Search Documents

By Richard E. Gray

Virtually all structures show some signs of distress due to deterioration of the building components, to changed loads, or to changed support conditions. Changed support conditions result from ground movements. In mining regions many cases of structural distress are attributed to mining without considering alternative causes. This is particularly true of coal mining since it occurs under extensive areas. Coal mining is estimated to have already undermined more than eight million acres and may eventually undermine 40 million acres in the United States (HRB Singer, Inc., 1977). Other nonmetal and metal underground mines impact much smaller areas. Although it is sometimes difficult, even with careful study, to identify the actual cause of damage, persons responsible for underground coal mining should at least be aware of possible causes of building stress other than mine subsidence. This paper presents information on distress to structures and briefly reviews a number of causes of ground movements other than subsidence: Mass movements, dissolution, erosion, frost action, shrinking and swelling, yield into excavations and compressibility

Jan 1, 1986

By M. D. Ballain, V. C. Storhok, B. Pesic, J. C. Sever

Northwest Alloys, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcoa, produces magnesium from dolomite by reduction with ferrosilicon and aluminum. This process produces alkaline by-products in quantities that allow their consideration for use as commercial by-products. Two such products are dicalcium silicate slag, Di-Cal, and magnesium oxide condensate, MgO. The alkaline properties of these materials offer acid neutralizing capability comparable to the traditionally used lime, therefore, warranting a study for their use in applications where the neutralization of acidic waters or process solutions is required, such as treatment of mine waters. In this ongoing study, three mine waters (Bunker HillMine, Berkeley Pit, and Blackbird Mine) were selected for treatment with Di-Cal and MgO. Lime was used as the background control. The solid precipitates were subsequently contacted with pure water at four different pH conditions for stability testing of prepared metal precipitates (expanded TCLP). It was found that neutralization with Di-Cal results in precipitates which are of equivalent to superior stability than those from lime treatment.

Jan 1, 1999

In this paper, we present design and implementation details of a fuzzy-behavior-based controller for an automated excavator. This robotic excavator must be equipped with sensors, actuators and an embedded control system. The excavator controller uses neural-networks to interpret forces and torques gathered from bucket mounted force sensors during the excavation process. Implementation details and experimental results using the fuzzy behavior based excavation controller are given for several excavation tasks. These excavation tasks demonstrate some of the complex skills that are essential for an autonomous mining excavator controller.

Jan 1, 1996

By J. D. Miller

Contact time during bubble/particle collision is calculated by taking into considera¬tion the effect of bubble and particle motion, buoyant force, bubble size, and particle size and specific gravity density for different cases of collision. From this motion analysis approach for the prediction of contact times and from bubble attachment-time measurements,, fundamental aspects of flotation such as flotability, kinetics, and separation can be explained and are discussed with respect to the effects of bubble/particle motion, bubble size, particle size, and attachment time.

Jan 1, 1987

By K. J. Ashley

Over the last six years I have been involved with the calculation of ore reserves and mine planning using various computer systems and soft- ware packages. This experience has given me a unique perspective from which to view the needs of the engineers and geologists whose job it is to produce geologic and mineable ore reserves. The purpose of this paper is to share that perspective with those who are in this field or are thinking of purchasing computer software to aid in these calculations. My first experience with computers in mining was the creation of a mini-computer based coal reserve and mine planning package written as part of my Easter's thesis. This package took about ten weeks to write, four weeks to document, and two weeks to install at the mine for which it was written. It did what it was designed to do, which was to emulate the hand procedure which had been used prior to its installation. The package was specific to its application which involved several small seams of coal being mined simultaneously and would have required major modification for it to be applied to a mine where, say, one thick seam was mined in two benches.

Jan 1, 1985

By Wern-Ping Nick Chen

Durability risks for underground facilities can be underestimated during design phase as compared to well-known geological risks. However, unclear durability requirements can result in construction schedule delay and change orders. Unlike bridges or buildings, a unified underground durability code or standard does not exist. This paper will provide a durability approach for underground facilities, including degradation modes, mitigations, and compliance measures during construction. In addition, this paper will address how to clearly specify durability requirements in a contract document to reduce disputes during construction and discuss key durability tests that are time consuming and will impact construction schedule if not timely planned.

Jun 23, 2024

By L. S. Hansen

Organized efforts toward the prevention of injuries and occupational diseases have been of comparatively recent origin in the mining industry, dating generally from the beginning of this century. Mining-and particularly underground mining- is more hazardous in many respects than most other major industries, and continual and increasing attention has been given to its health and safety aspects. The importance of the physical well-being of those engaged in mining was recognized by Agricola, who, after describing the hazards encountered in 16th century mining operations, stated that "Some of these evils, as well as certain other things, are the reason why pits are occasionally abandoned." In the past 50 yr particularly, mine managements and labor organizations, separately or collectively, have mounted productive efforts toward the prevention of accidents and industry-associated diseases and illnesses. A statistical study of this period indicates that increasing awareness coupled with the endeavors of all concerned agencies has resulted in decreasing frequency of occurrences of injuries and illnesses. In recent years particularly the mining industry has used the services of safety engineers, industrial hygienists, inspectors, ventilation engineers and other specializing in locating and correcting deficiencies affecting the welfare of employees. Concurrently, the labor movement has incorporated into its organization individuals working in the fields of health and safety, many devoting full time to these responsibilities. Others serve in behalf of their fellow workmen as on-the-job safety representatives. Most authorities agree that accidents are caused by (1) unsafe acts, (2) unsafe conditions and, exceptionally, (3) Acts of God. The "unsafe act" often is cited as the prime cause. but many accidents, and attendant injuries, are the result of a blend of "unsafe acts" and "unsafe conditions," with each chargeable in varying proportions. It therefore is necessary to consider both the physical elements of the mine plant and the training, mental attributes and actions of all personnel involved. Analysis of an accident, if based on hasty reconnaissance and unduly hurried questioning, seldom will disclose more than surface causes and consequently will result in inadequate measures to prevent repetition. Mining involves unavoidable and calculated risks, as in all facets of life. It is most important then that men employed in mining be schooled in the hazards and develop fully the ability to evaluate and minimize risks. The environment, of underground mining often is harsh and strange compared to the more natural surface conditions man has learned to cope with as a part of established life patterns. The miner. therefore, must adapt to unusual situations and conditions and must develop a mental attitude permitting acceptance of change. 3.1-INDUSTRY-AFFILIATED SAFETY AGENCIES L. S. HANSEN There are many organizations primarily interested in health and safety. In addition to industry and labor groups, there are many private and governmental

Jan 1, 1973

A virtual reality approach is presented that can aid entities such as mining companies and land use planners in communicating a visual understanding of a mining operation to interested stakeholders, citizens? groups, and public committees. These visualizations are particularly useful in permitting, production planning and mining closures, contributing to accurate communication and evaluation of mine plans, ultimate land use and evaluation of potential design options A case study is presented, that was created using commercially available virtual reality tools, to emphasize the benefits of visualization technologies in the sustainable development of mineral resources.

Jan 1, 2003

By Anup Tiwari, Khanindra Pathak, BIBHUTI BHUSAN MANDAL

Failure of in-pit overburden dumps in open-pit coal mines causes debris to flow toward the active working face, threatening the safety of people and equipment. The evaluation of the potential mobility of failing mass will aid in hazard mitigation associated with unwarranted dump failure. The potential mobility is shown by mobility ratio (ratio of total drop between debris flow's initial and final deposition points to total travel distance) and runout characteristics. In light of above, a laboratoryscale debris flow flume was developed to investigate the effect of material gradation and slope angle on runout characteristics and mobility ratio. The total mass of experimental debris mix (Q) is fixed at 30 kg with 20% water content. Experiments at three different slope angles (30°, 35°, and 40°) demonstrate that increasing the proportion of fines in the experimental mix increases runout characteristics while decreasing the mobility ratio. The length and area of the runout decrease as the slope angle increases, while the mobility ratio increases. There is a positive correlation between d50 and runout characteristics at a fines content of 0.1Q, but a negative correlation at a fines content of 0.2Q and 0.3Q. Conversely, there is a negative correlation between d50 and mobility ratio for fines content of 0.1Q, but a positive correlation exists for fines content of 0.2Q and 0.3Q. A new index called the fine-to-coarse (F/C) ratio is used to identify the critical value of fines and coarse proportion that causes a transition from dry granular flow to fluidized debris flow.

May 29, 2023

By Edward Holloway

The basis for the selection of the ultimate pit for an open pit mining operation is generally opaque. Some form of value-based analysis will generally guide the final decision; however, the value will often gradually plateau whilst the ultimate pit size continues to increase. There is no established framework to guide specialists in the selection of the ultimate pit, with such decisions regularly made on a somewhat arbitrary basis. The key component that is missing from the analyses typically used to select the size of the ultimate pit is risk. Once risk is quantified within the analysis framework, the decision-making range is significantly reduced, and the process for selecting the ultimate pit becomes more consistent, replicable, and defensible. This paper provides an approach to including risk in the process used to select the ultimate pit.

Feb 21, 2024

By Richard Gertsch

In the operation of this mobile-modular system, inexpensive fiberglass charcoal columns are loaded with gold at strategically-located adsorption stations. The loaded columns are then shipped to a centralized stripping facility. After stripping, the columns are returned to the adsorption station. The advantages of this system are as follows: •Easy scale up from pilot plant to full production. •Low capital and operational costs. •Gold production quickly reacts to changes in ore production. •The solution circuits are simple and easy to maintain. •Charcoal damage is greatly reduced.

Jan 1, 1996

Tables

Jan 1, 1973

By Thomas Novak, Philip Johnson, Richard L. Sanford, Lloyd A. Morley

Macintosh use in mine-planning applications lags DOS machines since many users have made significant investments in hardware and training for other environments. Macintosh use is becoming more pronounced in many other industries, and com soft-ware is of at least the quality of that available for DOS machines and many workstations. This paper describes attributes of the Macintosh computer family as related to many mine-planning problems and solutions including software, memory considerations, workstations, DOS compatibility, and networking.

Jan 1, 1993

By James Wm. White

Computer-based mine management systems are being used in many surface mines to assign haul trucks, track equipment and manage information. Advances in digital communications allow these systems to be used in underground operations. Underground mine management systems help maximize production by providing gains in equipment and manpower use, drawpoint equalization in block caving operations, preventive maintenance and safety. Current systems use allocated or "locked" train and load-haul-dump (LHD) dispatching. Allocated dispatching rarely optimizes open pit product' on. But it offers an efficient mode of operation underground and where options are more limited. The primary objectives of underground mine management systems are to maximize production and mini¬mize contention time through allocated train, truck or LHD dispatching, traffic control, equipment monitoring and comprehensive reporting. The main components of an underground mine management system include: ? A central computer (personal computer or worksta¬tion) in a central control center. It sends instructions to train, truck or LHD drivers and allows dispatcher interaction. ? A field computer system (FCS). This consists of a touch-screen graphics console (GC) and mobile hub - on each train, truck or LHD to receive and display instructions from the central computer and accept driver input. ? A data radio network based on leaky feeder (data, voice, video) or microcell radios (data only) and advanced token-ring technology. This passes information between the central computer and the FCSs. ? Radio frequency (RF) tags mounted at boxes, weigh bridges, tips and rim tunnel main haulage ways to locate trains or LHDs (Luke, 1993). Such a management system must be in place before implementing computer-based dispatching (Vagenas, 1991) for production optimization.

Jan 1, 1997

By Z. Yu

The effect of particle size on coal dewatering has been well recognized However, there are no systematic studies on ultrafine coal dewatering. The results discussed last year revealed the effect of flocculant type and coal wettability on the filtration of ultrafine coal In this paper, the differences in dewatering between -25 µ m ultrafine and -500 µ m fine coal with addition of flocculants, surfactants and oil-emulsions in vacuum filtration are further investigated Significant differences were observed in the reduction of the cake moisture. The utilized emulsions were found to be very powerful and promising filtration aids for both ultrafine and fine fractions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic coal

Jan 1, 1995

By Mike Preston

Attrition scrubbers may not be glamorous, but they are an important and sometimes neglected step in mineral processing. Optimal attritioning will significantly improve the results and efficiencies of subsequent processing steps and can lead to reduced costs and improved product yields. Why is attrition scrubbing used? Attrition means to wear away a surface, typically by friction or abrasion. An attrition scrubber does exactly this, using impellers to force particles against each other, causing intense scrubbing, grinding, abrasion and polishing. This process is not a new concept. It has long been used in the glass industry to remove surface contaminants from silica. But it is also widely used in many areas of mineral processing and other applications including soil remediation and plastics recycling. In mineral separation, for example, the scrubbers help improve yield and efficiencies by preparing feed materials for downstream processes such as flotation, magnetic or electrostatic separation. Inefficient scrubbing can lead to coatings remaining on valuable minerals and decreased yields, as the covered minerals cannot be processed efficiently or are mistaken as waste contaminates and removed. In the example of flotation separation, pre-flotation conditioning uses attrition scrubbers to provide better recovery of minerals while using fewer chemicals. If surface contaminants remain on the mineral, yield is reduced, as the unwanted coating acts as a barrier to the reactants, which make it unfloatable and, therefore, unrecoverable.

Oct 1, 2013

By Ping Zhang, Xu Ma

Perturbations arising from mining operations significantly affect the stability of rock masses, and the influences aggerates with the rapid increase of mining-operation depths during recent years. The subsurface structures with major discontinuities subject to seismic hazards resulted from the shear-slip behaviors of rock masses. In order to identify the shear-slip regime of discontinuities and calculate seismic moment and seismic energy involved with shear-slip behaviors, we use discrete element modeling to study the shear slip failure along discontinuities in an underground mine. The recorded characteristic and properties of sub-contacts in DEM provide a basis for computing and visualizing the temporal and spatial distribution of seismic moment and seismic energy with mining operations. We computed the seismic energy and seismic moment using the numerical modeling method and the analytic method. We compared the result of summing seismic energy and seismic moment from the subcontacts of numerical models and the result of the analytic method. We confirmed that this tool can be used in comparative analyses. We also found that seismic moment and seismic energy, associated with shear stress drop and shear displacement increase, accumulate in the vicinity of major discontinuities. Mining operations at a greater depth cause greater changes of seismic moment and seismic energy, leading to a higher risk of inducing seismic hazards. Quantifying seismic potential using discrete element modeling can greatly facilitate the investigation of instability of geological discontinuities and thereby can help estimate the potential of seismic hazards.

Jan 21, 2023

By J. M. Mutmansky

Procedures for the determination of the operating point that results when a fan is connected to a mine and placed in operation have been a source of confusion for decades. A variety of techniques has been proposed, often to the detriment of the practicing ventilation engineer trying to apply the techniques to the multitudinous mine/fan matching problems encountered in the engineering of mine ventilation systems. This paper proposes some different assumptions and definitions that simplify the solution of problems in determining the operating point. As a result, a set of procedures is provided for determining the operating point of a mine/fan system when the outlet areas of the mine and fan are known. To establish a major simplification in the development of procedures for the determination of the operating point for a mine/fan combination, the authors suggest that the mine pressures be redefined and then used in such a manner that the conservation of energy is ensured. This provides the basis for the recommendation that the fan operating point be determined using the fan total pressure and the system total pressure characteristics. This procedure can be applied to fans in the blower, booster, and exhaust positions equally well and to both single-fan and multiple-fan networks. Another advantage is that the method is applicable to fans with or without an evase.

Jan 1, 1984

By T. N. Andersen

The history of gold and silver analyses shows an interesting duality. On one hand, classical chemical and instrumental methods have evolved to meet changing needs, but on the other hand, the age-old and somewhat empirical fire assay has remained a popular tool. Inasmuch as gold and silver generally have been present in ores at low concentra¬tions, methods have been challenged by a need for sensitivity and selectivity coupled with reasonable assay time. A progressive increase in the importance of low grade materials as ore sources has led to the need for improved methods. Assays of these materials are required for process control and accounting in operating plants as well as for guiding research and development activities. The analytical response to these needs is evidenced by numerous reviews published through 1977-¬e.g., cf Kolthoff and Elving (1966), Beamish and Van Loon (1966, 1972, and 1977), Young (1971) , Mallett (1970), and Sen Gupta (1973). In this paper we present a brief sketch of the history and status of various gold and silver methods. A more detailed summary of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is Given, as this method has gained in popularity more than other assay methods. AAS methods currently in use are summarized and discussed briefly. This paper is not meant to be a detailed review, as are the above mentioned publications. Rather, we borrow from those works and more recent papers to report trends in gold and silver analyses (particularly in AAS). Also, we discuss some selected poten¬tial problems, and problems that have been experienced by this laboratory.

Jan 1, 1981

By Robert T. DeGavre

I have been asked by the Society of Mining Engineers to present a paper on Inco Limited's Indonesian nickel project as a case study in the financing of large overseas mining projects. I welcome this opportunity It is a story worth telling not only because the project itself represents a significant human achievement but also because there are certain important lessons that can be derived from our experience in financing the project. The paper will be divided into four sections: (i) a brief history of the project, (ii) a critical appraisal of the project's financing plan in terms of the goals that we sought to achieve, (iii) some comments on certain factors underlying the relative success of the financing plan, and (iv) the contributions that the engineering staffs must make to a successful financing plan. The paper will not present a technical assessment of the project since Inco Limited has been asked to submit a series of papers on this subject at the International Laterite Symposium as part of the 108th Annual Meeting of the AIME in February 1979.

Jan 1, 1978