Search Documents

By P. L. Russell, M. E. Volin, F. L. C. Price, D. H. Mullen

Tin deposits in Catron County, New Mexico, were explored by the Bureau of Mines under authority of the Strategic Minerals Act of August 1939. The investigation covered both lode and placer deposits and was later extended to deposits in Sierra County. Six of the known deposits were examined by E. D. Gardner, supervising engineer of the Southwest Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines, and S. G. Lasky, a geologist of the Federal Geological Survey, in June and July 1939. It was recommended that the more promising occurrences be explored by test pitting, trenching, and sampling. Field work, under supervision of M. E. Volin, began in September and continued through December 1939. The area was mapped by Carl Fries, Jr., of the Federal Geological Survey, in 1939 and 1940. The La Cruz Development Co. acquired control of the Squaw Creek placer claims in 1942 and began active sampling and development preliminary to large-scale operations. The result of this work showed a considerably higher tin content than that found by the Bureau of Mines in 1939. Because of this report and reports from other parts of the district that large-scale operations for the production of tin from lode deposits were possible, it was recommended that the Bureau of Mines resample parts of Squaw Creek and conduct a mill test of lode material to determine whether a concentrate could be made that was high enough in tin and low enough in iron to be acceptable in American smelting practice. This work, under the supervision of Paul L. Russell, was begun in November 1942 and completed in January 1943, during which time the Sierra Metals Co. acquired control of a large area in Sawmill Canyon. At the suggestion of the Federal Geological Survey and the War Production Board, which had reason to believe that a great deal of commercial material existed on certain flatlands and gully slopes, the project was extended to include test pitting and sampling of those areas. This work was completed in February 1943.

May 1, 1947

By J. Torma-Krajewski, C. Hipes

Although many mining companies apply ergonomic principles, it is usually done either informally and/or reactively. An example of an informal approach is replacing worn equipment (such as seats) with models that have ergonomic features. Another example is modifying a task to eliminate safety hazards. Such approaches reduce risk-factor exposures that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A reactive approach is followed when modifying a task/ equipment after an MSD occurs. However, neither of these approaches involves a systematic method of proactively applying ergonomic principles to actually prevent injuries or illnesses. This paper discusses how Vulcan Materials Company applied ergonomic principles and implemented interventions to reduce risk-factor exposures.

By Piyush K. Dutta

This report describes the design, development, manufacture and incorporation of noise control features on a jumbo drill and the results of successful tests of this drill in surface and underground mines. The noise-reducing features developed under this program are applicable to future designs of jumbo mounted drills that can be cost effectively manufactured and have the potential to reduce noise levels at the operator's position from 115-120 dBA to 95 dBA or less without a reduction of currently attainable drilling rates.

Jan 1, 1985

By James Westfield

This publication covers the work of the Division of Coal Mine Inspection, Bureau of Mines, as performed under provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act. It presents background information and data since 1952 when the Act became effective and includes up-to-date statistics for the calendar year 1962. During that year, approximately 9,704 coal mines were active in the United States, and the Bureau made 12,810 regular inspections. BACKGROUND The Federal coal-mine inspection program was established to carry out the provisions in Public Law 49, 77th Congress, (H. R. 2082) approved May 7, 1941. This act has since been amended as Title I, Advisory Powers Relating to Health and Safety Conditions in Mines, under Public Law 552, 82d Congress, approved July 16, 1952, which also included Title 11, Prevention of Major Disasters in Mines. Public Law 552 is known as the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act.

Jan 1, 1963

By S. J. Schatzel, W. P. Diamond

Longwall mining alters the fluid-flow-related reservoir properties of the rocks overlying and underlying an extracted panel due to fracturing and relaxation of the strata. These mining-related disturbances create new pressure depletion zones and new flow paths for gas migration and may cause unexpected or uncontrolled migration of gas into the underground workplace. One common technique to control methane emissions in longwall mines is to drill vertical gob gas vent holes into each longwall panel to capture the methane within the overlying fractured strata before it enters the work environment. Thus, it is important to optimize the well parameters, e.g., the borehole diameter, and the length and position of the slotted casing interval relative to the fractured gas-bearing zones. This paper presents the development and results of a comprehensive, "dynamic," three-dimensional reservoir model of a typical multipanel Pittsburgh coalbed longwall mine. The alteration of permeability fields in and above the panels as a result of the mining- induced disturbances has been estimated from mechanical modeling of the overlying rock mass. Model calibration was performed through history matching the gas production from gob gas ventholes in the study area. Results presented in this paper include a simulation of gas flow patterns from the gas-bearing zones in the overlying strata to the mine environment, as well as the influence of completion practices on optimizing gas production from gob gas ventholes.

By Robert A. Jankowski, J. Drew Potts

In this U.S. Bureau of Mines study, four underground respirable dust surveys were conducted to determine factors affecting belt entry dust levels and how using belt air to ventilate work areas affected dust exposures. Belt entry dust levels on the surveyed longwall and continuous miner sections averaged 0.59 and 0.26 mg/m3, respectively. The stageloader-crusher contributed an additional 0.5 to 0.9 mg/m3 of dust to belt air, while the feeder-breaker contributed 0 to 0.2 mg/m3 of dust. A 1,000-ft increase in belt entry length or a 200- to 500-st-per-shift increase in production resulted in roughly a 0.1-mg/m3 increase in dust. Using the belt entry as an intake entry on the continuous miner section appeared to reduce dust levels by 0.1 to 0.3 mg/m3 during cutting. Belt air was not used to ventilate the face on the longwall section.

Jan 1, 1992

By E. L. McHugh, J. M. Girard

This paper discusses the results of two recent case studies in which high-tech prototype instruments were used. The first case study describes the results of a ground-based hyperspectral imaging tool used to map the geology of an open-pit mine highwall. The second case study outlines the use of interferometric synthetic aperture radar and how this type of radar can be used in a variety of geotechnical situations. These case studies are part of an on-going research project at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. The project objective is to implement engineering controls and design methods in order to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities associated with slope failures at mining operations. Project personnel are hopeful that these new developments in technology will lead to better geotechnical monitoring and design in slope stability and other important areas of rock mechanics.

By Arnold M. Lansche

DOMESTIC OUTPUT of white arsenic, As2O3, was derived entirely as a byproduct of smelting arsenic-containing copper ores by The Anaconda Company at Anaconda, Mont., and American Smelting and Refining Company at Tacoma, Wash. Arsenic metal was not produced. Consumption, and Uses.-Most of the white arsenic produced in 1964 was consumed in manufacturing lead and calcium arsenate insecticides. In the 12 year period since 1951 the production of lead arsenate insecticide has varied between 7,800 tons and 4,900 tons, indicating that lead arsenate has maintained its position in competition with organic insecticides.

Jan 1, 1965

By T. E. Gray

This report describes the preparation characteristics of the more significant coals in Dickenson County, Va. It is one in a series planned to determine which coals are suitable for the production of metallurgical coke either as mined or after beneficiation. Nearly 4 million tons of coal was produced in Dickenson County in 1955, of which approximately 2.7 million tons was cleaned mechanically in 5 cleaning plants. The Federal Geological Survey has estimated that nearly 1,300 million tons of measured and indicated coal reserves remained in the county as of January 1, 1951.

Jan 1, 1958

By Charles E. Green

This study was conducted to identify, evaluate, and develop procedures to minimize or eliminate safety hazards associated with the electrokinetic dewatering process, such as toxic and volatile gas emissions, electrical shock, accidental detonation of explosives, electrochemical corrosion of metal appurtenances, and possibly others. The identification, evaluation, and procedure development were based on pertinent literature, existing safety regulations, interviews with mine personnel, physical and mechanical properties of the electrokinetic dewatering process, and physical characteristics of the material to be dewatered. The electrokinetic dewatering process was described in detail. Potential safety hazards were identified and evaluated. Procedures and/or safety regulations were developed to minimize or eliminate the potential hazards. It was recommended that the electrokinetic dewatering process when used in deep metal mines be properly monitored to obtain additional information on other potential hazards that possibly exist.

Jan 1, 1979

By Fred E. Fiedler

A demonstration project investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of two management interventions, Management Training and Organization Development, for improving productivity and safety in metal/non-metal mines. The management training intervention was conducted at Texasgulf Company's trona mine, using three nearby trona mines as controls. The Organization Development intervention took place in Hecla Mining Company's Lucky Friday mine, using the highly similar Star Mine as control. The two management interventions seemed about equally effective in reducing accidents and injuries, as well as MSHA citations, and the management intervention at the Texasgulf mine also appeared to have led to substantial improvement in mine productivity.

Jan 1, 1983

By Bradley V. Johnson

This publication summarizes the in-house and contract research and development projects conducted since 1974 by the Bureau of Mines for the control of noise and vibrations from surface mine blasting.

Jan 1, 1982

By M. Beus, S. Inverson, B. Stewart

Abstract Recent ore pass failures have underlined the need for improved designs, standards, structural mon¬itoring methods and better hang-up prevention and removal tech¬niques. Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the Na¬tional Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are investigating methods to improve safety during the transport of ore in ore passes. Design criteria and hang-up prevention and remedia¬tion strategies involve studies of the effects of static and dynamic ore and waste-rock loads on chutes, walls, gates and support structures. Particle flow analysis methods were used to simulate the response of various ore pass designs to a wide range of ore loading condi¬tions. A full-scale mockup of ac¬tual ore pass and chute assemblies was duplicated and tested for load response. Data from a particle flow code and the mock-ups were com¬pared Loads on an active ore pass chute were measured.

By J. A. Kosek

Work has been carried out under Bureau of Mines Contract HO 395132 to develop improved sensor cells for use in direct-reading detectors and diffusion exposure meters. A pumped CO sensor cell was developed which has a shorter response time, improved temperature cycle characteristics, and improved linearity and stability at high CO concentrations. Diffusion CO sensor cells have shown good response level stability and linearity up to 1000 ppm. In addition, a new sensor cell catalyst has been developed for NO2 sensor cells which has a much shorter response time and improved response stability characteristics.

Jan 1, 1982

By R. K. Zipf

A method is presented for creating realistic numerical models for practical coal mine ground control. The method includes procedures to collect the necessary mechanical input parameters from a geologic core log, procedures to set up a model and procedures to interpret calculation results. The input parameters come from a detailed geologic core log and extensive point load tests of estimate rock layer strength. A suite of material property input parameters is proposed which allow the user to go from core log to numerical model inputs. Rock bolt anchorage properties are also linked to the material properties of each geologic layer in the model. Following this procedure leads to very realistic calculations of the rock failure process and rock support system behavior. These calculations in turn enable realistic comparison of the effectiveness of alternative rock support systems.

By Albert W. Deurbrouck

This report describes the preparation characteristics of 23 coal samples collected from nine of the more significant coalbeds of Fayette County, W. Va. In 1963 almost 5.4 million tons of medium to high volatile B coals of excellent quality for metallurgical and steam markets were produced in Fayette County. Of the 23 coal samples collected 11 would require some upgrading to pro-vide metallurgical quality products, 11 were acceptable as received, and 1 was a noncaking coal. Cleaning these coals to metallurgical standards would require only the removal of the sink 1.58 specific gravity material which would be quite easy as very little near-separating-gravity material was present at this gravity.

Jan 1, 1965

By W. H. Coghill

Numerous investigators have studied grinding. Each has contributed his bit to a literature that is difficult to correlate. Too many of the results have been transformed into curves with so many "inflection points" and "counterflexures" that they obscure the issue. Some of the investigators have neglected the very essence of the problem, namely the power and the amount of material to which a known amount of work was applied. The purpose of this paper is to show the ease with which results can be interpreted when these quantities are duly recognized. Some grinding tests will be given for illustration. Grinding studies are of two kinds: (1) Study of the character of the ore and (2) study of the performance of the machines. Several ores may be crushed by a given machine, or several machines may be used on a given ore. The illustrations given in this report cover both objectives.

Jan 1, 1934

By H. H. Schrenk, W. P. Yant, F. A. Patty

"INTRODUCTION In accordance with the outline of investigation described in a previous report 5 of the Bureau of Mines dealing with the use of acrolein for detecting leakage of methyl chloride from unit--type refrigerating systems, the work has been extended to include an investigation of its use in a multiple system, This report gives the results of analysis of samples of the gas from representative units of a multiple system charged with methyl chloride containing approximately 0.9 per cent acrolein by volume, The results furnish a basis for estimating the Warning that would be given in event of leakage. The properties and warning intensity of acrolein have been described in a previous report. 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThis investigation was made at the combined request-of Several Inc., Manufacturers of refrigerating, appliances, and the Roeasler Hasslacher Chemical Co., manufacturers of methyl chloride. Acknowledgment is given to R. M. Major, ,chief chemist of the former firm for arranging the experimental site and equipment; to Arthur O. Haseeneall, owner of the apartment building where the investigation was conducted, for his courtesy in permitting the investigation; and to R. R. Sayers, chief surgeon, Bureau of Mines, and surgeon., U. S. Public Health Service, for suggestions and advice."

Sep 1, 1930

By L. C. IlsLey, M. W. Von Bernewitz

"Introduction.Several hundred thousand open lights are daily carried in coal mines of the United States, each lamp being a menace to life and property through fire or explosion. They have been responsible for many disasters in the past, and will be again. Flame safety lamps have been available for over a hundred years, but during the last ten years safe and practical electric lamps have been perfected. These have eliminated many of the flame safety lamps, and in a few mines have replaced open flame lamps. But there are still more than twice as many open lamps as electric lamps in our mines, and the open lamps should be discarded in favor of an approved type of electric lamp. There are several electric miners' lamps which have been approved by the Bureau of Mines for safety and efficiency, give good light, and are easily maintained and carried, some flame safety lamps will always be used, hut mostly for detecting gas; although they might be supplanted if some simple, reliable, and cheap gas detector were developed.Explosion Hazards from Open Lights.An open light and gas*** constitute a vicious hazard; while if there be coal dust present in the vicinity the consequences are multiplied many times. An open light and black blasting powder also constitute an explosion hazard, vividly attested by several serious disasters."

Jan 1, 1924

By C. W. Davis

This report follows the same general scheme as did its predecessors; it begins with a dissertation on some phase of ore-testing, continues with results of investigations of ore-treatment methods and of metallurgically important analytical processes, and concludes with an exposition of tests made by established methods on typical ores selected as representative of certain mining districts. One of the first things that is done after an ore has been received is to look at it under the microscope. Microscopic examination serves as an important complement to chemical analysis in interpreting the percentage composition in terms of minerals. If it has been found difficult to treat an ore, the reasons for this action and indicated methods to overcome the difficulties may be ascertained by testing with a microscope. For example, failures in selective flotation have been traced to intimate mineral association and changes in mineral surfaces through incipient oxidation. The importance of surface stains or tarnishes and the presence of adhering slime particles have been found to be responsible for the difficulty experienced in the treatment of certain gold ores.

Jan 1, 1938