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By D J. Williams, C Zhang, F E. Herrera Cabrera

Farming on bauxite residue using screw propelled equipment (SPE) has been commonly practised to accelerate dewatering and as it promotes consolidation and enhances storage capacity. However, it is unclear when and how often farming should be conducted during the transition of bauxite residue from slurry to dry solids and how deep each slurry deposition should be. To address this issue, three desiccation tanks were established in the laboratory to investigate how much farming could enhance the desiccation and consolidation of tailings. The cuboid tanks, of 350 mm in height and 300 mm in width and length and with an opening on the top, were placed on load cells to monitor the water loss during desiccation and were instrumented with moisture and suction sensors designed and developed at the University of Queensland to measure the water content profile of the residue. The bauxite residue, composed of silt-size particles with low plasticity, was hydraulically deposited in the tanks as a slurry at 27% solid content, resulting in 100 mm depth of solid material settling. Evaporation was enhanced by placing two identical electrical fans above the tanks. Two phases were conducted. In the first phase, the two tanks were left untouched for evaluating non farmed conditions and for calibrating sensors, while in the second phase, three tanks were subjected to atemporal farming using purpose-built screw propelled equipment. The experiment was terminated when the residue was completely desiccated. This paper reports on the instrumented tank set-up and the results obtained to date.

Jul 1, 2021

The heap leaching of base metal ores can be applied within a number of different scenarios, each requiring its own set of parameters to be determined during the metallurgical testwork programme. The occurrence of acid-gangue reactions and its concomitant precipitation reactions is a factor common to all cases, and requires that the optimal irrigation acid strength be found that optimises the combination of extraction kinetics, acid consumption and possible premature blinding of the heap due to precipitation reactions. For the heap bioleaching of base metal sulphide ores the oxygen requirement needs to be determined for the design of the aeration system, and the operating conditions employed need to also facilitate bacterial growth over and above the acid strength optimisation mentioned above. For the heap bioleaching of chalcopyrite, the need to preserve heat in the heap becomes yet a further parameter of critical importance. For the heap leaching of uranium ore a choice is required between either chemical or bacterial oxidation, based on economic and processing factors. Frequently the operating parameters need to be determined for a circuit in which heap leaching is combined with tank leaching and/or pressure leaching. The processing implications and metallurgical testwork approach for each case is discussed.

Jan 1, 2007

By Jie Zhou

Mining mobile equipment is becoming larger in order to lower operation cost and increase productivity; however, their performance characteristics are often limited by the tire capabilities. Although considerable progress has been made in the field of tire research, the lack of comprehensive knowledge on tire performance characteristics impedes the advancement of off-the-road tires. Longer haul roads, and a severe operating environment make tires more vulnerable than other components of a vehicle. Furthermore, due to a limited availability of large tires, mines are facing shortages. Thus mines and tire service companies are keen to improve tire performance, extend tire life and hence lower operating costs. This paper reviews the relevant tire performance research, analyzes tire interactions with the surrounding environment, tire maintenance practices and operational issues using a case study based on data collected during an ongoing project with Fountain Tire.

May 1, 2006

By Shiju Zhang, Yongnian Dai, Songli Liu, Wenhui Ma

The BaZrO3 and CaO-doped BaZrO3 ceramics were fabricated at 1750 °C for melting the Ti2Ni alloys, respectively. Employing XRD, OM and SEM, the influence of CaO on the composition of BaZrO3 and the interaction between the BaZrO3 ceramic and titanium alloy was investigated. The results showed that the CaO doped BaZrO3 was consisted of CaO and Ba 1−xCaxZrO3. The grain on the surface of BaZrO3 ceramic was loose after melting, and the thermodynamic analysis indicated that the dissolution-erosion was responsible for the interaction mechanism. An amount of BaZrO 3 refractory was attached to the Ti2Ni alloy bottom after the alloy was cooled. However, no refractory was found on the bottom of Ti2Ni alloy, which was cooled down on the CaO doped BaZrO3 ceramic. CaO additive can effectively reduce the interaction between the BaZrO3 refractory and the titanium melt, indicating that it was a very promising refractory for preparing the titanium alloy.

Mar 1, 2018

By D. G. Foot

The Bureau of Mines investigated energy-efficient methods for recovering potash values from process and waste brines. Laboratory pan evaporation of four chloride brines produced crude salts containing predominantly sylvite, halite, and carnallite. Six sulfate-chloride brines produced crude salts containing primarily schoenite, kainite, leonite, sylvite, carnallite, and halite. Potash grades ranged from 7.2 to 22.2 pct K20, and recoveries from 84 to 99 pct. Sylvite flotation from chloride evaporites, with amine collector, recovered 90 to 97 pct of the potash in a concentrate containing 54.3 to 60.3 pct K20. Fatty acid flotation of the high-sulfate evaporite recovered 78 pct of the sulfate minerals in a 27.8-pct-K20 concentrate. Flotation of the chloride minerals with amine collector recovered 80 pct of the potash in a 59.7-pct-K20 concentrate. Solar evaporation of 10,000 gal of brine recovered 99 pct of the potash in a crude evaporite containing 24.5 pct schoenite and 20 pct sylvite. Continuous flotation in a 100-lb/h process research unit recovered over 95 pct of the potash in schoenite and sylvite concentrates containing 28.0 and 62.3 pct K20, respectively. An economic evaluation suggested a rate of return of 3 pct for a new facility and 9 pct if. the process is adapted to fit an existing plant.

Jan 1, 1984

By A B. Christie

Stream sediment geochemical analyses from 140 mining company exploration surveys of the Coromandel, Northwest Nelson, Marlborough and Westland regions of New Zealand have been compiled from open file reports and entered on a database called REGCHEM (for Regional Exploration GeoCHEMistry). REGCHEM is supported by GEOEXPL, a custom-written computer software application which operates under the Microsoft Access relational database management system on a PC-type computer, The data are plotted as maps using the MapInfo geographic information system (GIS) package. Thresholds separating anomalous values from background values are determined using the PROBPLOT uni-variant statistical package, which enables the discrimination and modelling of several populations. Relevant REGCHEM data are being incorporated into a GIS for the Coromandel region as part of ongoing studies to develop mineral deposit and metallogenic models for the region, and to assess regional prospectivity.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. M. Smith

HOWARD N. EAVENSON, acting for the last time as president of the Institute, presided at the annual business meeting on Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. He spoke briefly of his visits with Local Sections last fall, and read a scholarly address on "Mineral Fuels and Civilization," scheduled for early publication in these columns. Karl Eilers presented the Treasurer's report, showing last year's income to be $134,967.44, compared with expenses of $133.266.51. Comparable figures for 1933 were $121,689.90 and $115,462.60. The Institute's peak income was in 1923 about $208,000. Newell G. Alford read the report of the Membership Committee showing 750 new members elected and placed on the rolls in 1934, compared with 328 in 1933. Losses by resignation last year were 81, compared with 262 in 1933; and 691 were suspended for non-payment of dues, compared with 747 the year before. Total membership, including 579 Student Associates, was 7742 at the end of 1934. Applications for membership have been coming in freely the last few months.

Jan 1, 1935

By W. H. Hough, P. B. Leavenworth

Development during 1942 led to the discovery of 26 new fields in the Texas Gulf Coast, as compared with 27 during 1941. Of these, 19 are classed as oil fields, 4 distillate fields, and 3 gas fields. Production from the new fields amounted to 614,467 bbl. to October 1942. Producing Sections.—Discoveries in I942, compared with the previous two years, classified by producing formations, are shown in the following table: It is interesting to note the increase in Wilcox discoveries due to the extensive geophysical campaign that has been con. ducted since 1940. Drilling.—During the year 688 wells were drilled, of which 574 produced oil or gas and 114 were dry. This represents a considerable decline in activity over the previous year, when 1405 wells were drilled in the area, of which 1081 were producers and 324 failures. Jackson County continued to hold the lead, with 222 wells completed. Production.—-Despite curtailed drilling, production amounted to 118,009,451 bbl. for 1942, indicating a slight increase over the 113,726,893 bbl. produced during 1941. The statistics in Tables I and 2 include condensate and distillate as oil production, because many Gulf Coast fields produce oils with a wide variation of specific gravities, all of which are commingled in pipe lines. Table 3 shows by counties most of the activities referred to. The number of wells drilled includes only field wells; not wildcats. Outstanding Fields of 1942 The Texas Gulf Coast covered in this report has 270 more or less active oil and gas fields, including the new discoveries of 1942. Of these the most outstanding from the standpoint of production are listed in Table 4. Each of these fields produced one million barrels or more during 1942. Some of the fields where new extensions are occasionally referred to as separate fields, such as West Columbia and New West Columbia, or Thompson and South Thompson, are combined to give a more accurate outline. Two interesting facts may be noted from this list of some 26 oil fields: (I) that the Lolita field, Jackson County, is the only discovery since 1938 to produce more than one million barrels annually, although there have been 79 discoveries since Jan. I, 1940; (2) that 20 of these 26 fields produce from the Frio. New Fields ALief, Harris County.—Pure Oil Company's No. I Mike Albanese was drilled to 8637 ft. in Cook Mountain shale. After numerous tests the well was completed on Apr. 20, 1942, in a Yegua sand at 7919 to 7924 ft. for 54 bbl. of 52' gravity oil and 3,335,000 cu. ft. of gas through

Jan 1, 1943

By W. H. Hough, P. B. Leavenworth

Development during 1942 led to the discovery of 26 new fields in the Texas Gulf Coast, as compared with 27 during 1941. Of these, 19 are classed as oil fields, 4 distillate fields, and 3 gas fields. Production from the new fields amounted to 614,467 bbl. to October 1942. Producing Sections.—Discoveries in I942, compared with the previous two years, classified by producing formations, are shown in the following table: It is interesting to note the increase in Wilcox discoveries due to the extensive geophysical campaign that has been con. ducted since 1940. Drilling.—During the year 688 wells were drilled, of which 574 produced oil or gas and 114 were dry. This represents a considerable decline in activity over the previous year, when 1405 wells were drilled in the area, of which 1081 were producers and 324 failures. Jackson County continued to hold the lead, with 222 wells completed. Production.—-Despite curtailed drilling, production amounted to 118,009,451 bbl. for 1942, indicating a slight increase over the 113,726,893 bbl. produced during 1941. The statistics in Tables I and 2 include condensate and distillate as oil production, because many Gulf Coast fields produce oils with a wide variation of specific gravities, all of which are commingled in pipe lines. Table 3 shows by counties most of the activities referred to. The number of wells drilled includes only field wells; not wildcats. Outstanding Fields of 1942 The Texas Gulf Coast covered in this report has 270 more or less active oil and gas fields, including the new discoveries of 1942. Of these the most outstanding from the standpoint of production are listed in Table 4. Each of these fields produced one million barrels or more during 1942. Some of the fields where new extensions are occasionally referred to as separate fields, such as West Columbia and New West Columbia, or Thompson and South Thompson, are combined to give a more accurate outline. Two interesting facts may be noted from this list of some 26 oil fields: (I) that the Lolita field, Jackson County, is the only discovery since 1938 to produce more than one million barrels annually, although there have been 79 discoveries since Jan. I, 1940; (2) that 20 of these 26 fields produce from the Frio. New Fields ALief, Harris County.—Pure Oil Company's No. I Mike Albanese was drilled to 8637 ft. in Cook Mountain shale. After numerous tests the well was completed on Apr. 20, 1942, in a Yegua sand at 7919 to 7924 ft. for 54 bbl. of 52' gravity oil and 3,335,000 cu. ft. of gas through

Jan 1, 1943

By E. D. Gardner

"Trolley lines used in connection with electric haulage in mines are a source of danger and many lives have been lost by men accidentally coming in contact with the wires. Usually the wires in metal mines are sufficiently guarded to prevent men from touching them with their person or by pieces of steel which they may be carrying or their shoulders, while walking along the level. However, it is difficult to guard effectively the wires at loading chutes along the haulage ways and in spite of safe guards, chute tappers have been electrocuted through loading bars accidentally touching the trolley line.To overcome this danger the Calumet & Arizona Mining Co., at Lowell, Arizona formely used a hinged V-shaped trough made of 1-inch by 6-inch lumber, that was dropped over the wire in front of the chute, when the cars were being loaded. This arrangement interfered with the easy operation of the chute, and a cut-out device for the trolley line was devised by W. R. Gibson, chief electrician for the company. This cut-out is efficient easily constructed and roes not interfere with the operations at the chutes or with the motors operating on the same level.When the cut-out is open the electric current is carried past the gap by an insulated wire on the opposite side of the drift. A hinged board drops down over the ends of the trolley guard when the slide is open and Prevents anything touching the live wires. About ninety of these cut-outs are now in use in the mine,The levels under the scopes are timbered with drift sets placed 5 feet apart, and the loading chutes take up the space between two sets. All trolley wires in. the company's mines are carried 6 feet above the rails and guarded by two 1/2 by 6-inch boards placed on either side of the wire."

May 1, 1921

By L. Munsamy, B. J. Madden

OpenRisk, an open cast risk rating system, takes into account relative differences in the importance of hazards, as experienced on each mine as a result of different combinations of geotechnical factors and mining conditions. The system is based on critical geotechnical and operational parameters that have been identified by mining personnel and rock engineers. The primary advantage of this risk rating system is that all the strip mines would use an identical system, which enables the user to compare their risk to the risk at neighbouring mines and/or other open cast mines. The system can be adjusted to meet local, mine specific requirements. This system has been made practical and easy to use. Therefore, this tool can be used by personnel from other disciplines not directly related to rock engineering. OpenRisk system has been in operation at nine Anglo Coal and other open cast mines. It adequately detects areas of high risk and generates adequate remedial solutions to reduce the risks. Awareness of the personnel has been higher at the sites that use OpenRisk. The proactive approach of OpenRisk ensures that all personnel are aware of risks in the pits and how to deal with potential risky areas.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. G. Knickerbocker

[The Electrornetal~.1~~1c~.l T,:tt31~tn~ir of the Bureau of Miner,, 3oulder City, !.Tev. , invsst:'.~:es 1:h .-inc.z-.l ci.c;,oritr, in 51-3 regon around Boulder Dam, i~d. this papei- ?i*esmt; tvr) cl-c~;ef.o!~~ilcinl;$ of n s5siqn of atufiies on boron ninerala GB~O 3;; tlir t ~t;s?,Lo:]

Jan 1, 1940

By L. Betteridge, A. Marks

"An OK 300 cu. ft. Skim - Air cell was installed at the HBM&S concentrator in Flin Flon in 1987. Since that time, 3 additional OK Skim - Air cells have been installed in HBM&S concentrators. The cell treats a coarse 70% solids slurry with a residence time of 2.5 minutes. The product from the cell (a unit cell type application) is a final grade copper concentrate with high precious metal values. Since its installation, the cell has improved gold recovery by 10 - 15%. Process variables such as circulating load, pH, froth depth, feed size, and reagent additions all have an effect on the operation of the cell. Maintenance on the cell has been minimal. Initial operating problems involving level control have been significantly reduced and operations are now relatively trouble free. Although very successful at Flin Flon, site specific operating circumstances will determine the suitability of this cell. INTRODUCTIONHudson Bay Mining and Smelting operates four concentrators in Northern Manitoba. Three treat copper-zinc ores, the fourth mills a copper-nickel ore. The Flin Flan concentrator operates two circuits in parallel which treat copper and zinc ores from the Trout Lake and Callinan mines. Both circuits in the Flin Flan mill have Skim-Air cells integrated into the grinding circuits.The Trout Lake cell was installed first and had a payback period of a few months. Required modifications to the cell were made to enhance its performance. These included changing the discharge valve size, tuning the level controller, and installing an insert into the rubber valve sleeve to increase its wear life. The payback period on the Callinan cell was significantly reduced because these modifications were completed prior to its installation.The cells produce a final grade copper concentrate and since their installation gold and silver recoveries to the final copper concentrate have increased significantly. Operating parameters such as coarseness of cell feed dictate the metal recoveries and froth depth determines the selectivity of the cell and therefore the grade of the concentrate.The Skim-Air cell can be suitable in applications where a final product is generated. However, when a bulk concentrate, which requires further separation, is produced, the coarseness of the product may not make it amenable to conventional flotation.The Flin Flan mills Skim-Air cells have worked exceptionally well with little maintenance required."

Jan 1, 1991

By Homer S. Frankhouser

Materials may be dredged, processed, stored and loaded for shipment at a single site in water depths ranging from 250 to 1200 ft. Solution mining may also be accomplished in deep sea situations. And, open air subsea mines with direct surface access may be developed and worked under the ocean floor. These concepts for deep sea mining are the results of extensive testing of individual components of the proposed systems by Dravo Ocean Structures, Inc., a subsidiary of Dravo Corp. A basic structure in these systems is the articulated platform. The platform consists of a gravity- type base and a buoyant cylindrical column which is constructed at an onshore location, towed to the offshore site and installed in a matter of days without use of heavy equipment. The base is also buoyant for towing purposes. This allows for gradual flooding to the point of negative buoyancy for positioning and anchoring to the ocean floor.

Jan 1, 1971

By William D. Mayercheck

Beginning in 1974, the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, sponsored R & D efforts related to further development and use of continuous face haulage in underground coal mines (Cowan, 1975). The U.S. Department of Energy continued this effort as of October 1977. This paper represents an update of an article previously published in Mining Engineering magazine (Mayercheck, 1979). Development progress is summarized for a variety of prototype systems or components now being built, surface tested, or tried underground.

Jan 1, 1981

The building is a lofty, well-ventilated one of hardwood frame, with galvanized-iron walls and roof, and consists of five spans running north and south, covering a total length of 236 ft. Each span is composed of nine bays of 1:3-ft. centres, making the total width of the building 117 ft. The refinery is situated conveniently at a distance of 100 yds from the smelters. Through the third span of the building runs a 5-ton electric overhead travelling crane, of a 3-motor type, with a span of 29 ft. The crane runway extends over a railway line, which connects the smelters to the refinery. This crane is llsed for handling bullion, coal, melting kettles, lead pumps, &c. A 3-ton crane of similar type, but with a 50-ft. span, runs through the fifth span of the building and also extends over the railwav line alreadv mentioned. This crane is used to load the soft lead into railway trucks, or to stack lead awaiting shipment in the area covered by the crane's operations.

Jan 1, 1918

By Madan M. Singh

It is estimated that through 1975, there were 1.69x109 m2 (418 000 acres) of urban land threatened by potential subsidence due to mining with a value of over $12 billion (19;3 dollars; USBM, 1979). With increased coal production to meet the energy needs of the nation, both these figures may be expected to increase. Hence greater attention to controlling surface damage due to subsidence is merited. In fact, the Surface `lining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) (Public Law 95-87) mandates that underground coal mining operators "adopt measures consistent with known technology in order to prevent subsidence causing material damage to the extent technologically and economically feasible, maximize mine stability, and maintain the value and reasonably foreseeable use of such surface lands, ..." The term "subsidence," as used in this paper, implies the total phenomenon of surface effects associated with the mining of minerals, and not only vertical displacement of the surface as is sometimes inferred in the literature.

Jan 1, 1984

By O`Donnell. P. J.

THE modern coal cutter is a highly developed, and to a certain extent a somewhat complicated, machine. The requisite power to cope with conditions as found must be generated by the motor with due regard to limitations in the matter of dimensions and weight. This imposes the necessity of relatively high speeds of rotation. Any factor external to the machine proper which tends to reduce the load on the motor and gearing is most important. Experience has proved that close attention to the question of cutter-chain details undoubtedly results, in practically every coal-cutting operation, in increased efficiency and reduction of power and maintenance costs. The chain is the unit of the coal cutter which most greatly affects the economical operation of the machine, and only by due consideration of conditions and by the proper selection of the right chain can best results be expected; also, intelligent care of the chain while in operation is essential if it is to give its best service. The chain is the part of the machine that carries the pick boxes or blocks, which are connected to each other by a pair of chain links. The power to drive the chain is trans-mitted by a sprocket. The chain runs in guides supported by a rigid member called a 'jib'. Figure 1 shows the various parts mentioned. The first requirement of a chain is that it cut the coal as fast as possible. The second is that it do so economically. Economy of cutting can conveniently be divided as follows: (1) Economy in power used. (2) Economy in pick life. (3) Economy ' in chain life. ( 4) Economy in jib life. (5) Economy in labour for maintenance.

Jan 1, 1936

By C. Horstmann, D. Andreo, G. Barthold

"The concept of large single line grinding circuits provides a valid answer in project feasibility studies by reducing capital investment requirements compared to parallel lines for the same plant throughput rates. The benefits of this concept are reflected as well on the operational aspects, in terms of higher and greater process stability, and reduced operational costs mainly due to the associated lower maintenance expenditures. However, concerns exist in the minerals industry on whether large single line grinding could reduce the overall concentrator plant availability. The mechanical design and integrity, the mill and gearless mill drive integration, as well as assets management aspects of this type of equipment are the key to guarantee successful availability records. Together with an overview of the added value provided by large single line grinding circuits, this paper focuses on risk mitigation strategies during mill and gearless mill drive integration, as well as on the design of the equipment itself, for the key aspects which could put at risk the operations availability.INTRODUCTIONDespite a large long term demand for commodities, the mining industry has never faced complex challenges as it is doing today. Decreasing high-quality and accessible deposits, declining ore grades in existing mines, shortages of electrical energy (e.g. in Chile) and an aging workforce are the most significant among the megatrends affecting our industry. In addition to this, flat underlying commodity prices and high price volatility are currently posing strong requirements to miners when entering into the process of approving investments.Nowadays to get projects financially approved (optimizations, expansions, new plants), capital expenditure has to be reduced, as observed up to 30% compared to the last decade, and at the same time the plant design has to be such to demonstrate that operating costs will also be significantly lower than in the past.When it comes to the concentrator plant, the concept of large single line grinding circuits provides a valid answer in project feasibility studies by significantly reducing the capital investment requirements compared to parallel lines for the same plant throughput rates. The benefits of this concept are reflected as well on the operational costs, in terms of higher and greater process stability and reduced maintenance expenditures."

Jan 1, 2016

By Kazumasa Taguchi

At the Kakogawa works of Kobe Steel. Ltd., the agglomeration facilities are composed of a pelletizing plant and sintering plant. This aim is to utilize raw materials efficiently and stabilize the raw material resources. Therefore at Kakogawa works, the blast furnaces (BF) have been operated with high pellet ratio and various developments for pellet properties have been achieved to improve the blast furnace performance. These developments include dolomite-fluxed pellets, new-porous pellets and crushed pellets. As a results of these improvements, pellets have achieved almost the same performance as sinter at high temperature regarding properties such as the softening, melting and reduction behaviour. However, some problems on shape have remained to be solved. Spherical pellets flow easily into the center of the furnace and form mixed layers of pellets and cokes. Therefore, in BF operations with these pellets it becomes more difficult to keep proper and stable gas distribution.

Jan 1, 1983