Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless communication system for controlling one or more remote automated mining assets. The system includes a high-altitude platform including at least one high altitude communication apparatus, and for communicating control messages for the mining assets. A low-altitude platform includes at least one low altitude communication apparatus, and is suitable for communicating control messages for the mining assets. Preferably, the high-altitude platform is a long-term communications platform whereas the low-altitude platform is a short-term communications platform that can be more rapidly deployed and flexibly restructured.

Abstract: A method of smelting a nickel intermediate product in a smelter that contains a molten bath of metal and slag to produce a nickel product, the method comprising supplying the nickel intermediate product and a solid reductant to the smelter and smelting the nickel intermediate product to produce molten nickel, and controlling the chemistry of the slag so that the slag has (a) a high solubility for elements and compounds in the nickel intermediate product that are regarded as contaminants in the nickel product and (b) a liquidus temperature in the range of 1300-1700 C.

Abstract: A method of smelting a nickel intermediate product in a smelter that contains a molten bath of metal and slag to produce a nickel product, the method comprising supplying the nickel intermediate product and a solid reductant to the smelter and smelting the nickel intermediate product to produce molten nickel, and controlling the chemistry of the slag so that the slag has (a) a high solubility for elements and compounds in the nickel intermediate product that are regarded as contaminants in the nickel product and (b) a liquidus temperature in the range of 1300-1700 C.

Abstract: A method of producing a nickel product (including nickel alloy products and products such as nickel matte) from a nickel intermediate product is disclosed. The method comprises smelting a dried nickel intermediate product in a molten bath-based smelter and forming a molten pool containing a molten metal and a slag, with the molten metal being the nickel product. Intermediate and end products produced by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas plenum assembly for a fluidised bed apparatus, including a structure defining one or more side and base walls about a plenum chamber and means defining an inlet for gas to the chamber, arranged so that the gas flows generally upwardly into the chamber from the inlet. The assembly includes distributor means overlying the chamber, having multiple openings through which the gas exits the chamber for forming a fluidised bed above the distributor means. Means are disposed between the inlet and the distributor means for spreading the gas flow among the openings. The gas flow spreader means has a plurality of apertures for the gas flow therethrough, and the gas flow spreader means and the flow apertures are sized and arranged to substantially reduce cross-flow velocity of the gas at the openings.