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By Harlan A. Walker

Rock-drill steel has an important bearing on costs in many mining operations, both directly and indirectly. Direct factors include such items as shop expense, steel consumed per ton of ore produced, cost of distribution and the dust hazard. The latter, although no specific amount may be assigned to it, is an ever-present problem, and is receiving increased attention as the science of mining progresses. Indirectly drill-steel performance affects consumption of compressed air, maintenance of drills and drilling speed. The latter, in turn, increases or retards the tempo of mining and development. These factors, while not all inclusive, are preponderant in their importance. Thus it is evident that in an extensive operation drill-steel expense may run to many thousands of dollars and that thoughtful research leading toward more efficient practice is warranted. Experimental Work During the late spring of 1939, experiments were undertaken at Homestake in reducing changes in drill-steel gauge from ? in. to 1/16 in. In drifts and crosscut headings mounted machines were set up and holes were drilled with ?-in. bit-gauge changes and other holes a few inches

Jan 1, 1940

By C. H. Page, Brenne

Theoretical modelling of a proposed sub-level open stoping mining system was carried out to assess pillar instability and potential for hanging wall caving. This modelling was done, at first, without detailed information concerning the rock mass structure and classification. After mining commenced, the deviance in behaviour from that predicted by the modelling indicated that the structure was having an appreciable modifying effect on behaviour. Further analysis was carried out with detailed engineering geological information and a recently developed pillar design method. The outlined procedure produced results for pillar size and strength that explained the behaviour that had been recorded.

Jan 1, 1983

By Moshe Sheinkin, Douglas E. Julin

Large tonnage operations face many problems in adequately planning ahead for future years production. In order to maintain desired levels of production, such problems as source of tonnage, man- power and equipment requirements, tailings disposal and water requirements must be anticipated. Of course, before any of these problems can be analyzed, daily tonnage requirements and its source must be determined. Looking ahead for one year or even two or three is usually not sufficient time to adequately prepare an area for production. Because of the sequence of mining and the multilevel nature of the 42,000 tpd Climax mine in Colorado long-range planning must be on a ten-year basis. By using a ten-year base, adequate time is allowed to gain access and prepare a new level for production. Usually eight years will be required for this phase of the initial mine preparation. Once production has been started on a level and access to the area is available, three years is usually sufficient to prepare a new block for production as long as it follows in the normal sequence of mining.

Jan 4, 1967

By J. Hanna, R. Kalathur

Over the years, Alabama's coal industry has generated, during mining and cleaning operations, about 150 million st of fine waste coal, with this total increasing at a rate of 2 million stpy. Reclamation of the fine-size wastes (containing 20% - 60% clean coal by weight) provides, free of charge, mined and crushed feed stocks for coal recovery. Also, the removal or recovery of pyrite from the tailings should eliminate a major source of acid-water pollution. Tests were made on the impounded wastes and current plant discharges to recover the coal fraction by sizing, gravity and flotation techniques. Gravity separation of the +100-mesh material produced commercial-grade coal averaging 7.6% ash, 0.8% sulfur and 13,471 Btu/lb. However, the coal yield, at about 31 % - 56%, was relatively low. Froth flotation, using mechanical and froth column methods, gave similar coal products at much higher coal recovery rates of 87% - 93%. This coal analyzed 10% ash and 1.1% sulfur.

Jan 1, 1993

By A. P. Miller, T. S. Washburn

Improved procedure in the manufacture of rail steel has come as the rail user demanded better wearing qualities combined with greater unit weight. With each weight increase per lineal yard has come greater difficulty in making a product that would successfully withstand all tests that modern rails must meet. With these facts in mind, and with a sincere desire to produce a rail whose service in track would be satisfactory in all respects, the steelmaker was quick to realize that all of the factors entering into his process would have to be more closely controlled. Control of rail-steel slags was recognized as one of the most important of many interdepending factors. The object of slag control is to hold the slag compositions within a range that gives the best results with respect to economy of production, uniformity of analysis, and quality of the finished rails. The most important component of the slag from the standpoint of these production and quality factors is the ferrous oxide content. This component is a good indicator of the basicity and oxidizing power of the slag, and these largely govern the effect of the slag on the steel. Consequently, the

Jan 1, 1935

By C. G. Massey, L. C. Acton

A first-class haulage level railroad was considered of prime importance during planning of San Manuel because successful operation of the mine would hinge heavily on the ability to move large tonnages of ore rapidly, safely and efficiently. These principles, plus certain techniques developed from experience on the 1475 level, are being employed in preparation of the 2075 level. At full production, twelve 23-ton trolley locomotives, each pulling fifteen 12-ton capacity ore cars, and fifteen 8-ton battery locomotives engaged in development, service and supply, will be in operation on the 2075 level 24 hours per day, seven days a week. More than 35,000 tons of ore will be transported every 24 hours. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The rail haulage system is designed to comfort- ably move twelve 180-ton payload trains per hour through the rotary dumps pulled by 23-ton trolley locomotives. The rail system is laid out as a simple double loop with one-way traffic of continuous haul as shown in the above diagram, and is comprised of about 30 miles of track on the 2075 level.

Jan 3, 1962

The paper focuses on how rock bolts are loaded in different rock masses, as well as in pullout tests. Three analytical models for rock bolts are presented in brief, one for bolts in continuously deformed rock masses, one for bolts in blocky rock masses, and one for bolts in pullout tests. The bolt models are used to interpret measurement data for rock bolts from three sources and to help specify the modes of axial load in the rock bolts. It is found that in continuously deformed rock formations fully coupled rock bolts have only one axial stress peak. The position of the axial stress peak moves towards the far end of the bolts with increasing rock deformation. In blocky rock masses several axial stress peaks may appear in the rock bolt. The position of this kind of axial stress peak does not change during the entire loading process. For rock bolts in pullout tests, decoupling of the interface always occurs first at the loading point. The decoupling front moves towards the far end of the bolt with an increase in the applied pull load.

Jan 1, 2000

By B. Govindarajan, T. C. Rao, M. Vanangamudi

The results obtained from hatch, flotation experiments on two coals were used to develop relationships between the recoveries of water and solids into the concentrate. When the recovery of non-ash material (RN) for any size fraction is plotted against a parameter X, defined as [x _ Amount of (W) recovered x Collector dosage (C)in the concentrate (cc)(kg/t)] a single "non-ash recovery curve" is obtained. Non-ash recovery curves thus obtained from different size fractions are used to get a unique "modified non-ash recovery curve" for a given coal, using the reduced efficiency curve concept. Similar observations have been noted in the case of recovery of ash material (RA) also. The amount of water recovered into the concentrate is plotted against a parameter "Water Recovery Factor (WRF)," defined as [WRF = T.F.(1+C)] where T is time (in sec) and F is frother dosage (in kg/t). Plotted in this form a characteristic water recovery curve, for a given coal is obtained that may be defined by the following equation: [W4=W_(1 pWRF-e] The above relationships have been verified against the experimental results obtained from three more coals and are found to give satisfactory predicted values.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. P. Golightly

The structure and occurrence of nickeliferous laterite profiles are described and explained in terms of mineral solubility and drainage conditions. Complete profiles, from top to bottom, include: limonite zone; nontronite or silica zone; and saprolite zone. The middle zone is present only where drainage is sufficiently slow to allow saturation conditions to build up with resulting quartz or smectite precipitation. This precipitation may occur in any climate at a water table or in tropical climates with a long dry season. The degree of serpentinization of the laterite parent rock is important in determining the nature of the saprolite zone. Unserpentinized peridotite produces saprolite ores with hard residual rock cores, nontronitic or amorphous saprolitic rims, and fracture fillings of garnierite and quartz. Ser-pentinites yield relatively homogeneous serpentine saprolite, with minimal quartz or garnierite.

Jan 1, 1979

By A. M. Johnson, M. A. Cornachione

The west central Upper Peninsula of Michigan contains a large resource of graphitic slate. The slate has potential industrial use as a substitute for shale currently used in the production of portland cement. Some of the unweathered slate, however, has a high concentration of pyritic sulfur that can create emission problems when processed in a kiln. A low-cost method to reduce the sulfur content of the slate through the optimization of pyrite oxidation in a bio-heap leaching operation was investigated. In this study, optimal conditions for the bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans were created to promote pyrite oxidation and, therefore, sulfur removal from the slate. Preliminary lab scale flask tests using crushed and sized slate (-40 + 100 mesh) and T. ferrooxidans bacteria in a sulfuric acid medium resulted in 70% oxidation of pyrite over a one-month period. Subsequent column leaching tests on coarser materials (-3/8+1/4 in.) operated for six months resulted in a maximum reduction of total sum of 75%. These data suggest that bio-heap leaching to remove sulfur from the slate for use as a kiln feed material is viable.

Jan 1, 1995

By Dorricott M. G

Ballarat Goldfields NL is developing an exploration decline at Ballarat East using a Mitsui Miike S-125 roadheader. To-date, 530 in of advance has been achieved at an average rate of 16.1 m/week. Roadheader availability has averaged 94.3 per cent, and pick consumption has averaged 0.016 per m. Ground support has involved pattern rockbolting with split sets, 100 mm thick fibre reinforced shotcrete, and steel sets as required. The slower than expected advance rate has mainly been due to difficult ground conditions. It is expected that a further 970 in of decline will be mechanically excavated before a drill and blast system becomes more economical.

Jan 1, 1995

From August 1962 to June 1976 Peko Mines Ltd. produced Gold Bullion at the Peko Control Mill using 18x24 Denver Mineral Jigs and strake tables. Gold ores treated during this period were obtained from Orlando, Juno and Ivanhoe Mines and from the Warrego Mine after 1974, all in the Tennant Creek Area of the Northern Territory. With the downturn in copper prices Warrego Copper ore mining ceased and the copper Smelter closed down in February 1974, Warrego gold ore continued to be treated in the Peko Concentrator.

Jan 1, 1978

By John W. Lane, Richard A. Ronzio, Frederick N. Bender

Climax Molybdenum Co. operated a hydrometallurgical plant at Climax, Colo., from August 1966 to August 1968 to recover molybdenum from an oxidized ore. The feed, tailings from sulfide flotation, was first upgraded by cycloning. The concentration plant handled 6000 tpd of feed and produced 2000 tpd of slime concentrate. The concentrate was leached by a sulfuric-sulfurous acid solution at 65°C. The molybdenum was solubilized in the form of "molybdenum blue." Activated charcoal was added to the leach tailings in a resin-in-pulp type circuit. Molybdenum was adsorbed on the charcoal. The charcoal was screened from the pulp and washed. The washed charcoal was pumped to columns where it was ammoniated and air-blown. The oxidized molybdate then was washed from the charcoal. The eluate was evaporated until ammonium dimolybdate crystallized out. The ammonium dimolybdate was calcined to molybdenum trioxide.

Jan 1, 1973

By M. Okada

Consumption of refined copper in Asia, especially in China and India, has soared, and the copper price is at its historic height. New smelters and refineries have been built in the region with state-of-the-art technology to meet the unprecedented demands. Supply of copper concentrate, on the other hand, has fallen short of the growing demand for concentrate by the smelters and refineries with expanded production capacities. The shortage of copper concentrate is attributable to the delay in the mining development, caused by the prolonged price slump of before 2005. The mismatch between supply of concentrate and smelting and refining capacities may cause disorderly movement of copper price, and hamper the sound development of the industry. The recent high copper price may prompt substitution with alternate materials. With electrical and thermal conductivity and workability, copper is one of the most customer-friendly materials. It is regrettable for both customers and suppliers if the high copper price would become an impediment to promoting copper use. Some outdated and environmentally unfriendly facilities still operate. In view of recent lower-grade copper concentrate with higher sulfur content, these facilities must reform their equipment to environmental-responsive one. The current level of per capita consumption of refined copper in Asia shows that the demand of copper will further grow. It is necessary to realize stable supply of refined copper and stable copper price, to help developing countries including China and India to economically take off. Hence, it is essential that the development of the copper industry be accompanied by environmentally friendly facilities, and harmoniously increased capacities between mining and smelting and refining.

Jan 1, 2007

By P. L. Dunn, G. T. Adel, E. B. Cruz

Automatic control of fine-coal cleaning circuits has traditionally been limited by a lack of adequate sensors. Although several nuclear-based analyzers are available, none have seen widespread acceptance. In this investigation, image analysis is used for the on-line determination of ash contents in fine-coal slurries. The ash content of a flotation tailings stream is correlated to the mean gray level of the slurry. Based on a 90% prediction interval, an analysis of sensor performance indicates an accuracy of 73[±] 4% ash over a range of from 65% to 90% ash. While the results are comparable, the video-based system costs only a fraction of what a nuclear-based analyzer costs. The sensor is now installed at the Middle Fork preparation plant, which is owned by Pittston Coal Co.

Jan 1, 1999

By Newell RB

Grinding circuits are used in most mineral processing plants. Their widespread application makes the efficient running of the circuits essential to almost all resource projects. This paper will show that, with the application of modern multivariable control techniques, improved plant performance can be obtained when compared with conventional single loop control strategies. Results are presented for a simulated closed-circuit ball mill.The grinding circuit was controlled using the rod-mill water and primary and secondary sump dilution flowrates as the manipulated variables. Variables controlled were the primary cyclone feed flowrate, the primary cyclone feed density and the particle-size measurement (percentage smaller than 75 um).

Jan 1, 1985

By Robert B. Parsons

"As the 1981 annual reports of Canadian mining companies one by one see the light of day, it becomes clear that softer metal prices and rising costs are the main problems which beset the industry today. These problems are certainly not lightened by that familiar monster lurking in the shadows-taxation! Recent taxation trends in Canada, and the existing tax regimes for the mining industry, continue to be a major bugaboo.This examination by ""Tax Notes"" of the impact of current taxation trends on the mining industry is based on a speech delivered recently by Robert D. Brown, senior tax partner of Price Waterhouse, Canada, to the annual meeting of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers in Dallas.IntroductionThe purpose of this paper is to tell a story-and it is a story with a moral. The first thing to recognize is that, with depressed metal prices and weakening western economies, high taxes, in and of themselves, are not really the cause of the Canadian mining industry's present doldrums. However, the character and level of mining taxes in Canada has had a profound influence on the development of the industry over the past decade, and the expectations of what the future holds for mining men in Canada will equally play an important role in the future development of the Canadian industry. Our tax system has, in the past, served as a negative and destabilizing influence in the mining industry: it has contributed to a major short-fall in investment commitments and hence in the contribution which the mining industry can make to the Canadian economy, and the adverse effect on the industry of previous high marginal tax rates was made far worse by the confusing, contradictory and perverse nature of the tax system itself."

Jan 1, 1982

By Donald H. Yardley, A. Aly Selim

Abstract-An economic simulation model was developed to predict the amount of copper recovered from copper oxide deposits, and the cost of producing it as a function of the deposit parameters. The economic simulation model includes programs for fragmentation design and cost, copper extraction, solution distribution and recovery, effluent solution cutoff grade, and financial analysis. Cost and price indices were also developed to evaluate the economic feasibility of in situ leaching operations as a function of their starting date. Application of the models to various hypothetical properties having the same area and different ore thickness shows that the effluent solution cutoff grade does not vary with the ore thickness nor with its grade. The percent of copper recovery is, however, shown to increase with the increase in the ore thickness and is independent of the ore grade. It is also shown that while the profit per unit of extracted copper increases with the increase in ore grade or ore thickness, the rate of return on total investment does not show any correlation.

Jan 1, 1978

By Eddy J. Jacques

When the automatic control of a ventilation process is considered, and supervising expert systems need to be designed, an important problem to address is: what will be the optimal set points of the regulators that should meet a certain number of independently formulated requirements, distributed over a ventilation network? The set of these requirements, expressed in terms of air flow quantities or differential pressures in certain airways, need not be consistent. Their number is not limited by the number of available regulators, nor by their nature, i.e. passive or active. Moreover, they may be subject to upper or lower limit values. The method described here addresses this problem and tries to provide a tool that should allow to calculate the set points of all the regulators as a global and optimal solution with respect to this set of distributed requirements. The pure mathematical developments in this paper are kept as short as possible in order to allow more room for the description of a relevant example.

Jan 1, 1991

New York Meeting, October 16 and 17, 1913.-The One Hundred and Sixth meeting of the Institute for the reading and discussion of professional papers will be held in New York City, on Thursday and Friday, October 16 and 17, 1913. Headquarters will be at the Institute office in the Engineering Societies Building, 29 West 39th Street. The sessions will be held in one of the assembly rooms of the building. Because of the many valuable papers on iron and steel obtained with the assistance of the Iron and Steel Committee, which papers could not appropriately be presented and discussed at the Montana meeting, this October meeting of the Institute is held for the purpose of reading and discussing these papers, most of which will be printed and distributed in advance. The members of the following societies have been invited to attend the meeting, and several have accepted and declared their intention of taking part in the proceedings: American Society for Testing Materials, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Electrical Engineers, American Foundrymen's Association. The meeting will be conducted under the auspices of the Iron and Steel Committee, and the latest revised program of the proceedings will be found on page xi, under the notes of this Committee.

Jan 10, 1913