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By Erle C. Donaldson

A study of subsurface waste disposal in the United States shows that in eight States a wide variety of industrial wastes are being injected into formations ranging in age from Precambrian to Recent. More than 30 wells ranging in depth from 300 to 12,000 feet are used for waste disposal into subsurface formations which include unconsolidated sand, sandstone, vugular limestone, and fractured gneiss.

Jan 1, 1964

By T. C. Green

A two-phase program evaluated commercial proximity warning devices and then served to design and develop an automatic electrostatic field strength measurement device with improved performance. The Phase I program consisted of test and evaluation of three commercial proximity warning devices, all of which operate on the principle of electrostatic field intensity measurement for determining proximity to high voltage power lines. Performance testing of these devices utilized full-scale cranes and power line systems and a scale model facility. The evaluation results were reported in the Phase I report entitled "Evaluation of Proximity Warning Devices" dated 22 February 1980. Under the Phase II program, a microproressor-based data acquisition system was designed and developed to collect and measure field strength at distributed points around the crane boom. This unit (referred to as the Distributed Sensor AC Electrometer) measures the field strength about a crane boom using 17 distributed sensors. Keyboard control is provided for the equipment operator. Measured field strength values are displayed on a line printer and recorded on magnetic tape. Laboratory testing of this unit demonstrated performance characteristics and field strength measurement accuracy within the design goals. A Phase III measurements program is proposed using the AC Electrometer to map the field strength contours about power line configurations.

Jan 1, 1981

By D. K. Caddel

Several problems exist with the present design of coveralls used by miners in low coal (seam height 48 inches or less). The back portion of the coveralls often tears when roof bolts or rough areas in the roof are hit. Movement in the shoulder area is restricted. Female low coal miners find it difficult to purchase coveralls that fit properly, and must remove both their hard hat and safety belt in order to urinate and defecate. The objective of this research was to design coveralls which would alleviate these problems. The following features were incorporated into the coveralls; padding in the upper back area to avoid tearing, an action pleat in the shoulders to increase mobility, an inseam zipper to more easily allow miners to perform their bodily functions, and reflective tape to increase visibi¬lity of the miner. A heavyweight denim fabric was used to increase warmth and durability of the coveralls. The coveralls were assessed K long four parameters (comfort, safety, worker productivity, and fabric suitability) using both an in-field assessment by low coal miners and simulation studies. The experimental coveralls proved superior to conventional coveralls along all four parameters. Work clothing sizes for female miners were developed.

Jan 1, 1982

By Michael M. Hamilton

U.S. Bureau of Mines personnel examined mines, prospects, and mineralized areas to determine mineral resources and resource potential in and adjacent to the North fork Smith RARE II study area. Most mineral resources identified in this area are in laterites, highly-weathered residual soil zones. In the RARE II area, resources of nickel, cobalt, chromium, and magnesium were identified at 15 laterite properties and chromium resources at one chromite mine. Other commodities include copper, gold, silver, and mercury (fig. 1). Approximately 1,100 lode and 1,200 placer claims have been located in or adjacent to the area. Most placer claims are for literites. There are no patented claims or mineral leases. Forty laterite deposits on 15 ,properties within the RARE II area (fig. 2) contain about 16 million tons of identified marginal reserves and subeconomic resources containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, an magnesium (table 1). Most deposits have keen explored and are currently claimed. California Nickel Corporation is developing laterites on Gasguet Mountain, within and adjacent to the southeastern and western parts of the study area. If this project proceeds to production, a laterite processing plant on Gasquet Mountain would enhance the minability of other deposits in the study area. The Climax, PFM, DF, and Stone Corral properties (fig. 1, nos. 1, 6, 9, and 23) have deposits of sufficient tonnage and grade to attract mining interest; resources at these properties are in and adjacent to the RARE II area.

Jan 1, 1983

The principle activities of the Explosives Research Laboratory from July 1, 1961 to June 30, 1962, are described briefly in part 1. Part 2 gives short abstracts of publications that appeared during fiscal year 1962; in general, the research reported in these publications antedates the report period. Part 3 gives the results of an investigation which, although too limited to warrant separate publication, merits presentation in some detail because of current interest in ammonium nitrate-fuel oil compositions.

Jan 1, 1964

By Thomas J. Peters

In 1985, at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied a 17,320-acre portion of the 52,143-acre Little High Rock Canyon Wilderness Study Area (CA-020-913/NV-020-008) in order to evaluate its identified mineral resources. The study area is located in Humboldt and Washoe Counties, NV, about 42 miles north from Gerlach. Three areas of epithermal alteration, similar to alteration associated with disseminated gold deposits, were found in the study area. One of the areas occurs along a northeast-trending structural lineament. Southwest of the study area two gold prospects undergoing active exploration, as well JS a gold deposit being prepared for production, occur along the same lineament. The Bureau of Mines examination, however, did not find evidence for gold resources in the study area.

Jan 1, 1987

By Galen G. Waddell

The Deep Creek zinc and lead mine afforded an excellent example of a relatively small underground mine operation that approached the low mining costs of large, highly mechanized mines, An open stope mining method incorporating sublevel benches and vertical long holes was used (fig. 1). Detailed descriptions are given on the exploration program, stope development, stoping procedures, and pillar removal. Pressure grouting was used to check the inflow of water and thus prolong the life of the mine. Statistics on mining costs and on electric power consumption, haulage from mine to mill, and milling costs are included.

Jan 1, 1963

By K-H. Frohne

This report presents a study of the Cooper sand of the Fork Run pool of Warren and McKean Counties, Pa., and a prediction of the secondary oil recovery by gasflooding the reservoir. A computer program employing a modification of the Craig, Geffen, and Morse secondary recovery calculation was used to make the gas flood performance forecast and is presented in the appendix. The Cooper sand reservoir in the Fork Run pool lies at a depth of about 1,900 feet and covers an area 1/2 mile wide by 2-1/4 miles long. Original oil in place is estimated to have been 8,266,000 STB. The primary recovery mechanism is solution gas drive, and ultimate primary recovery may reach 20 percent over a well life of 90 years. Two computer predictions were made for gas flooding the Cooper reservoir. The first was for a 25-acre pilot five-spot utilizing existing wells, but project economics were poor since only 25 percent of injection gas is utilized for pilot oil recovery. Recovery was 71,000 STB, or 22 percent of oil in place at flood initiation, but required 25,700 scf gas injected per STB of oil recovered. In the second prediction, pilot area performance was projected for the entire Fork Run pool, and economics became good. Recovery was 1,753,000 STB from 25 five-spots after the injection of only 6,400 scf per STB of oil recovered.

Jan 1, 1969

By Jack Touseull

On November 15, 1972, the Bautsch mine, a lead-zinc mine in Paleozoic dolomites, experienced a massive rock failure involving 3 to 5 million tons. Because this failure was large and extended to the surface, it was included in the Federal Bureau of Mines investigations on "Massive Rock Failures." Analysis of the rock mechanics and mode of failure revealed that failure at the Bautsch mine was the result of the interrelationship of many factors. Factors related to the failure were found to be external and internal to the mining environment. Unlike internal factors, external factors were not apparent and, therefore, many external factors were investigated; some of which are not normally considered in rock mechanics analyses. External and internal factors determined to be of significant importance were: (1) precipitation, (2) fractures, (3) plastic clay layer, (4) topography, (5) rock alteration, (6) bedding, and (7) mining zone dimensions. Because of the conditions at the mine, failure could have been predicted without extensive instrumentation. Application of basic geologic and engineering principles to the internal and external factors could have predicted failure. Alternately, failure would, in all probability, have been delayed by years if, after 1962, mining had been curtailed in the area of failure.

Jan 1, 1980

By Erle C. Donaldson

A study of subsurface waste disposal in the United States shows that in eight States a wide variety of industrial wastes are being injected into formations ranging in age from Precambrian to Recent. More than 30 wells ranging in depth from 300 to 12,000 feet are used for waste disposal into subsurface formations which include unconsolidated sand, sandstone, vugular limestone, and fractured gneiss.

Jan 1, 1964

The Tenth International Conference of Directors of Safety in Mines Research was held in the United States from September 28 through October 2, 1959, at Hotel Webster Hall, Pittsburgh, Pa. The Conference was organized by the Federal Bureau of Mines. In accord with the program outlined at the Ninth Conference (1956, Heerlen, Holland), the papers submitted dealt with the following three subjects: 1. Safety of coal mine explosives 2. Explosion hazards in mines 3. Ignition and fires in mines Seventy papers were presented. There were eight technical sessions followed by an extended tour of the Bruceton facility of the Bureau of Mines on October 2. Simultaneous translation was provided in the three official languages of the Conference--English, French, and German.

Jan 1, 1962

By L. Douglas Smoot

This research program was a theoretical and experimental study to improve understanding of the mechanisms of flame extinguishment in methane-coal dust-air-suppressant mixtures. This final report is a summary of work conducted during this grant, sponsored by the Bureau of Mines. Work under this new grant closely followed a recently completed contract for the Bureau of Mines that was conducted at this laboratory, and results of the earlier contract are also summarized in this report, as required in the grant work statement. The experimental effort was concentrated on supplementing the limited data available to describe laminar flames in methane-coal-air-suppressant mixtures. The theoretical effort was devoted to developing a comprehensive model that could be used to explain and extrapolate the experimental data. Selected for study were the following flames: Methane-air; methane-air plus KHCO , KNO3, K C204, KBr, Al203 or Monnex; methane-coal dust-air; coal dust-air with size, volatiles content, and concentration as variables, and coal dust-air plus KHCO3, KN03, KBr, NaCl or CaC03.

Jan 1, 1978

By Walter W. Kaufman

This report summarizes a study conducted to establish the nature and impact of regulations governing disposal of refuse from underground coal mines. The regulations affecting refuse disposal in eight major coal producing states are collected, summarized and reviewed. Federal regulations applicable to refuse generated by underground coal mines are also included. Common refuse disposal practices are discussed as are the refuse quantities generated annually in each study state. Technical requirements of regulations are discussed acid presented in appended tables. Economic implications are also assessed through cost analyses of three major types of disposal processes. The report also includes an assessment of future trends in regulation and refuse generation plus a series of recommendations concerning potential improvements in both the regulatory and refuse disposal processes.

Jan 1, 1978

By Corale L. Brierley

Beneficiation of phosphate in the southeastern United States generates a slurry of finely divided clay. These clay-wastes are impounded to allow the particulates to settle. The aggregation of phosphatic clay-slime wastes and slimes produced from potash beneficiation by microbial processes was studied using several bacterial species known to produce polymeric substances. Experiments included flocculation capacity of clay-slimes by whole cells, the determination of respiratory activity of whole culls in the presence of phosphatic clays, observation of clay flocculation rates by polymers derived from these organisms, and clarity of polymer-flocculated clay suspensions. The polymer-producing organisms exhibited little capacity for flocculating phosphate and potash clay-slimes. Fungal spores of Cladosporium cladosporioides (isolated from a phosphate clay-waste impoundment), when agitated with clay-slime for several days, caused the clay to form pellets. Separation of the clay/fungal pellets (density 1.1 g ml-1) from the process water might he possible using a screening technique. Studies with C. cladosporioides included the determination of suitable energy substrates and supplements for growth, absorption studies of a pigment produced by the organism, determination of the time required for bioflocculant production by the organism, and an elucidation of the conditions required for the pelletization of clay-slimes by the fungus.

Jan 1, 1982

By C. J. Bise

One area of study for the Coal Mine Injury Analysis project was to illustrate how loss control can be used as a foundation for mine safety training. After an initial review of the principles of loss control, the instruments often used for worker/worksite appraisal, such as incident reporting, analysis, and investigation, workplace observation, worksite inspection, and safety audits and checklists were evaluated for their effectiveness. The findings were then applied to the continuous-miner worksite at several mines to modify the techniques for use in a highly dynamic man/machine work environment. Before the information gathered from the review of the various continuous-miner worksites was presented at the annual retraining sessions at five mines, a trainability analysis procedure was developed to separate training shortcomings from those problems resulting from improper equipment design or unsatisfactory working environments. Also, several microcomputer-based training programs were developed to aid in conveying the loss-control concepts to the trainees. Finally, the results from the implementation and evaluation of the loss-control-based training programs were documented, including the complete training script for one of the case-study mines. The procedures outlined in this study will aid mine training specialists in developing focused, pro-active accident-prevention strategies and training programs that are based on sound loss-control principles.

Jan 1, 1993

By Normal Seidle

This report (rind related Appendices) provides a description of the functional design specifications and related rationale for development of a training system for dragline equipment operators. Phase I activities involved a delineation and detailed analysis of specific behavioral requirements for successful dragline operation. Following the field data collection effort, job/activity/task descriptions were formulated into training requirements which can be achieved by a trainee with training hardware having specific functional capabilities. The training system analysis integrated the training requirements and the trainer functional capabilities into recommendations which configure a total training system. The objective of the training system described in this report is to provide new operators of dragline equipment with the requisite skills and knowledge to assure cost-effective development and an adequate supply of our human resources.

Jan 1, 1975

By Robert J. Dompe

The objective of this program was to develop a cost effective microprocessor-based electronic image sensor system for monitoring pit slope displacement to detect and/ or predict impending slope failure in surface mines. A background study and data analysis yielded a performance specification for candidate Video Slope Monitoring Systems. A design concept was developed based on using a pair of solid state video cameras located on precision pointing assemblies. The digital images from the cameras are compared and, using electronic triangulation, slope topology is calculated. The current and past locations of operator selected features are compared to determine pit slope displacement. A proof-of-concept test was performed using a laboratory model of a pit slope. Based on the successful results of that testing it is recommended that an in-mine evaluation be performed using a full-scale prototype Video Slope Monitoring System.

Jan 1, 1982

By K. E. Robinson

This study is the extension of an investigation of reclamation of floodplain areas in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District, Idaho, that are unuseable in their natural condition, by construction of landfills with mill tailings. The study develops a valley-wide tailings disposal plan to utilize 20 potential landfill sites on floodplain areas and presents measures for reclaiming the sites for subsequent productive use. Field and laboratory testing on a test section and two abandoned impoundments support the use of hydraulically deposited tailings for landfill construction. Hydrological testing has shown that controlled discharge from tailings impoundments results in contaminant levels in the discharge below regulated standards. Additional testing indicated that compacted soil liners and pond management provide adequate contaminant abatement where acid-generating tailings are encountered. Mechanical compaction, including surcharge loading, upgrades foundation support capacity so that construction on the surface of tailings deposits is feasible. On completion of the testing program, the test sections were abandoned and rehabilitated. Details concerning potential landfill sites have been refined. At recent production rates, the 20 sites would result in 680 acres of reclaimed land, while providing a minimum of 40 years of tailings storage capacity. A general design has been developed for the retention dikes. Aspects of embankment stability, including liquefaction are discussed, and are shown to provide an adequate factor of safety under the anticipated range of operating conditions.

Jan 1, 1983

By Robert D. Perry

This report describes methods of reclaiming abandoned or inactive tailings ponds and dams. The investigated sites were selected tailings deposits adjacent to metal mines in the southwestern United States and the Pacific Northwest. The basic data developed for each site consisted of the following: a review of existing literature: a site visit that included sampling of the tailings and surrounding materials; laboratory and engineering studies; and development of reclamation plans. Laboratory tests determined the gold and silver content of each tailings deposit and the chemistry of the tailings and surrounding materials. Reclamation plans that include approximate costs were developed for five tailings deposit sites. These ranged in size from 52,000 to 103,000,000 tons. Our conclusions on the remining potential of each site are based on the tailings assay and other technical data. This study concludes that remining as a reclamation tool is feasible at certain sites. Included in this report is a remining program as part of the overall reclamation plan for two sites. Our preliminary results indicate that remining as a reclamation tool is feasible for only one of them.

Jan 1, 1981

By Virginia E. Gleason

In this report, recommendations are made for programs to develop workable techniques to stop or prevent acid mine drainage formation in those underground coal mines where acid production could take place. These recommendations include development of mine closure technology, development of surface water infiltration control procedures, study of the effect of roof collapse on mine water characteristics, evaluation of the long-term effects of flooding underground mines above drainage, investigation of the effectiveness of section sealing in active mines, development of a simple model for predicting mine water quality and quantity, preparation of a manual on mine drainage abatement procedures, and development of a program to disseminate information on mine drainage abatement to the coal industry. These recommendations are based on an in-depth evaluation of information acquired over years of research on acid mine drainage formation, on numerous laboratory and field studies of methods of preventing or minimizing acid mine drainage formation, and on review of the geological, hydrological, and mineralogical factors involved. There are 772 references.

Jan 1, 1978