Search Documents

The 63rd Regular Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute convened at the Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado, and was in session at 10:00 a.m. The first session was called to order by Past President George A. Nugent, Vice President and General Manager, Big Horn Coal Company, Sheridan, Wyoming. He thanked and offered his congratulations to the Program Committee for a very wonderful job, namely, John Reeves, Chairman, E. G. Fox, Lee Jensen, O. F. Lewis, J. Peperakis, R. M. von Storch, J. E. Ward and R. R. Williams, Jr. He thanked the suppliers for a fine cocktail party the evening before. Mr. Nugent's Opening Address and introduction of President James Westfield, Assistant Director, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.C., follows: It is a real privilege to call this 63rd Regular Meeting of The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute to order and to say welcome.

Jan 1, 1967

By N. A. Gjostein

The real and apparent dependence of the surface self-diffusion coefficient, Ds, of gold on crystallo-graphic orientation has been investigated by isolated scratch smoothing and grain boundary grooving experiments. No systematic variation of Ds with orientation was found along the [100] zone. In view of the experimental scatter in these results, however, only aniso-tropy ratios, p, greater than -1.3 would be detectable. Anomalously low values of Ds were found on the [0ll] and [110] zones when the diffusion direction lies along (the scratch or grain boundary groove is perpendicular to) these zones. By comparing these results with a previous y plot study of gold, it is hypothesized that this is not an intrinsic diffusivity effect, but rather it results from a decreased driving force for mass transfer at orientations where the y-plot curvature is negative and appreciable in magnitude relative to y. The characteristics of this type of anisotropy do not appear sEVERAL investigations1-7 have dealt with the anisotropy of the surface self-diffusion coefficient, Ds, of metals as measured by the decay of single or multiple to be in agreement with the hypothesis of fast diffusion along ledges in the surface structure. In certain cases the Fourier method of determining Ds, described in Paper I of this series9 was compared with the second moment analysis in order to determine whether or not the method of analysis affects the anisotropy ratio. While the type of analysis does influence the magnitude of the anisotropy ratio, this effect is not associated with the shape of the profile, but rather is connected with the iterative volume diffusion correction used in conjunction with the second moment analysis. It is further demonstrated that the volume diffusion correction can be too large by either method when the y-plot curvature effect is large. Certain orientations exhibit an unusual temperature dependence of Ds ; this is discussed in terms of the y-plot curvature effect and/or the influence of impurities on Ds . scratches in the surface. Depending on the system investigated, both large1"3'6'7 and small4'5 anisotropies in Ds have been found. Although adsorbed impurities undoubtedly play an important role in determining the magnitude of the anisotropy,8 there are other factors that can give rise to an apparent anisotropy in Ds, thus obscuring the true nature of an intrinsic anisotropy in

Jan 1, 1968

Research 82 highlights significant studies conducted during the past fiscal year at Bureau facilities and offices. Readers who want more information about the projects and studies summarized here can contact the researchers whose names and locations appear with each summary. General information on Bureau of Mines programs is available from the Office of Technical Information, 2401 E Street, NW., Washington, D.C. 20241. A listing of principal officials, a location map of field facilities, and a selected bibliography of publications and patents issued on Bureau developments during the past 3 years are provided.

Jan 1, 1982

1994 estimates for Porgera are probable and proven reserves of 58 200 000 t of ore grading 5 g/t Au. Gold mineralisation is related to an intrusive complex emplaced at shallow levels in poorly consolidated sedimentary rocks. The complex is located in a zone of fold-and-thrust deformation, whose formation may have been initiated shortly before emplacement and continues locally today. Abundant primary magnetite in the complex gives an intense, 5 km wide aeromagnetic anomaly. The deposit formed during two main stages of mineralisation, the first related to early magmatic-hydrothermal activity and the second representing later epithermal overprinting centred on the Roamane fault. Hydrothermal alteration followed closely on emplacement indicating a close genetic relationship between magmatism and mineralisation. Both stages of hydrothermal activity post-date and overprint early propylitic alteration. Several factors have acted in unison or sequentially to concentrate metals at the deposit, including an extensional or trans-tensional tectonic setting within an arc or collisional environment, the exsolution of a magmatic hydrothermal fluid prior to sulphur saturation in the melt, the development of the hydrothermal system into one favourable for transporting gold, the action of late-stage faulting in focusing epithermal fluid flow, and the role of dissolved gases in promoting fluid phase separation and high-grade ore deposition

Jun 19, 1905

By E. A. Magill

The Bureau of Mines has begun a study of the copper resources of the Cascade Mountains of Washington. The program includes reconnaissance of mineralized areas and examination and occasionally limited exploration of deposits that are considered characteristic of an area. The Bureau of Mines believes that published information may assist industry in searching for new sources of copper. The Miners Queen is one of a few Cascade Mountain deposits selected for prelim¬inary exploration. The investigation was not planned to delineate the ore body. A diamond-drilling program was carried out at the Miners Queen mine in the summer of 1955. Five diamond-drill holes were completed, totaling 628 feet. Two 35-foot shafts were dewatered, and all accessible underground and surface workings were examined.

Jan 1, 1957

By P. M. Sullivan

A physical beneficiation flowsheet was designed by the Bureau of Mines for reclaiming and recycling metal and mineral values contained in municipal incinerator residues, and a continuous processing plant was installed. Residue samples collected from incinerators located in various parts of the country were processed at a rate of 1/2 ton per hour. Continuous screening, shredding, grinding, magnetic separation, and gravity concentration techniques were applied to produce metallic iron concentrates, clean nonferrous metal composites, clean fine glass fractions, and tine carbonaceous ash tailings. Research to develop systems for refining and upgrading the reclaimed metals and glass into marketable products is also underway. From the engineering data developed in the continuous processing plant, evaluations of the capital and operating costs for plants with capacities of 250, 400, 670, and 1,000 tons of dry incinerator residues per day were made. Research on a parallel system to separate and recover the metals, minerals, glass, paper, and plastics from raw, unburned refuse it currently underway, as are studies on the use of air classification to separate the refuse into organic and inorganic fractions.

Jan 1, 1971

By Sidney Katell

This report is the fourth in the series, Bibliography of Investment and Operating Costs for Chemical and Petroleum Plants. The initial work, Bureau of Mines In- formation Circular 7516, was published in October 1949 in conjunction with the synthetic liquid fuels program authorized by Public Law 290, 78th Congress. It included references to and abstracts of publications appearing from 1930 to September 1948 on all processes in general use in the petroleum refining and chemical industries. A supplemental bibliography, Bureau of Mines Information Circular 7705, was published in January 1955 to cover the period September 1948 through June 1952; and Supplement 2, Information Circular 7751, published in September 1956, covered the period June 1952 through June 1954. The present supplement covers the period July 1954 through December 1956.21 The information in this paper was obtained from the following sources: 1. Bureau of Mines Information Circulars. 2. Bureau of Mines Reports of Investigations. 3. Chemical Engineering. 4. Chemical Engineering Progress. 5. Chemical Engineering Costs Quarterly (Cost Engineering).

Jan 1, 1958

The 74th Regular Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute convened at The Mark Conference Center, Lionshead Village, Vail, Colorado, and was in session at 10:00 a.m. Past President, Ralph Moore, Vice President, Operations, Westmoreland Resources, Hardin, Montana, called the meeting to order. The membership was asked to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag. He welcomed members and guests and thanked Park Lamborn, the Program Chairman, for the excellent speakers and program he engineered. He mentioned the cancellation of our golf tournament due to the conflicting dates with the Annual Jerry Ford Invitational Golf Tournament. He thanked all of the committees with a special "thank you" to Loren Linville and Gussie Whiteside. He introduced President, Shirl C. McArthur. President and General Manager, American Coal Company, Huntington, Utah. A biographical sketch follows: Mr. McArthur, a native of Huntington, Utah, began his coal mining career shortly after graduating from North Emery High School and worked his way up through the ranks, having worked at every job available underground. For example, he dug coal with a "banjo" at the Independent Coal and Coke Company in Kenilworth. In the summer of 1941, he worked at Straight Canyon Mine as a timberman and advanced to section foreman in four years. He was face boss for part of the time. In October 1946, he received a call from the LDS Church General Welfare Board (presided over then by Marion G. Romney) and took over as superintendent of the Church Mine. He operated in that capacity until the mine became privately owned in 1971. In 1961, Mr. McArthur formed Castle Valley Mining company, and in 1970, he organized American Coal Company, which he presently owns and operates.

Jan 1, 1978

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 Thom Sedun

No sector of the mining industry is more closely tied to local communities than aggregates. Noise, dust, traffic, visuals aesthetics and environmental impacts all fall under the purview of neighbours, local governments and nongovernment organizations. It is no surprise that aggregate operations may not be welcome neighbors in many communities. In British Columbia (BC), the regulatory environment for aggregate operations includes a local component of municipal bylaws and land use-planning in addition to the usual suite of federal and provincial statutes that apply to its sister mining sectors. Additionally, under common law aggregate extraction is not considered to be a land use subject to land use zoning, and some aggregate processing activities can be regulated by zoning. Often traversing multiple local government jurisdictions, aggregate producers find themselves negotiating not only local traffic, but also a mosaic of regulatory environments. There is an opportunity in this present situation to facilitate the application of current technology and practices in the mitigation of many community and environmental concerns associated with aggregate operations. Moving a bulk commodity is a volume-based business, and operators often don?t have time for matters that don?t directly or obviously affect the bottom line. Regulatory agencies often play multiple and complex roles with respect to their industry, not the least of which is the fiduciary role. Balancing how and when to assist an industry is often a difficult decision. For the aggregate industry in BC, the Ministry of Energy and Mines saw an opportunity to assist not only aggregate operators, but also regulatory agencies, local governments, and the general public. Through investing in the Aggregate Operators Best Management Practices Handbook (handbook) project, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) believes that it will realize a return of upheld community values, enhanced environmental protection, improved regulatory compliance, reduce disputes and a stronger provincial aggregate industry. It is the intent to publish the handbook electronically through the MEM website later this year.

May 1, 2002

By Evans E. C.

At first sight, the extinction of a mine fire by the action of some such gas as carbon dioxide would appear to be quite a simple and practicable operation. From a consideration of the theoretical aspects only of the question, it becomes evident that the matter is not so simple as it appears to be at first sight. The fire at the Senghenydd Colliery occurred as the result of the disastrous explosion of October 14th, 1913. This explosion was confined to the west side of the colliery; and as a result the timbers in the main intake on this side were set on fire; but these were soon buried beneath falls, and the tire continued under them. Attempts were made to extinguish it with water, with the aid of chemical extinguishers, and by digging it out; hut these had to he abandoned, and ultimately the fire-zone was sealed off by “ bashings” (stoppings). By December, progress in the decrease of combustion was so slow that it was decided to try the effect of inert gas. The installation, control and operation of the carbon dioxide plant and associated water-gauge are described in detail and conclusions drawn for the extinguishing of mine fires by CO2

Dec 1, 1916

By Edgar Stanfield

Since April, 1923, the Scientific & Industrial Research Council of Alberta has had an analyst, Mr. W. P. Campbell, steadily employed analyzing coal samples taken by the provincial Mine Inspectors. Mr. Campbell has also analyzed a number of coal samples taken by one of the Council's Geological Survey parties. We have thus, at the time of writing, over four hundred analyses of Alberta coal, made by the same analyst, and strictly comparable. These samples come from widely distributed points, some 88 townships being represented. The stream of samples is still flowing in, and it is hoped by the end of this year that the number of townships represented will be increased at least fifty percent. The time has arrived to publish some of the data collected; but it must be clearly understood that this is merely a progress report, subject to revision as further information is obtained. Three hundred and fifty-three coal mines in the province were operated during 1923. The production per mine varied from 5 up to 500,000 tons. With this number of mines to examine (and fresh mines are being opened every year) it is a large task to make even a proximate analysis of representative samples from every mine. Any chemist will appreciate the fact that to make ultimate analyses representative of even the larger mines will be a long and tedious task. It has seemed better to make a comprehensive survey by proximate analysis and determination of calorific value before beginning the more thorough survey by ultimate analysis. This paper, therefore, deals only with proximate analyses and calorific values; and, owing to limitations of time and space, does not deal with other chemical and physical characteristics of coal, such as storage quality and fusibility of ash, important though these are.

Jan 1, 1925

By L. Simpson

South African is a repository of significant deposits of a variety of minerals. The Citigroup confirms this assertion with an estimate of in-situ valuation of US$2.5 Trillion. The mining sector plays an important role in the South African economy. In addition to the mineral resource base South Africa has other comparative advantages. Firstly, South Africa retains major mining companies that participate globally, including Anglo American, Goldfields and De Beers. Their global involvement offers much to the local mining sector and the broader economy. Secondly, government established research councils. The Council for Geoscience (CGS) was established to manage the Geological Survey of South Africa, including the reduction of geo-scientific investment risk. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) promotes industrial development, including mining technology development. Mintek undertakes mineral research from mineral examination of ores, to extraction and refining technologies and manufacture of end products. Thirdly, South African universities teach and conduct research along the mineral value chain. They have increased their minerals graduates? capacity, thus advancing knowledge and skills. Knowledge and technical progress are behind productivity growth and emergence of competitive advantage. The research and development (R&D) capabilities of industry, science councils and universities, working in unison, will enhance the competitiveness of the South African mining industry. The National System of Innovation (NSI) requires multi-disciplinary, collaborative research. Key R&D elements, including skills and expertise, funding and facilities, must be available to implement a long-term national strategy or programme. Improved international collaboration and partnerships between government, academia and industry driven human resource development (HRD), ultimately develop the critical mass for inter-generational skills requirements. This trend requires an expansion of research collaboration programmes. Decisions involving investments and collaborative actions pertaining to R&D in the sector necessitate an analysis of the South African mineral value chain R&D capability. This paper analyses the evolution of R&D capability from exploration to refining, tertiary education, science councils and industry. The political economy of the evolution of this capability is analyzed in relation to the central role that the South African government plays in creating an appropriate supporting environment and related initiatives to enhance R&D and innovation. Keywords: research and development (R&D), science councils, universities, industry, innovation policy, South Africa

Sep 1, 2012

By R. F. Stewart

A nuclear meter based on measurement of prompt capture gamma rays is being developed for monitoring the sulfur content of coal streams. Equipment has been built to measure sulfur rapidly, and methods have been devised to compensate for changes in moisture, ash, and bulk density of coal flowing through a bin. Pilot plant tests of the system with various additives to different coals show a precision and accuracy of 0.02 percent sulfur and 0.04 percent sulfur, respectively. Based on these results, a hardwired meter has been fabricated for testing in a commercial coal preparation plant.

Jan 1, 1974

By Yi Yang, Xiuzhu Su, Wei Sung Ng, Shuiping Zhong, Miao Chen

With over 260 tons of gold reserves, the Shuiyindong gold mine is one of the largest Carlin-type gold deposits in China. A particular challenge in the processing of the ore is the presence of carbonaceous compounds, which can cause substantial losses in recoveries via the preg-robbing and adsorption of gold. To investigate the structural properties of the native carbon and to compare between different characterization techniques for such compounds, pre- and post-flotation mineral samples containing 0.9–4.8% non-carbonate carbon from the Shuiyindong mine have been examined via mineralogical and thermogravimetric approaches, as well as spectroscopic techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine edge structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and preg-robbing measurements. NEXAFS and DRIFT yielded the most reliable results, indicating that 60–75% of the organic carbon in all samples consist of aliphatic alkenes with substantial unsaturated content, highly similar to activated carbon, with the remainder being graphitic and humic. Speciation by XPS was sub-optimal due to spectral overlaps between graphitic and aliphatic carbon, and between carboxylic and carbonate functionalities, while NMR spectroscopy could not provide reliable speciation of the carbon groups. The preg-robbing strength was strongly correlated to the aliphatic content and structural disorder in the carbon, while no such relationship was found with the graphitic and humic content.

Nov 29, 2021

By W. K. Tolley

The Bureau of Mines is testing super critical fluids as solvents to selectively extract valuable components from complex matrices. Materials recovered during supercritical fluid extraction are often highly purified. Using laboratory apparatus designed specifically for supercritical fluid research, Bureau re-searchers have measured the solubility of titanium tetrachloride (TiCI4) in supercritical, liquid, and gaseous carbon dioxide (C02), CO2, a commonly used supercritical fluid, is inert, inexpensive, and nontoxic. Supercritical CO2 formed a single phase with TiCl4 at 45° C and 1,500 psig. When the solution was heated at constant pressure beyond 55° C, TiCl4 precipitated from the fluid. Results showed that TiCl4 solubility in supercritical CO2 is not controlled by the vapor pressure of the solute.

Jan 1, 1989

The Sixty-Second Regular Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute convening at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, was declared in session at 10 a.m. by Past President Oren F. Bridwell, Secretary, Northern Colorado Coals, Inc, Denver, Colorado. Mr. Bridwell thanked the Joy Manufacturing Company fer the very fine party of the previous evening. He also paid tribute to a very fine Committee - the Program Committee: O. F. Lewis, Chairman, Oren Bridwell, Edward G. Fox, Glen E. Sorensen, Joseph E. Ward, R. R. Williams, Jr., and John Peperakis. Mr. Bridwell then introduced George A. Nugent, Vice President and General Manager, Big Horn Coal Company, Sheridan, Wyoming, as follows: "It is my privilege and duty to call this 62nd Regular Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute to order and to extend to you all a cordial welcome.

Jan 1, 1966

By A. H. Geisler

The correlation of property changes during precipitation with structure has progressed, sometimes rapidly but other times more slowly, since the fundamental discovery of Merica, waltenberg and Scott.1 The predominent factor that hampered the progress has been limitations imposed by the various detection methods. Refiments in x ray diffraction tech-niques and in metallographic methods, which have been extended by the electron microscope, have contributed new information within the last few years. These permit an extension of the theory as proposed by Mehl and Jetter in 1940'2 Now that a sufficient number of alloys has been investigated to establish a general mechanism of the precipitation process, a correlation of the facts into a generally applicable theory of age-hardening is both warranted and desirable. The purpose of the paper is to provide an orderly correlation of the phenomenological facts of precipitation hardening. Speculation 011 mechanism of hardening will be confined to that consistent with existing theories of hardening, Age-hardening accompanies the formation of a new structure, the precipitate, as provided by a11 alloy system ill which solid solubility decreases with decreasing temperature. Upon this premise alone all such systems would be expected to include age-hardenable alloys. Alas, this is not always the case. Few attempts have been made to explain the variable degree of age-hardening among different alloys or to explain the influence of small alloying additions upon the hardening. Dispersion hardening as originally postulated3 is not adequate.* Coherency hardening—the term that will be used to distinguish the properties of a two-phase mixture in the unique and unstable transition state at which the phases are strained into precise atomic registry (continuity or coherency) in planes

Jan 1, 1949

By F. Dinter, C. McGregor, Q. G. Reynolds, L. Hockaday

The necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the impact of anthropogenic climate change means that all industrial processes should investigate their options towards decarbonization. Iron, steelmaking, aluminium, and cement production produce the most industrial emissions. Although most research focuses on decarbonizing these industries, minerals processing industries must be decarbonized to achieve net zero emissions goals by 2050. Incorporating renewable energy sources and avoiding the combustion of fossil fuels are two ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper reports on the results from a dynamic process model developed to investigate the feasibility of concentrating solar thermal pretreatment of manganese ores to pretreat carbonate-rich manganese ores for increased ferromanganese smelter productivity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The results indicate that pretreated ores reduce the energy requirement for smelting significantly for some ores and lowers total carbon dioxide emissions by 13 to 19% compared to the traditional smelting route. A high-level economic evaluation shows that solar thermal treatment is financially viable for low cryptomelane, high braunite ore that is common in the Kalahari Manganese Field.

Dec 11, 2024

By Mansoor Barati, Xue Yin, Yanhui Sun, Alex McLean, Yindong Yang

The formation and evolution of inclusions in Ti-Stabilized, 17Cr Austenitic Stainless Steel produced by the ingot casting process were investigated through systematic sampling of liquid steel and rolled products. Analysis methods included total oxygen and nitrogen contents, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that the composition of inclusions was strongly dependent on the types of added alloying agents. During the AOD refining process, after the addition of ferrosilicon alloy and electrolytic manganese, followed by aluminum, the composition of inclusions changed from manganese silicate-rich inclusions to Al2O3-rich inclusions. After tapping and titanium wire feeding, pure TiN particles and complex inclusions with Al2O3-MgO-TiOx cores coated with TiN were found to be the dominant inclusions when [%Ti] was 0.307 in the molten steel. These findings were confirmed by thermodynamic calculations which indicated that TiN inclusions could be formed in the liquid phase due to the high contents of [Ti] and [N] in the molten steel. From the start of casting to the rolled bar, there was no obvious change in the composition of inclusions compared to the titanium addition stage. Stringer-shaped TiN inclusions elongated along the rolling direction with lengths varying from 17 to 84µm were observed in the rolled bar, which could detrimentally impact the mechanical properties of the stainless steels.

Jan 1, 2015