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By R. Simon, P. Pagé, L. Li, P. Yang

The Mathews-Potvin stability method is widely used in the Canadian mining industry as a starting point to determine the maximum dimensions of mine stopes. However, it cannot be applied to inclined (more frequently encountered) mine stopes without conducting numerical modelling to obtain the stress factor A, defined as a function of the ratio of unconfined compressive strength of intact rock to the induced principal stress on the exposed stope walls. The need to conduct numerical modelling significantly limits the application of the Mathews-Potvin method. In addition, given its empirical nature and main application for preliminary design, it is deemed undesirable to conduct numerical modelling, especially elaborate modelling. Alternatively, theoretical methods can provide a much simpler and quicker way to estimate stresses around stopes and the corresponding stress factors. Over the years, a large number of studies have been conducted to estimate stresses around openings excavated with various crosssections. However, theoretical or graphical solutions remain unavailable for mine stopes that typically consist of horizontal floor and roof, and two parallel inclined walls (hangingwall and footwall). To remedy this situation, a series of numerical simulations is first performed for openings with vertical and inclined walls, including typical stopes commonly encountered in underground mines. A group of empirical solutions is then formulated to estimate the induced principal stresses at the roof centre and mid-height of the stope walls. The validity and predictability of the proposed solution have been verified using additional numerical simulations. The proposed solution can thus be used to calculate stresses and the resultant stress factors A around typical mine stopes with any inclination angle and height to width ratio, under any in-situ stress state, without conducting numerical modelling.

Aug 1, 2021

By V. V. Musaev, A. M. Klyushnikov, R. R. Galimov

"A study was made of chemical and material compositions of the oxidized gold-bearing ore of the Kochkovskoe deposit. It was demonstrated that examined ore consisted mainly of quartz, carbonate and feldspar with a gold content of 2.2 g/t and a silver content of 6.1 g/t. By means of agitation leaching tests it was founded that about 79-80 % of gold can be extracted from ore using cyanide leaching solutions. The achieved high-speed dissolution rate of gold was due to its presence in a finely dispersed state (less than 2.73 µm), which was confirmed by the research of Uralmekhanobr. It was proposed that the ore can be processed by heap leaching process using cyanide leach solutions. Technological studies on the modeling of the heap leaching process were initially carried out in percolators with a capacity of 5 kg on agglomerated ore. It was preliminary established that agglomeration should be carried out at a cement consumption of 12-16 kg/t, with the moisture content in pellets reaching up to 10-12 %. The best percolation leaching results can be obtained with ore crushed to the size of -20 mm. The maximum extraction of gold to the solution was 79-80 % while the L:S ratio reached 1.2-1.4:1.In cooperation with the research center of OJSC ""Berezovsky mine"" a semi-industrial heap leaching test was accomplished. The result of a test performed was an extraction of 78.5 % of Au and 21 % of Ag from ore to a pregnant solution. This extraction degree was achieved at a L:S ratio 0.9: 1. On the ground of results obtained, a technical regulation was developed for design of the heap leaching plant with the capacity of 500 thousand tons of ore per year.INTRODUCTION The ore of the Kochkovskoe deposit represents an important reserve of gold in the Zabaikal region. Of the upmost interest are oxidized ores, the processing of which can be carried out by heap leaching (HL) with cyanide solutions. The purpose of this work was to study the composition and to develop a technology for heap leaching of oxidized ore."

Jan 1, 2018

By K. Yoshida

Recently, light magnesium alloy with superior heat radiating ability has been attracting attention in various fields. However cold plastic working of the alloy is very difficult and hot working necessary. Furthermore, the magnesium of products with complicated shapes is difficult, the processing cost is high, and the applicability of the alloy is limited. In this study, a technique for obtaining fine wires and tubes by cold drawing is examined to obtain wires and tubes with high strength, quality and surface morphology, while decreasing production cost. In addition, the shearing strain of magnesium alloy wires and tubes drawn under various drawing conditions was calculated by FEM analysis. It was clarified that cold drawing of magnesium alloy is possible. It was also demonstrated that greater reduction of the cross-sectional area could be realized during cold wire and tube drawing by optimizing the drawing conditions.

Jan 1, 2006

By K. S. McClure, S. B. Chitralekha, R. B. Gopaluni, Chmylek. T., S. L. Shah

This is a tutorial paper on industrially successful approaches for nonlinear process monitoring. Online process monitoring is essential to continuous operation of plants at high efficiency. The problem of process monitoring is one where an impending but undesirable process condition has to be identified and used to alert process engineers. This problem has traditionally been solved by practicing engineers using statistical techniques that detect a change in the underlying correlation structure of process variables. For linear correlation structures, algorithms such as principal components analysis, independent component analysis and partial least squares have been proposed. However, many industrial processes exhibit nonlinear correlation structure between the process variables. In this tutorial we describe various nonlinear monitoring techniques and elaborate on two recently developed methods, namely Support Vector Machine and Local Linear Embedding. The two methods are evaluated by application on two experimental case studies, a SAG mill and a polymer extruder.

Jan 1, 2014

By Arun Vathavooran, Adrian Singh, Michael Fletcher, Rainer Imhof

The Imhoflot G-Cell, a new development in the pneumatic flotation technology (which incorporates centrifugal forces in the separating vessel) is a recent innovation in the mineral processing world. The G-Cell was invented by Dr Rainer Imhof and commercialised by Maelgwyn Mineral Services Ltd. In a short time span a number of plants and units have been successfully commissioned in the mineral processing industry. In addition, a number of industrial G-Cell flotation plants are in the process of construction for the purpose of coal preparation and environmental remediation. In this paper two industrial installations have been highlighted together with a pilot plant test programme investigating ultra fine flotation recovery for a base metal operation.

Jan 1, 2007

By J. Stuart Warner

The reaction COSO4(c)?CoO(c) + So3(g)was investigated from 950° to 1170OK by two different methods. The sulfate was decomposed in a previously evacuated space and Pso3 calculated from the measured total pressure on the assumption that Pso2 = 2P02. The sulfate was also decomposed under conditions of controlled oxygen pressure. The difference in the results obtained by these experimental techniques is attributed to the effects of thermal diffusion. The standard free energy change for the reaction is given by ?F° = 66,292 + 17.273T log T — 102.57 T (±300 cal/mole). It was found by DTA and X-ray diffraction studies that CoS04 undergoes a transformation at 617°± 4°C. THE metal sulfates may decompose directly to the oxide or pass through one or more intermediate basic sulfates. Provided the oxidation state of the cation does not change in the course of the reaction, the decompositions may be described in general as follows: One of the major objectives of this work was to determine the validity of Eq. [3] as much of the existing sulfate data has been calculated from decomposition pressures by Eq. [5]. The type of apparatus generally used for these measurements consists of a reaction vessel at high temperature which communicates with a manometer at room temperature. A temperature gradient is thus imposed on the gas phase causing thermal diffusion which brings about a partial separation of the different gaseous species present in an initially uniform mixture. The basic theory and experimental facts associated with this phenomenon are summarized elsewhere1 and it will suffice to state here that the heavier gaseous species diffuses down the temperature gradient. Since thermal diffusion destroys the homogeneity of the gas phase, it is not necessarily true that Pso2 = 2Po2 in any particular volume element of the gas phase even though there are twice as many molecules of SO, as of 0, in the gas phase considered as a whole. Under these conditions, the decomposing sulfate gives off SO, which dissociates to SO, and 0, and all three species are distributed throughout the system by thermal diffusion. However, the sulfate will continue to dissociate until the equilibrium value of PSo3 is established on the hot zone. Thermal diffusion may distribute SO2 and O2 throughout the gas phase in any way so long as Eq. [2b] is satisfied in the hot zone; i.e. Pso2(Po2)1/2=K3pso3. When a steady state is reached, we can characterize Pso2 in that

Jan 1, 1962

By D. W. Smith, Robert F. Mehl

It has been shown by numerous studies that the orientations of new metal crystals are determined by the orientations of the crystals in the original matrix, whether these new crystals are formed by recrystalliza-tion, by precipitation from solid solutions, or by transitions in the solid state. The orientations of crystals formed by recrystallization of cold-worked metals that bear preferred orientations are occasionally simply related to the initial preferred orientation; often, however, the relationship is not simple, but complicated and obscure in origin.1 The orientations of crystals formed by precipitation from solid solutions have been shown by many studies in this and other countries to be determined by the orientation of the crystals of the solid solution stable at the higher temperatures, though here again complicated cases have been found and no general theory is available.2 Related to this latter class are the relationships found in crystals formed by suppressed transforma-

Jan 1, 1935

By D. W. Smith, Robert F. Mehl

It has been shown by numerous studies that the orientations of new metal crystals are determined by the orientations of the crystals in the original matrix, whether these new crystals are formed by recrystalliza-tion, by precipitation from solid solutions, or by transitions in the solid state. The orientations of crystals formed by recrystallization of cold-worked metals that bear preferred orientations are occasionally simply related to the initial preferred orientation; often, however, the relationship is not simple, but complicated and obscure in origin.1 The orientations of crystals formed by precipitation from solid solutions have been shown by many studies in this and other countries to be determined by the orientation of the crystals of the solid solution stable at the higher temperatures, though here again complicated cases have been found and no general theory is available.2 Related to this latter class are the relationships found in crystals formed by suppressed transforma-

Jan 1, 1935

[A AALSETH, Earl P (M 51) Consult Geol Engr 2019 Eldorado Dr, Billings, Monl ABADIE, Henry G (M 43) Asst to Supt of Oper Long Beach Oil Dev Co 925 Harbor Plaza, Long Beach 2, Calif ABBE, T Waldo (A 56) Asst Dist Oper Supt Sun Oil Co PO Box 66, Stowell, Tax ABBOTT, Fred E Jr (M 59) Abqaiq Dist Mgr Arabian American Oil Co Dhahran, Saudi, Arabia ABBOTT, Clifton T (A 60) Apartado 677, Maracaibo, Venezuela ABBOTT, J L (M 56) Partner Pritchard & Abbott 1010 Ft Worth Natl Bk Bldg, Fort Worth 2, Tex ABBOTT, Richard H (J 51) Partner Abbott & Howard 422 W Hermosa San Antonio 12, Tex .ABBOTT, William G (M 50) Div Mgr Rice Engrg & Operating Inc Box 1142, Hobbs, N. M. ABDERHALDEN, Ronald R (J 59) Prod Engr Continental Oil Co Box 100, Carmi, III ABEL, Malcolm D (J 50) Gen Partner Abel & Bancroft PO Box 865, Midland, Tex ABEL, Ramond L (M 28) Prof of Chem Eng Univ of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh 13, Pa ABEL, Wayne K (M 57) 1513 Patton Drive, Odessa, Tex ABELL, Joseph M (J 55) Petr Engr Tennessee Gas & Oil Co Box 1772, Casper, Wyo ABELS, Thomas A (J 60) Exploit Engr Shell Oil Co Box 193, New Orleans 3, La ABENDROTH, G F (M 46) Dring Prod Supt Lyons & Logan 1500 Beck Bldg, Shreveport, La ABERCROMBIE, Bolling A (M 60) Mgr Product Planning Axelson-Garrett PO Box 2427, Longview, Tex ABERCROMBIE, C T (160) Prod Engr Cities Ser Petr Co Box 472, Brownfield, Tex ABERCROMBIE, H L Jr (J 55) Prod Engr Mobil Oil Co Room 1800 Gr PI Life Bldg, Lubbock, Tex ABERCROMBIE, Robert (J 57) Prod Engr Mobil Oil Co PO Box 1770 Shreveport, La ABERG, Richard S (M 57) Area Prod Geol Shell Oil Co of Canada, Box 100 Calgary, Alta, Canada]

Jan 1, 1961

This article attempts to outline essential features of the Mount Isa ore deposit, to reveal the agencies thought to be responsible for its localization, and to describe methods used for obtaining and applying geological data on a commercial basis. Structural features are emphasized because they have proved the most useful agencies to date in searching for ore. Vertical depth, horizontal width and stratigraphic thickness are used throughout the article, and quantities are quoted in long tons.THE DEPOSITA width of more than two miles of evenly bedded shale of the Mount Isa series (upper pre-Cambrian) lies sandwiched conformably between quartzites. The series strikes N.S. and dips approximately 60° W. Shale is unaltered...Important geological work has been carried out by the Queensland Geological Survey, chiefly by Mr. S. R. L. Shepherd, in co-operation with the Geological Department of Mount Isa Mines Limited. Selected references are The Queensland Government Mining Journal for December, 1931, January, 1932 (Rio Grande Lode); December, 19B2 (Black Rock Lode); October, 1933 (General structure); October, 1936 (Mount Isa Lode).

Jan 1, 1939

The commercial development of the shallow (2200 ft2 400 ft) Windalia sand reservoir at Barrow Island provided the opportunity to conduct an intensive drilling programme using equipment and techniques designed for optimum performance.During the initial exploratory and reservoir delineation phase, 12 specific Windalia test wells were drilled using drilling equipment with an optimum depth range of 6QOO ft - 8000 ft and a 9 5/8 in by 7 in. casing programme was employed. The average time from commencement of move-in to rig release exclusive of coring for five representative wells was 187 hr during this phase.Development drilling commenced December 1966 with one rig, with the second in operation January 1967.As of January 1 1968, 168 development wells had been completed. The two rigs employed are drive-in units equipped with a telescoping .gelf raising doubles mast.Optimum depth range with 4 1/2 in. drill pipe is 2500-4000 ft. Casing programme is 8 5/8 in. by 5 1/2 in. Efficient performance was achieved immediately. The average time from commencement of move-in to rig release for 15 wells drilled early in the development programme was 99 hr.By application of experience and further modification of techniques, performance was improved to an average time of 72 hr per well for 15 wells recently completed.The major drilling problem on Barrow Island is surface hole drilling due to the very hard surface limestone combined with complete loss of circulation at sea level.In this operation, significant improvements have been effected. During the exploratory phase drilling, 12 1/4 in hole to set 9 5/8 in. casing, average penetration rate was 23 ft/hr. At the commencement of the development programme penetration rate, drilling 10 5/8 in. hole to set 8 5/8 in. casing, was 28 ft/hr for the 15 early wells considered, improving to 55 ft/hr for the 15 recent wells considered.This programme is a team effort and much credit must be given to the enthusiastic co-operation of the two drilling contractors.The current field record is 2 days 4 hr with a 4 1/2 hr move including the drilling of mousehole and rathole.

Jan 1, 1968

By L. Mabiza

Keywords: Pyrometallurgy, circular furnace, PGM, platinum, Peirce-Smith converter, Zimbabwe The Zimplats Smelter, located on the northern part of the Great Dyke, at the Selous Metallurgical Complex, is the only PGM smelter in Zimbabwe. Zimplats? operations currently consist of the Ngezi Platinum Mine, which is a 1.5 Mt/a open-cast and 0.7 Mt/a underground mine, and a Concentrator and Smelter to which ore is transported 80 km by road. The final converter matte product is transported to Impala Refining Services in South Africa for refining and marketing. The Zimplats Smelter operations consist of a concentrate filtration plant, a Drytech flash dryer, a modified Elkem / Hatch 13.5 MVA circular furnace, two 10? x 15? Peirce-Smith converters, and a matte granulation plant. The Zimplats smelter uses a three-field electrostatic precipitator, supplied by ELB-Brandt, for removal of particulates in the gas streams from both the converter and furnace. Construction of the smelter commenced in 1995, under the BHP / Delta Gold of Australia joint venture. The furnace was lined mid-1996, and smelting operations commenced in 1997. Due to design challenges, the Elkem furnace was modified by Hatch in 1998, and the smelter had not reached full capacity when operations were suspended in 1999. Re-commissioning took place in January 2002.

Jan 1, 2006

By L. Tong

"The oxidation of Quebracho was evaluated by acid-butanol assay, which indicates depolymerization of Quebracho. Anthocyanidin, an oxidation product of Quebracho, is stable at 95?C for up to 2 h. The ionization, complexation, and oxidation properties of Quebracho were discussed. Complexation of metal-Quebracho occurs at ambient temperature. The formation of complex precipitates is influenced by the acidity of the solution. Temperature is another important parameter that influences the oxidation and the complexation of Quebracho. Quebracho-ferric complex precipitate forms at 90?C, 0.1 mol/L H2SO4. The formation of Quebracho-metal complex in the leach solution is a possible reason for the consumption of Quebracho. Quebracho molecules adsorption on the mineral surface is reduced by consumption of Quebracho, resulting in poor sulfur dispersing effect in the leaching process. INTRODUCTIONQuebracho is used as a sulfur dispersing agent (SDA) in the pressure leaching of zinc concentrate as stated in U.S. Patent No. 3,867,268 (1975). It prevents the zinc sulfide particles from being coated with molten sulfur, thus preventing the inhibition of the zinc leaching reaction. Recently, the sulfur dispersing effect of Quebracho was investigated in the oxygen pressure leaching of nickel concentrate. The oxygen pressure leaching of pentlandite can be represented by reactions 1-3."

Jan 1, 2012

By L. H. Schwartz, M. V. Nevitt

THE phase Ti2Ni has been described by Laves and Wallbaum,1 who found the phase to be face-centered cubic with 96 atoms per cell, by Duwez and Taylor,2 who confirmed these observations and reported a lattice parameter of 11.333A, and by Rostoker,' who reported the structure to be isomorphous with the double carbide Fe,W,C, type E93, and to have a lattice parameter of 11.29A. In this study a group of isostructural phases has been found among alloys of certain second and third long-period transition elements. The systems investigated included all the combinations of zirconium and hafnium with the Group VIII elements rhodium, palladium, iridium, and platinum. There is evidence that many of these new Ti2Ni-type phases require oxygen for their stability in the temperature ranges in which they were studied. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Alloy samples weighing 5 g were prepared by arc-melting metals whose purity is indicated in Table I in a helium-argon atmosphere. Samples of the as-cast buttons, wrapped in molybdenum foil and sealed in evacuated quartz tubes, were

Jan 1, 1959

By Alfred H. Brooks

PetRoleUm seepages are known in Alaska at four localities, all on Pacific seaboard. These, named from east to west, are Yakataga, Katalla on Controller Bay, Iniskin Bay on Cook Inlet, and Cold Bay on the Alaska Peninsula. Besides these, a petroleum residue has been found near Smith Bay on the north Arctic coast of the Territory. At Katalla, Cold Bay, and Iniskin Bay there has been some drilling for oil, and in the first field several productive wells have been opened up. Alaskan petroleum, so far as its composition is known, is a refining oil, with paraffin base and low sulphur content. Most of what is known of the geology of Alaska oil fields is based on the investigations of Dr. George C. Martin, of the United States Geological Survey. A, G. Maddren, of the same service, has recently made a reconnaissance of the Yakataga oil field. The data to be here presented are chiefly taken from the following publications: G. C. Martin: The Petroleum Fields of the Pacific Coast of Alaska, with an account of the Bering River coal deposits, Bulletin No. 250, U. S. Geological Survey, pp. 9 to 27 (1905). G. C. Martin: Geology and Mineral Resources of the Controller Bay Region, Alaska, Bulletin No. 335, U. S. Geological Survey, pp. 112 to 130 (1908). G. C. Martin and F. J. Katz: A Geologic Reconnaissance of the Iliamna Region, Alaska, Bulletin No. 485, U. S. Geological Survey, pp. 126 to 130 (1912). A. G. Maddren: Mineral Deposits of the Yakataga District, Bulletin No. 592, U. S. Geological Survey, pp. 143 to 147 (1914). Katalla Field The Katalla field is marked by a series of seepages and gas springs occupying an east and west belt, about 25 miles in length and from 4 to 8 miles wide. (See Fig. 1.) This zone skirts the north shore of Con-

Jan 1, 1915

By T. A. Muhlare

"Large quantities of slag are produced every year and dumped on slag heaps around the world, posing a potential environmental threat due to contained heavy metals content. Slags are waste minerals produced during furnace smelting of minerals. The contained values of base metals may be released into the environment under natural weathering conditions polluting ground and underground water. Copper losses into slag are a continuous problem in pyrometallurgical smelting operations. Due to shortage of ore concentrate, various mining operations have initiated the recovery of copper from dumped slag. The typical process uses crushing, milling and flotation. These operations create excessive liner wear rates during crushing and milling because the bond work index of copper slag is 22 kWh/t and this is considered a very hard slag. The process also has reduced flotation recoveries and requires high flotation reagent consumption. The present work shows that digestion of the milled copper slag slurry with concentrated sulphuric acid at a temperature of 250oC forms a solid cake and leaching of the solid cake with water is a possible option. However, the consumption of sulphuric acid can have a considerable cost on the recovery process. This can be limited by producing a leach residue containing gypsum and silicate materials as amorphous silica which are suitable for use as an additive for Portland cement. Laboratory results show that 90% copper recoveries can be achieved. The leaching is conducted to prevent silica gel formation and iron co-extraction. Leaching is optimum if silica gel-free solutions and good filterable residue are obtained. INTRODUCTION Slag is a waste by-product of smelting and converting operations in metallurgical plants. Both smelting and converting operations are aimed at iron separation from base metal sulphides in non-ferrous metallurgy. The iron sulphide component of the ore or concentrate is oxidized to iron oxide at higher temperatures in the molten form, and then fluxed with silica and other oxide rock minerals to produce fayalite (2FeO•SiO2) slag (Schlesinger et al., 2011). Slags are generally deposited on dumps and considered to be unreactive materials. Smelter copper slag contains significant concentrations of several potentially toxic elements, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, barium, zinc and copper. These elements can be released into the environment under natural weathering conditions and cause pollution of soils, surface waters and groundwater (David, 1998)."

Jan 1, 2015

By Vincent Jue

In December 2009, the Italian High Speed Rail Network AV began running over the full 1000 km system length from Turin, at the foothills of the Alps to Salerno, on the seacoast south of the volcano Mt. Vesuvius. It runs through Alpine rivers, highly seismic active zones, mountains, river plains, and through some of the most densely populated areas in Europe as well as some of its most expensive real estate. The Italian High Speed Network?s technical/economic constraints and its regulatory/socio-environmental concerns well may mirror similar obstacles set to confront the nascent California High Speed Rail Program. The two types of constraints must be dealt with together to reach the best construction solution. It is estimated that more than 20% of Italian High Speed Rail Network costs were spent on ground engineering including over 150 km of tunnels, 200 km of viaducts and bridges and 650 km of embankments and trenches. However, it also is estimated that 25% of costs were spent on social and environmental integration of the new rail lines including over 6 square miles of green offsets, 160 km of anti-noise walls, and 300 agreements for socio-environmental work. This paper will look at four examples of innovative ground engineering solutions, each with its own intricate set of constraints: ? Foundation system for viaducts across the ?Po? and ?Ticino? rivers. ? Soil consolidation under railway embankments ? Requirement of short tunnels for physical and environmental reasons ? Construction of railway stations in a confined right of way

Jan 1, 2010

By Oliver Bowles

THE most important non-metallic mineral industries from a tonnage standpoint are those that are allied with the construction industries and are engaged in handling sand and gravel, crushed stone, building stone, cement, lime and gypsum. The greatest problem facing a number of these industries at this time is over-production. They have experienced un- usual, and in some instances phenomenal, growth during recent years, stinlulated by extensive highway and building construction, but in some localities expansion of producing plants has far outstripped industrial needs. The cement industry is operating at about two- thirds capacity. Over-production tends toward price- cutting and unprofitable and interrupted operation, involving maintenance expenses for idle plants and disorganization of working forces. This condition has encouraged active efforts toward reducing production costs by the introduction of labor-saving equipment. Also, there is a tendency toward the location of manufacturing plants, wherever possible, near the centers of consumption rather than at points of production of raw materials. In order to reduce overhead expense, or for other reasons, many consolidations of companies into larger units have taken place. An economic study of conditions in these industries is highly desirable. The U. S. Bureau of Mines has taken one step forward in this direction in the issuance of Economic Paper 7, entitled "Economics of New Sand and Gravel Developments." Briefly, this report emphasizes the importance of making a thorough study of all the economic factors involved before undertaking new .enterprises.

Jan 1, 1930

The June General Meeting of the Branch was held in the St. Helena Club on Wednesday, 18th June, 1969. Mr J. G. Kirchner (Chairman of the O.F.S. Branch) was in the chair. There were also present: Eight Members: Messrs A. F. Leger, J. N. Saunders, T. Zadkin (Committee Members), Messrs M. G. Cullen, M. S. Grobler, C. J. Isaac, S. L. S. Swart, P. S. Turner. Eight Associate Members: Messrs R. Campbell, D. E. Couperthwaite, J. D. Couperthwaite, A. Hepburn, P. A. Hoffman, H. J. Reeders, R. B. Sutherland, P. R. Wheeler. Two Graduates: Messrs M. T. G. Davies, B. D. Goodwin. Two Affiliates: Messrs L. D. Hulley, K. L. Wilson. Three Visitors. Total Present: 24. Apologies were received from Mr L. O. W. Leimer. The Chairman declared the meeting open and, after extending a welcome to all visitors, said that it was his sad duty to announce the recent death of Mr. R. Jack, Associate Member. As a mark of respect to the deceased and in sympathy with the bereaved, those present stood in silence for a few moments. MINUTES OF PREVIOUSGENERALMEETING The Minutes of the Previous General Meeting held on the 19th February, 1969, which were published in the April Journal, were taken as read and their adoption proposed by Mr J. N. Saunders and seconded by Mr D. E. Couperthwaite. MA TTERS ARISING FROM THESE MINUTES There were no matters arising from these minutes. ELECTION OF SCRUTINEERS Mr V. J. Isaac proposed and Mr M. S. Grobler seconded a motion that Messrs J. G. Kirchner, J. N. Saunders and M. G. Cullen be elected scrutineers in the forthcoming election of Committee Members. GENERAL BUSINESS The Chairman announced that a visit to the South African Railways Workshops in Bloemfontein had been arranged for the 23rd July, 1969 and expressed the hope that this would be well patronised. TALKS The Chairman called first on Mr D. E. Couperthwaite to present his paper on 'Heavy media separation' and then on Mr A. F. Leger to present his paper on 'Engineering plastics'. Both presentations, which were illustrated with diagrams, proved of great interest to all members. A vote of thanks to both speakers was proposed by Mr T. Zadkin. CLOSURE After thanking the speakers, the Chairman thanked all present for their attendance and declared the Meeting closed at about 9.30 p.m. Refreshments were then served.

By W. K. Overbey

Surface fracture trace density, changes in roof rock type, and topographic unloading due to drainage were mapped for the mining areas located in the Blacksville-Osage, W. Va., quadrangles to investigate their influence on mine roof falls. Using these factors, a technique was developed to predict probable roof fall areas ahead of projected mining operations. As a feasibility test of this proposed technique, areas were delineated where one, two, and all three of these factors were operating to formulate a "potential hazard map" for comparison with roof fall observations that were made. The limited evidence suggests that in combination these factors are reliable predictors of where roof falls are likely to occur. This technique promises to be a useful tool in planning mining operations.

Jan 1, 1973