Mineralogical analyses of carbonates in depyritized tailings and pyrite concentrate (from depyrit... more Mineralogical analyses of carbonates in depyritized tailings and pyrite concentrate (from depyritization of the tailings) were completed as part of the tailings characterization for the Crandon Project, a massive sulfide deposit in northeastern Wisconsin. The mineralogical study was designed to determine the proportion of calcium and magnesium carbonates, and therefore the effective buffering capacity of carbonates in the tailings. The depyritized tailings are net acid consuming and will be stored in a surface tailings management area. The pyrite concentrate is net acid generating and will be used as backfill in the underground mine workings. The majority of carbonates in the depyritized tailings were ferroan dolomite containing 10 to 15% iron (by weight) and lesser amounts of siderite and magnesian siderite. The proportion of calcium and magnesium-rich carbonates corresponds to several independent tests of carbonate neutralization potential (CO 3 -NP) availability. The pyrite concentrate had less CO 3 -NP, indicating segregation of the carbonates during pyrite flotation. These carbonates reported higher iron contents, consistent with the relatively lower availability of CO 3 -NP in the pyrite concentrate.
A strategic business case analysis and five-year plan are presented here for the Teck Applied Min... more A strategic business case analysis and five-year plan are presented here for the Teck Applied Mineralogy group in Trail, British Columbia. Applied mineralogy is a key technical competency for Teck Resources that adds value in the fields of process mineralogy supporting optimization at the mining operations, and in ore characterization supporting evaluation of greenfield and brownfield properties. This 2016-2020 business plan for the applied mineralogy group is cognisant of the current mining industry downturn and recommends only incremental increases in staffing and project budgets during the period. Importantly, the plan recommends improved positioning of the group within Teck to maximize its contributions and a focus on customer relationships and timely delivery of value to projects. It also recommends the development of strategic outsourcing partnerships with commercial providers of applied mineralogy, including development of QA/QC protocols, so that this service is well managed within the company as a whole. There are some key capital expenditures necessary for the group in the next five years, including the replacement of mineralogical instrumentation, but their timing can be managed to coincide with improving corporate economics.
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Papers by Nichola McKay