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By Yu. V. Ponomarenko, A. I. Meka, P. A. Witherspoon, Yu. I. Volkov, J. E. Gale

"The mining of iron ore in the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly (KMA) region of the U.S.S.R. is done mostly by the open-cut method. An assembly of open pits capable of producing about 100 million tons of ore per year makes KMA the largest iron ore field in the world. Three gigantic open pits are currently in operation: Lebedinsky, Mikhailovsky and Stoilensky. These pits are as large as 13 km2 on the surface and as deep as 230 m. The mining operations are constantly faced with the problem of flooding from aquifers that overlie the orebodies; the magnitude of the problem is evident from the fact that the present groundwater inflow to these three pits is about 110 million mt /yr.Under such conditions, safe operations and pit wall stability are of great importance, and this has been accomplished very effectively by the appropriate use of seepage barriers and drainage systems. At KMA, the most important items used in the system of groundwater control are standard pumping wells, raise wells that drain into a 20 km to 30 km long underground drift located just outside the perimeter of the pit, horizontal wells driven through the pit walls, and horizontal drains. This paper describes the mining and engineering technology that have been developed at KMA to control the groundwater systems and protect the mines from flooding."

Jan 1, 1992

By G. Goodall, D. Mercier, M. Brochu, C. Kaplin

A nanostructured CoNiCrAlY coating was obtained by thermally spraying cryomilled feedstock powder using the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process. The oxidation behavior of the nanostructured powder and coating were compared to their conventional counterparts by performing static oxidation tests at 1000°C for durations ranging from 1 to 96 hours. It has been found that oxidation of the conventional powder yielded a duplex oxide scale composed of an inner layer of Al2O3 and an outer layer composed of Cr2O3, NiAl2O4 and other spinels. Interestingly, oxidation of the as-sprayed nanostructured coating yielded a similar duplex oxide scale while oxidation of the polished coating resulted in a single Al2O3 layer. These findings indicated that surface oxide seeds act as nucleation sites for the growth of the mixed oxide layer. Also, it was determined that nanostructuring of the coating promotes the nucleation and growth of a single and adherent a-Al2O3 layer by increasing both the number of diffusion channels and the aluminum concentration at grain boundaries.

Jan 1, 2010

By George J. Bancroft

It is unnecessary to repeat here the contents of many valuable contributions to this subject which have appeared in the Dansactions and in the publications of the U. S. Geological Survey. As a basis for the further suggestions of this paper, the following are the most important: 1. The investigation of J. R. Don,' showing the gold of certain Australasian veins to have been deposited by ascending solutions, and not by lateral secretion. 2. The theory of Prof. Posepny? distinguishing the vadose from the deep circulation, and ascribing the origin of certain classes of ore-deposits to ascending solutions of the latter class. 3. The theory of Prof. Van Hise,3 as to the underground circulation and the primary enrichment of veins thereby. 4. The paper of Prof. J. F. Kemp,4 showing that ore-deposits are largely the products of " expiring vulcanism." Many. of Prof. Kemp's ideas have been widely adopted by mining men. 5. The theory of secondary enrichment, so lucidly expounded by Mr. S. F. Emmons.V his theory, dealing with the rearrangement of ore-bodies after primary mineralization, has been generally adopted, and seems to me to have been as completely proved as the nature of the case permits. There are two facts which I think should be constantly borne in mind in formulating a theory of the genesis of ore-

Jan 1, 1908

By Jae-Ho. Lee

For some electronic applications where a dispersed electrically-conductive particulate-phase is employed, the conductivity of the surface (or near-surface region) of the particles provides for the primary mechanism which determines its electrical conductivity. Particles of a less expensive material, which may have desirable thermal-expansion properties, when coated with silver offer a means of also obtaining desirable electrical properties and at low cost. The research conducted was focused primarily on the development of silver-coated tungsten particles for thick-film polymeric conductors. The ammoniacal electrolyte was formulated from silver-nitrate, glycine inhibitor and formaldehyde reductant. The reduction, and subsequent deposition, of silver occurred selectively on the surface of the tungsten particles. Coated particles were assessed by SEM imaging. The thickness of the silver coating was estimated to be approximately 100nm on the basis of a mass account and the coating being uniform. The electrical conductivity of a silver-coated tungsten-powder pellet was found to be similar to that of a silver-powder pellet, of identical geometry.

Jan 1, 1997

By Chiranjib Sarkar, Sibapriya Mukherjee, N Kumar Pichumani

With the rapid expansion of urban transportation systems, tunnels and cut & cover structures are considered as the only solution in improving the urban space congestion problem in mass rapid transit system. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately design underground structures with realistic assumptions and considerations of design parameters like site geotechnical data, water table, surcharge load etc. Over conservative approach provides not only uneconomical design but sometimes it also causes overdesign of the concerned structures. Water table depth has a significant role in some design aspects of underground structures like floatation check, lateral and uplift pressure on the buried structure, etc. In current practice of tunnel and cut & cover structure design, water table is assumed to coincide with the ground level. Most of the Design Basis Reports & Outline Design Specifications directly mention consideration of water table at ground level for floatation check and load calculations, etc. However, the actual scenario is different in most of the cities specially in northern, central, western and eastern regions of India except the coastal cities. In the present study an attempt has been made to carry out a parametric study on the effect of water table depth in the design of a typical 6.3m outer diameter circular tunnel with 6m backfill. In this study, it is also attempted to establish an analytical method of calculating the most realistic consideration of water table depth instead of the present hypothetical assumption of considering water table to coincide with the ground level. The findings of the current study may be helpful to the researchers and practising engineers in design of tunnel and cut & cover structure for subways and metros.

Nov 1, 2022

By Cynthia Serra Batista Castro

A dissolução de precipitados complexos de Ti e Nb durante a etapa de reaquecimento de placas foi estudada utilizando-se amostras de quatro aços microligados. As análises foram realizadas por microscopia óptica e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura nas amostras de placas antes e após reaquecimento em diferentes tempos de encharque. Os resultados mostraram que os precipitados com tamanho inferior a 100 nm foram dissolvidos durante a etapa de reaquecimento do material, não necessitando de encharque. Para precipitados de 100 nm até 500 nm, verificou-se dissolução parcial com o aumento do tempo de encharque até 50 min. Para precipitados mais grosseiros, não houve dissolução significativa durante as etapas de encharque estudadas. Os resultados foram influenciados pelo grau de limpidez dos aços, nível de segregação e razão Ti/N.

Oct 30, 2017

By Larissa Manso Miguel Gonçalves

A partir da latente necessidade de se manter competitivo perante seus concorrentes, as empresas vêm buscando se diferenciar através de inovações e melhoria contínua de processos. Com base nesse conceito a Logística CSN Aços Longos realizou mapeamento dos seus processos para que fosse possível mensurar sua eficiência. Avaliando o ciclo total do pedido através da medição dos tempos de Coleta (entrada do pedido à oferta de veículo), TPV – Tempo de Permanência do Veículo (carregamento) e Entrega (viagem), foi desenvolvida uma ferramenta para medição do Nível de Serviço da operação. Com a constante evolução do mercado e à elevada exigência dos clientes, isso se torna um diferencial, agregando valor aos produtos e fidelizando clientes. A ferramenta contribuiu para melhora significativa na tomada de decisões quanto às atividades críticas e sua consequente contribuição à satisfação dos clientes.

Oct 30, 2017

By Fabrício Domith Rodrigues, Marcelo Moreira Furst Gonçalves, Leonardo José Silva de Oliveira, Luiz Fernando Andrade de Castro

Eventualmente é necessário ajustar a largura de placas via processo de oxicorte. Contudo, o processo de corte convencional a frio não é recomendado para algumas qualidades de aço por gerar susceptibilidades às trincas na seção de corte. Para contornar a ocorrência de trincas no corte convencional foi desenvolvida e aplicada na Usiminas uma nova técnica de oxicorte em placas com base na utilização de duplo maçarico. Após otimização dos parâmetros de velocidade e posição dos maçaricos foi possível obter temperaturas da ordem de 200°C, homogeneamente distribuídas ao longo da seção de corte, favorecendo o ajuste dimensional sem trincas. Com a implementação industrial, verificou-se índices superiores a 85% de aprovação de placas e, consequentemente, o aproveitamento de placas que anteriormente não eram destinadas a geração de produtos laminados.

Oct 1, 2019

By John Blackshaw

NEW sources of supply of tungsten concentrates became necessary when the flow from the Far East was blocked in 1942. In Canada, one source has been noted in the workings of the Hollinger mine at Timmins, Ontario. For many years, a small amount of scheelite had been removed with the gold ore, and an appreciable tonnage of scheelite still remained in the mine. At the request of the Dominion Government, a plant was built to recover this scheelite in the form of a concentrate that could be used by the alloy-steel industry without further preparation. The plant began operating early in March, 1942, and a small tonnage of ore, carrying scheelite and gold values, has been treated daily since then. The possibility of recovering the scheelite had been considered on several previous occasions. Each time the proposal had been given up because the total profits from the enterprise were estimated to be insufficient to repay the capital cost of building the recovery plant. At the time the plant was built, additional information had been gathered about the tonnage and grade of the scheelite ore in the mine, and several thousand tons of ore grading higher than 0. 25 per cent WO3 (tungstic trioxide) were known to be available.

Jan 1, 1943

By F. J. Hrach, S. A. Gasiorowski, J. D. Bittner

"Separation Technologies, LLC (ST) has developed a processing system based on triboelectric charging and electrostatic separation that provides the mineral processing industry a means to beneficiate fine materials with an entirely dry technology. In contrast to the other available electrostatic separation processes that are typically limited to particles greater than 75 µm in size, the ST belt separator is ideally suited for separation of very fine (<1 µm) to moderately coarse (500 µm) materials with very high throughputs.. The technology has been also successfully applied to the beneficiation of a variety of minerals including calcium carbonates, talc, and potash. TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEWThe ST separator utilizes electrical charge differences between materials produced by surface contact or triboelectric charging. When two materials are in contact, material with a higher affinity for electrons gains electrons and thus charges negative, while material with lower electron affinity charges positive. This contact exchange of charge is universally observed for all materials, at times causing electrostatic nuisances that are a problem in some industries. Electron affinity is dependent on the chemical composition of the particle surface and will result in substantial differential charging of materials in a mixture of discrete particles of different composition.In the ST separator (Figures 1 and 2), material is fed into the thin gap 0.9 – 1.5 cm (0.35 -0.6 in.) between two parallel planar electrodes. The particles are triboelectrically charged by interparticle contact. For example, in the case of coal combustion fly ash, a mixture of carbon particles and mineral particles, the positively charged carbon and the negatively charged mineral are attracted to opposite electrodes. The particles are then swept up by a continuous moving open-mesh belt and conveyed in opposite directions. The belt moves the particles adjacent to each electrode toward opposite ends of the separator. The electric field need only move the particles a tiny fraction of a centimeter to move a particle from a left-moving to a right-moving stream. The counter current flow of the separating particles and continual triboelectric charging by carbon-mineral collisions provides for a multistage separation and results in excellent purity and recovery in a single-pass unit. The high belt speed also enables very high throughputs, up to 40 tonnes per hour on a single separator. By controlling various process parameters, such as belt speed, feed point, electrode gap and feed rate, the ST process produces low carbon fly ash at carbon contents of 2 % ± 0.5% from feed fly ashes ranging in carbon from 4% to over 30%."

Jan 1, 2012

By G. A. Bala

As part of ongoing research to define mechanisms of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), this work describes the activity of Bacillus l1chen1formis JF-2 (ATCC 39307) Mosurfactant against crude oils with varying compositions. Surfactant based MEOR improves oil recovery by lowering the oil/brine interfactal tension (IFT) therefore permitting oil to be displaced or solub1lized into the aqueous phase.? MEOR is an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) process which allows for the introduction of chemical and miscible fluids, in the form of microbial metabolic end-products, through the injection of microorganisms into the reservoir or stimulation of indigenous reservoir microbial populations. These microorganisms represent a replenishable in situ source of acid, gas, biopolymer, solvent, or surfactant products which can be. supported and manipulated by the addition of simple and inexpensive nutrients to enhance the recovery of oil. Microbially mediated surfactant production represents one mechanism of MEOR. Bacillus licheniformis JF-2. has been used in a mode 1 MEOR system based on Berea sandstone cores (permeabilly .85 to 400 md) to examine surfactant based MEOR of medium to heavy crude oils (API gravity 38.1° to 17.5°). Enhanced oil recovery was achieved with all oils tested using either cell free culture supernatants or microbial suspensions as injectants with no detrimental effect to the oil. Spatial distribution of cells following mf?crobtal flooding was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. Data indkate complete distribution of cells with a predominance of organisms located distal to the point of injection. There appears to be no sign:if1cant recovery trend with respect to oil composition.. The biosurfactant produced by Bacillus lichen1form1s JF-2 lowers the interfacial tension of all oils tested equally well.

Jan 1, 1991

By C Li

Removal of gangue minerals from ilmenite concentrates can be accomplished by relatively low temperature roasting in controlled gas atmospheres to selectively enhance the magnetic separation characteristics of the ilmenite. At roasting temperatures below 800¦C the magnetising reactions are often not consistent with phase equilibria considerations. Metastable phases can nucleate and control the roasting products. In weathered ilmenites the phase assemblages and microstructures in the altered ilmenite grains can influence the roasting reactions. In this paper we give an overview of the phase chemistry of chemically weathered ilmenites and of metastable phases formed by low temperature roasting. We also report the results of roast experiments conducted in a neutral gas atmosphere. Major increases in magnetic properties after short roasting times at low temperatures were obtained for a range of ilmenite concentrates. For example heating a secondary ilmenite concentrate from Western Australia for 15 minutes in nitrogen at 600¦C gave an increase in the three kilogauss magnetic fraction from three to 92 wt per cent. The solid state phase changes accompanying the inert atmosphere roasts were characterised by combining elemental analyses with quantitative phase analyses of the ilmenite concentrates and their roast products. It was found that the phase reaction that is principally responsible for the increase in the magnetic properties of weathered ilmenites involves a transformation of disordered ferrous-containing pseudorutile to an ordered ilmenite-hematite solid solution containing typically ten to 35 mole per cent of the hematite component. Examples are given of the application of the inert atmosphere roast to effect separations of ilmenite from gangue minerals.

Jan 1, 2001

By M. J. Scoble, H. L. Francis, D. F. Salter, G. R. Baiden

Intelligent ore delineation refers to the ability reliably to characterize the geological setting of a mineralized body and its grade distribution. This necessitates using all available geological information in a timely and efficient manner, such that effective geological control is achieved. The importance of geological control is paramount to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of underground mines. As a result, the development of new geosensing tools designed to provide more reliable and timely information should be a priority. However, as the sensing tools advance then so, too, must the decision support system in order to allow the full benefits of these tools to be achieved. One potential system considered able to provide this architecture is ’true 3D-GIS’ (Geographical Information System). GIS promises to provide a seamless data flow and to connect information currently unavailable to the underground mine operations by bringing together previously disparate and spatial data sets in a visually effective and timely way. This paper considers the potential revolution GIS offers over the flow and use of data in mining by focusing on the integration of geosensing data and GIS to facilitate intelligent ore delineation.

Jan 1, 2000

By A. A. El-Midany, R. M. Farag, A. M. Salem, S. E. El-Mofty

Bentonite represents one of the main players in the stability of the drilling mud. Its particle size and particle size distribution affect the physical properties of the drilling mud especially the rheological properties. Therefore, a specific particle size distribution was recommended by American Petroleum Institute (API) for use in drilling mud. To clarify the effect of individual size and size distribution, in this study, the bentonite sample was classified into different size fractions. Each size fraction was tested separately in terms of controlling properties such as filtration loss, plastic viscosity, gel strength, cake thickness, and packing density. The effect of each size fraction on the rheological properties of the suspension was correlated to the behavior of the whole particle size distribution in the bentonite sample. The results indicate that the coarser the particles, the higher the rheological properties; in this case, the API mixture is the highest. The filtration loss and cake thickness for the API mixture are lower than that of the individual size fractions due to its wider size distribution due to the filling of voids between larger particles with smaller ones, which lead to bed compaction and consequently lower fluid loss and cake thickness.

By H. J. Heinen

This report summarizes preliminary research studies by the Bureau of Mines in electrowinning molybdenum directly from pure or impure molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) by fused-bath electrolysis in an open graphite cell without need of a protective inert atmosphere. A formulated electrolyte of the tertiary system containing 41.6 percent sodium pyrophosphate, 16.7 percent sodium tetraborat, 33.3 percent sodium chloride, and 8,4 percent molybdenum trioxide, by weight, electrolyzed at 1,000° C,, gave excellent results. Current density studies were made over a range from 20 to 260 amperes per square decimeter. Current efficiencies of 80 to 90 percent were obtained over the entire range. Yields up to 500 grams of molybdenum per kilowatt-hour were obtained. Higher current densities, however, reduced yields and produced a finer grained metal. The two most important facets in electrowinning molybdenum from MoO3, in an open cell, are temperature and electrode spacing to minimize or eliminate the formation of the suboxide MoO2, the major source of oxygen contamination. At temperatures of 1,000° C. and higher, together with the proper spacing of the electrodes, formation of oxides are practically eliminated. Molybdenum metal electrowon from pure MoO3 was 99.9 percent pure and contained 0,056 percent oxygen and 0,007 percent carbon. This metal, when arc-melted, had a Vickers hardness number of 175 and contained 50 parts per million oxygen and less than 10 parts per million carbon. Molybdenum metal electrowon directly from an impure MoO3 containing 90 percent MoO3 resulted in a metal of 99.8 percent purity.

Jan 1, 1961

By C. Sun

The Leeville underground mine has been in operation since 2006 and currently produces 2,903 t (3,200 st) of ore per day, with an average gold grade of 0.4 opt. The mine’s horizontal extent is large, 762 by 152 m (2,500 by 500 ft), while its vertical extent is 6 to 61 m (20 to 200 ft). A high density of joints occurs within the host rock. Based on rock mass rating and field observation, the ground conditions at Leeville can be characterized as poor to very poor. As such, heavy ground support is required for its mining operation. Ore zones with a height in excess of 10 m (35 ft) are considered for longhole stoping. A typical stope measures 6 m (20 ft) wide, 30 to 55 m (100 to 180 ft) long, depending on the ground conditions, and 10 to 30 m (35 to 100 ft) high, depending the thickness of the ore body, yielding 9,100 to 18,000 t (10,000 to 20,000 st) when completed. Narrow ore zones, less than 10 m (35 ft), are mined using cut and fill. Drifts at the Leeville Mine are 4.6 m (15 ft) wide by 4.6 m (15 ft) high. Because of poor ground conditions at this mine, the establishment of a ground control monitoring system is key to operating both safely and successfully. This monitoring system is composed of comprehensive instrument design and installation. Instruments include multi-point borehole extensometers (MPBX) and “stretch measurement to assess reinforcement tension” (SMART) cables. The monitoring system covers the mining zones and infrastructure openings. After about two years’ application and measurement, useful data has been collected and continues to be collected; this information will be used to design future stopes and infrastructure. The system makes engineering and operation teams able to do their job with more confidence and efficiency.

Jan 1, 2009

By J. K. Grunig

A process consisting of leach, continuous countercurrent decantation, resin-in-column ion exchange, evaporative crystallization of beryllium sulfate, and decomposition of the sulfate was developed for Spor Mountain, Utah, ores. The process is metallurgically sound, has a minimum of process steps, and is applicable to a wide variety of beryllium ores. The most novel aspect of the process is a resin system of ion exchange which is highly selective for beryllium and which rejects substantially all impurities except for minor amounts of aluminum, magnesium, fluorine, and sulfate in addition to beryllium. The oxide from sulfate decomposition meets specifications of potential users.

Jan 1, 1982

"RésuméDans la première partie de cet article on discute Ie mode d&apos;écail age aetueJJement en usage dans des mines souterraines. Par la suite, on presente la problematique d&apos;écaillage à l’aide de barres conventionnelles et on discute les plus recénts développements des outils d&apos;ecaillage portatifs et mécanisés ainsi que les techniques de détection des roches branlantes. Plus tard, on analyse la tâche d&apos;écaillage avec des barres conventionnelles. Dans les chapitres qui suivent on présente un concept d&apos;un outil d&apos;écaillage portatif et mécanisé développe à l&apos;Université Laval, ainsi que les résultats des essais de cet outil, effectués dans quelques mines au Québec. On constate que Ie nouvel outil d&apos;écaillage démontre un potentieJ intéressant tant au niveau de l&apos;effort requis pour effectuer la tâche d&apos;écaillage que de la sécurité des mineurs.On conclut que l’application de cet outil fera un pas important sur Ia voie d&apos;amélioration des conditions de travail dans les exploitations souterraines, tout en assuarnt une qualité accrue de l&apos;écaillage.AbstractThe first part of this paper discusses the type of scaling operations presently in use in underground mines and derma; a scaling factor which is expressed as the:: area necessary to scale to extract one ton of ore. Subsequently, the problems associated with conventional scaling methods are discussed as well as recent developments in mechanized hand-held scaling devices and methods of loose detection. The elements of the scaling process are further analyzed. In subsequent sections of this paper, the conception and design of a mechanized scaling device, developed at Universite Laval is described. The results of field tests conducted in Quebec hard rock mines are presented. The experimental findings show that the mechanized hand-held scaling device shows great potential in improving the productivity and safety of underground mining operations."

Jan 1, 1995

By A. Ludkin

The paper presents the history of the occurrence of spontaneous combustion in the north area, together with the associated problems. These are examined and a description is given of the methods used to combat the danger, including the use of modern scientific instrumentation. Detailed reference is made to the underground trials with pack injection and sealant coatings which were carried out at Seafield Colliery following the formation of a working group to assess the performance, in the same underground conditions, of (1) sandbagging, (2) pack injection, (3) surface coating. Based on these trials, an improved and more economical method of prevention has been established. There is, however, still scope for further improvement in techniques which would take into account the problems of gradient, transport, manpower and cost.

May 23, 1905

By J. L. Miller, R. W. Burns

This paper sets out the various phases of bringing a merchant bar mill into operation from feasibility consideration through financing, design and scheduling to completion.

Jan 1, 1967