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By Hiroaki Nakano, Kenji Hara, Shunsuke Kawano, Takeshi Ohgai, Michiaki Ikeda, Hisaaki Fukushima, Shinji Yamashita, Tetsuya Akiyama, Hisayuki Kaku

"Ni-Fe alloys have an inverse magnetostrictive effect (Villari effect) in which its permeability varies according to the ·applied strain. This alloy film has a potential for application as force sensors such as torque sensors, tension sensors and so on. Electrodeposition is promising as a technique for preparing Ni-Fe alloy film because of its convenience and economy. In this paper, the effects of electrolysis conditions on the magnetic properties of electrodeposited Ni-Fe alloy films were investigated. Hysteresis loops of Ni-Fe alloy films on copper substrates from sulfate bath were measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The films of low coercivity, which were preferred when used as a force sensor were obtained by introducing certain additives to the sulfate type bath.INTRODUCTIONNi-Fe alloys show an inverse magnetostrictive effect (Villari effect) that their permeability varies depending on the applied strain. The films of this alloy have a potential for application as force sensors such as torque sensors, tension sensors and so on. The authors et al. tried to prepare Ni-Fe alloy films using the sputtering technique, and produced a prototype of Ni-Fe alloy torque sensor [I]. The sensitivity was higher in the torque sensor thus produced than the strain gauge type one, and this torque sensor enables non-contacted detection. It showed excellent durability and reliability. However, the formation of Ni-Fe alloys by sputtering requires higher costs and brought an another problem that the shape of the substrate on which the film was formed was considerably limited. This causes a hindrance to the wide-range application of the force sensors. Electrodeposition is promising as the technique for preparing Ni-Fe alloy films because of its convenience and economy. In this paper, the effects of the conditions of electrodeposition on the magnetic properties of Ni-Fe alloy films were studied."

Jan 1, 2000

By Robert Seal, James J. Rytuba, Michael P. Hunerlach, Roger Ashley, Dean Enderlin

Cessation of open pit mining in 1996 at the McLaughlin hot-spring type gold deposit has resulted in the development of two pit lakes that will be managed as permanent lakes with a total storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet. The south pit lake developed from alkaline ground water infiltration and had an initial pH of 7.2. It contained high concentrations of boron and chloride, indicating that it consisted of a mix of meteoric and evolved connate waters. Numerous carbon dioxide gas vents were present initially in the shallow south pit lake, but as the pit lake increased in depth, gas venting ceased and carbon dioxide is retained in the lower layer of the chemically stratified lake. Continued increase of dissolved carbon dioxide in the lower layer increases the potential for a limnic eruption. A chemocliie occurs at a depth of 47 m. The upper layer of the lake has lower pH, temperature, and conductivity than the lower layer. Effluent from ore and waste rock piles directed into the south pit lake has contributed to high levels of antimony, arsenic, cobalt, copper, mercury, nickel, and zinc. Iron oxyhydroxide is abundant in mine effluent that enters the pit lake and adsorption onto this phase has lowered the arsenic and antimony concentrations. The north pit lake formed primarily from winter surface runoff. The acidic water, pH 4.56, initially had high concentrations of cobalt, mercury, and nickel derived from weathering products of pyritized serpentinite and shales. Buffering by wall rocks has established a slightly alkaline pH of 7.62. The concentrations of trace metals in the north pit lake have substantially decreased due to continued dilution of the lake by surface runoff and remediation of parts of the pit walls that have been covered by backfill.

Jan 1, 2000

The functional design of a pavement relates to the selection of appropriate wearing course materials which optimise the trafficability of a pavement. Trafficability is dictated to a large degree by the choice, application and maintenance of locally available wearing course materials. Poor functional performance results in decreased safety and operational efficiency and increasing road and vehicle maintenance requirements. An optimal functional design will include a certain amount and frequency of maintenance (watering, grading etc.) and thus maintenance itself can be planned, scheduled and optimized within the limits of required road performance and minimum vehicle operating and road maintenance costs. Since no wearing course material selection guidelines, tailored to the specific needs of surface mines, were available, there was the need to identify appropriate selection guidelines for the range of materials commonly encountered for road building on South African mines. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the functional design method for mine haul roads and, through an analysis and quantification of existing wearing course material performance, to recommend appropriate wearing course material selection guidelines. The functional design technique has been applied at a number of mines and is illustrated by an application case study which demonstrates the potential reduction in total transportation operating costs associated with the optimal functional design.

Jan 1, 2000

By F. M. Doyle, C. V. Diniz, A. H. Martins

A proposed process for the direct production of battery¬grade Mn02 leaches manganese ore with HCl to remove heavy metals selectively. The acidic manganese chloride solution produced is contaminated with Cu, Ni, Co, Pb and Fe at levels that preclude immediate utilization. This paper reports on screening tests to measure the uptake of Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Fe and Mn from acidic chloride solutions onto different chelating ion exchange resins. Dow M-4195, which contains the bis-picolylamine,functional group, showed promise for detoxifying manganese chloride process solutions. Column ion-exchange tests demonstrated the ability of this resin to produce pure manganese chloride solution from an acidic manganese chloride leach solution contaminated by Cu, Ni, Co, Pb and Fe.

Jan 1, 2000

By P Crorkan

Within the framework in which future exploitations for Codelco-Chile Divisi=n El Teniente are situated, regarding the deepening of its reserves and the geotechnical problems that affect their recovery, it becomes strategic to evolve with new variants, which make deep mining possible. Codelco ChileÆs Divisi=n El Teniente is progressing within its long-term planning the exploitation of a sector called Esmeralda, which includes its removal through the gravitational caving method (panel caving). It is planned to use pre-caving, which basically consists of developing and undermining the undercut level, without having developed the infrastructure of the production and transport levels. This is carried out in order to achieve a better redistribution of the stresses, thus obtaining higher quality in the infrastructure development of these levels as well as less risk. The extraction reserves for this area, estimated through the opportunity cost selection criteria, were determined at 348 million tons with an average grade of 1.014 per cent Cu. The project carried out geological and geotechnical studies in order to prevent the geomechanical risks of the sector to be exploited, which is a site conformed totally by primary ore. Lithologically, it occurs mainly in Andesite, located at the western limit by Brecha Braden Pipe. There are also varieties of porphyries and hydrothermal breaches of anhydrite. The Esmeralda Mine production program will increase from 4000 tpd (average) in 1998 to its 45 000 tpd rate of production estimated for the year 2005. The approved investment for the period 1995 to 1999 is $US 150 million, out of a total $US 213 million for the project. At feasibility study level and before the project, it showed a Net Present Value of $US 342 million, an Internal Rate of Return of 37 per cent and an IVAN indicator of 2.3 for a ten per cent discount rate and a copper price of 100 US cents/lb.

Jan 1, 2000

By Todd M. Ruff

An average of 13 mine workers are killed each year by being run over or pinned by mobile mining equipment. At surface mines, these accidents commonly involve large dump trucks that drive over a smaller vehicle or a person that is in the dump truck’s blind spot. One method of detecting a person or another vehicle in a blind spot is to use some type of sensor technology such as radar or radio-frequency identification (RFID). Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health tested a number of commercially available and experimental sensors that monitor obstacles in a vehicle’s blind spots. None of the sensors had been previously applied to the specific problem of rigid-frame surface mining trucks. This report documents the procedures and results of tests conducted after RFID and radar systems were mounted on a 50-ton-capacity dump truck. It was determined that both RFID and radar technology show promise for detecting obstacles in the blind spots of mining equipment; however, more development work is needed to meet the unique requirements of mining equipment and the mine environment.

Jan 1, 2000

By Andrew Neale, Ari Supomo, Mike Mular, Rob Perry

A method is presented to measure and correct the performance of regulatory control loops. Freeport Indonesia treats over 220,000 dmtpd of copper-gold ore in a complex of four concentrators. More than 400 regulatory control loops are implemented throughout the operation. The performance of each loop is quantified by an index based on its time in automatic, the deviation of the measurement from the setpoint and a metallurgical assessment of its impact on overall plant operation. Index values are recorded in a plant-wide data acquisition system and analyzed to produce a report of loops requiring attention. Loop statistics are analyzed to show if the problems can be corrected with tuning. The practical application, benefits, management and staffing requirements of this method are discussed.

Jan 1, 2000

By L. I. Gyrskia, Y. V. Andreev, T. N. Greiver, G. V. Petrov

Traditionally, chromite ores are regarded exclusively as a monomineral raw material for extraction of chromium. The results of the investigations indicate a wide range of PGM in the Ray-Iz chromites, amounting to 1-3 ppm PGM. The study of products of primary gravity concentration from heavily and lightly disseminated ores (Tsentralnoe deposit, Ray-Iz block), showed that the platinum-group minerals are concentrated in the tails and slimes of the processed products, containing 10-30 ppm total PGM. Preliminary data make it possible to conclude that an in-depth study of the platinum mineralogy of the Ray-Iz block chromite ores is necessary to develop a process that will produce both chromium and the PGM.

Jan 1, 2000

By Arturo Ressi di Cervia

From the times when men in lacustrine environments drove wooden piles into the mud to elevate their dwellings, until the beginning of the twentieth century builders reacted to the conditions found in the location of their proposed structures by attempting to distribute their loads in ways that could be supported by the foundation's soils; or, if those were unsuitable, by moving the structure, whenever possible. While many major structures were built on stable ground (the pyramids were founded on rock), others were built on [ ]

Jan 1, 2000

By Yvone Franco Crosato

The dense population of Hong Kong requires the construction of tall buildings in reclaimed areas or perched on the slopes of the many hills. The large loads to be supported are carried by deep foundations. Many of those are bored piles, to rock, of diameters up to the 3.0 m. of today.

Jan 1, 2000

By Michael W. Lewis

The latest downturn in the world’s metal prices has forced many mining companies to focus on cost reduction and productivity improvements to remain competitive. Maintenance represents a significant part of the overall operating costs in the mining industry. A structured, proactive maintenance approach, such as reliability-centered maintenance, can achieve cost reductions and productivity improvements. Remote condition-monitoring systems are becoming commonplace because they have the potential to identify problems before failure. Detection of equipment degradation before failure will enable repairs to be scheduled, thereby reducing costs and interruptions to production. The mining industry is in the midst of uncertain times. Decreasing commodity prices, demand, head grade and capital availability along with increasing environmental requirements have put pressure on mining companies to significantly reduce costs to maintain short- and long-term viability. Corporations are looking at expansion, merger/consolidation and financial/hedging programs to achieve these cost reductions. Mines are reducing costs by eliminating all but essential expenditures, increasing production levels, reducing overtime and investing in new technologies.

Jan 1, 2000

The restructuring of the minerals industry has created new challenges for the design and delivery of professional development, and difficult decisions for potential participants. New technologies offer some new methods of delivery, but fall short in providing all of the benefits of face-to-face participation. This paper is intended to be a catalyst for discussion of the issues involved in delivery and participation in cost-effective, relevant and timely professional development.

Jan 1, 2000

By P. D. Roa, O. Noirot, H. Owens, D. E. Walsh, J. R. Mokka

Over a period of eight years (1989 through 1997) the Mineral Industry Research Laboratory (MIRL) at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, has investigated the effects of temperature, residence time and particle size on the degree of low-rank coal (LRC) upgrading for a nonevaporative, hydrothermal drying process, also known as hot water drying (HWD). The following three Alaskan LRCs were used in this study: Usibelli coal (Seam No. 4) from the Nenana Coal Field, Little Tonzona coal from near McGrath, and Beluga coal from the Beluga-Yentna field on the west side of Cook Inlet. Replicated factorial tests were conducted. Experimental results indicate that most of the low-rank coal upgrading via HWD occurs rapidly within the first 10 to 20 min of residence time. Thereafter, the upgrading process slows down, and more than 100 min of additional residence time is required to produce percentage increases equivalent to what was achieved in the first 10 to 20 min. The properties of the hot water dried products were very sensitive to process temperature. Calorific value, carbon and oxygen contents, equilibrium moisture levels and Hardgrove gindabilities all appear to change linearly with temperature within the 275°C to 325°C (525°F to 61 5 OF) range.

Jan 1, 2000

By D. R. Taylor, R. G. Goss

The use of clay-based granules as carriers for pesticides dates back to the early 1940s. It now represents a business conservatively estimated at between 180 and 270 kt/a (200,000 and 300,000 stpy) in the United States alone. Prices for these materials typically range from $110 to $165/t ($100 to $150/st). Aside from economic and specific target pest efficacy advantages, the use of clay granules as pesticide carriers also delivers a number of environmental benefits, which are reviewed. Topics discussed include drift control (vs. liquid sprays), mobility (in the environment), worker safety and transportation (spill) safety.

Jan 1, 2000

By Toshitaka Ota, Hisao Suzuki, Minoru Takahashi

"Perovskite-type lead zinc niobate (PZN) exhibits excellent electrical properties such as high dielectric constant, high electrostrictive coefficient and superior piezoelectricity. Therefore, PZN ceramics are very promising for high performance electronic devices. However, perovskite phase PZN is not stable under the ambient atmosphere. Accordingly, it is very difficult to prepare single-phase perovskite PZN ceramics. In this study, A-site cation of lead was partially substituted for barium to stabilize the perovskite phase of the PZN (Ba-doped PZN) powder. In addition, molecular design of an alkoxide precursor was controlled for a low-temperature processing. As a result, molecular design to suppress the lead-volatilization during calcination was preferred for a low-temperature processing. Processing temperature for a single-phase perovskite was depended on the amount of barium dopant. Doping of20 mole% of barium resulted in the single phase perovskite at 900 °C. The temperature for the single phase perovskite of Ba-doped PZN powder, which depended upon the amount of Ba-doping, was lower than that of the powder prepared by the atmosphere controlled conventional powder processing at least by 150 °C.IntroductionFerroelectric thin films and powders with perovskite structure are of renewed interest for micro-electronic applications, including ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and thin-layer capacitors integrated onto a silicon wafer [1-3]. In addition, recent advancement in micro-machine requires a high performance micro-actuator [4]. A perovskite type relaxor of Pb(Zn113 Nb213)03 is one of the promising materials for a high performance capacitor and microactuator because of their high permittivity and electrostrictive coefficient [5]. Therefore, this paper focuses on the low temperature processing of Ba-doped PZN powders.Chemical solution deposition (CSD) from molecular-designed alkoxide precursor solution is one of the most promising techniques for processing high-performance powders and thin films because it offers precise control of compositions on a molecular scale as well as a low processing temperature [6]. However, chemical solution deposition of perovskite type PZN powders and ceramics are very difficult because of the formation of stable pyrochlore phases. Therefore in the past, PZN powders and single crystal have been prepared by the hydrothermal method or flux method as well as the partial substitution method of a A-site cation [7-10]. In this study, a suitable molecular design for a preparation of perovskite type Ba-doped PZN powders with a chemical solution deposition process is investigated as well as the effect of A-site cation substitution. Chemical solution deposition from molecular-designed alkoxide precursor solution is expected to decrease the amount of a A-site substitution and/or a crystallization temperature for a single phase perovskite. This paper describes ""the relation between molecular-design and processing temperatures for a single-phase perovskite of Ba-doped PZN powders in comparison with the conventional oxides mixing method."

Jan 1, 2000

By M. M. Rajkovich, L. Adams, J. J. Zaluski, S. Gardner

In 1998, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth filed an Administrative Petition with the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet to designate 8,903 +/- hectares (22,000 +/- acres) on Black Mountain, which contains the state’s highest point, as unsuitable for mining. A fast track legislative process was triggered which could have "taken"100 million tons of coal reserves or, in the alternative, imposed severe restrictions on mining. Even with all parties represented by reasonable individuals, this process can be extremely cumbersome and expensive. The legal and technical preparation for this unusual hearing process as well as issues and strategies of the negotiated resolution are reviewed.

Jan 1, 2000

During conventional eddy current separation, a repulsive force is applied to metallic particles by placing them in a rapidly changing magnetic field generated by a spinning magnetic rotor carrying an arrangement of alternate magnetic poles. This method works effectively for larger non-ferrous metallic objects, such as aluminium cans, but as the metallic particles become smaller, the bulk repulsive force on the particles is increasingly replaced by a rotational torque. Therefore, for small metallic particles it makes sense to use particle rotation, rather than particle repulsion, to effect a separation. Eddy current separators using particle rotation are similar in construction to present separators, but are designed to produce a rotating field of essentially constant angular velocity and field strength. Practical and economic particle rotation eddy current separations are possible down to particle sizes of about 200 ¦m, but separations, at probably uneconomic rates, can be carried out on particles as small as 50 ¦m.

Jan 1, 2000

By H. Möhle

Premier Mine is a large underground diamond mine, situated at Cullinan in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The mine hoists over 3 millions tons of diamond bearing kimberlite per year, from a modern, mechanized panel retreat block cave mining operation. Troughs sited at the base of the cave are developed into the overlying caved ore, allowing loading access to the ore through draw points. Trough opening is therefore a vital aspect of the mining operation. Most of the production is dependent on fast, reliable and safe trough opening. Successful trough openings are achieved under difficult mining conditions due to restricted void, long up-holes and the inherent properties of kimberlite?soft, elastic rock with a high swell factor. Early in 1998, Premier Mine undertook a joint development project (with an electronic initiation system supplier) to determine whether the use of a fully programmable electronic detonator system would enhance the mining cycle in the trough opening process. Blasting commenced in February 1998, initially with blasts of a similar size and duration to those that had been previously blasted with shock-tube systems, to confirm the operational capabilities of the blasting system. The accuracy, reliability and flexibility of the electronic delay detonators (EDDs) minimized associated risks for re-engineering of the trough opening process. Further, as blast timing was optimized, larger blasts were successfully initiated. To date over 20 troughs have been opened successfully with the use of EDDs. Not only did it take less time to open troughs, but also drilling and blasting operations have been optimized, as well as an overall improvement in safety. This paper details the benefits that EDDs have delivered to Premier Mine in this area. The logic followed is: ?Review of the original trough opening practices ?Re-engineering of the trough opening process ?Implementation of EDDs ?Evaluation of improvements and conclusions.

Jan 1, 2000

By Thomas Lautsch

After a short description of geology and gateroad roof support technology in the German coalfields the development of roof bolting as primary roof support is presented. Based on geotechnical parameters, different strategies used for roof support at depths of 3,300-4,600 ft. are explained. Strict quality management and a strict monitoring program are part of the entry development. A number of recently finished developments are described such as the introduction of standardized bolts and accelerated resin systems. An outlook of future goals is presented. The paper concludes with a comparison of roof control systems at RAG's mines in the US and Germany.

Jan 1, 2000

By Yasuhiro Konishi, Kazunari Mizoe

"This paper describes a new processing of ultrafine, magnetic ferrites from sulfuric acid pickling solution in steel industry. In the ferrite processing, the iron (II) in the pickling solution was first oxidized to iron (III) by using the acidophilic thennophile Acidianus brierleyi. The bio-oxidized pickling solution was treated with solvent extraction to separate the iron (III) into the organic solution of tertiary aliphatic monocarboxylic acid. After that, the carboxylate solutions of iron (III) and other metal (cobalt) were hydrolyzed and precipitated ultrafine particles of crystalline ferrites at l90°C and l. 3 MPa for 20 min.IntroductionHot-rolled steel sheet has always a layer of oxides on its surface. The oxide layer arises as scale in hot rolling processes in steel industry, and the scale consists of the three iron oxides such as hematite Fez03, magnetite Fep4, and wustite FeO. Pickling removes chemically the scale layer that adheres to the steel surface. For normal steels, pickling is carried out in 15-20% hydrochloric acid at 60-70°C or in 20-25% sulfuric acid at 95-100°C. When steel is pickled with sulfuric acid, the scale oxides dissolve to give iron (II) sulfate.Spent pickling solutions are hazardous wastes containing a large amount of dissolved iron (II) and sulfuric acid, e.g., about 40 kg/m3 of dissolved iron (II) at pH 0. In typical commercial processes, spent pickling solution is usually cooled evaporatively to 5°C, and then to 0°C to crystallize iron (II) sulfate as its heptahydrate. After the crystallization operation, the sulfuric acid can be reused in the pickling operation.In this paper we describes a new processing of ultrafine, magnetic ferrite from sulfuric acid pickling solution, in order to recover dissolved iron (II) in the form of a valuable product. In the ferrite processing, the iron (III) was first supplied by the microbial oxidation of iron (II) in the pickling solution, and then the biooxidized pickling solution was treated with solvent extraction to separate the iron (III) into the organic carboxylate solution. After that, the carboxylate solutions of iron (III) and other metal (cobalt) were precipitated crystalline ferrites under hydrothermal conditions."

Jan 1, 2000