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By John W. Buch

Upon review of German World War II mining practices and equipment for planning coal, the Federal Bureau of Mines initiated research leading to the development of a pneumatic planer for anthracite. The results of tests are reported in this manuscript. It was demonstrated (1) that hard anthracite can be planed and (2) that the design and operating requirements are within the limits of present-day engineering and technology. For hard anthracite, the depth of cut indicated is 4 to 6 inches; with a chain pull of 20 to 40 tons and the speed of planer travel of 18 to 20 feet per minute, a 40-hp. motor will be required for the planer hoist. Compressed-air requirements for the planer will be 250 to 300 c, f, m, at 60 to 70 p. s, i. It was learned that the length of the 4 individual sections of the planer should not exceed that of the individual troughs of the armored chain conveyor (5 feet in this instance); otherwise, bottom coal will be left in synclines, and the planer will override the conveyor at anticlines. Pneumatic pushers should be operated from a separate compressed-air line fitted with a pressure regulator. Results indicate that additional development work is warranted.

Jan 1, 1957

Using the philosophy that 'change cannot be introduced through memos-you have to get people emotionallyinvolved', SRK's Environmental Group in South Africa is helping clients communicate their environmental management objectives more effectively through the powerful medium of interactive industrial theatre. Existing and pending environmental legislation, international pressures, and growing awareness of the environment have led South African industry to the point where responsible care, for both the environment and the health and safety of those affected by the activities of an industry, is now a focus of management policies.

Jan 1, 1995

By Paul Dean Proctor

The world's population by 2000 A. D. may approximate 6.5 billion and the United States' 304 million. South Asian population increases between 1970 and 2000 A. D. will be triple the projected population of North America. Such anticipated dramatic and probably traumatic increases in world population yield grave concern for the standard of living in the world and the United States. The people of the United States currently consume 32 percent of the world's energy and similarly large percentages of the world's mineral raw materials. With only 6 percent of the present world's population and slightly smaller percentage by 2000 A. D., much expanded world-wide production of energy and raw materials will be required to maintain even a standstill living standard. A minimal 2 percent increase per year in the standard of living in the United States and a 4 percent increase elsewhere in the world, beyond the demands of the estimated population increases, suggest the magnitude of the increased need for energy-mineral raw materials and the possible crises the world will face in these areas by 2000 A. D. Mineral engineers and scientists with broad educational backgrounds will be required in greatly increased numbers to help alleviate, and possibly avert, expected energy-mineral raw materials shortages of the next millenium. Explorationists, mineral engineers, commodity economists, environmentalists, city, county, state, and federal mineral materials planners and coordinators, and metallurgists will be among those most needed. AIME membership in the second century of the Institute's history will contribute directly to this personnel pool.

Jan 1, 1971

By Amar Prakash, V. M. S. R. Murthy, Ajoy Kumar Singh, Avinash Paul, John Loui Porathur

Weak, layered, and fragile rock mass formation, if not supported properly, is subject to roof failure thereby affecting safety and productivity in underground coal mines. Though Central Mining Research Institute – Indian School of Mines Rock Mass Rating (CMRI-ISM RMR) based well-defined support design guidelines are established, still occurrence of roof failures in underground coal mines is a real matter of concern for mining engineers and researchers. Numerical modeling techniques are successfully used by several researchers by simulating rock mass condition for stability assessment of mine openings. The analysis becomes crucial in case of weak and fragile rock formation. The present research envelops the determination of 31 cases of rock load by CMRI-ISM RMR under different geo-mining conditions followed by the development of modified Rock Mass Rating (RMR), i.e., rock mass rating dynamic ( RMRdyn) by incorporating P-wave velocity as a new parameter. The rock load determined using RMRdyn and numerical models was correlated and found in close agreement. In addition, the deviation in rock load determined by all the three approaches, i.e., CMRI-ISM RMR, numerical modeling, and RMRdyn, was compared with the actual field data. The percentage deviation obtained in RMRdyn and numerical modeling is less compared to CMRI-ISM RMR.

Sep 1, 2023

By K. C. Dean

The Bureau of Mines, following passage of the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, was authorized to conduct research on methods for utilizing, stabilizing, or reclaiming mineral wastes. This report summarizes laboratory research conducted by the Bureau and cooperative field studies made with the mineral industry to reduce the environmental impacts of air and water pollution deriving from mineral wastes. Utilization research showed that both dry-press and steam-cured building bricks and ceramic tile could be made from copper mill tailings and other discarded mineral wastes. Sponge iron was produced from steel mill and amination industry wastes, and valuable mineral products were extracted from such diverse sources as flue dusts and uranium tailings. Mineral wastes were combined with agricultural and/or sewage wastes to make artificial soils that have the potential of resolving several disposal problems by production of a useful commodity. Physical, chemical, and vegetative stabilization methods were evaluated, singly and in combination, for reclamation potential on copper, uranium, lead-zinc, and asbestos tailings. Suitable methods were developed in the laboratory for overcoming major adverse conditions of these wastes such as salinity, heavy metal toxicity, acidity, basicity, lack of nutrients and organics, and unstable surfaces. Field testing of these methods was performed on a variety of mineral wastes. Costs for the various stabilization and utilization-procedures developed were also determined.

Jan 1, 1986

By Glenn Buchana

El presente texto señala algunos aspectos técnicos y comerciales del dragado del depósito fluvial. Para ello, es necesario conocer el origen y desarrollo del depósito fluvial. El depósito fluvial es una masa de grava superficial, la cual es producto del desmoronamiento y erosión de rocas sólidas que contienen partículas o pepitas de oro, diamante, estaño, platino u otros minerales valiosos que proceden de las rocas o de las vetas. Entre los tipos de depósitos aluviales tenemos: depósitos aislados pequeños y poco profundos, los depósitos de mediana profundidad, depósitos profundos y los marinos. La explotación se realiza a través de tres sistemas: draga cortadora de succión, la dragalínea de cangilones y la planta de tratamiento flotante.

Nov 1, 1979

By Edward F. Courtney

Loss of life, loss of sight, crippling injuries, and property damage nearly always result from accidents involving explosives. The severity of such accidents has prompted lawmaking bodies to pass laws concerning the transportation, handling, and use of explosives; manufacturers of explosives publish manuals 'describing explosives and practical methods of handling then; and mining companies and others who use large quantities of explosives publish rules based on actual experience for the guidance of their employees. Careless storage of explosives by thoughtless or incompetent persons, particularly if they are left where children or saboteurs have access 'to them, has led to many serious accidents. Many contractors and mining operators who use explosives are extremely careless about storing them. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the explosive-handling practices of a large western mining company, which are considered better than most.

Jan 1, 1946

By Brett Schug, Caelen Anderson, Sohail Nazari, Carlos Cristoffanini

"The Haile gold mine in South Carolina is increasing the automation level of its processing plant in order to improve operational stability. One step toward this goal is the application of a digital twin concept to provide virtual instruments. Haile has engaged Andritz to implement virtual instruments at its grinding area hydrocyclones and at its tailing thickener underflow pump. These virtual instruments provide density values in a traditionally difficult location for reliable slurry density measurement. The digital twin is a first-principles integrated design engineering with advanced simulation (IDEAS) simulation model, connected in real time to the control system. Results have been promising, with the virtual instrument values matching the physical instrument under normal operating conditions and showing better prediction under upset conditions. Haile plans to use the virtual instruments as optional process control parameters.OceanaGold’s Haile gold mine is located near Kershaw, SC, about 80 km (50 miles) southeast of Charlotte, NC. This location was first mined in 1827 and has produced gold through several operating periods since then, including a heap leaching operation from 1985 through 1992. In October 2015, OceanaGold acquired Romarco Minerals, the previous owner of the Haile operation.The current operation began in 2017 as an openpit mine with additional underground resources. The nameplate throughput is 5,760 t/d (6,350 stpd) ore, and 2017 production was 3,345 kg (118,000 oz) gold, with 3,968 to 4,384 kg (140,000 to 155,000 oz) gold expected in 2018. Proven and probable reserves exceed 85 t (3 million oz) gold at a grade of 2 g/t (0.06 oz/st) gold. The process, as shown in Fig. 1, includes a primary jaw crusher, comminution with a semiautogonous grinding (SAG) mill and ball mill circuit, flash flotation, rougher flotation, regrinding, pre-aeration, carbon-inleach leaching, carbon elution and regeneration, cyanide recovery, electrowinning and refining. The Haile operation’s inaugural gold pour took place Jan. 20, 2017. Mine life is expected through the year 2030."

Dec 1, 2018

By Robert McIvor

The following is a summary of the Robert H. Richards Lecture on “Learning and Good Fortune on the Road to Discovery” presented at the Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division (MPD) Awards Plenary Session on Feb. 23, 2026 during the MINEXCHANGE 2026 SME Annual Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, UT.

Mar 1, 2026

By Paul H. Johnson

Resource Engineering and Development, Inc. is designing and building a portable 150 to 225 TPD, flotation-cyanide leach plant with unitized, skid-mounted components. This plant design, with its portability, low capital investment, and high recovery of silver and gold from many partially oxidized ores, is well suited to treat many small, high-grade deposits, old waste dumps, and old mill tailing piles. A description is given of flotation and/or cyanide leach tests run on about 17 partially oxidized, newly mined ores; waste dump materials; placer slimes; and old mill tailings.

Jan 1, 1981

By Reginald E. Hore

I. INTRODUCTION. SINCE the discovery of silver at Cobalt, Ontario, in 1903 more than 100,000,000 oz. of silver have been produced b: the mines in the Nipissing district, and there is reason to believe that at least as much more will be produced in the next five years. The estimated value of the aggregate output o ore to the end of 1910 is $48,327,280. The ore yielded 93,977,833, oz. of silver and was mined at a net profit of about $26,000,000. For 1910 the production was 30,558,825 oz. valued at $15,436,894, and yielding a profit of about $9,000',000 The details of the production of the Cobalt district for the years 1904 to 1909, inclusive, are given in Table I. TABLE I.-Silver-Production of the Cobalt District, 1904 to 1909 SMELTING-ORE. Production. Value. Silver-Content. Value Per Ton Ounces. Oz. Per Ton. 1904 206,875 $111,887 1,309 $708 1905.:.... 2,451,356 1,360,503 1,143 634 1906 5,401,766 3,667,551 1,013 687 1907 10,023,311 6,155,391 677 416 1908 18,022,480 8,468,293 736 363 1909 22,436,355 10,809,872 809 389 CONCENTRATES. 1908 1,415,395 $665,085 1,240 585 1909 3,461,470 1,651,704 1,174 559 The shipments from Cobalt are in the form of smelting-ore, concentrates from milling-ore, and bullion. The smelting-or( is largely high grade, averaging about 3,000 oz. per ton- A

May 1, 1911

G. M. TAYLOR,* Colorado Springs, Colo.-The ore treated at the United Eastern is primarily a gold one and is cyanided-the counter-current decantation method being employed. One of our employees visited this plant a few months ago and, on his return, reported that the moisture in the tailing was carrying 20 c. per ton, which would appear to be somewhat high. As this type of plant has been advocated by one of the recognized cyaniding engineering firms in the country, and a number of these plants are in successful operation, it does not seem to me that the dissolved loss could be so high, and I would like to know if any one can give any definite information on this point? J. V. N. DORR, New York, N. Y.-I am very glad that Mr. Taylor has raised this question. When I first read Mr. North's paper and saw his statement, that they had an actual dissolved loss of 21.5 c. per ton, I was very much puzzled at this high loss which appeared avoidable by another decantation or the addition of a rotary filter. Reading it again, however, I noted that the actual dissolved loss of 21.5 c. given was evi-dently obtained by multiplying the assay of solution discharged from Z. thickener by the tonnage. On the basis of 283 tons milled per clay, this means $56.54 going to the clam. He states, however, that he returns from. the dam into the system, 70 tons daily assaying 40 c. per ton or $28 per day, so it would seem reasonable, unless I have overlooked something to regard the actual dissolved loss as $56.54 less $28 or $28.54, equaling 10.8 c. per ton. Even this loss, however, is much higher than good practice elsewhere, and can be accounted for largely by the tonnage being handled, which I believe is 30 per cent. above the capacity planned.

Jan 12, 1919

By John L. Mero

"The ocean has served humanity as a source of raw materials for thousands of years, but only on a minimal scale relative to its potential. Exploration programs have shown the ocean to contain a large number of mineral deposits of great extent and attractive grade. Recent research has indicated that a number of these deposits can be economically exploited with present-day technology and that the cost of winning many industrially important minerals from the oceanic deposits is potentially much less than that of winning similar minerals from land deposits. Although the finding of mineral deposits in the sea is a relatively simple matter at the present time, the exploitation of many of these deposits has lagged due to the lack of the availability of specific mining techniques for the individual deposits. Within the past two years, however, several developments have taken place in the design and testing of ocean mining systems in depths of water as great as 12,000 feet which indicate that the problem of mining in the ocean may soon be solved.Within the next decade, the ocean should prove to be a major source of many minerals for society and should come to dominate as a source of such metals as copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, etc. Within a few years of the initiation of the mining of the deep-sea metalliferous nodules, land sources of such metals as nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, etc. will be seriously affected and it is conceivable that the present structure of the world mining industry will undergo a substantial change in character."

Jan 1, 1972

By D. S. Speakman

The copper-zinc orebody at Sherritt Gordon's Ruttan Mine occurs in a structurally complex area of the Rusty Lake greenstone belt in northern Manitoba. Problems in interpreting drill results indicated a large deviation, and the structural complexity an erratic deviation, of drill holes. This was confirmed when a surface hole was intersected 420 feet to the left of line on the 800 level. This problem acted as a catalyst in promoting a search for a suitable down-hole survey method. The instruments investigated included magnetic multishot and gyroscopic units as well as the ABEM Reflex-Fotobor. Only the Fotobor came close to meeting the company's needs of simplicity, reliability, accuracy and ownership. In this paper, the methods of operating this instrument, as well as the data extraction and reduction techniques, are described. Data on the accuracy and repeatability of the instrument are presented, and a tabular presentation of the results of surveying on 86 holes totalling 64,000 feet of drilling is made. Preliminary statements of the results of ongoing research on causes of hole deviation are presented and recommendations for minimizing deviation are given. The use of the survey device is recommended in areas of structural complexity, for very steep or backsight holes and where expected ore intersections are missing.

Jan 1, 1978

By R. O. Kneisley

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report summarizes a study of large-scale strata response to longwall mining at a western U.S. coal mine. This study utilized surface and subsurface measurements, geologic mapping, in situ stress measurements, and pressure cell readings to characterize strata behavior. Preliminary analysis of surface subsidence and time-domain reflectometry (TDR) was used to determine a suggested main roof caving sequence. Coal ejected from the face apparently resulted from brittle failures that occurred because of lack of significant yield zone development. The combination of a strong coal with pronounced directional behavior, low overburden pressures, a good caving roof, and a high-production environment that minimized time-dependent loading apparently reduced yielding of the longwall face. The panel 1 headgate-entry design appears adequate; however, the abutment pillar and adjacent panel tailgate rib are highly stressed and may contribute to problems during second panel mining. The small chain pillar yielded after passage of the face, but the pillar width may be near maximum since evidence of a stressed core exists.

Jan 1, 2010

By J Lööw, M Nygren, E Segerstedt, L Abrahamsson

The purpose of the paper is to discuss socially sustainable development in the mining industry and the communities surrounding the mines. The discussions are based on results from a prestudy and literature review on mining and sustainable development conducted during 2013–2014 at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. ‘A social licence to mine’ is important for the mining industry, but the social dimension is a relatively underdeveloped dimension when it comes to sustainable development in general and the mining industry in particular, one reason probably being the lack of effective methods for capturing social impacts. The mining industry and the surrounding communities face many challenges that provide both possibilities and obstacles to socially sustainable development; eg aspects such as gender, work conditions and cultural aspects. For example, a strong mining workplace culture and community identity can create strong cohesion but also lead to excluding certain groups, rejecting new ideas and reinforcing obsolete values. Other challenges include recruitment, as well as health and safety in relation to an increased use of fly-in-fly-out, contractors and automation of mining. Some challenges relate to the effects of fluctuations in the mining market. There is a lack of research that links attitudes, policies and activities within companies to their impact on the wider community, and vice versa. Future research should also include the development of methods and indicators for social sustainability relevant for mining – in other words: how do mining companies get ‘a social licence to mine’?CITATION:Abrahamsson, L, Lööw, J, Nygren, M and Segerstedt, E, 2015. How to get a social licence to mine, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 125–136 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By Y. Okahara

The chlorination behaviors of pure iron and manganese oxides were investigated by combining a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique with batch-boat roasting followed by leaching. Ferrous and manganeus oxides could be chlorinated readily, but, in the absence of a reductant, the higher oxides of both iron and manganese were difficult to chlorinate. Thermogravimetric analysis curves were drawn to illustrate the complexitites of the reactions, and the possible mechanisms were discussed. Then three manganiferous materials from the Cuyuna Range of Minnesota were treated by a process involving the selective chlorination of manganese followed by leaching. The results were interpreted in the light of the chlorination mechanisms observed on the pure iron and manganese oxides.

Jan 1, 1969

By Ray Holmes

This paper describes one approach in our search for greater stope efficiency and lower costs. The uppers technique with wagon drills in cut-and-fill stopes was commenced, on an experimental basis, in our Sudbury mines in 1961. To date, the method has developed into an accept-ed production operation. This technique minimizes the intermittent aspects of the drilling, blasting, mucking and filling operations associated with other cut-and-fill methods. However, studies show that not all cut-and-fill stopes are suitable for uppers, the governing factors being ore width, dip of the orebody, and ground conditions where large areas of unsupported back remain stable for ex-tended periods of time until rockbolting can be accomplished. Introduction F ALCONBRIDGE Nickel Mines Limited operates seven mines within a radius of 30 miles of the city of Sudbury, Ontario. These mines extend in depth from 1,500 to 6,300 ft. The ore consists of brecciated, massive and disseminated sulphides, and the ore minerals consist primarily of pentlandite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Widths are generally irregular and vary up to 150 ft. The ore dips at between 35 and 90 degrees.

Jan 1, 1965

By A D. Price, W J. Germs, O Patterson, T R. Weaver

"Understanding controls on groundwater and surface water flow and quality at mine sites throughout all mine stages is critical to effectively manage environmental impacts over the entire mine life. Monitoring forms is an essential component of this proof of understanding. Typically, monitoring programs at mine sites have been developed in the framework of existing conditions. However; recognition of the challenges of climate change and the performance of mines during recent extreme events in Australia has highlighted the need to develop monitoring programs that are resilient and responsive to changing environmental conditions. Water monitoring programs need to be effective under a range of environmental conditions, potentially not historically experienced.This emerging challenge requires cross-disciplinary teams to work together to understand issues including: representativeness of background conditions to longer-term conditions at the mine site sensitivity of mine and closure designs to changing climate and hydrologic conditions methods of performance (eg water quality or quantity) failure during extreme climate events such as flood or extended drought.These understandings come together in a detailed conceptual and, in many cases, numerical hydrologic model that considers the mine-water environment under a range of conditions. The groundwater, surface water and water quality monitoring programs that are developed from the conceptual model need to be sufficiently responsive to be effective in the face of such changing conditions, with results in turn informing the conceptual model. Extended drought, major floods and changing weather patterns can alter recharge and discharge areas, oxidation profiles and ultimately, the contaminant flux estimates that would have contributed to mine design parameters and performance. Unless these effects are considered in the spatial and temporal design of the monitoring program and within the parameters monitored, the resultant program may fail to capture data that are critical to evaluating environmental impacts from mine sites.Developing and implementing a water monitoring program that considers these issues can build confidence in mine performance under a range of conditions, leading to increased confidence by all stakeholders in long-term mine performance during and after closure.CITATION:Weaver, T R, Price, A D, Patterson, O and Germs, W J, 2013. Developing resilient water monitoring programs in changing climate conditions, in Proceedings Water in Mining 2013, pp 109-114 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Nov 26, 2013

By Evan J. Owen, Virginia T. McLemore

of high specific gravity, resistant minerals that form from mechanical concentration by waves, currents, and winds in marginal-marine environments. These sediments are enriched in critical minerals such as titanium, zirconium, and REE. Cretaceous beach-placer sandstones are found in the Colorado Plateau of northwestern New Mexico. Originally discovered by airborne radiometric surveys for uranium in the 1950s, these beach-placer sandstones are being re-examined with modern methods as potential sources for critical minerals. Selected beach-placer sandstones have been sampled, mapped with ground radiometric surveys, and analyzed with whole-rock and trace element geochemical methods. Mineralogy is being determined with optical methods, XRD, and EMPA. Zircon, rutile, ilmenite, and monazite are the primary heavy minerals of interest found in the studied deposits. Initial results show that the sandstones contain up to 1.4% total REE, 29.4% TiO2, and an estimated 4.9% ZrO2. Chondrite-normalized REE diagrams show distinct light REE and minor heavy REE enrichment, as well as pronounced negative Eu anomalies for each deposit.

Feb 1, 2024