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By Jasinder S. Jaspal, Bradley J. Bourquin

Introduction Operation is underway at the Dutch Creek No. 1 mine of the first US longwall panel to be mined under the cooperative agreement between the US Bu¬reau of Mines and Mid-Continent Resources. The 244-m (800-ft) wide longwall face is part of a multilift longwall demonstration. A 3-m (10-ft) top slice is being extracted from the 8.5-m (28-ft) coal seam. This occurs in an area of the property where the Coal Basin A and Coal Basin B beds have come together to form one seam. This face, longest ever operated in the US, is being worked on an advancing longwall system. During the first months of its operation, this longwall face has been very productive and safe. Mid-Continent Resources operates two coal mines in the Coal Basin, located in the White River National Forest near Carbondale, CO. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Co. originally opened this property in 1895, and conducted a small mining operation for 10 years on the north rim of the basin and then abruptly shut down. Mid-Continent began operations in 1956, after the Coal Basin fields had lain idle for about 60 years. Operations commenced at the outcrop of the Coal Basin B bed situated at the 3-km (10,000-ft) elevation. At this time, coal was produced from Coal Basin A and Coal Basin B seams in the area. Since 1981, operations have been centralized at two mines, the Dutch Creek No. 1 and the Dutch Creek No. 2, both located in the center of the basin. Since 1981, Mid-Continent has shifted its emphasis to longwall mining as the primary method of production, and each of these mines is equipped with state-of-the-art longwalls using shields as the method of roof support. A 4-km (13,000-ft) long twin-bore rock tunnel is being driven at a lower elevation of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) to intersect the coal seams at depth, as they dip 12° in a westerly direction. This tunnel will enable the company to reduce costs by replacing trucks with conveyor belt haulage (Fig. 1). Mid-Continent began longwall operations in May 1976 with the US's first modern, mechanized advancing longwall face, using chocks. In August 1978, a second advancing longwall face was started. Results from two faces showed that the mining system could be used effectively to manage the difficult conditions encountered in both the Dutch Creek No. 1 and the L. S. Wood No. 3 mines. Unfortunately, low productivity and high costs plagued the company's advancing faces. The problems resulted principally from major equipment failures, poorly designed chocks and face conveyors, and the lack of an efficient, cost effective system for building packwalls. Flushing of rock between chocks and roof control were also major problems. In Sept. 1979, Mid-Continent and the US Bureau of Mines entered into a cooperative agreement to demonstrate the feasibility of mining thick coal seams using the multilift longwall mining method. Two lifts are to be used to mine the 8.5-m (28-ft) thick coal seam in Dutch Creek No. 1 mine. The Bureau provided mining equipment for 180 m (600 ft) of longwall face. This included the shields, face conveyor and drive units, shearing machines, panel belt, and stageloader. As a result of previous experience in advancing longwall mining, Mid-Continent purchased an additional 60 m (200 ft) of face, including roof supports and an additional face conveyor. Design The Dutch Creek No. 1 is a slope mine located on the flank of a plunging anticlinal structure that

Jan 1, 1984

By D. Kimball, P. Chambers

"BACKGROUND In the event of an explosion or fire in an underground mine, workers can be exposed to a deficiency of oxygen, an excess of carbon monoxide, or both. These threats can occur as separate conditions or simultaneously. A lack of oxygen in the breathing air can only be addressed via the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) acting as a source of oxygen. An excess of carbon monoxide can also be addressed via the use of an SCBA, but if the threat occurs in isolation (that is, the atmosphere still contains sufficient oxygen to support life) and the concentration of the threat gas is not extreme (< 2%) then the carbon monoxide threat can also be addressed by the use of a filter self-rescuer (FSR). Used together, the SCBA and FSR offer a far more efficient and universally capable life support system than when used in isolation. However, the SCBA does not take advantage of the fact that the surrounding atmosphere likely contains some level of useable oxygen; i.e., the SCBA always supplies the total required oxygen from its limited supply, resulting in a ceiling on its useful life regardless of the level of oxygen in the surrounding air. To address this technology gap, what is needed is a ""smart"" SCBA that provides filtration and catalytic protection against threat gasses and has an extended duration life-sustaining oxygen inhale stream independent of the threat content and oxygen deficiency of the surrounding atmosphere. DEVELOPMENT Developed under contract with NIOSH the Smart Escape SCBA is comprised of three major components including; 1) oxygen supply, 2) oxygen sensing & dosing electronics and, 3) a CO catalyst and carbon bed broad spectrum FSR. The SCBA is designed as a hybrid system that provides non-toxic breathing air by using an approved Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear filter self-rescuer and a catalyst to convert high levels of carbon monoxide to harmless carbon dioxide (CBRN FSR/CO). In addition, the Oxygen Sensing & Dosing Electronics (OSDE) package adds sufficient oxygen to make up for deficiencies detected in the ambient air (Figure 1). By making use of the ambient oxygen, less oxygen is required for a one-hour unit life. This means that the Smart Escape SCBA fits in a smaller and lighter package than a similar-duration conventional Self-Contained Self-Rescuers (SCSR). Alternatively, taking advantage of available ambient oxygen could offer a significant increase in working duration in a unit with the same size as current SCSRs. The research performed under this NIOSH contract involved numerous tasks including: (1) definition of performance and system requirements for the Smart Escape SCBA, including keeping environmental stressors within acceptable ranges, providing at least one hour of breathable oxygen supply, and using a mask or hood that allows high-quality voice communication; (2) designing, building, and evaluating prototype units to support extensive bench top testing at Avon Protection and third party labs to demonstrate the device’s capabilities; (3) building sufficient quantity of Smart Escape SCBAs designed to be intrinsically safe (per MSHA criteria); (4) testing and evaluation by the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)."

Jan 1, 2015

By Tim Neil, O&apos

Copper price rebounds A worldwide scramble for diminishing supplies of copper has pushed the red metal&apos;s price to more than $2.20/kg ($1 per lb), the highest level since 1980. The first nine months of 1987, world copper production was down 1% from a year ago, while consumption rose 7%. Demand has been fueled by economic strength in several countries, particularly Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The price has also been helped by interest rate declines that have prompted manufacturers to build up inventories. In addition, China is expected to be a major buyer in 1988 as it stocks up for its five-year industrialization plan. There appears to be no sign of any significant increase in copper supplies until later 1988 or early 1989. This means supplies probably will remain tight for some time even if world economic activity slows. Strikes and other production problems slowed world output of copper in 1987. As a result, copper supplies are the lowest they have been in 14 years. World inventories currently total 625 kt (690,000 st). That is not much above the 585 kt (645,000 st) level reached in 1974 when the price of copper rose to a record $3.84/kg ($1.74 per lb). This makes all the more interesting what Chile, the world&apos;s largest copper producer, has been doing lately. Chile has been the world&apos;s largest copper producer since 1982, when it overtook the United States. Table 1 shows Chile&apos;s copper grades, reserves, and production at its mines. Chile contains roughly one-fifth of the world&apos;s copper reserves. At present production rates, these reserves would last for more than 100 years. In 1986, Chile produced 1.4 Mt (1.5 million st) of fine copper, up 3%. Chile accounted for 17% of the world&apos;s copper output.

Jan 1, 1988

By V. B. Achanti, A. W. Khair

Developing a laboratory procedure for the determination of coal-seam compressive strength has been a subject of discussion for many decades, and the reliability of laboratory determinations is often the subject of debate. A coal seam’s characteristics, the method of sample collection, the specimen preparation method and the testing procedure can often result in drastic variations in the test results. In this paper, the development of a laboratory testing procedure for the determination of coal-seam compressive strength is presented. Two samples that were collected from different coal seams were tested in this study. First, the inherent characteristics, i.e., coal structure. Hardgrove grindability index (HGI), Slake durability index, proximate analysis and mechanical properties (Young&apos;s modules and Poisson&apos;s ratio), of each coal were determined. The results were used to categorize the coal scams in terms of the characteristics liable to produce variable strength data in typical laboratory tests. Second, two commonly used laboratory specimen shapes, cylindrical and cubical, were tested to determine which shape produced the most reproducible strength values. Third, four loading rates within the static testing range, i.e., 0.007, 0.07, 0.34 and 0.7 MPa/s (1.0, 10, 50 and 100 psi/sec), were used to determine the ideal loading rate. Finally, the number of test samples required to produce strength data within the acceptable standard deviation, considering coal seam characteristics, were established. Background Laboratory testing of coal specimens for the determination of seam compressive strength has been a subject of discussion since the early 1900s. Many researchers have tested coal specimens to estimate coal-seam compressive strength for use in pillar design to insure the safe operation of [ ] mines (Unrug et al., 1986; and Hirt et al.. 1992). Yet, there is a lack of a universal procedure, and, no matter which approach is used, it becomes the subject of intensive debate. A great deal of work has been performed on the subject, and there is much information available in the literature. Some of this work concerns quantifying the influence of specimen shape and size on compressive strength (Bieniawski. 1968: Barron et al.. 1992: Khair and Xu 1994; and Khair 1994). As indicted in the literature, coal is a heterogeneous material, consisting of discontinuities such as cleats and bedding planes, which are likely to produce variable strength results (Holland, 1964; Unrug et al., 1986). Some of the prominent issues that influence the determination of coal-seam compressive strength in the laboratory are: •the collection of a representative sample from a coal seam; •the geometry, i.e., shape and size of the specimens to be prepared and tested: •the loading rate at which the specimens are to be tested:

Jan 1, 1997

By J. Craynon, M. Karmis

Previous papers by the authors have presented a systems-engineering approach based on the premise that systems can only be optimized if all factors are considered and integrated into mine planning. This paper discusses the challenges inherent in optimizing the design of large-scale surface coal mining operations in Appalachia. Regulatory and permitting programs in the United States often focus on single parameters, rather than the full suite of desirable outcomes for sustainability. By utilizing geographic information system (GIS) tools to evaluate available data on environmental and social resources, the regulatory barriers which prevent operations from incorporating ecological and other sustainable development concerns into coal mine sustainability performance were identified. By analysis of the on-the-ground issues related to sustainability, the key parameters to be incorporated into an optimized coal mine design in Appalachia are discussed along with possible changes to the regulatory framework that would enhance incorporation of sustainability into coal mine design.

Jan 1, 2011

By K. A. Natarajan, Namita Deo

Strains of Bacillus polymyxa, preadapted and grown in the presence of corundum, were found to be capable of the efficient separation of hematite from alumina. Results of tests performed using binary hematite-corundum and ternary he- matite-quartz-corundum mixtures in the presence of cells and metabolic products separated from the adapted bacterial culture indicated that more than 99% of the hematite could be efficiently separated through selective flocculation after desliming. It was found that alumina-specific bioproteins and other nonproteinaceous compounds were secreted by bacterial cells after adaptation to the mineral. The utility of this bioprocessing is demonstrated in the removal of iron from bauxite ores through selective

Jan 1, 2000

By V. de Ruiter

In the northwestern part of the Netherlands lies the deepest solution salt mine in the world. The company operating the mine is Frisia Zout bv (part of the K+S group). Extracting the NaCl from caverns at a depth of nearly 3000 m has a lot of challenges. Continuously monitoring, among others, the flows, pressures and salt concentrations is necessary to safely and economically mine the salt. A system has been set up at Frisia to be able to monitor the data from a distance. Data has been put in graphs to monitor the trends daily. All gauges are also continuously monitored to maintain accuracy. With this system a better understanding of the mining process has been made and has led to many optimizations.

Jan 1, 2008

By Raimo J. Leimala, Heimo U. A. Saarinen, Matti Seilo

Processes for hydrometallurgical treatment of crude nickel hydroxy carbonate and impure high grade ferronickel to produce cathode nickel and cobalt hydroxide are described. Outokumpu nickel refining process originally developed for nickel matte has been adapted to the mentioned new raw materials. Both new process routes contain the Outokumpu cobalt removal and nickel electrowinning stages but leaching and solution purification stages differ from the industrial process in operation in Harjavalta.

Jan 1, 1979

By M. E. Hinkle

Concentrations of He, CO2, and O2 in soil gases were measured regularly for more than a year at a site near Golden, Colorado. Samples were collected from a hollow probe at 0.75-m depth and from a plastic hemisphere on the ground surface. Soil temperature, air temperature, percent humidity, And barometric pressure were also measured. Soil moisture was measured only indirectly as amount of rain or snowfall. Higher concentrations of CO2 in both the 0.75-m and surface samples correlated with higher soil and air temperatures, which suggests that CO2 was produced by bacteria. Lower concentrations of helium in both the 0.75-m and surface samples correlated with higher soil and air temperatures. Rain and snowfall appear to affect helium concentrations. Carbon dioxide concentrations were lowest when snow lay on the ground for extended periods of time. No correlation was seen between barometric pressure or percent humidity and concentrations of He, CO2, or O2 at 0.75-m depth or at the ground surface. No correlation, either positive or negative, was seen between concentrations of CO2 and O2.

Jan 1, 1988

By F. F. Peng

An economic analysis for evaluating coal preparation in Appalachian Region is presented. A complete coal preparation plant is used to deter- mine the capital and operating costs. Using profit maximization as a decision criterion, an optimal process flowsheet for given coal characteristics can be selected among the process alternatives by a process-economic model. A deterministic analysis is used to calculate the discounted cash flow interest rate of return and project the selling prices of clean coal products. A probabilistic evaluation is further made to quantify the risk involved in obtaining the desired profit levels.

Jan 1, 1979

By J. Y. Perez, H. M. Ewoldsen, L. L. Oriard

Near the village of Villarino de los Aires, in the province of Salamanca, Spain, is an existing underground hydroelectric power plant. A major enlargement was undertaken to increase the electrical generating capacity, under a contract awarded to a joint venture of Dragados & Construcciones, S.A., Entrecanales y Tavora, S.A., and S.A. Conrad Zschokke. The enlargement required the excavation of an underground system of tunnels, shafts and chambers adjacent to existing facilities and interconnected with these facilities. The existing machine hall and transformer chamber were both extended, requiring excavation of the rock that constituted the existing end walls of these chambers. The drilling, blasting and excavating of the underground system had to be done without damaging existing underground openings or any of the existing structures, equipment or instrumentation facilities. This required careful control of vibrations, air waves and dust. The joint-venture contractors preferred to use electric blasting methods, if these methods could be implemented in a safe manner. The safety question had to be evaluated carefully. High electrical potentials existed at the site because of the electrical generating and transmitting facilities that could not be shut down. Electrical fields were carefully studied prior to the beginning of the work. This was done both in the underground environment and above the ground surface. Special procedures were followed to ensure safety with

Jan 1, 1974

By Martha S. J. Leary, Malcolm J. McPhersqn

This paper introduces a computer simulation which extends the utilization of microcomputer systems for mine ventilation planning. The program was developed as part of an ongoing study to produce a simulation model that would determine the optimum duties of a main fan and a booster fan without requiring the trial and error runs that are necessary with currently available programs. To use the new program, the user specifies the location of one main fan and one booster fan, and the minimum required airflows in any number of working places. The computer deter-mines the fan duties that will maintain the required airflows at the lowest operating costs without causing undesired recirculation. The methodology of the program and an example showing how it can be applied are presented.

Jan 1, 1988

By M. S. J. Leary, M. J. McPherson, O&apos

This paper introduces a computer simulation that extends the use of microcomputer systems for mine ventilation planning. The program was developed as part of an ongoing study to produce a simulation model that would determine the optimum duties of a main fan and a booster fan without requiring the trial-and-error runs that are necessary with currently available programs. To use the new program, the user specifies the location of one main fan and one booster fan, and the minimum required airflows in any number of working places. The computer determines the fan duties that will maintain the required airflows at the lowest operating costs without causing undesired recirculation. The methodology of the program and an example showing how it can be applied are presented.

Jan 1, 1990

By A. Pavlidis

This paper investigates variations of lignite quality attributes with geostatistical methods. The study focuses on lignite from the Southern Field in the Greek province of West Macedonia. The targeted quality variable is the ash water-free content (AWF). A geostatistical model is constructed based on data from 480 drillholes (approximate drill hole spacing of 250m). For each drillhole, the vertical average of the AWF is calculated. The coarse-grained AWF is then modeled as the superposition of a trend surface and fluctuations. The spatial dependence of the fluctuations is modeled by means of the experimental variogram. Kriging estimators are used to determine the AWF values on a rectangular grid, and the uncertainty of the estimates is calculated. Implications of the analysis for the variability of the produced lignite are discussed, and recommendations for additional drilling are proposed.

Jan 1, 2006

By T. L. Heidrick

Late Cretaceous-early Tertiary Cordilleran porphyry Cu-Mo districts and their consanguineous Zn-Pb-Ag-Au-W vein and replacement deposits of the Rocky Mountain region comprise one of the largest, best studied, diverse, complex, puzzling, and richest compound metallogenic provinces on earth. A concise space-time definition of intermineral plate, regional and local structure-tectonic frameworks is crucial to deciphering their diachronous metallogeny and enhancing the explorationist&apos;s odds of future discovery.

Jan 1, 2013

By S. Acar, P. Somasundaran

Results of selective flocculation of natural ores containing two or more minerals and of synthetic mineral mixtures do not usually agree with what is expected on the basis of the results from single mineral tests (Acar and Somasundaran, 1985). This is mainly due to the ionic species released by the minerals, which act differently under different pH values. The objective of this investigation was to study 1) the surface chemical composition of selected sulfide minerals-natural chalcopyrite and pentlandite and synthetic covellite, millerite, and pyrrhotite-and 2) the changes brought about by the dissolved mineral species. Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) was used to perform the surface analyses.

Jan 1, 1991

By William Hodder, Lisa Smiley, Ehsan Alav

The Don River & Central Waterfront Coxwell Sanitary Bypass Tunnel (CBT) Project in Toronto will extend approximately 10.5 km and be lined using a precast concrete segmental tunnel liner with an internal diameter of 6,300 mm and external diameter of 6,900 mm. The CBT liner was grouted through ports drilled in the segments. The Westerly Storage Tunnel (WST) in Cleveland will extend approximately 2.93 km long and will be lined by using a similar precast concrete segmental tunnel liner with an internal diameter of 7,620 mm and external diameter of 8,230 mm. The WST liner was grouted using both grout ports built into the tail can of the TBM and through segments. Each tunnel was mined primarily in shale with varying levels of weathering and both tunnels had dry and wet sections. This paper will document the means and methods for grouting in each tunnel as well as the methods utilized to proof grout and the results found.

Jun 13, 2021

By G. Gregory Bryan

G. GREGORY BRYAN 33.1-DEFINITIONS 1. Engineering-Engineering may be defined simply as the science and art of making materials and energy serve the purposes of mankind. There are many fields of engineering, each with specialized branches. The basic fields are: civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical. Others may be specialized phases of one of these or a combination of two or more of them. Mining engineering, for example, requires a working knowledge of construction, mechanics, electricity, metallurgy, geology, accounting and economics, in addition to mining techniques or methods. Mining geology and geological engineering involve rocks and their structure and the forces that act upon them, and chemistry, physics and mechanics also are important to practitioners in these fields. Metallurgical engineering requires chemistry and physics but also a working knowledge of mechanics and electricity. The fields of engineering with which this section are concerned are those primarily involved in the finding, mining, processing and utilization of the natural mineral resources of the earth. They include geology, mining engineering and metallurgy, each with several specialized subdivisions. 2. The Engineer-The engineer is an individual who has had specialized training to qualify him to practice the profession of engineering. The term engineer is used here in its broadest sense to include such professions as certain applied branches of geology, physics and chemistry, whose practitioners may not have acquired engineering degrees but who, nevertheless, by training and experience in some area of the minerals industry, qualify under the above definition. To become a successful engineer, a person should have certain pronounced aptitudes and preferences, even before embarking upon the requisite course of training. Among the chief qualifications that the engineer-to-he must possess are: (a) a natural inclination toward mathematics and the physical sciences, and (b) intellectual and moral honesty. Among the qualities the student engineer must develop are: (a) independence of thought, open-mindedness, sound judgment and the ability to observe, deduce, plan and apply solutions, (b) the ability to articulate and convince, and (c) the ability to organize and direct the activity of others. These qualities are normally developed through sound education, followed by pro¬gressive experience. 3. The Consulting Engineer-The consulting engineer is an engineer primarily in the business of furnishing specialized advice and engineering services on an intermit¬tent, part-time or occasional basis to clients who do not have continuous or full-time need for those services. He must be able to make and take full responsibility for decisions and recom¬mendations where original thought is required. He should not be confused with the engineer, surveyor or technician who also may furnish services on an intermittent basis, such as regular periodic surveys, the overseeing of drilling programs and other such routine work as may require little original thought and planning. 33.2-THE PROFESSION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING 33.2.1- QUALITIES REQUIRED A successful consulting engineer must first have, as a minimum, the qualities and preparation of an engineer. In addition, he must have sufficient knowledge,

Jan 1, 1973

By William A. Vogely, Lawrence J. MacDonnell

This section begins with an introduction to several key environmental laws. This is followed by a discussion of some of the issues raised by such environmental regulation. Finally the subject of regulatory reform is addressed. Overview of Selected Major Environmental Laws The number, type and complexity of environmental laws and regulations affecting mineral resources development have grown at an astonishing rate since the 1960s. The most significant laws and regulations are those addressing the use of the public lands; those concerned with air quality, water quality, and surface reclamation; and those defining government responsibility for its actions having important environmental consequences. The laws and regulations governing activities on the public lands will be taken up in the section 5.15C, "Minerals and Land Management." In this section we will concentrate on five primary laws: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The Clean Air Act: The legislative and regulatory framework for controlling air pollution has developed in a series of steps. Most important for present purposes are the Clean Air Act of 1970 (P.L. 9 1-604) and the 1977 Amendments (P.L. 95-95). The rather complex air quality control scheme includes four key elements-national ambient air quality standards, state implementation plans, the prevention of significant deterioration program, and the non- attainment program. National Air Quality Standards. The 1970 Clean Air Act is a landmark law because it contains the first explicit recognition that pollution is a nationwide problem requiring a national control program. The federal government through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was to establish national air quality standards for at least the six pollutants named in the Act (sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, total suspended particulates, photochemical oxidants, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen dioxide). These standards were to be established so as to protect public health, "allowing an adequate margin of safety." The cost of achieving these standards is not to be considered. The 1970 Act unrealistically required that these standards be achieved in all areas of the country by 1975. As the program has developed, the air quality control regions are now to be designated as "attainment" or "nonattainment" with respect to each of the national standards. State Implementation Plans. Under the Act the states are given the primary role in achieving the ambient standards. States are to develop and implement control plans governing emissions from all existing and new sources. These plans can include emission limitations for existing stationary sources, transportation control plans to reduce emissions from mobile sources, and pre- construction review of new stationary sources to assure compliance with new source performance standards. The EPA must approve all state implementation plans. Sanctions are given to the EPA to be applied if states fail to submit acceptable

Jan 1, 1985

By A. J. Erickson

In mid 1970, Park City Ventures, a Utah partnership of ASARCO and TAC, initiated a six phase exploration and development program in the Park City District, Utah. Geologic studies had delineated a number of exploration tar¬gets in several areas of the district. Discovery of ore in any of the target areas and continued favorable down dip development below then productive ore bodies would allow for reserve expansion and mill construction. The targets were: Mississippian Humbug Formation replacement mineralization below productive ore bodies on the east flank of the Park City Anticline; Humbug replacement mineralization in an unexplored fault block in the footwall of the Hawkeye structure on the east flank of the anticline; vein and replacement mineralization along the Silver Fissure; potentially higher grade Humbug replacement mineralization in a theorized structural block on the west flank of the anticline beneath the Ontario Vein; Permian Park City Formation replacement mineralization in the West End Shaft Area of the Silver King mine; vein mineralization along the Back Vein in the Judge Mine. Chilean Nationalization in 1971 resulted in a 30% budget cutback. The Judge and Silver King Projects were suspended. In spite of the cutback additional reserves were developed below the Humbug East Flank ore bodies; a major zone of ore grade mineralization was discovered along the Silver Fissure; five new ore bodies were found in the Humbug, and Doughnut Formations on the west flank of the anticline beneath the Ontario Vein. First concentrates were shipped from a new mill in May 1975.

Jan 1, 1976