Abstract: A method is provided for performing wedge analysis for assessing wedge occurrence and instability in underground openings, such as mines, caves, and the like. The method scales full-span wedge predictions, accounting for both occurrence and instability potential of possible wedge geometries. The method also generates predictions for wedge failure potential and support demand to result in more economical support design for wedges.

Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing a liquid dispersion containing submicron metal or metal compound particles inside a liquid bath. A metal-containing fluid with carrier gas mixture is bubbled through the liquid bath and predetermined conditions in the bath cause the fluid to decompose to form the submicron sized metal or metal compound particles in the liquid.

Abstract: A compass adapted to measure direction and dip values with or without the assistance of the earth's magnetic field. A laser pointer module and a magnetic needle module are interchangeably arranged in a body having an attached reference angle plate appropriately set to measure horizontal and vertical angles. The compass is especially useful in underground mines or other locations having magnetic anomalies where conventional magnetic compasses are rendered useless. Both embodiments are capable of taking readings when the compass is set in an upright or upside-down position.

Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing a liquid dispersion containing submicron metal or metal compound particles inside a liquid bath. A metal-containing fluid with carrier gas mixture is bubbled through the liquid bath and predetermined conditions in the bath cause the fluid to decompose to form the submicron sized metal or metal compound particles in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for removing sodium sulfate from nickel and ammonia containing aqueous effluents. The effluents, typically from a nickel hydroxide production process, are cooled to or below 30° C. to crystallize and precipitate the sodium sulfate and dewater the effluent. The sodium sulfate is retrieved and the remaining solution is recycled back to the nickel hydroxide production process.

Abstract: A trommel for classifying and sorting objects. The trommel is an open cylinder including a drive plate and a feed plate. A series of supporting rods extend between the drive plate and the feed plate. Disposed therebetween is a rod support ring dividing the trommel into a classifying zone and a discharge zone. A plurality of vibrating rods, floating in the vicinity of the rod support ring and anchored to the feed plate, oscillate and flex as the trommel rotates causing preselected sized objects to pass through the vibrating and support bars while the remaining objects are passed into the discharge zone with reduced clogging.

Abstract: A rock fragmentation analysis system is provided for analyzing blasted rock (or other fragmented particles) to assess quality of a blast for efficient processing of subsequent operations in a mine, a quarry, etc. The system includes a hardware system and an image processing system. The hardware system includes a camera and a lighting system. The lighting system illuminates an area of the mine, quarry, etc. where a load haul dump (LHD) vehicle passes through. Once the LHD vehicle passes through the illuminated area, the camera provides video signals of scoop-top view images of the LHD vehicle to the image processing system via known communication means, such as hard-wired and wireless. The image processing system receives the video signals, captures the scoop-top view images, evaluates the images for subsequent fragmentation analysis, and performs the rock fragmentation analysis. The image processing system performs these functions using several software modules.

Abstract: A self-contained mapping and positioning system for underground mining is provided that is capable of mapping the topography of a region, such as a mine tunnel, and further being able to use the mapped data to determine the position of an object, such as a mining vehicle, within the mine tunnel. The system includes an inertial navigation system, a central processing unit, a three-dimensional database, a three-dimensional camera system, an operator console and a survey system having a three-dimensional laser scanner. The survey system using the three-dimensional laser scanner produces point cloud data, i.e., a set of data points representing the topography of the region. The point cloud data is stored within a storage device until the entire region is mapped and then transmitted to the operator console to be post processed. After post processing, the data is exported to the three-dimensional database and the indexed for ease of use by the central processing unit.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the crystallinity of nickel hydroxide by generating and supplying large numbers of heteronuclei into the nickel hydroxide producing reaction system. Nickel sulfate and sodium hydroxide are initially forcefully and intimately combined to form a supersaturated solution of heteronuclei. These heteronuclei are introduced into a nickel powder containing slurry wherein nickel hydroxide having a crystallinity FWHM value of greater than about 0.5° is generated.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt values from a sulfidic flotation concentrate. The process involves forming a slurry of the sulfidic flotation concentrate in an acid solution, and subjecting the slurried flotation concentrate to a chlorine leach at atmospheric pressure followed by an oxidative pressure leach. After liquid-solids separation and purification of the concentrate resulting in the removal of copper and cobalt, the nickel-containing solution is directly treated by electrowinning to recover nickel cathode therefrom.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the crystallinity of nickel hydroxide by generating and supplying large numbers of heteronuclei into the nickel hydroxide producing reaction system. Nickel sulfate and sodium hydroxide are initially forcefully and intimately combined to form a supersaturated solution of heteronuclei. These heteronuclei are introduced into a nickel powder containing slurry wherein nickel hydroxide having a crystallinity FWHM value of greater than about 0.5° is generated.

Abstract: A method for removing sodium sulfate from nickel and ammonia containing aqueous effluents. The effluents, typically from a nickel hydroxide production process, are cooled to or below 30° C. to crystallize and precipitate the sodium sulfate and dewater the effluent. The sodium sulfate is retrieved and the remaining solution is recycled back to the nickel hydroxide production process.

Abstract: A method for excavating a tunnel rock face by drilling a pattern of lifter holes and line holes. The line holes ensure the grade or slope of the excavation meets specification while reducing the need for cleaning out the face. A longitudinal band of lifter holes is drilled into the tunnel face at an acute angle in relation to the substantially perpendicular reference axis emerging from the tunnel face. A series of line holes, disposed opposedly adjacent to the lifter holes, are drilled at a smaller acute angle. The lifter holes are drilled deeper than the line holes and they do not intersect. Explosives are loaded into the lifter holes. The line holes are expendable and encourage fracturing of the rock.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt values from a sulfidic flotation concentrate. The process involves forming a slurry of the sulfidic flotation concentrate in an acid solution, and subjecting the slurried flotation concentrate to a chlorine leach at atmospheric pressure followed by an oxidative pressure leach. After liquid-solids separation and purification of the concentrate resulting in the removal of copper and cobalt, the nickel-containing solution is directly treated by electrowinning to recover nickel cathode therefrom.

Abstract: A continuous method for generating substantially submicron sized metal particles in a liquid dispersion of known viscosity. Metal carbonyl gas and an inert carrier gas, with an optional dilutant gas, are introduced into a heated liquid bath wherein the metal carbonyl decomposes into submicron sized pure metal particles. The particles are suspended in the liquid. The liquid is processed to form slurries and pastes.

Abstract: A method for excavating a tunnel rock face by drilling a pattern of lifter holes and line holes. The line holes ensure the grade or slope of the excavation meets specification while reducing the need for cleaning out the face. A longitudinal band of lifter holes is drilled into the tunnel face at an acute angle in relation to the substantially perpendicular reference axis emerging from the tunnel face. A series of line holes, disposed opposedly adjacent to the lifter holes, are drilled at a smaller acute angle. The lifter holes are drilled deeper than the line holes and they do not intersect. Explosives are loaded into the lifter holes. The line holes are expendable and encourage fracturing of the rock.

Abstract: A cost-effective broad temperature method for removing troublesome low valent sulfur compounds from aqueous streams. The process utilizes sulfur dioxide, oxygen and at least one metal catalyst (which may be added to or already entrained in the aqueous stream) to oxidize the low valent sulfur compounds.

Abstract: Backfill for a mine contains a main component of conventional backfill material and a flow enhancing superfine material component mixed with the main component. The superfine material component may be a clay, for example, and has a particle size of less than 1 micron. The superfine component is present in an amount of about 0.5 to 1% by weight to best achieve improved flow without plugging in a pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the early and long term strength of underground cemented backfills includes adding heat to the backfill. A cementitious binder is mixed with a sand component and water to form the mine backfill that may be a slurry or a paste. Heat is added to the backfill before the backfill is supplied to a mine cavity and this has been found to increase the early and long term strength of an underground cemented fill resulting from the backfill in the mine cavity. The backfill from the mixing step is mixed to have a pulp density of about 55% to 87%. Heat is added to the backfill so that the backfill has a temperature of about 18 to 60° C. when it is supplied to the mine cavity. Heat is either added by heating the sand or water before the mixing step, or by heating the backfill after the mixing step. The mixing step uses a binder content of about 1.5 to 10% by weight.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt values from a sulfidic flotation concentrate. The process involves forming a slurry of the sulfidic flotation concentrate in an acid solution, and subjecting the slurried flotation concentrate to a chlorine leach at atmospheric pressure followed by an oxidative pressure leach. After liquid-solids separation and purification of the concentrate resulting in the removal of copper and cobalt, the nickel-containing solution is directly treated by electrowinning to recover nickel cathode therefrom.