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By John F. Barkley, J. W. Woomer, H. F. Yancey, H. B. Charmbury

The coal picture in 1955 was much brighter than in 1954, when the tonnage produced dropped to the 1939 level. Bituminous coal and lignite production are expected to approach 465 million tons, against 392 million tons in 1954, an increase of about 19 pct. On the other hand, the production of anthracite declined about 7 pct to some 25 million tons. There was marked improvement in coal consumption in all industrial lines except railroads. At the end of November 1955 the largest consumer, electric power utilities, had used about 126 million tons, an increase of some 22 million tons over the previous year. Coke-oven consumption increased about 19 million tons and coal coked in beehive ovens increased about 1.5 million tons, due to heavy coke

Feb 1, 1956

By Arcy A., D&apos Shock

This paper delineates the scope of the developments which have taken place in expanding the utilization of the soluble salt provinces. The location, geology, extractive technology, as well as the growth of uses are reviewed. An expanding recent growth has been in the use of solution cavities for storing hydrocarbons. The development of the technology to obtain and operate these storage cavities as well as the development of the methodology for solution mining of the soluble salts are discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

By H. R. Hardy

The study of the mechanical properties of geologic materials was initiated in the Mining Research Section of the Fuels and Mining Practice Division in 1951 as part of a fundamental study of ground stress in Canadian coal mines.1 Early in the investigation of the mechanical properties of geologic materials, however, it was realized that the test results are influenced by the rate and the duration of loading. For this reason, laboratory investigations2,3 were undertaken to study the effect of long-period uniaxial stress on the deformation and failure properties of these materials. A literature survey indicated that work on the time-dependent properties of geologic materials had been very limited in the past.

Jan 1, 1965

By Jonathan G. Price

Silver-copper-lead deposits In Precambrian, Permian, and Cretaceous red-bed sequences near Van Horn, Texas, have the following features In common: (1) mineralization controlled by steeply dipping fractures in sandstones, (2) lack of ore in overlying and interbedded limestones, (3) absence of igneous intrusions, (4) sulflide ores without typical hydrothermal gangue minerals, and (5) associated arsenic, molybdenum, zinc, and cadmium but not gold. Ore was probably deposited along fractures by reaction between low-temperature, oxidizing, metal-rich ground waters and sulfide-bearing waters or rocks. Detailed mapping and studies of fracture patterns indicate that mineralization occurred during Basin and Range extensional deformation, thereby postdating major Trans-Pecos igneous activity.

Jan 1, 1984

By C. D. Henry, M. L. W. Jackson

Environmental geologic maps of the Wilcox and Jackson-Yegua lignite belts of the Texas Coastal Plain delineate land areas on the basis of their natural characteristics. Criteria used to define map units include substrate, soil, topography, geologic process, vegetation, and land use. The maps are useful in planning and reclamation of lignite mines and in meeting the requirements of state and federal surface mining laws. Specific applications include identification of land capability, recharge areas and geometry of aquifers, flood-prone areas, areas that may qualify for prime farmland status, and other areas sensitive to lignite mining.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. L. Jernegan

IN the summer and fall of 1875, the author was present during a short smelting campaign at the Hall Valley works, and having had occasion to make a number of chemical analyses of the ores, fuel, and fluxes, deems that the results of the same, and also an account of the smelting operations, may be found of interest to members of the Institute. The mines and reduction works of the Hall Valley Silver-Lead Mining and Smelting Company (limited) are situated at Hall Valley, Park County, Colorado. The smelting works are located about half way from the mouth to the head of the above-named valley, and the mines high up on the mountains, near its head. The three principal mines of the company are the Whale, Leftwick, and Cold¬spring. They are all on different veins, running parallel to one another, with a general trend from southwest and northeast. The

Jan 1, 1877

By I. Iwasaki, R. H. Heerema

The presence of calcium and magnesium ions in iron ore pulps that are upgraded by selective desliming can result in indiscriminate flocculation of both iron oxide and siliceous gangue slimes. The removal of these alkaline earth cations in pulp solutions by chemical precipitation was ineffective as a means of deflocculation of quartz. It was shown by using various techniques (electron micrographs, abstraction, and streaming potential measurements, and cationic flotation tests) that heterocoagulation between the precipitates [Mg(OH)2, hydroxyapatite, and CaCO3] and quartz particles was the reason behind that observation. In addition, the precipitates adversely affected the recovery of quartz by cationic flotation, due to slime coating, a case of heterocoagulation. Magnesium hydroxide produced a uniform layer of coating across the quartz surface, while hydroxyapatite and calcite produced discrete, localized deposits dotting the surface.

Jan 1, 1981

By D. W. Brunton

The object of the investigations and experiments here recorded was to obtain such information and data as would make it possible to determine the fineness to which crushing must be carried, in sampling gold- and silver-ores, in order to obtain results within an allowable limit of error.

Jan 1, 1896

By G. T. Murray

The aging behavior of a Cu-Ti (3.2 at. pct Ti) alloy has been followed by electrical resistivity, hardness, and metallographic changes. The resistivity data indicate two principal processes, the first causing a sharp decrease in resistivity, and the second, which occurs over a long period of time, a much smaller rate of decrease. Lamellar nodules, Widmanstätten platelets, and homogeneous continuous precipitation was observed. The Widmanstätten platelets grow at the expense of the latter. When this study was initiated, little information was available on the aging behavior of copper-base titanium alloys. Several articles'-3 that appeared in the early 1930's showed that these alloys could be strengthened by precipitation, but a detailed study was not made. Within the past year, however, two other more comprehensive studies4'5 have been reported in the literature, one consisting primarily of an investigation of mechanical properties, the other

Jan 1, 1961

GEORGE OTIS SMITH, the Institute's new presi-dent, continues the long tradition of close asso-ciation between the organization and economic geology. Several preceding presidents have been eco-nomic geologists, and a gen-erous share of space in the TRANSACTIONS has always been devoted to that subject, one of critical importance to the miner as well as the seeker for ore. Mr. Smith has long served the Institute, hav-ing been a director since 1921 and first vice-president since 1927. He was born in Hodg-don, Me., on Feb. 22, 1871, and graduated at Colby College, where he took his A.B. and A.M. He did graduate work at Johns Hopkins, where he re-ceived a Ph.D. in 1896. Meanwhile he had engaged in field geological work in Michi-gan, Utah and Washington with the Geological Survey. In 1896 he joined the regular staff of that organization, be-coming director in 1907. He has been with the Survey con-tinuously since he first joined, with the exception of one year when he was furloughed to serve as a member of the U. S. Coal Commission. His special interest for many years has been in the eco-nomic aspects, in the larger sense, of the mineral in-dustry, matters that are necessarily the subject of strong differences of opinion, but which he has dis-cussed with good temper though with full adherence to his strong con-victions.

Jan 3, 1928

By P. H. Royster

For a number of years the Bureau of Mines has been investigating certain problems relating to the blast furnace. In the course of these investigations it was desirable to measure, with the optical pyrometer, the temperatures occurring in the hearth of the furnace. Since no systematic measurements of these temperatures have been published a statement of the results may be of interest. The data given in this paper were obtained it thirty-two blast furnaces operated by seventeen companies; twenty of these furnaces were making iron, eight ferromanganese, and five spiegeleisen. The collection of this information was made possible by the cooperation of the American Manganese Co., Bethlehem Steel Corpn., Brier Hill Steel Co., Buffalo Union Furnace Co., Clinton Iron & Steel Co., Donner Steel Co., John B. Guernsey & Co., Jones & Laughlin Steel Co., E. E. Marshall, the McKinney Steel Co., National Tube Co., New Jersey Zinc Co., Republic Iron & Steel Co., Seaboard Steel & Manganese Corpn., Southeastern Iron Corpn., the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co., and the Wharton Steel Co.

Jan 9, 1919

By A. S. Malicsi, R. J. Lipp, I. Iwasaki

A loch-grade copper-nickel deposit, with an estimated 4.6 Gt (5 billion st) and average analyses of 0.6% copper, 0.2% nickel, occurs in northeastern Minnesota. In addition to copper, nickel, cobalt, and precious metals, the Duluth gabbro contains magnetite, ilmenite, olivine, plagioclase, and biotite. It u estimated that flotation tailings that would be produced by a concentrator of optimal size to sustain a smelter would amount to 20 Mt/a (22 million stpy). The flotation tailings, having already been ground, warrant a closer examination for recovery and use of potential byproducts. Residual sulfide minerals and fibrous minerals may also be isolated and treated separately for useful purposes or for disposal in an environmentally acceptable manner. Two flowsheets were developed; one involving preconcentration by low- and high-intensity magnetic separation and another involving preconcentration by gravity concentration. Concentration methods for recovering and purifying individual byproduct minerals were investigated. From their chemical, physical, and mineralogical characteristics, the potential areas of application and marketabilities of each product fraction were surveyed.

Jan 1, 1985

By Daryl R. Tweeton, William H. Engelmann, Orin M. Peterson, Jon K. Ahlness, Gregory R. Anderson

The Bureau of Mines measured the geochemical changes as H2SO4 was used for in situ uranium leaching by Rocky Mountain Energy Company near Casper, Wyoming. Cores and ground water were analyzed before leaching. Water samples were taken from observation wells located between injection and production wells as the leach solution was brought up to full strength in several steps. Measurements were made of pH, Eh, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen,HC03, U. V, Na, K, Ca, Mg,S04, CI, Mo, Mn, Fe, AI, Si, F, P, As, and Se. The data were gathered to assist in geochemical modeling of leaching and to study the potential environmental effects of acid leaching. Environmental considerations appear favorable. For example, the concentration of Se, a toxic element often found in uranium deposits, stayed below the EPA standard for drinking water.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. H. Merrill, D. W. Wisecarver

The paper "Design of Surface and Near-Surface Construction in Rock" by Deere, Hendron, Jr., Patton, and Cording discloses a principal difference between civil and mining engineering as applied to openings in rock. Generally, the civil engineer considers an opening as an asset, where a mining engineer finds that most of his openings are a liability. The openings, or rock surfaces, treated in the paper by Deere and coauthors are designed for lasting stability and the foundations for dams, the diversion tunnels, abutments, and surface excavations are expected to be stable for long periods or provide continuous access and other useful purposes. Except for those openings used for the transportation of men, materials, ore, and for ventilation, the mining engineer finds that his underground openings serve no useful purpose once the mineralized rock has been removed. Usually, these openings create problems such as reduced ventilation efficiency, added requirements for scaling, sealing, and other tasks necessary to maintain or isolate the openings. The surface openings and mine plants present another liability to the mining engineer. After the product has been removed from the earth, the abandoned pits or strips, tailing ponds, dumps, and buildings sometimes become hazardous, unsightly, or occupy surface areas that could be used for other purposes. As a general rule, the various disciplines involved in rock mechanics have different objectives and uses for openings; however, the basic concepts regarding the design or control of openings in rock are similar for each discipline. The review by Deere and his coauthors contains examples of the duplications in this technology, and, in particular, the common approaches used by civil and mining engineers. Therefore, both the review paper and this report consider the problems that are common to most of

Jan 1, 1967

NEW MEMBERS The following list comprises the names of those persons who became members during the period May 10 to June 10, 1914. Members ABE, ASAKA, Chief Min. Engr., Yamagano Gold Mine, Satsuma-Gori, Satsuma, Japan. ANDERSON, FRANK M., Geol Cartagena Refining Co., Cartagena, Colombia, S. A. BACON, MAURICE W., Genl. Mgr Stewart Mining Co. Butte, Mont. BACON, RAYMOND F., Chem Director, Mellon Institute, Pittsburg, Pa. BAKER, HAMILTON WALLACE, Min. Engr Fernley, Nev. VON BAYER, AUGUST HECTOR, Supt Kentucky Solvay, Coke Co., Ashland, Ky. BISHOP, WHEELER SCOTT, Research Chem Care Braden Copper Co., Rancagua, Chile, S. A. BOWEN, CHARLES GILMAN, Timekeeper 208 School St., Grass Valley, Cal. BOYER, SAMUEL L., Mine Operator, Mgr., Mike. Horse Min. Co., W. 2808 Boone Ave., Spokane. Wash.

Jan 7, 1914

By J. A. Dos Santos

High angle conveyor (HA C) systems in open-¬pit mining offer many advantages over the traditional, truck only, haulage systems. These include superior energy efficiency, less dependency on petroleum products, less sensitivity to inflation, less excavation for the amount of ore recovered, and less ramp construction and maintenance costs. Various high angle conveying systems and the corresponding characteristics of the high angle conveyor are illustrated. Discussion includes the range of HAC systems from the low capacity (up to 1.8 kt/h or 2000 stph), low lift (10.7 to 36.6 m or 35 to 120 ft), continuously mobile to the moderate capacity (1.8 to 3.6 kt/h or 2000 to 4000 stph), moderate lift (36.6 to 76.2 m or 120 to 250 ft), intermittently mobile to the high capacity (greater than 3.6 kt/h or 4000 stph), high lift (greater than 76.2 m or 250 ft), semimobile. Combinations of the above as required for the various open-pit mining operations are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

By William Kelly, Frederick Laist

The slow, tedious and costly method of reducing copper matte to metallic copper in the reverberatory furnace, commonly known as the Welsh process, was displaced by the rapid and inexpensive converter process about fifty years ago. The art of refining copper was for many generations a carefully guarded secret among the Welsh furnacemen and was handed down among them from father to son. An attempt was made to apply it at Butte when the smelting of copper ore first started there but it proved too difficult and expensive under local conditions, and until the introduction of the converter process the entire output of copper was shipped to Swansea in the form of high-grade (60 per cent) matte. Before the construction of the Manhes converter, attempts had been made to reduce copper matte in the bessemer steel converter, but these failed, chiefly because the air was blown through the bottom of the vessel. The air holes became clogged with chilled copper as soon as the reduction started. Manhes partially overcame this difficulty by placing the tuyeres in the side of the vessel, some, distance above the bottom, thus allowing space beneath them for the copper to accumulate. Nevertheless the first attempts to operate such a converter at Butte were not successful, as no means had been provided for clearing away obstructions, which formed to some extent in front of the tuyeres. This difficulty was overcome by drilling holes in the outside wall of the air chamber directly opposite the holes in the shell and lining, so that these could be punched

Jan 1, 1934

By Robert Glass Cleland

THE OUTBREAK of World War II found Phelps Dodge, thanks to both foresight and good fortune, in a position to increase production of its mines and factories to meet the insatiable military and domestic needs of the times, far beyond all previous records. With the timely completion of the expansion program at Morenci, the company's copper output rose to approximately 447 million pounds in 1942 and to over 478 mil- lion pounds the next year, compared to some 300 million pounds in 1939. To meet the civil and military needs for fabricated cop- per products, the Phelps Dodge Copper Products Corporation carried out an expansion program comparable in size to that of the Phelps Dodge mining operations. It built new plants, enlarged and reorganized those already in operation, multiplied the number of technical experts on its staff, adopted new methods and new machines for the new prod-

Jan 1, 1952

By Evan Just

Government aid, regulation, and participation in the mineral industry are not new; they date back to the time when man first adopted communal living. Even in primitive tribal life, the obtaining of arrowhead or ceramic materials, washing of gold, or mining of copper were specialized activities, under tribal sponsorship. Later, when kingdoms, dynasties, and hierarchies developed, titles to mining properties were held by the sovereign or the state, work usually being done by slaves. Title acquisition through denouncement developed in Europe in the late Middle Ages and spread to the Western Hemisphere with the Spanish and Portuguese empires. Denouncements still recognized the rights of the sovereign in the requirement to pay royalties, which practice continues in many places today. Thus, anyone who views government participation in mineral activity as "encroachment" has no historical perspective. Only in a few countries and for a few generations have private interests enjoyed the right to exploit mineral deposits without the specific consent of the sovereign or without payment-of-royalty. Governments and the mineral industry have been linked together by other factors. Governments have had special interest in metals and minerals as stores of value and for armaments. Spanish conquests in the New World were energized by the lure of gold and silver. Pursuit of gold led to the American seizure of California in the days of the Forty-niners. The strategic importance of minerals in our own times has called for special steps to stimulate production in national emergencies and to prevent the enemy from acquiring mineral supplies. Our export controls to deny certain minerals to unfriendly countries, purchases for Government stockpile, and subsidies for domestic production are examples. Production regulation by state governments of oil and gas has become a well established routine. In brief, the mineral industry has never lacked aid, regulation, and participation by governments. The entrepreneur who wishes to explore for or develop minerals must deal with governments in most areas before he can begin, because mineral rights are reserved by them. He can proceed through discovery and de-

Jan 1, 1959

By C. P. Proctor, J. T. Crawford

TROUGH washers were among the earliest methods used for concentrating ores; they are referred to by Agricola about the middle of the sixteenth century as already being used while the hand- operated jigging sieve had only recently come into use. For cleaning coal the trough washer apparently was first used in France and Belgium about 1841. The early trough washers were intermittent and the refuse at least was shoveled out by hand. The invention of a continuous jig washer, by a Frenchman, Berard, in 1848, acted as a stimulus to coal washings in jigs and retarded progress in trough washing in the nineteenth century. Chapman and Mott' describe a number of trough washers developed in England and on the Continent from 1850 to 1900, such as the Bell and Ramsay, Ramsay, Bell and Green, Wunderlich, Scaife, McLellan, Lodge, Elliott, Blackett, and Murton. The later of these removed the refuse mechanically, either intermittently or continuously, but in ways that interfered with stratification.

Jan 1, 1943