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By S. H. Lorain

This paper is a preliminary report on recent lode gold mining activity, operating conditions, and mining and milling methods at properties in production in September 1936 in the gold belt of northeastern Oregon. A few inactive properties are described also. Districts, inactive in 1936, that have been important producers at some time in the past are mentioned briefly. This is one of a series of similar papers describing western mining districts. The past production record of the gold mines of northeastern Oregon entitles the region to be ranked as one of the important gold-mining regions of the United States. Although comparatively inactive for many years, lode mining in the region has recently undergone a marked revival.

Jan 1, 1938

By Robert T. MacMillan

A process has been developed in the laboratory and expanded to semi-pilot-plant scale for recovering titania, iron, and byproducts from two types of titaniferous iron ores. A reducing roast with coke and soda ash followed by grinding and magnetic separation produced powdered iron and slag from which titania and byproducts were recovered by H2SO4 decomposition. Based on the steps tested on a. semi-pilot-plant scale supplemented by the results of the laboratory investigations, enough data are available to make a balanced flow sheet. Combined data from the laboratory and semi-pilot plant indicated that 85 to 9O percent of the titania content of the ore was recoverable and that approximately 90 percent of the iron could be recovered as a metallic-iron powder. Tahawus magnetite from the Maclntyre mine at Tahawus, N. Y., was successfully treated as follows: (1) The ore was roasted at 1,050° to 1,080° C. with carbon and soda ash, thereby reducing the iron to metal sponge and retaining the titania in the slag. (2) The metallic iron was separated, after wet grinding, by magnetic or gravity means. (3) The slag fraction was air-roasted at 850° C. and leached with NaOH to recover Na3VO4. (4) The leached solids received a dilute-H2SO4 leach to remove interfering impurities, chiefly Na2O and SiO2. (5) Titania was dissolved from the leached solids of step (4) by a H2SO4-bake followed by a water leach. (6) Titania was precipitated by seeding and boiling the resulting solution. The spent liquor was used for the dilute-H2SO4 leach in step (4). The following scheme was found to be technically feasible for recovering other byproducts of the process. (1) The gelled filtrate from the dilute-acid leach step was washed and dehydrated to produce a commercially acceptable silica gel. (2) The wash liquor containing sulfates of Na2O, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and TiO2 was combined with the highly alkaline filtrate from the wet-grind and metallic iron-separation steps, precipitating iron and titanium hydroxides, which were separated for special treatment. (3) Anhydrous Na2SO4 and Al2O3?3H2O were recoverable from the alkaline filtrate from step (2) by evaporation and carbonation, respectively, and the barren liquor was recycled to the magnetic-separation step.

Jan 1, 1952

Coal research and related activities in 1964 by the Bureau of Mines resulted in many advances in the production, preparation, and utilization of this valuable natural resource. Mining research during the year was marked by work on hydraulic mining, coalbed degasification, mine drainage control, mine sealing, strip-mine rehabilitation, and quenching of mine-refuse fires. Bureau research continued to produce information leading to increased safety in underground mining. Such research included roof and rib control via bolting and bonding, pressure monitoring of coal and mine rock during mining operations, and development of safety devices for detecting conditions leading to roof falls. Other safety work was continued on methane detectors, coal-dust suppression, and mine ventilation equipment and techniques. Mine explosion and explosives research, mine equipment and materials, safety rule modernization, and safety education and training of mine workmen were continued. Coal storage and preparation work in 1964 ranged from freezeproofing of lignite for rail shipment, through washability studies of coals and washing equipment, to research on new ways to remove ash and sulfur from coal. Electric power production, which accounts for a major portion of the market for coal, received further study. Unique power generation systems, including coal-burning gas turbine and megnetohydrodynamic generators, were intensively investigated. Conventional power systems were improved through continuation of work on furnace performance, powerplant stack gas purification, and engineering and boiler water service.

Jan 1, 1965

This is the fourth in a series of reports on properties of commercial motor fuels, made in accordance with a cooperative agreement between the Cooperative Fuel Research (C.F.R.) Committee and the Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior. The first report gave data on motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1935-363/. The second report gave the same data? for motor gasolines sold during the summer of 19364/. The third report of the series gave the same data for motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1936-375/. This report covers 63 brands of gasoline represented by 1,136 samples excluding the Pacific Coast. Those from the Pacific Coast were averaged by the Pacific Coast technical group before being submitted and are published exactly as they were submitted. In some areas reports were received from five or six companies on the same brands of gasoline, whereas in other areas only one company reported on a brand. Thus, it can be seen that some of the data are more representative than others.

Jan 1, 1937

This is the fourth in a series of reports on properties of commercial motor fuels, made in accordance with a cooperative agreement between the Cooperative Fuel Research (C.F.R.) Committee and the Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior. The first report gave data on motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1935-363/. The second report gave the same data for motor gasolines sold during the summer of 19363/. The third report of the seriis gave the same data for motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1936-375/. This report covers 63 brands of gasoline represented by 1,136 samples excluding the Pacific Coast. Those from the Pacific Coast were averaged by the Pacific Coast technical group before being submitted and are published exactly as they were submitted. In some areas reports were received from five or six companies on the same brands of gasoline, whereas in other areas only one company reported on a brand. Thus, it can be seen that some of the data are more representative that others.

Jan 1, 1937

By W. A. Calhoun

This report gives results of metallurgical investigations performed by the Bureau of Mines on mineral samples taken during April 1959, from Hawaiian bauxite deposits on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii. The bauxite samples were tested at the Bureau's Rolla Metallurgy Research Center, Rolla, Mo., to determine if alumina could be extracted. The results were encouraging. Extraction of the alumina by the American Bayer type digest of crude ore samples from Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii recovered 78.8, 73.1, and 70.0 percent, of the total alumina, respectively. These recoveries were increased to 82.8, 85.5, and 79.5 percent by modifying the treatment, which consisted essentially of calcination and weak caustic desilication to provide a residue. The residue was then treated with calcium oxide and digested in a strong caustic solution to extract the alumina.

Jan 1, 1962

By S. Gallagher, A. G. Mayton

Back injuries account for a high proportion of lost workdays in the mining industry and are a leading cause of disability in mine workers. Two risk factors for low back injuries are manual lifting and whole-body vibration exposure when operating mobile equipment. Recent research has shed light on possible mechanisms through which low back injuries may occur, and the results of these studies can be used to improve the design of lifting tasks and seats to decrease injury risk. This article discusses recent research results and how this knowledge can be leveraged to reduce the risk of low back pain.

By Louis R. Iverson

Patterns of species colonization, biochemical interaction among species, and competitive phenomena were studied in four reclaimed areas in western North Dakota ranging in age from one to four years after mining, along with a site from a native mixed grass prairie for comparison. Early successional changes in floristic composition and soil chemistry were quantified. The mined sites had been contoured, topsoiled, fertilized and seeded. Despite seeding of agronomic species, initial colonization was by fugitive species; analysis of the seed bank in topsoil showed that the most dominant colonizers immigrate after topsoiling. Of the 95 species encountered, Kuchia scoparia was the most dominant in the first two years following mining. Kochlo had relatively low densities in the first year (50-80 plants m-2), but was robust and attained heights of 88 cm with a biomass of about 400 g m-2 In the second year, the plant densities increased to over 10,000 plants m"2 but the height and biomass were reduced to 15 cm and 90 g m-2. However, during the third and fourth years Kochia density declined and was practically non-existent by the fourth year, while the planted Agropyron grasses had concomitantly increased. Other pioneers like Amaran thus retroflexus, Chenopodlum album, Helianthus annuus, Salsola spp. And Setaria spp. showed a less abrupt but similar decline. Chemical analysis of the soils over the same time period showed decreases in electrical conductivity (E.C.), and in the concentrations of P, Ca, Mg, Na, Li, Sr, and SO4 (due to leaching), while N increased. Field studies were conducted on the competitive relations between the dominant species - Kochia scoparia and Agropyron spp. - during early succession. It was found the Kochia acted as a "nurse" crop for several months during the first year of Agropyron spp. establishment, but then began to shade heavily by late July, thus reducing grass tillering. Field and growth chamber experiments on the intraspecific competition relations of Kochia demonstrated that its density and dry matter production, per plant and per unit area, conformed to several laws of plant population biology. Autotoxicity or the depression in growth of a species by its own degradation compounds, in Kochia, appears to be the main factor causing the decline in its growth. Results from a field experiment indicated that thinning dense second year Kochia stands to the density of first year stands did not alter the growth of Kochia, providing strong evidence for autotoxicity. Similarly, several growth chamber experiments demonstrated that small amounts of decaying Kochia leaves and especially roots were toxic to Kochia growth, but not Melilotus officinalis or Agropyron canlnum, Chemical analysis of the soils and plant tissues indicated nutritional im¬balances as shown by P/Mn and P/Zn ratios may be responsible for autotoxicity. In addition to Kochia, a bioassay experiment showed allelochemics to be important in several other colonizing species. Although our results indicate that later stage species generally have greater toxicities than first year colonizers, autotoxicity in the very initial stages seems to be accentuated by harsh habitat conditions. Several practices (mowing. fire, etc.) are used to manage grasslands. Mowing of the first year erect, annual, colonizing vegetation was shown to be beneficial in the growth and establishment of wheatgrasses after mining in western North Dakota. Plots containing Kochio predominantly were mowed in mid-and late-July, and in mid-August, during the first year of growth after recontouring, replacing topsoil. seeding and fertilizing. It was found the Kochia densities were reduced to two percent of the control and its biomass reduced to less than one-third when the area was mowed in mid-August. On the other hand, wheatgrasses showed increases of 23% in stem density and 860% in biomass production over the controls when mowed in mid-August. The mowing of Kochia just before seed-set apparently reduces interspecific competition between Kochia and Agropyron spp. during the following growing season. The method is highly recommended for use in hastening the establishment of planted grasses.

Jan 1, 1982

Research personnel from the Bureau of Mines, a representative of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and research contractors for the Bureau of Mines met with other Government and industry representatives at three seminar locations in December 1980 to discuss the findings and products of Bureau research on mine safety training. The research program is aimed at providing assistance to the mining community in its efforts to reduce industrial-type, human-error accidents through research establishing performance based methods and media for employee training. Research emphasis is directed toward development of baseline materials and instructional models; development of methods for structuring and evaluating health and safety, supervisory, and occupational training; and the continued investigation and application of current learning and simulation technology that could significantly enhance the effectiveness of training opportunities.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. W. Adams

The United States Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the National Send and Gravel Association conducted a safety contest in 1929 Among producers of sand and gravel. Only 26 plants were enrolled, as the contest was late getting under way. It is hoped that a ranch larger number of plants will be represented in the safety competition of 1930. Two trophies, both of which were provided by Rock Products magazine, were awarded at the end of the contest; one trophy was given for the best safety record among plants working 100,000 or mare man-hours during the year and the other for the beat record among plants working less than 100,000 man-hours. The trophies were presented to representatives of the winning, companies on January 29, 1930, at the annual convention of the National Sand and Gravel Association at Memphis, Tenn.

Jan 1, 1930

By L. D. Tracy

This is the third of the series of reports on coal-mine royalties and leasing conditions in Illinois. The results of the study of District VI were published as Serial No. 2726, January, 1926, and those of District VIII as Serial No. 2745, April, 1926, of the Bureau of mines. The counties of Macoupin, Sangamon, and Montgomery, which are three of the principal coal-producing areas in the northern part of District VII, have been chosen for this report because these counties cover an entirely different part of the State than do the two districts already covered. Some leases in, Randolph and Washington counties are included as they are in the southern part of the district, and the data happened to be readily available.

Jan 1, 1926

By E. P. Youngman

In the Unfederated Malay States, with the exception of Johore, the rights of suzerainty, protection, and administration were transferred by giam to the British Government in 1909. In the States of Kelantan, Trengganu, Kedah, and Perlis, the rulers are assisted by State Councils and by British advisers appointed by the British Government.3 With respect to Johore, the largest, richest, and most highly organized of the Malay States not in the Federation, the treaty of December 11, 1885, with Great Britain, defined the relations of the State to the British Govern- ment and allowed the Maharaja to assume the title of "Sultan"; an amendment to this treaty (May 12, 1914) provided that the Sultan should be advised by a British officer, the General Adviser. ...... The political organization of the States is reflected in the mining legis- lation, Johore being the only one having a comprehensive code. The mining enactments now in force, according to the High Commissioner for the Malay States, are as follows:

Jun 1, 1932

Education and training research is a major component of the Bureau of Mines human factors research program. The goal of human factors research is to enhance human performance for the purpose of improving both safety and the profitability of the minerals industries. This is achieved through the design of mining equipment, work tasks, management procedures, and development of human resources. This proceedings volume presents several new developments that are helping to improve the quality and efficiency of health, safety, and occupational skills training in the mining community. Several papers address the issue of how to teach and assess miner abilities to deal with underground mine emergencies. Other papers examine practical procedures for defining and cost justifying the integration of structured training and other performance improvement strategies to enhance the proficiency of the work system.

Jan 1, 1988

By BUREAU OF MINES

This summary of State laws on explosives was compiled primarily to ascertain what subjects relating to their control have been acted upon by each State legislature and , in general , how they have been treated . It does not include any legislation passed after 1942 , or any proclamations , regulations , or administrative orders . It does not purport or attempt to be authoritative . If any problem arises involving interpretation of the statutes of any particular State , the original source must be consulted for the exact words used by the legislature . This summary , however , will be useful in determining whether relevant statutes exist , and in locating thern quickly, with a minimum of effort . It will be of value also in comparing statutes in one State with similar statutes in other States to determine what construction has been placed upon them by the courts of these jurisdictions or to contrast the varying provisions of many States upon a similar subject . To make these comparisons easier , the statutory provisions for each State have been grouped under several major topics in outline form . Although this sometimes has resulted in disruption of the continuity of individual acts , the increased general clarity and availability of comparable sections have more than justified the procedure followed ,

Jul 1, 1943

By Ronald F. Balazik

This Bureau of Mines study identifies and examines the costs of Federal, State, and local environmental protection controls on domestic phosphate rock mining, The costs include the expenditures needed to comply with government regulations and the effects that these expenditures and regulations have on supply. The study analyzes costs of environmental impact assessments, air and water quality standards, reclamation laws, potential solid waste controls, and local government restrictions. In addition, an industry survey and the Bureau's Minerals Availability System (MAS) are used to evaluate land management policies that restrict access to phosphate resources, Conclusions drawn from these analyses confirm that (1) domestic phosphate mining has incurred substantial control costs and may be subject to significant new regulatory costs in the next several years, (2) certain environmental controls can discourage mining investment, (3) environmental policies governing land-use controls affect the disposition of sizable phosphate resources, and are key determinants in the development of those resources on the Federal do- main, and (4) environmental costs could diminish the competitiveness of domestic producers.

Jan 1, 1983

By M. A. Trevits, M. R. Thibou, A. Ozment, A. C. Smith, J. B. Walsh

The Excel No. 3 Mine is a room-and-pillar mining operation owned by MC Mining, LLC, a subsidiary of Alliance Resource Partners, LP, which produces coal from the Pond Creek Coalbed in Pike County, Kentucky. Late on December 25, 2004, a fire was discovered near the bottom of the slope and, after an unsuccessful attempt to fight the fire underground, it was decided to address the fire remotely from the surface. The mine operator developed a plan to fight the fire that called for the installation of temporary seals at the slope and mine shafts to eliminate the inflow of oxygen. In addition, the plan called for drilling and completion of vertical boreholes into select areas of the mine workings to monitor the mine atmosphere and inject nitrogen gas and gas-enhanced foam. Over the next 9 days, nitrogen gas was injected almost continuously and gas-enhanced foam was injected periodically as deemed necessary. On January 7, 2005 it was determined that the fire was successfully suppressed. This paper presents a discussion of the fire-fighting approach and an analysis of the results of the application of gas-enhanced foam technology.

By T. E. Gray

This report describes preparation characteristics of the significant coalbeds in Marion County, W. Va., as determined by the Bureau of Mines. It is one in a series telling what coals are suitable for producing metallurgical coke, either as mined or after beneficiation. Over 9.4 million tons of coal was produced in Marion County, W. Va., in 1958, of which almost 6 million tons was cleaned mechanically in nine cleaning plants. All of the coal mechanically cleaned came from the Pittsburgh bed. The Bureau of Mines estimated that 1,578 million tons of recoverable coal remained in the county in beds 28 inches or more thick as of January 1, 1955.

Jan 1, 1960

By William T. Reid

Low-temperature carbonization of coal in Japan served as an important source of liquid fuels during the war. Six plants operating in Japan Proper produced 203,069 KL (53.7 million gallons) of liquid fuel from 1940 until the end of the war in August 1945, while four additional plants in Karafuto and Korea produced 211,943 KL (56.0 million gallons) for a total of 415,012 KL (109.7 million gallons) of liquid products. Semicoke produced in these plants was used for domestic fuel, for gasi- fication in portable gas producers on automotive vehicles, and to replace imported low-volatile bituminous coal in the manufacture of metallurgical coke. Since 1936 one plant had produced more than 300,000 metric tons of semicoke for blending with bituminous coal to form coke, while the total production of semicoke since the beginning of the industry in 1923 is approxi- mately 2,000,000 metric tons. Despite an apparent annual carbonizing capacity of about 2,000,000 metric tons of coal for the entire country, the maximum amount of scmicoke produced during the peak year, 1943, was 468,446 metric tons. The equipment used is primarily of Gorman design. Just before the end of the war, 6 plants using 20 Lurgi carbonizers were operating with a total rated capacity of more than 1,500,000 metric tons of coal per year, while 2 Koppors units had a combined annual rated capacity of 400,000 metric tons of coal. One plant using the Japanese-designed Mimura system was in service but with so much mechanical trouble that its output was small, while in another plant 4 Wanisht carbonizers of Japanese design but based on an early German development were running satisfactorily, and carbonizing about 100,000 metric tons of coal per year. A single installation of 15 American-designed Knowles ovens was operating near Tokyo but was carbonizing pitch for electrode carbon. ..! No true low-temperature process used in Japan could carbonize strongly. caking coals satisfactorily. The Mimura process designed for this purpose was unsuccessful, as was the Shimomura process before it, while the Lurgi, Koppers, and Wanishi systems operated only with noncaking or very weakly caking coals. The Knowles ovens, really a medium-temperature process, could carbonize-caking coal without difficulty...

Feb 1, 1948

By M. A. Trvits, M. Cummins, A. C. Smith, T. P. Mucho

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of remotely applied nitrogen-enhanced foam to aid in efforts to isolate and suppress a mine fire. The foam, in combination with a remotely-installed cementitious mine seal and a novel borehole pressure sampling methodology to determine the location of the suspected ignition source, was used to help control ventilation and inert the area surrounding the suspected ignition source by isolating it from oxygen. This allowed mine rescue teams to safely enter the mine, seal the area, and begin recovery operations to successfully return the mine to full production.

By S. H. Lorain

This paper is one of a series being published by the Bureau of Mines describing the mines and mills and subjects related to mining in western mineral areas. Although mining districts in the Tobacco Root Mountains are numerous there is a strong similarity in the character of the ore deposits and in the climatic and economic conditions affecting mining throughout the region. Individual mines are small, but the production of lode mines

Jan 1, 1937