold Corp., Toronto, ON, Canada 

Successful heap leaching requires a that a series of conditions are met. These include the 

proper crush size of the ore to afford liberation, sufficient contact time with the leaching solution, 

uniform flow or through the heap and collection and removal of pregnant solution. The 

presence of fine material in the crushed ore can cause problems with flow through the heap 

either by migration that results in less permeable zones or by solution blockage and blinding 

of segments of the heap. A variety of strategies are employed, either individually or in combination, 

to minimize the potentially disastrous effect of low or no permeability. These strategies 

include: close control on size reduction (if ore requires crushing); addition of agglomerating 

agents to prevent the segregation of fines by binding fine particles to coarser ones, 

control of heap height, minimizing traffic atop the leach pad, and careful control of leach solution 

application. This presentation will focus on the use of polymeric agglomeration additives 

either with or without cement or lime to improve percolation in heap leaching. Methods of 

laboratory testing, and application techniques will be reviewed. 

3:05 PM 

Community Consultation, Sustainability and 

Exploration Projects. Where is the Link? 

C. Stevens; ERM, Washington, DC 

This session is designed to show the link between community consultation and achieving 

successful outcomes during Exploration. It will take a very practical look at consultation, demystify 

the processes for anyone involved in Exploration projects, show the scientific parameters 

around and the business case for effective consultation. Anyone attending the session 

should come out equipped with a clear framework for approaches to consultation, some 

clear tools to use and guidance around how to go about it. 


69


Environmental: Water Treatment II 


Chair: S. benowitz, Water Engineering Technologies, Inc., 

Bozeman, MT 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Mitigating the Impact of Synthetic Drilling Mud on Hecla 

Limited’s Lucky Friday Mine Water Treatment Plant 

B. Hancock 1 , C. Aguiar 2 and C. Moore 2 ; 1 Argo Consulting, LLC, Wilsonville, OR 

and 2 Hecla Limited - Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, ID 

New permit discharge standards instituted at Hecla Limited’s Lucky Friday Mine required 

installation of water treatment plants to manage water quality at two outfalls to the South 

Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. The 002 Outfall Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is a clarification-filtration 

plant for treating the combined mill and underground discharge water flows. 

Process optimization efforts were a significant challenge until the negative impact the exploration 

diamond drilling products had on the clarification process was identified and resolved. 

The products were being wasted directly to the mine water discharge system which 

was pumped to the surface WTP. Anionic soluble oil and polyacrylamide based products 

were causing TSS particle hydrophobicity and dispersion that greatly affected coagulation 

and flocculation response, resulting in excessive chemical usage and treatment control issues. 

This paper details how problems associated with the drill products negatively impacted 

the 002 WTP and how system changes, alternative product usage and treatment at 

the source resulted in more consistent plant performance. 

2:25 PM 

Water Treatment Process Innovations for the Mining Industry 

D. Christophersen 1 , C. Howell 1 and S. Benowitz 2 ; 1 Crown Solutions, LLC, 

Vandalia, OH and 2 Water Engineering Technologies, Inc., Bozeman, MT 

As mine site water treatment requirements increase due to lower discharge effluent limits or 

enhancing metallurgical recovery, treatment designs and process technologies are evolving 

to meet these challenges. Water treatment solutions include chemical, mechanical, biological, 

new technology, improvements to old or existing technologies, and often times creative 

integration of systems, chemistries, and processes. This paper examines these solutions in 

detail, with special emphasis on emerging technologies and improvements to conventional 

processes. 

2:00 PM 

Removal of Arsenic from Mine Water Ground Water in the the 

Black Hills of South Dakota 

A. Davis 1 , D. Dixon 2 , C. Webb 3 and H. Betemariam 4 ; 1 Geological Engineering, 

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD; 2 Chemical 

and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 

Rapid City, SD; 3 Chemistry, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 

and 4 Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 

Rapid City, SD 

The Gilt Edge Superfund Site is a former heap-leach gold mine that currently is being remediated. 

Mine runoff water is treated before release from the site. The field pH, before treatment, 

is about 3, and the water contains arsenic and some heavy metals, in addition to sulfate 

concentrations of about 1400 to 1500 mg/L. In the Keystone area, naturally occurring 

arsenic has been detected in ground-water samples from wells. Keystone City Well #4, which 

is not currently used, showed arsenic concentrations of 36 parts per billion (ppb) and sulfate 

concentrations of about 70 to 75 mg/L. With field samples of water from these sites, a limestone-based 

method was successful in reducing arsenic concentrations to about 6 ppb. The 

results are significant because previous research with the limestone-based method mainly 

had involved samples prepared with distilled water in the laboratory, in which interference 

of other ions such as sulfate did not occur. The research indicates the potential for broader 

field applications of the limestone-based removal method. 

2:45 PM 

Dewatering, Treatment, and Beneficial Reuse of Water from the 

Resolution Copper Mine, Superior, Arizona 

J. Stefanoff 1 , J. Almaas 2 and D. Stacey 2 ; 1 CH2M HILL, Spokane, WA and 

2 

Resolution Copper, Superior, AZ 

Resolution Copper Mining Company (Rio Tinto - BHPB) is dewatering the old Magma mine 

ahead of sinking the new #10 shaft near Superior, Arizona. The underground workings, 

which extend to over 4,770 feet below ground surface, are being dewatered over a multiyear 

program. The pumped water is treated and beneficially reused for agriculture. The dewatering 

system consists of two in-shaft vertical turbine pumps, pipelines, a sedimentation 

basin, an innovative high density sludge (HDS) system using both lime and soda ash to eliminate 

scaling, an on-site solids dewatering and storage facility, a 27-mile treated water conveyance 

pipeline, and a real-time water quality monitoring system at the irrigation canal. 

Dewatering began in March 2009 and to date over 920 million gallons have been removed, 

treated, and reused. Performance of the system is described, including startup, treated water 

quality, and treatment residuals handling and dewatering. Mine water chemistry trends with 

drawdown are also presented. 

3:05 PM 

Regulatory Drivers Behind the Design of an Extensive Water 

Management Program at Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company’s 

Eagle Project in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan 

K. Mariuzza; Kennecott Eagle Mineral Company, Ishpeming, MI 

The Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company (KEMC) received final permit approvals for construction 

of a proposed underground nickel and copper mine. The Eagle Project, located 25 

miles northwest of the City of Marquette in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, will extract the 

nickel and copper ore to be transported to an off-site milling facility. Due to the rigorous regulatory 

requirements, primarily Michigan’s new Nonferrous Metallic Mining Regulations, the 

Eagle Project must implement and maintain an extensive water management program. In 

addition, due to the Michigan Water Resources statute and the Great Lakes Initiative regarding 

bioaccumulative chemicals of concern, permitting a water discharge required a state-ofthe-art 

water treatment facility that combined numerous treatment technologies, including 

double pass reverse osmosis, to produce an effluent of drinking water quality. The regulatory 

drivers associated with permitting the Eagle Project required KEMC to design and implement 

a detailed and comprehensive approach to water quantity and quality management. 

3:25 PM 

Assessment of Methods to Remove Thallium from Mining 

Influenced Water (MIW) Produced from Gold Mining 

and Mineral Processing Operations 

M. Davies 1 , T. Wildeman 1 , L. Figueroa 1 and C. Bucknam 2 ; 1 Colorado School of 

Mines, Golden, CO and 2 Newmont Mining Corporation, Englewood, CO 

Thallium is an uncommon heavy metal that may be found in concentrations that exceed regulatory 

limits in mining influenced water associated with processing cadmium, copper, gold, 

lead, and zinc ores. This study evaluated cost-effective modifications to lime precipitation 

treatment to reduce thallium concentrations to below the national drinking water MCL of 2 

ppb. Oxidative precipitation of Tl+ to Tl3+ coupled with sorption to Fe(OH)3 and MnO2 precipitates 

was explored for thallium removal at low thallium concentrations (1 ppm to 2 ppb). 

Laboratory bench-scale tests were performed to evaluate the removal of thallium from both 

synthetic solutions and process water using iron and manganese reagents. The efficacy of oxidative 

precipitation for thallium removal and prospective integration with a current water 

treatment program are presented. 

Geology: Rare Earths: 

Extraction, Applications, and Markets 


Chairs: j. hedrick, Hedrick Consultants Inc., Burke, VA 


2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Building a Western Rare Earth Resource Base in the Age of 

Chinese Dominance 

J. Kennedy; Former Pea Ridge Mine, St. Louis, MO 

It is unrealistic to expect private capital to challenge a well established state sponsored monopoly 

based on Chinese labor cost, environmental standards, rates of return (arguably 

zero) and cost of capital (arguably zero). The greatest economic returns from rare earths 

occur late in the value chain. China’s National Industrial Policy is to capture rare earth dependent 

high value, high tech industries through supply agreements and the threat of future 

export restrictions. China has compromised the future of U.S. industrial development and 

National Defense. It will take a cooperative effort between the United States and our Western 

partners to overcome this threat. What are our options for success? 

2:25 PM 

From Rocks to Quantum Dots 

D. Maurice; NETL, Albany, OR 

The atomic structures of the lanthanide series elements result in an interesting combination 

of chemical and physical properties. This is manifested in their geochemistry, extraction, 

processing, and ultimately their applications. A range of topics will be explored, intended to 

increase appreciation and bridge gaps in understanding of what makes these elements so 

uniquely useful. The atomic structure will be detailed and correlated with specific 

applications. 

2:45 PM 

Rare Earths: A Magnet Producer’s Perspective 

S. Constantinides; Arnold Magnetic Technologies, Rochester, NY 

As a current producer of high performance Samarium-Cobalt magnets, we’ll discuss the field 

of rare earth magnets, their background, and challenges facing the industry. Applications of 

rare earth magnets will be presented and the impact of recent events on the market supply 

and demand will be evaluated from a rare earth consumer’s perspective. 


70


3:05 PM 

Major World Sources of Rare Earths and Yttrium – Part 1 

A. Mariano 1 and J. Hedrick 2 ; 1 Consultant, Carlisle, MA and 

2 

Hedrick Consultants Inc., Burke, VA 

In 2010 and 2011, there is accelerated activity in the search for the rare-earth elements 

(REE) and yttrium (Y), exclusive of China. Despite the existence of many geologic occurrences 

that contain positive anomalies for these elements, historical and current producing 

sources are few. The exploitation of new sources that are intended to meet the projected 

large future demands for these elements must meet the requirements that can provide sustained 

mining on economic levels that can assure their survival. In this presentation we attempt 

to provide some details on the mining of bastnäsite; the South China ion-adsoption 

clays; heavy-mineral sands mining, especially for monazite and xenotime; and other potential 

future sources. In particular, we will include eudialyte deposits and associated 

alkalizirconosilicates, which may be the best source for the heavy-group rare-earth 

elements (HREE). 

3:25 PM 

Major World Sources of Rare Earths and Yttrium – Part 2 

A. Mariano 1 and J. Hedrick 2 ; 1 Consultant, Carlisle, MA and 

2 

Hedrick Consultants Inc., Burke, VA 

In 2010 and 2011, there is accelerated activity in the search for the rare-earth elements 

(REE) and yttrium (Y), exclusive of China. Despite the existence of many geologic occurrences 

that contain positive anomalies for these elements, historical and current producing 

sources are few. The exploitation of new sources that are intended to meet the projected 

large future demands for these elements must meet the requirements that can provide sustained 

mining on economic levels that can assure their survival. In this presentation we attempt 

to provide some details on the mining of bastnäsite; the South China ion-adsoption 

clays; heavy-mineral sands mining, especially for monazite and xenotime; and other potential 

future sources. In particular, we will include eudialyte deposits and associated 

alkalizirconosilicates, which may be the best source for the heavy-group rare-earth 

elements (HREE). 

3:45 PM 

SX in the City 

J. Hedrick 1 and S. Sinha 2 ; 1 Hedrick Consultants Inc., Burke, VA and 

2 

Consultant, Dayton, OH 

Solvent extraction (SX), also known as liquid-liquid extraction, is the major method of extracting 

and purifying the rare-earth elements (REE) from rare-earth concentrates. SX became 

the principal method used for large scale REE production because it is less expensive 

to operate in the long term than ion exchange. The basis of SX was first reported in 1937 

when Fischer and others noticed very small differences in the distribution of rare-earth 

halides in water and partial miscible alcohols, ketones, and ethers. In 1949, Warf discovered 

that cerium could be completely separated from the tripositive REE cations in aqueous nitric 

acid using tributyl phosphate. The significance of the SX system for REE separation was recognized 

by Peppard and others in 1953 at the Argonne National Laboratory. In SX a liquid 

solvent that is immiscible or partially immiscible in a solution with an added solute will distribute 

between the two phases. The added solution is the solvent, the product of the desired 

solute is the extract, and the residue in the initial phase is the raffinate. Using a multi-stage 

countercurrent system of SX cells the REE can be economically separated in a continuous 

process. 

4:05 PM 

Rare Earth Extraction, Applications and Markets: 

How Molycorp’s North American Mine-To-Magnets 

Supply Chain Will Impact Global Supply and Demand 


Global demand for rare earths in industrial, clean energy, transportation, defense, communications, 

and other applications is growing rapidly. Global supply, currently met almost entirely 

by China, is increasingly constrained. China’s recently announced plans to further 

tighten rare earth exports to the world — putting rest-of-world supply below rest-of-world 

demand — has moved the rare earths supply issue on the front burner of governments and 

corporate boardrooms around the world. Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Molycorp, 

Inc., the Western Hemisphere’s only rare earth producer, will provide new insights on global 

rare earth market trends. He also will give an update on the scheduled deployment of 

Molycorp’s highly anticipated rare earth Mine-to-Magnets’ manufacturing supply chain. 

4:25 PM 

Diversity of Rare Earth Distributions – Patterns of Occurrence 

D. Cordier; NMIC, USGS, Reston, VA 

Anomalous regional geochemical patterns can be used to provide guidance when designing 

the processing of rare earth element (REE) minerals. The ratios of light rare earth elements 

(LREEs) to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) in REE minerals differ depending upon the 

geologic origin of the deposits in which the minerals occur. Because minerals with LREEs are 

processed differently than minerals that are enriched with HREEs, information about mineralogy 

and composition is an essential input in mineral property valuation. RE minerals can 

be classified by their chemical composition, such as allanite and eudialite (silicates) versus 

bastnaesite and parasite (carbonates). These distinct mineral classes require metallurgical 

separation processes that need to be specified in feasibility studies. 

Geology: Rock Mechanics: 

Open Pit and Underground Mining II 


Chair: P. Kulatilake, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Loading-Haulage Equipment Selection in Open Pit Mines 

Based on MADM Methods 

K. Oraee 1 , M. Basiri 2 , A. Sayadi 2, M. Hosseinpour S. 2 and M. Hayati 2 ; 

1 

Management and Organization, University of Stirling, Stirling, 

United Kingdom and 2 Mining Engineering, Tarbiat Modares, Tehran, 

Islamic Republic of Iran 

One of the main stages in mine planning and design is equipment selection which is a complex 

multi criteria decision making process and have a considerable effect on the economics 

of the mining operations. Therefore; application of various methods which can help us in selecting 

the optimized equipments can improve the project economics. In present study, primarily 

the criteria affecting the decision making of equipment selection in open pit mines 

were introduced and then by expert judgments and Entropy Shannon method the weights of 

these criteria were determined and finally, the best loading-haulage system for songoon 

mine was selected using technique of preference similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and 

simple additive weight (SAW) methods and then the results was compared. Keywords: 

Equipment Selection, Decision Making, Expert Judgments, Entropy Shannon, TOPSIS, SAW. 

2:25 PM 

Site Investigations and Geotechnical Assessment for the 

Construction of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering 

Laboratory at the Former Homestake Mine 

Z. Hladysz 1 , G. Callahan 2 , W. Pariseau 3 , R. Popielak 4 , C. Randolph-Loar 5 and 

W. Roggenrhen 1 ; 1 Mining Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and 

Technology, Rapid City, SD; 2 RESPEC, Rapid City, SD; 3 Mining Engineering, 

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; 4 Golder Associates, Denver, CO and 

5 

Lache and Associates, Golden, CO 

A Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) is being planned at the 

site of the former Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, SD. under the sponsorship of the National 

Science Foundation (NSF) in cooperation with the Department of Energy (DOE). This national 

facility will host a variety of multi-disciplinary science and engineering experiments including 

physics experiments that require shielding from cosmogenic radiation. Current plans include 

construction of large rooms (up to 55 m in width) at depths of 1.48 km (4850 ft) and 

2.25 km (7400 ft) below the surface. The preliminary design required the development of a 

geotechnical characterization program including preliminary drilling and coring, core logging, 

drill hole mapping with a televiewer, drift mapping of the geology and rock structure, insitu 

stress measurements, and laboratory testing of the mechanical properties of the rocks 

and discontinuities. Overall rock quality is very good to excellent. Site investigations were followed 

by geotechnical assessments for the construction of caverns and laboratory modules. 

This paper presents the scope of the program and summarizes the results to date. 

2:45 PM 

The Skybox Radial Slide Analysis Using Kinematic and Limit 

Equilibrium Methods 

D. Nutakor; Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon Mine, South Jordan, UT 

The Skybox Slide in E0 mining cut of Bingham Canyon Mine was analyzed to determine 

whether the current slope design below the slide needed to be modified to achieve a stable 

slope as mining progresses. The results indicate that the redesign slope with 46-degree 

bench face angle (BFA) and 34-degree inter-ramp angle (IRA) produces a Factor of Safety 

(FOS) of 0.96, which is less than ideal. A step-in of 60 feet at the 5790 elevation is required to 

achieve the desired (based upon industry practice) FOS of 1.20. Due to proximity of the slide 

to the main haul road, a 60-foot step-in is not a possible option. Given that the failure is sensitive 

to mining activity below the slide, as indicated by the Slope Stability Radar, a careful 

wall control program (including dozer trimming and controlled blasting) has been established 

to reduce wall damage below the slide mass. Implementation of this wall control program 

significantly reduced the slide movement rate and mining activity has successfully 

been completed below the slide mass. 

3:05 PM 

Stability of Mined-out Region Underlying Highway by the 

Numerical Simulation and Dynamic Monitoring 

B. Li, Y. Gao and Z. Yu; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 

University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China 

According to the distribution scope and stratum information of mined-out region from exploration, 

numerical model of mined-out region under Cheng-Tang highway from K10+505 

to K10+390 was built based on 3DEC. The stability of roof in mined-out region was calculated 

through dynamic simulation. Based on analysis results and situations in field, roof in 

mined-out region was in unsteady. Roadbed was improved by anchor pile and concrete 

frame beam. Monitoring points of simulation showed that the displacement of roof in minedout 

area tended to stable, reverting the connection between joint planes of roadbed. 

Sedimentation tube and soilpressurecell arranged on the roadbed of mined-out region 

cross-section, and inclinometer pipe arranged on the two sides of roadbed cross-section, 


71


variation of displacement and stress in deep roadbed were monitored. The effect of minedout 

region processing was inspected by the monitoring results. All the results show that it is 

received good effect for mined-out region processing using the method of anchor pile and 

concrete frame beam. The analysis method of numerical simulation combined with monitoring 

in field is appropriate for dynamic analysis. 

3:25 PM 

Double-Difference Tomography for Imaging the Progression 

of a Block Cave 

E. Westman 1, K. Luxbacher 1 , S. Schafrik 1 and D. Beck 2 ; 1 Mining and Minerals 

Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2 BAE Engineering, Sydney, 

NSW, Australia 

Progression of an immature block cave in proximity to a mature sublevel cave was monitored 

over a four-month period using double-difference tomography. This method utilizes 

existing microseismic data to generate time-lapse images of velocity changes within the rock 

mass. The velocity changes are caused by damage zones forming or local high-stress concentrations. 

In this study, images were generated on monthly intervals. An average of 2000 microseismic 

events recorded by 25 stations were used to generate each image. Results 

showed a development of the initial undercut followed by the growing cave and interaction 

with the adjacent sublevel cave. The goal of the research is to provide a tool that can augment 

both numerical modeling results and underground geotechnical measurements to 

allow the mine operator to produce in as safe and efficient a manner as possible. 

3:45 PM 

Risk Management in Cave Mining 

K. Oraee 1 , M. Basiri 2 , M. Hosseinpour S. 2 and M. Hayati 2 ; 1 Management and 

Organization, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom and 2 Mining 

Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 

Mining Ventures are considered as high risk projects and therefore managing the risks in 

these projects is necessary. Risk assessment is an important part of the complex process of 

risk management, hence applying various methods which are able to rank the risks associated 

with project more practical and better, can help to perform the risk management better. 

In present research applicability of using Techniques for Order Preference by Similarity to 

Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method for risk ranking in an underground mine that is extracting 

by block caving method was studied. By this method, the risk associated to reserve estimation 

ranked as the first while in conventional method (P-I Matrix method) was the sixteenth 

and also in other risks there were significant differences in ranks. Considering more attributes 

(with different weights) in comparison with conventional methods, the results are more 

reliable. This means that by TOPSIS method, risks are ranked better and more realistic and 

then will be managed more efficient. Keywords: Cave Mining, Risk Management, Risk 

Ranking, TOPSIS. 

4:05 PM 

Assessment and Ranking of Risks in Mining Projects 

K. Oraee 1 , M. Basiri 2 , A. Sayadi 2 , M. Hayati 2 and M. Hosseinpour S. 2 ; 

1 

Management and Organization, University of Stirling, Stirling, 

United Kingdom and 2 mining engineering, Tarbiat Modares, Tehran, 

Islamic Republic of Iran 

Assessment and ranking the risks of projects especially when the number of risk factors and 

number of criteria to measure (to evaluate more accurate) is increased, applying multi attribute 

decision making(MADM) methods as a scientific tool can be useful. In present research, 

primarily, a comprehensive structure of project main risks in the form of tow internal 

and external sources and seventeen main levels based on Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) 

method has prepared and then relevant risks which were associated to a mining project 

were ranked in a case in Iran. For this purpose, in order to collect experts judgments the 

group decision making (GDM (methods and for aggregation their judgments, the weighted 

average method and in order to risk ranking, Linear Programming Technique for 

Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP) method as a most important compensating 

method in attribute decision making methods, were used. Using LINMAP method, with 

regards to various attributes, the risks will evaluate better and then will rank more realistic. 

4:25 PM 

Open Pit Slope Design in Soil-Like Materials 

J. Lupo; AMEC Earth and Environment, Golden, CO 

Many surface mining operations throughout the world have open pits with highwalls that 

have been developed partially or wholly within soil-like materials. Soil-like materials include 

both soils (alluvium, colluvium, residual, etc) and highly weathered rock, which may behave 

similar to soil. Soil-like materials have characteristics (shear strength, permeability, etc) 

which are distinctly different from hard or soft rock. These characteristics are typically dependent 

on mineralogy, deposition history, and presence or absence of ground water. More 

importantly for pit slope design, many soils are very sensitive to loading/unloading rates 

and drainage. This paper discusses the aspects of pit slope design in soil-like materials, with 

an emphasis on soils and highly weathered rock with high clay content. These types of materials, 

when saturated or nearly saturated, tend to exhibit strain-softening behavior under 

shear. This type of behavior can result in rapid slope deterioration and failure. Guidance is 

provided on identifying these types of materials, methods to stabilize slopes in soil-like materials, 

and pit slope design aspects for these types of materials. 

4:45 PM 

Dewatering, Interpretation of Landform, and Installation of 

Steel Arches for Reinforcement of Tunnel Section 

D. Gilbert, E. Soto and K. Stacey; Compania Minera Antamina, 

Huaraz Ancash, Peru 

72 

As a preventive action, the geotechnical department at the mine analyzed the original topography 

overlying a conveyor tunnel at the mine. Several dewatering drains were installed to intercept 

water collecting from an old lakebed. Subsequently, 20 steel arches were installed to 

provide additional support in an area of tunnel where original geological mapping indicated 

Type IV rock. This project was completed ontime with no loss to production. Construction 

schedules had to be developed to half hour precision, to accommodate the installation. 


Aggregates Operation Optimization 


Chairs: j. Schillie, Olson Explosives Inc., Plainview, MN 

a. Woodward, Granite Construction Co., 

Sacramento, CA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Application of Wound Rotor Motors in Mining Applications 

D. Bogh and T. Meuwissen; Motors, GE Energy, Woodinville, WA 

Wound rotor motors are popular in many mining and grinding applications due to their simple 

robust construction and simple control structure allowing high torque with reasonable 

current requirements. This paper will cover the specification and important issues to be 

considered when applying wound rotor motors in mining applications. The paper will cover 

conveyors, crushers, and grinding in detail. Specifically covered will be motor efficiency, 

speed range (under various torque requirements), thermal limits, protection, and rotor control. 

Application detail will be presented for one case in each of conveyors, crushers, and 

grinding including motor data 

2:25 PM 

How to Get More Out of Auxiliary Fans 

R. Ackermann; CPI, Wheaton, IL 

Auxiliary fans without vent ducting or bag are sometimes used in room and pillar mines to 

push airflow in the large openings where it is impractical to contain or direct the airflow 

using stoppings, bulkheads, or brattices. These fans generally have some positive effect, but 

frequently they could have a greater effect if they were set up differently. This paper will describe 

what is needed to setup up a bare auxiliary fan for higher airflows. Several sub-optimum 

fan setups will be examined, with a description of the reasons why they are not as effective 

as they might be. The mine conditions which could make auxiliary fans deliver less 

than the intended airflow will also be described. Common ventilation conditions which can 

result in recirculation will also be discussed. This paper is based on his observations at several 

room-and-pillar mines, combined with research conducted with secondary fans specifically 

for this paper. 

2:45 PM 

7th Annual SME/NSSGA Student Design Competition – 

Winning Presentation 

B. Johnson; Engineering, Granite Construction, Inc., Sacramento, CA 

The SME/NSSGA Student Design Competition is a two stage, team based problem involving a 

technical design and an oral presentation. It is intended to give students real world experience 

by simulating an engineering design project. This year the problem will focus on evaluating 

a greenfield project using data from an aggregates company. The problem will highlight 

the challenges of processing plant design, mine planning, and financial justification. The first 

phase is conducted at each team’s school and the second phase consists of an oral presentation 

which takes place at the SME annual meeting. The winners of this year’s competition 

will give an abbreviated version of their second phase presentation. This is a great opportunity 

to glimpse the future of the mining industry! 

3:05 PM 

Effect of Cycle Time on Work Done by the Pistons During 

Hydraulically Actuated Clamshell Dredging 

B. Osei 1 , K. Awuah-Offei 1 and H. Askari-Nasab 2 ; 1 Missouri University of Science 

and Technology, Rolla, MO and 2 Petroleum and Mining, University of Alberta, 

Alberta, MO 

Research to evaluate possible metrics for predicting dredgeability of compact material, by 

hydraulically actuated clamshell dredges, shows work done by the pistons as a viable metric. 

For these dredges, the only operator input required for the autonomous dredging cycle is the 

cycle time (CT). Analysis of field data shows that there is a low, positive, correlation between 

CT and work done. This implies CT has to be considered an independent variable affecting 

work done during dredgeability assessment. Further research is required to elucidate the relationship 

between CT and work done. The objective of this paper is to test the hypothesis 

that work done during dredging increases with increasing CT. Kinematics and dynamics of 

the hydraulic clamshell were modeled and implemented in Simulink® in MATLAB. The 

model was validated using field data and used to test the research hypothesis. The results 

show that work done increases with increasing CT. This result indicates that, though, an operator 

can increase the CT to deal with difficult digging, inputting unduly high CTs results in 

higher energy consumption during dredging. 



3:25 PM 

General Overview of Screening Media 

D. Nasso; Buffalo Wire Works Co. Inc., Buffalo, NY 

An overview of the general types of screening media commonly used in the market today 

covering the broad spectrum of screens and their general applications. This include the advantages 

of specific screen types in various applications. 

3:45 PM 

Maximizing the Aggregate Circuit 

J. Googins; Thor Global, Littleton, CO 

This presentations consists of how the aggregate producer can: analysis ROM, mass flow balance, 

optimize production, increase performance, identify plant bottlenecks, avoid re-handling 

of finished products, balance product proportions with sales forecast, eliminate production 

spikes, size crushers and screens to reach the highest production for the cost of 

plant and equipment purchased. 

4:05 PM 

Optimizing the Aggregate Circuit with AGGFLOW 

R. Teller; Bedrock Software LLC., Fort MIll, SC 

This presentation will go through the new features in AGGFLOW and will demonstrate the 

capabilities of AGGFLOW for optimizing your plant processes. Come see what AGGFLOW can 

do for your plant and what you can do with AGGFLOW. 

International III 


Chairs: M. gavrilovic, E3 Consulting, LLC, Englewood, CO 

D. Malhotra, RDI, Wheat Ridge, CO 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

The Uranium Boom in Namibia – Rise of a New Giant. 

Will Namibia Remain a Stable and Secure Supplier for the 

World’s Demand on Nuclear Fuel? 

H. Mischo; Department of Mining Engineering, Polytechnic of Namibia, 

Windhoek, Namibia 

Since 1976 Namibia’s Rössing Mine has been a stable supplier of uranium to the world’s 

market. With the commissioning of the Langer Heinrich Mine in 2007, an unexpected 

Uranium Rush has started in Namibia’s western provinces, resulting in the discovery of numerous 

new major deposits. With 2 more uranium mines in pre-production, several others 

on the brink and still new applications for more mines submitted to the ministry, it is expected 

that this African country will become the world’s second largest producer of Uranium 

in the coming years. This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the current 

Uranium Rush and its political and legal implications, with a detailed look at the newly found 

primary, secondary and scarn-type deposits including the ongoing and planned new mining 

projects as well as their strategical, political and socio-economic impacts. With the raising 

interest in Namibia’s Uranium deposits of investors from all over the world, Namibia’s role 

as a reliable supplier and partner is becoming more and more important for a sustainable 

supply of uranium to the world’s energy producers. 

2:25 PM 

Travelling in Chile 

F. Habashi; Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada 

Chile is presently the largest copper and rhenium producer, and was the largest nitrate producer 

prior to World War I. She is also an important producer of lithium carbonate and 

molybdenum oxide. Important events in the history of the country are the Pacific War of 

1879-1883 and the 1888 annexation of Easter Island. The Chilean mineral and cultural history 

will be briefly reviewed. 

new sources of water by desalination or the seasonal storage of surface water during meltwater 

or flood periods. Desalination of brackish-water is expensive compared to the easy development 

of freshwater of which some seasonal sources may be available at some mines. It is 

important to assess whether this seasonal water can be stored in an economic way to reduce 

operational costs at the mine. Use of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) technology for mining 

water supply is a relatively new method to produce a constant annual supply of water. The 

concept is to divert non-allocated surface water (melt- or flood flow) into a temporary surface 

impoundment and then inject the water into a subsurface aquifer for later recovery as needed 

(ASR system). An ASR system can be constructed in combination with a slurry wall to contain 

the stored water and prevent it from flowing out of the storage area. 

3:25 PM 

New Developments of the Mining Methods and Technology 

for the Excavation and Recovery of Marine Deposits of Solid 

Minerals in the Shelf Areas of Continental Coasts at the 

Example of Namibia’s Off-shore Diamond Operations 

H. Mischo; Department of Mining Engineering, Polytechnic of Namibia, 

Windhoek, Namibia 

After more than 100 years of continuous diamond mining in the Namibian desert, the terrestrial 

deposits will soon be exhausted. With diamond mining generating nearly 25 % of the 

country’s export income, great efforts have been made during the last decades to find and 

open other diamond deposits – with remarkable success. After humble beginnings in the 

early 1960s, the development of highly specialized and sophisticated excavation technology 

has enabled the offshore mining operations to outperform the terrestrial operations by far, 

now producing over 1 million carat high quality stones per annum with a retail value of more 

than 760 million NAD (80 million US$). This paper provides a detailed overview and description 

of the mining methods and technology which have lead to this remarkable success. 

3:45 PM 

Marble Potential, Mining and Policy of Turkey 

M. Yavuz; Mining Engineering, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 

Eskisehir, Turkey 

This study aims to give insight into marble mining of Turkey in detail. Firstly, potential marble 

reserves of Turkey will be explained. Compared to other countries, Turkey has rather richer 

marble reserves. This study briefly describes the different marble production methods. 

Especially, the production of marble blocks with diamond wire cutting method is explained in 

detail. In most of the marble quarries in Turkey, diamond wire cutting method is applied with 

success. Marble blocks, produced in quarries are either sold to domestic market or exported. 

One of the most important associate of the marble mining in Turkey is marble processing factories. 

Almost every part of Turkey has a large number of marble processing factories. Many 

of these marble processing plants use modern production methods. However, Turkish marble 

mining has not yet reached the required production and export potential. To achieve the desired 

production and export potential of Turkey, it is necessary to develop a good marble policy. 

Therefore, all the problems of the marble sector must be carefully examined by sector 

components and the best marble mining policy should be determined. 

4:05 PM 

Treatment Options for Refractory Gold Resources 

J. Kelso and T. Olson; Alamos Gold Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada 

This paper presents the intermediate results of the evaluation of treatment options for a refractory 

sulfide gold resource at Alamos Gold’s Mulatos Gold Mine located in Sonora, Mexico. 

Mulatos is a gold heap leach operation and the refractory sulfide material is currently being 

stockpiled. The evaluation process includes the determination of gold extraction and reagent 

consumptions versus particle size and sulfide oxidation level. Sulfide oxidation approaches 

under consideration include heap bio-oxidation for coarse ore, vat bio-oxidation for “sand 

sized” ore and roasting, pressure oxidation, and bio-oxidation of flotation concentrates. The 

potential to upgrade the ore by ore sorting is also being evaluated. 

4:25 PM 

Recovery of Titanium and Vanadium from Alternative Sources 

P. Taylor and T. Davis; Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

A review of technology for vanadium and titanium extraction from alteranrtive sources will 

be presented. Among the technologies reviewed are sodium roasting and calcified roasting 

for vanadium extraction, followed by water, alkaline or acid leching and precipitation. The titanium 

extraction technolgies reviewed will include sulfuric or hydrochloric acid leaching 

followed by precipitaion and/or separations. 

2:45 PM 

Innovation in Mining 

M. Cedron; Catholic University of Peru, Lima, Peru 

In a global and highly competetive world of permanent change, mining companies, as with 

others, must innovate to survive especially during periods of low mineral prices. Innovation 

in technology and in administration are the key elements in developing a competetive advantage 

in mining. This paper discusses the role of innovation in mining operations and that of 

technology and its administration as the key drivers for improvements in productivity and efficiency 

that can allow mining companies to remain profitable during low prices periods. 

3:05 PM 

Innovations in Mine Water Supply and Storage 

T. Missimer and R. Maliva; Schlumberger Water Services, Fort Myers, FL 

Water supply has become an increasingly important aspect of global mining. The lack of water 

sources in the arid areas of South America, USA, Australia, Africa, and parts of China have 

complicated exploitation of those mineral resources. Increased attention is given to create 



73



Comminution II 


Chair: M. jorgensen, Rio Tinto Minerals, South Jordan, UT 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Sophisticated Ring Geared Mill Drives: 

Features and Experiences 

R. Schwarz; ABB Switzerland Ltd, Baden-Daettwil, Switzerland 

By using the latest generation of medium voltage frequency converters, new possibilities 

have raised to improve the grinding process. Several dedicated functions have been implemented 

for the ring geared grinding mills in the minerals industry. These special mill functions 

enable customers and finally the operators to perform all operation and maintenance 

functions with the main motors. The advanced operational functions ensure a smooth, save 

and reliable operation with minimum stress for the mechanical equipment and therefore 

highest availability of the mill. The extended service functions allow performing maintenance 

actions without using an auxiliary motor bringing substantial benefit to the process, 

because no time is lost to switch between main and auxiliary motors. An auxiliary motor can 

still be used for emergency cases, but is not mandatory anymore for regular maintenance. 

Operational functions have been developed for real time frozen charge protection, controlled 

roll-back and frozen charge remover. Creeping, automatic positioning and deformation 

protection are the available service functions. This paper will show and explain the 

operational benefit of these functions. 

2:25 PM 

Scenarios for Increased Crusher Throughput at KUC 

M. Jorgensen; Rio Tinto, South Jordan, CO 

In 2009 Kennecott Utah Copper investigated different scenarios for increasing throughput 

through the existing 60 x 110 primary crusher. The different options that were considered 

for increasing the throughput were a stationary grizzly in front of the primary crusher, a vibratory 

grizzly in front of the primary crusher and a gear and motor change. Additionally, in 

order to understand the effect of different future ore types on crusher throughput, tests 

were conducted where five 300 ton trucks were dumped through the crusher and the 

throughput rate measured as a function of feed size, power draw and hardness. This paper 

will summarize the findings and explore the different “path forward” options that were 

identified. 

2:45 PM 

Empire Pebble Crushing Roll Press – History, Improvements and 

Lessons Learned Over 12 Years of Operation 

H. Walqui 1 and T. Davis 2 ; 1 Empire Concentrator, Cliffs Natural Resources - 

Michigan Operations, Ishpeming, MI and 2 Cliffs Technology Group, 

Cliffs Natural Resources, Ishpeming, MI 

The Empire plant commissioned a KHD RP 7-140/80 B HPGR back in 1997 as a secondary 

crushing stage to supplement the existing pebble crushing circuit. The unit has been in operation 

since then and helped increase primary grinding capacity when operated. Since the installation, 

multiple changes have been made to the circuit configuration and control logic to 

make the circuit more stable and maximize throughput. This paper briefly describes the history 

of the unit installation, changes over time and operational results. 

3:05 PM 

The Knelson – Deswik Mill, Evolution and Optimization of a Fine 

Grinding Machine 

K. Roberts 1 and D. Rahal 2 ; 1 Knelson, Langley, BC, Canada and 2 Knelson Deswik, 

Brisbane, QLD, Australia 

This paper will describe the development of the Deswik mill from it’s initial application in 

the global pigment industry to it’s acceptance in the mineral processing industry. With the 

need to exploit complex mineral resources in order to satisfy global metal consumption our 

industry has been forced to contemplate and explore novel ways to extract minerals in the 

most cost effective manner. Completing this task effectively can turn a mineral discovery into 

an operating economic mine and process plant. The recent developments of the Knelson- 

Deswik Joint Venture shows how innovative thinking and risk taking can provide a simple 

and effective solution to unlocking the riches of our global mineral resources. The combination 

of Chemical, Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering know how will be discussed and 

how all 3 disciplines were applied in order to produce a sound, economic solution to an age 

old question, “How can we grind finer while maintaining and/or improving the metallurgy?” 

3:25 PM 

Utilizing Glass Forming Iron Based Overlays For Replacement of 

Hardmetals In High Wear Applications 

D. Branagan; The NanoSteel Company, Inc., Providence, RI 

In recent years, there has been an unprecedented instability in raw material costs. For high 

wear applications, hardmetals, generally based on tungsten carbide, and other exotic alloys 

have been the materials of choice but have become increasingly expensive. While much 

lower cost, steel usage has been limited for these applications due to a big gap in wear performance 

between hardmetals and steels. A new approach to bridging this gap will be 

presented utilizing glass forming steels. Refined microstructures of the welded deposits 

leads to high hardness (Rc ≥70), wear resistance (≤ 0.10 g ASTM G-65) and significant toughness 

(Charpy ≥ 60 ft-lbs). The structure and properties of these deposits using a range of 

wire diameters and welding processes will be discussed. The resulting wear resistance 

surfaces applied as overlay or wear plate offer competitive advantages to existing high wear 

solutions in terms of attractive property combinations such as hardness, wear resistance, 

and toughness. 

3:45 PM 

Relationship Between Bond Work Index and Textures and 

Cooling Method of Granulated and Cooled Ferronickel 

Refining Slags 

D. Richter 1 , A. Chaves 2 and H. Delboni Junior 3 ; 1 Richter Consulting and 

Engineering, Inc., Sao Paulo, Brazil; 2 Mining and Petroleum Engineering 

Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil and 3 Mining and 

Petroleum Engineering Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil 

The pyrometallurgical refining stage of ferronickel manufacturing produces a slag rich in 

iron and nickel, which is usually further processed for metal recovery. The recovered material 

is returned to the refining or smelting stages, depending on the amount of impurities. A 

series of tests was carried out on the Mineração Morro Azul refining slags, aiming at the recovery 

of the metallic particles through physical processing. Minor changes in the process 

showed improved results. This paper compares the textures of these slags after being cooled 

at ambient temperature and granulated with water at high pressure and flow. It concludes 

that the cooling process is intimately connected to the work index of such slags, thus resulting 

in direct impact in operating costs. 



Challenges II 


Chairs: R. Farinato, Cytec Industries, Stamford, CT 

D.R. nagaraj, Cytec Industries, Stamford, CT 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

A Multipronged Approach to Oil-Spill Clean Up 

P. Somasundaran, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA 

2:05 PM 

Oil Clean-up by Gravity Separation and Flotation 

Jerry Luttrell and Roe- Hoan Yoon, Virginia Polytechnic University, VA, USA 

2:25 PM 

Flotation Machines and Process in Minerals Industry 

Dariusz Lelinski, Midvale, UT, USA 

2:45 PM 

Using Flotation to Capture Hydrocarbon Droplets 

and Emulsions 

G. Jameson, University of Newcastle, New Castle, NSW, Australia 

3:05 PM 

Oil/Water Separation in Spinning Fluids Reactor 

R. Aronowski, J. Hupka, and J. Miller, University of Utah, 

Salt Lake City, UT, USA 

3:25 PM 

Role of Oil/Water/Solid Interactions in the Performance of 

Sorbents 

M. Niewiadomski, J. Hupka, and J. Miller, Univerisity of Utah, 

Salt Lake City, UT, USA 


74



Labor/Management Relations 


Chair: R. Deeny, Sherman & Howard, LLC, 

Colorado Springs, CO 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Can America Afford Orgainized Labor? 

R. Deeny 1 , C. Newcom 2 , R. Pierce 3 and R. Rosenblatt 4 ; 1 Sherman & Howard LLC, 

Colorado Springs, CO; 2 Sherman & Howard LLC, Denver, CO; 3 Rio Tinto 

Minerals, Greenwood Village, CO and 4 Rosenblatt & Associates, 

Greenwood Village, CO 

Panel particpants include legal counsel from Rio tinto, Sherman & Howard, and UMWA. They 

will dicusss dealing with the NLRB legal and administrative developments. The materials include 

a case study on negotiations and NLRB interpretations during a labor dispute. 

2:25 PM 

The Role of Media in Employee Relations 

W. Wright; Sherman & Howard, Denver, CO 

This is a discussion of the business use and abuse of social media in social media, as well as 

business reaction to employee use of social media. Employers should establish and enforce 

social media policies to guide their reactions to employees’ Facebook and Twitter posts that 

reflect on the employer and its business. 

2:45 PM 

The Obama Adminstration’s Enhanced MSHA Enforcment 

C. Newcom; Sherman & Howard, Denver, CO 

The discussion will center around recent legal developments in MSHA enforcement. Recent 

headlines in mining safety caught the attention of President Obama and his administration. 

The mining industry needs to raise its game in response. 


Mine Fragmentation II 


Chairs: j. anderson, URS - Washington Division, Denver, CO 

c. Dahl, Southwest Energy, Tucson, AZ 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Underground Mega Mass Blasting with Electronic Initiation 

Near Urban Area 

P. Andre 1 and J. Lagueux 2 ; 1 Technical Group, Orica Canada, Brownsburg, 

QC, Canada and 2 Engineering, Agnico Eagle, Val d’Or, QC, Canada 

Goldex is an underground gold mine owned and operated by Agnico Eagle Ltd. in Val-d’Or, 

Quebec Canada. The mine plans calls for rapid extraction of the 23 Mt [25M short ton] orebody. 

To realize this plan it is necessary to fire very large mass blasts that can be up to 1.8 Mt 

[2.0M short ton] in size. Good collaboration between mine personnel, consultants, and suppliers 

is necessary for the success of mega blasting projects. This presentation will provide 

an overview of a 1.8 Mt underground mega mass blast which was successfully initiated by a 

customized electronic blasting system near an urban area. 

2:25 PM 

Explosive Freeze Pipe Cutting at the McArthur River Mine 

M. Stern 1 , A. Tawadrous 2 , D. Preece 2 , S. Piercey 1 and G. Zhao 1 ; 1 Orica Canada 

Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada and 2 Global Technology Development, Orica USA 

Inc, Denver, CO 

The McArthur River mine is the world’s largest high-grade uranium mine. It has employed a 

freeze-wall system to control the large amount of water encountered during mining. Mining 

has advanced to the point that the raise-bore machines are encountering freeze pipes that 

were part of the old freeze-walls. Cutting through the freeze pipes is a difficult process that 

can also damage the equipment. Explosive freeze-pipe cutting was proposed as a means to 

expedite this process. Several challenges existed with this explosive cutting: each freeze pipe 

consisted of multiple concentric steel pipes with cement grout between the pipes and the location 

prevented any access to the outside of the pipes. Thus, the explosive charges had to be 

placed on the inside of the center pipe and had to be capable of shattering all of the concentric 

pipes over a specified distance. Prior to the field trials of this system, hydro-code computer 

simulations that accurately treated the explosive system and it’s interaction with the 

layered freeze pipes were created. These simulations indicated that the explosive design 

would be sufficient to shatter the multiple pipes. 

75 

2:45 PM 

Site Specific Blasting Model Using Schmidt Tensile Strength and 

Image Analysis 

K. Kim 1 and J. Kemeny 2 ; 1 Engineering, ASARCO LLC, Sahuarita, AZ and 

2 

Mining and Geological Engineerig, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

The purpose of this study is to develop a site-specific empirical blast model to relate specific 

explosives energy (ESE), blasting fragmentation (P80), bench face block size (F80), 

and intact rock Tensile Strength (To). Also, the individual properties for the model are obtained 

using practical and modern techniques. One of the main innovations in this study is 

to use an image analysis program (Split-Desktop 3.0) on the bench face to obtain the preblast 

block size quickly and consistently. A second innovation is to utilize the Schmidt hammer 

to estimate intact rock strength. In a study by Donovan, energy consumption in a Jaw 

crusher was predicted by using Mode I fracture toughness. In another study by Kim, blasting 

energy prediction was investigated using the mode I fracture toughness, the bench 

block size, and the rock properties. Since the Mode I fracture toughness and tensile strength 

are often linearly related, the tensile strength is utilized in the blast model instead of mode 

I fracture toughness, and the tensile strength is estimated using the SHH (Shumidt Hammer 

Hardness) technique. 

3:05 PM 

Development of a Percussion Assisted Rotary Drilling System 

for Blasthole Drilling 

J. Langford; Engineering, Atlas Copco Secoroc LLC, Grand Prairie, TX 

A more effective method of fracturing and chipping the formation is necessary to significantly 

increase the productivity of blasthole drilling. The conventional rotary blasthole bit 

engages the formation and initiates spalls or fractures in the formation at a rate dependent 

on the amount of pull down force applied by the drill. The rotary speed of the drill increases 

the number of fractures and creates drilled chips that are removed from the hole by the air 

circulation. An engineering project was motivated to develop a low pressure, low impact 

downhole percussion hammer to provide an overstrike force to a blasthole bit, in addition to 

the conventional pull down force and rotary speed. The objective of the project was to utilize 

existing rig air packages in the range of 50 to 110 psi and to provide an overstrike force to 

the bit in the range of 1200 to 1500 blows per minute. Laboratory testing performed on 

Barre granite achieved, on average, a 40% improvement in rate of penetration. This performance 

has been confirmed in actual blasthole drilling in copper and iron ores mines. 

During the testing phase, additional unexpected benefits have also been realized. 

3:25 PM 

Rio Tinto’s Enhanced Drill Program 

A. Stokes; Rio Tinto, Bundoora, VIC, Australia 

Rio Tinto started a program to enhance the performance of the blast hole drills used in it 

Pilbara iron ore operations 4 years ago. The objective of this program was to develop automated 

systems to use on drills to improve the health and safety of drill operators, the quality 

of holes drilled and improve drill productivities. This program has been very successfull 

achieving all of its intial aims. Rio Tinto has now progressed the work to the point where a 

fleet of several automated drills are being operated with a driller operating multiplpe drills 

from a remote location (non line-of-sight). This paper will present an overview of the 

Enhanced Drill Program. 


Mine Ventilation 


Chairs: D. Loring, Freeport McMoRan, Empire, CO 

j. brune, NIOSH, Spokane, WA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Evaluation of High-Temperature Disposable Filter Elements in 

Experimental Underground Mine 

A. Bugarski, E. Cauda, S. Janisko, J. Hummer and L. Patts; DCVTS, NIOSH 

OMSHR, Pittsburgh, PA 

Filtration systems with disposable filter elements (DFEs) are used in the underground coal 

mining industry to control particulate matter emissions from diesel-powered permissible 

and nonpermissible coal mining equipment. Three types of high-temperature DFEs used in 

those filtration systems are evaluated during the study. The DFEs we evaluated for the effects 

of on the concentrations and size distributions of diesel aerosols and concentrations 

of NO and NO2. Those effects were compared with the effects of a standard muffler. The experimental 

work was conducted directly in an underground environment using a unique 

diesel laboratory developed in an underground experimental mine. After initial degreening 

period, all three DFEs were found to be very effective in reducing total mass concentrations 

of aerosols in the mine air. The efficiency of the new DFEs significantly increased with accumulation 

of operating time and buildup of particulates in the porous structure of the filter 

elements. 



2:25 PM 

Evaluation of Enclosed Cab Filters for Reducing Diesel 

Particulate Matter 

J. Noll, A. Cecala and J. Organisak; NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Many underground mines are using enclosed cabs to reduce the exposures of miners to 

diesel particulate matter (DPM). In an effort to obtain information on the best types of cab 

filters for reducing DPM, in a laboratory chamber, DPM concentrations before and after a 

MERV 8, a MERV 16, and 2 HEPA (MERV rating greater than 16) filters were measured to determine 

the amount of DPM collected by the filters. The laboratory results indicated that the 

MERV 8 filter captured about 50% of the DPM, the MERV 16 rated filter collected between 

94-98% of the DPM, and the two HEPA grade filters captured over 99% of the DPM. The 

MERV 16 filter collected almost as much as the HEPA filters but is less expensive and less restrictive 

to airflow through the cab. The next part of this study was to obtain field measurements 

of enclosed cab efficiencies. Older and newer cab systems were both found to be over 

90% effective in removing DPM, as long as the cab integrity was properly maintained and 

doors and windows were closed. However, when the window of the cab was open for a portion 

of the shift, the efficiency of the cab was reduced from 90% to between 40-80%. 

2:45 PM 

Experiences with the Diesel Particulate Matter Program at the 

Henderson Mine 

D. Loring; Freeport McMoRan, Empire, CO 

The Climax Molybdenum Company’s Henderson Mine, owned by Freeport-McMoRan Copper 

and Gold Inc., is a large panel caving molybdenum mine located 69 km west of Denver, 

Colorado. Like other underground metal/nonmetal mines, Henderson has been challenged 

with reducing diesel emissions in order to meet the MSHA 160 ug/m3 TC diesel particulate 

matter (DPM) limit that went into effect in May, 2008. In 2006, an extensive mine-wide DPM 

study was conducted resulting in the refinement of Henderson’s comprehensive strategy to 

meet the 160 ug/m3 TC limit. This paper describes DPM sampling that has been performed 

at Henderson, the elements of the DPM plan, and the experience gained along the way to 

achieve eventual success. 

3:05 PM 

Ventilation and Climate Simulation of Development Ends in 

Metal Mines 

P. Rostami, G. Danko and D. Bahrami; Mining Engineering, University of 

Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 

It is important to study the ventilation system in order to better design and control of the 

working environment in deep underground mines. With increasing depth, heat, and humidity 

may reduce performance and impair the attention of workers. The purpose of this paper 

is to apply a complex; development-end model configured in MULTIFLUX program, developed 

at the University of Nevada, Reno, USA. The MULTIFLUX development-end model template 

has been benchmarked against measurement results from two UK coal mines in previous 

studies. The present study is a test of application in a metal mine. The model 

incorporates the simulation of the air flow field in the drift and the auxiliary air duct; simultaneous 

heat and humidity transport from the drift wall; heat and mass exchange between 

the air in the drift and the ducts; and the evaporation of process water and/or condensation 

of vapor as governed by the psychometric conditions. The results are compared with field 

data, measured at the Lucky Friday Mine in Idaho, USA, an underground mine and also 

shown between the results from the MULTIFLUX-based model, and those form another program, 

Kduct, developed at the Kyushu University, Japan. 

3:25 PM 

Ventilation Design and Computer Simulation for an 

Underground Metal Mine 

H. Wang; Newmont Mining Co., Elko, NV 

Ventilation system is one of the most important components of underground mining infrastructure; 

it also can be one of the most expensive units in terms of capital investment and 

operating cost. Different mining phases in the life of an underground metal mine (as a case 

study in this paper) require dynamic ventilation plans. However, the time and cost associated 

with setting up ventilation system often restricts the flexibility to change underground 

ventilation as desired. Therefore, solid ventilation plans, such as the selection of a ventilation 

system, size and location of main fan(s), are critical for the overall underground mine 

plans and operations. Some of the short term and long term ventilation planning work can 

be analyzed by ventilation software which offers a quick way to study the existing ventilation 

networks and ventilation plans for future development. 

3:45 PM 

Ventilation and Climatic Simulation of Drift/Stope in 

Metal Mines 

R. Gunda, R. Grymko, D. Bahrami and G. Danko; Mining Engineering, 

University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 

Due to the rapidly increasing production rates and deepening of working areas, there is a 

drastic rise in the number of thermal issues to be addressed for maintaining a safe mine environment. 

As high temperatures and humidity in underground mines could affect the health 

and performance of workers, and ultimately the production rate, it is necessary to provide a 

properly controlled environment. The backfilling of stopes result in different thermophysical 

properties for the hanging, side and foot walls, modeling of which is not provided by any currently 

existing simulation software. This paper presents the modeling of such a single drift 

section using the MULTIFLUX software, developed at University of Nevada, Reno. The same 

section is modeled as a different case using the average properties, the results of which are 

compared with the respective Climsim results. Another special case is presented in this paper, 

where a case study from the Homestake mine in US that has a drift and ramp connected to a 

stope with high Virgin Rock Temperature and various spot heat sources is modeled in MULTI- 

FLUX and Climsim, and the results are benchmarked against the mine measurement data. 

76 

4:05 PM 

VOD: Is It That Simple? 

G. Danko; Mining Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 

Mine ventilation is in the forefront of providing safe and healthy working environment in an 

underground mine. Ventilation provides fresh air, dilutes dust, contaminants, harmful and 

volatile gas components, and controls temperature and humidity for a comfortable or at 

least acceptable working environment. However, it is the single most costly element in the 

energy demands for an underground mine, and there is an ongoing effort to find ways to 

minimize it. This paper analysis the conceptual case for a VOD application to a large operating 

mine in Nevada. The first level of analysis is to confront the problem for a mine with a 

given infrastructure: where is the highest return and fastest payback to make changes? What 

studies and with what tools should be used in such analyses to make a good plan? Can the 

problem be reduced to trimming air flows merely on regulatory demands such as air quantity 

per utilized equipment power? How heat, moisture, and air cooling needs as well as 

other factors may impose different criteria for air flow control as well as change the impact 

on cost savings? The paper will attempt to answer these and other questions regarding 

emerging VOD applications. 

4:25 PM 

CFD Modeling of Air Flow in an Open Pit Mine 

W. Collingwood, V. Raj, A. Choudhury and S. Bandopadhyay; Department of 

Mining and Geological Engineering, Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 

As surface mines continue to grow deeper and productivity continues to increase, management 

of respirable dust and noxious gases can become a challenge. The natural wind flow in 

open pit mines is often recirculatory. This recirculation can trap dust and gases in the pit. This 

problem is particularly acute in high latitude surface mines due to a meteorological phenomenon 

known as an “atmospheric inversion.” In the winter, arctic and subarctic regions experience 

short days and long nights. This deficit of solar radiation creates a situation in which 

cold, still air accumulates near the ground. In open pit mines, this can result in unhealthy accumulations 

of gases and other contaminants in the pit. In this study, the natural wind flow 

patterns in and around surface mines were investigated using the computational fluid dynamics 

(CFD) program Fluent 12.1. Two dimensional models were created for a variety of different 

pit geometries. The effect of depth, slope angle, and wind speed on the wind velocity in 

the pit was examined. Finally, an atmospheric inversion was modeled using the Fluent software 

package, and the effect of the inversion on the wind flow pattern is discussed. 

4:45 PM 

Modeling Heat-Moisture-Air Transport Within a Deep 

Underground Exploration Project Using MULTIFLUX 

S. Stickler 1 , D. Bahrami 2 and G. Danko 2 ; 1 Rio Tinto, Bingham Canyon Mine, UT 

and 2 Mining Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 

This study uses MULTIFLUX, a coupled, hydrothermal-ventilation modeling software to simulate 

heat-moisture-air transport through a planned deep underground exploration project. 

MULTIFLUX was used to analyze various ventilation / cooling scenarios on the underground 

air to ensure the heat would remain below typical acceptable (work) levels. The case was 

set-up using data compiled and simplified into a realistic and representative model. This 

model was first processed using no external cooling, and then by using changes to intake air 

dry bulb temperature. Other parameters such as rock mass thermo properties, development 

size / construction, wetness, and development age were not changed between model configurations. 

Execution of the model using these inputs revealed that around 100 m3/s of natural 

ventilation was developed, negating need to add mechanical ventilation to meet the established 

project criteria. With no intake air cooling, the modeled maximum wet bulb 

temperature of the air was 32°C – above the maximum threshold of 28°C. Through the reduction 

of the intake air temperature, the maximum air wet bulb temperature modeled was 

reduced to 27°C – below the maximum threshold. 


Underground Mining Equipment 


Chair: P. Livingstone 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Alternatives in Haualge Equipment 

J. Coe 1 and K. Alley 2 ; 1 Engineering, Bucyrus, Pulaski, Virginia, VA and 

2 

Marketing, Bucyrus, Houston, PA 

A discussion of various alternatives in haulage equipment, mentioning options of Battery 

and Diesel Heavy Duty class vehicles. Vehicles to be discussed include: Utility Scoops LHD 

with Utility Attachments Ore Haulage methods Heavy Lift Vehicles Flame Proof Diesel Power 

Packages. 

2:25 PM 

An Acoustical Field Comparison of Hand Drills: 

Hilti Electro-Pneumatic vs. Gardner Denver Pneumatic Jackleg 

D. Zuchelli; Tech Support, MSHA, Pittsburgh, PA 

In order for MSHA to require the use of a noise control, the control must be proven 

“technologically feasible”. Technologically feasible controls must reduce a miner’s noise 



overexposure to the permissible exposure level (PEL) or achieve at least a 3 dBA reduction 

in the miner’s noise exposure. The miner’s total noise exposure should be examined from 

an occupational viewpoint and not solely on a machine or equipment basis. This examination 

requires a field evaluation of the occupation as opposed to an equipment test conducted 

in a laboratory. The operator a Hilti TE MD20 LS drill realized a full shift noise exposure 

(TWA8) reduction exceeding 8 dBA as compared to when operating a Gardner Denver 

S83F jackleg drill while installing an equal number of drill holes into the Idaho Springs 

Gneiss rock formation. However, the Hilti drill’s penetration rate was only 27% of that of 

the jackleg drill. Although the Hilti drill was proven to be technologically feasible as a noise 

control, its slower penetration rate would require its economic feasibility to be evaluated 

on a case-by-case basis. 

2:45 PM 

Continuous Haulage System: The Flexiveyor by Prairie 

Machine & Parts 

K. Sakundiak; Sales, Prairie Machine & Parts Mfg., Saskatoon, SK, Canada 

The Flexiveyor uses a series of 20 foot long car units, each connected to one another. Each 

car unit consists of a tire-mounted conveyor belt. A system consists of a loading car, which 

accepts ore from the miner, a series of intermediate cars, and then a discharge car which discharges 

the ore onto the panel belt. The total length is configurable by adding intermediate 

cars. This allows us to configure the system to meet the different requirements of each customer. 

A typical system used in the potash mines in Saskatchewan is a 15 car system (300 

feet long). The Flexiveyor utilizes a PLC to control the system. It controls the conveyors, 

steering and tramming. It follows in behind the mining machine and has the ability to go 

around corners on a path and then reverse back along the exact same path as if it were on a 

set of rails. It is this simple yet sophisticated control system that provides unmatched versatility 

and reliability. The Flexiveyor has a haulage capacity of 1200 tonnes (Potash) per 

hour. Flexiveyor systems are also used in mining other ores, from coal to copper, and are 

configurable for a range of mining heights and capacities. 

3:05 PM 

Performance Enhancements Created by the Introduction of 

AC Drive on Battery Haulers 

J. Krellner; Joy Mining Machinery, Warrendale, PA 

In 2008, Joy Mining Machinery introduced an AC drive option on their battery hauler machines. 

A technical overview and the performance benefits over the DC drive battery 

haulers will be given. Furthermore, a customer perspective on the machines and the value 

obtained in actual field experience will also be presented. 

3:25 PM 

Remote Handle (RH) Waste Borehole Drill Machine 

at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant 

B. Pressett; Washington TRU-Solutions, Carlsbad, NM 

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site is a U.S. Department of Energy underground 

transuranic nuclear storage facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nuclear waste at the site is 

stored 2300 feet below ground in Permian age salt beds. This presentation will focus on the 

design and implementation of a large-diameter borehole drill for waste container storage. 

Topics covered are: WIPP geographic location and background. Purpose and requirements 

for the application of the borehole machine. Description of the borehole machine. Actual mechanics 

for the operation of the borehole machine. Machine set up. Borehole dimensions and 

precision. Operation of the borehole machine. Upgrades and improvements made to the machine 

that improve the operation, safety and efficiency. Final produce and underground 

waste emplacement process. 

3:45 PM 

Catalyst Technology for Improved Diesel Exhaust 

Emissions Control 

U. Mustafa 1 and T. Roberts 2 ; 1 AirFlowCatalyst.com, Rochester, NY and 

2 

Product Development, AirFlow Catalyst Systems, Rochester, NY 

AirFlow Catalyst Systems, Inc. focuses on reducing emissions of diesel exhaust systems. Our 

products were developed with proprietary technology. These include EZCat, a gaseous 

emissions and DPM reducing system, EZDoc which competed with traditional diesel oxidation 

catalysts, Custom Coatings, and deNOx systems. Our systems can operate in a variety of 

settings. However, our focus in currently on mines, and the equipment that is run in these 

underground facilities. We focus on retrofitting large equipment, rather than requiring 

mines and other customers to replace equipment fitted with our components. We have conducted 

considerable research and applied in-market learning to our products and processes. 

We will discuss the technical elements of a diesel emissions control system and catalyst technology, 

with some competitive comparisons to demonstrate a point. Substrate variables, 

chemical catalysts, etc, will all be discussed. We are leveraging proprietary catalyst technology 

to enable low-temperature, efficient removal of HC, CO, and DPM from underground 

mine environments, benefitting the miner and the mine operators. 


Dewatering and Drying 


Chair: R. asmatulu, Wichita, KS 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Dewatering Performance Evaluation of 

Hyperbaric Centrifugation 

S. Keles 1 , G. Luttrell 1 and W. Kohler 2 ; 1 Mining Ang Minerals Engineering, 

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2 Mathematics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

The solid-solid separation processes employed by modern coal preparation plants require 

large amounts of process water, which is removed from the surface of the particles using mechanical 

dewatering equipment. Unfortunately, the existing processes that are used to dewater 

fine particles are inefficient in terms of moisture reduction. To address this problem, a 

novel centrifugation process called the CentribaricTM technology was developed at Virginia 

Tech. Test data from laboratory- and in-plant pilot-scale tests indicated that this innovative 

technology can effectively dewater ultrafine (


2:25 PM 

Review of Current Enhanced Gravity Separation Technologies 

and Applications 

J. Cole 1 , R. Dunne 2 and A. Giblett 3 ; 1 D&D Solutions and Innovation, Newmont 

Mining Corporation, Denver, CO; 2 D&D Innovations and Solutions, Newmont 

Mining Corporation, Denver, CO and 3 D&D Solutions and Innovation, Newmont 

Mining Corporation, Perth, WA, Australia 

This paper will review the current status of batch and continuous enhanced gravity separators 

(e.g. Falcon, Knelson, Kelsey, etc). An overview of the equipment and operating parameters 

will be provided as well as innovations that have been incorporated into the design over 

the last number of years. Laboratory test procedures to evaluated gravity performance will 

be discussed as well as industrial applications of the separators. 

2:45 PM 

Applied Research on TBS Teetered Bed Separator in CHENGJIAO 

Coal Preparation Plant 

Y. Tao; Department of Mineral processing Engineering and Technology, 

School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of 

Mining & Technology, Xuzhou, China 

The features of the teeter bed separator and its application in the coarse slime separation of 

Chengjiao coal preparation plant were discussed. The relationship between the coarse slime 

separation efficiency by TBS and the particle size were studied, and the influence of using 

TBS on dense medium consumption and oil consumption were investigated, it increased the 

clean coal yield and the comprehensive recovery of the whole plant, and brought huge economic 

benefits to Chengjiao coal preparation plant. 

3:05 PM 

Non Contacting Sensor Technology for Measuring Density 

and Level 

T. Hart and S. Sen; ThermoFisher Scientific, Sugar Land, Texas, TX 

A level or density control on large tanks or thick walled vessels has been problematic in utilizing 

precise instrumentation. In many cases, expensive vessel modifications such as installation 

of thermo wells or sight holes were required to be cut into the vessel wall. In other cases, 

mechanical devices were used but these devices offer high maintenance and poor precision. 

There is now a solution for many of these vessels/processes that will allow for precise level 

and density measurements. Gamma Backscatter (GBS) Level and Density gauges offer a precise 

measurement using very small amounts of gamma energy while offering low installation 

costs without the need to shut down or upset the industrial process. The source and detector 

arrangement are located outside the pipe or vessel on at one location on one side of the vessel. 

This single sided non-intrusive arrangement allows for installation without interrupting 

the industrial process. This paper will discuss how to apply this technology and the the results 

from beta sites on such mining applications as paste tanks and hydro-treaters. 


Industrial Minerals Flotation 


Chair: M. Mankosa, Eriez Manufacturing Co., Erie, PA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Particle Attachment and Detachment in Flotation 

G. Jameson; Center for Multiphase Processes, University of Newcastle, 

Newcastle, NSW, Australia 

This paper discusses the reasons for the difficulties observed in the flotation of ultrafine and 

coarse particles. With ultrafine particles, the challenge is to increase the efficiency of collection 

of particles by bubbles. In conventional devices such as columns and mechanical cells, the 

collection efficiency for ultrafines is typically of the order of 10-3, so there is plenty of scope 

for improvement. This paper will show theoretically how the collection efficiency can be 

raised to be of order 1. A new flotation machine that makes use of the theory will be described. 

The flotation kinetics are up to fifty times faster than mechanical cells for the same 

residence time. For coarse particles, the classical theory of Schulze (1982) has been used to 

calculate the maximum size of particles of a given density that can be floated, as a function of 

the bubble size and the energy dissipation rate. This theory has not hitherto been tested experimentally. 

Experimental results will be presented that show that the critical Bond number 

calculated by the Schulze theory over-predicts the maximum floatable size, by a factor of 

three. Reasons for the discrepancy will be discussed. 

2:25 PM 

Practical and Proven Methods for Improving Ultrafine and 

Coarse Particle Recovery 

J. Kohmuench 1 , M. Mankosa 1 and L. Christodoulou 2 ; 1 R&D, Eriez 

Manufacturing, Erie, PA and 2 Canadian Process Technologies, Erie, PA 

New technologies are developed to improve current industrial practice, especially those 

processes that demonstrate only limited success. This is particularly evident with respect to 

ultrafine and coarse particle flotation. Data show that flotation is most efficient given a 

medium particle size range. While the particle density and overall particle size distribution 

can affect the outside limits of this efficient flotation zone, the overall conclusion does not 

change – that very fine and very coarse material is difficult to float. The literature indicates 

that the poor flotation performance is attributed to low probabilities of collision and turbulence 

for the ultra-fine and coarse particles, respectively. Recently, several technologies have 

been developed to overcome these limitations including the CPT Cavitation-Tube sparging 

system and the Eriez HydroFloat separator. The Cavitation-Tube sparging system has been 

shown to improve ultrafine particle recovery while the aerated, fluidized-bed HydroFloat 

separator has been successful at improving the capture of coarse particles up to and exceeding 

3-mm. The theory of operation and data from full-scale applications will be discussed. 

2:45 PM 

Fundamental Studies on Nanobubble Generation and Its 

Applications for Flotation 

D. Tao 1 and M. Fan 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 

KY and 2 CPT, Eriez Manufacturing Co., Erie, PA 

An eight-factor five-level Central Composite Experimental Design was conducted for investigating 

eight important parameters governing the median size and the volume of nanobubbles 

produced with a specially designed nanobubble generation system. These process parameters 

included surfactant concentration, dissolved oxygen (O2) content, dissolved 

carbon dioxide gas (CO2) content, pressure drop in cavitation tube nozzle,


2:25 PM 

Bentonite, A Strategic Mineral 


Bentonite is a strategic mineral because many of its uses are tied to the USA economy and 

other uses are tied to the population. On a population basis, the single largest market for 

bentonite is as a clumping pet litter. This market will not decrease with the world recession 

because we are now an urban society. Beginning in 2008, the world recession is reducing 

markets tied to the economy. The 2nd largest market for bentonite is its use as a drilling fluid 

viscosifier, drill string lubricant and suspension agent for drill solids. This market decreases 

dramatically as active rigs decrease with our present glut of oil, and the Gulf of Mexico well 

loss. Oil companies are cutting back on deep water drilling and production. Exports of bentonite 

are decreasing significantly. Future trends will remain decreased until the world recession 

ends. Major commodity markets decreased including, adhesives, animal feed, ceramics, 

civil engineering, fillers and extenders, foundry sand binder, iron ore pelletizing, 

refractories, water proofing & sealing, and other minor uses. 

2:45 PM 

Barite, A Strategic Mineral 


About 85% of all barite mined and processed annually is used as a weighting agent for oil field 

drilling slurries. When China first entered the barite supply market in the 1970s, their extremely 

low pricing and low ocean transport to the Gulf coast caused barite producers in the 

USA and other countires to close mining operations. The major use and prices of barite increased 

dramatically, beginning in 2003 with the drilling boom to met increasing world demand 

for oil and gas. While China remains a world exporter of barite, China is consuming 

more internally, reflecting high growth rates in both the Chinese economy and its drilling activities. 

In addition, barite with a minimum specific gravity of 4.20 is now in scarce supply at 

operating and depleted mines. In 2010, the API reduced the minimum barite specific gravity 

to 4.10, and changed other barite specifications in order to provide new sources, and to reopen 

closed mine reserves. Only 4.10 drilling grade barite is available in the Rocky Mountains. 

USA and world barite mining is growing to meet the demands for oil and gas drilling. 

3:05 PM 

Magnesite Movers and Shakers 

M. O’Driscoll; Industrial Minerals, London, United Kingdom 

Magnesite, through its various grades, supplies a wide range of key market applications – 

these include refractories, environmental, chemicals, pulp and paper, construction, agriculture, 

hydrometallurgy, ceramics, and speciality fillers. Yet there are relatively few sources of 

supply worldwide. Indeed, in recent years, the supply market has undergone quite a transformation 

including globalisation and consolidation, enduring a hard recession, a focus on 

specific magnesia grades for certain producers, and new, alternative supply sources emerging. 

Above all, the influence of China continues to be felt across the magnesite world with its 

reduction of magnesia exports. This has both frustrated consumers and energised new magnesite 

players outside China. This paper brings together these trends and developments for 

world magnesite. 

3:25 PM 

Fullers Earth – A Tough Market 

F. Heivilin; President, HGPS LLC., Thomasville, GA 

The fullers earth outcrop areas are filled with shutdown plants or sites where plants have 

been removed, but few of these areas are within 40-100 years of being mined out. Product 

useage, changes in quality requirements, or inability to get sales have forced plants to be 

sold and/or shutdown. Markets are often controled by a few producers, marketers, and 

users. It is not unusual for 70-100,000 tons of sales per year to be gained or lost by the stroke 

of a pen. The sales of the principle products clumping and granular cat litter, oil absorbent, 

sports turf, bleaching clay, and pesticide and herbicide carriers or tape joint compound and 

salt water drilling mud for gelling palygorskite change rapidly. Sales of fullers earth increased 

from 1.4 millions tons in 1980 to 2.9 millions in 2003 and dropped back to 2.0 million 

tons in 2009. This is a loss of 3 or 4 large plants. The large volume products are needed 

for infrastructure so the plants can manufacture low volume high profit items to keep in 

business. The reduction of high volume products is a problem. 

Underground Construction Association of 

SME II 


Chair: j. Rostami, Pennsylvania State University, 

University Park 

D. Klug, D.R. Klug & Assoc., McMurray, PA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

New Shaft Boring System For Mechanized Large Diameter 

Shaft Sinking 

W. Burger 1 , F. Delabbio 2 and M. Rauer 1 ; 1 Herrenknecht AG, Schwanau, Germany 

and 2 Rio Tinto, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 

For deep, large diameter rock shafts mechanical excavation methods are a step-change in excavation 

performance and labor safety compared to drill and blast excavation. Working in 

partnership with with leading international mining company Rio Tinto Herrenknecht has 

developed a mechanized shaft boring system capable of sinking shafts up to 2000m depth in 

hard rock in an industrialized process. After presentation of the first conceptual ideas to 

public in the beginning of 2010 the finalized detail design as well as next steps towards realization 

will be discussed. 

2:25 PM 

TBM Design for Mining Applications 

R. Grandori and P. Romualdi; S.E.L.I. Spa, Rome, Italy 

The application of the TBM technology in the mining field has been relatively limited in the 

past years, especially when confronted with the boom of TBM tunnelling in the civil engineering 

market. This is mainly due to the fact that the design of TBMs and associated back-up systems 

was developed for applications different than mining (water tunnels, railway and metro 

tunnels). Recently SELI has introduced a new type of TBM (DSU COMPACT), specifically designed 

for mining applications. The first machine of this type has been built and it is now 

under operation in Los Bronces copper mine, owned by Anglo American. The article describes: 

a)The operational and safety targets that are behind this new TBM concept; b)The 

DSU COMPACT TBM design characteristics and its operational features; c)The design of the 

tunnel supports to match the DSU COMPACT TBM characteristics; d)The geological range of 

application; e)The advantages of this new technology in terms of safety, logistic, costs and 

performances; f)The practical experience and performances in the Los Bronces mine. 

2:45 PM 

Versatility of Roadheaders in Tunnel Construction 

D. Kwietnewski, R. Henn and G. Brierley; Brierley Associates, LLC, Littleton, CO 

With all of the unknowns associated with tunnel construction, how does a contractor choose 

a roadheader? This paper will present a review of several models of roadheaders being used 

in today’s tunnel projects. The salient features of different models of roadheaders will be 

presented and compared. Roadheader size and the cutter power generally determine which 

roadheader is best for a particular job. We will also present a model for matching features of 

the roadheader to the anticipated ground conditions such that the most efficient machine is 

selected for the project. 

3:05 PM 

Machine Utilization Time of NATM Method in Metro Tunnels: 

the Case of Kadikoy-Kartal Metro Tunnels (Istanbul) 

I. Ocak; IETT General Directorate, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, 

Istanbul, Turkey 

Underground constructions in the world are steady increasing for different purposes like, 

metro, sewerage, irrigation tunnels, and for storage of different materials. This increasing 

trend is expected to be in the favor of NATM in various rocks. The prediction of machine utilization 

time and determination of machine performance plays an important role in scheduling 

and planning tunnel excavation and data base created serve a major role in further applications. 

In this study, the construction methods of two twin tunnels situated within 

Kadikoy-Kartal Metro line are summarized. Machine utilization time of the NATM is analyzed 

in order to accumulate data for further applications in similar ground conditions in 

Istanbul. The result of this study show that machine utilization time for NATM and umbrella 

arch NATM 18.5 % and 11.2 % respectively. Maximum time-consuming operations are excavation 

in NATM, umbrella arch pipes installation in umbrella arch method as 20.6% and 

15.7% respectively. 

79 

3:25 PM 

Engineering Studies to Support the Siting of Underground 

Facilities at the US Deep Underground Science and Engineering 

Laboratory in the Footprint of the Homestake Mine 

C. Laughton; Independent Consultant, Austin, TX 

Design and construction of a new underground laboratory has begun under the auspices of 

the State of South Dakota and the US National Science Foundation. The Deep Underground 

Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) is scoped to provide scientists and engineers 

with a dedicated underground facility capable of supporting a broad spectrum of fundamental 

and applied research at depth in the Earth’s crust. Research partners in the endeavour are 

physicists, biologists, geoscientists and engineers. Mining engineers are playing a major role 



in the design of the underground facilities, and are participating in the development of the 

DUSEL research program. This paper aims to provide an overview of the project and describe 

the key engineering aspects of the DUSEL program associated with the excavation and 

support of a complex of experimental facilities, sited at depths of up to 2 kilometers. 

Discussion in the paper will focus on the early planning and design tasks, including site investigation 

and the development of excavation, rock reinforcement and lining concepts that 

will provide for the long-term stability of the openings. 

Valuation III: Valuation and Economic 

Evaluation Research 


Chair: T. ellis, Ellis International Services, Denver, CO 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

A Brief History of Minerals Valuation 

M. Cartwright; Mineral Business Appraisal, Reno, NV 

Value is not an objective measure, it is subjective. Agricola indicates in De Re Metallica that 

mineral property and mining company valuation has likely been around for at least 5000 

years. His book is dedicated to Princes for “one reason above all others, because metals have 

proved of greatest value to you . . . you drew far richer profits from the mines” than any other 

path to wealth. He notes Xenophon’s analysis of the financial operations of the Laurion silver 

mines and their royalty value to Athens. He understood diversification: “the man, who in 

common with others, has laid out his money on several mines in a region renowned for its 

wealth of metals, rarely spends it in vain”. Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations has a decidedly 

more jaundiced view of mining: it is “uncertain and ruinous and unfit for legal encouragement”. 

Hoskold makes reference to “Professional Valuers” in his 1877 Engineer’s Valuing 

Assistant. Presently, real property (which includes mineral rights) appraisers are licensed by 

government agencies to ply their trade and are required to meet certain minimum qualification 

levels. Unfortunately, none of those licensing requirements pertain to minerals. 

2:25 PM 

Mineral Appraisals & Real Estate Appraisals – 

Similarities and Differences 

J. Limb; CMC, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ 

Mineral Appraisal is concerned with the third dimension of land management (depth) in addition 

to the first two (length x width). Mineral extraction is always a temporary use of land 

and the use and adoption of the income approach is much more common than in the appraisal 

of real estate. Mineral appraisal is, in fact, an appraisal of personal property with the 

appraisal methodology assuming the minerals have been severed (extracted) from the land, 

processed and sold. Minerals are similar to timber, growing crops and fixed plant and equipment, 

which are also appraised separate from the real estate as personal property. There are 

two types of income in adopting the income approach to mineral appraisal. The adoption of 

a mining income approach to mineral appraisal is not the performance of a going concern or 

business appraisal. A mineral appraisal generally comprises the appraisal of only a partial 

interest in a property. Alternative users during mining (e.g., grazing lease income on future 

reserves acreage) which generate income and the residual use value after cessation of mining 

are not typically included within a mineral appraisal. 

2:45 PM 

Economic Evaluation and Sensitivity-risk Analysis of Zarshuran 

Gold Mine Project 

K. Oraee 1 , A. Sayadi 2 and M. Tavassoli 2 ; 1 Management and Organization, 

University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom and 2 Mining Engineering, 

Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 

In this paper the feasibility studies of the whole project is carried out on the basis of several 

economic variables estimated under the conditions of uncertainty. The resultant Net Present 

Value is hence also obtained under the same conditions. For this purpose, a model is first devised 

with the help of Excel and COMFAR software. The model is then developed that considers 

different scenarios which would result in different expected values for the economic 

variables. It is concluded that the NPV of the project is most sensitive to gold and silver price 

and that other variables such as discount rate, operating and capital cost all affect the feasibility 

of the project with lower degree of severity. Finally, risk analysis is also carried out 

using Mont Carlo technique, in order to estimate the most probable value of NPV. The average 

NPV calculated in this way is US$ 49.7 Million, whilst without due consideration of risk, 

this would be US$ 36.6 Million. The techniques used, together with the procedures adopted 

in this paper,would result in more accurate Net Present Values than expected from other frequently 

used methods. 

3:05 PM 

A Methodological Model to Assist on the Optimization and Risk 

Management of Mining Investment Decisions 

J. Botin 1 , R. Guzman 2 and M. Smith 2 ; 1 Escuela de Minas, Universidad 

Politecnica, Madrid, Spain and 2 Centro de Mineria, Pontificia Universidad 

Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile 

Identifying, quantifying and minimizing technical risks associated to investment decisions is 

a key challenge for the minerals industry decision takers and investors. However, risk analysis 

in most bankable mine feasibility studies are based on stochastic modelling of project 

NPV which, in most cases, fail to provide decision makers with a truly comprehensive analysis 

of risks associated to technical and management uncertainty and, as the result, are of little 

use for risk management and project optimization. This paper presents a value-chain risk 

management approach where technical risks and uncertainty are evaluated at each step of 

the project lifecycle, from exploration to mine closure, and are managed as part of a stepwise 

value-added optimization process. 

3:25 PM 

Appraisal Financial Data -> Proof, Check, Review 

J. Manes; CMC, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ 

The appraisal process often includes receiving and reviewing various types of financial data. 

Financial data is typically prepared by the client’s accounting department or accountant, and 

then provided to the appraiser via e-mail or hardcopy. Is an appraiser liable for errors in the 

Financial Data? How does the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 

address this? What can an appraiser do to minimize potential errors and impacts? The 

Author of this paper utilizes a three step process to validate the integrity of the data, reduce 

errors, and assist with the appraisal process. Proofing is necessary to verify the integrity of 

the data. Some helpful tools and techniques include data entry, spreadsheets, calculators and 

common sense. Checking data involves using statistics, ratios, and other tools to explore the 

trends and patterns in the data. Checking also can reveal additional information that might 

be helpful to the appraiser. Reviewing data is the last step of the process, and is used as a 

final check. The review process relies upon the results of Proofing and Checking, and also 

provides the final details needed for the appraisal. 

3:45 PM 

A Method to Determine the Right Plant Size Using 

Microeconomics (Optimal Control Method) 


During the feasibility stage in a mining project, the plant’s size of the operation becomes one 

of the most important issues to discuss due to its relevance in the Capital Expenditure 

(CAPEX) This decision usually comes as a recommendation from a metallurgic team, which 

is based by some static comparative results. However, this static approach never considers 

the combined effect of interest rates and discount rates over variable cut-off grades along the 

life of mine. This method uses an author developed economic model in MS Excel and Crystal 

Ball (c) to combine Kenneth Lane’s “Decreasing Cut-Off Grades Program” with “Optimal 

Control Theory” to find the plant size which maximizes the Net Present Value by applying 

discounted cash flow, where the discount rate tends to maximize the plant size and the interest 

rate tends to minimize it simultaneously. The input variables for this process are: 

1) Tonnes-Grade reserve curve; 2) interest rate; 3) discount rate; 4) Plant Size – CAPEX. The 

output of this iteration process will be: 1) Variable cut-off grade program; 2) Optimum Plant 

Size; 3) Maximum NPV to obtain. 

4:05 PM 

Valuation Case Opinions 2011 

M. Cartwright; Mineral Business Appraisal, Reno, NV 

Even though many mineral property appraisers do not work on litigation related engagements 

they can gain valuable insight into other appraisals by reviewing valuation related 

court decisions. Decisions can provide credible guidance to approaching less common valuation 

issues arising outside of litigation. Minerals appraisers often perform appraisal/consulting 

services for estate and gift, income, property and severance taxes, corporate restructuring, 

offers to purchase/lease, property leasing/royalty/rental terms and conditions, 

buyout clauses, HABU and post mining land values and other normal course of mineral business 

activities. Many of these issues have been litigated and provide credible appraisal 

guidelines for addressing appraisal/consulting needs of clients. Appraisal guidelines by government 

authorities or professional societies are broadly worded to cover wide areas of appraisal 

practice, while case decisions tend to be much narrower in focus for particular valuation 

issues. Valuation issue searching, free or low cost sites and case references by valuation 

issue will be addressed. I will also note some appraiser liability issues and cases. 

3:45 PM 

Economic Analysis of the Copper Mining Industry of Iran 

K. Oraee-Mirzamani1, A. Goodarzi2 and N. Oraee3; 1Management, Stirling 

University, Stirling, United Kingdom; 2Business School, Imperial College, 

London, United Kingdom and 3Reseach Center, Ministry of Labour and 

Social Affairs, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 

Mining of copper ore and the related industries play important roles in the national economy 

of Iran. National copper ore production amounts to 75% of the total output of the Middle 

East. All activities related to copper, that is, exploration, production, refinement etc are 

owned and managed by state owned companies. Decisions have been made to privatize all 

these activities. To assess the success of this privatization process, different components of 

the industry must be subject to economic analysis. In this paper, the cost estimation of all operations 

has been carried out. The total potential and attainable revenues have also been estimated 

using historical data available from the industry. Risk is a major factor in all mining 

activities and the copper industry of Iran has been subject to risk factors arising from many 

internal and external variables. These variables have been recognized and their effects evaluated. 

The effect of risk on the economic feasibility of the operations in the industry has also 

been analyzed. 


80


S 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 

MORNING 

Coal & Energy: Carbon Sequestration 

9:00 AM • Wednesday, March 2 

Chairs: S. Keim, Virginia Polytech Inst. & State University, 

Bluefield, VA 

n. Ripepi, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Design Considerations for Longterm Monitoring of CO 2 Storage 

Sites: A Field Validation Test in the Central Appalachian Basin 

I. Miskovic, M. Karmis and N. Ripepi; Department of Mining and Minerals 

Engineering and Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research, Virginia Tech, 

Blacksburg, VA 

Although many studies suggest that carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) can be stored safely in geological 

reservoirs for thousands of years, some aspects of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, 

especially short- and long-term risks related to geological CO 2 storage need to be 

studied in more detail. The development of new, reliable, real-time monitoring and verification 

tools and protocols is necessary to improve understanding and assess risks related to 

CO 2 storage in geological reservoirs. This paper presents the design of a monitoring and verification 

program implemented at the Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration 

Partnership’s (SECARB) Central Appalachian Coal Seam Project test site, in Russell County, 

Virginia, that is supported by the Regional Partnerships program of the National Energy 

Technology Laboratory of DOE. The research was dedicated to verify sequestration capacity 

and performance of a mature Coalbed Methane (CBM) field and it was carried out using a donated 

CBM well. The paper will review the results from this monitoring study and discuss 

the applicability of different monitoring and verification technologies employed trough the 

lifecycle of this project. 

9:25 AM 

Carbon Capture and Storage - Virginia Coal Seam Update 

S. Carpenter; Marshall Miller & Associates, Inc., Bluefield, VA 

As power producers fight the battle between demand vs. carbon reduction, one of the essential 

tools will be capture and storage (e.g. sequestration) of carbon. Understanding Green 

House Gas (GHG) emissions and strategies will afford open dialogue and better understanding 

of the implications of carbon management. Presently there are seven DOE funded regional 

partnerships pursuing technical and marketable applications for carbon capture and 

storage. These partnerships have revealed application successes and constructability realities 

that must be addressed in order for this technology to become marketable and more importantly, 

used by industry. An overview of the several regions progress will be presented 

and some specific details of the Virginia Coal Carbon Sequestration project will be shared. 

The Virginia project uses Enhanced Coalbed Methane as an offset to the project to increase 

fuel production and to take advantage of existing infrastructure for the sequestration. 

Implementation issues, economics and potential roadblocks will be discussed and the audience 

will be engaged to consider possible options to overcome these possible setbacks. 

9:45 AM 

EPA Final Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule (MRR): 

Application & Effect on the Mining Industry 

S. Carpenter; Marshall Miller & Associates, Inc., Bluefield, VA 

In an ever increasing “carbon” society; our awareness, management and growth will be 

measured by our carbon footprint (or emissions) and data collection is one of the essential 

tools required by the regulators. In December 2009, the EPA issued its final rule entitled 

Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule or MRR. This rule makes it law for coal and 

some industrial minerals mining to measure its carbon footprint or emission. Then, just like 

taxes, each year report those emissions to the EPA. In the absence of Congressional cap & 

trade legislation (Waxman-Markey, Kerry-Boxer or Kerry-Lieberman), the EPA 

Administrator, Lisa Jackson has indicated that she intends to use the MRR as the baseline 

data gathering effort to be able to force carbon emission reduction through regulatory enforcement 

(e.g. cap & trade). The paper will evaluate the MRR; its applicability, nuances, reporting 

requirements and timeline to the coal and industrial minerals mining sectors, 

specifically focusing on the four applications: All in sources, Threshold sources, Stationary 

(Btu) sources and Supplier sources. 

10:05 AM 

The CO 2 Sequestration Potential of Multilateral Horizontal 

Coalbed Methane Wells: A Detailed Reservoir Model 

S. Keim, N. Ripepi, M. Karmis and K. Luxbacher; Mining Engineering, Virginia 

Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

81 

Pilot scale carbon dioxide injection testing in traditional vertical fractured coalbed methane 

wells has demonstrated the viability of coal seams as a significant CO 2 sink. When compared 

to methane, carbon dioxide’s greater affinity to coal can help displace methane after the injection 

process, providing the opportunity for enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery. 

Multilateral horizontal coalbed methane wells have proven to be effective in draining 

methane in the central Appalachian basin. Critical to the constraint that injected coals cannot 

be mined, recent technological developments have permitted horizontal drilling in coal 

seams with thicknesses approaching one foot. This paper identifies the opportunity for both 

carbon sequestration and enhanced coalbed methane recovery in multilateral horizontal 

wells through the use of advanced three-dimensional reservoir modeling. Additionally, the 

path of the injected carbon dioxide plume will be analyzed, determining any potential interference 

with wells neighboring the injection site. 


Coal Mining: An Industrial Perspective I 


Chairs: M. heger, BNI Coal Ltd., Center, ND 

D. bogunovic, North American Coal, Ackerman, MS 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Statistical Integration of Overburden Blasting in the Appalachia 

Coal Mining Region 

D. Lilly and B. Fidler; Dynoconsult, Dyno Nobel, Pawleys Island, SC 

In today’s economic environment new tools must be utilized to improve productivity and 

lower the costs of coal mining recovery. An overlooked area of blasting integration into mining 

is in the surface coal mining region of Appalachia. The authors have conducted an indepth 

statistical investigation into the blasting effects on overburden removal productivity 

utilizing new emulsion technology and electronic initiation systems. Simple compute tracking 

tools will be presented to analyze and manage the coal exposure and recovery process. 

The main productivity driver will be powder factor (pounds of explosive per cyd removed). 

In addition to overall units of productivity measure, the effects of blasting upon the productivity 

of various equipment such as dozers, shovels, and front-end loaders are analyzed. The 

authors have previously completed presentations in other areas of mining and utilized statistical 

tools such as nonlinear multivariable regression, principal component analysis, and 

other methods to integrate blasting into the mining process. 

9:25 AM 

Dragline Productivity and Safety Upgrades 

G. Feld; Engineering, Bucyrus International, South Milwaukee, WI 

A large population of the surface mining dragline fleet has been operating for over 25 years. 

In that time, the mine plan has changed at many locations and the desire for increased productivity 

has driven customers to investigate numerous upgrades for their machines. 

Included with this is the increase of the bucket size by up to 25% which has obvious affects 

on the loading of the dragline components. The presentation will show how we have worked 

with our customers to allow them to safely manage the changes to their machines. 

Additionally, there has been greater emphasis on the safety for the maintenance personnel 

which is being addressed for both new and existing machines. 

9:45 AM 

Mining Machines Can Reap Efficiency and Safety Benefits by 

Using Rock Avoidance Technology 

L. Frederick; Management, Geosteering Mining Services, LLC, Huntsville, AL 

The efficiency of mining machines can vary widely based on an operator’s skill, experience 

and mining conditions. Mineral/coal/ore quality, operator visibility, variability in the formation 

and many other factors can have an impact. Machine operators have a busy job; nudging 

the cutter down, looking for the floor and clay, backing up to mine missed product, keeping 

out of rock or clay, being aware of the position and presence of cables, haulage vehicles, and 

helpers. RAS is used on room-and-pillar, longwall, high-wall, and surface machines. RAS is applicable 

to mining coal, lignite, potash, and trona. In room-and-pillar mines, RAS identifies the 

floor depth while the operator shears down at maximum speed so he can level out just prior 

to cutting the rock. Cutting of product is increased by not entering out-of-seam rock or clay 

leaving more time to cut in-seam product. Leaving the rock or clay in the mine reduces cost by 

reducing haulage, mineral preparation and separation, disposal, and machine wear. This 

paper discusses the various applications and benefits that can be realized by using a RAS. 

10:05 AM 

Technical Innovations and Advances Enable Wirtgen Surface 

Miner to Reach New Performance Dimensions in Selective 

Mining Operations 

R. Bauer; Mining, Wirtgen America, Inc., Lakewood, CO 

Adaptations and redesign on a truly grand scale enable Wirtgen to achieve with one machine, 

tremendous mining capacity, unmatched economic efficiency and the capability to 

adapt to the most diverse operating conditions. Using Wirtgen’s already proven and very 

successful road milling machine concept and incorporating technical innovations such as an 

optimized, specifically for mining application developed cutting drum, the miners distinctive 

mechanical cutting drum drive, a wear free fluid coupling installed upstream of the drive 

system, all track steering, a complete redesigned new chassis, a newly designed FOPS approved, 

operators cabin, the installation of increased engine power and finally a redesigned 

air intake system and the adaptation of the electronic automatic level control system resulted 

in far more cost effective and advantageous capabilities of the new Wirtgen Surface 

Miner in soft to medium hard mining operations. The already achieved results in Australia 

and North America show for the first time in modern surface mining history mechanized 

cutting is capable to compete successfully against traditional drill, blast/ripping methods in 

selective mining applications. 



10:25 AM 

Switched Reluctance Drive Systems and Hybrid 

Drive Technology 

M. Barr; Engineering, LeTourneau Technologies, Inc., Longview, TX 

Since the 1930’s, LeTourneau has been a pioneer in the development of diesel-electric drive 

systems for earthmoving machinery. Over the past three decades, we have increasingly used 

“regenerative” methods to capture lost energy in the drive train to increase efficiency and 

lower fuel consumption. With the advent of Switched Reluctance motors/generators and associated 

power electronics in the past decade, LeTourneau has reached a new level of drive 

system efficiency, reduction of required maintenance and development of true hybrid drive 

systems to reach maximum fuel efficiency in diesel-electric earthmoving vehicles. 

Coal & Energy: Software Applications 


Chairs: W. Wilkinson, Mincom, Altoona, PA 

S. Richards, Carlson Software, Maysville, KY 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Financial Modeling – Moving Beyond Spreadsheets 

P. Shattuck; Business Development, Runge Ltd, Lakewood, CO 

Financial models for operating mines and mining projects continue to become more and 

more complex. The use of a traditional spreadsheet tools for those models are becoming increasingly 

less practical and prudent. Auditing a traditional spreadsheet model can be tedious 

at best and sometimes impossible in a reasonable time frame. Particularly if the original 

author has moved on to a new job, complex spreadsheet based financial models are 

easier to reinvent than they are to completely understand and have confidence in. More and 

more major mining companies are turning to alternative financial modeling tools that are 

purpose built to overcome many of the shortfalls of traditional spreadsheets and offer enhanced 

features which allow models to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced business environment. 

One such tool, XERAS Financial Modeling offered by Runge Ltd. has become the 

mining industry standard and has been designed to offer mining companies the power and 

auditability that they demand. This paper describes the enhanced abilities of this unique 

tool and provides an overview of how they have revolutionized the project cost estimating 

and budgeting world. 

9:25 AM 

Wireless Mesh Communication Systems Optimization in 

Underground Coal 

S. Schafrik, K. Luxbacher and M. Karmis; VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

The Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research has been developing models of wireless 

signals propagation in underground coal mines since 2007. The current mine progration 

modelling software, named Comms, is able to locate potential broadcast points for underground 

wireless mesh systems and estimate their coverage. Comms utilizes programmed 

routines to calculate necessary values to both quantitatively and qualitatively solve and analyze 

predicted coverage areas. The program approximates the spatial relationships that are 

encountered, such as ventilation regulators, belts and other obstructions. Using this model 

for propagation allows the optimal communications node locations to be calculated. Optimal 

locations can be calculated by using lessons learned from current installations and experience 

with the new technology. Also, the optimization can be calculated by checking all possible 

combinations of broadcast locations. This paper compares these optimization calculation 

methods. Solving a mine’s communication networks provides a pre-installation mine 

network design map, creates coverage maps of the mine and allows planning for future communication 

activities. 

9:45 AM 

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations and Experimental 

Validation of Tracer Gas Distribution in an Underground Mine 

G. Xu 1 , J. Bowling 1 , K. Luxbacher 1 and S. Ragab 2 ; 1 Department of Mining and 

Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2 Department of 

Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

Following a disaster in a mine, it is important to understand the state of the mine damage 

immediately with limited information. Computational fluid dynamics can be used to simulate 

and ascertain information about the state of ventilation controls inside a mine. This 

paper describes a simulation of tracer gas distribution in an experimental mine with the 

ventilation controls in various states. Tracer gas measurements were taken in the lab experimental 

apparatus, and used to validate the numerical model. The distribution of the tracer 

gas, together with the ventilation status, was analyzed to understand how the damage to the 

ventilation system related to the distribution of tracer gases. This study will be used in future 

research in real mine measurements to compare collected and simulated profiles and 

determine whether damage to the ventilation system has been incurred during an emergency 

situation, the nature of the damage and the general location of the damage. 

10:05 AM 

Detailed Reserve Calculation in MineScape 

D. Kinnes; Highland GeoComputing, LLC, Centennial, CO 

The MineScape mine planning system contains extensive tools to compile and then subdivide 

detailed reserve/resource estimates from geological models. The tools for subdividing 

82 

reserve/resource estimates allow users to add resource classification categories (e.g. measured, 

indicated, inferred), resource ownership/control, ratio or depth classification, unit 

thickness classification or resource quality/grade classification to final reserve/resource tables. 

Resource/Reserve subdivision is performed using applying various combinations of 

graphic polygons, algebraic expressions apply numeric factors to geological/mining surfaces 

or logical expressions interacting between geological/mining surfaces within a project area. 

Subdividing the resource estimates in MineScape provides data to build detailed reserve estimate 

pivot tables. These resource tables enable Highland GeoComputing, LLC to quickly 

compile reserve reports based on any resource criteria desired by the client. 

10:25 AM 

Optimizing Alignment between Strategic and Operational 

Mine Plans 

J. Butler; Minemax, Perth, WA, Australia 

The mine planning process at most mines is a hierarchical process. In theory, a strategic plan 

is meant to guide the development of an operational plan. This is because a strategic plan 

typically reflects high value to the organization and any significant deviation from that plan 

can result in an erosion of value. A shorter-term plan has to meet resource and production 

requirements, but it needs the context of the strategic plan. Unfortunately, practice is at variance 

with theory, organizations are not achieving plan alignment of the various levels in 

their hierarchical mine planning process and potential value in the strategic plan does erode 

as operational plans are created and executed. The presentation investigates why plans do 

not align, proposes metrics for measuring plan alignment (in particular spatial plan alignment) 

and presents a process for achieving a plan alignment target. It also outlines how 

Minemax’s Tempo solution for collaborative mine planning and scheduling supports plan 

alignment optimization. Examples are given which show the decomposition of strategic 

plans into detailed operational plans which maximize plan alignment and thus business 

value retention. 

10:45 AM 

Simulation and Modeling of Pillar Stability and Analysis of 

Safety Factor 

Z. Hyder 1 , Z. Ali 1 , M. Akram 2 , E. Westman 1 and M. Karmis 1 ; 1 Mining and 

Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2 Mining Engineering 

Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan 

Simulation and modeling is powerful tool to analyze real time data and can be used to analyze 

different scenarios using appropriate software that may reduce need of infield data collection 

process and can predict reasonably accurate results. In this paper the real time data 

of a mine is used to simulate and model the stresses on the pillars and evaluate the pillar 

strength and safety factor. The material properties assigned to the model are obtained by 

testing the representative samples taken from the selected locations of the mine. The mine 

under investigation has 50 ft wide pillars and 50 ft wide rooms under an average overburden 

of 650 feet. The effect of reduced pillar dimensions and increased roof span on overall stability 

of mine and extraction ratio is analyzed using LaModel software. The predicted results 

of the reducing pillar size are analyzed to compares the current mining practices with the 

optimized room and pillar size to get better extraction ratio without comprising the safety. 

Coal & Energy: Ventilation I 


Chairs: a. Martikainen, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

e. Thimons, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

An Analytical, Experimental and CFD Studies of the Air Jet 

Behavior at the Face Area During a Deep Cut Mining Using 

Blowing Curtain 

T. Petrov and A. Wala; Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky, 

Lexington, KY 

The result of the recent studies concerning the face ventilation for deep cut mining with continuous 

miner using blowing curtain, shows that for certain geometry of the system the flow 

separation phenomena occurs. This flow behavior is crucial for an adequate supply of uncontaminated 

air into the immediate zone of the face area needed for the methane dilution. For 

better understanding of the flow separation phenomena the analytical, experimental and 

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies were carried out at the Mining Engineering 

Department, University of Kentucky. In this paper, the authors will discuss the collected data 

of all the three methods used for airflow investigation, and how to minimize the negative effect 

of airflow separation. The major goal of this study is to improve the ventilation of the face 

area during the deep cut mining with continuous miner, in the coal mines using room and pillar 

mining method, bringing more air into the immediate zone of the face area. 

9:25 AM 

Effects of Obstructions, Sample Size and Sample Rate on 

Ultrasonic Anemometer Measurements Underground 

A. Martikainen, C. Taylor and A. Mazzella; OMSHR, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

In fluctuating airflow, continuous air velocity recording is the most reliable method of air 

velocity measurement. It allows for fast recognition of changes and calculation of long-term 

averages. Also, it enables the mine operator to identify when the airflow has decreased to a 

point requiring action. Using ultrasonic anemometers provides a low maintenance option 



of continuous air velocity monitoring. This paper provides information about the effect of 

common obstructions in underground mining on the air velocity readings. Stationary and 

moving obstructions are used to represent people and equipment causing discrepancies in 

measured airflow. Also, it is important to know how large sample size is required to ensure 

reasonable accuracy of results. Statistical analysis is used to evaluate the required sample 

size. The sampling procedure is further studied by comparing two different sample rates. 

The results show that obstructions provide a noticeable difference in air velocity. 

Movement can be recognized from changes in results. Surprisingly small sample sizes provide 

reliable air velocity information. Standard sample rates are found suitable for the underground 

environment. 

9:45 AM 

Airflow Distribution Patterns at Longwall Mines Depicted by 

CFD Analysis and Calibrated by Tracer Gas Field Studies 

R. Krog, S. Schatzel and H. Dougherty; NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Airflow patterns in longwall bleeder systems are controlled by gob permeability and porosity 

and the condition of the gateroads entries after mining. As longwall panels are mined, 

areas of the gob and gateroad cave, making direct ventilation measurements impossible. The 

only readily available monitoring sites are bleeder evaluation points (BEP), intake evaluation 

points (IEP) and the outer bleeder entry. Ventilation models (network or CFD) can be 

set up to model the gob and the surrounding bleeder system, but calibrating the models is 

difficult without field data. NIOSH researchers installed numerous sampling tubes in the 

gateroads surrounding an active longwall face and, as the face retreated, released slugs of 

tracer gas (SF6) to determine transportation times and flow rates in the inaccessible 

gateroads. The data was used to calibrate a CFD model of a longwall panel. The model was 

used to predict possible airflow patterns in the gob. 

10:05 AM 

Evaluating the Use of Booster Fans in Two Underground 

Coal Mines 

J. Wempen, F. Calizaya and M. Nelson; Mining Engineering, University of Utah, 


As development in underground coal mines progresses away from the critical components 

of the ventilation system, including the main fan and ventilation shafts, the system resistance 

is markedly increased. This results in a higher pressure and flow requirements from 

the main fan(s) to maintain adequate face ventilation which requires that the primary ventilation 

system to be upgraded with additional shafts and surface fans. The use of booster 

fans underground is a potentially practical option. This study presents the simulation of the 

use of booster fans in two underground ventilation scenarios, one longwall and one room 

and pillar. The booster fan effects on the power requirements of the ventilation systems are 

evaluated. 

10:25 AM 

A Comparison of Well-Accepted Tracer Gas Sampling Methods 

Utilized in Underground Mines with Solid Phase 

Microextraction (SPME) Fibers through Laboratory Testing of 

Sulfur Hexafluoride 

R. Patterson 1 , K. Jackson 2 , K. Luxbacher 1 , H. McNair 2 and R. Boggess 2 ; 

1 

Mining & Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 

2 

Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

Tracer gas methods are useful techniques for monitoring ventilation systems, especially in 

remote or inaccessible areas, and can be utilized for analysis of the ventilation system immediately 

following a mine emergency. However, the success of this technique is largely dependent 

on the accuracy of release and sampling methods. Analysis of sampling methods is 

crucial for rapid response and dependable results during emergencies. For the purpose of 

this study, four well-accepted sampling techniques currently utilized in the mining industry 

were compared with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) fibers using sulfur hexafluoride 

(SF6), an industry standard, as the tracer gas. Current sampling methods include plastic syringes, 

glass syringes, Tedlar bags, and vacutainers. SPME fibers are used in a variety of industries 

from forensics to environmental sampling and are a solvent-less method of sampling 

analytes. To analyze these sampling methods, samples were taken from a 0.01% 

standard mixture of SF6 and nitrogen and analyzed using electron capture gas chromatography. 

A relative standard error of less than 10% validated results to compare the accuracy of 

various sampling methods. 

10:45 AM 

A Field Study of Bleeder Performance in US Longwall Coal Mines 

S. Schatzel, R. Krog and H. Dougherty; Dust Control, Ventilation, and 

Toxic Substances Branch, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Longwall coal mine operators in the US are required to ventilate multi-panel longwall districts 

but have little or no knowledge about what happens to the ventilation air between the 

inlet evaluation points, bleeder evaluation points, and bleeder fans. The effectiveness of 

bleeder performance can directly influence the ability of a ventilation system to remove and 

dilute coal bed methane emissions. The percentage of air directed inby towards the bleeders 

and bleeder fan and outby to the submains is expected to vary over the life of a longwall 

panel. To obtain direct measurements of bleeder performance, a tracer gas was released into 

the intake air stream, along the panline of active longwall panels, and into ventilation air inlets 

of inactive panels. Testing was performed on longwall panels which included multiple 

phases of panel development and variable path lengths of ventilation air transport. The findings 

will provide operators with determinations of the effectiveness of commonly applied 

ventilation strategies. Recommendations will be made to achieve the desired ventilation patterns 

and air distributions so that statutory requirements can be met. 

Environmental: Biodiversity 


Chairs: a. Duex, Rio Tinto-Kennecott Eagle, Ishpeming, MI 

c. McKeon, Resolution Copper Mining, Superior, AZ 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Use of the Historic Range of Variability to Evaluate Ecosystem 

Sustainability and Biodiversity 

C. Meyer; ARCADIS, Golden, CO 

Ecosystems are not static, having evolved with natural disturbances. The variability imposed 

by such disturbances must be included when defining sustainability goals for mining sites. 

One approach is to target the historic range of variability (HRV), determining if management 

maintains the ecosystem within its HRV. Tree cores; stable isotopes; packrat middens, museum 

collections; and sediment records can provide data for reconstructing the HRV. An advantage 

of using HRV as a standard against which to measure sustainability of existing conditions 

is that it can provide a target for ecosystem biodiversity. Three approaches—HRV 

analysis, modern reference area comparisons, and stochastic modeling—can help modernize 

restoration success standards that are often static and do not consider the future trajectory 

in ecosystem states and variability. 

9:25 AM 

Biodiversity Reporting by Mining Companies 

J. Renner 1 and A. Murray 2 ; 1 Golder Associates Inc., Atlanta, GA and 

2 

Golder Associates, Dublin, Ireland 

Mining companies are leaders in engraining sustainability principles in their operations. 

Many companies follow recommendations of the International Council on Mining and 

Metals. ICMM’s Principle 7 urges companies to “contribute to conservation of biodiversity 

and integrated approaches to land use planning”. Golder reviewed the sustainability reports 

of eight mining companies and two large multinational corporations outside the mining industry 

to understand approaches to biodiversity reporting: Unimin, Lhoist, Omya, BHP, Rio 

Tinto, Newmont, Cemex, Imerys, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks. The level of reporting on biodiversity 

by companies varies. Mining companies report their performance within the framework 

of the Global Reporting Initiative but demonstrate varying levels of detail and data disclosure. 

Some companies attempt to strictly meet GRI guideline EN11 by reporting the 

“location and size of land owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to, protected areas and 

areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas”. More often, mining companies provide 

project descriptions undertaken in partnership with NGOs relating to wildlife habitats. 

9:45 AM 

Landslides, Drought, and Trout in the Red River, New Mexico 

D. Conklin; GEI Consultants, Denver, CO 

Annual monitoring of the Red River, NM, since 1997, sponsored by the Chevron Mining Inc., 

Questa Mine, allows evaluation of the fish community response to landslides and drought. 

Hydrothermal scars on drainages to the river contribute sediment during storms. Sediment 

inputs result in decreased habitat and water quality in the river. Landslides contributed sediment 

to the Red River in summer 2002 and 2007. Spring runoff flows were below average in 

2001 through 2004. Trout populations in the Red River after summer 2002 were depressed 

adjacent to and downstream of the hydrothermal scars from sedimentation and the lack of 

flushing flows. Trout populations had begun to recover in 2005 and 2006, before the summer 

2007 landslidereduced the resident trout population. Trout density and biomass has 

gradually increased since fall 2007, as flows have removed sediment from the study reach. A 

combination of increased sedimentation and decreased water quality are likely responsible 

for the decreased trout populations in the river. Drought and the lack of flushing flows appeared 

to exacerbate the problem of high sedimentation in 2001 through 2004. 

10:05 AM 

Bacterial Numbers and Diversity in Mine Tailings in Semi-Arid 

Environments as a Guide for Plant Establishment 

R. Maier; Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 

Tucson, AZ 

Bacterial diversity in mine tailing microbial communities has not been thoroughly investigated 

despite the correlations that have been observed between the relative microbial diversity 

and the success of revegetation efforts at tailing sites. This presentation compares bacterial 

communities on the basis of 16S rRNA genes in highly disturbed, extremely (pH 2.7) 

and moderately (pH 5.7) acidic mine tailing samples from a semiarid environment with 

those from a vegetated off-site (OS) control sample (pH 8). Phylotype richness in these communities 

decreased from 42 in the OS control to 24 in the pH 5.7 and 8 in the pH 2.7 tailings 

samples. The clones in the pH 2.7 tailings were most closely related to acidophiles, none of 

which were detected in the OS control. We use this comparison as a reference point from 

which to evaluate the relationship between neutrophilic heterotrophic bacterial numbers 

and the amount of compost necessary to achieve plant establishment on mine tailings from a 

variety of semi-arid sites. Our conclusion is that neutrophilic heterotrophic counts is a good 

indicator of relative disturbance of the tailings and the amount of compost necessary to 

achieve plant growth. 


83


10:25 AM 

Using Bacterial Community Profiles as Indicators of 

Metal Toxicity 

T. Roane and M. Kester; Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, 

Denver, CO 

Bacterial communities represent the first biological system type to be affected when metal 

toxicity is present. Bacterial communities are also composed of populations that differentially 

respond to environmental stressors, providing a link between chemical biological 

availability and toxicity. This work identified bacterial community patterns consistent with 

environmental metal toxicity. Low to high metal-impacted sediment samples were collected 

throughout the Colorado Mineral Belt. Analyses of the readily exchangeable metal content of 

the sediments revealed ppb to ppm levels of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Th, Pb, and Zn. Bacterial community 

comparisons revealed relationships between the diversity of Archaeabacteria and 

metal contamination. Lesser contaminated sediments showed less Archaeal diversity, while 

more heavily contaminated sites showed more diversity. Lesser contaminated sites also appeared 

to be dominated by Eubacteria, in particular by the proteobacteria. The bacteria 

present in impacted systems may reflect metal toxicity as well as bioremediation potential. 

Further study of contaminated sites will help establish reliable bacterial community profiles 

predictive of metal impact. 

10:45 AM 

Implementing a Biodiversity Strategy at Resolution 

Copper Mining 

C. McKeon 1 , V. Supplee 2 and M. Wegleitner 1 ; 1 Resolution Copper Mining, 

Superior, AZ and 2 Audubon Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 

Resolution Copper Mining has conducted a biodiversity value assessment in order to develop 

a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The BAP integrates activities implemented since 

2004, addressing any outstanding considerations in achieving a net positive impact on biodiversity. 

The Biodiversity Strategy is driven by Rio Tinto, the majority shareholder in RCM. 

The focus of this initial BAP is the federal parcel of land proposed as part of a land exchange. 

RCM works with environmental partners such as the Audubon Society of Arizona and The 

Nature Conservancy to develop and implement the BAP associated with properties that are 

part of the land exchange portfolio that would have greater conservation value than those 

impacted by the mine. In the future, RCM will expand the BAP to all land holdings, including 

the fee simple lands it owns in and around the town of Superior, AZ. This presentation will 

describe the BAP; how it was formulated and how it is implemented. 

11:05 AM 

Implementation of Corporate Biodiversity 

Management Program 

M. Hamarat; Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Golden, CO 

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) is committed to preserving and enhancing biodiversity 

in the areas in which we operate. As a member of the ICMM, FCX is committed to implement 

the 10 Sustainable Development (SD) Principles throughout our business. FCX is 

also a member of the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), a nonprofit coalition dedicated to protecting 

and enhancing wildlife habitat. In alignment with ICMM SD Principle 7 and our 

Environmental Policy, FCX has set a performance goal to prepare a biodiversity inventory in 

2010 and land management plan by end of 2011 for all active mining sites. In 2010 FCX established 

a Biodiversity Task Force to assist sites in biodiversity management; optimize use 

of resources around the globe; implement FCX goals and targets; and align biodiversity programs 

with ICMM principles and guidance. The task force consists of Environment and SD 

Department management, scientists and engineers from FCX sites, and WHC staff. The Task 

Force recently issued a biodiversity inventory guidance document to set expectations and 

provide consistency across the sites when developing a biodiversity inventory and land 

management plan. 

Environmental: Financial Assurance for 

Mine Closure and Remediation 


Chair: c. Yeckes 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Mine Reclamation Costs in the Alberta Oil Sands 

U. Thorley; Mining, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada 

Management of mine and tailings reclamation activities by surface mining oil sands operations 

in Alberta, Canada is experiencing increased national and international attention. 

Concerns include the ability of existing mines to fund and execute reclamation activities and 

stems from a lack of demonstrated tailings reclamation technologies, public perception of a 

poor track-record of reclamation activity, and a lack of transparency with respect to the cost 

of reclamation activities relative to the monies secured by Alberta’s Oil Sands Reclamation 

Assurance Program. Limited information is publicly available regarding reclamation costs 

and technologies. Available data typically comes from disparate sources and is not readily 

understood by an interested lay person. This paper examines the expected costs of oil sands 

reclamation through a study of corporate Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) liabilities, the 

province of Alberta’s Oil Sands Reclamation Assurance Program, and published data relating 

to reclamation costs. Costs are related to other sectors of the mining industry and existing 

ARO liabilities. Limitations in reclamation technologies are introduced. 

9:25 AM 

Comprehensive Reclamation Planning at the 

Pend Oreille Mine, Washington 

K. McCaig 1 , K. Dunn 2 and R. Reisinger 3 ; 1 Teck American Incorporated, Spokane, 

WA; 2 Teck Washington Incorporated, Metaline Falls, WA and 3 URS Corporation, 

Denver, CO 

The Pend Oreille Mine in northeastern Washington State consists of an underground leadzinc 

mine, concentrator, waste rock pile, and historic areas. An updated, comprehensive 

reclamation plan and cost estimate was developed for the mine using a risk-based approach. 

The risk-based approach provides a thorough understanding of reclamation financial liability 

and responds to financial reporting requirements by addressing engineering, environmental, 

social and financial factors that influence the success of reclamation. This paper discusses 

the risk-based methodology used and key insights gained through the systematic 

development of an effective, sustainable reclamation plan that optimizes reclamation costs. 

9:45 AM 

Insurance Options for Mine Reclamation Financial Assurance 

M. Jacapraro; Zurich, Environmental, Phoenix, AZ 

Discussion will provide an overview of existing and emerging solutions currently being developed 

by Zurich to allow mine operators to use insurance for satisfying their current mine 

plan of operation reclamation financial assurance requirements. Topics to include jurisdictional 

and eligibility considerations under State and Federal regulations, and description of 

submission requirements for underwriting mine reclamation insurance. 

10:05 AM 

Financial Assurance for Mine Closure – Legal Considerations 

R. Hubbard; Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, Denver, CO 

1. Federal Requirements A. Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 B. BLM 3809 

Regulations C. Forest Service Regulations 2. State Requirements A. Colorado as a Case Study 

B. Federal/State Overlap 3. Select Additional Issues A. Mining Law Reform B. EPA Financial 

Guarantees. 

10:25 AM 

Financial Assurance for Mine Closure – Industry Lessons 

L. Russell; Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation, Coeur d’Alene, ID 

The ability of the mining industry to secure permits to operate and contribute meaningfully 

to sustainable development is turning ever more on its long-term environmental performance. 

In addition to regulatory compliance industry is expected to provide sound plans and 

financial assurance for reclamation, closure and beyond. In recent years, state and federal 

government agencies in a number of jurisdictions have strengthen their policies and requirements 

on mining companies to provide environmental financial assurance. The challenge 

to both governments and mining companies is agreeing on the forms and amounts of 

financial assurance to provide environmental protection while at the same time not unduly 

restricting the availability of capital or depressing the investment climate. This presentation 

provides examples and lessons learned in the closure planning process and evolution on the 

financial assurance requirements for mine sites in three different geographical locations of 

Alaska, Nevada and New Zealand. 

10:45 AM 

Obtaining Hard Rock Financial Assurance – 

The State of the Marketplace 

C. Yeckes; Willis NA, Denver, CO 

Mining companies must provide adequate financial assurance (FA) for mine reclamation and 

closure to obtain operating permits for development and expansion. Agencies responsible 

for approving the permits often have differing or vague regulations related to FA. The regulations 

are difficult and can be onerous for many operators because of collateralization requirements 

of institutions guaranteeing the FA options. Due to the constantly changing appetites 

of financial underwriters to accept mining risks, regulators are often unaware of the 

FA options available in the marketplace, or how they have changed. As a result, agencies can 

inadvertently overlook other forms of FA which could offer viable alternatives and provide 

the security necessary to protect the public and prevent “unnecessary or undue degradation” 

of public lands and resources. This presentation offers a discussion of FA related to 

mine reclamation within the framework of today’s marketplace. The presentation will address 

the regulatory landscape, available FA types and providers; what can be expected from 

underwriters and how to educate and manage expectations of involved parties. 

11:05 AM 

Surety Bonding as Financial Assurance – 

Re-thinking Your Options 

D. Appleby; Willis of Colorado, Denver, CO 

Surety remains a viable option for financial assurance. Surety markets are open and available 

for both hard and soft rock mining companies. Role of your broker: market access and 

marketing strategies. New and existing underwriting players: small, medium and large. 

Critical underwriting information: Financials, ownership, reclamation plans. Costs and 

terms: premium and indemnity Collateral or not: Forms of collateral, and percentages 

needed. Answers to these questions will be summarized and discussed. 


84


Environmental: Water Management 


Chairs: j. Zhan 

D. Place, BHP Billiton, Farmington, NM 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

A Study of Surface Water Quality of Streams at Boete Slimes 

Adam, Obuasi Mine of AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. 

D. Adonu; Mine Planning, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Obuasi, Ghana 

The surface mining activities of AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. in the Boete Slimes Dam environment 

was investigated to find its impact on the quality of water resources. Samples from 

stream waters at Pompo (PO), Kwabrafo (KWF) and Mixture of Pompo and Kwabrafo 

(POKW) that were affected by hydraulic mining activities at Boete Slimes Dam were 

analysed. A study of a four-year trend of water quality sampling data revealed that, apart 

from arsenic whose concentration rose in 2005, concentrations of all analysed parameters 

were high in 2006. The decommissioned Arsenic Recovery Plant in 2005 likely leaked arsenic 

into nearby streams The results of the analysis for PO and KWF were used to calculate 

values for POKW using the simple mixing zone model. The model values for POKW were similar 

to the measured values for POKW; hence sampling of conservative parameters at POKW 

can be stopped. This will save the company at least $1776 per year. 

9:25 AM 

Modelling of Groundwater Flow and Solute Transport in Narrow 

Regional Fault Zones at a Mine Site in Victoria, Australia 

X. Wang and D. Bringemeier; Coffey Geotechnics, Newstead, QLD, Australia 

It is generally understood that groundwater flow in hard rock is mainly within a discrete network 

of conduits developed along rock discontinuities such as fractures, faults, shears, and 

lithological boundaries. Groundwater management may become a challenge if mineralization’s 

associated with highly permeable faults zones are mined. This paper describes a 

groundwater model of a mine site in Victoria with open-pit and underground mining following 

mineralization along narrow regional fault zones. A 3D transient finite-element FEFLOW 

model was developed for simulating groundwater flow and solute transport within and adjacent 

to the fault zones. The model was calibrated with groundwater level records and 

water quality data from monitoring bores. Pump test results were used to calibrate the 

model locally by varying hydraulic parameters of fault zone elements. Sensitivity analyses 

were carried out to evaluate the effect of fault zone parameter variations on the modelling 

results. The calibrated model was successfully used for simulating the effects of in-pit tailings 

storage and underground mining on regional groundwater regimes. 

9:45 AM 

Evaluating Groundwater Surface Interactions 

Due to Mining Activities 

G. Leone and X. Song; ARCADIS US, Highlands Ranch, CO 

A numerical model was developed to evaluate groundwater-surface interactions for a proposed 

phosphate mine located near Soda Springs, Idaho. The proposed project has the potential 

to impact surface and groundwater resources and release metals and other constituents 

into the environment. A numerical groundwater flow and contaminant fate and 

transport model has been developed to support the impact analysis for the environmental 

impact statement. 

10:05 AM 

Post-Mining Land Uses for Recreation, Water Resources, and 

Energy Production 

J. Schubert and D. Check; Paul C. Rizzo Associates, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 

With proper planning and engineering, mined land may have significant beneficial uses and 

value after mining and reclamation are completed. Final-cut lakes and impoundments are 

recognized in many states as important resources for recreation (fishing, boating) and 

wildlife habitat. Final-cut lakes can also be used for municipal and private water supplies. 

Although not widely recognized, final-cut lakes and impoundments could have great potential 

uses for flood control and low-flow augmentation in a watershed. In addition, an impoundment 

on mined land could be used for pumped-storage hydroelectric-generating purposes 

(i.e., “pumped-storage hydro”). This paper will summarize each of these potential 

higher value post-mining land uses and present examples of each. 

10:25 AM 

Resolution Copper Mine Dewatering and Beneficial Reuse – 

A Blending and Beneficial Agricultural Reuse Program for 

Treated Mine Water 

C. McKeon 1 , J. Kimmelshue 2 , S. Mulder 2 , K. Hart 2 , J. Artiola 3 and 

J. Silvertooth 3 ; 1 Resolution Copper Company, Superior, AZ; 2 NewFields 

Agricultural & Environmental Resources, Sacramento, CA and 3 Department of 

Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

Resolution Copper Mining, LLC has partnered with New Magma Irrigation and Drainage 

District (NMID) the University of Arizona, and NewFields Agricultural & Environmental 

Resources, LLC in an effort to dewater an existing copper mine in Superior, Arizona. Through 

dewatering operations, RCM has provided supplemental water for crop irrigation to NMID 

85 

via a 27-mile pipeline since March 2009. This supplemental water is blended with Central 

Arizona Project (CAP) water, to provide water that is suitable for irrigation of crops including 

alfalfa, cotton and turf grass. Dewatering operations are expected to produce water for irrigation 

for up to four years. Due to the longevity of the Project, an extensive water, soil, and 

plant tissue sampling and analysis program was established. This includes daily, monthly, 

and quarterly water quality data, as well as quarterly soil and plant tissue data collected 

throughout the 6,500 irrigated acres. This data is used to track fluctuations of monitored 

constituents, notably salinity. Information related to the water blending process, monitoring 

results, and grower relations will be presented. 

Geology: 

Strategic Materials: And The Answers Are 


Chairs: L. corathers, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 

c. Seeger, Missouri Geological Survey, Rolla, MO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Heavy Mineral Deposits of Titanium Ridge, 

Near Limon, Colorado 

F. Pirkle 1 , G. Bishop 2 , W. Pirkle 3 and N. Stouffer 1 ; 1 Gannett Fleming, Inc., 

Jacksonville, FL; 2 Department of Geology and Geography, Georgia Southern 

University, Statesboro, GA and 3 Department of Biology and Geology, 

University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, SC 

A heavy-mineral deposit about1.6 kilometers in length and averaging about three meters in 

thickness is exposed approximately130 kilometers east of Denver, along Interstate 70, in 

Elbert County, Colorado near the town of Limon. The deposit is exposed in a geomorphic feature 

known locally as Titanium Ridge. The dominant heavy minerals are ilmenite, leucoxene, 

rutile, zircon, garnet, epidote, magnetite, tourmaline, pyroxenes, amphiboles, and tourmaline. 

The mineralized zone appears in a series of visually interpretable facies that are stacked 

vertically and represent subtidal, forebeach, backbeach, washover fan, and aeolian depositional 

environments. These paleoenvironments are analogous to depositional environments 

represented by a modern heavy-mineral bearing facies tract on St. Catherines Island, 

Georgia. Thus, Titanium Ridge provides evidence that heavy-mineral accumulation models 

for late Cenozoic deposits in the Georgia and Florida coastal plains are applicable to heavymineral 

deposits of the Western Interior subsurface and, by implication, the Western 

Interior Seaway, extending from Mexico to the Canadian Arctic. 

9:25 AM 

Manganese – It’s Strategic Because 

L. Corathers; National Minerals Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 

Reston, VA 

Manganese (Mn) is an important metal and one for which the United States is 100% import 

reliant. There is no mining of manganiferous (5% to 35% Mn) or manganese (> 35% Mn) resources 

in the United States. U.S. deposits have average manganese grades of less than 20% 

(and most are less than 10%). There are no substitutes for manganese in its major applications—the 

manufacture of steel, steel and non-steel alloys, and batteries. Manganese is recycled 

only as a component in ferrous and nonferrous scrap. These are some of the reasons 

that manganese has been considered a critical and strategic mineral by the National 

Research Council Committee on Critical Mineral Impacts on the U.S. Economy and by the U.S. 

Department of Defense. 

9:45 AM 

Lithium – Increasing Demand and Resource Adequacy 

B. Jaskula; National Minerals Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 

Reston, VA 

In 2009, global lithium (Li) production (excluding U.S. production) was estimated to have 

been 18,300 metric tons (t), down nearly 30% from 25,400 t in 2008. The leading end use for 

Li in 2009 continued to be in the manufacture of ceramics and glass, but Li batteries were 

continually gaining market share. Li batteries’ light weight, high energy density, small volume, 

and long lifespan make them one of the most popular types of battery for portable electronics 

and power tools. The global market for Li batteries has increased by more than 20% 

per year from 2003 to 2008 owing to their success in such markets as cellular telephones, 

laptop computers, and heavy-duty power tools. Li battery use also is increasing in other 

markets such as aerospace, military, and stationary applications. Li is currently recovered 

from pegmatites and continental brines. Brines were the source of 70% of all Li produced in 

2009. If Li batteries can be successfully adapted for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, the 

global market for Li could increase substantially. Other potential sources of Li are geothermal 

brines, oilfield brines, and hectorite clays. 

10:05 AM 

The Role of Thorium for Light Water Reactors 

M. Montgomery; Lightbridge Corporation, McLean, VA 

The anticipated growth of nuclear power worldwide over the next several decades raises the 

importance of expanding the available uranium resources base through increased exploration 

and of uranium resources though also introducing new fuel resources such as, thorium 

to support in a sustainable way the increasing number of nuclear power plants. 

Uranium is a limited naturally occurring resouce contain the only naturally occurring fissile 

isotope uranium-235. The main isotope of uranium is the fertile isotope uranium-238 which 



is converted into plutonium-239 in a thermal light water reactor. Thorium is and abundant 

naturally occuring material but does not contain a thermally fissile isotope. Tis fertile istotope 

of thorium (thorium-232) can be converted into uranium-233 during irradiation in a 

light water reactor. Uranium-233 has enhanced fissile characteristics over uranium235 or 

plutonium-239. Therfore, thorium used in conjunction with fissile uranium-235, uranium- 

233 or plutonium-239 in various combinations makes it possible to operate nuclear power 

plants while extending the avialable supply of uranium. 

10:25 AM 

Rare Earth and Strategic Elements at the Pea Ridge Mine, 

Missouri 

C. Seeger; Missouri Geological Survey, Rolla, MO 

The Pea Ridge Mine contains reserves of REE-bearing minerals and other strategic elements 

in addition to high-grade magnetite mineralization. The deposit was formerly mined for iron. 

Efforts are currently underway to reopen the mine. Documented REE-bearing minerals include 

monazite, xenotime and rare bastnaesite, britholite and allanite. Tengerite and synchisite 

have been tentatively identified. Gold mineralization is often associated and thorium 

and uranium are present. Bulk samples have average REO concentrations of 12 weight percent; 

grab samples are as high as 37.8 weight percent. The deposit contains Ce, La and Y and 

significant amounts of Nd, Sm, Gd, Pr, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb. Estimated reserves are 180,000 

tonnes of 12% REO. Additional reserves are contained in tailings ponds from previous mining. 

Cobalt is also present as are tin, molybdenum, titanium, silver, bismuth, nickel, selenium, 

tellurium and rhenium. Magnetite ores are high-quality and high purity. They have potential 

uses as chemical-quality and specialty iron oxides for coal desulfurization, heavy media and 

water purification, among other uses. 

10:45 AM 

Niobium Mineral Deposits of the World and Their Comparison 

to the Unique Source at Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil – Part 1 

A. Mariano 1 and J. Hedrick 2 ; 1 Consultant, Carlisle, MA and 2 Hedrick Consultants 

Inc., Burke, VA 

The niobium deposit in the carbonatite complex at Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is unique. The 

roughly circular complex has a diameter of 5 kilometers and contains 464 million metric tons 

of ore. Lateritic weathering to an average depth of 150 meters has led to the complete dissolution 

of the major minerals calcite, dolomite, and apatite in the dolomitic carbonatite. 

Subsequent eluvial enrichment of the primary ore mineral, bariopyrochlore, has occurred in 

the residual laterite. The world-class Araxá deposit is compared with other niobium occurrences 

on a world level. Emphasis is placed on comparing mineralogy, chemistry, grade, tonnage 

and mining. The presentation will provide insight on the geologic conditions and other 

factors that affect the economics of niobium deposits. An interactive discussion format during 

the presentation is intended to solicit questions on niobium deposits as potential sources to 

the world markets. 

11:05 AM 

Niobium Mineral Deposits of the World and Their Comparison 

to the Unique Source at Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil – Part 2 

A. Mariano 1 and J. Hedrick 2 ; 1 Consultant, Carlisle, MA and 2 Hedrick Consultants 

Inc., Burke, VA 

The niobium deposit in the carbonatite complex at Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is unique. The 

roughly circular complex has a diameter of 5 kilometers and contains 464 million metric tons 

of ore. Lateritic weathering to an average depth of 150 meters has led to the complete dissolution 

of the major minerals calcite, dolomite, and apatite in the dolomitic carbonatite. 

Subsequent eluvial enrichment of the primary ore mineral, bariopyrochlore, has occurred in 

the residual laterite. The world-class Araxá deposit is compared with other niobium occurrences 

on a world level. Emphasis is placed on comparing mineralogy, chemistry, grade, tonnage 

and mining. The presentation will provide insight on the geologic conditions and other 

factors that affect the economics of niobium deposits. An interactive discussion format during 

the presentation is intended to solicit questions on niobium deposits as potential sources to 

the world markets. 

11:25 AM 

Titanium – Strategic Statistics 

J. Gambogi; U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 

About three-fourths of the domestic consumption of titanium is for aerospace applications. 

The cyclic nature of the aerospace industry has led to shortages and surpluses within the titanium 

metal industry. Concerns over availability have existed for many years, and is evidenced 

by a number of countries stockpiling, instituting strategic buying programs, and 

funding research to develop alternative paths to produce metal. Titanium is the 9th most 

abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Global mine production in 2009 was about 3.4 million 

metric tons of contained titanium. However, as much as 95% of mine production is used to 

produce TiO2 and for other nonmetallurgical applications. Titanium for strategic uses such 

as armor and aerospace is derived from primary metal (titanium sponge) and scrap metal. 

The supply of these important feedstocks is influenced by several factors, which include, but 

are not limited to, the production capacity of sponge, the generation of scrap by mill product 

producers, competition for scrap among steel producers and nonferrous metals producers, 

the availability of old scrap, and scrap processing capacity. 

11:45 AM 

History and the Evolution of the Transformation of the National 

Defense Stockpile to the Strategic Materials Security Program 

K. Lough; DLA Strategic Materials, U.S. Department of Defense, 

Fort Belvoir, VA 

Defense Logistics Agency Strategic Materials administers the storage, management and disposal 

of the Department of Defense’s strategic and critical materials (the National Defense 

Stockpile) to ensure that the United States has sufficient materials to supply military, industrial, 

and essential civilian needs for national defense. The National Defense Stockpile has 

been successful in acquiring and holding strategic material, but has had isolated success in 

using the material strategically. In today’s global economy, it is critical to ensure a strong domestic 

defense industrial base capable of meeting national security needs. Accordingly, the 

Department has developed a plan for a comprehensive SMSP that would identify, on an ongoing 

basis, those strategic and critical materials required for national security. A report detailing 

how the SMSP will be implemented is currently being reviewed by Congress. A brief 

outline of the status will be discussed but at the time of this writing, the plan is still under 

consideration of Congress. Additionally, a discussion of the current inventory of materials 

and the Annual Material Plan will be provided. 

12:05 PM 

New Developments in the Recovery of Manganese from Lower 

Grade Resources 

J. Fisher 1 , N. Chow 2 , A. Nacu 2 , D. Warkentin 2 , I. Aksenov 2 and H. Teh 2 ; 

1 

American Manganese Inc, White Rock, BC, Canada and 2 Kemetco Research 

Inc., Richmond, BC, Canada 

The recovery of manganese from lower grade resources has been studied for a number of 

years. Of key importance of prior work, was the discovery that higher valent manganese resource 

can be readily leached with sulfurous acid. This eliminates the need for high temperature 

reduction roasting that is conventionally used in processing high grade material. High 

temperature roasting is energy intensive, emits a large amount of carbon dioxide, and would 

not be economical for processing lower grade material. While the prior work provides important 

information to extract manganese from lower grade resources, the production of unwanted 

by-products, and high water and energy usage has limited its commercial use. This 

paper describes the results from laboratory work aimed at resolving the problems, which to 

this point preclude commercial development. Preliminary mass and energy balances show 

that a significant opportunity exists in producing manganese with this hydrometallurgical 

scheme in a low cost, environmentally friendly manner. Emphasis of the work is on low water 

use, low overall energy use and economic destruction of unwanted by-products. 


Aggregates Resource Development and 

Environmental Permitting 


Chairs: j. Light, Granite Construction Inc., Sacramento, CA 

j. carnahan, Luck Stone Corporation, Richmond, VA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Aggregates Mining: Attitudes and Perceptions Then and Now 

J. McGuire 2 and G. Stevens 1 ; 1 Environmental & Mining Services, Civil & 

Environmental Consultants, Inc, Lombard, IL and 2 Environmental Department, 

Cessford Construction/Oldcastle, Le Grand, IA 

A Twenty Year Study was undertaken in the Midwestern U.S. to assess the attitudes and perceptions 

of Aggregates producers, and County Planning and Zoning Officials regarding 

Aggregates Mining. The study commenced in Iowa in 1988 followed by Kansas in 1991, 

Illinois in 1998, and concluded in Wisconsin and Indiana in 2008. The study was designed to 

measure the level of opposition to permitting and expansion of Aggregates Mine sites; measure 

perceived significant problems and concerns experienced during permitting; identify 

the perceived factors that contributed to the permitting problems; and identify process or 

actions that might be used to mitigate the problems. This paper will address the findings of 

the study and assess trends in attitudes and perceptions regarding Aggregates Mining over 

the course of the study. However, initial assessments indicate that the Industry has not made 

a great deal of progress improving perceptions and may have and may have even regressed. 

The research supports the position that an educational approach should be high on the list of 

actions to take in response. 

9:25 AM 

Water Storage and a New Quarry Permit 

J. Carnahan; Luck Stone Corporation, Richmond, VA 

Purchased in 1971, Luck Stone Corporation’s Leesburg Plant is located in Northern Virginia, 

30 miles Northwest of Washington, DC. The Leesburg Plant has played a major part in supporting 

the development of Northern Virginia, especially the Dulles Airport area. The 

Leesburg Plant has two quarries separated by the W&OD Bike Trail. Both quarries are surrounded 

by commercial and residential development to the north, south, and east and Goose 

Creek Scenic River to the west. Beginning in the early 90s, Luck Stone Corporation successfully 

permitted a green field across Goose Creek. Recently, Luck Stone Corporation entered 

into a partnership with Loudoun Water, an entity tasked with providing water and wastewater 

services to Loudoun County, to help implement their Potomac River Water Supply and 

Raw Water Storage Plan. With assistance from Loudoun Water, Luck Stone Corporation has 

submitted a new permit to Loudoun County to expand the green field permit to over 250 

acres. This presentation will describe the benefits of our partnership with Loudoun Water. 


86


9:45 AM 

Water Mitigation at the Kimballton Mine, Ripplemead, VA 

W. Johnson and M. Luxbacher; Lhoist North America, Ripplemead, VA 

The Kimballton Mine is owned and operated by Lhoist North America producing pebble lime 

and hydrated lime. The underground mine is located in the Five Oaks Seam, a high calcium 

limestone. The ore body is located in a fold and thrust belt approximately 95’ thick dipping 

30 degrees down. Mining on the western portion of the deposit is limited by an underground 

water course running along a geologic structure exhibiting karst type features with high inflows 

of water and mud. This area was intercepted in the 80s and has contributed to pumping 

costs and limited expansion into an area of additional reserve. The average daily pumping 

rate for the underground mine is 4,900 GPM. Inflows from the interception of the water 

course on the western portion of the mine are estimated at 2,000 GPM. In June 2010, a grouting 

project was done to mitigate water with the goal of lowering pumping requirements and 

potentially opening up the western portion of the mine to mining. The main water inflow 

was reduced and re-routed. Evaluations continue on whether the zone west of the water 

course can be mined. 

10:05 AM 

Controlling Aggregate Quarry Stormwater Runoff – Is Diverting 

Stormwater to the Pit the Answer? 

B. Parker; Marshall Miller & Associates, Ashland, VA 

The process of controlling stormwater runoff occurs at the majority of aggregate mines 

sites located within the United States. For most sites, the erosion and sediment control 

measures needed to control stormwater runoff increase as the size of the quarry grows 

larger. These additional control measures usually result in multiple outfall discharge points 

which state permit regulations typically require be monitored and sampled on a regular 

basis. While these additional measures are sometimes unavoidable, it is often possible for 

stormwater runoff to be diverted to the pit so that the quarry has ultimate control on how 

to handle discharges. The purpose of this presentation is to evaluate the options for controlling 

all onsite generated stormwater via the quarry pit. Is it possible to eliminate the 

need for sediment control structures by utilizing the pit during mine development and expansion? 

Will the costs associated with pumping the accumulated stormwater from the pit 

exceed the benefit of eliminating sediment control structures? This presentation analyzes 

these issues and more, while investigating the methods of controlling stormwater runoff 

from aggregate mine sites. 

10:25 AM 

From Geologic Data to Mine Planning 

D. Linder, E. Achelpohl and S. Barberio; Vulcan Materials Company, 

Birmingham, AL 

The foundation of an effective mine plan is a robust ditigal 3-D geologic model that provides 

the framework from which an effective mine plan is designed, thereby optimizing the geologic 

asset. Data including aerial photography, topography, field mapping, drilling and rock 

properties form the basis of the model. Accurate and efficient 4-D mine plans incoporate this 

geologic model as well as all applicable mining parameters. The entire process of geologic 

modeling and mine planning provides opportunities to generate high quality technical illustrations 

that are necessary for day-to-day mining operations and management decisionmaking 

and planning. 


NIOSH’s 2010 Revised Road Map for 

Research; After NAS Review and 

Its Impact on Mining Elongate 

Minerals Particles: Part II 


Chairs: S. ampian, Ampian And Associates, Mount Airy, MD 

g. Tomaino, MTI Analytical Services, Easton, PA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

The Efficacy of NIOSH’s 2010 Revised “Asbestos Fibers and 

Elongate Mineral Particles Roadmap” After NAS’s 2009 Review 

S. Ampian; Ampian And Associates, Mount Airy, MD 

This is Part II of a series dealing with NIOSH tasking the NAS to peer review the scientific 

and technical quality of its 2009 proposal, “Asbestos Fibers and Other Elongated Mineral 

Particles: State of the Science and Roadmap for Research” by yearend 2009. Part I highlighted 

the committee-based review mechanisms along with my experiences with the selection 

and vetting processes. The new mineralogy, terminology, nomenclature and Glossary 

advanced in the Roadmap prompted much discussion, as evidenced in NAS’s published 

Review, and was examined as was another novel term, ‘elongated mineral particles’. Part II 

addresses the efficacy of NAS’s Review on NIOSH’s 2010 revision. The ten major mineralogical/geological 

concerns in Part I are each compared with the new 2010 Roadmap. The 

much discussed EMP, EP, regulatory and mineralogical fibers, etc. are singled-out for closer 

examination. 

87 

9:25 AM 

Asbestos and Elongate Mineral Particles (EMPs) from an 

Analytical Perspective 

R. Hamilton; Consultant, Parker, CO 

Robert D. Hamilton, Ph.D. The determination of asbestos is a difficult problem. Asbestos is 

not a single mineral, rather a collection of minerals with varying chemical and structural 

properties. These minerals may occur in asbestiform, acicular, or blocky habits. The non asbestiform 

habits can produce cleavage fragments (elongate mineral particles, EMPs) which 

are easily confused with true asbestiform particles with no direct physical measurement 

means to distinguish between the two. Characterization is further complicated by the sub 

micron diameter and high aspect ratio of the particles. The confusion between asbestiform 

particles and EMPs has compromised and confused much of the existing data on asbestos exposure. 

The recognition and inclusion of EMPs in particle analysis protocols will improve the 

understanding of particle toxicology and potentially improve asbestos characterization and 

determination. The benefits will require, however, both improved analytical techniques and 

a much greater appreciation of the complex physical and chemical nature of the mineral 

phases which will be encountered. 

9:45 AM 

Present and Future Impact of the Roadmap on a Contract 

Laboratory for EMP Evaluations 

D. Van Orden; RJ Lee Group, Monroeville, PA 

Drew R. Van Orden, PE RJ Lee Group, Inc. Initially spurred by Federal regulations for schools, 

contract laboratories have been analyzing building material samples for asbestos content on 

a large scale since the late 1980’s. Contract laboratories do not often analyze building materials 

that contain amphibole asbestos, so they are less proficient with the amphiboles than 

with chrysotile. Enacting the Roadmap will be a boon and a bust for commercial laboratories. 

For those laboratories that are competent with amphiboles, that can differentiate asbestos 

fibers from non-asbestos particles, the Roadmap will be a bust because it removes a 

marketing differentiator and makes the good labs the same as everyone else. For the laboratories 

that had trouble with amphiboles, it doesn’t matter any more since all you have to do 

is count all the long skinny things, separating them into two groups: chrysotile and everything 

else. The Roadmap, in essence, negates years of effort at improving the competency of 

laboratories. The Roadmap will also reduce the amount of bulk samples submitted for 

analyses, but may increase the number of air filters submitted for analyses. 

10:05 AM 

An Overview of the NIOSH Roadmap 

P. Middendorf; CDC/NIOSH, NIOSH, Cincinnati, OH 

Asbestos has been a highly visible public health issue for over three decades. Inhaled asbestos 

fibers can cause serious diseases in exposed workers. Occupational health recommendations 

were developed to protect workers exposed to highly processed asbestos fibers. However, 

worker exposures have changed. Fibers from asbestiform minerals are of health concern, but 

size and aspect ratio limits specified in occupational health recommendations may not be optimal 

for health protection. Also, it is controversial whether other durable elongate mineral 

particles (EMPs) represent a similar health concern. To reduce uncertainty and controversy 

concerning asbestos and other EMPs, strategic research is needed. The resulting science can 

contribute to new policies for asbestos and other EMPs that more effectively protect workers. 

The draft NIOSH Roadmap proposes a framework to address three strategic goals for EMPs: 

(1) develop a broader understanding of toxicity; (2) develop information on occupational exposures 

and health outcomes; and (3) develop improved sampling and analytical methods. 

10:25 AM 

Recent Research in Assessing Mineral Fibers 

M. Harper; Exposure Assessment Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, 

NIOSH, Morgantown, WV 

Several research projects on assessing mineral fibers have been completed recently or are 

on-going at NIOSH, and the latest results will be presented. These projects include examining 

different slide mounting media and the positional stability of fibers over time as part of a 

project to evaluate re-locatable cover slips and their value in proficiency test programs; evaluation 

of sampling devices for thoracic size-selected fibers at three mineral processing operations; 

determining the utility of a new (RIB) graticule compared to the existing Walton- 

Beckett graticule as part of a project to evaluate criteria under the phase-contrast optical 

microscope for distinguishing amphibole cleavage fragments from asbestos fibers; efforts 

toward building a repository of well-characterized asbestos and non-asbestos reference materials 

for further studies; and examining improvements in objectives for the phase-contrast 

microscope. This research will assist in the development and refinement of methods for assessing 

occupational exposures to mineral fibers. 

10:45 AM 

Can and Will Elongate Mineral Particles (EMPs) Become the 

“Bottom Kill” to Present and to the Future of Industrial Minerals 

and Aggregates Businesses? 

G. Tomaino; Analytical Services, Minerals Technnologies Inc., Easton, PA 

The Industrial Minerals and Aggregates sectors of the US economy are multi-billion metric 

ton businesses that are valued at tens of billions of dollars in sales and revenues domestically 

and internationally. Over the last 40 plus years both sectors have managed to survive 

through asbestos and crystalline silica based legislation, monitoring, litigation, and bankruptcies. 

Throughout those forty plus years up to the present day, there have been and continue 

to be countless debates as to the accepted attributes of what is and is not asbestos. 

Inadequately defined and characterized EMPs will become the next arena of debate for these 

business sectors. Will pending “Ban Asbestos” legislation in the House and Senate suddenly 

incorporate similar and unattainable limits down to 0.001% (10 parts per million). Will the 

so-called ‘zero tolerance’ mantra for asbestos also accompany EMPs and be the cause for a 

“bottom kill” to many businesses? 





Challenges III 


Chairs: P. Somasundarn, Columbia University, New York, NY 

K. Papadopoulo, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Potential Photocatalysts for Oil Spill Mitigation 

A. Zaleska, J. Hupka, and J. Miller, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA 

9:25 AM 

Capillary-Video- Microscopy of Oil Mobilization in Microscopic 

Packed Beds 

Kyriakos Papadapoulo, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 

9:45 AM 

Linking Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Mitigation with 

Implementation of Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and 

Restoration Authority Master Plan 

Douglas Meffert, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA 

10:05 AM 

Impact of the Oil Constituents in Early Life Stages of 

Marine Organisms 

Gary Cherr, University of California, Bodega Bay, CA, USA 

10:25 AM 

Influence of the Dispersant Head Group on the Emulsification of 

Oil Droplets in Water Under Constant Fluid Flow Conditions 

Robert Pugh, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden 


Student Poster Session 


Chair: corby anderson, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

This 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. 

Mining and Exploration: Digital Data Mining 


Chair: D. Fisk, Matrikon Inc., Guelph, ON 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Automating Modeling of Operational Data to Identify the Most 

Important Factors 

S. Agarwal 2 and R. Ganguli 1 ; 1 Mining and Geological Engg, Univ of Alaska 

Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK and 2 MineSight, Tucson, AZ 

The mining industry collects a significant amount of operational data. However, gleaning 

useful information from the terabytes of data is difficult, and not just because of the sheer 

volume of the data. Therefore, an automated tool was developed at the University of Alaska 

Fairbanks to go through data and apply very sophisticated statistical and neural network 

techniques, to identify the data streams that are important to a process. This paper presents 

results from the tool as applied to SAG mill data from a gold mine. The results were bench 

marked against a commercial tool. Results indicate that there was no loss in performance by 

automating the very complicated process of applying the complex techniques. 

9:25 AM 

Data-Driven Health Management of Mining Equipment 

S. Dessureault; Mining and Geological Engineering, University of Arizona, 

Tucson, AZ 

There are several machine health systems on the market generating information relating to 

the condition or recording health alarms of the machines while they are operating. Other 

systems provide information such as who is driving, where, when, as well as how much it 

costs to repair the machine, and MTBF and MTTR. A data warehouse was developed that integrates 

all such data along logical connections such as machine name, and timeframes for 

several large surface coal mines. Several years’ data has many hundreds of millions of 

records in various tables, far too large for simple spreadsheet or visual analysis. A data mining 

program was implemented to make use of such a large and integrated data source using 

regression and clustering to automatically identify controlling factors for alarms, then analyze 

true performance by removing the influence of particular factors, and focus on actionable 

factors such as operator abuse, or over-sensitive machines. Furthermore, considering 

the large number of possible alarms clustering was used to group like-alarms together to 

create improved performance measures so that particular types of alarms could be grouped. 

9:45 AM 

On-Line Asset Health Monitoring for Mobile Mining Equipment: 

Needs, Challenges, and Solutions 

L. Daneshmend 1 and S. Javid 2 ; 1 The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, 

Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada and 2 Global Shared Services - 

Operations Support, Barrick Gold Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada 

Real-time, and near real-time, data flows from mobile mining equipment have increased dramatically 

over the past two decades. In parallel, the capabilities and capacities of supervisory 

monitoring and control systems for mine operations management, as well their supporting 

communications infrastructure, have expanded exponentially. However, despite 

these technological advancements, the effective use of data from mobile equipment to enhance 

machine reliability and improve machine maintenance has been limited by a number 

of factors. These obstacles have limited the adoption and implementation of “operating for 

reliability” concepts and practices. This paper defines the needs for a comprehensive on-line 

asset health (OAH) monitoring system, based on organizing data in conformance with the 

failure modes of the mobile equipment, as well as the benefits that can accrue from such a 

system. The necessity for matching systems functionalities with maintenance business 

processes is also demonstrated. Technological bottlenecks are identified, and the associated 

requirements for systems integration are outlined. 

10:05 AM 

Data Mining with PreVail P&H’s Remote Health 

Monitoring System 

B. Hicks; P&H Mining, Milwaukee, WI 

PreVail is P&H’s Data mining tool that can be used to uncover patterns in data. P&H’s PreVail 

delivers best-in-class user applications for data mining. PreVail collects data from every sensor 

on-board the shovel, then converts the data into information for users anywhere around 

the world to access via the internet. PreVail interprets and presents data in a clear concise 

manner, so customers can focus on optimizing reliability and productivity rather than “developing 

and creating” applications. PreVail provides breakthrough solutions for mining organization’s 

data mining needs meeting real time business needs for remote monitoring, 

pre-emptive diagnostics, PM planning, with minimal interruptions to their operating fleet. 

PreVail’s effectiveness derives from taking data out of a dynamic environment and turning it 

into useful information; while being able to deliver it to the end user wherever they may be. 

PreVail was developed in a manner that supports future advances in Remote Health 

Monitoring and is integration friendly. As the mining industry continues to evolve over time, 

so will PreVail in its ability to mine data. 

10:25 AM 

Haul Truck Capacity Assurance 

J. Johnsen 1 and E. Carvajal Izquierdo 2 ; 1 Sales and Marketing, Modular Mining 

Systems, Inc, Tucson, AZ and 2 Mine Maintenance, Minera Escondida Limitada, 

Antofagasta, Chile 

Large diesel engines provide the mining industry the substantial power and torque needed 

to move large amounts of material efficiently. But the stresses generated by such power and 

torque necessitate complex maintenance programs to ensure the utmost operating capabilities 

are not compromised. Of all its available sensors, the Exhaust Temperature differential 

between the right and left banks can provide the most valuable indicator of the overall operating 

condition and potential degradation of a large diesel engine. BHP Billiton Escondida 

Mining has implemented real-time remote monitoring, diagnostics, reporting, and tracking 

of Exhaust Temperature differential using Modular® technology. As a result of the processes 

and procedures put into place surrounding their MineCare maintenance management system, 

Escondida has proactively replaced over 300 injectors, resulting in an increase of 4% in 

Engine availability. 


88



Health & Safety Mine Management 


Chair: K. bradshaw, Asarco LLC, Hayden, AZ 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

The Direction of Safety and Health in the 21st Century 

H. Boling; HL Boling & Associates, Inc., Pima, AZ 

The Direction of Safety in the 21st Century is a positive process designed to provide direction 

to miners and management to encourage and experience company growth in this century. 

To ensure job security in safety, productivity efficiency and cost, we cannot conduct 

“business as usual”. We must rethink our present practices and our future practices and objectives. 

We continue to invest concern about regulatory compliance. We must accept the 

fact that regulatory concerns are self-made. We are in control of what infractions occur on 

our properties and within our companies. It is time this very moment to commit and dedicate 

individually and collectively to a safe production process with consistency and accountability 

for all. This makes success a foregone conclusion. We must change our way of 

doing business in the 21st century. Success and Safe production are one in the same. You 

cannot have one without the other. 

9:25 AM 

Underground Mining Hazard Ranking Using Fuzzy FMEA 

K. Oraee 1 , A. Yazdani-Chamzini 2 and M. Basiri 3 ; 1 managment, Stirling 

University, Stirling, United Kingdom; 2 mining, Tarbiat Modares University, 

Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran and 3 mining department, Tarbiat Modares 

University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 

Managers always look for systems with minimum hazards. Existence hazards create difficult 

for projects. The largest and most important hazards of working underground mine can be 

related to health, safety and environmental, because if one of these sections be in hazard, 

may lead to close mine. On the other hand uncertainty in the decision-making can lead to use 

fuzzy method, because this method considers the uncertainty. This article by using Fuzzy 

FMEA and on based the HSE criteria at first be identified and ultimately ranked hazards of 

Tabas coal mine. The results accomplish a high risk of the health for workers in this mine. 

9:45 AM 

Transforming Safety Performance – It’s Not Harder 

Than You Think 

B. Kraus; ERM, London, United Kingdom 

Very well-intentioned investment in safety is yielding too little performance improvement at 

a time when the need for much better safety performance on the front line has never been 

greater. A sincere desire for meaningful improvement is critical to delivering improvement, 

but not sufficient. The right intent, with the wrong approach yields lackluster results, and 

frustration for all. Transforming performance requires a delicate balance of engagement by 

leaders and robust processes to yield appropriate behaviors in the field. The anatomy of behavioural 

change lies in changing people’s minds. The fundamentals of successful operational 

transformation are well documented, but there are important lessons to be learned 

from many recent failed attempts to transform safety performance. Leaders need to WANT 

change; every team has its own culture; people respond to leader’s actions not their words; 

there is no such thing as improvement without behavioural change; people don’t really 

change, but their behaviours can. 

10:05 AM 

The Power of the Brain: Taking Safety to the Next Level 

A. Dale; Sentis, Aurora, CO 

Every day we are being asked to produce more with less time. At the same time, the demand 

for safer workplaces and the scrutiny from regulatory bodies have never been more intense. 

As we enter this new decade of business, the economic realities are more brutal than most of 

us can even remember, and so to survive, we don’t need to work more, we need to work 

smarter. Einstein, one of the greatest brains in history, knew back then what each of us on the 

journey to Zero Harm workplaces are well aware of today- to truly take workplace health 

and safety to the next level, we must substantially rethink the way we do things. To begin rethinking 

health and safety, the best place to start is clearly the human brain- the machine 

that does the thinking! We will explore what the latest findings in neuroscience have to tell 

us about thinking smarter for safer workplaces, and how brain power, not brawn, will be the 

secret to taking the safety journey of any organization to the next level. “We shall require a 

substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.” -Albert Einstein 

10:25 AM 

Challenges and Successes in Improving Safety Culture at 

Asarco Ray 

S. Holmes; Asarco LLC, Hayden, AZ 

The Asarco Ray operation has experienced many challenges during the last decade including 

ownership changes, labor strife, depressed copper prices, bankruptcy and layoffs. But the 

most challenging issue for the Ray workforce and leadership team has been developing and 

sustaining a strong safety culture within this ever-changing environment. This presentation 

discusses some of these challenges, the actions of new leadership, and the successes and disappointments 

in improving safety and health performance at Ray. 

89 

10:45 AM 

OSHA and Management – Friend, Foe, or Something In Between? 

C. Wist; Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., Denver, CO 

Employers need to be proactive and vigilant with respect to safety and health compliance 

and strategic in their interaction with safety and health enforcement agencies. However, 

overly antagonistic tactics can and do backfire. The goals of this article are to increase employers’ 

awareness of OSHA’s new enforcement initiatives and to sharpen skills which result 

in improved rapport with regulators and enhanced safety and health performance - all without 

waiving precious legal rights. 

Mining and Exploration: Open Pit Mining I 


Chair: j. humphrey, Caterpillar, Decatur, IL 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Building Better Haul Roads: Designing for Structural Strength 

R. Thompson; WA School of Mines, Curtin University, Kalgoorlie, WA, Australia 

The structural design of a mine haulage road is critical to it’s overall performance and improved 

structural design guidelines have been developed over the past decade, not only in 

response to mine operators requirements for safer and more efficient haulage systems, but 

also to truck manufacturers’ requirements for a more predictable and controlled operating 

environment. Historically, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) cover-curve design method 

has been widely applied to the structural design of mine haul roads. However, the CBR 

method can result in under-design of the road, and resultant excessive deformations in one 

or more layers of the structure. More recently, the mechanistic design method has superseded 

the CBR approach. In a mechanistic design, a multi-layered model is used to represent 

the various haul road layers and by minimizing strains in specific layers, a structural 

design can be determined. This presentation develops a case-study evaluation of the CBRand 

mechanistic design methodologies and through a comparative analysis of layerworks 

and materials, highlights how improved structural design techniques leads to improved 

road and truck performance. 

9:25 AM 

Haulage System Planning Tools 

J. Wientjes; Komatsu America Corp., Peoria, IL 

By nature, haulage fleets are subject to a vast amount of operating variables, many of which 

are highly unpredictable and hard to quantify. Consequently, the mining industry experiences, 

at times, great difficulty in trying to project and estimate the impact of these variables 

to haulage fleet performance. To assist with this evaluation complexity, the Komatsu 

Mining Division has developed reference materials to aid in the planning process. These 

reference documents aim to provide generic performance figures for variable haulage system 

configurations and application conditions. This presentation will introduce some of 

these haulage system reference materials. An overview of these aids will give the attendee 

an understanding of their key functions and capabilities. In addition, evaluation examples 

will be presented to further insure understanding of how these tools can be applied in a 

haulage application study. 

9:45 AM 

Optimization of Shovel Dipper-Formation Interaction 

in Excavation 

S. Frimpong and O. Brown; Mining and Nuclear Engineering, Missouri 

University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 

Shovel excavation constitutes a significant component of production costs in any surface 

mining operation. This makes shovel loading an important cost center that needs to be improved 

to lower production costs. Optimization of tool design will help to improve energy efficiency 

and this requires a thorough understanding of the soil-tool interaction. However, 

modeling soil-tool interaction is a complex process due to the spatial variability of the soil 

media, nonlinear behavior of soil, the contact phenomena and flow that occur at the interface 

zone between the soil and the tool, and the dynamic effects. For the past four decades, 

researchers have mostly used the passive earth pressure theory to study the soil failure patterns 

around a cutting tool and to develop force prediction models for design optimization 

with significant success. This paper aims at reviewing the existing empirical and analytical 

methods of excavation tool modeling and exploring the use of numerical methods to deal 

with the unresolved aspects of soil dynamics in soil excavation. 

10:05 AM 

FabickCAT Perspective on Mining and Quarry Efficiency 

J. Petrea; Mining & Aggregates, FabickCAT, Marion, IL 

In the face of volatile markets, unstable fuel costs and shrinking experienced labor pool 

many miners today struggle in being efficient and cost effective due to lack of knowledge. 

The lack of understanding good, efficient, mining practices leads to not being able to meet 

production budgets, financial budget over-runs and shortened mine lives. FabickCAT has 

partnered with our mining and quarry customers in an effort to help these customers understand 

the need for these efficiencies.Once an Area of Opportunity has been identified, a 

partnership between FabickCAT and the mine site management begins a Continuous 

Improvement Project. All such projects are based on the premise that “You cannot fix what 

you cannot measure”. Partnering with our mining and quarry customers by bringing the resources 

of Fabick CAT and Caterpillar to help these customers with being more efficient, pro- 



ductive and cost effective is the right thing to do. Without these long term continuous improvement 

projects we would certainly see our customer base reduced. The human cost 

would be our friends and neighbors without a means of supporting their families and being 

contributing members of the community. 

10:25 AM 

A New Approach to Haul Network Modelling 

C. Taylor; Runge Mining Canada, Calgary, AB, Canada 

Truck fleet productivity estimation in both underground and open cut mines has evolved 

over the years. Traditionally, the estimation of a fleet’s productivity required every possible 

haul route to be modeled independently to obtain a travel time. With open cut and underground 

road networks becoming more complex, the traditional methods are too time consuming 

and error prone a new approach has been developed to insure more realistic estimates 

of haulage network productivity. This new approach involves modeling the road 

network as a whole, including the interactions of crossing routes. By allowing a user to identify 

and then analyze all potential haul routes using a built in database of equipment performance 

curves, given the source location and destination, this new approach computes the 

optimal route, whether that is the shortest distance or shortest travel time. This presentation 

will focus on describing this new approach backed up by relevant case studies. 

10:45 AM 

New Pushback Design and Scheduling Algorithm Using 

Lagrangian Optimization 

K. Dagdelen and C. Somrit; Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO 

This paper will discuss developement of a new pushback design algorithm at the Colorado 

School of Mines for open pit mine scheduling and optimization under complex mining and 

processing consraints using Lagrangian optimization techniques. The paper will discuss 

both the algorithmic develoepment and its implementation on a real case study coming from 

a gold mining operation in Nevada. 

Mining and Exploration: Organizational 

Structure and Effectiveness: Mining 


Chair: n. Wright, ASARCO Ray Complex, Hayden, AZ 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Strategic Planning: An Overview 

G. Mears; Enterprise Learning Solutions, Rockhurst University Continuing 

Education Center, Inc., Kansas City, MO 

Successful strategic planning allows leaders to drive their company to greater profits and 

growth, as well as generate motivation and commitment from their employees to get results. 

This session shows a solid, proven approach to strategic planning that can be implemented 

in any organization. The classic six step approach* is shown with examples. Attendees will 

be given the opportunity to use their own examples at each step. *The Six Steps: Situational 

Analysis Vision/Mission Statement Objective Setting Strategy Development Implementation 

Measurement. 

9:25 AM 

Effective Management: Flexing Your Leadership Style 



Being flexible in leadership style can make or break managers in today’s complex workplace. 

In this session, an easy to understand and use leadership tool will be presented, along with 

real world examples. Attendees will learn what their most effective leadership style is with 

each of their employees, from the “go to” employee to the not-so-great worker. Essential 

leadership competencies will also be discussed. 

9:45 AM 

Essential Skills for Team Development 



As a leader, you are responsible for developing the full potential of your team. This session 

will show how to take steps to get the results you desire. Teams are living organisms with behavior 

that can be both predicted and influenced. This session will show how to predict that 

behavior, and influence the team in a positive manner, thus building a better team and increasing 

productivity. 

10:05 AM 

Training for Results: Learn Best Practices for Building and 

Sustaining High Levels of Commitment, Competence, 

and Results From Your Workforce 

M. Christensen; Learning Point, Inc., Vancouver, WA 

In today’s mining operation, training is more essential than ever before. But traditional 

training methods just don’t meet today’s challenges. Training must be an everyday practice 

90 

that is interwoven into the very fabric of a mining crew’s agenda. The most impactful training 

a crew receives may not come in the classroom, but on the job. And it will most likely 

come from coworkers and supervisors. This presentation will outline practical methods for 

turning supervisors into powerful coaches, and turning training into a strategic tool that 

builds capability, ensures commitment, and gets results. 

10:25 AM 

This Way to Lean: A Practical Roadmap for Implementing 

Lean Practices Within Your Operation 


Most mining operations can benefit greatly from lean management practices. When implemented 

well, lean practices enable dramatic increases in safety, quality, production, profitability, 

and morale. But lean is as much about people and processes as it is about tools and 

techniques. This presentation will provide a proven implementation roadmap that will 

align your leadership, focus your workforce, and deploy fundamental tools for building and 

sustaining a lean operation, a high performance operation, an operation that consistently 

delivers results. 

10:45 AM 

What Results Are You After? Supervisors are the Key to Shaping 

a Culture of Sustainable Results! 


What results are you after? Safety, quality, production, cost, morale? Is your culture conducive 

to attaining and sustaining high results? Are your supervisors engaged in helping you get the 

results you want? Did you know that supervisors are a mining operation’s single most important 

factor in shaping a culture of continuous improvement and high results? Technology 

alone won’t do it. Top leadership by itself can’t do it. It’s the people that make it happen and 

supervisors are in the best position, day-to-day, to lead the people. Are your supervisors leading 

your workforce to desired results? This presentation will provide a practical roadmap for 

creating a culture of continuous improvement. It will first define what culture is and explain 

why culture has such a powerful impact on results. It will then introduce proven steps for 

achieving operating excellence within your culture. Finally, it will show you how to equip and 

engage supervisors as champions, coaches, and stewards of culture. If you are looking to 

boost results within your mining operation, this presentation will show you how to capitalize 

on one of the most powerful tools you already have, the supervisor. 

11:05 AM 

Key Principle of Lean (Flow) 

B. Huffaker; Lean Consulting, BCH Group, LLC, Ogden, UT 

Understanding the Key principle of lean (Flow) and how it can help in the Mining industry. In 

times like these-when organizational structure and effectiveness is critical to survival – companies 

need to consider adopting or re-energizing “lean” operating principles. Yet, implementation 

can be slow to develop and sustaining the effort can be difficult and overwhelming. 

This session will break down the Key principle of Flow and give you the tools to begin 

the process and / or re-energize your current efforts. Learn how to establish a solid foundation 

of the lean tools; 5S, Standardized Work, Quick Change Over, Total Productive 

Maintenance, Muda (waste) Elimination and Team Work; helping structure and position to 

maximize “Flow” geared specifically to the mining industry. The real secret behind successful 

companies is the unending search for better ways to improve Flow in all processes 

throughout the value stream. 


Flotation Equipment and Practice 


Chair: a. Weber, FLSmidth Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

From 10 ft3 to 500 m3—Observations on 100 Years of 

Flotation Technology 

M. Nelson; University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Adhesion processes were used for concentration as early as 600 B.C.E., in the silver mines at 

Laurion, in Greece. Increased metal demand in the last half of the 19th century led to development 

of new concentration methods using bubbles, films, and reagents. However, none 

achieved wide use until Minerals Separation machine was developed for use at Broken Hill 

in Australia. After that, machines and reagents proliferated, and new flowsheets. Leading 

these developments were interesting individuals like Arthur C. Damen, William Fagergren, 

and Dr. Louis D. Ricketts. Test equipment ranged from a re-purposed beer barrel with a 

gasoline engine to a 600-tpd pilot plant. Test protocols varied from dumping cresylic acid 

into the creek where tailings were discharged to a detailed plan that compared gravity separation 

with various flotation machines, using different ores and reagents. Knowledge of 

these events helps understand why the rapid technology development occurred primarily 

in the western U. S., and the role played in that development by mechanics, operators, engineers, 

and lawyers. That understanding provides valuable lessons regarding the current 

state of flotation technology. 



9:25 AM 

Improved Fine Particle Recovery 

B. Dabrowski, D. Lelinski, H. Schreiber and A. Weber; FLSmidth Salt Lake City, 

Inc., Midvale, UT 

Mining sites must often be situated in areas with inadequate or expensive power generation 

facilities. As a result, flotation equipment energy use is often considered to be a key factor in 

the economic evaluation. Minimizing energy use does not necessarily imply that the machine 

is the most economical. In the case of flotation cells, energy consumption should not be evaluated 

on power/cell volume (kW/m3), but rather the effect that increased energy has on 

concentrate produced needs to be analyzed. This criteria would enable the evaluation team 

to properly address the issue of power consumption versus overall profitability. Flotation 

models indicate that fine particle recovery increases as a function of dissipation energy and 

collision frequency. Both parameters are a result of increased energy consumption. 

Industrial applications have also demonstrated that an increase in power significantly increases 

fine particle recovery. This paper will review fundamental parameters that influence 

fine particle recovery and verify this with plant data. The paper will also illustrate the benefits 

attained when an economic evaluation considers both energy and concentrate produced. 

9:45 AM 

Optimizing Floatation Cells 

J. Evans and R. Stirling; Hawk Measurement America, Middleton, MA 

One of the most important process operations in a Mining Concentrator is the flotation cell 

area. Profitability of the concentrator is largely attributable to this area of the process. Most 

older flotation cells use a displacement float below the froth layer to measure the pulp 

height. Pulp height is an extremely important process measurement, used to ensure that liquid 

pulp is not allowed to overflow to the launders. If pulp overflows, the flotation cell ceases 

to function effectively, which is very costly to the process. The traditional displacement float 

technique has proven to be limited in performance in a variety of ways: the float may at 

times stick, slurry builds up on the float mechanism changing the effective specific gravity 

tracked, and the floats can be affected by high agitation, etc. The development of a very low 

frequency “Acoustic Wave Transmitter” has changed the way Floatation cells are controlled. 

Three non-contacting measurements can be made to control the Pulp Height, the Foam 

Height and the Foam Density... without contacting the process media. 

10:05 AM 

Comparison of Bubble Sizing Methods for Evaluation of 

Mechanical Flotation Cells 

S. Miskovic and G. Luttrell; Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, 

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

For the purpose of this study, a new VT in-situ optical bubble sampling method, capable of 

collecting representative samples through different regions of the flotation cell, has been 

developed. The new system was used alongside with the standard McGill ex-situ bubble 

sampling method. All experiments were carried out on a fully automated pilot-scale 0.8m3 

Dorr-Oliver flotation cell. Bubble images were taken from multiple locations in the cell. The 

cell was operated as a batch reactor under various operating conditions by altering the impeller 

tip speed, gas flow rate, and the frother concentration. The paper will also review two 

image analysis methods: new BubbleSEdit and standard McGill/Norton Eclipse. A template 

matching technique, BubbleSEdit, analyzes overlapped bubbles and bubble clusters, which 

results in detection of more than 90% of all bubbles in an image. Bubbles observed with the 

VT in-situ sampling method appeared to be larger than bubbles recorded with the McGill 

ex-situ method. Furthermore, it was found that the mean bubble size obtained by the 

McGill/Norton Eclipse bubble sizing method was lower than BubbleSEdit values. 


Magnetic and Electrostatic Separation 


Chair: I. Sherrell, Outotec, Jacksonville, FL 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

Physical Separation Enhancers: Recent Advances 

S. Ravishankar 1 , S. Jiang 2 and R. Raitani 3 ; 1 Cytec Industries Inc, Stamford, CT; 

2 

Cytec Industries, Stamford, CT and 3 Cytec Industries, Stamford, CT 

9:25 AM 

Recent Advances in High Gradient Magnetic Separators 

I. Sherrell and P. Dunn; Outotec, Jacksonville, FL 

Wet high-intensity/gradient magnetic separators have been used in the mineral processing 

industry for decades and have recently seen a broadening of treatable feed characteristics 

and improved machine design. The Cryofilter®, Outotec’s superconducting magnetic separator, 

has recently expanded its applicability, outside of fine kaolin brightening, to treat 

much coarser particle sizes up to 300µm. This allows a very high-intensity/gradient magnet 

to be applied in different mineral markets that were not allowed in the past including silica, 

zircon and mica. Along with the expanded processing characteristics comes an updated magnet 

design requiring little or no liquid helium. Continuously powered magnetic separators 

have also seen a broadening of treatable particle size and ore/product type since the introduction 

of the SLon® variable pulsation high-gradient magnetic separator. This unit maintains 

an elevated performance in fine particle size applications (-45µm) and continues its expansion 

into diverse non-magnetic product feeds. The upgrades of both Cryofilter® and 

SLon® allow a broader range of ore types to be treated that were recently considered inseparable 

or uneconomic. 

9:45 AM 

Eddy Current Separation of Metallic Granules from Waste 

Streams 

R. Rajamani and S. Saurabh; Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, 


First, the current status of the technology is reviewed. Next, relevant technologies for separation 

of millimeter size metallic granules will be shown. Then, a high frequency eddy current 

separation technology is described in detail.Alternating current passing through the 

windings at kilohertz frequency energizes the core producing alternating magnetic field in 

the gap. Next, a dry waste stream containing metallic granules is fed continuously through 

the gap. The eddy current generated on the metallic granules deflects them out of the gap. 

Experiments were conducted with single cores and sandwich cores. The waste stream was a 

synthetic mixture of copper, brass and aluminum granules in sand as well as pyrolyzed electronic 

scrap mixture. The electrical circuit configuration was varied to produce maximum 

deflection. The frequency and voltage response of the ferrite core as well as the resulting 

separation of metallic granules are discussed. 

10:05 AM 

A Pilot Test on Magnetic Separation of Steel Ball Fragments 

from a Product of Mill’s Trunnion Magnet System in Order to 

Produce Cast Steel Balls 

P. Narantsetseg; Hydrometallurgical Research Laboratory, Erdenet Mining 

Corporation, Erdenet, Mongolia 

This paper introduces the application of new technique of magnetic separation in the field of 

recovery of steel ball fragments from a product of mill’s trunnion magnet system. The result 

of the pilot test for magnetic separation of steel ball fragments shows that the recovery is 

84.6%. And it is determined that usage of the separated steel ball fragments into producing 

of cast steel balls is possible. We had made cast steel balls by smelting and casting the steel 

ball fragments. Chemical and physical characteristics of the cast steel balls meet standards of 

grinding media for commercial mill circuits. However, we recommended that efficiency of 

operation of the mill’s trunnion magnet system is needed to be improved. Economical profit 

from this project is able to be increased up to 1.5 mln US$ per a year. 

10:25 AM 

Optimizing Charge Transfer for Triboelectric Separation 

P. Ireland and K. Nicholson; Centre for Multiphase Processes / Centre for 

Advanced Particle Processing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 

NSW, Australia 

Triboelectric separation is a dry electrostatic particle processing technique. A ‘tribocharger’ 

is used to differentially charge particles of different materials via contact or friction, which 

are then separated by an electric field. Little analytical work has been done to optimize tribocharger 

design, slowing the development of this promising technology. One problem is 

that the fundamental physics of bulk particulate tribocharging have hitherto been poorly understood. 

In our work, experiments have been performed under carefully controlled conditions, 

utilizing high-speed video footage, charge measurements and physical modeling to 

characterize the charging of bulk particulates in dynamic contact with surfaces. To complement 

this, a number of tribocharger configurations (sliding trough, vibratory canister and 

pneumatic cyclone) have been studied and compared in terms of charging performance, residence 

time, and other key parameters. An overview is presented of the important results 

obtained so far, and the consequences of these for the design of industrial triboelectric 

separators is discussed. 

Pushing physical separations such as magnetic and electrostatic separations to new processing 

regimes using chemical enhancers offer multiple advantages. For example, High-Tension 

separation in rutile and zircon separation can be effectively used to achieve separations at 

room temperatures. Adverse Influence of variables like humidity, surface contamination, 

finer sizes and temperature of the feed that makes the process not so efficient can be mitigated 

using chemical enhancers. Likewise, with magnetic separation, an enhanced separation 

efficiency is achieved using chemical enhancers to separate impurities from mineral 

systems including two non-magnetic minerals such as calcium carbonate and silica. 

Specifically, the enhancer technology has ability to replace flotation process in kaolin application. 

And,all the above attributes with enhancer technologies are complemented by the 

bolt-on nature, substantial energy savings, higher recovery and reserves expansion to feeds 

that are not amenable to conventional processes. Recent developments at Cytec on the physical 

separation enhancers are exemplified in this paper. 

The 2011 Exhibit 

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91



Modeling and Process Control 


Chair: c. basilio, Thiele Kaolin Company, Sandersville, GA 

9:00 AM 

Introductions 

9:05 AM 

A Paradigm Shift In Advanced Control For Mining 

R. Jonas; Process Solutions, Honeywell, Phoenix, AZ 

Mining companies can improve production and reduce cost by using the best available technology 

to control their operations. An emerging number of mines are seeing best results 

using multivariable predictive control, as opposed to older technologies such as Expert 

Systems. In the past few years the application of multivariable model-based predictive control 

has gained acceptance in many mining processes; grinding mills, alumina digestion, 

flotation, CCD/thickeners, kilns/calciners/roasters, and flash smelters. Even though there 

are over 200 installations in mining and minerals; the emergence of this technology in hardrock 

mining is recent and among only a few progressive companies. Many mines are challenged 

to use advanced controls due to limited experience or staffing, as well as being concerned 

over the robustness and sustainability. Thus many mines are not realizing optimal 

performance from their assets. This paper discusses the pros or cons of advance control 

technologies, including the impact of these technologies on best practices for implementation 

and sustainability. Results of the multivariable applications for the SAG mill and flotation 

are discussed. 

9:25 AM 

Use of a Chemical Transport Code for the Prediction of Gold 

Heap Leach Production 

A. Shchipansky 1 , R. Sterrett 2 and A. Schindler 3 ; 1 Hydrogeology, Itasca Denver, 

Inc., Lakewood, CO; 2 Hydrogeology, Itasca Denver, Inc., Lakewood, CO and 

3 

Newmont Mining Corporation, Carlin, NV 

Itasca in conjunction with Newmont Mining Corporation developed a numerical model to estimate 

gold (Au) production from heap leach operations. Itasca adapted a publically available 

2-D code (entitled MOFAT, an unsaturated chemical transport code) to simulate gold 

heap leach performance. The code was modified to assign the content of gold in the ore and 

to calculate gold depletion. An enhanced solver and algorithm to keep a mass balance between 

gold in the ore and pregnant solution were added to the code creating a robust and efficient 

code, as well as a user-friendly Windows graphical interface to facilitate the entry of 

data such as gold contents, hydraulic conductivities, and so forth. The initial work on the 

model incorporated the results of numerous column tests for purposes of calibrating the 

model to field conditions. The code currently can be used to assist in the design and optimization 

of heap leach pad design based on hydraulic properties of ore, moisture and gold 

contents, lift height, and lixiviant application rates. The next phase of work is to verify the 

model to actual heap leach operations where application and production quantities are 

known for a given pad. 

9:45 AM 

Modeling Ball Mills and Semi-autogenous Mills with Impact 

Energy Spectra Based Population Balance Concept 

R. Rajamani, E. Tuzcu and B. Mishra; University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

In the past selection and breakage functions were used to model grinding mills. In general, 

experimental data is collected on a particular mill and then the selection function was back 

calculated. The estimated selection function served all future explorations of the milling circuit. 

The advances in the application of the discrete element method to comminution has 

opened up a novel way to model these mills. The impact energy spectra of the mill computed 

with the DEM simulation serves as the center piece in such modeling. Using the magnitudes 

of specific energy computed with DEM, drop weight experiments are conducted to 

charecterize ore breakage. Combining the spectra with drop-weight experimental data one 

arrives at a predictive model of the grinding mill. In this presentation, the modeling of a ball 

mill and a pilot scale semi-autogenous mill via the impact spectra is described. 

10:05 AM 

Selection of the Best Control Valve for Flotation Column and 

Flotation Cell Control and Chosing the Best Method of 

Controlling Thickener Underflow 

T. Loudin; Larox Flowsys Inc., Linthicum, MD 

Evaluation of various types of valves which can be utilized in flotation column and flotation 

cell control. For example dart valves have been traditionally utilized on flotation cells. In certain 

designs the dart valve may require an external box built onto the exterior of the flotation 

cell. There are alternate types of valves that do not require the dart valve containment box 

which may allow for a less expensive total assembly and still provide accurate and reliable 

control of the flotation cell. Also the low driving head in flotation cells may create challenges 

in selection of the control valve size. On second part of the paper we will discuss the best 

method of controlling thickener underflow. Depending on the installation, elevation of the 

thickener and outlet piping the thickener may be controlled with either a valve or may need 

to be controlled by a pump. The purpose of this portion of the paper is to offer ideas on the 

best technologies to increase the effeciency of your thickening process. 

10:25 AM 

Computer-based Quality Control in Marble Plants: 

An Empirical Study from Turkish Marble Industry 

O. Akkoyun; Mining Engineering, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey 

In this study, a quality cost model to measure and control costs of quality (COQ) occurring 

in marble plants was developed. In the marble industry, most properties associated with 

quality depend on uncontrolled and mostly immeasurable natural and geological conditions. 

With this study, quality costs occurring in marble production systems are determined, 

classified and calculated. A computer program containing this model and statistical 

quality control tools was developed. The software was tested using data from marble plants 

located in the Diyarbakir (Turkey) Region that has a significant share of the Turkish natural 

stone industry. 

S 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 

AFTERNOON 


Coal Mining: An Industrial Perspective II 

2:00 PM • Wednesday, March 2 

Chair: R. Murray, Murray Energy Corp., Saint Clairsville, OH 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Illinois Basin Coal Geology and Roof Control 

M. Thompson; Engineering, Murray Energy Corporation, Galatia, IL 

The depositional model for major Illinois Basin coalbeds is well documented and defined on 

a regional scale. The model was a driving force during past exploration for lower sulfur and 

thicker coal deposits. Understanding the character of roof rock types associated with this depositional 

model is essential to predicting ground control factors on both a regional scale, 

and on resolving roof control problems at the mine-site. Additionally, horizontal stress and 

overburden depth are significant factors that impact roof rock quality and ground control in 

Illinois Basin mines. Determining the character of several rock types, and defining the primary 

horizontal stress direction were crucial to a recent successful project at New Future 

Mine, located in southern Illinois. An inclined slope was constructed from the Illinois No. 5 

Coalbed up to the Illinois No. 6 Coalbed through strata that ranged from extremely weak 

“stackrock” and a weak underclay unit, to a massive sandstone unit. Engineering geology, operations 

management, and Jennmar technical services personnel teamed-up to select and install 

roof support for each strata transition. 

2:25 PM 

Stress, Geologic, and Support Design System (SGSSM) for 

Underground Mine Slopes 

J. Stankus, H. Chen, K. Ma and X. Li; Keystone Mining Services LLC, 

Jennmar Corp, Pittsburgh, PA 

Accurate evaluation of stress and geological conditions is critical to ground design in underground 

openings. For a slope entry, the problem is more difficult because a slope will transverse 

through many different types of strata. Over the past two years, Keystone Mining 

Services, LLC an affiliate company of Jennmar Corporation, has developed a new methodology 

designated the “Stress, Geologic, and Support Design System (SGS)”. This patent pending 

methodology analyzes the stress, geology, and support design for a mine slope. This methodology 

has been successfully applied in various new slopes across the USA. This paper will detail 

the main concepts of the methodology including: (1) Analysis of stress and geology and 

identification of strong, fair and weak zones along the slope; (2) Primary and supplemental 

support design; (3) Long term support design in the form of steel square sets or arches, and 

(4) Validation of the support design utilizing advanced finite element computer modeling. 

2:45 PM 

Application of Impact-Resistant Steel Sets for Underground 

Roof Fall Rehabilitation 

J. Stankus, K. Ma and D. Faulkner; Keystone Mining Services LLC, 

Jennmar Corp, Pittsburgh, PA 

To protect mine personnel and moving at underground roof fall areas, mine operators typically 

install steel sets, which are covered with wooden blocks and backfilled with an expanding 

type cement material. In large roof falls, the cost of backfilling the void becomes prohibitively 

high causing some mines to leave the voids open. However, the durability of wood over 

time and the capability of the steel set and wood lagging to resist falling rock are unknown. 

This has caused concern for Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and ground control 

engineers. During past two years, Keystone Mining Services, LLC designed and developed 

various impact-resistant steel set designs that were approved by MSHA and installed in 

various underground fall rehabilitations. This paper presents the patent-pending impact-resistant 

steel set design methodology, including (1) steel set design per AISC national standard, 

(2) design, development, and laboratory testing of composite impact resistant lagging 

panel, and (3) impact resistant steel set design method based on Momentum-Impulse 

Theory. Two underground cases will be included detailing the application of this system. 


92


3:05 PM 

Mine Fire Prevention 

J. Jeffe; Murray Energy Corporation, Alledonia, OH 

Fire prevention is key to the operational success of any mining company. Training and “best 

practice” techniques play a key roll in reducing the occurrence of mine fires. Equipment 

maintenance, thorough examinations, and good-housekeeping will further reduce exposure 

to mine fires by preventing their occurrence. Cutting and welding, frictional heat ignitions, 

equipment malfunctions, and electrical arcs have been the leading causes of mines fires over 

the past twenty years. These facts support the importance of properly identifying and eliminating 

potential fire hazards. By utilizing essential fire prevention methods and employing 

quality training, one can prevent the massive capital losses and moreover prevent loss of life. 

This presentation will exemplify actions and procedures taken that can be implemented to 

attempt to eliminate the possibility of underground mine fires. 

3:25 PM 

Roofex ® Bolt and Its Application in Underground Construction 

R. Gradnik; Ground Engineering, Atlas Copco GDE, Feistritz, Austria 

The continuous need for infrastructure expansion forces the mining industry to develop underground 

structures into more sensitive and violent environments. When underground excavation 

enters into deep and high stress rock conditions, geotechnical designers find themselves 

faced with the difficult task of selecting a rock support system that will meet today’s 

stringent requirements. Whatever support system is chosen, it is mandatory that potential 

rock movement has to be controlled. All this has intensified the development of safety systems 

and new, unique solutions which can enable construction companies to go both, further 

and deeper, without reducing the level of safety. To address these needs, Atlas Copco developed 

the Roofex® bolt, specifically designed to withstand large static and dynamic 

deformations under prespecified load conditions. The Roofex Rock Bolt acts as stiff support 

up to a designable load level before the sliding effect of the mechanical frictional system 

comes into effect and allows highly controlled rock mass movement without loosing the 

support function. 

3:45 PM 

Application of Three-Phase Foam in Extinguishing Spontaneous 

Combustion of Coal 

Y. Zhang 1 , J. Tien 1 and D. Wang 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering, Missouri Univ. of Sci. & 

Tech., Rolla, MO and 2 Mine Safety Engineering, China University of Mining & 

Technology, Xuzhou, China 

In underground coal mining, one of the biggest challenges is spontaneous combustion, 

which will not only present safety hazards underground but result in reserve losses as a result 

of burnt coal. The released heat coupled with other combustible gases commonly encountered 

underground will significantly increase the risk of explosion. Experiments show 

that carbon monoxide can be regarded as the best indicator gas to detect the presence and 

the severity of spontaneous combustion. Experimental tests also indicate that the application 

of three-phase foam, an environment-friendly fire-extinguishing agent, composed of gas 

phase (nitrogen or air), liquid phase (water) and solid phase (fly ash), can significantly reduce 

carbon monoxide emission during fire fighting. In addition, the effectiveness of water, 

slurry and three-phase foam in quenching coal combustion were compared in the lab and results 

show that it is the best extinguishing agent measured by its overall performance. This 

paper also describes how three-phase foam works and its field application. Case study will 

also be presented. 


Geothermal Energy Resources 


Chair: M. nakagawa, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Sustainable Geothermal Resource Development in 

Rico, Colorado 

M. Nakagawa; Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

Rico is a small town of about 250 residents located in southwestern Colorado. Rico has a 

long history of mining resources development ranging from silver, lead-zinc and uranium. 

Today, Rico has a vision of utilizing another type of indigenous unexplored resource, geothermal, 

which has been identified by the Colorado Geological Survey as having the second 

highest heat flow potential in. In their town development plan, Rico has identified that it 

would be in the town’s best interest if they develop a plan for an integrated cascading use of 

the low-medium geothermal fluid. This presentation stresses how important it is to work together 

with the community and develop a working vision to maximize the benefit of geothermal 

resources development. The Colorado School of Mines and the National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory are jointly supporting the geothermal resources assessment. 

2:25 PM 

Geophysical Assessment of the Mt. Princeton Geothermal Area 

M. Batzle 1 , A. Revil 1 and K. van Wijk 2 ; 1 Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO and 2 Geosciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID 

The upper Arkansas basin has some of the greatest potential for geothermal development in 

Colorado. We used seismic, gravity, and magnetics data to help identify the large structures 

93 

and basin fill associated with the Rio Grande Rift. Adjacent to Mount Princeton Hot Springs, 

near surface geophysics was conducted to help understand the faulting and fractures that 

act as a conduit for hydrothermal flow. The results indicate for the area northwest of the hot 

springs, a 40 to 50 m thick unconsolidated layer overlying the fractured granitic basement. 

There appears to be an upward migration of the water through this shear zone which then 

flows along the porous sediments towards the south in this area. The deep seismic data collected 

in the center of the basin suggests that the depth to the basement is approximately 

2000m. Also identified on the deep seismic are two major faults on the west end and two minors 

at the east end of the cross-section. An alteration zone is identified between the faults 

and a possible Precambrian northeast trending shear zone. 

2:45 PM 

NREL’s Geothermal Energy Program 

T. Williams; NREL, Golden, CO 

Using geothermal energy to produce electricity and heat is a proven, commercially available 

technology. The US currently has 4 GW of geothermal plants installed but this is a small 

fraction of the total potential available. The remaining resources have various technical, 

economic, and political barriers that make their development difficult. The National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has a number of research, development, and deployment 

projects underway that are aimed at addressing these barriers and lead to broader 

application of geothermal energy. This paper discusses NREL’s geothermal program goals, 

activities, and progress. Hydrothermal resources, enhanced geothermal systems, coproduction 

of geothermal with oil and gas operations, and low temperature geothermal resources 

are all addressed in the paper and their unique characteristics, opportunities, and challenges 

articulated. 

3:05 PM 

Ground Source Heat Exchange in Building Foundations 

J. McCartney; Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University 

of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 

Incorporation of heat exchangers into drilled shaft foundations is a novel approach to both 

improve the energy efficiency of building heat pump systems and provide necessary structural 

support for the building using the same construction materials. This study involves a 

description of the heat exchange processes in thermo-active foundations and an experimental 

evaluation of soil-structure interaction due to thermal deformation of the foundation materials. 

Specifically, the measurement of the load-settlement curves of scale-model thermoactive 

foundations in a geotechnical centrifuge after different heat exchange patterns. 

Foundations heated to different temperatures then loaded to failure showed an increase in 

axial capacity proportional to the temperature change. The measured load-settlement 

curves were found to be useful in evaluating changes in side shear distribution with depth 

using a modified load transfer (T-z) analysis. 

3:25 PM 

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP, or GeoExchange) Technology 

Applications to the Mining Industry 

T. Proffer; Major Geothermal, Wheat Ridge, CO 

GeoExchange technology is a flexible technology that can be used for HVAC, process water 

conditioning, and heat recovery for other applications. Mining efforts provide opportunities 

to make use of existing excavation and drilling efforts that can be used to install ground heat 

exchangers, the core component of most GSHP systems. In some applications, waste water 

can be used as directly as an energy source for heat pump systems. Other opportunities may 

develop for using mining resources, both personnel and equipment, to diversify and become 

installation assets for non-mining GSHP applications. GSHP systems may be used for process 

conditioning of mining process efforts, conditioning mining facilities, and even conditioning 

subsurface mining environments. After a mining function is terminated, reclamation can include 

the installation of ground heat exchangers as a benefit to other users after operations 

cease to benefit individual residences, private enterprises, schools and government facilities. 

This may yield benefits to the mine operator in favorable relationships with neighbors and 

government agencies. 

3:45 PM 

Worldwide Geothermal Utilization 

J. Lund; Geothermal, NREL, Golden, CO 

Electricity is being produced from geothermal energy in 24 countires. The installed capacity 

in 2010 is 10,715 MWe and the annual energy produced is 67,246 GWh with a capacity 

factor of 0.72. Geothermal electricity is generated from either a flash steam cycle or an organic 

Rankine cycle (binary)plant. Direct-use of geothermal energy normally uses temperatures 

below 150 degrees C. Direct-use includes space heating and cooling (including district 

heating), greenhouse and aquaculture pond heating, industrial processes, agricultural 

drying and spa and swimming pool heating. Currently the installed capacity for direct-use 

is 48,493 MWt and the annual energy use is 117,740 GWh with a capacity factor of 0.28. 

Geothermal heat pumps are also use for heating and cooling and is the fastest growing use 

of geothermal energy. 

4:05 PM 

A Geochemical Investigation of a Hydrothermal System Near 

Rico, Colorado 

E. Easley and M. Nakagawa; Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO 

Applications of geothermometry to estimate reservoir conditions for geothermal energy exploration 

have been validated in locations including Iceland and New Zealand; however accuracy 

of calibrated geothermometers varies given different geological conditions. Chemical 

conditions of the system may complicate geothermometer calculations, a difficulty illustrated 

by recent geochemical exploration in Rico, Colorado. High concentrations of carbon 

dioxide deem the Na-K-Ca-Mg geothermometer erroneous and dissolution reactions that 

produce carbon dioxide may decrease surface temperatures as thermal fluids ascend. 



Constraining dominant reactions and kinetics proves useful in selecting appropriate geothermometers 

and in understanding the errors associated with their applications. Other applications 

of geochemistry for geothermal exploration include making predictions of production 

quality and feasibility by evaluating reservoir vapor conditions, as well as possible 

complications of scale and/or corrosion. The town of Rico has been selected for geochemical 

evaluation in order to demonstrate these applications and understand their function in an 

area of understudied geological conditions. 

Coal & Energy: Preparation and Utilization 


Chairs: j. Kohmuench, Eriez Manufacturing, Erie, PA 

L. christodoulou, Canadian Process Technologies, 

Erie, PA 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Commercial Evaluation of the Limn Flowsheet Software 

R. Bratton 1 , G. Luttrell 1 , C. Addison 2 , F. Addison 2 and F. Stanley 2 ; 1 Mining and 

Minerals Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 

Blacksburg, VA and 2 Alpha Natural Resources, LLC, Abingdon, VA 

Flowsheet design for coal preparation plants requires multi-step functions, including evaluation 

of feed coals, simulations to predict size and density separations, selecting processing 

technologies, material balances, a graphical representation of the processing units/streams 

and equipment selection. Feed coal data is a snapshot and allowances must be incorporated 

in the flowsheet to accommodate the variability in the feed. As a result, these functions must 

be repeated numerous times to finalize the flowsheet. The advent of spreadsheet software 

has greatly aided in performing these design functions. Limn: “The Flowsheet Processor” 

software, which is based on a MS Excel spreadsheet, combines these functions into one package, 

including the graphical representation. The entire processing circuitry of an operating 

coal preparation plant incorporating four cleaning circuits (with a two-stage DMC circuit 

and a thermal dryer) was modeled with Limn. The paper will present the lessons learned in 

developing the detailed model, the validation required to gain confidence in the model and 

the benefits associated with evaluating feed sources, equipment upgrades and circuit 

modifications. 

2:25 PM 

Parametric Evaluation of Air Table Separations for U.S. Coals of 

Varying Characteristics 

R. Honaker 1 , M. Saracoglu 1 and R. Bratton 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering, University of 

Kentucky, Lexington, KY and 2 Mining & Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, 


A dry separation technology, which utilizes table concentration principles (using air as the 

medium), was evaluated at several coal mining operations throughout the U.S. for the 

purpose of identifying potential dry coal cleaning applications. The coal sources varied in 

rank, washability characteristics and ash content. Parametric evaluations were conducted at 

nearly all test sites using a three-level experimental design in an effort to realize optimum 

performances. Using this approach, the test data was successfully used to generate empirical 

models that describe the separation performance as a function of the parametric values. By 

comparing the general trends of the models generated from the treatment of coals of varying 

characteristics, vibration frequency and longitudinal slope of the table were found to be the 

most critical factors in controlling product ash content over a range of energy recovery values. 

Additionally, the amount of fluidized air applied through the deck was critical for ensuring 

optimum energy recovery. The paper will provide details of the models and compare parameter 

values that provided optimum separation performance for each of the coal sources. 

2:45 PM 

In-Field Evaluation of an Alternative Fine Coal 

Cleaning Technology 

J. Kohmuench, M. Mankosa and E. Yan; R&D, Eriez Manufacturing, Erie, PA 

The Eriez StackCell has been developed to improve upon and compliment conventional and 

column flotation systems. Testing to date has indicated that this technology offers significant 

benefits when applied to high volume flotation feed stocks. The benefits include an improvement 

in flotation rate which results from applying pre-aeration techniques with high-shear 

contacting and a quiescent phase separation. This technology efficiently combines the advantages 

of both conventional and column flotation while providing added flexibility for engineering 

and design firms. Discussed in this paper is the theory of operation along with laboratory-, 

pilot-, and full-scale operational data. 

3:05 PM 

Novel Coal Collector Derived from Pine Tree Pulping 

J. Hines, P. Dopico and D. Kennedy; Georgia-Pacific Chemicals, LLC, Decatur, GA 

Traditionally, fuel oil or diesel was the collector of choice in coal flotation, but in recent years 

these materials have come under increased scrutiny because of concerns about the toxicity 

of some components. In response to these concerns, G-P Chemicals, LLC has commercialized 

a patent pending coal collector that is 100% derived from the pulping of trees. This study 

presents a comparison of yields and recoveries for several different coal collectors, including 

the one derived from the pulping of trees, in laboratory flotation experiments. 

94 

3:25 PM 

Hyperbaric Filtration of Ultrafine Clean Coal Slurries Using 

Modified Approaches 

B. Parekh 1 , J. Yang 2 and S. Wang 3 ; 1 Center for Applied Energy Research, 

Lexington, KY; 2 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and 3 Enzymatic 

Deinking Technologies, Narcross, GA 

Economic dewatering of fine (


been seen that in most of the cases, severe damage occurs due to lack of prompt and affirmative 

action. Because the operational training with the help of real-life mine fire scenarios 

are expensive and unsafe, computer simulation models which take care of most of the parameters 

of mine fire provide an exciting, cost-effective, and safe alternative solution. The 

goal of this paper is to show capability of the computer software and opportunity to use it for 

training of miners, rescue team, and mine operators. Several simulation exercises using computer 

software for room and pillar mining operation are presented. Spread of combustion 

products throughout the ventilation system and effect of buoyancy on an ascensional or a 

descensional ventilation system in real time are discussed. Effect of fire controlling action 

such as implementation of check curtains, breaching a stopping, opening and closing a door, 

and changing the fan characteristics are also discussed to enhance understanding of fire 

fighting techniques. 

2:45 PM 

Expanding the Limitations of the MFire Model 

S. Schafrik 1 and R. Ruckman 2 ; 1 VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA and 2 Mine Ventilation 

Services, Clovis, CA 

In 2002 the authors updated the mfire model developed by the US Bureau of Mines. Mine 

Ventilation Services developed MineFire, which is capable of using the mfire model to perform 

mine fire simulation on typical mine ventilation networks. The MineFire program is capable 

of producing visual schematics and other analysis tools for input and output of the 

mfire model. The mfire model, however, was limited to 500 branches and 10 fans. This paper 

discusses the newly modified mfire model that is now capable of modeling over 5000 

branches and over 400 fans among other expansions and improvements. Given the long history 

and proven track record of mfire, the expansion did not modify the core calculation 

methods or results. This paper focuses on a general discussion of the mfire program and issues 

encountered in expansion of the algorithm. An example large network with simulation 

results is discussed. 

3:05 PM 

A Review of Atmospheric Monitoring Systems in Underground 

Coal Mines: Implications for Explosion Prevention 

K. Griffin, E. Jong and K. Luxbacher; Mining Engineering, Virginia Tech, 


Explosions in underground coal mines have been a serious safety concern since the advent 

of mining; despite significant technological advances, they are still occurring. Parameters 

such as barometric pressure, geological changes, and changes in ventilation can contribute 

to an explosion. These factors can be monitored with available and developing technologies 

to create algorithms that predict when explosions are more likely to occur. This paper reviews 

current underground atmospheric monitoring systems and related regulations 

around the world. In addition, suggestions for improvement and implications for explosion 

prevention are discussed. 

3:25 PM 

Study on Performance-based Design for Mine Fire Safety System 

X. Zhang and J. Tien; Mining Engineering, Missouri University of Science and 


As opposed to a prescriptive-based design, a performance-based fire-protection system design 

allows the system planner the flexibility in choosing specific method, materials and design 

tools to achieve a preset goal. This is a different approach in fire protection and a powerful 

addition to existing method. It has been around for many years, and has gone through 

numerous improvements. Despite its great advances in the building, it has not been introduced 

to the mining industry yet. As mines get deeper, increases in size and complication, 

mine fire safety system will also become increasingly challenging, a new and proven system 

should be able to eradicate many of the problems that are either unsolvable or cost-prohibitive 

with traditional method. With increasing globalization and international exchange 

with other major mining countries a common language/practice also make the performance-based 

design method a desirable feature in mine fire safety system. This paper will 

first define a performance-based system, step-by-step design methods, likely impacts on 

fire-protection practices and possible challenges in implementing the system in US underground 

mines. 


Environmental Planning for Exploration 


Chairs: c. Parnow, Denver, CO 

L. Filipek, URS, Hartland, MI 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Pre-Mining Geochemical Baseline Characterization: 

Improvements through Increased Collaboration Between 

Exploration Geologists and Environmental Scientists 

R. Seal 1 , L. Drew 1 and E. Grunsky 2 ; 1 US Geological Survey, Reston, VA and 

2 

Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada 

from expected disturbances from mining. In contrast, characterization needs to emphasize 

the undisturbed footprint of the proposed mine for closure. Each goal necessitates the most 

modern regulatory context for characterization, regardless of media (surface water, groundwater, 

soil, sediment), to insure the longest term relevance of the work. Each goal also requires 

a statistically significant sample population to describe adequately both the mineralized 

system and the surrounding unmineralized system that includes geochemical 

variations due to differing bedrock lithologies and surficial media. For both purposes, insights 

provided by exploration geologists regarding the geochemistry of the ore deposit, its 

three-dimensional distribution, and structural complexities that may influence hydrology 

will greatly enhance the ability of a baseline characterization program to describe accurately 

pre-mining conditions. 

2:25 PM 

Approach for Environmental Baseline Water Sampling 

K. Smith; Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Denver, CO 

Samples collected during the exploration phase of mining represent baseline conditions at 

the site. As such, they can be very important in forecasting potential environmental impacts 

should mining proceed, and can become measurements against which future changes are 

compared. The chemistry of receiving water can significantly influence downstream water 

quality, and adequate water-quality information is key to forecasting potential ecological impacts 

from mining. Therefore, it is useful to collect baseline water samples adequate for geochemical 

and toxicological modeling. This requires complete chemical analyses that include 

major and minor chemical elements as well as physicochemical properties (including pH, 

specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen) and dissolved organic carbon. Modeling water-quality 

information leads to an understanding of the speciation, transport, sequestration, 

bioavailability, and aquatic toxicity of potential contaminants. Insights gained from geochemical 

and toxicological modeling of water-quality data can be used to design appropriate 

mitigation and for economic planning for future mining activities. 

2:45 PM 

Exploration Geochemistry, Regional Geochemistry, 

Landscape Geochemistry – Are They All the Same? 

R. Wanty, P. Verplanck and R. Eppinger; US Geological Survey, 

Denver, CO 

Geochemical reconnaissance studies have taken place for mineral exploration, resource assessment, 

baseline evaluation, estimation of conditions prior to some anticipated perturbation, 

or examination of an area before and after some event (land-use change, fire, etc.). 

Various studies have different goals, but similarities exist, including types of media sampled, 

range of analyses performed, etc. With the recent availability of large geochemical databases, 

it would be desirable to evaluate the applicability of existing data for other purposes. We will 

examine some existing databases in the context of spatial/temporal scales of geological 

processes and the spatial detail needed to track those processes. 

3:05 PM 

New Insights on Metal Biogeochemistry and the Microbial 

Ecology of Mine Waste – Is the Mining Industry Putting Them to 

Good Use? 

L. Kirk and B. Peyton; Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State 

University, Bozeman, MT 

Recent biogeochemical research characterizing the microbial community and chemistry of 

mined rock, tailing and post-mine pit lakes has improved our understanding of the very significant 

influence of microbial ecology on metal cycling in mine waste. The overall understanding 

of microbial influences on geochemical cycling and speciation of metals has grown 

exponentially in recent years as well, fueled by development of high throughput, sensitive 

molecular biology tools. Standard industry testing protocols, such as kinetic humidity cell 

and column leach tests, used to characterize mine waste in baseline permitting and operational 

geochemistry studies integrate microbial influences on metal cycling only marginally, 

if at all, and make little use of molecular biology methods. What does this mean for our ability 

to predict future water quality? How can new knowledge be used to improve water quality 

prediction and waste management efforts? This presentation will address the question, 

“Are we putting this new information to good use?” 

3:25 PM 

Evaluating Microbial Communities in Mine Waste Using 

Molecular Techniques 

B. Peyton 1 and L. Kirk 2 ; 1 Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State 

University, Bozeman, MT and 2 Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, 

Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 

The mining industry spends millions of dollars annually to predict and reduce water quality 

impacts of mined materials. Microorganisms in mine waste are complex and directly affect 

sulfur and metal oxidation, thus influencing pH and metal concentrations in affected waters. 

Modern molecular biology tools offer cost-effective methods for quantifying mineral-rock 

associated microbial communities. These methods allow characterization of microbial community 

dynamics, metabolism, and response to environmental conditions that directly affect 

environmental chemistry. This presentation describes potential industrial application of 

techniques we have successfully used to study natural and mining-affected metal and sulfur 

cycling environments. These techniques include quantification of microbes without culturing 

and the effects of changing operating conditions. These techniques can improve organism 

specific management and control strategies. An improved understanding of the microbial 

community and its response to waste management will improve industry capacity to 

protect water quality. 

Pre-mining geochemical baselines serve the dual purposes of providing a basis from which 

to monitor environmental disturbances during mining and establishing realistic environmental 

targets for closure. For monitoring, characterization should emphasize areas away 


95


Environmental: Geospatial Technologies for 

Environmental Applications 


Chairs: D. Peters, Peters Geosciences, Golden, CO 

R. Kramer, FMC, Rock Springs, WY 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

New 3D GIS Tools for Management, Visualization and Analysis 

of Data for Mine Environmental Studies – Example from the 

Carbondale Coal Mining Area, Colorado 

W. Lynch; Energy-Mining Industry Team, Esri, Denver, CO 

New 3D GIS functionality and GIS mapping tools have recently been released with ESRI 

ArcGIS10 and the 3D Analyst extension. These tools allow Geoscience Professionals to perform 

more powerful data management, more effective 3D data visualization and more useful 

analysis in mining environmental management studies. An example of data from the 

Carbondale Coal Mining Area and vicinity will be discussed. The Carbondale Coal Mining 

Area is located from near Redstone, Pitkin County, Colorado to Glenwood Springs, Garfield 

County, Colorado along the western margin of the Rocky Mountains. The mining area is perhaps 

best known for the coal mine disasters in the Dutch Creek-Coal Basin mines which 

killed a total of 24 miners. No active mining is currently occurring in the area but mining 

does continue to the south in the Somerset-Paonia coal fields. Data for the study area includes 

geology from USGS and CGS as well as reclamation data and plans from the former operator 

and archived files of the CDNRDMG and OSM. High resolution 3D digital elevation data 

was acquired from the USGS NED and high resolution basemap maps and images were obtained 

from ESRI ArcGIS online services. 

2:25 PM 

Applying 3D GIS to Abandoned Mine Problems For Local and 

County Governments 

J. Russell; Gilpin County, Golden, CO 

Abandoned mines and their secondary subsidence effects are a significant problem in small 

communities with limited funds and resources. Central City, Colorado is an example of such 

a rural community that has seen major near-surface, underground mining activity, and related 

surface subsidence with open stopes and shafts. Personal safety and property safety 

are concerns to local planning departments, but little can be done when old, unknown workings 

become exposed in residential areas where underground mapping is either incomplete 

or not available to local agencies. Surface and subsurface data has been collected during and 

after the boom in mine development of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but much of 

this data has not been converted to digital form. Converting the subsurface historic mine 

data into 3D Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layers has proved quite useful in understanding 

the nature and extent of past mineral development beneath residential areas, highways, 

roads, and as an aid in future land use planning. This presentation describes the 

process involved in data conversion, the finished product, and how this information can be 

used by local governments. 

2:45 PM 

Using ArcGIS and AutoCAD to Build Water Quality Geodatabases 

for Tennessee’s Coalfield 

E. Smith; Office of Surface Mining, US Department of the Interior, Knoxville, TN 

Under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act or 1977 (SMCRA), a coal mining permit 

requires review and approval by the Regulatory Agency (RA). Background environmental 

data, such as geology and water quality analyses, supplied by the applicant of the permit 

is a very expensive element of the permit review process and is vital to understanding the 

potential environmental impacts of the proposed coal mining operation. Until recently, all 

data was submitted on paper. To conserve this data for possible reuse in computer software 

during analysis of nearby proposed mining operations and other important watershed studies, 

the Office of Surface Mining in Knoxville, Tennessee implemented an ArcSDE 

Geodatabase using Microsoft SQL Server. This paper describes the successful conversion of 

this legacy data from paper to digital format by using ArcMap and AutoCAD. 

3:05 PM 

Accessing Free (and nearly-free) Online Mapping Information 

T. Hepworth; Comm-Tech, Boulder, CO 

The internet has made a wealth of information available to the general public at little or no 

cost. However, accessing resources can often seem like trying to sip a drink of water from a 

fire hydrant. This session will highlight the resources available through: (1) the USGS 

National Seamless Map Server for aerial imagery, maps and surface models; (2) the 

GeoCommunities GIS Data Store for US Census TIGER data and as an alternate to the data 

available from the Seamless Map Server; (3) the USDA NRCS soils maps via their online portal 

(web soil service), as well as downloading and compiling their spatial and tabular data 

for off-line use; and (4) using Google Earth to access FEMA floodplain information, USPLSS 

maps, and BLM web map service data. All of this information, it can be readily incorporated 

into geospatial enabled CAD software for presentation, analysis and design. It is also possible 

to import screen captures of Google Earth’s imagery and Web Map Service connections 

directly into a CAD environment. With free on-line data, one can accomplish preliminary 

siting and design prior to leaving the office, or use it for preparing environmental 

documentation. 

96 

Geology: Exploring the Ocean Floor 


Chair: j. Lowe, Nautilus Minerals, Milton, QLD Australia 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Seafloor Massive Sulfide (SMS) Exploration in the Azores 

F. Marques 1 and S. Scott 2 ; 1 CREMINER (LA-ISR), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, 

Portugal and 2 Geology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada 

The Azores Islands of Portugal occupy a plateau along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) produced 

by a magmatic plume resulting from abnormally high degrees of melting in the mantle. 

There are 5 known sites of hydrothermal activity on segments of the MAR south of the 

Azores between 36° and 40°N: Menez Gwen (37°50’N), Saldanha (37°34’N), Lucky Strike 

(37°17’N), Menez Hom (37°08’N) and Rainbow (36°14’N). The centers of these MAR segments 

are characterized by intense volcanic activity and high temperature seafloor hydrothermal 

systems with base and precious metal seafloor massive sulfides (SMS). Three of 

the sites, Menez Hom, Saldanha and Rainbow, are hosted by ultramafic rocks (serpentinized 

harzburgite). All three occur on non-transform offsets at the ends of second order segments 

of the MAR. The other two sites are on basalt. SMS have not yet been looked for close to the 

Azores Islands. The complex tectonics and influence of the magmatic plume suggest that putative 

inter-island SMS may be different from “normal” MAR deposits. Extensive surveys of 

the area are being made by the EMEPC (Portuguese Task Force for the Extension of the 

Continental Platform) using state-of-the-art technology. 

2:25 PM 

Resource Drilling of the Solwara 1 Seafloor Massive Sulfide 

(SMS) Deposit 

J. Lowe and T. Sant; Nautilus Minerals, Milton, QLD, Australia 

The Solwara 1 prospect is located in the Manus Basin of Papua New Guinea at a water depth 

of between 1500 and 1600 metres. Sulphide-bearing chimneys and mounds occur on and 

within a substrate of andesitic and dacitic volcanic flow-units along a trend of over one kilometre 

with a width of up to 200 metres. Mineralisation is dominated by pyrite- chalcopyrite 

in a anhydrite-barite-clay gangue; high-grade mineralisation, centred on hydrothermal fluid 

conduits, zones outwards into altered volcanic rocks. Over 150 surface samples have been 

collected from chimney structures during dives made by remote operated vehicles (ROVs) 

and a proprietary electromagnetic (EM) system has been used to map the surface outline of 

the deposit. Between 2006 and 2008 Nautilus Minerals carried out 3 drill programs that 

allow the calculation of a Canadian NI43-101 compliant resource estimate. An additional 

drill program during 2010 has significantly added to the available geological knowledge for 

Solwara 1 and will form the basis of an updated resource estimation in early 2011. 

2:45 PM 

A New Step to Seafloor Exploration: High-Resolution Side-scan 

Mapping of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Using a Fleet of Three 

REMUS-type Autonomous Underwater Vehicles 

S. Petersen 1 , M. Purcell 2 , G. Packard 2 , A. Sherrell 3 , D. Wanless 4 , M. Mulrooney 5 

and M. Rothenbeck 1 ; 1 Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences, I FM-GEOMAR, Kiel, 

Germany; 2 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA; 3 Harbor 

Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL; 

4 

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL and 5 Hydroid Inc., Pocassett, MA 

In April 2010 three REMUS6000 series autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV’s) have been 

used to simultaneously map large areas near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in search of a lost airplane. 

One vehicle was provided by IFM-GEOMAR (Germany) the other two by the Waitt 

Institute for Discovery (USA) and managed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute 

(USA). An EDGETECH 2200M dual frequency (120/410 kHz) side scan sonar was used 

achieving a swath width of up to 1.2 km. Side-scan mosaics were generated with a 1m resolution. 

The vehicles navigated using a combination of inertial navigation (Kearfott) and long 

baseline acoustic navigation by computing their range to two moored acoustic transponders. 

Working efficiently in this rough topography at speeds above 3 knots was only possible due 

to the obstacle avoidance capabilities of these AUV’s. Overall, 50 missions were completed 

covering 5487 line km and mapping an area of 2675 km2 in only 24.5 days. The fast turnaround 

time and the reliability of the AUV’s show that a fleet of these autonomous systems is 

a prime choice for a fast and detailed regional geological mapping and exploration survey, efficiently 

using the shiptime. 

3:05 PM 

Size, Age and Accumulation Rates of Seafloor Massive 

Sulfide Deposits 

J. Jamieson and M. Hannington; Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 

ON, Canada 

We present a new model for the size distribution of seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits. 

This model is used to predict the average size, number of deposits, and potential size of the 

largest deposits in a given area. Using a three-part resource assessment, developed by the 

USGS, these data are used to produce a global SMS resource estimate. Accumulation rates 

(i.e. how long it takes for an SMS deposit to form) can be determined by radioisotope age 

dating of hydrothermal minerals within SMS deposits. A new dating technique, using the 

decay of Ra-226 (half-life of 1,600 years) in hydrothermal barite, has been developed in 

order to determine the age distribution of entire hydrothermal fields. A pilot study of the 

Endeavour vent field, on the Juan de Fuca ridge, has produced results that indicate that the 

onset of venting occurred around 5,000 years ago. This chronometer provides a powerful 



tool to document not only the longevity of venting at a site, but also the periodicity of venting, 

which, when examined in conjunction with total tonnage of sulfide, can be used to determine 

the mass accumulation rates of sulfide in a vent field. 

3:25 PM 

Evolution of Geotechnical Properties in Hydrothermal Sulfide 

Mounds, the Reveal of a Maturation Threshold 

B. Waquet 1 and Y. Fouquet 2 ; 1 Technip Mines, Technip, Bagnolet, France and 

2 

Laboratoire de Géochimie et Métallogénie - Departement Geosciences 

Marines, I fremer, Plouzané, France 

The genesis of a hydrothermal subsea mound, by sulfide chimney debris heaping, seems to 

induce a vertical maturation gradient. 8 seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) samples were selected 

as a panel representing the different SMS maturation stages that can be found in a hydrothermal 

mound. For each sample, mineralogy and chemistry were observed (microscope, 

XRD, XRF) and geotechnical properties were measured. We found, after mineralogical evidence, 

that porosity could be used as a maturation index for SMS. Thus, the correlation between 

a geotechnical property and the sulfide maturation stage might simply be described 

as the correlation between such property and the sulfide porosity. Results revealed that uniaxial 

compressive strength and Young’s modulus (and in a lesser certitude tensile strength, 

abrasivity and hardness) increase very weakly with maturation until a maturation threshold, 

and rocket to much higher values above it. An ore strength threshold would highly modify 

the mine plans of a subsea mining exploitation: this threshold identification will have to be 

double-checked by further measurements and would be, if confirmed, a critical finding from 

a mining point of view. 

3:45 PM 

Acquisition and Processing of Electromagnetic and Magnetic 

Data for SMS Exploration 

P. Kowalczyk; Ocean Floor Geophysics Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada 

The mapping and ranking of economic SMS deposits is greatly assisted by the acquisition of 

electromagnetic [EM] data. EM data from Solwara 1 is presented, along with processing 

considerations. The OFG EM system has a small footprint and produces an accurate map of 

near bottom mineralization. It is also credited with the discovery of covered and previously 

unknown mineralization at the Solwara project that does not outcrop on the ocean bottom. 

The OFG system has evolved from the Mark 1 to the Mark 3 system over three years of use 

in SMS exploration. The present Mark 3 system is a compact, easily mounted system that 

can be used on various ROVs. The acquisition of accurate bathymetric data greatly aids in 

the interpretation of ocean bottom EM data. This provides important information for 

drilling and economic assessment. If magnetic data is also collected, then the magnetic data 

can be processed using inversion methods to infer zones of magnetite destruction that can 

identify the location and size of the mineralized feeder zones in the roots of the deposits. 

The EM and magnetic interpretation allow a ranking of drill targets at an early stage in the 

exploration process. 

Various dispersants have been used to lower water usage while achieving targeted flow 

characteristics for initial forming. However, high material costs, stiff emission requirements, 

and adverse interactions with individual components in the formulation have limited the 

dispersant level used. Gypsum slurry is a multiphase material containing solids, liquid, and 

air bubbles. Computational fluid dynamic modeling is utilized to provide a fundamental understanding 

of multiphase flow in complex flow geometry at a lower water usage. These 

tools have been used to develop new design concepts for process enhancements and preliminary 

results to reduce energy in wallboard manufacturing process will be presented. 

2:45 PM 

The Impact of Various Polymers on Dewatering and Filtration of 

Ultrafine Coal 

Q. Liu; Uinversityof Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada 

Experiments were conducted to study the influence of various flocculants such as polyacrylamide 

(PAM) and inorganic-colloidal modified temperature sensitive polymers (TSP) on the 

dewatering and filtration of fine coal. Results have shown that the polymers modified by inorganic 

colloidal particles significantly enhance the dewatering and filtration performance. 

The effects of temperatures of coal slurry on dewatering and filtration in the presence of 

temperature sensitive polymers will be reported. The role of surface tension, surface wettability, 

zeta-potential, and coal type on dewatering and filtration of fine coal will be discussed. 

3:05 PM 

Waste Materials for the Treatment of Contaminated Water 

C. Li 1 , F. Cheng 1 , X. Wang 2 and J. Miller 2 ; 1 Research Center of Industrial Waste 

and Resources Engineering, Shanxi University, Tianyuan, China and 

2 

Department of Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Waste materials, such as steel slag, modified coal fly ash, ceramic balls, and iron turnings 

were evaluated as a reactive media for COD and NH3 removal from wastewater with respect 

to material stability and adsorption capacity. The results showed that the iron turnings and 

ceramic balls gave the best COD and NH3 removal. The good removal of COD and NH3 is due 

to the fact that the iron turnings provide some zero valence iron and the ceramic balls provide 

a porous structure. A large scale column experiment with the combination of these materials 

is in progress. 


USGS: Mineral Resources Research 


Chair: K. Long, US Geological Survey, Tucson, AZ 


New Processes for Energy, Water 

and Waste Conservation 


Chairs: S. Ravishankar, Cytec Industries Inc, Stamford, CT 

S. Veeramasuneni, USG Corporation, Libertyville, IL 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Antiscalant Technology for Phosphoric Acid Plant 

S. Ravishankar 1 and B. Wang 2 ; 1 Cytec Industries Inc, Stamford, CT and 

2 

Cytec Industries, Stamford, CT 

Scale formation remains a perennial problem in phosphoric acid plants. It occurs throughout 

the process from beginning of digestion step to making phosphoric acids of various P2O5 

content. Typically,the scaling is seen in the pipeline carrying hot phosphoric acid and in heat 

exchangers during evaporation. The scale formation is due to conducive hot saturated environment 

combined with thermal fluctuations that occur during the cooling of hot acid in the 

pipelines during transfer and due to evaporation while concentrating the P2O5 level from dilute 

acids. Scale species are of different chemistries and they can be broadly categorized in to 

fluorosilicates and fluoroaluminates species. Removing such scales requires frequent mechanical 

cleaning at the expense of yield loss during and end of production cycle. Cytec has 

developed a successful chemical treatment technology to prevent scaling on the pipelines 

used for the transfer hot acid solution without any downstream effects and it was successfully 

demonstrated at the plant level. This paper will illustrate the need, development and 

plant testing of our antiscalent technology. 

2:25 PM 

Energy Reduction in Wallboard Processes 

A. Li, D. Song and S. Veeramasuneni; USG Corporation, Libertyville, IL 

In gypsum wallboard manufacturing, water is used as a transport medium to distribute 

solid/air phases and other additives uniformly in the flow and then removed by thermal 

means to form the final product. However, excess water is generally added to improve slurry 

flowability. Although reduced excess water usage is preferred for achieving energy reduction 

initiatives, this creates huge challenges in producing slurry with proper flow properties. 

97 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Mine Waste Geochemical and Mineralogical Characteristics: 

Implications for Environmental Mitigation and Byproduct 

Resource Recovery 

R. Seal 1 , P. Hageman 2 , N. Piatak 1 and S. Diehl 2 ; 1 US Geological Survey, 

Reston, VA and 2 US Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

The geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of modern mine wastes on a deposit-type 

basis provide insights into potential environmental challenges associated with future mining, 

and into byproduct resource recovery potential from future or abandoned mines. Acidbase 

accounting signatures vary by deposit type. Bulk geochemical data from mine waste 

from different deposit types can be compared with soil and sediment criteria to identify specific 

elements for which waste-management practices may need to be refined. Synthetic precipitation 

leachate characteristics can be compared to aquatic criteria to highlight elements 

that may warrant attention. Trace-element compositions of mine waste, particularly for 

emerging technologically important elements like Te, In, Ga, Nd may help identify deposit 

types for which byproduct resource recovery may be viable in the future. Alternatively, these 

results may also help identify deposit types for which reprocessing of existing mine waste at 

inactive or abandoned mines may be feasible. This information should be useful at all stages 

of mine development from exploration through permitting, operation, and closure. 

2:25 PM 

Quantitative Measures of Mineral Supply Risk 

K. Long; WMERSC, US Geological Survey, Tucson, AZ 

The US is a significant importer of minerals, including rare earth elements, niobium, tantalum, 

and tellurium. In order to assess the relative security of supply of imported minerals, 

the U.S. Geological Survey has developed some quantitative measures of mineral supply risk. 

These are measures of concentration and of country risk expressed in a form that allows 

comparison and ranking of the different mineral commodities used by the US. Concentration 

of supply, the number of countries from which imported minerals are obtained and their relative 

share in imports, is a key indicator of vulnerability to disruptions in mineral supply 

whether caused by natural disasters, political unrest, war, or policy changes. Country risk 

can be looked at several ways, including the likelihood that a country will pay its external 

debts, the ease and security of conducting business, and receptiveness to investment in the 

minerals sector. A combination of measures of concentration and country risk results in a 

short list of mineral commodities that are of greatest risk of supply disruptions: Sb, barite, 

chromite, Co, fluorspar, Ga, graphite, In, Nb, PGE, REE, Re, Ta, Ti, and W. 



2:45 PM 

Statistical Methods of Estimating Mining Costs 

K. Long; WMERSC, US Geological Survey, Tucson, AZ 

The U.S. Bureau of Mines maintained a Cost Estimating System (CES) for prefeasibility-type 

economic evaluations of mineral deposits. This system had a significant role in mineral resource 

assessments in that it could be used as a rough gauge of the potential economic viability 

of undeveloped known and undiscovered mineral deposits. CES did not survive the defunding 

of the Bureau of Mines in 1995. Given its limited resources, the U.S. Geological Survey 

cannot undertake updating and maintaining CES. We have tried instead to use statistical tools 

to estimate mining costs from basic properties of mineral deposits such as tonnage, grade, 

distance from infrastructure, rock strength, etc. The first step was to re-estimate “Taylor’s 

Rule” which relates operating rate to available ore tonnage. This was successful, as was a statistical 

model of capital costs for open pit porphyry copper mines with flotation concentrators. 

Attempts at porphyry copper operating cost model have had mixed success so far. 

3:05 PM 

Use of Groundwater Geochemistry and Sulfur Isotopes for the 

Detection of Concealed Porphyry Copper Deposits Near 

Safford, Arizona 

R. Johnson 1 , F. Gray 2 and S. Giles 1 ; 1 Geologic Discipline, USGS, Denver, CO and 

2 

Geologic Discipline, USGS, Tucson, AZ 

Past research has indicated a potential for using groundwater geochemistry and sulfur isotopes 

for the detection of porphyry copper deposits. Generally, less depleted sulfur isotopes 

(δ34S near +10 to +15‰) indicate gypsum dissolution and more depleted sulfur isotopes 

indicate sulfide oxidation (δ34S near -6 to 0‰), with sulfide oxidation being a potential indicator 

of concealed porphyry copper deposits. Near Safford, Arizona, several porphyry copper 

deposits have been discovered and production began in 2008 (San Juan and Dos Pobres 

deposits). Spring samples to the northeast of these deposits were compared to groundwater 

collected from wells in and around the Safford Mine. Sulfur isotopes in shallow groundwater 

are depleted (δ34S near +1 to +5‰) compared to deeper groundwater samples (δ34S near 

+9 to +11‰). A strong sulfur isotope signature is only evident very close to the deposits 

(δ34S = -2.2‰). While this study did not identify any new concealed porphyry copper deposits 

in the area, we believe the procedure still remains valid, with the caution that an understanding 

of the regional hydrogeology may influence the likelihood for new concealed 

deposit identification. 

3:25 PM 

Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Data in Decision 

Making and Risk Analysis 

M. Gettings; USGS, Tucson, AZ 

Possibility theory offers a generalized method for combining qualitative and quantitative data 

into layers that can then be used in criteria-based logical statements useful in decision-making 

and risk assessment problems. As a sub-discipline of fuzzy logic, there are well defined 

rules for quantifying qualitative and semi-quantitative data (such as geochemical survey data 

and geologic maps) into possibility functions. This minimizes subjectivity and bias in the decision-making 

process and increases repeatability and objectivity. Once quantified, the data 

layers can be combined in various what-if scenarios to explore the space of permissible outcomes, 

and the possibility functions for each layer include uncertainty due to both lack of 

knowledge and inherent variation in the layer variables. A decision-making example has been 

completed in southeastern Arizona in which the use of quantitative aeromagnetic, gravity and 

geochemical anomaly data was combined with qualitative geologic data, mineral resource occurrences, 

and structural interpretations to define areas of high mineral occurrence possibility 

beneath geologic cover for several deposit types. 

3:45 PM 

The Contribution of the Phosphate Project to the 

Saudi Arabian Economy 

M. Aldagheiri; Geography Department, Qassim University, Buraydah, 

Saudi Arabia 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is largely considered to be a single-commodity economy, in 

that the oil sector is the most important pillar of the national economy, while the non-oil sectors 

play a relatively weak role. National economic diversification is considered a strategic 

goal for the Saudi Arabian government. The minerals sector in Saudi Arabia is one of the economic 

activities which has already started to achieve this strategic goal of diversification 

away from oil-related activities as the main source of national income. Saudi Arabia has 

strategic industrial minerals such as phosphate, bauxite, high-grade silica and gypsum as 

well as industrial raw materials that can be used in the domestic, regional and overseas markets. 

This paper examines the phosphate which is considering one of the industrial minerals 

important to the economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on its production, the 

structure of its industry and the effects of government policies and planning efforts. 

4:05 PM 

Phosphate Rare Earth Elements 

D. Cordier; NMIC, USGS, Reston, VA 

Phosphate districts in the United States contain an identified resource of rare earth elements 

(REE). There is a high ratio of heavy rare earth elements(HREEs) to light rare earth elements 

(LREEs) in phosphate rock, making this a prospectively valuable domestic rare earth resource. 

When processing phosphate rock to produce phosphoric acid, it is possible to recover 

these rare earths. This REE identified resource may represent an important economic 

byproduct with low barriers to market entry. 


Open Pit II: Planning and Optimization 


Chair: j. humphrey, Caterpillar, Decatur, IL 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Stochastic Pushback Design: Method, Application, Comparisons 

and Value Added 

R. Dimitrakopoulos and F. Consuegra; Department of Mining, Metals and 

Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 

Pushback design affects the way a mineral deposit is extracted. It defines i) where does the 

operation begin, ii) the contour of the ultimate pit and iii) how to reach such ultimate contour. 

Therefore, different pushback designs lead to differences in the NPV of a project. It is of 

importance to find the optimal pushback design which maximizes the NPV. Conventional approaches 

to designing pushbacks lead to not meeting production targets and NPV forecasts. 

This is mainly due to the lack of integrating uncertainty into the process. Recent efforts have 

shown that the integration of uncertainty into production scheduling results in NPV increments 

in the order ~25%. The purpose of this research is to make use of a stochastic integer 

programming model to integrate uncertainty into the process of pushback design. The approach 

is tested on porphyry copper deposit. Results show that the new approach yielded an 

increment of ~30% in the NPV when compared to the conventional approach. The differences 

reported are due to the different scheduling patterns, the waste mining rate and an extension 

of the pit limits which yielded an extra ~5.5 thousand tonnes of metal. 

2:25 PM 

Production Scheduling Optimization at Newmont’s Twin Creeks 

Mining Operations 

K. Dagdelen; Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO 

Newmont’s Twin Creeks mine is a multiple pit operation providing gold ores to multiple 

process options which include oxide and refractory ore processing. The material processed 

at the Sage autoclave plant is blended with material coming from multiple underground, 

open pit and stockpile sources including from the Twin Creeks Mega pit. The Twin Creeks 

mine scheduling is complex since it has to incorporate the material coming into the plant 

from outsite sources along with the material coming from the Twin Creeks pit for proper 

blending. This paper will discuss production scheduling of Twin Creeks pit under complex 

mining and processing constraints. 

2:45 PM 

Rapid Determination of Ore Properties for Improved 

Open Pit Mine Operations 

B. Curtiss and D. Shiley; ASD, Inc., Boulder, CO 

Reflectance spectroscopy is widely used in the mining industry to identify new deposits as 

well as to provide information that supports ore sorting and processing decisions. The speed 

of the method, typically less than 10 seconds per sample, makes it particularly suitable for 

the rapid analysis of blast-hole cuttings in support of metallurgical processing decision making. 

In this application, reflectance spectroscopy is used to measure a wide range of mineralogical 

and metallurgical ore properties such as abundance of swelling clays, acid consumption, 

hardness and total fines all of which are important for optimizing heap leach 

operations. The determination of other minerals, such as talc, are of interest to ores subject 

to floatation concentration. It is possible to perform quantitative ore analysis on either 

coarse (>10 mm) or ground samples, with


3:25 PM 

Evaluation and Analysis of Mine Expansions Under 

Uncertain Markets 

S. Sabour and R. Dimitrakopoulos; Mining and Materials Engineering, 

McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 

Under the continuously changing market conditions, mine expansion is an operational response 

to upside shifts in metal prices. Analysing mine expansion options during the early 

stages of mine planning enables maximizing the overall value of the project and minimizing 

the cost and time required to adapt to the new market conditions. It is well known that traditional 

economic evaluation techniques based on the static discounted cash flow analysis 

are not well suited to handle such strategic planning decisions as they cannot handle uncertainty 

and the responses to the resolutions of that uncertainty. This work outlines a real options 

valuation approach to analyse the mine expansion options. The proposed approach incorporates 

metal prices uncertainty as well as the possibility to change the operating 

conditions of the mine in response to the new information. Two case studies of a copper 

mine and a copper-nickel mine are presented. 

3:45 PM 

Open Pit Production Scheduling Optimization Using 

Aggregated Blocks 

H. Askari-Nasab, H. Eivazy, M. Tabesh and M. Badiozamani; School of Mining 

and Petroleum Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada 

Open pit mine plans define the complex strategy of displacement of ore and waste over the 

mine life. Various mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulations have been used 

for production scheduling of open pit mines. The main problem with these models is the inability 

to solve real size mining problems. We present two mixed integer linear programming 

formulations for the open pit long-term production scheduling problem. To reduce the number 

of binary integer variables in the formulation, we aggregate blocks into larger units referred 

to as mining-cuts. We present a semi-supervised clustering algorithm, which aggregates 

smaller blocks based on rock types and grade ranges into mining-cuts without 

sacrificing the accuracy of the estimated values. The cluster-based aggregation algorithm, is 

fully integrated into an MILP mine production scheduling prototype software. We have implemented, 

verified, and validated our models. The efficiency of the new platform is evaluated 

through iron ore mine and oil sands case studies. 

Mining and Exploration: Process Redesign: 

The Lynchpin for Information-based 

Technologies Success 


Chair: S. Dessureault, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Integration of Blending and Load Out Processes in Large Scale 

Coal Mine Operations using a Control and Monitoring System 

V. Tenorio and S. Dessureault; Mining and Geological Engineering, University 

of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

Blending and Load Out are critical processes in large scale opencast coal mines that require 

strategic decisions in order to minimize variability given the time constraints while loading 

train cars and the restrictions applied by contractual specifications. In this paper, a supervisory 

system with decision support features is proposed to provide the operator with a holistic 

perspective of the complexities of blending and load out processes while keeping the flow 

of operations. Each module of the system corresponds to the areas involved in these 

processes, with diverse data sources integrated in a Data Warehouse. These modules provide 

real-time information for making decisions that will impact the overall production results, 

balancing between maximizing profits, keeping costs down and utilizing the existing 

infrastructure in full, while adhering to the mine plan. The proposed supervisory system design 

is built in a control room along with fleet management and plant control for comprehensive 

monitoring of operations and information exchange between areas. The effectiveness 

of a prototype system is shown after being tested with actual production data. 

2:25 PM 

Creating a New Work Environment Through HF/E 

I. Nimmo; UCDS Inc., New River, AZ 

Since the beginning of Aluminum mining and refining the industry has lived with distributed 

control rooms and suffered from many behavioral problems common with this design. When 

Human Factor/Ergonomic design is introduced to a Western Australian installation a common 

centralized control room realized many improvements including economic payback. 

Communications issues were resolved, better coordination of materials, improved situation 

awareness during startups, abnormal operations and an opportunity to make improvements 

during normal operations characterize the changes at the Worsley Refinery. This presentation 

will review the reasons for the changeSince the beginning of Aluminum mining and refining 

the industry has lived with distributed control rooms and suffered from many behavioral 

problems common with this design. When Human Factor/Ergonomic design is 

introduced to a Western Australian installation a common centralized control room realized 

many improvements including economic payback. This presentation will review the reasons 

for the change, what changed and the process of changing the culture from reactive to predictive 

and what difference that has made. 

99 

2:45 PM 

Integrated Operations Centres – Why They Will 

Revolutionise Mining 

A. Sherring; Independent Consultant, Perth, WA, Australia 

The concept of a Remote Operations Centre, or ROC, to centralise control functions, has been 

around for a long time, and many examples exist. However, the Integrated Operations Centre, 

or IOC, is much more than just a centralised control room, and is set to become adopted as a 

standard across the industry. Why? Because it is just plain common sense. This presentation 

will explain exactly what an IOC is, and how it works. It will explain how a well designed IOC 

can deliver 5-15% improvement to your business. And more importantly, why this improvement 

is sustainable, and why sustainable improvement is one of the biggest challenges faced 

by the mining industry. And it will explain how an IOC can be implemented in a low risk way, 

with fast results, to achieve these improvements plus a host of other benefits. The speaker is 

an authority on this subject, having led the design and implementation of Rio Tinto Iron 

Ore’s ground-breaking and highly successful new Operations Centre in Perth, and now working 

with a number of major mining clients to apply the same principles to their particular 

business needs. 

3:05 PM 

IT Enabled Changes to Frontline Mine Planning in Large Coal 

Mines to Balance Production Efficiency, Long-term Schedules, 

and Quality in Real-time 

M. Kahraman and S. Dessureault; Mining and Geological Engineering, 

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

Large coal operations with many differing quality contracts have the challenge of balancing 

equipment efficiency, fulfilling 3 to 6 month contracts based on quality, all while maintaining 

the longer-term mine planning schedule related to the pit sequence. Furthermore, unexpected 

changes such as unplanned equipment downs, to faster-than-expected dragline operations 

requires planning to be dynamic and flexible. However, most mine planning processes 

consider the maximum capacity of equipment, whereas a more realistic planning process 

should take the advantage of past data to plan according to a distribution of performance. 

This would help real-time operational control to address the floating bottlenecks in these 

processes. Finally, the best laid plan is ineffective if it is not implemented at the real-time 

control level by Fleet Management System controllers. Frontline mine plans should instead 

become part of the production control process through measures and incentives for the 

mine operators. This session be a case study of a redesign of mine planning and production 

management using information based technology in the form of a large data warehouse. 

3:25 PM 

Putting Technology to Work in the Mine: A Case Study 

D. Fisk; Mining Solutions, Matrikon, a divison of Honeywell, Guelph, 

ON, Canada 

There is a tremendous amount of data available in a mine today, and collecting 

that data from fixed and mobile equipment has generally become reliable and 

economically feasible. Deploying the technology to collect and use the available 

data can provide a valuable tool for supporting operational and maintenance 

decisions but will only be effective if the business processes are in place to use 

these tools. This case study looks at how one mining company has designed 

their business to take advantage of the data collection and analysis tool set to 

help monitor and optimize their heavy mobile equipment. 


Safety Technologies for Safer Mines 


Chair: D. edwards, Caterpillar Inc., Dunlap, IL 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

ASTiD – The Impact of Real-Time Intervention to Prevent 

Driver Sleepiness 

I. Thomas; Fatigue Management International, Wirral, United Kingdom 

Falling asleep at the wheel of a moving vehicle is not only dangerous but avoidable. These 

types of crashes normally result in serious injury and/or fatality. However, when a 300 tonne 

haul truck has a sleep related crash it is not only the safety of the driver that has a high price 

but also the commercial impact on the mines production and efficiency. We have been developing 

ASTiD (the Advisory System for Tired Drivers) to fully integrate into the mine environment. 

The benefits being driver shift optimisation, sustained productivity and of course less 

accidents due to driver sleepiness and fatigue. By monitoring the drivers alertness levels in 

real-time using ASTID, the Dispatcher becomes empowered to make critical, management 

decisons that will ultimately prevent serious injury or loss of life. 




2:25 PM 

Fatigue Monitoring of Haul Truck Operators – 

Real World Results 

M. Bartlett; Technology Center, Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company, 

Safford, AZ 

Real-time monitoring of the fatigue level in haul truck operators can now be accomplished 

by several technologies. A year-long pilot of the Seeing Machines DSS technology has provided 

considerable data on the alertness of 12-hour shift operators and distraction behaviors. 

Micro-sleep events follow a typical circadian cycle and for 12-hour shift operators these 

peak at 4 to 6 AM in the morning. The measured number of events is much greater than expected 

based on self-reporting and intuition. Distraction events can be controlled simply by 

alerting the driver to look ahead. Micro-sleep events are best controlled by personal intervention 

by the fleet dispatcher and supervisors. Timely intervention can significantly reduce 

the total number of micro-sleep events which will reduce the probability of berm strikes, vehicle 

collisions, and catastrophic incidents associated with haul trucks. 

2:45 PM 

Simultaneously Reducing Driver Fatigue and Distraction Using 

Real-Time Eye and Head Tracking Technology 

D. Croke; Seeing Machines, Acton, MA 

DSS trials show that distraction counts drop by as much as 97% in the first four months following 

the technologies’ installation, and microsleep counts drop by as much as 80% over a 

similar time frame. Whilst it’s difficult to gauge the true effect of DSS on distraction and fatigue 

as separate outcomes of the driving task; we do see a combined effect as a result of 

drivers: 1.taking fitness-for-duty more seriously and possibly getting better sleep quality at 

home as a result of the Sleep Management component of the DSS Fatigue Management curriculum 

presented to drivers at the start of a typical DSS installation, 2.taking more time to 

plan their workload during the subsequent driving shift so that they take personal breaks, 

fuel stops, or lunch breaks at times strategically located throughout a shift i.e. at a time before 

they know they usually get tired so that they reduce the likelihood of a microsleep event, 

knowing that management are now aware of their fatigue level and will contact them if they 

experience a microsleep event, 3.modifying their driving style so that they become more 

attentive to the road ahead, and as a result less distracted for extended periods of time. 

3:05 PM 

Mine-Wide Protection for Miners, Equipment and Infrastructure 

W. Schiffbauer; Frederick Mining Controls, Huntsville, AL 

The protection of miners, equipment, and infrastructure is discussed. While the primary 

focus of the described technology is to prevent miners from being injured, struck-by, or 

crushed by heavy equipment; another major benefit realized is also the protection of equipment 

and infrastructure. An attempt is made to define and classify the systems used to provide 

proximity detection and warnings as well as collision detection and avoidance. 

Information about the speed of vehicles and human operator response time can be a factor 

in the choice of what type of system and what features are needed to properly address the 

needs. How the technology adjusts to compensate for various vehicle speeds, while maintaining 

the same level of protection is noted. The statistics which justify the need of miner 

protection are provided. The primary system components required, what attributes they 

feature, and how they respond in the environment, is briefly highlighted. The physics behind 

the danger zone marker technology and what makes it so robust and reliable is established. 

Examples of a few mining applications and specific operational modes are provided for both 

surface and underground. 

3:25 PM 

Improving Operator Performance Through Traffic 

Awareness Technology 

C. Sauvain and U. Rothacher; SAFEmine Americas, Oakland, CA 

SAFEmine’s traffic awareness technology was originally developed as a collision-warning 

system for aviation. With over 15,000 units installed in aircraft worldwide, this technology 

has become a leader in traffic awareness and collision warning. SAFEmine has developed 

this technology further to suit the mining industry. Several open-pit mines worldwide are 

using or installing SAFEmine systems, supported by offices in USA, Australia and 

Switzerland, or by one of many partners worldwide. Results of recent research using 

SAFEmine technology in open-pit mines will be presented, based on typical trial setups before 

full-scale deployment. Units record all system events (i.e. alarms or traffic indications), 

operator actions and detailed data on movement of the vehicle as well as of vehicles near-by. 

The first phase of the trial records all above data without any information to the operator in 

order to establish a baseline for the second phase with display and all system functions enabled. 

The analysis of phase 1 vs. phase 2 with operators, mine and safety managers shows 

improved operator behavior. It also highlights potential enhancements in safety and overall 

productivity. 

3:45 PM 

Integrated Object Detection & Site Awareness: 

The Power of AND 

A. Donnelli; Connected Worksite, Caterpillar Inc., Mossville, IL, IL 

Even with the use of line of sight vision and mirrors, large machines can still have blind 

spots. Starting with a goal of providing additional awareness to a machine operator of their 

surroundings, Caterpillar’s Integrated Object Detection adds Camera and Radar information 

into a single display interface in the cab. This solution provides the right level of visual and 

audible information to increase the operator’s awareness of surroundings, without distracting 

from their task at hand. Building on the Integrated Object Detection foundation, 

Caterpillar is blending technologies from their Dispatch and Autonomous products to create 

a Site Awareness system. This system adds GPS positioning, support for Light Vehicles, and a 

connection to the Site Office to the solution. GPS position information adds a level of awareness 

beyond the view of the radars and cameras. While the connection to the Site Office 

brings mine operation management deeper into the workflow and dramatically increases 

their awareness of activity at every location in the mine. 


Process Improvements 


Chair: j. Sabey, ProSep Technologies, Inc., Houston, TX 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Einvironmental Control in Metallurgical and Mineral Processing 

C. Anderson; Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

This paper will highlight recdent developments and implementations of environmental 

technologies for successful air, water and solid waste management in the mineral industries. 

2:25 PM 

Chemical Sensors for In Situ Monitoring of Collector Chemicals 

in Complex Copper Mine Effluents 

J. Thompson 1 , P. Buhlmann 2 , K. Kutz 1 , N. Settergren 2 and L. Chen 2 ; 

1 

United Science, Center City, MN and 2 Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 

Minneapolis, MN 

There is a great economic and environmental need for sensors that can measure collectors in 

froth flotation liquors. Recently, we developed an ion selective electrode (ISE) based on 

Teflon® AF perfluorinated matrices that can measure a homologous series of xanthates in a 

froth solution. These sensors give high selectivities over interferences, are not affected by 

turbidity, and require no off-stream sample handling. The sensors show a Nernstian response 

over 5 orders of magnitude and display a lower limit of detection of approximately 1 

µM. Furthermore, we have shown that we can measure xanthates in the presence of sulfide 

froth and monitor the reaction that produces a xanthate:chalcopyrite complex by measuring 

the loss of xanthate from solution. We show a titration curve for xanthate added to real froth 

solutions. In this case, the ISE is selective for xanthate even in the presence of frother, diesel 

fuel, burner oil, and any unknown chemical components that may be contained in the froth 

liquid matrix. We also showed that the membranes retain their theoretical (Nernstian) response 

even after exposure to froth solutions. 

2:45 PM 

Application of Flotation RTD to Gold Recovery Improvements at 

Round Mountain Gold 

J. Gillis 3 , D. Foreman 1 and C. McCleary 2 ; 1 FLSmidth Ltd, Orillia, ON, Canada; 

2 

FLSmidth, Salt Lake City, UT and 3 Round Mountain Gold, Round Mountain, NV 

Since commissioning their spiral scavenger flotation circuit in 2006, gold recovery at RMG 

has been substantially below that predicted.This was shown to be due to short circuiting 

from the flotation circuit which consisted of two parallel rows of single contact cells. Also the 

overall residence time was inadequate. Opportunities within the existing plant layout to add 

more flotation capacity in the preferred circuit arrangements were limited. By incorporating 

an appropriately sized mechanical flotation cell configured in series with the existing contact 

cells the combination of improved RTD and additional residence time has effectively reduced 

the short circuiting and the plant is now achieving design recovery. The RTD characteristics 

of the cell types and the circuit alternatives are discussed. Economics on this project 

were compelling and as a result the schedule was very aggressive. FLSmidth was contracted 

to supply a single Dorr-Oliver 150M3 mechanical flotation cell. Site engineering and project 

logistics were streamlined and the new circuit was operational in less than 20 weeks. Project 

details are presented. 


100


3:05 PM 

The Effect of Metal Sulphides on Gold and Silver Cyanidation: 

Analysis of Progress 

G. Deschenes; MMSL, CANMET, Ottawa, ON, Canada 

About 75 years of research have gone into determining the role of metallic sulphides during 

cyanidation of gold and silver and ways to minimize or take advantage of their effects. Most 

of the efforts have been focussed on gold. A rise in the price of silver over the past five years 

has led to a substantial increase in research efforts on this metal. The various methods used 

to quantify the impact of metallic sulphides on the dissolution of precious metals include rotating 

disk, electrometallurgy and mechanically agitated reactors. Certain publications have 

limited themselves to the quantification of effects, but other research has gone further, proposing 

solutions to the problems observed. Some publications identified solutions to overcome 

the passivation of gold and silver grains. Unfortunately, in certain cases, studies did not 

take the mineralogical composition of the metal sulphides into account, thereby undermining 

the validity of the findings. This article provides an overview of these studies and discusses 

their contributions, impacts and pitfalls. 

3:25 PM 

Hydro-Jex Monitoring and Operations at the Cripple Creek and 

Victor Heap Leach Operation in Colorado, USA 

T. Seal 1 , J. Winterton 2 and D. Rucker 3 ; 1 Mining Engineering, University of 

Nevada Reno, Spring Creek, NV; 2 Metallurgical Engineering, Anglo Gold- 

Ashanti’s Cripple Creek and Victor Mine, Victor, CO and 3 Geophysics, 

HydroGEOPHYICS, Inc, Tucson, AZ 

Hydro-Jex releaching of stranded gold inventory was undertaken during the summer of 

2010 at Anglo Gold-Ashanti’s Cripple Creek and Victor heap in Colorado, USA. These deep 

stimulation wells presented technical design and operational challenges for the technology 

and the resultant solutions are presented in this paper. Gold production, geophysical resistivity 

monitoring and operational data is included as well. 

R-H Yoon Symposium: Process Reagents 


Chair: S. Ravishankar, Cytec Industries Inc., Stamford, CT 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

Chemical Aspects in Sustainable Mineral Processing 

D. Nagaraj; Cytec Industries Inc, Stamford, CT 

A overview of the status and trends will be presented on the critical role of chemicals in 

sustainable mineral processing. 

2:25 PM 

Sulfonate Reagents for Processing Industrial Minerals 

G. Wang, S. Sutherland and Z. Gu; ArrMaz Custom Chemicals, Mulberry, FL 

Industrial minerals processing has gained importance lately, not only due to its wide range 

of new and regular applications in processing different industrial minerals, but also due to 

the strict specs under which products are commercialized. Among the processes applied to 

industrial minerals, flotation is the leading technology. The laboratory study and commercial 

operation demonstrated that the sulfonated products are very effective collectors for industrial 

minerals. This paper describes the effect of MW of petroleum sulfonate on their 

flotation performance and the enhancement made for certain products. The applications of 

sulfonated products as the main collector-promoter reagent and keystone in the design of 

flotation flowsheets for the separation of useful industrial minerals from gangues and impurities, 

under a variety of flotation conditions are presented. 

2:45 PM 

Interfacial Chemistry Features of Selected Fluorite Surfaces 

X. Zhang 1 , X. Wang 1 , X. Yin 1 , H. Du 2 and J. Miller 1 ; 1 Metallurgical Engineering, 

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT and 2 National Engineering Laboratory - 

Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China 

The surface chemistry features of selected fluorite surfaces (the 111, 110, 100 crystallographic 

planes) are examined in aqueous solution including surface charge, contact angle, 

and interfacial water structure. Of special interest is the nonequilibrium condition and how 

the surface properties of fluorite change as equilibrium is achieved. The experimental results 

are discussed with respect to results from molecular dynamics simulations and on this 

basis the behavior of fluorite surfaces is explained. 

3:05 PM 

Applications of Custofloat ® Collectors in Processing Phosphate 

Ores from Different Countries 

G. Wang, Z. Gu and S. Sutherland; ArrMaz Custom Chemicals, Mulberry, FL 

Most phosphate resources need to be processed to recover phosphate by rejecting gangue 

impurities prior to its application. The impurities associated with phosphate include silicates, 

carbonates, iron and aluminum oxides, etc. Among the technologies for processing 

phosphate ores, flotation is the most important approach, and it is widely applied in phosphate 

industry. The success of flotation separation largely depends on the usage of chemical 

reagents to control the surface behavior of the minerals in the ore and aqueous chemistry in 

the system. Therefore, the development of reagents, particularly collectors, is the key for 

achieving satisfactory separation performance through flotation process. In recent years, 

Arr-Maz Custom Chemicals has made great efforts in developing flotation reagents for beneficiating 

phosphate ores of different origins worldwide. This paper describes some flotation 

reagents and flowsheets for processing phosphate ores from different countries. 

3:25 PM 

New Sulfur Based Collector System for Increased Recoveries of 

Molybdenum and Copper 

G. Collins, L. MacHue, D. Miller, C. Brown and K. Knapp; Chevron Phillips 

Chemical Company LP, The Woodlands, TX 

Sulfur containing collectors have been shown over the years to function as strong, selective 

and non-selective sulfide mineral collectors. However, the majority of large production volume 

sulfur based chemicals possess an objectionable odor. This work studies the recovery of 

Molybdenum and Copper minerals utilizing sulfur based structures designed to minimize 

undesirable odors. Blends containing these specifically structured sulfur chemicals successfully 

increased Molybdenum recoveries 2-3% over standard collector systems. Copper recoveries 

were also positively affected. 

3:45 PM 

The Adsorption of Collectors on Chalcopyrite Surface Studied by 

an AFM 

J. Zhang and W. Zhang; Mining and Geological Engineering, University of 

Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

An atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been applied to study the adsorption of collectors on 

chalcopyrite surface in aqueous solutions. AFM images showed that collectors absorbed on 

mineral surface in patches after the chalcopyrite sample was soaked in potassium ethyl xanthate 

(KEX) and potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) solutions at pH 11. At the same time, as 

shown by the obtained AFM force curves, the adhesion between the AFM tip and the substrate 

increased greatly due to the collector adsorption. Rinsing with ethanol removed the 

patch-like absorbate instantly from the chalcopyrite surface. However, it took a while only to 

reduce the absorbate by rinsing with NaHS solution even at a high concentration. Patch-like 

absorbate were also observed on chalcopyrite surface in the solutions of two industrial collectors, 

i.e., COL-1 and COL-2. The potential impact of this patch-like adsorption on chalcopyrite 

flotation was discussed. 


Resource Engineering 


Chair: Z. Xu, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada 

2:00 PM 

Introductions 

2:05 PM 

The Surface Chemistry of Layered Silicate Minerals 

J. Miller 1 , V. Gupta 1 , H. Du 3 , X. Wang 1 , X. Yin 1 and J. Wang 2 ; 1 Metallurgical 

Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; 2 Geological Sciences, 

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI and 3 National Engineering Laboratory - 

Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China 

The surface characteristics of clay minerals are examined based on experimental results and 

molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). For example, the surface charge features of important 

clay minerals including mica, talc, and kaolinite are described from AFM measurements, 

electrophoresis measurements, and/or results from potentiometric titration. The hydration 

states of selected surfaces are discussed with respect to density profile, hydrogen bond, diffusion 

coefficient, water dipole orientation and relaxation times for interfacial water as revealed 

by MDS. In this way, the wetting properties are considered and compared to experimental 

results. The analysis includes consideration of the silica tetrahedral surface common 

to all clay minerals and discussion of the alumina octahedral surface such as found in the 

kaolinite structure. The significance of lattice substitution, hydrogen bonding, and van der 

Waals forces in such surface phenomena is discussed. 


101


2:25 PM 

Studies on Development of Air Assisted Solvent Extraction 

H. Tarkan 1 , S. Kuan 2 and J. Finch 3 ; 1 Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill 

University, Montreal, QC, Canada; 2 Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill 

University, Montreal, QC, Canada and 3 Mining and Materials Engineering, 

McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 

In this paper, the studies that have been carried out to develop the Air-Assisted Solvent 

Extraction (AASX) process by the Mineral Processing Group of McGill University are summarized. 

The AASX concept uses a solvent-coated bubble to contact the organic and aqueous 

phases. Compared to conventional solvent extraction, a high contact area can be created 

using less solvent and the natural buoyancy provided by the air core promotes phase 

separation. In the first successful trials single solvent-coated bubbles were generated by 

forming foam which was extruded through an orifice. This provided ‘proof of concept’, 

showing extraction at high aqueous:solvent ratio and ease of phase separation. Basic studies 

using UV-vis and IR analysis of the solvent coating were performed. Subsequent studies 

have focused on scaling up to coat bubble swarms. To date use of solvent aerosols produced 

ultrasonically and by the venturi principle have been explored. Preliminary results and 

future options are discussed. 

2:45 PM 

Development of Cellulosic Insulators with Various 

Mineral Additives 

E. Karaagaclioglu, F. Karakas, F. Boylu and M. Celik; Mineral Processing Dept., 

Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey 

Cellulosic insulators may typically consist of various additives including cellulose, flame retardant 

minerals and different binders. Such composite materials can be produced at various 

combinations of mineral additives such as perlite, pumice, clay, and gibbsite. These minerals 

are added to enhance particularly heat and sound insulation. In this study, 70 % 

cellulosic shredded waste newspaper were mixed with boron additives to prevent fungi development 

and retard fire followed by different mineral additives. While the density of cellulosic 

plates varied in the range of 60–90 kg/m3, those with mineral additives increased the 

density to 95-120 kg/cm3. Thermal conductivity and sound insulation of mixtures are measured 

to find optimum additive combination. The materials used as insulators in this study 

are discussed in terms of environment, human health and economic considerations to optimize 

their properties. 

3:05 PM 

Mechanisms for Flotation of Fine Oil Droplets 

C. Rawlins 1 and C. Ly 2 ; 1 Montana Process Research, Butte, MT and 

2 

FLSmidth gMAX Systems, Houston, TX 

The oil & gas industry produces 5-7 barrels of water for each barrel of oil. This produced 

water must be cleaned of hydrocarbon fluids before disposal or reinjection. Hydraulic or 

mechanical flotation cells are a common method of removing fine (

2011 EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS 

at the Colorado Convention Center 

Exhibit Opens Sunday, February 27, 2011 

To Reserve Booth Space Call: SME Exhibit Sales and Operations at 303-948-4213 

E-mail: gury@smenet.org • Website: www.smenet.org 

EXHIBIT HALL HOURS & FUNCTIONS 

Located in three Lounges and Restaurants in the hall. 


Exhibit Hall Opening Reception 

5pm – 7pm 

5pm – 7pm 





Sponsored by: ThyssenKrupp Robins Inc. 


Exhibit Hall Continental Breakfast 

11am – 5:30pm 

11:30am – 1pm 

11am – 5:30pm 

3:30pm – 5:30pm 

8am – Noon 

8am – 9:30am 

A variety of social functions are planned for the exhibit hall to maximize traffic and 

encourage interation. Exhibit hall activities are planned around technical sessions. Exhibitors 

are encouraged to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities for these functions. 

ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP 

January and February Issues of the 2011 ShowGuide 

Stand out from the other exhibiting firms! Place your company advertisement in the official ShowGuide that lists 

sponsors and exhibitor contact information, products and services to be displayed. Opportunities are limited. Contact 

SME’s Media Manager at 303-948-4243 or email at mcginnis@smenet.org for further information. 

Advertising in the 2011 Pocket Program 

Place your company’s name in the hands of every attendee. Insert your ad (only cover positions are available) in the 

on-site pocket program. Contact SME’s Media Manager at 303-948-4243 or email at mcginnis@smenet.org for further 

information. 

103

DENVER 2011 FLOORPLAN 

RECRUITMENT 

INTERVIEW ROOMS 

461 560 

561 660 

661 760 

1261 1360 

1361 

1461 1560 

1561 1660 

1661 

1760 1761 

459 558 559 658 659 758 759 

1259 1358 1359 1458 1459 1558 1559 1658 1659 1758 1759 

457 

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857 956 

1057 1156 1157 1256 1257 1356 1357 1456 1457 1556 1557 1656 1657 1756 1757 

154 155 254 255 354 355 454 455 554 555 654 655 754 

152 153 252 253 352 353 452 

Recruitment Pavilion 

148 

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Lounge 

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1153 1252 

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International Pavilion 

Restaurant 

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630 

628 

527 626 

624 

641 

639 738 

635 734 

631 730 

629 

627 726 

724 

840 

739 838 

735 834 

731 830 

828 

826 

725 824 

841 940 

839 

835 934 

Colorado Pavilion 

831 930 

829 928 

827 926 

825 924 

941 1040 

1038 

1036 

935 1034 

931 1030 

929 1028 

1026 

925 1024 

1041 

1039 1138 

1035 1134 

1240 

1139 1238 

1135 1234 

1230 

1129 1228 

1127 1226 

1224 

1237 

1340 

1239 1338 

1235 1334 

1339 1438 

1331 1430 

1329 1428 

1325 

1436 

1335 1434 

1540 

1439 1538 

1437 1536 

1435 1534 

1530 

1429 1528 

1427 1526 

1541 1640 

1539 1638 

1531 

1636 

1535 1634 

1529 1628 

1527 1626 

1641 

1639 

1637 

1629 

1627 

1625 

1740 1741 

1738 

1736 

1730 

1728 

1726 

1724 

1739 

1737 

1635 1734 1735 

1731 

1729 

1727 

1725 

122 123 

223 322 323 422 423 

523 622 623 722 723 822 823 922 923 1022 

1123 1222 1223 

1323 1422 

118 

116 

618 

117 

217 

317 

417 516 517 616 

818 

617 

717 816 

1018 

817 

917 1016 

1119 

1017 

1117 1216 

CYBER CAFE 

1418 

1217 

1317 1416 

1517 1616 

1623 

1619 

1617 

1722 

1718 

1716 

1723 

1719 

1717 

1614 

112 113 212 213 312 313 412 

513 

713 812 813 912 

1113 1212 1213 1312 1313 1412 

1513 

1712 1713 

25 BOARD 

POSTER SESSION 

SME SALES 

Lounge 

EXHIBITOR 

LOUNGE 

Lounge 

FREEMAN SERVICES 

128 

727 

1415 

110 

108 

111 210 

109 

106 107 206 

EXPANSION 

211 

209 308 

207 306 

410 

309 408 

307 406 

as of October 13, 2010 

See interactive floorplan at www.smenet.org 

for current sold/available booths. 

411 

409 508 509 608 609 

ENTRANCE 

711 810 

707 806 

811 

908 

807 906 

907 

903 1002 

901 1000 

1009 

1005 1104 

1102 

1001 1100 

1111 1210 

1109 1208 

1204 

1103 1202 

1101 1200 

1203 

1201 

1310 

1209 1308 

1302 

1311 1410 

1309 1408 

1303 1402 

1411 

1407 

1401 

1506 

1509 1608 

1604 

1503 1602 

1501 1600 

1611 

1609 

1605 

1601 

1710 

1708 

1704 

1702 

1711 

1709 

1705 

1703 

1700 1701 

EXPANSION 

SOLD PREMIUM PRIME STANDARD 

104

LIST OF EXHIBITORS 

3M Company .....................307 

Aardvark Packers LLC ........... 1312 

AATA International, Inc. ........... 1313 

ABB. ............................ 1017 

Abel Pumps, L.P. .................. 547 

Abresist Corp.. ....................306 

ACZ Laboratories, Inc.. ............734 

Advanced Geosciences, Inc. ......1623 

Advanced Terra Testing, Inc. .......852 

Aero-Metric, Inc. .................1531 

Agapito Associates, Inc. ...........853 

Aggreko LLC .....................903 

Agru America, Inc.. ...............1030 

AirFlow Catalyst Systems. ........1226 

Aker Solutions ................... 1129 

Alpha Natural Resources .........1616 

AMEC ............................640 

AmerCable, Inc. ...................836 

American Institute of Professional 

Geologists ..................1530 

American Mining Insurance Co. .....841 

American Peat Technology .......1501 

AngloGold Ashanti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348 

Anvil International ..................412 

Applied Geomechanics ............828 

ARCADIS Inc.. ....................650 

ASA Analytics ...................1344 

ASD Inc.. ........................1628 

ASGCO Complete Conveyor Solutions 1208 

Ashland .........................1203 

Atkinson Construction ............1028 

Atlas Copco CMT ................1026 

Ausenco PSI. ......................811 

Ausenco Vector ....................813 

Avanti International. ..............1356 

Baldor Electric Co. ...............1402 

Baroid Industrial Drilling Prods .....634 

Barr Engineering Co. ............. 1216 

Barrick Gold of North America .....236 

BASF Construction Chemicals LLC .411 

Becker Wholesale Mine Supply, LLC 1254 

Becker/SMC Electrical Products. ..727 

Behre Dolbear & Co., Inc. ..........623 

BF Sales Engineering, Inc. .........736 

BHP Billiton ...................... 246 

BICO Inc. ..........................816 

Big R Bridge. .....................837 

Boart Longyear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1123 

Bray Controls .....................829 

Breaker Technology, Inc. BTI. .....1055 

(as of October 13, 2010) 

Brookville Equipment Corp. . . . . . . . 1430 

Brunel Corp. .....................1457 

Bucyrus .........................1604 

Bureau of Land Mngmt., 

Colorado State Office. ........635 

Calder & Workman, Inc.. ...........1117 

Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy 

& Petroleum (CIM) .......... 1139 

Canadian Mining Journal .........1436 

Canty, Inc. ........................445 

Carlson Software ................1422 

Casualty & Surety, Inc.. ............823 

Cattron Group International .......1323 

Cellular Concrete Solutions .......1352 

CETCO .......................... 1210 

CH2M HILL, Inc. ..................207 

Challenger Pipe & Steel, LLC ......550 

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. ....1331 

CiDRA Minerals Processing, Inc. . . 1239 

ClearSpan Fabric Structures 

International, Inc. ............1202 

Cognis Corp.. ....................1509 

Colorado Div. of Reclamation, 

Mining and Safety ............ 924 

Colorado Mining Association (CMA) 630 

Colorado School of Mines .........638 

CommodasUltrasort GmbH ........846 

Connors Drilling, LLC. ............1024 

Consol Energy Inc. ................352 

CONTECH Construction Products Inc. 726 

Contitech Conveyor Belt Group ... 1134 

Converteam Canada Inc.. .........1619 

Copper State Bolt & Nut Co. .......935 

Cornell Pump Co. ................1200 

CPG Resources- Mineral Tech.. ...1049 

Crystals Unlimited. ................1317 

CWS Industries Mfg. Corp.. .......1634 

Cytec Industries Inc.. ...............417 

Datamine North America, Inc. ......830 

Davey Bickford USA. .............. 331 

Delkor Inc. .......................1439 

Derrick Corp. ......................717 

DMC Mining Services Corp.. ........513 

DNV (Det Norske Veritas) ........1640 

Donaldson Co., Inc.. ..............1538 

Drummond Co., Inc. ................247 

Dry Systems Technologies. ........ 752 

DSI Ground Support. ...............516 

Dyno Nobel Inc. ...................528 

Eickhoff Corporation ..............235 

105 

Eirich Machines, Inc.. ..............654 

Enduride Canada USA Inc.. .......1249 

Engart Inc.. ......................1002 

Engineering Seismology Group (ESG) 1427 

Enssolutions ......................1513 

Envirocon, Inc. ....................628 

Environmental Products & Applications 1527 

Eriez-CPT .........................317 

ERM (Environmental Resources 

Management) .................724 

Fairmont Supply Co. ...............954 

Falcon Performance Footwear ....1458 

Fenner Dunlop Classic Conveyor ....117 

Firestone Specialty Products .....1308 

Flanders Electric, Ltd. .............447 

Fleet Management Solutions. .....1541 

Flexco ...........................1036 

Flottweg Separation Technology, Inc.12 3 7 

FlowTech Systems Inc.. ............309 

FLSmidth ........................1009 

FMC Technologies ............... 1217 

Foresight Energy. ................. 245 

Formsprag LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold .217 

Gannett Fleming, Inc.. ............1627 

Gemcom Software International, Inc. 645 

General Electric. .................1653 

General Kinematics Corp.. .........328 

General Moly .....................626 

Generon IGS/Global Nitrogen Svcs .128 

Geokon, Inc. ......................444 

Geotech Environmental Equip., Inc. 1040 

Geotemps, Inc. ...................1005 

GIW Industries, Inc.. ..............1303 

Godwin Pumps. ....................745 

Golder Associates. ................735 

Goodyear Engineered Products ....536 

Great Basin Industrial .............827 

Grindex Pumps ..................1348 

GSE Lining Technology Inc. ........835 

Gundlach Equipment Corp. .......1201 

Gustavson Associates .............723 

Hagglunds Drives Inc. .............848 

Hanes Geo Components ..........737 

Hatch Limited. ...................1649 

Hawk Measurement ..............1209 

Hayward Baker Inc. ..............1354 

Heintzmann Corp. .................739 

Herrenknecht AG .................759 

Hilfiker Retaining Walls ...........1253


The Hilliard Corp.. ................1109 

Hitachi Construction & Mining ....1230 

Holland Loader Co.. ...............922 

Hose Solutions Inc.. ...............648 

Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems .211 

Huesker, Inc.. .....................952 

Humboldt Wedag Inc. ............1535 

Huntsman ........................637 

Hydro Resources. .................929 

IKON Mining & Exploration .........917 

Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. 523 

Industrial Info. Resources Inc. .....1000 

Industrial Minerals. ...............1635 

Inflatable Packers International Pty Ltd 1340 

InfoMine ..........................535 

Innov-X Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1526 

Intermountain Electronics, Inc. ....1503 

International Mining ...............537 

Intersystems Sampling ...........1309 

Intierra LTD ........................941 

Irathane Systems Inc. /Iracore Intl. Inc. 844 

Itasca Denver, Inc.. ................730 

ITT Corporation ..................1601 

Ivara Corp. ........................627 

JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. 410 

Jennmar Corp. .................... 831 

JigSaw Technologies .............1224 

JKTech/Contract Support Services 422 

Johnson Industries Ltd. ...........1346 

Joy Mining Machinery .............429 

K.R. Komarek Inc. ................1100 

Kemira ..........................1626 

Kennametal Inc.. ..................430 

Kepner Tregoe ...................1016 

Kinder Morgan Engineering & 

Conveying. ...................1517 

Knight Piesold and Co. ............840 

Koppern Equipment, Inc.. ......... 1148 

Kutta Technologies. ...............908 

Lampson International LLC ........826 

Larox Flowsys, Inc. .................517 

Layne Christensen Co. ............435 

Letourneau Technologies Inc. ......722 

Lidar Guys L.L.C.. .................228 

Liebherr Mining Equipment Co. ...1035 

Limn: The Flowsheet Processor. ..1639 

Linatex Corp. of America ..........955 

Line Power .......................225 

Luff Industries Ltd. ...............1438 

Lyntek Services Inc. (LSX). .........616 


Lyntek, Inc. .......................608 

Mackay School of Earth Sciences and 

Engineering ..................329 

MALA GeoScience USA, Inc. .....1536 

Maptek/KRJA Systems, Inc. ........817 

Marland Clutch. ...................334 

Marston & Marston, Inc. ...........928 

Martin Engineering ...............1429 

MASABA Mining Equipment .......1111 

Matrikon Inc. .....................1334 

Matrix Design Group .............1302 

Maverick Applied Science, Inc. ....1204 

McDowell Brothers Industries .....1240 

McLanahan Corp. ..................312 

McLellan Industries, Inc. ...........323 

ME Elecmetal .....................423 

Measurement Devices US LLC. ....308 

Megator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 

MESA ...........................1435 

Metcom Technologies Inc. ..........212 

Metso Minerals Industries, Inc. .....609 

Micromine .......................1338 

Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc. ......713 

Mill Man Steel, Inc. ................940 

Mine Cable Services Corp.. ....... 1127 

Mine Development Associates .....1119 

Minemax ........................1222 

Mineral Information Institute (Mii) . .1417 

The Mineral Lab, Inc. .............. 624 

Miners News/Mining Directories ...428 

Mining Engineering. ..............1409 

Mining Magazine .................1235 

Mining Media International. ........923 

The Mining Record ................509 

Mining Technologies International Inc. 

(MTI) ....................... 1144 

Mintec Inc. .........................617 

Missouri S&T - Mining ............1329 

MMD Mineral Sizing (America) Inc. . 338 

Mody Pumps Inc.. ................1047 

Montana Tech - School of Mines & 

Engineering ...................451 

Moretrench ......................1625 

Munro Supply .....................937 

MWH. ............................930 

The NanoSteel Co. ................1416 

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety & Health .............1223 

Naylor Pipe Co. ...................409 

Nelson Williams Linings Inc. ...... 1156 

Netafim USA ......................810 

106 

New Mexico Institute of Mining & 

Technology. ..................646 

Newmont Mining Corp. ............344 

NORAMCO Engineering Corp. .....540 

Norbar Torque Tools Inc.. ..........234 

Nordic Lights NA, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213 

North American Tunnelling Journal. 223 

Northwest Mining Association ....1325 

NovAtel Inc.. .....................1228 

Oliver USA. .......................452 

OneMine, Inc. .....................1410 

Optech Inc. .......................230 

OREMAX. ........................1418 

Orica .............................345 

OSIsoft, LLC. ......................711 

Outotec (USA), Inc.. ...............508 

Overhead Cranes International .....1152 

Overland Conveyor Co., Inc. .......1357 

Pennoni Associates Inc. ...........649 

Pennsylvania State University ..... 1146 

Peruvian Inst. of Mining Engineers 1539 

PGS and Associates, LLC ........1001 

Phillips Machine Service, Inc. ...... 931 

PHOENIX Process Equipment Co. 1310 

Pillar Innovations ..................206 

Pincock, Allen & Holt. .............629 

Planar Systems, Inc. ..............1054 

POLARIS Laboratories, LLC ........210 

Polycorp Ltd.. ....................1408 

Polydeck Screen Corp. ............1311 

PolyPipe, Inc. ....................1045 

Pompaction Inc. ................... 901 

Power Techniques, Inc. ...........1528 

Precision Pulley & Idler .............912 

Presto Geosystems ..............1245 

Process Engineering Group. ....... 231 

Process Engineering Resources, Inc. 

(PERI) .......................534 

The Purolite Co.. ..................209 

QSP Packers, LLC ............... 1153 

Queen’s University ................353 

Quinn Process Equipment Co. ......618 

R.E. Monks Construction Co. LLC ..644 

Rain for Rent .....................322 

Rajant Corp. .....................1335 

RDH Mining Equipment. ..........1600 

Reliability Center, Inc.. ............1456 

Resource Development Inc. ........839 

Resource West, Inc. ................123 

Rezplast Manufacturing Ltd. .......555



RHEWUM GmbH - CE Intl. .......1434 

Richwood. ........................545 

Rio Tinto. ......................... 244 

Roberts & Schaefer Co. .......... 1135 

Rockmore International ...........1437 

RockTech USA, Inc. ..............1247 

Rocky Mountain Fabrication .......1113 

RSG Inc.. ..........................313 

RUD Chain, Inc. ...................554 

Ruen Drilling, Inc. .................855 

Runge Mining ..................... 631 

SAG Design - Starkey & Assoc. ... 1104 

Samuel Engineering, Inc. ..........838 

Scantech International. ...........1540 

Schauenburg Flexadux Corp. .....1034 

Schlumberger Water Services. .....936 

Schmueser & Associates, Inc.. ....1252 

Schneider Electric. ................1611 

Schramm Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1614 

Seetech, LLC ....................1641 

SEH, Inc. .........................1157 

Senninger Irrigation Inc. ............541 

Sensear, Inc. ......................925 

SGS North America ...............926 

Shanley Pump & Equipment ......1629 

Shotcrete Technologies, Inc. .......906 

Shur-Co. Rail. .....................653 

SIEMAG TECBERG, Inc. ..........1656 

Siemens Industry, Inc. .............237 

SIUC - Dragline Productivity Center 549 

SlideMinder - Call and Nicholas 

Instruments Inc. ............. 1102 

SME Auction - Environmental Div. . 1407 

SME Auction-Mineral & Metallurgical 

Processing Div. ..............1506 

SME Foundation .................1401 

SMI Evaporative Solutions ........1052 

Society for Mining, Metallurgy & 

Exploration, Inc. (SME). .......1413 

South Dakota School of Mines and 

Technology. .................. 240 

Spendrup Fan Co. ..................818 

Split Engineering. .................544 

Sprung Instant Structures, Inc. .....825 

SPX Corp. ........................527 

SRK Consulting Inc. ..............1022 

Stantec (formerly McIntosh Engineering) 1617 

Stewart Brothers Drilling Co.. ......546 

Strata Products Worldwide LLC. ..1608 

Sunrise Engineering, Inc. ......... 1213 

Sunset Manufacturing ............1556 

Superior Belt Filter ...............1557 

Superior Industries ................1101 

Svendborg Brakes A/S. ..........1339 

SWCA Environmental Consultants . 953 

TAKRAF USA, Inc. ............... 1138 

TDC, LLC. .......................1534 

Technip USA Inc.. ................1234 

Telsmith, Inc. .....................1053 

TEMA Isenmann, Inc. ..............854 

Tetra Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 738 

Thermo Scientific .................807 

Thiess Pty Ltd ....................349 

Thunderbird Mining Systems .......406 

ThyssenKrupp Robins, Inc. ........ 1145 

TIC - The Industrial Co. ............822 

Timberline Drilling Inc. ..............748 

Toyo Pumps North America, LLC. .1038 

Tsurumi Pump ....................408 

Tube Technologies ................636 

Tunnel Radio of America. ......... 1212 

U.S. Geological Survey ...........1428 

Ultra Tech Pipe ...................437 

United Central Industrial Supply. ....731 

Univar USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639 

University of Arizona Mining and 

Geological Eng. ..............325 

University of Kentucky Mining 

Engineering ..................448 

University of Utah, Mining Eng. Dept.. 753 

URS Global Mining Partners .......707 

Valley Forge & Bolt Manufacturing Co. 812 

Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies 806 

Victaulic Company of America/ 

Aquamine ....................622 

Virginia Tech Dept of Mining & 

Minerals Engineering .........548 

Voith Turbo Inc. ...................439 

W.S. Tyler Canada Ltd.. .............744 

Wabi Iron and Steel ..............1238 

Wagner Equipment Co. ...........1645 

Watson-Marlow Pumps Group ....1039 

West Virginia Univ. Dept. of Mining 

Engineering .................1529 

WesTech Engineering, Inc. .........907 

Western Cultural Resource 

Management, Inc.. ............834 

Western Environmental Testing 

Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 725 

Westpro Machinery Inc.. .......... 1103 

Wiley Consulting, LLC ............1018 

Willowstick Technologies LLC .....934 

Wirtgen America Inc. .............1041 

The Wright Group Inc. .............1412 

Zonge Engineering & Research 

Organization, Inc. ..............641 

107

2011 SPONSORS 


Thank you to the following sponsors for their generous support of the 

2011 SME/CMA Annual Meeting & Exhibit 

For more information about sponsorships please contact: Liz Jones at 303-948-4216 or jones@smenet.org 

THE OFFICIAL 2011 MEETING SPONSOR 

PEAK LEVEL SPONSORS 

Exhibit Hall Grand Afternoon Social: 

ThyssenKrupp Robins Inc. 

Official Conference Bags: 

Caterpillar, Inc. 

Student Mixer: 

Newmont Mining Corporation 

Neck Lanyards: 

Maptek 

TIMBERLINE LEVEL SPONSORS 

Meeting Badges: 

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. 

FOOTHILLS LEVEL SPONSORS 

International Reception: 

MWH Global 

Keynote Session: 

Aker Solutions 

SME Student Forum: 

Joy Global, Inc. 

MWH Global 

SRK Consulting 

CD-ROM Jacket Advertising: 

Mintec, Inc. 

Scotch Night Cap: 

Polysius Corp. 

Weir Minerals 

108 

SME FOUNDATION SPONSOR 

SME Foundation Dinner: 

Consol Energy 

SME TECHNICAL SESSION 

SPONSORS 


Golder Associates 

MWH Global 


M3 Engineering & Technology Corp. 

SME DIVISION SPONSORS 

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division 

Luncheon & Silent Auction: 

Oil-Dri Corporation of America 

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division 

75th Anniversary Gala: 

AMCOL 

Coal & Energy Division Luncheon 

& Silent Auction: 

PrepTech, Inc. 

Environmental Division Luncheon: 

Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies 

Mining & Exploration Division Luncheon 

& Silent Auction: 

Hitachi Construction & Mining Products 

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division 

Luncheon: 

M3 Engineering & Technology Corp.

For all hotels check-in 

time is 3pm and 

check-out time is Noon. 

Airport shuttles are not 

available. 

All hotels have handicap 

facilities, request special 

needs when making 

reservations. 

DENVER HOTELS 

Wazee St. 

Blake St. 

Market St. 

Speer Blvd. 

Larimer St. 

Lawrence St. 

Arapahoe St. 

6 

Curtis St. 

Colorado 

Convention 

Center 

Champa St. 

Stout St. 

1 

California St. 

2 

Welton St. 

14th St. 

5 

15th St. 

Glenarm Pl. 

13th St. 

3 

Tremont Pl. 

Court Pl. 

4 

18th St. 

17th St. 

20th St. 

19th St. 

Broadway 

13th St. 

Colfax Ave. 

HOTELS 

ROOM RATES 

ADD 14.85% TAX 

ROOM SERVICE 

FITNESS FACILITY / 

POOL 

1 

Hyatt Regency at Colorado 


650 15th Street 

Denver, CO 80202 

Phone: 303-436-1234 

$169 Single 

$169 Double 

$179 Triple 

$179 Quad 

6am - Midnight 

Yes 

Indoor Pool 

2 

Hilton Garden Inn 

1400 Welton Street 


Phone: 303-603-8000 

$165 Single 

$165 Double 

$175 Triple 

$175 Quad 

4pm - 10pm 

Yes 

Indoor Pool 

3 

Sheraton Denver 

1550 Court Place 


Phone: 303-893-3333 

$169 Single 

$169 Double 

$184 Triple 

$199 Quad 

24 Hour Service 

Yes 

Outdoor Pool 

4 

Grand Hyatt 

1750 Welton Street 


Phone: 303-295-1234 

$166 Single 

$166 Double 

$191 Triple 

$216 Quad 


Yes 

Indoor Pool 

5 

Marriott City Center 

1701 California Street 


Phone: 303-297-1300 

$169 Single 

$184 Double 

$199 Triple 

$214 Quad 

6am - 1am 

Yes 

Indoor Pool 

6 

Westin Tabor Center 

1672 Lawrence Street 


Phone: 303-572-9100 

$179 Single 

$179 Double 

$199 Triple 

$219 Quad 


Yes 

Indoor Pool 

109

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM 

2011 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit and Colorado Mining Association’s 113 th National Western Mining Conference 

February 27 – March 2, 2011 • Denver, Colorado 

1. TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY. Any incomplete information will 

delay processing of your form. Submit one room request per 

form. If additional forms are needed, please photocopy this form. 

2. Requests must be submitted on the official form. You must 

contact the SME Housing Bureau to make hotel reservations, 

the hotels will NOT accept reservations directly. 

3. Reservations must be made by January 28, 2011 in order to 

guarantee meeting rates. 

4. All reservation changes and cancellations must be made in writing 

and processed through the SME Housing Bureau online or by 

e-mail: smeattendee@experient-inc.com or fax: 301-694-5124. 

Cancellations made after January 28, 2011 will incur a charge of 

$75 regardless of when the initial room request was received. 

After February 11, 2011 any changes or cancellations to existing 

reservations must be made with the hotel directly. 

5. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. If the hotel 

requested is not available, your next choice will be assigned based on 

availability. If rooms are no longer available at the first four hotels of 

your choice, you will be placed in a hotel based on availability. 

6. The SME Housing Bureau will send you an acknowledgement 

of your reservation. Please review all information for accuracy. 

E-mail acknowledgements will be sent if an e-mail address is 

provided (preferred), or they will be faxed. If you do not receive an 

acknowledgement or have questions, please call the SME Housing 

Bureau. You will not receive a confirmation from the hotel. 

7. Read the acknowledgement carefully checking for any errors. 

If no acknowledgement is received within five days, contact the 

SME Housing Bureau at 1-866-229-2386 (M-F 9am - 5pm EST, 

excluding holidays) or by e-mail: smeattendee@experient-inc.com 

8. A credit card guarantee is required to process your room 

reservation. Your credit card may be charged a deposit of 

one night’s room and tax in advance of your arrival. Please 

verify your departure date as some hotels will charge you a 

fee for early departure. 

9. For changes, cancellations or general inquiry call: 1-866-229-2386 

(M-F 9am - 5pm EST, excluding holidays) 

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY 

Occupant: 

E-Mail: 

Company: 

Address: 

City: State: Zip: 

Country: 

Daytime Phone #: 

Ext: 

Fax #: 

Arrival Date: \ \ Departure Date: \ \ 

Other Occupant Names: 

Share With: 

Share With: 

Share With: 

Special Room Requirements: 

HOW TO MAKE A HOTEL RESERVATION 

Wazee St. 

Blake St. 

Market St. 

Speer Blvd. 

Please Note: NO SHUTTLE SERVICE will be provided. 

Hotel Preference: (please write out hotel name, in order of preference) 

1. 2. 3. 

4. 

Type of Accommodations Requested: (based on availability) 

q Single (1 Bed, 1 Person) q Suite 

(for suite availability and rates 

q Double (1 Bed, 2 People) 

contact SME directly) 

q Double/Double (2 Beds, 2 People) 

q Add roll-away to room 

q Accessible Room 

Payment: (card expiration date must be valid through 3/11) 

q VISA q MasterCard q AMEX q Discover q Diners Club 

Name (as listed on card): 

Card Number: 

Signature: 

OPENS NOVEMBER 1, 2010 

On-line: 


Mail: 

SME Housing c/o Experient 

PO Box 590 


Fax: 

301-694-5124 

Larimer St. 

Lawrence St. 

Arapahoe St. 

6 

Curtis St. 

Colorado 

Convention 

Center 

HOTEL Single Double Triple Quad 

1 – Hyatt Regency at $169 $169 $179 $179 

Co. Convention Center 

2 – Hilton Garden Inn $165 $165 $175 $175 

3 – Sheraton Denver $169 $169 $184 $199 

4 – Grand Hyatt $166 $166 $191 $216 

5 – Marriott City Center $169 $184 $199 $214 

6 – Westin Tabor Center $179 $179 $199 $219 

(based on availability at the time of check-in. 

Unavailable in a room with two beds) 

Champa St. 

Stout St. 

1 

13th St. 

Colfax Ave. 

California St. 

2 

Welton St. 

14th St. 

5 

15th St. 

Glenarm Pl. 

13th St. 

3 

Tremont Pl. 

Court Pl. 

All hotels are 100% Non-Smoking 

Exp 

4 

18th St. 

17th St. 

20th St. 

19th St. 

Broadway 

Cancellation Policy: A valid credit card is required to guarantee your reservation. Reservations may be cancelled without penalty until January 

28, 2011. After January 28, 2011 a $75 cancellation/processing fee will be charged. One night’s room rate plus tax will be charged for cancellations 

within 72 hours of arrival. 

110

ATTENDEE ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORM 

(Exhibitors should use Exhibitor Forms in the 2011 SME Exhibitor Service Kit) 

2011 SME/CMA Annual Meeting & Exhibit • February 27 – March 2, 2011 • Denver, Colorado 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

• A $25 processing fee will be assessed on substitutions received after January 28, 2011 

• Registration may be sent via Fax only if payment is by credit card (301-694-5124 secure line) 

• General registration questions – 866-229-2386 or E-mail: smeattendee@experient-inc.com 

Conference program questions – contact SME Meetings Dept. at 303-948-4200 

• Mail form and payment by January 28, 2011 to address at right 

• Checks should be made payable to SME in US funds 

• All cancellations must be submitted in writing by e-mail: smeattendee@experient-inc.com 

or fax: 301-694-5124 and are subject to a $100 processing fee. No refunds after January 28, 2011 

• Registration is required to purchase tickets, however registrants may purchase more than one ticket 

First Name: Last Name: To appear on badge (if different): 

Job Title: 

Company: 

Address: 

- 

On-line: 

Mail: 

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION 

City: State/Province: Country: Zip/Postal Code: 

Day Phone: Evening Phone: Fax: 

HOW TO REGISTER 


SME Meeting Registration (RET112) 

c/o Experient 

PO Box 590 


Fax: 301-694-5124 

Phone: 866-229-2386 

Please Note: This icon - represents MANDATORY 

COMPLETION for processing of your registration. 

E-mail: 

Special Needs: 

q CMA 

q TMS 

q AIST 

q SPE 

Member # (required for discount) Member of: q SME q CMA q TMS q AIST q SPE 

SPOUSE/GUEST REGISTRATION 

$120 before January 28, 2011 

(Check the Spouse/Guest Box in REGISTRATION FEES below) 

Spouses must register to attend the Exhibit. Fee covers: daily exhibit access, Monday 

Brunch, Monday Luncheon, Tuesday Afternoon Social, and Wednesday Breakfast. 

Please join us for a complimentary brunch. See details below. 

FIELD TRIPS 

(Field Trips are subject to cancellation based on participation and weather. 

No refunds or exchanges after January 28, 2011.) 

Thursday, March 3 

_____ Henderson Mine [$75] 

HCM $__________ 

First Name: 

Last Name: 

_____ Geothermal Energy Expl. [$75] 

GEE $__________ 

To appear on badge (if different): 

_____ Leadville AML [$75] 

AML $__________ 

City: 

E-mail: 

State: 

Complimentary Spouse/Guest Meet & Greet Brunch 

Please check this box if you plan on attending. You must register 

as a Spouse/Guest to attend this function. 

Monday, Feb. 28 • 11am – 1pm • Hyatt Regency at Colorado Conv. Center 

- 

REGISTRATION FEES 

BEFORE 1/28/11 AFTER 1/28/11 

FULL 1-DAY FULL 1-DAY 

Member (FAM) $485 $260 $560 $320 $ 

Student Member (SM) $95 $95 $110 $110 $ 

Retired Senior Member (RM) $245 $245 $275 $275 $ 

Legion of Honor Member (LM) $245 $245 $275 $275 $ 

Nonmember Author (AT) $485 $260 $560 $320 $ 

Nonmember (FAN) $615 N/A $690 N/A $ 

Student Nonmember (SN) $115 $115 $130 $130 $ 

Spouse/Guest (SG) $120 $120 $130 $130 $ 

1-Day Exhibit Hall Only (OEH) N/A $120 N/A $120 $ 

If you are registering for the MEMBER-ONLY 1-DAY REGISTRATION or 

1-DAY EXHIBIT HALL ONLY PASS, indicate which day: 

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 


(No refunds or exchanges after January 28, 2011.) 


_____ SME Foundation Dinner [$95] 

FDD $__________ 


_____ Rising Professionals Social [$30] 

RPS $__________ 

_____ 75 Anniversary Gala 

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division [$90] IMG $__________ 


_____ Coal & Energy Division Luncheon [$45] 

CDL $__________ 

_____ Environmental Division Luncheon [$45] 

EDL $__________ 

_____ Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division Luncheon [$45] IML $__________ 

_____ Scotch Nightcap [$50] 

SNC $__________ 

_____ Women of SME Breakfast [$35] 

WSB $__________ 

_____ CMA Awards Banquet [$95] 

CMB $__________ 


_____ Mining & Exploration Division Luncheon [$45] MEL $__________ 

_____ Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div. Luncheon [$45] MPL $__________ 

_____ CMA Luncheon [$50] 

CML $__________ 

SME Dinner: 

_____ Individual Tickets [$80] 

SD $__________ 

_____ Table of 10 [$800] 

SDT $__________ 

Table Name _______________________________

ATTENDEE ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORM 

2011 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit and Colorado Mining Association’s 113th National Western Mining Conference 

February 27 – March 2, 2011 • Denver, Colorado 

First Name 

(Check one) 

_____ Coal Mining (1B) 

_____ Coal Processing (6) 

_____ Economics (4) 

_____ Environmental (7) 

_____ Geology / Exploration (8) 

_____ Government (2) 

_____ Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Mining (1C) 

_____ Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Processing (1D) 

_____ Manufacturing (5) 

_____ Marine Mining (1M) 

_____ Metallurgy (9) 

_____ Metals Mining (1A) 

_____ Metals Processing (10) 

_____ Underground Construction / Tunneling (11) 

(Check all that apply) 

_____ Consultant (C) 

_____ Educator (D) 

_____ Engineer (E) 

_____ General Manager / Vice President (G) 

_____ Geologist (H) 

_____ Marketing / Sales (M) 

_____ Mine / Plant Manager (N) 

_____ Owner (O) 

_____ President / CEO / COO (P) 

_____ Purchasing Agent (R) 

_____ Scientist / Researcher (S) 

_____ Student (T) 

_____ Supervisor / Foreman (U) 

Check here if you are a 

Nonmember applying for 

SME membership 

- 

- 

- 

Check here if you are 

interested in being a 

MENTOR 

FIELD / INTEREST 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Check here if this is an 

address change 

Check here if you are 

interested in being a 

MENTEE 

Check here if you are interested in volunteering for the 

Miners Give Back Project on 2/25/11 

See page 22 for details 

Mens Shirt Size: 

S____ M____ L____ XL____ XXL____ 

(Please total both pages) 

Payment must be in US Dollars 

Last Name 

(Fees are in addition to SME registration. All short courses are held at the Colorado Convention Center.) 

February 25-27 

Equipment Management: Key to Equipment Reliability and Productivity in Mining 

ADVANCE AFTER 1/28/11 

_____ Member $695 $770 

_____ Nonmember $795 $870 

_____ Student Member $550 $625 

February 26-27 

Beyond Mining: Diversify and Expand your Local Economy with Sirolli Enterprise Facilitation 


_____ Member $595 $670 

_____ Nonmember $695 $770 


National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects 


_____ Member $495 $570 

_____ Nonmember $595 $670 


Mine to Mill Process Optimization 


_____ Member $495 $570 

_____ Nonmember $595 $670 


Ore Reserve Risk and Optimization in Strategic Mine Planning 


_____ Member $595 $670 

_____ Nonmember $695 $770 


Strategic Open Pit Mine Planning and Cutoff Grade Optimization 

_____ Member $595 $670 

_____ Nonmember $695 $770 


February 27, 2011 

Improved Water Recovery Through Implementation of Alternative Tailing Disposal (ATD) 


_____ Member $395 $470 

_____ Nonmember $495 $570 


Science and Practice for Managing Cyanide in a Responsible Manner 


_____ Member $395 $470 

_____ Nonmember $495 $570 


PAYMENT 

GRAND TOTAL $___________________ 

Check or Money Order payable to (SME) Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. 

SHORT COURSES 

IF YOU ARE A NONMEMBER PLEASE VISIT www.smenet.org. 

SEE FOR YOURSELF THE COST SAVINGS AND BENEFITS OF SME MEMBERSHIP! 

American Express MasterCard VISA DISCOVER 

- 

Available for pick-up at the meeting in the SME Bookstore. 

Additional copies may be purchased: 

PROCEEDINGS 

_____ 2011 Annual Meeting CD-ROM 

ROM $__________ 

[$59 Member, $69 Nonmember, $49 Student Member] 

Full registrations, one-day and students receive a complimentary 2011 Annual Meeting Preprint CD. 

As an added benefit, you may receive exciting information from exhibitors such as invitations, contests 

and other exciting news via email. If you do NOT want to receive such email, please check here 

CARD NUMBER 

EXPIRATION DATE (mm/yy) 

SIGNATURE _________________________________________________________________________ 

I agree to pay the total according to card issuers agreement. 

ADVANCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 28, 2011

Submit your best photo for a 

chance to see it on the cover 

of Mining Engineering! 

Plus many other great prizes! 

The winning photos will be on display at the 2011 SME Annual Meeting 

This Year’s Theme: Heavy Equipment in Mining 

Entries accepted from March 15 through December 31, 2010 

For more details and to submit your photos, visit: 

www.smenet.org/photo 

Be the Exclusive Sponsor for the SME Photo Contest! 

$ 

2,000 Exclusive 

Benefits include: Recognition in the 2010 Pocket Program • Event-specific signage 

Company logo on SME Web page with a link to your company’s Website • Sponsorship recognition ribbons 

For more information, contact Liz Jones at 303-948-4216 or jones@smenet.org 

RULES: 

Only current SME and UCA of SME members may enter. (No employees of SME or their immediate families qualify) • Any level of photographer may enter as long as they do not receive a major part of their income from photography. • Only three entries per 

person. • Images must not have been digitally altered in any way other than necessary cropping or dust removal. • Entries will only be accepted through the website March 15th through December 31st, 2010. No mailed or emailed entries will be allowed. 

Images may be digital or scanned from film or slides. Only .jpg formatted images will be accepted. Image size must be at least 8x10 at 300dpi, but not larger than 5mb. • Your entry in the contest constitutes your agreement to allow your photographs and your 

name (where room allows) to be published in our magazines, on our websites and for promotions including, but not limited to: exhibit displays, online photos for web pages, meeting icons, brochures and membership pamphlets. Photographers retain the 

copyright to their photographs. • By entering, participants warrant that his or her entry materials are original, do not infringe on any third party’s rights, and that participant has obtained any necessary permissions from any third party if a third party or third 

party’s property appears in the photograph. SME reserves the right to disqualify any entry if it finds in its sole discretion that any of the foregoing warranties are not true. Photographs deemed inappropriate will be disqualified. Decisions of SME shall be final 

and binding. • SME is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the SME, or by any technical or human error that may occur in the processing 

of submissions to the SME, including but not limited to any misprints or typographical errors. SME assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft 

or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. SME is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer equipment, servers, providers, computer on-line systems, software, or failure of 

email on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, including injury or damage to participant’s or to any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating or uploading images or information to the 

SME. • By participating in the contest, you agree to release and hold harmless SME and its employees, officers, affiliates, agents, and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind 

resulting from your participation in this contest, including infringement of intellectual property rights. SME and its employees, officers, affiliates, agents, and advertising and promotional agencies assume no responsibility or liability for any damages, injuries, 

claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind arising in whole or in part from this contest. 

VOL. 61 NO. 4 

MEASURING CO 2 EMISSIONS 

AT BASE METAL MINES 

MINING IN CANADA 

VENTILATING UNDERGROUND COAL MINES 

APRIL 2009

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, 

and Exploration, Inc. 

8307 Shaffer Parkway 

Littleton, CO 80127-4102 USA 

SHAPING A STRONG FUTURE THROUGH MINING 

www.smenet.org • 800-763-3132 • 303-948-4200 • meetings@smenet.org

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Sponsored by: Newmont Mining ... - SME

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