2007 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit and Colorado Mining ...

www.smenet.org 

Includes complete details on: 

Technical Program 

Exhibit 

Short Courses 

Field Trips 

Tours 

Registration 

Hotels 

and much more! 

2007 SME 

Annual Meeting & Exhibit 

and 

Colorado Mining Association 

109th National Western 

Mining Conference 

February 25-28, 2007 

Colorado Convention Center 

Denver, Colorado

Celebrate 

50 years 

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. 

~ Celebrates 50 years ~ 

as a 

Member Society of AIME 

1957-2007 

SME will mark its 50-year Anniversary with a Gala Dinner Celebration 

Sunday, February 25, 2007 

7:00 PM 

Hyatt Regency Hotel – Denver, Colorado 

This special event will be held in conjunction with the 2007 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit. 

The SME Foundation will host this historic event. 

This formal dinner will include; 

A Four-course Meal ~ Commemorative Champagne Glasses ~ Collectable Memento 

Live Band ~ Recollection display from 50 years of serving the minerals industry. 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES are available for this unique event. For more information contact: 

SME, Meetings Dept., meetings@smenet.org, 800-763-3132, 303-973-9550.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Alumni and Special Functions . . . . . . . 24 

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Colorado Mining Assoc. Program . . 13 

Educators Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 

Exhibit Floor Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 

Exhibitor Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 

Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Housing Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 

Hotel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Keynote Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Membership, SME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Mentor Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Program Committee, SME . . . . . . . . . 36 

Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . 77-78 

Short Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Social/Division Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Sponsorship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Website Contest, SME . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

TECHNICAL PROGRAM 

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

Monday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 

Photo courtesy of Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Registration Information 

Full payment MUST accompany the completed Advance 

Registration Form. 

When registering by fax or online DO NOT SEND ANOTHER COPY 

BY MAIL. 

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

provided on the registration form. If no email address is provided, 

confirmation will be sent by regular mail. 

3 

Register early to receive discounts! 

Please complete the Advance 

Registration Form on the inside back 

cover and return no later than 

JANUARY 24, 2007, to: 

MAIL: 

SME Meeting Registration 

90 South West Temple 

Salt Lake City, UT 84101 

For registration questions – call SME 

Meeting Registration 

PHONE: 

1-800-915-0618 

FAX: 

(801) 355-0250 (secure line) 

E-MAIL: 

registration@saltlake.org 

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS 

For conference program 

questions, call SME 

Meetings Dept. 

PHONE: 

(303) 973–9550 or 

(800) 763–3132 

FAX: 

(303) 979–3461 

E-MAIL: 

meetings@smenet.org 

Save time… register online! 

ONLINE: 


CHECK OUT the SME 

Website for meeting 

information. 

Specially prepared registration forms have been provided in your exhibitor service manual. 

Booth personnel of exhibiting firms should NOT use the forms contained in the conference mailer. 

For questions, or to obtain the exhibiting forms, contact: SME Exhibit Sales and Operations at (303) 948-4213.

ADVANCE DEADLINE: 

JANUARY 24, 2007 

For Hotel Reservations and 

Meeting Registration 

Location Information 

All technical sessions, division luncheons, and 

short courses will be conducted at: 


700 14th Street 

Denver, Colorado 80202 

Phone: (303) 228-8000 

Website: www.denverconvention.com 

Registration Fees 

To receive advance registration fees, SME must receive 

your registration form and payment by January 24, 2007. 

After January 24, 2007 on-site registration fees apply. 

One-day advance registration is available for members and 

authors only. 

Nonmember Registrants 

Join SME or CMA by January 24, 2007 and save $$$ on 

your full meeting registration fee. 

Registration Policy 

All attendees and authors at the SME/CMA Annual Meeting 

are required to register. Nonmember authors may register at 

the member rate. The one-day fee for members is available 

only for the day you want to attend (Sunday, Monday, 

Tuesday, or Wednesday). The appropriate badge is required 

for admittance to the technical sessions and exhibit and will 

be checked at the entrance of all activities. Attendees 

interested in touring the exhibit only can purchase a oneday 

pass. Exhibit-only registrations ARE NOT permitted to 

attend the technical sessions. 

Legion of Honor Registration Policy 

Legion of Honor Members are entitled to receive reduced 

registration fees for the 2007 SME Annual Meeting. 

Attendees requesting this category of registration must meet 

eligibility requirements and must be on record at SME as a 

Legion of Honor Member. A Legion of Honor Member must 

have acquired 50 years of membership. SME Members are 

automatically moved to this membership class. 

Senior Member Registration Policy 

Retired Senior members are entitled to receive reduced 

registration fees for the 2007 SME Annual Meeting. 

Attendees requesting this category of registration must meet 

eligibility requirements and must be on record at SME as a 

Senior Member. A Senior Member is a retired member who 

has reached 70 years of age with 30 continuous years of 

membership with SME. Individuals must contact the SME 

General Information 

4 

Membership Department and request this category of 

membership (based on qualifications). Questions regarding 

Senior Member status should be directed to the SME 

Membership Coordinator at (303) 948-4204. 

Student Registration Policy 

Student registrants for the 2007 SME/CMA Annual Meeting & 

Exhibit must meet eligibility requirements. SME requires that 

an individual must be attending a college, university, or higher 

education institution on a full-time basis to qualify for student 

registration rates. SME cannot process student registrations 

without evidence that you are a full-time student. Students 

enrolled in 12 or more semester credit hours are considered 

full-time. When sending your registration to SME Meeting 

Registration, please provide registration confirmation from 

your educational institution. Acceptable confirmation includes: 

transcript, most recent report card, or official school 

registration documents. Student registration forms without 

this information will not be processed. 

Cancellation/Substitution Policy 

If circumstances require you to cancel your SME/CMA 

registration, you must do so in writing. Written notice must be 

sent to SME Meeting Registration, 90 South West Temple, 

Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Cancellations received by January 

24, 2007 will receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. 

There are no refunds for no-shows and cancellations 

postmarked after January 24, 2007. Registrants are 

responsible for cancellation of their own hotel 

accommodations. Substitutions will be accepted in writing 

at no charge until January 24, 2007. After January 24, 2007 a 

$25 fee will be charged for substitutions. 

NO REFUNDS – for Registration, Short Course, Social 

Function, Tour and Field Trip tickets will be issued after the 

January 24, 2007, DEADLINE. 

International Delegates – 

Letter of Invitation 

SME will send a letter of invitation to paid, full registrants upon 

request. Invitations are intended to help international 

delegates raise travel funds or obtain a visa. It is not a 

commitment from the Conference or the organizers to 

provide any financial support. Request for letters of 

invitation must include: attendee name, job title, company 

name, mailing address (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable), 

city/province, state, country, zip/postal code, phone & fax 

number, and beginning and end dates of travel. Also, provide 

the address, phone and fax number of your embassy. All 

items must be submitted to complete a letter of invitation. 

Send your written request to: 

SME Meetings Dept., 

8307 Shaffer Parkway 

Littleton, Colorado USA 80127-7002 

or 

E-mail: meetings@smenet.org

Housing Reservation Information 

Hotel accommodations are available at the Grand Hyatt, 

Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center, Marriott City 

Center, and the Westin Tabor Center. See page 8 for detailed 

hotel and address information. 

Please complete the Hotel Reservation form and RETURN 

NO LATER THAN JANUARY 24, 2007, TO: 

SME Housing Bureau 



Phone: 1-800-915-0618 

Fax: (801) 355-0250 (secure line) 

E-mail: housing@saltlake.org 

Online: www.smenet.org 

DO NOT send your housing form to SME or CMA. 

A VALID CREDIT CARD NUMBER MUST ACCOMPANY 

THE COMPLETED HOTEL RESERVATION FORM TO 

GUARANTEE RESERVATION. 

Acknowledgements will be sent by the SME Housing Bureau. 

Purchasing Tickets 

Attendees must register to purchase tickets for social 

functions and/or field trips. Registrants may purchase 

multiple tickets. 

CD-ROM – Meeting Pre-prints 

Each full, one-day, and student registrant will receive a 

CD-ROM of pre-prints from the 2007 SME/CMA Annual 

Meeting. Additional CD-ROMs are available for purchase 

see Registration Form in this mailer. These will be available 

for pick-up in the SME Bookstore during the meeting. (Offer 

excludes discounted, and exhibits only registrations). 

Short Courses 

SME Short Courses will be conducted at the Colorado 

Convention Center. See page 23 for details. 

Technical Sessions 

All SME and CMA technical sessions will be conducted at 

the Colorado Convention Center. SME technical sessions 

start on page 38 and CMA sessions start on page 13. 

Tours & Field Trips 

Explore Colorado! All tours and field trips are subject to 

cancellation based on limited attendance. Make your 

reservations early using the registration form in this manual. 

See pages 29-30 for tour details and pages 31-32 for field 

trip details. 


5 

SME Cyber Cafe 

The Cyber Cafe is located in the exhibit hall at the Colorado 

Convention Center. Computers will be available during 

exhibit hours to surf the net, retrieve and send e-mail 

messages, view mining websites, or just stay connected! 

Registration Hours 

On-site registration will be conducted during the following 

hours in the Convention Center 

Saturday, February 24 Noon – 5:00 pm 

(Short Course Registration 

and Exhibitors Only) 

Sunday, February 25 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 

Monday, February 26 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Tuesday, February 27 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Wednesday, February 28 7:00 am – 2:00 pm 

Exhibit Hours 

Exhibitor products and services will be showcased at the 

2007 SME Annual Exhibit and CMA National Western 

Mining Conference at the Colorado Convention Center. 

Badges are required for admittance. 

Sunday, February 25 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 



Wednesday, February 28 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 

SME Bookstore Hours 

The SME Bookstore will be located in the Colorado 

Convention Center. It will feature SME publications and a 

large selection of signature merchandise.You can also pickup 

your copy of the pre-print CD-ROM of the 2007 Annual 

Meeting by redeeming your ticket enclosed in your 

registration packet on-site. The SME Bookstore will be open 

the following hours: 




Wednesday, February 28 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Airport/Transportation Services 

Denver International Airport (Airport Code DEN) 

8500 Pena Boulevard 

Denver, Colorado 80249-6340 USA 

Phone: (303) 342–2000 

For further detailed information regarding Denver 

International Airport, please contact the airport directly, or 

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

Transportation 

Downtown Denver is accessible via shuttle, taxi and 

personal vehicle. 

SuperShuttle: (800) 525–3177 or (303) 370–1300 (Denver 

Reservations) 

Approximate cost for shuttle service from Denver 

International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver is $19 oneway/$36 

round trip. Please contact SuperShuttle for the 

prevailing rates. Reservations are not required. Proceed to 

Level 5/Baggage Claim of the main terminal. SuperShuttle’s 

counter is adjacent to the car rental counters. For further 

details, please visit SuperShuttle’s official Web page at 

www.supershuttledenver.com. 

Taxi Service: Taxi service from Denver International Airport 

to downtown Denver is approximately $46 one-way. 

Freedom Cab Phone: (303) 444–4444 

Metrotaxi Phone: (303) 333–3333 

Yellowcab Phone: (303) 777–7777 


SPONSOR 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

Place your company logo in front of every attendee… 

BE A SPONSOR! 

Increase your visibility before more than 4,000 mineral professionals through the Sponsorship Program. 

Opportunities include, exhibit floor grand opening reception, welcoming luncheon, division luncheons, tote 

bags, division functions, cyber café advertising. Many more possibilities are available for showcasing your 

name and brand to the industry. 

See sponsorships for 2007 at www.smenet.org. 

For further details on sponsorship packages, please contact (303) 948-4216 or at meetings@smenet.org. 

Sponsorships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Influence the Industry with your sponsorship! 

6 

Driving directions from Denver International Airport to 

downtown Denver: 

• Start out going North on TERMINAL; RETURN towards 

PENA BLVD by turning left. 

• Take PENA BLVD. 

• Take I-70 WEST towards Denver. 

• Take I-25 SOUTH. 

• Exit onto SPEER BLVD. SOUTH. 

Please refer to page 8 for addresses and locations of hotels. 

Parking: There are a number of parking options near The 

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

Please visit www.downtowndenver.com/info/ for updated 

information regarding surface and garage parking options in 

downtown Denver. Check with your selected hotel regarding 

parking services, rates and availability. 

Shuttle Service Provided 

Shuttle buses will run between Grand Hyatt, Marriott, 

Westin and the Colorado Convention Center. Shuttles 

operate on 10-20 minute intervals depending upon 

distance, traffic and weather conditions. 




Wednesday, February 28 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Conference Registration Includes: 

Full Registrants Receive: 

� 2007 Pre-print CD-ROM 

� Daily Exhibit Hall Access 

� Grand Opening Reception (Sunday, Exhibit Hall) 

� Welcoming Luncheon (Monday, Exhibit Hall) 

� Admittance to Technical Sessions 

� Admittance to Keynote Session 

� Refreshment Break (Tuesday, Exhibit Hall) 

� Continental Breakfast (Wednesday, Exhibit Hall) 

One-day Member-only Registrants Receive: 

� 2007 Pre-print CD-ROM 

� Exhibit Hall Access on Registered Day 

� Grand Opening Reception 

(Sunday registrants only, Exhibit Hall) 

� Welcoming Luncheon (Monday registrants only, Exhibit Hall) 

� Admittance to Technical Sessions on 

Registered Day 


� Refreshment Break (Tuesday registrants only, Exhibit Hall) 


Exhibit Hall-only Registrants Receive: 

� Exhibit Hall Access on Registered Day 


(Sunday registrants only, Exhibit Hall) 

� Welcoming Luncheon (Monday registrants only, Exhibit Hall) 

� Refreshment Break (Tuesday registrants only, Exhibit Hall) 




7 

Things to See and Do in 

DENVER 

The Denver Zoo 

2300 Steele Street 

(on 23rd between Colorado and York) 

Phone: (303) 376–4800 

www.denverzoo.org 

Larimer Square 

A restored section of Denver’s oldest street, this 

block of victorian buildings’ houses restaurants, 

shops and clubs. 

14th - 15th on Larimer 

Phone: (303) 534-2367 

Downtown Aquarium 

700 Water Street 

Phone: (303) 561–4450 

www.oceanjourney.org 

Denver Art Museum 

100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway 

Phone: (720) 865–5000 

www.denverartmuseum.org 

Denver Museum of Nature and Science 

2100 Colorado Boulevard 

Phone: (303) 322–7009 

www.dmns.org 

16th Street Mall 

Enjoy Denver’s pedestrian mall and Denver Pavilions 

between Market and Broadway Streets – only a few 

blocks from each hotel. (A free shuttle is available for 

transportation up and down the 16th street.) 

Please visit the SME website at www.smenet.org 

for more things to see and do in Denver.

ABOUT 

DENVER 

HOTELS 

� For all hotels check-in time is 

3PM and check-out time is 

Noon. 

� Airport Shuttles are not 

available. 

� All hotels have handicap 

facilities, request special needs 

when making reservations. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

GRAND HYATT 

1750 Welton Street 


Phone: 303-295-1234 

Fax: 303-292-2472 

HYATT REGENCY AT 

COLORADO CONVENTION 

CENTER 

650 15th Street 


Phone: 303-436-1234 

Fax: 303-486-4655 

MARRIOTT CITY CENTER 

1701 California Street 


Phone: 303-297-1300 

Fax: 303-298-7474 

WESTIN TABOR CENTER 

1672 Lawrence Street 


Phone: 303-572-9100 

Fax: 303-572-7228 

SPEER BLVD 

SPEER BLVD 

COLFAX 

13th ST. 

➞ 

➞ 

N 

14th ST. 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

Denver Performing Arts 

Complex 


CENTER 

$148 Single 

$158 Double 

$183 Triple 

$ 208 Quad 

$164 Single 

$164 Double 

$174 Triple 

$174 Quad 

$139 Single 

$154 Double 

$177 Triple 

$196 Quad 

$159 Single 

$159 Double 

$159 Triple 

$159 Quad 

8 

➞ 

LARIMER ST. 

LAWRENCE ST. 

ARAPAHOE ST. 

➞ 

CURTIS ST. 

➞ 

CHAMPA ST. 

➞ 

STOUT ST. 

CALIFORNIA ST. 

2 

WELTON ST. 

GLENARM PL. 

TREMONT PL. 

COURT PL. 

15th ST. 

➞ 

➞ 

16th ST. PEDESTRAIN MALL (FREE SHUTTLE) 

CLEVELAND 

24 Hour Service 

4 

➞ 

17th ST. 

➞ 

BROADWAY 

ROOM RATES 

HOTELS ADD 14.25% TAX ROOM SERVICE FITNESS FACILITY 

6AM – Midnight 

6AM – 1AM 

24 Hour Service 

1 

3 

18th ST. 

➞ 

Yes 

Indoor Pool 

Yes 

Indoor Pool 

Yes 

Indoor Pool 

Yes 

Indoor Pool

ENERGY 

2007 CMA/SME KEYNOTE SESSION 

9:00 AM — Monday, February 26, 2007 

This session is your opportunity to learn about… 

• FutureGen, the cooperative effort between the United States Department of Energy 

and the industry to develop the world’s first zero emissions coal power plant. 

• Coal to liquid fuels technologies. 

• The role of coal in the transition to the hydrogen fuel cell economy. 

• How demand for nuclear energy and supply constraints will impact the future of energy 

use and mineral development. 

The opening session will feature a “view from the top” as senior governmental and 

industry leaders review the outlook for the mining of coal, metals, and other minerals. 

Introductions by 

Scott McInnis, Partner, Hogan & Hartson, LLC, Denver, Colorado, 

109th National Western Mining Conference Chairman 

Moderator, Keynote Session 

Speakers 

Honorable Ken Salazar, United States Senator, Colorado (invited) 

Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary, United States Department of the Interior, 

Washington, DC (invited) 

Honorable Samuel Bodman, Secretary, United States Department of Energy, 

Washington, DC (invited) 

Fredrick D. Palmer, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, 

Peabody Energy, St. Louis, Missouri 

Ken Nemeth, Executive Director & Secretary for the Southern States Energy Board, 

Norcross, Georgia 

Gerald Grandey, CEO, CAMECO, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (invited) 

9

� Saturday, February 24 

Exhibitor Set-up 

8 AM – 5 PM Exhibit Hall CC 

SHORT COURSES 

Short Course Registration 

7 – 9 AM CC 

Short Course Coffee Break 

7:15 – 9 AM CC 

Short Course: Mine Closure 

9 AM – 5 PM CC 


10:15 – 10:30 AM CC 

Short Course Luncheon 

Noon – 1 PM CC 

Exhibitor Registration 


Short Course Break 

2:30 – 3 PM CC 

BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

ABET General Information & Training 

8 AM – 5 PM HC 

SME Audit Committee 

9 – 11 AM HC 

SME MPD Nominating Committee 

10 AM – Noon HC 

ABET General Information & 

Training Lunch 

Noon – 1:30 PM HC 

SME Board Orientation 

1 PM – 5 PM HC 

SME Internet Committee 

3 – 5 PM HC 

Calendar of Events 

� Sunday, February 25 

Exhibitor Registration 


Exhibitor Set-up 


SHORT COURSES 


7:15 – 9 AM CC 

Short Course Registration 

7:00 – 9 AM CC 

Short Course: Mine Closure 


Short Course: Introduction to Thickening 



10:15 – 10:30 AM CC 

Short Course Luncheon 


Short Course Break 

2:30 – 3 PM CC 

REGISTRATION 


SME BOOKSTORE 

8 AM – 5 PM Foyer CC 

EXHIBITS OPENING 

5 – 7 PM Exhibit Hall CC 


SME Executive Committee Section Reps 

7:30 – 9:30 AM HC 

SME/NSSGA Student Design Competition 

Finals Presentations 

7:30 AM – 2 PM HC 

See page 23 for detailed short course information! 

10 

SME Professional Registration Workshop 

8 AM – 4 PM HC 

ASMR Meeting 

8 AM– 4 PM HC 

SME Coal & Energy Unit Committee 

9 – 10 AM HC 

SME National GEM Committee 


SME Coal & Energy Division 

Executive Committee 


SME Environmental Division 

Executive Committee 


SME IndMD Executive Committee 


SME M&E Division Executive Committee 


SME MPD Executive Committee 


SME Minerals Schools Dept. Heads 

9:30 AM – Noon HC 

SME Student Chapter Reps Subcommittee 

11 – Noon HC 

SME Board of Directors 

Noon – 4 PM HC 

IndMD Program Committee 

1 – 2 PM HC 

SME Student Forum & Reception 

1 – 3 PM CC 

SME MPD Unit Committee 

2 – 3 PM HC 

SME Construction Materials and 

Aggregates Committee Meeting 

2 – 4 PM HC 

Mentor Meeting Place 

3 – 5 PM CC 

SME Educators Forum 

3 – 5 PM CC 

SME Annual Meeting of Members 

4 – 5 PM HC 

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS 

Grand Opening Reception 

5 – 7 PM Exhibit Hall CC 

Don’t miss this event! 

SME 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner (Ticketed) 

Hosted by: SME Foundation 

7 – Midnight HC 

SME Student Mixer 

9 PM – Midnight HC 

TOUR 

Winter Park Ski Train 

6:30 AM – 6:45 PM HC 

CC = COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER HC = HYATT TT REGENCY CONVENTION CENTER GH = GRAND HYATT

� Monday, February 26 

REGISTRATION 




SME/CMA KEYNOTE SESSION 

9 AM – 11:30 AM CC 

EXHIBIT 

11 AM – 5:30 PM Exhibit Hall CC 

DREYER LECTURE 

1:30 – 2:30 PM CC 


OTC Planning Committee 

7 – 9 AM HC 

SME Young Leaders Committee 

7 – 9 AM HC 

SME Membership Committee 

7 – 9 AM HC 

SME Minerals Resources Management 

Committee 

7 – 9 AM HC 

SME/CMA Authors’ Coffee 

7:30 – 8:30 AM CC 

SME/CMA Speaker Ready Room 

7:30 AM – 5 PM CC 

Environmental Div. Business Meeting 

8 – 9 AM CC 

SME IndMD Technical Committee 

8 – 9 AM HC 

SME Bulk Material Handling Committee 

11:30 AM – 1 PM CC 

SME Accreditation and Curricular Issues 

1 – 3 PM CC 

SME MPD Service Meeting 

2 – 3:30 PM CC 

SME Mining Engineering Handbook 

Editoral Board 

2 – 4 PM CC 

UCA of SME 2 – 4 PM HC 

SME Mining Engineering Committee 

2:30 – 4:30 PM CC 

ABET Visitor Selection Committee (Closed) 

3 – 5 PM CC 

SME IndMD Nominating Committee 

4 – 5 PM HC 

Dreyer Award Committee 

4 – 5:30 PM HC 


Welcome Luncheon 

11:30 AM Exhibit Hall CC 

TOUR 

Foothills Fandango 

9 AM – 2 PM Departs Lobby B CC 


� Tuesday, February 27 

REGISTRATION 




GAUDIN LECTURE 

8:30 – 9 AM 

CC 

EXHIBIT 

11 AM – 5:30 PM Exhibit Hall CC 


SME Section Reps: Regional 

Breakout Meeting 

7 – 9 AM HC 

SME Foundation Board of Trustee Meeting 

7 – 9 AM HC 


7:30 – 8:30 AM CC 


7:30 AM – 5 PM CC 

Sustainable Development Cmte. 8-9 AM CC 

Student Desn. Competition Planning Mtg 8 – 10 AM CC 

Silent Auctions – ED & MPD 


SME M&MP Editorial Board 


SME Student Member Affairs Committee 

10 AM – Noon CC 

SME 2008 Annual Meeting Exhibit Space Sales 

10 AM – 5 PM CC 

SME Coal & Energy Division Business Meeting 

Noon – 2 PM (held during Luncheon) CC 

SME Environmental Business Mtg. 1:30 - 2PM CC 

SME IndMD Business Meeting 1:45 – 2 PM CC 

11 


SME Research Council Meeting 

2 – 4 PM CC 

SME Council of Education & Accreditation 

3 – 5 PM CC 

SME Information Publishing Committee 

3 – 5 PM HC 

SME M&E/Coal Underground Ventilation 

Unit Committee 

4 – 5 PM CC 


Women of SME Breakfast (Ticketed) 

7:30 – 9 AM HC 

Hosted Refreshment Break 

10:30 AM Exhibit Hall CC 

SME Coal & Energy Division Luncheon, 

Silent Auction & Business Meeting (Ticketed) 

Noon – 1:30 PM CC 

SME Environmental Luncheon & Silent Auction 

(Ticketed) 


SME IndMD Division Luncheon 

(Ticketed) 


Operators Open Session 

4 – 5 PM CC 

International Visitor’s Reception 

(By Invitation) 

5:30 – 7 PM HC 

CMA Pollution Prevention Banquet 

(Ticketed) 

6 – 9 PM HC 

Scotch Nightcap (Ticketed) 

8 – 11 PM HC 

TOUR 

Best of Boulder 


CC = COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER HC = HYATT REGENCY CONVENTION CENTER GH = GRAND HYATT

� Wednesday, February 28 

REGISTRATION 




EXHIBIT 

8 AM – Noon Exhibit Hall CC 

Exhibitor Move-out 

Noon – 10 PM Exhibit Hall CC 

WADSWORTH LECTURE 

8:30 – 9 AM CC 

RICHARDS’ LECTURE 

1:15 – 1:45 PM CC 

JACKLING LECTURE 

1:30 – 2 PM CC 


SME All Region Section Meeting 

7 – 9 AM CC 


7:30 – 8:30 AM CC 

SME 2008 Annual Meeting 

Program Committee 

7:30 – 9 AM CC 

SME/AIME Past President’s Breakfast 

7:30 – 9 AM HC 


7:30 AM – 5 PM CC 

SME 2009 Annual Meeting 

Program Committee 

9 – 10 AM CC 

AIME Mudd Fund Committee 

9:30 – 11 AM CC 


SME Distinguished Member Award 

Nominating Committee (Closed) 

10 – 11 AM CC 

SME 2008 Annual Meeting Exhibit Space Sales 

10 AM - Noon CC 

Admissions to Ethics Committee 11 AM - 12:30 PM CC 

SME MPD Business Meeting 

1:45 – 2 PM CC 

SME International Committee Meeting 

2 – 4 PM CC 

SME M&E Division Business Meeting 

2 – 2:30 PM CC 

SME M&E Division Unit Committee 

2:30 – 3:30 PM CC 

SME MPD Executive Committee 

3 – 4 PM CC 

SME Resources & Reserves Committee 

Meeting 

3 – 4:30 PM CC 

SME Environmental Division Nominating 

Planning Committee Meeting 

3 – 5 PM CC 

SME Nominating Committee (Closed) 

3:30 – 5 PM CC 


Hosted Closing Reception 

8 - 9:30 AM Exhibit Hall CC 

SME M&E Division Luncheon & Auction 

(Ticketed) 


SME MPD Division Luncheon (Ticketed) 


CMA/Colorado Division of Reclamation 

& Mine Safety Awards Luncheon 

(Ticketed) 


SME Dinner Reception (COD) 

6 – 7 PM GH 

12 

SME Dinner Head Table Reception 

6 – 7 PM GH 

SME Dinner (Ticketed) 

7 – 9:30 PM GH 

SME President’s Reception (By Invitation) 

9:30 PM – Midnight GH 

TOURS 

Discover Colorado Springs 


Unsinkable Molly Brown and the 

Brown Palace Hotel 

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Departs Lobby B CC 

� Thursday, March 1 


SME Board of Directors 

8 – 11:30 AM CC 

CMA Hard Rock & Coal Committee Meeting 

10 AM – Noon CC 

CMA Health & Safety Committee Meeting 

2 – 4 PM CC 

FIELD TRIPS 

Henderson Mine 

8 AM – 5:30 PM HC 

Clear Creek Mine 

8 AM – 5:30 PM HC 

CC = COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER HC = HYATT REGENCY CONVENTION CENTER GH = GRAND HYATT

Led by resurgent coal, uranium and energy fuel production, the U. S. and the global 

mining industries continue to expand at an historic pace, as world demand for metals, 

construction minerals and other commodities drive prices upward. While the economies 

of China, India and the developing world continue their unprecedented growth, 

the power of mining and the influence of energy are evident on every continent, from 

New York to New Delhi, from Buenos Aires to Beijing and from Dublin to Dubai. As 

nations seek to enhance their standard of living or simply rise above Third World 

poverty levels, there is no apparent end in sight in the demand for energy and mineral 

products, as the following statistics show: 

•Global demand for coal use has increased by more than 25% since 

2001 and will double by 2030. In the U. S. alone, energy demand will 

increase by 27 %. 

•Demand for uranium is nearly double the annual world production. 

•China has passed the United States as the world’s largest copper 

consumer, consuming nearly half of the world’s production, with 

supply constraints setting off a flurry of exploration activity in remote 

parts of the world; and 

•Demand for precious metals has increased substantially, and prices 

for some commodities have more than doubled in the past five years 

alone. 

How can you capitalize on the mining boom? Come to Denver and the Colorado 

Convention Center February 25-28, 2007 where 4,000 mining professionals from 

Colorado and around the world will gather for the 136th SME Annual Meeting & 

Exhibit and the Colorado Mining Association’s 109th National Western Mining Conference 

& Exhibition – “The Power of Mining – Energy’s Influence.” This 2007 show is 

a unique collaboration between the SME, the nation’s largest organization of mining 

professionals, and the CMA which, founded in 1876, is Colorado’s preeminent and the 

nation’s oldest continuously operating mining industry trade association. The National 

Western Mining Conference is also Colorado’s longest running conference and 

trade show. 

Colorado has a great mining tradition and infrastructure, which now serves as a 

launch pad for mineral development throughout the state, the region and the world. 

This is your opportunity to leverage the value of two important mining conferences 

for a single price. Although the Colorado Convention Center floor will hold more 

than 400 exhibit spaces, space is selling out quickly, so act now. Come to Denver to 

network with fellow mining professionals, CEOs, and other customers in what will be 

Colorado’s biggest and best mining conference of the year!

AFTERNOON SESSION 

109TH NATIONAL WESTERN MINING CONFERENCE 

1:30 P.M. - Monday, February 26, 2007 

Mining in Colorado 

Chair: Christopher Carroll, Coal Geologist, Colorado Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 

Colorado’s mining industry posted record revenues of $2.3 billion in 2005, reflecting 

higher prices for coal, gold, silver, molybdenum and other mineral commodities. Coal 

and gold continue to set new production records, as the public’s demand for metals and 

energy fuels heats up. Notwithstanding these historic advances, negative perceptions still 

remain about Colorado. This seems at odds with the actions of major companies, which 

are placing huge investments in mine expansions and new equipment. This session will 

explore the opportunities and challenges in Colorado mining. 

Overview of Colorado Mining – 2006 and Beyond 

James Cappa, Chief, Mineral & Energy Resources Section, Colorado Geological Survey, 

Denver, Colorado 

The Colorado mining industry continues to enjoy higher commodity prices and increased 

production for most commodities. Coal, molybdenum and gold prices have risen and stabilized, 

with molybdenum production for 2006 forecast to increase to 40 million pounds. 

This topic will cover all sectors of the mineral industry in Colorado, providing information 

on new exploration, current production, and future trends. 

Peabody Energy – Twentymile Mine Expansion 

Larry Hull, Group Executive – Colorado Operations, Twentymile Coal Company, Oak 

Creek, Colorado 

Peabody Energy, the world’s largest private sector coal producer, continues to increase 

production in Colorado. The Twentymile Mine, the state’s largest, produced 9 million 

tons of coal in 2005 and the acquisition of the new longwall system will result in further 

production increases. 

Red Cliff Mine Project 

Nicholas Glancy, Senior Vice President & General Counsel, CAM Holdings LLC, Lexington, 

Kentucky 

The company that owns the McClane Canyon coal mine on Douglas Pass announced 

plans to build a 15 mile rail spur from Mack to the mine and expand the mine’s coal production 

substantially, adding approximately 150 jobs in the process. This could increase 

the mine’s production from the current 300,000 tons per year to about six million tons 

annually. 

Monday, February 26, 2007

Monday, February 26, 2007 

Update On Restart of the Climax Mine 

James R. Arnold, General Manager of the Henderson Mine, Climax Molybdenum Company, 

Empire, Colorado 

As molybdenum prices reached record levels, the Phelps Dodge Corporation 

announced in 2006 the commencement of a feasibility study to restart the Climax Mine, 

historically one of the world’s largest producers of molybdenum. This presentation will 

review the status of plans for reopening the mine, which has been on stand-by since 1995. 

COLORADO MINING ASSOCIATION 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 

4 – 5 P.M. 

Annual Report to the Membership 

Stuart A. Sanderson, President, Colorado Mining Association, Denver, Colorado 

Chairman’s Annual Report 

James Cooper, Vice President, Executive Vice President, OxBow Mining, LLC, Somerset, 

Colorado 

Election of Officers and Directors 

The annual membership meeting will review CMA’s accomplishments during the past year, 

focusing on CMA’s success in promoting legislation beneficial to the industry, notwithstanding 

the transfer of political control of both houses of the Colorado General Assembly. 

CMA will also review the status of its successful efforts to defeat mining prohibitions in 

Colorado (for seven consecutive years), and review other important issues such as mercury 

controls, climate change legislation, ballot initiatives on mining and much more. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2007 

9 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. 

COAL TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE 

Chair: Robert Burnham, Senior Consultant, Hill & Associates, Arvada, Colorado 

As natural gas and oil production is expected to peak and then decline, the future of coal 

and our nation’s energy security hinges upon the development of advanced technologies 

to further reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions. The future is promising, as the 

industry has already reduced criteria pollutants by more than one third while production 

has nearly tripled during the past three decades. Meanwhile, the industry is developing 

exciting new coal conversion technologies to produce liquid fuels, helping to reduce our 

dependence on foreign oil. This session will review coal conversion technologies, Colorado 

projects to build the first Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plant in the 

west, and discuss the impact of these technologies on future markets for coal.

Xcel’s IGCC Project 

Frank Prager, Managing Director, Environmental Policy, Xcel Energy, Denver, 

Colorado 

In 2006, Colorado passed legislation promoting “the establishment of a program to 

demonstrate the use of breakthrough advanced coal technology to promote low-emitting 

coal-fueled electricity generation.” Xcel Energy is now evaluating the potential for an 

IGCC plant in Colorado, the first in the west. This paper will discuss the coal gasification 

technology and anticipated benefits of an IGCC plant. 

Coal to Liquid Fuels Projects – Present & Future 

John W. Rich, President, WMPI, Inc., Gilberton, Pennsylvania 

As oil production peaks and the supply of oil becomes increasingly in short supply, companies 

are examining liquefaction, converting coal, the nation’s most abundant energy fuel, 

to oil. The basic technology was first developed for use during the Second World War. A 

representative from a company that has been engaged in developing and commercializing 

this promising technology will provide a status report. 

New Coal Technologies as a Way of Promoting the Use of 

Montana’s Coal Resources and Its Economy 

Mr. Thomas Kaiserski, Economic Development Specialist, Governor’s Office of 

Economic Development, Helena, Montana 

Coal conversion projects will require the development of coal reserves and resources. A 

number of states are actively promoting the development of their coal resources in order to 

expand their economies. This paper will discuss Montana’s efforts to bring coal conversion 

projects to the state. 

Impact of Coal Technologies of the Future on the Coal Market 

Perry Bissell, John T. Boyd Company, Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania 

The potential contribution of coal conversion technologies, such as coal gasification and 

coal to liquids, is once again in the forefront of efforts to meet ever-increasing energy 

demand in the U.S. and abroad. The National Coal Council, for example, has suggested 

a U.S. energy policy goal of achieving an additional billion tons of coal consumption for 

such uses by 2025. Increasing consumption of U.S. coal driven by coal conversion technologies 

could have dramatic implications on coal market fundamentals. These include 

coal prices, regional coal development, transportation infrastructure, labor and reserve 

availability. 


1:30 P.M. 

MINE SAFETY PERSPECTIVES IN SAGO’S AFTERMATH 

Chairs: Laura E. Beverage, Member, Jackson Kelly PLLC, Denver, CO 

Doug Magee, Vice President, Research, MGA Communications, Denver, CO 

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 

Mine Disasters: Managing the Legal, Legislative and 

Regulatory Fallout 

Laura E. Beverage, Jackson Kelly PLLC, Denver, CO 

A catastrophic event at a mine sets in motion many different actions that raise a myriad of 

legal and practical issues. Further, as we have seen recently, these occurrences can initiate 

an onslaught of statutory and regulatory activity that will impact the mine and the industry 

for years to come. Managing the inherent tensions created when a major accident occurs 

and minimizing legal consequences is one of the many roles of counsel following 

a serious accident. This discussion will identify the types of legal issues that arise in the 

event the unthinkable happens and will explore the legislative and regulatory fallout seen 

as result of the mining accidents of 2006, including discussion of the MINER Act, the first 

significant amendment to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 in 30 years. 

From Crisis to Credibility: Using Communications to 

Your Advantage 

Mike Gaughan, Chairman, MGA Communications, Inc., Denver, Colorado 

If an accident or worker strike occurs at your mine, is your company prepared to explain 

what is happening? Are you certain your plans will work in an atmosphere of confusion 

and disaster? The Sago Mine accident and ensuing legislation prompted mining companies 

to re-examine their safety policies. But, did it also trigger a review of how to communicate 

in a crisis in order to preserve the company’s credibility? Today’s global technologies, 

24/7 news programming, and political and regulatory intervention means companies 

must communicate effectively when mishaps occur. This presentation will review the basic 

steps of communicating during a crisis and managing your company’s reputation. 

Crisis and Emergency Planning Post Sago: 

A Mine Operator’s Perspective 

Anthony S. Bumbico, Corporate Safety Director, Arch Coal, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri 

The industry has always been acutely aware of the need for emergency planning. However, 

as safety has taken dramatic steps forward over the past few decades, we cannot be lulled 

into a sense of complacency. Following the much publicized disasters of the past year, 

we have had the opportunity to learn more about and improve upon emergency response 

planning and training. 

This discussion will focus on the general recommendations of the Mine Safety Technology 

and Training Commission (Commission) with a special emphasis on the issue of “training 

for preparedness,” and improving the ability of miners to survive a mine-wide emergency. 

The Public Perception of Coal 

Bill Reid, Publisher and Managing Editor, Coal News, Inc., Bluefield, West Virginia 

With the unfortunate Sago Mine disaster in early 2006 and the negative publicity associated 

with it, it is now even more important that the public perception of coal be both 

understood and influenced. The presentation describes the U.S. coal mining industry and 

examines its safety record and productivity improvements, as well as its environmental 

stewardship. From this, a positive story on coal is developed. The paper outlines the role

of the media and its ability to influence public opinion, which impacts public policy. The 

presentation concludes that coal’s image needs to be improved, and it has an impressive 

story of achievement and innovation to tell. 


6:30 P.M. 


POLLUTION PREVENTION AWARDS 

RECEPTION & BANQUET 

The winners of awards for outstanding pollution prevention practices will be honored at 

this banquet. 

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION BY 

THE HONORABLE STEPHEN JOHNSON 

ADMINISTRATOR 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

(Invited) 

ENTERTAINMENT BY JOLLY DEMIS 

Nationally known comedian and award winning singer-songwriter. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 

9 A.M. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES – AIR, CLIMATE 

AND WATER 

Water – How You Get It and How You Get Rid of It 

Martha Allbright, Patton Boggs, Denver, Colorado 

As demand for minerals and energy production is increasing, so are the demands on 

limited Western water supplies. The extractive industries are in competition with not only 

traditional uses such as municipal and agricultural, but additional demands for recreational 

and environmental instream flows. Water quality and related permitting issues involving 

endangered species also affect water users in the West. The presentation will focus upon 

various issues relating to water rights and supply planning, potential benefits of produced 

water, discharge permitting and compliance, Section 404 permitting, and storm water 

management and permitting. 

Update on State Climate Initiatives 

Terry Ross, Vice President, West Region, Center for Energy & Economic Development, 

Franktown, Colorado 

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 

When Congress enacted the National Energy Policy Act in 2005, it established voluntary 

programs to address greenhouse gas emissions without mandatory caps or carbon taxation 

schemes. Attention has now shifted to the states, where environmental groups are 

pursuing legislation to force reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. This presentation 

will address legislative initiatives on climate change in the west. 

I Can See Clearly Now or Is it Purple Haze? – 

Particulate, Ozone and Other Regulatory Evils 

Carolyn McIntosh, Patton Boggs, Denver, Colorado 

This session will address what is current and topical in the air quality arena. The topics to 

be discussed are 1) the new particulate course standard; 2) ground level ozone regulation 

issues; and 3) AQRV’s and haze. A few of the controversial issues that are surfacing in the 

current standard development process will be addressed. There will also be discussion on 

the potential “spill over” effect the ozone focus could have for the mining industry. 

Environmental Management Systems – Applying a Practical 

Approach to Enhanced Environmental Performance 

Margaret Staub, Senior Project Manager, EnviroGroup, Limited, Centennial, Colorado 

This presentation will focus on the use of Environmental Management Systems or EMS to 

promote sustainable development and enhance environmental performance at mines and 

industrial mineral facilities. 

AWARDS LUNCHEON 


COLORADO DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, 

MINING AND SAFETY 

COLORADO MINED LAND RECLAMATION BOARD 

HEALTH, SAFETY & RECLAMATION 

AWARDS LUNCHEON 

SPEAKER: KRAIG NAASZ, PRESIDENT & CEO 

NATIONAL MINING ASSOCIATION 

AFTERNOON SESSION 

2 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. 

PUBLIC LANDS SESSION 

Panel Discussion - Moving Energy to Market 

The West is a source of abundant energy from the world-class coal mines in Wyoming’s 

Powder River Basin, to the unconventional natural gas in basins from Montana south to

New Mexico to the wind, solar, geothermal and biomass resources located throughout the 

region. Frequently, these energy resources are located far from infrastructure and population 

centers. The population of the West has been expanding, demand for energy - particularly 

“clean energy” has been increasing - and getting energy resources to where they are 

needed is the 21st century challenge. 

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 sought to address the transmission challenge through the 

development of critical energy corridors. Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, manager 

of some 261 million acres of public lands, and the Department of Energy are co-leads in 

the preparation of a West-wide transmission corridor Programmatic Environmental Impact 

Statement (PEIS) to streamline the siting and permitting of transmission of energy across 

federal lands. The federal agencies are working in close consultation with the Western 

Governor’s Association, private entities and key energy producing states like Wyoming. 

This panel will present the perspectives of three players in the PEIS: the federal government; 

the state of Wyoming; and the private sector. 

Scott Powers, National Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, Billings, Montana 

Rebecca W. Watson, Partner, Hogan & Hartson, Denver, Colorado 

Steve Ellenbecker, Energy and Telecom Advisor, State of Wyoming, Cheyenne, 

Wyoming 

Panel #2 - Oil Shale Development: Will It Become Reality? 

In Colorado, many lived through “Black Sunday” in May of 1982 when the development 

plans for Colorado’s oil shale fell with the price of oil. Once again, we are in times of high 

oil prices and the significant oil supply potential of domestic oil shale in Utah, Wyoming 

and Colorado has raised interest in this resource. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 

addressed oil shale development and directed the Department of the Interior to plan a 

commercial leasing program. The Bureau of Land Management has also developed an oil 

shale research and development leasing program. Is oil shale a reality for the 21st century? 

What is the status of the oil shale leasing programs at Interior, how are companies looking 

at oil shale development and what are some of the technical and legal challenges for the 

program? We will hear from three speakers who can provide perspective on the future of 

North American oil shale. 

Chad Calvert, Deputy Assistant Secretary - Land and Minerals Management, Department 

of the Interior, Washington, DC. 

Constance Lundberg, Attorney, Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough, Salt Lake City, 

Utah 

Terry O’Connor, Vice President, External Regulatory Affairs, Shell Exploration & 

Production Company, Denver, Colorado 

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS 

� You do not need to register for the 2007 SME/CMA Annual Meeting & 

Exhibit to register for a short course. (Short Course registration DOES 

NOT include Annual Meeting & Exhibit admittance.) 

� All courses are conducted at the Colorado Convention Center. 

� The first course day begins at 9:00 AM. Registration is from 7:30-9:00 AM 

each course day. 

� Short Course registration fees include: morning and afternoon coffee 

breaks, lunch and course notes. Participants receive continuing education 

units and a certificate of completion. 

� To register for a short course, fill out the Advance Registration Form in this 

mailer. 

� Courses are subject to cancellation. 

Mine Closure: What’s Happening Out 

There That We Should Know About 

and Plan For 

Saturday and Sunday, February 24-25, 2007 

Course Credits: 1.4 CEU 

Fees: 

Before 1/24/07 After 1/24/07 

$550 Member $625 Member 

$650 Nonmembr $725 Nonmember 

$450 Student Member $525 Student Member 

Overview: 

Miners of coal, phosphates and others have been leading 

the hard rock miners with respect to landscaping, while the 

metals miners have largely been preoccupied with water 

quality issues. The cost of closure works and the cost of 

mitigating long-term liabilities has been eye-opening for 

some. We have learned by observation that there are many 

practices, such as the segregation of overburden, that 

appear costly at the time but save money in the long run. 

This course is an opportunity to share information about the 

current best practices with respect to mine closure and 

reclamation. 

Content: 

Introductions and restatement of course objectives 

Three points of view 

• Abandoned mine lands – the need to reclaim. 

• How the mining business environment has changed 

• Rolling out a corporate closure standard: 

BHP’s learnings 

Facilitated Discussion 

Planning for Closure 

• Post-closure land uses – is there life after mining? 

• Socio-economic issues: Can mining provide 

sustainable development? 

• Establishing Closure Criteria 


Short Courses 

23 

Valuation of Closure Liabilities 

• Why we chronically underestimate the cost of closure 

• Using risk-based range analyses to estimate long 

term environmental liabilities 

• How the market values environmental liabilities 

Discussion and Q&A 

Tech Session 3 – Implementing Closure Activities 

• How integrating closure planning into the mine plan of 

operation can be done 

• Why closure projects need to be approached 

differently from how we have learned to plan and 

manage capital projects 

• How incremental closure activities can be 

accommodated into the mine plan 


Instructors: 

Andrew Watson – MWH 

Tel: (303) 291-2222 

andrew.h.watson@mwhglobal.com 

Dave Bentel – SRK 

Tel: (775) 828-6800 

dbentel@srk.com 

Introduction to Thickening and Control 

Strategies for High Rate Thickeners 


Course Credits: .7 CEU 

Fees: 

Before 1/24/07 After 1/24/07 

$350 Member $425 Member 

$450 Nonmembr $525 Nonmember 

$250 Student Member $325 Student Member 

Overview 

The course is designed for new plant personnel, thickener 

operators and process engineers wanting to learn more 

about thickener process and control. There are no prerequisites 

and all course material is provided. Participants 

may bring calculators. 

Content: 

• Dewatering process and use of flocculants 

• Thickener applications 

• Overview of test work, design and slurry calculations 

• Thickener components 

• Operating principles and process monitoring 

• Control strategies and instrumentation 

Instructor: 

Siggy Moseneder – Project Support Manager, Outokumpu 

Technology Pty Ltd 

Tel: +61-2-9984-2527 

Fax: +61-2-99842501 

Siggy.moseneder@outokumpu.com

University of Arizona Reception 

Dept. of Mining & Geological Engineering 

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 5:00 – 7:00 PM 

Contact: Olga Ortiz 

(520) 621-2147 

E-mail: obo@engr.arizona.edu 

Colorado School of Mines 

Mining Engineering Dept. Reception 


Contact: Shannon Mann 

(303) 273-3701 

E-mail: smann@mines.edu 

Columbia University 

Henry Krumb School of Mines 

Earth & Environmental Engineering 


Contact: Peter Rennee 

(212) 854-7065 

E-mail: pr99@columbia.edu 

University of Kentucky 

Department of Mining Engineering 


Contact: Kathy Kotora 

(859) 257-3328 

Fax: (859) 323-1962 

E-mail: kkotora@engr.uky.edu 

Michigan Tech University Alumni Reception, 

Dept. of Geological & Mining Engineering & 

Sciences 


Contact: Amie Ledgerwood 

(906) 487-2531 

E-mail: asledger@mtu.edu 

University of Missouri Rolla MSM-UMR 

Alumni Association Reception 


Contact: Elaine Russell 

(573) 341-4897 

E-mail: elainelr@umr.edu 

University of Nevada-Reno 

Mackay School of Earth Sciences & Engineering 

Reception 


Contact: Connie M. Parratt 

(775) 784-4528 

E-mail: cparratt.unr.edu 

Alumni and Special Functions 

Don’t Miss These Opportunities To Reunite With Your Friends and Alumni... 

24 

Pennsylvania State University 

Mining and Mineral Processing, Dept. of Energy 

and Geo-environmental Engineering 

Alumni Reception 


Contacts: Rachel Altemus 

(814) 865-3439 

E-mail: rla7@psu.edu 

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology 



Contact: Tim Vottero 

(605) 394-2347 

E-mail: tim.vottero@sdsmt.edu 

University of Utah 

College of Mines & Earth Sciences 


Contact: Pam Hofman 

(801) 585-5176 

Fax: (801) 585-5410 

E-mail: pam@mines.utah.edu 

Virginia Tech Mining & Minerals Engineering 



Contact: Kathryn A. Dew 

(540) 231-7055 

E-mail: dewk@vt.edu 

West Virginia University Comerac 


Contact: Syd S. Peng 

(304) 293-7680 ext. 3301 

E-mail: syd.peng@mail.wvu.edu 

MMSA 2007 Annual Meeting/Dinner 

Monday, February 26, 2007 6:30 – 10:30 PM 

University Club 

Contact: MMSA 

(415) 897-1380 

E-mail: info@mmsa.net

STUDENTS 

NEED 

MENTORS 

� COAL & ENERGY 

� CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & AGGREGATES 

� ECONOMICS 

� ENVIRONMENTAL 

SME 2007 Mentor Program 

Attention Professionals… 

Whether you are a SME member or an exhibitor, you can make a difference in the lives and careers of 

the SME student members. Whether you are a seasoned SME Annual Meeting veteran or a first-timer, 

you have the opportunity to affect the future of SME by participating as a mentor in this year’s SME 

Annual Meeting Mentor Program. Mentors are instrumental in helping students to begin developing a 

network in the industry by showing students the “ropes” and introducing them to colleagues. Mentors will 

have an introductory meeting with students on Sunday, February 25th at 3:00 PM. 

Attention Students… 

The 2007 Annual Meeting provides the best venue for meeting people and getting the information you need 

to get ahead. More than 4,000 mineral industry professionals attend the SME Annual Meeting and one of 

them wants to talk to you, to be your mentor and assist you in understanding the “ins” and “outs” of 

professional life in the minerals business. 

Your Mentor at the SME Annual Meeting is a professional in one of the following areas: 

2007 SME Annual Meeting 


Denver, Colorado 

25 

� GEOLOGY 

� INDUSTRIAL MINERALS 

� METALLURGY 

� MINING 

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SIGN UP EARLY! 

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

For more information or to apply for the 

2007 SME Annual Meeting 

Mentor Program contact: 

Mona Vandervoort, SME Education Coordinator 

(800) 763–3132, ext. 227 

(303) 948–4227 

Fax: (303) 948–4265 

vandervoort@smenet.org 

Send Your Application In Now or Sign Up On-line at: 

www.smenet.org/education/mentor/index.cfm 

Completed Applications are Due January 31, 2007

� 2007 Students’ Forum 

1:00 – 3:00 PM 

All student 

activities take place 

on Sunday, 

Feb. 25, 2007 

� Student Design 

Competition – Finals 

7:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

� Student Representative 

Subcommittee 

11:00 AM – 12 Noon 

Hosted by: Colorado School of Mines 

Student Chapter officers and members 

are invited to attend the subcommittee 

meeting. 

Join us for fun, food, 

information and prizes! 

Hosted by: Colorado School of Mines 

A continuing tradition for 

SME Student Members and 

Professionals. 

Look for exciting NEW career 

advancement information! 

26 

Student Activities 

� Student Mixer 

9:00 PM – Midnight 

Sponsored by: Newmont Mining Corp. 

Registered students and a guest of 

their choice are invited to attend this 

social featuring a band and 

refreshments. 

Don’t miss this one! 

� 

EDUCATION AGENDA 

MINERAL SCHOOLS 

DEPARTMENT HEADS MEETING 

Sunday, February 26 

9:30 AM – 12 Noon 

EDUCATORS FORUM 


3 – 5 PM 

Chair: Dr. C. Dale Elifrits 

University of Northern Kentucky

Click to WIN 

Participate in the SME 50th Anniversary 

Countdown Contest. 

Visit smenet.org everyday for 50 days and WIN! 

➚ 

Starting 

Sunday, December 7, 2006 through 


Why 

We want you to WIN and VISIT the website while 

enjoying a little bit of industry history. 

How 

● Go to www.smenet.org 

● Click on the Contest notice 

● Complete the provided entry form 

27 

Details 

● Each entry from is entered into the drawing. 

● Participants may enter ONE ENTRY PER DAY 

between the start date of December 7, 2006 

and midnight, Sunday, February 25. 

● Prizes are awarded during the 2007 SME/CMA 

Annual Meeting & Exhibit in the Cyber Café on 

the Exhibit Floor once a day on: 

Monday, February 26, 2007 

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 

● SME staff and family of staff may not enter. 

The Prizes 

SME Logo Merchandise 

Grand Prize: iPOD Nano and more…..

SME’s Annual Meeting is the best opportunity to develop and sharpen your professional skills and 

knowledge. With over 400 technical presentations and networking with 4,000 + professionals, it is 

the best professional development opportunity around. 

SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $100 when you register for short courses 

held in conjunction with the Meeting. 

Career Site www.miningjobs.org 

● Search and apply for jobs, announce jobs, create 

a personalized account, confidential profiles, 

post your resume and research companies. 

Books 

● On average SME members save 25% on 

book prices. 

Mining Engineering Magazine 

● The cost of a subscription to 

Mining Engineering magazine for a 

nonmember is $245. 

● SME members receive it along with all the other 

SME benefits for $120. 

● Mining Engineering is the only mining magazine 

that offers the combination of refereed, focused 

technical papers and general interest feature 

materials. New columns on legal issues and 

human resources are included. 

28 

JOIN SME 

by January 24, 2007 

for $120 

and save 

$125 on your 

2007 SME Member 

Annual Meeting 

Registration Fee. 

Meetings & Short Courses 

● On average, SME members receive a $100 

discount on SME meetings and short courses. 

Website www.smenet.org 

Also enjoy the many 

benefits of 

SME Membership and 

additional savings. 

TO JOIN, simply sign up online at: www.smenet.org 

Here are a few more reasons to JOIN… 

● Discussion Forums Industry discussions with 

members around the world. 

● SME Link List – with more than 2,500 listings it 

is the most complete listing of mining and 

mineral related sites on the Internet. 

● SME Membership Directory online. 

● Industry News Feeds and Commodity 

Indexes/Prices. 

Once your paid application is received and approved, 

you will be given a member number which can be 

used to register at the member rates (a savings of 

$125) for the SME Annual Meeting! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 

1–800–763–3132 or (303) 973–9550

Winter Park Ski Train 

Date: Sunday, February 25, 2007 

Time: 6:30 AM – 6:45 PM 

Departs: Hyatt Regency at Colorado 

Convention Center 

Cost: $160 Adult, $135 Child (age 6-13) 

$108 without lift ticket (adult or child) 

Includes: Bus transportation to train station and lift ticket 

Enjoy a postcard-perfect 

train experience through 

the dramatic peaks of 

the Rockies. Skiers and 

sightseers alike enjoy a day 

at Winter Park – Mary Jane 

Resort, one of Colorado’s 

most popular destinations 

for winter activities. 

Travel through scenery, such as the scenic wonders of the 

Flatirons and South Boulder Canyon. You’ll pass through 

dozens of tunnels, including historic Moffat Tunnel under the 

Continental Divide. 

The Ski Train drops you off directly at the base of the Winter 

Park Resort, a short walk to the nearest lift and base 

services. Winter Park is the oldest continually operated ski 

resort in Colorado and one of the largest ski areas in the 

state with five distinct mountains offering 2,762 skiable 

acres on 134 designated trails for all ability levels. 

Non-skiers can take advantage of dining and shopping 

options available in the Winter Park Village or arrange for a 

number of activities such as scenic Snowcat or snowshoe 

tours. 

At the end of the day, relax and unwind on the Ski Train as 

you return to Denver’s Union Station. 

Tours 

Space is limited… sign up now! 

29 

Foothills Fandango 

Date: Monday, February 26, 2007 

Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Departs: Colorado Convention Center 

Cost: $55 

Includes: Transportation, admission fees, and guide 


Visit one of Colorado’s most photographed and scenic 

sights - Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater - an experience 

in itself. Amidst towering cliffs slanting upwards and slabs of 

red sandstone rising hundred of feet, discover the 10,000 

seat Red Rocks Amphitheater. The amphitheater has been 

the site of concerts, musical events and the Easter Sunrise 

services since the 1940’s. A camera buff’s delight. Visitors 

may also visit the brand new visitors center. 

Photo courtesy of Denver Metro 

Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Next stop is atop of 

Golden’s famous Lookout 

Mountain. Guests will visit 

the unique Buffalo Bill’s 

Grave and Museum for a 

glimpse into the life and 

times of William Cody. In 

addition to the grave site, 

visitors will find artifacts, a 

gift shop and an observation deck with beautiful panoramic 

views of Golden and Denver. 

A short motorcoach ride then takes 

visitors into the nearby town of 

Golden, at the foot of the Colorado 

Rockies, for a marvelous tour of 

the Adolph Coors brewery - one of 

the nation’s leading producers of 

fine beer. Come see and taste 

traditional brewing in the Rocky 

Mountains! The tour includes a 

walk through the malting, brewing 

and packaging processes, 

sampling of Coors fine products in our hospitality lounge 

and shopping in the Coors & Co. gift shop.

Best of Boulder 

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 


Cost: $55 


Boulder is a dynamic university community, nestled near the 

base of the scenic Flatiron Mountains – offering 

breathtaking views. The tour includes the famous Pearl 

Street Mall – an outdoor mall with very unique character! 

The mall is home to a wide variety of fantastic boutiques 

and fascinating shops. It is easy to see why this Mall was 

selected as a recipient of HUD’s award for Urban Renewal 

Design and why it is the nation’s most successful outdoor 

mall. Later, we’ll drive through the University of Colorado’s 

expansive campus where you’ll see beautiful historical 

buildings and gorgeous landscaping. 

Next, tour Celestial Seasonings 

and see, taste, and smell the world 

of teas. Learn how the company 

grew from its “cottage industry” 

roots to become the largest U.S. 

herbal tea manufacturer. There is 

an informative tour and a delightful 

gift shop with “Tea” shirts, 

whimsical gifts with the famous 

“Sleepy -Time Bear” and a variety of tea accouterments. 

The tour concludes with the Leanin’ Tree Museum of 

Western Art exhibits 300 paintings and 85 bronze 

sculptures of cowboys, Native Americans wildlife and 

monumental landscapes. 

Discover Colorado Springs 

Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 


Cost: $89 



We start our tour at Garden of the Gods. Stop at the visitors’ 

center and then continue on through terrain composed of 

huge slabs of red sandstone rising vertically hundreds of 

feet out of the ground. The Garden of the Gods is 

considered by the Ute Indians to be ancient mythical burial 

grounds for the Gods. 

Tours 

30 

Next, we visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a rare historical 

treasure. Preserved under a protective red sandstone 

overhang, authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings, built more than 

700 years ago, await you here. There are no “Do Not Touch” 

signs. You are free to touch and even go inside these 

fascinating architectural remnants of an American Indian 

culture that roamed the Four Corners area of the Southwest 

from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300. 

Next we visit Old Colorado City for an opportunity to shop, 

browse, have lunch and tour the Michael Garman Gallery. 

Michael Garman’s Magic Town attraction offers the unique 

combination of Michael’s widely acclaimed sculptures and 

one of the world’s most unique attractions. Located in the 

Old Colorado City national historic district in Colorado 

Springs, Magic Town is a 1/6 scale miniaturized city 

neighborhood, complete with 18 buildings, full of a variety of 

different scenes which change before your eyes. 

“Unsinkable” Molly Brown and 

Brown Palace Hotel 

Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 

Time: 1:00 AM – 5:00 PM 


Cost: $80 

Includes: Transportation, admission fees, high tea 

and guide 

Tour the “Unsinkable” Molly 

Brown House, the entirely 

restored home of 

Colorado’s most colorful 

Victorian Heroines. Born 

Margaret Tobin Brown, she 

received her unusual 

nickname, Molly, as a 

result of the courage and 

leadership she displayed 

during the sinking of the 

“Unsinkable” Titanic. Located in the Capitol Hill area, the 

house was originally built in the late 1800’s and reflects 

turn-of-the-century Victorian influence. A privately guided 

tour of the premises conducted by tour guides in 1900 style 

gowns, reveals fascinating glimpses into the flamboyant 

lifestyle of a bygone era. The Brown’s made frequent trips 

to Europe and Molly incorporated the ‘Grand Tour’ style into 

her decorating. Following the tour you’ll have the 

opportunity to enjoy a Victorian Eating Experience of tea 

sandwiches, desserts, fresh fruit and tea. 

Guests also tour the historic Brown Palace 

Hotel. Known to natives as “The Brown,” 

this hotel has welcomed the rich and 

famous since opening in 1892. The 230room 

historic landmark is located in the 

heart of downtown Denver. The behindthe-scenes 

tour reveals loads of secrets. 

Photo courtesy of Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Henderson Mine 

Date: Thursday, March 1, 2007 

Time: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM 

Departs: Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center 

Cost: $85 

Includes: Transportation, Tour, and Lunch 

Climax Molybdenum Co., a subsidiary of Phelps Dodge 

Corp., is the world’s largest primary molybdenum producer. 

Climax Molybdenum Co.’s Henderson Operations are 

located approximately 50 miles west of Denver, Colorado. It 

is Phelps Dodge’s only active underground mine. 

The Henderson Operation, commissioned in 1976, 

operates half a mile under the Continental Divide. 

Henderson currently mines 30,000 tons/day of ore in one of 

the world’s largest block cave operations. The tour will begin 

with an overview of the mining operation and a safety 

orientation. Participants will then take the cage from the 

surface at 10,200 feet in elevation to the 7,500 level 

elevation of the mine. The steps involved in pannel 

development will be seen including the development and 

initial blasting of the cave drawpoints. A variety of drills are 

used for blastholes. Active drawpoints will then be seen and 

Field Trips 

31 

ventilation will be discussed. Participants will see the 

geometry used in pulling the ore with CAT Elphenstone 

1,700 LHD’s. 

From the dump chutes ore is transferred to the underground 

gyratory primary crusher using Supra 80 ton rigid frame 

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

and four steering axles. 

Crushed ore is transported to the mill be three series 

conveyors that constitute one of the longest conveyor trains 

in the world. 

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

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

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

flight conveyor in the world. Approximately 14 km of this 

flight is underground in the existing railroad tunnel. PC3 is 

6.4 km in length and negotiates several vertical and 

horizontal curves in route to the mill stockpile. 

The conveyor design incorporated many interesting 

features including custom designed idlers and special 

optimized belt rubber compounding that resulted in 30% 

less power draw than was originally designed. Other design 

features include variable frequency drives that allow 

matching of conveyor speed with tonnage, belt turnovers to 

mitigate carry back and winch-assisted counterweight takeup 

systems which automatically lock during emergency 

stops. 

Participants will see part of the underground conveyor 

system, then will head back to the surface. 

The mill is 15 miles from the mine on the opposite side of 

the continental divide. The mill will not be included in the 

tour. 

After the tour, a box lunch will be provided, and all questions 

will be answered by Henderson personnel. 

Please dress for a winter mountain climate that is normally 

15°F to 20°F degrees cooler than that of downtown Denver. 

Comfortable walking shoes/boots, winter gloves, parka and 

hats are recommended. Henderson will provide hard hats. 

Without exception, NO PRIVATE VEHICLES ARE PERMITTED. All participants must sign an 

Assumption of Risk Agreement prior to departure. To register for a field trip, fill out the Advance 

Registration Form in this mailer. All trips depart from the Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention 

Center.

Clear Creek Reclamation 

Date: Thursday, March 1, 2007 

Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 

Departs: Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center 

Cost: $95 

Includes: Transportation, Tour, and Lunch 

Clear Creek is a 400-square mile watershed that extends 

from the Continental Divide east to Denver. Historic gold 

mining in the Clear Creek basin contaminated the 

watershed with acid mine drainage and metals such as zinc 

and cadmium. EPA placed the Central City/Clear Creek site 

on the National Priorities List in 1983. Acid water draining 

from the Argo and Big 5 Tunnels were significant 

environmental problems on the South Fork of Clear Creek, 

and discharge from the National Tunnel and the Gregory 

Incline severely impact the North Fork. The Argo treatment 

plant began operating in April 1998 to treat the effluent from 

the Argo tunnel, the Big 5 tunnel, and ground water from 

Virginia Canyon that is captured and piped to the plant. 

Local, state, and federal agencies, industry and concerned 

citizens are working together to improve water quality in the 

watershed. 

This full-day tour will start in Idaho Springs on the main 

stem of Clear Creek. Following an orientation stop where we 

will hear about the mining and reclamation history of the 

area, the tour will visit the mine drainage capture facilities 

for the Big 5 Tunnel and Virginia Canyon ground water, then 

the Argo Treatment Plant where the group will tour the 

facility and see the Argo Tunnel discharge. Time will also be 

Field Trips 

Space is limited… sign up now! 

32 

available to visit the Argo Museum a short walk from the 

plant. A box lunch will be provided at the Idaho Springs 

Visitor Center, where participants will have time to tour the 

interesting historical exhibits on display there. After lunch, 

the tour will move to the North Fork of Clear Creek where it 

flows through the gambling towns of Blackhawk and 

Central City. The tour will visit a pilot treatability study being 

conducted by Colorado School of Mines for the National 

Tunnel discharge, and the dewatering water treatment 

facility at the recommissioned Bates-Hunter Mine. 

All safety equipment will be provided, but dress warmly for 

the potentially cold weather that might accompany us on 

the tour.

SME Highlights 


Date: Sunday, February 25 

Time: 5:00 PM 

Place: Colorado Convention Center 

Exhibit Halls 

� SME 50th Anniversary 

Gala Dinner 

Hosted by: 

The SME Foundation 


Time: 7:00 PM 

Place: Hyatt Regency at Colorado 


Tickets: $115 

� Student Mixer 

Sponsored by: 

Newmont Mining Corp. 


Time: 9:00 PM 



Complimentary for registered 

students and their guest. 

� Welcoming Luncheon 

Date: Monday, February 26 

Time: 11:30 AM 



� Women of SME Breakfast 

Date: Tuesday, February 27 

Time: 7:30 AM 



Tickets: $32 

� Plant Operators 

Open Forum 


Time: 4:00 PM COD Bar 


Tickets: COD 

Social Functions & Division Highlights 

BRIJ M. MOUDGIL 

� SME Dinner 

Date: Wednesday, February 28 

Time: 6:00 PM 

Cash Bar Reception 

7:00 PM 

Dinner 

Place: Grand Hyatt 

Tickets: $65 

$650 Table of Ten 

The 2007 SME Dinner program is 

conducted by 2006 SME President, 

Brij M. Moudgil. 

The following awards are 

presented or recognized: 

Distinguished Members 

Raymond L. Lowrie 

John O. Marsden 

Robert W. Schafer 

Michael A. Trevits 

Robert M. Dreyer Award 

The Cordex Team 

John S. Livermore 

Andy B. Wallace 

33 

GEM Individual Award 

GEM Student Chapter Award 

Syd S. Peng Ground Control in 

Mining Award 

Christopher Mark 

Ivan B. Rahn Education Award 

Sukumar Bandopadhyay 

President’s Citation 

Outstanding Student Chapter 

Henry Krumb Lecturers 

Craig A. Hall 

Ramana G. Reddy 

W. Joseph Schlitt 

Deborah J. Shields 

Gregory F. Sutton 

Past President’s Plaque 

Brij M. Moudgil 

AIME AWARDS TO SME 

MEMBERS 

Hal Williams Hardinge Award 

Robert C. Freas 

Erskine Ramsay Medal 

Royce J. Watts 

Robert H. Richards Award 

Roe-Hoan Yoon 

Frank F. Aplan Award 

Gerald H. Luttrell 

Mineral Economics Award 

William P. Imrie 

Mineral Industry Education Award 

Greg T. Adel 

Charles F. Rand Memorial 

Gold Medal 

Thomas J. O’Neil 

AIME Honorary Member 

Robert E. Murray

Coal & Energy 

Division Highlights 

The Coal & Energy Division 

encompasses technologies in coal 

exploration, mining, preparation and 

utilization. 

�Coal & Energy Division 

Luncheon & Silent 

Auction 


Time: Noon, Luncheon 


Tickets: $40 



Distinguished Service Award 

Barbara J. Arnold 

Howard N. Eavenson Award 

Marshall S. Miller 

Erskine Ramsay Medal 

Royce J. Watts 

Rock Mechanics Award 

Peter Stacey 

J.W. Woomer Award 

Jaisen N. Kohmuench 

Coal & Energy Division Chair Award 

Keith A. Heasley 

CMA Highlights 

� CMA Pollution 

Prevention Banquet 


Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM 

Place: Hyatt Regency at 

Colorado Convention 

Center 

Tickets: $95 

� CMA Awards 

Luncheon 


Time: Noon 

Place: Colorado Convention 

Center 

Tickets: $45 


Environmental 


The Environmental Division provides 

a means for cooperation and 

communication among professionals 

in the minerals industry engaged 

in any aspect of the physical 

environment and its condition. 

�Environmental Division 

Silent Auction 


Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 


�Environmental Division 

Luncheon 




Tickets: $40 

Speaker: JOHN FOGNANI 

Ivanhoe Resources 

“Environmental Compliance 

Challenges in Asian Countries” 


presented: 


Greg M. Schoen 

Environmental Division Chair Award 

Evelyn L.J. Bingham 

34 

Industrial Minerals 


Industrial Minerals Division serves to 

further the arts and science in 

exploration, production, and use of 

nonmetallics. 

�Industrial Minerals 

Division Luncheon & 





Tickets: $40 

Speaker: RICHARD M. JAFFEE 

Chairman, Oil-Dri 

Corporation of America 

“The Past and Future of Value Added 

Sorbent Clay Products” 




Kathy Littleton 

Hal Williams Hardinge Award 

Robert C. Freas 

Robert W. Piekarz Award 

Srinvas Veeramasuneni 

Young Scientist Award 

Jason T. McCuistion 

Industrial Minerals Division 

Chair Award 

Roger S. Austin

Mining & Exploration 


Mining & Exploration Division 

specializes in exploration, production, 

research, and specialized aspects of 

metal mining. 

� Mining & Exploration 

Division Luncheon & 





Tickets: $40 



Ben F. Dickerson, III Award 

Siegfried Muessig 


Dan Kump 

Edith Yoder 

Daniel C. Jackling Award 

Fred Banfield 

Outstanding Young Professional 

Award 

Richard E. Bishop 

M&E Division Chair Award 

Timothy D. Arnold 

� Jackling Lecture 

(Held in conjunction with the M&E 

Luncheon) 


Time: 1:30 PM 

The Jackling Award & Lecture is 

featured at the luncheon. 

Award Recipient/Lecturer: 

FRED BANFIELD 

Chairman, Mintec Inc. 

“The Role of Software in the Mining 

Engineering Workplace” 

Tickets and badges 

are required to attend 

Social Functions! 


Mineral & 

Metallurgical 

Processing Division 

Highlights 

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing 

Division was established for the 

advancement of metallurgical and 

mineral technology as applied to the 

mining industry. 

� Gaudin Lecture 


Time: 8:30 AM 



DEEPAK MALHOTRA 

Resource Development Inc. 

“What’s Required for a Successful 

Plant Audit” 

� Wadsworth Lecture 


Time: 8:30 AM 



JOHN O. MARSDEN 

Phelps Dodge Mining Co. 

“Pressure Leaching of Copper 

Concentrates – Commercialization” 

� Mineral & Metallurgical 




Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 



�Mineral & Metallurgical 


Luncheon 




Tickets: $40 



Antoine M. Gaudin Award 

Deepak Malhotra 

35 

Richard R. Klimpel Scholarship 

Award 

Robert H. Richards Award 

Roe-Hoan Yoon 

Arthur F. Taggart Award 

W. Joseph Schlitt 

“Kennecott’s Million-Ton Test – Heap 

– The Active Leach Program” 

Milton E. Wadsworth Award 

John O. Marsden 

Millman Award 

K. Marc LeVier 

Special Presentation Award to 

Edith Yoder 

� Scotch Nightcap 

The Scotch Nightcap is sponsored by 

the finest of Scottish companies-- 

Weir Minerals!! The proceeds from 

the event go 100% ungarnished to 

the MPD Scholarship Fund for those 

college students who want to make a 

career in the mining industry. 

The event will feature hors d’vors, live 

music, a 3-hole putting competition, 

scotch tastings, and hosted bar from 

8:00 – 9:00 PM. 


Time: 8:00 PM 



Tickets: $50 

� Richards Lecture 

(Held in conjunction with the MPD 

Luncheon) 


Time: 1:15 PM 

Place: Convention Center 


ROE-HOAN YOON 

Virginia Tech 

“The Role of Basic Research in 

Advanced Separation Technology 

Development”

2007 Program Committee 

The Power of Mining: Energy’s Influence 

Chair 

Rick Honaker 

University of Kentucky 

Environmental 

George Robinson 

R2 Inc. 

Mining & Exploration 

Dayan Anderson 

Specialty Minerals Inc. 

36 

Industrial Minerals 

Srinivas Veeramasuneni 

USG Corp. 

Coal & Energy 

Jurgen Brune 

NIOSH 

Mineral & 

Metallurgical Processing 

Deepak Malhotra 

Resource Developement Inc.

Monday, February 26 — Afternoon 

� Careful Blast Excavation and Rapid Development 

� Coal Utilization: Carbon Management 

� Copper Processing–The Metal of Electrical Transmission 

� CMA: Mining In Colorado 

� Energy’s Influence Symposium: Getting, Measuring and 

Using Energy at Mining Operations 

� Future Trends in Industrial Minerals 

� Mastering Personal Productivity 

� Mechanical Mining 

� Resource Evaluation and Planning 

� Rock Piles: Understanding and Uncertainty 

� Surface Mining I 

� Technology 

� Uranium: The Melting Pot 

� Where Next for Cu-Au: Undeveloped Copper Deposits 

of the World 

Tuesday, February 27 — Morning 

� Advancing Exploration Through Innovative Technology 

� Can Mineral Processing Assist in Production of Oil from 

Alternative Sources?…Yes! 

� Coal Preparation 

� CMA: Coal Technologies of the Future 

� Energy’s Influence Symposium: Energy Efficiency and 

Ways to Save Operating Costs 

� Energy Savings in Mineral Processing Unit Operations 

� Ergonomics: Beyond Compliance 

� Geomechanics: Rock Mechanics in Digital Age – 

State of the Art of Modeling in Design Practices 

� Gold – Make Hay While the Sun Shines 

� International I 

� Mine Ventilation I 

� Mine Water Treatment 

� Minerals Valuation 

� Plant Design and Automation 

� Sustainable Developments – Brownfields: Panel 

Discussion 

� US Uranium – Back with a Vengeance 

� When Neat Equals Money – Processing and Insights 

that Improve Efficiency 

Tuesday, February 27 — Afternoon 

� Can Innovative Comminution Circuits Lead to Process 

Improvements and Energy Savings 

� CMA: Mine Safety Perspectives in SAGO’s Aftermath 

� Crisis in Mining Education: Sustaining Mining Academic 

Programs 

� Energy’s Influence Symposium: Mined Energy Fuels – 

Market Dynamics and the Future 

� Exploration and Reserves 

� Geology of Uranium Deposits 

Technical Sessions-at-a-Glance 

37 

� Geomechanics: Panel Discussion – Numerical 

Modeling in Geomechanics, Where Are We At, 

Where Are We Heading? 

� Innovative Process Methods for Industrial Minerals 

� International II 

� Making Lemonade – Accelerated Careers and Vast 

Opportunities 

� Mine Ventilation II 

� Surface Mining II 

� Urban Mining 

� What’s Sultry, Sweltering, Blazing and Boiling? 

Pyrometallurgical Processing! 

Wednesday, February 28 — Morning 

� Advances in Characterization Techniques to Enable 

Improvements in Process Efficiencies 

� Challenges and Innovations in Mine Health and Safety 

� CMA: Environmental Challenges-Air, Climate and Water 

� Energy’s Influence Symposium: Innovative Energy 

Generation – Its Application to Mining 

� GEM – Bringing American Students Down to Earth: 

Crisis in Earth Science Education 

� Gold and Silver Exploration 2006: Shine On! 

� Innovations in Geothermal Mineral Processing 

� Operations Research: Strategic Mine Planning: 

New Advances 

� Reclamation to Remediation 

� Research and Development 

� Safety and Health for Aggregates and Others 

� Uranium – It’s Hot 

� Where in the World is that Project Located? 

Wednesday, February 28 — Afternoon 

� CMA: Public Lands Session: Panel Discussion – 

Moving Energy to Market 

� Energy’s Influence Symposium: Energy Markets and 

Their Effect on the Mining Industry 

� Environmental Nanotechnology Molecular Energy to 

Clean Water 

� Industrial Minerals in the West 

� Innovative Equipment and Technologies for Your Plant 

� Open Pit Mining 

� Operations Research: Strategic Mine Planning: Dealing 

with Uncertainty 

� Reclamation and Land Use 

� Statistics and Experimental Designs for Improving 

Efficiency in the Lab and the Plant 

� Underground Mining 

� Uranium – Maybe Its Not 

� Where Have the Exploration Geologists Gone? – 

Panel Discussion

Monday, February 26 Afternoon 

Careful Blast Excavation and Rapid 

Development 

2:00 PM � Monday, February 26 

Chairs: J. Girard-Dwyer, NIOSH, Spokane, WA 

W. Hustrulid, NIOSH, Spokane, WA 

2:05 PM 

Modeling of the Complete Blasting Process: Detonation, 

Damage, Fragmentation and Heave: M. Ruest, Itasca, 

Minneapolis, MN and I. Onederra and G. Chitombo, Univ. of 

Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia 

For the first time, a single modeling framework has been developed 

which dynamically links an ideal and non-ideal explosives detonation code 

to a geo-mechanical rock model. Designated as the Hybrid Stress Blasting 

Model (HSBM), this blast simulation tool is aimed at analyzing the role 

played by different explosive formulations in fragmenting and/or damaging 

various rock types under different degrees of confinement. As part of code 

development, the computer program BLO-UP (Blast Layout Optimization 

Using PFC3D) was developed. BLO-UP is fully coupled to the non-ideal 

detonation code Vixen and the rock behavior under extremely high 

pressures and loading rates is calibrated from shock tests. 

2:25 PM 

Results of Underground Blasting Trials at Stillwater Mine, 

Nye, MT: J. Dwyer and R. Langston 

This paper highlights the results from a series of underground field 

trials conducted by NIOSH at the Stillwater mine. Data collection included 

3D high-density laser scans at the site, blast vibration monitoring, and rock 

mass characterization. Optimization of the blast designs to improve safety 

at underground mining operations is also discussed. 

2:45 PM 

Rapid Drifting in Mine Development: Some Aspects: G. Nord, 

Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB Sweden 

Rapid tunnelling has always been in the focus for the construction 

people. The profit from a tunnelling job is to a dominating part ruled by how 

fast the job can be completed. It is often stated that cost for tunnelling when 

split on time and material related the relation is 70/30. That means that as 

much as 70 % of the expenditure is time related and this pushing the tunnel 

contractor. For the miner the situation is somewhat different. His ambition 

has always been to fulfil the production targets of ore with as small input of 

resources as possible. That means that his main objective has been to look 

for a as high utilisation of machinery and labour as possible. Now however 

there is a great interest in the mining industry to achieve rapid drifting in the 

mine preparations. 

3:05 PM 

The Evolution of Xstrata's Rapid Development Project: Where 

we've been, where we are and where we are going: G. Swan 

and D. Proudfoot, Xstrata Nickel, Sudbury, ON, Canada 

It is a recognized fact that with the use current project valuation 

methods (Net Present Value) the time to bring a mining project into 

production is one of the key economic drivers. Commencing in 2004 Xstrata 

(formally Falconbridge Ltd.) initiated a project focused on improving single 

face advance rates with the following goals: 1 − Engineer equipment, 

methods, materials, workforce, and a heading design that will achieve 

advance rates in the order of 15 meters per day; 2 − Do sufficient work so 

that rapid tunneling scenarios may be included in mining projects to a 

Feasibility Study level of detail; and 3 − Identify areas of high potential gain 

where research, development, and pilot testing may be required. 

3:25 PM 

Improvement Potential for Rapid Development in 

Underground Hard Rock Mining Applications: R. Pitkanen and 

T. Niskanen 

Many large surface mines become so deep that they have to move 

their operation underground. On the other hand existing and new 

underground mines will operate even deeper levels. This trend increases 

the amount and importance of underground mine development in the future, 


38 

The development rate, however, has during last 30 to 40 years dropped 

from level of 15 meters per day to level of 5 meters per day in average. This 

of course prolongs the time to orebody and to production and will have a 

remarkable, negative impact to the NPV. The development rate has dropped 

in spite of the significant efficiency improvement of individual mining 

equipment. 

3:45 PM 

The Hydro-Quebec Peribonka Powerhouse Excavation 

Project: D. Roy, Dyno Nobel Canada, Inc. 

In March of 2004, Hydro Quebec gave the approval for the 

construction of the fourth electrical power plant on the Peribonka River. This 

powerhouse is located at the mouth of the Peribonka river at the junction 

with the Manouane River, northeast of Lac St-Jean. It is downstream of the 

Chute-des-Passes central power plant which is the property of Alcan and 

upstream of the Chute-du-Diable power plant, which is also the property of 

Alcan, the world-wide aluminum producer. The Hydro Quebec Peribonka 

power plant complex will generate some 385 MWh (megawatt-hours) from 

three turbines of the Francis type (climbing frame) installed in an 

underground powerhouse which will process on average some 500 cubic 

meters of water per second (cubic meters/sec). 

4:05 PM 

Damage zones of a site-sensitized pumpable explosive and a 

pipe charge: V. Myllymaki, Tech. Univ., Helsinki, Finland and 

T. Halonen, Forcit Oy, Helsinki, Finland 

A site sensitized emulsion has been used in excavation of a railway 

tunnel connecting the Vuosaari Harbour in Helsinki to the main railway 

network in Finland. The damage zone was compared to that of pipe charges 

with loosening the fractured zone with diamond sawing and investigating 

the fractures with penetration fluid. The damage zone caused by the 

emulsion is in average 22 centimetre deep while more commonly used 17 

millimetre pipe charge gives a 36 centimetre zone. Factors influencing the 

deepness of damage zone of explosive are: velocity of detonation, coupling 

ratio, density, spacing, burden and initiation. 

Coal Utilization: Carbon Management 


Chair: T. Yegulalp, Columbia Univ., New York City, NY 

2:05 PM 

The Los Alamos CO 2 Sequestration Process: Implications for 

Laterite Nickel Processing: J. de Bakker, Queen’s Univ., 

Kingston, ON, Canada 

This paper reviews the Los Alamos process for serpentine 

carbonation, its advantages and its pitfalls. In this process, serpentine ore 

is dissolved by HCl-bearing magnesium chloride brine; it is subsequently 

hydrolysed to MgO and carbonated. The Los Alamos process has further 

application to lateritic nickel production, which currently has severe 

magnesium-control problems. This paper proposes a combined NiO and 

MgO 3 production by leaching serpentine ores with concentrated brines. 

2:25 PM 

Thermogravimetric Study of Carbon Dioxide Adsorption on 

Calcium Oxide: A. Belova, Columbia Univ., New York, NY 

Calcium oxide, with its ability to capture and store carbon dioxide, is 

emerging to become an important tool in carbon management. Calcium 

oxide can be used reversibly to capture carbon dioxide in situ and then be 

regenerated to produce a pure stream of carbon dioxide ready for 

sequestration; the Zero Emission Coal Alliance technology utilizes this 

property of calcium oxide to generate emissions-free electric power from 

coal. The reaction of calcium oxide with carbon dioxide resulting in 

thermodynamically stable carbonate is well understood; however, the 

efficiency of this reaction is limited by diffusion of gases through bulk 

calcium oxide and through a layer of carbonate formed on the surface. In 

addition, the regeneration of calcium oxide is an endothermic reaction and 

is favored at high temperatures. 

2:45 PM 

Ultramafic Deposits in the US Suitable for Mineral Carbon 

Sequestration: C. Graves, S. Krevor and K. Lackner, Columbia 

Univ., New York City, NY 

Mineral carbon dioxide sequestration refers to a technology whereby 

carbon dioxide is reacted with metal cations in silicate minerals to form solid

carbonate minerals. This technology provides permanent removal of carbon 

dioxide from the atmosphere, while eliminating the need for monitoring for 

CO 2 leakage. It is also appealing in the potential for its storage capacity to 

exceed what would be required for the sequestration of 100% of U.S. CO 2 

emissions at current levels for centuries. Although this storage capacity has 

been discussed, it remains an important area of research for the 

development of this technology to evaluate the fraction of the natural 

reserves of silicate minerals that can be exploited for the process. The 

importance was noted by the IPCC in its 2005 report on Carbon Capture 

and Storage. 

3:05 PM 

Carbon Neutral, Energy Efficient Method for Gas Production 

from Methane Hydrates: M. Castaldi, T. Yegulalp, and Y. Zhou, 

Columbia Univ., New York, NY 

As global energy demands increase, there will be a critical need to 

employ fuels that have minimal environmental impacts. While hydrogen is 

considered the ultimate fuel for that purpose, hydrocarbon based fuels will 

be in use for a considerable time and will probably be the first major source 

of hydrogen for next generation power systems. The best fuel for this 

transition will be natural gas because of the high hydrogen to carbon ratio. 

Natural gas hydrates have the potential to meet the global energy needs for 

the foreseeable future. The amount of energy stored in natural gas hydrates 

is significantly more than that of all the other fossil fuels combined. 

Copper Processing − The Metal of Electrical 

Transmission 


Chair: J. Uhrie, Phelps Dodge Bagdad, Inc., 

Bagdad, AZ 

2:05 PM 

A Novel Solution for Dust Control Using Natural Analogs: 

W. Tyler, Climax Molybdenum Co., Dillon, CO; G. Pitts, Phelps 

Dodge – Sierrita, Green Valley, AZ; T. Higgins, Reclamation 

Enhancement Tech., Inc., Tucson, AZ and C. Hatton, URS Corp., 

Denver, CO 

A novel, cost-effective solution for dust control was experimented with 

at the Sierrita mine, Green Valley, AZ and found to be effective over a wide 

range of environmental conditions. Dust control at the 1,400 hectare (3,500 

acre) facility was difficult to achieve due to the expanse of area and the lack 

of weight bearing capacity of the placed tailing. The solution uses biological 

agents (bio-algae) cultivated from soil to bind the tailing to itself. The bioalgae 

is cultivated in a pond and injected into the tailing delivery line at a 

distance of approximately 5 miles from the tailing pond. The bio-algae is 

viable after transport and binds the tailing by the action of polysaccharides 

exuded during the growing process. 

2:25 PM 

Flotation Reagent Interactions and Optimization: D. Nagaraj, 

Cytec Industries, Inc., Stamford, CT and G. Marin and G. Oneto, 

Cytec Chile, Ltda., Santiago, Chile 

Although it is well known that flotation outcome is influenced by all the 

three types of the flotation reagents − viz. collectors, frothers, and modifiers 

− interacting simultaneously with the various mineral species, the tendency 

in research and plant practice is to focus on individual reagents, which 

essentially amounts to ignoring interactions. Consequently, reagents and 

conditions are sub-optimized, and the knowledge generated is incomplete. 

Interactions in the binary system, collector-frother, have been mentioned 

frequently in the literature, but studies conducted in this binary system are 

invariably under idealized conditions that are not of direct relevance to plant 

practice. 

Dreyer Lecture 


LECTURER: A. Wallace 

“Sustaining an Exploration Program for Forty Years” 


39 

Future Trends in Industrial Minerals 


Chair: F. Heivilin, Thomasville, GA 

2:05 PM 

Overview on the Future of Industrial Minerals: H. Murray, 

Indiana Univ., Bloomington, IN 

Industrial minerals are key ingredients in almost all domestic and 

industrial products that are used in our daily lives. Consumption growth is 

closely allied with population growth. Also part of this growth is due to better 

quality control and increased R&D by the producing companies and by 

government and state agencies and universities. An economic downturn 

may temporarily slow the growth but long range, this growth and utilization 

will continue to increase. As the standard of living in countries like China 

and India improves there will be substantial increases in the use of 

industrial minerals. The future for the production and use of industrial 

mienrals looks to be a significant growth area in the forseeable future. 

2:25 PM 

Future Outlook for Fillers and Extenders: N. Trivedi, Idekin 

International, Easton, PA, and M. Koppelman, Minerals 

Technologies, Inc, Bethlehem, PA 

The term “filler” is an unflattering and often value deflating way to 

describe one of the most demanding and sophisticated applications of 

several industrial minerals. Mineral additives that enhance performance or 

add certain functionality to the host matrix whether it is polymer, cellulose 

or other material, most often belong to the carbonate or silicate families, 

including kaolin, and silica. Tens of millions of tons of products are 

consumed annually by the world s paper, polymer and building material 

industries. Current changes to the end-user industries, coupled with 

developments in the industrial minerals sector, form the basis for the future 

outlook for this high value end-use of industrial minerals. 

2:45 PM 

Future Health Regulatory Issues for Industrial Minerals: 

W. Moll, W.F. Moll and Assoc(s), Village of Lakewood, IL 

The European REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and 

Restriction of Chemicals) program is only one peek into the future of health 

regulations of industrial mineral products. Involvement of the geological 

community with toxicologists and epidemiologists at an early stage will 

avoid misunderstandings later. Tasks include outlining the risks, some of 

them newly-perceived, and developing methods of identification and 

analysis at concentration levels below those of concern today. Proper 

nomenclature is critical because many health professionals have only a 

scanty understanding of mineralogical complexity. Trade organizations will 

play a vital role because of high cost of these programs. 

3:05 PM 

Bentonite Commodity Markets and Trends 1990 to 2006: 

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

The major commodity markets and value for bentonite in the US have 

increased since 1990. Exports of bentonite change significantly each year. 

Bentonite has many uses that are tied to the economy and other uses that 

are tied to the population of the US. New uses for bentonite were introduced 

and now dominate a major market. Other commodity markets increased or 

decreased over the last 17 years as changes occurred in each industrial 

application. Major commodity markets include: absorbents, adhesives, 

animal feed, ceramics, drilling fluids, fillers and extenders, foundry, 

pelletizing, refractories, water proofing and sealing. 

3:25 PM 

Trends Affecting the Future Demand and Supply of 

Construction Aggregates: D. Meyer, Vulcan Materials Co., 

Denver, CO 

Forecasting supply and demand for anything 25 years into the future 

is easy. Accurate forecasting is probably impossible. Nonetheless we must 

attempt the impossible in order to have any chance of being prepared for 

what the future brings us. Understanding and evaluating the past and 

present will help us set a direction that may allow us to affect our future. We 

can say with certainty that demand will be greater than it is today. How 

much larger and where it will come from are the two most important 

questions. This paper will provide answers that may help you assess how 

good this and other forecasts are.

Energy’s Influence Symposium: Getting, 

Measuring, and Using Energy at Mining 

Operations 


Chair: D. van Zyl, Univ. of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 

2:05 PM 

A Perspective on Mining Energy Issues and Solutions: 

D. van Zyl, Univ. of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 

This presentation will provide a perspective on measuring national 

and mine energy consumption in the US and Canada. A number of 

important issues and concepts in the management of energy savings will 

be discussed. This presentation will also address several potential solutions 

for gaining a greater understanding of how energy is consumed and 

ultimately, how this information could lead to cost savings. 

2:25 PM 

Mining Energy Requirements and Saving Opportunities: 

L. Gregg, Falconbridge Ltd., Toronto, ON, Canada 

This presentation will focus on how Falconbridge has improved 

energy performance at its operations by building internal capacity to control 

energy. The Falconbridge approach has been to build this capacity based 

on the towards sustainable mining indicators. This presentation will also 

describe the use of best practices bench marks and internal performance 

benchmarks. 

2:45 PM 

Hemlo Gold: Simple Change in Practices -- Impressive 

Delivery of Results: J. Feldman, Hatch Consulting, Oakville, ON, 

Canada 

Sustained energy savings depend on both technical improvements 

and a systematic, focused, continuous-improvement approach to the way a 

company manages its energy. Far too many companies looking for energycost 

savings become victims of the low-hanging-fruit syndrome. The 

companies find a few easy ways to create savings in the energy 

management programs, but fail to carry the savings onward and outward. 

The leadership team at Hemlo mines in Ontario, Canada, decided to take a 

risk, break from tradition and tackle energy management at its roots. The 

site team’s enthusiastic commitment to the improvement process resulted 

in over $1,000,000 in annual savings being identified. 

305 PM 

Measuring and Controlling Energy Utilization − Phelps Dodge 

Henderson Mine: D. Harney, Phelps Dodge Corp., Empire, CO 

Accurate measurement, tracking, and planning are vital for efficient 

utilization of energy in any mining operation, the major focus of this paper. 

This can be done with a number of assessments: 1) accurately measure 

KWH usage and track peak demand periods; 2) identify the electrical 

equipment that affects your usage and the conditions that require it to be 

running; 3) remotely monitor and control as much equipment as possible, 

especially larger pieces of equipment; 4) understand how your utility 

company calculates your electrical bill; 5) recognize how production affects 

energy usage and utility costs. 

Mastering Personal Productivity 


1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

The Young Leaders Committee, in cooperation with Laura Stack, MBA and 

CSP from Celebration Presentations, the following program will be open to 

all SME members and students. 

Does the speed of life leave you feeling tested, bested, toasted, and 

roasted? Would you like to learn how to leave the office earlier, with less 

stress, and more to show for it? Attend this innovative, research-based 

course on improving your personal productivity! This is NOT your old-school 

"time-management class... it offers a multitude of physiological, 

psychological, behavioral, and environmental productivity strategies. 

Professionals, managers, and administrative staff will gain scores of new 

ideas from "The Productivity PRO" on increasing output without increasing 

effort and performing at your matchless best! 


40 

Mechanical Mining 


Chair: B. Asbury, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO 

2:05 PM 

Wirtgen Surface Miner − a Viable Alternative to Conventional 

Mining Methods: R. Bauer, Wirtgen Amer., Inc., Lakewood, CO 

The extensive research and development efforts of the Wirtgen 

GmbH is taking mechanical excavation with surface miner to new 

performance levels by allowing it to realize the advantages of mechanical 

excavation in soft and medium hard rock. An optimized, completely 

redesigned machine concept consisting of newly designed cutting drums, 

cutter gear, cutting drum drive, adapted machine body, increased motor 

power, milling depth control etc. allows the machine to be more cost 

effective and efficient than conventional mining methods. Using the Wirtgen 

Surface Miner rock is mined, sized and loaded during one operation, 

thereby achieving a substantial reduction in machinery and personnel. 

2:25 PM 

Techniques to Assess Operator Influence and Digging 

Conditions on the Fatigue Life of Mechanical Excavators: 

R. Sharp, WBM, Englewood, CO 

Operators of heavy mining equipment are faced with conflicting 

demands from production versus maintenance. Whilst high production rates 

dictate the throughput of product, these can come at the cost of increased 

maintenance and unscheduled downtime. By monitoring mechanical 

damage versus productivity, an effectiveness ratio can be defined providing 

a quantitative measure to mine management regarding the effectiveness of 

the machine. This ratio, viewed on a shift by shift basis, can identify 

operators that need further training, whilst a general trend will be indicative 

of digging condition. 

2:45 PM 

MiniMole: Development and Field Testing of a Narrow-Vein 

Hard Rock Mechanical Mining Machine: J. Jackson and 

D. Clarke, Cellula Robotics Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Canada 

This paper describes highlights of the Placer Dome MiniMole project 

− the development and testing of a robotic machine for mining narrow ore 

veins. A prototype hydraulically controlled robotic excavator was built and 

tested. The machine provided a platform for testing numerous cutters in the 

field. Other cutters, e.g. undercutting devices, were tested in the lab. 

Extensive analyses were done on specific energies and cutter penetration. 

Three sets of quarry trials were done, then the machine was tested in an 

underground mine. Rock UCS values varied from 180 MPa to 230 MPa. 

3:05 PM 

Creating 3D Models of Underground Environments for Mining 

Automation: J. Steele, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO; 

M. Whitehorn, PercepTek, Inc., Littleton, CO and S. Schiele, 

MapTek, Lakewood, CO 

Development of three-dimensional models of underground 

environments will provide an important step forward as the mining industry 

moves toward more automated operations. These three-dimensional 

models can be used to measure and assess underground development, as 

well as being used for machine navigation and operational control. In this 

paper we present results of work done to create a three-dimensional model 

of a mine adit using stereovision and compare the results with threedimensional 

model created with scanning laser technology. Stereo vision 

relies on relatively inexpensive technology, has a high sampling rate, and 

can provide color information. 

3:25 PM 

Subsea Massive Sulfide Mining − Technology Test Program: 

J. Jackson, Cellula Robotics, Ltd., New Westminster, BC, Canada; 

R. Hunter, Barrick Gold Corp., Toronto, ON, Canada, and 

D. Heydon, Nautilus Minerals, Inc., Milton, PQ, Canada 

This paper describes work done by Placer Dome and Nautilus 

Minerals Inc. in support of the conceptual design of a subsea mining 

system. It describes an overall concept design plus specific studies into 

subsea mechanical excavation. The concept design includes one or more 

subsea excavators connected to a suction riser, which transports the cut 

material to a shipboard dewatering and offloading system. A multi-phase

investigation was performed into the mechanical excavation of seafloor 

massive sulfides at depths of around 1600m. Rock samples were recovered 

and tested for rock properties and cutting behaviour. 

3:45 PM 

Improved Machine Productivity in Selected Chinese Coal 

Mines by Cutterhead Optimization of Axial Roadheaders: 

J. Rostami, CDM, Annandale, VA and T. Kozminski, Kennametal 

Mining and Const. 

Roadheader is a very versatile piece of equipment used in tunneling, 

rock excavation, mine development, and mine production. This machine is 

favored in mining operation due to its mobility, flexible cutting profile (i.e. 

Horseshoe), selective mining, and finally its capability to cut medium rocks 

up to about 100 MPa (15 ksi) in strength. Roadheaders have been used in 

rapidly growing Chinese coal mining industry for mine development and 

advancing the entries. Often times, these machines have to conquer harder 

rock strata such as sandstones with strength of up to 80 MPa (11 ksi) when 

developing entries. Such cutting condition poses many challenges to the 

operation including rapid wearing of bits and cutter-head, lower productivity, 

higher cutter-head vibration, and finally increased down time and 

maintenance requirements. 

Resource Evaluation and Planning 


Chairs: G. Stevens, Civil and Environmental 

Consultants, Inc., Downers Grove, IL 

W. Willis, Weyerhauser, Hot Springs, AR 

2:05 PM 

Hydraulic Impacts of Quarries and Pits: Critical Planning for 

Resource Development: J. Green, Minnesota DNR-Waters, 

Rochester, MN 

Aggregate mining impacts on water resources are a source of 

concern to local governments. To evaluate those impacts, the Minnesota 

Dept. of Natural Resources conducted a four-year study at three gravel pits 

(two alluvial and one beach-ridge) and five quarries (flat-lying Paleozoic 

limestone). This research provides the first comprehensive look at 

aggregate mining impacts on ground¬water systems in Minnesota. The 

results will be used by government officials making permitting decisions 

about aggregate operations and by responsible owners of aggregate mines 

as they plan their operations to avoid conflicts with neighbors and impacts 

on resources dependent on ground and surface water. 

2:25 PM 

Aggregates Mining of Hatton Tuff − Challenges and 

Opportunities: L. Bhatnagar, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., San 

Antonio, TX 

This oral presentation will discuss the challenges associated with 

mining aggregates material from the Hatton Tuff formation. Unpredictability 

of the deposit along with the need to have reliable reserves for the 

investment associated with an aggregates plant will be explored in this 

presentation. This mining operation is a collaborative partnership between 

Weyerhaeuser and Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., and this presentation will 

showcase the ingenious mining solutions to this very difficult and 

unpredictable mining of aggregates. 

2:45 PM 

Aggregate Greenfield Operations: W. Flanigan, TXI/Texas 

Industries, Dallas, TX 

Annual aggregate demand in the US approaches 3.2 billion st. This 

demand leads to the depletion of an estimated of 10,000 and 15,000 acres 

annually. An undisputable need for aggregate to maintain existing 

infrastructure and to support growth and development exists; however, this 

same growth and development leads to encroachment and conflicting land 

uses. The focus of this presentation is to discuss some of the challenges 

faced for locating and developing aggregate greenfield sites. 

See You in DENVER! 


41 

3:05 PM 

From Geologic Data to Mine Planning: D. Linder, H. Cook, Jr., 

S. Barberio, and K. Jones, Vulcan Materials Co., Birmingham, AL 

The foundation of an effective mine plan is a robust digital 3-D 

geologic model, that provides the framework from which the mine plan is 

designed, thus optimizing the geologic asset. Data including aerial 

photography, topography, field mapping, drilling, and rock properties form 

the basis of the model. Accurate and efficient 4-D mine plans incorporate 

the geologic model as well as all applicable mining parameters. The entire 

process of geologic modeling and mine planning provides opportunities to 

generate high quality technical illustrations that are necessary for day-today 

mining operations and management decision-making and planning. 

3:45 PM 

Resource Development and Planning: A Multidisciplinary 

Approach: G. Stevens, Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc., 

Downers Grove, IL 

As is commonly known, resource development and planning for 

construction aggregates requires a good understanding of the mineable 

mineral reserves under a site and the means to mine and process the 

reserves. What is not so commonly known is the procedure required to 

actually get the property zoned and permitted to mine. If the property is 

already permitted then only the quantification of reserves and good mining 

practice is initially critical. However, more times than not, the site is a 

greenfield or an expansion beyond the originally permitted boundaries. In 

these cases, a well directed plan requiring a substantial effort from many 

technical disciplines may be necessary obtains the permits. 

4:05 PM 

Contributions of the Construction Materials Industry to 

Sustainability: D. VanZyl, Univ. of Nevada – Reno, Reno, NV 

The construction materials industry contributes significantly to 

sustainability of the local and regional communities in which they operate. 

This presentation will focus on the activities of various operations and how 

they contribute to sustainability. It will also provide insight in the business 

case for the construction materials in applying sustainability principles both 

as a corporate entity and a broader community of producers. 

Rock Piles: Understanding and Uncertainty 


Chairs: V. McLemore, NM Bur. of Mines and Mineral 

Resources, Socorro, NM 

K. Smith, US Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

2:05 PM 

Why Do We Need to Characterize Mine Waste-Rock Piles, 

Tailings, and Heap Leach Facilities?: V. McLemore, NM Bur. of 

Geology, Socorro, NM 

Characterization of mine waste-rock piles, tailings, and heap leach 

facilities is important to: 1) establish pre-mining conditions; 2) characterize 

and predict stability, weathering, and erosion; 3) predict acid-rock drainage 

and other chemical releases; 4) properly dispose of and manage mine 

wastes; and 5) develop mine closure plans. Waste rock is the unprocessed 

overburden material that is excavated and disposed of in order to access 

valuable ore bodies. Tailings are the waste materials produced from the 

extraction process used for obtaining ore. Most characterization studies to 

date focus on the stability or acid drainage from the facilities. 

2:25 PM 

Impact of the Waldorf Mine-Waste Dump on the Upper 

Leavenworth Creek Watershed, Clear Creek County, CO: 

R. McDougal, D. Fey, and L. Wirt, US Geological Survey, 

Denver, CO 

Infiltration of surface water through mine waste can be a significant or 

even dominant source of contaminants in a watershed. In this study, 

electrical geophysical surveys were conducted in tandem with geochemical 

tracer tests to delineate ground-water flow paths through a mine-waste 

dump and adjacent wetland area. Integrating the results of the tracer study 

with those of electromagnetic and direct current resistivity surveys revealed 

two main flow paths for ground water. One flow path is deeper, emerging 

from a fault zone associated with the collapsed adit, and one shallower, the 

result of adit water infiltrating from braided channels flowing over the top of 

the dump.

2:45 PM 

From the Micro to the Macro Scale: A Textural and Chemical 

Perspective of Characterizing Waste-Rock Material: S. Diehl, 

A. Koenig, P. Hageman, and K. Smith, US Geological Survey, 

Denver, CO 

Understanding relationships between mineralogy, texture, microstructural 

features, and elemental distribution and residence in minerals is 

critical for accurate modeling of mineral weathering in waste-rock piles. The 

morphology of minerals and deformation structures, such as veins and 

faults, are important factors that control: 1) fluid access to the mineral 

surface to initiate dissolution; 2) the distribution of trace elements; and 3) 

formation of secondary minerals. We characterized the mineralogy, 

textures, and chemical properties of waste-rock material at three sites at 

scales ranging from outcrop to hand-sample to micrometer scale. 

3:05 PM 

Using Bioassays to Determine Potential Toxicity of Mine- 

Waste Leachates: L. Choate, US Geological Survey, Denver, CO; 

J. Ranville, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO and K. Smith, 

US Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

Mine-waste leachates are assumed to be toxic to aquatic organisms 

if pH is less than five, but toxicity is uncertain, and must be tested, if greater 

than five. Standard aquatic toxicity tests are conducted by culturing aquatic 

organisms such as Ceriodaphnia dubia, C. Dubia, and exposing them to the 

leachate. These tests are expensive and time intensive. Therefore, 

development of alternative methods that cost less and are more time 

efficient is beneficial. The enzymatic assay MetPLATE and the 48-hour C. 

dubia acute toxicity test were compared. Also, C. dubia ephippia, a dormant 

form which is re-hydrated just prior to the test, was compared with 

laboratory maintained C. dubia stock cultures. 

3:25 PM 

Physical Assessment of Mine Wastes and Their Comparison 

with Chemical Assessments: T. Wildeman, Colorado School of 

Mines, Golden, CO 

A mine waste toxicity assessment decision tree that has both a 

physical and chemical assessment schedule has been devised. In a study 

of wastes in Russell Gulch, near Central City, CO, that used the decision 

tree procedures, it was found that there was not necessarily a correlation 

between the physical and chemical assessment. The chemical portion rates 

the availability of contaminants and the physical portion rates the ability to 

deliver those contaminants to the watershed. A recent study in Gilson 

Gulch, which neighbors Russell Gulch, generally confirms the conclusion 

from the Russell Gulch study. 

3:45 PM 

Origins of Clay Minerals in the Molycorp Mine Goathill North 

Rock Pile, Questa, NM: K. Donahue, NM Bur. of Geology, 

Socorro, NM 

Three principle lines of evidence suggest that the clay minerals found 

in the Goathill North rock pile at the Molycorp mine are derived from 

hydrothermal alteration, rather than weathering. Unweathered drill core and 

samples from GHN have similar types and abundances of clay mineral 

groups based on XRD analysis. Electron microprobe analyses reveal similar 

chemical compositions for the hydrothermal alteration clays in drill core 

samples and clays found in the rock pile. Textural evidence, such as the lack 

of correspondence between clay abundance and grain margins or fractures 

in rock-pile samples, further suggests hydrothermal origins. 

4:05 PM 

Effects of Chemistry, Mineralogy, Petrography and Alteration 

on Rock Engineering Properties of the Goathill North Rock 

Pile at the Molycorp Questa Mine, New Mexico: V. de Viterbo, 

New Mexico Inst. of Mining and Tech., Socorro, NM and 

V. McLemore, NM Bur. of Geology, Socorro, NM 

In order to determine the influence of weathering on durability and 

strength of rock samples from the Goathill North rock pile at the Molycorp 

Questa mine, NM, we conducted slake durability and point load tests. Slake 

durability index (ID2) averaged values ranged from 84 to 98%. Point load 

strength index (150) values ranged from 0.6 to 8 MPa. Results show a slight 

positive trend between ID2 and paste pH and internal friction angle. A slight 

negative trend exists between ID2, percentages of authigenic gypsum. Two 

populations of data exist between ID2 and percentages of chlorite, 

andesite, and illite. 150 results generally increased towards the inside of 

the pile. 


42 

Surface Mining I 


Chair: J. Brune, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

2:05 PM 

Cable Shovel Health and Longevity in Formation Excavation: 

S. Frimpong, Univ. of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 

The cable shovel excavator is used for primary excavation in in-situ 

and/or pre-fragmented formations in surface mining operations. Poorly 

fragmented formations in hard rock operations and random occurrence of 

shale, dolomitic and sandstone boulders in in-situ formation cause extreme 

variability of material diggability, resulting in varying mechanical energy 

input and stress loading of the shovel excavator. This variability has a huge 

impact on the shovels front-end assembly in hard formations with acute 

problems in areas with little or no pre-fragmentation. The stress loading of 

the shovels front-end assembly could result in initiation and propagation of 

cracks, which may further result in fatigue failure without effective 

understanding and monitoring. 

2:25 PM 

Excess Spoil Minimization and Fill Stability: P. Michael and 

M. Superfesky, US Office of Surface Mining, Morgantown, WV 

A particular geotechnical design and construction challenge faces the 

coal industry. It is shared by state and federal regulatory personnel 

responsible for approval of excess spoil or valley fills in steep-sloped 

Appalachia. Competing regulatory requirements encourage smaller valley 

fills (so that stream impacts are minimized), while also assuring long-term 

stability. The US Army Corps of Engineers, through the Clean Water Act 

Section 404 (CWA 404) regulatory program, directs mining companies to 

avoid or minimize stream impacts. The CWA 404 program rewards mining 

proposals with lesser headwater stream impacts with reduced costs for 

compensatory mitigation. 

2:45 PM 

Guidance to Plan, Design, Evaluate and Inspect the Outcrop 

Barriers to Prevent Blowout Associated with Above-Drainage 

Coal Mines: K. Kohli, US Office of Surface Mining, Pittsburgh, PA 

Outcrop barrier pillars serve to keep mine personnel and the public 

safe from sudden uncontrolled flows of water accumulated in underground 

mine workings. When an outcrop barrier fails, the result is an outbreak of 

water to the surface and is termed a blowout. Mine blowouts are associated 

with above-drainage mines and can occur through the coal outcrop and 

sealed portals. The blowout is often catastrophic, a threat to the people on 

the surface living or working in the path of potentially large flood. In addition, 

the blowouts can destroy homes, cause landslides and severe erosion, and 

release pollution and acid mine drainage (AMD). 

3:05 PM 

The Use of Cross-Belt Coal Analyzer Technology in Mining: 

M. Heger, The North American Coal Corp., Ackerman, MS 

The Red Hills Mine is a 6 seam surface mine in central Mississippi 

owned and operated by the North American Coal Corp. Annually it supplies 

3.6 millions ton of lignite to the adjacent Red Hills generating station. 

Achieving acceptable coal quality has been a challenge beginning with the 

initial fuel deliveries in 2000 and continuing until the present day. To help 

solve the problems encountered, North American Coal has experimented 

with various cross belt coal analyzer technologies. This presentation will tell 

the Red Hills cross-belt analyzer story. Those who attend should take away 

a better understanding of the technologies available on the market. 

Technology 


Chair: C. Rehn, Sunrise Engineering, Draper, UT 

2:05 PM 

Magnetic Ground Water Mapping for Mining Operations: 

V. Kofoed, Willowstick Technologies, Draper, UT 

The ability to map and monitor groundwater systems is of great 

potential value to mine operators. An accurate picture of subsurface 

aquifers and channels enables those digging mines to avoid water bodies

posing serious flooding threats. Furthermore, a clear understanding of 

surrounding groundwater systems helps flooded mines determine the most 

effective dewatering strategies. Precise subsurface maps also serve a vital 

function in diagnosing and remediating the environmental hazards posed by 

tailings leakage. Finally, water mapping can pinpoint dangerous and costly 

seepage points in the dams and levees that are typically used to create 

tailings ponds. 

2:25 PM 

Improved Groundwater Mapping for Mining Operations: 

P. Rollins, Willowstick Technologies, Draper, UT 

This paper introduces a new subsurface mapping technique. In this 

procedure, electrodes are placed strategically within the groundwater 

system, and the aqueous network between them is charged with a low 

voltage, low amperage, audio-frequency electrical current. The current 

creates a distinctive magnetic field that represents the location and 

character of the subsurface water system. This field can be identified and 

surveyed from the surface using a specially tuned magnetic receiver. After 

detailing the technology behind this mapping procedure, the paper will 

conclude by discussing the ways in which these maps can be used to 

address the various groundwater issues faced by mine operators. 

2:45 PM 

Copper Precipitation and Cyanide Recovery Pilot Testing for 

the Newmont Yanacocha Project: M. Botz, Elbow Creek Engrg., 

Inc., Sheridan, WY and S. Acar, Newmont Mining Corp., 

Englewood, CO 

In 2007, Newmont Mining Corporation will begin construction of a 

milling and cyanidation leaching circuit for the Yanacocha site in Peru. Ore 

to be processed in the circuit contains a relatively high level of cyanidesoluble 

copper, and as a result, leach solutions are expected to contain 

elevated levels of copper and WAD cyanide. As the means of controlling 

copper levels in leach solution, a circuit will be installed to precipitate 

copper sulfide from barren solution using sodium hydrosulfide. In addition, 

a circuit will be installed to recover cyanide from barren solution, with 

recovered cyanide to be returned to the leaching circuit and treated solution 

to be utilized as make-up in existing heap leaching facilities. 

3:05 PM 

Uranium Mining in Kazakhstan: G. Ospanova, Kazakh Nat. 

Tech. Univ., Almaty, Kazakhstan 

Some 50 uranium deposits are known, in six provinces of 

Kazakhstan. Total resources and reserves of uranium are over 1.5 million 

tonnes, over 1.1 million tonnes of which can be mined by the one of the 

most advanced mining technologies -- to the In-Situ Leaching (ISL) method. 

The ISL solution is cleared and delivered to absorption columns, where the 

solution is filtered through ionite. Uranium is then desorptioned through the 

spillage nitrogen solutions. Solutions with over 40g/l are delivered via 

precipitation cascade. Pulp from the cascade is forwarded to a special tank, 

where the crystals are precipitated. 

Uranium: The Melting Pot 


Chair: C. Young, Montana Tech. of the Univ. of 

Montana, Butte, MT 

2:05 PM 

Uranium Solvent Extraction from Acid Sulfate Leach 

Solutions using Tertiary Amines: G. Kordosky and M. Virnig, 

Cognis Corp., Tucson, AZ and P. Crane and K. Dudley, Cognis 

Australia Pty, Ltd, Tullamarine, VIC, Australia 

A widely used technique for uranium recovery from ores uses sulfuric 

acid leaching under oxidizing condition followed by solvent extraction with a 

tertiary amine and precipitation of yellow cake from the pregnant strip 

solution. Low uranium prices from the mid 1980’s to 2004 caused a 

significant downturn in the uranium production industry and led to a vast 

loss of know-how as experienced engineers and metallurgists moved into 

other industries or retired. The recent increase in uranium prices, and 

concomitant interest in uranium production, looks to be sustainable, thus an 

update of the solvent extraction chemistry of uranium recovery using 

tertiary amines is needed. 


43 

2:25 PM 

Resin Technology for Improved Uranium Recovery and 

Selectivity: C. Marston, Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI 

Ion exchange resin technology has played a key role in the economic 

mining of Uranium for three decades. Some of the same ion exchange resin 

products that were standards in the industry during the booming 1980's are 

still being manufactured and are still in use today. While resin quality and 

consistency have steadily improved, until recently, there had not been 

significant step-changes in uranium resin technology. Today's "new 

generation" of uranium mining resins have very similar chemistry to the 

older generation products, however, fundamental changes in resin 

morphology and physical dimensions have brought about significant 

performance improvements and operating cost savings. 

2:45 PM 

Processing of High Grade Uranium Ore: H. Schnell and J. Thiry, 

AREVA − COGEMA 

Exceptional high grade uranium deposits have been discovered and 

exploited in the Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. 

These deposits have uranium ore grades from 2 to 30 % U. The first of 

these deposits was the Cluff Lake "D", processed 1980 to 1984. followed by 

the more recent discoveries of McArthur River (processed at Key Lake), 

and Cigar Lake and MidWest (processed at the McClean Lake lEB Mill). 

Uranium ore bodies contain the complete uranium decay series and 

subsequently ore handling is associated with possible high gamma 

radiation exposure by workers. These ores require plant design and 

treatment to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. In addition, these 

high grade ores can contain other metals and usually have a high clay with 

difficult material handling properties. 

3:05 PM 

Pyroprocessing Techniques for Closed Nuclear Fuel Cycle: 

S. Li, Idaho National Lab., Idaho Falls, ID 

Spent nucleatfuel from Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-II) is 

being treated at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) utilizing 

pyroprocessing technology. At the heart of the pyroprocess is an 

el~ctrorefining operation that receives the spent metal fuel from EBR-II and 

effects the separation and recovery of actinides from fission products in the 

fuel. Extension of this technology to spent nuclear oxide fuels requires a 

front-end reduction of an oxide fuel to metal prior to electrorefining. Such a 

reduction technique has been demonstrated at bench scale on spent 

nuclear oxide fuel with an electrolytic reduction process. A portion of the 

reduced spent nuclear oxide fuel from the electrolytic reduction process 

was further subjected to electrorefining operations at bench scale, which is 

the subject of this report. 

Where Next for Cu-Au: Undeveloped 

Copper Deposits of the World 


Chairs: W. Wilkinson, Phelps Dodge, Corp., 

Phoenix, AZ 

V. Canby, Phelps Doddge Exploration, Corp., 

Cobham, UK 

2:35 PM 

Peschanka CuAuMo Porphyry Deposit, Chukotka, Russia: 

V. Canby, Phelps Dodge Exploration Corp, Cobham, England 

Located near the Artic circle and 350km from a tiny seasonal port, 

Peschanka is the world’s remotest significant CuMoAu porphyry. Mesozoic 

hypogene mineralization occurs in and around a north-striking, east-dipping 

monzonitic intrusion in volcaniclastics, within a local magnetic high. Soviet 

exploration to 1985 defined four zones with inferred resources (‘P1’) of 1.35Bt 

@ 0.61% Cu, 0.32 g/t Au, 3.7 g/t Ag and 0.03% Mo. Although containing a 

higher-grade core (up to 560m 0.78% Cu, 0.42 g/t Au), Peschanka requires 

a ‘step-change’ in grade, perhaps through serendipitous exploration such as 

occurred at Oyu Tolgoi or Pebble East, to approach economic interest. 

2:55 PM 

Metalogenetic Characteristics of the Borska Reka Porphyry 

Copper Deposit in the Bor Copper and Gold Deposit, East 

Serbia: D. Kozelj, South Danube Metals, Bor, Serbia 

The Bor copper and gold deposit consists of 27 ore bodies: 24 belong 

to the high sulphidation class; one consists of mechanically concentrated

ore clast and two are porphyry type. The porphyry copper deposit Borska 

Reka was discovered during geologic exploration of deeper parts of the Bor 

deposit. Systematic exploration was carried out in the period from 1976 until 

January 1999, with the deepest drilling to 1407 m. Total reserves are 

calculated at 611 Mt (cut-off grade 0.3% Cu) of 0.62% Cu; 0.21 g/t Au and 

1.81 g/t Ag. The porphyry mineralization is open down dip. A several of the 

deepest holes stopped in porphyry mineralization averaging 0.5-1% Cu. 

Total reserves could exceed 1Gt. 

3:15 PM 

Aynak: A World-Class Sediment-Hosted Copper Deposit, 

Afghanistan: A. Benham, S. Coats, P. Kovac, and G. Norton, 

British Geological Survey, Nottingham, England 

The Aynak copper deposit, located 30 km south of Kabul in 

Afghanistan, was discovered by Soviet geologists in the 1970s. Extensive 

exploration undertaken in the area between 1974-80 included several 

hundred boreholes, seventy trenches and nine exploratory adits. This 

delineated several large ore bodies and smaller lenses with a total drillindicated 

resource of 240 Mt at 2.3% Cu (ESCAP, 1995). The 

mineralisation at Aynak consists of disseminated bornite and chalcopyrite, 

mainly concentrated in a stratabound orebody in a cyclic succession of 

metamorphosed dolomites, marls, siltstones and carbonaceous pelites. 

3:35 PM 

Geology of the Udokan Sediment-Hosted Copper Deposit, 

Chita Oblast, Russia: W. Wilkinson, Phelps Dodge Explor. Corp., 

Phoenix, AZ 

The Udokan sediment-hosted copper deposit, one of the largest 

undeveloped copper deposits in the world, is located in the Kalar District of 

Chita oblast. The deposit occurs in the Kodar-Udokan synclinorium in 

metamorphosed terrigenous sediments of Lower Proterozoic age. The main 

ore member consists of quartzose sandstones with minor argillaceous 

rocks, conglomerates and breccias. The main ore minerals are chalcocite, 

bornite, and chalcopyrite in three principal paragenetic associations: pyritechalcopyrite, 

chalcopyrite-bornite, and bornite-chalcocite. Bornitechalcopyrite 

is the most widely distributed. 

3:55 PM 

Geology of the Resolution Porphyry System: C. Wilkinson, and 

G. Zulliger, Resolution Copper Co., Superior, AZ 

The Resolution deposit is a large porphyry Cu-Mo system located 

below a minimum of 1000m of post-mineral cover in the Superior (Pioneer) 

district of Arizona. Discovered in 1996 by underground drilling from 

workings of the Magma mine during exploration for vein-style 

mineralization, exploration results to date indicate a minimum of 1.0Gt with 

a grade of over 1% Cu at depths of 1500m to 2000m below surface. Host 

rocks include Proterozoic intrusive and sedimentary rocks, Paleozoic 

sedimentary rocks, and a Cretaceous sequence of sedimentary and 

volcanic rocks which may in part represent a syn-intrusive volcanic pile 

above the porphyry system. 

Tuesday, February 27 Morning 

Advancing Exploration Through Innovative 

Technology 

9:00 AM � Tuesday, February 27 

Chairs: J. Taranik, Univ. of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 

R. Gordon, Quantec Geoscience, Toronto, ON, 

Canada 

9:05 AM 

Innovation in Geophysics: Major Tools for Mineral Exploration 

and Development in Botswana: S. Bate, AEGIS Instruments 

(Pty) Ltd, Lobatse, Botswana; T. Ngwisanyi, Geological Survey of 

Botswana, Lobatse, Botswana and W. Doerner, Quantech 

Geoscience, Reno, NV 

Most of Botswana is covered by the semi-arid Kalahari Desert. The 

Kalahari sands can be 100m or more in thickness in places, presenting a 


44 

challenging environment for grass roots and even brownfields exploration. 

The majority of outcrop in the country is found along the eastern margin of 

Botswana. Despite these restrictions to classical geological exploration, 

Botswana is the world's largest diamond producer by value, hosts the 

largest nickel deposit being mined in Africa, is a small tier gold producer, 

expects to more than double copper production, has the largest coal 

reserves in Africa outside of South Africa and has CBM energy projects 

rapidly moving towards production. 

9:25 AM 

The Applications of Advanced Technology to Deep 

Exploration in a Mine-site: W. Doerner, Quantec Geoscience, 

Reno, NV 

The benefits of discovering additional ore, close to a producing mine, 

can include extending the mine's life and improving the mine's return on 

investment. The thorough exploration for these proximal ore bodies is 

challenging as they can be economic at both greater depths and smaller 

sizes than normal exploration targets. State-of-the-art technologies 

improve on current practices by increasing the depth and resolution of 

subsurface imaging from 200 meters to approximately 800 meters for many 

of these targets. This reduces the cost and risk of the deep drilling required 

to fully evaluate the economic potential of additional resources. 

9:45 AM 

The Use of Airborne Electromagnetic Methods in Precious 

Metal Exploration: S. Balch, Aeroquest Ltd., Milton, ON, Canada 

Methods for detecting gold and other precious metals such as 

platinum and paladium often rely on an association with a sulfide mineral, 

often where the sulfide content is very low. In such environments, the 

application of airborne electromagnetic (EM) systems becomes 

problematic because of the low conductance of these targets. With the 

introduction of helicopter time domain EM systems there are potential new 

advantages and disadvantages for use in these low sulfide environments. 

A series of case histories is used to highlight the capabilities of this new 

technology in the search for precious metal deposits. 

10:05 AM 

Advanced Radio Imaging Methods and Instrumentation for 

Mining-Related Sub-Surface Imaging and Geologic 

Exploration: J. Duncan and L. Stolarczyk, Stolar Horizon, Inc., 

Raton, NM 

Stolar’s RIM-IV system provides improved transmission range and 

enhanced resolution. The system uses wireless synchronization between 

transmitter and receiver to produce large-scale images of geologic 

structures. Increased receiver sensitivity, higher imaging-frequencies, and 

specialized tomographic reconstruction software provide state-of-the-art 

imaging capability. In the coal industry, RIM-IV is used to identify and locate 

anomalies in the coal seams that could effect development and production. 

In metalifferous mining, RIM-IV aids in resource evaluation and mine 

planning by better delineating ore body structure between exploration 

boreholes. 

10:25 AM 

Mapping Ground Surface Strain Concentrations Produced by 

Mine Dewatering Using the STRAIN-SAR Method and 

Satellite Interferometric Radar (InSAR): G. Oppliger, Univ. of 

Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV and T. Woldai, TC International Institute 

for Geo-information Science, Enschede, The Netherlands 

We demonstrate a new InSAR (Satellite Interferometric Synthetic 

Aperture Radar) post-processing methodology termed STRAIN-SAR 

(Strain Tensor Rate Analysis − InSAR),which recovers full horizontal strain 

rate tensor values from single component, line-of-sight InSAR observations 

of dewatering subsidence. We apply the method to multi-year InSAR 

measurements made over the Pipeline Mine in central Nevada during 

significant dewatering. The strain maps reveal a network of localized 

compression and extension strain zones ringing and cross cutting the 

subsidence feature. 

10:45 AM 

Applying ASTER Multispectral Imagery and AVIRIS 

Hyperspectral for Mapping Redox Zones Relating to Cu 

Mineralization, Cashin, CO: S. Perry, Perry Remote Sensing, 

LLC, Englewood, CO and F. Kruse, Horizon GeoImaging, LLC, 

Frisco, CO 

The Cashin mining district, located on the southwest flank of the 

Paradox Valley salt anticline in western Montrose County, CO, exhibits 

disseminated copper mineralization in Jurassic-age sandstone units.

Satellite multispectral remote sensing data from the Advanced Spaceborne 

Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and airborne 

hyperspectral data from the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer 

(AVIRIS) were evaluated for mapping mineral constituents of redox zones 

throughout the region. ASTER is presently orbiting on NASA’s TERRA 

satellite and offers 14 spectral bands. 

Can Mineral Processing Assist in 

Production of Oil from Alternative 

Sources?...Yes! 


Chairs: E. Bentzen, Resource Devel., Inc., 

Wheat Ridge, CO 

D. Spiller, Spiller Consultants LLC., 


9:35 AM 

The Shale Oil Industry in 2006: Green Light or False Dawn?: 

T. Bruington, IFC, Washington, DC 

A resurgence of interest in Shale Oil has followed recent strong prices 

for crude oil, reaching above US $70/bbl for extended periods in 2006. 

Interest in this sector has not been this high since the 1980's. However, the 

technical, economic, and environmental landscape has changed in the past 

25 years. Technological advances have been made in many areas, but the 

loss of research staff and the stricter environmental standards represent 

increasingly tough hurdles to potential projects. 

9:55 AM 

Column Flotation in the Athabasca Oil Sands: J. Furey, 

Canadian Process Tech., Delta, BC, Canada and M. Mankosa, 

Eriez Manufacturing., Erie, PA 

The Athabasca Oil Sands deposit of Northern Alberta, Canada, 

represents one of the largest petroleum reserves in the world. The current 

bitumen extraction process generates a middlings stream that contains 

recoverable bitumen along with significant clay slimes. Conventional 

flotation, presently in use, is inefficient at removing the slimes and requires 

excessive maintenance due to abrasion. In 2002, Canadian Process 

Technologies and Eriez conducted a pilot-scale demonstration of column 

flotation. Test results indicate that the column cells offer improved 

metallurgical performance and significantly reduced maintenance costs. 

10:15 AM 

Review of Wetting Phenomena in Oil Sand Systems and Their 

Impact on the Water-Based Bitumen Extraction Process: 

J. Drelich, Michigan Tech., Houghton, MI 

The water-based bitumen extraction process for the treatment of oil 

sands has been modified and optimized based on observations and 

analysis of mechanisms of bitumen separation from oil sands and 

measurements of interfacial properties of bitumen. In this presentation, the 

microscopic mechanisms of bitumen release from sand and its transfer to 

gas bubbles will be reviewed for the case of Utah oil sands. The 

experimental contact angles measured for microscopic bitumen drops 

formed on sand particles, and resulting adhesion between bitumen and 

mineral surface in aqueous phase will also be presented. 

Coal Preparation 


Chair: F. Peng, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 

9:05 AM 

Alternative Materials for Dense Medium Separations: 

R. Honaker and C. Bimpong, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 

Dense medium processes, which are used to clean approximately 

65% of the total processed coal in the US, employ ultrafine magnetite 

suspensions to separate the coal from the mineral matter. Due to recent 

market events, magnetite costs have nearly tripled which has driven the US 

coal industry costs upward to approximately $42 million annually. 

Alternative materials have been evaluated as a replacement for magnetite 

in dense medium processes. The results from the study will be presented 

and discussed in this presentation. 


45 

9:25 AM 

Ultra Fine Coal Recovery Utilizing the Imhoflot G-Cell 

Centrifugal Flotation Technology in a Russian Coal: 

M. Fletcher, M. Battersby, and R. Imhof, Maelgwyn Mineral 

Services, Cardiff, UK and A.Yuryev, OJSC West Siberian Iron and 

Steel Plant, Novokuznetsk, Russia 

The Zap-Sib mining concern has installed the first world-wide 

commercial use of the Imhoflot G-Cell flotation in coal at its preparation 

plant in Siberia. This paper describes the testing and design of the 

application through to the installation and operation of the 200 tph 

pneumatic flotation plant. The Imhoflot G-Cell is an innovative pneumatic 

flotation process that can be utilised for ultra fine coal recovery. The 

technology uses centrifugal forces to assist in the separation of the froth 

phase from the tailings and consequentially reducing the residence time in 

the separating vessel to below 30 seconds. 

9:45 AM 

Multiplex Dry Coal Separator Technology: J. Li, Kailuan Group, 

LLC., Tanshan City, Hebei, China; G. Li and Y. Yang, Tangshan 

Shenzhou Machinery Co., Ltd., Tanshan City, Hebei, China and 

F. Peng, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 

Multiplex separators were implemented in China since 1998. 

Approximately three hundred units have been installed by Shenzhou 

Machinery Company to process eighty million ton various types of coal 

annually. The new improved Multiplex separators are high in capacity and 

separation efficiency, automatic controlled, and a self-contained unit. There 

are ten different models of the Multiplex separator for dry coal cleaning, with 

the maximum separating area of 48 sq. m and capacity of 460 t/h. The 

separators are most commonly used in processing minus 80 mm size 

fraction, but also used in processing of minus 50 mm and minus 13 mm. 

10:05 AM 

Automation of Spiral Concentrator: P. Sahoo, M. Mohanty, and 

A. Mahajan, Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale, IL 

The main goal of this study was to develop a low cost microprocessorbased 

control system for automatic adjustment of the splitter position in 

each spiral to maintain a desired density cut-point irrespective of the 

fluctuations in the plant feed. A technique is being developed to monitor the 

particle mass (function of both size and density) across the spiral profile at 

the discharge end and then based on this knowledge adjust the splitter 

setting automatically to obtain a desired clean coal yield. Three types of 

systems are being evaluated: mechanical strain guage type, ultrasonic type 

and a pressure sensor mat type. 

10:25 AM 

Desulfurization of Illinois No. 6 Coal with Hypochlorite: 

E. Cho and R. Yang, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 

Illinois No.6 coals IBC 101 and IBC 112 were treated in solution with 

sodium hypochlorite to remove its sulfur contents, especially organic sulfur. 

The lab experiments were conducted in two-stages of leaching at room 

temperature and hydrolysis at 90°C. The removal of organic sulfur from IBC 

101 was by 37.8% while that from IBC 112 was only by 13.7% under its 

respective optimum conditions. This large difference in organic sulfur 

removal is considered to be due to the difference in concentration of surface 

total acid group, 3.14 vs. 0.88 mmol/g coal. 

Energy’s Influences Symposium: 

Energy Efficiency and Ways to Save 

Operating Costs 


Chairs: M. Mosser, National Energy Tech. Lab., 

Morgantown, WV 

R. Tiley, BCS, Inc., Columbus, MD 

9:05 AM 

DOE's Industrial Technology Program for Mining, Energy 

Benefits, Technical Accomplishments and Project 

Commercialization: M. Mosser and J. Renk, National Energy 

Tech. Lab.Morgantown, WV and R. Tiley, BCS, Inc., Columbia, MD 

The US Dept. of Energy's − Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

Office − Industrial Technologies Program for the Mining Industry of the 

Future was started in 1999 with the primary goal of developing new

technology for the mining industry to accomplish energy savings in the 

three mining focus areas of activity, which includes extraction, materials 

handling and beneficiation/processing. The program has funded 59 projects 

to date and will review the highlights of the projects energy saving cost 

potential, the technical accomplishments and the commercialization status 

for the projects. During the history of the program, 6 technologies developed 

in the portfolio have won the prestigious R&D 100 Awards. 

9:25 AM 

Coal Deshaling to Improve Energy Efficiency: R. Honaker, 

Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; G. Luttrell and R. Bratton, 

Virginia Polytechnical Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA and M. 

Saracoglu, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 

Deshaling involves the removal of high-density rock (> 2.0 SG) from 

run-of-mine coal. A detailed test program has been conducted to evaluate 

the efficiency and quantify the energy and economic benefits of dry coal 

deshaling in applications involving lignite and bituminous coals from regions 

throughout the US. The performance data indicates that at least 70% of the 

>2.0 SG rock can be rejected while recovering nearly 100% of the

8:55 AM 

Back Injury Control Measures for Manual Lifting and Seat 

Design: S. Gallagher and A. Mayton, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Back injuries account for a high proportion of lost work days in the 

mining industry and are a leading cause of disability in mineworkers. Two 

risk factors for low back injuries are lifting and whole-body vibration 

exposure when operating mobile equipment. Recent research has shed 

light on possible mechanisms through which low back injuries may occur, 

and the results of these studies can be used to improve the design of 

materials-handling tasks and seating to decrease injury risk. This 

presentation will discuss recent research results and how this knowledge 

can be leveraged to reduce the risk of low back pain. 

9:15 AM 

Ergonomics: Beyond Compliance: D. Caruso and L. Steiner, 

NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

The health and financial costs of cumulative injuries are plaguing the 

mining industry. Industry leaders are concentrating on reducing the risk of 

injury to the workers through design and redesign of work environments. 

While ergonomics is not a regulated field currently, many mines are realizing 

that the only way to tackle the most costly injuries, the cumulative injuries, is 

to make the proactive choice to understand those injuries and the root 

causes. Reduction of these injuries not only improves the health and morale 

of the workers but increases productivity and profit for the companies. 

9:35 AM 

Ergonomics Initiative at Badger Mining Corporation: J. Torma- 

Krajewski, NIOSH, Arvada, CO and M. Lehman, Badger Mining 

Corp., Berlin, WI 

In 2005, NIOSH and Badger Mining Corp. entered a partnership to 

implement ergonomic interventions, including a systematic process, to 

address exposures to ergonomic risk factors. As a result of this partnership, 

an ergonomics process was seamlessly integrated with the existing safety 

and health program to promote an on-going application of ergonomic 

principles, and over 40 task-specific interventions were implemented during 

the first year of the process. This paper presents details of how the 

integration was accomplished and several examples of task-specific 

interventions that reduced exposures to ergonomic risk factors. 

9:55 AM 

Ergonomic Interventions at Unimin: W. Porter and A. Mayton, 

NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA and A. O'Brien, Unimin Corp., 

Winchester, VA 

In 2004, management at Unimin’s Gleason, TN operation began 

implementing ergonomic interventions specifically targeted to reduce risk of 

musculoskeletal injuries (MSI’s). Together with corporate and site 

management, Unimin identified work site hazards and began to modify 

work practices/equipment. Some interventions were relatively simple and 

were implemented immediately. Others, like improvements to a mobile 

shredder, were more complex but were eventually resolved through a 

participatory approach with employees, management, manufacturers and 

NIOSH. 

Gaudin Lecture 


LECTURER: D. Malhotra 

“What’s Required for a Successful Plant Audit” 

Geomechanics: Rock Mechanics in Digital 

Age − State of the Art of Modeling in 

Design Practices 


Chair: J. Rostami, CDM, Annandale, VA 

9:05 AM 

Review of Available Geomechanics Modeling Programs and 

Their Application in Practical Mine Design: S. Saeb and 

C. Francke, RockSol Consulting Group, Boulder, CO. 

Advances in material science and computer speed combined with 

reductions in computer costs have resulted in significant improvements in 


47 

the practicality of using geomechanics modeling programs routinely in mine 

opening and ground support design. Recent geomaterial constitutive 

modeling research has provided us with more accurate algorithms that 

describe rock and soil behavior numerically. Personal computer power and 

capacity has increased, allowing more detailed, accurate representations of 

the mine environment to be modeled. The combination of improved 

accuracy and reduced cost of analysis have moved geomechanical 

modeling from a risky investment undertaken rarely to a practical, day-today 

analytical method that can be used at the mine site. 

9:25 AM 

A Proposed Method to Determine the Probability of Roof 

Failure: A. lannacchione, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Reducing the number of ground fall injuries is a goal of the NIOSH 

mine safety research program. Central to this effort is the development of 

assessment techniques that will help to identify the nature of the risks 

associated with working under hazardous roof conditions. This study 

discusses a technique to determine the risk of roof failure from monitoring 

data collected at an underground mine site. Convergence rates and 

microseismic activity levels were used to calculate the probability of failure 

for several areas within the mine. The ability to determine the risk of roof 

failure has been a long standing goal of safety professionals and can 

provide the kind of information, needed by on-site personnel responsible for 

worker safety, to mitigate injuries associated with roof falls. 

9:45 AM 

Rockfall Analysis Using Rigid Body Impact Mechanics: 

P. Ashayer and J. Curran, Univ. of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada 

A rockfall occurs when a rock or boulder detaches from the rock mass 

and tumbles down a slope. Rockfalls can pose significant hazards to 

infrastructure such as highways, buildings, and mine open pits and, 

sometimes, result in personal injury or death. Prediction of rockfalls is a 

difficult task. Slopes that are at risk of rockfall have highly variable geometry. 

The location and mass of the rocks that will, eventually, become the rockfall 

are uncertain. The materials that make up the slope can vary considerably 

from one section of the slope to the other and the relevant material 

properties are usually not well known. Performing probabilistic simulation of 

rockfalls, combined with a proper statistical analysis has proven to be an 

effective and acceptable method for dealing with these difficulties. 

10:05 AM 

An Evaluation of Microseismic Capabilities Associated with 

Roof Falls: A Case Study: J. Ellenberger and T. Bajpayee, 

NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Microseismic monitoring and evaluation is one aspect of the National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research program. 

Roof falls are often preceded by a period of elevated fracture activity. 

Fracture event frequencies were determined and roof fall precursor 

characteristics were analyzed to develop a site-specific forecasting 

technique for an underground stone mine. The elevated fracture activity was 

classified into four different categories. Nearly 43 percent of the roof falls 

that occurred over a period of 285 days could have been forecast using this 

technique. As we develop a better understanding and correlation between 

roof falls and microseismicity, a safer working environment for the miners 

becomes a step closer to reality. 

10:25 AM 

A New Model for Effects of Impersistent Joint Sets on Rock 

Slope Stability: W. Pariseau, Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Joints often have profound effects on elastic properties and strength 

of rock masses and therefore on rock slope stability. In surface mine, joints 

are usually too numerous to be taken into account individually, so an 

equivalent properties approach is necessary. Previous work that treats a 

jointed rock mass as an equivalent composite material of joints and intact 

rock resulted in excellent agreement between estimated and true rock mass 

elastic moduli in case of fully persistent joints. Rock mass failure 

mechanisms on joints and through intact rock were retained obviating the 

need for an equivalent rock mass strength. Impersistent joints, which are 

not continuous on a joint plane, were accommodated. 

10:45 AM 

Slope Stability Analysis of Chadormalu Iron Mine of Iran 

Using Experimental and Analytical Methods: A. Jafari, Tehran 

Univ., Tehran, Iran and J. Gholamnejad, Amirkabir Univ. of Tech., 

Tehran, Iran 

Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Company (CMMIC) is mining 

Chadormalu Iron Ore deposit in Yazd province, central Iran by using 

conventional open pit mining method. The final pit will be excavated to a

depth of approximately 225m with a bottom elevation of 1300m above mean 

sea level. According to the initial design, the inter-ramp slope angle of 55° 

with a 30m bench height, a catch bench width of 10m and 70° slope angle 

of individual benches were proposed. Mining to date has intersected 

complex geology and areas of unfavorable ground conditions; such that the 

previous mine design parameters of 55° inter-ramp slope angles may not 

be achievable in some parts of the pit. 

11:05 AM 

Determining the Minimum Barrier Pillar Thickness Between a 

Limestone Quarry Floor and a Major Regional Aquifer: 

M. Ruest, Itasca Consulting Group, Minneapolis, MN and 

P. Curley, Vulcan Materials Co., Lombard, IL 

The St. Peter Sandstone formation is a major regional aquifer 

underlying many surface limestone mines in the upper Midwest of the 

United States. The maximum depth of operation for a mine depends on 

determining the minimum barrier pillar required between the sandstone and 

the pit bottom to prevent uncontrolled seepage through the floor. 

Groundwater seepage from the sandstone into the quarry depends on the 

hydraulic conductivity and thickness ofthe rock floor. It is a function of the 

number of interconnecting cracks, flaws and pores, and ofthe conductivity 

of any existing joints. If the joints are open, flow through them will dominate. 

Assuming that, for a given floor thickness, the undisturbed rock mass will 

not allow groundwater flow into the quarry, mining activity has the effect of 

creating new fractures or opening existing joints to increase conductivity. 

11:25 AM 

Slope and Foundation Stability in Tropical Structured Soils: 

J. Cremeens, SRK (US) Inc., Denver, CO and M. Guarducci, 

Yamana Gold, Inc., San Andres, Honduras 

Structured soils present unique challenges for maintaining acceptable 

stability in foundation soils for heap leach facilities in tropical environments. 

The combination of elevated soil void ratios, structured, weathered in place 

(residual) soils, moderately plastic soils, and high rainfall combine to yield 

weak foundation materials that are susceptible to static liquefaction. The 

disparity observed between relatively higher laboratory shear strengths, 

and relatively lower shear strengths estimated from back analyses is 

attributable to static liquefaction. The observed displacement pattern, 

characterized by regressive slope movement, is consistent with the static 

liquefaction model. The rapid deceleration can be attributed to rapid 

dissipation of pore water pressures, due to poorly graded nature of the 

material. Proximity to an earthquake source may also provide a mechanism 

for triggering instability. 

Gold − Make Hay While the Sun Shines 


Chair: A. Staley, Rio Tinto Minerals, Boron, CA 

9:35 AM 

Treatment of Refractory Gold-Antimony Concentrates with 

the Recovery of Senarmontite: D. Royston, Royston Process 

Tech., Brisbane, QLD, Australia 

Gold ores containing antimony suffer from poor recoveries of gold in 

cyanidation due to the impact of antimony on the cyanidation process. 

Techniques such as lowering the pH for cyanidation can improve recovery, 

nevertheless a limit can be reached where high cyanide consumption 

makes traditional processing uneconomic. The paper outlines a process for 

the pre-treatment of gold-antimony concentrates to remove the antimony 

resulting in a low-antimony content gold-bearing residue suitable for 

efficient treatment for gold recovery through cyanidation. The 

hydrometallurgical process produces a by-product credit of commercial 

grade antimony oxide as senarmontite that can offset the cost of the 

pre-treatment. 

9:55 AM 

Improvement of Leaching Strategy and Control at the 

Musselwhite Mine: G. Deshenes, Natural Resources Canada, 

Ottawa, ON, Canada; M. Papadakis and T. Chong, Goldcorp, 

Thunder Bay, ON, Canada and C. Xia, Natural Resources 

Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada 

Musselwhite Mine, located in North Western Ontario, Canada, 

processes a free milling gold ore (5.5g/t) containing 4% pyrrhotite by gravity 

concentration followed by conventional cyanidation/Carbon-in-pulp 

processing. The plant throughput has increased from 4,000 to 4,600 tonnes 

per day while the retention time of the cyanidation circuit decreased from 34 


48 

to 26 hours. The reduced retention time coupled with the recent increases 

in consumable costs requires a better understanding of the synergistic 

effect of cyanide. lead nitrate and dissolved oxygen concentration on the 

leaching kinetics and ultimately, on gold extraction. 

10:05 AM 

Evaluating Options for Gold Heap Process Optimization 

Using a Comprehensive Process Model: A. Esplin and 

S. Garcia, Minera Yanacocha SRL, Lima, Peru; J. Gebhardt and 

A. Hernandez, PERI, Salt Lake City, UT and D. McBride and 

M. Cross, Univ. of Wales – Swansea, Swansea, Wales 

The Minera Yanacocha operation consists of several heaps 

interconnected with ponds and gold recovery plants and presents various 

operating challenges. A comprehensive process model has been developed 

in order to better understand the effects of certain operating parameters 

and inventory issues. An integral component of the process water/mass 

balance is a model of each heap that describes heap behavior based on the 

individual characteristics of the heap. The heap models are linked to a mass 

balancing program in order to track flows and concentrations throughout 

the circuit. 

10:25 AM 

Improving Coarse Particle Floatation for Energy Savings: 

J. Zhang, H. Do, and Y. Roe-Hoan, Virginia Polytechnical Institute 

and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA 

In mineral processing, grinding is an essential step that is required to 

achieve liberation and to bring the particles to optimum particle size range 

for separation. Separation by flotation, for example, is effective over a 

relatively narrow particle size range of approximately 10 to 100 :m. 

Therefore, it is necessary to bring the particles to this range by grinding. It 

is more economical, however, if the effective flotation range can be 

extended beyond the upper particle size limit. This will minimize the 

requirement for grinding and, thereby, result in energy and cost savings. In 

this communication, methods of increasing the upper particle size limit for 

flotation will be discussed on the basis of a flotation model that can predict 

flotation from both hydrodynamic and chemistry parameters. 

10:45 AM 

The Development of an Energy Balance Model to Predict the 

Economic Impact of Installing a Tailings Wash Thickener at 

the Fort Knox mine, Fairbanks, AK: J. Hollow, Coeur Alaska, 

Fairbanks, AK and H. Lin, D. Walsh, and D. White, Univ. of Alaska 

– Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 

The Fort Knox Mine is located in Alaska s interior, where the average 

ambient air temperatures range from -24°C in January to 16°C in July. The 

mill processes a free milling gold ore utilizing both a gravity recovery circuit 

and conventional cyanide leach/carbon-in-pulp circuits. Mathematical 

models have been developed to accurately predict the impact of leach circuit 

slurry temperature on gold leach, carbon adsorption and cyanide destruction 

kinetics. Additionally, an energy balance approach has been used to model 

the seasonal variations in slurry temperatures throughout the Fort Knox mill. 

11:05 AM 

Plant Improvements at Jacobina: A. Kozak and B. Fukuhara, 

AMEC Americas, Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Canada 

The Jacobina project in Bahia, Brazil commenced operations in 2004 

with a design capacity of 4,200 tpd. A project development plan to increase 

plant capacity to 6,500 tpd will be discussed. The project included an 

evaluation of the existing circuit and addressed bottlenecks in the crushing, 

milling, sedimentation, leaching and tailings facilities. These circuits and the 

methodology used to provide higher capacity will be presented. 

International I 


Chair: D. Malhotra, Resource Devel., Inc., 


9:05 AM 

Traveling in China: F. Habashi, Laval Univ., Quebec City, PQ, 

Canada 

The changes that took place in China between 1982 and 2004 are 

remarkable. Visits were made to universities, research centers, 

metallurgical industry, and cultural centers within five trips during this 

period. The impressions of these visits will be outlined.

9:25 AM 

Aspects on Boroo Gold Processing Plant: T. Orgodol and 

P. Korpi, Centerragold, Inc., Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 

This paper describes Boroo Gold Processing Plant which is first 

CIL/CIP plant in Mongolia. Commissioning of the Plant has commissioned 

in October 2003 and commercial production began in March 2004. Gravity 

recoverable gold is processed with Knelson concentrators following Acacia 

Reactor concentrate treatment. The ore types are oxide and sulfide 

transition. The highest safety and environmental standards are met at this 

facility which is the first large foreign investment in Mongolia since 1990. 

There are several interesting technological issues ongoing at Boroo. 

9:45 AM 

Is Mining Bad for Developing Countries?: T. Bruington, IFC, 

Washington, DC 

Numerous well publicized reports have discussed the Resource 

Curse, purportedly linking mineral development as a causal factor of 

poverty. An objective study of individual countries with mining industries 

demonstrates a contrary finding; mining projects do bring increases in 

economic development. Countries with emergent mining industries tend to 

demonstrate increased economic growth. Countries with reducing mining 

industries often show deteriorating economic performance, sometimes 

becoming Failed States. Nine specific country case studies are examined. 

10:05 AM 

Mirador Copper-Gold Porphyry Deposit, South-East Ecuador: 

J. Drobe, Corriente Resources Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada 

The Mirador copper-gold deposit is located in the Andean foothills, 

340 km southeast of Quito. Mirador lies at the south end of a 40 km long, 

north-south belt of porphyry Cu-Au and Cu deposits discovered in the mid 

1990s. Late Jurassic granite (~175 Ma) and porphyry (~155Ma) of the calcalkaline 

Zamora batholith host the mineralization. Geology consists of 

potassic altered and mineralized granite intruded by early feldsparhornblende 

porphyry and a central hydrothermal breccia pipe, which in turn 

are intruded by barren porphyry dikes and hydrothermal breccia. 

Mineralization is disseminated hypogene chalcopyrite with locally significant 

chalcocite enrichment. 

Mine Ventilation I 


Chair: I. Loomis, PT Freeport Indonesia Co., 

New Orleans, LA 

9:05 AM 

Development of a Tool to Predict Performance of Debladed 

Main Fans at Henderson Mine: D. Loring, Climax Molybdenum 

Co., Empire, CO and J. Almgren, Spendrup Fan Co., Grand 

Junction, CO 

Climax Molybdenum Co.’s Henderson Mine is a large panel caving 

molybdenum mine located about 43 miles west of Denver, CO. Three Joy 

M120-72-880 fans are installed in parallel on the No. 1 Exhaust Shaft. 

Throughout the mine’s history, ventilation changes such as the completion 

of the No. 5 exhaust shaft have decreased the utilization of these fans. To 

optimize fan performance they have been run with the full complement of 

16 blades, down to as few as four blades. Since the completion of ventilation 

upgrades associated with the Henderson 2000 project, one surface fan has 

been operated under normal conditions with 10 or 12 blades. 

9:25 AM 

A Study to Evaluate the Application of Diesel Particulate 

Filters at the Stillwater Mine: F. Varley, NIOSH, Spokane, WA; 

H. Head, Continental Placer, Inc., Wheaton, IL and B. 

Chamberlain, Stillwater Mining Co., Nye, MT 

The NIOSH/Industry Metal/Non-Metal mining diesel partnership 

conducted a case study of the applicability of after-treatment control 

technologies, specifically particulate filters, to the Stillwater Mine fleet to 

identify potential barriers to implementation of controls. The result of the 

exercise has been to classify each piece of equipment at the Stillwater Mine 

into one of four categories; controls are likely applicable, controls are 

potentially applicable, controls are potentially not applicable, and controls 

are not applicable. Analysis by horsepower, utilization and estimated 

particulate load to the mine ventilation circuit is used to evaluate the 

marginal cost to benefit ratio of applying controls in order to provide 

guidance on a path to compliance. 


49 

9:45 AM 

Analyzing Air Distribution in Open-pit Mines Using CFD 

(Computational Fluid Dynamics) Method: Y. Zheng and J. Tien, 

Univ. of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 

Ventilation in surface mine is not necessary under most 

circumstances if the comparative depth (the ratio of the pit depth and mean 

bottom width) of the pit is less than 0.1 and the natural airflow can 

effectively dilute the dust and exhaust from the diesel-powered equipment. 

However, as surface pits become deeper, air quality can become a serious 

problem. MSHA data for the years 2000 through 2004, shows that 36% of 

samples, collected on highwall drill operators at surface mines, exceeded 

the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silica dust. During 1996 -1997, a 

special silicosis screening program examined 1,236 surface coal mine 

workers in Pennsylvania. 

10:05 AM 

Fog Mesh Studies for Fog Removal: A. Martikainen, Helsinki 

Univ. of Tech., Espoo, Finland 

Field tests concerning a fog mesh method for fog removal are 

discussed. First tests were performed at the Pyhäsalmi Mine, Finland. As 

this study gave promising results, further studies were completed at the 

Orivesi Mine. The results of these most recent field tests are presented and 

the two studies are compared. The Orivesi test set consisted of four 

materials. These included air filter fabric, fibrous filter fabric, a plastic 

greenhouse mesh, and an aluminum mosquito net. The variation of the 

Orivesi results was more noticeable than what was found previously. The 

best fog removal effect of all tests was achieved with the aluminum 

mosquito net, while the plastic greenhouse mesh performed worst. 

10:25 AM 

The Application of Propeller Fans at Wisconsin Industrial 

Sand Mine − A Case Study: A. Adu-Acheampong and 

B. McGuneagle, Agapito Assoc., Inc., Grand Junction, CO and 

T. Stauffer, Wisconsin Industrial Sand Co., Maiden Rock, WI 

The Fairmount Minerals, Inc., Maiden Rock underground sand mine 

historically delivered air to ventilate diesel-powered equipment at its 

working faces through high-resistance 15-in.-diameter PVC distribution 

lines. In support of plans for expanded production, three new low-resistance 

ventilation design alternatives were analyzed. The study determined that 

adequate ventilation for expanded production was possible with various 

commercially-available high volume-low pressure fans combined with a 

systematic layout of control structures. The recommended re-design was 

implemented in 2000, resulting in a significant increase in flow volumes and 

a noticeable improvement in the mine environment. 

Visit the SME Bookstore

Mine Water Treatment 


Chairs: L. Figueroa, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO 

T. Wildeman, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO 

9:05 AM 

A Systematic Approach for Mine Water Remediation: 

D. Reisman, EPA, Cincinnati, OH 

The Office of Research and Development's (ORD) Engineering 

Technical Support Center (ETSC) assists EPA regional office personnel 

with evaluation of remediation alternatives at over 30 abandoned or closed 

mine lands. Each site has unique characteristics, different contaminants in 

the soil and water, and a multitude of associated and often complex issues. 

Personnel at these mining sites have one issue in common: the search for 

a less costly remedial technology that is achievable and sustainable. In 

1999, ETSC initiated a systematic program for studying a potential type of 

a passive treatment utilizing gravity, microbial and natural chemical 

processes to neutralize the acidic mining-influenced water (MIW), and to 

precipitate metals from this water. 

9:25 AM 

Removal of Metal Contaminants from Mine Waters using 

Active Limestone-based Treatment Systems: P. Sibrell, 

US Geological Survey, Kearneysville, WV and T. Wildeman, 

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

The USGS − Leetown Science Center has developed a pulsed 

limestone bed (PLB) active treatment system that allows the use of 

economical limestone for acid mine drainage remediation. Recent work has 

focused on removal of elements not precipitated by limestone, such as 

manganese and zinc. Calcium carbonate co-precipitation integrates well 

with the PLB and has been found to be an effective means of further water 

treatment. Recent co-precipitation laboratory tests on a variety of miningimpacted 

waters have shown up to 95% removal of zinc and manganese. 

These results demonstrate the expanded capability of the PLB/coprecipitation 

process for the treatment of impaired waters. 

9:45 AM 

Conditioning Mining Influenced Water to Reduce Effluent 

Toxicity: J. Ranville and R. Wildeman, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO; E. Blumenstein, Golder Assoc(s)., Lakewood, CO 

and L. Choate, US Geological Survey, Lakewood, CO 

Remediation of mining influenced waters (MIW) in part focuses on 

lowering metal concentrations to reduce aquatic toxicity. Although metal 

concentration can be the primary factor, additional water chemistry 

parameters affect metal toxicity. An increase in hardness (Ca 2 + , Mg2 + ), 

causes a decrease in metal toxicity due to competition for binding to the 

organism receptor sites. Metal complexation due to interaction with 

inorganic ligands, such as alkalinity (HCO 3 - , CO3 2- ), and organic ligands, 

such as natural organic matter (NOM), also provide protective effects. 

Treatment systems that increase hardness, alkalinity, and NOM may result 

in conditioning of the MIW such that residual metal concentrations are 

less toxic. 

10:05 AM 

Microbiology of Biogeochemical Reactors used for the 

Remediation of Mining-Influenced Water: A. Pruden, S. Hiibel, 

and L. Pereyra, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO and 

E. Buccambuso, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

The goal of this study was to characterize the microbial communities 

of two sulfate-reducing compost-based biogeochemical reactors, Peerless 

Jenny King (PlK) and Luttrell. Analysis of apsA genes revealed that 

Desulfovibrio spp. were the dominant sulfate-reducing bacteria at both sites, 

but Thiobacillus denitrificans, an undesirable sulfide-oxidizing organism, 

was found at higher levels in the PlK reactor. Results from batch reactors 

inoculated with reactor material and supplemented with glucose, lactate, or 

acetate suggest that fermentative bacteria have limited substrate availability 

in the reactors and that the overall microbial activity is higher in the 

Luttrell reactor. 


50 

Minerals Valuation 


Chair: D. Warnken, Tulsa, OK 

9:05 AM 

Cost Approach Methods for Mineral Property Valuation: 

T. Ellis, Ellis Internat. Services, Inc., Denver, CO 

The rarely used third approach available for mineral property 

valuation is misunderstood and wrongly maligned. Most valuers believe that 

this approach can only be applied to buildings and other structures, plant 

and equipment. In this paper, the author discusses cost approach methods 

available for valuation of exploration properties through operating mining 

properties. 

9:25 AM 

Conveyance of Federally Owned Mineral Interests: J. Evans, 

Citrus Heights, CA 

Under certain conditions, federal mineral interests can be conveyed to 

a private surface owner. Conveyance of the mineral interest can take place 

where there is “no known mineral value”, or the mineral reservation is 

interfering with, or precluding appropriate non mineral development of the 

surface and that the non mineral development is a more beneficial use than 

the mineral development. It is important that the surface owner provide an 

appropriate mineral report regarding conditions for the conveyance. 

Otherwise, the surface owner must pay the Bureau of Land Management 

for its preparation of a report. 

9:45 AM 

Mineral Appraisals and Mineral Appraisers: Why do You Need 

Them, and What For?: J. Limb, CME, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ 

While the need for real estate appraisals is widely known, the need for 

mineral appraisals is little known. This presentation will describe the 

situations where mineral appraisals may be called for and explain why they 

were needed. 

10:05 AM 

Appraising’s 3 Bad Pennies: M. Albert, Dry Creek Resources, 

Inc., Centennial, CO 

Three (3) mineral appraising issues seem to require constant 

attention: 1) Is the appraisal subject the mineral estate or the mining 

operation (royalties or operating profits)? 2) Can and must the appraisal 

identify comparable sales, develop a projected business income or identify 

replacement costs? 3) How far do multiple land uses become applicable to 

the appraisal when considering the highest and best use? 

10:25 AM 

Effects of Politics on Mineral Asset Valuation in Latin 

America: S. Olmore, S. D. Olmore and Assoc., Inc., Miami, FL 

Several Latin American states are in the process of shifting between 

privatization and increased state ownership, or nationalization, as the result 

of political changes. Others are on the edge of privatizing after periods of 

prolonged state ownership or instability. Mining assets will undergo 

commensurate changes in fair market value that should be considered on 

an ad hoc basis by the minerals valuation specialist, as comparisons may 

not apply from one country to another. Increased state ownership is in store 

for Argentina, Bolivia, and Venezuela. Now may be the time for investment 

Colombia and Cuba in anticipation of near-term changes back to 

privatization. 

10:45 AM 

Market Study and Aggregate Mine Appraisal: G. Clark, 

Associated General Appraisers LLC, Springfield, OH 

Which came first the chicken or the egg? Appraising an aggregate 

mine often considers a similar question. Growing markets depend on mine 

resources for construction, but often reject its close proximity. The mine is 

often tethered to the local market, restricted by distance between reserves 

and customers. This plays a major role in its value. The dynamics of markets 

are constantly changing and seldom available for quick, current reference. 

This paper explores the market and value principles an appraiser may want 

to consider in the analysis, the tools available for small scale study, and how 

the information can be applied.

Plant Design and Automation 


Chair: M. Wissel, Rinker Materials Corp., 

Davenport, FL 

9:05 AM 

Beyond Automation: It’s Really not “Gold Plating”: J. Wise, 

Kruse Controls, Inc., Baltimore, MD 

This session will focus on the highly untapped resource of the 

automated aggregate plant and/or dredge. The presentation demonstrates 

the usefulness of several types of data collection and reporting as well as 

many methods of collecting, storing and reporting parameters on downtime, 

production, efficiencies, inventory, load-in, load-out, events and reasons. 

Case projects, justification, past references and success stories will be 

shared. In addition, live data and reports will be accessed from current 

customers during the presentation, demonstrating the power of of-the-shelf 

reporting tools for supervisors and managers on the road. 

9:25 AM 

Evaluate Aggregate Plant Production by Integrating Quality 

Control and Plant Flow Modeling: A. Field, Stonemont 

Solutions, Inc. and J. Cox, Rinker Materials, Inc. 

Tight integration of plant flow modeling and quality control information 

provides a rapid method to evaluate the aggregate production process. 

Integrating quality control with plant flow modeling can result in a powerful 

tool that can be effectively used to evaluate past, present, and future 

production at an aggregate plant. For a plant flow model to be successful, 

it is important that sufficient quality control information be collected at key 

points in the process so that the model can be calibrated. 

9:45 AM 

An Efficient Impactor Circuit: D. Walters, Hazemag USA, Inc., 

Mt. Braddock, PA 

Considering certain factors when installing crushing equipment will 

ensure cost effective operation of the circuit. The application, product 

specifications, proper installation, feed introduction and discharge, and 

adequate support structures all play an important role. Different methods 

need to be considered with the manufacturer's input before the crushing 

circuit is implemented. This presentation will go through these important 

factors when building an efficient impactor circuit. 

10:05 AM 

Utilizing 3D Design: D. Lehmann, Lehmann Designs and 

Concepts, Inc., Sandy, UT 

For years, engineering professionals have been evaluating the 

implementation of 3D computer aided design in their organization. The 

arguments are: will this method cost more time and money, will it deliver the 

final drawings similar to traditional 20 drawings they're accustomed to, how 

do you find or train qualified personnel, who is using it now, and what 

benefits would justify the change? This session provides general discussion 

regarding the benefits 3D design can have in your work place. 3D design 

can save time, help avoid mistakes, and offer a better presentation to your 

client when executed properly. 


51 

Sustainable Developments − Brownfields: 

Panel Discussion 


Chair: C. LaRosa, SRA International, Inc., Arlington, VA 

9:05 AM 

Session Overview: The session will address the broader 

economic and policy trends that are influencing the reclamation 

and redevelopment of mining sites. Strategies such as traditional 

economic development (e.g. commercial and industrial facilities) 

and approaches specific to the unique attributes of mining sites 

will be discussed such as energy development. 

Moderator: C. LaRosa: 

Overview of session and key themes and trends regarding the 

sustainable reuse of mining sites. An overview of the Federal Mine-Scarred 

Lands Initiative will be presented as well as lessons learned from the six 

national demonstration projects. 

Panelist 1: Public Sector Support to Brownfields and Land 

Revitalization: E. Chu, US EPA 

The Land Revitalization Office coordinates across EP A land programs 

to encourage that revitalization be part of cleanup decisions and practices. 

Mr. Chu will discuss the extent of contaminated lands and abandoned mining 

sites and how EP A seeks to facilitate the reclamation and revitalization of 

these lands through its cleanup and revitalization programs. 

Panelist 2: Redevelopment Planning and Insights: T. Braun, 

SRK Consulting and J. Parker, BHP Copper Inc. 

Presenters will provide a case study on the BHP Copper San Manuel 

Plant Site, a former integrated milling, smelting and refining operation, 

located in southern Pinal County, Arizona. The presenters will discuss 

lessons learned regarding what aspects of the former processing area were 

particularly attractive for redevelopment, how the asset value was 

preserved during the closure planning, and what re-use options were 

explored given economic and environmentai conditions. 

Panelist 3: Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Reuse: 

D. Dale, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO or 

J. Bourg, Millenium Energy, LLC, Golden, CO 

Trends, policies, and incentives related to energy development on 

mining sites will be discussed. Technical issues on energy generation 

potential for renewable sources (wind and energy) and other transmission 

and market considerations will be discussed. A case study on plans to 

transform a former gold mining site into a renewable energy park will be 

discussed. 

Putting it all together: Moderated discussion on challenges and 

opportunities for mining site revitalization. The moderator will lead 

a discussion on the key challenges and opportunities that remain 

for mine-scarred lands revitalization from a policy, market, and 

technical standpoint. Panelists and session attendees will be 

encouraged to participate. 

US Uranium − Back with a Vengence 


Chair: J. Kyle, Lyntek, Inc., Denver, CO 

9:35 AM 

Global Market for Uranium: D. Garrow, Colorado Nuclear, Inc., 

Littleton, CO 

The world's commercial fleet of nuclear reactors totals 442 located in 

31 countries. A further 28 reactors are under construction and over 200 

more are planned or proposed. Annual uranium requirements aggregate 

170 million pounds U3O8 and could grow to as much as 268 million pounds 

U 3 O 8 by 2020. Uranium prices have risen from $10/lb in 2003 and now are 

approaching $50/lb with the likelihood of further increases. Global uranium 

production was about 109 million pounds U 3 O 8 in 2005 but is expanding 

slowly due to 20 decades of depressed prices and resultant minimal 

capital investment.

9:55 AM 

Secondary Uranium Supply − Competition for Producers: 

C. Atkinson and T. Pool, Internat. Nuclear, Inc., Golden, CO 

Uranium supply for nuclear fuel has two components: 1) new primary 

production from mines and 2) secondary supplies derived in a variety of 

ways from previously-produced uranium. This previously-produced 

uranium, or –”Secondary Supply”, provides significant, but declining 

competition for sellers of newly-produced uranium – “Primary Supply”. 

Secondary supplies of uranium may be derived from: inventories, 

downblending of nuclear weapons, re-enrichment of low-grade tailings from 

the isotopic enrichment process, reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, and 

production of mixed-oxide fuel using plutonium and uranium. 

10:15 AM 

Overview of Insitu Leach Technologies: N. Lynn, Denver, CO 

During the past 3 decades, insitu leach (ISL) has become a proven 

and viable process to extract uranium from amenable mineral deposits. 

Primary processes use both carbonate and acid leaching techniques in 

both normal and high chloride environments. Recovery methods include 

secondary clean up of solution through both ion exchange and solvent 

extraction. Product purification with precipitation of ammonium di-uranite 

and peroxide are primary techniques employed. Current practices from 

Australia, Asia, and North America are reviewed. 

10:35 AM 

US Regulatory Requirements: J. Aronson, AATA Intrntl., Inc., 

Fort Collins, CO 

This paper will outline and discuss the current US state and federal 

regulations and how they are being applied to current uranium exploration 

and production projects, including new in situ recovery (ISR) programs with 

focus on Wyoming. AATA serves as the principal environmental 

management and permitting consultancy to Ur Energy, Wyoming which has 

the Lost Creek and Lost Soldier ISR projects underway. A discussion of the 

permitting process for ISR projects in Wyoming will be provided. 

When Neat Equals Money − Process and 

Insights that Improve Efficiency 


Chairs: J. Kohmuench, Eriez Manufacturing, Erie, PA 

T. Westerfield, Phelps Dodge Morenci, Inc., 

Morenci, AZ 

9:35 AM 

Impact of Electronic Blasting Detonator on Downstream 

Operations of a Quarry: M. Bilodeau, Natural Resources 

Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada; R. Beaudoin, Jr., and D. Roy, 

DynoConsult, Ste-Sophie, PQ, Canada and D. Labrie, Natural 

Resources Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada 

In 2005, CANMET-MMSL used its pool of expertise in ground control, 

open pit and underground mine engineering, mineral processing, 

information technology and applied mineralogy to launch a mine-to-mill 

research initiative. The objective is to optimize the distribution of rock 

breakage energy among blasting, crushing and grinding activities, thereby 

maximizing the energy utilization efficiency within comminution processes. 

Tests are designed to demonstrate that such approaches can reduce 

energy consumption, thus contributing to the reduction of GHG production 

in the Canadian mining industry. 

9:55 AM 

Application of Metal Magnetic Liner in the US Iron Ore 

Industry: X. Jiang, Eriez Manufacturing Co., Erie, PA; L. Zhou and 

M. Zhao, China Metallurgical Mining Corp., Beijing, China and 

S. Hoff, Cleveland-Cliffs − Northshore Mining, Silver Bay, MN 

The choice of mill linings in comminution circuits is critical as it affects 

grinding efficiency, overall cost, and product quality. As a consequence, a 

variety of liners have been developed over the years in an effort to increase 

wear resistance, improve grinding efficiency, and reduce energy 

consumption. One particular type, a metal magnetic liner (MML), was 

developed in China twelve years ago and has since been installed in over 

400 applications throughout the Chinese mining industry. Most recently, one 

set of magnetic mill liners was brought to the US for installation into a 

secondary ball mill used for grinding of iron ore. 


52 

10:15 AM 

Design Criteria for Multistage Spiral Circuits: G. Luttrell, 

Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA; 

T. McKeon, DuPont, Starke, FL and J. Kohmuench, Eriez 

Magnetics, Erie, PA 

Spiral separators are commonly used to upgrade sand-sized particles 

in both the coal and mineral processing industries. Most spiral plants utilize 

multiple stages of cleaning and scavenging spirals to improve recovery and 

grade of the final products. Field studies suggest, however, that the layout 

of industrial spiral circuits is often less than optimal. This oversight can 

usually be attributed to a failure by plant designers to consider fundamental 

process engineering rules that govern the layout of complex separation 

circuits. This article reviews some of these important rules as specifically 

applied to multistage spiral circuit design. 

10:35 AM 

Particle Interaction Forces in Selected Phyllosilicate Mineral 

Systems: B. Abdul, J. Nalaskowski, H. Du, and J. Miller, Univ. of 

Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Phyllosilicate minerals, the sheet silicates, are important industrial 

minerals and include aluminum silicate minerals such as kaolinite, 

pyrophyllite and muscovite, as well as the corresponding magnesium 

silicate minerals, antigorite, talc, and phlogopite. Frequently these mineral 

particles are used for ceramics, for health/cosmetic formulations, and, as 

filler for many composite materials. The interaction and organization of the 

anisotropic phyllosilicate particles is an important area of research, and 

surface chemistry studies are in progress to determine the basis for the 

interaction of phyllosilicates and to establish procedures for the synthesis of 

uniquely ordered particulate structures. 

Tuesday, February 27 Afternoon 

Can Innovative Comminution Circuits 

Lead to Process Improvements and 

Energy Savings 

2:00 PM � Tuesday, February 27 

Chairs: E. Wipf, Polysius Corp., Atlanta, GA 

J. Woods, Hatch, Vancouver, BC, Canada 

2:05 PM 

Process Design and Implementation Techniques for 

Secondary Crushing to Increase Milling Capacity: B. Siddall 

and B. Putland, Orway Mineral Consultants, East Perth, WA, 

Australia 

By understanding the ore breakage characteristics and utilizing 

comminution circuit modeling, the benefits of SAG mill feed size 

manipulation can be readily assessed. This paper looks at the benefits and 

problems of secondary crushing of mill feed as a means of improving 

grinding efficiency for certain hard ores. Case studies are presented for new 

and existing grinding circuits. 

2:25 PM 

An Examination of the Transportation of Paste and Thickened 

Tails with Rotodynamic Slurry Pumps: M. Bootle, Weir Minerals 

North America, Madison, WI 

Reduced safety concerns, reduced water consumption, reduced 

environmental impact and faster land reclamation have spurred an interest 

in the disposal of mine waste in the form of paste and thickened tailings. 

New rotodynamic (centrifugal) pump designs have shown the ability to 

handle these high yield stress slurries. Nevertheless, widely varying 

rheological properties resulting from relatively small changes in density, 

corresponding variations in pump and system performance, pipeline 

operation in laminar flow at high pipeline pressure drop, and the strong 

potential for solids settling in laminar flow all present challenges to 

successful system operation. These items will be discussed along with a 

case for and against rotodynamic versus positive displacement pumps.

2:45 PM 

The Value of Filter and Power Factor Compensation Systems 

for Minerals & Mining Plants: M. Ahrens and Z. Konstantinovic, 

ABB, Dättwil, Switzerland 

Due to the large installed electrical power and the large number of 

electric drives in minerals and mining plants power factor compensation and 

harmonic filtering has always been an important issue. For the design of 

harmonic filter and power factor compensation installations several 

approaches can be taken. The paper describes different concepts and their 

advantages and analyzes special requirements and design considerations 

for minerals and mining plants. It also highlights areas where problems can 

occur and which points need to be addressed carefully. Optimized designs 

and solutions are discussed in case studies and the resulting energy 

savings and benefits for the plant operation are shown. 

3:05 PM 

Technical and Commercial Benefits of Gearless Mill Drives 

for Grinding Applications: M. Ahrens and J. Gonser, ABB, 

Dättwil, Switzerland 

Gearless mill drives are a well established solution for grinding 

applications in the minerals and mining industries. The paper describes the 

functionality and technical features of such drive systems as well as their 

advantages compared to other drive solutions. Due to the variable speed 

operation the grinding process can be optimized for ores with varying 

grinding properties. This leads to significant optimization potential for the 

plant design as well as for its operation. Furthermore, energy and cost 

savings due to optimized operation, high system efficiency and high system 

availability are shown. 

3:25 PM 

The Selection of a Single Stage SAG Milling Circuit for the 

Yanacocha Gold Mill: S. Morrell, SMCC Pty. Ltd., Chapel Hill, 

QLD, Australia and J. Seidel, Newmont, Englewood, CO 

In the process of developing the grinding circuit for the Yanacocha 

Gold Mill, both SAB and Single Stage (SS) SAG milling were evaluated. 

Power-based analysis identified equivalent energy efficiencies for the two 

circuits, and trade-off studies pointed to SS SAG milling as the more 

economical alternative for the proposed 5 Mt/a project. The results of the 

trade off study will be reviewed along with the issues influencing the 

selection and sizing of the SS SAG circuit. These factors including power 

efficiency, mill aspect ratio, and power and simulation based calculations 

will be compared to other single stage operations. 

Crisis in Mining Education: Sustaining 

Mining Academic Programs 


Chairs: M. Poulton, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 

L. Freeman, Dowing and Teal, Inc., Denver, CO 

2:05 PM 

The number of minerals-related educational programs has steadfastly 

declined from over 45 programs in 1900 that enrolled 2400 student 

engineers, to 22 programs in 1980 that graduated 570 engineers, to less 

than 20 programs in 1990 that graduated 148 engineers and now to less 

than 15 programs that graduated only 87 mining engineers in 2004. Today, 

there is aging workforce, in government and industry and the uncertainty 

that minerals-related positions could be replaced in state universities as 

professors retire. The industry has to document workforce needs, establish 

processes and metrics to measure progress toward strategic workforce 

goals, and to develop best practices to achieve tactical human resources 

objectives. Speakers are: 

Educating the Future Professionals: M. McCarter, Univ. of 

Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Sustaining a Viable Mining Engineering Program 

at a Research University: T. Novak, Virginia Polytechnical 

Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA 

University Economics 101: M. Poulton, Univ of Arizona, 

Tucson, AZ 

Industry: Academic Partnerships for Workforce Development: 

L. Freeman, Downing & Teal Inc, Denver, CO 


53 

Global University Partnerships: A. Curnow-Chavez, Newmont 

Mining Corp, Denver, CO 

The Importance of Succession Planning: M. Conti, WorId 

Minerals, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA 

Energy’s Influence Symposium: Mined 

Energy Fuels − Market Dynamics and the 

Future 


Chair: A. Jacobsen, Behre Dolbear and Co., Inc., 

Denver, CO 

2:05 PM 

The Dynamics of the Oil Shale Industry: T. Sladek, Ockham 

Energy Services, Lakewood, CO 

Oil shale is a fine grained sedimentary rock that contains no liquid 

hydrocarbons as such but does contain a complex material called kerogen 

which, when heated, decomposes to form synthetic crude oil, combustible 

gas, and a carbonaceous residue. Substantial deposits of oil shale have 

been found on each inhabited continent. However the resources in the 

Green River formation of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming are by far the most 

extensive. They contain approximately eight trillion barrels of potential crude 

oil. This is nearly 800 times larger than the crude oil resource under the 

Arctic National Wildlife Reserve and eight times larger than the estimated 

reserves of conventional crude in the entire world. 

2:25 PM 

The Uranium Industry in an Era of Rapid Change: T. Pool, 

Internat. Nuclear, Inc., Golden, CO 

After two decades of contraction and consolidation, the uranium 

industry has seen a recent major expansion. Rapidly increasing uranium 

prices and the ability to raise speculative capital in share markets worldwide 

have brought over 300 new participant companies into the uranium 

industry: 'juniors" as they are known. These companies participated in a 

global land rush for known deposits as well as for prospective land positions 

in order to secure a "piece of the action" for the respective company 

portfolios. For nearly three years, share prices skyrocketed on the back of 

flurries of press releases touting acquisitions of a wide range of formerly 

abandoned projects. 

2:45 PM 

Coalbed Methane − Resources, Production, Problems and 

Policy: J. Curtis, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

The primary component of natural gas is methane (CH4). Coal bed 

methane (CBM) is simply methane produced from coal seams, instead of 

from more conventional sandstone and carbonate reservoirs. CBM 

accounts for approximately 9% of total natural gas production in the US. 

This gas was generated either as a result of microbial activity, or due to 

increasing heat as the coal was buried deeper in the earth. Methane is 

commonly held in the coal by water pressure, and the gas cannot be 

produced until the pressure is reduced by pumping water to the surface. 

Exploration and Reserves 


Chairs: J. Praskewiecz, Pardee Minerals LLC, 

Charleston, WV 

F. Martino, Reading, PA 

2:05 PM 

Employing Laboratory Physical Modeling Method to Study 

Radio Imaging Method (RIM): J. Lu, Y. Luo, and S. Peng, West 

Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV and W. Monaghan, NIOSH, 

Pittsburgh, PA 

Geological anomalies such as faults, sandstone intrusions, sudden 

thinning and severe undulation of coal seam will greatly affect the 

production and safety of mining operations. Since most of these geological 

anomalies in coal mines can increase the attenuation of the 

electromagnetic signal, radio imaging method (RIM) is capable of locating

the zones of geologic anomalies in underground mines. By using low 

frequency EM signal, the RIM technology is the most promising geophysical 

tool for exploring the geological anomalies ahead of the modern longwall 

faces which are normally wider than 1,000 ft. However, when a number of 

anomalies co-exist in an area (very common), it becomes difficult for the 

RIM technology to differentiate the contributions of each individual 

anomalous factor. 

2:25 PM 

Does Your Company Database Receive the Respect it 

Deserves?: R. Willis, Mincom Inc., Englewood, CO; V. Kecojevic, 

Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA and W. Wilkinson, 

Jr., Mincom Inc., Denver, CO 

Mining companies have made a substantial investment in gathering 

information for owned and leased coal resources primarily through 

exploratory drilling. This information is the foundation upon which geologists 

and engineers evaluate the quantity and quality of the coal they produce. This 

is the information that feasibility studies are made from thus allowing for 

informed investment decisions and provides the ability to raise capital. But 

where is this important data stored and is this investment protected? Is it 

appropriately accessible to company staff and can the data be queried 

quickly? 

2:45 PM 

Open Forum − Status of US Coal Reserves: D. Fyock, MTT; 

M. Miller, Marshall Miller Associates, Kingsport, TN; 

R. Bonskowski, EIA; J. Luppens, USGS, Reston, VA and J. Cobb, 

Kentucky Univ. 

Coal is a critical component of America's energy supply. In an age 

where supplies of other energy sources have never been of such doubtful 

security, it is comforting to US policy makers that, in a national emergency, 

the nation could turn to its coal reserves for the energy required to keep the 

country moving forward. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 

projections have indicated a several hundred year supply of coal at current 

mining rates with the current Demonstrated Reserve Base (DRB). Doubts 

have been raised concerning this estimate, however. Critics complain that 

the EIA/USGS have not considered all factors affecting coal economics; 

mining recoverability; proper use of the words reserve/resources; and the 

distance between documented data points when issuing numbers. 

Geology of Uranium Deposits 


Chairs: V. McLemore, NM Bur. Of Mines and Mineral 

Resources, Socorro, NM 

K. Laskowski, KAL Exploration, Inc., Golden, CO 

2:05 PM 

Life Cycle of Uranium: D. van Zyl, Univ. of Nevada − Reno, 

Reno, NV 

The high demand for uranium has resulted in increased value and 

therefore renewed interest in the exploration for uranium. The life cycle of a 

uranium mining/recovery operation as well as that of the metal will be 

discussed. Many lessons have been learned from previous mining and 

other activities. Some of these will be reviewed. Expectations for uranium 

production and use in the 21st century will also be reviewed. 

2:25 PM 

Geology and Potential of Grants Uranium District, New 

Mexico: V. McLemore, NM Bur. of Geology, Socorro, NM 

New Mexico ranks 2nd in uranium reserves in the US, which amounts 

to 15 mill tons ore at 0.277% U 3 O 8 (84 mill lbs U3O8) at $30/lb (EIA, 2000). 

The most important deposit in the state is sandstone within the Morrison 

Formation (Jurassic) in the Grants district. More than 340 x 106 lbs of U 3 O 8 

have been produced from these deposits from 1948-2000, accounting for 

97% of the total production in New Mexico and more than 30% of the total 

production in the US. Sandstone uranium deposits are defined as epigenetic 

concentrations of uranium in fluvial, lacustrine, and deltaic sandstones. 

2:45 PM 

Geochemistry of Sandstone-Hosted Uranium Deposits: 

S. Romberger, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

The low temperature chemistry of uranium and associated metals is 

consistent with Transport by oxidized fluids, and deposition occurring as a 


54 

result of reduction upon encountering an interface between oxidized and 

reduced lithologies. The latter result from facies changes within fluvial 

sedimentary systems, occurrence of organic trash within host rocks, and/or 

secondary diagenetic pyrite of diverse origins. Best displayed zoning of 

pyrite, vanadium, selenium, molybdenum and other trace metals in roll-style 

deposits is consistent with a progressive decrease in Eh at neutral pH. 

However, hydrologic gradient plays a significant role in the occurrence and 

appearance of the uranium. 

3:05 PM 

Uranium Mining in Arizona Breccia Pipes − High Grade and 

Safe: K. Wenrich, Wenrich Consulting 4 U, Golden, CO 

The soaring uranium price from 2003-2006 has brought about a flurry 

of mineral exploration activity. The highest-grade uranium deposits in the 

United States (average grade close to 1%) occur in solution-collapse 

breccia pipes in northwestern Arizona. Higher-grade deposits, such as the 

breccia pipes, produce more uranium with less environmental footprint. The 

breccia pipes are rooted in the karst of the Mississippian Redwall 

Limestone where the overlying clastic Paleozoic sediments of the Grand 

Canyon region have collapsed downward. This downward collapse created 

a polylithic, porous breccia that became a productive host rock for oreforming 

fluids. A typical breccia pipe is approximately 300 ft in diameter and 

extends upward as much as 3000 ft. 

Geomechanics: Panel Discussion − 

Numerical Modeling in Geomechanics, 

Where Are We At, Where Are We Heading 


Chair: J. Rostami, CDM, Annandale, VA 

2:05 PM 

Rock Mechanics in the Digital Age, State of the Art of 

Modeling in Design Practices: 

R. Hart, Itasca Consulting Group, Inc. Minneapolis, MN 

J. Curran, Rockscience, Toronto, ON, Canada 

K. Heasley, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 

K. Zipf, NIOSH, Pittsburg, PA 

G. Mustoe, Colorado School of Mines. Golden, CO 

N. Sitar, Univ. of California – Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 

A. Fakhimi, New Mexico Tech., Socorro, NM 

P. Smeallie, American Rock Mechanics Assoc. (ARMA), 

Alexandria, VA 

Innovative Process Methods for Industrial 

Minerals 


Chairs: M. Herpfer, Oil-Dri Innovation Center, Vernon 

Hills, IL 

J. Canty, US Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC 

2:05 PM 

The Efficient Recovery of Kaolin from a Hydrocyclone Plant 

Middlings Stream Utilizing Imhoflot G-Cell Pneumatic 

Flotation: M. Fletcher, M. Battersby, and R. Imhof, Maelgwyn 

Mineral Services Cardiff, United Kingdom and F. Puder, Kaolinund 

Kristallquarzsand-Werke KG, Hirschau, Germany 

The traditional processing of kaolin is achieved by dispersion of the 

mined ore and classification by multistage hydrocyclone plants. 

Inefficiencies inherent to cyclones produce a middlings product that is 

commonly disposed of back into the quarry. The Imhoflot G-Cell is an 

innovative pneumatic flotation process that can be used to recover this 

previously wasted middlings stream. The technology uses centrifugal forces 

to assist in the separation of the froth phase from the tailings and 

consequentially reduce the residence time in the separating vessel. This 

paper describes the testing, design and installation of a pneumatic flotation 

plant for kaolin recovery at the Dorfner kaolin plant in Germany.

2:25 PM 

The Use of Waste Silica from the Ciero Prieto Geothermal 

Field, Mexico: J. Lund and T. Boyd, Oregon Inst. of Tech., 

Klamath Falls, OR 

The Geo-Heat Center investigated the utilization of waste silica from 

the Cerro Prieto geothermal field. The main objectives of the research were 

to combine silica with various additives to (1) form bricks for low cost 

housing that had a high insulation property, and (2) to produce a suitable 

road surfacing material. The various additives that were tested included 

hydrated lime, portland cement, plastic fibers, asphalt cement and 

emulsified asphalt. The silica-cement combination produced the strongest 

bricks and had the best weather resistance, whereas, the silica¬line 

combination produced the bricks with the lowest thermal conductivity and 

density. 

2:45 PM 

Use of Ceramics for Geothermal and Mineral Extraction: 

A. Mulligan, Advanced Ceramics Research, Tucson, AZ 

Ceramics and glasses typically show higher hardness, wear 

resistance and corrosion resistance than metallic materials and as such 

have found extensive use in applications requiring high wear and corrosion 

resistance. One drawback with the use of ceramics and glasses has been 

their poor resistance to crack propagation leading to brittle, unpredictable 

behavior. As the material properties are continuously improved however, 

these materials are finding an ever growing number of applications in the 

mining industry. Previous attempts to toughen ceramics have led to high 

production costs and limited acceptance within the mining industry. 

Advanced Ceramics Research has been pursuing low-cost fabrication 

technologies capable of generating near net-shape components with 

improved toughness. 

International II 


Chair: M. Gavrilovic, Rocktek USA, Ltd., Denver, CO 

2:05 PM 

Mineral Exploration, Mining, and Aboriginal Community 

Engagement: D. Jepsen, Assoc. for Mineral Exploration BC, 

Vancouver, BC, Canada 

Aboriginal community engagement is a necessity in mineral 

exploration and mining a large industrial project cannot be developed 

anywhere in the world if local indigenous people and communities do not 

embrace the project. Mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal 

communities can be developed that bring certainty to those communities. 

The private sector and Aboriginal communities can work together to 

overcome the economic uncertainties created by unsettled land claims. 

Successful aboriginal community engagement incorporates Aboriginal 

goals of respecting land and resources, and conducting activities in 

economically, socially, and environmentally responsible ways to ensure 

long-term sustainability. 

2:25 PM 

Project Development in Mexico: The Terrazas Story: V. Ness, 

Constellation Copper Corp., Highlands Ranch, CO; G. Parkison, 

Constellation Copper Corp., Lakewood, CO and M. Flores, Minera 

Terrazas S.A. de C.V., Chihuahua, Mexico 

The Terrazas Project is based on a copper and zinc oxide property 

located 40 minutes north of the city of Chihuahua, in northern Mexico. 

Constellation Copper Corporation has been developing this project for 

several years, and has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with several of the 

agencies that influence the permits required for the project. The paper 

provides a concise project description and development history, with an 

emphasis on the activities related to local, state and federal governments 

and influential agencies, including SEMARNAT (Secretaría de Medio 

Ambiente y Recoursos Naturales), CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad) 

and JCAS/JMAS (Junta Central/Junta Municipal de Agua y Saneamiento), 

and others. 

2:45 PM 

A New Day for Mining In Peru, The Cerro Corona Project: 

J. Komadina, Gold Fields Exploration, Englewood, CO 

Gold Fields acquired an option to purchase the Cerro Corona Project, 

located in Hualgayoc, Peru, in December 2003. In February 2006, the option 

was taken up and the transaction closed. During the intervening months, 

Project development occurred against the backdrop of a Presidential 


55 

election, increasing national social activism and environmental regulation, 

rapidly escalating operating and capital costs, as well as unprecedented 

demand for engineering and technical skills. Project Lessons Learned are 

outlined and discussed in the context of an evolving strategy. 

3:05 PM 

Geology and Mineralization of the Santa Cruz Vein, 

Guanacevi Silver District, Durango, Mexico: M. Rasmussen, 

Endeavor Silver Corp., Vancouver, BC, Canada 

The Santa Cruz Vein (SCV) is a 10 km long, 1 – 15 m wide, low 

sulfidation epithermal quartz-carbonate vein hosted by a NW-trending 

trans-tensional fault on the margin of the historic Guanacevi Silver District 

in northern Durango State, Mexico. The SCV contains silver primarily as 

acanthite inclusions in galena, sphalerite, quartz, and rhodochrosite. The 

average grade of mined rock (500 t/d) is approximately 15 oz/t Ag. Five 

principal shoots are known, each 200-300 meters in strike, with ore grades 

currently demonstrated at depths 400 m below surface with no increase in 

base metal abundance. 

Making Lemonade − Accelerated Careers 

and Vast Opportunities 


Chairs: B. Wissel, Rinkers Material Corp., Lake 

Wales, FL 

K. Marten, Barrick Mining Corp., Carlin, NV 

2:05 PM 

In the current job market, a junior professional has more career 

opportunitiesy than ever while employers struggle to replace an aging 

workforce. Junior and senior professionals share lessons as this unique 

situation progresses. The audience will learn how to maximize benefit from 

both sides of the business. 

A panel of seasoned and new professionals representing the mining, 

consulting, sales and higher education industries discuss the benefits and 

struggles that have naturally ensued with the changing market place. This 

session will give insight to the experiences of young professionals for those 

who are well established in careers and may benefit from a candid 

discussion of starting fresh as well as give advice to new graduates in the 

early stages of careesr. 

Junior professionals will discuss, from personal experience, the trials 

and tribulations of beginning careers, the boosters and pitfalls along the 

path of personal professional development. Impressions from first job 

interviews and the struggles with starting a new job in an entry level 

position. Tips to building a solid and meaningful working experience and 

what was learned from the missteps and how these could have been 

avoided. 

Senior professionals will discuss the struggles to secure a valuable 

workforce in the increasingly competitive job market. Discussions of 

attempts made to sustain a positive working environment that keeps 

valuable employees in house and is attractive to job seekers. Methods of 

supplementing the current workforce, with competent and enthusiastic 

applicants, will also be discussed. 

Mine Ventilation II 


Chair: W. Maloney, North American Drillers, Inc., 

Morgantown, WA 

2:05 PM 

Factors Affecting the Development of Face Ventilation 

Systems in the 20th Century: W. Reed and C. Taylor, NIOSH, 


During the 20th century, the increased emphasis on worker health 

and safety and the advent of new mining equipment and methods led to 

many changes in face ventilation practices. Efforts by government and 

private industry to improve and modify ventilation practices resulted in 

better health and safety conditions for workers while allowing productivity to 

improve. This paper examines factors that had a significant influence on 

face ventilation design during the past century. Several milestone events are 

discussed along with the impact they had on worker health and safety. 

Significant ventilation research efforts by government and private industry

are presented. This brief ventilation history highlights innovative ventilation 

designs and a consistent commitment to mining health and safety. 

2:25 PM 

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Spontaneous 

Heating in Longwall Gob Areas: L. Yuan and A. Smith, NIOSH, 


Spontaneous combustion continues to be a significant risk for US 

underground coal mines, particularly in western mines where the coal is 

generally of lower rank, and in mines with appreciable levels of methane, 

where the danger of an explosion ignited by a spontaneous combustion fire 

is present. In order to provide insights for the optimization of ventilation 

systems for US underground coal mines facing both methane control and 

spontaneous combustion issues, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study 

was conducted to model the spontaneous heating in longwall gob areas. 

2:45 PM 

Investigation of Flow Behavior in Longwall Mining: F. Calizaya 

and S. Lolon, Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Gob ventilation has been a growing concern in longwall mines, 

especially in those located at great depths. Poor ventilation may initiate the 

spontaneous combustion of coal in the gob. This process however, depends 

on several factors including the coal properties, and the mining and 

ventilations schemes used. This paper presents the results of an 

investigation on the air-gas flow behavior in porous medium using 

Computational Fluid Dynamics. It includes the modeling of a longwall mine, 

measurements of input parameters, and the results of simulation exercises 

carried out to predict air, gas, and heat flow patterns inside the caved area. 

3:05 PM 

Airflow Monitoring on a Mining Machine to Evaluate Face 

Ventilation Conditions and Methane Concentrations: E. Hall, 

C. Taylor, and J. Chilton, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

The fact that methane ignitions continue to occur at the mining face 

indicates that monitoring with machine-mounted methanometers does not 

always indicate the presence of high methane concentrations. Methane 

concentrations can change quickly due to changes in airflow. Changes in 

airflow may provide the fastest indication of changes in methane 

concentrations. Results from tests conducted in the NIOSH ventilation test 

gallery using one-, two-, and three-axis ultrasonic anemometers to measure 

airflows at selected locations on a full-scale model mining machine will be 

discussed. Readings for the different anemometers will be compared, and 

correlations between the airflow readings and methane face concentrations 

evaluated. 

Surface Mining II 


Chair: V. Kecojevic, The Pennsylvania State Univ., 

University Park, PA 

2:05 PM 

Long-term Production Planning in Anomaly No.3 of Gol-e- 

Gohar Iron Mine of Iran With Regard to In-Pit Crusher: 

P. Seyedsadri, M. Osanloo, and J. Gholamnejad, Amirkabir Univ. 

of Tech., Tehran, Iran 

Gol-e-Gohar Iron ore Complex is located in Kerman province in south 

east of Iran with 6 anomalies. The largest anomaly in this district is anomaly 

3 with large thickness of cap rock and 643 Mt of ore reserves. Production 

planning of this anomaly was fulfilled by ADC (Acres Davy Consultants) Co. 

for 15 years with striping ratio of 3:1. The total ore which must be mined in 

this period is 121 Mt. Recently Gol-e-Gohar Iron Mine Co. decided to add 

in-pit crusher in its plans. The combinations of in-pit crusher, belt conveyor 

and truck have major impact on design and economic conditions of open pit 

mining project. 

2:25 PM 

Determination of a Mining Cutoff Grade Strategy Based on an 

Iterative Factor: A. Bascetin, Istanbul Univ., Avcilar, Istanbul and 

A. Nieto, Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State Univ., 

Blacksburg, VA 

One of the most difficult problems in mining operation is how to 

determine optimum cutoff grades of ores at different periods over the 

lifespan of the mine that will maximize the net present value (NPV) of the 

mine. Cutoff grade optimization maximizes the NPV of a project subject to 


56 

capacity constraints in the mine, mill and the market.. This paper describes 

the determination of a cutoff grade strategy based on K. Lane’s algorithm 

adding an iterative optimization factor calculated for every year during the 

live of the mine to maximize the project’s NPV. The introduced algorithm is 

a windows based program developed at Virginia Tech which coded in visualbasic 

within a spreadsheet environment (Excel). 

2:45 PM 

Running a Quarry in the Most Environmentally Sensitive 

County in the US : J. Kirtley, Dutra Materials, San Rafael, CA 

The San Rafael Rock Quarry, located in the San Francisco Bay Area 

of California has proven to be a hotspot with neighbors, regulators & the 

building industry in need of materials for ongoing construction and repair of 

urban centers. The San Rafael Rock Quarry has become one of the few 

rock resources in the area and continues to be a vital materials source to 

the State of California. San Rafael Rock Quarry has over 100 years of 

material extraction history and has been encroached by urban development 

over the last 25 years. The discussion will center on the methods and 

results of attempting to be a good neighbor by the operator, Dutra Materials. 

3:05 PM 

Appeasing the Public: Permitting and Operating an 

Aggregate Operation Adjacent to a Pennsylvania State Park : 

J. Ankrom, Quality Aggregates, Pittsburgh, PA and 

J. Breedlove, Orica, USA, Livonia, NY 

Quality Aggregates operates their Myers Pit adjacent to McConnells 

Mill State Park in Lawrence County, PA in the Slippery Rock Creek 

watershed. McConnells Mill State Park is renowned in the region as a focal 

point for rock climbers, hikers, and fishermen. The creek itself has undergone 

the transformation from mine waste drainage to restored fisheries habitat. 

This paper will discuss the environmental and operational success story that 

Quality Aggregates has carried out to gain approval for operating a quarry at 

this location, and will discuss the steps they take on a daily basis to maintain 

their ability to successfully operate at this unique location. 

3:25 PM 

Wall Movement Monitoring using High-Resolution Target 

Movement Monitoring System: D. Apel, R. Moss, S. Watkins, 

and T. Jones, Univ. of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 

Currently, there are several techniques and technologies available 

which are used by mining industry in its attempts to remotely monitor the 

ground movements both at surface and underground mines. The currently 

available remote distance meters and distance change monitors mainly use 

phase change and time-of-flight techniques. The described monitor uses 

triangulation technique to track position of optical spot projection and then 

image processing to measure mine wall movements. The system can be 

easily automated and poses no obstruction to mine traffic. The position of 

an off-normal laser spot will shift as the target wall moves. 

Urban Mining 


Chair: K. Oakes, Olson Explosives, Inc., Decorah, IA 

2:05 PM 

Colton Cement − A 115 Year Partnership: B. Fortelka, California 

Portland Cement Co., Colton, CA 

The mineral deposit known as Mt. Slover in Colton has been the 

foundation for California Portland Cement Company since 1891. The 115 

yr.history is an impressive one; used for building projects such as Hoover 

Dam, the Los Angeles Staples Center, and the San Diego Convention 

Center, Colton Cement has demonstrated a commitment to producing 

'quality unsurpassed' products. A strong commitment to the community has 

been as crucial to the long term success of the operation. From chamber of 

commerce barbecues in the pit, land donations, helping clean-up efforts by 

taking discarded automobile tires, to 'Old Glory' flying atop Mt. Slover, 

California Portland Cement Co. continues to show its dedication to a 

partnership with the community. 

2007 EXHIBIT... 

A must see part of the conference!

2:25 PM 

Change can be Good − A Blast Optimization Program at ILC 

Resources, in Alden, IA: K. Oakes, Olson Explosives, Inc., 

Decorah, IA and L. Akers, ILC Resources, Des Moines, IA 

An outcome of a corporate-wide efficiency improvement initiative has 

enabled ILC Resources of Alden, IA to see significant benefit from the 

application and use of programmable electronic detonators, along with 

taking a "close look" at their overall blasting program. 

2:45 PM 

Colton Cement − A 115 Year Partnership: B. Fortelka, California 

Portland Cement Co., Colton, CA 

The mineral deposit known as Mt. Slover in Colton has been the 

foundation for California Portland Cement Company since 1891. The 115 

yr.history is an impressive one; used for building projects such as Hoover 

Dam, the Los Angeles Staples Center, and the San Diego Convention 

Center, Colton Cement has demonstrated a commitment to producing 

'quality unsurpassed' products. A strong commitment to the community has 

been as crucial to the long term success of the operation. From chamber of 

commerce barbecues in the pit, land donations, helping clean-up efforts by 

taking discarded automobile tires, to 'Old Glory' flying atop Mt. Slover, 

California Portland Cement Co. continues to show its dedication to a 

partnership with the community. 

3:05 PM 

Change can be Good − A Blast Optimization Program at ILC 

Resources, in Alden, IA: K. Oakes, Olson Explosives, Inc., 

Decorah, IA and L. Akers, ILC Resources, Des Moines, IA 

An outcome of a corporate-wide efficiency improvement initiative has 

enabled ILC Resources of Alden, IA to see significant benefit from the 

application and use of programmable electronic detonators, along with 

taking a "close look" at their overall blasting program. 

What's Sultry, Sweltering, Blazing 

and Boiling? 

Pyrometallurgical Processing! 


Chairs: S. Ripke, Midrex Technologies, Inc., 

Pineville, NC 

H. Walqui, Cleveland Cliffs Michigan 

Operations, Ishpeming, MI 

2:05 PM 

Zeolite: Supported Silver as Flue Gas Mercury Cartridge: 

Y. Liu, D. Kelly, Z. Xu, S. Kuznicki, and H. Chi, Univ. of Alberta, 

Edmonton, AB, Canada 

Amalgamation is an efficient process for removing metallic mercury 

from the gas phase. In this study, silver has been supported on a natural 

zeolite by ion-exchange and thermal decomposition. The mercury sorption 

tests show that zeolite-supported silver is capable of capturing metallic 

mercury at temperatures up to 250°C. This mercury can be released by 

heating to 400°C. The mass balance and the state of mercury in the zeolitesupported 

silver will be discussed in this paper along with the advantages 

of a zeolite process over one using bulk metal or metal coated on 

other supports. 

2:25 PM 

Transformation Mechanisms of Self Reducing − Fluxing Dried 

Greenballs into Pig Iron Nuggets: B. Anameric and K. Kawatra, 

Michigan Tech. Univ., Houghton, MI 

Pig iron nuggets, which have similar chemical and physical properties 

with blast furnace pig iron, were produced by a single step heat treatment 

of self reducing − fluxing dried greenballs. During this single step heat 

treatment the transformation of self reducing fluxing dried greenballs into 

pig iron nuggets did not take place instantaneously. Rather, it was 

composed of three transformation stages, (1) transformation of self 

reducing − fluxing dried greenballs into direct reduced iron (DRI), (2) 

transformation of DRI into transition direct reduced iron (TDRI), and (3) 

transformation of TDRI into pig iron nuggets. 


57 

2:45 PM 

Measuring and Managing Dust and Nanoparticulates in 

Pyrometallurgical Processing: K. Kawatra and C. Copeland, 

Michigan Tech. Univ., Houghton, MI 

Airborne particulates can be generated by combustion processes or 

materials handling, and regulation of these particulates by EPA are 

becoming progressively more stringent. Regulations will soon include 

"nanoparticulates", particles finer than 100 nanometers, which are believed 

to have significant health effects due to the particles’ high surface area and 

reactivity. Relationships between nanoparticulates and dust emissions 

during pyrometallurgical processing will be presented, as well as effects of 

dust suppressant reagents on these emissions. 

3:05 PM 

Minor Elements Distribution in Olivine Slags: J. Font and 

R. Reddy, Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 

Thermodynamic model for minor elements (As, Sb and Bi) distribution 

in mattes and olivine slags was developed. The minor elements capacities 

of slags were calculated a priori using Reddy-Blander (RB) model. The 

minor elements distribution predictions were made in matte and olivine slag 

compositions. The calculated results are in good agreement with the 

available experimental olivine slags data. Application these As, Sb, Bi 

distribution ratios results in industrial copper smelting is discussed. 

3:25 PM 

Gold Recovery from High-Arsenic Containing Ores at 

Newmont's Roasters: R. Fernandez, Newmont, Westminster, 

CO and A. Collins and E. Marczak, Newmont, Carlin, NV 

Newmont roasting plant in Carlin, NV, commenced operating in 

December 1994. Over the years, refractory ores and pyrite concentrates 

from different gold deposits constituted the feed to the facilities. Historical 

plant performance indicated that the roasting temperature was the main 

variable that affected the structural characteristics of the calcine which, in 

turn, affected the recovery of gold by cyanidation. Gold recovery as a 

function of roaster temperature was closely monitored since October 2000. 

Original design temperature was 550°C. Lower roaster temperatures of 

around 500°C resulted in gold recovery increase by more than 6%. 

Wednesday, February 28 Morning 

Advances in Characterization Techniques to 

Enable Improvements in Process Efficiencies 

9:30 AM � Wednesday, February 28 

Chairs: S. Mather, Engelhard Corp., Gordon, GA 

A. Hagni, Construction Tech. Lab., Skokie, IL 

9:35 AM 

Determination of Surface Area to Volume Ratios of Platy 

Minerals using Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning White 

Light Microscopy: T. Vander Wood, MVA Scientific Consultants, 

Duluth, GA 

The surface area to volume ratio is a fundamental property of a 

particle and its distribution governs a number of particle population 

properties. As a one-dimensional property, its measurement is relatively 

insensitive to the number of particles measured. For particles larger than a 

few micrometers diameter, white light interference microscopy has been 

used to determine the surface area to volume ratio of talc from 

measurements in three dimensions and the results correlated with direct 

measurements by electron microscopy. For smaller particles, atomic force 

microscopy has been used in the same manner, and correlated with direct 

measurements by transmission electron microscopy. 

9:55 AM 

Characterization of Copper Flotation Products Utilizing the 

JKMRC/FEI Mineral Liberation Analyzer (MLA): D. Brosnahan, 

J. Gathje, and R. Kappes, Newmont Mining Corp., Englewood, CO 

Newmont Metallurgical Services (NMS) recently acquired a scanning 

electron microscope (SEM) with a JKMRC/FEI Mineral Liberation Analyzer 

(MLA). With the MLA software package, raw particle image and x-ray data

can be converted into particle mineral maps and bulk and liberation data 

can then be calculated for minerals of interest. This type of quantitative 

mineralogical data can then be used for a wide variety of applications. Ore 

characterization with MLA can be carried out for existing or processing 

plants, in development. MLA characterization of laboratory test products 

provides valuable liberation information that assists the research 

metallurgist in better planning and developing process treatment options for 

various ore types. 

10:15 AM 

Practical Applications for the Silicon Drift Type X-ray Detector 

in SEM-platformed Image Analysis: The Roentec-MLA in 

Practice: M. Shaffer, Memorial Univ., St. John's, NF, Canada; 

Y. Gu, JKTech Pty. Ltd, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia and 

M. Rohde, Bruker AXS Microanalysis GmbH, Berlin, Germany 

The recent addition of the Roentec XFlash Silicon Drift Detector 

(SDD), as an x-ray detector option for the JKTech MLA SEM, is yet another 

example of technological advancement and improvement in image analysis 

efficiency. In the context of image analysis and minerals characterization, 

the characteristics of the XFlash SDD that make it an ideal high-throughput 

and LN2-free alternative will be discussed. In the context of traditional EDX 

applications, the characteristics of the XFlash SDD relative to conventional 

Si(Li) detector technology will also be discussed. Finally, an example of an 

application, not practical in the past, will be presented and include a 

discussion of its parameterization. 

10:35 AM 

The Application of Ore Characterization and Mineralogy in 

the Production of Iron Ore Pellets: R. Johnson, Cliffs Mining 

Services Co., Ishpeming, MI 

Characterizing mineralogy, grain size and the texture of ores is an 

often overlooked tool in improving process efficiency. Ore characterization 

can be used to identify problematic ores, improve ore blending and improve 

overall plant performance. Mineral liberation especially can have a profound 

impact on plant efficiency. Changes in ore mineralogy can affect 

performance in areas such as grinding, flotation, filtering and iron ore pellet 

quality. Examples of opportunities to improve operation efficiency through 

characterization of mineralogy, grain size and textures will be presented. 

10:55 AM 

Materials Used and Embodied Energy to Produce Portland 

Cement Concrete: M. VanGeem and M. Marceau, CTLGroup, 

Skokie, IL and A. Hagni, Intellection Pty. Ltd., Milton, QLD, 

Australia 

Energy used in the production of representative concrete mix designs 

is quantified utilizing the International Organization for Standardization 

(ISO) methods. Raw materials, fuels, cementitious materials, cement 

manufacturing, and aggregate mining are all contributing factors to energy 

consumption and emissions in concrete production. Transportation energy, 

quarrying, preparation, processing, grinding, and mixing consume energy 

and are considered part of the concrete life cycle inventory (LCI). Focus on 

aggregate and extraction energy and emissions is emphasized. Results of 

several different mix designs indicate that portland cement accounts for 

approximately 70% of embodied energy in concrete with 3,000 psi 

compressive strength. 

11:15 AM 

Improving Process Efficiencies by Linking Macro-, Meso- and 

Micro-Features Obtained from Automated Mineralogical 

Techniques: A. Butcher, A. Benedictus, A. Cropp, and P. Gottlieb, 

Intellection Pty. Ltd., Milton, PQ, Canada 

The QEMSCAN automated mineralogical analyzer was originally 

developed as a diagnostic metallurgical tool to improve mineral processing 

plants using samples drawn from plant surveys, bench and pilot-scale tests. 

QEMSCAN is now widely used to measure cores and cuttings from drilling 

programs to predict eventual metallurgical performance. Ore samples are 

classified into metallurgical as well as geological types, by combining 

mineralogical features in the ores with metallurgical properties related to 

grade control, separation, comminution, flotation and leaching behavior. 

Three-dimensional block models of ore deposits can then be created based 

on processing response. 

Make your reservations early! 


58 

11:35 AM 

Phlogopite Quantification from Hydrosizer and Flotation 

Processing Utilizing QEMSCAN Mineral Analyzer and Struers 

Sample Preparation Techniques: A. Benedictus, Intellection Pty. 

Ltd., Milton, PQ, Canada; P. Berendsen, Micro-Lite LLC, Chanute, 

KS and E. Kjaer, Intellection Pty. Ltd., Milton, PQ, Canada 

A lamproite mining operation in the Silver City Dome district of North 

Carolina was initiated in 1961. Lamproite is an ultrapotassic igneous rock, and 

in this deposit is composed primarily of subhedral phlogopite and anhedral 

serpentinized olivine in a fine-grained groundmass. Micro-Lite began mining 

the lamproite in 1982 for use in cattle feed, and a pilot plant was constructed 

in 2005 to recover phlogopite mica from the lamproite. To determine the purity 

of the final phlogopite product, Intellection and Struers collaboratively 

developed a sample presentation and automated analysis method for the 

identification and quantification of phlogopite and impurity minerals present. 

Challenges and Innovations in Mine Health 

and Safety 


Chair: S. Kan, Weir International Mining Consultants, 

Downers Grove, IL 

9:05 AM 

Updating the MSHA Engineering and Design Manual for Coal 

Refuse Disposal Facilities: R. Snow and C. Lewis, D'Appolonia, 

Monroeville, PA and K. Wu and J. Fredland, MSHA, Pittsburgh, PA 

The coal industry made important strides in developing safe, efficient 

and environmentally sound slurry impoundments and related disposal 

embankments over the last 30 years. A key factor in the improvements was 

the publication in 1975 of the Engineering and Design Manual for Coal 

Refuse Disposal Facilities, which was prepared under contract to the Mining 

Enforcement and Safety Administration (now the Mine Safety and Health 

Administration, MSHA). MSHA is having the 1975 Manual updated to include 

advances made in the past 30 years in dam safety and slurry impoundment 

design, construction, monitoring, inspection and instrumentation. 

9:25 AM 

Extinguishing Deep-Seated Fires Using Gas-Enhanced 

Foam: M. Trevits and A. Smith, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

A mine operator who is presented with the dilemma of trying to 

extinguish a major mine fire must try to match the available fire suppression 

technology to the conditions of the mine fire. The current array of remote 

mine fire suppression technologies include injection of water, inert gas, gasenhanced 

foam and jet engine exhaust gases. Unfortunately some of these 

technologies are being used at mine fire sites without a comprehensive 

understanding of the proper application techniques and knowledge of the 

limitation of each technology. NIOSH, in partnership with the MSHA, is 

conducting research to identify the capabilities of remote fire suppression 

technology through a comprehensive testing and evaluation program at the 

NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory. 

9:45 AM 

Key Findings and Recommendations on Coal Mine Safety by 

the Mine Safety Technology and Training Commission: 

R. Grayson, Univ. of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 

Following the Sago Mine disaster in January 2006, the National 

Mining Association formed the independent Mine Safety Technology and 

Training Commission to examine the safety of US underground coal mines 

and make recommendations of actions that would eliminate such tragedies 

and improve overall mine safety. The multi-partite, balanced-membership 

Commission completed its report in September 2006, and this paper 

presents the key findings and recommendations of the study. 

10:05 AM 

The Role of Technical Consultants during Accident 

Investigations: H. Head, Continental Placer, Inc., Wheaton, IL 

You have had a serious accident at your mine. Now what...? Mines are 

required to have an emergency plan that lists who to call: the chain of 

command in management, the safety department, and MSHA. Right after 

that most people will call their attorneys for advice. Then calls may be 

placed to the technical people within the company: explosives/blasting 

engineers, rock mechanics specialists, mechanical or civil engineers, and 

so on. This paper will suggest that there is a role for the third party technical 

consultant at an accident scene to assist with the investigation.

10:25 AM 

Occupational Health and Safety are Preconditions for 

Efficient Production: D. Sohn, TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service 

GmbH, Eschweiler, Germany 

The main task of industrial health and safety is to maintain and 

promote the health of employees. Healthy working conditions increase 

efficiency and motivation and safeguard the success of the business 

against the background of an extremely dynamic process of danger. 

Maintaining and promoting the health of all employees is not only an ethical 

requirement but has become an economic necessity. Accident development 

remains an important indicator for evaluating the quality of industrial health 

and safety. Classical safety work until about the end of the 1980s was 

characterized by predominantly reactive behavior. 

10:45 AM 

Comparison of Arched and Flat Seal Designs: E. Westman, 

Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA 

The failure of a seal in an underground coal mine can have 

devastating consequences. Traditionally these seals have been constructed 

as a flat wall. Large hydraulic dams, on the other hand, are constructed as 

concave arches. This paper presents a literature review and initial analysis 

of the potential strengthening of seals by concave construction, as well as 

the impact of additional cost in terms of labor and material. Numerical and 

analytic comparisons between the strength of a flat wall and a curved arch 

are presented. Both static strength, due to water pressure behind the seal, 

and dynamic strength, due to a shock wave, are discussed. 

11:05 AM 

Identification of Noise Sources on Longwall Panels Using 

Multiple Time-Synchronized Sound Level Meters: E. Spencer, 

D. Babich, L. Alcorn, and A. Smith, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Noise is one of the most pervasive health hazards in mining. Studies 

indicate that 70% to 90% of miners have Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) 

significant enough to be classified as a hearing disability (NIOSH, 1996b). 

NIOSH studies have shown that nearly 50% of the full-shift dose 

measurements of longwall mining system face workers exceeded the MSHA 

PEL of 100%, or a TWA8 of 90 dB(A). In order to properly evaluate the noise 

exposures of mine workers and engineering noise controls, it is necessary 

to provide accurate baseline measurements for longwall mining systems. 

Prior studies have concentrated on exposure measurements as the primary 

indicator of excessive noise levels caused by longwall mining systems. 

11:25 AM 

Virtual Reality in Mine Training: R. Unger and L. Mallett, NIOSH, 


The use of virtual reality (VR) technologies to train miners is an 

evolving area in research and development. In July 2006, representatives of 

14 international organizations met to discuss current VR-related efforts and 

explore ways to employ VR in the future. This paper gives an overview of 

the various approaches presented at the meeting and discusses directions 

for future implementation. An example training package that teaches mine 

map-reading skills is presented. The meeting was the first step to building 

collaborations for furthering VR applications for mining. Planning has begun 

for a 2008 meeting open to broader participation. 

Energy’s Influence Symposium: 

Innovative Energy Generation − 

Its Application to Mining 


Chair: B. Barta, Stone and Webster Management 

Consultants, Inc. 

9:05 AM 

NREL and the Future of Renewable Energy: I. Bulkley-Hopkins, 

National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO 

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's 

primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research 

and development. NREL develops renewable energy and energy efficiency 

technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and 

transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and 

environmental goals. NREL also works with industry to transform NREL 

expertise and technology into commercially viable products. NRELs goal in 

licensing is to promote commercialization of clean, efficient, and 

sustainable energy options. 


59 

9:25 AM 

Renewable Energy Markets − Fact and Fiction: B. Barta, Stone 

and Webster Management Consultants, Inc., Centennial, CO 

Renewable Energy has had a history of fits and starts in its role in the 

supply of energy in the US. Once again, we are seeing resurgence in the 

interest in Renewable Energy as the result of increased energy prices, the 

passing of the Energy Bill of 2005, an increasing interest in sustainable 

development, and the lasting effects of natural disasters, such as Hurricane 

Katrina. All of these factors have sparked a greater desire to reduce our 

nation's dependency on fossil fuels and foreign oil. But Renewable 

Technologies are inherently different than traditional energy generation 

technologies. 

9:45 AM 

The Application of Wind Energy to Mining Operations: 

T. Tumock, Stone and Webster Management Consultants, Inc., 

Centennial, CO 

The development of Renewable Energy projects in conjunction with a 

new or existing mining project can offer mining companies and operations 

a potential competitive advantage. Renewable Energy project development 

can provide a green image, take advantage of existing infrastructure, and 

possibly offset the cost of power at mining operations. This paper will 

provide insights into wind generation development strategy and 

considerations for mining operations. This presentation will focus on the 

adaptability of wind energy technologies and maximizing the value of 

existing infrastructure and real estate assets. 

10:05 AM 

Mining and Geothermal Partners for Energy Savings: 

M. Canty, and L. Mink, US Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC 

Often ore bodies are found in areas of geothermal activity, which could 

lead to the development of geothermal energy generation at mine sites. The 

mining and geothermal industries have many areas of potential synergies, 

where together they can achieve both energy production and energy 

savings. From the use of abandon or operating mine water thru a geothermal 

heat pump system, to direct use of geothermal solutions, geothermal energy 

can help lower power usage and costs at mining operations. 

GEM − Bringing American Students 

Down to Earth: Crisis in Earth Science 

Education 


Chairs: S. Krukowski, Oklahoma Geological Survey, 

Norman, OK 

J. Gardner, Engineering Consulting Serv., Inc., 

Lexington, KY 

9:05 AM 

What are students being taught about Earth Sciences today 

in our schools? The Earth Sciences have been dropped from 

curriculums in favor of biology and chemistry. With the mining 

engineering and geological engineering programs in the 

universities decreasing, what should we be doing as an industry 

to ensure more students learn about the minerals industry and 

how important it is to society? 

9:25 AM 

Resource Development and Environmental Quality: A 

Balanced Treatment in Education Programs: C. Groat, Univ. of 

Texas, Austin, TX 

Programs aimed at educating the young should make the point that 

the demand for minerals, their consequent development, and a respect for 

the environment are necessary to bring new recruits into the Earth 

sciences. Grades K-12 are the best situations to stress these themes; 

showing that resource extraction and a healthy respect for the environment 

coexist through sustainable development practices. Separating minerals 

acquisition from environmental values in future education programs may 

jeopardize the quality oflife, as we know it.

9:45 AM 

Mamas, Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Mining Engineers: 

M. Poulton, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson 

The small numbers of young people entering mining engineering 

curricula can be traced to their interests from their youth. The traditional 

appeal for Earth science and engineering disciplines are competing with 

high tech fields for students' interest and career opportunities. It therefore is 

tantamount that students be introduced to geology and related subjects 

while in grades K through 12 to build a foundation that will grow into Earth 

science careers. 

10:05 AM 

Minerals Education: We Are All in This Together!: 

S. Krukowski, Oklahoma Geological Survey 

Outreach programs serve all types and levels of education. At the 

Oklahoma Geological Survey professional, adult, and K-12 student 

outreach programs stress the needs and interests of the audience. The 

approach kindles interest in the Earth sciences at an early age directly 

through classroom activities and programs for youngsters, and indirectly 

through the education of their parents. Informal polling of Earth Science 

professionals indicate that an interest in outdoor activities and rocks, as well 

as other Earth science topics, resulted in rewarding careers as Earth 

scientists and engineers. 

10:25 AM 

Where are the Geologists and Mining Engineers?: J. Gardner, 

Mining Consulting Services, Inc., Lexington, KY 

Mining Engineering departments at colleges and universities in the 

United States are slowly disappearing through the process of accreditation, 

and the lack of students pursuing careers in mining. Geology curricula also 

suffer from the latter. At a time when mining and geological engineers and 

geologists are desperately needed to fill the ranks in industry, fewer young 

people matriculate in the earth sciences and engineering disciplines. 

Normal attrition from retirement and other causes are depleting the ranks of 

experienced individuals. Exacerbating the situation further, earth science 

and engineering graduate schools are producing fewer advanced degrees, 

begging the question, "Who will teach the next generation of mining 

professionals?" 

Gold and Silver Exploration 2006: 

Shine On! 


Chairs: M. Ressel, Newmont Mining Corp., Elko, NV 

M. Johnston, Victoria Resource Corp., Elko, NV 

9:05 AM 

A Comparative Study of Felsic Volcanic Rock of Hutti, Hirra- 

Buddhini and Uti: S. Riyazulla and J. Thomas, Indian Bur. Of 

Mines, Bangalore, India; Vasudev, Australian Indian Bur. Of Mines, 

Bangalore, India and S. Cundewar, Indian Bur. Of Mines, Nagpur, 

India 

The Huttl schist belt of Neoarchaen age is situated in the northern 

part of Eastern Charwar craton. It comprises predominantly of pillowed 

metabasalts with subordinate felsic volcanics and metasediments. 

Important gold bearing areas in the belt are located at Hutti, Hira-Buddhini 

and Uti. Felsic volcanic rocks occurring in these areas in the belt are located 

away from the mineralized zones are characterized by significant quantity 

of scheelite. Mineralogical and geochemical studies suggest that the felsic 

volcanic rocks are rhyolite and andesite, and are generated in an island are 

environment. Geochemical criteria have been used to account for the 

significant presence of scheelite in felsic volcanics. 


60 

9:25 AM 

Geologic Setting and Gold Grade Patterns of the El Sauzal 

High-Sulfidation Gold Deposit, Chihuahua, Mexico: S. Weiss, 

Glamis Gold, Ltd., Reno, NV; E. Espinosa, Minas De La Alta 

Pimeria, Los Mochis, Mexico and C. Ronkos, Glamis Gold, Ltd., 

Reno, NV 

The El Sauzal high-sulfidation gold deposit in western Chihuahua, 

Mexico, entered production in December, 2004 with reserves of 2 M oz gold 

at an average grade of 3.4 g/t gold, 0.8 g/t cutoff, and an average stripping 

ratio of 1.5 to 1. The deposit is hosted by east-dipping felsic ash-flow tuff 

and volcanic debris flows of probable Oligocene age, and is cut by dikes of 

porphyritic hornblende andesite. Gold is disseminated within bodies of 

vuggy, residual quartz ± kaolinite, and in surrounding zones of quartzalunite-kaolinite. 

At least 50% of the ore consists of quartz-alunite-kaolinite 

rock, including distinctive high-grade zones formed along transitions to 

vuggy quartz. 

9:45 AM 

Geological Evolution of the Florida Canyon Epithermal Gold 

Deposit, Nevada: A. Samal, Pincock, Allen and Holt, Lakewood, 

CO and R. Fifarek, Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale, IL 

The Florida Canyon Au-Ag deposit is a large, disseminated, lowsulfidation 

epithermal deposit that lies adjacent to a geothermal field Gold 

mineralization formed from meteoric-dominated fluids and is structurally 

controlled. GIS techniques have proven useful in mapping ore-bearing 

structures. Late steam-heated fluids with a possible component of 

evaporative lake water oxidized the upper part of the deposit. 40Ar/39Ar 

dates on 5 steam-heated alunite samples range from 0.87 ± 0.23 to 3.41 ± 

0.80 Ma; those of 2 adularia samples are 4.55 ± 0.10 and 5.01 ± 0.08 Ma. 

10:05 AM 

Geological Setting and Mineralization of the Northumberland 

Mine, Nye County, NV: E. Lauha, Newmont Gold Corp., Elko, NV 

The Northumberland mine is located in central Nevada, 30 miles 

north of Round Mountain. The mine was first a silver producer between 

1930 and 1990. The gold mineralization is typical of Carlin-type deposits, 

and ore is hosted in carbonate rocks of the Ordovician Hanson Creek and 

Silurian-Devonian Roberts Mountains Formation. Mineralization is spatially 

associated with a 158 Ma granodiorite intrusion and a series of WNW and 

E-W striking dikes. Controls on gold mineralization include both high-angle 

WNW and E-W faults as well as Antler- and Sevier-age low-angle faults. 

10:25 AM 

South Arturo Discovery, Carlin Trend, Nevada: R. Hipsley, 

P. Dobak, and D. Arbonies, Barrick Gold Corp., Elko, NV 

South Arturo is a "Carlin-type", breccia-hosted, oxide gold deposit 

located at the north end of the Carlin Trend. The discovery hole was drilled 

in August 2005 from mine dumps 1,000 feet south of the Dee open pit. 

Discovery hole BD-72 encountered a cumulative 245 ft @ 0.056 oz/t Au 

beneath 850 ft of post-mineral cover of the Tertiary Carlin Formation. 

Oxidation extends to depths greater than 2,000 ft in the deposit area. The 

deposit is presently in definition drilling stage with 98,000 ft of drilling 

completed to date. A resource estimate is in progress. This paper will focus 

on the discovery and descriptive characteristics of the mineralization. 

10:45 AM 

Atna’s Revitalization and Discoveries at the Pinson Mine, 

Getchell Gold Belt, Nevada: W. Stanley, Atna Resources, Ltd., 

Reno, NV 

Located in the 30 million ounce Getchell gold belt of northeast Nevada, 

the Pinson Mine has been the site of repeated discoveries beginning in the 

1930s. Atna has extended the discovery history and revitalized the property 

after closure with its work since 2004, establishing a measured and indicated 

resource of over 700,000 ounces gold grading 0.42 oz/t and an additional 

inferred resource of over 1 million ounces grading 0.32 oz/t gold. Atna's 

newly defined underground resources have classic Carlin-type gold system 

affinities and are hosted within hydrothermal collapse breccias and 

structurally- and stratigraphically-controlled zones beyond old pit limits. 

11:05 AM 

Recent Developments at Cortez Hills: K. Creel, Barrick − Cortez 

Joint Venture, Crescent Valley, NV 

Cortez Hills is a large, undeveloped, sediment-hosted disseminated 

gold deposit located in central Nevada. Mineralization is found in breccia 

localized between Tertiary quartz-feldspar-biotite porphyry sills intruding 

weakly metamorphosed limestone and covered by a thin veneer of 

unconsolidated alluvium. The majority of ore is oxidized and non-refractory.

Innovations in Geothermal Mineral 

Processing 


Chairs: M. Herpfer, Oil-Dri Innovation Center, 

Vernon Hills, IL 

J. Canty, US Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC 

9:05 AM 

Development of Radar-Controlled Directional Bottom 

Assembly for Geothermal Reservoirs: L. Stolarczyk, Stolar 

Horizon, Inc., Raton, NM 

One of the technical challenges in developing radar-controlled 

directional drilling is overcoming the heat transfer into the radar electronics 

and geo-steering controls. Another is developing low-frequency radar 

antennas with a focused beam that can be electronically steered for side 

and forward imaging. This paper describes the US Dept. of Energy Mine of 

the Future program-sponsored effort leading to the realization of the 

advanced geo-steering technology for application in heat and mineral 

extraction from geothermal reservoirs. 

9:25 AM 

Geothermal Mineral Recovery: J. Canty, US Dept. of Energy, 

Washington, DC 

Over 25 years of US research in Mineral Recovery from Geothermal 

Solutions have lead to few commercial applications. With the World Bank 

program in Kamchatka, Russia in September 2005 a step was taken to 

vitalize and coordinate the many efforts to advance economic mineral 

recovery systems worldwide. The US Dept. of Energy is helping to spur on 

the interest and research needed to realize the many benefits of extracting 

minerals from geothermal solutions. The excitement of recovery of minerals 

from geothermal brines has many positive angles. The economics of certain 

geothermal site is improved if a revenue is arrived from a sellable 

commodity with the geothermal power. 

9:45 AM 

Economic Benefits of Mineral Extraction from Geothermal 

Brines: R. Bloomquist, Washington State Univ., Olympia, WA 

The economic benefits of the co-production of minerals from 

geothermal brines far exceeds the potential revenue stream from the sale 

of marketable by-products such as silica, zinc, manganese, lithium and a 

number of rare earths. Extraction of silica can avoid scaling problems often 

associated with many geothermal power projects and may allow for 

additional power production through the use of bottoming cycles or the use 

of the brine in direct use applications now impractical due to scaling 

problems. An additional benefit of silica removal is the opportunity to use the 

geothermal brine as a source of water for enhanced evaporative cooling − 

a technique that can significantly improve the summer power output from 

binary power plants employing air cooling for condensing the working fluid. 

10:05 AM 

Co-Production of Silica and Other Commodities from 

Geothermal Fluids: W. Bourcier, Lawrence Livermore National 

Lab., Livermore, CA 

Using commercial water treatment technologies to separate spent 

geothermal fluids from the Mammoth Lakes geothermal power plant into a 

low salt permeate for cooling applications and a concentrate for extraction 

of silica and other potentially marketable by-products. Reverse osmosis is 

used to generate the permeate and concentrate stream using high 

temperature membranes (Duratherm, GE-Osmosonics) that have 

measured silica rejection values in the geothermal fluids of 95%. Silica is 

extracted from the concentrate by precipitation in a stirred reactor aided by 

a commercial agglomerating agent. Cross-flow ultrafiltration is used to 

concentrate the silica precipitate or silica colloids as a liquid slurry. 

10:25 AM 

Geothermal Solutions: High Value Mineral Extractions: 

M. Patterson, Advanced Ceramics Research, Arlington, VA 

Hydrothermal brines are extracted from significant depths below the 

surface and arrive at the surface at elevated pressure and temperature. The 

exact chemistry and conditions of these brines depends upon the rock 

formations through which the water travels, but many of the brines are rich 

in dissolved minerals. At pressure and temperature the minerals remain in 

solution but in order to extract heat from the brines, they are cooled and 


61 

many of the minerals precipitate causing problems. Where precipitation is a 

problem in the downstream processing, the brines are maintained at a high 

enough temperature and pressure so as to avoid precipitation and injected 

back into the geothermal formation. 

Operations Research: Strategic Mine 

Planning: New Advances 


Chair: R. Dimitrakopoulos, McGill Univ., Montreal, 

PQ, Canada 

9:05 AM 

Multi-Attribute Selection Method for Mining Trucks: 

D. Komljenovic, Hydro-Québec, Bécancour, PQ, Canada and 

V. Kecojevic, Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA 

The authors developed a novel methodology for the selection of 

mining truck using both the Coefficient of Technical Level (CTL) and 

Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. A hierarchical structure where 

attribute categories and importance (i.e. priority/weight in the selection 

process) was determined. For each category a number of sub-attributes 

and their priorities were assigned, and a pair-wise comparison among them 

was performed. The methodology presented in this paper may be used by 

mining operators to help in selection of a specific model when acquiring a 

new truck. 

9:25 AM 

BlasorPlus − A Generalized Strategic Mine Planning 

Optimization Tool: M. Menabde, P. Stone, and B. Law, BHP 

Billiton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and B. Baird, BHP Billiton, 

Santiago, Chile 

This paper describes a mine planning tool which is being used in the 

long optimization of multi-open-pit operations throughout BHP Billiton’s 

Base Metals and bulk commodities portfolio. The tool uses a mixed-integerlinear-programming 

optimization engine to determine when ore and waste 

should be excavated and where it should be sent to optimize discounted 

cash flow. The Software allows a wide range of strict mining, processing and 

market constraints to be applied on a per-period basis over the life of 

operation whilst ensuring all blend targets are absolutely met. It also allows 

practical mining and operational constraints to be enforced, including 

minimum exposed ore, maximum sinking rate, and smooth mining fleet 

utilization. 

9:45 AM 

A Study of the Impact of Price Uncertainty to a Mine Plan: 

M. Zhang and P. Stone, BHP Billiton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; 

R. Middleton, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 

Australia and M. Menabde, BHP Billiton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 

Mine planning optimization procedures generally assume that the 

future selling price of the product is deterministic. However, in reality, the 

future product price is uncertain. This paper first presents a way of 

computing an upper bound on the expected NPV of a mining operation on 

the cost of price uncertainty and then presents how a mine plan s expected 

value is affected by the stochastic forward metal price. This study is an initial 

part of the further investigation into flexible mine planning which aims to 

design mine plans which have the capacity to change short-term settings 

so as to protect or improve the Net Present Value (NPV) in response to 

future price fluctuation. 

10:05 AM 

Optimisation of Investment Decisions for Open Pit Mines: 

D. Kamzolkin and N. Grigorenko, Moscow State Univ., Moscow, 

Russia and M. Menabde, BHP Billiton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 

This paper describes a new software package that helps the user to 

make an optimal decision regarding the processing plant and mining 

equipment capacities. It uses a simplified ore body model which preserves 

the main characteristics of the real one, and the empirical formulas for the 

cost of processing and mining equipment. The NPV of the project is 

represented as the discounted cash flow from mine operation minus the 

cost of initial capital investment. It is shown that the objective function in 

most situations has a unique global maximum which can be found by a fast 

numerical algorithm, and, for a simplified problem, in analytical form.

10:25 AM 

Joint Ore-Extraction and In-Pit Dumping Optimization: 

M. Zuckerberg and P. Stone, BHP Billiton, Melbourne, VIC, 

Australia and R. Pasyar and E. Mader, BHP Billiton, Perth, WA, 

Australia 

This paper describes a new software product designed for the net 

present value optimization of multi-open-pit blended ore operations in which 

it is desired and/or necessary to dump some or all of the waste rock 

produced in the course of operations back into the voids created in the 

process of ore extraction. The software product simultaneously decides 

over the entire life-of-mine which material to mine in which year, once mined 

what to do with it, and where to put that material which it has decided to 

waste, all subject to annual blend and capacity constraints. 

10:45 AM 

Data Mining, Mining Data: Integrated Unit Cost Variations: 

S. Dessureault, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ and R. Ganguli, Univ. 

of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 

This paper will review long-held managerial assumptions from which 

managerial and engineering decisions are made. This will be done through 

case studies using real data wherein data from multiple sources are 

integrated and basic data mining tools used. The managerial assumptions 

are first reviewed so as to give a background of the types of long-held 

beliefs that could be abandoned now that more detailed objective 

information is available. The managerial process that is questioned is the 

annual budgeting process and its use as a performance management and 

goal-setting tool. 

11:05 AM 

Managing Grade Risk in Stope Design Optimization: 

Probabilistic Mathematical Programming Model and 

Application in Sublevel Stoping: N. Grieco, AMEC, Oakville, 

ON, Canada and R. Dimitrakopoulos, McGill Univ., Montreal, PQ, 

Canada 

Optimizing stope design is an intricate element of underground mine 

planning where optimal designs are expected to integrate multiple technical 

aspects. Orebody uncertainty is a critical aspect affecting the forecasted 

performance of designs and is linked to the failing of meeting production 

targets and project financial expectations. Following recent conceptual 

developments in open pit mining, this paper develops and explores a new 

probabilistic mixed integer programming model developed to optimize stope 

designs, including size, location and number of stopes under the 

consideration of grade uncertainty and predefined levels of acceptable risk. 

11:25 AM 

An Equipment Selection Application using the AHP Method: 

M. Yavuz, Eskisehir Osmangazi Univ., Eskisehir, Turkey 

Every mining engineer might make precise decisions in all mining 

operations and a suitable decision making technique must be used to make 

right decisions by the decision maker. There are a number of techniques 

available for solving different type of decision problems in the literature. In 

this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process, one of the Multiple Attribute 

Decision Making techniques, is used to solve an equipment selection 

problem by considering the data obtained from Turkish Coal Enterprises. 

The result of this study shows that such an AHP application can assist the 

engineers to effectively evaluate the alternatives in mining engineering. 

Reclamation to Remediation 


Chairs: G. Robinson, R2 Inc., Sedalia, MO 

D. Deming, Tucson, AZ 

9:05 AM 

Environmental Reclamation and Monitoring of the Abandoned 

Belle Eldridge Mine near Deadwood, SD: A. Davis, South Dakota 

School of Mines and Tech., Rapid City, SD; C. Webb, Western 

Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green, KY and J. Sorensen, South Dakota 

School of Mines and Tech., Rapid City, SD 

The abandoned Belle Eldridge Mine near Deadwood, South Dakota, 

is on land controlled by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The 

mine produced lead and zinc during the first half of the 1900s. Because of 

acidic drainage and elevated levels of metals in tailings and waste rock, the 

site was evaluated in 1998 and 1999. After evaluation, the mine was 


62 

remediated during 1999-2001 by the BLM. Since remediation, values of pH 

in water samples have been nearly neutral and specific conductance values 

have been lower than before remediation. The Grizzly Gulch forest fire of 

July, 2002, consumed much of the Belle Eldridge site and resulted in 

greater than normal erosion and sediment flushing during the months 

following the wildfire. 

9:25 AM 

Successful Integrated Coal Mine Reclamation: F. Serrapere, 

Exxon Mobil Global Remediation, Albers, IL and B. Edwards, 

Monterey Coal Co., Carlinville, IL 

The No.2 Mine was an underground sub-bituminous coal mine in 

Illinois, which closed in 1996. An integrated surface reclamation plan, 

designed to address the site's unique environmental conditions, was 

approved by regulators and will be completed mid-2006. The plan 

incorporated several unique aspects: a 61 ft deep slurry wall and extraction 

wells to capture groundwater; a system of wetlands to passively treat water 

for iron and manganese; and a pipeline to transfer treated water to a 

NPDES discharge point. Geotextile cover and/or solidification were 

employed to increase load bearing capacity of refuse fines during the 

installation of the 2.5 ft soil and vegetation cap. 

9:45 AM 

Development of a Field Method for Identification of Acid- 

Generating Mining Wastes Using Portable XRF Technology: 

K. Bell and T. McComb, Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, 

Inc., Nashville, TN; F. Miller, Glenn Springs Holdings, Inc., 

Lexington, KY and M. Bowers, Secaps Environmental, Inc., 

Fuquay-Varina, NC 

ABA, which is expensive and time-consuming, is the conventional 

method of estimating acid generating potential (AGP) of mining materials. 

To make rapid decisions during phased remedial actions at the Copper 

Basin Mining District Site, a field method was developed to identify acidgenerating 

materials. A site-specific relationship between sulfur and AGP 

was defined for Site materials. Emerging portable x-ray fluorescence 

technology is being used to measure sulfur in the field for real-time, 

identification of acid-generating materials. Qualified field personnel can 

make rapid on-site decisions on removal of materials, minimizing sample 

collection and analysis. 

10:05 AM 

Spatial-Analysis of Inorganic Constituents Associated with 

Stack Emissions from Primary Copper Smelters: T. Braun, 

SRK Consulting (US), Inc., Lakewood, CO 

Prior to implementation of modern era air quality regulation, historic 

stack emissions from primary copper smelters resulted in the release of 

various inorganic constituents into the surrounding area. The inorganic 

constituents present in stack emissions vary based on the chemical 

composition of the ore body. This paper presents an overview of the 

different type of reported constituents and the range of reported 

concentrations associated with historical stack emissions from primary 

smelters in the western US. A case study for spatial-analysis of smelter 

related copper concentrations in surface soil is also presented. 

10:25 AM 

Designing Environmental Assessment Algorithm for Iranian 

Mining Companies: V. Fattahpour, Tehran Univ., Tehran, Iran; 

P. Seyyedsadri, Amirkabir Tech. Univ., Tehran, Iran and 

A. Khodadadi, Tarbiat Modarres Univ., Tehran, Iran 

In current article the purposes of an environmental assessment are 

introduced and the method, through which the impacting factors and 

environmental components are determined, is also outlined. The 

environment, which can be influenced by mining activities, was broken 

down into a number of components, which is called environmental 

components. The factors through which the mining activities affect the 

environmental components are named impacting factors .Then according to 

the definition, possible scenarios and matrices of weighting factors, the 

algorithm, shows the relation between impacting factors and environmental 

components is determined. 

10:45 AM 

Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. Powerhouse Boiler Building 

Abatement/Demolition Project: D. Deming, Tucson, AZ 

The Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc., Environmental Department initiated 

demolition of the old powerhouse boiler building during summer 2005. The 

building was approximately 32,000 sq ft in size and had two associated 143 

ft stacks. It was constructed in three phases, beginning in 1907 and

completed in 1928, and contained 13 brick boilers and associated water 

and fuel pumping equipment. The project consisted of preliminary 

investigations in February 2005 and contractor selection in April 2005. 

Asbestos abatement and waste collection activities were performed 

between June and November 2005. 

Research and Development 


Chair: J. Whyatt, NIOSH, Spokane, WA 

9:05 AM 

Economic CO 2 Sequestration by Flue Gas Injection in Deep 

Coal: S. Harpalani and K. Singh, Southern Illinois Univ., 

Carbondale, IL 

An attractive alternative to mitigate atmospheric CO 2 is its 

sequestration in geologic media, particularly methane bearing coals, due to 

the value added benefit of enhanced methane recovery. This requires 

separation of CO 2 from power plant flue gas, its compression, and injection, 

although it results in a significant decline in coal permeability, delayed gas 

production, and hence, deferred payouts. This paper focuses on the option 

of directly injecting flue gas, consisting primarily of nitrogen and CO 2 , with 

coal serving as a natural filter, separating the CO 2 and retaining it, while 

expediting the release of methane by nitrogen sweeping. 

9:25 AM 

Twenty-Five Year History of the NIOSH Mine Roof Simulator 

and its Contributions toward Improving Mine Safety: 

D. Gearhart, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA, 

The NIOSH Mine Roof Simulator (MRS) was designed specifically for 

testing longwall shields. It is also used for the evaluation of standing 

supports and stoppings. The result of this research has increased the 

knowledge of longwall shield performance, developed the STOP (Support 

Technology Optimization Program) program and gained new understanding 

of the performance of stopping walls. For 25 years the MRS has been a 

reliable and valuable tool for the evaluation of safety structures used in 

mining and this research has contributed significantly to safer mines. This 

paper will summarize those research results and provide an insight to future 

research. 

9:45 AM 

Signal Processing with Wavelet Transform for In-seam 

Seismic Based Mine Void Detection: H. Wang and M. Ge, 

Pennsylvania State Univ., State College, PA 

Signal processing is a major challenge for In-Seam Seismic (1SS) 

technique. Traditional Fourier Transform is useful for frequency analysis and 

filtering. However, for 1SS signal processing, localized information, 

especially time-frequency localization is even more important. Wavelet 

transform (WT) provides another approach to study the signal as a function 

of frequency, time and velocity. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate 

the application and efficiency of WT to seismic signal analysis. The signals 

are from in-seam seismic tests for mine void detection projects. The results 

illustrate that WT appears to be an accurate and convenient method for the 

signal processing of in-seam seismic signals. 

10:05 AM 

A Method to Calculate Hydrodynamic Loads on Underground 

Bulkheads: S. Sawyer, Sawyer Engineering, McMurray, PA and 

G. Watson, Micon Services, Inc., Glassport, PA 

Bulkheads, which are used to impound water and/or slurry in 

underground mines, are like dams on the surface. But unlike surface dams, 

the level of fluid impounded by bulkheads often exceeds the height of the 

bulkhead. Thus, the Westergaard and von Karman formulae, which are 

used to calculate seismic, hydraulic loads on dams, do not apply to 

bulkheads when the fluid level is above the top of the bulkhead. In this 

paper, von Karman's methodology is followed to derive formulae for the 

calculation of the hydrodynamic force on the inby, side of a bulkhead for any 

fluid head. 

10:25 AM 

An Influence Function Method for Predicting Final Surface 

Subsidence Due to Mining in Inclined Coal Seam: Y. Luo and 

S. Peng, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 

Success in assessing and mitigating the mining subsidence 

influences on various surface structures depends on accurate prediction of 


63 

surface movements and deforma-tions. Subsidence prediction models based 

on the concept of versatile influence function methods have been proven to 

be most suitable for mining operations conducted in flat or near flat coal 

seams. When a mining operation is conducted in an inclined coal seam, the 

resulted surface subsidence basin would be different from that induced by a 

mining op-eration in a flat seam. The degree of difference increases with the 

inclination. A number of profile function methods have been developed for 

predicting final subsidence due to mining in inclined seam. 

Safety and Health for Aggregates and 

Others 


Chair: H. Head, Continental Placer, Inc., Wheaton, IL 

9:05 AM 

RAM − Risk Assessment Management: L. McMullen, MSHA, 

Arlington, VA 

RAM − Risk Assessment Management − is an extension of MSHA's 

successful SLAM program. SLAM − Stop, Look, Analyze, Manage − deals 

on a task-by-task basis. Each job is reviewed to make sure that it can be 

done safely. RAM goes to the next level, by incorporating modern safety 

processes into all the activities at your mine site. This presentation will help 

you set up a RAM program at your mine, get management and employee 

commitment to the program, and keep it exciting and relevant on a daily 

basis. The key to a successful program is to get buy-in of the workers that it 

will impact directly. Auditing and monitoring progress against the programs 

goals will be explained, including follow up and feedback to keep the 

program active. 

9:25 AM 

DPM Controls for Stone Mines: W. Pomroy, MSHA, Duluth, MN 

Beginning in July 2003, MSHA's M/NM diesel particulate matter 

(DPM) regulations required underground M/NM mine operators to control 

personal exposures to DPM to an interim personal exposure limit (PEL) of 

400 :g/m 3 of total carbon (TC) or less. Starting in June 2005, the interim 

PEL was converted to a comparable elemental carbon (EC) based limit of 

308 :g/m 3 . In May 2006, MSHA issued new regulations phasing-in the final 

DPM limit over a two year period, beginning with 308 :g/m 3 of EC on May 

20, 2006, stepping down to 350 :g/m 3 of TC on January 20, 2007, and 

ultimately reaching a final limit of 160 :g/m 3 of TC on May 20, 2008. (Note 

that the 350 :g/m 3 and 160 :g/m 3 TC final limits will be converted to 

comparable EC final limits through a future rulemaking.) 

9:45 AM 

Biodiesel and Diesel Particulate Matter Reductions: 

R. Nelson, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS 

As Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) finalizes its 

diesel particulate regulations, control strategies will need to be put in place 

to help meet DPM exposure limits (total carbon or elemental carbon) to 

meet acceptable air quality standards for workers. One such strategy is to 

employ biodiesel, a renewable alternative fuel produced from vegetable oils 

and animal fats. Biodiesel has been proven in MSHA tests to significantly 

reduce elemental carbon versus standard #2 diesel fuel. The proposed 

presentation at the 2007 SME Annual Meeting in Denver will focus on 

biodiesel basics, fuel availability and cost, fuel quality, technical aspects 

such storage, handling, and engine warranties, and the latest emissions and 

engine data concerning use in underground mines. 

10:05 AM 

Mine Rescue Capabilities for Stone Mines: H. Head, 

Continental Placer, Inc., Wheaton, IL 

In the wake of the tragedies in the mining industry in 2006, there has 

been renewed emphasis on mine rescue capabilities. Stone mines are 

frequently considered "small and remote" operations and generally do not 

have the depth of mine rescue coverage that exists in large coal and metal 

mines. This presentation will give stone mines a check-list of what to look for 

in life-threatening emergencies underground. It will also discuss the various 

rescue options that stone mines have used. 

10:25 AM 

Mine Emergency Procedures -- What Every Manager Needs to 

Know: W. Perlmutter, Patton Boggs, LLP, Washington, DC 

There are many possible emergency scenarios that might be 

experienced by a stone mine. These may include including fire, explosion,

chemical spill or release, acts of terrorism, vandalism, natural disasters and 

power failures. Are you prepared? This presentation will address 

appropriate emergency responses to manage the risks associated with 

these scenarios and will help you respond to MSHA's investigation in a 

manner that will minimize the company's exposure -- and potential 

exposure for company supervisors and managers -- to liability. 

Uranium – It’s Hot 


Chair: C. Young, Montana Tech of the Univ. of Montana 

9:35 AM 

Federal, Environmental, and Social Factors Affecting 

Uranium Operations: J. Indall, Comeau, Maldegen, Templeman 

and Indall, Santa Fe, NM 

Uranium is unique among commodities in its association with the 

Federal Government. AEC’s Procurement Program created the industry. 

Federal practices devastated domestic production in the past, and today’s 

rapid rise in price is directly related to supply/demand imbalance caused by 

federal policies. Nuclear power is promoted as the answer to global 

warming, but is enough attention being given to secure domestic fuel 

supplies? As domestic production is poised to respond to our nation s 

energy requirements, how will DOE’s inventory sales proposal impact the 

commercial market? Will DOE act prudently, or once again, cripple the 

domestic producers? 

9:55 AM 

Use of Historic Data in the Development of a Major Uranium 

Mine: T. Fudge, Concentric Energy Corp., Coeur d'Alene, ID 

Concentric Energy Corp. is a development-stage natural-resource 

company focused on uranium. The company's primary asset is the 

Anderson Mine, one of the largest known resources of uranium in the 

United States. It is located approximately 75 miles northwest of Phoenix in 

Yavapai County, Arizona. Concentric Energy plans to re-develop the 

Anderson Mine Property and substantially expand production from the 

small-scale operation that existed in the late 1950s to capitalize on the 

serious worldwide shortage of uranium production capacity. The Anderson 

Mine was explored extensively by Unocal from 1974 to 1978, and an 

adjacent area was explored by Urangesellschaft (UG) from 1975 to 1979. 

10:15 AM 

OKLO − The Geology of Natural Nuclear Reactors: B. Free, 

Consolidated Pacific Bay Minerals, Cape Coral, FL 

Six natural nuclear reaction sites have been identified in a uranium 

deposit in the Proterozoic Francevillian Basin in Gabon, West Africa. About 

1.76 million years ago, uranium concentrations formed in a suite of 

continental, detrital rocks. Sedimentary, stratigraphic and tectonic 

processes predisposed local uranium concentrations of up to 65% of 

uranium minerals within the Oklo deposit to go critical. Thus, nature 

anticipated the application of reactor physics by almost two billion years. 

Meticulous, international research into what became known as the OKLO 

PHENOMENON, shed light on the intractable problem of reactor fission 

product storage and disposal. 

10:35 AM 

Hydro-geochemistry of in-situ leaching − An Integrated 

Approach to Management of Solution Mining: S. Orr and 

A. Getahun, Water Management Consultants, Denver, CO 

In situ leaching is a complex, multidisciplinary process, which requires 

both mastering and integration of the different disciplines involved. 

Particularly, in-situ leaching is the intersection between geology 

(geochemistry, mineralogy, structural geology), hydrology (hydrogeology, 

well hydraulics), metallurgy (hydrometallurgy, electrochemistry, aqueous 

chemistry), and economics (mineable ore, cost of operations, market). The 

management of such a complex system requires all relevant knowledge 

base, integration, and continual optimization. The presentation includes a 

description of the "expert system" which ultimately leads to an integrated, 

real-time, hierarchical management/control system. 

REGISTER ONLINE 



64 

Wadsworth Lecture 


LECTURER: J. Marsden, Phelps Dodge 

“Pressure Leaching of Copper Concentrates- 

Commercialization” 

Where in the World is that Project Located? 


Chairs: M. Jorgensen, Newmont Mining Corp., 

Centennial, CO 

B. Norquist, Fluor Canada, Vancouver, BC, 

Canada 

9:35 AM 

Improving Secondary Grinding Capacity at the Empire 

Concentrator: H. Walqui, G. Rajala, and G. Suardini, Cleveland 

Cliffs Michigan Oper., Ishpeming, MI 

The Empire mine began operations in 1963. Low grade magnetite ore 

is processed to produce iron pellets for blast furnace feed. Three 

expansions were added to the original plant and several equipment 

upgrades have been completed to improve the plant performance as the 

ore characteristics have been changing through the life of the mine. Size 

reduction is carried out by two grinding stages, the first one using 

autogenous grinding and the second one using pebble mills. Pebble 

crushing is also used to break the critical size fraction and increases 

primary grinding capacity. 

9:55 AM 

The New Phoenix Mine − There's No Place Like Home: J. Lenz, 

Newmont Mining Corp., Valmy, NV and J. Sorensen, Newmont 

Mining Corp., Centennial, CO 

Newmont Mining Corporation has recently expanded its operations at 

its gold mining operation near the town of Battle Mountain in north-central 

Nevada with the Phoenix Project. The measured and indicated mill reserves 

and minor inferred resources within the design pits are currently estimated 

at 168.6 million tons averaging 0.036 oz/ton gold, 0.270 oz/ton silver and 

0.13% copper. An additional 16.5 million tons of heap leach material 

averaging 0.022 oz/ton gold and 0.190 oz/ton silver are also included. At the 

average milling rate of 33,600 tpd the milling operation is expected to 

produce an average 378,000 oz gold, 1,818,000 oz silver and 19.9 million 

pounds of copper annually over a 14-year project life. 

10:15 AM 

Ahafo − Gold Mining in West Africa: M. Jorgensen, Newmont 

Mining Corp., Centennial, CO and J. Mitchell, Newmont Ghana 

Gold Ltd. 

The Ahafo Gold Project is a 100% owned property operated by 

Newmont Ghana Gold Limited in the republic of Ghana. The property is 

located approximately 300 km north west of Accra, the capital of Ghana. 

The mineralization follows a north/east south/west across a 33 km trend 

consisting of eight main ore deposits. Reserves for the property are 

currently estimated at 15M oz. The gold is free milling occurring in either 

oxidized saprolite or in a primary greenstone or primary granatoid host rock. 

The current project was first studied starting in September 2002. Geology 

and engineering for the initial feasibility study were completed in December 

2003. Construction commenced in February 2005 and first gold was poured 

in July 2006. 

10:35 AM 

Boddington − HPGR Supersized Down Under!: R. Dunne, 

Newmont Mining Corp., Perth, WA, Australia 

The Boddington gold Mine (BGM) is located 130 kilometers southeast 

of Perth in Western Australia. BGM has had a presence in the region for 

more than 23 years. The original oxide gold mine at BGM ceased 

operations in late 2001 and the mine moved into a period of closure and 

decommissioning. The BGM Expansion Project relates to the mining and 

processing of basement rock from underneath the existing BGM oxide pits. 

Current reserves are estimated at 11 million ounces. The Expansion Project 

includes open cut mining from two large open pits, construction of a new

processing plant using high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR), copper-gold 

flotation and gold leaching of the flotation residues. 

Wednesday, February 28 Afternoon 

Energy’s Influence Symposium: 

Energy Markets and Their Effect 

on the Mining Industry 

2:00 PM � Wednesday, February 28 

Chair: T. Essaye, Towers Perrin Risk Capital, 

New York City, NY 

2:05 PM 

Energy Markets and Some Crystal Ball Gazing: A. Jacobsen, 

Behre Dolbear and Co, Inc., Denver, CO 

Energy − it keeps the lights on, cars running, and mines operating. But 

are there big changes on the horizon? Fuel prices just keep going up, wars 

are being fought, and some prominent environmentalists have gone pronuke. 

Confused? Have your energy prices at your operations increased? 

Do you feel vulnerable to the ups and downs of the energy market? Have 

energy prices moved into a new level of importance in the decision-making 

process at your organization? If you answered “yes” to any of these 

questions, this talk may help to answer those questions − or it just may 

create some additional questions. 

2:25 PM 

Corporate Hedging Strategies for Energy Price Risk: 

T. Essaye, Towers Perrin Risk Capital, New York City, NY 

This paper will discuss the benefits of evaluating energy price risk in 

the context of the company s other risks such as metals price risk, currency 

risk, and interest rate risk. Topics covered will include: " Evaluating energy 

risk on a standalone basis " Introduction of portfolio risk management theory 

as it applies to mining concerns " Evaluating energy risk in the context of 

operating margin, given competing capital market expectations for cost and 

profit margin stability " Portfolio risk management application examples. 

2:45 PM 

Competition for Natural Resources The Effect on the Natural 

Resource Industry and Energy Markets: V. Matthews, Colorado 

Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

During the 1990s, China and India were unleashed from Communist 

and Socialist regimes respectively. China’s GDP is now growing around 10 

percent per year and India’s at 7 percent. Both are drastically increasing the 

use of all natural resources. Although China has large resources of its own, 

they are insufficient to fill the internal demand. Because the world’s mineral 

and mineral fuel resources are being strained to supply these exploding 

economies, the price of nearly every natural-resource commodity has 

dramatically escalated since 2001. Not only has the price of commodities 

increased, but the competition to simply obtain a share of these natural 

resources has become intense. 

3:05 PM 

Carbon Sequestration: Overview of a New Policy Initiative: 

G. Young, Colorado Geological Survey, Denver, CO 

The Carbon Sequestration (CS) program directly supports the 

President s Global Climate Change Initiative designed to reduce the carbon 

intensity of the US economy 18 percent by 2012 (Bush, 2002). CS 

complements energy efficiency and low-carbon fuel greenhouse gas 

reduction efforts by capturing and storing greenhouse gases, primarily 

carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the predominant greenhouse gas 

associated with global warming based on volume emitted to the 

atmosphere. The impact of the CS program will be to reduce the 201 tons 

of greenhouse gas emissions per million dollars of gross domestic product 

(GDP) in 2002 to 166 tons per million dollars GDP by 2012. 

3:25 PM 

China Profile and Energy Issues in the China Mining Industry: 

W. Wolf, John T. Boyd Co., Cannonsburg, PA 

As China's economy continues to boom, its demand for energy also 

continues to climb. Among all energy resources being employed in China, 


65 

coal has played a dominate role. In this presentation, the basic Chinese 

energy composition will first be introduced. Emphasis will be given to the 

analysis of China's coal mining industry. Due to the uniqueness of China's 

economy and government management system the mining industry in 

China has shown a very different view from other nations. Information 

regarding China's coal mining industry will be provided including its coal 

reserves base, overall scale of the industry, coal mine distribution and 

ownership, work safety issues, coal consumption and the domestic and 

oversea market. 

Environmental Nanotechnology Molecular 

Energy to Clean Water 


Chairs C. Bucknam, Newmont Mining Corp., 

Englewood, CO 

M. Botz, Elbow Creek Engineering, Inc., 

Sheridan, WY 

2:05 PM 

Nanoparticle Technology in Water Treatment for Removal of 

Heavy Metal Contaminants: J. Miller, J. Adams, X. Diaz, and 

N. Newton, Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 

Advanced water treatment technologies for the removal of heavy 

metal contaminants are under development to meet increasingly stringent 

drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA). For example, the 2006 arsenic standard, Maximum Contaminant 

Level, for drinking water is 0 .010 parts per million (10 parts per billion). 

Nanoparticle technology is one of the latest technologies that show some 

promise to meet the required standards. This paper reviews the results 

reported by various researchers in this area. 

2:25 PM 

Development of Pre and Post Treatment Methods for Reverse 

Osmosis Applications: G. Welch and B. Hoang, Pocock 

Industrial, Inc., Murray, UT 

Reverse osmosis is a common and effective method used to remove 

impurities and generate clean water in many industries. However, 

depending on the type and quantity of impurities that may be present, pretreatment 

of the water is often mandatory to avoid fouling the membranes 

or to reduce the use of expensive de-scaling chemicals. Disposing of the 

concentrate stream generated can also be a problem in many instances. 

This paper describes the main factors that are important in the development 

of pre-treatment and concentrate treatment schemes for reverse osmosis 

applications, and the types of processes commonly used. 

2:45 PM 

The Use of Hyper-Filtration Technology for Water Treatment at 

the Yanacocha Project, Peru: J. Lombardi, O. Osores, 

B. Hawthorne, and G. Piegols, Harrison Western Process 

Technologies Inc., Lakewood, CO 

Annual rain fall at the Yanacocha Gold Mine in the high Andes of Peru 

mandates the discharge of excess water for 6-8 months per year. The water 

targeted for discharge is normally marginally compliant in regards minor 

metals content, even without treatment. However, Yanacocha's operations 

were also facing the challenge of a changing ore that could eventually break 

the chemical balance of its process stages. In light of this, the mine operator 

chooses to improve discharge water quality by operating a “Hyper-Filtration” 

water treatment plant. Hyper-filtration removes dissolved metals by size 

rejection filtration in the 1-10 angstrom size range. This paper will discuss 

the techniques used to solve this problem and the results. 

3:05 PM 

Study of Stability of Mercury and Silver Polythoicarbonate 

Nanofilms Generated During Optimized Mercury Removal 

From Cyanidation Pregnant Eluate Solutions: C. Bucknam and 

M. McComb, Newmont Metallurgical Services, Englewood, CO 

Mercury and silver polythiocarbonate sludge that was generated from 

the pilot testing of optimized mercury removal from cyanidation pregnant 

eluate solutions prior to Merrill-Crowe recovery of gold and silver were 

tested for long term stability at Newmont Metallurgical Services. Sludge 

samples were mixed with heap leach residue to simulate disposal of the 

sludge in spent areas of the heaps and leached for twenty weeks with water

and cyanide leaching solution. Leach testing results are presented as well 

as analysis of the residues using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) 

technique in backscatter electron mode at the

3:05 PM 

Evaluation of High-Efficiency Classifying Cyclone Circuits: 

R. Honaker and F. Boaten, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 

and D. Shin and G. Luttrell, Virginia Polytechnical Institute and 

State Univ., Blacksburg, VA 

The efficient sizing of very fine particles using classifying cyclones is 

one of the most difficult tasks in mineral and coal processing. The difficulty 

can be attributed to several factors including the large increase in particle 

population with decreasing size, the inherent bypass of ultrafine solids in 

the process water, and complications arising from particle shape/density 

effects. In this regard, several experimental investigations were undertaken 

in an attempt to develop better methods for minimizing these problems. The 

studies included the evaluation of multistage cyclone circuits, the testing of 

a novel water injection system, and the addition of rheology modifiers. This 

article presents the data obtained from these studies and, based on these 

findings, discusses some of the practical options that are available for 

improving the classification of very fine particles. 

3:25 PM 

Emerging Conveyor Technologies: G. Bierie, Martin 

Engineering Services Group, Kirkland, WA and A. Marti, Martin 

Engineering, Neponset, IL 

Belt conveying is prone to problems that reduce the capacity and 

efficiency of the plant, and threaten the health and safety of the workforce. 

This presentation looks at new conveyor technologies that solve problems 

and improve material handling. Flow-engineered chutes provide 

continuous flow at higher capacities and provide significant reductions in 

spillage and dust. Air-supported conveyors offer advantages including high 

efficiency, low maintenance, and dramatic reductions in the release of dust. 

New developments in belt washing technologies clean and dry the belt to 

reduce fugitive material while minimizing water consumption. 

Open Pit Mining 


Chair: S. Shoemaker, Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., 

Ishpeming, MI 

2:05 PM 

Interactive, Polygonal Scheduling for Short Range, Open Pit 

Design: F. Rodrigues, J. Larson, and A. Peterson, Maptek, 

Lakewood, CO 

Short range scheduling in an open pit mine requires the flexibility to 

define and modify a mining area based on immediate feedback from the block 

model of the estimated material grade. A logical naming convention is 

imperative to creating short range models as it will be used to assign the 

mined material to its final destination in the report sheet. Using this naming 

convention, polygons are digitized at bench elevations and, using a given 

height projection, define the block model volume from which reserves are to 

be calculated. Upon completion of the bounding polygon, reserve data is 

output to a report sheet, giving real-time feedback of the results of the design. 

2:25 PM 

Blast Optimization Using an Optical Size Analyzer at United 

Taconite LLC: W. Everett, United Taconite LLC, Eveleth, MN and 

J. Eloranta, Eloranta and Assoc., Inc., Tower, MN 

United Taconite LLC operates the Thunderbird Mine on Minnesota’s 

Mesabi Iron Range. In 2004, United Taconite began evaluating electronic 

detonators in production blasts. The close proximity of neighboring 

communities required greater blast control beyond that attainable with 

pyrotechnic detonators. After a period of product experimentation and 

changes in loading procedures, the mine reached a point of satisfaction 

with the digital product. Electronic detonators allow the mine to precisely 

control blast timing and guarantee single charge detonation. Efforts to track 

blasted material from mine to mill had previously been hampered by the 

lack of a data collection system. 

2:45 PM 

Finding Added Value at Newmont through Large-Scale Mining 

Sequence, Cutoff Grade and Process Optimization using 

Mixed Integer Linear Programming: L. Clark, Newmont Mining 

Corp., Golden, CO and K. Dagdelen, Colorado School of Mines, 

Golden, CO 

Newmont Mining Corp. operates large mines with multiple open pit 

and underground production sources that can send material to multiple 


67 

processing facilities. Significant economic opportunities exist in the 

combined long term planning of these mines and process plants. Recent 

advances in computer hardware and the emergence of sophisticated 

software technologies provide real opportunities to capture the additional 

value from these complex mining projects by solving large scale 

optimization models using Mixed Integer Linear Programming [MILP] 

techniques. 

3:05 PM 

Efficient and Safe Water Conveyance System Design in 

Mining Operations, Using Air Valve and Surge Analysis 

Software: D. Wood and S. Lingireddy, Univ. of KY, Lexington, KY 

and N. Zloczower, A.R.I. Flow Control Accessories, DN Ramat 

Hagolan, Israel 

Most mining operations require very extensive and complex piping 

systems for the supply, distribution, and conveyance of water. Clean, supply 

water, process chemical solutions, such as sulfuric acid, in copper mines, 

or alkaline cyanide in gold mines, and dirt laden process water, such as 

PLS, must often be pumped for tens of miles. The terrain and topography, 

ever-changing by mining operations, such as leach pads, call for flexible 

piping and pumping systems, mostly above ground, exposed to the 

elements and to damage. These dictate very complicated and time 

consuming designs to ensure efficient, trouble free, and safe conveyance. 

3:25 PM 

Pond Rehabilitation and Establishment of a Site-Based 

Environmental Educational Curriculum at Cleveland-Cliffs 

Michigan Operations: A. Koski, Cleveland-Cliffs Michigan 

Operations, Negaunee, MI 

A pond rehabilitation and environmental education project were 

proposed by Cleveland-Cliffs Michigan Operations and approved by the 

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the US Environmental 

Protection Agency as partial fulfillment of conditions for a stream mitigation 

permit. The goals of the project were the rehabilitation of a pond on a 

tributary of a local trout stream, enhancement of public access and 

appreciation, and the initiation of a site-based environmental educational 

curriculum. Cleveland-Cliffs undertook a suite of actions to rehabilitate a 

pond created by a previous mining operation in 1912 and make accessible 

to local schools the aquatic and riparian ecosystems. 

3:45 PM 

Value Creation Through Strategic Mine Planning and Cutoff 

Grade Optimization: K. Dagdelen and K. Kawahata, Colorado 

School of Mines, Golden, CO 

Considerable efforts have been spent during last four years in 

developing and implementing "Strategic Mine Planner and Cutoff Grade 

Optimizer" for large scale open pit and underground mining sites similar to 

Newmont Mining's operations in Nevada using Mixed Integer Programming 

concepts. This paper will provide overview of the methodology used in 

strategic mine planning and cutoff grade optimization techniques for large 

scale, complex mining operations and describe how it is used to create 

additional value for large capital investments required to run these mines. 

Operations Research: Strategic Mine 

Planning: Dealing With Uncertainty 


Chair: R. Dimitrakopoulos, McGill Univ., Montreal, 

PQ, Canada 

2:05 PM 

Interaction of Grade and Ratio Simulation in Assessing Ore 

Routing Determinations for the Gold Quarry Deposit: L. Allen, 

Newmont Mining Corp., Englewood, CO and M. Baumann, 

Newmont Mining Corp, Carlin, NV 

The Gold Quarry deposit, owned and operated by Newmont Mining 

Corporation, is one of the largest gold deposits in Nevada. Full deposit 

simulations were constructed for gold and associated variables using the 

stepwise conditional transformation methodology. Uncertainty in the deposit 

is often more associated with the definition of metallurgical domains than 

with the variability of gold grades. To investigate this uncertainty, integer 

simulation of the AuCN/AuFA ratio interpretation was used in conjunction 

with the grade simulation. Considerations of the impact of the uncertainty 

associated with metallurgical designations on ore routings were assessed.

2:25 PM 

Long- and Short-Term Production Scheduling at LKAB's 

Kiruna Mine: M. Martinez, A. Newman, and M. Kuchta, Colorado 

School of Mines, Golden, CO 

LKAB's Kiruna mine is an underground sublevel caving mine located 

above the Arctic circle in northern Sweden. The iron ore mine currently uses 

a long-term production scheduling model to strategically plan its ore 

extraction sequence. We describe how we modify this model to consider 

several different levels of time resolution in the short- versus long-term. We 

demonstrate empirically how this extra flexibility helps us to achieve betterquality 

schedules than those obtained using only the long-term model. 

2:45 PM 

Stochastic Production Scheduling through the Concept of 

Future Data: A. Jewbali, Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Perth, WA, Australia 

Production scheduling manages quality and quantity of ore to be 

processed given operational constraints and depends on local deposit 

characteristics represented in grade control data. Typically, grade control 

data are unavailable at the time of production scheduling and simulated 

orebodies used in stochastic long-term planning based on sparse 

exploration data are not useful. This paper presents a production 

scheduling methodology consisting of: Simulation by successive residuals 

to update orebody models with simulated future grade control data (grade 

control data not available at the time of production scheduling); and a 

stochastic programming formulation utilizing orebody models updated with 

future data. 

3:05 PM 

Production Scheduling of Iron Ore Deposits under Joint 

Multi-element Uncertainty: R. Dimitrakopoulos, McGill Univ., 

Montreal, PQ, Canada and J. Benndorf, Washington Group 

Deutschland GmbH, Theissen , Germany 

Production scheduling of iron ore deposits is a complex challenge 

attempting a compromise amongst different goals including the 

minimization of deviations from multiple production targets and 

maximization of the project NPV. The complexity of this challenge includes 

the scheduling of multiple pits under uncertainty and in-situ variability of 

multiple elements of interest. This presentation briefly explains a stochastic 

integer programming formulation that incorporates uncertainty and in-situ 

variability of different elements, as needed to meet given production targets 

and ore qualities. 

3:25 PM 

Improving the Robustness and Confidence of Underground 

Mine Design: M. Newton, Datamine Corporate Ltd., Tring, UK 

Optimization and sensitivity analysis of mineable economic volumes 

have been standard practice for open pits for many years now, and more 

recently software has become available to apply techniques for delineating 

mineable reserves for underground mines. In general these techniques 

have been applied to a single resource model to quantify mineable tonnes 

and grade for underground mining. However by using multiple conditionally 

simulated models both the risk associated with the mining parameters and 

the risk associated with variations in grade can be quantified. 

3:45 PM 

Assessing the Uncertainty of Grade and the Grade Shell for 

the West Leeville Underground Deposit: R. Perry, Newmont 

Mining Corp, Englewood, CO 

Resource estimation for the West Leeville deposit is prepared using 

an explicit approach. The geologic model is developed using interpretive 

methods based on visual logging, and grade shells are prepared at low and 

high grade cutoffs. The low grade shell includes material of interest (Au > 

0.010opt), while the high grade shell is developed slightly below the 

economic cutoff grade for mining. The grade estimates are then prepared 

within these boundaries. To evaluate the uncertainty contributed by both the 

grade shell and the grade estimate components, conditional simulation will 

be used to develop multiple realizations for each, so that they can be 

merged and the source of uncertainty can be calculated. 

4:05 PM 

In Pursuit of Operations Excellence: G. Westerdale and A. Lith, 

Washington Group International, Denver, CO 

The Operations Excellence Team was commissioned by Washington 

Group International to utilize the Best Practices from within our industry and 


68 

beyond. An outgrowth of our leadership in safety, the team has worked to 

create cost efficient, world-class operations providing consistent results for 

our clients and shareholders. Best Practices in operations, reliability 

centered maintenance, procurement, estimating, engineering, and 

information systems have been incorporated to develop these world-class 

standards. Implementation has been scheduled throughout all existing and 

future Washington Group mining operations and results obtained will be 

discussed. 

4:25 PM 

Truck Dispatching − Optimization of Truck Assignments 

under Complex Mining and Process Constraints: K. Dagdelen, 

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 

In recent years, there has been considerable effort in optimization of 

long-term open pit mine production schedules to maximize the NPV of a 

given project. The "optimized" long term plans have to be executed during 

mining by way of short-term plans. The short-term plans synchronize the 

current mine operations to long-term plans so that the mine operates 

according to optimized production schedules. The short-term plans are 

further implemented real time through the assignments of trucks to different 

loading units in truck dispatching systems provided to the industry by 

Modular Mining's "Dispatch" or Caterpillar's "Mine Star" units. 

Reclamation and Land Use 


Chair: W. Daniels, Virginia Polytechnical Institute and 

State Univ., Blacksburg, VA 

2:05 PM 

Strategies for Increasing the Development Potential of Mine 

Sites: A. Bauer, Bauer-Ford Reclamation, Lansing, MI 

As an earth moving process, extraction of stone, sand and gravel 

offers the potential for shaping aggregate deposits into unique and valuable 

sites. Successful developments of mined-out aggregate sites exist 

throughout the US. This presentation will discuss how mining companies 

can further increase the development potential and, therefore, the value of 

mined sites. Strategies for end-use development will cover three interrelated 

components. These include: 1) Community planning and 

development requirements. 2) Aggregate deposit assets. 3) Earth moving 

and extractive procedures. 

2:25 PM 

Thinking Outside of the Box to Create Successful Community 

Partnerships : T. Bryant, Rinker Materials, Davenport, FL 

The science and nature center at the Rinker Materials Corporation's 

aggregate quarry in Center Hill, Florida, is becoming a reality. The center, a 

collaboration between the Sumter County School District, Wildlife Habitat 

Council and Rinker Materials will provide hands-on training in a number of 

areas, including math, engineering and science, to coincide with area 

schools curricula. Rinker believes it is important for students to understand 

the interaction of man and ecology. The science center will includes a 

modular classroom equipped with computers and other instruments for a 

multi-function biology, chemistry and physics lab. While generating 

enthusiasm for employees and community volunteers, effective habitat and 

educational programs energize supporters, build trust and teamwork and 

focuses support for the environment while achieving long-lasting benefits 

for wildlife habitat. 

2:45 PM 

Calcium Activated Stabilization and Construction of Road 

with Fly Ash: D. Saylak, Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX 

and S. Mishra, TETRA Technologies, Inc., Conroe, TX 

Only 40% of fly ash generated by the power plants in US are recycled 

and used for commercial applications. Of these the high lime containing 

Class C fly ash has been preferred. A systematic study at laboratory and 

field scales has shown that by including calcium chloride in the mixed 

design of roadbed material and fly ash, both Class C and Class F fly ashes 

can be effectively utilized. Test data reveal that the addition of calcium 

chloride to the system accelerates its curing rate, increases the strength 

and durability of the constructed road. For road construction, Class F fly 

ash-CaCl 2 system is more forgiving than Class C fly ash-CaCl 2 system. 

Nonmembers can save money just by becoming a MEMBER.

3:05 PM 

Upland Dredge Spoil Utilization on Old Sand and Gravel 

Mines: W. Daniels, Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State Univ., 

Blacksburg, VA; G. Whittecar, Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA and 

C. Carter, III, Weanack Land, LLLP, Charles City, VA 

Upland utilization of dredge spoil materials offers an opportunity to 

improve site closure and generate income for idled upland sand and gravel 

mines. In this project, over 400,000 cubic meters of freshwater Potomac 

River dredge material were placed over an idled sand and gravel mine in 

Charles City, Virginia. Rigorous pre-dredge testing indicated that the 

materials were quite suitable, and within two years after placement, the 

dewatered and reclaimed materials were rivaling local native soils for 

agricultural productivity. Detailed water quality monitoring in and around the 

site has revealed no effect of placement. 

3:25 PM 

Advances in Reclamation at Iluka’s Mineral Sand Mines in 

Virginia: C. Stilson and C. Zimmerman, Iluka Resources, Inc, 

Stony Creek, VA; W. Daniels, Virginia Polytechnical Institute and 

State Univ., Blacksburg, VA and S. Winkelmann, Iluka Resources, 

Inc., Stony Creek, VA 

Iluka Resources’ Old Hickory mineral sands mining operation is 

located in Dinwiddie and Sussex Counties in southeastern Virginia. Premining 

land use in the area is primarily agricultural, dominantly in row crops 

(soybeans, corn, peanuts, and cotton) and forage production. These farms 

are highly productive, and returning the land back to productivity is a key 

component to ensuring mine sustainability in the area. Collaborative efforts 

between industry, academia, and local landowners have led to several 

advances in reclamation techniques at the site. Co-deposition of tailings, 

deep ripping, use of soil amendments, and other reclamation techniques 

will be discussed. 

Statistics and Experimental Designs for 

Improving Efficiency in the Lab and 

the Plant 


Chairs D. Nagaraj, Cytec Industries, Inc., Stamford, CT 

J. Woods, Hatch, Vancouver, BC, Canada 

2:05 PM 

Optimization of Minerals Processing Unit Operations 

Through the Use of Statistical Design of Experiments: H. El- 

Shall., Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL and A. El-Midan and 

K. Abdel, CMRDI, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt 

Many experiments are either poor or inefficient leading to wrong 

conclusions and decisions, time delays or excessive costs. An example of 

such research methodologies is testing one-variable-at-a-time. This 

approach has the disadvantages of: (1) prohibitively large number of tests, 

(2) no analysis of variance, (3) no adequate level of confidence, (4) no 

detection of interactions, (5) lack of a systematic screening, and (6) 

optimum results may not be obtained On the other hand, the best 

experimental designs result from the combined knowledge of science, 

engineering/ technology, and statistics in the area of interest. 

2:25 PM 

Case Studies Using Factorial Design for Plant Optimization: 

E. Bentzen and D. Malhotra, Resource Development Inc., Wheat 

Ridge, CO 

Factorially designed experiments can provide very useful information 

on the interaction of the different classes of reagents. This information is 

very helpful in plant optimization as the two case studies presented show. 


69 

Underground Mining 


Chairs: S. Gager, Rockwell Automation , Knoxville, TN 

R. Whipkey, Norwest Corp., Charleston, WV 

2:05 PM 

Mine Stability Mapping: K. Heasley and M. Petrovich, West 

Virginia Univ., Morgantown WV and R. Stone and C. Stewart, 

Bowie Resources, LLC, Paonia, CO 

West Virginia University has developed a stability mapping system 

which is designed to allow the mining engineer to effectively combine the 

mine geologic characteristics and stress influences into an integrated 

stability map for use in support design and mine planning. This stability 

mapping system is built upon the popular AutoCAD/SurvCADD platform for 

inputting the geologic and structural characteristics, and integrates both the 

boundary element program LaModel for determining the stress influences 

and the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) (originally developed by the 

USBM/NIOSH) for quantifying the geo-mechanical stability of the roof rock. 

2:25 PM 

Multiple Seam Mining in Appalachia, State-of-the-Art, Stateof-Practice, 

State-of-the Future: D. Newman, Appalachian 

Mining and Engineering, Inc., Lexington, KY 

Multiple seam mining is prevalent in Southern Appalachia because 

economically mineable coal seams are numerous and occur in close 

vertical proximity. West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia have 117,55, and 40 

mineable coal seams respectively. An underground mine that does not have 

undermining, overmining, or adjacent mining is extremely rare. Because 

underground mining is focused on recovering the most valuable reserves, 

mining is rarely practiced from the top seam down which is the practice 

most conducive to stability. The combination of room-and-pillar mining 

methods that include development only, small block, partial retreat, full 

retreat, and longwall mining produce a wide range of mining geometries 

and complexity in underlying and overlying seams. 

2:45 PM 

Subsurface Subsidence Prediction Model and Its Potential 

Application in the Study of Longwall Subsidence Effects on 

Hydrologic System: Y. Luo and S. Peng, West Virginia Univ., 

Morgantown, WV 

Longwall mining operations in areas with shallow overburden could 

affect the surface streams, ponds, water table and subsurface aquifers. As 

the methods to mitigate subsidence influences to surface structures 

mature, the potential influences of longwall subsidence on surface streams 

become a very urgent issue for many longwall mines in the eastern coal 

fields. However, the research on this topic is lagging behind. A mathematic 

model has been developed to predict subsurface subsidence over a 

longwall panel. It is capable of predicting final and dynamic subsidence 

process of the overburden strata induced by a longwall mining operation. 

3:05 PM 

Studies of the Effects of Elevated Temperatures and Humidity 

on Weak Coal Mine Roof Rocks: K. Brockett, D. Alexander, and 

Y. Luo, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 

The "jet engine" technology has been successfully employed to 

extinguish underground mine fires, including two in the US coal mines. The 

jet engines are capable of producing inert combustion gases for exhausting 

the oxygen supply to the fire zone at a higher rate than other available fire 

extinguishment methods. However, it has been found that severe roof 

deterioration or falls have occurred in some of the mine sites where the jet 

engine technology has been applied in the fire extinguishment efforts. The 

roof instability problems could greatly prolong the mine recovery and 

reopening process and make the area more hazardous. 

3:25 PM 

The Application of Reservoir Engineering Principles to Coal 

Mine Gas Problems: S. Hennings, Norwest Questa, Golden, CO; 

J. Sandford, Xstrata Coal, Bulga, NSW, Australia and S. Thomson, 

Norwest Australia / CoalBed Concepts, Wangi Wangi, NSW, 

Australia 

Some of the advantages and hurdles to applying an "oil and gas" 

development approach to the drainage of coal seams planned for 

underground mining. The mine relies on a detailed reservoir characterization

of the coal seams and a reasonable understanding of the size and 

distribution of the gas reserves throughout the drainage process. This level 

of sophistication is rare for a typical CBM development project but it is quite 

similar to how oil and gas operators have for decades approached enhanced 

recovery projects. Some of the tools and the technologies developed for 

those efforts are now being directed to enhancing the coal gas recovery at 

a mine in New South Wales, Australia. 

3:45 PM 

Virtual Reality Simulator for Training Miners to Install Rock 

Bolts Using Jackleg Drill: D. Nutakor, D. Apel, L. Grayson, and 

M. Hilgers, Univ. of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 

A training approach which provides new rock bolters with a more 

efficient training tool than the traditional industry practices in which 

beginning rock bolters are mentored how to install rock bolts using jackleg 

drill by older, more experienced miners. The suggested training module 

makes use of interactive three dimensional images, games, and videos to 

describe the mechanics of rock bolting and its functioning principles. 

Trainees will install rock bolts in a virtual environment with miner simulation 

software (MinerSIM) based on the code of “Half-Life” game. This code 

allows the designation of rooms and corridors representing stopes and 

drives respectively in the real mine environment. 

4:05 PM 

Multiple Seam Mining in the Western US-Lessons for Ground 

Control: C. Mark, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA 

Underground mines in the mountainous coalfields of Utah and 

Colorado face numerous geologic challenges, including deep cover, 

spontaneous combustion, and violent coal bumps. Many of these mines 

also operate in multiple seam configurations, with active mines separated 

from previous workings by as little as 40 ft. This paper describes the 

experience of western mines with multiple seam conditions, focusing on 6 

operations that are currently active. Several of these mines are mining 

above or beneath its own workings, others are operating in historic mining 

districts with abandoned mines that can be 100 years old. 

Uranium − Maybe Its Not 


Chair: C. Young, Montana Tech. of the Univ. of 

Montana, Butte, MT 

2:05 PM 

Uraniferous Collapse Breccia Pipes, Northwestern Arizona: 

J. McMurray, McMurray Geological Consulting Inc., Littleton, CO 

Cumulative uranium production from collapse breccia pipes in the 

Arizona Strip mining district, northwestern Arizona totaled approximately 23 

million lb of U 3 O 8 (8,960 t U). Progressive upward stoping by ascending 

groundwater produced breccia filled columns of downward displaced clasts 

of variable lithology that are known to extend up to 630 m vertically. Ore 

grade uranium mineralization, which was introduced into the pipes by 

laterally circulating groundwater and was precipitated by a combination of 

physical and chemical processes, occurs within the breccia column and in 

the surrounding annular fracture system. Reserves for individual deposits 

range between 1 million and 6 million lb of U 3 O 8 . 

2:25 PM 

The Antelope Uranium project A Comparison of I Extraction: 

D. Beahm, BRS, Inc., Broomfield, CO 

EMC holds numerous mineral properties in the Great Divide Basin, 

WY planned for development as part of the Antelope Uranium Project 

including the JAB property with 43-101 compliant estimated measured and 

indicated mineral resources of 3,555,022 lb U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 

0.073% U 3 0 8 . Approximately one third of the total mineral resources occurs 

above the water table and is not suited to ISL development. The remaining 

mineral resources occur below the water table and may be suited to ISL 

development. This paper compares feasibility of ISL, conventional mining 

with heap leach extraction, and a combined approach. 

2:45 PM 

The Hobson ISR Uranium Project: D. Stover, Energy Metals 

Corp. (US), Edmond, OK 

Constructed in 1978, the Hobson Uranium Project was the first long 

distance In Situ Recovery Satellite operation with one way distances up to 

150 miles between well field operations and the Hobson Central Processing 


70 

Plant (CPP). On cold standby since 1991, the Hobson CPP is undergoing 

renovation and expansion by an Energy Metals Corp.(99%) and Everest 

Exploration, Inc.(1%) partnership. Simultaneously, the partnership is 

licensing and developing commercial ISR well fields at La Palangana in 

Duval Country, Texas. Activities are on track for renewed production in early 

2008 at the twice the original rate, 1 million pounds per year. The status of 

project development and future plans will be presented. 

3:05 PM 

Radiation Safety in Uranium Mining: M. Seier, Cameco Corp., 

Saskatoon, SK, Canada 

A committee has been struck to revise the 1973 ANSI Standard 

N13.8 Radiation Protection in Uranium Mines. The presentation will focus 

on the main topics that will be covered in the new standard. Unique 

radiation safety situations will be explored to determine applications from 

high-grade uranium mines to all uranium mines. In addition to active 

radiation safety programs, innovative uranium mining techniques and 

facility design will be discussed to show how they contribute to maintaining 

worker radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). 

Where Have the Exploration Geologists 

Gone? − Panel Discussion 


Chair: G. Sanders, Pacific Bay Minerals, Ltd., 

Bellingham, WA 

2:05 PM 

An Extended Discussion of the Relationship between the 

Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration and the 

Society of Economic Geologists: G. Sanders, Pacific Bay 

Minerals, Ltd., Bellingham, WA 

SME and SEG have a long history of co-planning and co-chairing 

geology sessions at SME's Annual Meeting, and 416 members belong to 

both societies. There is widespread member interest in rekindling this 

relationship, and the Denver '07 meeting is an opportunity to highlight the 

joint program's reputation for outstanding exploration and mine geology. 

This extended discussion, in the afternoon of the final day of the 

conference, is open to all, and will explore the question of where the 

exploration geologists have gone and how to attract them back to the SME- 

SEG geology sessions.

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Your Competition 

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS 

71 

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Exhibit Hall Opening Reception 


5:00 – 7:00 PM 

Exhibit Hall Luncheon 

Monday, February 26 

11:30 AM 

Exhibit Hall Ice Cream Social 

Tuesday, February 27 

2:00 PM 

Exhibit Hall Breakfast 

Wednesday, February 28 

8:00 – 9:30 AM 

The Exhibit will open Sunday, February 25! 

To Reserve Booth Space Call: 

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2007 

EXHIBIT… 

Showcases the latest technology and 

services. Also providing an avenue 

for networking with industry 

professionals. 

354 

352 

344 

340 

338 

336 

334 

332 

328 

326 

324 

322 

314 

310 

306 

CANADIAN SHOW MART 

355 454 455 554 555 654 655 754 755 854 855 954 955 1055 1154 1155 1254 1255 1354 

RECRUITMENT 

451 550 551 650 

751 850 

1051 1150 1151 1250 

449 548 549 648 649 748 749 848 

1049 1148 1149 1248 

347 446 

547 646 647 746 747 846 

LOUNGE 

1047 1146 1147 1246 

345 444 445 544 545 644 645 744 745 844 

1045 1144 1145 1244 1245 

LOUNGE 

329 428 

327 

325 

426 

323 422 

317 

309 

Revised as of 10/06 

SOLD 

410 

307 406 

540 

439 538 

536 

435 534 

433 532 

429 528 

427 526 

524 

423 522 

419 518 

516 

415 514 

409 509 

ENTRANCE 

541 640 

539 638 

537 636 

535 634 

533 632 

529 628 

527 626 

525 624 

523 622 

519 618 

515 614 

639 

740 

738 

637 736 

635 734 

629 728 

627 

625 

623 722 

617 

611 

609 708 

607 706 

741 840 841 940 941 1040 

739 838 839 938 939 1038 

737 836 837 936 937 1036 

735 834 835 934 

733 832 833 932 

COLORADO PAVILION 

729 828 

829 928 929 1028 

727 826 

827 926 

1026 

725 824 

825 924 925 1024 

723 822 

823 922 923 1022 

719 818 

715 814 

709 

918 

916 

815 914 

811 910 

807 906 

917 

909 

72 

1041 1140 

1039 1138 

1037 

1134 

1033 1132 

1241 1340 

1338 

1237 

1334 

1233 1332 

1341 

1339 1438 

1337 1436 

1335 1434 

1128 

1027 1126 

1227 1326 

SME 

1025 1124 

1225 1324 

1023 1122 1123 1223 1322 1323 

1019 1118 

1017 1116 

1015 1114 

1011 1110 

1108 

1007 1106 

1141 

1238 

1137 1236 

1135 

1133 1232 

1218 

1117 1216 

1115 1214 

1111 1210 

1109 1208 

1217 

1211 1310 

1207 1306 

1357 1456 1457 1556 1557 1656 

1418 

1317 1416 

1315 1414 

The Power of Mining: 

Energy’s Influence 

LOUNGE 

RESTAURANT 

1439 

1528 

1427 1526 

1524 

1423 1522 

1415 

CYBER CAFE 

1539 

1529 1628 

1527 1626 

1624 

1523 1622 

1519 1618 

1517 1616 

1515 1614 

1511 1610 

1608 

1507 1606 

1657 

1653 

1649 

1647 

1645 

1639 

1637 

1635 

1633 

1629 

1627 

1625 

1623 

1617 

1611 

1609 

1607 

SME SALES OFFICE EXHIBITOR LOUNGE FREEMAN SERVICES

AATA International, Inc. 932 

ABB 1217 

Abresist Corp. 1115 

acQuire Technology Solutions Pty. Ltd. 1524 

ACZ Laboratories Inc. 733 

Advanced Detection Systems 536 

Advanced Terra Testing, Inc. 725 

Aero-Metric, Inc. 1106 

Agapito Assoc., Inc. 1341 

AirSep Corp. 1211 

Aker Kvaerner 618 

Akzo Nobel Chemicals Ltd. 429 

AMEC E&C Services, Inc. 628 

AmerCable Inc. 826 

American Commercial Inc. 1241 

Antraquip Corp. 538 

ARCADIS Inc. 645 

Arkansas Valley Seed 928 

ArrMaz Custom Chemicals 1522 

Atlas Copco CMT USA Inc. 317 

Barr Engineering Co. 1244 

BASF Admixtures, Inc. 844 

Behre Dolbear & Co., Inc. 1028 

Beltek, Inc. 1306 

BICO Inc. 818 

Boart Longyear/Lang Exploratory Drilling 1434 

Brelko Conveyor Products 1622 

Brookville Equipment Corp. 329 

Bruker Axs Inc. 1138 

Brush Wellman Inc. 1218 

Calder and Workman, Inc. 734 

Canadian Institute of Mining, 

Metallurgy & Petroleum (CIM) 626 

Canadian Process Technologies Inc. 423 

CAP Logistics 737 

Carlson Software 439 

Casualty & Surety, Inc. 829 

Cattron Group International 1334 

CEED Center for Energy & 

Economic Dev. 824 

CEntry Constructors & Engineers, Inc. 1322 

Chemistry & Industrial Hygiene, Inc. 828 

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. 523 

CiDRA Corp. 435 

Exhibitors 

73 

Cognis Corp. 1423 

Colorado Div. Of Reclamation, Mining and Safety 934 

Colorado Geological Survey 835 

Colorado Mining Association 741 

Colorado Office of Economic Dev. & Intl. Trade 834 

Comanco Environmental Corp. 839 

Connors Drilling LLC 635 

Consol Energy Inc. 644 

Continental Conveyor & Equipment Co. 1227 

Contitech Conveyor Belt Group 639 

Conveyor Engineering, Inc. 624 

Cordilleran Compliance Services, Inc. 929 

Cornell Pump Co. 1225 

Cougar Industries, Inc. 345 

Crystals Unlimited 1255 

CTLGroup 310 

Cytec Industries Inc. 614 

Datamine North America, Inc. 1528 

Derrick Corp. 406 

Designs on You 444 

Digital Data Services, Inc. 837 

Dings Co. Magnetic Group 534 

Dorr-Oliver Eimco 617 

Drummond Co., Inc. 445 

Dynatec Mining Corp. 1340 

Dyno Nobel Inc. 708 

Dywidag Systems Intl., DSI Ground Support 622 

Emerson Process Management 344 

Energy Laboratories, Inc. 941 

Energy Metals Corp. 1527 

Environmental Products & Applications 1436 

Eriez Magnetics 807 

F & R Manufacturing, Inc. 1610 

FFE Minerals USA Inc. 1245 

Firwin Corp. 846 

FMC Technologies 1027 

Foremost Industries LP 1049 

Formsprag LLC 332 

Frazer & Jones Co. 1517 

Gemcom (USA), Inc. 1427 

General Kinematics 1639 

Geometrics 426 

Geotemps, Inc. 939 

GIW Industries, Inc. 306 

Glenn Corp. 1507 

Godwin Pumps of America 1415 

Golder Associates 723 

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. 814 

Grindex Pumps 1037 

Gripple Inc. 328 

Groeneveld Grease & Safety Systems 922 

GSE Lining Technology Inc. 539 

Gundlach Equipment Corp. 1132 

Gustavson Associates 925 

Hagglunds Drives 906 

Hayward Baker Inc. 825

HCItasca Consulting Group, Inc. 1519 

Heintzmann Corp. 1238 

Hilfiker Retaining Walls 433 

The Hilliard Corp. 410 

Hilti, Inc. 1137 

Hitachi Construction & Mining Products 1141 

Holland Loader Co. 832 

Huesker, Inc. 745 

Humboldt Wedag Inc. 1317 

hydro Geophysics, Inc. 1515 

Ikon Mining & Exploration 1117 

Independent Drug Testing Supply 923 

Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. 715 

Industrial Process Machinery 526 

Industrial Rubber Products 1045 

Inertech, Inc. 338 

Innoveq International 1233 

Innov-X Systems 1110 

Intellection Pty., Ltd. 1310 

International Mining 1135 

ITT Goulds Pumps Industrial & BioPharm Group 1237 

JKTech/Contract Support Services 611 

John C. Halepaska and Associates, Inc. 827 

Johnson Industries Ltd. 1140 

Johnson Screens 1118 

Joseph Oat Corp. 340 

KD Engineering & Metcon Research 1136 

Kennametal Inc. 736 

Knight Piesold and Co. 729 

Koppern Equipment, Inc. 1126 

Kraft Power Corp. 1629 

Krebs Engineers 909 

Larox Flowsys, Inc. 515 

Layne Christensen Co. 518 

Layne GeoConstruction 516 

Leica Geosystems Inc. - Thunderbird 1007 

Liebherr Mining Equipment Co. 744 

LIGHTNIN-SPX Process Equipment Operation 1033 


74 

Lyntek Inc. 409 

Lyntek Services Inc. (LSX) RE Monks JV 514 

Mackay School of Earth Sciences and 

Engineering 1122 

Management Recruiters of Denver South 833 

Maptek/KRJA Systems, Inc. 1539 

Marland Clutch 334 

Marston 938 

Martin Engineering 1145 

McIntosh Engineering 428 

McLanahan Corp. 1315 

McLellan Industries, Inc. 632 

McVehil-Monnett Assoc., Inc. 727 

ME Elecmetal 709 

Metso Minerals Industries, Inc. 509 

MFG, Inc. 533 

Micromine North America 1051 

Midwest Brake 1337 

Midwest Industrial Supply 740 

Mill Man Steel, Inc. 822 

Milton Roy 916 

Mincom Inc. 1207 

Mine Cable Services Corp. 855 

Minefill Services, Inc. 1017 

Minemax 1039 

The Mineral Lab, Inc. 524 

Miners News/Mining Directories 322 

Mining Engineering 1327 

Mining Media 1019 

The Mining Record 607 

Mintec Inc. 815 

MMD Mineral Sizing (America) Inc. 1326 

Montana Tech - School of Mines & Engineering 540 

Motion Metric International Corp. 854 

Multicrete Systems, Inc. 848 

MWH 1324 

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health 1123 

Naylor Pipe Co. 706 

Netafim USA 1335 

New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology 634 

Newmont Mining Corp. 544 

Nilex Environmental Inc. 937 

Noramco Engineering Corp. 728 

Norcast Casting Co., Ltd. 954 

The Northern Miner 914 

Northwest Mining Association 910 

Oremax Division of Wade Rain Inc. 1332 

OSIsoft 1438 

Outokumpu Technology Inc. 722 

Pall Corp. 1617 

Patton Boggs LLP 838 

Phelps Dodge Corp. 451 

Pincock Allen & Holt 623 

Pipeline Systems Inc. 1223 

Pocock Industrial, Inc. 1108

Polaris Laboratories, LLC 940 

Polycorp Ltd 1047 

Polydeck Screen Corp. 1339 

PolyPipe, Inc. 1414 

Polysius Corp. 1439 

Precision Pulley & Idler 1128 

Precismeca Ltd. 537 

Presto Products Co. - Alcoa 637 

Process Engineering Resources, Inc. (PERI) 629 

Progression Systems 1214 

Prosonic Corp. 1114 

Quality Drug Testing 735 

Quinn Process Equipment Co. 719 

Rain for Rent 1653 

Resource Development Inc. 926 

Richwood 309 

Riegl USA, Inc. 738 

Rio Tinto 547 

Roberts & Schaefer Co. 1523 

Roche Mining (MT) 636 

Rocklabs Ltd. 751 

Rockwell Automation 1025 

Rocky Mountain Bio Products 1040 

Rocky Mountain Fabrication 1015 

RSG Inc. 1633 

Ruen Drilling, Inc. 1511 

Rulmeca Corp. 535 

Runge 625 

Schauenburg Flexadux Corp. 936 

SGS Minerals Services 1041 

Shanley Pump & Equipment 314 

Silver Jewelry by JC 323 

SIUC – Dragline Productivity Ctr. 427 

Skanska USA Civil 739 

SME Auction – Environmental Division 1329 

SME Auction – Mineral & Metallurgical 

Procession Div. 1428 

SME Foundation 1331 

SMI Evaporative Solutions 1144 

Society for Mining, Metallurgy & 

Exploration (SME) 1323 

Society of Economic Geologists 1236 

Southwest Research Institute 1116 

Spendrup Fan Co. 1011 

Split Engineering 627 

Springer 1637 

Sprung Instant Structures, Inc. 1526 

SRK Consulting, Inc. 841 

Stephens-Adamson 1124 

Sunrise Engineering 1026 

SWCA Environmental Consultants 823 

TerraSource Software 1023 

The NanoSteel Co. 527 

Thermo Electron - Niton Analyzers 419 

Thermo Electron Corp. 415 

3D-P 1418 


75 

TIC - The Industrial Co. 529 

Toyo-Feluwa Pumps 836 

TRC Environmental Corp. 1628 

Tsurumi Pump 519 

U.S. Dept. of Energy, Mining Industry of the Future 422 

U.S. Geological Survey 525 

U.S. Office of Surface Mining 924 

Ultra Seat Corp. 850 

United States Gypsum Co. 550 

Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks, College of 

Eng. & Mines 638 

University of Arizona Mining and Geological Eng. 640 

University of Kentucky Mining Engineering 541 

University of Missouri-Rolla 1338 

University of Utah, Mining Engineering Dept. 1216 

URS Corp. 522 

Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co. 811 

Vector Engineering, Inc. 1022 

Victaulic Company of America/Aquamine 532 

Virginia Tech Dept of Mining & 

Minerals Engineering 528 

Voith Turbo Inc. 1232 

Wagner Equipment Co. 840 

Wardrop Engineering Inc. 955 

Washington Group International, Inc. 1529 

Washington Group Intnl., Inc. 545 

Water Management Consultants, Inc. 336 

West Virginia Univ. Dept. of Mining Engineering 1416 

WesTech Engineering, Inc. 917 

Western Mine Div. of InfoMine 1133 

Wiley Consulting, Inc. 918 

Willowstick Technologies, LLC 1024 

Wirtgen America Inc. 1038 

Wyoming Analytical Labs 1036

Hotel Reservation Form 

2007 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit and 

Colorado Mining Association’s 

109th National Western Mining Conference 

February 25-28, 2007 � Denver, Colorado 

1. TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY. Any incomplete information will 

delay processing of your form. Submit one room request per form. 

If additional forms are needed, please photocopy this form. 

2. Requests must be submitted on the official form. You must 

contact the SME Housing Bureau to make hotel reservations, 

the hotels will NOT accept reservations directly. 

3. Reservations must be made by January 24, 2007 in order to 

guarantee meeting rates. 

4. All reservation changes and cancellations must be made in writing 

and processed through the SME Housing Bureau by 

e-mail: thc@housingregistration.com or fax: 801-355-0250. 

5. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. If the 

hotel requested is not available, your next choice will be assigned 

based on availability. 

6. The SME Housing Bureau will send you a confirmation of your 

reservation. Please review all information for accuracy. 

E-mail confirmations will be sent if an e-mail address is provided 

(preferred), or they will be mailed. If you do not receive a 

confirmation or have questions, please call the SME Housing 

Bureau. You will not receive a confirmation from the hotel. 

7. Read the acknowledgement carefully checking for any errors. 

If no acknowledgement is received within 14 days, contact the 

SME Housing Bureau at (800-915-0618) or by e-mail: 

thc@housingregistration.com 

8. A credit card guarantee for first night’s deposit is required to 

process your room reservation. Please verify your departure 

date as some hotels will charge you a fee for early departure. 

9. For inquiry, call SME Housing at (800-915-0618). 

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY 

Occupant: ________________________________________________ 

LAST FIRST M.I. 

Company: ________________________________________________ 

Address: ________________________________________________ 

City:____________________ State: ____________ Zip: __________ 

Country: ________________________________________________ 

Daytime Phone #: ____________________ Extension: __________ 

Fax #: __________________________________________________ 

E-mail: __________________________________________________ 

Arrival Date: ________________ Departure Date: ______________ 

MONTH DAY YEAR MONTH DAY YEAR 

Other Occupant Names: 

Share With: ____________________________________________ 

Share With: ____________________________________________ 

Share With: ____________________________________________________ 

Special Room Requirements: 

On-line Room Reservations will be available after 

November 1, 2006 – www.smenet.org 

76 

HOTELS Single Double Triple Quad 

1 – Grand Hyatt $148 $158 $183 $208 

2 – Hyatt Regency at 


$164 $164 $174 $174 

3 – Marriott City Center $139 $154 $177 $196 

4 – Westin Tabor Center $159 $159 $159 $159 

SPEER BLVD 

➞ 

14th ST. 

LARIMER ST. 

➞ LAWRENCE ST. 

ARAPAHOE ST. 

➞ CURTIS ST. 

CHAMPA ST. 

➞ STOUT ST. 

CALIFORNIA ST. 

➞ WELTON ST. 

GLENARM PL. 

TREMONT PL. 

➞ COURT PL. 

➞ CLEVELAND 

Hotel Preference: (Please select in order of preference to ensure placement). 

1. ______________ 3. ______________ 5. ______________ 

2. ______________ 4. ______________ 

Type of Accommodations Needed: 

� Single (1 Bed, 1 Person) � Non-smoking 

� Double (1 Bed, 2 People) 

� Double/Double (2 Beds, 2 People) 

� Add rollaway to room � Handicap accessible room 

(based on availability at the time of check-in) 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

SPEER BLVD 

COLFAX 

13th ST. 

N 

Denver Performing Arts 

Complex 


CENTER 

HEADQUARTERS: 

Hyatt Regency at 

Colorado Convention 

Center (2) 

CO-HEADQUARTERS: 

Grand Hyatt (1) 

HOW TO MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS 

MAIL: SME HOUSING BUREAU 



FAX: (801) 355-0250 (Secure Line) 

ON-LINE: www.smenet.org 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

➞ 

� Suite (For suite availability and 

rates, contact SME directly). 

Payment: 

� American Express � Diners Club � Discover 

� MasterCard � VISA 

Name (as listed on credit card): __________________________________ 

Card Number: __________________________________________ 

Signature: ______________________________ Exp. Date ______ 

MO. YR. 

Cancellation Policy: A valid credit card is required to guarantee your 

reservation. Hotels may charge a deposit of one night’s room rate plus tax to your 

credit card on or after January 24, 2007. Reservations may be canceled without 

penalty until Wednesday, January 24, 2007. After January 24, 2007, a $25.00 

cancellation/processing fee will be charged. One night’s room rate plus tax will be 

charged for cancellations within 72 hours of arrival. 

2 

15th ST. 

➞ 

16th ST. PEDESTRAIN MALL (FREE SHUTTLE) 

4 

➞ 

17th ST. 

➞ 

BROADWAY 

1 

3 

18th ST. 

➞

INSTRUCTIONS 

☞ 

Advance Registration Form 

2007 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit and 

Colorado Mining Association’s 

109th National Western Mining Conference 

February 25-28, 2007 � Denver, Colorado 

• A $25 processing fee will be assessed on substitutions received after January 24, 2007. 

• Registration may be sent via FAX only if payment is by credit card [FAX 801-355-0250 secure line]. 

• General registration questions – contact SME Conference Registration at 1-800-915-0618. 

email: thc@housingregistration.com. Conference program questions – contact SME Meetings Dept. at 303-973-9550. 

• Mail form and payment by January 24, 2007, to above address. 

• Checks should be payable to SME in US funds. 

• All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email: thc@housingregistration.com or fax: 801-355-0250 

and are subject to a $100 processing fee. No refunds after January 24, 2007. 

• Registration is required to purchase tickets; however registrants may purchase more than one ticket. 

First Name 

Job Title 

Company 

Address 

Last Name To appear on badge (if different): 

City State Country Zip/Postal Code 

Day Phone Evening Phone FAX 

E-mail Special Needs 

Spouses must register to attend the Exhibit. Fee covers: daily exhibit access, Monday luncheon, Sunday & Wednesday receptions and Tuesday refreshment break. 

First Name Last Name To appear on badge (if different): 

City State 

BEFORE 1/24/07 AFTER 1/24/07 

FULL 1-DAY FULL 1-DAY 

� Member (M) 

� Student Member (SM) 

� Retired Senior Member (RM) 

� Legion of Honor Member (LH) 

� Nonmember Author (AT) 

� Nonmember (NM) 

� Student Nonmember (SN) 

� Spouse/Guest (SG) 

� 1-day Exhibit Hall Only (EXO) 

$445 

$ 95 

$225 

$225 

$445 

$570 

$115 

$100 

N/A 

$220 

$ 95 

$225 

$225 

$220 

N/A 

$115 

$100 

$ 75 

$520 

$110 

$255 

$255 

$520 

$645 

$130 

$100 

N/A 

$280 

$110 

$255 

$255 

$280 

N/A 

$130 

$100 

$ 75 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

$ ____________ 

If you are registering for the MEMBER-ONLY 1-DAY REGISTRATION or 

1-DAY EXHIBIT HALL ONLY PASS, indicate which day: 

� SUNDAY � MONDAY � TUESDAY � WEDNESDAY 

HOW TO REGISTER 

• ONLINE www.smenet.org 

• MAIL SME Meeting Registration: 



• FAX (801) 355-0250 (Secure Line) 

Please Note: This Icon☞ 

represents MANDATORY 

COMPLETION for processing of your registration. 

If a Nonmember, are you applying for membership? � YES 

� Check here if this is an address change. 

� YES, I am interested in being a MENTOR. 

� YES, I am interested in being a MENTEE. 

Member #(required for discount) Member of: � SME � CMA � TMS � ISS � SPE � SEG 

☞ 

SPOUSE/GUEST REGISTRATION – $75 (Check the Spouse/Guest Box in REGISTRATION FEES below.) 

REGISTRATION FEES 


(No refunds or exchanges on social function tickets after January 24, 2007). 


____ 50th SME Anniversary Gala Foundation Dinner [$115] FDD $ ____________ 


____ Coal & Energy Division Luncheon [$40] CDL $ ____________ 

____ CMA Pollution Prevention Banquet [$95] PPB $ ____________ 

____ Environmental Division Luncheon [$40] EDL $ ____________ 

____ Industrial Minerals Division Luncheon [$40] IML $ ____________ 

____ Scotch Nightcap [$40] SN $ ____________ 

____ Women of SME Breakfast [$32] WSB $ ____________ 


____ CMA Awards Luncheon [$45] CAL $ ____________ 

____ Mining & Exploration Division Luncheon [$40] MEL $ ____________ 

____ Mineral & Metallurgical Proc. Div. Luncheon [$40] MPL $ ____________ 

____ SME Dinner: 

____ Individual Tickets [$65] SD $ ____________ 

____ Table of 10 [$650] SDT $ ____________ 

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION 

77 

TOURS 

(Tours are subject to cancellation based on participation. 

No refunds or exchanges after January 24, 2007). 


____ Winter Park Ski Train with Lift Ticket [$160] WST $ ____________ 

____ Winter Park Ski Train without Lift Ticket [$108] WSO $ ____________ 

Monday, February 26 

____ Foothills Fandango [$55] FFD $ ____________ 


____ Best of Boulder [$55] BOB $ ____________ 


____ Molly Brown [$80] MB $ ____________ 

____ Discover Colorado Springs [$89] DCS $ ____________ 

FIELD TRIPS 

(Field Trips are subject to cancellation based on participation. 

No refunds or exchanges after January 24, 2007). 

Thursday, March 1 

____ Henderson Mine [$85] HMT $ ____________ 

____ Clear Creek Reclamation [$95] CCM $ ____________ 

☞ 

PROCEEDINGS CD-ROM 

Available for pick-up at the meeting in the SME Bookstore. 

(Full registrations, one-day and students receive a complimentary 2007 Annual Meeting 

Preprint CD-ROM). 

Additional copies may be purchased: 

____ 2007 Annual Meeting CD-ROM ROM $ ____________ 

____ [$49 Member, $59 Nonmember $39 Student Member] 

Continue �

First Name Last Name 

☞ 

(Check one) 

____ Coal Mining (1B) 

____ Coal Processing (6) 

____ Construction Materials & Aggregates (CA) 

____ Economics (4) 

____ Environmental (7) 

____ Geology/Exploration (8) 

____ Government (2) 

____ Industrial Minerals Mining (1C) 

____ Industrial Minerals Processing (1D) 

____ Manufacturing (5) 

____ Metallurgy (9) 

____ Metals Mining (1A) 

____ Metals Processing (10) 

____ Underground Construction/Tunneling (11) 

☞ 

(Check all that apply) 

____ Consultant (C) 

____ Educator (D) 

____ Engineer (E) 

____ General Manager/Vice President (G) 

____ Geologist (H) 

____ Marketing/Sales (M) 

____ Mine/Plant Manager (N) 

____ Owner (O) 

____ President/CEO/COO (P) 

____ Purchasing Agent (R) 

____ Scientist/Researcher (S) 

____ Student (T) 

____ Supervisor/Foreman (U) 

☞ 

Please Total both pages 

FIELD / INTEREST 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Payment must be in US Dollars GRAND TOTAL $ 

Advance Registration Form continued 

ADVANCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 

JANUARY 24, 2007 

PAYMENT 

� Check or Money Order Payable to (SME) Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. 

SHORT COURSES 

(Fees are in addition to SME registration. All short courses are held at the Colorado 

Convention Center.) 


Mine Closure: What’s Happening Out There That 

We Should Know About and Plan For 

ADVANCE AFTER 1/24/07 

____ Member $550 $625 MCM $ ____________ 

____ Nonmember $650 $725 MCNM $ ____________ 

____ Student Member $450 $525 MCSM $ ____________ 

February 25, 2007 

Introduction to Thickening and Control Strategies for High Rate Thickeners 

ADVANCE AFTER 1/24/07 

____ Member $350 $425 ITM $ ____________ 

____ Nonmember $450 $525 ITNM $ ____________ 

____ Student Member $250 $325 ITSM $ ____________ 

� American Express Expiration Date 

� MasterCard Expiration Date 

� Visa Expiration Date 

� Discover Expiration Date 

If paying by credit card the number and expiration date must be 

Signature __________________________________________________________________________ 

I agree to pay the total according to card issuers agreement. 

included for processing. 

If you are a NONMEMBER please visit the SME website at www.smenet.org 

See for yourself the cost savings and benefits of SME Membership! 

78

2007 

DENVER 

Photos courtesy of Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Celebrate 

For details on the 2007 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit and 

Colorado Mining Association’s 109th National Western Mining Conference contact: 

SME, Meetings Dept., (800) 763–3132, (303) 973–9550, Fax: (303) 979–3461, E-mail: meetings@smenet.org 

SME 

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, 

and Exploration, Inc. 

8307 Shaffer Parkway 

Littleton, CO 80127-4102 USA 

50 years

2007 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit and Colorado Mining ...

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