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By T. W. Lloyd

Accurately predicting coal seam discontinuities is an important part of modern underground coal mining. Conventional methods of coal exploration sometimes fail to identify rapid variations that may seriously impact mining and quality. Radio Imaging Method (RIM), a geophysical approach to mapping longwall panels, has been developed where electromagnetic signals are transmitted and received though the coal block. The amount of signal loss for a given distance, when compared to the coal seam characteristics, identifies anomalous areas. A comparison of RIM predictions with actual geologic conditions encountered during longwall mining demonstrates the accuracy and usefulness of the data.

Jan 1, 1986

By Charles LeMoyne

The Cable belt Company has been building single flight conveyors for a number of years. The simple design concepts of this type conveyor, introduced over thirty years ago, when distances of one to two miles were considered major advances in technology, remain relatively unchanged. Conveyors that are 6 to 20 miles (9.0 to 32 kilometers) long are being built and are presently in operation through- out the free world. The Cable Belt conveyor is not conventional in its construction. Cable welt differs from conventional troughed idler conveyors in that the driving medium and carrying medium are separated. Motion is provided by two endless steel cables running the length of the conveyor. The cables are driven by a single drive unit incorporating a differential gear which insures identical cable linear speeds and equal tension in both cables at all times. The belting is located and supported by "V" shaped shoeforms moulded to the belt which form a wedging action. The friction between the belting and rope is sufficient to prevent slippage (See figure 01).

Jan 1, 1983

By P. Guliov

In the first part of this paper the authors present an overview of industrial minerals produced in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and supplied to the Pacific Rim countries. The second part outlines some of the unique opportunities for industrial minerals that exist in the three western Canadian provinces and those minerals we feel have development potential for overseas markets. Because of time constraints, it is not an exhaustive presentation on industrial minerals, but is focused on a few selected minerals that we believe have high potential.

Jan 1, 1990

By Sarkis G. Ampian

This late 1979 Bureau of Mines report presents current stocks and monthly consumption rates for Guyanese refractory bauxite (GRB), with emphasis on the impact of the GRB shortage on the refractory and downstream industries, general background material, and an evaluation of the situation resulting from the strike of Guyanese bauxite workers during the summer of 1979. A study by the Bureau indicated that industry stocks contained little more than a month's supply of GRB--30,000 calcined short tons (CST), at present consumption rates of 25,000 CST per month. The report was requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FW) in response to refractory industry requests that the Government release GRB from the National Stockpile to minimize forecasted industry problems. The report traces the historical innovations in the high-alumina and/or bauxite-type refractory products industry, eventually leading up to fabrication of modern, high-quality firebrick and monolithic refractories.

Jan 1, 1980

By R. Ribeiro

The designers of the new Arafertil concentrator in Brazil provided for complete automatic control of the grinding circuit to meet the operating objective of maximum throughput at a specified grind. Analog control methods were selected because of proven reliability and simple maintenance, and in order to minimize commissioning time and effort. This paper summarizes the step-by-step effort required to progress from local loop control of certain individual parameters to an integrated system capable of achieving the design goal. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of commissioning a control system.

Jan 1, 1979

By Thomas G. Langton

The demand for mineral raw materials, especially in the major industrialized nations, has grown rapidly during the past three decades. One consequence of this growth has been an increasing reliance by the large industrialized countries upon nondomestic mineral supplies. These mineral supplies, to a large extent, have been developed by capital from the major industrialized countries. Until recently, most foreign mining ventures were either wholly-owned subsidiaries or joint ventures between two or more mining companies. The recent rise of economic nationalism has substantially changed the business climate and parameters under which foreign investors operate. This paper describes some of the underlying reasons for this change and notes how investors have adapted to the new business conditions.

Jan 1, 1974

By E. L. Michaels

Laboratory and pilot scale tests have been made to deter- mine the utility of heavy media separation, particularly a cone type separator, as a means of recovering aluminum from shredded municipal solid waste. The effect of the method of shredding on the behavior of aluminum in a heavy media system was deter- mined. Two-stage pilot scale heavy media separations were made with size fractions of shredded refuse. Recoveries of aluminum, as well as other components of the refuse, were measured and medium losses were determined. The experimental results indicate that with certain reservations a heavy media cone system can be utilized for aluminum separation and recovery from shredded and air classified municipal solid waste. Observations made using two-stage heavy media separation in a drum unit are included. Qualitatively, the results from the two types of separators are similar.

Jan 1, 1974

By Mo Wanqiang

Equivalent-pressure ventilation is a method of balancing the air pressure between a productive face and its gob to extinguish fires and prevent the infiltration of toxic gases, so that the production of the face can be maintained. The method was successfully applied in Coal Mine No. 1 of Hebi Coal Mining Administration in north-central China. In this article, a practical application of the equivalent-pressure method to prevent carbon monoxide from entering an active longwall face adjacent to a fire breeding area is described, and four steps to achieve equivalent-pressure are discussed. The reliability of using this method and measures to maintain the equivalent-pressure are analyzed. It was observed that this method could maintain high production level while no sacrificing safety at the longwall face.

Jan 1, 1984

By Robert W. Row

Advanced physical coal cleaning processes that are now under development may remove significantly greater fractions of pyritic sulfur and ash than do commercial coal cleaning processes at comparable heating value recoveries. These processes may be useful for reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from electric utilities and other emission sources. However, little work has been done to determine their applicability to any major coal market. The northeastern states of the United States are interested in burning more coal, but with further sulfur dioxide emission restrictions. Their nearest coal sources are relatively high sulfur Northern Appalachian coals. The project discussed in this paper, which is scheduled to be completed in June 1985, has the objective of technically and economically evaluating various coal supply scenarios involving five selected advanced physical coal cleaning processes; and comparing the economics of them with alternative fuel supply options open to the northeastern users.

Jan 1, 1985

By N. L. Parduhn

Populations of Bacillus cereus spores are elevated in soils over four subsurface gold deposits in the western United States. Large deposit-to-background ratios of B. cereus populations were obtained in soil traverses over the Minnesota vein deposit, Empire District, Colorado (maximum 50:1); the Shasta (maximum 3,500:1), and Evening Star maximum 18,000:1) vein deposits, Shasta County, California; and the Hog Ranch disseminated gold deposit (maximum 40,000:1) in Washoe County, Nevada. Small increases in the concentration of toxic metals in the soil may be responsible for the elevated spore populations. The observed elevation of B. cereus spore populations near these gold deposits indicates that the method should be further investigated as a potential exploration tool.

Jan 1, 2013

By R. Bhaskar

The control of respirable dust in mines has been given paramount importance due to the health and safety implications associated with fine dust. The understanding of the temporal and spatial behavior of dust has been recognized as essential for increasing the efficiencies of the existing control techniques and for developing new control strategies. Mining-related studies in this area are, in general, limited. They are also mostly experimental. Some mathematical and computer analyses have been attempted. In this paper, first a review of the mathematical studies performed in the last three decades in this area is presented. Second, a mathematical model for analyzing dust flow in mines is proposed. The model takes into account a number of factors affecting dust transport. It incorporates varying dust generation source strengths and dispersion, deposition, and coagulation of dust in mine airways. Finally, application areas for the model are discussed. A computer program based on the mathematical model has been developed. The program will output the dust concentration in the mine atmosphere as a function of time and distance from the source. The amount of dust deposited on the sides, roof, and floor of the airway is also determined.

Jan 1, 1985

By Richard W. Cannon

INTRODUCTION The authors, by means of this paper, will attempt to show the role of Induced Polarization and Resistivity surveys in the discovery of the orebodies of Gibraltar Mines Limited (N.P.L.). In this paper, we will also attempt to show the importance of conducting large enough surveys in order to properly evaluate the results obtained from these surveys. LOCATION The orebodies of Gibraltar Mines Limited (N.P.L.) are located on the western slope of Granite Mountain, central British Columbia (52°30' north, 122°16' west) (See Fig. 1). The property lies approximately 28 miles north of Williams Lake, B.C. and can be reached by way of 10 miles of newly improved road from McLeese Lake, on the Cariboo Highway. The area in and around Gibraltar Mines has a moderate topographic relief with elevations between 3,500 and 4,100 feet. {EARLY HISTORY AND GEOLOGY The present Gibraltar Mines property before amalgamation consisted of the Pollyanna property (Duval-Canex) and the Gibraltar property (original Gibraltar Mines) as well as some Coast Silver and McLeese Lake Copper claims (See Fig. 2). The Pollyanna property was first described in the 1917 B.C. Minister of Mines Report which referred to it as the "Rainbow Group". The development at that time consisted of several open-cuts on copper bearing quartz veins.

Jan 1, 1972

By Howard G. Coopersmith

A resource of low grade good quality diamonds has been discovered through the Diamond Company NL-Moonstone Diamond Corp. Joint Venture. A limited bulk sample diamond test of two large kimberlite pipes on the Kelsey Lake Property, Colorado, has been completed. These kimberlite pipes have petrological and mineralogical indications of the presence of diamond. Small diamonds were recovered from surface samples. Drilling and trenching revealed both pipes were complexes of diatreme facies kimberlite. One pipe contains crater facies kimberlite as well. This is the first reported occurrence of crater facies kimberlite in the Province. Approximately 1000 tonnes of kimberlite rock was excavated and processed through a scrubber -HMS -Sortex -Grease Plant. Significant diamonds were recovered. The diamonds were generally of good color and clarity, with many being in the gem and near gem categories. Grades are considered low however. Additionally, a small potential resource of alluvial diamonds is present.

Jan 1, 1991

By W. F. Moll

Absorbent clays are products, usually in the form of granules, that can absorb and hold approximately their own weight of liquids while essentially maintaining their size and integrity. They always contain in abundance at least one of three materials: montmorillonite, attapulgite and diatomite. The first two are complex silicates; the last is amorphous silica of biogenic origin. Not all montmorillonites provide the base for an absorbent clay, however. Nevertheless, the silicates in particular, and the diatomite to a lesser degree, have certain molecular properties that give rise to the useful physical properties. Uses Use of absorbent clays is as old as civilization. Numerous references to "fuller's earth" appear in ancient writings, including the Bible. Fuller's earth originally connated a clay that could absorb oil and grease from wool to facilitate cleaning. Robertson (1986) covers the fascinating history in interesting detail. In the modern sense, absorbent clays find application in three principal areas, and a host of minor ones. Industrial floor absorbents, cat litter and agricultural carriers comprise the major uses.

Jan 1, 1986

By Samuel S. Adams

Economic concentrations of potassium are essentially limited to thick, stratigraphic sections of marine evaporites. These deposits were precipitated through the evaporation of sea water in restricted epicontinental seas or in grabens related to continental margin rift systems. Following deposition the deposits were subjected to diagenesis and varying degrees of metasomatism and structural deformation. The origin and characteristics of potash deposits are easier to study and interpret than those of most ore deposits because the phase chemistry of the salt systems is known and the approximate composition of the ore-forming fluid (sea water) can be inferred with confidence. It is particularly helpful that the temperature and pressure of deposition approximated that of present earth surface conditions and the pertinent mineral assemblages can readily be duplicated in the laboratory. The study of these comparatively simple salt deposits provides examples of the practical advantages of understanding the genesis of an ore deposit. These observations, in turn, illustrate the importance of pursuing research on the more complicated magmatic, hydrothermal, and ground-water systems as a means to the more successful exploration for and exploitation of the deposits they have produced. It is the purpose of this paper, therefore, to discuss certain aspects of salt deposit geology as they contribute to exploration and mining through some understanding of ore formation. References to field examples and chemical relations in the salt systems are brief. All examples are more fully discussed, however, in the references cited.

Jan 1, 1970

By J. M. Rios

This paper exposes the reasons that led the Empresa Nacional Minera del Sahara, S.A. (ENMINSA) to the selection of a conveyor belt system for the transport of phosphate rock over a distance of 100 kilometers. ENMINSA was created in 1962, with the main objetive of the exploitation of phosphate rock deposits in the Spanish province of Sahara, in North West Africa. Poor grade outcrops were known previously. A detailed geological research carried over the province led ENMINSA to the discovery of deposits not exposed, and of much higher grade. The sector known as Bu-Craa was chosen as the most promising, and was explored by means of drill holing and shafting. The important amount of information obtained permitted a detailed evaluation of the capacity and grade of the rich ore contained in the Bu-Craa area. Simultaneously with the systematic reconnaissance of the Bu-Craa deposits, ENMINSA developped the study of the technical and economical problems required for the beneficiation of the rock, which comprised five main groups of projects: rock exploitation; beneficiation plant; rock transport from the mine site to the Atlantic coast; storage, handling and loading facilities by the sea- side, and power plant. Once determined the location of the marine loading facilities, which to date are in an advanced stage of construction (figs. 1 and 2), the studies conductive to the selection of the best transport system from the mine to the ocean, along 100 kms. distance were undertaken.

Jan 1, 1968

By George J. Hartman

The Fort Cady in situ borate-mining project involves recovering boron from a deposit more than 400 m (1,300 ft) below the surface. The resource recovery method is a new in situ mining technology that uses weak acid solution injected directly into the ore body. As the acid contacts the calcium-based ore (primarily natural colemanite), the contained borate values are digested as boric acid. This boric acid solution is then pumped to the surface by submersible pumps. A series of chemical reactions and precipitations are performed that result in the production of calcium borate. The borate values are then recovered as a finely divided solid white powder. The refined product is sold under the trade name Cadycal 100. The Fort Cady in situ borate-mining project is located about halfway between Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV in the Mohave Desert.

Jan 1, 1996

By John L. Shafer

Often an in situ leach is the only practical economic method for copper recovery from small low grade oxide deposits. The decision to develop a copper property by an in-situ blast and leach is strongly dependent on ore grade, tonnage, hydrology, and the copper extraction and acid consumption rates. The inherent "leachability" of the ore will in part determine the desired amount of fracturing of the ore deposit by the blast in order to obtain a copper extraction rate that is economical. For the last several years Occidental Research Corporation (ORC), the corporate R&D for Occidental Petroleum has under-taken a modest effort to address the question of "how to best identify and determine the information necessary to predict and control the operation of an in-situ leach for the economic recovery of copper."

Jan 1, 1977

By J. J. Harrington

The pH control system at Kennecott Copper Corporation's Nevada Mines Division concentrator consists of two independent systems, lime dilution and lime addition. Lime dilution is accomplished in a mixing tank where slaked lime and water are introduced proportionately. The desired dilution of the milk of lime is determined by the electrical inputs provided by eight pH probes, one per grinding section. The inputs are averaged and applied to a time base generator. The summation output of the time base generator determines the proportion of lime and water that are to be mixed and applies this input to a voltage sensitive switching device. The switching device provides a signal to one of two relays which will add either slaked lime or water, dependent upon the summation output. The entire cycle is based on a two-minute repetition rate to allow for sufficient mix time. Responsivity is controlled by maintaining a limited maxi- mum solution level in the mix tank. Lime addition is controlled independently within each grinding section. The electrical input from the pH probe in a given section controls the solenoid valves which provide lime to each of the ball mills. The valves remain open within a time range capable of maintaining the pH of flotation feed at a given set point.

Jan 1, 1975

By E. O. Strahl

In the search for economic mineral deposits, the need for efficient mineral or chemical assays is of prime importance. Costly analytical methods and long delays in obtaining assay results severely limit the effectiveness of an exploration program. The assay problem becomes acute once a potential ore body is located and large numbers of samples are generated in close interval drilling programs. In order to avoid the delays and high costs of extensive assays, the exploration geologist or mining engineer is likely to be required to curtail his drilling program, composite samples, or restrict the required analyses to a limited number of critical elements. As a result, the definition of the potential ore body may be less than needed for final economic evaluation. The assay requirements for bauxite exploration usually involve a considerable number of total elemental and empirical analysis. Since the Bayer process for extracting alumina from bauxite involves the selective dissolution and reaction of specific minerals from the bauxite, a direct chemical analysis for elemental composition yields only a portion of the data required to effectively describe the potential economic value of ore body or deposit. To fully characterize the economic value of a bauxite requires digestion, mud separation and mud settling tests under conditions approximating a commercial Bayer plant. A close approximation of the process behavior of a bauxite also can be calculated from a combination of the chemical and mineralogical analyses. By determining the elemental chemistry, mineralogy, and Bayer plant processing characteristics of a few samples of a given bauxite, correlations can be derived that permit defining a bauxite in terms of a given set of process conditions.

Jan 1, 1977