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By Michael A. Anuta

This report describes the potential for utilization of satellite observations for remote sensing of mine waste disposal areas. Four study sites consisting of metal and nonmetal mining areas in different climatic and physiographic regions of contigous United States were used in this investigation. The mine waste disposal sites consisted of mining of phosphates in Florida, copper in Arizona, silver in Idaho, and coal in West Virginia. Landsat satellite multispectral scanner observations were used together with aerial photographs, ground surveys, U.S. Geological Survey maps, and other ancillary information. Landsat digital data were categorized using automated supervised classification algorithms and an image analysis system. Detailed description of automated classification techniques employed and the accuracy attained is provided together with the results of manual interpretations. The inventory of areas distrubed for phosphate mining and a change detection investigation for-Polk County Florida were also undertaken during this study.

Jan 1, 1982

By Madan M. Singh

A new mining project can raise questions about what effect it will have on the community after it closes. Historically, little was done by communities to plan for and accommodate the changes in the economic infrastructure when a mine project is finished either after the ore runs out or if market conditions deteriorate and make it unprofitable. Projects that were underfunded were generally unable to withstand periodic market downturns. However, data in a recent study conducted by the Seidman Research Institute leads to the conclusion that, even when a mining project is terminated, there can be (and, in the specific case studied, is) a residual beneficial economic effect in the community, which lasts for a long period of time.

Jan 1, 2010

By Y. J. Zhang

This paper presents the results of a recent study on the development of an in-situ testing method for determining the coal strength in mine pillars. The strength testing is performed in the horizontal holes drilled into the coal rib using the penetrometer. It is a hydraulically powered device that uses an indenter to press the surface of the borehole until the load reaches the failure point of coal. The pressure and the penetration of the loading pin are recorded by the data acquisition unit. The results collected from several coal mines indicate that this testing method is ideally suited for the realistic coal strength measurements. The new testing system not only improves the accuracy of pillar strength determination, but it is more cost efficient than the conventional method.

Jan 1, 1995

By A. Demers, M. Chapman, N. Reynier, R. Lastra, M. Courchesne, C. Laviolette

Historic medical isotope production at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River involved the dissolution of irradiated isotope targets prior to extraction of Mo-99. This process generated liquid waste that was cemented in 5-gallon containers and transferred to an outdoor waste-management facility for intermediate storage. Research was undertaken to develop an innovative method for uranium, mercury and cesium recovery from the radioactive cemented waste (RCW). Regulations prohibit the removal of active radioactive waste from the Chalk River facility. Thus, CanmetMINING produced surrogate material following the same procedures and conditions to those used at CNL. The selective recovery of the uranium from the surrogate radioactive cemented waste (SRCW) could offer CNL more disposition options for the resulting wastes. Leaching tests were performed using four different SRCW at 1 kg scale. Different conditions, operating parameters, and the presence of plastic and corrosion products were evaluated on solubilization. The research investigated the use of potassium iodide with the sulphuric acid leach to increase metals recovery. Iodine improves the solubilisation of metals and the U dissolution reached 99%. The increase of leaching time reduces the U solubilization due to silica gel formation. Therefore, it will be important to control leaching time to avoid the loss of U during the pilot scale experiments. For Hg, the solubilization ranged from 60 to 80% due to the presence of metallic mercury and mercury sulphide found in SRCW cured at 60°C and/or aged for 30 months. Ion exchange (IX) was found the best method to separate the uranium from the impurities and produce a purified and concentrated uranium solution suitable for yielding a uranium product (yellow cake).

Jan 1, 2020

By J. W. Thompson

MINERALS OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION. The owner of minerals under a conveyance from the surface owner does not lose his right or his possession by mere nonusage of the minerals. McBeth v. Wetnight (Indiana), 106 Northeastern, 407, p. 410, October, 1914. QUIETING TITLE TO MINERALS-PLEADING. A complaint in an action to quiet title to minerals and to the min- eral rights in certain land is insufficient in the absence of a direct allegation of possession, although it avers that the plaintiff from the time of receiving the conveyance assessed the mineral interest for taxes each year and paid the taxes thereon and exercised various acts of ownership of such mineral interests, in that he caused test pits to be dug on the land for the purpose of exploring the minerals and ascertaining their quality and extent, in going upon the land and looking after them from time to time, and that he accompanied or caused his agents to accompany prospective purchasers of such mineral interests and exhibited the same to such prospective pur- chasers in efforts to sell them. Fowler r. Alabama Iron & Steel Co. (Alabama), 66 Southern, 672, p. 673, Novem- ber, 1914. SALE BY MARRIED WOMAN-VALIDITY. A conveyance by a married woman of the mineral rights in certain described land is void where she had previously conveyed the land to another grantee who had acquired title by adverse possession under the deed.

Jan 1, 1915

By John A. Gann

THE Iron and Steel Division has shared in the general increased activity of the industry. The fall meeting at Chicago was not only well attended but particularly characterized by the virility and scope of the discussions at the various sessions. The program for the February meeting indicates a similar interest in technological developments. The Blast-Furnace Committee continues to have the hearty support of the industry with discussions of such a nature as to be of real help to the operator as well ass the technologist. The work of the Open-Hearth Committee continues to be outstanding, with ever increasing attendance and ever mounting interest in the meetings. Formation of a conference on the physical chemistry of steelmaking has given those interested in this phase of work an organization allowing the same

Jan 1, 1936

By H. L. Gilbert

Zircon sand may be reacted with sodium hydroxide at 600° C. to form sodium zirconate and sodium silicate. Sodium zirconate is water insoluble and so may be washed free of sodium silicate. The sodium zirconate may then be converted to zirconyl chloride by the action of hydrochloric acid and the zirconyl chloride crystals separated by cooling the solution. This approach produces zirconyl chloride of satisfactory purity with less cost than is involved in buying anhydrous zirconium chloride and converting it. A proposed design for a plant is given, INTRODUCTION This work was conducted by the Rare Metals Branch as a part of research on zirconium at the Bureau of Mines Northwest Electrodevelopment Laboratories, Albany, Oreg., under the guidance of S. M. Shelton, Regional Director. The work was supervised by W. W. Stephens, head of the Rare Metals Branch (now with Carborundum Metals Corp.).

Jan 1, 1954

By G. E. Rennick

A siphon-type laboratory airlift well was designed and operated by the Bureau of Mines to study the concurrent flow of air and oil in small-diameter pipes. Glass flowstrings ranging from to 1 inch in diameter and from L4 to 64 feet in length were equipped with various-sized air-entry jets. Liquid holdup volumes were used to correlate vertical-flow data, and empirical equations for computing gas requirements were derived. The effect of flowstring length on flow efficiency, oil- and gas-production rates, and gas-oil ratios was relatively minor at all flowing pressures. Air-jet sizes and flowstring diameters, however, had a marked effect on flow efficiency and oil- and gas-production rates. The small air-jet sizes increased maximum flow efficiency and its associated flowing pressures but decreased oil- and gas-production rates. An increase in flowstring diameter increased maximum flow efficiency with its associated flowing pressure and also increased the production rates of oil and gas.

Jan 1, 1965

By S. H. Ash

THE INUNDATION of anthracite reserves in the Eastern Middle field of Pennsylvania affects the life of the anthracite industry in this field; it also influences the economic status of people, communities, and industries that depend wholly or in part upon anthracite for their livelihood. The trends of production and of employment in the anthracite-mining industry in this field are downward, and they probably will continue in this direction. The reserves have been depleted to the extent that the end of the active life of the industry as a. major economic factor is approaching. By removing the water in those pools where it can be done economically, the future of this industry may be extended somewhat.

Jan 1, 1950

By H. E. Powell

A laboratory mineral-dressing investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Mines on four limonitic and four sideritic iron ores from the North Basin of the east Texas iron-ore district. The samples, composited from drill cores, were considered representative of the iron-ore reserves of the area. The objectives of this research were twofold: (1) To devise a mineral-dressing method whereby the yield from currently mined east Texas iron ores might be increased and the grade improved, and (2) to extend such treatment to include the lower grade ferruginous materials that are not amenable to beneficiation by simple washing and, therefore, are not being exploited. Of the mineral-dressing methods used in this investigation, magnetic separation of roasted are was shown to be the most effective. Results show that, by this method, a laboratory recovery of 82 percent of the iron is attainable at a grade surpassing that obtained by current plant practice and that both limonite and siderite are amenable to concentration by the process. The existence of large deposits of iron are in eastern Texas has been recognized for over 100 years. These ores were first exploited during the Civil War and were mined intermittently until about 1911. From that time until 1944 when the Defense Plant Corporation financed the erection of three blast furnaces to use these east Texas ores, production was almost at a standstill.4/

Jan 1, 1960

By W. J. Wright

Summary This paper describes the general situation of the mining industry in New Brunswick, and gives a detailed description of the recent developments in the antimony deposits at Lake George and the copper deposits in the vicinity of New Horton. At the end are lists of the most interesting geological literature relating to the Province and of the geological and topographic maps that have been published. Introduction In presenting this paper to the Institute, I apologize for the small amount of scientific data which it contains. Recent investigations in the Province of New Brunswick have been carried on largely by outside interests, and at present we ourselves are in the position .of taking stock. However, I am glad of the opportunity of giving you a general idea of the situation. The Province is making an honest effort to learn the truth concerning her mineral deposits and in time hopes to collect data which should be of interest to the mining community.

Jan 1, 1931

By A. D. Marcy

The Midnite Mine is an inactive, hard-rock uranium mine in Stevens County, WA. Oxidation of sulfide-containing minerals, primarily pyrite, in the ore body produces large quantities of acidic water. An interception system installed by the mining company limits the discharge of contaminated water from the mine. The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have been actively involved in planning remediation of the disturbed areas. To assist in remediation, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) initiated research to determine water quality and to define ground water flow characteristics. USBM personnel designed a monitoring network, supervised installation of sampling wells, and collected and analyzed water samples. This Report of Investigations describes interpretation of data collected between December 1989 and April 1992. The computer program WATEQ4F was used to identify aqueous species distribution and to calculate potential solid phase controls of solubility. To assist in interpretation of changes in water quality between sampling locations and to develop models describing proposed flow paths, the computer program BALANCE was used. Using output from these programs and field observations, a description of the chemistry along proposed ground water flow paths at the mine is presented.

Jan 1, 2010

By J. E. Burke, C. W. Mason

In attempting to study precipitation from a tetragonal lattice, using solid solutione of bismuth in tin, it was found that although a Widmanstätten pattern is observed1,4 only a qualitative analysis of the orientation relationships is possible, because of the unusual structural changes that accompany the precipitation process. Microscopical Studies Alloys were made from Chempur tin (Standard samples 42b and 426, National Bureau of Standards), and bismuth (Kahl-baum C.P.) by melting weighed quantities together under palm oil, stirring well, and castilig in a heated graphite mold. The polishing and etching techniques employed largely govern the visibility of the structural changes. The preliminary surfacing operations were similar to those recommended by Villela and Bergekoff,5 through Behr-Manning 3/0 abrasive papers, lubricated by a solution of paraffin in kerosene. A rough metallographic polish was next given, using a thin cotton cloth charged with relevigated alumina (maximum particle size of about 4µ) and soap solution; repeated etching and polishing served to remove disturbed metal. For high-power examination better preparation was necessary. It was found that on such soft metals the threads of the fabric, rather than the abrasive, cause most of the scratching. Cotton outing flannel, which had been brushed so that the nap lay down, was fairly satisfactory, but a heavy grade of silk velvet (not the noncrushable kind) was found to be better, especially after some use. A better procedure was as follows: The metal lap was warmed slightly, and a 4-in. circle of woolen broadcloth was cemented to its center by a thin film of melted paraffin. The broadcloth was then moistened with water, and a 30 to 40 per cent solution of sodium hydroxide heated to about 50°C. was poured over it, allowed to stand for I to 2 min. and then washed off. It was neither necessary nor desirable to remove all the sodium hydroxide from the cloth, since its etching action aided in the removal of the flowed layer from the sample. The cloth was then charged with a paste of the relevigated alumina in water. Since this lap did not remove deep scratches, it was necessary previously to polish the specimen on some material such as the silk velvet. The sodium hydroxide softens and partly gelatinizes the woolen lap covering, permitting a scratch-free polish, but its action continues, and the cloth deterioratcs after about 24 hr. This is not serious, because a new lap can be prepared in about 5 min., and only small pieces of cloth are used. Etching with a strongly acid solution of ferric chloride was found satisfactory for removing the flowed layer. For the final etching, the most satisfactory reagent was that of Tafls,7 the formula for which is: FeC13.6H2O, 2 grams; HC1, 5 c.c.; H2O, 30 c.c.; C2H5OH (95 per cent), 60 C.C. This etchant reveals differences in com-

Jan 1, 1942

By J. E. Burke, C. W. Mason

In attempting to study precipitation from a tetragonal lattice, using solid solutione of bismuth in tin, it was found that although a Widmanstätten pattern is observed1,4 only a qualitative analysis of the orientation relationships is possible, because of the unusual structural changes that accompany the precipitation process. Microscopical Studies Alloys were made from Chempur tin (Standard samples 42b and 426, National Bureau of Standards), and bismuth (Kahl-baum C.P.) by melting weighed quantities together under palm oil, stirring well, and castilig in a heated graphite mold. The polishing and etching techniques employed largely govern the visibility of the structural changes. The preliminary surfacing operations were similar to those recommended by Villela and Bergekoff,5 through Behr-Manning 3/0 abrasive papers, lubricated by a solution of paraffin in kerosene. A rough metallographic polish was next given, using a thin cotton cloth charged with relevigated alumina (maximum particle size of about 4µ) and soap solution; repeated etching and polishing served to remove disturbed metal. For high-power examination better preparation was necessary. It was found that on such soft metals the threads of the fabric, rather than the abrasive, cause most of the scratching. Cotton outing flannel, which had been brushed so that the nap lay down, was fairly satisfactory, but a heavy grade of silk velvet (not the noncrushable kind) was found to be better, especially after some use. A better procedure was as follows: The metal lap was warmed slightly, and a 4-in. circle of woolen broadcloth was cemented to its center by a thin film of melted paraffin. The broadcloth was then moistened with water, and a 30 to 40 per cent solution of sodium hydroxide heated to about 50°C. was poured over it, allowed to stand for I to 2 min. and then washed off. It was neither necessary nor desirable to remove all the sodium hydroxide from the cloth, since its etching action aided in the removal of the flowed layer from the sample. The cloth was then charged with a paste of the relevigated alumina in water. Since this lap did not remove deep scratches, it was necessary previously to polish the specimen on some material such as the silk velvet. The sodium hydroxide softens and partly gelatinizes the woolen lap covering, permitting a scratch-free polish, but its action continues, and the cloth deterioratcs after about 24 hr. This is not serious, because a new lap can be prepared in about 5 min., and only small pieces of cloth are used. Etching with a strongly acid solution of ferric chloride was found satisfactory for removing the flowed layer. For the final etching, the most satisfactory reagent was that of Tafls,7 the formula for which is: FeC13.6H2O, 2 grams; HC1, 5 c.c.; H2O, 30 c.c.; C2H5OH (95 per cent), 60 C.C. This etchant reveals differences in com-

Jan 1, 1942

By J. W. Kramers, R. A. S. Brown

"Samples from seven test wells distributed throughout the surface-mineable area of the Athabasca Oil Sands have been evaluated to determine the amounts of heavy minerals present and the titanium and zirconium contents. The samples were treated to yield the size distribution of the titanium and zirconium minerals as well as their spatial distribution. The study has shown that heavy minerals are found throughout the surface-mineable area; concentrations range from 0.24 to 2.29 per cent (by weight), with a mean of 1.02 per cent. Titanium and zirconium contents vary throughout the area, and are found preferentially in the finer size fractions. •on the basis of preliminary calculations, the tailings streams from an oil sands plant would provide sufficient feed for a large-scale titanium pigment plant, and the tailings from one plant would provide sufficient zircon feed to satisfy Canadian demand for. metallic zirconium. Variability of the heavy mineral content and composition is such that the heavy mineral potential must be evaluated in detail for each mine site."

Jan 1, 1976

By R. Winand, P. Harlet

he cathodes produced are of electrorefined grade; metallographic structure and surface roughness are controlled to a depth of 1.3 cm (single-side deposits); silver levels in the cathode are regulated by the presence in solution of Cl- and Br- ions; organics must be used at very low concentrations (around 0.1 mg/l with a consumption of about 0.01 mg/l/hr). The required concentrations of additives were established according to a well-defined strategy based on the consumption of organics at the cathode by a mass transfer limited-process.

Jan 4, 1992

By F. J. Reichhardt

Abstract -The Molopo Farms Complex is a major, layered ultramafic/mafic, early Proterozoic intrusion which is totally covered by sediments of the Karoo and Kalahari Formations and situated in southern Botswana and northeastern South Africa. The approximately 3000 m thick, generally fine- to medium-grained ultramafic and mafic cumulates are intrusive into equivalents of Transvaal Supergroup sediments and lavas. Multiphase deformation resulted in tilting and segmentation of the Complex into individual tectonic blocks. Sr isotopes document at least two chemically distinct parental liquids which interacted in a complex manner to form an approximately 1000 m thick rhythmically layered succession which straddles the ultramafic/mafic boundary. Repeated mixing resulted in a complex cryptic layering pattern and numerous sulfide-enriched layers which contain significant PGE +Au concentrations.

Jan 1, 1994

By Peter G. Chamberlain

The surge in gold and silver prices during the 1970's attracted many new mining operators and has rekindled interest among experienced ones. With its low capital investment requirements and fast payout, leaching has attracted many operators--particularly those with small or low- grade deposits. Although in certain situations leaching offers many advantages over conventional mining methods, many operators are uncertain how these relatively new techniques should be implemented. Consequently the Bureau of Mines has prepared this circular to disseminate information on gold and silver leaching practices, techniques, and problem. Engineering data gathered from 26 operations indicate that most ores are leached in heaps following crushing and distribution on pads. Metal values are recovered from cyanide leach solutions using either zinc precipitation or charcoal adsorption. Potential problems that my hamper on block development of a leaching operation are poor percolation characteristics of the ore, calcium salt buildup, low temperatures, and solution losses. An extensive bibliography on gold and silver leaching is appended.

Jan 1, 1984

By I. L. Feld

This Bureau of Mines report describes the development of a simple method of producing low-phosphorus hematite concentrates from certain submarginal southeastern iron ores. The investigation was undertaken to obtain additional information on the Clinton iron ore outcrops at the southwestern extremity of the Birmingham district of Alabama and to assist in the development of operating techniques that would make it profitable to use the marginal ores of this area for blast-furnace feed. Batch and continuous pilot-plant tests demonstrated that a relatively simple wet scrubbing treatment) followed by a desliming operation to reject argillaceous (clayey) gangue, consistently yielded a marketable granular hematite product. Iron losses were relatively high but could be tolerated in view of the low treatment cost.

Jan 1, 1960

By Thomas Wright

No symposium on die casting could be complete without consideration of the methods of formula and impurity control. No consideration of control would be complete without discussion of that new tool of the analytical chemist and inspector, the quartz spectrograph. Just as there is an increased appreciation of the possible applications of the die-casting process and of die castings, so too is there, slowly but surely, of the spectrograph. At present the role of the instrument might well be compared with that of brass or magnesium die castings. Neither is as widely understood or known as they will be. Product specifications are increasing and are getting more explicit and often more rigid. The designer, metallurgist and production engineer or superintendent will be forced to depend more and more on the chemical laboratory. Sampling, as well as analyses, testing and inspection problems will grow. The chemical laboratory must meet its increased responsibility and use of the spectrograph will become more common. Advantages of increased precision, greater speed, lessened labor and often lower costs cannot be ignored. It will be the purpose of this paper in part to outline the respective fields of chemical and spectrographic analyses and to indicate where one may overlap the other and in part to indicate certain possible sources of contamination of zinc-base die-cast alloys in particular.

Jan 1, 1935