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By W. V. Bluck

Higher coal quality is being recognized in potentially lowering the cost of power as measured at the bus bar. Assessment of potential coal supplies for most any given power plant is now going beyond buying at the lowest delivered fuel cost and is now taking into consideration other factors such as handling, storage, pulverization cost, boiler fouling, post combustion cleanup, and waste disposal costs. New measurements of quality are being considered now by those producing and those consuming the fuel by assessing numerous variables in the total fuel cycle to achieve the lowest possible power costs.

Jan 1, 1983

Iran possesses very large copper resources, estimated to contain around 4-5% of the world's known copper inventory. There are several small private sector copper mining operating in the country, but Iran's copper industry is dominated by the state-owned National Iranian Copper Industries Company, which operates the world-class Sar-Cheshmeh open-pit Mine. This mine was developed in 1970s before the 1979 Islamic Revelation by the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), the former Anaconda Copper Mining Company. Current Iran?s copper cathode production is about 250,000 mtpa and recently it is targeted to reach to 700.000 t by 2014. The required finance for this target is estimated US $2.25 -b, i.e. US $5000 for each tonne capacity. The copper content of the mineable reserves of the country is estimated about 19 Mt. It is not unlikely this amount increases in close future. Currently, almost 30 projects consist of mine, concentrator, smelter, refinery, acid plant, leaching, bio-leaching are underway. These projects are a golden opportunity for the local and foreign companies, but the recent sanctions are very challenging that all studied in this paper.

Jan 1, 2012

By Alexandre Keunecke Hardt

A alta competitividade no setor siderúrgico aliada ao dinamismo crescente do mercado internacional tem forçado as empresas a estarem mais preparadas para eventuais necessidades de mudanças em seus processos e produtos. Em muitas situações, o tempo de resposta de uma empresa para adaptar-se a uma nova necessidade, estratégia ou tecnologia determina o sucesso ou fracasso da iniciativa. As soluções MOM, como responsáveis pelo gerenciamento da produção, possuem um papel fundamental no intuito de facilitar a adaptação da empresa a uma nova realidade. Nesse contexto, a adaptabilidade e a flexibilidade das ferramentas MOM tornam-se fatores extremamente relevantes no momento de definição de um produto ou concepção de uma solução. Este trabalho tem como objetivo refletir sobre o papel das soluções MOM como acelerador de mudanças dentro das indústrias. Serão apresentadas as características principais de um sistema MOM preparado para o cenário dinâmico atual, bem como alguns critérios para avaliação da adaptabilidade e flexibilidade de uma solução MOM.

Jul 30, 2018

Resue or split face firing has the potential to separate ore and waste rock into separate muck piles within a stope. Thus split face firing has the potential to reduce dilution of the ore stream to be transported to the surface for subsequent processing. It also potentially reduces the total amount of broken rock needing to be transported out of the mine as the waste material is physically separated from the ore as part of the blasting process. Waste can therefore be used directly from the stope to backfi ll other mining areas. This paper reports on the results of split face firing trials at the Hillgrove mine in NSW and analyses the results of these blasts.

Aug 1, 2010

By J. Dean Warner

In 1984 and 1985, as part of its critical and strategic minerals studies, the Bureau of Mines investigated lode and placer tin occurrences near Rocky Mountain (Lime Peak), in east-central Alaska. The lode occurrences consist of mineralogically complex, generally fault-controlled veins, and contain an average of approximately 0.05 pct Sn, as cassiterite. Beneficiation testing of two bulk samples of the vein material produced concentrates containing 65 and 59 pct of the total tin values at grades of 0.35 and 13.9 pct, respectively. Although as much as 30 million short tons (MMst) of mineralized rock containing up to 20 MMlb Sn may be present, the grade of these occurrences is too low to be considered economic at this time. Trace amounts of cassiterite were also identified in surface samples of glacial out-wash gravels collected along North Fork Preacher Creek, which partially drains the area of tin lode deposits near Lime Peak. Low tin grades in the samples do not account for the former erosion of a large volume of lode tin mineralization from near Lime Peak; higher tin grades may be present in gravels closer to bedrock.

Jan 1, 1988

By H. E. Powell

A laboratory mineral-dressing investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Mines on four limonitic and four sideritic iron ores from the North Basin of the east Texas iron-ore district. The samples, composited from drill cores, were considered representative of the iron-ore reserves of the area. The objectives of this research were twofold: (1) To devise a mineral-dressing method whereby the yield from currently mined east Texas iron ores might be increased and the grade improved, and (2) to extend such treatment to include the lower grade ferruginous materials that are not amenable to beneficiation by simple washing and, therefore, are not being exploited. Of the mineral-dressing methods used in this investigation, magnetic separation of roasted are was shown to be the most effective. Results show that, by this method, a laboratory recovery of 82 percent of the iron is attainable at a grade surpassing that obtained by current plant practice and that both limonite and siderite are amenable to concentration by the process. The existence of large deposits of iron are in eastern Texas has been recognized for over 100 years. These ores were first exploited during the Civil War and were mined intermittently until about 1911. From that time until 1944 when the Defense Plant Corporation financed the erection of three blast furnaces to use these east Texas ores, production was almost at a standstill.4/

Jan 1, 1960

By A. G. Loomis

Although secondary-recovery methods have not been applied widely in California, it is apparent that increasing attention and effort must be given to this phase of recovery if the State is to maintain its high rank as a petroleum producer. Steadily increasing demands for petroleum products and decreasing rates of discovery of new oil fields, with rapid depletion of existing reserves, emphasize the prospect of an adverse situation of supply and demand in the not-far-distant future. If the trend of discoveries becomes more favorable or if more complete economic recovery of the oil in place can be obtained by secondary recovery, this situation can be averted. Not only are these reserves of economic importance to the petroleum industry for meeting increasing market demands; but economic reclamation of such reserves is an important conservation measure, which will prolong the productive life of many fields. Accordingly, progressive operators in California are alert to the possibilities of secondary recovery and have done much to implement such operations wherever feasible. Most current operations are of the pressure-maintenance type, in which the reservoir pressure is maintained or partly maintained by injecting natural gas to in-crease oil recovery. The possibilities of recovering additional oil from stripper fields by gas drive and water flooding (including water disposal) also are being tested in experimental field projects. Table 1 summarizes current gas-and water-injection projects in California.

Jan 1, 1952

By J. L. Reuss

The Bureau of Mines investigated the technical feasibility of smelting copper concentrates containing chalcocite (Cu2S) and native copper using nonpyritic sulfur-bearing materials to aid matte formation. The procedure consisted of combining various proportions of commercial chalcocite concentrate, smelter slag, fluxes, and matte-forming constituents to produce charges of comparable compositions. The mixtures were charged in fire-clay crucibles and smelted in an induction furnace at 1,300° C. The research proved that either sulfur or gypsum can replace pyrite as a matte-forming material, and that gypsum produces an exceptionally high-grade copper matte. The addition of small quantities of metallic iron to the nonpyritic smelting charge furthers the removal of sulfur, improves the recovery of copper, and makes it possible to utilize gypsum as the exclusive flux and matte-forming ingredient, thereby eliminating the necessity of adding limestone.

Jan 1, 1968

By Walter Murphy

For a number of years the Bureau of Mines has been studying the properties of crude petroleums produced in the United States and the Western Hemisphere. A number of reports have been published giving the analyses of crudes from the different fields and regions as made by the Bureau of Mines Hempel method of analysis.4 Several of these reports include analyses of crude oils from the Rocky Mountain region.5/ The search for new fields and new producing horizons in old fields in the Rocky Mountain region has been quite intensive during the last few years, and a number of discoveries have been made.

Jan 1, 1937

By Leonardo Zuchi Guio

A ArcelorMittal Tubarão vem trabalhando nos últimos dois anos na implantação de um sistema automatizado de julgamento da qualidade da superfície de bobinas laminadas a quente, juntamente com a ArcelorMittal Global R&D. Tal sistema é denominado CGSIS – Coil Grading Surface Inspection System – e tem a função de interpretar as ocorrências de defeitos superficiais, identificados por um sistema de inspeção automático através de câmeras CCD auxiliado por técnicas de visão artificial, à luz da necessidade requerida pela aplicação final do material. Todas as ações sugeridas pelo sistema são baseadas em regras de aplicação e nas informações obtidas do sistema de inspeção automático, requerendo para isso taxas de acerto de classificação de defeitos adequadas para uma boa tomada de decisão. Para tanto, várias melhorias foram necessárias, envolvendo questões de ambiente, desempenho, confiabilidade, disponibilidade e treinamento do sistema, para se obter com isso melhores níveis de detecção e acerto. Outras questões envolvidas em tal processo concernem às mudanças aplicadas a políticas já estabelecidas de julgamento e comunicação do novo sistema com os sistemas já existentes. Vários benefícios da implantação do projeto já estão sendo percebidos provenientes das etapas de preparação para a instalação e espera-se que após a operacionalização um ganho superior a R$320k entre redução de custo com pessoal, aproveitamento de material e redução de reclamações de clientes seja alcançado.

Jul 30, 2018

By Alex U. Miller

Since its beginning, the occupation of coal mining has been considered hazardous. It is true that there are hazards inherent in mining, but it is believed that most of them, at least, can be guarded against. Moreover, many man-made hazards can be eliminated by officials and workers adopting safer practices. Notwithstanding the hazards in coal mining, the fatal accident rate in the United States has improved. During the, period from 1911, to 1941, inclusive, the fatal accident rate varied from 5.35 to 2.22 per million tons of coal. With many handicaps during the war period, 1942-45, such as the lack of experienced manpower. and the, employment of untrained men, the increased average age of workers, and the shortage of equipment and supplies, the industry s ill further reduced its accident rate, so that it ranged from 2.30 to 1.724/ deaths per millon tons of coal. During 1944, 684,000,000 tons of coal was produced with a rate of 1.91, and during 1945, 631,000,000 tons was produced with a rate of 1.724/ deaths per millon tons of coal. The accident rate for 1945 was the lowest for the industry since records have been compiled.

Jan 1, 1946

By Herbert K. Kutter

This paper is concerned with the physical phenomena in the fracture process of presplitting and only indirectly with the establishment of the optimum presplitting parameters. Its nature is therefore qualitative, rather than quantitative.

Jan 1, 1968

By Kleidon Rodrigues de Almeida

O presente projeto descreve um trabalho de otimização dos ensaios laboratoriais de liberação do produto para fins elétricos na CSN (Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional), sendo tema de um projeto Lean Six Sigma. O foco do projeto foi otimizar os ensaios de epstein, tração e dureza, reduzindo o Lead Time de liberação dos produtos para fins elétricos e a quantidade de ensaios realizados. Para a realização deste trabalho, fez-se o uso de ferramentas e métodos Lean Six Sigma, permitindo a busca dos resultados de maneira sistêmica, superando as metas estabelecidas, gerando uma maior competitividade à empresa no mercado. Obteve-se com este projeto uma forte redução do Lead Time e da quantidade dos ensaios laboratoriais dentro de um prazo estabelecido, permitindo uma liberação para faturamento no mesmo dia de produção em 80% da produção deste produto.

Aug 7, 2018

By C. T. Bischoff

Introduction Air conditioning is a term which has come into common use only during our generation. By definition, it means the positive and accurate control of temperature, humidity, movement, purity, and component constituents of the atmosphere within an enclosure. Claiming such results for Noranda's ventilation system, or for that of any other large mine, at present would be an idle boast. However, we are working toward that end with considerable success. Modern underground ventilation at Noranda dates back about six years. The later development of air conditioning is in its fourth season, but still in the experimental stage. Various ingenious methods have been devised to cool mines which, because of climatic or geological conditions or depth, are excessively warm. A few installations have been made to warm intake air during the winter months where this is necessary. However, the method currently in use at Noranda is unique in that it accomplishes both ends by one process. This method utilizes the freezing and melting of ice to equalize year-round temperatures. Mining Methods While a discussion of mining methods at Noranda is not proposed in this paper, a brief summary may be in order. The Horne mine of Noranda Mines, Limited, has been developed by six shafts, four of which are now active. The most recent, an internal shaft, extends to 6,000 feet below surface, but all of the ore mined to date has come from above the 3,000-foot level. Figure 1 shows a model of principal ore bodies. The area mined is relatively small in plan, considering its vertical extent and the tonnage per vertical foot. Most of the ore lies within an ellipse about 600 by 1,000 feet. While this has certain advantages, the mining of such massive orebodies has presented many problems.

Jan 1, 1947

By Artur Frederico Fonseca da Cruz

Com a necessidade urgente e constante de aumento da competitividade no cenário atual da mineração, mostra-se fundamental o desenvolvimento constante de novos parâmetros de processo combinados a uma estratégia de manutenção focada não só na disponibilidade dos ativos, e sim no desempenho dos equipamentos. No que tange ao processo de pelotização neste trabalho foi dado foco especificamente na configuração de perfis de queima no forno de grelha móvel, onde foram testados quatro perfis e fixado o perfil nº 04 otimizado via sistema de otimização de processo para níveis de produções diferentes, equilibrando qualidade e consumo específico de gás natural, no período anterior e posterior à parada fria. A partir daí foram analisados parâmetros de qualidade, produção e processo, comparando-os entre antes e após a parada fria. Foram registradas melhoras nos índices de qualidade e redução de aproximadamente 13,50% do consumo específico de gás natural e 10,80% de redução no consumo específico de energia elétrica de ventiladores por níveis de produção.

Aug 17, 2017

By E. A. Barrett

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) conducted experiments to determine if training using a latent-image, three-dimensional (3-D) slide simulation exercise improved miners' ability to recognize roof and rib hazards. The effectiveness of this innovative type of classroom training was investigated by measuring workers' performance on a hazard recognition task. The study was unique in that hazard recognition skills were assessed in the workplace using actual coal mine roof and rib hazards. Results showed that training with a latent-image, 3-D slide simulation exercise significantly improved each subject's performance on the in-mine hazard recognition task. Further, the USBM researchers concluded that transfer of learning from the classroom to the workplace occurred.

Jan 1, 2010

By H. D. Kline

Manganese ores have been mined in the Batesville district since 1849. Although not continuous over the intervening years, production had totaled approximately 432,000 tons of manganese ore and ferruginous manganese ore to the end of 1953. The ores occur in deposits, essentially low in manganese content, distributed over an east-west belt 24 miles long and 4 to 8 miles wide, the core of which is about 6 miles north of Batesville, Independence County. Although the reserves of high-grade ores in the district are comparatively small, the large deposits of subgrade ores and low-grade manganiferous material comprise potential sources of supply of manganese that may have increasing future importance. The manganese occurs as primary oxide and carbonate minerals in relatively flat-lying limestone and shale formations in which they were originally deposited and as oxides in residual clays resulting from decomposition of the shale and lime-stone. Most of the deposits underlie from a few to over a hundred feet of sedimentary chert, but many occur in the residual clays on exposed slopes of chert-covered hills.

Jan 1, 1956

By Jian-guang Yang, Lei Jie, Si-yao Peng, Jian-ying Yang

A new membrane electrolysis process for bismuth recovery from bismuthinite concentrate was introduced. Under the conditions of temperature 70 degrees C, acidity 3 mol/L, solid liquid ratio 1:4 and 1.1 times stoichiometry sodium chlorate dosage for 1.5 h oxidation leaching, more than 98.5% bismuth can be leached from bismuthinite concentrate. The resultant leach solution was subjected to membrane electrolysis. Under the conditions of NaCl concentration 300 g/L and pH 7 in anolyte, bismuth ions concentration 80 g/L and HCl concentration 3 mol/L in catholyte, heteropole distance 6 cm, temperature 40 degrees C and current density 200 A/m2, a flat deposited bismuth plate can be obtained after 24 h electrolysis, and the bismuth purity was more than 99%. The current efficiency of cathode was 97.88%. Chemical component analysis results showed that the average convert efficiency of the sodium chlorate was 52.77% and the average oxidizing efficiency of chloride ion was 69.78%, and the resultant anolyte generated in anode compartment could be fully reused as oxidant for leaching bismuthinite concentrate again.

Mar 1, 2017

By Aline Aguiar Lopes

A piora na qualidade dos minérios de ferro tem levado as empresas a adaptarem seus processos a novas condições de qualidade das matérias-primas, surgindo assim a necessidade de desenvolver estudos que auxiliem as tomadas de decisão. Esse trabalho avaliou a influência da qualidade do sínter e da composição da carga metálica na zona coesiva do alto-forno através dos parâmetros de amolecimento e fusão. A importância de se obter informações sobre a zona coesiva se deve principalmente ao fato de nessa região ocorrer a maior parte da perda de carga no interior do alto-forno. Cinco amostras de sínter de qualidades químicas distintas, produzidas nas sinterizações da CSN (Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional), foram selecionadas e caracterizadas para esse estudo. Os ensaios de Amolecimento e Fusão foram realizados no Centro de Tecnologia de Ferrosos da Vale através de um acordo de cooperação técnica entre as empresas. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que as técnicas utilizadas são adequadas para avaliação das propriedades em altas temperaturas, fornecendo dados importantes para a interpretação do comportamento da carga metálica no interior do alto-forno, como espessura e posicionamento da zona coesiva, permeabilidade e redutibilidade da carga, indicando assim, a composição da carga metálica de melhor desempenho para o alto-forno.

Aug 17, 2017

By Joseph J. Wallace

1. The investigation shows that there are two coal beds of major importance in Perry County from the standpoint of present production -Flag and Fire Clay -and two beds of minor importance -Haddix and Hindman. The Flag and Fire Clay beds contain the largest remaining known reserves. 2. Known measured and indicated reserves in all beds, based on a minimum thickness of 14 inches and 1,800 tons per acre-foot of coal in place, are estimated at 840 million short tons as of January 1, 1954. Of this total, 720 million short tons is in beds 28 inches and more thick. Areas in each bed were omitted from the estimate because available data relative to the bed characteristics are too meager for making an estimate that conforms with the definitions of measured and indicated coal adopted for this study. Should future drilling or development prove reserves in these areas, these should be added to the total estimated reserves.

Jan 1, 1954