Abstract: A method of making cement from base metal smelter slag produced by a nickel, copper, lead or zinc smelter, includes crushing the slag with a source of calcium sulphate to a size of less than about 1/4 inch and heating the mixture to produce a cement, and grinding the cement to a size in the range of from about -250 to about 425 mesh.

Abstract: Bag handling apparatus for sequentially selecting bags from a supply thereof and positioning them for subsequent opening and filling has a vertically-movable slider positioned above a stack of horizontal closed bags. A carriage is pivotally secured to the slider and by links to a fixed point. Upward movement of the slider causes the carriage to be moved angularly from a downwardly directed position adjacent the stack of bags enabling the carriage to pick up a horizontal top bag to a forwardly directed position to cause the carriage to present the bag in a vertically-oriented position for subsequent opening and filling.