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By AIME AIME

FOR the use of workmen and employees, the company should establish a dispensary and a -hospital where workmen who suffer accidents or professional diseases may be taken care of; and at suitable places in the mine or metallurgical plant it should install first-aid stations. Workmen have a right to receive 75 per cent of their wages while they are unable to perform their work as result of a professional disease; but some companies pay full wages and in the case of natural disease, with the exception of venereal, alcoholism, injuries from fights, and chronic illnesses, 50 per cent of their wages up to a period of two months. The number of diseases the Law considers as professional is large and increases almost daily. Among the professional diseases, the one which has caused greatest harm to the miners and expense to the companies is silicosis. To avoid its propagation, companies should take every possible precaution that the working atmosphere is free from dust, abating this by frequent sprinkling of the workings using, wet drills and furnishing the workmen adequate protective apparatus such as respirators.

Jan 1, 1937

By C. E. Shoenfelt

There was a notable decrease in drilling operations in 1940 in all of the Rocky Mountain states except Montana, where the two large fields on the Canadian border, Cut Bank and Kevin-Sunburst, were espe-cially active. The expanding markets for Montana natural gas made necessary the more intensive development of such fields as Rowdoin, Cedar Creek and Devon. While there were no important oil and gas discoveries in 1940 in any of the Rocky Mountain states, a few small pools were opened, which may constitute separate areas but may prove with later development to be extensions of old fields. Some of the old fields were extended and deeper pay zones were discovered in others. These have given the areas greatly increased oil reserves and therefore are just as important as the discovery of new fields. The more important of the developments in 1940 are given, by states, in the following paragraphs. Colorado Hiawatha Field, Moffat County.—The Mountain Fuel Supply Co. began the development at Hiawatha of its oil reserves, which were discovered in about 1929, and late in the summer oil began moving from the field by truck to the shipping point at Rock Springs, Wyoming. The Hiawatha field of northwestern Moffat County was discovered in 1927 by the Sormir Petroleum Co., with the completion of No. r Florence Wilson for 4,5,000,000 cu. ft. of gas a day from a Wasatch sand lens at 2200 it. In later development of the field, oil showings were reported in several wells but no development of this resource was undertaken until 1940, when a test of the oil possibilities was started with the release in April of a location for No. 5-A Wilson on the S\W. SW. NW. of sec. 23-1zN-1ooW., on the east side of the field. The Well had an initial production of 327 bbl. of oil a day pumping from three Wasatch (Tertiary) sands between 2005 and 2540 ft. It was drilled to 2562 ft., where the 65/8-in. casing was cemented and gun-perforated at 2005 to 2125 ft., 2260 to 2335 ft. and 2513 to 2540 ft. At the end of the year, this well was averaging zoo bbl. of oil per day, pumping. Two other wells were drilled for oil on Hiawatha during the summer—one a small well of 60 bbl. per day and the other a small gas well. Powder Wash Field, Moffat County.—The development of the Powder Wash field in northwestern Colorado was resumed in 1940 by the Mountain Fuel Supply Co., with the release of a location for No. 2-A Musser in the CWL.NW.SE. of sec. 4-1rN-97W. The Powder Wash field was discovered in 1931 by the Mountain Fuel Supply Co. and the discovery well, No. I Musser, on C.NW. of sec. 5-IIN-97W., was completed at 2152 ft. in the Hiawatha member of the nonmarine Wasatch for-mation for an open flow of 34,000,000 cu. ft. of gas per day under a natural pressure of 685 lb. per sq. inch. Oil was discovered in the Powder Wash field on Nov. 26, 1936, in the company's No. I Carl Allen on the NE.SW.SE. of sec. 32-12N-97W. The oil production was

Jan 1, 1941

By C. E. Shoenfelt

There was a notable decrease in drilling operations in 1940 in all of the Rocky Mountain states except Montana, where the two large fields on the Canadian border, Cut Bank and Kevin-Sunburst, were espe-cially active. The expanding markets for Montana natural gas made necessary the more intensive development of such fields as Rowdoin, Cedar Creek and Devon. While there were no important oil and gas discoveries in 1940 in any of the Rocky Mountain states, a few small pools were opened, which may constitute separate areas but may prove with later development to be extensions of old fields. Some of the old fields were extended and deeper pay zones were discovered in others. These have given the areas greatly increased oil reserves and therefore are just as important as the discovery of new fields. The more important of the developments in 1940 are given, by states, in the following paragraphs. Colorado Hiawatha Field, Moffat County.—The Mountain Fuel Supply Co. began the development at Hiawatha of its oil reserves, which were discovered in about 1929, and late in the summer oil began moving from the field by truck to the shipping point at Rock Springs, Wyoming. The Hiawatha field of northwestern Moffat County was discovered in 1927 by the Sormir Petroleum Co., with the completion of No. r Florence Wilson for 4,5,000,000 cu. ft. of gas a day from a Wasatch sand lens at 2200 it. In later development of the field, oil showings were reported in several wells but no development of this resource was undertaken until 1940, when a test of the oil possibilities was started with the release in April of a location for No. 5-A Wilson on the S\W. SW. NW. of sec. 23-1zN-1ooW., on the east side of the field. The Well had an initial production of 327 bbl. of oil a day pumping from three Wasatch (Tertiary) sands between 2005 and 2540 ft. It was drilled to 2562 ft., where the 65/8-in. casing was cemented and gun-perforated at 2005 to 2125 ft., 2260 to 2335 ft. and 2513 to 2540 ft. At the end of the year, this well was averaging zoo bbl. of oil per day, pumping. Two other wells were drilled for oil on Hiawatha during the summer—one a small well of 60 bbl. per day and the other a small gas well. Powder Wash Field, Moffat County.—The development of the Powder Wash field in northwestern Colorado was resumed in 1940 by the Mountain Fuel Supply Co., with the release of a location for No. 2-A Musser in the CWL.NW.SE. of sec. 4-1rN-97W. The Powder Wash field was discovered in 1931 by the Mountain Fuel Supply Co. and the discovery well, No. I Musser, on C.NW. of sec. 5-IIN-97W., was completed at 2152 ft. in the Hiawatha member of the nonmarine Wasatch for-mation for an open flow of 34,000,000 cu. ft. of gas per day under a natural pressure of 685 lb. per sq. inch. Oil was discovered in the Powder Wash field on Nov. 26, 1936, in the company's No. I Carl Allen on the NE.SW.SE. of sec. 32-12N-97W. The oil production was

Jan 1, 1941

The following list contains the names of members whose death notices have been printed in MINING AND METALLURGY from March 15, 1947 through March 15, 1948 Biographical sketches published in MINING AND METALLURGY are indicated in the last two columns Year of Election - Name - Date of Death - Issue Containing Biography - Page 1938 ABERNATHY, G E , (M) Feb 6, 1948 April 1948 266 1935 ARCHER, M T, (M) Oct 26, 1947 Dec 1947 633 1947 ATIKINSON, JAMES E, (S) Feb 6, 1948 June 1947 309 1940 AYRES, VINCENT L, (M) Oct 14, 1947 Jan 1948 59 1915 BABCOCK, JAMES E , (M) April 1, 1947 June 1947 309 1942 BAGGALEY, WILLIAM BLAIR, (A) Aug 28, 1947 Jan 1948 59 1897 BUIN, II POSTER, (M) Mar 9, 1948 April 1948 219 1945 BAMPFIELD, A E (M) Unknown Mar 1948 215

Jan 1, 1952

By J. L. Humphrey

The origin of roof bolting is obscure, but is believed to have begun some 40 years ago in the mines of St. Joseph Lead Co. in southern Missouri. It was not until after World War II, and more particularly after 1949, as a result of the concentrated effort of the USBM, that roof bolting attracted widespread interest. It is estimated that at the end of 1954, 26 pct of all bituminous coal mining in the U. S. was being done under roof bolts. Those mines alone use nearly 2,000,000 roof bolts per month, according to USBM statistics. Uses in metal mines are increasing rapidly, as confidence and knowledge grow. The application has found equal success in other fields, such as tunneling work for dam and waterway construction and right of way maintenance on highways and railroads.

May 1, 1956

By A. Desbiens, M. Maldonado, R. del Villar, Aguilera. R.

This work details the application of a multiple model approach to estimate frother concentration in flotation processes. The methodology consists of identifying a set of linear dynamic models representing the effect of gas rate on the collection-zone gas holdup at different known frother concentrations (calibration step). An adaptive law is then obtained using Bayes' rule to evaluate the conditional probability that each model represents the observed system behavior. In this way, a frother concentration estimate is calculated as a weighted sum of model probabilities and their associated (known) frother concentrations. Experimental results conducted in a two-phase system using Dowfroth250C are promising. Modeling and analysis for MIBC frother are also provided.

Jan 1, 2009

By Carolina Arriel Pedroso Dias

Neste trabalho, tiras de aço inoxidável duplex UNS S32205 foram laminadas a morno a 600°C com 60% e 80% de redução e, em seguida, foram recozidas a 1050°C durante 300 s. A tira como fornecida (laminada a quente industrialmente e recozida) também foi recozida para efeito de comparação. Avaliou-se o comportamento mecânico das amostras como fornecida, 60% e 80% por meio de ensaios de tração e microdureza Vickers, obtendo-se 779 MPa, 730 MPa e 807 MPa de limite de resistência a tração e 265 HV, 244 HV e 256 HV de microdureza Vickers para as três condições descritas, respectivamente. Outros ensaios de microdureza foram realizados ao longo da superfície do corpo de prova fraturado em tração, indicando um aumento da dureza nas regiões mais próximas da fratura. O aumento da dureza na região de estricção indicou o aparecimento da martensita induzida por deformação para as amostras laminadas a morno. Usando a derivada da curva tensão verdadeira em função da deformação verdadeira, (ds/de), avaliou-se o comportamento de encruamento do aço para as três condições. Juntamente com os exames por microscopia eletrônica de alta resolução e difração de raios X, buscou-se uma interpretação dos mecanismos de deformação plástica envolvidos no processo de encruamento. Em determinados estágios, observou-se uma mudança da inclinação para um regime estável, indicando a ocorrência de outros mecanismos de deformação plástica, diferentes do escorregamento de deslocações. A martensita induzida por deformação foi considerada responsável pelo aumento da taxa de encruamento do aço, i.e., por ser obstáculo à movimentação das deslocações e por postergar a formação da estricção.

Oct 30, 2017

By Jürgen F. Brune, R. Karl Zipf, Michael J. Sapko

Seals are barriers constructed in underground coal mines throughout the United States to isolate abandoned mining panels or groups of panels from the active workings. Historically, mining regulations required seals to withstand a 140-kPa (20-psig) explosion pressure. However, the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (“MINER Act”) requires the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to increase this design standard by the end of 2007. This report provides a sound scientific and engineering justification to recommend a three-tiered explosion pressure design criterion for new seals in coal mines in response to the MINER Act. Much of the information contained in this report also applies to existing seals. Engineers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) examined seal design criteria and practices used in the United States, Europe, and Australia and then classified seals into their various applications. Next, the engineers considered various kinds of explosive atmospheres that can accumulate within sealed areas and used thermodynamic calculations and simple gas explosion models to estimate worst-case explosion pressures that could impact seals. Three design pressure-time curves were developed for the dynamic structural analysis of new seals under the conditions in which those seals may be used: unmonitored seals where there is a possibility of methane-air detonation or high-pressure nonreactive shock waves and their reflections behind the seal; unmonitored seals with little likelihood of detonation or high-pressure nonreactive shock waves and their reflections; and monitored seals where the amount of potentially explosive methane-air is strictly limited and controlled. Figure 1 is a simple flowchart that illustrates the key decisions in choosing between the monitored or unmonitored seal design approaches and the three design pressure-time curves. For the first condition, an unmonitored seal with an explosion run-up length of more than 50 m (165 ft), the possibility of detonation or high-pressure nonreactive shock waves and their reflections exists. The recommended design pressure-time curve rises to 4.4 MPa (640 psig) and then falls to the 800-kPa (120-psig) constant volume (CV) explosion overpressure. For unmonitored seals with an explosion run-up length of less than 50 m (165 ft), the possibility of detonation or high-pressure nonreactive shock waves and their reflections is less likely. A less severe design pressure-time curve that simply rises to the 800-kPa (120-psig) CV explosion overpressure may be employed. For monitored seals, engineers can use a 345-kPa (50-psig) design pressure-time curve if monitoring can ensure that (1) the maximum length of explosive mix behind a seal does not exceed 5 m (16 ft) and (2) the volume of explosive mix does not exceed 40% of the total sealed volume. Use of this 345-kPa (50-psig) design pressure-time curve requires monitoring and active management of the sealed area atmosphere. These design pressure-time curves apply to new seal design and construction.

Jan 7, 2007

By M. Cohen, P. E. Beaubien, D. Caplan

Addition of 1 pct Mn to Fe-26 CY ca/(ses a12 increase in scaling rate at 870° and 1090°C. Whereas only the rhombohedral oxide, formrs on tire manganese-free alloy, with manganese present major amounts of the spinel .Mn0 . Pro-duced through which diffusion is more rapid. At 1090°C the scale formed OH Mn is highly, irregular due to blistering and sintering, This is a second cause of faster oxidation Since much of the blistered oxide does not participate as part of the protective layer. The oxide phases that form at different times depend on the degree to which the surface metal has become depleted, in manganese by preferential oxidation. PREVIOUS work has demonstrated that the oxide scales formed on chromium steels at high temperature consist of both spinel and rhombohedra1 phases and may contain considerably more manganese, especially in the spinel phase, than is present initially in the alloy.' It has further been observed that a binary Fe-26 Cr alloy scaled less rapidly than an equivalent commercial steel and formed no spinel.' However, it is not established if manganese in chromium alloys actually promotes formation of spinel nor if it affects oxidation resistance. It seemed expedient to try to evaluate the specific effect of manganese by oxidizing an Fe-26 Cr alloy containing a small manganese addition under the same experimental conditions as used for the manganese-free alloy.' EXPERIMENTAL Table I shows the composition in weight percent of the Fe-26 Cr-1 Mn alloy and of the Fe-26 Cr alloy used as reference. The alloy with manganese was prepared from the vacuum-melted Fe-26 Cr alloy by remelting in vacuum with the proper manganese addition. The ingot was rolled to strip and specimens 1.1 by 0.035 by 5 cm and 1.1 by 0.5 by 4 cm cut out or machined. As previously described2 the specimens were smoothed by abrading through 600-grit Sic paper, electropolished in acetic-perchloric acid (20 to 1) to remove 10 p of metal, annealed at 1100°C in 20 torr of purified argon, and electropolished to remove a further 10 p of metal. They were then either rinsed in water and methanol and blotted dry or immediately etched for 45 sec in deoxy-genated 4 N HC1 under cathodic polarization at 10 pa per sq cm. Oxidation runs were carried out in a vertical tube furnace in a flow of purified oxygen at 1 atm while the weight increase was recorded continuously on a* automatic balance.3 Alter 98 hr at 870.C or 20 hr at 1090"C the specimens were removed to flowing argon and observed microscopically for evidence of spalling as they cooled. Subsequently they were examined by X-ray diffraction, the oxides analyzed chemically, and metallographic cross settions prepared. RESULTS Figs. 1 and 2 show the oxidation curves of Fe-26 Cr-1 Mn at 870' and 1090C. The Fe-26 Cr reference runs are shown as dashed curves. Experimental details of the six runs are included in Table 11. The first 20 hr of run 1 is repeated in Fig. 2 to show the effect of temperature. At 8'70°C the weight gain for Fe-Cr-Mn is about twice that of Fe-Cr (curve 1 vs curve 2, Fig. 1). Both alloys show regular oxidation curves. On parabolic coordinates (right-hand scale of Fig. 1) the

Jan 1, 1965

By Gajraj Rathore

With the advent of modern HRM ( Hot rolling mills) with capacities beyond 5 Million tons with corresponding enriched CRM (Cold Rolling Mill) capacities, the throughput per hour exceeds invariably beyond 50 coils per hour making it possible to manage, track, handle, transport, store and dispatch inevitably with an automation system supplemented by corresponding software and hardware. This is true with respect to the production of Cold rolled Annealed, Galvanized, Continuously Annealed, Galvalume, CRGO, CRNGO and Colour coated coils which need total care in handling, tracking and dispatch. Understanding the above needs precisely JSW, Vijayanagar, India, has rightly gone in for a total automatic Yard management system and ASRS wherein the coils are handled as much as possible automatically in cradles without any damage insuring the receipt of coils to the customer as was produced. This CRM 2 has been commissioned and is operating with maximum automation with least manpower and max productivity with assured quality and safety. Pesmel OY Finland had the opportunity to Design, Supply and Commission this system which is first in the country and this technical paper analyses the above project as a case study enlisting the sound technical aspects as well as emphasis on the techno economics with assured ROI (Return on investment) and enhanced efficiency.

Aug 16, 2017

By Henrique D. G. Turrer, Robert F. Winterfield, Jobe E. Wheeler, Marcello R. Cru, Baojie Zhang, Pedro P. Pinto

Efficient particle classification is essential to enhance gravity and magnetic separation stages in one iron ore beneficiation plant. This study investigates the use of high-frequency screens to process finely ground iron ore, focusing on two size cuts: 400 μm and 100 μm. Pilot-scale trials were performed on four ore blends using a full-scale screening unit. A total of 48 tests were conducted, evaluating the effects of panel aperture, solids concentration, wash water, and feed particle size distribution. Results showed that wash water improved efficiency by up to 5%, while a solids concentration near 40% w/w delivered high separation performance with minimal ultra-fines in oversize streams. Apertures slightly larger than the target cut sizes yielded better precision in particle separation. Feed particle size distribution had limited impact on efficiency. The investigation successfully identified optimal screening conditions, including aperture selection, to achieve the most effective separation performance for downstream concentration processes.

Feb 22, 2026

By I-Min Lu

An electric field was applied to a metal-bearing kaolinite specimen to investigate the efficiency of electro-osmosis in removing heavy metals from contaminated soils. The electric field induces a flow of water through the porous medium, called electro-osmosis, which is superimposed on the hydraulic flow. Because the electro-osmotic flow is relatively stronger in smaller pores, it can enhance the displacement of contaminated solution by fluid convection. Furthermore local changes in pH caused by the electrode reactions can affect adsorption equilibria and the distribution of solutes between the solution and the solid surfaces. The electro-osmosis experiments were conducted by applying either a constant current or a constant voltage across 8-cm inside diameter, 25 to 30-cm long specimens of kaolinite clay with graphite electrodes. Samples of the pore fluid and of the clay were analyzed to determine metal content, pH, and conductivity as functions of time and position. Results show that removal of heavy metals from soil can be accomplished effectively by electrokinetic treatment of sufficient duration. Approximately 95% of the lead was removed after 189 days.

Jan 1, 1996

By K. Terhaar

The objective was to determine operating protocols for a lead and silver column flotation cleaner, being considered for installation at Sunshine Mining & Refining Co.'s Kellogg mill in Northern Idaho. In this column, tetrahedrite and galena were floated, and pyrite and other gangue minerals, including siderite and silica, were depressed. The procedure was to develop a dynamic simulation using a linear transfer function approach. The transfer function related cause and effect variables such as the influence of collector and depressant dosages on recovery and grades. Bench-scale flotation tests followed by pilot column testing provided the data used to develop a linear transfer function. The transfer function was derived using a spreadsheet. This model was applied to simulate how the flotation column could be made to respond to disturbances in feed grade. The results were that xanthate, zinc sulfate, and sodium cyanide were found to be suitable controls for grade and recovery. Simulations showed the best sequence of manipulations of these reagents, and these sequences were useful for future operator training. The conclusion was that linear transfer functions were able to simulate lead and silver recovery, develop scenarios for operator training, and provide a foundation for future on-line control.

Jan 1, 1999

By P. R. Pereira

This paper presents a comparison between the simulations of a semi-empirical model and a theoretical model for the prediction of radial stress in rock. The results of the simulations were compared to the results of a field test. The comparison of the radial stress predictions shows that in the semi-empirical model use of the plane wave approximation as the basis for the prediction of the radial stress provides a much better result than the theoretical model. The theoretical model includes the correct elastic wave geometry and theory but fails twice, firstly by considering the charge as a point (unit) energy source therefore; and secondly by using a Delta function with a very sharp rise and decay time to simulate, with no distinction between non-linear and linear zones, the attenuation of the energy per unit volume at the shock wave front as the wave moves away from the borehole. The results of the semi-empirical model were within the same order of magnitude as the results from the field test whereas only one result from the theoretical model came close to the result of the field test. However, even this closer result for the theoretical should be taken with caution as there was no measurement in the field test made at this distance from the borehole. Finally, because of its potential portability, convenience, and cost-effectiveness the theoretical model can be a most valuable tool for mining and civil construction operators in the early design of blasting rounds and of the mining operation itself.

Jan 1, 1993

By A. Wahab Khair, N. P. Reddy

"Abstract. This paper attempts to characterize coal breakage due to the action of a continuous miner. Coal blocks with an approximate dimension of 45.7 cm x 38.1 cm x 15.2 cm (18 in. x 15 in. x 6 in.) were first subjected to confining pressures equivalent to in-situ conditions. Then the blocks were cut along the face/butt cleat direction by the cutting head of a specially designed unique automated rotary coal cutting simulator (ARCCS), simulating the action of the continuous miner in underground coal mining. During the tests under a particular set of in-sit and operating parameters a number of other para¬meters such as 1) penetration of bit into coal, 2) penetration resistance (thrust and cutting pressures), 3) rotating velocity of cutting head, and 4) acoustic emission activity in the coal block were monitored. After each cutting cycle the fractured surfaces were photographed and a velocity survey was conducted by using a sonic technique. At the end of each experiment, the coal fragments were collected in bags using a vacuum cleaner. These fragments were then sieved for size distribution analysis.INTRODUCTIONThe Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 was enacted to emphasize to coal operators that the airborne respirable dust should not exceed 2 mg/m3, thus reducing the incidence of coal workers pneumoconiosis.Dust control techniques such as conventional water sprays and dust collectors are only partially effective and require additional equipment expenditures. A more authentic approach would be to reduce respirable dust at the source the continuous mining machine cutting head, where the fragmentation process occurs. Improving the fragmentation process by characterizing the coal breakage will not only reduce respirable dust at the face, but it will also decrease the amount of respirable dust that is liberated during the secondary handling.Fragmentation of coal can be expressed as a function of three major groups of parameters; namely, 1) coal properties, 2) in-situ conditions and 3) operating parameters. This paper deals with the characterization of coal breakage along both face/butt cleat direction as a function of machine operating parameters such as rate of advance, angle of attack, bit configuration, bit lacing (spacing and pattern) and bit speed at various equivalent in-situ pressures."

Mar 1, 1989

By J. A. Sweet

The issues facing graduate training in the mineral processing industry are not too different today from those that prompted the initiation of the Anglo American Platinum Graduate Development Programme (AGDP) in 2002. Graduate metallurgists in South Africa enter the industry from different undergraduate programmes at various tertiary institutions, and so the knowledge and skills of the young graduates varies. Further, the geographical expansion of the industry combined with the downsizing of business units means that there are fewer opportunities for young graduates to be mentored through their first few years on site. Anglo American Platinum chose to address these issues by implementing an intensive, structured graduate training programme for all their new metallurgical graduates, known as the AGDP. The first two years of experience of the AGDP, from the viewpoints of both graduates and lecturers, were presented to the mineral processing community at the IMPC in Turkey in 2006 (Sweet et al, 2006). From the beginning, the programme was structured in a modular fashion to include a basic technical ?toolbox? including statistics, the scientific method and sampling protocols, while the mineral processing content comprised advanced learning in comminution, classification and flotation (later extended to include hydrometallurgy). Technical communication ? both written and verbal ? was included from the start. The programme was focussed very strongly on site work (?learning by doing?), with a major integrated site campaign conducted and analysed by each cohort. In 2012 the AGDP will accept its ninth cohort into the programme. This paper describes how Anglo American Platinum and the University of Cape Town have developed and adapted the programme over the last few years, in response to the challenges of the global recession, skills retention, and the changing operational needs of the company. The programme, which was drawn up to accommodate around 15 concentrator-only graduates, now accommodates 35-40 concentrator, smelter and refinery graduates annually. The programme has also been modified to facilitate new graduates spending most of their first year on the operations. The benefits of the programme for Anglo American Platinum have been tangible, and will be discussed in the paper. Keywords: graduate training, technology transfer

Sep 1, 2012

When the writer first began his search for the early history of coal he was amazed at the paucity of information in literature about it, and while after six years many of the reasons for such a scarcity are understood, there are still many cases, even within the last two centuries, when one who can appreciate the tremendous part coal has played in the development of modern times, finds it hard to realize how little attention was paid to this material in those early clays. Occasionally a traveller or observer is found who foresaw how valuable coal was to be when industries were developed, but these were few and to most of those recording its occurrence it was just another mineral. George Washington was farsighted in his view of the development of this country and the need for means of transportation across the mountain barrier, but it was at least sixteen years after he must first have known of coal before he made any reference to it in his journals. He did, however, knowingly or not, select some valuable coal properties in the lands lie obtained in the West. This was then almost entirely an agricultural country, and what industries there were found a great abundance of wood fuel within easy access, there were no steam plants, and all iron was made with charcoal; in fact, the "captive mines" of the iron industry then were large timber "plantations," and when these were exhausted the furnace usually was abandoned and another one built elsewhere, as transportation of charcoal was quite expensive. Along the seaboard the cities and industries began to import coal from England and Nova Scotia early in the eighteenth century, but until the war of the Revolution began the total quantity of coal used yearly in this continent did not exceed nine thousand tons. In 1800 only two places, Pittsburgh and Richmond, Virginia, were using coal to any extent for domestic purposes and it was much later. than this that the amount of coal used in Philadelphia, New fork, and Boston exceeded that of wood. Practically all of the early travellers and writers mentioning coal are noted in the following pages. Several Englishmen who were evidently familiar with its use and value at home, mention its presence as being of great future promise to the young nation, but to nearly all it was more or less of a curiosity and the smoke caused by its use an abomination, and it

Jan 1, 1942

By Heinrich Hutchison, Thomas von Moltke, Roelof F. Sandenbergh, Katarina P. Cerovic

In the leaching of gold in aqueous cyanide solutions the rate of gold leaching may be decreased by the passivation of the gold, that may however be prevented or reversed in the presence of lead species in solution. In the present study potentiostatic, potentiodyanamic and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis were used to further clarify the action of lead ions on the anodic activity of gold in alkaline cyanide solutions. It was found that lead increased the gold dissolution rate as it deposited on the gold surface at potentials more positive than its reversible Nernst potential for bulk metal deposition, i.e. by underpotential deposition mechanism, but that it decreased gold activity if present as bulk plated lead on the gold.

Jan 1, 2003

By L. Haavanlammi

Iron is a significant component of all copper concentrates leached in the HydroCopperTM process. The metals in the concentrate are leached in a chloride solution by oxidation with cupric ions. Copper enters into the solution as a cuprous chloro¬complex. Iron dissolves at the same time in the ferrous form, but it is immediately oxidized to the ferric state. Oxidation is effected by sparging air or oxygen into the leaching reactors. Because the pH is 1 - 2.5, ferric ion precipitates as akaganeite (T<90°C) or hematite (T> 90°C). Arsenic, antimony and the main part of the bismuth co-precipitate with iron and report to the leach residue. Cupric leaching is faster than iron oxidation; thus, leaching of low-iron concentrates (secondary copper minerals) is quicker than leaching high iron concentrates (chalcopyrite). Pyrite does not dissolve during copper leaching, but is oxidized slowly at higher redox-potentials after the copper has been leached.

Jan 1, 2006

By Hans Smit

The face of mining as we know is changing as mining companies all over the globe realize the reality of accessing the vast mineral wealth contained on, and under, our ocean floors. With some land based mineral deposits being fully exploited across the world, deep sea mining is set to revolutionize global approaches to the search for precious metals and other sought after minerals. Previously, the financial and technological implications of deep sea mining outweighed the benefits of access to the mineral rich deposits identified all around the world. The process of marine diamond mining off the west coast of southern Africa started in the late 1950s, and subsequently continued by De Beers to the present day, has proven to be an excellent proving ground for the development of technology and mining systems that ensure a sustainable and financially viable business.

Jan 1, 2011