UPDATE
Volume 2 2014 Notes from the Chair
We are in election mode this
month at the Metallurgical
Society, with six available paces
in the MetSoc committee and a
field of approximately 20
candidates. All MetSoc
members can expect to be
receiving voting forms in the
near future and I would
encourage you all to get
involved and vote. Once the
elections are over, we are
looking forward to putting our new committee members to
work on a number of key activities that have been on hold
for a while.
Firstly, we would like to expand the scope of our newsletter,
and we will be appointing a newsletter convenor to source
good-news stories and developments in the industry that
will be of particular interest to our members. We will also be
continuing or foray into the world of social media, and will
be interested in any of your thoughts about how to best
engage with the broader membership.
We also want to review the mineral processing toolbox,
which is a very valuable resource developed over many
years (and my sincere thanks to Peter Tilyard and others
for all the work that has gone into putting this together so
far). We have already asked our student members to
review the content and see if they can provide some
guidance about what might constitute a ‘student toolbox’
version. We also will be reviewing the full version and
seeing if we need to fill any gaps – another job for a new
committee member!
Another significant objective of the MetSoc is the review of
current pathways into the industry, mainly via University
degree programs in metallurgy, minerals and materials
engineering. This is a fairly time-intensive task and we are
hopeful that our new, reinvigorated committee will allow us
to make this activity a major focus in 2014-15.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, we will also be
conducting a ‘members’ needs’ survey, so I encourage you
all to think about the services you think the MetSoc should
be providing.
We do have some less positive news and it saddens me to
announce that the committee has had to accept the
resignation of Ben Murphy who is moving with his young
family to the USA. We will miss Ben and have asked him to
please stay in touch. I’m hoping that he will be an
enthusiastic contributor to our social media-based activities
– especially the LinkedIn site that he set up.
Planning continues for the Delprat lecture series which will
kick off with lecture number one at the 12th AusIMM Mill
Operators’ conference in Townsville. I hope to see many of
you there, and the early registration numbers certainly
indicate that this will be yet another highly successful Mill
Ops. Please feel free to come up and say hi to me or any of
our MetSoc committee members while you are there!
Diana Drinkwater MAusIMM
The Mineral Processing Toolbox is a compilation of minerals processing
information that is constantly being evolved by members on a range of topics.
Members are encouraged to contribute to this useful resource by emailing
Toolbox Coordinator and MetSoc member Peter Tilyard at
[email protected].
Access the Toolbox from the Members Only section of the AusIMM website.
On behalf of the organising committee, I am pleased to
invite you to attend the 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’
Conference, to be held in Townsville, Queensland during 13 September 2014.
The theme of this year’s conference is Achieving more with
less. Operations need to do more with less – less money,
less resources, less energy and less skills. This can be
achieved by implementing innovations in extraction and
processing, and more efficient use of existing plants.
Papers to be presented will cover a wide range of mill
operator topics. Many of these papers will be presented by
experienced operators directly relating to their operations,
and there will also be some interesting and practical
concepts presented by research institutions and vendors.
The 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference will provide
the opportunity for plant operators, metallurgists, engineers
and operational staff to learn, share and network with
others in the minerals industry to help survive the lows of
this current cycle.
Mineral processing will remain a fundamental activity for as
long as our lifestyle and technologies require minerals and
metals.
There will be professional development courses scheduled
before and after the conference which will cover grinding
and flotation chemistry, mineralogy for metallurgists and
comparative statistics and experimental design.
Since the last Mill Operators’ Conference in 2012, the
minerals boom has abated with mining and processing
plants now looking at ways to reduce their costs and
increase production to remain profitable.
Following the conference there will be planned tours to the
Townsville nickel and copper refineries, Mt Carlton Mine
and Ravenswood and Charters Towers.
Australasian operations, which already face some of the
highest costs on the planet, have seen increasing
operational costs with lower grade and more complex
orebodies. This, combined with increasing competition from
low-wage countries, signifies that we need to substantially
increase our productivity.
Take the opportunity to register and secure your place soon
for this growing conference series. We look forward to
welcoming you to Townsville in September 2014.
David Hunter MAusIMM(CP), Conference Chair
2
Alan Walsh and the Atomic Absorption Story: Celebrating 60 Years
by Peter Hannaford, Centre for Atom Optics and Ultrafast Spectroscopy, Swinburne University of Technology
The Metallurgical Society has received permission to republish an article by Peter Hannaford which appeared in
the Australian Physics Magazine (Nov-Dec 2013 edition).
Peter Hannaford is currently Professor Emeritus at
Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne. He
worked in Alan Walsh’s group at the CSIRO Division of
Chemical Physics in Clayton in the 1960s and 70s and is
the author of Walsh’s biographical memoir.
Alan Walsh and the Techtron AA‐3 atomic absorp on spectrophometer, the first all‐Australian atomic absorp on instrument. Alan Walsh originated and developed the atomic absorption
method of chemical analysis, which revolutionised
quantitative analysis in the 1960s. Atomic absorption
provided a rapid, accurate and highly sensitive method of
determining the concentrations of nearly all the elements,
rendering traditional wet- chemical methods obsolete. The
mineral industry benefited greatly from the availability of
rapid, low cost geochemical analyses in exploration, and
metal and alloy analyses in processing and production of
metals.
The method also allowed simple determination of trace
element concentrations. Its major benefits were found to be
in productivity gains, especially the ability to perform large
numbers of assays very rapidly and with a high order of
accuracy.
The article is available via the MetSoc page of the AusIMM
website.
Student news
The 4th year Metallurgy class from The University of Queensland is currently travelling in Europe on their ‘UQ Met Study
Tour’.
Look forward to their report in our next newsletter on their visits to the following mines and equipment fabrication facilities.
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Sandvik Experimental Mine, Finland
Metso Minerals and Automation, Finland
Boliden Cu Smelter, Finland
MMC Norilsk Ni Smelter, Finland
Outotec Research Facility, Finland
Zinkgruvan Zn Concentrator, Sweden
Boliden Zn Concentrator, Sweden
3
Sandvik Materials Technology, Sweden
Glencore Zn Smelter, Germany
Aurubis Cu Smelter and Recycling Facility, Germany
Nyrstar Budel Zn Smelter, Netherlands
Umicore Specialty Materials, Belgium
Rio Tinto Alcan Dunkerque Al Smelter, France
Analysing the analyser
by Brian McPherson, Application Engineer – Automation and Rob Wheeler, Automation Supervisor, Outotec South East Asia Pacific
An increasingly common tool
at modern sites, process
automation analysers provide
fast and accurate monitoring of
mineral process streams.
Poor location has a
detrimental impact on the
analyser – chemical leaks, for
example, from ceilings can
corrode the exterior, causing
faults. Exposure to excessive
heat can affect the ability of
the machine to be maintained
at the right temperature.
Highly complex and sensitive
systems, such as the Courier
6i SL for example, are capable
of measuring up to 24 sample
streams, providing 12
simultaneous assays. The
results from each sample can
be measured within 15 to 60
seconds (model dependant)
The Courier 6i SL.
with elements assayed ranging
from calcium to uranium. This valuable information allows
total control of the circuit.
Remotely does it
One method of reducing costs
is by employing preventa­tive
measures as opposed to
resolving matters afterwards. One growing trend is
installing remote access known as a Virtual Private Network
(VPN).
Troubleshooting
Successfully utilised at many sites, this remote analysis by
highly experienced technicians delivers speedy solutions to
existing and potential problems.
In most cases, troubleshooting is best left to the experts as
each problem generally requires a bespoke response. The
skilled technicians who install these systems and man the
help-desks can resolve many problems via telephone and
email. This, however, is totally reliant upon the relay of
exact and accurate information from site.
Training
Where such complex and continually evolving technology is
concerned, incorporating a day’s training will strengthen
maintenance and improve site personnel’s knowledge. With
greater understanding from training, much more can be
done at site by remote instruction.
Technicians are fully aware of the difficulties facing sites
which may not have the knowledge and training to deal with
complex analyser systems. Yet one of the greatest
challenges is the reluctance of site to relay actions they fear
may be seen as irrelevant or incorrect.
With the on-site training offered by some suppliers, for
instance, technicians review the analyser log to obtain a
history of faults and alarms. The cause of these can then
be explained to site personnel, with training on how to
address such occurrences in the future.
While common scenarios are unusual given the amount of
variables involved, one of the most generic issues involves
system resets by site.
In short
Many incidents occur after analyser alarms, (which can
indicate anything from incorrect readings to temperature
malfunction), following which, site personnel attempt to
rectify with an alarm reset. Often, if this does not achieve
the result expected, sites persist without technical
assistance.
Analysers are complex, sensitive systems and a valuable
asset in your plant. Only accurate and full disclosure to a
supplier helpdesk will result in the most appropriate
resolution.
Supplier technicians will not judge or undermine site
personnel for lack of knowledge, but are completely reliant
upon local eyes and ears, particularly considering the vast
amount of variables to be considered.
Installation
Another common issue is correct installation, particularly
layout and position. From a maintenance perspective,
correct location can greatly improve the longevity, accuracy
and wear of the analyser.
4
SPONSORED BY
INVITATION TO:
THE 2014 G D DELPRAT DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES
August – November 2014
Lecture program
Sydney
Monday 4 August, 5.15 for 5.45 pm
The Royal Exchange, 1 Gresham Street, Sydney
Enquiries: Dan Peel [email protected]
Presenter
Emeritus Laureate Professor John Ralston AO FAA FTSE
Topic
21st Century Challenges in the Chemistry of Mineral
Processing
Melbourne
Tuesday 5 August, 5.30 for 6 pm
CQ Functions, 113 William Street, Melbourne
Enquiries: Peter Tilyard [email protected]
Abstract
North West Queensland
For a century at least Australian research in the chemistry of minerals
processing has been at the very forefront of international efforts. The
observations of metallurgists and chemists at Broken Hill in the early part
of last century, combined with the prescient studies of Sutherland and
Wark during the middle years, provided a platform for the advances made
from the late nineteen eighties to the present day.
Friday 29 August, 8 am – 5 pm
Cloncurry Community Precinct, Scarr Street, Cloncurry
(to be held as part of the NWQ Regional Mining
Conference)
Enquiries: Richard Harvey [email protected]
Townsville
31 August, 5.30 for 6 pm
Jupiters Hotel, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville
(Preceding 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference
2014.)
Enquiries: Diana Drinkwater (Chair MetSoc)
[email protected]
Perth
Monday 10 November, 5.30 for 6 pm
Celtic Club, 48 Ord Street, West Perth
Enquiries: Ivor Roberts [email protected]
Kalgoorlie
Tuesday 11 November, 5.30 for 6 pm
Hannan’s Club, Corner of Maritana and Brookman
Streets, Kalgoorlie
Enquiries: James Didovich [email protected]
Adelaide
13 November, 12.30 for 1.00 pm
Historian Hotel, Coromandel Lane, Adelaide
Enquiries: David Pollard [email protected]
The AusIMM Metallurgical Society thanks
FL Smidth for their sponsorship.
This lecture series is brought to you by
The AusIMM Metallurgical Society
in association with AusIMM Branches
Attendance is worth one PD hour.
Across the nation, modern solution and structural chemistry, interfacial
physics and surface chemistry, in combination with electrochemistry,
advanced mathematics and mineralogy have facilitated significant
advances in the science and practice of the chemistry of minerals
processing. In this lecture, historical contributions are recognised,
however the emphasis is placed upon Australian efforts that have been at
the very leading edge internationally from 1988 onwards.
Chemistry has revolutionised how we manipulate the processing of
complex sulfide minerals, control the solution chemistry of Bayer liquors
during alumina refining, aggregate tailing particles and dewater efficiently,
optimise mineral surfaces during grinding and develop novel methods of
solvent extraction.
The ‘value’ of research in the chemistry of minerals processing has been
independently quantified, with a financial return of at least 22 to one for
example, in the instance of flotation. The future for disruptive chemical
research is bright, integrating modern IT, data processing and sensor
techniques in a holistic approach. A critical element is to ensure that very
bright researchers continue to be attracted to the field and that industry
maintains an intense interest in, and capacity to apply, the research
outcomes.
John Ralston is a Physical and Colloid Chemist with complementary
training in metallurgy, whose research interests embrace various aspects
of interfacial science and engineering.
He was the Founding Director of the Ian Wark Research Institute and
was the driving force behind the establishment of The Wark in 1994. Over
the past three decades John has actively supervised more than 80 PhD
research students who have subsequently established successful
careers in universities, industry and research institutions around the
world.
June 2014
OPEN INVITATION TO THE
INAUGURAL JAMESON DISTINGUISHED LECTURE
THEME OF THE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES IS
“INNOVATION IN MINING AND MINERAL RECOVERY”
FREE PUBLIC ADDRESS TITLED
Mainly froth & bubble
Recent advances in flotation technology
BY
Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson AO.
B.Sc (Hons); Assoc. Sydney Technical College; PhD (Cambridge).
NSW Scientist of the Year (2013); Guillaume Delprat Distinguished Lecture; Antoine Gaudin Award (USA); Sir Ian
Wark Medal & Lecture; Centenary Medal; Chemeca Medal; Fellow – Australian Academy of Science; Fellow
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Foreign Fellow Royal Academy of Engineering
(UK); Member, International Mining Hall of Fame (USA); Peter Nicol Russell Medal; Presidents Medal AusIMM; KL
Sutherland Memorial Medal; RK Murphy Medal; Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award; CSIRO
Research Medal.
Professor Jameson is a Chemical Engineer specialising in Fluid Mechanics, Mineral Processing and Surface
Chemistry.
Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson's contribution to the Australian economy and the environment is as the inventor of the
Jameson Cell. Considered by many to be the nation's biggest export earner in the last 25 years, the Cell is a froth flotation
device that has netted Australia more than $26 billion in exports and has earned him gold status within the minerals industry.
With over 300 cells now in operation across 25 countries, the Cell is being used for copper, coal, zinc, nickel, lead, silver and
platinum extraction world-wide.
The Cell is also being used for industrial and environmental applications including extracting oil from tar sands in Canada,
cleaning up industrial wastewaters in Newcastle and other locations in Australia, and removing blue-green algae from
waterways in inland Australia. The finely-ground particles that were once too small to recover and previously dumped into
rivers, or buried, can now be processed. Old mines now have a longer life, and new mines can have lower average grades
due to improved mineral recoveries.
Prof Jameson' research continues to push the boundaries and he is currently working on a Fluidised Bed Flotation Cell that
has the potential to make massive reductions in the energy used in Australia's minerals industry.
Thursday 31st July 2014.
Venue: Harold Lobb Concert Hall
Newcastle Conservatorium
Corner Laman Street & Auckland Street
NEWCASTLE
6.00pm for 6.30pm
p8
You are cordially invited to the 10th
Anniversary of the Mining & Resources Ball.
This fantastic event is hosted by the AusIMM
Southern Queensland Branch in aid of the
Royal Flying Doctor Service, to celebrate our
fabulous industry and to enjoy a great time
with partners, staff, clients and friends.
2014 MINING AND
RESOURCES BALL
H I LT O N H O T E L B A L L R O O M
190 ELIZABETH STREET, BRISBANE
31
OCTOBER
2014
7:00PM FOR 7:30PM / DRESS: EVENING
RSVP BY 24 OCTOBER 2014 (LIMITED SEATING, EARLY BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED)
ENQUIRIES: [email protected]
TICKETS $200
$2,200 INCL GST
CORPORATE TABLE
Where:
Date:
Time:
Dress:
RSVP:
Hilton Hotel Ballroom,
190 Elizabeth Street,
Brisbane
31 October 2014
7.00pm for 7.30pm
Evening
24 October 2014
Includes: A premium three-course meal,
beverages and excellent entertainment
Tickets are $200 per person or $2200 for a
Corporate Table of 10 (including GST). Please
see overleaf for sponsorship packages. If you
would like to discuss a tailored
sponsorship package or have any enquiries
regarding the event, please contact Stacey
Ramadge: [email protected] or
03 9658 6100
To register for this event or to make a donation
to the RFDS, Please CLICK HERE.
2014 MINING AND RESOURCES BALL
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PLATINUM
SILVER
CORPORATE TABLES
$9,000 incl. GST
5 x tables of 10 per sponsor
• Presentation and recognition on the
introduction presentation
• Table signage
• Your logo on the menus
• Display your corporate banner
• Provide corporate gifts
$5,750 incl. GST
3 x tables of 10 per sponsor
• Recognition on the introduction
presentation
• Table signage
• Your logo on the menus
• Display your corporate banner
$2,200 incl. GST
1 x table of 10
• Table signage
GOLD
BRONZE
$7,500 incl. GST
4 x tables of 10 per sponsor
• Recognition on the introduction
presentation
• Table signage
• Your logo on the menus
• Display your corporate banner
$4,000 incl. GST
2 x table of 10 per sponsor
• Recognition on the introduction
presentation
• Table signage
• Your logo on the menus
If you would like to discuss a tailored
sponsorship package or have any enquiries
regarding the event, please contact Stacey Ramadge:
[email protected] or 03 9658 6100
12th AusIMM
Mill Operators’
Conference 2014
Achieving more with less
1-3 September 2014, Townsville, Australia
Keynote Presenters:
• Concentrators – Past, Present and Future Trends for Operators and Service Providers
Tom Hunter FAusIMM(CP), Head of Solution Sales, South East Asia Pacific, Outotec
• Cunning Solutions to Process Improvement
Professor Tim Napier-Munn FAusIMM(CP), Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre,
The University of Queensland
• Achieving More With Less: Approaches and Methodologies
Andrew Newell MAusIMM(CP), Executive Consultant, Processing, RungePincockMinarco
• Manual Control, Process Automation – Or Operational Performance Excellence?
What is the Difference?
Philip Thwaites, Manager, Process Control & EIT Program, XPS Consulting & Testwork
Services, Glencore Canada
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Conference Highlights:
• Three day technical program
• Over 50 presentations
• Three networking functions
• 30+ trade booths
• Professional Development workshops
• Technical site tours
Platinum Sponsors
ALLIANCE
Gold Sponsors
To register visit: www.milloperators2014.ausimm.com.au