Joseph K O F I Williams | Montana Tech (original) (raw)
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Papers by Joseph K O F I Williams
HEAP STABILITY , 2023
Heap stability is a vital consideration in mineral processing, especially in heap leaching operat... more Heap stability is a vital consideration in mineral processing, especially in heap leaching operations, where low-grade ores are treated with a leaching solution to extract valuable metals. The stability of the heap directly impacts both the efficiency of the leaching process and the safety of workers and the environment. An unstable heap can lead to collapse, causing loss of ore, environmental damage, and worker injury, as well as reducing the effectiveness of the leaching process by impeding proper solution percolation.
Several factors influence heap stability, including design and construction methods, physical and chemical properties of the ore, stacking methods, and the direction of stacking. The height and slope of the heap, along with the drainage system, also play crucial roles in maintaining stability. Environmental conditions such as rainfall, humidity, and temperature can further affect heap stability. Improper ore characterization, over- or under-irrigation, and inadequate compaction can lead to instability, potentially resulting in heap collapse or reduced metal recovery.
To mitigate these risks, geotechnical modeling and monitoring techniques are employed to analyze heap stability. Proper construction, regular maintenance, and the use of geomembrane liners and appropriate stacking methods are essential. Additionally, monitoring and adjusting irrigation rates, as well as using advanced tools for detecting operational failures, contribute to maintaining heap stability. The selection of suitable liner materials and ensuring proper compaction are also critical to prevent heap collapse.
In conclusion, ensuring heap stability through careful design, ongoing monitoring, and proactive maintenance is essential for the success and safety of heap leaching operations in mineral processing.
Internship/ Co-op Internship Report, 2023
This report details the internship experience at Y2 Consultants, a multidisciplinary engineering ... more This report details the internship experience at Y2 Consultants, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm founded in 2011. The internship focused on developing technical skills in surveying and data analysis, with a primary role as a survey technician. Key responsibilities included field data collection, office-based data processing, and collaboration with team members to ensure project completion within budget and time constraints. The internship provided hands-on experience with industry-standard software such as CAD, ArcGIS, and Trimble Business Centre, and offered valuable insights into the practical applications of engineering principles in real-world projects. Challenges encountered during the internship, such as complex surveying tasks and technical difficulties, were addressed through innovative strategies and advanced equipment. The experience also emphasized the importance of time management, prioritization, and continuous professional development in the field of surveying and engineering.
Information about the Environmental and Cultural setting of Kentucky essential for Permitting. Spring 2023., 2023
During the acquisition of a permit to commence a surface coal mining operation in the state of Ke... more During the acquisition of a permit to commence a surface coal mining operation in the state of Kentucky, information about the environmental and cultural setting of the state is a prerequisite as part of the application process before the commence of work within the state. This is vital to protect human health and the environment from diverse effects of coal mining and reclamation operations.
Since the actual location for the new mine has not been chosen yet, the information will capture details on the whole state of Kentucky. In conformity with this information, site specific data can be obtained during the final permitting process.
Joseph Kofi Williams, 2008
This project focuses on heightening a control at the Nsuta junction (BM2), Tarkwa using the diffe... more This project focuses on heightening a control at the Nsuta junction (BM2), Tarkwa using the differential leveling technique starting from a known station at the University of Mines and Technology gate (PS1) with a reduced level of 70.92m. A series of levels was done along this road and divided into four loops. Least square adjustment was then used to refine the height that was obtained. For validation, a stratus global positioning system receiver set-up was used to pick the same control at the Nsuta junction. After comparison, there was a difference in height of 1.4022m, which shows that the GPS height compares quite favorably with the adjusted or refined height obtained through least squares by differential leveling.
HEAP STABILITY , 2023
Heap stability is a vital consideration in mineral processing, especially in heap leaching operat... more Heap stability is a vital consideration in mineral processing, especially in heap leaching operations, where low-grade ores are treated with a leaching solution to extract valuable metals. The stability of the heap directly impacts both the efficiency of the leaching process and the safety of workers and the environment. An unstable heap can lead to collapse, causing loss of ore, environmental damage, and worker injury, as well as reducing the effectiveness of the leaching process by impeding proper solution percolation.
Several factors influence heap stability, including design and construction methods, physical and chemical properties of the ore, stacking methods, and the direction of stacking. The height and slope of the heap, along with the drainage system, also play crucial roles in maintaining stability. Environmental conditions such as rainfall, humidity, and temperature can further affect heap stability. Improper ore characterization, over- or under-irrigation, and inadequate compaction can lead to instability, potentially resulting in heap collapse or reduced metal recovery.
To mitigate these risks, geotechnical modeling and monitoring techniques are employed to analyze heap stability. Proper construction, regular maintenance, and the use of geomembrane liners and appropriate stacking methods are essential. Additionally, monitoring and adjusting irrigation rates, as well as using advanced tools for detecting operational failures, contribute to maintaining heap stability. The selection of suitable liner materials and ensuring proper compaction are also critical to prevent heap collapse.
In conclusion, ensuring heap stability through careful design, ongoing monitoring, and proactive maintenance is essential for the success and safety of heap leaching operations in mineral processing.
Internship/ Co-op Internship Report, 2023
This report details the internship experience at Y2 Consultants, a multidisciplinary engineering ... more This report details the internship experience at Y2 Consultants, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm founded in 2011. The internship focused on developing technical skills in surveying and data analysis, with a primary role as a survey technician. Key responsibilities included field data collection, office-based data processing, and collaboration with team members to ensure project completion within budget and time constraints. The internship provided hands-on experience with industry-standard software such as CAD, ArcGIS, and Trimble Business Centre, and offered valuable insights into the practical applications of engineering principles in real-world projects. Challenges encountered during the internship, such as complex surveying tasks and technical difficulties, were addressed through innovative strategies and advanced equipment. The experience also emphasized the importance of time management, prioritization, and continuous professional development in the field of surveying and engineering.
Information about the Environmental and Cultural setting of Kentucky essential for Permitting. Spring 2023., 2023
During the acquisition of a permit to commence a surface coal mining operation in the state of Ke... more During the acquisition of a permit to commence a surface coal mining operation in the state of Kentucky, information about the environmental and cultural setting of the state is a prerequisite as part of the application process before the commence of work within the state. This is vital to protect human health and the environment from diverse effects of coal mining and reclamation operations.
Since the actual location for the new mine has not been chosen yet, the information will capture details on the whole state of Kentucky. In conformity with this information, site specific data can be obtained during the final permitting process.
Joseph Kofi Williams, 2008
This project focuses on heightening a control at the Nsuta junction (BM2), Tarkwa using the diffe... more This project focuses on heightening a control at the Nsuta junction (BM2), Tarkwa using the differential leveling technique starting from a known station at the University of Mines and Technology gate (PS1) with a reduced level of 70.92m. A series of levels was done along this road and divided into four loops. Least square adjustment was then used to refine the height that was obtained. For validation, a stratus global positioning system receiver set-up was used to pick the same control at the Nsuta junction. After comparison, there was a difference in height of 1.4022m, which shows that the GPS height compares quite favorably with the adjusted or refined height obtained through least squares by differential leveling.