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By Will Callupe Arzapalo

The success of the minimization of blast induced-damage at Barrick?s Pierina Mine in Peru is the result of an effective working relationship between Mine Operations and the Geotechnical Services Department. A detailed design criteria manual is used to match the blast plan to the site?s varying rock types and slope designs. The Geotechnical Services Department has further developed a comprehensive pre- and post-blast checklist that is critical to the drilling and blasting process as it pertains to wall stability. Wall control blasts are evaluated with quality assurance field checks, vibration monitoring and frequency control, video assisted performance quantification and post excavation face profiling. These detailed observations are compiled and summarized in a blast performance evaluation that is considered to be an ?Industry Best Practice?. The information and detail provided by each performance summary allows accurate blast analysis and effective design refinement.

May 1, 2006

By Associates

The headwaters of Skippers Creek and the Shotover River are reputed to be among the richest alluvial gold catchments in the world. This alluvial gold has no doubt been derived from reef systems similar to, and associated with, the Bullendale lodes. Physiographically the prospect covers steep ridges and deeply incised gullies between the Richardson Mountains in the west and the Harris Mountains in the east. Vegetation is mainly tussock with bush either side of Murdochs Creek. Access to the area is by metalled road to Skippers and then by 4WD track to Bullendale. Alternatively the prospect area can be reached by helicopter from Queenstown in around ten minutes.

Jan 1, 1992

By C. B. Davison

One goal of the Bureau of Mines is to conserve the Nation's mineral resources by developing improved performance materials. Consistent with this goal, the Bureau conducted studies on the formation of undesirable cristobalite in seven different fire clays used as refractories. The studies employed scanning electron micrography, chemical and X-ray analyses, and pyrometric cone equivalent determinations to examine the sample clays and determine the effect of thermal history and stablilizing additives on the amount of cristobalite in various calcines. This research has indicated that as fire clay calcining temperatures increased from 1390° to 1,490° C there was a gradual decrease in the percent of cristobalite present in the calcines and a progressive development of mullite crystallization. No cristobalite was found in fire clays calcined above 1,550° C, but cristobalite reappeared when the calcines were reheated to temperatures between 1,400° and 1,500° C. The research also revealed that additions of lithium fluoride (LiF) prevented formation of cristobalite in fire clay calcines.

Jan 1, 1979

By Kenneth Etschlager

The ISEE Blast Vibration and Seismograph Section provides a forum for the discussion of issues related to vibration and noise from mine, quarry and construction blasting. The section began as a Technical committee in 1995 to promote the accuracy of blasting seismographs. Currently five subcommittees exist within the section: Seismograph Standards; Seismograph Testing and Calibration; Vibration Limits, Technical; Vibration Regulations; and Program and Communications. Foremost, the Seismograph Standards section wrote the first two technical standards adopted by the ISEE. The historical accomplishments, current activities and objectives of the section are discussed.

Jan 1, 2003

By J M. Parr, P M. Herzig, J B. Gemmell, S D. Scott

PACMANUS is an actively-forming seafloor analogue of volcanic-hosted massive sulfide orebodies, situated on the crest of an andesite-dacite-rhyodacite ridge overlying rifted older arc crust in a back-arc basin. Hydrothermal deposits range from Mn-oxide crusts to Cu-Zn-rich massive sulfide mounds and chimneys containing significant Au and Ag. Preliminary data suggest a substantial magmatic component to fluids and metal sources, and we speculate that PACMANUS is the cap to a complete hydrothermal system including subvolcanic and intrusive-related mineralisation.

Jan 1, 1995

By A. F. Banks

"Potash processing has much in common in terms of unit operations and plant operating strategy with other mineral processing plants. As it is a rather large topic the processes will be broad brushed to give you some background and then I will go into a little detail on the things we do in the Cominco plant that may be of interest to the group as a whole. In particular the centrallized computer control system and associated instrumentation and the operator training programs will be covered as well as the mill fire, something that could happen in any plant. THE ORE AND PRODUCTSThere are differences in potash ores as you would expect. It is my intention to deal with the ores processed in the Saskatoon area. These are mined from the beds in the Patience Lake Member and have a mineralogical description as follows:Sylvite (Potassium Chloride) 40%Halite (Sodium Chloride) 55%Insolubles (Slimes) 5%A number of products are made from this ore. It is characteristic of a potash plant that you put as much effort into grading and converting the sylvite to meet market requirements as you do in recovering it."

Jan 1, 1976

By M. D. Aldridge

The results of a two-year research effort aimed at improving communication systems in coal mines is reported. A review of communication methods presently used in coal mines is presented. Theoretical and-experimental results of a four pronged effort in the areas of (1) through-the-earth propagation, (2) paging system design, (3) improvement of wired telephone systems, and (4) carrier current systems are described. Auxiliary systems not included in the above are considered briefly. Various conclusions are drawn in light of practical constraints and the needs of the mining industry. The study clearly demonstrated the need for nine communications to be designed on system basis. The viability of new technology for providing reliable mine communication for improving mine safety and operating efficiency is shown.

Jan 1, 1973

By E. J. Haug, K. L. Clifford, K. L. Purdy

St. Joe Minerals Corp.'s Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division produces lead, zinc and copper sulfide concentrates at three of its operations. The Viburnum and Fletcher mills have been described in previous papers. The new Bushy Creek mill, dedicated in May of 1973, is an updated version of the Fletcher mill incorporating 8.5 m3 (300 cu ft) lead and zinc

Jan 2, 1979

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) was established in the public interest to conclude inquiries and scientific and technologic investigations on mining and the preparation, treatment, and utilization of mineral substances; to promote health and safety in the mineral industries; to conserve material resources and prevent their waste; to further economic development; to increaseee efficiency in the mining, metallurgical, quarrying, and other mineral industries; and to inquire into the economic conditions affecting those industries. The organic act of the Bureau, as amended by Congress and approved February 25, 1913, made it the province and duty of the U.S. Bureau of Mines to "disseminate information concerning these subjects in such manner as will best carry out the purposes of this Act." In accordance with this directive, USBM reports the findings of its research and investigations in its own series of publications and also in articles that appear in scientific, technical, and trade journals; in proceedings of conventions and seminars; in reference books; and in other non-USBM publications. The number of these reports, the wide range of subjects they cover, and the variety of mediums in which they appear make this kind of list both necessary and valuable. This edition describes reports and articles published during calendar years 1992 and 1993. It supplements the 50-year list of Bureau publications from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 19602; and these 5-year lists of publications and articles: from January 1, 1965, to December 31, 1969\ from January 1, 1970, to December 31,19745, from January 1, 1975, to December 31, 19796, from January 1, 1980, to December 31,19847, and from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 19898?.

Jan 1, 2007

By Andrew R. Marchbank

The application of biologically assisted methods for metal extraction in the mining industry has a long history, but development of modern techniques has been relatively slow. There is, however, a resurgence of interest in the industry with the recent development of methods to successfully treat base metals concentrates. Two major pilot plant programs for treatment of chalcopyrite concentrates have been initiated in the past year and results from one are beginning to be released. This paper provides an overview of methods that have been applied in the past; from the earliest deliberate applications of the technology, through the copper and uranium heap and dump leach applications, the more highly engineered agitated tank leach gold applications and the developments currently taking place in the industry.

May 1, 2002

By I T. Tshabalala

In typical conventional narrow vein stoping operations, the use of temporary support components to offer some support to workers, whilst the permanent and generally more elaborate support system gets installed or constructed, still results in injuries to people. The authors wishes to explore the probability and practicality of making use of new generation support products to make the support operations safer as well as enhance productivity in the stope face. This paper will examine the use of Autorock Drills as a means to drill roof support holes and install appropriate support components into these holes, as well as the application of ?Thin Spray Liners?, commonly called TSL?s as an additional means of creating a safer operating environment. The installation of netting as a means of roof protection and other support aspects such as cemented roof-bolts will also be explored. These proposed items are envisaged to improve the safety of our people and reduce production down time and increase production and productivity.

Jan 1, 2008

By Pierre Gauthier

Is the hydrogen economy of the future just another fish story? Absolutely not! There have been many changes affecting the energy equation over the last 10 years and conditions have changed. In this presentation, we will examine the reasons why, in the very near future, hydrogen production and distribution will be increasingly visible on many industries? radar screens.

May 1, 2007

Jan 1, 1969

By Juh W. Chen

A process for recovery of energy from waste coal fines was investigated. The process, which was developed through laboratory, bench, and pilot plant scale experiments, consists of mechanical cleaning followed by high temperature oil agglomeration and pelletization. The process can produce a quality product under an economically and environmentally acceptable condition. Waste coal fines with ash less than 35: and HHV greater than 6,000 BTU/1b have been upgraded to a product with less than 15% ash and HHV Greater than 11,500 BTU/lb. A computer model has been developed to optimize the processing costs and to perform economic evaluation of specific sites. Ultimately tine model can be utilized to establish a priority listing for a region in assisting the determination of reclamation strategy.

Jan 1, 1983

By J. S., Douglas

IN 1880, the late James Douglas, LL.D., was superintendent of the Chemical Copper Co., operating the Hunt & Douglas process for the treatment of the siliceous copper ores of the Jones mine at Phoenixville, Pa. In conjunction with this a refining furnace was operated. After correspondence with Ben Williams, of Bisbee Ariz., who was commencing the mining and smelting of the Copper Queen ore. Dr. Douglas decided-to make his first journey to Arizona. While making plans for the trip lie visited a friend in Philadelphia, a .Mr. Logan, a prominent lawyer. He, through Professor Treadwell, brother of the discoverer of the great Treadwell gold mine of Douglas Island, Alaska, had an option with his min¬ing partner, Mr. Lenig, on the Eureka and Wade Hampton claims near the headwaters of the Verde River in Yavapai County, Arizona. These two claims, later the source of practically all of the wealth of the Jerome district, were then owned by C. P. Head and Co. Prescott merchants. Hugo Richards, banker, and formerly sutler at Camp Apache; Rod and John McKinnon prospectors and Nova Scotians; and perhaps one or two 'other owners of minor interests. Mr. Logan, hearing of Dr. Douglas intended trip to Bisbee, asked him to go first to see the two mining prospects, and this, Douglas, in need of the $500 fee, agreed to do as the time on the option on the claims was running short.

Jan 1, 1935

By S. K. Schwartz

"This paper describes the general layout of the environmental monitoring scheme at Devco 's No. 26 Colliery, including wall face ventilation, fan performance and methane drainage, and then goes on to discuss the sensors, the outstation layout, the surf ace control room and the protection of the system.IntroductionCape Breton coal mines have been pioneers in the use of the latest technology in mining coal on this continent. To mention just one example, continuous methane monitoring at the coal face was started in 1976 and the idea of automatically stopping the face conveyor during high gas levels using the face signalling system was conceived and developed by CBDC engineers.With the introduction of remote environmental monitoring, No. 26 Colliery will be the first underground coal mine in Canada and possibly in North America to have computer-based comprehensive environmental monitoring.Traditionally, surveillance of the mine environment has been based mainly on periodic checks by portable or hand-held monitors. Although this method proved adequate, it has some limitations, namely:1) restricted 'number of observations and samples;2) relatively long time between taking measurements and availability of results for assessment.With remote monitoring, the above limitations are overcome because (a) monitoring is continuous and (b) monitored data are updated quickly (typically 5-7 sec.). Remote monitoring also provides a centralized 'information center' at the surface from where the entire mine environment can be monitored. Details of modes in which data can be displayed and features available at the location will be discussed later in the paper."

Jan 1, 1982

By Steve Dillingham

The horrific events surrounding September 11th left Americans with a feeling of sudden helplessness...the shock of being unprepared and powerless. From this tragedy, we can understand the need to prepare for the unexpected, and can apply this hard lesson into operational planning for those involved in the commercical explosives industry.

Jan 1, 2003

By SUMNER S. SMITH

Mine inspection in Alaska by the Federal mine inspector was somewhat handicapped during 1915,the inspector having to spend a large part of the summer and fall in examining the Matanuska coal field in connection with the designation of the Government reservations and the leasing units in that field. However, in addition to>this work, the mines in southeastern and southwestern Alaska were inspected by both Federal and Territorial inspectors, a considerable number of men near the Federal inspector's officeat Juneau were trained in first aid to the injured and in the use of mine rescue apparatus, the mines of the interior and of Seward Peninsula were inspected by the Territorial inspector, and a suit was brought in the name of the Territorial inspector for the nonreporting of serious accidents under the Territorial inspection law. The work of the Federal inspector was handicapped also by a lack of field assistants. This condition is likely to be serious, as preparations have been made for opening the Matanuska, Bering River, and Nenana coal fields, and a number of permits granting the free use of 10-acre tracts in other fields throughout the Territory have been issued. The need of a comprehensive inspection law and experienced engineers to safeguard the opening of coal mines by operators who are not familiar with coal mining and are using inexperienced help is obvious.

Jan 1, 1917

By H. W. Gillett

This bulletin is issued by the Bureau of Mines as a contribution to the increase of safety and efficiency in the preparation and utilization of the mineral resources in the United States. Notable among the drains on these resources are the demands made by the nonferrousmetal industries, and in these the losses occasioned in melting brass and bronze are worthy of particular attention. This statement will be better appreciated by a consideration of the size of the brass industry. MAGNITUDE OF THE BRASS INDUSTRY. According to the Thirteenth Census, in 1909 there were in the United States 1,021 fu-ms that dealt mainly in brass and bronze. This total included jobbing foundries, manufacturing plants that both cast and machine a brass or bronze product, and rolling mills, but did not include iron foundries having nonferrous departments nor the numerous large brass-foundry departments of manufacturing plants that produce the castings used in the manufacture of electrical apparatus, cash registers, pumps, and the thousands of machines that require brass castings for their construction. Penton's Foundry List for 1910 gives about 1,150 exclusively nonferrous foundries and about 2,300 iron or steel foundries that also melt brass. If the rolling mills and. jobbing foundries in manufacturing plants be included, and if due credit be given to the rapid growth of the industry in the last few years, largely through the stimulation of the automobile busi¬ness, it is probable that not less than 3,600 plants are to-day melting brass or bronze.

Jan 1, 1916

An understanding of the way that solutes are transported in mining or natural environments is essential to the development of sound strategies for managing waste disposal. Research on miscible pollutant movement in unsaturated porous media is carried out both experimentally and numerically. Results of numerical modelling are obtained by solving the groundwater flow equation and the solute transport equation. The finite element method is employed and comparisons between simulation results and experimental data are found in remarkable agreement.

Jan 1, 1995