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By H. W. Earnest

This report covers the results of a two-phase study to determine the feasibility of underground disposal of retorted oil shale. Two mining methods, chamber and pillar mining and sublevel stoping, were specified for backfilling. Phase I of the study covered the evaluation of hydraulic, mechanical, and pneumatic transport and stowing systems, individually and in various combinations, and the selection of the most feasible methods. Conveyor transport and stowing and a combination conveyor transport and stowing with pneumatic topfilling were selected for detailed study of phase II. Phase II activities included detailed engineering analysis and design of the selected systems, an engineering economic analysis, and a cost comparison with total surface disposal of retorted oil shale. An extensive literature search was conducted and the bibliography is included in the report. Research done under Contract No. J0265052 by the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. Available for reference at Bureau of Mines facilities in Denver, Colo., Twin Cities, Minn., Bruceton and Pittsburgh, Pa., and Spokane, Wash.; U.S. Department of Energy facilities in Carbondale, Ill., and Morgantown, W. Va.; National Mine Health and Safety Academy, Beckley, W. Va.; and National Library of Natural Resources, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Order ONLY from NTIS:

Jan 1, 1978

By George K. Clement

Manual estimating method through use of equations, factors and curves for preparation of feasibility type estimates for capital and operating cost of mining and primary beneficiation in the United States and Canada of various types of minerals occurrences, except fossil fuels, using state-of-the-art technology. User should have basic estimating experience in the mining industry and/or related fields. Primary usage of this handbook will be for the preparation of preliminary estimate within a reasonable degree of accuracy with relative small amounts of hard input data. Output may be used to determine if a more finite type of estimate should be produced.

Jan 1, 1978

By John F. Wiss

A series of controlled experiments was conducted at four surface coal mines to study the effects of certain blast parameters upon the ground and air vibration. Preliminary scale-model blasts were conducted at a quarry to provide basic data. It was found that the amplitudes of the ground and air vibration were controlled by the maximum explosive weight per delay. Either cube root or square root scaling could be used for the seismic amplitudes, and cube root scaling could be used for the overpressure amplitudes. Both amplitudes were not significantly affected by the total charge weight per blast, the attitude of the boreholes, or the charge length or diameter. The overpressure amplitudes were affected by the charge depth, the use of cover over surface detonating cord, and the use of adequate stemming. The length of the delay intervals and the spacing of holes were important in determining the potential for reinforcement of the amplitudes in certain directions from the blasts. In downwind directions from the blast, the attenuation of the overpressure with distance decreases. Surface terrain t did not significantly affect the overpressure amplitudes within the range investigated. The type of overburden affects the generation of both amplitudes and the propagation of the seismic amplitudes. Spectral analysis of the ground and air vibration is reported. A bibliography of pertinent literature is included as an appendix. A scaled distance of 300 ft/lb1/3 should produce a peak particle velocity of less than 1 ips and an overpressure of less than 128 dB linear peak. For square root scaling, a scaled distance of 75 ft/lbl/2 should limit the ground vibration to less than 1 ips.

Jan 1, 1978

By John F. Wiss

A series of controlled experiments was conducted at four surface coal mines to study the effects of certain blast parameters upon the ground and air vibration. Preliminary scale-model blasts were conducted at a quarry to provide basic data. It was found that the amplitudes of the ground and air vibration were controlled by the maximum explosive weight per delay. Either cube root or square root scaling could be used for the seismic amplitudes, and cube root scaling could be used for the overpressure amplitudes. Both amplitudes were not significantly affected by the total charge weight per blast, the attitude of the boreholes, or the charge length or diameter. The overpressure amplitudes were affected by the charge depth, the use of cover over surface detonating cord, and the use of adequate stemming. The length of the delay intervals and the spacing of holes were important in determining the potential for reinforcement of the amplitudes in certain directions from the blasts. In downwind directions from the blast, the attenuation of the overpressure with distance decreases. Surface terrain did not significantly affect the overpressure amplitudes within the range investigated. The type of overburden affects the generation of both amplitudes and the propagation of the seismic amplitudes. Spectral analysis of the ground and air vibration is reported. A bibliography of pertinent literature is included as an appendix. A scaled distance of 300 ft/lb1/3 should produce a peak particle velocity of less than 1 ips and an overpressure of less than 128 dB linear peak. For square root scaling, a scaled distance of 75 ft/lbl/2 should limit the ground vibration to less than 1 ips.

Jan 1, 1978

By W. T. Adams

The production of natural abrasives var¬ied in quantity and value compared with 1975. Output of tripoli-type materials and garnet increased in both quantity and value; special silica stone products decreased in quantity and increased in value; the production of emery decreased. The production and value of manufactured abrasive materials increased for all types. [ ]

Jan 1, 1978

By John Hillman

The reconstruction of the British mining industry which began shortly after nationalisation in 1947 continued until well into the 1950s with the support of the Government. This support diminished as plentiful supplies of cheap oil from the middle East made many coalmines un¬economic. The planned rundown which followed was foreshadowed in the 1965 White Paper which outlined the financial measures to speed the closure of uneconomic collieries. The decline appeared likely to continue into the 21st century as the role of coal in UK energy requirements became less and less significant. This policy was well on course in 1973 when the oil crisis led to a complete reappraisal of the position. A Government examination in 1974 of the coal industry then supported the National Coal Board's general strategy of major capital investment as set out in its 'Plan for Coal' (1). Plan for Coal aimed at halting the intended decline in the industry's capacity and restoring it to 120 million tons of deep mined output in 1985. The Plan proposed action along the following lines (a) increase output by major Investment in construction at existing collieries with sufficient reserves to give 13 million tons per annum extra output (b) invest in extending the life of existing collieries by gaining access to additional reserves, to give 12 million tons per annum extra output © by sinking new mines, produce an extra 20 million tons per annum. Figure 1 shows the contribution (2) expected from each of the three sources up to 1990/1. The measures taken were expected to offset the inevitable exhaustion of existing pits and provide the additional 40-42 million tons capacity needed to restore annual output in 1985 to 120 million tons. Parallel to this programme for expansion of deep mined output, opencast mining was to produce 10-15 million tons per annum. A recent review however, indicates that new mines are likely to yield only 10 million tons per annum by 1985, mainly owing to the need for public inquiries into proposals for new mining and the resultant fact that planning approval takes 'much longer than originally expected. Nevertheless the objective of 120 million tons deep mined output by 1985 is still considered achievable of means of a greater contribution from existing mines. This programme was originally estimated to cost 2,-56 million dollars at March 1974 prices, out revised estimates of the cost of Plan for Coal indicate that it may now exceed 6,960 million dollars at mid-1977 prices. Plan for Coal includes a substantial investment in new and reconstructed coal preparation plaints. At mid-1977 prices more than 322 million dollars Ls so be invested in coal preparation projects in the UK, at the rate of, about 70 million dollars a year. This rate 3f capital expenditure has been maintained over the past three years and covers investment in a wide range of coal preparation coals for the power station, coking and domestic markets.

Jan 1, 1978

By W. H. C. SIMMONDS

The mining, metallurgical, and petroleum industries can be viewed as financial or as social institutions or both. The differences between these two conceptions of their businesses will influence their environmental 'and social actions. During the next 10-20 years western industry will be subject to a drop in the growth of a more highly educated labour force and to the emergence of holistic economics, new national goals, and a new ecological perspective. The profitability of the mining industry may therefore be influenced by the human side of its business to a greater degree. The increasing human, social, and environmental responsibilities can be discharged by improving the miner's equipment; by learning to look at situations through the eyes of all those involved; by developing common 'languages' which governments and the public can understand; and by mediating where feasible on the international scene.

Jan 1, 1978

By Luis Vargas

A diferencia de lo que ocurre con los precios de la mayoría de los productos, los precios de las materias primas en general no se corresponden a corto plazo con sus costos de producción. En ese sentido, el presente texto señala la influencia de los costos de producción sobre el nivel de los precios a largo plazo a través de dos formas: en el caso de las minas de producción, cuando los precios son muy bajos y no guardan relación con los costos, las menos competitivas se ven obligadas a cerrar y en las de costo medio a postergar sus proyectos de exploración y desarrollo, ocasionándose muchas veces una disminución en la vida de las minas.

Sep 1, 1977

By George Haag

El shotcrete tiene una función importante en el sostenimiento y protección de una excavación subterránea. En ese sentido, el presente texto señala los tipos de shotcrete (mezcla seca y mojada) ventajas, clases de equipo, provisión de aire, agua, mangueras, inyectores, la clase de aditivos, los tipos de segregados, los análisis de costos, seguridad, tiempo y otros factores.

Jul 1, 1977

By Russel Santillana

El presente texto revisa el proceso de concesión y el concepto de distrito minero como una zona geográfica que reúne las condiciones de formación tectónica para considerarse una zona metalogenética. En este sentido, el Estado es quien debe reformar el sistema de concesiones mineras para poder así conocer y disponer de sus recursos minerales en el menor tiempo posible. De otro lado, las concesiones de exploración son siempre mayores que las de explotación -en tanto se conocen los límites determinados por la Ley General de Minería. Asimismo, el nuevo sistema de concesiones deberá involucrar al desarrolllo de programas de exploraciones para que estos conduzcan a una explotación racional de las concesiones mineras del país.

Mar 1, 1977

By Jack G. Gill, Richard A. Dick

Blasting safety is a subject that cannot be overemphasized. Two years ago, a study was published describing g a series of fatal blasting accidents which took the lives of ten metal and nonmetal miners during the period of May 1973 to August 1974.1 Each accident was described, and the direct causes were delineated. In each instance, specific MESA safety regulations were violated. Four of the victims were killed by drilling into explosives; two were killed by lingering too long in the vicinity of fuse rounds; two fatalities resulted from improper guarding of shots; one blaster did not retreat far enough to avoid the blast concussion; and another used an improper tester for checking an electric blasting cap. All of these fatalities could have been avoided by adhering to the MESA blasting regulations contained in 30 CFR Part 55 (Health and Safety Standards-Metal and Nonmetallic Open-Pit Mines), Part 56 (Health and Safety Standards-Sand, Gravel and Crushed Stone Operations), and Part 57 (Health and Safety Standards-Metal and Nonmetallic Underground Mines).

Jan 11, 1977

Lead-zinc production in Canada accounted for 19% of the total value of metals and minerals produced in 1976, says Keith C. Hendrick, president of Noranda Sides Corp. Mine production of recoverable zinc w as 1. 158 million toils of 27.4% of free world production in 1976. Slab zinc pro¬duction was placed at 472,000 tons that year. Canadian mine production of recoverable lead was 247,000 tons or 10.6% of the free world production. Refined lead that year was at 177,000 tons.

Jan 11, 1977

By R. V. Ramani, Christopher J. Bise, Robert Stefanko

Over 200 billion tons of coal reserves lie locked up in deposits west of the Mississippi River-and of this, well over 100 billion tons are recoverable only by underground mining methods. Yet, because of the associated problems of unfavorable economics and inadequate technology, western underground mines contribute less than 2% to the annual US coal production. In order to reach the billion-ton coal production level called for by President Carter, it a pears the majority of new coal development will come from the West. But for this to be possible, new mining methods and equipment must be designed to match the unique thick seam conditions.

Jan 10, 1977

By William I. Busenbark, Elmer C. Newman

At Bingham Canyon, the world's largest open-pit copper mine, annual grease consumption is in the neighborhood of 109 000 kg (240,000 lb), all of which was 544 (120-16) purchased, warehoused, and distributed in 54-kg (120-1b) and 180-kg (400-1b) drums. While perhaps a menial and mundane chore, grease distribution shows on the ledger as a significant expense item. To improve labor and cost performance, Kennecott maintenance engineers undertook a study to find the most direct method for moving multi purpose grease (MPG) from the refinery to the point of final consumption. What they found was a direct vendor system for hulk grease so simple and flexible that long-established drum distribution is being phased out in favor of the newer method throughout 75% of the operation.

Jan 9, 1977

A comprehensive, systematically structured mineral evaluation system is a prime requirement for objectively assessing mineral supply impacts on the economy. The Minerals Availability System developed by the US Bureau of Mines is a step in the right direction-a well-organized unraveling of the mineral supply network, structured in format to allow quick retrieval for rapid listing, supply analysis, and other uses.

Jan 9, 1977

Who's Who in Mineral Engineering 1977 - SME Membership Directory of the Society of Mining Engineers of AIME

Jan 7, 1977

By David Russell, Courtland Lee

FOREWOHD-Americans have been able to create wealth from the nation's natural resources to an extent unprecedented in recorded history, thanks largely to the existence of a free market and of a rational body of laws. The General Mining Law of 1872, for instance, by establishing the rules of the game, was quite effective in channeling the ability of Americans to discover and develop mineral deposits. Another example was the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 which made available the more easily discovered mineral deposits by spelling out the conditions and rules under which miners could obtain leases on federal lands.

Jan 5, 1977

By J. P. Savely, D. E. Nicholas, R. D. Call

Progress in the technology of slope design over the past 15 years now permits the selection of rational slope angles if suitable data on geology, hydrology, and rock properties are available for a specified project. Although a full-scale slope design study remains the best course of action, there are situations where an extensive study is not feasible due to time or budget constraints. Two typical examples are: (a) selecting pit slope angles for a preliminary feasibility study at the exploration stage; and (b) coping with a slope failure in an operating mine. In both instances, slope angles must often be chosen on the basis of data that are currently available or can be readily obtained. All too often during exploration programs, a feasibility study is initiated shortly before the decision deadline to drop the property or proceed to purchase. If the only existing data at this point are a few cross-sections at odd angles showing ore and waste contacts or a dog-eared map of the surface geology, there may not be time to collect and organize sufficient information for the design of slope angles. On the other hand, if during the drilling program geologic cross-sections were constructed and the structural data compiled in tabular form, rational slope angles could be computed within the allotted time.

Jan 4, 1977

Part 1. Coal Part 2. Industrial Minerals

Jan 3, 1977

Book review Proceedings of the Symposium on Mining Methods. London, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, 1974. 160 pp. The Symposium was held from 30th October to 1st November, 1974, and the papers include an interesting range of subjects in coal-mining operations, covering the improvements achieved to date, current practice, and required development for the future. Salamon, M.D.G., and Oravecz, K. 1. Rock Mechanics in Coal Mining. 119 pp. NIM reports Report no. 1822 Stability constants and linear free-energy relations for the platimtm-group metals. (22nd Oct., 1976). Report no. 1852 A revised method for the dissolution of platiniferous materials by the sealed-tube technique. (18th Oct., 1976). Report no. 1828 y-picoline adducts of the nickel, copper, and zinc chelates of 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone. (26th Nov., 1976) Report no. 1847 A pilot-plant investigation of a kinetic model for flotation.(19th Nov., 1976)

Jan 2, 1977