Current and near-future CAMIRO-MPD research projects are outlined on this page.  CAMIRO-MPD members are encouraged to submit proposals for new projects to the Executive Committee.

P98-01  Prevention of Inadvertent Zinc Activation

This research project is aimed at investigating and solving the problem of Inadvertent Zinc Activation.  This phenomenon causes zinc losses and concentrate contamination during the flotation of copper-lead and copper flotation.  The project was initiated in mid-1998 at McGill University and will be completed in mid-2001. Under the terms of the agreement, McGill releases quarterly progress reports and organizes semi-annual review meetings.

The six original sponsors were:

l Boliden-Westmin Resources

l HBM&S

l Billiton-Les Mines Selbaie

l Noranda

l Les Ressources Aur 

l Rio Algom

Joining recently : Breakwater Resources and Agnico-Eagle.

The project is funded by CAMIRO-MPD sponsors and supported by a grant from NSERC.     The cost distribution for the project is as follows:

Total project cost

$ 372,160

NSERC Funding

$ 186,080

Net Industry Cost

$ 186,080

CAMIRO Fee (10%)

$ 37,216

Sub Total

$ 223,296

Sponsor Cost 
(Original 6)

$ 37,216

Annual sponsor cost

$12,405/a

The zinc activation project is progressing well with important findings already evident and being applied on a trial basis in sponsors flotation plant.