MINING ENGINEERING III

METALLURGY

A.1 METALLURGY (RECOVERY) PROBLEM

August 2005. Calculate tons of material going to the tailings and the recovery if 350.9
of concentrate are produced assaying 53% metal from a head grade of 4.65% and
tailings of 0.90%.
a. 3,541 tons, 79% b. 3,743 tons, 79%
c. 4,769.21 tons, 82.04% d. 4,875.20 tons, 82.04%

Solution:

F = C+T
F = 350.9 + T ----------------------- (Equation 1)
But:

Ff = Cc + Tt
F (0.0465) = 350.9 (0.53) + T (0.009)
0.0465 F = 185.977 + 0.009 T -------------- (Equation 2)

Substitute Equation 1 in Equation 2:

0.0465 x (350.9 + T) = 185.977 + 0.009 T

16.317 + 0.0465 T = 185.977 + 0.009 T
0.0375 T = 169.66
T = 4,524.27 tons
Then:

F = 350.9 + 4,524.27
F = 4,875.16 tons
Therefore:

Cc
Recovery, % R = ---- x 100
Ff

350.9 x 0.53
%R = ----------------------- x 100
4,875.16 x 0.0465

%R = 82.04%

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 1

A.2 METALLURGY (CONCENTRATION) PROBLEM:

August 1981. Selective copper and zinc concentrates produced from a flotation plant have the
following analyses:
Products Weight (DMT) % Cu % Zn
---------------- ------------------ --------- ---------
Cu concentrate 25 20% 4.5%
Zn concentrate 35 2.5% 50%
Tailings 440 0.2% 0.5%
Compute:
1. grade of the mill feed
2. percent recoveries in terms of Cu in copper concentrate
3. percent recoveries in terms of Zn in Zinc concentrate

Solution:

a. Grade of Mill Feed, f:

F=C+T
F = (25 + 35) + 440
F = 500 DMT

Ff = Cc + Tt

Cc + Tt
f = ----------- x 100
F

For Copper:
(25 x 0.20) + (35 x 0.025) + (440 x 0.002)
f = ------------------------------------------------------ x 100
500

f = 1.35% Cu

For Zinc:
(25 x 0.045) + (35 x 0.5) + (440 x 0.005)
f = ------------------------------------------------------ x 100
500

f = 7.92% Zn

b. % Cu Recovery
Cc
% R = ----- x 100
Ff

25 x 0.20
% R = ---------------- x 100
500 x 0.0135

% R = 74%

c. % Zn Recovery
Cc
% R = ----- x 100
Ff

35 x 0.50
% R = ---------------- x 100
500 x 0.0792

% R = 44%

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 2

A.3 METALLURGY (CONCENTRATION) PROBLEM

August 1981. A certain mill produces 200 DMT/day of concentrate assaying 25% Cu at 88%
recovery from a mill head of 0.48% Cu. Due to increasing cost of operation, it was discovered that the
return from operation was just break-even. It was then decided that the volume and grade of the
concentrate be increased by 10% although recovery will suffer by 3%. Compute the percentage increase
in the mill feed.

Solution:

First Condition Second Condition

Mill Feed F1 F2
Mill Head, f 0.48% 0.48%
Concentrate, C 200 DMT 220 DMT
Concentrate assay, c 25% 27.5%
% Recovery, %R 88% 85%

At First Condition:

Cc
%R = ----- x 100
Ff

(200 x 0.25)
88 = ---------------- x 100
(F1 x 0.0048)

(200 x 0.25) x 100

F1 = ------------------------
(88 x 0.0048)

F1 = 11,837 DMT

At Second Condition:

Cc
%R = ----- x 100
Ff

(220 x 0.275)
85 = ---------------- x 100
(F2 x 0.0048)

(220 x 0.275) x 100

F2 = ------------------------
(85 x 0.0048)

F2 = 14,828 DMT

Then:

(F2 – F1)
% Increase = ------------- x 100
F1

(14,828 – 11,837)
% Increase = ---------------------- x 100
11,837

% Increase = 25%

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 3

A.4 METALLURGY (CONCENTRATION) PROBLEM

August 1984. A copper mill treating ore of 0.42% Cu is currently producing 200 DMT of concentrate
assaying 22% Cu at a mill recovery of 80%. Due to current depressed market conditions, management
decided to mine the higher grade portions of the orebody thereby resulting to an increase in concentrate
grade to 28% and recovery level to 86%. If the same tonnages in mill feed and concentrate produced
are maintained in the operation, calculate the percentage increase in ore grade in the mill feed.

Solution:

First Condition Second Condition

Mill Feed F F
Mill Head, f 0.42% f2
Concentrate, C 200 DMT 200 DMT
Concentrate assay, c 22% 28%
% Recovery, %R 80% 86%

At First Condition:

Cc
%R = ----- x 100
Ff

(200 x 0.22)
80 = ---------------- x 100
(F x 0.0042)

(200 x 0.25) x 100

F = ------------------------
(80 x 0.0042)

F1 = 13,095 DMT

At Second Condition:

Cc
%R = ----- x 100
Ff

(220 x 0.28)
86 = ---------------- x 100
(13,095 x f2)

(220 x 0.28) x 100

f2 = ------------------------
(86 x 13,095)

f2 = 0.497%

Then:

(f2 – f1)
% Increase = ------------- x 100
f1

(0.497 – 0.42)
% Increase = ---------------------- x 100
0.42

% Increase = 18.33%
A.5 METALLURGY (CONCENTRATION RATIO) PROBLEM

August 1999. A copper mining operation produces 10,000 dry short tons per day of 1% copper
grade which it sends to a concentrator, which in turn produces a 30% copper concentrate at a recovery
of 90%. What is the concentration ratio?
b. 37.5 to 1 b. 33.3 to 1 c. 27.5 to 1 d. 27.0 to 1

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 4

 Solution:

Cc
Recovery = ----- x 100
Ff

C x 0.30
0.90 = ----------
F x 0.01

F 0.30
------- = --------------
C 0.90 x 0.01

F
-------- = 33.33
C

K = 33.33

A.6 METALLURGY (CONCENTRATION RATIO) PROBLEM

August 1998. What is the ratio of concentration for a treated copper ore with the following assays:
Feed= 0.30%Cu, Concentrate=25%Cu, Tails=0.040%Cu.
c. 95:1 b. 96:1 c. 95.4:1 d. 97:1

Solution:

F = C+T --------------------------- Equation 1

Ff = Cc + Tt
0.003F = .25C + 0.0004T ---------------- Equation 2

Multiply Eq. 1 by 0.0004:

0.0004F= 0.0004C + 0.0004T ------- Equation 3

Subtract Eq. 2 and 3:

0.003F = 0.25C + 0.0004T

0.0004F = 0.0004C + 0.0004T
---------------- = ------------------------
0.0026F = 0.2496C

F 0.2496
------- = ---------
C 0.0026

K = 96

A.7 METALLURGY (CONCENTRATION RATIO) PROBLEM

August 1985. In a laboratory flotation test, the following data were obtained:

Weight Assay

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 5

 Head 2,000 g 2.1% Pb
Concentrate 70 g 55.1% Pb
Tailings - 0.1% Pb
1. Calculate the ratio of concentration and the recovery.
2. Assuming that the weight of tailings may be found by difference, calculate the theoretical head
assay.
3. To what the discrepancy be due?

Solution:

1. Ratio of Concentration, k

F
K = -----
C

2,000
K = -----------
70

K = 28.57

Cc
%R = ------- x 100
Ff

70 x 0.551
%R = ----------------- x 100
2000 x 0.021

%R = 91.67%

2. Theoretical Head Assay, f

Tails, T = Feed, F - Concentrate, C

T = 2,000 g - 70 g
T = 1,930 g

Ff = Cc + Tt
2000f = (70 x 0.551) + (1930 x 0.001)
f = 0.0202 x 100
f = 2.02%

3. Solving for tails based on theoretical head assay

Ff = Cc + Tt
Tt = Ff – Cc
T x 0.001 = (2000 x 0.0202) – (70 x 0.551)
T = 1,830 g

Difference in Tails = 1,930 g - 1,830 g

Difference in Tails = 100 g

Therefore, the discrepancy in head assay is due to 100 g loses in tails.

A.8 METALLURGY (VALUATION) PROBLEM

August 1987. The following metallurgical results were obtained in a laboratory flotation test:

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 6

 Ore Sample Cu concentrate

Weight 2,000 grams 40 grams

Copper content 0.50% 23%
Gold content 1.0 gm/MT 35 gm/MT
Silver content 2.0 gm/MT 60 gm/MT

Using above results, determine the following:

1. Ratio of concentration
2. Copper Recovery
3. Gold Recovery
4. Silver Recovery
5. Value of one ton of ore

Use:
Price of copper = P33.00/kilo
Price of gold = P9,300/oz
Price of silver = P150/oz
1 oz = 31 grams

Solution:
F
1. Ratio of concentration, k = ----
C

2000
K = -------
40

k = 50

Cc
2. Copper Recovery = ----- x 100
Ff

40 x 0.23
= ---------------- x 100
2000 x 0.005

= 92%

Cc
3. Gold Recovery = ----- x 100
Ff

40 x 35
= ---------- x 100
2000 x 1

= 70%

Cc
4. Silver Recovery = ----- x 100
Ff

40 x 60
= ----------- x 100
2000 x 2

= 60%

5. Value of one ton of ore:

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 7

 Feed = 1 ton = 1,000 kgs

F
K = -----
C

1,000
50 = -------
C

C = 20 kgs

Solving for weight of metal:

Weight of Copper = 20 kgs x 0.23

= 4.6 kgs

Weight of Gold = 20 kgs x 1MT/1000 kgs x 35 gms/MT x 1 oz/31 gms

= 0.0226 oz.

Weight of Silver = 20 kgs x 1MT/1000 kgs x 60 gms/MT x 1 oz/31 gms

= 0.0387 oz.

Solving for Value of metal:

Value of Copper = 4.6 kgs x P33.00/kg = P151.80

Value of Gold = 0.0226 oz x P9,300/oz = P210.18
Value of Silver = 0.0387 oz x P150/oz = P 5.80

Total Value = P367.78

A.9 METALLURGY (CONCENTRATION RATIO) PROBLEM

August, 1996. A copper mine delivers 1,800 dry short tons of ore with a grade of 1% to the
concentrator which in turn mills and processes it at a concentration ratio of 30 to 1 producing concentrate
at a grade of 25%. What is the mill recovery?
d. 80% b. 83.3% c. 90% d. 85%

Solution:

F
Ratio of concentration, K = ----
C

1,800
30 = --------
C

C = 60 tons

Cc
Mill Recovery = ---- x 100
Ff

60 x 0.25
Mill Recovery = ------------- x 100
1800 x 0.01

Mill Recovery = 83.33%

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 8

A.10 METALLURGY (VALUATION) PROBLEM

August 1988. A concentrator is milling 20,000 WMT of copper ore containing gold and silver per day
assaying 0.8% copper, 0.90 grams gold and 5% moisture. Concentrate produced assays 23% copper, 19
grams gold, and 60 grams silver. Tailings produced assays 0.1% copper, and 0.33 grams gold. Calculate
the following:
1. Weight of concentrate
2. Concentration ratio
3. Copper recovery
4. Gold recovery
5. Gross value per dry metric ton of ore

Use: price of copper = P45.00/kilo

Price of gold = P290.00/gram
Price of silver = P4..50/gram

Given:

Tonnage Grade
________________________________
Copper Gold Silver
---------- ---------- ----------
Feed, F 20,000 WMT 0.8% 0.9 gram -
Concentrate, C - 23% 19 grams 60 grams
Tailings, T - 0.1% 0.33 gram -

Solution:

1. Weight of concentrate, C

F = 20,000 WMT x 0.95 DMT/WMT

F = 19,000 DMT

Considering Copper:

Ff = Cc + Tt
19,000 x 0.008 = ( C x 0.23) + ( T x 0.001)
152 = 0.23C + 0.001T
152,000 = 230C + T
T = 152,000 – 230C -------------------------------- Equation 1

But:
F = C+T
19,000 = C+T
T = 19,000 – C ------------------------------------- Equation 2

Equation 1 and 2:

152,000 – 230C = 19,000 – C

229C = 133,000
C = 581 DMT

F
2. Concentration Ratio, K = -------
C

19,000
K = ---------
581

K = 33

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 Cc
3. Copper Recovery = ------- x 100
Ff

581 x 0.23
= ------------------ x 100
19,000 x 0.008

= 88%

Cc
4. Gold Recovery = ------- x 100
Ff

581 x 19
= ------------------ x 100
19,000 x 0.9

= 65%

5. Gross value per DMT of ore:

Feed = 1 DMT

F
K = -----
C

1
33 = -------
C

C = 0.0303 DMT

Solving for weight of metal:

Weight of Copper = 0.0303 DMT x 0.23 x 1,000 kilo/DMT = 6.969 kilos

Weight of Gold = 0.0303 DMT x 19 gms/MT = 0.5757 gram

Weight of Silver = 0.0303 DMT x 60 gms/MT = 1.818 grams

Solving for Value of metal:

Value of Copper = 6.969 kgs x P45.00/kg = P314.00
Value of Gold = 0.5757 gram x P290/gram = P167.00
Value of Silver = 1.818 grams x P4.50/gram = P 8.00

Total Value = P489.00

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 10

A.11 METALLURGY (VALUATION) PROBLEM

August 1980. Gold mill A using a combination cyanidation – amalgamation process treats 500 DMT
of ore per day. In order to augment its revenue, it expanded its capacity to accommodate 100 WMT of B
mines high grade ore at a sharing agreement of 60% for A and 40% for B on whatever recoverable value
that can be derived from B’s 100 WMT of ore which has a moisture content of 10%. Compute for:
1. Total gold and silver recovered daily from A’s ore.
2. Total gold and silver recovered daily from B’s ore.
3. Total value of A’s income and B’s share in dollars.

Data:
A B
--------- ---------
Grade, oz/MT 0.20 Au 0.75 Au
1.00 Ag 3.00 Ag

Mill Recovery 80% Au 85% Au

65% Ag 70% Ag

Metal Prices: Gold = $600/oz.

Silver = $ 15/oz.

Solution:
Cc
Mill Recovery = --------- x 100
Ff

Weight of metal in concentrate

Mill Recovery = -------------------------------------- x 100
Weight of metal in ore

Weight of metal in concentrate = Weight of metal in ore x Mill Recovery

Weight of metal in concentrate = Ff x Mill Recovery

1. Weight of gold and silver in A’s ore:

Wt. of gold = 500 DMT x 0. 20 oz/DMT x 0.80

Wt. of gold = 80 oz.

Wt. of silver = 500 DMT x 1.00 oz/DMT x 0.65

Wt. of silver = 325 oz.

2. Weight of gold and silver in B’s ore:

Wt. of gold = 100 WMT x 0.90 DMT/WMT x 0. 75 oz/DMT x 0.85

Wt. of gold = 57.375 oz.

Wt. of silver = 100 WMT x 0.90 DMT/WMT x 1.00 oz/DMT x 0.70

Wt. of silver = 189 oz.

3. Total Value

Value of Gold = (80 oz + 57.375 oz) x $600/oz = $82,425

Value of Silver = (325 oz + 189 oz) x $15/oz = $ 7,710
Total Value = $90,135

Then:
A share = $90,135 x 0.60 = $54,081
B share = $90,135 x 0.40 = $36,054

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 11

A.12 METALLURGY (VALUATION) PROBLEM

August 1982. A proven ore reserve contained 77,000,000 WMT of ore assaying 0.54% Cu, 1.2 gm
Au/DMT, 2 gm Ag/DMT and 7% moisture. The samples were tested at the metallurgical laboratory and
the engineer gathered other data that might be used in his preliminary study. The concentration process
had only two cleaning stages after a regrind and is a two product scheme:

Final Cu concentrate Final Tailings

------------------------- ------------------------
Copper 24% Cu 0.05% Cu
Gold 41.06 gm Au/DMT 0.37 gm Au/DMT
Silver 78.20 gm Au/DMT 0.41 gm Au/DMT
Moisture 11%

Price of metal: Copper = $ 0.57/lb

Gold = $320/oz
Silver = $6.50/oz

1. What should be the life of the mine if initial plan is to mine 20,000 DMTPD at 350 days a year.
2. What is the ratio of concentration and how much copper concentrate is expected to produce per
day.
3. Calculate for the metal recoveries.
4. What is the gross value of the ore based on collected data.

Solution:

Mineable reserve
1. Life of Mine = ----------------------
Production rate

77,000,000 WMT x 0.93 DMT/WMT

Life of Mine = -------------------------------------------
20,000 DMT/day x 350 days/yr.

Life of Mine = 10.23 years

2. Ratio of concentration, K and copper concentrate, C:

F = C+T
20,000 = C+T
T = 20,000 – C -------------------------------- Equation 1

But:
Ff = Cc + Tt
20,000 x 0.0054 = (C x 0.24) + (T x 0.0005)
108 = 0.24C + 0.0005T
T = 216,000 – 48,000C --------------- Equation 2

Equate Equation 1 and 2:

20,000 – C = 216,000 – 480C
479C = 196,000
C = 409 DMT

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 12

 Then:
F
Ratio of Concentration, K = -------
C

20,000
K = ---------
409

K = 49

Cc
3. Copper Recovery = ----- x 100
Ff

409 x 0.24
= -------------------- x 100
20,000 x 0.0054

= 91%

Cc
Gold Recovery = ----- x 100
Ff

409 x 41.06
= -------------------- x 100
20,000 x 1.2

= 70%

Cc
Silver Recovery = ----- x 100
Ff

409 x 78.2
= -------------------- x 100
20,000 x 2

= 80%

4. Gross Value

Solving for the weight of metal:

Wt. of copper = 409 DMT x 2,205 lbs/DMT x 0.24 = 216,443 lbs

Wt. of gold = 409 DMT x 41.06 gm/DMT x 1 oz/31.1035 gm = 540 oz.
Wt. of silver = 409 DMT x 78.2 gm/DMT x 1 oz/31.1035 gm = 1028 oz.

Solving for the value of metal:

Value of copper = 216,443 lbs x $0.57/lb = $123,372

Value of gold = 540 oz x $320/oz = $172,800
Value of silver = 1028 oz x $6.50/oz = $ 6,682
Total Gross Value = $302854

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 13

 MINING ENGINEERING 111
ASSAYING PROBLEM

B.1 METALLURGY (ASSAYING) PROBLEM

August, 2003. The Chromite ore feed to the mill of Heritage Resources was
assayed to contain 48% chromite. What is the chromium content of the ore?

A. 52.84 B. 12.84 C. 42.84 D. 32.84 E. 22.84

Solution:

Chromite (Fe Cr2O4) : Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847

Cr2 = 51.996 x 2 = 103.992
O4 = 15.9994 x 4 = 63.9976
-----------------------------------------------
Total = 223.8366

103.992
% Cr = ------------ x 48 %
223.8366

% Cr = 22.3 %

B.2 METALLURGY (ASSAYING) PROBLEM

August 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008. The iron sulfide concentrates of
Philippine Pyrite Corp. are known to assay 27% pyrite. What is the % sulfur
content of the concentrates assuming it contains no other sulfide minerals?

A. 15.43 B. 14.43 C. 13.43 D. 12.43 E. 11.43

Solution:

Pyrite (FeS2) : Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847

S2 = 32.064 x 2 = 64.128
-----------------------------------------
Total = 119.975

64.128
% Sulfur = ---------- x 27%
119.975

% Sulfur = 14.43 %

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 14

 B.3 METALLURGY (ASSAYING) PROBLEM

August 2004, 2005. If the feed to an ore dressing plant assayed 12% galena,
how much lead is in the concentrate if the feed is 1,000 DMT and the recovery is
80%.
A. 83.14 MT B. 103.14 MT C. 63.14 MT
D. 73.14 MT E. 93.14 MT

Solution:

Galena (PbS) : Pb = 207.19 x 1 = 207.19

S = 32.064 x 1 = 32.064
------------------------------------------------
Total = 239.254

207.19
% Pb = ------------ x 12 %
239.254

% Pb = 10.39 %

Cc
Recovery = ------
Ff

Wt. of Lead in Concentrate

0.80 = ---------------------------------
1000 DMT x 0.1039

Wt. of Lead = 83.12 DMT

B.4 METALLURGY (ASSAYING) PROBLEM

August 2003, 2004, 2008. If the feed to a copper mill assays 10%
chalcopyrite, what is the sulfur content if the specific gravity of the ore is 2.5?

A. 1.49% B. 5.49% C. 4.49% D. 2.49% E. 3.49%

Solution:

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) : Cu = 63.54 x 1 = 63.54

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S2 = 32.064 x 2 = 64.128
--------------------------------------
Total = 183.515

64.128
%S = ------------ x 10 %

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 15

 183.515

%S = 3.49 %

B.5 METALLURGY (ASSAYING) PROBLEM

August 2003, 2004. The feed to the copper mill is assayed to contain 15%
chalcopyrite. What is the % Fe content of the ore?

A. 1.56 B. 5.56 C. 4.56 D. 3.56 E. 2.56

Solution:

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) : Cu = 63.54 x 1 = 63.54

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S2 = 32.064 x 2 = 64.128
--------------------------------------
Total = 183.515

55.847
% Fe = ------------ x 15 %
183.515

% Fe = 4.56 %

B.6 METALLURGY (ASSAYING/COPPER) PROBLEM

August, 2003. The feed to the copper mill is known to contain 12%
chalcopyrite. What is % Cu content of the ore?

A. 2.15 B. 6.15 C. 5.15 D. 4.15 E. 3.15

Solution:

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) : Cu = 63.54 x 1 = 63.54

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S2 = 32.064 x 2 = 64.128
--------------------------------------
Total = 183.515

63.54
% Cu = ------------ x 12 %
183.515

% Cu = 4.15 %

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 16

 B.7 METALLURGY (ASSAYING) PROBLEM

August 2004, 2008. The mine delivery of Padcal’s blockcave mine assayed 12%
chalcopyrite, 16% chalcocite, 10% bornite and 6% pyrite. What is the total %
copper content of the mill feed?

A. 33.27% B. 53.27% C. 43.27% D. 3.27% E. 23.27%

Solution:

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) : Cu = 63.54 x 1 = 63.54

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S2 = 32.064 x 2 = 64.128
--------------------------------------------------
Total = = 183.515

63.54
% Cu = ---------- x 12%
183.515

% Cu = 4.15 %

Chalcocite (Cu2S) : Cu2 = 63.54 x 2 = 127.08

S = 32.064 x 1 = 32.064
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 159.144

127.08
% Cu = ----------- x 16 %
159.144

% Cu = 12.78 %

Bornite (Cu5FeS4) : Cu5 = 63.54 x 5 = 317.70

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S4 = 32.064 x 4 = 128.256
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 501.803

317.70
% Cu = ----------- x 10%
501.803

% Cu = 6.33 %

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 17

 Total % Cu = 4.15 % + 12.78 % + 6.33 %
Total % Cu = 23.26 %

B.8 METALLURGY (ASSAYING/COPPER) PROBLEM

August, 2004. The feed to a copper beneficiation plant is known to contain 8%

chalcopyrite, 6% bornite and 5% chalcocite. What is the total % copper content
of the ore feed?

A. 13.57% B. 14.57% C. 10.57% D. 12.57% E. 11.57%

Solution:

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) : Cu = 63.54 x 1 = 63.54

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S2 = 32.064 x 2 = 64.128
--------------------------------------------------
Total = = 183.515

63.54
% Cu = ---------- x 8%
183.515

% Cu = 2.77 %

Chalcocite (Cu2S) : Cu2 = 63.54 x 2 = 127.08

S = 32.064 x 1 = 32.064
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 159.144

127.08
% Cu = ----------- x 5 %
159.144

% Cu = 3.99 %

Bornite (Cu5FeS4) : Cu5 = 63.54 x 5 = 317.70

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S4 = 32.064 x 4 = 128.256
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 501.803

317.70
% Cu = ----------- x 6 %
501.803

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 18

 % Cu = 3.8 %

Total % Cu = 2.77 % + 3.99 % + 3.8 %

Total % Cu = 10.56 %

B.9 METALLURGY (ASSAYING/VALUE) PROBLEM

August 2003, 2006. Philex shipped a total of 25,000 DMT of copper concentrates to
PASAR in the year 2002. The concentrates assayed 30% chalcopyrite, 12% Bornite,
18% chalcocite, and 11% pyrite. If the price of copper is USD 0.80 per pound, what is
the gross value of the concentrate delivery before deducting smelter charges.

A. USD 7.3 M B. USD 8.3 M C. USD 11.3 M D. USD 9.3 M

E. USD 10.3 M

Solution:

Chalcopyrite(CuFeS2) : Cu = 63.54 x 1 = 63.54

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S2 = 32.064 x 2 = 64.128
--------------------------------------------------
Total = = 183.515

63.54
% Cu = ---------- x 30%
183.515

% Cu = 10.39 %

Bornite (Cu5FeS4) : Cu5 = 63.54 x 5 = 317.70

Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847
S4 = 32.064 x 4 = 128.256
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 501.803

317.70
% Cu = ----------- x 12%
501.803

% Cu = 7.59 %

Chalcocite (Cu2S) : Cu2 = 63.54 x 2 = 127.08

S = 32.064 x 1 = 32.064
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 159.144

127.08
% Cu = ----------- x 18 %
159.144

% Cu = 14.37 %

Total % Cu = 10.39 % + 7.59 % + 14.37 %

Total % Cu = 32.35 %

Wt. of Cu = Wt. of concentrate x Grade of Cu in concentrate

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 19

 Wt. of Cu = 25,000 DMT x 0.3235
Wt. of Cu = 8,087.5 DMT x 2,205 lbs/DMT
Wt. of Cu = 17,832,937.5 lbs

Value of Cu = 17,832,937.5 lbs x USD 0.80/lb

Value of Cu = USD 14,266,350

B.10 METALLURGY (ASSAYING/RATIO) PROBLEM

August 2003, 2005. The recent export of chromite cponcentrates to Turkey by

Heritage Resources was surveyed by SGS Philippines and known to contain
15,600 WMT with 12.2% moisture and assaying 48% Cr 2O3, 12% Al2O3, 6%
MgO, 0.55% SiO2, and 25% FeO. What is the resulting Cr : Fe ratio of the
shipment?

A. 1.89 : 1 B. 1.49 : 1 C. 1.79 : 1 D. 1.69 : 1

D. 1.59 : 1

Solution:

Cr2O3 : Cr2 = 51.996 x 2 = 103.992

O3 = 15.9994 x 3 = 47.9982
------------------------------------------------
Total = 151.9902

103.992
% Cr = ----------- x 48 %
151.9902

% Cr = 32.84 %

FeO) : Fe = 55.847 x 1 = 55.847

O = 15.9994 x 1 = 15.9994
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 71.8464

55.847
% Fe = ----------- x 25 %
71.8464

% Fe = 19.43 %

% Cr
CR : Fe Ratio = ---------
% Fe

32.84
Cr : Fe Ratio = --------
19.43

Cr : Fe Ratio = 1.69

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 20

 B.11 METALLURGY (ASSAYING/RATIO) PROBLEM

August, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008. The chromite concentrate exports of

Heritage Resources were assayed to contain 48% chromite and 25% magnetite.
What is the calculated Cr : Fe ratio of the concentrate?

A. 5.23:1 B. 4.23:1 C. 2.23:1 D. 1.23:1 E. 3.23:1

Solution:

Chromite (FeCr2O4) : Fe = 55.847 X 1 = 55.847

Cr2 = 51.996 x 2 = 103.992
O4 = 15.9994 x 4 = 63.9976
------------------------------------------------
Total = 223.8366

103.992
% Cr = ----------- x 48 %
223.8366

% Cr = 22.3 %

Magnetite (Fe3O4) : Fe3 = 55.847 x 3 = 167.541

O4 = 15.9994 x 4 = 63.9976
-------------------------------------------------
Total = = 231.5386

167.541
% Fe = ----------- x 25 %
231.5386

% Fe = 18.09 %

% Cr
CR : Fe Ratio = ---------
% Fe

22.3
Cr : Fe Ratio = --------
18.09

Cr : Fe Ratio = 1.23

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 21

 B.12 METALLURGY (ASSAYING/SIEVE) PROBLEM

August 2003, 2004, 2005. The shipment of chromite concentrates by Heritage

Resources to South Korea showed the following screen analyses:

SIEVE FRACTION WEIGHT ASSAY

+ 1.00 mm 20 DMT 2% Cr2O3

- 1.00 mm + 0.75 mm 45 DMT 24% Cr2O3
- 0.75 mm + 0.50 mm 60 DMT 35% Cr2O3
- 0.50 mm + 0.25 mm 120 DMT 15% Cr2O3
- 0.25 mm + 0.10 mm 10 DMT 2% Cr2O3
Below 0.10 mm 10 DMT 1% Cr2O3

What is the average grade of the shipment if it will re-screened to collect only
the -1.00 mm + 0.25 mm fraction? Assume 100% screen recovery.

A. 20.13 B. 35.13 C. 25.13 D. 32.13 E. 22.13

Solution:

Sieve Fraction Weight Assay Weight x Assay

- 1.00 mm + 0.75 mm 45 DMT 24% Cr2O3 1,080
- 0.75 mm + 0.50 mm 60 DMT 35% Cr2O3 2,100
- 0.50 mm + 0.25 mm 120 DMT 15% Cr2O3 1,800
------------ ----------
Total 225 DMT 4,980

Total (Weight x Assay)

Average Grade = ----------------------------
Total Weight

4,980 (DMT x % Cr2O3)

Average Grade = ----------------------------
225 DMT

Average Grade = 22.13 % Cr2O3

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 22

 B.13 METALLURGY (LEACHING) PROBLEM

August 2003, 2005. A huge copper deposit with considerable gold and silver
contents has a copper grade of 0.50% total Cu. The deposit also contains large
amount of leachable copper oxides. If the acid soluble copper content of the ore
is 0.03%, what is the recoverable copper content of the ore if conventional
flotation is used with sulfidization?

A. 0.47% Cu B. 16.67% Cu C. 0.053% Cu D. 17.67% Cu

E. 0.015% Cu

Solution:

Total % Cu = Recoverable % Cu + Acid soluble % Cu

0.50 % = Recoverable % Cu + 0.03 %
Recoverable % Cu = 0.50 % - 0.03 %
Recoverable % Cu = 0.47 %

B.14 METALLURGY (LEACHING) PROBLEM

August, 2006. The Kingking copper deposit of Benguet Corp. in Maco,

Compostela Valley is known to contain mostly oxide copper minerals, hence most
beneficial for leaching processes. If the total copper content is 0.80 % Cu while
the total acid soluble content is 0.30 % Cu in the form of predominantly cuprite,
what is the copper content recoverable by conventional flotation and assuming
no sulfidization is applied to the ore?

A. 0.50 % B. 0.40 % C. 0.60 % D. 0.70 % E. 0.30 %

Solution:

Total % Cu = % Cu Recoverable + % Cu Acid soluble

0.80 % = % Cu Recoverable + 0.30 %
% Cu Recoverable = 0.50 %

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 23

 MINING ENGINEERING 111
SMELTING PROBLEM

C.1 SMELTING (FOB) PROBLEM

August 1982. Given the following data and smelter schedule provisions, calculate for the value of
one (1) dry metric ton of copper concentrate F.O.B. Philippine Port which maybe derived from the
orebody.

Grade of ore Mill Recovery Selling Price

---------------- ----------------- ------------------
Copper 0.45% 80% $0.60/lb
Gold 0.20 gm/MT 70% $315/oz
Silver 4.41 gm/MT 11% $5.60/oz

Ratio of concentration = 73
Freight and loading cost plus insurance cost = $7.50/DMT of concentrate
Smelter charges schedule: Basic treatment charge = $74/DMT of concentrate
Refining charge and payment schedule:
Copper : deduct 22 lbs per MT of copper metal and charge remaining copper at $0.076/lb. Pay
for 100% of remaining copper at selling price.
Gold : Charge $7.64/oz and pay for 100% at selling price
Silver : Charge $0.20/oz and pay for 100% at selling price

Solution:

F
K = ------
C

F
73 = ------
1

F = 73 DMT

Solving for the assay of metal in the concentrate:

Cc
%R = -------- x 100
Ff

Ff x %R
c = ----------
100 x C

For Copper:
73 DMT x 0.45 x 80
c = ----------------------------
100 x 1 DMT

c = 26.28% Cu

For Gold:

73 DMT x 0.20 gm/MT x 70

c = ----------------------------
100 x 1 DMT

c = 10.22 gm Au/MT x 1 oz/31.1035 gm

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 24

 c = 0.33 oz Au/MT

For Silver:
73 DMT x 4.41 gm Ag/MT x 11
c = ----------------------------
100 x 1 DMT

c = 35.41 gm Ag/Mt x 1 oz/31.1035 gm

c = 1.14 oz Ag/MT

Solving for the weight of metal:

Wt. of metal = Cc

Wt. of Copper = 1 DMT x 2,205 lbs/DMT x 0.2628 = 579.5 lbs

Wt. of Gold = 1 DMT x 0.33 oz Au/DMT = 0.33 oz Au
Wt. of Silver = 1 DMT x 1.14 oz Ag/DMT = 1.14 oz Ag

Solving for the value of metal:

Value of Copper = [579.5 lbs – (22 lbs/mt x 1 MT x 0.2628)] x $0.60/lb = $344.23

Value of Gold = 0.33 oz x $315/oz = $103.95
Value of Silver = 1.14 oz x $5.60/oz = $ 6.38
---------------
Total Value of metal = $454.56
Solving for the total charges:

Basic treatment charge = $74/DMT x 1 DMT = $ 74.00

Refining Charges:

Copper = [579.5 lbs – (22 lbs/mt x 1 MT x 0.2628)] x $0.076/lb = $ 43.60

Gold = 0.33 oz x $7.64/oz = $ 2.52
Silver = 1.14 oz x $0.20/oz = $ 0.23
----------------
Total Charges = $120.35
Therefore:

Net Smelter Return = Total value of metal – Total Charges

Net Smelter Return = $454.56 - $120.35
Net Smelter Return = $334.21

C.2 SMELTING (CIF) PROBLEM

February 1982. A 5,000 WMT copper sulfide concentrate shipment assayed 25% Cu, 0.75 oz
Au/DMT, 1.5 oz Ag/DMT and 10% moisture. Compute the Net Smelter Return in pesos if smelter terms
are as follows:
1. payment is based on CIF smelter quotation.
2. freight and insurance are $20 and $3 per WMT respectively
3. smelting and refining charges for copper are $0.15/lb and $0.05/lb respectively
4. refining charge is $10/oz Au and $2/oz Ag
5. payment for gold and silver to allow for refining losses are 90% and 70% respectively
6. metal prices:
copper = $0.75/lb
gold = $380/oz
silver = $8/oz
Forex = P20.00 : $1.00

Solution:

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 25

 Wt. of concentrate = 5,000 WMT x 0.90 DMT/WMT = 4,500 DMT

Solving for weight of metal in the concentrate:

Wt. of copper = 4500 DMT x 2,205 lbs/DMT x 0.25 = 2,480,625 lbs

Wt. of gold = 4500 DMT x 0.75 oz/DMT = 3,375 oz
Wt. of silver = 4500 DMT x 1.5 oz/DMT = 6,750 oz

Solving for the value of metal in concentrate:

Value of copper = 2,480,625 lbs x $0.75/lb x P20.00/1$ = P37,209,375

Value of gold = 3,375 oz x $380/oz x P20.00/1$ x 0.90 = P23,085,000
Value of silver = 6,750 oz x $8/oz x P20.00//1$ x 0.70 = P 756,000
----------------------------
Total Value = P61,050,375

Smelter Charges:

Copper = ($0.15/lb + $0.05/lb) x 2,480,625 lbs x P20.00/1$ = P9,922,500

Gold = $10/oz x 3,375 oz x P20.00/1$ = 675,000
Silver = $2/oz x 6,750 oz x P20.00/1$ = 270,000
--------------------
Total Charges = P10,867,500

Cost of Insurance and Freight:

CIF = ($20/WMT + $3/WMT) x 5,000 WMT x P20.00/1$ = P2,300,000

Therefore:

Net Smelter Return = Total Value – Total Charges – CIF

Net Smelter Return = P61,050,375 – P10,867,500 – P2,300,000
Net Smelter Return = P47,882,875

C.3 SMELTING PROBLEM

August 1985. A new copper project can sustain an ore reserve of 100 million metric tons of ore
assaying 0.6% copper, 1 gram Au/MT ore and 2 grams Ag/MT ore. Tests conducted indicate metal
recoveries of 80%, 65%, and 50% for copper, gold, and silver respectively and copper concentrate grade
of 25%. Economic analysis shows that it is viable to operate the property at 25,000 MT/day. Assume
metal prices of $0.70/lb Cu, $350/oz Au, and $10/oz Ag and foreign exchange rate of P18.50 per dollar.
1. What is the total value of the metals per MT concentrate?
2. If the total smelter charges averages $0.35/lb. copper contained per MT concentrate,
compute for the net revenue after deducting the smelter returns.

Solution:

Solving for Wt. of concentrate at 25,000 MTPD:

Cc
% Copper Recovery = ----------- x 100

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 26

 Ff

C x 0.25
80 = ------------------ x 100
25,000 x 0.006

C = 480 MT

Solving for metal assay of gold and silver:

Cc
% Gold Recovery = ----------- x 100
Ff

480 MT x c
65 = -------------------------- x 100
25,000 MT x 1 gm/MT

c = 33.85 gm Au/MT

Cc
% Silver Recovery = ----------- x 100
Ff

480 MT x c
50 = -------------------------- x 100
25,000 MT x 2 gm/MT

c = 52.08 gm Ag/MT

1. For 1 MT concentrate:
Solving for Wt. of metals
Wt. of copper = 1 MT x 2,205 lbs/Mt x 0.25 = 551.25 lbs
Wt. of Gold = 1 MT x 33.85 gm/MT x 1 oz/31.1035 gm = 1.0883 oz.
Wt. of Silver = 1 MT x 52.08 gm/MT x 1 oz/31.1035 gm = 1.6744 oz.
Solving for Value of metal:
Value of copper = 551..25 lbs x $0.70/lb x P20.00/1$ = P7,717.50
Value of Gold = 1.0883 oz. x $350/oz x P20.00/1$ = P7,618.10
Value of Silver = 1.6744 oz x $10/oz x P20.00/1$ = P 334.88
-----------------
Total value of metal = P15,670.48

2. Net revenue = Total value of metal – Smelter charges

Smelter charges = $0.35/lb Cu x 551.25 lbs Cu x P20.00/1$ = P3,858.75

Net Revenue = P15,670.48 – P3,858.75

Net Revenue = P11,811.73

D.1 BALL MILL

August 1985. An 11’ x 22’ ball mill grinds 24,000 DMT/day of copper ore averaging 0.65% Cu. At a
mesh grind of 90% minus 200 microns, the copper recovery is 92%. At a mesh grind of 85% minus 200
microns, the ball mill increases its capacity by 15% but the copper recovery drops to 87%. If power
consumption is 6.75 kwh/DMT of ore ground and power cost P1.33/kwh, which of the two grinding
schemes will the profits be greater? Assume that copper metal costs $0.65/lb and foreign exchange rate
at P20.00/1$.

Solution:

For 90% minus 200 microns:

Wt. of metal in concentrate
% Recovery = ------------------------------------ x 100

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 27

 Wt. of metal in ore

Wt. of metal in concentrate

92 = --------------------------------- x 100
24,000 DMT x 0.0065

24,000 DMT x 0.0065 x 92

Wt. of metal in concentrate = ----------------------------------
100

Wt. of metal in concentrate = 143.52 DMT

Value of metal = 143.52 DMT x 2,205 lbs/DMT x $0.65/lb x P20.00/1$ = P4,114,000

Power Cost = P1.33/kwh x 6.75 kwh/DMT ore x 24,000 DMT ore = 215,460
----------------
Profit = P3,898,540

For 85% minus 200 microns:

Wt. of metal in concentrate

% Recovery = ------------------------------------ x 100
Wt. of metal in ore

Wt. of metal in concentrate

87 = --------------------------------- x 100
24,000 DMT x 1.15 x 0.0065

27,600 DMT x 0.0065 x 87

Wt. of metal in concentrate = ----------------------------------
100

Wt. of metal in concentrate = 156 DMT

Value of metal = 156 DMT x 2,205 lbs/DMT x $0.65/lb x P20.00/1$ = P4,473,975

Power Cost = P1.33/kwh x 6.75 kwh/DMT ore x 27,600 DMT ore = 247,779
----------------
Profit = P4,226,196

Therefore, based on computation, the 85% minus 200 microns grinding scheme produces greater profit.

D.2 BALL MILL

August 1994. Assume that the capacity of a ball mill varies directly with the length of the mill and
with the 2.9 power of the diameter. If a 4’ x 4’ ball mill has a capacity of 30 tons per day, calculate the
diameter of a ball mill 5 feet long and that would grind 100 tons per day.
e. 6.82 ft b. 5.43 ft c. 6.70 ft d. 5.60 ft

Solution:
Capacity = KLD 2.9

30 = K(4)(4) 2.9

k = 0.135

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 28

 Capacity = KLD 2.9

100 = (0.135)(5)(D) 2.9

100 = (0.675)(D) 2.9

D 2.9
= 148.148
2.9 ln D = ln 148.148
2.9 ln D = 4.9982
ln D = 1.723
D =e (1.723)

D = 5.60 ft.

D.3 FLOTATION

August 1983. A porphyry copper mill is treating 25,000 STPD of ore with a sp. gr. Of 2.8. If the
slurry is fed at 30% and its sp. gr. is 1.24 and roughing flotation time is 12 minutes, calculate the number
of 500 cubic feet cells required for roughing.

Solution:

Wt. of ore, Wo = 25,000 STPD

Sp.gr. of ore, So = 2.8
Sp. gr. of pulp, Sp = 1.24
% Solids of pulp, %P = 30%

Vo
%P = ------------
Vp

Wo/Do
%P = ---------------
Wp/Dp

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 29

 Wo x Dp
%P = --------------
Wp x Do

25,000 x 1.24
0.30 = ---------------------
Wp x 2.8

Wp = 36,905 STPD

Then:
Wp
Vp = -----
Dp

36,905 short tons/day x 2,000 lbs/short tons

Vp = --------------------------------------------------------
1.24 x 62.4 lbs/ft3

Vp = 953,907 ft3/day

For 12 minutes flotation time:

Vp = 953,907 ft3/day x 1 day/1440 min x 12 min

Vp = 7,949 ft3

Then:
7,949 ft3
No. of cells = ------------
500 ft3/cell

No. of cells = 16 cells

D.4 FLOTATION

August 1988. Estimate the volume of conditioners and flotation cells required to handle 9,100 dry
metric tones of ore per 24 hrs at 30% solids pulp by weight with an ore specific gravity of 3.1. Five
minutes conditioning time and 15 minutes flotation time are desired.

Solution:
Wt. of ore, Wo = 9,100 DMT/day
Sp. gr. of ore, So = 3.1
% Solids in pulp, % P = 30% by weight

So (Sp – 1)
%P = -------------- x 100
Sp (So – 1)

3.1 (Sp – 1)
0.30 = ---------------
Sp (3.1 – 1)

3.1Sp – 3.1 = 0.63Sp

2.47Sp = 3.1
Sp = 1.25

But:

Wo
%P = ----- x 100
Wp

9,100 DMT/day

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 30

 0.30 = ---------------------
Wp

Wp = 30,333.33 DMT

Then:

Wp
Vp = ------
Dp

30,333.33 DMT/day
Vp = ------------------------
1.25 x 1 DMT/m3

Vp = 24,266.67 m3/day x 1 day/24 hrs x 1hr/60 min.

Vp = 16.85 m3/min

For 5 min. conditioning time:

Vp = 16.85 m3/min x 5 min

Vp = 84.25 m3

For 15 min flotation time:

Vp = 16.85 m3/min x 15 min

Vp = 252.75 m3

D.5 FLOTATION

August 1980. A certain ore with a specific gravity of 3 passes through a grinding circuit. If the
resulting pulp with a specific gravity of 1.25 is pumped into flotation units at the rate of 1.0 cubic meter
per minute, compute the tonnage of ore milled per day of 24 hours.

Solution:

Sp. gr. of ore, So = 3

Sp.gr. of pulp, Sp = 1.25
Volume of pulp, Vp = 1.0 m3/min

So (Sp – 1)
% Solids in pulp, % P = --------------- x 100
Sp (So – 1)

3 (1.25 – 1)
%P = --------------- x 100
1.25 (3 – 1)

%P = 30%

But:
Vo
%P = ----- x 100
Vp

Vo
0.30 = -------------
1.0 m3/min

Vo = 0.30 m3/min

Then:

Wo = Vo x Do

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 31

 Wo = 0.30 m3/min x 3 tons/m3 x 60 min/hr x 24 hrs/day
Wo = 1,296 tons/day

D.6 FLOTATION

August 1992. A flotation plant treats 800 tons of solids per hour. The feed pulp containing 45%
solids by weight is conditioned for 10 mins with reagents before being pumped for flotation. Calculate the
volume of conditioning tank required. Density of solid is 2700 kg/m 3.
f. 78.00 m3 b. 77.93 m3 c. 212.35 m3 d. 200.16 m3

Solution:

Volume of tank = Volume of pulp (m3/hr) x Conditioning time (hr)

Volume of pulp = Volume of solids + Volume of liquid
Volume of solids = 800 tons/hr x 1000 kg/ton x 1 m3/2700 kg
Volume of solids = 296.30 m3/hr

Volume of solids
% Solids = --------------------
Volume of pulp

Volume of solids (Vs)

% Solids (%S) = -----------------------------------------------------
Volume of solids (Vs) + Volume of liquid (Vl)

% S x (Vs + Vl) = Vs
% S (Vs) + % S (Vl) = Vs
Vs - % S (Vs) = % S (Vl)
Vs (1-% S) = % S (Vl)

Vs (1-% S)
Vl = ----------------
%S

800 tons/hr (1 - 0.45)

Vl = -----------------------------
0.45

Vl = 977.78 tons/hr / density of liquid

Vl = 977.78 tons/hr / 1 ton/m3
Vl = 977.78 m3/hr (Volume of liquid)

Then, Volume of Pulp = Volume of solids + Volume of liquid

Volume of pulp = 296.30 m3/hr + 977.78 m3/hr
Volume of pulp = 1,274.08 m3/hr

Therefore, Volume of tank = Volume of pulp x conditioning time

Volume of tank = 1,274.08 m3/hr x 10 mins x 1 hr/60 mins.
Volume of tank = 212.35 m3

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 32

D.7 THICKENER

August 1983. A gold cyanidation mill is treating 1,000 tons of ore per day. Test show that the ore
settles at the rate of 0.90 ft/hr at 25% solids, the constituency of the thickener feed. If the thickener
underflow is 50% solids, calculate the settling area required. By allowing a safety factor of 65% on the
settling area required, determine the number of units of 50 ft diameter thickeners needed.

Solution:
Settling rate, R = 0.90 ft/hr
% solids of feed, Pf = 25%
% solids of discharge, Pd = 50%
Then:
F = dilution ratio of feed
1 – Pf
F = ---------
Pf

1 – 0.25
F = ----------- =3
0.25

And:
D = dilution ratio of discharge

1 – Pd
D = ---------
Pd

1 – 0.50
D = ---------- =1
0.50

So:
A = settling area

1.333 (F – D)
A = ---------------- , ft2/ton-24 hrs
R

1.333 (3 – 1)
A = -----------------
0.90

A = 2.962 ft2/ton-24hrs
With 65% factor of safety:
2.962
A = --------- = 4.557 ft2/ton-24hrs

0.65

With 1,000 tons of ore per day:

A = 4.557 ft2/ton-24hrs x 1,000 tons/day x 1 day/24 hrs
A = 4,557 ft2
For 50 ft diameter thickener:
A = ii/4 D2
A = ii/4 (50)2
A = 1,963.5 ft2
Therefore:
N = number of thickeners required

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 33

 4,557 ft2
N = ----------
1,963.5 ft2/unit

N = 3 units

MINING ENGINEERING 111

GEOLOGY PROBLEM

E.1 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

August 2004, 2006, 2008. A quartz vein deposit was recently discovered in an
existing gold mine. The vein deposit was first intercepted by a diamond drill at
elevation 850 meters. A second diamond drill hole also intercepted the same gold
bearing deposit at lower elevation of 820 meters but 30 meters further to the left
(west). If the gold bearing quartz vein deposit maintains uniform thickness
throughout, what is the dip of the vein?

A. 40 degrees B. 35 degrees C. 50 degrees D. 60 degrees

E. 45 degrees

Solution:

Surface 30m

DDH # 2 DDH # 1
30m

Dip Elev. 850m

30m Gold Vein

Elev. 820m

30m
Tan dip = -------
30m

tan dip = 1

Dip = 45 degrees

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 34

E.2 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY:

August 1988. Three vertical drill holes were drilled all of which intersected a flat lying orebody. The
following data pertain:

Drill Coordinate Collar Depth of

Hole Northings Eastings Elevation Intersection
------ ------------- -------------- ------------- ----------------
#1 N-900m E-150m 450m 150m
#2 N-50m E-350m 350m 250m
#3 N-550m E-950m 50m 550m

1. Determine the strike of the orebody.

2. Determine the dip of the orebody.

Solution:

Northings

1000
#1 (+300)
900
A
800
873.2
700 350

600

500 800 #3 (-500)

873.2
400

300

200

100
#2 (+100)
0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Strike = due South

Dip = 450 East

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 35

E.3 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY:

August 1985. Determine the strike and dip of the coal seam with the following data taken from three
vertical drill holes.

Collar Elevation Depth to top of coal seam

-------------------- --------------------------------
Drill Hole A 300 m 150 m
Drill Hole B 320 m 70 m
Drill Hole C 400 m 100 m

Drill hole B is N 300 E, 200 meters from Hole A, while Drill hole C is due East, 200 meters from Hole A.

Solution:

Solving for elevation of Coal seam:

Collar Elevation Depth to top Elevation of

of coal seam coal seam
-------------------- --------------- --------------
Drill Hole A 300 m 150 m 150 m
Drill Hole B 320 m 70 m 250 m
Drill Hole C 400 m 100 m 300 m

B (+250)

200 200

A (+150) 200 D C (+300)

Take section along line ADC:

A D C
+300

+250

+150

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 36

By ratio and proportion:

Distance DC Distance AC
-------------- = --------------
300 – 250 300 – 150

DC 200
----- = -----
50 150

DC = 66.67 m

Solving for distance BD:

(BD)2 = (200)2 + (66.67)2 – 2 (200) (66.67) cos 60

(BD)2 = 40,000 + 4,445 – 13,334
BD = 176.38 m

Solving for angle B:

Sin B sin 60
------- = --------
66.67 176.38

B = 190 6’

Then:

Strike = 300 – 190 6’

Strike = 100 54’
Strike = S 100 54’ E

Solving for dip:

Solving for distance AE:

AE
Sin 790 6’ = ------
133.33

AE = 130.92 m

Take section at AE

+250 A 130.92 E

+150

100
Tan dip = -----
130.92

dip = 370 22’ SW

DAC 2012 Mining Engineering III Review 37

E.4 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY:

August 1995. Outcrop A is 500m, S45W of outcrop B, while outcrop C is 300m, S20E of outcrop B. If
the elevation of A=900m; B=860m; C=1030m respectively, what is the strike and dip of vein?

B +860

45 300
20
500

+900 +1030

Take section at line BDC:

1030 B D C

900

860

Distance BD Distance BC
--------------- = --------------
900 - 860 1030 - 860

BD 300
------ = ------
40 170

BD = 70.60 m

(AD)2 = (500)2 + (70.60)2 – 2 (500) (70.60) cos 65

(AD)2 = 250,000 + 4,984.36 – 29,836.85
AD = 474.50 m

Sine A sin 65
--------- = ----------------
70.60 474.50

A = 70 45’

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Then:
Strike = 450 + 70 45”
Strike = 520 45’
Strike = N 520 45’ E

Solving for Dip:

170
Tan dip = -----
300

Dip = 290 32’ NW

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