CIM Magazine February 2008 by CIM-ICM Publications

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Editor-in-chief Heather Ednie hednie@cim.org Section Editors Columns, CIM News, Histories, Technical Section: Andrea Nichiporuk anichiporuk@cim.org News and Features: Angie Gordon agordon@cim.org Technical Editor Joan Tomiuk Publisher CIM

Giving recognition arlier this year, I attended the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame induction gala in Toronto, and was really impressed with the incredible lives this year’s inductees have led. All five winners were undoubtedly deserving of great recognition. It made me think about how many other deserving individuals have shaped our industry. At the CIM Awards Gala every year, we applaud some such people, but how do we recognize their contributions throughout the year? The minerals industry is built by the vision and sweat of the people who create it. And there are so many inspiring stories out there. Our online-only series by Peter Nowasad, sharing his memoires from his lifetime in the industry, has generated much interest from CIM members (see page 110). There must be more such stories out there, and they should be shared. Not all the heroes of our industry are rooted in our history — as we move forward, we’re creating the epic mining stories of tomorrow. On page 22 read about the new Canadian Mining Innovation Council, which will bring government, industry, academia and other research organizations together to set the groundwork for a new generation of Canadian mining expertise. Such coordinated efforts will lead to efficiency improvements and new emerging technologies and practices to maintain our industry’s high level of excellence. CIM will be publishing its first official Annual Report this year, which will include recognition of some of the volunteers giving back to our industry. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to increasing recognition for contributions, and we aim to further such work in the future. In the meantime, let me know who has a story to tell, who deserves some applause. With a dab of creativity, we can share the outstanding stories of our peers and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

Heather Ednie Editor-in-chief

Contributors Jon Baird, Bob Booze, Chris Brothen, Robert Carey, Jean-Marie Fecteau, Pierre Gaucher, Michel Grenier, Ferri Hassani, Carolyn Hersey, Marcel Laflamme, Louise Laverdure, Terry Lee, Stephen Lucas, Deborah McCombe, Gordon Peeling, Veronica Sanchez, Allan Smith, Larry Smith, Paul Stothart, Ed Sullivan, John Thomas, Jean Vavrek, Craig Waldie, Haidee Weldon, Thomas Wexler, Gord Winkel, Dan Zlotnikov Published 8 times a year by CIM 855 - 3400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Montreal, QC, H3Z 3B8 Tel.: 514.939.2710; Fax: 514.939.2714 www.cim.org; Email: magazine@cim.org Subscriptions Included in CIM membership ($140.00); Non-members (Canada), $168.00/yr (GST included; Quebec residents add $12.60 PST; NB, NF and NS residents add $20.80 HST); U.S. and other countries, US$180.00/yr; Single copies, $25.00. Advertising Sales Dovetail Communications Inc. 30 East Beaver Creek Rd., Ste. 202 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1J2 Tel.: 905.886.6640; Fax: 905.886.6615 www.dvtail.com Account Managers 905.886.6641 Joe Crofts jcrofts@dvtail.com ext. 310 Janet Jeffery jjeffery@dvtail.com ext. 329

This month’s cover Image courtesy of © Cameron Collingwood. Layout and design by Clò Communications. Copyright©2008. All rights reserved. ISSN 1718-4177. Publications Mail No. 09786. Postage paid at CPA Saint-Laurent, QC. Dépôt légal: Bibliothèque nationale du Québec. The Institute, as a body, is not responsible for statements made or opinions advanced either in articles or in any discussion appearing in its publications.

Printed in Canada 4 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

CONTENTS CIM MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2008 FÉVRIER

NEWS PRELIMINARY PROGRAM / PROGRAMME PRÉLIMINAIRE

CIM Conference and Exhibition Congrès et Salon commercial de l’ICM 80

COLUMNS

IOC tailings management process to restore Wabush Lake Flocculation technol-

Setting international standards An

ogy to be used for tailings management Interview with Niall Weatherstone, president of the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards by L. Smith

Leading through people at Elk Valley Coal Developing the leadership skills front-line supervisors and managers need to succeed by A. Smith

Hall of Fame welcomes new inductees Five inductees honoured at 20th annual gala dinner

INNOVATION 22

The Canadian Mining Innovation Council Renewing a commitment to mining research excellence by S. Lucas, F. Hassani, G. Peeling, J. Baird and J. Vavrek

Le Conseil canadien de l’innovation minière Une approche énergétique à l’innova-

Prix pour réduction de la consommation de cyanure IAMGOLD et COREM

tion minière

In the loop Delivering high-speed communications into harsh environments by E. Sullivan and

Award received for reduced cyanide consumption IAMGOLD and COREM jointly receive award recognizing their commitment to innovative practices by C. Hersey Oh Canada! Overview of innovative research projects from CANMET-MMSL by L. Laverdure,

reçoivent un prix d’excellence pour leur engagement envers des pratiques innovatrices

M. Laflamme, M. Grenier and J.-M. Fecteau

Optimizing training through innovative tools R.W. Consulting and Training Services Ltd. has seen major improvements since acquiring the Simlog Off-Highway Truck Simulator by C. Hersey An ounce of prevention The practical implications of a wireless tire pressure monitoring system for mine sites by C. Brothen and T. Lee

Eye on Business by T. Wexler MAC Economic Commentary by P. Stothart

56 58 60

Standards by D. McCombe and C. Waldie Mining Lore by D. Zlotnikov Innovation Page by J. Thomas and G. Winkel

62 64 65 67 69 70 122

HR Outlook by V. Sanchez Parlons-en par P. Gaucher Canadians Abroad by D. Zlotnikov Engineering Exchange by H. Weldon Safety by C. Hersey The Supply Side by J. Baird Voices from Industry by R. Carey

CIM NEWS

B. Booze

52 54

46 47

Optimiser la formation par l’utilisation d’outils innovateurs R.W. Consulting et Training Services Ltd. voient des améliorations majeures depuis l’acquisition du logiciel Simlog Être en Communication Établir des communications à haute vitesse dans des conditions difficiles Une once de prévention Les implications pratiques d’un système de surveillance sans fil de la pression des pneus pour les sites miniers Ô Canada ! Survol des projets innovateurs de recherché aux LMSM de CANMET

71 71 72

CIM welcomes new members Obituaries La section de Thetford visite Nichromet/Thetford Branch visits Nichromet CIM Distinguished Lecturers — an interview with Chief Glenn Nolan by R. Pillo

73 74 76

Hamilton branch kicks off 2007-2008 season CIM North-Central BC Branch revitalized Recognizing academic excellence: Meet CIM Foundation scholarship recipients by A. Nichiporuk

HISTORY 102 California gold — Part 3 by R.J. Cathro 105 The evolution of shaft sinking

systems — Part 4 by C. Graham and V. Evans 108 Migration and movement of scholars by F. Habashi

TECHNICAL SECTION 112 This month’s contents

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 6 8 75 119 120

Editor’s Message President’s Notes/Mot du Président Letters to the Editor Calendar Bookshop Professional Directory

66 February 2008 | 5

president’s notes Assessing CIM’s mandate

Jim Popowich CIM President Président de l’ICM

As my term as CIM president is coming to a close, I look back at the past year and try to assess what I have learned about CIM, its current role and where we might be in the future. We are a world-class organization that is knowledge-based, with a focus on sharing knowledge to set best practices and for our own personal development. However, on the other hand, we are a complex organization of many branches, districts and societies. Together with our small staff in Montreal and Calgary, we are an organization of volunteers dedicated to the CIM cause. We have a broad mandate covering the discovery and extraction of minerals and hydrocarbons through to the making of metals and materials for the good of society. A question I have from my observations is, given this broad mandate, can we be focused enough to create the best value for our members, our industries and then our societies in general? We continue to be a technical-driven organization; however, we are moving to the softer side of our business – our sustainability and corporate social responsibilities to our communities and stakeholders. Our mandate is now even more complex. We have also seen an increase in competing associations that have evolved for very specific and focused parts of our business. Some time ago, we undertook strategic planning sessions that looked at our existing organization and how we operate. We have made many improvements over the past few years in providing value to our members, including governance for a large not-for-profit organization. However, is this enough? So where to from here? Can we be everything to our entire industry? I firmly believe we have succeeded in many areas; however, given our ever-increasing mandate, how do we create a greater focus and outcome for our members? This year will be the time for asking these questions. In the meantime we have a lot of work to do!

mot du président Évaluation du mandat de l’ICM Alors que mon mandat en tant que président de l’ICM tire à sa fin, je profite de l’occasion pour effectuer un retour sur la dernière année et tenter d’évaluer ce que j’ai appris à propos de l’ICM, de son rôle actuel et de son avenir. Nous sommes un organisme de classe mondiale basé sur les connaissances et axé sur le partage de nos connaissances pour le développement de meilleures pratiques ainsi que pour notre développement personnel. Toutefois, nous sommes un organisme complexe constitué de nombreuses sections, districts et sociétés. Ensemble, et avec le personnel permanent à Montréal et à Calgary, nous formons un organisme de bénévoles entièrement dédiés à la cause de l’ICM. Notre mandat est vaste, il va de la découverte et de l’extraction de minéraux et d’hydrocarbures à la fabrication de métaux et de matériaux pour le plus grand bien de la société. À partir de mes observations sur ce vaste mandat, je me demande si nous pouvons être suffisamment ciblés pour créer une meilleure valeur pour nos membres, nos industries et la société en général. Nous sommes toujours un organisme à vocation technique, mais nous nous engageons de plus en plus vers un volet plus délicat de nos travaux – notre durabilité et les responsabilités sociales corporatives envers nos communautés et les intervenants. Notre mandat est maintenant de plus en plus complexe. Nous avons vu également un accroissement du nombre d’associations compétitrices qui se sont développées dans des secteurs bien particuliers et bien ciblés de notre champ d’action. Il y a quelque temps, nous avons entrepris des sessions de planification stratégique dans le but d’analyser notre organisme actuel et notre manière de fonctionner. Nous avons effectué beaucoup d’améliorations au cours des dernières années en offrant une valeur à nos membres, incluant la gouvernance d’un vaste organisme sans but lucratif. Est-ce suffisant? Que nous réserve l’avenir? Pouvons-nous faire absolument tout pour l’ensemble de notre industrie? Je crois fermement que nous avons réussi dans de nombreux domaines, mais, étant donné notre mandat qui s’élargit de plus en plus, comment pouvons-nous être encore plus ciblés tout en offrant encore plus à nos membres? Il sera temps cette année de nous poser de telles questions. En attendant, nous avons beaucoup de travail à faire! 6 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

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letters Online memoires of a career in mining CIM Magazine has received a number of letters expressing enjoyment in reading the online memoires of Peter Nowasad’s career in mining in Canada. Click on ‘Online Content’ on the home page of CIM Magazine. Dear Peter, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed seeing your articles — they are wonderful reflections on a life full of rich experiences. Congratulations, and thank you for sharing them with all of us. Best regards, Nancy MacPherson Special Adviser, Performance Assessment IUCN - The World Conservation Union

Discount rates under discussion Dear Mr. Smith, In the November 2007 issue of CIM Magazine you wrote an excellent and useful article about discount rates used in the industry (page 16). You mention that all the discount rates cited are “expressed in real terms.” Do you mean that inflation is not included? Thank you in advance, Gabor Matyas Dear Gabor, The survey respondents were asked to provide values in real terms, that is, excluding escalation. I believe they have done so. The replies to the survey appear to be in keeping with what the mining analysts for financial institutions use in their real cash flow forecasts for share price estimation. They are also in keeping with values I use in my work, which is done in real terms. By being in real terms, the results of the survey should be independent of year-to-year escalation and therefore applicable over a long period of time. The results from earlier surveys are similar, suggesting this is the case. You might find my paper on this subject of interest, “Discount rates and risk assessment in mineral project evaluations,” CIM Bulletin, April 1995, Vol. 88, No. 989, p. 34-43. Sincerely, Larry Smith 8 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

“It’s slow now but I’m on the ice road route and business is sure brisk in the winter.”

news IOC tailings management process to restore Wabush Lake Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) recently announced a new tailings management process aimed at restoring Wabush Lake to its natural colour and increasing the productive capacity of the fish population. These tailings consist of waste silica, quartz particles and fine-grained ore solids that are suspended in the lake water and are unable to be recovered within the existing concentration process. Iron-stained quartz is responsible for the reddish hue that is produced when tailings come into contact with water. IOC will employ flocculation technology, which causes these tailings to stick to flocks, forming larger

flake-like particles which, in turn, settle to the bottom of the lake, thereby controlling their dispersion. “The project will allow for the safe and effective containment of tailings and eliminate the red colour of Wabush Lake,” stated Terence Bowles, IOC president and CEO, at a press conference and commissioning ceremony held in Labrador City. “We are returning the lake to a quality that is on par with other Labrador lake systems.” Bowles added that IOC’s tailings management program is designed to leave a minimum footprint on Wabush Lake and goes beyond government requirements to meet community expectations. CIM

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February 2008 | 9

news Setting international standards Recently, on behalf of CIM, I interviewed Niall Weatherstone, president of the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO). We examined a number of topics relating to international reporting standards. CIM: In Canada, we do not hear a lot about CRIRSCO. What is it? Weatherstone: CRIRSCO has been in existence in one form or another since around 1993. It is a body that is formed of representatives of the by Larry Smith major mining National Reporting organizations, including JORC in Australia, SAMREC in South Africa, CIM in Canada, etc. It is thus an international version of these national bodies. Its mandate

10 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

is to promote equivalence among the various national standards, for example, reciprocity in accepting qualified/competent person status across national boundaries. CIM: Is CRIRSCO proposing a new international reporting standard? Weatherstone: No, not as such. CRIRSCO produces an international reporting template which, with the agreement of its members, provides a model for countries currently without a reporting code or wanting to make theirs internationally compatible. National codes take precedence when it comes to actual reporting as they obviously have to meet local regulator requirements, but the template has been used by a number of

countries (including Chile and the Philippines) as the basis for their codes. CIM: Where are the Russians heading with their system? Weatherstone: The Russian Federation has recently released a new version of their code, which does not differ greatly from previous ones in adopting a classification (A, B, C1, C2, etc.) that has been used historically and is based on a fairly prescriptive format for use. They are keen to see wider recognition of their system, not in the sense that they want it adopted elsewhere, but they need it to be understood, largely because Russian companies are now moving into the West and vice versa. CRIRSCO has a joint

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committee with the Russian GKZ (which controls their reserves systems) and we are discussing ways in which the Russian and western systems can be mapped to each other. There are some fundamental differences but a great willingness on both sides to complete this exercise. The Russians have recently established a professional body that would be the equivalent of our professional bodies when it comes to certifying competent persons. Talks are continuing.

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CIM: What system do the Chinese use? Weatherstone: The Chinese have their own system that, in some respects, is similar to the Russian one. Both systems do not explicitly separate resources from reserves, which makes it difficult to use, from our point of view, and both are based on prescriptive criteria to define resource/reserve categories. The Chinese, however, also recognize the need to update their system to something more compatible with international codes, and CRIRSCO is in the process of establishing a similar committee to discuss how this could be done. Our problem to date has been identifying the right people to talk to as the Chinese system is totally government-controlled and their government departments are vast; however, there has been recent progress on this, including preliminary meetings in Beijing, so we are hopeful of good progress in 2008. CIM: Where are the Americans heading with their system? Weatherstone: The U.S. system causes everyone a lot of heartburn. We have tried for a number of years to engage with the SEC to get them to adopt the internationally compatible system proposed by SME and developed by a strong Industry Working Group several years ago. SME recently released their Guide 2007, which does not have endorsement by the SEC but which is compatible internationally. The SEC has just announced their intention to

news update the rules governing oil and gas reporting and have engaged an academic to do this work. We are pushing for them to do the same for minerals so that Industry Guide 7 would be replaced by the SME Guide or an equivalent. CIM: The current international resource and reserve definitions do not provide terminology to describe mineralization that does not have “reasonable prospects for economic extraction.” It seems to me there is a good deal of mineralization that is excluded by this economic restriction that is still helpful in describing a mineral deposit. Weatherstone: The topic of mineralization, beyond what is allowed under reporting codes, is a hot one and being discussed in various forums. First, let me point out that reporting codes such as CIM, JORC, etc. are just that — they are intended for public reporting, not for internal analysis or evalu-

ation. They must meet the criterion of reasonable prospect for economic extraction under appropriate assumptions (cutoff grade, access to conventional mining and processing approaches, and so on). This is sensible because these codes restrict reporting to the information that is of greatest interest to investors, who are their main target. Other institutions, such as the United Nations and governments, often require reporting of mineralization beyond what is covered by the reporting codes, and we recognize this. CRIRSCO has been engaged with the UN for nearly 10 years now to help develop systems that are compatible between minerals and petroleum and which can be used to describe the full range of potential mineralization, including the bits without current prospects, uneconomic materials and, in some cases, even undiscovered mineralization.

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14 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

The CRIRSCO template and national reporting codes are unlikely to change as a result of this work, which aims at high-level compatibility among systems, but we do recognize that mineralization exists outside the code criteria. CRIRSCO has agreed with the United Nations that it would construct some form of statement to this effect and try to promote consistent terminology when such mineralization is described. The codes do have a category for this material already, called Exploration Results, but of course there are many forms in which these can be presented, from initial exploration through to welldrilled, defined volumes of mineralization that fail to meet the reasonable economic tests. CIM: How does CRIRSCO address valuation methods to be used on mineral properties? Weatherstone: To date, CRIRSCO has not involved itself in the development of valuation codes. Watch for the Standards column in the March/April and May issues of CIM Magazine for more information on CRIRSCO, its codes and new developments. CIM About the Author Larry Smith is the manager project evalvations, strategic planning and corporate development, Vale Inco

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news Leading through people at Elk Valley Coal In early 2003, the Elk Valley Coal the best management skills to engage Partnership (EVCP) was formed, their workforce. EVCP’s senior manbringing together the Fording agement recognized the need to proCanadian Coal Trust and Teck vide standardization of human Cominco Limited, to create a global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal. With the newly created merger of three organizations, Elk Valley Coal needed to implement a standardization of people management practices across the organization and throughout their six open pit mines in Western Canada. Before the merger, EVCP’s mines ran independently and each was managed as a resource management practices separate business unit throughout different mine sites. An by Allan Smith with different manage- internal needs analysis study by ment practices. These EVCP confirmed that training in differences in management practices leadership skills was viewed as a top rose to become a larger concern after priority by their managers and superthe organization grew to 3,000 visors. Drawing on the data that had employees as a result of the merger. beenAM gathered, EVCP partnered EVCP needed themselves SCSP_5x5 Ad to EN define B&W.qxd 2/8/08 as 10:17 Page 1 Development Dimensions a new organization, while providing with

International (DDI), a global human resource consulting firm, to create a customized program of 10 courses that developed the leadership skills

I introduced each of the sessions and stressed their importance in defining the organization

through good management practices

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— D. Stokes front-line leaders needed to succeed, to be given over a six-month period The experience combines classroom instruction, hands-on skill practices and a comprehensive overview of their EVCP strategic priorities and values. The courses cover topics such as change management, coaching for success, delegating results and interpersonal communication skills. DDI worked with EVCP to tailor the training materials, exercises, and skill practice situations, to encompass EVCP-specific language, the organization’s culture, and its business environment. “DDI was the partner of choice; they offered the best people managerial skills needed,” said Ian Anderson, manager of human resources at EVCP. DDI delivered courses at a location close to the site, where people from other units and parts of the organization were able to meet. The location offered many opportunities for people to cross-learn and gain a sense of what other sites were experiencing. It was an opportunity to share best practices and to build relationships among colleagues. “I loved the involvement in this session. I received a lot of opinions from others within our own organization,” replied one participant. About the Author Allan Smith is Canadian western operations manager, Development Dimensions International

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Getting the support from all corners of the organization was not an easy task. “Initially, it was not easy to convince the supervisors that training was needed, but they soon realized the importance,” Anderson said. In order to ensure a successful implementation, all levels of management at EVCP were made aware of the initiative, so that they could contribute to its success. Part of the success also resulted from the internal communications strategy and high-level executive involvement, both reinforcing the company’s value and commitment to developing its own leaders. “I introduced each of the sessions and stressed their importance in defining the organization through good management practices,” said Doug Stokes, vice president, operations, EVCP. EVCP, like many other organizations today, is faced with the rising rates of retirement as baby boomers exit the workforce and are replaced with younger talent. EVCP’s voluntary turnover and retirement rates are lower than the industry average, but nevertheless significant. Therefore, it is increasingly important to build a new set of skills and tools for all new leaders, in order to expand the base of resources and talents available to address the issues that happen daily. A major culture change in leadership style is currently underway. In the past, leadership or management was defined more as a top-down approach, and today’s leadership style is more focused on coaching and feedback from its own team members. EVCP clearly understands what is needed in today’s competitive workforce and in recruitment in the coal industry. Their goals are to make EVCP the best place to work, to increase safety and quality, as well as crew-based efficiencies, while continuously attracting new talent and retaining the best employees. Anderson simply stated, “we lead through our own people.” The Elk Valley Coal sponsors of this initiative continue to demonstrate commitment and a strong desire to further the development of their leaders. This approach will ensure they realize great outcomes for their investment. CIM

Achievements A little recognition Suncor Energy has ranked among the top 10 energy companies in Canada. The 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Report published in Maclean’s magazine recognizes the company’s leadership on climate change issues.

Order of Canada Rick George, president and CEO, Suncor Energy, was named an officer of the Order of Canada. He was selected for his “leadership in the development of Canada’s natural resources sector, his efforts to provide economic opportunities to aboriginal communities and his commitment to sustainable development.” 18 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

news Hall of Fame welcomes new inductees

Photo courtesy of Keith Houghton Photography Ltd.

area established him as one of the pioneers of Canadian diamond exploration. Ernest Craig was the first general manager of Falconbridge Nickel Mines, building a mine and a townsite in the late 1920s that became the foundation of today’s Xstrata Nickel. Through his leadership and management, Craig helped transform a remote Ontario countryside into a world-class mining and metallurgical complex, including building the town and servicing it with a hospital and school. His accomplishments didn’t stop there. With his brother Robert, he helped design the Craig bit, a detachable drill bit that tripled drilling productivity. After his retirement, he consulted for Ventures Limited, saw merit in a nepheline syen-

targeting

The 20th annual gala dinner for the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame took place on January 17 at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, and over 700 people joined together to celebrate the achievements of the five outstanding inductees. Master of Ceremonies Pierre Lassonde, chairman, Newmont Mining Corporation, led the night with humour as great moments in Canadian minerals history were remembered. The five inductees were: Carroll O. Brawner, co-founder of Golder Brawner and Associates (today Golder Associates), is world-renowned for his contributions to open-pit mining and geotechnical engineering. During his years as a consultant, he provided technical guidance on the design and construction of many of the world’s largest surface mines. Having earned a reputation as the best person to solve and prevent geotechnical problems, Brawner became an authority on the design, construction and maintenance of stable tailings dams. Since becoming a professor of mining engineering at the University of British Columbia in 1978, he has continued to work as a specialist consultant and a member of international review boards and panels. Johannes J. Brummer was one of Canada’s most accomplished exploration geologists. Throughout a career that began in Africa’s Copperbelt and spanned five decades in Canada, he continually pioneered the development of innovative exploration techniques, contributing to the discovery of at least 10 mines on two continents. Working with Falconbridge Nickel Mines in the 1960s, he helped find three new deposits in the Manitoba nickel belt. In the 1970s, as exploration manager for Canadian Occidental, he was instrumental in discovering the uranium potential in Saskatchewan, including the discovery of the two McClean Lake uranium deposits and the JEB deposit. Finally, in the 1980s, his discovery of kimberlites in the Kirkland Lake

ite deposit in the Peterborough area, and was appointed president and general manager of American Nepheline (now Indusmin Ltd.).

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news Chester F. Millar kicked off an illustrious career in the mid-1960s by discovering a copper-gold deposit that became the Afton mine near Kamloops. In the early 1970s, he headed to the western United States, where he pioneered the use of heap leaching to process low-grade gold ores and demonstrated the method at several open-pit mines. One of the mining industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful company builders, he helped transform Glamis Gold and Eldorado Gold from junior exploration companies into substantial gold producers. He contributed to the early growth of Alamos Gold and Castle Gold, and provided guidance to many other junior companies. David A. Thompson contributed to the spectacular growth and prudent financial management of what was to become Teck Cominco Ltd. As vice president of finance for Teck Corporation in the late 1980s, he

Photo courtesy of Keith Houghton Photography Ltd.

helped structure the transaction in which Teck joined forces with foreign partners to buy 31 per cent of Cominco Ltd. Fifteen years later, in 2001, the two companies merged to become a world leader in the production of zinc

20 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

and metallurgical coal and a major producer of copper, gold and specialty metals. Regarded as one of the shrewdest strategic thinkers in the Canadian mining industry, Thompson structured deals throughout the 1990s

that allowed Teck to expand its metallurgical coal interests, leading to the consolidation of the company’s coal assets and those of Fording and Luscar into the Elk Valley Coal Partnership. As CEO of Cominco in the late 1990s, he helped transform it into a world leader of zinc production. CIM is a proud sponsor of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, supporting the recognition of the keen individuals who have shaped today’s industry. CIM

Movin’ on up The Federated School of Mines will welcome a new executive director — Paul Hébert, current executive director of MiHR. Hébert has spent the last 10 years with MiHR developing solutions to the industry’s impending human resources crisis. Replacing him will be Ryan Montpellier, current director of operations at MiHR. Ahmed Zamin is now global sales director of Koch Knight. Most recently, he was managing director of CTI Grinding Media. New chief geologist for Cash Minerals, Michael Carew, is developing and managing exploration programs in British Columbia, Labrador and the Yukon. He joined the company about a year ago as project geologist. Thompson Creek’s board of directors has been making changes: president and CEO Kevin Loughrey became chairman; Timothy Haddon took on the role as lead director; and Thomas J. O’Neil was the latest addition to the board. Anthony Makuch will become president and CEO of Lake Shore Gold Corp. Currently, he is senior vice president and COO of FNX Mining. François-Philippe Champagne became strategic development director for AMEC, following a career with ABB in Switzerland. February 2008 | 21

innovation he Canadian mineral exploration, mining and related technology, service and supplier industries have worked in conjunction with academia, research organizations and governments to create the Canadian Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a new research and innovation network. CMIC is comprised of a consortium of industry, academic and government leaders whose mandate is to strengthen the competitiveness of a responsible Canadian mining industry by renewing a commitment to mining research excellence across the country. Canada enjoys a pre-eminent role as the global leader in mineral exploration, mining and knowledge-based services and technologies. Still, our mining and mineral processing sector faces key challenges related to R&D, innovation and commercialization. In particular, there is a need for technological solutions to advance sustainable mining, meet environmental standards and regulations, reduce costs, increase value added, and protect the health and safety of workers. There is also a lack of efficient and cost-effective access to R&D (both nationally and globally), as well as a shortage of engineers and scientists that is not being met by enrolment in most university mining departments. Furthermore, Canada is not capitalizing fully from the commercial benefits of R&D for domestic and international markets. Canada has a national mining research presence through industry, university, research organizations and government centres, but overall, these efforts are fragmented. There have been many mining-related research initiatives over the years, but there is currently no overall strategy for linking industry needs with public-private R&D capability. At present, mining research in Canada too often occurs in silos, with researchers and research institutions working without an awareness of other efforts and competing for research funding when there could have been an opportunity for collaboration. While there have been a number of successful regional and national initiatives, this lack of cooperation has resulted in a duplication of some research and gaps in other areas. The absence of a comprehensive understanding of the research communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts has also led to a lack of awareness by companies as to who in Canada could best address their problems, resulting in a shift offshore of some research. Furthermore, Canadian companies have not been able to take full advantage of technical breakthroughs stemming from research centres in this country. To address these challenges, federal, provincial and territorial mines ministers endorsed the creation of CMIC at their annual conference in September 2007. They also called for a pan-Canadian mining research and innovation strategy to be developed and presented at their September 2008 conference.

The Canadian Mining Innovation Council A bold approach to a sure future by Stephen Lucas, Ferri Hassani, Gordon Peeling, Jon Baird and Jean Vavrek

22 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

innovation contributors

Stephen Lucas Assistant Deputy Minister, Minerals and Metals Sector, Natural Resources Canada

Ferri Hassani Webster Chair professor, Department of Mining, Metals and Materials Engineering, McGill University

Gordon Peeling President and CEO, The Mining Association of Canada

Jon Baird Managing Director, Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export

Jean Vavrek Executive Director, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum

CMIC is a not-for-profit entity administered by a board of formers that CMIC will be able to provide. CMIC will directors and a secretariat, which will in turn be supported strengthen the competitiveness of a responsible Canadian by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and CIM. The mining industry by restoring mining research excellence Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inaugural annual general meeting will be held in across Canada. May 2008, in conjunction with the CIM Conference and For those who want to actively shape the future of minExhibition in Edmonton, Alberta. ing research and innovation in Canada, this is a great opporThe Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overarching objectives are: tunity to get involved. Additional information on the â&#x20AC;˘ To improve mining research, innovation and commer- Council can be obtained from Michel Plouffe at the secrecialization efforts in order to strengthen Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre- tariat (mplouffe@nrcan.gc.ca). CIM eminent role as a global leader in mineral exploration, mining and knowledge-based services and technologies. â&#x20AC;˘ To increase the supply of highly qualified graduates from mining and earth 2 % ) . & / 2 # % $ % ! 2 4 ( 7 ! , , 3 s 4 % # ( 3 0 ! .ÂŠ ! 2 # ( 3 4 2 5 # 4 5 2 % 3 science faculties to meet the significant current and future demands of industry, governments and academia. With the leadership of a strong transitional board of directors, the Council will develop the pan-Canadian research and innovation strategy in 2008 through a series of regional workshops. The strategy will address Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key challenges related to mining R&D, innovation, commercialization and availability of highly qualified people. The success of Canadian mining depends on our ability to innovate. A long-term vision and strategy is needed to address mining research and innovation issues if we are to maintain our global leadership role. A new plan of action is required to generate the necessary results, supported by the opportunity for

improved coordination and collaboration WWW REINFORCEDEARTH CA between research users, funders and per-

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February 2008 | 23

innovation In the loop Delivering high-speed communications into harsh environments In today’s information age, the adage “knowledge is power” has never rung so true. Ensuring that an organization’s knowledge base extends to the far reaches of its enterprise can’t help but have a positive impact on operations. However, until recently, mining field operations were often left out of the loop, as extending high-bandwidth communications into harsh environments often proved to be impossible due to thermal extremes, physical hazards and the presence of caustic chemicals. Fortunately, advances in the design and manufacture of extremely rugged fibre optic cables have allowed for the successful installation of 10 gigabit transmission links in even the harshest of environments, by Ed Sullivan and Bob Booze including mining operations.

Digging for solutions The experience of CONSOL Energy Inc. — the U.S.’s largest underground coal producer — exemplifies how tight

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buffered cables can help carry the efficiency of enterprise resource planning (ERP) communications into even the most challenging work environments. Like other industries that operate within demanding environments, engineers at CONSOL sought to fully extend the high-speed communications previously restricted to administration areas. “We use mining systems that are highly mechanized and capital-intensive and they operate in tough conditions, so maintenance of these systems is a normal occurrence,” explained Tom Prokop, manager of site support for CONSOL. “We need access to the corporate network to allow the tracking of our maintenance in real time. However, it is not uncommon for our main shafts to go down anywhere from 300 to 2,000 feet and then have mine entries that extend horizontally for three to twenty miles. It can take up to two

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Advances in the design and manufacture of extremely rugged fiber optic cables have now enabled the successful installation of 10-Gigabit transmission links in the most unlikely places

innovation hours — depending on what is going on underground — to travel from the warehouse to the active mining areas.” CONSOL’s switch to SAP in 2002 provided the impetus for Prokop and his team to search for a fibre optic cable that could withstand the mining environment, knowCross-section of the Optical Cable Corporation ruggedized cable. ing that copper conductors would not work because of the excessive noise generated by access all maintenance records, look at schematics and order parts,” said Prokop. “In the past, they would have to exit the mining equipment. “We found very few fibre optic cables that filled the bill tunnel, get a manual and open a ‘shopping cart’ above ground for our tough demands, but we finally narrowed it down to – it would waste an hour, on average. But this ruggedized fibre the tight-buffered cable from Optical Cable Corporation,” optic cabling has brought the time-saving convenience of recalled Prokop. “We’ve actually had roof falls bury the cable enterprise-wide computing into our domain now.” In a time when connectivity is crucial, high-speed, between rocks and still not lose data communications.” Safety issues also played a role in CONSOL’s choice of ruggedized tight-buffered fibre optic cables enable harshcable. “All underground cables have to carry the Mine Safety environment industries to take advantage of the ultra highHealth Administration certification to make sure they will speed links once reserved for white-collar campuses and not propagate a flame or give off toxic fumes,” said Prokop. administrative data centres. The environments might be harsh, but the future of high-speed communications appears Going to extremes anything but. CIM Ruggedized, tight-buffered fibre optic cable derives much of its reliability and performance advantages from its basic design. As opposed to loose-tube designs, which only have one thin coating surrounding each optical fibre, ruggedized tight-buffered fibres have two. In addition to the primary fibre coating, each tight-buffered fibre has a secondary buffer that, together with the primary coating, reaches “heavy weight” proportions that are over six times thicker than the primary coating alone. In the breakout cable design, there is yet another layer of protection. Each tightbuffered fibre is surrounded by aramid yarns and a tight bound elastomeric jacket. Even at this sub-cable level, the sub units are very crush-resistant, and able to withstand environmental extremes. In the case of OCC, the sub cables are helically stranded and surrounded by a special formulation, pressure-extruded outer jacket that locks all of the sub elements of the cable into place. The cable structure therefore acts as a unit, much like a rope. This makes the cable usable in vertical installations, as well as greatly enhancing its crush resistance, jacket tear resistance and overall survivability in harsh environments.

Up to speed underground With the fibre optic cable installation at the CONSOL mine sites complete, Prokop’s team could now take full advantage of the company’s ERP system. “Our maintenance crew can now

About the Authors

Ed Sullivan is a Hermosa Beach, California-based writer. He has researched and written about healthcare, finance, real estate and high technology for over 25 years. Bob Booze is the vice president of marketing for Optical Cable Corporation of Roanoke, Virginia. February 2008 | 25

innovation Award received for reduced cyanide consumption IAMGOLD and COREM jointly received the 2007 ADRIQ (Industrial Research Association of Quebec) award in the Process Innovation category, recognizing their commitment to innovative practices. As a multiindustry organization, ADRIQ accepts nominations from various companies involved in research. The award presentation ceremony was held at Windsor Station in Montreal on November 22, 2007. The celebrated technology is actually a fresh take on the traditional cyanidation process — a newer version of by Carolyn Hersey an old technique. Donald Leroux, director of technol-

From left to right: Claude Demers, ADRIQ, Claude Gagnon, COREM (research scientist), Gilles Landry, IAMGOLD (Sleeping Giant mill), Yves Harvey, COREM (executive director), Pierre Pelletier, IAMGOLD, Jean Belzile, École de Technologie Supérieure, Alain Coulombe, SolVision. Photo courtesy of ADRIQ.

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innovation ogy at COREM, said the new process basically consists of handling the coarse particles separately from the fines. In the traditional process, an excess of cyanide is consumed in the side reactions, and since having implemented the new method, cyanide consumption has been reduced considerably — by about 30 per cent. The results are a huge success for both the company and the environment. “Since only a fraction of the cyanide is used for leaching gold (the bulk of cyanide is consumed by minerals other than gold), a 30 per cent reduction of cyanide consumption makes the amount of cyanide discharged to the environment drop by an even greater percentage. The reduction of cyanide consumption has no negative effect on gold recovery, and in addition to the significant economic benefits, the plant reports a substantial drop of the weak acid dissociable cyanides contained in the plant tailings, a notable environmental performance improvement,” said Leroux. COREM is owned by a consortium of 10 companies (IAMGOLD being one of them), and the idea for the new process came up in a members’ meeting about three years ago. Since then, the technique has met with great success. The idea itself was developed jointly and Leroux gives full credit to COREM’s members. The companies were brainstorming, seeking out a new proposal to research, and came up with the size-by-size cyanidation process. During the three years since, about $800,000 has been invested in the project and its implementation. The technology (developed and patented by COREM) was implemented last year by IAMGOLD at their Sleeping Giant mill near Amos, Quebec. This first and successful largescale application of the technology was made possible by a well-seasoned team of plant metallurgists and research scientists and the strong support of IAMGOLD management. “The process was initially commissioned at the mill as a pilot process for about one month before being permanently implemented,” said Leroux, who highlighted the individuals who really drove the project: Pierre Pelletier, Gilles Landry and Martine Deshaies from IAMGOLD, and Claude Gagnon, Michel Turbide, Ahmed Bouajila and Mohamed Ourriban from COREM. Of course, as with any new technology, there is always room for improve-

ment. Currently, the size-by-size cyanidation process is being further developed using ore samples from IAMGOLD and other COREM members who can keep the exclusive rights of this patented technology for a period of up to five years. With a 30 per cent reduction in cyanide consumption and in the amount of cyanide dumped into the environment, it’s hard to go wrong. For COREM and its members, the results speak for themselves. CIM

February 2008 | 27

innovation Oh Canada! Overview of innovative research projects from CANMET-MMSL The CANMET Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories (MMSL) are federal government research laboratories within Natural Resources Canada. They provide research and scientific advice to the mining and minerals industries, and to provincial/territorial and federal government departments involved in promoting or regulating these industries. The following is a brief synopsis highlighting some of the innovative research projects currently being spearheaded by CANMET-MMSL in their effort to improve health, safety and productivity in the mine environment.

fibre-reinforced shotcrete (FRS) also enhances safety, as it allows workers to apply support while remaining away from unsupported ground. However, there are many different types and geometries of fibre currently available, each performing differently. CANMET-MMSL will prepare, test and evaluate shotcrete properties related specifically to these fibres, including the differing types, materials, geometries and proportions. The aim is to supply sound scientific data to mining engineers, to enable them to determine the appropriate fibres required for safe ground support at their site. This project will provide an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of ground support systems, as well as provide a platform for CANMET-MMSL to develop future research into determining and quantifying the response of FRS with respect to dynamic forces, such as those caused by rockburst events.

Dynamic performance of ground support elements

Testing of various types of shotcrete on static and dynamic response.

The influence of various fibre types on the static and dynamic response of shotcrete As mines continue to dig deeper and in-situ stresses increase, the need to understand ground support system responses and to by Louise Laverdure, Marcel Laflamme, improve upon Michel Grenier and Jean-Marie Fecteau them is imperative. Currently in the mining industry, shotcrete is used primarily in permanent openings, such as shaft stations, refuge stations and vehicle bays, although there is a trend towards its increased usage throughout the mining cycle. In some instances, it has even become the support of choice. Incorporating fibres into the shotcrete mixture minimizes the necessity for the labour-intensive process of mesh installation, thus reducing cycle time. These fibres impart fracture toughness and crack growth resistance to the shotcrete, which has traditionally been the role of the mesh. Using 28 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Increasingly, the dynamic capabilities of ground support has become one of the key design considerations when selecting yielding elements for highly stressed, burst-prone or high deformation environments. Since 2003, CANMETMMSLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ground Control Program has been evaluating the dynamic performance of various ground support elements to fulfill its mandate related to the safety of underground workers. In addition to its continued testing of tendons, CANMET-MMSL has spearheaded a new project to gather all information available regarding the dynamic parameters of ground support elements. The objective is to provide the mining industry with concise and up-to-date data regarding dynamic tendon support. It is anticipated that this information will facilitate support selection and design as well as identify existing gaps in the information. Under the leadership of CANMET-MMSL, its self-developed testing protocols are currently being assessed by the American Society for Testing and Materials Inc. The acceptance of the standard test procedure will become official at the beginning of 2008.

The effects of dynamic loading on (a) standard ground support and (b) dynamic rockburst-resistant ground support in a base metal mine.

CON-08-009

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Online monitoring of oil sands extraction The extraction of oil from deep oil sands reservoirs relies on thermal processes such as cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), developed by Imperial Oil Resources Ltd. Three dimensional view of a typical pad showing the CANMET-MMSL, geological formations and inclined oil wells reaching the oil-bearing clearwater formation. in collaboration with Imperial, has developed a passive seismic monitoring technology that allows for the real-time detection of breaks in oil well casings under thermal stresses caused by the CSS process. This early detection saves well downtime, avoids various productivity issues and allows the failures to be fixed before they become more costly. The transfer of this CANMET-developed microseismic technology to the private sector has led to a solid investment of over $20 million by the oil industry in monitoring equipment alone. Passive seismic monitoring is now a well-established technique, helping heavy oil companies in western Canada to extract oil in a safer and more economical manner.

Development of a diesel-electric hybrid loader Low-emission vehicles are becoming more popular as a result of increased concerns with the health of mine employees and the long-term environmental impact of diesel emissions. CANMET–MMSL, in collaboration with Mining Technologies International, is working on the development of the hybrid LT270 loader — the first of its kind worldwide. This diesel-electric hybrid vehicle combines the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with battery and electric motors. A study performed by CANMET-MMSL demonstrated significant emission reductions, ranging between 25 and 40 per cent, accompanied by similar reductions in fuel consumption and heat, with a positive impact on the ventilation requirements. Following an extensive period of testing the prototype in four underground mines, the objective is to develop a wide range of equipment using this source of energy.

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innovation Diesel equipment in mines — innovative approaches and alternatives In spite of concerns over toxic emissions, powerful mobile diesel production equipment continues to be the workhorse of underground mining. Nevertheless, diesel engines are likely to come under closer scrutiny in the future due to several factors. These include questions regarding the efficient use of diesel engines in very deep mines, the availability of clean flame-proofed engines for a resurgent coal mining sector, increasing health concerns (including the impact of nano-particles from diesel exhaust) and the need to adapt to more stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards. In an effort to meet these challenges, innovative approaches and alternative technologies are being considered including: • the development of alternative low-carbon cycle fuels (biodiesels); • study of the impact of great depth on diesel engine operation and emissions profiles; • the evaluation of the impact of high filtration efficiency exhaust modules on approved coal mine engines; •MEP-Pub size-distribution analysis30/01/2008 of ultra-fine 10:11 diesel exhaust Solution.qxd Page 1particulate matter; and

• research and development into alternatives to diesel (diesel-electric hybrids and fuel cells). Each one of the above elements is being addressed in CANMET-MMSL’s five-year diesel research plan. Results will help protect mine workers and have an impact on workplace regulations.

Diesel engine being prepared in CANMET-MMSL’s dynamometer test cell.

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The Econox multi-functional building system allows installation, expansion and relocation of your building in a matters of hours. Manufactured by Murox, the system is composed of light and sturdy load bearing panel sections, either insulated or non-insulated, which can be erected on simple foundations, by a small crew and a light crane. Visit us at MEMO Conference in Val-d’Or. Booth # C07

1 866 GO MUROX www.murox.ws/econox Anti-vibration rockdrill handle at the Experimental Mine. 30 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

innovation Explosive-free rock breakage The objective of the explosive-free rock breakage (EFRB) initiative is to develop a toolbox of non-explosive rock-breaking technologies that would be available for underground development at significantly higher advance rates, with costs comparable to conventional drill and blast techniques. While there have been successes in specific EFRB applications in the past, they have not led to widespread use. Possible breakthroughs in this technology have garnered serious interest by mining companies that have already funded a number of large-scale EFRB projects. There are strategic drivers within the industry, such as an operational shift from open pit to underground mining, faster accessibility to ore bodies and reduction in development costs, which are currently making EFRB an option that is being reconsidered by seven mining companies, including Agnico-Eagle, AREVA, Barrick Gold, CAMECO, Vale Inco, IAMGOLD and Rio Tinto. These companies, along with Hydro-Quebec, the Société de recherche et développement minier (SOREDEM) and CANMET-MMSL, are participating in a cooperative initiative that will compare key performance measures for EFRB technologies to conventional drill-and-blast techniques as a means of ongoing benchmarking. Each selected area of research will be evaluated Project7 2/6/08 4:39 PM Page 1 against rigorous success criteria meant to avoid pitfalls and

unsatisfactory project results, such as the production of incomplete technology or that of limited operational application. These performance measures will include cost, energy consumption, advancement rates, as well as health and safety, environment and ground control implications.

Heat stress issues in Canadian underground mines Recent high metal prices have been driving mine exploration to record depths. In high humidity conditions, this can result in a work environment in which temperatures reach an

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innovation excess of 35 degrees Celsius. This is a product of several factors including: the autocompression of air ventilation, the creation of high virgin rock temperatures due to the geothermal gradient and heat generation from large production equipment. The Deep Mining Research Consortium is presently funding a heat stress research project focusing on: • the level of effort involved in conventional mining tasks; • the benefit of work-rest periods; • the impact of conventional garments and safety equipment; • the usefulness of the standard wet-bulb globe temperature index; and • the impact of a sedentary life style, obesity and type-2 diabetes in an aging workforce. The objective is to protect the mining workforce from heat-stress by making a cost-effective use of state-of-the-art techniques and technology.

Innovative mine ventilation design criteria based on the life-cycle airflow requirements Mine ventilation is known to be one of the highest energy consumers associated with the mineral extraction process. Although attempts are being made to automate mine ventilation components, the ability to develop and implement a cost-effective system that takes into consideration mine-wide ventilation requirements throughout the life of its operation has been beyond our reach. Process simulation tools such as AutoMod™ are offering an alternative method of defining the ventilation requirements in the production areas of a mine. In conjunction with ventilation modelling software, the primary and secondary ventilation requirements can be defined at any point in space and time and subsequently managed for optimal cost efficiency. This life-cycle airflow demand schedule (as opposed to peak ventilation demand) would then become the basis for the ventilation design process, thereby minimizing power consumption and, in turn, ventilation capital and operating costs. CIM

About the Authors Louise Laverdure is director, processing and environmental research; Marcel Laflamme is program manager, mine mechanization and automation; Michel Grenier is program manager, mine air quality and ventilation; and Jean-Marie Fecteau is program manager, ground control — all at CANMET-MMSL, Natural Resources Canada.

32 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

mac facts According to the Statistics Canada catalogue 88-202 entitled Industrial Research and Development, Canadian mining companies invested slightly over half a billion dollars in research and development in 2005. The Canadian corporate R&D database, RE$EARCH Infosource Inc. (2006), ranked eight mining and oil sands companies among the top 100 privatesector R&D investors in Canada in 2005: • Alcan ranked seventh at $275 million • Suncor ranked 19th at $108 million • Novelis (aluminium rolling/recycling firm) ranked 47th at $50 million • Syncrude ranked 50th at $44 million • Inco (now Vale Inco) ranked 52nd at $42 million • Falconbridge (now Xstrata) ranked 66th at $35 million • Suncor ranked 80th at $22 million • Rio Tinto ranked 94th at $16 million

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innovation Optimizing training through innovative tools At the wheel of a virtual off-highway truck Sometimes the optimal tool A view from the cabin of Simlog's Off-Highway Truck becomes available to make real simulation software as the student learns to drive mine haul roads. improvements on the job. Reinhard Weins, owner of R.W. Consulting and Training Services Limited, has seen major improvements to his training program since acquiring the Simlog Off-Highway Truck Simulator a couple of years ago. In business for three years now, R.W. Consulting and Training Services Limited, of Sparwood, British Columbia, trains individuals for the open-pit mining industry. Since purchasing the Simlog software two years ago, they noticed a significant increase in trainee knowledge and performance, and a much-appreciated decrease in machinery damage. Weins noted that the trainees’ performance has improved by about 70 to 80 per cent and less machinery is being damaged. Thanks to this software, trainees are much more prepared by the time they are operating real equipment on an actual site. Normally, it takes about a day or two practising on the simulaor before continuing to real handson experience. The Simlog Off-Highway Truck Simulator is a PC-based software designed to train open-pit mine workers on how to properly and safely use heavy-duty mine machinery. Complete with a chair, controls and joystick, the machinery simulator is, in essence, a sort of video game. On the screen in front of you is a view of the mine site and a partial shot of the equipment you are working on, designed to mimic the exact scene you would see looking out the window of a truck. When in training, the software records every move and therefore every error, and prepares a detailed report. This, in turn, can be used by the trainer to evaluate the trainee and his or her strengths or weaknesses, thereby focusing on the areas that by Carolyn Hersey may need more or less attention. Weins has been in the mining business for about 30 years now, and although this technology is not a new one, the fact that it is now PC-based makes it much more affordable and accessible for his training service company. The software runs on a regular computer, and since it can be used on overhead projection screens or laptops, it is very portable. An immersive software can run upwards of $500,000, while Simlog’s simulator is much more affordable at about $10,000. Before R.W. Consulting incorporated the technology, they weren’t engaged in computer-based training. Trainers would operate the trucks with the trainees until they were deemed fit February 2008 | 35

innovation and ready to run things on their own. Over the years, errors occurred, which in mining can lead to costly repairs. One of Simlog’s many benefits, as Weins pointed out, is not only are they saving money on the initial cost of the software, but they’re saving in the long run as well. “I would much rather a trainee crash on the computer and be able to correct the error right then and there, than have them crash in a truck and have to pay thousands of dollars worth of damage.” In the future, R.W. Consulting aims to integrate the technology into their hiring process. The simulator could be used to test the skill level of potential employees. Weins also noted that although the simulator has immensely improved the company’s training performance, it’s equally important to understand that it is the trainers who simply cannot be replaced. R.W. Consulting owes most of its success to

The PC controls for Simlog's Off-Highway Truck Personal Simulator are based on an inexpensive and easily transportable commercial USB steering wheel, gear shifter and pedal set, and integrates a replica USB lever that serves as the retarder.

the fact that they strive to hire slightly older and very experienced trainers. The Simlog simulator is an excellent tool for instructors to use during training, but it’s important to remember that it is just that — a tool. “A machine can never replace a live human being, capable of making compassionate, applicable and sometimes crucial decisions that only a human can,” said Weins. As for improvements, Weins said there are very few to be made. He’s constantly in contact with Simlog, staying on top of any progress the technology may make as time goes on. “The Simlog Off-Highway Truck Simulator is a great tool, and R.W. Consulting is more than proud to offer this level of sophisticated training and technology,” he added. With reduced initial costs, reduced property damage and improved trainee performance, you can’t go wrong. CIM

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www.cim.org/edmonton2008 36 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

innovation An ounce of prevention The practical implementation of a wireless tire pressure monitoring system for mine sites The introduction of new technology in mine operations has provided real opportunities for increased efficiencies and production gains that can translate into enhanced profits. This has largely been the case with the integration of computing and network technology into surface mining operations. However, embracing new technology does not guarantee positive results. The expectations and anticipated improvements should be determined well before implementation. Wireless tire pressure and temperature monitoring systems (TPMS) are an excellent example of an existing technology that can help provide savings through lowered maintenance costs and increased productivity. Off-the-road (OTR) tires are often out of service before their expected useful life is achieved. In many instances, this occurs Photo courtesy of Kal Tire because they have been operating at more At Mine Expo 2000, Larry Hurst, manager of Goodyear than 100 per cent of some combination of the rated load, OTR programs, stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The traditional TKPH/TMPH forspeed or distance-carrying capacity. Any movement to improve any or all of these operating parameters will posi- mula uses established averages, which do not account for grades, which shift weight from one end of the truck to the tively affect tire life. Regular checks of operating tires are mandatory and inte- other, increasing tire temperature, and other variables. The gral to any good preventative maintenance program. A wire- key to maximizing tire life is knowing when the tires are less TPMS can provide real-time, automated performance entering the heat danger zone and taking steps to keep them measurements of tires operating under harsh conditions. Prompt warnings or &ORVHG -RLQW 6WRFN &RPSDQ\ Â´1LWUR 6LELUÂľ alarms signal when a tire has exceeded 7HFKQRORJ\ RI SURGXFWLRQ DQG DSSOLFDWLRQ RI WKH HPXOVLRQ H[SORVLYHV operating capacities, enabling mainte7HFKQRORJLFDO HTXLSPHQW DQG FKDUJLQJ WUXFNV nance providers to proactively address 'HVLJQLQJ DQG FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI SURGXFWLRQ HQWHUSULVHV Â´WXUQNH\Âľ condition alerts before irreparable damage 7HFKQRORJ\ RI EODVWLQJ RSHUDWLRQV occurs, thereby providing savings through lowered maintenance costs 0RVFRZ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHV 105064, Russia, Moscow, and increased proby Chris Brothen and Terry Lee St. Staraya Basmannaya, 13-3 ductivity.

Under pressure A tireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ton kilometre per hour (TKPH) is a theoretical measure of the work done by a tire and is the accepted standard used today by manufacturers and tire experts. Tire manufacturers understand that tire life is dramatically affected when temperature and pressure are elevated beyond acceptable parameters and thereby exceed this value.

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February 2008 | 37

innovation out of that zone by putting the truck on a different route, performing maintenance, or some other activity.” It follows then, that an OTR tire will experience maximum wear in the shortest period of time when the truck is in an overload condiWireless TPMS components tion, transporting a non-centred load, at maximum speed, over a long distance and at a high ambient temperature. Manufacturers commonly claim that a truck overloaded by 10 per cent will experience a 20 per cent reduction in tire life. An assumption can be made that under-inflation will decrease tire life by a similar percentage. We know that when either of these conditions is considered – in combination with speed and distance travelled – it will likely result in elevated internal tire temperatures, which is known to affect tire performance and shorten life.

At a recent Michelin presentation concerning the global tire crisis, it was suggested that good pressure maintenance can yield approximately 30 per cent greater tire life as compared to when pressure control is average.

Benefits of TPMS technology The regular monitoring of heat and pressure variations in tires permits timely intervention, thus ensuring maximum performance and tire life. When operating at the optimum pressure and temperature, the most obvious benefit is an increase in the average operating tire hours. It should be noted, however, that without well-constructed and regularly maintained haul roads and loading and disposal areas, tire life averages are not likely to increase substantially. The availability of trucks is a quantifiable benefit. Less machine downtime due to tire-related issues will most cer-

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38 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

innovation tainly enhance levels of production. A decrease in a tireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rolling resistance, as a result of well-maintained air pressure, will also provide savings in fuel consumption. This benefit is more difficult to quantify as site and equipment conditions can also adversely affect fuel economies. Nevertheless, the premise of enhanced fuel efficiencies on properly inflated tires is valid. All tires, regardless of brand or type, are prone to air loss over time; this is especially dramatic on the dual tire pairs of haul trucks. Without air pressure monitoring, there is potential for one of the tires in

a dual set to develop a low pressure condition that may go undetected for some time. The other tire in the pairing is then operating in an overcapacity condition, as it is required to carry more of the load. The subsequent increase in pressure and temperature can contribute to irreversible tire damage. This type of damage occurs frequently on many sites and can be controlled through the use of a TPMS.

Feeling the heat Monitoring a tireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal temperature is the best way to determine whether it is operating within the normal parameters. It

February 2008 | 39

innovation has been noted that low pressures will cause an excess increase in tire temperature, thereby making it more susceptible to damage and premature failure. The following is a summary of some of the factors that can contribute to escalated temperatures and decreased tire performance: • Haul cycle distance • Velocity • Road conditions and haul profiles

• • • •

Overloading Load distribution Tire type and compounds Outside ambient temperature The common link to all of these factors in decreased tire life is heat, generated either through operation or high ambient temperatures. According to information provided by Bridgestone Firestone’s Off Road Tire Company’s “Hot Pressure

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The following questions should be answered before proceeding with the implementation of a TPMS.

What effects may a TPMS have on an operating mining fleet?

What should mining operators expect from a high tech TPMS?

What types of TPMS exist presently and how are they integrated and supported?

What are the features, advantages, benefits and costs?

What are the standard requirements for a mine-based TPMS?

What results should be expected?

Will the technology evolve or improve?

40 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

innovation Adjustment Chart,” a tire with a contained air temperature of 85 degrees Celsius needs immediate attention if irreversible damage is to be avoided. With a reliable and accurate TPMS, users can prevent tires from reaching these temperatures and, of equal importance, be capable of determining the optimum operating temperatures and related predicted pressures.

Wireless TPMS system description Tire monitoring systems for mining equipment are typically comprised of tire-mounted sensors, an onboard processor and wireless connectivity that permit the download of tire pressure and temperature readings. Some systems offer an onboard display of temperatures and pressures for the equipment operators. Contained air pressure and temperature limits are established by the user and warnings and/or alarms are sent to a centralized location or dispatch when the limits are violated. The capture and processing of accurate, real time temperature and pressure data from tires is certainly the main objective of any wireless TPMS. Transmitting this data so that the information obtained can be used for immediate monitoring, or for accessing historical information, is an integral feature of the system. Most surface mining operations have installed computer-controlled central dispatch systems that coordinate mining activities, while also maintaining a two-way data stream of operational and maintenance between the centralized control and mining equipment and personnel. TPMS systems should have the capacity to deliver tire data through a handshake protocol to the central system. Additionally, any TPMS system should have the capacity to transmit to a wireless access point (WAP) or to a wireless appliance to permit easy access to the data. The objective is to deliver the data and warnings or alarms to the users who have the tire maintenance responsibilities.

Choosing a TPMS It is paramount to have an understanding of the present state of the systems for mining applications. Although the architecture may be similar among available systems, it should be determined whether the one being considered is scalable to allow for future expansion. As with any technology-based system, serviceability and support requirements must also be identified and considered. Implementation, as well as operational and maintenance costs, also need to be determined and included in any costbenefit analysis. Apart from the obvious savings from increased tire life, fuel savings, increased availability of equipment and intangibles such as enhanced safety should also be taken into account. Quantitative assessment of the benefits of a TPMS should be determined over a sufficient period of time to

permit changes to operational and maintenance procedures. To accurately quantify the projected savings, all costs associated with the technology — both direct and indirect — must be considered. Apart from the initial investment of system implementation, ongoing maintenance and support costs, as well as the cost of integrating the system into existing mine operations must be allowed for. And, of course, collaborative and cooperative efforts between mine personnel and the TPMS provider is the key to ensuring system expectations and goals are met. CIM

About the Authors Chris Brothen works in international sales and development for Kal Tire, SA, and Terry Lee is the chief technical officer for SST Wireless, Vancouver, British Columbia. The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Peter Cunningham, EVCC, Elkford, British Columbia, Tim Skinner, Smart Systems Group, Calgary, Alberta, and Carlos Zuñiga F., Kal Tire, Antofagasta, Chile in the preparation of this article.

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February 2008 | 41

innovation Le Conseil canadien de l’innovation minière Une approche énergétique à l’innovation minière es industries canadiennes d’exploration minérale, de technologie minière, de technologie reliée aux mines, de services et de fournitures ont travaillé avec les universités, les organismes de recherche et les gouvernements pour créer le Conseil canadien de l’innovation minière (CCIM) – un nouveau réseau de recherche et d’innovation. Le CCIM est composé d’un consortium de chefs de file industriels, académiciens et gouvernementaux dont le mandat est de renforcer la compétitivité d’une industrie minière canadienne responsable, en renouvelant un engagement à l’excellence en recherche minière à la grandeur du pays. Le Canada jouit d’un rôle très important en tant que chef de file mondial en exploration minérale, en exploitation minière et dans les technologies et les services fondés sur des compétences spécialisées. Cependant, nos secteurs d’exploitation et de traitement font face à des défis clés en R et D, en innovation et en commercialisation. Plus spécifiquement, il y a un besoin pour des solutions technologiques afin de faire avancer l’exploitation minière durable, rencontrer les réglementations et les normes environnementales, réduire les coûts, augmenter la valeur ajoutée et protéger la santé et la sécurité des travailleurs. Il y a aussi un manque d’accès efficace et peu dispendieux à la R et D (au pays et mondialement) et un manque d’ingénieurs et de scientifiques; ce manque n’est pas comblé par les inscriptions dans la plupart des départements des mines des universités. De plus, le Canada ne profite pas pleinement des bénéfices commerciaux de la R et D sur ses propres marchés et les marchés internationaux. Le Canada effectue de la recherche minière dans les industries et les universités ainsi que les organismes et les agences gouvernementales de recherche, mais, de manière générale, ces efforts sont fragmentés. Les années passées ont connu de nombreuses initiatives en recherche minière mais il n’existe actuellement aucune stratégie d’ensemble pour relier les besoins de l’industrie à la R et D publiqueprivée.

L par Stephen Lucas, Ferri Hassani, Gordon Peeling, Jon Baird et Jean Vavrek

42 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

innovation contributors

Stephen Lucas sous-ministre adjoint, Secteur des minéraux et des métaux, Ressources naturelles Canada

Ferri Hassani titulaire de la chaire Webster, Département de génie des mines, métaux et matériaux, Université McGill

Gordon Peeling président et chef de la direction, Association minière du Canada

Dans le moment, la recherche minière canadienne est cloisonnée; les chercheurs et les institutions de recherche travaillent sans connaître les efforts des autres tout en visant les mêmes fonds de recherche alors que la collaboration serait possible. Bien qu’il ait eu plusieurs initiatives réussies au niveau régional et national, ce manque de collaboration a occasionné la duplication des certaines recherches, tout en laissant des lacunes dans d’autres domaines. L’absence d’une compréhension globale des efforts de la communauté de chercheurs a aussi conduit à un manque de sensibilisation de la part des compagnies quant à qui, au Canada, traitera le mieux leurs problèmes, conduisant à un

Jon Baird directeur général, Association canadienne des exportateurs d’équipements et services miniers (CAMESE)

Jean Vavrek directeur exécutif, ICM

mai 2008 dans le cadre du Congrès et Salon commercial de l’ICM à Edmonton en Alberta. Les objectifs fondamentaux du Conseil sont : • Améliorer les efforts en recherche minière, innovation et commercialisation afin de renforcer la position du Canada en tant que chef de file mondial en exploration minérale, en exploitation minière et dans les technologies et les services fondés sur des compétences spécialisées. • Augmenter le nombre de diplômés hautement qualifiés des facultés de mines et de sciences de la Terre afin de satisfaire aux demandes actuelles et futures de l’industrie, des gouvernements et du secteur universitaire. En 2008, sous la gestion d’un conseil d’administration par intérim, le Conseil élaborera une stratégie pancanadienne sur la recherche et l’innovation dans le domaine minier grâce à une série d’ateliers régionaux. La stratégie comprendra la question des défis principaux du Canada en ce qui concerne la R et D minière, l’innovation, la commercialisation et la disponibilité de personnes hautement qualifiées. Le succès du secteur minier canadien est fonction de notre capacité d’innover. Une vision et une stratégie à long terme sont requises pour adresser les questions de la recherche et de l’innovation minières si nous voulons conserver notre rôle de leader mondial. Un nouveau plan d’action est requis afin de générer les résultats nécessaires, soutenu par les possibilités d’une meilleure coordination et d’une meilleure collaboration entre les usagers de la recherche, les bailleurs de fonds et les exécutants que le CCIM pourra fournir. Le CCIM rehaussera la compétitivité d’une industrie minière canadienne responsable en restaurant l’excellence en recherche minière à travers le Canada. Pour ceux et celles qui veulent façonner activement l’avenir de la recherche minière et de l’innovation au Canada, c’est l’occasion idéale de s’impliquer. De plus amples informations sur le Conseil peuvent être obtenues du Secrétariat, après de Michel Plouffe à : mplouffe@nrcan.gc.ca CIM

Le succès du secteur minier canadien est fonction de notre capacité

d’innover

déplacement d’une certaine partie de la recherche vers l’étranger. De plus, les compagnies canadiennes n’ont pas été capables de tirer pleinement avantage des découvertes techniques découlant des centres de recherche ici au pays. Afin d’adresser ces défis, les ministres des mines fédéral, provinciaux et territoriaux ont appuyé la création du CCIM lors de leur conférence annuelle en septembre 2007. Ils ont aussi demandé d’élaborer une stratégie pancanadienne sur la recherche et l’innovation dans le domaine minier, qui devra être présentée à la prochaine Conférence des ministres des Mines en septembre 2008. Le CCIM est un organisme sans but lucratif administré par un conseil d’administration et un secrétariat, lequel est soutenu par Ressources naturelles Canada et l’Institut canadien des mines, de la métallurgie et du pétrole (ICM). La première assemblée générale annuelle du Conseil sera tenue en

February 2008 | 43

innovation Prix pour réduction de la consommation de cyanure En novembre dernier, IAMGOLD et COREM ont conjointement reçu le prix 2007 de l’Association de la recherche industrielle du Québec dans la catégorie Innovation/procédé. Cette innovation est une variation du procédé traditionnel de cyanuration. Selon M. Donald Leroux, directeur de la technologie, COREM, le nouveau procédé traite les grosses et les petites particules séparément. Depuis l’implantation de la méthode, la consommation de cyanure a été réduite d’environ 30 % et cela n’a eu aucun effet sur la récupération de l’or. De gauche à droite, Claude Demers, ADRIQ, Claude Gagnon, COREM (chercheur scientifique), Gilles Landry, IAMGOLD (usine Géant Dormant), Yves Harvey, COREM (directeur exécutif), Pierre Pelletier, IAMGOLD, Jean Belize, COREM appartient à 10 compagÉcole de Technologie Supérieure, Alain Coulombe, SilVision. Photo gracieusement fournie par l’ADRIQ. nies (dont IAMGOLD) et l’idée du nouveau procédé a émergée lors d’une réunion des membres il y a environ trois ans. Environ 500 Gagnon, Michel Turbide, Ahmed Bouajila et Mohamed 000 $ ont été investis pour développer et implanter le projet. Ourriban, de COREM. La technologie (développée et brevetée par COREM) a été Il y a cependant place à amélioration. Le procédé de cyanuimplantée à l’usine Géant Dormant de IAMGOLD. « Le ration par classe granulométrique subit encore d’autres essais procédé a été mis à l’épreuve durant un mois avant son et il est la propriété exclusive des membres de COREM pour implantation permanente », dit M. Leroux, qui tient à nom- cinq ans. La technologie brevetée sera disponible lorsque les mer ceux et celles qui ont mené le projet à terme : Gilles essais et l’implantation auront fait leurs preuves à l’usine Landry et Martine Deshaies, de IAMGOLD ainsi que Claude Géant Dormant. CIM

Optimiser la formation par l’utilisation d’outils innovateurs Il arrive parfois qu’un outil idéal change véritablement une tâche. Reinhard Weins, propriétaire de R.W. Consulting and Training Services Limited, de Sparwood, en ColombieBritannique, a pu grandement améliorer son programme de formation depuis l’acquisition d’un simulateur personnel de camion hors route de Simlog. La compagnie forme des individus pour travailler dans les mines à ciel ouvert. Depuis l’acquisition du logiciel Simlog, M. Weins a noté une augmentation de la performance des apprentis et une diminution, grandement appréciée, des dommages à la machinerie. Les apprentis sont beaucoup mieux préparés lorsqu’ils opèrent de vrais équipements sur de vrais sites. Le logiciel enseigne aux travailleurs l’utilisation sécuritaire de la machinerie lourde, comme sur un jeu vidéo, avec contrôles et manette. Une vue du site minier est affichée sur l’écran, telle que perçue de la fenêtre d’un camion. Le logiciel enregistre chaque mouvement et chaque erreur; il produit ensuite un rapport détaillé. Le formateur se sert du rapport pour cibler les points à améliorer. Avant d’avoir incorporé la 44 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

technologie, les formateurs conduisaient de vrais camions avec les apprentis jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient jugés prêts. Bien qu’elle ne soit pas nouvelle, cette technologie est maintenant plus abordable et facile à obtenir; le logiciel fonctionne sur un ordinateur personnel ou sur un portable. Un logiciel d’immersion peut coûter plus de 500 000 $ alors que le simulateur Simlog coûte environ 10 000 $ — une différence de prix importante pour obtenir, en fait, le même résultat. M. Weins dit qu’en plus des économies à l’achat, il y a des économies à long terme. « J’aime mieux voir un accident sur un simulateur où l’erreur peut être corrigée que sur un camion qui coûte des milliers de dollars à réparer. » Il signale toutefois que les formateurs ne peuvent être remplacés. « Une machine ne peut pas remplacer un être humain capable de prendre des décisions parfois cruciales. » Le simulateur demeure un outil. R.W. Consulting veut intégrer cette technologie dans le processus d’embauche, évaluant le niveau de compétence d’employés potentiels. « Avec des réductions de coûts, moins de dommages à la propriété et une meilleure formation, il est difficile de faire mieux », dit M. Weins. CIM

innovation Être en communication Établir des communications à haute vitesse dans des conditions difficiles Selon Francis Bacon, « Savoir, c’est pouvoir ». Dans les entreprises, les données doivent être disponibles à tous les niveaux. Toutefois, les exploitations minières étaient souvent loin de cet idéal puisqu’il était impossible d’implanter des systèmes de communication à grande largeur de bande passante en raison des extrêmes de température, des dangers physiques et de la présence de produits chimiques caustiques. Des percées dans la conception et la fabrication de câbles à fibres optiques ont permis l’installation de liens de transmission de 10 Gb même dans ces environnements.

À la recherche de solutions L’expérience de CONSOL Energy Inc. – le plus grand producteur de charbon aux États-Unis – a montré comment des câbles blindés peuvent aider à intégrer les communications dans les environnements de travail présentant les plus grands défis. Les ingénieurs de CONSOL ont voulu éten- La Corporation Optical Cable est une pionnière dans la conception et la production de câbles dre les communications à haute vitesse à des optiques à gainage serré pour des utilisations en terrain difficile. secteurs autres que l’administration. « Nous utilisons des systèmes miniers coûteux et hautement mécanisés dans des conditions difficiles, la maintenance est donc chose courante », explique Tom Prokop, directeur des services de soutien sur place pour CONSOL. « La profondeur de nos puits varie de 300 à 2000 pieds et les galeries peuvent atteindre des longueurs de 20 milles. Cela peut prendre jusqu’à deux heures pour se rendre de l’entrepôt au secteur actif. » « Peu de câbles à fibres optiques rencontraient nos exigences, mais nous avons opté pour un fabriqué par Optical Cable Corporation », dit M. Prokop. « Des éboulements du toit ont déjà enfoui le câble, mais nous n’avons jamais perdu la transmission des données. » Le câble à fibres optiques blindé et renforcé doit sa fiabilité et son rendement à sa conception de base; il a en effet deux revêtements sur chaque Des percées dans la conception et la fabrication de câbles à fibres optiques renforcés très résistants fibre optique, contrairement au câble classique à ont permis d’installer des liens de communication de 10 Gigabits dans les endroits les plus inusités. fibres libres qui n’en a qu’un. D’autres caractérisLorsque la connectivité est cruciale, ces câbles robustes tiques des câbles d’OCC lient les éléments ensemble et permettent à des industries travaillant dans des conditions rehaussent sa résistance à l’écrasement. difficiles de tirer profit de la haute vitesse auparavant À grande vitesse sous terre réservée pour les campus et les centres de données adminAvec la mise en place du câble à fibres optiques, l’équipe istratifs. L’environnement peut être rigoureux mais l’avenir de maintenance a maintenant accès à tous les dossiers néces- des communications à haute vitesse est de plus en plus saires sans sortir du tunnel. assuré. CIM February 2008 | 45

innovation Une once de prévention Implantation d’un système de surveillance de la pression des pneus pour les sites miniers L’introduction de nouvelles technologies dans les opérations minières amène souvent une augmentation de l’efficacité et des gains de productivité qui se traduisent par des profits plus élevés; les ordinateurs et les réseaux en sont de bons exemples. Les nouvelles technologies ne sont toutefois pas une garantie de résultats positifs; les attentes et les améliorations prévues devraient être déterminées bien avant l’implantation. Les systèmes sans fil de surveillance de la pression des pneus (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems – TPMS) sont d’excellents exemples d’une technologie existante qui peut aider à faire des économies en diminuant les coûts de maintenance. Les pneus hors route sont souvent retirés avant la fin de leur vie prévue en raison d’une utilisation à plus de 100 % de combinaisons de paramètres tels que la charge nominale, la vitesse ou la capacité de charge en fonction de la distance. Toute amélioration de ces paramètres opérationnels aura un effet positif sur la durée de vie des pneus. Un TPMS sans fil peut fournir des mesures en temps réel de pneus travaillant dans des conditions difficiles. Des avertissements ou des alarmes signalent les problèmes avant que ne surviennent des dommages irréparables.

La pression monte La norme actuelle utilisée par les manufacturiers et les experts est le TKPH ou le TMPH (tonne kilomètre/mille par heure) – une mesure théorique du travail effectué par un pneu. On estime qu’une surcharge de 10 % réduira la vie des pneus de 20 % et qu’un pneu sous gonflé ou utilisé à un TKPH ou TMPH au-dessus de sa valeur nominale subira une réduction de vie semblable. Lors du congrès Mine Expo 2000, M. Larry Hurst, directeur des programmes de pneus hors route pour Goodyear, a dit : « La formule traditionnelle TKPH/TMPH utilise des moyennes établies qui ne tiennent pas compte des pentes; le poids est alors déplacé d’une extrémité du camion à l’autre, augmentant ainsi la température des pneus et modifiant d’autres paramètres. La clé pour maximiser la durée vie des pneus est de savoir quand les pneus entrent dans la zone de température dangereuse et de les sortir de cette zone en assignant le camion à une autre route, en effectuant de la maintenance ou une autre activité. »

Bénéfices de la technologie TPMS Même en opérant à des températures et à des pressions adéquates, il faut que les routes de halage et les points de chargement soient bien entretenus. Tous les pneus perdent de l’air avec le temps; les conséquences sont d’autant plus sérieuses pour des pneus 46 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

jumelés. Si l’un des pneus perd de l’air, alors l’autre entre en condition de surcapacité, causant possiblement des dommages irréversibles. D’où l’avantage des TPMS.

La température monte La surveillance de la température interne d’un pneu est la meilleure façon de voir s’il opère dans la plage normale de paramètres. Les points suivants énumèrent les facteurs causant des augmentations de température: • Distance parcourue par cycle de halage • Vitesse • Conditions routières et pentes • Surcharge • Distribution de la charge • Type de pneu et composantes • Température externe

Description du système TPMS sans fil Les systèmes de surveillance des pneus sur les équipements miniers comportent des capteurs montés dans les pneus, un processeur dans le camion et une connexion sans fil, permettant d’obtenir les données en temps réel. De plus, il est possible de programmer des températures et des pressions limites ainsi que des alarmes lorsque les données sont en dehors de ces limites.

Le choix d’un TPMS Comme pour tout système technologique, il faut identifier les exigences et les coûts de la maintenance et du soutien ainsi que les coûts d’implantation et en tenir compte dans toute analyse coûts-avantages. En plus de l’augmentation de la durée de vie des pneus, de la disponibilité des équipements et des économies de carburant, les avantages comprennent aussi l’accroissement de la sécurité. CIM

innovation Ô Canada! Survol des projets innovateurs de recherche aux Laboratoires des mines et des sciences minérales (LMSM) de CANMET Ce qui suit est un bref sommaire soulignant les projets innovateurs de recherche en cours aux Les Laboratoires des mines et des sciences minérals (LMSM-CANMET), dans leurs efforts pour améliorer la santé, la sécurité et la productivité dans le secteur minier.

requises pour un soutien sécuritaire à leur propre site. Ce projet fournira une occasion de rehausser l’efficacité des systèmes de contrôle de terrain et fournir aux LMSM-CANMET une plate-forme pour développer de futures recherches sur la détermination et la quantification de la réponse du béton projeté armé de fibres par rapport aux forces dynamiques telles que celles causées par des coups de toit.

Rendement dynamique des éléments de contrôle du terrain

Mise à l’épreuve de divers types de bétons projetés pour analyser les réponses statiques et dynamiques.

L’influence de divers types de fibres sur la réponse statique et dynamique du béton projeté À mesure que les mines deviennent de plus en plus profondes et que les contraintes en place augmentent, il est absolument nécessaire de comprendre la réponse des systèmes de contrôle de terrain et de les améliorer. Actuellement, dans l’industrie minière, le béton projeté est surtout utilisé dans des ouvertures permanentes – les recettes, les abris et les aires de véhicules – bien que la tendance soit vers une utilisation plus étendue dans tout le cycle minier. Dans certains cas, il est devenu le soutien de choix. L’incorporation de fibres dans le mélange de béton projeté minimise les processus d’installation d’un grillage exigeant beaucoup de main-d’œuvre, réduisant ainsi le temps du cycle. Ces fibres confèrent au béton projeté de la résilience et une résistance à la propagation des fissures, ce qui était traditionnellement le rôle du grillage. L’utilisation de béton projeté armé de fibres rehausse aussi la sécurité car il permet aux travailleurs d’appliquer le soutien tout en se tenant loin d’un endroit non soutenu. Il existe cependant de nombreux différents types et géométries de fibres disponibles, chaque type ayant son propre comportement. Les LMSM-CANMET planifient de préparer, de tester et d’évaluer les propriétés du béton projeté en ce qui concerne spécifiquement ces fibres, incluant les différents types, matériaux, géométries et proportions. Le but est de fournir des données scientifiques adéquates aux ingénieurs miniers afin qu’ils puissent déterminer les fibres appropriées

Les capacités dynamiques de contrôle de terrain sont l’une des considérations clés lors du choix d’éléments coulissants pour des environnements à contraintes élevées, propices aux coups de toit ou à des grandes déformations. Depuis 2003, le Programme de contrôle de terrain des LMSM-CANMET évalue le rendement dynamique de divers éléments de contrôle de terrain afin de remplir son mandat concernant la sécurité des travailleurs sous terre. En plus des essais en continu sur des armatures, les LMSM-CANMET ont lancé un nouveau projet pour recueillir toute l’information disponible concernant les paramètres dynamiques de contrôle de terrain. L’objectif est de fournir à l’industrie minière des données concises et à jour sur les armatures de soutien dynamique. Cette information permettra de simplifier le choix et la conception du soutien en plus d’identifier les manques d’information. Dirigés par les LMSM-CANMET, ces protocoles d’essais auto-développés sont en voie d’évaluation par l’ASTM. L’acceptation de la procédure standard d’essais devait être officielle au début de 2008.

Effets du chargement dynamique sur (a) un contrôle de terrain standard et (b) un contrôle de terrain dynamique résistant aux coups de toit dans une mine de métaux de base.

Surveillance en ligne de l’extraction des sables bitumineux L’extraction de pétrole des réservoirs profonds de sables bitumineux est basée sur des procédés thermiques tels que le processus cyclique de stimulation à la vapeur, développé par Imperial Oil Resources Ltd. (IORL). Les LMSM-CANMET, en collaboration avec IORL, ont développé une technologie de surveillance microsismique qui permet la détection en temps February 2008 | 47

innovation

Vue tridimensionnelle d’une base typique montrant les formations géologiques et les puits de pétrole inclinés atteignant la Formation pétrolifère de Clearwater.

réel de bris dans les tubages de puits de pétrole causés par les contraintes thermiques du processus cyclique de stimulation à la vapeur. Cette détection précoce sauve des temps d’arrêt du puits, évite divers problèmes de productivité et permet de réparer les défaillances avant qu’elles

ne deviennent plus onéreuses à réparer. Le transfert de cette technologie microsismique développée par CANMET au secteur privé a conduit à un investissement significatif de plus de 20 millions de dollars par l’industrie pétrolière uniquement en équipements de surveillance. La surveillance microsismique est maintenant une technique bien établie, aidant les compagnies de pétrole lourd de l’Ouest canadien à extraire le pétrole de manière plus sécuritaire et plus économique.

Prototype de chargeuse-navette hybride (diesel et électrique).

Développement d’une chargeuse-navette hybride (diesel et électrique) Les véhicules produisant peu d’émissions deviennent de plus en plus populaires en raison des préoccupations accrues concernant la santé des mineurs et l’impact environnemental à long terme des émissions diesel. Les LMSMCANMET, en collaboration avec Mining Technologies International (MTI), travaillent à développer la chargeusenavette hybride LT-270 – la première du genre au monde. Ce véhicule hybride diesel-électrique combine un moteur à combustion interne d’un véhicule conventionnel avec des moteurs électriques à pile. Une étude effectuée par les LMSM-CANMET a démontré des réductions importantes des émissions – de 25 à 40 % – accompagnées de réductions semblables de consommation de carburant et d’un impact positif sur les besoins de ventilation. Après avoir effectué une période extensive d’essais du prototype dans quatre mines souterraines, l’objectif est de 48 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

développer une grande gamme d’équipements utilisant cette source d’énergie.

Essai en laboratoire d’une torche au plasma pour la fragmentation thermique de la roche.

Fragmentation de la roche sans explosifs L’objectif de la fragmentation sans explosifs est de mettre au point des technologies d’abattage sans explosifs disponibles pour le développement sous terre à des taux d’avancement significativement supérieurs et à des coûts comparables aux techniques conventionnelles de forage et sautage. Bien qu’il y ait eu des réussites dans des applications spécifiques de cette technologie, elles n’ont pas conduit à une utilisation répandue. Des percées technologiques ont généré beaucoup d’intérêt de la part des compagnies minières qui ont déjà financé plusieurs projets à grande échelle d’abattage sans explosifs. L’industrie possède actuellement plusieurs moteurs stratégiques – tels que le virage opérationnel d’une mine à ciel ouvert à une mine souterraine, un accès plus rapide aux gisements et une réduction des coûts de développement – qui font de l’abattage sans explosifs, une option que considèrent sept compagnies minières dont Agnico-Eagle, AREVA, la Société aurifère Barrick, CAMECO, Vale Inco, IAMGOLD et Rio Tinto. Ces compagnies - avec Hydro-Québec, la Société de Recherche et Développement Minier (SOREDEM) et les LMSM-CANMET – sont partenaires dans une initiative coopérative qui comparera les mesures clés du rendement des technologies d’abattage sans explosifs aux techniques conventionnelles de forage et sautage en tant que mesures continuelles d’établissement de références. Chaque secteur sélectionné de la recherche sera évalué par rapport à des critères rigoureux de succès afin d’éviter des embûches et des résultats insatisfaisants tels que la production d’une technologie incomplète ou d’une application opérationnelle limitée. Ces mesures de rendement incluront les coûts, la consommation énergétique et les taux d’avancement ainsi que les conséquences sur la santé et la sécurité, l’environnement et le contrôle de terrain.

Poignée anti-vibration pour les foreuses pneumatiques Les foreuses pneumatiques montées sur béquille sont couramment utilisées dans les mines souterraines. Toutefois, les opérateurs de ces outils sont exposés à de beaucoup de

innovation vibrations au niveau des mains et des bras et, après plusieurs années, ils souffrent de divers troubles de santé, notamment la maladie de Raynaud ou le syndrome du canal carpien. À ce jour, aucun dispositif de sécurité n’était disponible pour protéger les opérateurs de foreuses pneumatiques contre les vibrations dans les bras/les mains. Pour régler ce problème, les LMSM-CANMET et l’Université de Sherbrooke, en collaboration avec le manufacturier Parts HeadQuarters Inc., ont développé une poignée anti-vibration pour les foreuses sur béquille qui réduit la vibration transmise aux mineurs de 60 %.

Poignée anti-vibration pour les foreuses pneumatiques à la mine expérimentale.

Équipements diesel dans les mines – approches innovatrices et autres technologies Malgré les inquiétudes concernant les émissions toxiques, des équipements mobiles puissants carburant au diesel travaillent toujours dans les mines souterraines. Par contre, les moteurs au diesel seront probablement examinés de très près à l’avenir, en raison de plusieurs facteurs, dont les questions de l’utilisation efficace de moteurs diesel dans les mines très profondes, la disponibilité de moteurs propres et antidéflagrants pour le secteur résurgent des mines de charbon, des préoccupations accrues pour la santé (incluant l’impact des nanoparticules provenant de l’échappement des diesels) et le besoin de s’adapter aux normes des émissions de gaz à effet de serre plus exigeantes. Afin de faire face à ces défis, des approches innovatrices et d’autres technologies sont étudiées, incluant : • le développement de carburants à faible cycle de carbone (biodiesels); • l’étude de l’impact de la grande profondeur sur le fonctionnement et les émissions des moteurs diesel; • l’évaluation de l’impact des modules de filtration à haute efficacité des échappements sur les moteurs approuvés dans les mines de charbon; • l’analyse granulométrique des émissions particulaires ultra-fines de l’échappement des diesels; • la recherche et le développement de carburants autres que le diesel (hybrides diesel-électrique et piles à combustible).

Tous les éléments mentionnés plus haut font partie du plan quinquennal de recherche sur le diesel des LMSMCANMET. Les résultats aideront à protéger les travailleurs miniers et auront un impact sur les règlements concernant les lieux de travail.

Les enjeux du stress dû à la chaleur dans les mines canadiennes souterraines La récente flambée des prix des métaux pousse l’exploitation minière à des profondeurs record; avec des conditions d’humidité élevée, cela peut créer un environnement de travail dans lequel la température peut dépasser 35 ºC. Plusieurs facteurs en sont la cause : l’auto-compression de la ventilation d’air, l’élévation de la température du massif rocheux en raison du gradient géothermique et la génération de chaleur par les gros équipements de production. Le Consortium de recherche sur l’exploitation minière à grande profondeur (Deep Mining Research Consortium – DMRC) finance actuellement un projet sur le stress dû à la chaleur portant sur : • l’effort demandé pour effectuer les tâches traditionnelles dans les mines; • les bienfaits de périodes travail-repos; • l’impact des vêtements et des équipements de sécurité conventionnels; • l’utilité de l’indice de température au thermomètre-globe mouillé; • l’impact d’un style de vie sédentaire, de l’obésité et du diabète de type 2 sur les travailleurs vieillissants. L’objectif est de protéger les travailleurs miniers du stress dû à la chaleur en utilisant des techniques et des technologies de pointe de manière rentable.

Critères novateurs de conception de la ventilation minière basés sur les besoins en circulation d’air pour tout le cycle de vie de la mine Il est bien connu que la ventilation minière est l’un des plus grands consommateurs d’énergie de tout le processus d’extraction de minéraux. Bien que des efforts aient été engagés pour automatiser les éléments de la ventilation minière, il manquait la capacité de développer et d’implanter un système économique qui tenait compte des demandes en ventilation de toute la mine pour tout son cycle de vie. Des outils de simulation des processus tels que le logiciel AutoModTM offrent une méthode alternative de définir les besoins en ventilation dans les secteurs en production de la mine. Avec ce logiciel de modélisation de la ventilation minière, les besoins de ventilation primaire et secondaire peuvent être définis en tout point de l’espace et du temps, puis gérés pour une rentabilité optimale. Ces besoins en circulation d’air pour tout le cycle de vie de la mine (par rapport à la demande de ventilation de pointe) formeraient ensuite la base pour la conception de la ventilation, minimisant ainsi la consommation énergétique et donc les coûts en capitaux et d’exploitation. CIM February 2008 | 49

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eye on business Making mining projects bankable The word “bankable” is often used in mining project financings. For example, definitive feasibility studies and material project contracts are sometimes referred to as bankable. Structures that allow projects to be funded by bank debt are also called bankable. Yet use of the word is neither defined nor constant. A working description of the term might be: “in a form, and having content that banks would agree is suitable and conforms to market practice.” Bankability is obviously a fluid, subjective concept. Banks are last to commit their funds to a project but often cover as much as 70 to 80 per cent of the overall project costs. As a result, they by Thomas Wexler take a quasi-equity view of their investment. First-time borrowers protest that the heavy docu-

Thomas Wexler

mentation and intrusive consent requirements and reporting covenants amount to micro-management, but for banks this degree of protection is non-negotiable. For sponsors contemplating project finance, much time, expense and misery can be saved by anticipating banks’ needs and structuring their project to meet those requirements. One key feature of bankability is that the Call today to find out how Luff Industries can increase your financed asset CONVEYING PERFORMANCE should be owned TOLL-FREE: 1-888-349-LUFF (5833) by a single-purpose entity solely dedicated to the development of the subject asset. Luff Industries is exhibiting at SME Salt Lake City, CONEXPOIf a financing runs CON/AGG Las Vegas, and CIM Edmonton in 2008 into difficulties, LUFF INDUSTRIES LTD. creditors want to exercise remedies, 3528 – 80TH AVENUE SE, CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA T2C 1J3 or more likely, P: 403.279.3555 | F: 403.279.5709 | www.luffindustries.com restructure the

POWER TO MOVE

52 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

original financing, without being forced to negotiate with equally ranked creditors. A project sponsor should ensure that the relevant borrowing entity owns only that asset. Otherwise, the sponsor will need lenders’ consent to release non-core assets from their security structure. Lenders are reluctant to grant such a release prior to completion or where the project is not performing well. If possible, a sponsor with multiple potential projects, especially those at different stages of their economic lives or in different jurisdictions, should keep them in separate vehicles, each owned by distinct intermediate holding companies. Lenders require an effective lien over every asset that a borrower owns or may own in the future. This includes rights over real property, deposits, mine output, contracts and intangibles. This may not always be practical, efficient or effective, especially in civil law jurisdictions that do not have the common law concept of a floating lien or debenture (which extends a security interest over all of a borrower’s assets regardless of type, location or time of creation or acquisition). There are several areas where the lenders’ need for a full security package may not be realized. First, the civil codes of certain jurisdictions, which were drafted before mining project finance was invented, do not necessarily provide for an effective security interest over every type of asset. Fortunately, many jurisdictions are revising their legal systems to facilitate the security-taking process. Second, certain countries’ foreign investment legislation may prevent strategic assets — mineral deposits or land overlying those deposits — from being mortgaged in favour of foreign lenders, or owned by them following foreclosure. Project funders attempt to allay this problem by having an onshore entity hold the “restricted” assets in trust for offshore creditors. Third, and sometimes the most time consuming, is the issue of contractual

eye on business rights and permits. In most cases, a borrower may assign, by way of security, its rights in contracts, permits and other third-party claims. Note that this affects only the assignment of the borrower’s contractual rights. It does nothing to ensure performance by the counterparty to that contract. Without a direct contractual link with the counterparty, lenders can face difficult situations. For example, a borrower might default prior to completion with the construction contractor still on site and refusing to continue work without all payments being made current. Or, a buyer could default for operational reasons and the lenders may wish to sell the mine or the mining company, yet find that the authority responsible for the mining concession refuses to allow a new owner to operate the asset. To avoid these scenarios, lenders insist on direct contractual relationships with counterparties to key contracts and permits. Generally known as direct agreements, collateral warranties or consents, these documents should, at minimum, provide for the counterparty to recognize the lenders’ right to cure the project company’s default and for the counterparty to continue performing its obligations with a successor to the borrower. While direct agreements are negotiated between the counterparty and the financiers, the completion of these documents to the lenders’ satisfaction is a condition precedent for drawdown. Contractors operating on international projects are used to negotiating direct agreements with lenders; less sophisticated counterparties often balk at this requirement. Lenders also need to take a realistic view as to what can be obtained, and over what time frame. For example, it is not reasonable for lenders to insist on direct agreements with all contractual counterparties, especially for non-material contracts or where the counterparty’s services are offered to any paying customer. In certain countries, concessions or licences granted to a mining company are considered a unique privilege for the original borrower and are not transferable even to a credit-worthy successor nominated by the lenders in a restructuring. At best, lenders may have to settle for com-

fort from the relevant authority agreeing to consider granting the mining rights to an acceptable successor. This article describes only some of the features of a bankable transaction. Potential borrowers will ultimately save time and expense by understanding the

extent of and reasons for banks’ requirements and anticipating those requirements as far in advance as possible. CIM About the Author Thomas Wexler works for Fasken Martineau Stringer Saul LLP

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February 2008 | 53

MAC economic commentary How long will the boom last?

The Canadian and international mining industries are enjoying buoyant times. As shown in the adjacent table, while the specific figures vary by mineral, overall prices have grown by roughly two-fold to five-fold over the past five years. In some instances, prices have continued to increase through 2007. Gold, for example, has increased in value by another 35 per cent since 2006 — to around $850 per ounce. Copper is expected to climb by Paul Stothart another 50 per cent to 450 cents per pound in 2008 according to Bloomsburg projections. Nickel and zinc prices generally levelled off or declined in the latter part of 2007. At these high price levels, exploration spending, both globally and in Canada, has increased significantly as companies seek to find new mineral reserves. Global exploration spending has grown exponentially from $2.4 billion in 2003 to $10.5 billion in 2007. 54 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Merger and acquisition activity has also exploded in recent years. In Canada, Xstrata bought Falconbridge for $20 billion, CVRD bought Inco for a similar amount, and Rio Tinto bought Alcan for $38 billion. A possible global alignment between Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton would be valued at well over $100 billion. Worldwide, in 2006 there were 1,145 merger and acquisition deals in mining, valued at some $176 billion, as companies in all parts of the world strive to secure mineral reserves and to obtain the skills and technical ability to find and develop new supply. Buoyant mineral prices have also meant higher executive compensation, higher worker salaries, ambitious capital investment commitments, and generous flows of tax and royalty payments to governments. The budget surplus situation in Ottawa and the recently announced federal tax cut commitments are affordable in no small part because of healthy revenue flows from natural resources companies. How long can this boom last? Given the traditionally cyclical nature of the mining industry, and the fact that the boom is already some six years old, it is natural that many observers are raising questions as to how much longer the present level of prosperity can continue. Certainly there are conditions under which one could envision a marginal or even major decline in mineral prices. A recession in the United States could be possible, given the macro-economic mismanagement of the Bush administration, if the American consumer were to pay heed to their debt-loads and become less bullish. American economic performance will also depend on how the asset-backed commercial paper crisis unfolds. As well, a number of national governments, particularly in Central and South America, are seeking to raise their take from the mining industry and are, in effect,

expropriating wealth by revising existing business agreements. On the trade side, countries such as China and Russia are enacting measures aimed at keeping their raw materials out of the global trading system so as to meet their own consumption needs. An escalation of these trade and investment barriers could serve to undermine business confidence and contribute to an economic downturn. On balance, however, there are two considerations that would seem to overwhelm these potential obstacles; namely, the basic economic concepts of global demand and global supply. Mineral Prices Aluminum (¢/lb) Copper (¢/lb) Gold ($/oz) Nickel ($/lb) Zinc (¢/lb)

2001 66 74 270 3 41

2006 130 301 630 16 200

On the demand side, as a consumer of 25 per cent of the world’s base metals, China remains the critical variable. There is no evidence that economic growth in China is slowing — indeed growth in 2007 again appeared to be in the range over 10 to 11 per cent. Despite its staggering expansion of the past 15 years, the country also remains relatively low in its measure of metals intensity in comparison to western countries. For example, the United States features 765 motor vehicles per 1,000 people, while China features 10! While it is unlikely that this 76-fold gap would ever be closed entirely, it will narrow significantly over the coming decades. Similar gaps exist in most other economic measures; for example, there are 20 times more personal computers per capita in Canada than in About the Author Paul Stothart is vice president, economic affairs, for the Mining Association of Canada

MAC economic commentary China. A comparable growth potential A similar situation is seen in nickel story can be told for Russia, Brazil and and zinc — average growth for the next India among other low metal-intensity, decade will mean a 36 to 43 per cent high-population countries. shortfall in 2017, necessitating 14 new A comparable story can be told, in world-scale nickel mines and 40 new an even more compelling manner, on the supply side. An eco- has nomic analyfrom in 2003 sis from Anglo American plc in 2007. to illustrates the magnitude of the mineral supply challenge that faces large zinc mines. While the high explothe globe. If demand for copper grows ration spending levels of recent years at four per cent per year for the next may well generate new supply of this decade, global demand will exceed pro- magnitude, the recent mine-developjected output from current mines and ment experience does not lend cause approved projects by 39 per cent. This for optimism. Cost escalation, infrais equivalent to eight new mines the structure bottlenecks, political uncersize of Escondida, the world’s largest tainty and resistance from environmencopper mine in Chile. tal and social groups (naturally armed

Global exploration spending

grown exponentially $2.4 billion $10.5 billion

with iPods, cellphones and other metals-intensive tools!) have combined to seriously challenge the ability of companies to turn mineral discoveries into viable mines. The result of these combined demand and supply pressures means continued above-historical-trend prices, profits, exploration and taxes — for many years to come. Beyond this reality though, it is important that businesses and governments not become complacent — some commodities will still experience mismatches between supply and demand that will have short-term (positive and negative) effects on price. The troughs in prices should not be as low as past business cycles and the highs should be above historical trends. For producers, the key to performance will still depend, as always, on how well capital and operating costs are managed. CIM

February 2008 | 55

standards Technical reports: key principles to help avoid common deficiencies

The topic of common deficiencies in technical reports raised in a previous article (CIM Magazine, March/April 2007) warrants further discussion. To potentially avoid NI 43-101 compliance issues with technical reports, there are several key principles that should be kept in mind by qualified persons when preparing technical reports. These should also be considered by resource companies when retaining a qualified person, because disclosure is ultimately the responsibility of the resource company.

Compliance with NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1 A technical report is defined as a report prepared and filed in accordance with NI 43by Deborah McCombe 101 and Form and Craig Waldie 43-101F1 that does not omit any material scientific and technical information in respect of the subject property as of the date of filing. We continue to find several common oversights in technical reports, which include adding inferred mineral resources to other categories and a lack of proximal cautionary language for such disclosure as exploration targets, historical estimates and preliminary 56 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

assessments. It is important to remember that technical reports are disclosure documents and must comply with NI 43-101 securities law. Section 4.3 of NI 43101 requires that the technical report be prepared according to Form 43-101F1, which provides the specific prescribed format, headings and content, although subheadings may be used. Occasionally, technical reports omit a budget to support the recommendations. Technical reports on development and production properties sometimes neglect to include Item 25, which covers such topics as mining operations, capital and operating costs and an economic analysis, including cash flow forecasts. Technical reports must be based on all relevant information on the property as of the date of the report â&#x20AC;&#x201D; addendums are not permitted. We find that some so-called technical reports are simply updated mineral resource or reserve estimates that do not include the other

sections required by Form 43-101F1, such as data verification, or a description of mining method or economic analysis if this information was included in a previously filed technical report. Another key principle to remember is that the obligation to file a technical report is tied to the information describing mineral projects on material properties â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the technical report must be prepared on a property basis not a project basis. If a company discovers a satellite deposit on a property that has an existing technical report on the main deposit, the earlier report must be updated to include both deposits to reflect the potential shared infrastructure and synergies.

Responsibilities of the qualified person and the resource company A common area of misunderstanding involves the responsibility of the qualified person versus the responsibility of the resource company. It is the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to retain an individual who meets the definition of qualified person including belonging to a recognized professional association and having the relevant experience and competence for the subject matter. Under certain circumstances, as defined in Section 5.3 of NI 43-101, the qualified person

Summary of common technical report deficiencies Common technical report deficiencies Section of NI 43-101 Lack of proximate cautionary language 2.3(2), 2.3(3) and 4.2(2) Certificate and consent of qualified person not compliant 8.1 and 8.3 Disclaim responsibility for technical information 6.4 and Item 5 of Form F1 Lack of a budget for the recommended work program Item 22 of Form F1 Not a complete technical report 1.1 and 4.3 Non-independent qualified person when independence required 1.4 and 5.3 Lack of key assumptions, parameters and methods 3.4(c) and Item 19(f) of Form F1 2.2(c) and Item 19(c) of Form F1 Adding inferred resources to other categories Lack of Item 25 for development and producing properties Item 25 of Form F1 Report not addressed to the company 8.2 No current site visit 6.2 and Item 4(d) of Form F1 Note: See NI 43-101CP (companion policy) for further explanation and interpretation of the points above.

standards

the primary responsibility for public disclosure remains with the company and its directors and officers. must be independent of the company and the property. The company is also responsible for arranging its affairs so that a current site visit can be carried out by a qualified person. The most common misconception is that a site visit is not required for early-stage exploration properties. The site visit is still mandatory, although it may be delayed under very limited circumstances. It is also important for companies to be aware that the primary responsibility for public disclosure remains with the company and its directors and officers.

The company must ensure that their disclosure is consistent with the information provided to them by the qualified person. The qualified person is responsible for preparing the technical report, conducting a site visit and providing scientific and technical advice in accordance with professional practice and industry standards, as well as providing a signed certificate and consent as per sections 8.1 and 8.3 of NI 43-101.

Technical report addressed to the resource company Section 8.2 of NI 43-101 requires that all technical reports must be addressed to the company, which means the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name must appear on the title page, in the introduction and on the qualified personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certificate and consent. If several companies have a joint venture on a property that is material to both, the technical report can be addressed to both companies. If a company triggers a technical report, they cannot rely on another companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report on the same property because each company must have their own, complete public disclosure record. The most common error companies make is to file a technical report from a previous owner on a property they recently acquired. CIM

About the Authors Deborah McCombe is executive vice president, Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc., and Craig Waldie is senior geologist, Ontario Securities Commission

February 2008 | 57

The Springhill mining disaster of 1891 The workday began as most others did, with hundreds of miners heading into the lifts, to be taken almost 2,000 feet underground, where the coal seams lay. Only two of the three slopes were operational that day, mandated by a shortage of empty rail cars. The work proceeded apace until noon and resumed following the half-hour dinner break. A few moments later, an enormous explosion marked the beginning of what was to become the first of the major Springhill mining accidents. The coal mines in Springhill, Nova Scotia, first opened in 1873, were an investment by a group of St. John capitalists. In 1882, the three collieries were purchased by the Cumberland Coal and Railway Co., which proceeded to extend the track to the port of Parrsboro and develop the mines themselves. Under the new owners, the mine’s output doubled to 2,000 tonnes per day, rising as high as 2,300 tonnes per day on some occasions. By the time of the accident, the collieries had produced an estimated 3,500,000 tonnes of high-quality by Dan Zlotnikov boiler coal. The mine’s commercial success meant extensive development underground as well. The No. 1 slope, the deepest of the three, extended to a depth of 1,900 feet, with plans to further extend it to 2,500 feet. Around the time of the explosion, the mine employed between 1,300 and 1,400 workers. The explosion, which occurred on the 1,900-foot level of the No. 1 slope, swept along the level to a considerable distance, but also pene58 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Rescuing party in the mine, 1891. Image courtesy of Carl Demings of Nova Scotia

trated into the No. 2 slope, through the ventilation shaft connecting the slopes at the 1,300-foot level. Eyewitnesses later described the blast to a Springhill news editor as being “preceded by a sudden gust of wind, which swept like a tornado through the dark passages, hurling timbers and clouds of dust and flying missiles before it. This was followed in a few seconds by balls of fire, large and small, and then came a solid body of fierce flame that filled the passages and literally roasted everything in its path.” Eleven miners were at the No. 1 pit bottom, a full half-mile away from the explosion when it took place, and were the nearest to the blast who survived. They were the first to enter the level where the blast occurred, finding the air

thick with heated smoke and dust, and small fires of wood and clothing. They were also fortunate to find a number of other miners trapped or wounded. By the time these 11 brought the wounded back to the pit bottom, they were met by the first of the rescuers on their way from the surface. In the first two hours following the blast, 20 more miners were found and brought to the surface. Medical help was summoned from the nearby towns to assist the two colliery doctors, and volunteers seeking to go underground and help arrived in such numbers that some had to be turned away. By this time, most of the town’s residents were at the accident site, looking for word of their loved ones’ fate. In the tunnels, the rescuers had to brave the chance of continuing fires and further explosions, as well as afterdamp — a lethal mix of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen. In fact, as the rescue parties moved deeper, a number of the men were overcome by the gases and had to be brought up to the surface. In the chaos following the explosion, it was some time before the rescuers thought to investigate the No. 2 slope. When an exploration party descended to the 1,300-foot level, they found the first of the victims, killed by the afterdamp that flooded through the ventilation shaft. One of the rescuers, Jesse Armishaw, accompanied the first party to descend into the No. 2 slope where he found the bodies of his three sons. Within a short distance, 20 bodies were located, all killed by the toxic gas. At this news, and the realization

mining lore

Sad scene around the pit, 1891. Image courtesy of Carl Demings of Nova Scotia

that no more survivors would be found, the rescue operations were halted until the mine could be ventilated further. By 11 p.m. that night operations resumed, focusing on recovery of the dead. The No. 2 slope was sufficiently ventilated to allow the volunteers to penetrate deeper into the tunnels and retrieve the bodies. By Sunday morning,

47 were found and brought to the surface. Recovery operations continued for several days, and the final death toll stood at 121 dead immediately or shortly after the blast, and four more succumbing to injuries after being brought to the surface. Funerals continued throughout the following week, sometimes with multiple services being conducted simultane-

ously at different parts of the cemetery. The funeral of the mine manager, Henry Swift, was followed by a three-quarter mile long procession of mourners, with the streets lined with the townspeople. The scale of the accident was unprecedented in Canadian mining history. The dead miners left behind 57 widows, 169 fatherless children and eight widowed mothers. In response to the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for support, donations flowed in from cities in both Canada and the United States. Among those who contributed to the relief fund were Queen Victoria and the Governor General of Canada. Despite the shock of the accident, the mine returned to operations less than two weeks later. It remained the principal employer in Springhill until the second (1956) and third (1958) accidents. Following the third one, the mine was deemed too unsafe and shut down permanently. CIM

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February 2008 | 59

innovation page The Truck/Shovel Users Group supports innovation in mining

John Thomas

Continuous improvement in mining is being supported by a group that regularly meets to learn about innovations in operating both shovel and truck equipment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appropriately called the Truck/Shovel Users Group (TSUG) and it builds on a track record of mining firms working together and learning from each other when it comes to equipment performance. While historically much of this information sharing has been done in an informal manner, the TSUG was established to provide a more formal mechanism to enable learning to occur. The TSUG has been operating for about three years, and it has been found that significant benefits result to participating members when they share some of their successes and issues with equipment performance. It also provides a forum for by John Thomas and operators to Gord Winkel look for commonality in terms of equipment performance topics, which is intended to directly support mine equipment manufacturers in terms of focusing this feedback and enabling them to address issues on a more universal basis. Further, we know mining to be a hightechnology business, and are continually supported by mine equipment manufacturers developing new and benefi60 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Gord Winkel

cial technologies to improve performance. The TSUG has a wide range of membership that tests these new technologies under many different applications and conditions, and is looking to provide feedback on technology performance to equipment manufacturers in a concise and coordinated manner. The focus for TSUG meetings is based on treating equipment performance holistically in terms of safety, operation and maintenance. The technology Large-class shovel and truck. Photo courtesy of Quebec Cartier Mining

development that supports equipment design can act to focus discussions on maintenance and reliability considerations. In the TSUG, the equipment is considered as part of a whole operating system, and in that regard it focuses not only on maintenance but also on the practices of operation and the safety of people who work with the equipment, making it a somewhat unique group within the mining industry. The TSUG seeks to use an interactive approach in their meeting process to encourage participation and learning. It is realized that many of those working on the front line of the mining industry are heavily engaged, and the work to compile more formal presentations, while valuable, is not necessarily the vehicle of choice for sharing information effectively to groups that meet to dialogue on the subjects at hand. To address this, each session has an open agenda that concentrates on the three aspects of equipment performance mentioned earlier â&#x20AC;&#x201D; maintenance, operations and safety. The

innovation page ing venues to different mine sites operated by the membership. An integral part of every TSUG session includes a comprehensive tour of the operation they are visiting. Experience has shown that host operators have benefited greatly from the comments and perspectives of visiting members in that many of the elements of a mining operation that are considered to be areas of opportunity or issue have been addressed by others. Further, in any host mine there are elements of an operation that successfully demonstrate practices that may still be a source of challenge for others. In addition, even established procedures can enjoy continuous improvement through the observations from members that are

The TSUG is working

to more fully engage the equipment manufacturers value proposition for the TSUG is driven by the intent of members to return from their sessions with information significantly helpful to their respective operations in each of the three categories to merit this participation. Driven by this value proposition, each participant is expected to share this caliber of value-added information with the balance of the group towards synergistically achieving a learning environment that supports increasing the effectiveness of their respective mining operations. The TSUG value proposition is also supported through the rotation of meet-

new to the operation and view it from a different experience base. In terms of future objectives, the TSUG is working to more fully engage the equipment manufacturers in such a way that the information gained from TSUG sessions can be used effectively by them and shared throughout the industry. The Truck/Shovel Users Group represents yet another collaborative effort by mining people to improve the overall effectiveness of the mining industry through sharing of grassroots innovations at work in many operations. For further information on the TSUG please contact John at thomas.john@syncrude.com or Tom at demorest.tom@syncrude.com. CIM About the Authors John Thomas is manager, heavy trades, Syncrude Canada Ltd., and Gord Winkel is oil sands technology manager, Kearl Oil Sands Project, Imperial Oil Resources

THAT WILL BOOST YOUR YOUR BOTTOM LINE

February 2008 | 61

HR outlook Defining the work we do: the National Mining Credentials Program

The Canadian mining industry has identified that there will be an increased demand for mine by Veronica Sanchez workers in the coming years. Current estimates suggest the

62 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

need may be as high as 9,200 new workers per year over the next 10 years (Mining Industry Human Resources Council, 2007). To address these HR challenges, industry has developed a strategy for workforce development and skills recognition through the National Mining Credentials Program. This initiative, under the coordination of the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, began in 2006 with the development of the first three National Occupational Standards for the Canadian mining industry. These National Occupational Standards were created for the occupational areas of underground mining, surface mining

and minerals processing operations. These first sets of standards will serve as a foundation for two systems under the umbrella of the National Mining Credentials Program: â&#x20AC;˘ the Mining Worker Certification System â&#x20AC;˘ the Mining Training Accreditation System The certification and accreditation systems will be the first in the Canadian context for mine workers and employers. Historically, there has not been a pan-Canadian worker recognition framework for miners, even though mining is a fundamental part of the Canadian economy and culture. Many Canadian communities thrive because of mining, with generations of miners who have joined the industry. However, with the changing economic outlook and the different mine closures, as well as new mines opening, there is a need for mine workers to possess a portable credential. A national certification system would provide such a credential and at the same time recognize the skills, knowledge and experience of miners through industry-defined assessment. Development stages for the national worker certification system should begin early in 2008. Proactive workforce planning that addresses the labour crunch also requires proper training tools. Through a national accreditation system, education and training institutions will be able to develop training and curricula that responds to industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skills needs. Accreditation will also ensure that there is consistent training across Canada, as training programs will use the National Occupational Standards and their associated training standards as a foundation to become accredited. Moreover, training institutions will be better able to attract and train more students, which will address the skills short-

HR outlook These guides would expand the labour pool by identifying skills of exiting workers from industries in decline, such as forestry. They would also serve to assess the skills of new Canadians and foreign workers wishing to enter a mining occupation. Based on the identified requirements stemming from these guides, gap training programs could be developed to fully equip these workers for a career in mining. These programs and systems would not be possible without industry participation. Industry has contributed and engaged in the development process, ensuring that the resulting outputs are by industry, for industry. Continued industry participation and engagement is the backbone of these programs that will provide industry recognition for skills and workforce development tools. CIM

Conceptual framework for building a credential program

Foreign Credentials Recognition could be developed, using the National Occupational Standards as a foundation.

About the Author Veronica Sanchez is project manager, MiHR

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age. This can be accomplished through promoting industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endorsement of accredited training programs that increase the hiring rates of new graduates. Planned activities on the development of a training accreditation system should begin later in 2008. These tools will be developed through industry consultation at every step of the way to ensure that they have industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stamp of approval. Thus, the development process will take some time, but the first certified workers will have gone through the process within the next two years. In the meantime, it is possible to develop other programming, based on the National Occupational Standards that lead to accreditation and certification, as can be seen in the figure. For instance, one of the objectives for the next phase of development is the creation of entry-level skills profiles or training standards, based on the National Occupational Standards for underground mining, surface mining and minerals processing operations. Entry-level skills would define the curriculum requirements for training new workers in the industry; in other words, the skills and knowledge new workers should possess to enter a mining occupation. On the other side, assessment guides for Prior Learning Assessment and

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1/24/08 2:42:01 PM

parlons-en Est-ce possible que l’industrie nous dicte de ne pas forer une anomalie contenant 50 % de chalcopyrite ?

De gauche à droite : Pierre et Edwin Gaucher

Impossible, me répondrez-vous ! Mais alors, pourquoi la géophysique arrive à convaincre des gens fort expérimentés de ne pas forer une lentille contenant 50 % de chalcopyrite ? Comment déterminer la nécessité de forer une telle lentille si le levé géophysique EM de type MaxMin au sol ne la détecte pas alors que de nombreux sulfures de cuivre sont visibles dans la tranchée ! Ce n’est que récemment, à la suite de travaux géophysiques de type EM, Mag et PP sur l’ancienne mine d’Opémisca située à Chapais dans la province de Québec au Canada, par Pierre Gaucher qu’Edwin Gaucher, ancien vice président de Soquem et consultant en géophysique, a observé que la chalcopyrite est très fréquemment non conductrice. Autrement, si elle réagit, elle ne donne au mieux qu’une anomalie à peine perceptible lors d’un levé aérien EM ou d’un levé MaxMin au sol. C’est exactement ce qui a été observé sur le gisement d’Opémisca, une mine ayant produit plus de 20 millions de tonnes de minerai à 3 % de cuivre dans le passé. 64 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Cela suggère que non seulement l’ancien site d’Opémisca possède un potentiel élevé, mais aussi que bien d’autres propriétés minières au Canada pourraient révéler des découvertes plus nombreuses qu’on ne le pensait jusqu’à présent. Pour éviter que vous passiez à côté de nouvelles mines sans les voir, cet article a pour objectif de vous sensibiliser brièvement à la variabilité de la conductivité des sulfures et de leurs réponses aux différents levés géophysiques que vous soyez géologues, ingénieurs, promoteurs ou prospecteurs. En effet, lors d’une campagne de forage normale, vous serez tentés de forer seulement les plus fortes anomalies souvent associées à des sulfures de pyrrhotine, à des horizons de graphite qui sont jusqu’à mille fois plus conducteurs que la chalcopyrite ou encore à des sulfures de cuivre s’ils veulent bien réagir comme de faibles conducteurs, ce qui est rarement le cas.

La série d’événements ayant convaincu M. Edwin Gaucher Après la fermeture de la mine d’Opémisca vers le milieu des années 80, Edwin Gaucher jalonna ses concessions minières. Il utilisa différentes méthodes géophysiques pour essayer de détecter le minerai de cuivre des lentilles laissées en place comme piliers de surface. Par exemple, un levé de MaxMin sur une lentille forée en 2003

ne donna aucune réponse géophysique en termes de conductivité même si celle-ci mesurait 30 mètres de longueur par 30 mètres de profondeur par 1 à 2.5 mètres de largeur et qu’elle contenait selon les analyses plus de 15 % de chalcopyrite. Ce n’est qu’après avoir mesuré la conductivité des carottes de forage avec une sonde MPP-EM2S+ fabriquée par la compagnie Instrumentation GDD Inc. qu’Edwin observa que la chalcopyrite n’était pas conductrice. Et les seuls conducteurs perceptibles avec la sonde MPP dans les carottes étaient des minuscules “taches” de pyrrhotine, ce matériau étant environ 1 000 fois plus conducteur que la chalcopyrite.

Conclusion Malgré la grande expérience d’Edwin Gaucher au niveau de la géophysique, du suivi au sol, de la géologie, de l’exploration, de la recherche et développement et de la prospection, il a compris que la chalcopyrite est rarement un conducteur dans un levé EM. C’est uniquement lorsqu’il a mesuré, avec la sonde MPP, la conductivité des sulfures des carottes de ses propres forages et de celles présentées aux conventions tel que le PDAC et le Roundup, qu’il confirma que beaucoup d’autres minerais riches en sulfures n’étaient pas ou peu conducteurs. Il comprit également pourquoi en 1968, un forage sur une très faible anomalie (-2,-4) de Turam avait intercepté 20 mètres titrant 10 % de cuivre, soit 30 % de chalcopyrite, résultant en la découverte de la mine Louvem. Cette première mine a conduit à la découverte de la mine Louvicourt, une mine bien plus importante, sur son prolongement. CIM

L’auteur Pierre Gaucher, directeur général et vice-président, Instrumentation GDD Inc.

canadians abroad Only for half an hour When travelling a lot, for many years and to many places, you inevitably expose yourself to countless troubles. Maurice Bichsel is no exception and had his fair share of them — from being locked up in a cell to being expelled from a country, mobbed and seriously threatened to be hanged, to mention only a few. The trials and tribulations ended well and today Bichsel is serving as the director of international market development for CAMESE, but the journey to his current post was long and spanned the globe many times over. A native of Switzerland, Bichsel graduated with a degree in electromechanical engineering. As he put it, “You study, study, study, get the piece of paper — the proudly earned diploma — and don’t know what do with yourself next.” So, following his military service (compulsory at the time), Bichsel answered an ad from a company looking for engineers, went to the interview and got hired. The job was as a field service engineer for Applied Research Laboratories, an instrumentation division of Bausch & Lomb. “We manufactured spectrometers,” explained Bichsel. “There aren’t many manufacturers around the world, and the complex devices are primarily used for the chemical analysis of metals.” After two months of training, young Bichsel was shipped off to the company’s office in Germany. He was then transferred to Sweden for a year, followed by Iran, back to by Dan Zlotnikov Switzerland and, shortly after, South Africa. It was in South Africa that he had taken the opportunity to go down into an underground gold mine, some 1,400 metres below the surface. After South Africa, he spent over two years in Spain, and that, as they say, was only the beginning. In the first few years of travelling, one of his biggest handicaps, according to Bichsel, was language.

Maurice Bichsel

“My job wasn’t just setting up the spectrometer in the lab,” he explained. “I also had to train people to use it. My English at that time was very basic. The first few years, going to Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia…communication was a challenge.” But when business took him more frequently to Eastern Europe, Bichsel added, “Even if you could speak the native tongue perfectly, you’d still have

at least two people following you around.” One was the translator, but Bichsel never was quite sure what the other one’s title was. “Never knew who was watching whom.” Bichsel faced a similar situation on his first visit to China in 1987, this time as a sales engineer for a company making data acquisition systems for railways. “There was some culture shock,” he admitted. “The thing that struck me first was just the mass of people, and the stereotypical picture of these wide avenues, with a constant stream of people on bicycles. And of course, all the bicycles were the same colour and model.” But here too, Bichsel was issued two translators to accompany him at all times. What differed, he explained, was the reason. “It wasn’t to make sure no one was criticizing the regime, but to ensure that no information was lost or misinterpreted in translation.”

February 2008 | 65

canadians abroad dented army aluminum dishes. I never found out what the food was called, but they also brought this very strong rice liquor, for which I was very grateful, because it helped keep the food down. It wasn’t very good.” Bichsel’s first trip to Canada was in 1977. “No doubtful interpreters, no strong liquor needed. It was the discovery of the land of cowboys and indians that I had seen so many times in western movies.” The first discovery was the modern city of Calgary and the modern cowboys driving trucks. By the time Bichsel came to CAMESE, he had been to quite a few countries. That’s exactly what he told his interviewer and future boss, CAMESE’s managing director Jon Baird. But, Bichsel said, Baird wanted something more Temple overlooking the town of Yangshuo and the Li River near Green Lotus Peak specific. in Guangxi Province (credit: Filipe Fortes) “Jon asked, Overall, he added, his Chinese hosts ‘how many is a few? Three? 20?’ So I treated him very much like an honoured said, ‘I think it’s 88, 89 countries.’ And guest. “At the time, they were opening Jon said, ‘Maurice, I’m sorry, I cannot the gates slightly, and letting people into hire you. I’ve only been to 70-odd; it China, but getting a visa was not sim- wouldn’t be fair.’” ple,” he recalled. He also experienced Nevertheless, Bichsel was hired and the downside of VIP treatment. has been working with CAMESE for “They didn’t want me to have to go to over three years now. If anything, his a restaurant, so every day they brought schedule has become busier than before. me food from the cafeteria — which was “Internationally, we do an average of only for managers’ use — in these 10 to 12 tradeshows a year,” he 66 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

explained. “CAMESE always has a booth and always organizes the Canadian pavilion, and is very visible and well-known.” But, as soon as one show is done, Bichsel has to hurry back to prepare the next one. There is little time for holidays with his busy schedule, but when there isn’t enough time between two shows to even go back to Canada, he sometimes indulges himself with a long weekend. So last year, with only a few days between two trade shows in China, he went to Guilin and the Li River. “Guilin is an absolutely beautiful area. Think of the Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro,” he explained. “Guilin has the same type of rock formations, but 600 square kilometres of them.” The area has inspired many artists, poets and even films, he added. Guilin is not the only spectacular place Bichsel has had a chance to see. Over the years, his trips tended to average three months in a country, and it was not uncommon for him to find three or four days to explore. Though, he admitted to having never made it to Antarctica — something he is still hopeful about. Besides the risky situations, there are the humorous ones. Beware: Brazilian taxis lose their passengers! On one occasion, after a long workday in Brazil, Bichsel called a cab on the street. “I rush into the car, give the driver directions to my hotel. The driver is in a hurry and loses his way. At one point he makes a sharp and fast U-turn, the door opens, and I am ejected from the car, roll over and find myself crumpled on the road, watching the taxi speeding away. After a good 80 metres, the driver realizes he lost his passenger. He then makes another U-turn and drives back to pick me up.” The outcome of this rather rough journey was that he didn’t have to pay the cab fare. Bichsel is quite willing to share his hard-earned tips for staying out of trouble. “Keep a low profile, be aware and don’t pretend you know better than the locals.” CIM

engineering exchange Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd: setting benchmarks for mining in BC Adanac Molybdenum Construction underway at Ruby Creek. Corporation’s Ruby Creek molybdenum project has recently received the Environmental Assessment Certificate and required permitting to begin construction at the project site in northern British Columbia. The proposed open pit mine has a 22-year life at a production rate of 20,000 tonnes per day, and is the largest molybdenum mine to be approved in British Columbia in recent years. Vancouver consultants Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. celebrate this accomplishment with Adanac. KCBL was retained by Adanac to provide the engineering and environmental services necessary to obtain the EAC and construction permits, required for the project construction. Adhering to Adanac’s high environmental standard, KCBL ings design. “It was a welcome part developed several new engineering and of the project, as KCBL has 40 years environmental solutions to the proof experience using cyclone dam ject’s many unique challenges. The technology,” said Plewes. innovations used to lessen the impact of the mine on the environment have • Dump locations for waste rock are strategically placed in the confines quite possibly set a new benchmark for of the Ruby Creek valley to minithe mining industry in British mize the footprint of the mine. Columbia. Under the direction of Howard • Ten kilometres of surface water diversions to pass clean water from Plewes, principal, the KCBL team of the Ruby Creek catchment around engineers faced the challenge of the waste dump and tailings facility. designing the project’s by Haidee Weldon Brian James, manager of the envitailings and water management facilities within the nar- ronmental group at KCBL, is the projrow confines of the Ruby Creek valley. ect manager for the Ruby Creek project. The environmental component of Key features of the design include: • Adjusting the location of the tailings this project is quite significant. “We dam to accommodate physical fea- faced many challenges,” Brian tures of the valley, including basalt explained, “encompassing wildlife flows from the ancient Ruby baseline assessments, noise modelling, fish habitat compensation and soil eroMountain volcano. • The non-acid generating character- sion prediction modelling.” In a project this large, there are typistics of the tailings. This enabled ically a large and diverse group of the use of a cyclone dam in the tail-

stakeholders. As part of Adanac’s commitment to open communication with the stakeholders, KCBL participated in a unique approach to the stakeholder consultation process, through extensive work with the Ruby Creek working groups for fisheries, wildlife and geochemistry. The working groups facilitated a unique collaborative forum where the interests and concerns of the stakeholders were openly discussed and addressed. “The use of collaborative working groups during the EAC phase of the project was really new and innovative, not to mention extremely successful,” James proudly explained. An innovative approach to noise modelling was developed by KCBL in collaboration with the Wildlife Working Group to determine the effects of daily background noise on local wildlife. Impact of noise on local communities and worksite employees February 2008 | 67

engineering exchange has typically been modelled in Setting up operations at Ruby Creek. the past, however, little consideration has been given to the impact of noise on local wildlife. Through use of the model, impacts to caribou calving and sheep lambing periods were estimated. As a result, restricted blasting schedules were developed to minimize the effects of noise and vibrations during these periods. Another unique environmental component of the project is the design and use of groundwater spawning channels for the Arctic grayling species as part of a fish habitat compensation plan. As very little is known about Arctic grayling, extensive baseline surveys were conducted by KCBL biologists, who and mountainous terrain. To overfound that grayling preferred exist- come this challenge, KCBL scientists ing groundwater channels over open used a revised universal soil loss streams for spawning habitat. Once equation, commonly used for agriculconstructed, the groundwater tural purposes to predict and create spawning channels will be the first an erosion control adaptive manageused for Arctic grayling in British ment plan. Columbia. In summary, KCBL has successfully Erosion control and sediment obtained the Environmental retention was a key issue for project Assessment Certificate and regulatory development due to the steep slopes permitting required to initiate con-

68 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

struction. KCBL has not only complied with regulatory legislation and permits, but has gone beyond meeting these requirements in setting a high standard for environmentally and socially conscientious mining in British Columbia. KCBL plans to continue provision of integrated social, environmental and engineering services through project construction, operations and post closure. CIM

safety Confessions of a safety success It’s true, people are interested in the latest technology or the most innovative techniques. But let’s face it, when it comes to the highest of all mining priorities, safety takes the cake. It’s a hot topic and companies are continuously striving for a zero incident record. So what does it take to ensure a safe and healthy environment for miners? Andrew Keough, mine superintendent for David Bell mine — a John T. Ryan 2006-2007 trophy recipient — was willing to share some of the secrets to their safety success. The David Bell mine, owned by Barrick Gold and Teck Cominco and part of Hemlo Mines along with the Williams Operating Corporation, won the John T. Ryan trophy for Ontario in the Metal Mines category, and it’s easy to see why. The gold mine, located 35 kilometres east of Marathon, Ontario, has gone over 150 days incident-free onsite, and 290 days incident-free for contractors onsite. To boot, they’ve also won the Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association award four out of the last five years. Keough credits most of their success to specific safety programs and practices; a thorough knowledge and good education in mining always help as well. The Neil George 5 Point Safety System (a documented safety program), Field Level Risk Assessment, Plan Job Observation and the Internal Responsibility System are among the many programs that are in place to ensure that work by Carolyn Hersey runs smoothly and safely. All of the above are generally aimed at first identifying the hazard, and then either repairing or reporting it, based on individual experience. For those hesitant about pointing out hazards in the first place, there is the Courageous Leadership course. This teaches employees to not be fearful about standing up and pointing out any potential hazard concerns, legitimate

David Bell site and crew lineup.

or not — better safe than sorry. In addition, procedure reviews are done, and each month a safety meeting is held to keep ideas flowing and employees up to date on all of the latest safety information. Keough, who’s been in the underground mining industry for about 28 years, also notes that the passing years have brought better safety technology along with them. Employee involvement is now encouraged much more. At David Bell, every employee fills out a five-point card daily, at the bottom of which is space for comments or suggestions related to safety. “Education makes things run much more smoothly,” said Keough. “Knowledge is power and once you’ve got the know-how, you boost your chances of avoiding an accident.” Technology is another big factor in the David Bell mine’s outstanding safety performance. “It has improved over the years and the equipment itself is basically bigger and better,” added Keough. So what does a company that has already won its fair share of awards and has been recognized as one of the lead-

ers in mining safety do from here? “Strive to never be complacent and to always do better!” said Keough. There’s always room for improvement and the whole point is to change along with the times. Continuously auditing techniques, aiming for zero incidents, is a great way to set an example for companies everywhere. For the David Bell mine, the formula for a healthy, happy and, most of all, safe working environment is simple — educating the future mining generation (and updating the present) is the key to working safely and harmoniously. It’s absolutely necessary to fully comprehend any possible hazards in order to mitigate the possible effects. Years of experience have taught mining veterans a great deal. Borrow what worked from the past and marry it with what works in the present — the technology and techniques — and there’s no going wrong. Everyone wants to go home at the end of the day and safety continues to be a top priority. In fact, with monthly meetings, daily programs and written suggestions — safety at the David Bell mine is thriving on a recipe for success! CIM February 2008 | 69

the supply side

How will 2008 treat mining suppliers?

urrently, there are many factors at play in global economics and mining that may affect the Canadian mining industry and its suppliers in 2008. The strength of the Canadian dollar, rising 25 per cent against the US dollar in 2007, is much in the news, and most observers see it staying at par or above throughout next year. This weakening of the American dollar raises the value of gold and other mined commodities in that currency, thus offsetting, to some degree, the fact that by Jon Baird Canadian mining companies receive less Canadian dollars in exchange. Mining suppliers that export will have to offer even more productive solutions in order to justify higher prices. On the other hand, their foreign purchases will be less costly than before. For the past five decades or so, our industry has followed “boom and bust” cycles with periods of about ten years. Typically, in the early years of a decade commodity prices are low, exploration 70 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

shrinks and miners lack capital to build new mines or invest in new equipment. Then, things pick up midway through the decade only to recede by the end of the tenyear period. Many analysts feel that commodity prices peaked for this cycle early in 2007, which would fit the normal cyclical pattern. Most predictions, however, indicate that commodity prices will remain high, partly because of the weakness of the US dollar, and partly because the cost of finding, extracting and processing ore has been rising substantially. Against the ten-year cycle theory, some analysts say that we are in a supercycle fuelled by China and India, and that demand for mined commodities will, for a long time, continue strong. Whatever the length of the cycle, the mining industry should continue to give its suppliers good business during 2008. Climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is also an issue that could affect mining. The uranium price is very high in anticipation of development of “clean” nuclear power. Over the long run, coal and oil sands-derived oil may suffer unless a means of sequestering greenhouse gas emissions is adopted. Emissions from the whole Canadian mining industry could be capped and taxed, possibly leaving us in a poor position to compete with producers in other countries. Another factor already in play that will become worse in 2008 is the shortage of managers, professionals and skilled trades people. The industry has sized up the problem and positive action is underway, but a quick-fix that

A page for and about the supply side of the Canadian mining industry will alleviate the situation in 2008 is not possible. Such shortage is, of course, an advantage for suppliers that have the manpower, but bad for those that do not. Another question concerns how Canada’s ranking in the world of mining will fare over the next year. Given our large land mass and prospectivity, Canada should be able to maintain its position, attracting some 19 per cent of world exploration expenditures. This will depend partly on whether the federal government makes enhanced flowthrough tax provisions permanent. Canadian reserves of base metals have been declining steadily to 25 per cent of what they were 25 years ago. With the high level of exploration underway for the past two or three years, 2008 will hopefully be the year that we turn this around. In the longer run, more government support for geoscience is needed to provide the basic information leading to new discoveries. Development of new mines will be good business for mining suppliers. As far as Canadian major mining companies are concerned, billions in market capitalization moved to other markets in 2007 and consolidation among big companies carries on. However, of 83 companies in the world with a market capitalization of over $1 billion, 33 are Canadian. Overall, 2008 should be a good year for Canada’s mining industry and its suppliers. However, economic cyclicity, exchange rates, global warming, insufficiency of human resources and government policy are all factors that, sooner or later, will put us on a down trend. Mining suppliers should use the present strong market conditions to fund innovation and diversification of their client base. CIM

About the Author Jon Baird is managing director for CAMESE

cim news CIM welcomes new members Aoun, Tarek, United Arab Emirates Assie, Kouadio Etienne, Germany Begin, Jacques, Québec Bridge, Rachel, Ontario Buzas, Michael, New Brunswick Cai, Hui, Ontario Churchill, Frederick, Québec DeMark, Pamela, British Columbia Duncan, Barry, Alberta Fidler, Courtney, British Columbia Fulton, Bruce, Australia Gagnier, Claude, Québec Gallon, Martin, USA Genty, Thomas, Québec Germain, Paul, Québec Haanen, Geoff, Saskatchewan Haloui, Jawad, Québec Hughes, Elizabeth, British Columbia Kenzap, Serguei, Ontario Kiris, Koray, Turkey Ladd, Scott, Ontario Leong, Kitty, British Columbia MacDonald, A.G., Nova Scotia Mackie, Rob, British Columbia Mao, Mai, Ontario McCreary, Rick, Ontario McKenzie, Nathan, Ontario McLean, Hayley, Northwest Territories Mills, Patricia, Ontario Morris, Eric, Ontario

Musunuri, Sesha Anand Ram, Québec Orlikow, Gordon, Ontario Owainati, Jafar, Ontario Pandher, Rajan, Ontario Parreira, Juliana, British Columbia Potter, Lucy, Québec Pretorius, Patrius, Saskatchewan Przybylowski, Jackie, Ontario Reiter, Bryce, Saskatchewan Ribout, Jacques, Ontario Robinson, Michelle, Mexico Sawall, Kirk, USA Schrimpf, Thomas, Australia Sikka, Patrick, Ontario Squair, Ian, British Columbia Tapper, Andrew, Ontario Thomson, Aaron, British Columbia Trueman, Alex, British Columbia Usenmez, Kerem, Manitoba Veldhuis, Dan, Alberta Wang, Meng, Ontario Wang, Yong, Ontario Ward, Julie, Ontario Wilson, Brian, Ontario Zacerkowny, Orest, Ontario Zurowski, Jennifer, Ontario

Corporate Canada Kalprotect

A look back in time 20 YEARS AGO… • The technical section of the issue featured papers on mineral exploration. • Bob Latimer of the Rocky Mountain Branch of CIM received the 1987 District 5 Distinguished Service Award. • The lineup of speakers slated for the plenary session at the 1988 CIM Annual General Meeting featured Jim Gardiner, vice president, operations and development, Fording Coal; Dennis Love, general manager of mining, Syncrude Canada; Jim McCambly, president, Canadian Federation of Labour; and Bob Hallbauer, president and CEO, Cominco. • Sean Conway was appointed Government House Leader and Minister of Mines of Ontario. The above was taken from the February 1988 issue of CIM Bulletin.

Obituaries CIM expresses its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the following members: Carol Fournel joined CIM in 1995. He passed away in the summer of 2007. Frank Godfrey became a member of CIM in 1949. He passed away in the summer of 2007. Howard R. Hogan joined CIM as a junior member in 1955 and became a life member in 1990. He passed away in August 2007. Alan Ferguson Killin joined CIM in 1954 and became a life member in 1985. He passed away in October 2007. James T. McMullan had been a member of CIM since 1949. He became a life member in 1987. Ashton W. Mullan joined CIM in 1952 and became a life member in 1989. William Henry Muloin, a member since 1956, achieved life member status in 1991. George Douglas Ruttan joined CIM in 1939 and became a life member in 1975. Marie Louis Trepanier became a member of CIM in 1951. He attained life member status in 1987. John Douglas Wild joined CIM in 1950 and became a life member in 1988. Arthur Foley passed away on October 25, 2007. He began his mining career underground at Lamaque mine in Val-d’Or, Quebec and worked his way up the corporate ladder to his role as mine manager from 1960 to his retirement in 1978. During that time, he was also project manager of Niobec Mining Co. A life member of CIM, he created a Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Foundation scholarship in his wife’s name, awarded to a mining engineering student attending École Polytechnique de Montréal. February 2008 | 71

cim news Visite à Nichromet Le 14 novembre dernier, plus d’une cinquantaine de membres de la section de Thetford Mines de l’ICM visitaient (la plupart pour la première fois) les installations de Nichromet Extraction à Black Lake. Cette usine-pilote installée dans un bâtiment de l’ancienne mine de chrysotile British Canadian no 1 à Black Lake (Thetford Mines) est dédiée à l’extraction du nickel et autres substances contenues dans les résidus de serpentine des mines de chrysotile de la région. Le vice-président, monsieur JeanMarc Lalancette a d’abord expliqué brièvement le procédé d’extraction qui consiste à dissoudre la serpentine avec de l’acide chlorhydrique. Cet acide dispendieux est fabriqué sur place par réaction chimique d’un acide commun et peu dispendieux, l’acide sulfurique, avec du chlorure de potassium importé de l’Ouest. Il en résulte un sous-produit, le sulfate de potassium qui peut être vendu comme fertilisant. Selon monsieur Lalancette, le procédé d’extraction de nickel se déroulant à la pression atmosphérique et à une température ne dépassant pas 150 ºC, les coûts d’investissements et d’opération sont ainsi réduits par rapport aux procédés conventionnels de pyrométallurgie (haute température pour fondre les concentrés) ou d’hydrométallurgie conventionnelle à pression élevée (qui requiert des autoclaves ou réacteurs très dispendieux). La direction et les chefs d’équipe de par Pierre Laroche Nichromet (MM. David Lemieux, Bertrand Dubreuil, François Larouche, et Mme Caroline Chouinard) ont ensuite guidé les participants par petits groupes à travers l’usine pour leur expliquer en détails les opérations réparties dans trois salles. L’une des salles est consacrée

L’auteur Pierre Laroche est vice-président, Section de Thetford Mines de l’ICM 72 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Les dix employés présents à l’usine devant le réacteur de chloruration à sec dans la salle 2 (de gauche à droite) : Normand Ouellet, journalier, Normand Cimon, opérateur, Caroline Chouinard, ingénieure, Alain Boucher, électricien, Charles Gagné, opérateur, Laury Gauthier, chimiste, Roger Paré, opérateur, David Lemieux, directeur des opérations, Bertrand Dubreuil, directeur technique, et Steeve Marchand, opérateur.

au traitement mécanique des résidus de serpentine (broyage et tamisage). Une seconde section est dédiée à la fabrication de l’acide chlorhydrique et la dernière salle est utilisée pour attaquer les résidus de serpentine à l’acide et produire du chlorure de nickel, un liquide vert qui pourra être vendu à des producteurs de nickel métallique. La capacité actuelle de l’usine-pilote est de traiter 1,0 tonne à l’heure de

résidus de serpentine. La prochaine étape sera d’ériger une usine intermédiaire d’une capacité de 15 tonnes/heure. Un investissement d’environ 50 à 60 millions $ sera requis, ce qui pourrait créer une cinquantaine d’emplois dans notre région. Les participants ont été impressionnés par l’état d’avancement de Nichromet dans la récupération éventuelle de substances utiles des résidus miniers à Thetford Mines. CIM

Visit to Nichromet facilities Last November 14, more than 50 members of the CIM Thetford Mines Branch visited (most for the first time) the Nichromet Extraction facilities in Black Lake. This pilot plant is housed in a building of the old British Canadian Asbestos Mine #1 in Black Lake; it is dedicated to the extraction of nickel and other substances contained in the serpentine tailings of the regional chrysotile asbestos mines. The company vice president, JeanMarc Lalancette, first briefly explained the extraction process: dissolving the serpentine with hydrochloric acid. This

expensive acid is produced onsite by a chemical reaction between sulphuric acid, a low-cost and fairly common acid, and potassium chloride imported from western Canada. The reaction produces a by-product — potassium sulphate — which can be sold as fertilizer. According to Lalancette, the nickel extraction process takes place at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature not exceeding 150 degrees Celsius; investment and operating costs are thus lower than the conventional pyrometallurgical process (high temperature to melt the concentrates) or the conventional high-

cim news Getting to know you

Sponsored by:

An interview with a CIM Distinguished Lecturer Chief Glenn Nolan, one of this year’s CIM Distinguished Lecturers, is a strong advocate for sharing information between the mining industry and First Nations communities. His enticChief Glenn Nolan ing and informative lecture, “Engaging First Nations Communities,” explores the unique approaches in building better partnerships between local comby Robertina Pillo munities and companies. CIM: What are the major factors presented in your talk? G.N.: There is a need to understand the issues that aboriginal communities face, and how to develop meaningful dialogue leading to long-term relationship building for mutual benefits. I talk about how companies can step forward to assist in the building of positive relationships and meaningful participation in the industry by aboriginal people.

pressure hydrometallurgical process (requiring very expensive autoclaves or reactors). Upper management and team leaders (David Lemieux, Bertrand Dubreuil, François Larouche and Caroline Chouinard) then guided small groups of participants through the plant to explain in detail the operations taking place in three rooms: one room is reserved for the mechanical processing of serpentine tailings (grinding and sieving); a second is reserved for the production of hydrochloric acid; and in the last, the serpentine tailings are

CIM: Why get involved with the CIM Distinguished Lecturer program? G.N.: I am a firm believer that opportunities are developed through the sharing of information, meaningful community engagement and willingness of the parties to work together. The CIM Distinguished Lecturer Program provides such opportunities. CIM: What do you hope to achieve with your lecture? G.N.: There is a changing environment ranging from legal to financial to social, to engage aboriginal communities in all aspects of resource development. I hope to bring greater awareness of the opportunities to work with the communities that have development in their territory.

Hamilton Branch kicks off 2007-2008 season by John Thomas On November 21, 2007, the CIM Hamilton Branch held its first dinner meeting of the 2007-2008 year. Guest speaker Demetrius Tsafaridis, president, Carego Holdings Inc., spoke about the genesis of Carego as a coil warehouser, its current development as a supply chain management company for many different products utilizing truck, ship, and rail, as well as the maintenance/repair of rail cars, and supplying value chain analysis and methodology for other companies. The dinner meeting was the annual Past Chair Night with 11 past chairs in attendance. CIM

CIM: Your advocacy work and career have led you through many experiences. What has been the highlight of your career? G.N.: After a long day of working out on the land conducting surveys, I am sitting in the kitchen tent, sharing a laugh with my colleagues, knowing that the work we are doing has direct benefits to them and to their families. CIM

attacked by the acid, producing nickel chloride, a green liquid that can be sold to metallic nickel producers. The pilot plant can currently treat serpentine tailings at a rate of 1.0 tonnes per hour. The next step will be to build an intermediate size plant with a 15-tonne per hour capacity. This will require an investment of $50 to 60 million and could create about 50 jobs in our region. The participants were impressed with the advanced stage of the Nichromet process in the eventual recovery of useful substances in the Thetford Mines tailings. CIM

Branch past chairs, from left to right: Shannon Clark (2003-2004), Mick Bancroft (2005-2006), Jane Wood (1992-1993), John Thomas (1999-2000), Diane Murray (2000-2001), Gord Irons (1982-1983), Jeff Mayberry (2002-2003), Tony DiValentino (19911992), Peter Stubbs (1973-1974), Tracy MacPherson (2007-2008), John Lennartz (2004-2005), Bill Wallace (1963-1964) and Demetrius Tsafaridis (guest speaker).

About the Author John Thomas is past chair, CIM Hamilton Branch

mac facts

Of the 45 resource, manufacturing and services sectors listed in the Statistics Canada tables, the mining sector ranks ninth in R&D spending. February 2008 | 73

cim news CIM branch revitalized

he North-Central BC Branch of CIM was established in November 1997 and was thriving for almost six years. Unfortunately, with the closure of the Gibraltar and Mount Polley mines, the branch became dormant. In November of last year, a decade after its creation, a definitive effort was made to revitalize the branch — a meeting was held, during which a new executive was elected, presentations were made and dates were set for their 2008 AGM. Greg Rasmussen, the new branch chair charged with leading the revival, provided some insight into the timing of the relaunch. CIM: Why did you get involved with the branch? G.R.: I have been involved in the branch since 1999. At that time, I worked in operations at the Polaris mine in Nunavut, but was living in Prince George. Then, in 2001, I started working at Kemess and I was interested in what was happening in mining in British Columbia. CIM has always been a great source of information and networking and I wanted to be involved. In 2006, I joined the executive as a member-at-large and was working with the executive on the AGM that year, which due to various reasons, did not materialize. I volunteered as the acting chairman, working with the past executive, to get the branch going again. I also had good support from the mines and suppliers in the area.

CIM: Why revitalize the branch now? G.R.: With the mining sector taking off like it has over the years and the potential of another 24 mines in British Columbia openby Andrea Nichiporuk ing within the next five years, I thought it would be good to get this branch reactivated. There are presently 24 mines in the environmental review process in BC, with a large portion of these mines in northern BC. Basically, all the mines and potential mines in BC are working with the First Nations and I thought CIM would be a good medium for both the mining and First Nations groups to meet, discuss and learn from each 74 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

other in a relaxed atmosphere. This way we can hopefully help resolve some of the conflicts in the operation and startup of mining in BC. It’s important for CIM to strongly promote and support the mining industry. CIM: Where are the branch members coming from? G.R.: The members are coming from all over British Columbia. We have members from the operating metal mines (Kemess, Eskay Creek, Huckleberry, Endako, Gibraltar, Mount Polley and Highland Valley Copper) and coal mines like Western Canadian Coals’ Wolverine project. This also includes the potentially new mines in BC: the Ruby Creek project, Red Chris, Galore Creek, Mt. Milligan, Turnagain, Tulsequah Chief and New Afton. We also have a good relationship with the South Central BC Branch of CIM, which we hope will grow even stronger over the next few years. We have a great showing of suppliers and laboratories including Coneco, P&H, Univar Canada, ME-Elecmetal, Quadra Chemicals, Wolftek Industries, Knelson Concentrators, Lynum Progressive Industries, Atlas Copco, Western Belting, Finning,

Orica Canada, Wajax Industries, Transwest and even forestry suppliers like W.L. Forestry Suppliers. Most of them come from the immediate area in north-central British Columbia, but some also from Kamloops, Vancouver and Alberta. CIM: Why is it important to have a branch in that region? G.R.: It is important to have a branch in this area due to the high level of mining activity in north-central British Columbia. There is a lot of new technology coming into mining, and through CIM we can improve the learning curve through the exchange of knowledge. We also want to improve the public view of mining through meetings and publications; this involves both the local communities and the First Nations. CIM: What activities are being planned for this year’s AGM? G.R.: This year’s AGM is scheduled for June 25 to 27. The technical sessions will, as of now, include mining, mineral processing and coal/petroleum. A highly technical presentation on a project is planned. There will also be a Meet and Greet/Wine and Cheese reception, a branch executive meeting, banquet and golf tournament, among other things. We’re looking at sponsoring the Northern BC Friends of Children Society. Due to the distance to the Children’s Hospital, which is located in Vancouver, the society’s mission is to help those who are unable to meet the exceptional medical costs related to the needs of their children, mainly travelling down to Vancouver. CIM

Erratum Mistakes made their way into the December 2007/January 2008 issue of CIM Magazine (p. 94). The CIM Council list should have stated that Brad Kingston is the chair of the Maintenance and Engineering Society, and George Demopoulos the representative on Council for the Metallurgical Society of CIM. We apologize for the errors.

CIM EVENTS Conférence des étudiants de la section de Québec 17 mars Sainte-Foy, Québec Contact : René Del Villar Tél. : 418.656.7487 Fax : 418.656.5343 Courriel : rene.delvillar@gmn.ulaval.ca Sudbury Branch Student Oyster Night March 20 Sudbury, Ontario Contact: George Darling Tel.: 705.682.3270 Email: gdarling@srk.com Winnipeg Branch Meeting Guest speaker to be announced March 20 Winnipeg, Manitoba Contact: Mark Francis Tel.: 204.942.8992 Email: winnipeg@cim.org

AROUND THE WORLD PDAC 2008 March 2-5 Toronto, Ontario Contact: Lisa McDougall Tel.: 416.362.1969 Fax: 416.362.0101 Email: lmcdougall@pdac.ca Website: www.pdac.ca First International Seminar on the Management of Rock Dumps, Stockpiles, and Heap Leach Pads March 5-7 Perth, Western Australia Contact: Josephine Ruddle, Marketing Manager Tel.: +61.8.6488.3300 Fax: +61.8.6488.1130 Email: acg@acg.uwa.edu.au

Hamilton Branch Dinner Meeting with Juergen Schlacher, CEO, Dofasco/Arcelor/Mittal (guest speaker) April 9 Burlington, Ontario Contact: Shannon Clark Tel.: 905.548.7200, ext. 2035 Email: shannon_clark@dofasco.ca

Canadian Uranium Symposium — Fuelling the Nuclear Renaissance April 2-3 Vancouver, British Columbia Contact: Christopher Neely Tel.: 416.927.0718, ext. 313 Toll-free: 877.927.0718, ext. 313 Email: c.neely@canadianinstitute.com Website: www.canadianinstitute.com

CIM Conference and Exhibition — Edmonton 2008 May 4-7 Edmonton, Alberta Contact: Chantal Murphy, CIM Meetings Coordinator Tel.: 514.939.2710, ext. 1309 Fax: 514.939.2714 Email: cmurphy@cim.org Website: www.cim.org

1st World Coal-to-Liquids Conference 2008 April 3-4 Paris, France Contact: World CTL 2008–MCI Paris Office Tel.: +33.0.1.53.85.82.82 Fax: +33.0.1.53.85.82.83 Email: wctl2008info@mci-group.com Website: www.world-ctl2008.com

Annual General Meeting of the Mining Society of Nova Scotia June 12-13 Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia Contact: Florence Sigut Tel./Fax: 902.567.2147 Email: florence@ns.sympatico.ca

Asia Mining Congress April 7-11 Singapore Contact: Lydia Sebastian Tel: +65.6322.2750 Fax: +65.6226.3264 Email: lydia.sebastian@terrapinn.com Website: www.terrapinn.com/2008/asiamining

Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC)/SPE Gas Technology Symposium 59th Annual Technical Meeting June 16-19 Calgary, Alberta Contact: Dave Cuthiell, Conference Chairman Tel.: 403.205.6876 Fax: 403.262.4792 Email: dcuthiell@suncor.com Website: www.petsoc.org North Central BC Branch Annual General Meeting June 25-27 Prince George, British Columbia Contact: Greg Rasmussen Tel.: 250.962.6235 Fax: 250.962.6332 Email: greglrasmussen@gmail.com

Minerals North April 16-18, 2008 Smithers, British Columbia Contact: Christine Ogryzlo Tel.: 250.697.6368 Email: cogryzlo@telus.net Website: www.mineralsnorth.ca II International Workshop on Process Hydrometallurgy — Hydroprocess 2008 May 14-16 Santiago, Chile Contact: Fabiola Bustamante Tel.: +56.2.652.1555 Fax: +56.2.652.1570 Email: info@hydroprocess.cl

February 2008 | 75

cim news

Recognizing academic excellence Meet CIM Foundation scholarship recipients

Jonathan Gilbert

A mining engineer in the making

passion for science and technology led Jonathan Gilbert, the winner of the Caterpillar and its Canadian Dealers Scholarship, to pursue his studies in engineering. He said: “I’ve been asked a hundred times ‘why mining engineering?’ Well, for me, the idea of working on a project from the planning stage to the operation stage, where you have to retrieve millions of tonnes of minerals located kilometres underground, fascinates me.” Through the co-op program at Université Laval, Gilbert’s had three diversified work terms. He carried out project evaluations and learned all the steps in the development of a mining project at Agnico-Eagle; then he honed his skills at a surface mine at QIT-Fer et Titane’s Havre-St-Pierre mine; finally he participated in excavation cost estimation and blasting activities in limestone quarries for Interby Andrea Nichiporuk Cité Construction. Over the next few years, Gilbert plans on acquiring as much experience as possible. He said, “I have numerous ambitious projects in mind for my career. I’m interested in so many aspects of the industry — supervision, project management, planning and ground control. I am convinced that these different aspects of industry complement each other and that all of these experiences will lead to a very successful career.”

76 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Un futur ingénieur minier ne passion pour la technologie et la science a conduit Jonathan Gilbert, gagnant de la bourse Caterpillar et ses distributeurs canadiens, vers une carrière en génie. Il a dit : « L’idée de travailler à la planification et à la conception d’un projet où on doit aller chercher des millions de tonnes de minerai à des kilomètres sous la terre me fascine. » M. Gilbert étudie à l’Université Laval. Il a fait trois stages diversifés. Il a participé à l’évaluation des projets miniers et a appris toutes les étapes de développement d’un projet minier chez Agnico-Eagle. Ensuite il a travaillé à la mine à ciel ouvert de QIT – Fer et Titane à Havre-St-Pierre. Il a participé à l’estimation des coûts d’excavation de roc et à des travaux de dynamitage aux carrières de calcaire de Québec pour Inter-Cité Construction. Dans les prochaines années, M. Gilbert planifie acquérir le plus d’expérience possible. « Bien que j’ai de nombreux projets ambitieux, je ne m’attends pas à suivre un cheminement linéaire. Je suis intéressé autant par la supervision et la gestion de projet que par la planification et les aspects plus techniques comme le contrôle de terrain. Je pense avoir au cours des prochaines années plusieurs opportunités d’en apprendre davantage sur ces divers aspects du génie minier et je suis convaincu que toutes ces spécialisations sont complémentaires et que l’intégration de toutes ces expériences me permettra de réaliser une grande carrière » il conclut.

cim news Make way for an up-and-coming geologist ndrea Langerud, this year’s Scotiabank and Scotia Capital Markets Scholarship winner, always loved camping, quadding, hiking and fishing. When it came time to choose a career path, she knew what she was looking for. “I definitely wanted a career that allowed me to explore the outdoors and be adventurous. The minerals industry allows me to spend the majority of my time doing things that I enjoy,” said Langerud. Family and friends working in the oil and gas industry sparked her interest in oil exploration. After studying at NAIT, she had made up her mind. “I decided that mineral exploration provided more dynamic, physical and exciting career choices than oil and gas, so I went in that direction.” A variety of field work has given her a real taste of what exploration work is all about. “As a technologist with Aurora Geosciences, I worked all over northern Canada and Alaska. It exposed me to base metal and diamond projects, all from the grassroots stage to pre-production stage.” She continued, “I spent last summer working for Northern Freegold Resources Ltd. at an exploration project in the Yukon. I gained some great experience, particularly in core logging, mapping and prospecting. I have also worked as a student geologist for the Alberta Geological Survey and as an environmental technologist for Stantec Consulting.” After graduating from the University of Alberta, Langerud would like to work for an exploration or mining company. However, running a small consulting firm or managing a junior mining company is something she can definitely see herself doing. A little advice she offers to new students: “Get into good shape and keep a big list of contacts.” CIM

Andrea Langerud

A new

is up for grabs!

Une nouvelle bourse vient de voir le jour !

Awarded twice a year (spring and fall) through the Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Foundation, this $2,500 scholarship is available to CIM student members only. Applications must be submitted in English. Complete details are available online at:

Attribuée deux fois par année (printemps et automne) par la Fondation canadienne des mines et de la métallurgie, cette bourse de 2500 $ est offerte aux membres étudiants de l'ICM seulement. Les demandes doivent être soumises en anglais. De plus amples détails sont disponibles au :

www.cim.org/students/benefits.cfm

www.cim.org/students/benefits/cfm.

Act fast — you must get your applications in by April 15, 2008.

Ne tardez pas, les demandes doivent être reçues avant le 15 avril 2008.

scholarship

February 2008 | 77

Australia’s International Uranium Conference 2008 18–19 June 2008 Adelaide Convention Centre Adelaide, South Australia

Taking Best Practice and Education to a New Level The Conference As the demand for uranium and new sources of clean and greenhouse friendly sources of energy increases, this years uranium conference will continue to build upon The AusIMM’s hugely successful uranium conference series that have been held over the past two years. The 2008 conference is being internationalized with an expanded focus on developments around the world and with the participation of approximately 50 delegates from the Uranium Group which is affiliated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While the conference is suitable for anyone interested in the industry, the main focus will continue to be a technically-based with a strong focus on Best Practice in the sector. This years conference promises to be the best one yet and will be held in the beautiful city of Adelaide, South Australia.

The Program The Conference will give presenters the chance to exchange information on topics such as: • Health, Safety and Environment • Uranium Geology, Exploration and Best Practice Reporting • Approvals Process for Uranium• Uranium Processing Technologies Related Activities • Mining, Milling and Transport • Government Approvals, Policy and • Uranium Production Community Relations • Updates on International Projects • Education, Training and Skills • Uranium Supply and Demand

Submission of Abstracts Closing date for submission of abstracts: 25 February 2008 Please submit an Abstract not exceeding 300 words in English, via email to: Jennifer Hall, Publications Officer The AusIMM, PO Box 660, Carlton South, VIC 3053 Telephone: +61 3 9662 3166 Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662 Email: jhall@ausimm.com.au

Tours and Workshops Both pre- and post-conference tours and workshops will be offered. Refer to the conference website via www.ausimm.com for further information. All other enquiries including sponsorship and exhibition opportunities please contact:

Call for Papers

Alison M McKenzie, Senior Coordinator, Conferences & Events, The AusIMM, PO Box 660, Carlton South, VIC 3053 Telephone: +61 3 9658 6123 Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662 Email: alisonm@ausimm.com.au

Principal Sponsor

www.ausimm.com Conference Sponsors

AWARDS GALA‘08

May 5, 2008 Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton, Alberta

WITH SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT BY

Tickets 1.800.667.1246 www.cim.org

“POPERA WITH A SOUL INFUSION” PRESENTED BY CATERPILLAR® AND ITS CANADIAN DEALERS

Table of Contents Table des matières 82 82 82 84 84 86 87 88 88 88 90 91 91 92 93

Welcome Plenary Workshops Guest Program Field Trips Social Program Student Program Bienvenue Séance plénière Ateliers Programme des invitées Excursions Programme étudiant Programme social Technical Program / Programme technique 99 Mining in Society / Les mines dans la société 99 Career Fair / Salon de l’emploi 100 CIM Exhibition / Salon commercial de l’ICM

80 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Organizing Committee Comité organisateur

Sponsors / Commanditaires Premier

CIM President / Président, ICM Jim Popowich CIM Executive Director / Directeur executive, ICM Jean Vavrek Honorary Chair / Président honoraire Don Lindsay General Co-chairs / Co-présidents Tim Joseph, Bruce Bernard

Diamond / Diamant

Technical Program / Programme technique Heather Ednie, Nick Parchewsky, Adam Noel, Ken Chekerda Mining in Society Show / Salon Les mines dans la société Gord Morris, Josée Dallaire

Gold / Or

CIM Exhibition / Salon commercial Martin Bell Field Trips / Excursions Rob Carey, Mark Vander-Griend Workshops / Ateliers Hoonan Askari-Nasab

Silver / Argent

Guest and Social Programs / Programmes des activitées sociales et des invités Laura Joseph, Gord Morris, Denise Knight Student Program / Programme des étudiants Artur Walus, Brendan Lalonde Logistics and Registration / Logistique et inscription Chantal Murphy Sponsorship / Commandites Bill Hume

Bronze / Bronze

2 Colour: Logo = Pantone 3025 Text = Black

Marketing Marie-Hélène Emond, David Selleck Budget and Finance / Budget et finance Serge Major Administration and Finance / Administration et finance Andiea Hermes

Friends / Amis

District 4 Representative / Représentant, District 4 Doug Kramble District 5 Representative / Représentant, District 5 Louise Michaud Ward’s Hydraulic Services Ltd.

District 6 Representative / Représentant, District 6 Ed Beswick Caterpillar Contact / Personne-resource, Catepillar Char Bergin

Mining in Society / Les mines dans la société

Saskatoon Potash and Uranium Contact / Personne-ressource, Saskatoon Potasse et uranium Rob Carey February 2008 | 81

All workshops

Welcome to Edmonton

Workshops

n behalf of CIM, the organizing committee, our partners and sponsors, welcome to the CIM Conference and Exhibition 2008. Saluting achievement and success — by honouring members of our industry at the awards gala, while learning best practices from our colleagues in the plenary and technical program, and networking in the company of friends — this is Canada’s premier mining event.

SMART Learning Seminar

In a year where the CIM Exhibition celebrates its 25th anniversary and engineering education in Alberta celebrates 100 years, we continue to lead a thriving and vital industry across Canada and around the globe. High levels of participation in the conference will raise the bar in advancing understanding, knowledge, tools and techniques. Students share in the spotlight as the next generation, many experiencing CIM for the first time through the student program, as a plus to all the conference has to offer. This year’s social and guest programs transport you from culinary delights, to shows that thrill the eye, to evenings of entertainment, assuring great memories. Tours to uranium, oil sands, potash and coal operations round off the visit to the region and Canada’s festival city. Come for the knowledge and networking, establish new friends, live the experience! Tim Joseph and Bruce Bernard General Chairs

will be held on Saturday, May 3, at the University of Alberta Campus.

Learning from the best in operations and systems integration The SMART Learning Seminar will focus on best practices for people and systems management. This one-day seminar will be comprised of four modules: best practices from companies outside the minerals industry, managing maintenance and people; integrating mine planning with asset management for the business units in the minerals industry; brought to a head with workshop group and panel discussions on issues raised during the course of the day. This will be your opportunity to discuss how to make the day’s experience really work for your operation. Information: Tim Joseph, associate professor, School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, University of Alberta (presenter); $350; Room 2-001; 9:00 to 17:00.

Mining 101 This short course will provide a relatively non-technical introduction to the basic concepts of mining exploration, ore extraction, mineral processing and mine waste management. Also included will be some key aspects of the economics of a mining and mineral processing operation and a few ideas about mining in the 21st century. The workshop qualifies for the UBC Mining Certificate program, and participants receive access to a complimentary online course by EduMine™. Course subsections: ore deposits, mining methods, mineral processing methods, mine waste disposal, mining and money, and future of mining. Information: Hooman Askari-Nasab, assistant professor, School of Mining Engineering, University of Alberta, and Scott Dunbar, associate professor, Mining Engineering Department, University of British Columbia (presenters); $150; Room 2-090; 9:00 to 12:00.

Plenary Session Moving Beyond: Innovation for a Sustainable Future Canada has to maintain its position as a worldwide leader in mining operations and technology. On May 5, a panel of industry leaders, led by moderator Rex Murphy of CBC, will focus on what our industry needs to accomplish, to ensure a sustainable future in the face of the more stringent regulations and social requirements that are being driven by environmental and energy concerns while mounting operational costs challenge our viability on the world stage. Communities and aboriginal stakeholders are playing an ever-increasing role and as an industry we must proactively respond to their needs. Panellists confirmed to date include Don Lindsay, president and CEO, Teck Cominco; and Eric Nonacs, managing director – global affairs for Endeavour Financial, and senior advisory for the William J. Clinton Foundation (President Clinton’s Foundation). 82 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry

Presented by Cameco. Uranium’s transformation from ore in the ground into nuclear fuel and, ultimately, the handling of spent fuel is known as the nuclear fuel cycle. Despite its key role in providing clean electricity around the world, the uranium industry remains a mystery to many in the general public and often even to people in the mining, milling and energy industries. This short course will consist of presentations on: introduction to the nuclear fuel cycle; exploration; mining; milling; refining and conversion; fuel fabrication; electricity generation; spent fuel handling; as well as a closing panel discussion and question period.

This course will provide the geoscience practitioner with an introduction to the tools used to characterize groundwater systems and predict their response to contaminants loading or remediation efforts. The material is presented through examples of basic mineral– water–atmospheric gas interactions and through case studies of contaminated sites, mine waste management, CO2 sequestration and intensive livestock operations. The course material is delivered through lectures and hands-on geochemical modelling, designed to reinforce geochemical concepts and provide analytical tools for the working professional.

Information: Chuck Edwards, principal metallurgist, Cameco Corporation (organizer); $350; Room 2-016; 9:00 to 17:00.

Information: Rob Donahue, assistant professor and director, Applied Environmental Geochemistry Research Facility, University of Alberta (presenter); $350; Room 2-127; 9:00 to 17:00.

Aboriginal Consultation

Diamond Resource Data Integration

This workshop examines the successes, failures and lessons learned in implementing impact and benefit agreements and fostering strong ties with aboriginal communities. Case studies of two unique operations in Canada will be focused on, with representatives from both the companies and aboriginal communities, developing a better understanding of best practices and lessons to learn from. From junior exploration companies through to major mining ventures, this is a key aspect in obtaining a social licence to operate.

This short course will focus on interpretation and integration of geological, grade and revenue data for diamond projects. The importance of factual recording of all facets of the geological record will be emphasized. The fundamental issues which need to be kept in mind when creating a full three-dimensional model will be discussed in detail. Sample support issues and the purposes around the sampling will be covered, as will be the interpretation and application of the results to creating a resource model for a deposit. Areas to be covered will be: micro and macro diamond grade sampling; diamond size distribution modelling; and diamond revenue modelling. Emphasis will be on practical application of methodologies and optimal use of information. Considerations of risk and its quantification will be discussed.

Information: Presenter to be announced; $350; held in Room 2-003 from 9:00 to 17:00.

NI 43-101 Disclosure Standards/Technical Report Triggers/Civil Liability This course should be of interest to qualified persons and officers and directors of mining companies reporting in Canada. Topics include: • Setting the regulatory scene — Disclosure standards under securities law, stock exchange policy in Canada, and CIM Definition Standards and Best Practices. • Technical report form and content — Review of technical report triggers and content requirements. • Life cycle of a junior mining company — From startup of a junior exploration company, to IPO prospectus, listing on stock exchange, raising capital, and advancing a mineral project, see the various triggers of technical reports. • Civil liability regime under securities law in Canada — Exposure and defenses for mining companies. • Failure of due diligence in mining prospectuses — Case studies of what went wrong.

Information: David Farrow, Golder Associates (primary presenter); $350; 9:00 to 17:00; Room TBA.

Information: Greg Gosson, former chief mining advisor for the British Columbia Securities Commission, now technical director of geology and geostatistics, AMEC Mining and Metals Consulting Group, and Deborah McCombe, former chief mining consultant for the Ontario Securities Commission, now executive vice president, Scott Wilson Mining Group (presenters); $350; Room 2-003; 9:00 to 17:00.

February 2008 | 83

CIM Guest Menu Go online for more details:

www.cim.org/edmonton2008/conference/guestprogram.cfm

Monday Makeup Lesson and Breakfast Fashion Show and Luncheon Greenland Tour and Luncheon

Tu e s d a y Breakfast and Presentation by “Nature Nut” John Acorn Culinary Bus Excursion Gallery Tour and Luncheon

Wednesday Breakfast and Health and Wellness Seminar by Global Television’s Heidi Bates Boardroom Yoga Session River Valley Walk and Luncheon

Guest Program Highlights Monday Fashion Show Luncheon Enjoy a scenic drive to the Edmonton Country Club. At the fashion show, two exceptional boutiques will highlight upcoming “must-haves” by Canadian designers and designers from around the world. The fashions selected will be unique for every woman. Indulge in an upbeat, succulent lunch while chatting with your friends. This event supports the Edmonton Firefighters’ Burn Unit. Time: 10:30 to 14:00; shopping 14:00 to 15:30 Price: $120

Greenland Tour and Lunch Calling all gardeners, green thumbs and hobbyists at heart. Our first priority is lunch at an upbeat, trendy restaurant. Journey with us to the Greenland Garden Centre. Here you will see a diverse selection of home and garden decor, jewelry and fashion accessories, fantastic fresh florals and a unique gift shop. Learn from the experts and have your many questions answered. Time: 10:45 to 15:15 Price: $65

Field Trips Coal Tour

BioteQ’s proven water treatment solutions l Reduce the environmental liability associated with metal and sulphate contaminated water

Visit Highvale, the largest coal mining operation in Canada, with active pits being mined by some of the largest dragline equipment in the world. Coal operations, utilizing hybrid belly dump haulers and in-pit coal loading operations, feed the main coal-fired power generator for the Edmonton region. The mine, plant and reclamation operations constitute a showcase of environmentally best practices. The end goal is to return the entire site to its original agricultural state.

l Generate revenue from recovered metals and valueadded products

Information: Seba Beach, Alberta; $100; 8:00 to 18:00; tour includes bus transportation and tour of mine site with lunch; bus departs and returns to Westin Edmonton Hotel.

l /QNCTBD V@SDQ SG@S B@M AD R@EDKX CHRBG@QFDC SN SGD environment

Oil Sands Tour

l Save money compared to other treatment processes

TSX:BQE 84 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

www.bioteq.ca

Tour the Suncor facility in the heart of the Athabasca oil sands region, one of the world’s largest petroleum resources, containing nearly 175 billion barrels of crude oil reserves. Suncor, the pioneer in commercial development of oil sands, currently produces 30 per cent of upgraded product from the oil sands industry. The Oil Sands Interpretive Centre offers a glimpse into the history, development and the future of mining in the Athabasca basin region. Information: Fort McMurray, Alberta; $650; 7:00 to 18:00; tour includes bus to the airport, return flight, visit and lunch; bus departs for the airport at the Westin Edmonton Hotel.

Tu e s d a y

Wednesday

Progressive Culinary Excursion

River Valley Walk and Luncheon

Join us on an expedition to a few of Edmonton’s finest restaurants, where we will be delighted with culinary secrets and experience some of the finest fare offered! Board the bus and learn the secret preparation of various courses. This will be followed by the pleasure of enjoying the fare paired with a beverage to complement each course. Time: 10:30 to 15:00 Price: $120

We will entertain and inform you on the latest in health, wellness and fitness. Come join us for breakfast and learn about diet, exercise and health trends, followed by a scenic walk through the River Valley. Work up an appetite for a terrific organic healthy lunch back at the Shaw Conference Centre. Time: 10:30 to 13:30 Price: $35

Against the Grain: Japanese Woodblock Prints, University of Alberta Gallery Tour and Lunch This exclusive exhibition of historical and contemporary woodblock prints outlines the aesthetic, cultural and technical developments from the Edo period to the present. Enjoy a tour of the Mactaggart Chinese Art Collection consisting of works of art and textiles from a range of countries, time periods and traditions. The event will adjourn with a delicious lunch at the private Faculty Club. Time: 10:30 to 14:00 Price: $50 Photo credit: St. Alberta Gazette

Departure for all activities will be from the Guest Hospitality Suite, located in Salon 1 of the Shaw Conference Centre.

Potash Tour

All See the surface operations at the field trips PotashCorp Cory Division mine and will be held then descend 3,200 feet below suron Thursday, face. Once on the potash level, the May 8 tour will travel in Jeeps to the mining face and watch a bore miner mine a fresh face. The underground mine temperature is an average 28 degrees Celsius, so dress comfortably. Information: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; $750; 7:00 to 18:15; tour includes bus to the airport, return flight, visit and lunch; bus departs for the airport at the Westin Edmonton Hotel.

Uranium Tour The McArthur River U/G Mine and Key Lake Mill in the Athabasca basin are well worth visiting. Cameco’s McArthur River Mine is the world’s largest high-grade uranium mining operation and a showcase for innovative equipment and uranium mining processes such as non-entry mining and underground freezing. Focused on the community, the environment and sustainable management, the company is a world leader in every respect. Information: Northern Saskatchewan; $750; 7:00 to 18:45; tour includes bus to the airport, return flight, visit and lunch; bus departs for the airport at the Westin Edmonton Hotel. February 2008 | 85

CIM has your

social calendar covered! Go online for more details:

www.cim.org/edmonton2008/conference/socialprogram.cfm

Saturday

Tu e s d a y

Welcome Lobster Dinner and Dance

Lunch in the Exhibition Student-Industry Lunch Women in Mining Reception VIP Reception Cocktail in the Exhibition Dinner at the Union Bank Inn P&H Reception and Dance

Sunday CIM Coal and Oil Sands Reception Opening Reception

Monday Lunch in the Exhibition Cocktail in the Exhibition Student Pub Crawl CIM Awards Gala

Wednesday

Social Program Highlights Saturday Welcome Lobster Dinner and Dance Get into a party mood by indulging in a scrumptious lobster dinner with complimentary wine. It all happens at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex. Be entertained by the renowned Ukrainian DUNAI Dancers, then wind up the evening on the dance floor. Information: 18:30 (cocktail) and 19:30 (dinner); $65; Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex.

Sunday Opening Reception This must-attend event, sponsored by Komatsu, is the official conference kickoff and a stellar opportunity to mingle and greet fellow conference participants, while indulging in a buffet and enjoying a variety of entertainment. Information: 18:00 to 21:00; cost included with registration; CIM Exhibition floor.

Closing Lunch

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Monday

P&H Reception and Dance

CIM Awards Gala

Shake and shimmy the night away. Let loose and have a great time at the shindig of the year, sponsored by P&H. Indulge in the lavish buffet and open bar. Everybody will be there, so don’t miss this fabulous bash.

Industry’s best are recognized at this extravagant evening hosted by Caterpillar Inc. and its Canadian Dealers. Exquisite dining and entertainment from well-known pop opera group Destino ensure this gala is a night to remember. Information: 18:00 (reception) and 19:00 (dinner); $135; Shaw Conference Centre.

Information: 20:00 to midnight; cost included with registration; Shaw Conference Centre.

Wednesday CIM Closing Luncheon

Tu e s d a y Dinner at the Union Bank Inn Feast on a gourmet dinner paired with carefully chosen wines and served in the splendid Giverny Ballroom of the Union Bank Inn. Marvel at the ballroom’s modern renaissance ambiance, appointed with alabaster chandeliers, imposing fireplace and gracious décor. Information: 18:00 to 20:00; $65; Union Bank Inn.

This will be the last opportunity to touch base with old and new acquaintances. Guest speaker Patrick Moore, founding member and former president of Greenpeace, is touted as “the sensible environmentalist.” He believes one of our most serious environmental problems can be attributed to the ineffective communication between special interest groups and the business community, and calls for issues to be discussed on the basis of accurate scientific data, a search for consensus and the creation of sustainable solutions. Information: 12:00 to 14:00; $60; Shaw Conference Centre

Student Program What do you get when you cross a conference centre, potential employers and students? A whole lot of contacts! The student program has been designed to expose students to as much of industry as possible, setting them on the path to prosperous careers in the mining industry. In addition to the activities below, students also have free access to the CIM Exhibition, technical program, Opening Reception and P&H Reception and Dance. Career Fair — With the HR crisis looming, there is no better time to hit up a roomful of potential employers looking to hire. Prepare your resumes! Student Poster Competition — Present to impress! This is your opportunity to shine; industry will be watching. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Student-Industry Luncheon — Another great opportunity to meet industry leaders featuring a guest speaker. Student Pub Crawl — The Pub Crawl starts at Hudson’s and visits several popular bars in Edmonton. This is a great opportunity to meet other students from across the country. Being a student is not required – industry members welcome.

Financial assistance is available to students. Contact CIM for further details. February 2008 | 87

Bienvenue à Edmonton

Ateliers

u nom de l’ICM, du comité organisateur, de nos partenaires et de nos commanditaires, bienvenue au Congrès et Salon commercial ICM 2008. C’est l’événement minier canadien par excellence où nous applaudissons les réalisations et les succès, en honorant des membres de notre industrie lors du gala des prix tout en apprenant les meilleures pratiques de nos collègues dans le cadre des sessions plénières et du programme technique et en établissant des contacts en compagnie d’amis.

Séminaire d’apprentissage SMART

En cette année où le Salon commercial de l’ICM fête son 25e anniversaire et que la formation en génie fête son centenaire en Alberta, nous continuons à être les chefs de file d’une industrie prospère et dynamique à travers tout le Canada et autour du monde. La forte participation au congrès élèvera la barre dans l’avancement de la compréhension, des connaissances, des outils et des techniques. Les étudiants partagent la vedette en tant que prochaine génération – un véritable atout pour le congrès. Pour plusieurs, il s’agira d’une première expérience ICM dans le cadre du programme étudiant. Avec le grand nombre d’événements sociaux et de programmes des invités – de délices culinaires et spectacles époustouflants à des soirées de divertissement – tout sera très mémorable. Des excursions à des exploitations d’uranium, de sables bitumineux, de potasse et de charbon complètent la visite de la région et de cette ville du Canada qui sait bien fêter. Venez pour les connaissances et le réseautage, rencontrez de nouveaux amis, vivez l’expérience. Tim Joseph et Bruce Bernard Présidents généraux

Séance plénière Viser plus haut : l’innovation pour un avenir durable Le Canada doit maintenir sa position de chef de file mondial en exploitation et en technologie minières. Le 5 mai, un panel de leaders industriels, aminé par Rex Murphy de la CBC, se penchera sur ce que notre industrie doit faire pour s’assurer d’un avenir durable devant les réglementations et les critères sociaux sévères imposés par les préoccupations environnementales et énergétiques alors que les coûts d’exploitation croissants mettent au défi notre viabilité sur la scène mondiale. Le rôle des communautés et des Autochtones s’accentue et nous devons répondre proactivement à leurs besoins. À ce jour, les panélistes ayant confirmé leur participation sont : Don Lindsay, président et chef de la direction, Teck Cominco, et Eric Nonacs, directeur général – Affaires internationales, Endeavour Financial et conseiller principal pour la William J. Clinton Foundation (la fondation du président Clinton). 88 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Les ateliers auront lieu au campus de University of Alberta le samedi 3 mai

Apprendre les opérations et les systèmes d’intégration des meilleurs dans le domaine Le séminaire de formation SMART ciblera les meilleures pratiques pour la gestion du personnel et des systèmes. Ce séminaire d’une journée comprendra quatre modules : les meilleures pratiques de compagnies en dehors de l’industrie minérale, la gestion des gens et de l’entretien; l’intégration de la planification minière et de la gestion des actifs pour les unités commerciales dans l’industrie minérale; ces modules clôtureront avec des discussions impliquant le groupe de l’atelier et des panels sur les questions soulevées durant la journée. Ce sera votre chance de discuter de la manière de traduire cette expérience en bénéfices pour votre exploitation. Information : Tim Joseph, professeur associé, School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, University of Alberta (présentateur), 350 $, l’atelier aura lieu dans la salle 2-001 de 9h à 17h.

Exploitation minière 101 Ce bref cours fournira une introduction non technique aux concepts de base en : exploration minière, extraction du minerai, traitement des minerais et gestion des résidus miniers. Des aspects clés d’économie minière seront aussi inclus portant sur l’extraction et le traitement des minerais ainsi que quelques idées concernant l’exploitation minière au 21e siècle. L’atelier réunit les conditions prescrites pour le programme de Certificat d’exploitation minière de l’Université de la Colombie-Britannique (UBC Mining Certificate) et les participants auront accès à un cours en ligne EduMineMD gratuit. Sous-sections du cours : les gisements de minerai, les méth-

odes d’exploitation, les méthodes de traitement des minerais, la disposition des résidus, les mines et les finances et l’avenir des mines. Information : Hooman Askari-Nasab, professeur adjoint, School of Mining Engineering, University of Alberta, et Scott Dunbar, professeur associé, Mining Engineering Department, University of British Columbia (présentateurs), 150 $, l’atelier aura lieu dans la salle 2-090 de 9h à 12h.

Le cycle du combustible nucléaire Présenté par Cameco. Le cycle du combustible nucléaire comprend la transformation de l’uranium de minerai en combustible nucléaire et finalement la manutention du combustible épuisé. Malgré son rôle clé à fournir de l’électricité propre à travers le monde, l’industrie de l’uranium demeure un mystère pour le public en général et aussi pour bien des gens dans les industries minières, énergétiques et de transformation minérale. Le cours abrégé comprendra des présentations sur les sujets suivants : une introduction au cycle du combustible nucléaire, l’exploration, l’extraction, le traitement, le raffinement et la conversion, la fabrication du combustible, la génération d’électricité, la manutention du combustible épuisé et un panel de clôture et période de questions. Information : présenté par Cameco Corporation, 350 $, l’atelier aura lieu dans la salle 2-016 de 9h à 17h.

Consultations avec les Autochtones Cet atelier examine les succès, les échecs et les leçons tirées de la mise en oeuvre d’ententes sur les impacts et les bénéfices ainsi que de la promotion du développement de forts liens avec les communautés autochtones. Les études de cas de deux exploitations uniques au Canada seront examinées, avec des représentants des compagnies et des communautés autochtones, dans le but de mieux comprendre les meilleures pratiques et d’en tirer des leçons. De compagnies juniors d’exploration jusqu’aux principales entreprises minières, il s’agit là d’un aspect clé pour l’obtention d’une licence sociale d’exploitation. Information : présentateur à déterminer, 350 $, l’atelier aura lieu dans la salle 2-020 de 9 h à 17 h.

Normes de divulgation NI 43-101/ Déclencheurs de rapports techniques/ Responsabilité civile Ce cours devrait intéresser les personnes qualifiées, les officiers et les directeurs de compagnies minières qui divulguent au Canada. Les sujets comprennent : • Cadre de la réglementation – Normes de divulgation selon les lois régissant les valeurs mobilières, les politiques des marchés boursiers au Canada et le document de l’ICM sur les Définitions des normes et les meilleures pratiques. • Formulaire de rapport technique et contenu – Révision des déclencheurs de rapports techniques et exigences de contenu. • Cycle de vie d’une petite société minière – Du démarrage d’une compagnie junior d’exploration au prospectus du premier appel public à l’épargne (IPO), l’introduction à la cote, la mobilisation des fonds et l’avancement d’un projet minéral, voyez les divers déclencheurs de rapports techniques.

• Responsabilité civile selon les lois régissant les valeurs mobilières au Canada – risques et défenses pour les compagnies minières. • Manque de diligence raisonnable dans les prospectus miniers – études de cas qui ont mal tourné Information : Greg Gosson, ancien conseiller minier principal pour la British Columbia Securities Commission, actuellement directeur technique de la géologie et de la géostatistique, AMEC Mining and Metals Consulting Group, et Deborah McCombe, ancienne consultante minière en chef pour la Commission des valeurs mobilières de l’Ontario, actuellement vice-présidente exécutive du Scott Wilson Mining Group (présentateurs), 350 $, l’atelier aura lieu dans la salle 2-003 de 9h à 17h.

Introduction à la géochimie environnementale Ce cours initiera le géoscientifique aux outils servant à caractériser les systèmes d’eau souterraine et prédire leur réponse aux charges de contaminants ou aux efforts de restauration. Le matériel est présenté par des exemples des interactions de base minéraux-eau-gaz atmosphériques et par des études de cas de sites contaminés, de gestion des rejets miniers, de séquestration du CO2 et d’exploitation intensive d’élevage. Le cours comprend de la modélisation géochimique pratique et des présentations magistrales conçues pour renforcer les concepts géochimiques et fournir des outils analytiques pour le professionnel œuvrant dans ce domaine. Information : Rob Donahue, professeur adjoint et directeur, Applied Environmental Geochemistry Research Facility, University of Alberta (présentateur), 350 $, l’atelier aura lieu dans la salle 2-127 de 9h à 17h.

Intégration des données sur les ressources diamantifères Ce cours abrégé ciblera l’interprétation et l’intégration des données géologiques, de teneur et de révision pour les projets de diamants. L’importance de strictement rapporter toutes les facettes des données géologiques de terrain sera soulignée. L’enjeu fondamental à garder à l’esprit lors de la création d’un modèle à trois dimensions sera discuté en détails. Le soutien des échantillons et les fins de l’échantillonnage seront abordés de même que l’interprétation et l’application des résultats pour créer un modèle de la ressource d’un gisement. Les sujets abordés comprendront : l’échantillonnage de la teneur en microdiamants et en macrodiamants, la modélisation de la distribution granulométrique des diamants et la modélisation des revenus provenant des diamants. L’emphase sera sur la mise en œuvre pratique des méthodologies et l’utilisation optimale de l’information. La considération et la quantification des risques seront aussi abordées. Information : David Farrow, Golder et Associés (présentateur principal), 350 $, l’atelier aura lieu de 9h à 17h, salle à confirmer.

February 2008 | 89

Programme des invités Lundi Déjeuner avec défilé de mode Joignez-vous à nous pour un tour panoramique vers le club privés Edmonton Country Club. Lors du défilé de mode, deux boutiques exceptionnelles présenteront les tous derniers « indispensables vestimentaires » de designers canadiens et de designers internationaux. Les vêtements choisis seront uniques pour chaque femme. Permettezvous un déjeuner délicieux tout en bavardant avec vos amies. Cette activité est au profit de l’Unité des grands brûlés des pompiers d’Edmonton. Heure : 10h30 à 14h; magasinage 14h à 15h30 Coût : 120 $

Tournée de Greenland et déjeuner Appel à tous les jardiniers, les « pouces verts » et les amateurs de jardinage. Notre principale priorité consiste en un déjeuner dans un restaurant divertissant et d’avant-garde. Venez avec nous au Greenland Garden Centre. Ici, vous verrez un grand choix de décorations pour la maison et le jardin, des bijoux et des accessoires de mode, des arrangements floraux fantastiques et une boutique de cadeaux uniques. Apprenez des experts; ils auront réponse à toutes vos questions. Heure : 10h45 à 15h15 Coût : 65 $

Mardi Excursion culinaire progressive Vos papilles gustatives seront gâtées, nous partons en expédition vers quelques-uns des meilleurs restaurants d’Edmonton. Nous découvrirons des secrets culinaires et goûterons les meilleurs plats offerts! Montez à bord de l’autobus et découvrez la recette secrète de divers mets, le tout suivi d’une dégustation avec une consommation qui accompagne chaque plat. Heure : 10h30 à 15h Coût : 120 $

Toucher du bois : estampes japonaises, tournée de la galerie d’art de University of Alberta et déjeuner Exposition exclusive d’estampes historiques et contemporaines; cette exposition souligne les développements esthétiques, culturels et techniques de la période Edo à ce jour. Découvrez la collection d’art chinois Mactaggart. Cette collection élite comprend des œuvres d’art et des textiles de nombreux pays, époques et traditions. Cette activité se terminera par un délicieux déjeuner au club privé de la faculté. Heure : 10h30 à 14h Coût : 50 $

90 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Menu des invités ICM Visitez le site Web pour plus de détails :

www.cim.org/edmonton2008/conference/fr/guestprogram.cfm

lundi Leçon de maquillage et petit déjeuner Parade de mode et déjeuner Tournée du Centre Jardin Greenland et déjeuner

mardi Petit déjeuner et présentation par l’entomologiste renommé John Acorn, un « Nature Nut » Excursion culinaire en autobus Tournée d’une galerie d’art et déjeuner

mercredi Petit déjeuner et présentation « Santé et bien-être » par Heidi Bates, commentatrice au réseau Global Television Session de yoga « assis en réunion » Marche le long de la rivière et déjeuner

Mercredi Marche sur le bord de la rivière et déjeuner Nous vous divertirons et vous donnerons de l’information sur les plus récentes tendances en santé, en bien-être et en mise en forme. Joignez-vous au groupe pour le déjeuner et découvrez les nouveautés au sujet des diètes, de l’exercice et de votre santé; le tout sera suivi d’une marche dans un sentier panoramique le long de la rivière. Creusez-vous l’appétit pour un excellent repas santé organique à votre retour au centre de congrès Shaw. Heure : 10h30 à 13h30 Coût : 35 $

La suite de réception pour les invités sera situé dans le salon 1 du Shaw Conference Centre. Le départ des activités se fera de la suite.

Excursions Tournée du charbon

To u t e s l e s excursions auront lieu le jeudi 8 mai

Visitez Highvale, la plus grande mine de charbon au Canada; elle exploite ses fosses par des pelles à benne traînante parmi les plus grosses au monde. Le charbon, extrait par des remorques hybrides chargées dans la fosse, alimente la centrale thermique pour la région d’Edmonton. La mine, l’usine et les activités de remise en état illustrent l’utilisation des meilleures pratiques environnementales. Le but est de remettre le site à son état original de terre agricole. Information : Seba Beach, Alberta; 100 $; 8h à 18h; la tournée comprend le voyage aller-retour en autocar de l’hôtel Westin, une tournée du site minier et le déjeuner.

Tournée de la potasse Visitez les installations de surface de la mine Cory, puis descendez à 3 200 pieds pour visiter les installations souterraines. Une fois au niveau de la potasse, la tournée se fera en Jeep pour voir une machine à creuser au front de taille. La température sous terre est d’environ 28ºC, habillez-vous en conséquence. Information : Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; 750 $; 7h à 18h15; la tournée comprend l’autocar pour l’aéroport à partir de l’hôtel Westin, le vol aller-retour, la tournée et le déjeuner.

Tournée de l’uranium La mine souterraine McArthur River (Cameco) et l’usine de concentration Key Lake valent certainement une visite. Elle est la plus grande mine au monde à teneur élevée d’uranium; elle opère aussi des équipements innovateurs et utilise des techniques uniques d’exploitation sans entrée de mineurs et de congélation du sol. Très centrée sur la communauté, l’environnement et le développement durable, la compagnie est un chef de file mondial à bien des égards. Information : Nord de la Saskatchewan; 750 $; 7h à 18h45; la tournée comprend l’autocar pour l’aéroport à partir de l’hôtel Westin, le vol aller-retour, la tournée et le déjeuner.

Programme étudiant Qu’arrive-t-il lorsque vous mettez ensemble un centre de congrès, des employés potentiels et des étudiants? Beaucoup de contacts! Ce programme est conçu pour que les étudiants rencontrent un grand nombre d’industriels et soient sur la bonne voie pour des carrières prospères dans l’industrie minière. En plus des activités mentionnées ci-dessous, les étudiants peuvent participer au Salon commercial de l’ICM, la programme technique à la réception d’ouverture et à la réception P&H. Foire des carrières – Avec la crise imminente en ressources humaines, c’est le meilleur moment pour rencontrer une salle pleine d’employeurs potentiels désireux de vous engager. Préparez vos CV.

Tournée des sables bitumineux L’installation Suncor, au cœur de la région des sables bitumineux de l’Athabasca, contient l’une des plus grandes ressources mondiales de pétrole, avec près de 175 milliards de barils de réserves de pétrole brut. La compagnie, pionnière dans le développement commercial des sables bitumineux, produit actuellement 30 % des produits à valeur ajoutée de l’industrie des sables bitumineux. Le Oil Sands Interpretive Centre présente l’histoire, le développement et l’avenir de l’exploitation. Information : Fort McMurray, Alberta; $ 650; 7h à 18h; la tournée comprend l’autocar pour l’aéroport à partir de l’hôtel Westin, le vol aller-retour, la tournée et le déjeuner.

Compétition d’affiches étudiantes – Voici l’occasion de vous faire valoir. L’industrie sera là. Des prix en argent comptant seront accordés aux gagnants. Déjeuner étudiants-industrie (avec conférencier invité) – Une autre excellente chance de rencontrer des chefs de file de l’industrie. Tournée des pubs – La tournée débute au Hudson’s et se poursuit dans plusieurs bars populaires d’Edmonton. Une excellente occasion de rencontrer d’autres étudiants provenant de partout au pays. Pas besoin d’être un étudiant pour y participer, tous sont les bienvenus.

Les étudiants peuvent bénéficier d’une assistance financière. Contactez l’ICM pour de plus amples détails. February 2008 | 91

Programme social Samedi

Dimanche

Dîner de bienvenue au homard et danse

Réception d’ouverture

Présentez-vous au Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex en mode « party » et dégustez un délicieux dîner au homard avec vin gratuit. Laissez-vous divertir par les célèbres « Ukrainian DUNAI Dancers » et c’est ensuite à votre tour sur la piste de danse.

Commandité par Komatsu, cet incontournable rendez-vous constitue le lancement du congrès et l’occasion par excellence pour socialiser et saluer ses confrères participant au congrès tout en profitant d’un buffet et de divers divertissements.

Information : 18h30 (cocktail) et 19h30 (dîner); 65 $; Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex.

Information : 18h à 21h; coût inclus avec l’inscription; Salon commercial de l’ICM.

Lundi

L’ICM s’occupe de vos

Gala des prix de l’ICM

activitiés sociales !

Reconnaissance des chefs de file de notre industrie lors de cette soirée de gala commanditée par Caterpillar Inc. et ses détaillants canadiens. Un repas exquis et le spectacle du groupe opéra pop Destino rendront cette soirée inoubliable.

www.cim.org/edmonton2008/conference/fr/socialprogram.cfm

Information : 18h (réception), 19h (dîner); 135 $; Shaw Conference Centre.

Visitez le site Web pour plus de détails :

samedi Dîner de bienvenue au homard et danse

dimanche Réception ICM – Société du charbon et des sables bitumineux Réception d’ouverture

Mardi Dîner au Union Bank Inn Régalez-vous d’un repas gastronomique accompagné de vins soigneusement sélectionnés dans la magnifique salle de balle renaissance moderne Giverny du Union Bank Inn. Information : 18h à 20h; 65 $; Union Bank Inn.

lundi Déjeuner de lundi dans l’enceinte du Salon commercial Cocktail de lundi au Salon commercial Tournée des pubs pour les étudiants Gala des prix de l’ICM

mardi Déjeuner de mardi dans l’enceinte du Salon commercial Déjeuner étudiants-industrie Réception – Les femmes en exploitation minière Réception VIP Cocktail du mardi au Salon commercial Dîner au Union Bank Inn Réception et danse P&H

mercredi Déjeuner de clôture

Réception P&H Faites la fête, laissez-vous aller et ayez du bon temps à la fiesta de l’année commanditée par P&H. Profitez du somptueux buffet et du bar ouvert. Tous y seront, ne manquez surtout pas cette soirée. Information : 20h à minuit; coût inclus avec l’inscription; Shaw Conference Centre

Mercredi Déjeuner de clôture Il s’agit de la dernière occasion de fraterniser avec ses anciens et ses nouveaux amis. Le conférencier invité, le Dr Patrick Moore, membre fondateur et ancien président de Greenpeace, est perçu comme « l’environnementaliste sensé ». Il croit que nos plus graves problèmes environnementaux découlent de communications inefficaces entre les groupes d’intérêts spéciaux et le milieu des affaires; il demande de discuter des enjeux en s’appuyant sur des données scientifiques précises, d’atteindre un consensus et de créer des solutions durables. Information : 12h à 14h; 60 $; Shaw Conference Centre

92 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Canadian Mining Innovation Council Transition board meeting to coincide with CIM Conference and Exhibition The Canadian Mining Innovation Council will be holding workshops across the country in March and April to consult with a broad cross-section of mining research stakeholders into the key issues needing to be addressed in order to develop a Pan-Canadian Mining Research and Innovation Strategy. These workshops will set the foundation for the CMIC Board strategic planning meeting, to be held at the CIM Conference and Exhibition in Edmonton. Among the questions to be answered are ideas regarding a future collaborative research structure, where Canada is a leader today, and where a Canadian advantage could be secured over the next decade. In Edmonton, the Transition Board will review the outcomes of the regional workshops and the draft strategy. Board members will focus on the purpose and approach of the strategy, as well as how to report on progress, to ensure leaders can assess the success of the strategic approach and the expected outcomes. For more information contact Michel Plouffe at mplouffe@RNCan.gc.ca

La rencontre du Conseil de transition coïncidera avec le Congrès et Salon commercial de l’ICM En mars et avril prochains, le Conseil canadien de l’innovation minière tiendra des ateliers de travail dans l’ensemble du pays afin de discuter avec de nombreux intervenants en recherche minière des questions clés qui doivent être traitées dans le cadre de l’élaboration d’une stratégie pancanadienne sur la recherche et l’innovation dans le domaine minier. Ces ateliers établiront les bases d’une réunion de planification stratégique du CCIM qui sera tenue lors du Congrès et Salon commercial ICM, à Edmonton. On discutera, entre autres, des suggestions et idées concernant une future structure de recherche collaborative, un domaine dans lequel le Canada est déjà un chef de file et pour lequel l’avantage canadien pourrait être consolidé au cours de la prochaine décennie. À Edmonton, le Conseil de transition examinera les résultats des ateliers régionaux et la stratégie préliminaire. Les membres du Conseil se concentreront sur le but et l’approche de la stratégie ainsi que sur la manière de faire rapport sur l’état des travaux afin de s’assurer que les chefs de file pourront évaluer la réussite de l’approche stratégique et les résultats escomptés. Pour de plus amples renseignements, contactez Michel Plouffe à mplouffe@RNCan.gc.ca

Technical Program This year’s technical program follows five focused streams — Human resources: managing the greatest resource of all; Prospects for a strong future; Operations excellence; The tools to build on; and Process improvement — which together represent the whole of industry. Looking for new ideas, new technologies or simply to keep abreast of industry developments? Participating in the technical program is essential for all conference delegates. Presentations will be carried out in English only.

Programme technique Cette année, le programme technique comporte cinq grands volets – les ressources humaines, gérer la plus importante de toutes les ressources; les perspectives pour un avenir prometteur; l’excellence opérationnelle; les outils de base et l’amélioration des procédés – ces volets touchent à l’ensemble de l’industrie. Que vous cherchiez de nouvelles idées, de nouvelles technologies ou que vous vouliez simplement connaître les plus récents développements de l’industrie, il est essentiel et dans votre intérêt de participer au programme technique. Les présentations se dérouleront uniquement en anglais.

Human Resources: Managing the Greatest Resource of All

Prospects for a Strong Future

Operations Excellence

The Tools to Build on

Process Improvement

Health and Safety

Community Engagement

New Developments in Oil Sands

Towards Zero Emissions

Improving Onsite Reliability

Tuesday am1

Human Resources 1

Geology of Diamonds in Canada

Uranium: Great Power in Saskatchewan

Next Generation Technology

Rock Engineering in Mining Practice 1

am2

Human Resources 2

Exploration: Innovation and Excellence 1

New Operations Creating Wealth in BC

New Practices in Environmental Management

Rock Engineering in Mining Practice 2

Strange Bedfellows, Unusual Partnerships

Exploration: Innovation and Excellence 2

New Projects in Potash

Realizing Savings Through Energy Management

SMART-led Forum

The Student-Industry Partnership

Effective Risk Management for Mining Projects

World-class Metal Mining

Products and Solutions 1

Innovation Forum 1

First Nations and Mining

The Economic Case for Sustainable Development: Recent Examples

The Global Coal Industry

Products and Solutions 2

Innovation Forum 2

Schedule Monday pm

Wednesday am1

am2

February 2008 | 93

MONDAY PM Human Resources: Managing the Greatest Resource of All Health and Safety Gord Winkel, oil sands technology manager, Kearl Oil Sands Project, Imperial Oil Resources, and Doug McCutcheon, director and industrial professor – engineering, safety and risk management program, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta Kimberley fatalities incident — technical investigations and findings W. Kuit, Teck Cominco Limited Recognition programs are a cornerstone of safety performance success P. McBride, Ontario Mining Association Process safety management in the mining industry E. Alp, Alp & Associates Incorported Safety lessons learned during diamond mine construction D.L. Putnam, De Beers Canada Inc. Health and safety in mineral exploration — the role of the Prospectors and Developers Association B. Mercer, Avalon Ventures Ltd., C. Mitchell and I. Paterson

Prospects for a Strong Future Community Engagement Lee Nichols, president, Terracon Group (Geotechnique) Learn the most progressive practices through case studies and expertise on building community relationships. The Canadian mining industry — conveying a positive and accurate message P. Stothart, Mining Association of Canada

Operations Excellence New Developments in Oil Sands Ken Chekerda, senior mining technologist, Syncrude Canada Ltd., and Howard Lutley, vice president mining and extraction, UTS Energy Corporation Kearl Oil Sands Project overview G. Winkel, Kearl Oil Sands Project, Imperial Oil Resources Great dirt, great people: Petro-Canada’s integrated approach to oil sands development N. Camarta Update on Horizon project P. Keele, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

The Tools to Build on Towards Zero Emissions Tony Smith, project manager, Colt Engineering Corporation Effective energy management in Canadian mines — examining half a decade of evolving practices J.V. Feldman, Hatch Energy

94 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Creating a long-term source of clean base load power D.A. Lewin, EPCOR Electric furnace off-gas cleaning systems installation at PT Inco M. Russell, WorleyParsons Gas Cleaning Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the BC mining industry G.C. Dirom, Mining Association of British Columbia, and S. O’Kane, Levelton Consultants Near zero emission thermal generation projects — carbon capture and sequestration M. Delallo, WorleyParsons Group

Process Improvement Improving Onsite Reliability Steve Little, manager, reliability engineering – mining, Suncor Energy Canada’s MMP (Maintenance Management Professional) Certification Program N. Clegg, Plant Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada (PEMAC) Performance monitoring and diagnostics for large mobile mining equipment D.M. Fisk, Matrikon Inc. The practical implementation of a wireless TPMS on minesites C. Brothen, Kal Tire Dragline gearbox filtration — the proven solution B.M. Crook, Pall Corporation

TUESDAY AM 1

Process Improvement Rock Engineering in Mining Practice 1

Human Resources: Managing the Greatest Resource of All Human Resources 1

Luc Beauchamp, ground specialist, Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association

Paul Hébert, executive director, Federated School of Mines An integrated approach to earth sciences education J. Myers The Federated School of Mines P. Hébert, Federated School of Mines

Prospects for a Strong Future Geology of Diamonds in Canada Thomas Stachel, professor and Canada Research Chair in Diamonds, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta Geological investigations within the northern Alberta kimberlite province R. Eccles, Alberta Geological Survey Geology of the Aviat kimberlites, Melville Peninsula, Nunavut, Canada J. Armstrong, Stornoway Diamond Corporation Contrasting kimberlite types and dispersion trains at the Churchill diamond project, Kivalliq region, Nunavut P. Strand, Shear Minerals Ltd., A. Banas, Apex Geoscience Ltd., and J. Burgess, Burgess Diamonds The Renard kimberlites, Otish Mountains Quebec: a development track project, Stornoway Diamond Corporation E. Thomas, Stornoway Diamond Corporation

Operations Excellence Uranium: Great Power in Saskatchewan Chuck Edwards, director, engineering and projects, Cameco Corporation Millennium deposit: the emergence of a new Saskatchewan uranium mine T. Smith, Cameco Corporation Lessons learned from the Cigar Lake project and McArthur River mine inflows J.F. Hatley, Cameco Corporation Midwest project 30 years in the making L. Rowson, Areva Resources Canada Inc. Strategic initiatives for Cameco’s northern Saskatchewan operations D. Neuburger, Cameco Corporation

The Tools to Build on Next Generation Technology Tim Skinner, general manger, information systems, Elk Valley Coal Mining industry leverage of emerging robotic technologies via the open SAE robotics standard M. Torrie, Autonomous Solutions Embedded wireless systems for next generation mining T. Lee, SST Wireless Robotics and automation for oil sands bitumen production and maintenance M. Lipsett, University of Alberta

Evolving rock mechanics design D. Milne, University of Saskatchewan Microwave assisted mechanical breakage of rocks for mining applications J. Ouellet, F. Hassani and P. Radziszewski, McGill University Shear strength assessment of a footwall slab using photogrammetry and finite element modelling N. Bahrani and D.D. Tannant, University of Alberta Influence of fibre type and dosage on post-peak shotcrete performance K. Tarr, I. Bedard, C. Doucet and D. Fynn, NRCan, CANMET-MMSL

TUESDAY AM 2 Human Resources: Managing the Greatest Resource of All Human Resources 2 Paul Hébert, executive director, Federated School of Mines Current human resource issues and the 50-plus demographic B. Jaworski Best practices in attracting, recruiting and retaining tomorrow’s workforce R. Montpellier, MiHR Ready or not, here they come — towards workplace diversit S. Hammond

Prospects for a Strong Future Exploration: Innovation and Excellence 1 Tom Lane, director, research development, CAMIRO – Exploration Division Innovations in laboratory technology and geochemical exploration techniques E.L. Hoffman, Activation Laboratories Ltd The Turnagain nickel project: nickel sulphide mineralization and analytical techniques J.E. Scheel, Hard Creek Nickel Corp., and S.D. Long, AMEC Mining and Metals Direct dating of sulfide mineralization by 187Re-187Os geochronology — recent advancements, discoveries and limitations R. Creaser, University of Alberta, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Arc metallogeny: regional and global perspectives J.P. Richards, University of Alberta

Operations Excellence New Operations Creating Wealth in BC Mike McPhie, president and CEO, Mining Association of BC The Prosperity project R. Hallbauer, Taseko Mines Ltd The Red Chris project B. Kynoch, Imperial Metals Corp. TBA M. Jarvis, Hard Creek Nickel Corporation

February 2008 | 95

An overview of new projects in BC and their value and timing G. Dirom, Mining Association of BC

The Tools to Build on New Practices in Environmental Management Elizabeth Gardiner, vice president, technical affairs, The Mining Association of Canada Wetlands treatment of mine drainage at Antamina mine H. Plewes, H. Mcleod, Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd., M. McBrien, Louis Berger Group Inc., and H. Letient, Teck Cominco Ltd. Water storage for oil-sands water needs B. Berzins, B. Irvine and M. Himmelspach, Fossil Water Corporation Climate change: framing the challenge; strategic approaches for the mining industry H. Stoch and J. Ross, Deloitte Good international industry practices for environment, health and safety â&#x20AC;&#x201D; updated IFC/World Bank guidelines for the mining industry K. Clarke-Whistler, M. Rankin and B. Griffin, Golder Associates Ltd.

Process Improvement Rock Engineering in Mining Practice 2 Luc Beauchamp, ground specialist, Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association Evaluation of sample geometry (scale effects) on mine backfill properties K. Tarr, I. Bedard, C. Doucet and D. Fynn, NRCan, CANMET-MMSL A field instrumentation study in cemented paste backfill B. Thompson, W. Bawden and M. Grabinsky, University of Toronto Testing of a fill fence to determine performance under loading P. Hughes, C. Caceres, University of British Columbia, R. Wilkins, Goldcorp, and R. Pakalnis, University of British Columbia

96 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Frozen backfill for open stoping in permafrost D. Cluff, J. Gallagher, Laurentian University, A. Jalbout, Vale Inco Limited, V. Kazakidis, Laurentian University, and G. Swan, Xstrata

TUESDAY PM Human Resources: Managing the Greatest Resource of All Strange Bedfellows, Unusual Partnerships Rick Hutson, senior consultant, C.J. Stafford & Associates The Equator Principles and beyond: meeting the new IFC guidelines in mine design and financing T. Bekhuys and B. Ramsay, AMEC Corporate rationales for negotiating impact and benefit agreements D. Lapierre and B. Bradshaw, University of Guelph A framework for firm/NGO collaboration L. Falkenberg, University of Calgary, S. Ferner, WorleyParsons Komex, and J. Peloza, Simon Fraser University Where have all the people gone? Innovative trends and solutions for a shrinking mining workforce R. McCarthy, Snowden Mining Industry Consultants Re-framing sustainability as strategic business opportunity R. Abbott, Deloitte & Touche LLP

Prospects for a Strong Future Exploration: Innovation and Excellence 2 Tom Lane, director, research development, CAMIRO – Exploration Division Recent advances in borehole logging: examples from seismic studies and borehole imaging D.R. Schmitt, University of Alberta Introducing a borehole gravity metre for mining and geotechnical applications C. Nind and H.O. Seigel, Scintrex Ltd

Applications of imaging spectroscopy to the characterization of rock and oil sand core D. Rogge, University of Alberta, and B. Rivard, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta Three dimensional inversion of transient magnetotelluric data D.K. Goldak Improvements to grassroots and minesite exploration using Titan 24: overview and applications of Titan 24 deep imaging technology G.M. Hollyer, J. Legault and R.L. Gordon, Quantec Geoscience

Operations Excellence New Projects in Potash Robert Carey, president and CEO, RJC Industrial Design Ltd., and Earl Gerhardt, consulting mining engineer, Mineberg Consulting Corp. Exploring Saskatchewan’s vast potash resource D. Mackintosh, ADM Consulting Limited A greenfield potash development in Saskatchewan P. Zhou, Athabasca Potash Inc. Picadilly: a potash mega project on Canada’s east coast B. Roulston, PCS Potash-New Brunswick Division, J. Appleyard, T. Danyluk, B. Nemeth and A. Prugger, PCS Potash-Technical Services

The Tools to Build on Realizing Savings through Energy Management Michael Burke, director, industrial programs division, Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada Realizing energy savings at Vale Inco Limited A. Lemay, Vale Inco Limited Unique challenges yet interesting potential — reducing energy consumption at an African gold mine J.V. Feldman, Hatch Energy Leveraging investments for energy savings A. Tonnos Energy savings through focused process monitoring A. Caswell, Syncrude Canada Limited Saving energy during mine construction in the NWT D. Putnam

Process Improvement SMART-led Forum Gord Winkel, oil sands technology manager, Kearl Oil Sands Project, Imperial Oil Resources One industry voice — computing technology standards for surface mining T. Skinner, Smart Systems Group Truck Shovel Users Group J. Thomas, Syncrude Canada Ltd. Large tire users group P. Graham, Suncor Energy Inc. The Canadian Mining Innovation Council J. Baird, Canadian Association of Mining Equipment & Services for Export, S. Lucas, Minerals and Metals Sector, Natural Resources Canada, F. Hassani, McGill University, and G. Peeling, The Mining Association of Canada

February 2008 | 97

WEDNESDAY AM 1 Human Resources: Managing the Greatest Resource of All The Student-Industry Partnership Debbie Martin, manager, talent attraction and development, Teck Cominco Making it happen at De Beers Canada: finding and growing our talent! I. Hann, De Beers Canada Inc Linking a mining school with industry M. Scoble, University of British Columbia Student-industry partnership M. Fuller, University of British Columbia

Prospects for a Strong Future Effective Risk Management for Mining Projects Joseph Ringwald, vice president technical services, Tournigan Gold Corp. Managing social risks associated with mining projects M. Hitch, University of British Columbia Identifying and managing risks posed by advances in technology D. van Zyl, University of British Columbia Social risk management M. Williams, Canadian Business for Social Responsibility TBA C. Jones

Operations Excellence World-class Metal Mining Best practices from around the world that can be applied at your operations.

The Tools to Build on Products and Solutions 1 Jean-Marc Demers, senior director, business management and strategic development, CIM Innovative dragline monitoring systems and technologies J.F. Vynne, Thunderbird Mining Systems

98 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Modelling tools for development of tailings management plans M. Musse, M. Barrientos, M. Silva, Golder Associates S.A., and T. Eldridge, Golder Associates Ltd. Using dynamic railcar weighing for loadout operations F.D. Klebe, Mettler Toledo, Inc. Production simulation overview and case study: Coleman 170 orebody P. Labrecque, Hatch, and S. Hopkins, Vale Inco Limited

Process Improvement Innovation Forum 1 Mike Lipsett, professor, University of Alberta How intelligent information and communications technologies are transforming modern mining G. Thomas, Precarn Inc. Transforming airline industry maintenance practices using information technology M. Halasz, Institute for Information Technology, National Research Council of Canada Data visualization technologies and their application to mining and mining operations T. Mayer, Panoram Technologies, Inc.

WEDNESDAY AM 2 Human Resources: Managing the Greatest Resource of All First Nations and Mining Barrie Robb, vice president â&#x20AC;&#x201C; business development, Mackenzie Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) A forum to discuss how to best build a partnership between local First Nations communities and mining companies, including input from both the provincial and federal governments, and representatives of both industry and aboriginal communities. Developing relationships: a First Nation perspective J. Boucher, McKay First Nation Increasing aboriginal participation A. Popko, EnCana Corporation

Exhibitors / Exposants

Mining in Society / Les mines dans la société

Exhibitors / Exposants Atlas Copco Edmonton Tumblewood Lapidary Club (ETLC) Golder Associates International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) Instrumentation GDD Mining Association of Canada (MAC) PDAC Mining Matters Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Prairies Mines Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta Vale Inco Limited Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology (WISEST), University of Alberta

Interested in participating? contact jdallaire@cim.org

Intéressé à participer ?

contactez jdallaire@cim.org

Mining in Society CIM has joined forces with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) in order to meet the human resources challenges for professional and technical employees. Bring family, friends and neighbours to discover the world in which you work day after day. Show them that the mining industry is part of their everyday life. Are you an expert in geology? See how colleagues in other fields of the minerals industry face the same modern challenges as you. Are you new to this industry? Seize the chance to learn the various aspects of a dynamic and innovative industry. CIM is working hard to increase the visibility of the mining industry and to enhance its reputation. Take this opportunity to see what is going on elsewhere in the industry and to create or renew those all-important contacts. The Mining in Society show is a hands-on event, designed in pavilions — Exploration, Extraction, Processing, Sustainable Development, Education, Products and Transformation — offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the mining industry. In each pavilion, visitors will see live and interactive demonstrations, and also be asked to participate in the Amazing Mine Challenge to discover the various aspects of New dates the mining industry in a dynamic manner. Prizes are up for grabs. So bring your business Friday May, 2 to cards! Sunday, May 4

De nouvelles dates

Les mines dans la société

Le vendredi 2 mai au dimanche 4 mai

L’ICM, en association avec le Conseil des ressources humaines de l’industrie minière (RHiM), joignent leurs compétences respectives afin de planifier la relève professionnelle et technique.

Invitez famille, amis, relations à découvrir le domaine dans lequel vous travaillez jour après jour. Montrez-leur que l’industrie minière fait partie de leur vie de tous les jours. Vous êtes un expert en géologie? Voyez comment vos collègues dans d’autres industries connexes relèvent comme vous les défis d’aujourd’hui. Vous êtes un néophyte de l’industrie? Profitez de l’occasion pour vous familiariser avec les divers aspects d’une industrie dynamique et innovatrice. L’ICM travaille fort pour accroître la visibilité et améliorer la réputation de l’industrie minière. Profitez de cette occasion pour voir ce qui se passe ailleurs dans l’Industrie et pour créer ou ranimer des contacts toujours utiles. Le salon Les mines dans la société adopte une présentation proactive sous forme de pavillons — Exploration, Extraction, Traitement, Développement Durable, Éducation, Produits et Transformation — qui offrent aux visiteurs une vue d’ensemble de l’industrie minière. Dans chaque section, le visiteur a droit à des démonstrations en direct et interactives. Les visiteurs sont également invités à participer à l’Excitant défi minier qui leur fera découvrir les différentes facettes de l’industrie de façon dynamique tout en s’amusant. De beaux prix récompenseront les efforts des participants.

Career Fair

Salon de l’emploi

Take advantage of this opportunity to network, build your contact list and share with colleagues who are facing the same challenges as you. Be seen! Don’t forget your resume. This could be the beginning of a new life.

Profitez-en pour faire du réseautage et partager avec des pairs qui vivent les mêmes défis que vous. Faitesvous connaître et n’oubliez pas d’apporter votre curriculum vitae. Vous pourriez changer votre avenir.

Exhibitors / Exposants Breakwater Resources Ltd Cameco Corporation Colt Engineering, WorleyParsons & CoSyn Technology De Beers Canada Inc.

Downing Teal Albert Elk Valley Coal Corporation Hire Ground Career Kinross Gold Ledcor Group

Northgate Minerals Corporation Kemess Mines Rio Tinto: QIT, IOC, QMP, Diavik Shell Canada

SNC-Lavalin Inc. Suncor Energy Inc. Syncrude Canada Ltd. Teck Cominco Limited Vale Inco Limited Xstrata Nickel February 2008 | 99

CIM Exhibition

Salon commercial de l’ICM

This year, CIM Exhibition is celebrating its silver anniversary and over 200 companies will be showcasing the latest products, technologies and equipment. Whether you’re looking to improve your bottom line, increase your fleet’s efficiency or rustle up some business, the exhibition is the place to be. Also join suppliers, contractors, consultants and colleagues on the exhibition floor for lunch and afternoon cocktails, and take full advantage of everything CIM Exhibition has to offer.

Le Salon commercial de l’ICM fête cette année son 25e anniversaire et plus de 200 compagnies présenteront les dernières nouveautés dans les produits, les technologies et les équipements. Que vous cherchiez à améliorer vos bénéfices nets, accroître l’efficacité de vos véhicules ou conclure des affaires, le salon commercial est l’endroit tout désigné. Joignez-vous aux fournisseurs, aux entrepreneurs, aux consultants et à vos collègues dans l’enceinte du salon pour les déjeuners et les cocktails en après-midi; profitez pleinement de tout ce que le Salon commercial de l’ICM peut offrir.

Exhibitors List / Les exposants Company/Compagnie

Booth/Stand

3M Canada Company

200

Cavotec Canada Inc.

48e Nord International

522

605

ABB Inc.

331

Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI)

ABC Canada Technology Group Ltd.

804

Claessen Pumps Limited

1020

Abresist Corporation

826

Clifton Associates Ltd.

928

1128

COGEP/Monclic

515

1103

Continental Conveyor Ltd.

606

1121

Cubex Limited

609

Cummins Western Canada

819

ABS Canada AddOns2Beltek AFI International Group Alberta Research Council

Company/Compagnie

Booth/Stand

1000

Company/Compagnie

Booth/Stand

FMC Technologies

619

G Plus Industrial Plastics Inc.

529

Gartner Lee Limited

Allied Construction Products, LLC

823

Datamine Canada Inc.

209

Allied Steel Buildings

307

DFC Mining (Pty) Ltd.

505

Amandla Pumps

511

DSI Mining Products

215

AMEC

708

Duratray North America

930

Atlantic Industries Limited

706

Dynatec Mining Services Division

601

Dyno Nobel Canada Inc.

115

EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd.

603

Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Canada

0104, BNS1

BASF Construction Chemicals

324

Emeco Canada

704

Boart Longyear Canada

406

Endress+Hauser

1027

Breaker Technology Ltd.

1115

800

General Cable

1222

Genivar S.E.C.

530

GijimaAst Americas Inc.

618

Global Mining Support Group (Pty) Ltd.

506

Golder Associates Ltd.

908

GroundTech Solutions

1208

Groupe Canam inc. Hägglunds Drives (Canada) Inc.

526 1023

Hatch

723

Hedweld Engineering Pty Ltd.

225

Hella, Inc.

204

Hepburn Engineering Inc.

701

HLS HARD-LINE Solutions Inc.

705

Horne

501

HPD

727

Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc.

707

Engineering Seismology Group Canada Inc. (ESG)

Brospec (2001) LP

514

Explosives Limited

925

HyPOWER Systems

1217

1005

F & W Engineering Services

509

I’Anco Products Ltd.

628

407

Fabreeka International, Inc.

626

ICWCUCA

519

Imperial Oil Ltd.

309 921

Butler Manufacturing Company Canadian Association of Mining Equipment & Services for Export Canadian Dewatering Ltd. Canadian Mining Journal (CMJ) Canadian OnSite Medical Inc.

Fenner Dunlop Conveyor Belting Americas

610

Gemcom Software International Inc.

1202

1029

Fibretek (Pty) Ltd.

502

Independent Mining Consultants Inc.

306

Finning (Canada)

315

Indotech Inc.

Flip Productions Ltd.

L02

Instrumentation GDD Inc.

520

1221

1220

Carlson Software

301

FLSmidth Dorr-Oliver Eimco

1009

ITT Flygt

822

Cattron-Theimeg Canada Ltd.

415

FLSmidth Minerals

1015

J. Lanfranco

518

100 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

Company/Compagnie

Booth/Stand

Jacques Whitford Limited

1219

Company/Compagnie

Scott Construction Group/AECON

508

Seprotech Systems Inc.

304

Simson Maxwell

229

SM-Cyclo Canada

922

SME - Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration

616

Multotec Process Equipment

John Meunier Inc.

725

MWG Apparel Corp

1209

National Railway Equipment Company

614

Natural Resources Canada CANMET-MMSL and MTB

109

North American Construction Group

918

JohnsonDiversey DuBois Industrial Group

423

Kal Tire

815

North Fringe Resources Inc.

Kenwood Electronics Canada Inc.

831

827

Komatsu International (Canada)

715

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Geological Technology Program

1120

NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada Ltd.

Krupp Canada Inc. Larox Inc.

703

Orica Canada, Inc.

Ledcor Group

602

OSIsoft

Leica Geosystems Inc.

401

Outotec (Canada) Ltd.

Les Systèmes Semco Limitée

528

P&H MinePro Services Canada Ltd.

Levert Personnel Resources Inc.

1108

Booth/Stand

620

205 1123

Company/Compagnie

Mullen Trucking LP

Jebco Industries Johnson Screens (A Weatherford Company)

Booth/Stand

1223

1105

South African Consulate

500

Stornoway Diamonds Corp.

428

305

Strata Safety Products

931

909

Strongco Engineered Systems

326

211

Takraf Canada Inc.

0114, BNS2

Pall Corporation

SNC-Lavalin Inc.

1001

631 1215

1213

Technosub

429

Temisko

525

Terex Mining

615

Terra Vision

516

Liberty International Mineral Corp.

421

Peter Kiewit Sons Co.

103

Liebherr-Canada Ltd.

830

Petro-Canada Lubricants

718

Luff Industries Ltd.

923

Pipeline Systems Incorporated

607

MacLean Engineering & Marketing Co. Limited

700

Placer Gold Design

L01

The Northern Miner

Polar Mobility Research Ltd.

409

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Manyan Inc

630

Polycorp Ltd.

624

Thiessen Equipment Ltd./Thiessen Team 1214

Marcel Baril Ltée

527

Pompaction Inc.

805

Thomas Engineering Ltd./MDL

Marine and Mineral Projects (Pty) Ltd

503

Precision Bolting Ltd

Marine Container Service

328

Precision Giant Systems Inc.

327

Thunderbird Mining Systems

Procon Mining and Tunnelling

419

Tomcar Canada Tracks & Wheels Equipment Brokers Inc.

221

Transwest Mining Systems

901

Matrikon Inc.

Mécanicad

517

ProMinent Fluid Controls

731

MegaDome - Les Industries Harnois Inc.

523

405

Terracon Geotechnique Ltd.

1200 100 1021

900

Thompson Tech

1216 403 1207

Meridian Specialties Inc.

1109

Queen’s University, Mining Engineering Dept.

Mettler Toledo, Inc.

1007

R.D.H. Mining Equipment

330

Trimay Wear Plates Ltd.

504

Triple D Bending

426

1124

Michelin North America Inc.

321

Rand Instruments Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Micromine North America

904

Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.

1211

Victaulic

600

MiHR Mining Industry Human Resources Council

102

Rexnord Canada LP

1028

Voith Turbo Inc.

400

Mincom

Richwood 1101

RNP - Refacciones Neumaticas La Paz S. A. de C.V.

Mincon Mining Equipment

120

Mine Cable Services Corp

1026

Mine Design Technologies

608

Rock-Tech Sales & Services Ltd.

Mine Site Technologies

801

Rockmate Technical Services Limited

Mining Technologies International Inc.

308

RPA Process Technologies

Montali Inc.

531

Runge Mining (Canada) Pty Ltd.

Moventas Ltd.

201

MTU Detroit Diesel

915

Robco Inc.

430

W.S. Tyler Canada

1100

1106

Wajax Industries

121

Washington Group International, Inc.

809

WBM Canada Consulting Engineers Inc.

926

829 1117 905

1022

Welco Expediting Ltd. WesTech Engineering Inc.

825

101

Western Protection Alliance Inc.

425

Safdy Systems CC

507

Wilson Mining Products

521

Schlumberger Water Services

404

WorleyParsons

1004

1204 February 2008 | 101

history California gold (Part 3)* by R.J. “Bob” Cathro Chemainus, British Columbia

In the mines of the northern Sierra, where the Cornish influence was strongest, Old World technology was reflected in both mining and milling methods. ‘Cousin Jacks’ dominated the drilling crews, and Cornish foremen supervised underground operations. The first Cornish pump in California was installed in the Gold Hill mine in 1855 and the first ore-crushing stamp mills in the district were of Cornish design, although they soon gave way to the improved California mills… The blanket-washing process, a technology used in Cornwall for centuries, was one of the distinguishing features of what became known as the ‘Grass Valley System.’ The Cornish presence was welcomed by mine and mill managers, many of whom were themselves Cornish, commissioned by English investors counting on their countrymen to protect their mutual interests. (LIMBAUGH, 1999, p. 38)

* Except where indicated, the geological parts of this chapter are derived from Ash (2001). 102 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 2, No. 7

Grass Valley Camp Placer gold was discovered in 1848 at Grass Valley, near the headwaters of the South Yuba River, shortly after the first settlers were attracted by the abundant grass, water and timber. The discovery of gold-bearing quartz veins in 1850 on Gold Hill by George McKnight, followed by discoveries on Ophir, Rich and Massachusetts hills, marked the start of the longest lived and most profitable camp in California. Halstead and Wright brought the first milling equipment from Mexico in 1851. The camp produced close to 300,000 kilograms (10 million ounces) of gold from roughly 20 square kilometres and operated continuously from 1850 to 1956, except for a brief shutdown during World War Two. The towns of Grass Valley and neighbouring Nevada City, six kilometres northeast, soon grew into the most important communities along the California Goldfield and remain so to this day. Although they were typical frontier towns, Grass Valley was noteworthy for its relative sophistication. After fires largely destroyed the two towns in 1855 and 1856, the wooden frame buildings were soon rebuilt with brick and stone. Schools, churches, libraries and other civic buildings appeared, along with a literary society, sewing circle, debating club and even a temperance association. In 1855, a miners' discussion club was formed, and Warren B. Ewers, editor of the local weekly newspaper, founded the California Mining Journal, the first of its kind in the West (Paul, 1947). After it was forced to close two years later, he took over the Scientific and Mining Press in 1862 from its founders, Julius Silversmith and George H. Winslow. The Press published its first issue in San Francisco, in May 1860, but Winslow drowned a month later and didn't live long enough to see his paper germinate. Ewers sold the paper, in turn, to Alfred T. Dewey, at the end of 1863. The paper reported comprehensive technical and mining news to an international readership for over 60 years (Bailey, 1966, p. 22–23). It was described in 1888 by the eminent historian, H.H. Bancroft, as "the leading journal on all things connected with mining" (Limbaugh, 1999, p.44). California lode gold development quickly grew into a speculative frenzy that ended with a stock market crash in 1853, the result of wild promotion, inadequate planning and equipment, poor management and unskilled workers. The next few years witnessed a gradual recovery that was interrupted by a prospecting rush to the Comstock silver district near Reno, Nevada, that drew away many miners. Several years passed before significant amounts of capital could be attracted from England and the eastern United States. Although the veins in the Grass Valley camp were narrow, the rich grades and good depth continuity of the oreshoots made them quite amenable to underground mining. The key was to increase productivity by investing in the best available equipment and hiring skilled miners. It was only natural that the camp would become a magnet for Cornishmen, who had begun to emigrate to the United States and elsewhere in large numbers in the 1820s, as the local copper and tin industry began a long decline (see Part 13, CIM Magazine, September/October 2007, p. 84). They were among the first experienced miners to arrive in California. As an ethnic group, they were renowned for their underground mining skills and respected for their devout Methodist faith, strong individualistic work ethic, stoic fortitude and an aversion to political action (Ewart, 1998). By 1890, the population of Grass Valley was reportedly 85 per cent Cornish (California State Parks, 1999).

economic geology Although they were accustomed to working with reliable machinery, such as the famed Cornish pump, they also had a strange resistance to some of the new techniques that were being introduced. Even though there was a shortage of miners in California, the reverse of the situation in Cornwall, they resisted some attempts to modify Old World methods. For example, bitter strikes broke out in 1869 and again in 1872 over the employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attempts to introduce dynamite in place of black powder, and singlejack drilling (one man working alone) instead of doublejacking (two men working as a team, one to hold and turn the drill and the other to strike it). Because of its greater force, dynamite required smaller holes, and one man with a smaller drill could do the work of two. Aside from their fear that the innovation would reduce the underground work force, Cornishmen had held strong prejudices against single-jack drills for many generations. With their clannish regard for tradition, they considered that it was contrary to ancient custom (Paul, 1963). The geological setting of the Grass Valley mines is complex but not as complicated as that hosting the Mother Lode system. The ore-bearing veins are hosted primarily by accreted intrusive rocks of the Lake Combie complex, of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic age, and a post-accretionary intrusion, the La Barr Meadows pluton, of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age (see figure in Part 21, CIM Magazine, November 2007, p. 90). The older complex includes serpentinized and foliated harzburgite, dunite and pyroxenite. It is structurally overlain by a sequence of plutonic and volcanic rocks. The ages of the various units are poorly constrained. This assemblage is interpreted to be a supra-subduction zone within an ophiolite-transitional arc complex. The La Barr Meadows pluton is a granodiorite to quartz monzodiorite intrusion that has proven difficult to date or to correlate within the regional setting. Lode gold production from the Grass Valley camp totalled about 300,000 kilograms (10 million ounces), which was obtained primarily from two vein systems, the Empire-Star and Idaho-Maryland groups. Veins at the Empire and North Star mines were hosted Miners preparing to ride the skip down the mainly by the La Barr inclined shaft into the Empire mine, ca 1900. Meadows pluton and Courtesy of California State Parks.

its country rock, massive diabase. The veins were up to three metres thick with north to northwesterly strikes and shallow to moderate dips (average 35 degrees). Those on the west side of the pluton have prevailing dips to the east, whereas those on the east side have prominent dips to the west. Most of these veins showed remarkable persistence and pass from diabase into granodiorite with little, if any, displacement at the contact. Many veins contain several stages of quartz deposition. Typical ore consists of free gold with small amounts of sulphide minerals, mainly pyrite, but also some galena, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite and, locally, scheelite. The Empire-North Star vein system on Ophir Hill, which was the largest in the camp by far, produced about 60 per cent of the total. The Empire portion extended over a strike length of 1.5 kilometres and a down-dip extent of 2.1 kilometres (1.5 kilometres vertically), and produced an average grade of 19.2 grams per tonne (0.56 ounces per ton) gold. The surface buildings and headframe are now preserved as a State Historic Park. First staked in 1850 by lumberman George Roberts, it passed through the hands of several inexperienced owners before financier William Bourn acquired control in 1869. After his death in 1874, his 22-year-old son, William Jr., began to modernize the operation and commence a program of deep exploration that resulted in the mine eventually becoming profitable in 1884. It became one of the most progressive and best managed gold mines in the United States under his cousin, George Starr, who served as superintendent for most of the period from 1887 to 1929, when the company was sold to Newmont Mining Corporation. Newmont also gained control of the North Star mine, 3 kilometres southwest, and the combined operations sheltered Grass Valley from the hardships of the Great Depression. During the 1930s and early 1940s, the workforce reached nearly 4,000. After a brief shutdown during the Second World War because of a labour shortage, the mine operated until 1956. Horizontal development totalled about 585 kilometres and over four million litres of water were pumped from the mine every day near the end of its life (California State Parks, 1999). In contrast to the Empire-North Star, the Eureka-IdahoMaryland group of veins have a more easterly strike, with steep southerly dips (average 70 degrees), although some dip steeply to moderately to the north. They occur primarily along the contact between highly ankerite-altered faulted contacts that separate diabase and/or gabbro from serpentinite. Total gold production was about 100,000 kilograms (3.2 million ounces). One of the oreshoots along this vein system was famous as the source of spectacular specimens of free gold. It was up to 2.5 metres thick (average 0.8) with a pitch length of 1.6 kilometres, a width of 150 to 300 metres, and an average grade of about 34 grams per tonne (1 opt). February 2008 | 103

economic geology Riv

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Yuba

Bush C reek

Bald M ountain

Foo

oce

ALLEGHANY

Pli

thill

KateH ardy

g Rid

16-to-1

Oriental

Gold Crown

Kenton

Plumbago Ireland

Yu b a

Middle

Juan

San

e R id g

Su tu r e

South lavas and gravel

Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Indian Valley intrusions quartz diorite

Early Mesozoic (?)

Red Ant Schist

metasedimentary and metavolcanic blueschists Ti g h t n e r F o r m a t i o n amphibolite schist

0.5 0

Yu b a

Quaternary

R i ve r 2

kilometres

Late Palezoic - Early Mesozoic Fiddle Creek Complex Calaveras Complex

Middle to Late Paleozoic

Feather River Belt amphibolite

NORTHERN SIERRA TERRANE Early Devonian (409 Âą 16 Ma)

Bowman Lake Pluton gabbro/plagiogranite

Ordovician to Silurian

Shoo Fly Complex

metamorphosed sandstone, siltstone and shale

gabbro serpentinized harzburgite and lherzolite

Geology of the Alleghany gold camp (from Ash, 2001).

Alleghany Camp This camp is situated on Pliocene Ridge between the headwaters of the Middle and North Yuba rivers, about 30 kilometres northeast of the Grass Valley camp. The first placer gold discovery, in 1852, was reportedly made by Hawaiian sailors (Kanakas) who, like many others at that time, had jumped ship in San Francisco. Lode mining began in 1853 at the Ireland mine, but early production in the camp was sporadic and often unsuccessful. Continuous production commenced in 1904 and ended in 1965, except for small-scale, intermittent high grading since then. The camp contains about 35 individual mines, most of which are typically very rich but small. High-grade oreshoots often averaged from 3.4 kilograms per tonne (100 opt) to many times that amount. The biggest mine, the Sixteen-to-One, produced a little over 30,000 kilograms (1 million ounces), with its largest oreshoot yielding about 1,350 kilograms (43,500 ounces) from a portion of the vein hangingwall that measured 60 centimetres thick and less than 12 metres square. The next four largest mines combined produced less than 15,000 kilograms (500,000 ounces). Accurate production figures are lacking but the total production from the camp has been estimated at approximately 90,000 kilograms (three million ounces). 104 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

The geological setting is quite complex and it would have represented a serious challenge to early economic geologists. It consists of a number of predominantly mafic igneous rocks separated by north-trending fault zones, marked by tabular bodies or lenses of serpentinite. They represent a mafic to intermediate protolith assemblage with minor interbedded, clastic sedimentary rocks that underwent Devonian or earlier ages of amphibolite-facies metamorphism. The gold-quartz veins occur west of the terrane-bounding Foothills suture within the ophiolitic Feather River Belt. It is a fault-bounded linear zone from two to 10 kilometres wide that extends southward for close to 150 kilometres. The belt contains harzburgite and lherzolite tectonite, dunite and pyroxenite, layered and massive gabbro and amphibolite that range from middle to late Paleozoic in age. Fortunately, the ore controls are more predictable. Some significant veins occur in a distinctive chaotic assemblage of quartz-mica schist, metaclastic and metavolcanic rocks with blueschist-facies metamorphic minerals, referred to collectively as the Red Ant schist. For example, an amphibolite unit of the Red Ant schist hosts the Sixteen-to-One mine. The amphibolite schist is interpreted to be derived from a tholeiitic basalt. The majority of the veins in the camp are hosted by mafic igneous rocks but are notably absent from the larger adjoining serpentinite bodies. There are two main vein orientations in the camp, both of which strike between north and west. The principal producing veins, which are generally thicker, have shallow easterly dips, whereas less important veins dip steeply to the west. The average width of the productive veins ranges from 1.5 to 1.8 metres, with considerable local thickening where dips and strikes change. Gold grades generally increase as veins approach sepentinite, with maximum concentrations at or near the intersection with unaltered ultramafic rocks. Most of the gold occurs as free gold or as blebs in arsenopyrite within 30 metres of serpentinite. Coarsegrained arsenopyrite occurs only near serpentinite and generally carries appreciable gold values. Pyrite is locally abundant but other sulphide minerals are scarce. CIM

References Ash, C.H. (2001). Relationship between ophiolites and gold-quartz veins in the North American Cordillera. Geological Survey Branch Bulletin 108. Victoria: British Columbia Geological Survey. Available at http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/Bulletins/Bull108/toc.htm. Bailey, L.R. (1996). Supplying the mining world: the mining equipment manufacturers of San Francisco 1850â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1900. Tucson, Arizona: Westernlore Press. California State Parks (1999). Empire Mine State Historic Park. Sacramento: California State Parks. Ewart, S. (1998). Highly respectable families: the Cornish of Grass Valley, California 1854-1954. Grass Valley: Comstock Bonanza Press. Limbaugh, R.H. (1999). Making old tools work better: pragmatic adaptation and innovation in gold-rush technology. In J.J. Rawls and R. Orsi (Eds.), A Golden State: mining and economic development in gold rush California. Berkeley: University of California Press in association with the California Historical Society. Paul, R.W. (1947). California Gold: The Beginning of Mining in the far West. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. Paul, R.W. (1963). Mining Frontiers of the Far West, 1848-1880. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

mining The evolution of shaft sinking systems in the western world and the improvement in sinking rates Part 4 — Shaft sinking from 1900 to 1940: start of the Modern Era by Charles Graham, managing director, CAMIRO Mining Division, and Vern Evans, general manager, Mining Technologies International Late

in he 19 c

ury gold

s ove

S A pe shaft sinking om 1910 948, 341 Mine shafts sunk during 1900 to 1940 in North America In addition to all this activity, coal mining were almost all rectangular, timbered shafts while in Europe continued to attract attention in Nova Scotia, and over 100 nearly all were circular and lined with brickwork or connew coal mines opened in that province during the 7 w were unk. crete. The reason for this was ground conditions. The 1900 to 1940 period. Shafts in this area tended to be relamajority of North American shafts were sunk in hard, comtively shallow, however, generally less than 800 feet deep. petent rock. In Europe, on the other hand, the majority of This is in comparison with the McIntyre No. 11 Shaft that the shafts sunk were in soft sedimentary rock, often with was sunk to a depth of over 4,000 feet in the Precambrian major water-bearing strata. rock of Ontario. All in all, it is estimated that over 400 T This was a busy period for shaft sinkers in a number of shafts were sunk in Canada during this time. areas in the world. In the Ruhr district of Germany alone Late in the 19th century, gold had been discovered in the 20 over 200 shafts were sunk: 124 shafts (1904–1914); 71 Johannesburg area of South Africa, and from 1910 to 1948, shafts (1915–1932); 13 shafts (1933–1940). 341 rectangular, 41 circular and seven elliptical shafts were This was also an exciting time for the Canadian mining sunk. industry, with many of the famous mining camps opening up The introduction of compressed air and electrical power from 1900 to 1940. After the discovery of silver in Cobalt, into mines at the beginning of the 20th century had a great B Ontario, in 1903, prospectors ranged widely over the impact on shaft sinking practices. Precambrian areas of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, By the start of the Great Depression, miners and shaft Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. In Ontario and y’ sinkers alike celebrated the industry’s embrace of the elecQuebec, Abitibi and Larder Lake were discovered in 1906, tric hoist for most types of shaft work. Machinery makers Porcupine in 1909, Swastika in 1910, Kirkland Lake in 1911, had ironed out the wrinkles in the technology experienced xpe Matachewan in 1916, Rouyn-Noranda in 1924 and Red Lake by the mining industry during the 1900s and 1910s and by in 1925. In Manitoba, the Rice Lake district was discovered in the 1930s were producing a variety of single and double drum models for shaft sinking and ore production. For 1911, and in the Northwest Territories the deposits in the sedremoval of the broken rock from the shaft bottom, either iments in the Yellowknife area were discovered in 1933 and sinking buckets or sinking skips were used. those in the greenstones in 1935. In Saskatchewan, the Box In the early 1900s, drilling was revolutionized by the and Athona mines were discovered in 1934 and three shafts introduction of lightweight rock drills. Up until that time, were sunk at these properties in the La Ronge gold belt. In British Columbia, bedrock gold deposits first attracted attention in 1863 during the first great placer gold rushes in the province. Little work was done on any of the discoveries and most were forgotten. The Barkerville area was prospected in 1860 and some mining was done in 1876 and a few years thereafter. Largescale mining, however, did not commence until 1933 and 1934 at the Caribou Gold Quartz and Island Mountain mines. In 1897, the Cadwallader gold belt in the Bridge River district, containing the Bralorne and Pioneer deposits, was prospected, but it was not until 1928 that the Pioneer mine was brought into production, followed in 1932 by the Bralorne mine. The Premier mine in the Stewart district was brought into production in 1918 and the Zeballos gold belt on the west coast of Vancouver Island was discovered and developed starting in 1934. Electrically powered hoist F

February 2008 | 105

blacksmith

mining This system of mucking contrasted the drills used for shaft sinking were still sharply with the system used in South large and heavy and required some type of where a full face round was blasted. to be used efficiently. The Africa support In that country, the bucket was kept vertical Jackhamer, introduced by the Ingersollon the shaft bottom and filled by a large Rand Co. in 1912, was a high point in the crew of muckers. In Europe a full face round evolution of drilling equipment. This was commonly blasted as well, but mucking hand-held machine with automatic rotawas carried out in a similar manner to South tion was easier to handle and more reliable Africa but with far fewer persons. than earlier models. It was used along with There were a number of innovations durhollow drill steel, through which air and ing this period that speeded up the handwater could be directed to clear the hole of mucking cycle. Hand mucking into a large cuttings. This drill revolutionized downopen-sided bucket that was then hoisted up hole drilling and eased the lot of the shaft with an air tugger to fill a car was a precursinker. It likewise sounded the doom of sor to the mechanical shaft mucker that was the heavy tripod-mounted drills used up to be developed in the 1940s. until that time. By 1921, the Jackhamer Light-weight shaft sinking drill The installation of shaft lining, whether it was manufactured in five different sizes. be timber in a rectangular shaft or brickwork in a circular Although there was a huge improvement in the drills shaft, was installed in the same manner as had been used in themselves used for sinking, there was no major change in the previous period. In the case of timber shafts, the new the quality of drill steel. Without carbide inserts in the drill sets were installed from a platform, usually referred to in steel rill, it became dull very quickly when sinking in hard Canada as a blasting set, which hung beneath the last timrock. Drill steel was usually sharpened onsite, either by ber set. In the case of a circular shaft, the brickwork or conhand or with a sharpening machine. This made a blackcrete was installed from a one- or two-deck moveable platsmith an integral part of the sinking crew. form suspended from surface. A number of drill rounds were used in shaft sinking. Shaft sinking in both Europe and North America during Common in most of the world was a full-face pyramid cut; this period was nearly always carried out by contractors. however Canadian shaft sinkers preferred a different type of This contrasted with South Africa where the mining comround — the bench round. This round involved blasting only panies generally sank their own shafts. half of the shaft at a time. The bench round had a number of One important event occurred during this period that advantages. It always provided a good sump and facilitated was to affect shaft sinking in Canada dramatically in the “cleaning bottom”; it also facilitated the hand mucking process. next period of time — the arrival of Patrick Harrison in Nitroglycerine-based explosives were used for blasting, Canada. Born in Belfast just after the turn of the century, usually with electric caps. Mucking was by hand into relatively small 21⁄2- to 4-ton buckets. “Paddy” Harrison emigrated to Canada in 1921. After workIn Canada, the benching method of excavation generally ing as a miner and shaft sinker for a number of years, caused the blasted rock to be piled up at one end of the Harrison became a mining contractor in 1934. His first shaft shaft. To ease the labour of hand mucking Canadian shaft sinking contacts were in the Val-d’Or area of Quebec. His sinkers generally placed the bucket on its side and scooped company, Patrick Harrison & Co., was to dominate shaft the majority of the muck into the bucket. After the bucket sinking in North America from its inception in 1934 until its was filled as full as possible in this manner, it was picked up demise in the 1980s — sinking almost 600 shafts during into a vertical position and the remainder of the bucket that period. manner. Typical manpower in a 13 by 26 foot rectangular shaft nfilled egr inpaa normal of w. AThisussystem speeded up mucking d and also made it easier for the shaft sinkers. sunk in North America is listed by Donaldson in Table 1. Table 1. Manpower needed in typical North American rectangular shaft sinkings

An illustration of a bit sharpener used during 1900-1940.

106 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1 –

pyr

Underground per shift

1 shift boss, 2 drillers, 2 helpers, 6 muckers

Total = 11 per shift

Surface per shift

1 engineer, 1 hoistman, Total = 14 per shift 1 head tender, 3 car men in dump, 1 fireman, 1 compressor man, 1 surface fireman, 1 mechanic, 2 carpenters, 1 blacksmith, 1 blacksmith helper

mining

Table 2. Shaft sinking systems Drilling Blasting Mucking Permanent lining Protection from ground falls Hoisting Hoist rope Ventilation Water handling Water control Average advance rate

Prior to 1600 No Fire quenching Hand Wood Platforms in shaft Man-powered windlass Hemp Bellows Buckets None 3–4 feet/month

1600–1800 Double jacking Black powder Hand Wood Platforms in shaft Horse-powered windlass Hemp Bellows Buckets None 3–4 metres/month

Statistics are given for several shaft sinkings in Wales. Daily advances of completed shaft varied from 1.8 to 6.6 feet per day, with the average sinking speed seeming to be in the range of three to four feet per day or 90 to 120 feet per month (27 to 37 metres per month). In North America, shaft sinking advance rates were somewhat less than Europe, and the majority of the shafts were rectangular and timbered. Sinking progress under normal conditions ranged between 60 and 80 feet per month (18 to 24 metres per month). In South Africa, sinking speeds were somewhat greater at an average of 135 feet per month (41 metres). The record shaft sinking rate in South Africa in 1900 was 203 feet in one month. By the end of the period, the record sinking advance rate had increased to 454 feet in one month. A good description of shaft sinking in South Africa at the end of this period is given by C.B. Jeppe in his book Mining Practice on the Witwatersrand: “Immediately the shaft is clear of fumes from the previous blast, the new shift begins operations. The shaft sinker, with his helper and 6 to 10 natives, go down the shaft, which they examine, clearing off any loose rock from the timbers. From the manifold platform, they examine and bar down the sides of the shaft to the shaft bottom; this usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The rest of the native shift (45 to 60 natives) is then lowered and after watering down the broken rock and wall and walls, lashing is started. The “lasher boys” are placed to the best advantage for servicing the skips or buckets, which are first filled by hand with the larger rocks; special natives are detailed to break up, with 14 lb. hammers, rocks which are too large for handling. …When the shaft bottom has been cleared of rock, the lashing gang with their gear of shovels, picks and hammers, are sent to surface, the lashing operation taking usually from 4 to 51⁄2 hours. When the shaft has been cleaned and blown over and all misfires have been blown out, and all old holes plugged and excess water removed, drilling starts with the machines and drill steel, which have been sent down shortly before this. The drilling usually takes between 1 and 11⁄2 hours. … Charging up of the holes is then started, taking usually from 30 to 60 minutes.” In South Africa, at that time, regulations were that the shaft timber sets were to be kept within 50 feet of the shaft

1800–1900 Large pneumatic drills Dynamite and safety fuse Hand Brick Permanent brick lining Steam-powered Hoists Wire rope Centrifugal fans Steam powered pumps Freezing method 10–12 metres/month

1900–1940 Light, handheld drills Dynamite and safety fuse Hand Brick or cast in place concrete Permanent lining Electricity-powered hoists Wire rope Centrifugal fans Electrical pumps Freezing or grouting 30–40 metres/month

bottom. As the normal distance between sets was seven feet six inches, normal procedure was to install two sets per day. Procedure as laid out by Jeppe was as follows: “Two timbermen and 12 to 16 natives can normally lower and swing one set in about half an hour, or two sets in 1 to 11⁄4 hours. The operation is carried out either on the morning or afternoon shift, whilst the shaft bottom is being drilled off. The installation of guides is also done during the drilling period, but on another shift by two more timbermen with their natives.” Although the mechanical excavation of shafts using rotary drilling techniques was not a popular alternative during this period, several mine shafts in Germany and Holland were excavated using these techniques. In the 1920s, the Germans were able to drill shafts up to nine feet (2.7 metres) in diameter to a depth of 425 feet (130 metres). To summarize, the shaft sinking system utilized during the 1930s would have been comprised of the elements illustrated in the last column of Table 2. As with the previous periods, this period saw a huge increase in shaft sinking advance rates — from an average rate of 10 to 12 metres per month to 30 to 40 metres per month — a threefold increase. CIM

Bibliography Brown, E.O.F. (1927). Vertical Shaft Sinking. London: Ernest Benn Ltd. Donaldson, F. (1912). Practical Shaft Sinking. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company. Peele, R., & Church, J.A. (1941). Mining Engineers’ Handbook. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Jaimieson, D.M., Pearse, M.P., & Plumstead, E. (1961). The evolution of shaft design and sinking technique in South Africa. The Seventh Commonwealth Mining & Metallurgical Congress (pp. 1-34). Kitwe: Northern Rhodesia Section of the Seventh Commonwealth Mining and Metallurgical Congress. Jeppe, C.B. (1946). Gold Mining on the Witwatersrand. Johannesburg: The Transvaal Chamber of Mines. Higham, S. (1951). An Introduction to Metalliferous Mining. London: Charles Griffin & Company Ltd. McIntyre, J.T. (1949). Shafts of the New Consolidated Gold Fields Group. W.E. Gooday (Ed.), Symposium on Shafts and Shaft Sinking (pp. 197–272). Johannesburg: The Chemical Metallurgical and Mining Society of South Africa. Jansen, F., & Glebe, E. (1960). Shaft sinking in the West German coal mining industry. H.E. Collins (Ed.), Proceedings of the Symposium on Shaft Sinking and Tunnelling, the Institution of Mining Engineers (pp. 139-168). London: Andrew Reed & Co. Publishers.

February 2008 | 107

metallurgy Migration and movement of scholars A study in the history of diffusion of knowledge: Part 1 by Fathi Habashi, Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering, Laval University

Introduction Students seeking education, experts seeking employment, and scholars seeking knowledge have been moving from one laboratory to another, from one university to another and from one country to another since ancient times. In addition, persecution of a minority usually results in migration of those persecuted, bringing with them their knowledge and experience to the new host country. Wars and revolutions are other factors that contribute to the displacement of people from their devastated home countries to settle in peace somewhere else. An oppressive regime also forces dissatisfied scientists to emigrate. Christian missions, in particular the Jesuits, were among the first organized groups devoted to spreading education. They opened schools in the New World, in the Far East and in Africa. An enlightened ruler may have invited experts in certain fields to introduce new knowledge in his country, or sent students abroad to acquire certain expertise. Chemists, geologists, metallurgists and mining engineers were actively travelling to visit important mining districts to get firsthand information about the exploitation of mineral deposits. Travellers published books describing their experiences, which became important historic documents. Conferences were held from time to time to bring scientists together to discuss problems of mutual interest. All these movements were important factors that contributed to the diffusion of knowledge. A few examples of historical interest are given to illustrate some of these points.

Alexandria: host to scholars Perhaps the city that attracted the most eminent scholars in the ancient world was Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. After his death, one of his generals, Ptolemy (367-283 BC) was made king of Egypt, Alexandria was made the capital and the new Greek state became a foremost place among the countries of the world. Never before had Egypt been so prosperous and Ptolemy, who became known as Soter (i.e. the Savior), was a strong and a wise sovereign. He invited many Greek scholars to come to Egypt and he started an immense library of manuscripts. Commerce flourished and Alexandria became the centre of intellectual and literary life of the world. His son, Ptolemy II, established a museum, which became an important learning institution. He expanded the library by purchasing and copying books from around the world. Alexandria became the largest city in the world, where famous Greek scholars lived and worked. Among these was the astronomer Eratosthenes (275-194 BC), who 108 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

measured the radius of the Earth, and the astronomer Claudius Ptolemy (90 BC-AD 168), who suggested that the Earth was the centre of the universe. The famous mathematician Euclid (330-275 BC) taught at the museum. Archemides (287-212 BC), the mathematician from Syracuse in Sicily, and Galen (AD 130-200), the physician from Pergamum in Asia Minor, both studied in Alexandria. The Greek geographer Strabo (63 BC-AD 21) spent many years in Alexandria.

Movement of Moslem scholars After the death of the prophet Mohammed in AD 632 , the new religion spread very rapidly. The Moslem world extended from Maghrib in North Africa to Central Asia. Moslem scholars travelled widely in these regions, and wrote and translated important works. For example, Abu Reihan Muhammed Ibn Ahmed Al Biruni (973–1048) born in Khwarizm (now Khiva in Uzbekistan), travelled throughout India where he taught Greek sciences. He learned Hindi and Sanskrit, translated several works from Sanskrit into Arabic and transmitted Moslem knowledge to the Hindus. He determined the specific gravity of a number of precious stones and metals, solved problems in mathematics and authored books on history, astronomy and materia medica (Kitab Al Saydala). Abu Ali Ibn Sina (980–1036), also known as Avicenna, was born near Bokhara in Uzbekistan, became a famous physician and joined the court of the Samanid emperor. After the collapse of the empire, he left to Khwarizm where he composed his masterpiece on medicine, The Canon, and other books. He then travelled to Hamadan in Persia where he was appointed first minister. His work embraced the entire domain of science and all the knowledge of his time. He doubted the possibility of transmutation of base metals into gold and wrote on alchemy. His works on the physical and natural sciences are numerous. About one hundred of his books have been translated by Europeans since the 12th century and were used in European universities until the 18th century. Abu Mohammed Abdallah Ibn Ahmed Ibn Al Baytar Dhiya Al Din Al Malaqi (1188?–1248) was one of the greatest scientists of Moslem Spain and was the greatest botanist and pharmacist of the Middle Ages. He was born in Malaqa (Málaga), and studied and collected plants in and around Spain. In 1219, he left Spain on a plant-collecting expedition and travelled along the northern coast of Africa as far as Asia Minor. After 1224, he entered the service of Al

metallurgy capital of the Holy Roman Empire, where he was appointed court assayer at the Kutna Hora mint. He wrote his famous Beschreibung allerfürnemisten mineralischen Erz-und Berckwercksarten in 1574, which can be translated as Treatise Describing the Foremost Kinds of Metallic Ores and Minerals, a key treatise on mining and metallurgy. He became chief inspector of mines in 1583. Álvaro Alonso Barba (1569–1662) Abu Ali Ibn Sina, known Abu Mohammed Abdallah Ibn in the West as Avicienna Ahmed Ibn Al Baytar Dhiya Al was born in the province of Huelva, Ptolemy I Din Al Malaqi Spain. At the age of 16, he went to the Spanish Colony of Real Audiencia de Kamil, the Egyptian governor, and was appointed chief Charcas, which comprised most of the present-day Bolivia. herbalist. In 1227, Al Kamil extended his domination to There he spent more than 70 years of his life as a priest. He Damascus and Ibn Al-Baytar accompanied him there. His visited different mines in the colonies and in 1590 develresearch on plants then extended to Syria, Arabia and oped the hot amalgamation process for silver refining introPalestine. He died in Damascus. He authored Kitab Al Jami duced earlier by Spanish technicians. In 1640 in Madrid, he fi Al Adwiya Al Mufrada, one of the greatest botanical compublished his book Arte de los Metales; the translation of the pilations dealing with medical plants in Arabic. Kitab Al full title would be The Art of Metals in which is Taught the Mughni fi Al Adwiya Al Mufrada is an encyclopedia of medTrue Beneficiation of Gold and Silver with Mercury, the icine. The drugs are listed in accordance with their theraMode of Smelting them and how they are to be Refined and peutic value. Separated One from Another. The book was devoted to ores, amalgamation, smelting, refining and parting of metMigrations in the Middle Ages als, and was translated into English, German and French. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the following four Another wandering scholar belonging to this period was European personalities dominated metallurgical thought. Philippus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493They travelled extensively and wrote important works in 1541), known as Paracelsus. He founded what became Italian, Latin, German and Spanish. known as iatrochemistry or, in modern terms, chemotherVannoccio Biringuccio (1480–1539), a master craftsman apy. Paracelsus was born in Einsiedeln, Switzerland. At the in the practices of smelting and metalworking, received his age of 16 he was a student at Basel, and in 1527, he was training in the craftsman shops in his native Siena, Italy, made a lecturer in the Medical Faculty at Basel. He was where the industrial arts flourished alongside the fine arts. famous for his marvellous cures and devoted his academic He travelled widely through the Italian and German states life to the denunciation of conservative practitioners. Within during his early years. He wrote Pirotechnia in Italian, two years, a quarrel with a prominent canon made it neceswhich was published one year after his death, the first book sary for him to quit. From this time, he led a wandering life dealing with the applied metal arts and the processes of ore and finally died at Salzburg. He was a voluminous writer. reduction. Biringuccio sought to describe the techniques In addition to these metallurgists, other distinguished that have been in the course of development since the scholars were also on the move. For example, Nicolaus Bronze Age of western civilization. Copernicus (1478-1543), the Pole of German descent, Georgius Agricola (1494–1555) was born in Saxony and studied in Cracow and then spent a decade in Italy to study trained as a medical doctor in Padua, Italy. He became intermedicine and canon law. He discoverd that the Sun is the ested in mining and metallurgy when he was appointed as centre of the solar system — an opinion that was against the a town physician at Joachimsthal in Bohemia (now teachings of the Catholic Church.1 He also explained the Jachimov in the Czech Republic). He was the first to make occurrence of the seasons. Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), the a thorough study of mining, minerals and metallurgy, and Danish astronomer, left his home country in 1597 to live in his books were vastly used and widely translated for over Prague in Bohemia under the patronage of Rudolf II two centuries. His contributions were of great significance emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He was joined by the because he was the first to document the state-of-the-art of German mathematician Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) who his day. rediscovered Copernicus’ views. CIM Lazarus Ercker (1530–1594) was also born in Saxony. After studying mathematics and natural sciences at the 1 These views were extended further by Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) but were conUniversity of Wittenberg, the Saxon elector appointed him sidered heretic and he was burned at the stake. Galileo (1564-1642) was perseassay master at Dresden. In 1569, he moved to Prague, the cuted by the Church for his support of the theory. February 2008 | 109

AN ONLINE MEMOIRE

MINING

CANADA

a personal history

Excerpt

s I left the superintendent’s office, I had many things going through my mind. When I arrived at Clayton’s office, he told me that I had been recommended by a man at the mine whom I knew. Clayton left the office and then returned with the man. To my surprise, it was George Watson. George had been a safety assistant at Eldorado. We shook hands and Clayton said, “George, you take Pete to his bunkhouse and show him the rest of what he needs to know.” He took me to the store in which one bought work clothes, the kitchen, the shifter’s office and my room in the bunkhouse. George told me that this place was not as nice as Eldorado, neither in terms of social or work life. I was grateful to George for having recommended me to the mining authorities. He was again a safety supervisor and was also, to some extent, doing personnel work. When I took my belongings from the car to the room, I noticed that there were one or two car batteries in the hallway next to each door. It was very cold the day I arrived. I parked my car in my designated parking stall and plugged it in. I had dinner and had time to spare before work. At the end of the bunkhouse was a large room that was furnished so that people could either read or watch television. As I watched television, I asked one of the men about the car batteries. He said that it would often get as cold as -50 or -60, and that at -60 the battery would burst. That night I took out my battery. The next day I saw some trees that had split, apparently due to the frost – I was told that the temperature had dropped to -68 that night.

New online series The metallurgical history of Montreal bridges by H.J. McQueen, Concordia University

The Victoria Tubular Bridge (1859) — Wrought Iron n the mid-1800s, the iron over a two-year period. broad St. Lawrence River Because such large quantithat brought ocean shipties of wrought iron were ping to Montreal was withnot available from out a bridge along the 1,200 Canadian sources, the kilometres between sheets and angles were Thousand Islands and rolled, sheared and Gaspé. The final impetus for punched for rivets in a bridge at Montreal came England. from the Grand Trunk In Canada, charcoal cast Railroad;its goal was to coniron production began in nect its westward lines with 1729 at Forges St. Maurice those coming from the ice(Quebec),which produced a free ocean ports of the maximum of 400 tons per United States and, eventuyear until 1883. Charcoal ally, to connect with Nova cast iron production was Scotia via the Inter-Colonial continued at many smaller Workmen laying the floor beams of the tube. Railroad. This paper works whose lifetimes were describes the materials, design and construction, as well as the social and limited by the availability of local raw materials. Another leading plant industrial significance,of the Victoria Tubular Bridge,which was built in 1859. was Grantham Iron Works (Quebec, 1853-1910); it sent 4,000 to 6,000 Figure 8. Laying the floor beams of the tube, workmen are aligning holes in preparation for the riveting team, Historically, relatively long-span wooden truss bridges, suspension tons per year to Montreal foundries for railroad components. Although which is seen standing by the forge at the right. Rivets joining web and flange angles are clearly seen in the and cast iron bridges (Hodges, were literally shaken to et pieces by heavy vibrating the cast iron production capacity near 1850 was about 10,000 tons per lithograph 1860; Triggs al., 1992). trains.In the 1850s,it was discovered that wrought iron appeared to have year,the wrought iron production capacity (used for tools,nails and other the needed strength and ductility. Although wrought iron was in use hardware) was nearer to 1,000 tons per year — rolled sheet was only a since antiquity as a reinforcement of wooden structures, it was produced fraction of this production. economically only after 1780. In the puddling process, mixtures of slag T.C.Kieffer and S.Kieffer,two prominent civil engineers,decided to locate and pig iron from coke blast furnaces were converted into balls of sponge the single-track Victoria Tubular Bridge upriver from the port, near the start weighing 200 kilograms.Through forging at 1,100°C, the semi-liquid slag of the Lachine Rapids,where the piers could be built upon bedrock that was was expelled down to three per cent. The forged bars were bundled about six metres in depth. The massive stone piers, which rose six to nine together and forge-welded, with slag serving as a flux, to create larger metres above water, were constructed with sharp prows to break ice floes. bars or sheets. The slag stringers in an iron matrix gave excellent resist- Chief engineer A.Ross designed a 5.6 metre-high tube for 25 spans of 75 to ance to transverse fatigue cracking for railway axles. The sheets (which 100 metres. Site engineer J. Hodges oversaw the fabrication of the tubes; were 2 by 0.5 metres in size) could be riveted together with bent angular construction started from both shores and the tubes were built upon ribs and, as such, were excellent for pressure boilers and ship hulls. wooden trestles. By about 1850, Robert Stevenson (from the United Kingdom) drew The tubular bridge lived up to design expectations by carrying up to upon the riveted sheet and rib technology of hulls in order to experimen- 100 trains per day. It was altered in later years to greatly increase capactally develop wrought iron bridges with spans up to 138 metres. The rec- ity as explained in a future paper. As a result of the improved transportatangular box-girder, with additional reinforcements at the top and bot- tion of feed stocks and of products, as well as of the growing equipment tom,was about double the height of train carriages.This design was then needs of the railways, metal manufacturing in Montreal tripled in the adapted for the Victoria Bridge and would require 9,000 tons of wrought three decades following the Victoria Bridge construction.

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TO INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE Peer reviewed by leaders in their fields CIM Bulletin Abstracts 113

Brucite: uses, exploration guidelines and selected grassroot exploration targets G.J. Simandl, S. Paradis and M. Irvine

114

Leaching of polymetallic sulphide Cu-Zn-Pb concentrate with sulphuric acid in sodium nitrate presence M.D. Sokic, ´ R.Z˘ . Vra˘car, I. Ili´c and B.R. Markovi´c

115

Environmental management of mine sites with LiDAR altimetry and hyperspectral imaging J. Wallace, B. Morris and P. Howarth

116

Exploration and Mining Geology Journal Volume 16, Numbers 3 and 4

117

Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly Volume 46, Number 3

Complete CIM Bulletin papers are posted in the online Technical Paper Library

www.cim.org 112 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

executive summaries Brucite: uses, exploration guidelines and selected grassroot exploration targets

M I N E R A L S

The second objective is to identify the most favourable geological settings for brucite exploration, present the reader with brucite exploration guidelines applicable worldwide and finally focus on occurrences in British Columbia. Brucite is recognized in a wide variety of geological settings; however, contact metamorphic/metasomatic brucite deposits hosted by dolomite or magnesite have the best economic potential. The predictable sequence of metamorphic index minerals within contact metamorphic zones, starting from the distal unmetamorphosed magnesium-bearing carbonate (dolostone or magnesite-bearing rock) towards intrusive contact, helps to zero in on brucite mineralization. This sequence consists of

talc, tremolite, forsterite and brucite/periclase. As the calcosilicate index minerals, periclase and brucite are hosted within a carbonate protolith and are located in the hottest portion of the metamorphic aureole, commonly adjacent to intrusive rock, which is a source of heat. Periclase is the least stable of the periclase/brucite pair in near-surface geological settings and it commonly converts to brucite. Highest grade brucite deposits are expected to form in magnesite-bearing carbonate host rocks, but dolomite-hosted deposits will prove to be easier to find. Both types of these deposits will become highly sought-after exploration and development targets over the next few years. Five carbonate-hosted brucite occurrences are reported in British Columbia. These occurrences are poorly documented; however, some of them merit a geological followup. Even the occurrences where brucite does not form nearly monomineralic ore are of economic interest. As a group, known British Columbia occurrences suggest that the Coast Plutonic Belt has good exploration potential, particularly where dolomite marbles are in contact with intrusive rocks; however, at least one important brucite deposit is not located at the contact with an igneous intrusive rock. In terms of traditional prospecting, due to their recessive nature, highgrade brucite occurrences are typically located in topographic lows. Boulder tracing is therefore a useful exploration approach. Remote sensing may also aid in finding brucite-rich rocks, due to its visible and near infrared properties. There are only a few brucite deposits currently in production worldwide. This is due to a combination of factors, including restricted geological settings where economic brucite deposits can be found, the recessive nature of high-grade brucite occurrences and the unfamiliarity of the exploration community with the physical properties of brucite. Brucite remains overlooked as a valuable industrial mineral and as an ore of magnesium metal. In summary, brucite has a significant economic potential as an industrial mineral and as a source of magnesium metal ore.

I N D U S T R I A L

This paper has two main objectives. The first objective is to familiarize the reader with the mineral brucite and to highlight its growing importance as a non-toxic flame retardant, a raw material used for the production of caustic and deadburned magnesia, a functional filler in plastic compounds, in agricultural feed formulation and in environmental uses, such as waste water treatment, and as a neutralizing reactant for the treatment of acid rock drainage for the treatment of acid rock drainage. If large, high-grade brucite deposits are discovered, they could supply the above described markets and provide ore for the production of magnesium metal. The current brucite market is probably much less than 100,000 tonnes; however, it is growing rapidly. Brucite has an advantage over magnesium carbonates, such as magnesite and dolomite, because it does not contain CO2 in its crystal structure. Consequently, there is no CO2 released during the calcining or other processing of this mineral except from processing-related fuel combustion. This is a big marketing advantage for brucite, relative to Mg-bearing carbonates, in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society, which is concerned with reducing CO2 emissions, the main cause of global warming. Great efforts to reduce these emissions are made by most industries, including magnesia, lime, cement and Mg metal producers.

G.J. Simandl, British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum, Victoria, British Columbia, S. Paradis, Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Sidney, British Columbia, and M. Irvine, British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Victoria, British Columbia February 2008 | 113

executive summaries

M E T A L L U R G Y

Leaching of polymetallic sulphide Cu-Zn-Pb concentrate with sulphuric acid in sodium nitrate presence The large deposits of complex ores may contain chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and pyrite in disseminated form with complex mineralogical composition and fine-grained structures. Sometimes, when it is difficult to prepare flotation concentrates of individual minerals, it is easier to prepare bulk concentrates. Hydrometallurgical processes offer great potential for treating complex sulphide ores, which results in increased metal recovery and reduced air pollution hazards. Recently, there is increased interest related to the possible application of various reagents in the hydrometallurgical processing of sulphide concentrates.

dimensions in the range 10 to 100 mm. In addition, simple and complex adherent minerals were observed with different combinations; mutually adhered beneficial minerals or minerals adhered with gangue minerals, predominantly quartz.

This paper studies the performance of the leaching process by sulphuric acid solution in the presence of sodium nitrate, using selected complex Cu-Zn-Pb sulphide concentrates from the Rudnik flotation plant.

After the leaching process, copper and zinc are in the form of copper(II) sulphate and zinc(II) sulphate. Iron is oxidized to form iron(III) sulphate, which then acts as a leaching agent for the sulphide minerals and, at the same time, becomes reduced to iron(II) sulphate. Lead from the galena reacts to form lead sulphate (anglesite), which is insoluble and remains in the precipitate.

Chemical reactions of leaching and their thermodynamic probabilities were predicted based on the calculated Gibbs energies and analysis of E-pH diagrams. Copper, zinc, lead and iron were leached from their minerals at low pH values and under the given oxidizing conditions. Under these oxidizing conditions at high electrode potential and low pH values, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions existed in a water solutions, while Pb2+ existed in sulphate form in the residue. The phase detection in both the starting concentrate and the products after the leaching process with H2SO4 and NaNO3 were performed for better understanding of the chemical reactions that took place in the system. Chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction analyses and light microscopy were used for determination of the phase fractions in the polymetallic concentrate and in the solid residuals. The main sulphide minerals in the polymetallic concentrate were chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite and quartz. Total sulphide content in the sample was 69.5%, and occurrence of the free sulphide grains was 60.9%. Sulphide monominerals were predominantly irregular in shape, with

M.D. Sokić, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Belgrade, Serbia, ˘ Vra˘car, I. Ilić, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, R.Z. Serbia, and B.R. Marković, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Belgrade, Serbia 114 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

The presence of the anglesite, elemental sulphur, gangue, and unleached sulphide minerals was registered in the solid residuals. This fact shows that leaching product of any sulphide mineral is elemental sulphur, which does not oxidize to sulphate in the temperature range (20 to 90ºC) and the time interval (60 to 240 min.).

Detailed mineralogical investigations indicate a polymetallic concentrate complexity and explain the weak leaching effect of suplhide minerals in the final leaching stage, due to the following: • elemental sulphur and anglesite formed during the process and then precipitated at the grain boundaries; • fine-grained mineral structure and complex mutual intergrowth of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and pyrrhotite (inclusion, impregnation, simple and complex intergrowth); and • complex adhered beneficial sulphide minerals with gangue minerals (predominantly quartz). The accomplished leaching degrees under the given conditions (temperature of 90ºC, time of four hours, phase ratio S:L = 1:5, starting H2SO4 concentration of 225g/dm3, with sodium nitrate addition in the content 30% above the stoichiometric needed) are as follows: Zn — 89.25%, Cu — 73.08% and Fe — 70.80%.

executive summaries Environmental management of mine sites with LiDAR altimetry and hyperspectral imaging

LiDAR altimetry can be used to map topography based on principles of distance ranging. A timed laser pulse is transmitted to the ground from a LiDAR unit mounted on an aircraft. The laser beam is reflected from the target and returns to a receiver in the unit. The time of travel is recorded and the distance to the ground is calculated. The high spatial accuracy of the LiDAR DEM provides an ideal dataset to quantify 3-D geometry. In this study, the DEM was comprised of pixels of 2 m spatial resolution. The use of 3-D software facilitates easy visualization of the models. From the DEM, we have determined that the Frood-Stobie pits and sinkholes cover an area of approximately 74 hectares, with a volume of approximately 54.8 +/- 0.9 million m3. The volume of water required to flood the pits to the 268 m level would be 34.5 +/- 0.6 million m3, with a corresponding weight of 34.5 million metric tonnes. Engineers would find this information valuable when considering the structural integrity of the pits for flooding. The 3-D models can also be used by environmental and geotechnical engineers to ascertain the geometry of the pits. Combining this with structural information of the rocks and the excavated underground system, they can be used to model the stability of the pits. The data can also be used to model the effects of flooding the pit and other reclamation efforts. The major contributors to AMD are iron sulphide minerals, the most common of which is pyrite. AMD can be associated with mine wastes, open pits or the mine site in general. Hyperspectral imaging can be used to identify surface minerals associated with AMD, based on unique features in their electromagnetic spectra. Hyperspectral mineral fraction maps draped over the DEM provide significant insight into the spa-

tial distribution of AMD mineral assemblages with respect to the local topography and adjacent watersheds. These associations help to identify and explain sources, pathways and accumulations of AMD, and to pinpoint areas where remedial action is most needed. Combining both datasets facilitates a better understanding of the spatial relationship between the spectral and spatial data. To achieve comparable topographic resolution and spatial coverage of the airborne LiDAR survey, a very detailed field survey would be required. In addition, a field survey would likely have gaps due to inaccessible or structurally unsafe areas such as the open pits. Aerial photography and photogrammetric techniques would not provide the bareearth DEM. These methods are also labour-intensive and more time-consuming. Thus, airborne surveys of high spatial resolution and high accuracy can be cost-effective. In addition, obtaining digital data over large areas is achieved in minutes and hours rather than months or years. Hence, relatively large landscape surfaces can be assessed, characterized and quantified in a more timely manner than would be possible with ground surveys. By combining LiDAR altimetry data with hyperspectral remote sensing data, personnel responsible for monitoring the health hazards of active and inactive mine sites and those responsible for remediation are able to visualize and quantify more accurate models of the landscape, and environmental issues can be addressed more effectively.

J. Wallace, Department of Geography, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, B. Morris, School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, and P. Howarth, Department of Geography, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario February 2008 | 115

E N V I R O N M E N T

Rehabilitation of mines and associated lands in the province of Ontario is legislated in the Mining Act, Ontario Regulation 240/00. These regulations prescribe requirements for monitoring acid mine drainage (AMD) and maintaining the safety of mine site infrastructure. They also emphasize the reclamation of lands to a state consistent with the natural landscape. In this paper, several applications are demonstrated in which a digital elevation model (DEM) generated from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) altimetry data, combined with hyperspectral mineral maps, is used to facilitate closure and subsequent rehabilitation and monitoring of mine sites. The applications focus on the Frood-Stobie mine site in Sudbury, Ontario.

emg abstracts

Exploration and Mining Geology Journal Volume 15—Numbers 3 and 4 Distribution of Gold in Hypogene Ore at the Ernest Henry Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Deposit, Cloncurry District, NW Queensland A.R. Foster, P.J. Williams, Economic Geology Research Unit, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University; and C.G. Ryan, CSIRO Exploration and Mining, School of Geosciences, Monash University Petrographic studies, assay records, and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer analyses of major sulfides suggest nearly all of the gold at the Ernest Henry Cu-Au deposit occurs in the form of native gold or electrum; sylvanite and dissolved gold in cobaltite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite make only minor contributions. Gold content is more variable in pyrite and highest in narrow growth zones of a subordinate type of complexly zoned pyrite. Studies show that pyrite associated with gold includes complexly zoned, weakly zoned, arsenian, and arsenic-poor types. The textures are compatible with the possibility that most gold was deposited electrochemically as native metal on pyrite surfaces. The textural distribution of gold has important metallurgical implications given that the ore processing circuits at Ernest Henry and most other sulfide copper mines are designed to exclude pyrite (and arsenic) from concentrates. Geology and Chemistry of the El Abuelo Calcic Fe-skarn and Related Cu-(Ag)-bearing Hydrothermal Veins, Chubut Province, Southern Argentina M.E. Lanfranchini, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Recursos Minerales (INREMI); R.E. De Barrio, Instituto de Recursos Minerales (INREMI); and R.O. Etcheverry, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) The El Abuelo Ca-Fe-magnetite skarn and related hydrothermal quartz veins are located at Cerro Pepita Hill, in the southwestern Chubut province of southern Argentina. These deposits are developed in a continental magmatic arc environment linked to the Andean orogeny. Iron skarn mineralization is mainly hosted by an Upper Jurassic to Early Cretaceous sedimentary sequence interbedded with Upper Jurassic basaltic andesite, and is spatially associated with Early Cretaceous calc-alkaline dikes. Ore grades vary between 40 and 63 wt.% Fe. In addition, anomalous metal contents are present in the hydrothermal quartz veins. Some metallogenic characteristics of the mineralization and the geological setting resemble those in several iron oxide copper-gold deposits elsewhere in the world. Geology and Chemistry of the Low Ti Magnetite-bearing Heff Cu-Au Skarn and its Associated Plutonic Rocks, Heffley Lake, South-Central British Columbia G.E. Ray; and I.C.L. Webster, B.C. Geological Survey The magnetite-rich Heff Cu-Au skarn lies in the Quesnel Terrane of south-central British Columbia. The skarn formed close to the northern margin of the Heffley Creek pluton and is hosted by Carnian (Late Triassic) Nicola Group limestone. The Late Triassic pluton is a composite body of alkaline affinity that includes dioritic, gabbroic, and magnetite-rich clinopyroxene ± olivine ultramafic phases. The most common non-opaque minerals are garnet, clinopyroxene, and carbonate, with lesser epidote, biotite, amphibole, and chlorite. Microprobe analyses completed during this study show that low Excerpts taken from abstracts in EMG, Ti magnetite is not a unique feature of IOCG Vol. 16, Numbers 3 and 4. deposits, but also characterize some other types of Subscribe—www.cim.org/geosoc/indexEMG.cfm hydrothermal mineralization. In British Columbia these include some alkalic porphyry-related magnetite-apatite veins in the Quesnel Terrane, as well as the well-known Wrangellia-hosted Fe skarn deposits. Low Ti magnetite appears to be a common signature of many magmatic hydrothermal deposits in contrast to the high Ti primary magnetite found in most igneous rocks.

116 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

cmq abstracts

Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly Volume 46—Number 3

Effect of CMC and pH on the Rheology of Suspensions of Isotropic and Anisotropic Minerals E. Burdukova, D.J. Bradshaw, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town; and J.S. Laskowski, Department of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia The rheology of mineral suspensions is highly dependent on the relationship between the mineral surface properties and inter-particle interactions. In this paper, the rheological properties of mineral suspensions are used to study the differences in behaviour of anisotropic talc and isotropic zircon minerals as a function of pH and polymer dosage (CMC). It was found that the rheological tests when carried out in parallel with electrophoretic or point of zero charge measurements clearly reveal differences between the behaviour of the suspensions of isotropic and anisotropic minerals. These differences are further accentuated with the addition of CMC. Oxidation of Complex Ni-Cu Sulphide Ores and its Implication for Flotation Practice S. Kelebek, B. Nanthakumar, and P.D. Katsabanis, Department of Mining Engineering, Queen’s University This paper addresses oxidation of complex nickel-copper sulphides through a study of batch tests. Both stockpile and lab samples produced significantly inferior nickel grade recovery compared to the fresh sample due to a significant dilution effect by excessive flotation of pyrrhotite and non-floatability of some pentlandite. In contrast to behaviour of nickel, chalcopyrite did not show a significant deterioration in its performance. Oxidation conditions which induce excessive floatability on pyrrhotite while causing incremental loss in pentlandite floatability appear to be the root cause of difficulties in the processing of these ores. Investigation of KCl Crystal/NaCl-KCl Saturated Brine Interface and Octadecylamine Deposition with the Use of AFM N. Schreithofer, Laboratory of Mechanical Process Technology and Recycling, Helsinki University of Technology; and J.S. Laskowski, Department of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia The deposition of octadecylamine at the KCl crystal/NaCl-KCl brine interface was investigated using atomic force microscopy. The AFM images of freshly cleaved KCl specimens immersed in a KCl-NaCl saturated brine at room temperature reveal the disappearance with time of the atomic steps and formation of cubic NaCl crystals. Depending on the way of contacting the specimens with the octadecylamine dispersion, the AFM images show huge differences in the deposition patterns of ODA on KCl crystals. The presence of methyl-isobutyl carbinol enhanced the dispersion of ODA in brine, thus helping more uniform deposition of the surfactant on the KCl crystal surface. Effect of Brine Concentration on the Krafft Point of Long Chain Primary Amines J.S. Laskowski, M. Pawlik, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia; and A. Ansari, AMEC, Mining & Metals Process In potash ore flotation carried out in NaCl-KCl saturated brine, long chain primary amines are used as flotation collectors. This paper deals with the effect of electrolyte concentration on the Krafft point (KP) of dodecylammonium chloride. A simple experimental procedure for the determination of the KP for higher electrolyte concentrations is also described. The results show that the Krafft point of dodecylamine increases from about 17 to 18ºC (in distilled water) to about 80ºC at 16% brine saturation. Dextrin as a Regulator for the Selective Flotation of Chalcopyrite, Galena and Pyrite A.L. Valdivieso, A.A. Sánchez López, S. Song, H.A. García Martínez, and S. Licón Almada, Area de Ingeniería de Minerales, Instituto de Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí The adsorption of both dextrin and xanthate ions at the pyrite/aqueous solution and the galena/aqueous solution interfaces have been studied through batch adsorption tests. Dextrin adsorption isotherms on two types February 2008 | 117

cmq abstracts of surfaces of pyrite show that the greater the initial surface density of iron hydroxides, the higher the adsorption of dextrin is. Results are presented on the flotation of chalcopyrite from a chalcopyrite-galena bulk concentrate high in pyrite using dextrin as a depressant for galena and pyrite at pH 8. Effect of n-Alcohols on the Stability of Bubbles G.J. Jameson and V. Parekh, Centre for Multiphase Processes, University of Newcastle A new method of characterizing the effect of solutes on the stability of bubbles in aqueous media is described. The effect of a homologous series of n-alcohols on the persistence time was measured in aqueous solution. The magnitude of the persistence time was found to increase with increasing numbers of carbon atoms in the molecule. The concentration Cmax at which the maximum persistence time was observed was found to be independent of the bubble size. There was no apparent correlation with the surface excess at maximum persistence time. Adsorption of Guar Gum on Potash Slimes X. Ma and M. Pawlik, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia Adsorption of guar gum on model minerals and actual potash slimes was investigated. The adsorption density of guar gum on illite, dolomite and kaolinite was found to be not only a function of total ionic strength but also of the type of electrolyte present in solution. The results were analyzed in terms of chaotropic or kosmotropic properties of background counter-ions and their different behaviours at the hydrated mineral-water interface. The data also suggest that the dolomite component of water insoluble potash slimes is not fully protected by the polymer in a saturated brine. Role of Flotation Reagents in Tuning Colloidal Forces for Sphalerite-Silica Separation J. Liu and Z. Xu, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta Colloidal interactions between sphalerite and synthesized ZnS and between silica and synthesized ZnS in aqueous solutions were studied using direct surface forces and zeta potential distribution measurements. The role of flotation reagent was investigated. The measured long range forces were described with the classical or extended Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey and Overbeek (DLVO) theory. The findings from this study provide insights into silica misplacement in sphalerite/silica flotation systems. Slurry Viscosity Modification Effects on Classifying Cyclone Performance R.Q. Honaker, A. Das, and F. Boaten, Department of Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky Efforts to reduce the amount of ultrafine bypass in classifying cyclones by decreasing water recovery increased the particle size cut point and negatively affected classification efficiency. The addition of a viscosity modifier to the feed stream of a classifying cyclone improved the classification performance and decreased the particle size cut point over a range of feed solids concentrations. The detailed test program investigated the use of the modifier in conjunction with varying apex diameters to identify conditions that minimize ultrafine bypass. Effect of Modified Dextrins on the Depression of Talc and their Selectivity in Sulphide Mineral Flotation: Adsorption Isotherms, AFM Imaging and Flotation Studies D.A. Beattie, L. Huynh, A. Mierczynska-Vasilev, Ian Wark Research Institute, ARC Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces, University of South Australia, M. Myllynen, and J. Flatt, School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia Three novel dextrin polymers of varying functional group chemistry but similar molecular weight have been used to depress talc in single and mixed mineral studies. The mixed mineral system was a model sulphide ore consisting of talc, pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Adsorption isotherms for the three polymers on both valuable and gangue mineral phases were determined to give initial clues as to the ability of the polymers to depress talc. All three polymers were found to be reasonably selective in their action although at high dosages the polymers began to affect the flotation of the valuable minerals. Excerpts taken from abstracts in CMQ, Vol. 46, No. 3. Subscribeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;www.cmq-online.ca 118 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

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Saskatoon – or recently tagged – “Saskaboom” by Robert Carey, president and CEO, RJC Industrial Design Ltd.

n a September 2007 newspaper article, the Globe and Mail tagged Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as “Saskaboom.” The article (“Sizzling economy creating a Saskaboom”) highlighted a recent boom of activities in the city. This wasn’t the first time in the past few years that the newly tagged nickname arose — I first heard it in a real estate agency’s radio advertisement back in 2006. According to the September Globe and Mail article, the average cost of a house in Saskatoon in 2006 was $253,000 — a 57 per cent jump. The article also quoted “Saskatoon is the new Calgary” and the Conference Board of Canada said that Saskatoon, with a population of 202,000, would have the country’s fastest growing economy this year, knocking Calgary from the top spot. A large portion of the boom activity is due to recent Saskatchewan potash mining expansions. A key portion of the industry’s expansion comes from three of the large potash producers of the area — PotashCorp, Cargill (formerly IMC) and Agrium. With five large facilities in Saskatchewan (Cory, Patience Lake, Allan, Lanigan and Rocanville), PotashCorp is the world’s largest potash producing mining company. Its large expansions began back in 2003 with a $100 million compaction expansion at their Rocanville division. Then, in 2005, the Allan division had a $200 million expansion followed in 2006 by a $400 million one at their Lanigan division. In 2007, PotashCorp released the details of an $800 million expansion at their Cory division facility and another of a $100 million at their Patience Lake division. Last year they also released details of a $1.6 billion expansion in New Brunswick, using Saskatoon engineering firms for the design plans. And, just last week, it announced an unprecedented $2 billion dollar expansion at their Rocanville division, including the sinking of a third shaft. These types of projects and budgets were unprecedented in Saskatchewan for many years. Another factor contributing to the growth is the recent Saskatchewan uranium mining expansions. Saskatchewan is home to Cameco, the world’s largest low-cost uranium supplier, providing almost 20 per cent of world mine production. Cameco owns and operates a controlling interest in many mining facilities in northern Saskatchewan including at McArthur River, Key Lake, Rabbit Lake and Cigar Lake. McArthur River is known as the world’s largest, high-grade uranium deposit with proven and probable reserves of 367 million pounds of U3O8 with an average grade of 20.5 per cent. Another large uranium supplier, French-owned Areva, also owns and operates multiple uranium mining facilities in northern Saskatchewan. A portion of the increased activity is due to the recent diamond exploration occurring in the Fort à la Corne area in the middle of the province. Many large players, including De Beers, Kensington and Shore Gold, are carrying out exploration activities, including large bulk samples. Coal, oil and gas, and rare earth metals are other areas of expansion. What other factors in Saskatoon point to a boom? A fourth (and largest) Wal-Mart store recently opened in a new south-end box store, just one year after a third store was opened. Tim Hortons are popping up everywhere — there are three on 8th Street alone and two on 22nd Street. Even the university has two of them. The traffic at rush hour has increased. Not that long ago, you could get anywhere in Saskatoon in ten minutes. Now, during rush hour, it can take you 45 to 55 minutes. Rent in Saskatoon has gone through the roof. I was a recent renter and during 2007 my rent increased twice — 22 per cent at first, followed by another 22 per cent three months later. This was enough incentive for me to purchase a house. However, housing prices continue to climb. The recent 6 o’clock news hinted at the possibility of the average Saskatoonian soon not being able to own their own home. Unfortunately, the small business and restaurant community is really hurting due to staff shortages. My local Dairy Queen, McDonalds and Subway fast food restaurants all close early due to a lack of staff. There is even a sign at the Dairy Queen apologizing in advance to customers for the delays caused by staff shortages. In my 34 years living in Saskatoon, I have never seen such signs at food service outlets. Running out for a “quick lunch” is now a thing of the past in “Saskaboom.” CIM

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122 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 3, No. 1

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