Corrosion Control in Canadian Sulphide Ore Mines and Mills

CIM Bulletin, 1971

Thirteen Canadian sulphide ore mines were surveyed for corrosion control. The mines visited were a small, yet representative, proportion of this segment of the Canadian mining and metallurgical industry. Information on metallic corrosion and methods used to control it in underground workings and mills was gathered (a) by discussing corrosion problems with company personnel, (b) by examining equipment and structures during underground and mill tours, (c) by photographing corrosion sites, and (d) by collecting and analyzing mine water samples. The corrosion survey, which is summarized in the report, leads to the following general conclusions. Mine environments are corrosive, particularly when the mine w1ater is acidic. Because of a lack of good corrosion control measures, excessive deterioration of equipment due to corrosion occurs in mines. Mill environments are also corrosive, but in some cases good preventive measures are being taken to effectively control corrosion losses. Ways to reduce corrosion losses in sulphide ore mines and mills are discussed. The main areas for more corrosion research and development are selection of materials of construction, protective coatings, cathodic protection, inhibitors, equipment design, and mining and milling practices

Keywords: cathodic protection, corrosion, Mineral Industrie, stainless steel, sulphur, Corrosion, Mill, Mills, Mine, Mines, steel, Water, Waters