Annual Meeting Preliminary Program - Full Brochure (PDF) - SME

TECHNICAL PROGRAM
zinc (in the case of indium) and copper (in the case of tellurium) production. If
demand for these elements increases, will incremental supplies come from expanded
byproduct production at costs similar to recent prices? If not, where
might incremental supply come from and what costs?
2:45 PM
Palygorskite End Uses: Functions Follow Form
C. Trimble; Oil Dri Corporation of America, Ochlocknee, GA
Palygorskite (AKA Attapulgite) is a peculiar clay mineral with an interesting
structure. The characteristics that distinguish it from other clay minerals are the
source of these materials useful properties. This talk is a brief overview of how
these clays differ structurally from other phyllosilicates, with discussion of the
mineral classification and structure relating structure to end uses. Includes a review
of known distribution of world class deposits, and covers historic uses and
records, development of the many current uses and benefits, and speculation regarding
potential future uses.
3:05 PM
Lithium End Uses and Developments
D. Bryan; Western Lithium Corp., Reno, NV
Lithium has been a commodity of great interest the last few years, primarily because
of its inroads into use in batteries, and more particularly into the electrification
of transportation. As more hybrids hit the road and the introduction of all
electric vehicles takes hold the future for lithium looks bright indeed. The unique
properties of lithium dictate its choice as the battery of the future. But there are
other uses as well. They may not be as well recognizable but they are nonetheless
an important influence on the lithium market, such as greases, ceramics, glass,
pharmaceuticals, drilling muds, etc. In addition to these end use developments
the paper will also give an update on who the players are, both those who have an
established market share, and those who hope to get a foot into this growing industry.
The different lithium host environments, i.e. pegmatites, brines, clays, will
also be discussed with reference to their share of the market.
3:25 PM
Kaolin Forms and Formulations for Multiple End Uses
R. Pruett; Imerys, Sandersville, GA
About five million tons per year of kaolin is produced in Georgia, USA for use in
paper, ceramics and performance mineral applications such as rubber and paint.
Up to about 20% to 30% of Georgia kaolin is shipped within North America by
truck or rail as a slurry form. The remaining kaolin is shipped dry bulk or bagged
as spray dried or pulverized forms. Kaolin product formulations have been developed
to maintain product fitness-for-use in different forms and end uses. This
paper will discuss how kaolin is formulated for ease of handling and make-down
into end-use applications. The use of dispersants to improve kaolin performance
over time will be reviewed.
3:45 PM
Ochre – A Natural Iron Oxide in the Colored Pigment Market
S. Bearden; New Riverside Ochre Company, Cartersville, GA
Color enhances expression and communication in all physical objects experienced
in life. Pigments provide color and in some applications have a specific additional
function. Iron oxide ores are widely distributed throughout the world but
only a few deposits are sufficiently pure and possess acceptable color and brightness
properties to merit their processing into pigment form. Ochre, the common
name for goethite ore, is the best and most under used material in the buff colored
pigment market. The geological occurrence of ochre in the basal Shady
Formation of the Cartersville Mining District (Georgia) is described.
Exploration, processing, and product applications of New Riverside Ochre
Company, Inc., are discussed. A brief overview of the worldwide pigment market
is presented with emphasis placed upon the North American activity in iron
oxide production and application. The purpose of this paper is to increase the
awareness of ochre and its potential market in the colored iron oxide pigment industry,
encourage research on the origin of ochre deposits, and stimulate interest
in new applications of this unique substance.
Mineral & Metallurgical Processing
PLenary SeSSIon
2:00 PM • Monday, February 25
chairs: M. Bender, Newmont Mining Corp.
C. Young, Montana Tech of the University of
Montana
M. Moats, Missouri University of Science and
Technology
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GaudIn Lecturer:
Graeme J. Jameson, University of Newcastle
chair:
rIchardS Lecturer:
Nick Hazen, Hazen Research Inc.
WadSWorth Lecturer:
Jan D. Miller, University of Utah
Mining & exploration:
hot topics: are american Mining
colleges Sustainable?
2:00 PM • Monday, February 25
T.D. Arnold, Geovic Mining, Denver, CO
Mining Colleges and Universities have been struggling for many years. Funding
cuts, lack of students, lack of professors, and pressure from administration are
just some of the common problems with many schools across the nation. This
session will focus on what colleges and industry can do to make a steady flow of
mining graduates a reality. Academics and industry professionals close to the
issue will discuss changing the way we look at mining colleges, the way they are
funded, and debate new and drastic changes that may be needed from academia,
college administrators, and industry.
INCLUDED PANEL MEMBERS:
Dr. Thomas O’Neil
Corporate Director, former professor at the University of Arizona and
retired President and COO, Cleveland-Cliffs.
Dr. Nigel Middleton
Senior Vice President for Strategic Enterprises,
Colorado School of Mines
Dr. Jeffrey S. Thompson
Dean, College of Science, University of Nevada, Reno
Hugh E. Harvey, Jr.
Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of
Intrepid Potash
This is the Technical Program as of September 1, 2012. IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
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Please see the Onsite Program for final details.