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By Robert H. Peters

This report presents a literature review conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The review summarizes what has been learned from the large volume of empirical studies on the effectiveness of eight types of interventions intended to increase organizational effectiveness via in the management of human resources. The interventions concern the following: recruitment, selection, training, objective feedback, goal setting, reward systems, participative management practices and organization development. Although many of these interventions appear to have the potential for improving the safety and efficiency of mining operations, it does not appear that they are being widely used. Examples are given of the successful use of a few of these interventions at mining operations. An analysis of the relationship between coal mine productivity and safety is also presented. This analysis generally supports the view that good safety performance and high productivity are NOT incompatible goals. In fact, safe mines also tend to be more productive and vice versa.

Jan 1, 1992

By Frank Johnson

Between 2000 and 2006, platinum production from the South African mines expanded from 206 to 307 tonnes (DME, 2007). Most of this additional metal has come from traditional ?narrow? reef stoping, generally taken to mean stoping in working places with a mining height of less than 1,5 metres. It is well known that narrow-reef stoping presents safety, technological and ergonometric challenges (Pickering, 2007). In planning for the expansion, which is still continuing, the platinum mining industry realized that it could not simply continue with traditional methods of narrow-reef mining. Particular issues identified were: ? High labour-intensivity: caused by use of hand-held rock drilling machines, labour-intensive support installation and stope cleaning; ? Dependence on rock-drillers: this occupation is no longer an attractive one and there is a reducing flow of new recruits; ? Safety: most of the work is performed close to the new faces, where there is the greatest exposure to the hazards of falling rock.

Jan 1, 2008

By A. A. Ruitenberg, S. C. Johnson, L. R. Fyffe

"Several types of stratiform and epigenetic gold deposits have been found in New Brunswick, It is the purpose of this paper to describe and classify the epigenetic deposits and demonstrate their relationship to tectonic evolution. The stratiform deposits are mostly volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits that are described elsewhere (Davies et al., 1985).The auriferous epigenetic deposits include quartz-carbonate veins and stockworks, polymetallic veins, contact metasomatic, porphyry copper and volcanic breccia (epithermal) deposits. These epigenetic deposits are concentrated in major fault zones that define or are close to the boundaries of tectonostratigraphic terranes or terranes and cover sequences. The host rocks of the deposits were subjected to extensive crustal thickening resulting from thrusting and/or high angle reverse faulting.The gold deposits north of the Avalon Terrane occur indilatent structures related to mainly dextral wrench faulting that postdated the episode of crustal thickening. The deposits along the southern margin of the Avalon Terrane occur in structures related to late phase thrusting."

Jan 1, 1990

By W. H. McAllister

The paper considers the geology and the coalfields that comprise the Scottish south area. It traces the history of known sources of spontaneous combustion and indicates the collieries concerned, with the position of the seams in the geological series where heatings have occurred. The methods of work over the years are described. It relates in detail the circumstances surrounding a fire at Bilston Glen Colliery in the Lothian Coalfield, and the heating at Killoch Colliery in the Ayrshire Coalfield, and the steps taken to deal with them. It also describes some of the difficulties in steep seam working. Methods adopted to prevent spontaneous combustion throughout the area are discussed, and some detail of the UNOR gas analyser is given. Finally, it comments on the present techniques in use in the area, particularly at Bilston Glen Colliery, to prevent spontaneous combustion.

May 23, 1905

The low production rates associated with the underground metal mining industry have received considerable attention during the last decade. A number of significant technological advancements, in the form of new equipment, have taken place to improve the economics of ore production. Unfortunately, an extremely important factor in the equation -- the operator protection and safety -- continues to receive a low priority. The underground metal mining industry has one of the poorest industrial safety records in the United States. Equipment operators are constantly being placed in hazardous situations. Even one fatality is one too many. All of us bear the responsibility to eliminate it. This project is one of the important steps currently being undertaken by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to improve the operational safety of seven major pieces of ore handling equipment commonly used in underground metal and non-metal mines. The objectives of this study are; (a) to identify the existing hazards associated with the operation of the specific equipment, and (b) to recommend practical solutions that will minimize these hazards and reduce operator injuries. These recommendations are to be in the areas of equipment design improvements, additional operator protection and warning devices, equipment operating procedures and any modifications to the existing safety regulations.

Jan 1, 1975

By J. W. Ristori, V. R. Garfias

ONE of the most serious problems now confronting Gel- many-and one that will affect Italy even more seriously if she goes to war against England and France -is that of supplying her navy, mechanized army, and air force as well as her industrial and other needs with the necessary and related products. This problem, serious even now, will become vital should hostilities on a large scale develop.

Jan 1, 1939

By Christos Roumpos, Philip‑Mark Spanidis, Francis Pavloudakis

Coal mining operations are large-scale, long-term frameworks of high complexity. Mining organizations accumulate, develop, and leverage knowledge from diverse scientific and technological fields as a result of these operations. Both practical experience and existing literature indicate that knowledge management (KM) methods within the mining industry primarily target solving immediate technical challenges and operational requirements. However, they are not commonly regarded as strategic tools to enhance the performance and competitiveness of mining companies. Empirical evidence from the Greek mining industry suggests that the management of available knowledge is intricate, less effective, and dysfunctional. This paper presents a methodology based on the principles of quantitative research (QNR), collaboratively conducted with a group of mining experts, to assess the KM landscape in the Greek mining industry. The methodology involves a structured data collection framework using questionnaires, subsequent statistical analysis, a discussion on critical methodological aspects, and an interpretation of results focusing on key aspects useful for planners and designers of KM systems in the mining industry. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the methodology’s outcomes and proposing further perspectives for research.

Mar 16, 2024

By Rolf R. Schillinger

Subject of the paper are blasting vibrations as sources of environmental molestations including acceptance level,complaint level and damage level as well. Besides, the subject shows a comparison of international regulations and their problematical aspects. In consideration of blast induced immissions the subject shows that human annoyance has become an important place in blasting works. It provides a solution proposal how to minimize environmental effects of blasting works.

Jan 1, 1996

By A. H. Winckers

"CAMIRO, The Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization, formerly known as MITEC, is a collaborative research organization of Canadian Mining Companies. It is comprised of Exploration, Metallurgical Processing and Mining Divisions.The Metallurgical Processing Division (MPD) has the mandate to contribute to the profitability, competitiveness, safety and growth of the Canadian mining industry by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral processing and extractive metallurgy in an environmentally conscious manner through the development of innovative technology by managing cooperative industry focused research programs.Current membership includes about ten Canadian mining companies. Past research has largely focused on base metal mineral processing. The Division wants to expand its research base to include all areas of mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.Past performance and plans for the future will be highlighted in the presentation."

Jan 1, 1998

By John B. Bennett

This Bureau of Mines report presents a method of standardizing forecasts of mineral consumption that attempts to resolve the problems caused by the use of different data bases, different definitions of minerals consumption, and different base years for making projections. Using this method, forecasts of U.S. and world mineral consumption, in the year 2000, for nine commodities (aluminum, chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, tin, tungsten, and zinc) are standardized and compared. Also selected forecasts or associated growth rates are used to generate implied values of consumption for 1980-83, which are then compared to actual values of consumption for 1980-83. The economic growth predictions underlying the forecasts are examined, and some general conclusions are drawn. A description of each methodology used to generate these forecasts is given in an appendix.

Jan 1, 1986

By Krishna Parameswaran

"This paper discusses energy use and conservation in the primary copper industry and illustrates eco-efficiency considerations, using select examples of practices at ASARCO LLC, an integrated primary copper producer and others in the industry that promote eco-efficiency. The World Council for Sustainable Business Development first publicized the concept of eco-efficiency at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Eco-efficiency is a management concept linking environmental and economic performance and is aimed at generating added value for a business through, among other things, increased resource and energy conservation and reduced environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of the product or service. This concept differs from sustainable development in that focus is only on economic and environmental factors and does not include social considerations. In the metal mining and processing context, this added value can be realized by implementing practices that promote conservation of water and mineral resources, conservation of energy, minimization of waste, reduced emissions and effluents and increased recycling. The examples from the primary copper industry used to illustrate eco-efficiency considerations include: water and energy conservation in mineral processing, adoption of flash and bath smelting processes, emission reduction and process improvement associated with fire-refining, implementation of green chemistry in electrorefining, promoting product stewardship initiatives and fostering renewable energy project on disturbed mined lands.INTRODUCTION ASARCO LLC (Asarco) was organized in 1899 as the American Smelting And Refining Company. Originally a consolidation of several lead-silver smelting companies, it evolved over the years into an integrated producer of primary non-ferrous metals, including copper, lead and zinc and associated co-products. Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V acquired Asarco in 1999. Today, Asarco is a vertically integrated producer of primary refined copper and associated co-products such as gold, silver, molybdenum, selenium and tellurium. Asarco operates three open-pit mines and mills, two leach, solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) plants and a copper smelter in Arizona and a copper refinery in Texas."

Jan 1, 2017

By R Wei, Y Peng, D Seaman

This study addresses a widespread problem confronting the mining industry: the deleterious effect of clay minerals in flotation. This problem is seemingly exacerbated by the presence of iron contamination from grinding media. The interaction of clay minerals and grinding media in copper and gold flotation was investigated in this study. A low-clay ore and a high-clay ore were obtained from Telfer to represent different contents of clay minerals, while stainless steel and mild steel grinding rods were used to produce different grinding chemistry, in particular, iron contamination. Flotation tests on an unsized and sized basis were conducted to reveal how clay minerals and grinding media affect copper and gold flotation. Iron contamination and the oxidation of copper minerals were quantified by ethylene diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA) extraction. It is interesting to find that both clay minerals and iron contamination depressed the flotation primarily in fine particles smaller than 33 ¦m, and clay minerals played a dominant role. Although flotation of coarser particles greater than 33 ¦m was less affected by clay minerals and iron contamination, coarser grinding to increase P80 was not an effective way to improve copper and gold flotation for the high-clay ore. This study suggests that to improve copper and gold flotation from clay ores, clay dispersion in conjunction with the minimisation of iron contamination may be required.CITATION:Wei, R, Peng, Y and Seaman, D, 2013. The effect of grinding media on copper and gold flotation in the presence of clay minerals, in Proceedings World Gold 2013 , pp 283-288 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 26, 2013

By Shawn McWilliams, Aini Sun, Mike Lichte, Greg Colzani

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) adopted its Clean Water Plan (CWP) in May 2020, as part of a federal consent decree to comply with the USEPA’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Policy. Planned improvements include constructing a new regional storage/conveyance tunnel system, promoting green infrastructure/ source control, and expanding the treatment plant. Preliminary planning for the tunnel system was completed in October 2020. The Ohio River Tunnel (ORT) project is the first of three tunnel projects that make up the regional tunnel system. The ORT project began final design in 2021. This paper discusses the advancements made to the ORT preliminary planning concepts considering property availability, alignment optimization, tunnel boring machine evaluation, contract packaging and delivery schedules.

Jun 13, 2023

By D. D. Hamilton

The ISMS program provided for the development and demonstration of equipment modifications for improved safety in both conventional and continuous coal mining systems. This report documents the success of the program in identifying accident hazards in underground coal mines with 4-to 8-foot seam heights, in designing modifications to reduce the hazards, and in demonstrating improved safety through extended underground use of the ISMS equipment.

Jan 1, 1977

By Austin Gudmundsen

"The smoke nuisance, like many other undesirable and longstanding features in our present civilization, is still with us. On reviewing the situation we are astonished to find no authentic record of a major smoke-abatement campaign that has succeeded in eliminating a smoke nuisance, in spite of the fact that the problem has been with us since the use of bituminous coal began. We might well ask ourselves where the trouble lies; is the problem impossible of solution? We can not blame the average citizen for harboring this thought as a conviction. He has been urged for so long but sees so little evidence of progress. He has repeatedly been assured by the scientist and the engineer in most convincing terms that smoke. is unnecessary, that it can be avoided; small wonder is it that he is beginning to distrust so-called authority on the subject.On the other hand, the scientist and engineer are entirely within their rights. We all know that even high-volatile coal can be and is now being burned with no visible smoke. We know that even small domestic heating furnaces, with favorable conditions and with proper care, can be fired by hand without producing much smoke. And we know that when such equipment is fitted with suitable stoking devices, little or no smoke results. What, then, is the answer?Perhaps we may learn something from a critical examination of a typical smoke-abatement problem. Probably one of the most enlightening campaigns that has been waged in the United States is that of Salt Lake City, Utah; therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the important aspects of this particular case."

Apr 1, 1930

By R. J. Pokora

This Bureau of Mines report is an applications manual that can be used by the nonmetallic mining industry for guidance in installing noise control materials into crushing and screening plants. These noise control modifications were installed and successfully tested at three operating quarries. This report identifies the major noise sources that can be encountered in crushing and screening plants, and discusses the applicable noise control materials and techniques that a plant operator can utilize on a retrofit basis to reduce equipment noise.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. L. Eakin

A method was developed by the Bureau of Mines in the laboratory and in the field to relieve capillary waterblocks in gas wells. Impaired gas permeability was improved by this inexpensive chemical treatment which lowers the surface tension of the water held in the capillaries of the formation. Effectiveness of the alcohol-surfactant treatment was tested with a variety of chemicals and with sandstone cores cut from rocks having relatively low permeability. Field tests on 20 gas-producing and storage wells demonstrated the effectiveness and limitations of the method. The productive capacity of some wells was doubled by the treatment. The final test was evaluated by the neutron logging technique for measuring changes in apparent liquid saturation. Maximum apparent liquid saturation was reduced by 52 percent; gas production rate increased from 2.3 to 3.5 MMcfd (million cubic feet per day).

Jan 1, 1965

By Thomas P. Mucho

Retreat or pillar recovery mining redistributes the overburden weight onto the adjacent coal pillars in a room-and-pillar section. The additional stress and the resultant energy stored in the remaining pillars can become so great that pillars may bump or violently fail. An investigation at the Gary No.2 Mine was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the thin pillar mining method for mitigating bump occurrences. Field observations were made and instruments were installed to monitor pillar behavior during extraction. Stress monitoring instruments and roof-to-floor convergence stations were installed in pillars and entries and crosscuts, respectively. Results indicated that high pillar stress concentrations occurred in these bump-prone geologic conditions. The thin pillar mechanism, the creation and progressive outby movement of an expanded yield zone, was also monitored through the instruments. The expanded yield zone, a result of using thin pillars in a highly stressed pillar line area, mitigates bump risk.

Jan 1, 2010

By A. Y. Lee

Prior work at the Bureau of Mines resulted in the successful development of a bench-scale, combination electrorefining-electrowinning method for recycling the lead from scrap batteries using waste fluosilicic acid (H2SiF6) as electrolyte. This paper describes larger scale experiments. Anodes cast from scrap battery lead were electrorefined in a 20-L multielectrode cell for 3 to 7 days. The anodes, containing 2 to 2.5 pct antimony, were ideal for obtaining firm and adherent slime blankets. Cathode deposits, assaying 99.99 pct Pb, were obtained, with current efficiencies near 99 pct. Sludge leaching was done in 100-L tanks followed by filtering in 61 cm square vacuum pan filtersu Lead of greater than 99.99-pct purity was recovered from the filtrate by electrowinning in a 20-L multielectrode cell using insoluble Pb02-Ti (lead dioxide-coated titanium) anodes and pure lead cathodes. The fluo-silicic acid electrolyte depleted in lead was repeatedly recycled to leach more sludge, and there was no problem with impurity buildup. The amount of Pb02 formed on the anodes during electrowinning was less than 1 pct of the total lead deposited on the cathodes, as long as the phosphorus concentration in the electrolyte was greater than 1.3 giL. Emissions of lead in air were less than 10 ~g/m3, well below the proposed OSHA limit of 50 ~g/m3.

Jan 1, 1984

By C. S. Todd, R. L. McNearny, S. Dun, P. Clark, P. W. Conrad, X. Liu, J. Q. Wu, H. Rhee, W. J. Elliot

Soil erosion is strongly related to soil hydraulic properties. Understanding how surface coal mining affects these properties is therefore important in developing effective management practices to control erosion during reclamation. To determine the impact of mining activities on soil hydraulic properties, soils from undisturbed areas, areas of roughly graded mine spoil, areas with replaced topsoil before seeding, and revegetated areas at the Rosebud Mine in Eastern Montana were evaluated. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the soil hydraulic properties of the four representative areas, including particle-size distribution, organic matter content and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Using this data, Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) simulations and risk analyses were performed to investigate mining’s effects on changes in soil erosion potential. Significant differences were seen in the hydraulic properties of the soils in the representative areas due to the mining and reclamation practices at the mine. The WEPP simulations show that the potential for soil erosion increases as a result of mining activities disturbing the soil. The simulations also indicate that the erosion potential may return to pre-mining levels over time with effective revegetation practices.

Jan 1, 2015