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By J. Laskowski, J. Lekki

"The mechanism of joint action of a frother (alpha-terpineol) and a collector (ethyl xanthate) in the flotation of chalcocite has been examined. In order to study the dynamic effects of frother and collector in bubble-particle collisions, the following aspects were investigated : determination of zeta-potential. Measurements of the thickness of fluid film on the surface of chalcocite and adsorption of xanthate, as influenced by alpha-terpineol, induction time and flotation versus concentration of alpha-terpineol and ethyl xanthate.The mechanism of the adsorption-desorption phenomenon on chalcocite with regard to non-ionic molecules, e.g. a-terpineol, has been considered, and the influence of this on the stage and thickness of the intervening wet layer between a bubble and a particle, changing the probability of collision and attachment, is suggested."

Dec 1, 1971

By S K. Das

An intensive investigation into modern roof support technology, including hy draulic and control systems, has been carried out against the perspective of global development and support behaviour on longwall faces across the Indian sub-continent. The wide ranging study examined various types and designs of modern supports used in seams of varying thickness and inclination where caving and stowing were practised. Consideration has been given to structural analysis, support resistance, the various forces acting over and on the powered supports and to support compatibility. The examination of the phy sical parameters has been allied to field experience and, together, have led to the formulation of standard designs for both the powered support structure and structural systems. A realistic mathematical model has been formulated for calculating the capacity of roof support requirements resulting from the actual behaviour of the immediate roof stratum. As a result of the work, it should be possible to readily select the most appropriate type of support sy stem for the conditions and longwall mining method that is to be employed.

Jan 4, 1997

By D. J. Reddish, B. N. Whittaker, G. X. Sun

An image analysis technique has been used in the assessment of subsurface fracture levels in the context of water inflow into longwall mine workings. The technique was used to analyse results from physical modelling which are represented by black and white photographs taken directly from the model tests. Binary images of fracture patterns are obtained by scanning the photographs with an image analyser coupled to a video camera. The images are manipulated by a C program which allows them to be processed in vertical and horizontal directions and filtered to differentiate quantitatively between vertical and horizontal fracture intensities. The fracture density distributions provide a valuable database for further numerical and statistical analysis. This allows assessment in terms of water inflow into the excavation. A comprehensive image analysis was undertaken on several extraction models. Results indicate that extraction thickness has a significant effect on the fracture pattern and the fracture density distributions. The results can be used to adapt model findings to situations with a range of extraction thicknesses. The technique has allowed improvement in image enhancement and in the interpretation of model results. In particular, a qualitative comparison between different models is possible.

Jan 12, 1992

By J. V. Wood, P. Davies, J. L. F. Kellie

A new range of wear-resistant materials is being produced by technology that has been used to develop high performance metal-matrix composites. These include steels and aluminium alloys that can be made as sheet, plate, rod or bar. The incorporation of hard, wear-resistant particles in an alloy matrix is achieved by reactive casting, spray deposition and powder metallurgical techniques. For example, large particles of TiC can be homogeneously distributed in steel during casting and the subsequent product can easily be rolled to plate. Similarly, up to 20% alumina particles and SiC can be injected, respectively, into steel and wear-resistant aluminium alloys by spray deposition. The current state of development of the process is reviewed and indications are given of the projected applications of such materials.

Jan 12, 1992

By J. E. Rouse, D. L. Buchanan

"During the emplacement of the Bushveld Complex in the Potgietersrus area magma reacted with the original floor rocks— Archaean granite or Malmani dolomite and overlying Penge handed ironstone or sedimentary rocks of the Pretoria Series. The complex sequence of sulphide-rich mafic rocks that formed along the contact is known as the Platreef. Associated with the sul­ phide mineralization are important concentrations of platinum-group metals, copper and nickel. Xenoliths of Malmani dolo­ mite have been incorporated into the Platreef and previous work has suggested that anhydrite is likely to have been present in the dolomite. The sedimentarv-derived sulphur thus introduced into the magma exercised an important control on the forma­ tion of the sulphides.Petrographic studies on the Platreef rocks from the Tweefontein area indicate that the original magma reacted with the banded ironstone to form iron-rich pyroxenites. In the Turfspruit area, to the south, the footwall rocks consist of sediments of the Timeball Hill Series. Original argillaceous rocks have been metamorphosed to cordierite-, corundum- and spinel-bearing hornfelses. Graphite was present in the contact zone in both the Tweefontein and Turfspruit areas. Anhydrite-bearing hornfels rocks are also present on Turfspruit.The Platreef rocks that overlie the corundum- and spinel-bearing hornfelses on Turfspruit are peridotitie, and pyroxenites are present in areas underlain by cordierite-bearing hornfels. The absence of orthopyroxene in the peridotite is probably indicative of low silica activity in the original magma. The pyroxenites have, however, undergone silica contamination from the underlying more siliceous cordierite hornfels.Carbon isotope studies indicate that the graphite in the Tweefontein and Turfspruit samples represents organic material orig­ inally associated with the footwall sediments. Sulphur isotope determinations on the anhydrite-bearing floor rocks indicate that this phase is clearly of sedimentary origin and was probably derived from an evaporitic unit within the carbonate sequence. This provides firm support for a model of ore genesis that involved the introduction of additional sulphur into the Bushveld magma. Isotope studies on sulphides associated with the banded ironstone and graphite indicate that these units were not the source of additional sulphur. Experimental studies predict, however, that a magma contaminated with iron- and carbon-rich material would have a high sulphur-carrying capacity. Where additional sulphur is available the magma would achieve saturation early in its crystallization history and precipitate an immiscible sulphide phase. Experimental work has also shown that sulphide precipi­ tation can be triggered by the introduction of salic material into a magma close to sulphur saturation. This mechanism probably played a role in the control of the sulphide mineralization in the Turfspruit area."

Jan 1, 1984

By Groom P.

The wastage of timber in coal-mines that is caused by decay is very great; in fact, far greater in this country than is generally realized. Mr. E. W. Peters estimates that of the whole wastage of timber in mines in the United States of America, 50 per cent, is due to decay and insects; of this 50 per cent, an overwhelming part is due to decay. The most efficient methods of decreasing this grave loss can be devised only by co-operation of the mining engineer and the scientific expert, and it is partly in the hope of procuring such collaboration that this paper is written. It contains, therefore, a resume of our present knowledge of the decay of wood, and of the economic methods of checking this in mines; but, with a view to improving those methods, it also directs attention to the gaps in our knowledge and the means by which these can be filled by future investigation

Dec 1, 1916

By A. L. W. Lips, B. P. J. Stevens, T. J. R. Bareley, E. Rothery, S. H. White

B.P.J. Stevens contributes a further response to the authors' earlier lengthy reply regarding their paper published in Trans.IMM B, vol.104, 1995, p.B1-B17, contending that despite the positive contribution clarifying their interpretations they perpetrate some misquotations, attempt to rewrite history and fail to understand the New South Wales Geological Survey's stratigraphic interpretation of the Broken Hill area. The paper's authors, in their further response, robustly defend their views, insisting that Stevens tends to misquote or take out of context what they have written and reiterating their findings that Zn is tectonically stacked above Pb at the north end of the orebody, that the written development of the stratigraphic interpretation is as they have stated, that shearing has attenuated or removed fold limbs in the Broken Hill block and that the 1:100 000 stratigraphic map reveals that magnetic anomalies are oblique to and truncated by the Geological Survey's interpreted stratigraphic boundaries

Jun 19, 1905

By C. H. J. Beaven, M. P. Jones

Since the various new techniques of automation and computing have enabled vast numbers of mineralogical observations of relatively small samples to be made cheaply and rapidly, the statistical assessment of these measurements has become of vital importance. Much of the theory and most of the procedures of sampling that are used in the mineral industry are based on Gaussian statistics, but modern measuring techniques show that many mineralogical parameters do not necessarily follow the Gaussian distribution function. Consequently, it has become necessary to examine the application of other, more suitable statistical methods in order to derive the maximum amount of useful information from the examination of mineralogical samples. Some of the errors that can be introduced by the use of incorrect distribution functions are discussed and the value of determining the function that is appropriate to the particular parameter that is being measured is shown. Examples are provided of non-Gaussian distribution functions in mineralogical materials that were encountered during prospecting and during mineral treatment operations: a Canadian uranium ore, a Thai tin ore, and gold ore tailings.

Dec 1, 1971

By B. Sonmez, B. Aksanl, S. Ersaym, I. F. Erkal, S. L. Ergun

The comminution circuit at the plant has experienced severe problems arising from a feed containing much larger amounts of clay and having a higher moisture content than expected. Three solutions were proposed: replacement of the crushing circuit by tooth roll-type crushers; using washing drums; and introducing primary autogenous/semi-autogenous millling instead of crushing. Computer simulations studied the effects of the first two solutions on the circuit capacity. Laboratory and industrial scale ball mill batch grinding tests were carried out. The parameters of a kinetic model were determined. The ball mill circuit was sampled and operating model parameters were calculated. The ability of batch grinding parameters to represent the operating conditions was studied. Tests failed to find acceptable model parameters, but parameters from an industrial size batch mill were found to be suitable for simulation studies. The simulations indicated that a continuous feed of -12 mm provided by tooth roll crushers would maintain the desired capacity. Increasing the feed size to -25 mm would reduce the capacity by 8-15%. The use of washing drums could also solve the capacity problem, but small fluctuations in water flow rates might result in problems of excess water in the grinding circuit.

Jan 4, 1993

By A. Z. Lang, D. A. Hall

After a brief description of the causes of spontaneous heating and of general preventative methods, a detailed account is given of occurrences of spontaneous heating in the Main Seam (locally known as the 5/4 Seam) at Westoe Colliery. This seam is about 12 feet thick consisting of hands of coal and shale, but only 4 feet 6 inches is worked because of the thickness os strata in water-bearing rocks and the worked section is selected on quality considerations. An advancing longwall face in this seam (2nd South) began to heat after working for six months and ultimately had to be abandoned. By adopting retreating methods and mining narrow panels it has been possible to extract this coal at an excellent rate of productivity. The system of goaf ventilation is important, because the use of a bleed road would have given rise to dangerous conditions in a goaf which of necessity would have contained fallen coal. Preparatory seals were prepared at selected sites so that, if necessary, a panel could be sealed off quickly; these seals are completed as soon as possible (within three weeks) of finishing a panel. A gas sampling system has been instituted which includes daily sampling on the face and in the goaf, and weekly sampling at the stoppings of all completed panels. The coal has now been extracted from this seam for three years without any further difficulties from spontaneous heating.

May 23, 1905

By J. Coxon, G. W. Walker

The paper describes the discovery, location and events concerning three types of heating which have occurred in recent years: a) in a district being salvaged, b) in the shaft pillar at an air-crossing, and c) in the gate side of a production district, all of which have occurred in the Beeston Seam at collieries in the deeper eastern part of the area. The paper describes the precautions, air sampling arrangements, training methods and codes of practice which have been adopted at collieries where spontaneous combustion is, or is likely to be, a hazard. The air samples taken from behind the stoppings following the sealing off of the salvaging district are examined and interpreted. The problem of effectively sealing off where more than two stoppings are required is made apparent. Other lessons have been learned as a result of these heatings and are described in the paper.

May 23, 1905

Thermodynamical data of importance in connection with copper smelting have been reviewed and a collection of the most reliable information is presented in Tables XXV-XXVIII and Figs. 67 and 6 8 (folding plate). The data given in these figures and tables consists of (i) graphs and equations showing the variations in the temperature range 0-2000°C. of the standard free energies of formation of most of the oxides and sulphides met with in copper smelting (Table XXV and Fig. 67); (ii) equations showing the temperature variation of the free energy of formation of iron silicates (Table XXVI); (iii) graphs showing the variation with temperature in the range 1000°-1600°C. of the standard free energies of the principal reactions occurring in the smelter (Fig. 6 8 ); (iv) the standard heats of formation at 1200°C. of the main iron and copper compounds and gases reacting in the smelter (Table XXVII); (v) the standard heats of reaction at 1200°C. of a few of the reactions for which the free energy relationships were given in Fig. 6 8 (Table XXVIII). The data presented are discussed in more detail.

Jan 1, 1953

By Ruddle R. W.

An outline account is given of the smelting of copper and the chemistry of the process. A table provides compositions of the more important minerals from which copper is won by smelting. Roasting is discussed as is smelting using reverberatory furnaces, blast furnaces and flash smelting. A brief discussion of converting covers the upright (Great Falls) converter and the horizontal (Peirce-Smith) converter.

Jan 1, 1953

By N. Powell, R. J. Pine

An algorithm is proposed for updating the probability of slope failure on the basis of sequential testing using Bayesian probability theory. The approach is novel and computationally straightforward since, unlike other methods, updating of the probability of failure is carried out directly. This is because the probability is treated as a random variable whereas other methods have considered it as a purely deterministic value or as a function of shear strength parameters that are updated individually. The prior information required for the Bayesian analysis is obtained by a conventional probabilistic analysis. An exponential distribution is then used for the probability of failure, applying the principle of maximum entropy. This distribution is continually updated for individual slope cells, where repetitive excavation creates several such cells and a corresponding series of Bayesian estimates of the probability of failure is obtained. The approach is applicable to most simulations but there are limitations on its use. A more mathematically rigorous refinement using the beta distribution is currently under development

Apr 1, 1996

By G Williams

Discussing equipment, systems of work, the need for updated programmes of local seismic exploration, and developments within the South Wales coalfield.

Jan 1, 1993

By R. R. Hart, R. A. Evans

This paper outlines the the methods currently being used in the West Wales Area for preventing the occurrence of any outbreak of spontaneous combustion. Stress is placed on the importance of correlating the position of a Rider Seam which is prone to spontaneous combustion. The recent introduction of the UNOR Recorder has contributed to the ability to monitor the CO content of the general body of the air during any incident. The use of modern sealants and improved methods of applying them have enabled the few instances of spontaneous combustion in South Wales to be treated promptly and efficiently. The authors describe the current spontaneous combustion problems at two collieries.

May 23, 1905

By M. L. Schmulian

"The Windarra nickel deposits display many of the characteristics that typify Archaean volcanic peridotite-associated nickel sulphide ores of Western Australia. The Fe-Ni-Cu sulphide mineralization, which comprises dominantly disseminated sulphides, occurs at the base of a differentiated ultramafic volcanic pile grading upwards from massive meta-peridotitic flows to thin, locally spinifex-textured meta-picritic units. The entire mafic-ultramafic belt has been subjected to mid-amphibolite- facies metamorphism. The ore-bearing ultramafic is immediately underlain by dominantly sulphide-facies banded iron formation (BIF), which commonly contains nickel sulphides adjacent to its contact with mineralized ultramafic. BIF-hosted ores are formed both by physical remobilization of ultramafic-hosted sulphides and by migration of Ni and Cu into pre-existing iron sulphides.At Mt. Windarra the mineralization comprises eight steeply dipping, steeply plunging elongate oreshoots, which display a marked parallelism with major and minor fold structures in the underlying BIF. Seven of the shoots occur at or close to the base of the ultramafic pile, and are hosted by at least three overlapping flows. The zone of overlap occurs at the northern end of each flow, where picritic ultramafic, representing a dominantly liquid portion of the flow, occupies the basal contact. A gross south- north ultramafic flow direction is inferred. The eighth shoot occurs in a stratigraphically higher position within the ultramafic sequence.At South Windarra at least two overlapping mineralized flows occupy the basal contact, the ore zone having a strike extent three to four times its downdip extent. There is no obvious structural control to the mineralization."

Jan 1, 1984

By Dean S.

Further discussion at the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers' general meeting held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 12th February 1916, with Mr. T.Y. Greener, President, in the chair, of the paper published in Trans. I.Min.E. vol.L, 1915, p.179 and 388. Written contributions to discussion included Mr. Dean's reply to earlier discussion (p.35-44), further written contributions by Tate S. (p.44-54) and Brown E.O.F. (p.54-56), and oral comments by Hare S., Merivale J.H., Greener T.Y. and Tate S. Particularly debated were the causes of the difference in output between American and British coal miners

Dec 1, 1916

By G. J. Lyman

Mayer curves are used for process calculation in coal preparation. They can also be used to smooth washability data by fitting a hyperbola of particular properties to ash and yield, but to introduce the density variable an independent relationship with ash content must be adopted. When this ash-density relationship has a realistic form at low density, the implied form of the mass distribution function is unrealistic, suggesting that Mayer curves represented by a hyperbolic functional form are unsuited to coal washery calculations for low-density separations. Their use at higher densities is also uncertain. A similar conclusion can be anticipated when Mayer curves are used for other mineral systems.

Jan 8, 1992

By M. Dobias, N. Mayor, J. Lillo, A. Gonzalez, R. Lunar, R. Oyarzun

The central domain of the Spanish Central System contains a series of Ba-(F)-(base metal sulphide) hydrothermal vein deposits that are hosted by adamellitic granitoids. Fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope data suggest that the mineralisation was formed by low-salinity hydrothermal solutions that incorporated fluids, metals and sulphur from a magmatic source. Mineralisation occurred in two main stages; a first stage of open-space filling with quartz-Ba-(F)-(base metals) ; and a second stage of brecciation and deposition of quartz-barite. The two mineralising events can be clearly related to two tectonic episodes of late Variscan age that involved extension along east-west trends followed by ductile transcurrent movements along northeast-southwest trends.

Jan 4, 1992