ICMM has published Tools for Psychological Health and Safety to support mining and metals companies in embedding strong mental health and safety practices into daily operations and organizational culture. “There is no higher priority for ICMM members than keeping people safe and healthy at work. These new tools will accelerate critically needed progress on strengthening safety cultures and supporting workers’…
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VDG celebrates 40th anniversary at state-of-the-art Michigan facility
by Mark S. Kuhar Van der Graaf (VDG), the world’s leading manufacturer of drum motors for all types of belt conveyor applications, including aggregate, mining, food processing and material handling, celebrated 40 years of innovation and growth with an Open House at its state-of-the-art facility in Shelby Township, Mich. The event – which took place July 11 – was attended…
Read MoreMore Output, Less Waste
Enhancing sustainability through optimized production at the screen. by Serge Raymond A growing trend within the mining and aggregate industries is adjusting practices with the goal of creating more eco-conscious operations. Increasing efficiency is one key approach toward this goal, which requires a good relationship between a plant’s workforce and its equipment. Screen media selection plays a vital role, and…
Read MoreDirect Lithium Extraction: Balancing Sustainability and Recovery Optimization
This lithium production methodology is growing rapidly, drawing interest from environmentalists and producers alike, because it reduces the environmental impact and the cost of lithium production. by Jorge Espinoza and Victor Mwaba, Emerson Growing demand for lithium compounds for use in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries is constrained by the difficulty of maximizing its extraction from natural sources. There are…
Read MoreSealing innovation
How smart sealing technology is advancing U.S. mining efficiency and sustainability, and sealing the future of mineral processing. by Warren Smith Mining operations worldwide face some of the most punishing environments on Earth. From blistering desert heat to freezing winters and from abrasive, high-solids slurries to corrosive chemicals, equipment is constantly tested. For rotating machinery like slurry pumps, seals are…
Read MoreSlurry transportation: looking beyond the pump
Slurry transportation systems rely on pumps to impart kinetic energy to the slurry. Without them, the slurry would not move; however, pumps do not exist in isolation. North American Mining examines two other critical elements in slurry transportation – valves and pipelines – with the help of experts from Emerson, The Lubrizol Corporation, Valmet and Weir. by Jonathan Rowland Efficient…
Read MoreTackling myths: collision avoidance edition
When it comes to the technologies of proximity and collision avoidance, some myths still remain about how the systems impact miners and the mining process. NAM recently spoke to Mile Walling, president of Americas, Strata Worldwide, to set the record straight. Mine safety systems are designed to protect the life of the miner, but is that at the expense of…
Read MoreMaximizing safety, from legacy to lifeline
IWT talks to North American Mining magazine about how to apply communications and tracking underground to maximize its inherent life-saving potential. In underground mining environments, every decision made before, during, and after an incident can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Wireless mesh networks offer a significant leap forward in safety by enabling voice communication and…
Read MoreRamaco’s Brook mine promises a revolution
The economic and national security footprint of the Brook mine is world-changing. by David Jones Celebrating the opening of one of America’s most important minesJust north of Sheridan, Wyo., at Ramaco’s Brook mine, July 11 started gray, cool, and drizzling with rain. Undeterred by the weather, a crowd that filled the meadow was in high spirits. By the time the…
Read MoreDemystifying water management strategies
North American Mining speaks to experts from Ausenco, Black & Veatch, SRK, and Stantec about the complex yet essential task of developing an effective water management plan. by Jonathan Rowland There is tension at the heart of any discussion about mine water management; rising demand for commodities is driving ever-larger mining projects. These projects carry greater impacts and risks related…
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