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By M. G. Mudrey

Considerable potential for metallic mineral resources in the lower Proterozoic rock of the Lake Superior region exists (Mudrey and Kalliokoski, in press). Most of the identified resources occur within a 2.0- to 1.9-b.y.-old lithotectonic assemblage characterized by extensive sedimentary strata in the north and thick volcanic se- quences in the south, all deposited on a two-terrane, composite basement of Archean age (DeMattis, 1989). Since the late 1960s, measured resources of nearly 90 Mt (100 million st) of typical volcanogenic massive sulfide at eight localities in Wisconsin have been discovered. The largest of these, near Crandon, contains about 61 Mt (67 million st) of ore averaging 5.6% zinc, 1.1 % copper, and 0.5% lead. Although none of these properties are in production, estimates by Mudrey (1978) suggest that Wisconsin could become a major contributor of newly mined zinc and copper in the United States. These discoveries and uranium and gold discoveries in the Canadian Precambrian are what have led to in- creased metallic mineral exploration throughout the northern half of Wisconsin (Fig. 1). In this chapter, we discuss the geology and legal framework in which the Proterozoic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits were found. Exploration activities for other metals have generally been negative, and have been background noise for the legislative activities related to the massive sulfide discoveries. Uranium exploration has been consistently negative, although several different environments have been assessed. Other metal discoveries. such as titanium/vanadium, have been subeconomic.

Jan 1, 1991

By J. Fox, C. Allen, A. Greth, K. Kocsis

"It is the duty of the mine operator to ensure the mine environment is healthy and safe for the mine workers. For deep and hot underground mines, this requires maintaining adequate working temperatures by means of mitigating the heat load generated by strata, auto-compression, mining equipment, explosives, ground water, and human metabolism. The heat load is best reduced by minimizing the amount of heat transferred to the mine air from these sources and through the use of efficient ventilation with effective cooling systems. The heat emitted by mining equipment and vehicles contribute a significant proportion to the combined heat load of an underground mine. This is especially a problem for diesel equipment due to the fact that besides heat, a large amount of water vapor is produced, which increases the humidity in the production workings. Diesel engines have proven advantageous in recent history due to their high power output and reliability. However, as mines continue to become more mechanized and deeper the climatic problems introduced by elevated heat generation will continue to rise. With that, the issue of heat generated by diesel equipment must be addressed. The economic alternative for diesel engine equipment fleets in underground mines is the electric engine. Technological advances in battery technology, increased mechanical output and improved reliability have made the electric engine significantly more competitive in comparison to diesel engines. Because electric engines do not utilize internal combustion, the heat produced by them is significantly less than of the diesel engines. Battery powered mining equipment likewise eliminate diesel particulate matter (DPM) produced by diesel engines. Utilizing battery electric equipment in underground mines provides many advantages, such as: (a) reduced heat load, (b) healthier and safer environment for the mine workers, and (c) reduced mine operating costs due to lower ventilation requirements. This paper will highlight the health and cost benefits of using battery/electric fleets versus diesel fleets in deep and hot underground mines. The study analyzes simulations produced from thermodynamic ventilation models. Early simulations show significant cost reductions in terms of net present value (NPV) when comparing the air volume requirements for battery/electric equipment versus diesel powered equipment for the same production rate. INTRODUCTION The competitiveness of the world mineral market demands that mine operators continue to increase production and decrease costs as commodity prices fluctuate in often unplanned directions. This has forced underground mines to operate at deeper depths and to become more mechanized to remain competitive. Because of these changes, ventilation challenges have continued to increase as the mines combat an enlarged influx of contaminants such as heat and diesel particulate matter (DPM)."

Jan 1, 2018

By S. A. Lolon, J. F. Brune

"INTRODUCTION In underground longwall coal mining, the mined-out areas or gobs frequently contain methane which can form explosive methane-air mixtures. Historically, there have been many events of mine fires and explosions recorded in the United States and other countries that have demonstrated the existence of such explosive mixtures, herein referred to as Explosive Gas Zones (EGZs), inside and around the perimeter of bleeder-ventilated longwall gobs (Loane et al., 1975; Lynn et al., 1986; Elkins, et al., 2001; McKinney et al., 2001; Dziurzynski and Wasilewski, 2012; Brune, 2013). The risk of mine explosions can increase if the EGZs migrate out from the gob into the surrounding mine entries. Several factors can induce EGZs outflowing from the gob, but the most common cause is the fluctuating barometric pressure. Atmospheric pressures change regularly every day but can fluctuate abruptly and become increasingly hazardous in adverse weather conditions. Other sudden pressure changes can result from roof falls, failing ventilation controls and fan outages. Any such fluctuation of mine ventilation pressure will disturb the pressure differential between the gob and the surrounding mine workings and may cause EGZs to outgas from the gob. The correlation between major mine explosions and abrupt barometric pressure changes has been studied and confirmed for explosions in coal mining countries including the United States, South Africa, Australia, and Poland (Hosler, 1948; Boyer, 1964; Kissell et al., 1973; Fauconnier, 1992; Hemp, 1994; Wasilewski, 2014; Belle, 2014; and Lolon, 2017). Disastrous mine explosions appear to happen more frequently during stormy weather, which, in the United States, typically occurs during the late fall and winter seasons. ROOT CAUSE AND EFFECT OF GOB BREATHING Gob breathing is the result of the pressure differential between gob internal and external pressures caused by external atmospheric pressure fluctuations that occur naturally as a result of gravitational and thermal forces in the atmosphere (Lindzen and Chapman, 1969). Other major and sudden pressure changes may be caused by fan failures, failures of ventilation controls or roof falls can also cause an unexpected gob breathing. Normal barometric fluctuations occur every day but usually do not pose an explosion risk as they occur gradually so gob pressures have sufficient time to equilibrate. More extreme fluctuations associated with cyclonic weather systems and storms often result in more rapid and larger drops or rises in barometric pressure (Hosler, 1948; Fauconnier, 1992). A study by Lolon (2017) found that the timing of historical mine explosions showed consistency with the occurrence of abrupt and intense barometric variations."

Jan 1, 2018

By R. V. Ramani

In this paper, the application of the concepts of reliability engineering to the evaluation of longwall system performance is illustrated with data from an operating longwall face. A number of cases are analyzed to highlight the impacts of longwall equipment, geological conditions and outby haulage on systems reliability and availability.

Jan 1, 1988

By Charles F. Herbert

It is difficult to decide who most deserves credit for discovery of a mining district that has produced over 19.8 Mg (7,000,000 fine oz) of gold and still contains a large reserve of low grade ore. Fred Culver may have made the first discovery. In the summer of 1867, the ship's log of the Hudson's Bay Co.'s steamer Otter stated that Fred Culver had been found nearly lifeless from wounds, without provisions, but with some 2.3 kg (80 oz) of rough, placer gold in the bottom of his canoe; he told of finding a rich creek and an attack by Indians that caused the death of his two companions. The place of rescue was about 24 km (15 miles) southeast from the present site of Juneau. Possibly John Muir, the hero of modem environmentalists, should be given important credit. In 1879 he reported finding mineralization along what later became to be known as the Juneau Gold Belt, and it was his report that induced the cantankerous German mining engineer, George Pilz, to grub- stake some of the prospectors who had drifted into Sitka from the declining gold placers of Cassiar, British Columbia. Pilz also offered rewards to Indians who might report gold discoveries.

Jan 1, 1990

By W. M. Lewis

Product losses to tailings ponds have long been a source of frustration for the mining and utilities industries. The utilization -of the Lewis Econosizer to recover lost products has proven to be very cost effective through reduced acreage requirements, cleaning costs and increased production. The unit is successfully operating in coal, aggregates, industrial minerals, clay, fly ash, heavy minerals and many other ores. Utilizing an upward flow of slurry in a free settling environment, particles stratify within the unit according to settling velocities and are removed as sized products. Ultra fines or clarified water is removed off the top of the unit. The Econosizer requires no power and only minimal maintenance.

Jan 1, 1998

By Lee R. Martin, Michael R. Taber

Bird Balls™, the latest development in the ongoing battle at mine sites across North America, help to eliminate accidental avian mortality caused by birds ingesting cyanide leachate. Bird Balls™ are a 4-inch sphere made of high-density polyeth­ ylene (HDPE). They weigh 40 grams and are black in color to provide optimum life in UV intense environments. A floating blanket of bird balls totally excludes birds from a liquid surface. Federal agencies that enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act do not specify how to keep migratory birds out of leachate basins. Some state agencies, however, specify that a physical barrier must be in place to exclude migratory birds if cyanide levels are high enough to cause mortality. Industry standards for protecting waterfowl now include Bird Balls™ as well as net­ting, detoxification, and heap leach systems designed in such a manner that no exposed solution ponds or channels exist. Hazing is no longer an option. A bold statement to make? Perhaps, but W. R. Jeffress (1990) covers the subject well when he stated that, "Hazing techniques as a whole have not been effective in excluding waterfowl or other species of wildlife from toxic heap leach solution ponds or tailings impoundments. Research and devel­opment of the new 'Star Wars' hazing techniques, such as laser netting and radar systems, are interesting concepts and will pos­sibly offer an alternative to total physical exclusion or neutral­ization in the future. All of these methods are going to have to be thoroughly tested." For those who may want further docu­mentation, we have included a special reference section cover­ing hazing. R. J. Hallock (1990) stated that, "The Fish and Wildlife Service is particularly interested in migratory birds. In fact, a large portion of our effort, nationwide, is focused on migratory birds. Bird habitats are managed directly through the National Wildlife Refuge System and indirectly through other agency programs. We also have a responsibility to protect birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Most birds attracted to mine ponds are covered under this Act. The only migratory birds not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are English Sparrows, Starlings, and Pigeons. Since this is a treaty with five nations, the concept of acceptable losses does not apply. It is not a negotiable situation. There are a few exceptions noted in the Act, including prescribed hunting of selected waterfowl, scien­tific collection, and game bird farming. There is no exception for the loss of migratory birds exposed to solutions of cyanide."

Jan 1, 1996

By E. M. - Technical Papers Spokes

A.B. Rushton The work and resulting publications of the Committee on Underground Coal Mine Safety and The President's Commission on Coal were appropriate at the time of publication. The statistics cited in the publications appeared to be valid, and the actions proposed by the committee had merit. Although the actions proposed to achieve further improvements in safety may have been worthy of repeating, to associate statistics (Table 1) that are seven to eight years old with company names is bad. Statistics are readily available from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and are usually within three months of being up to date. A review of the most recent Coal Controlling Co. Report will reveal significant changes in the rankings. The more recent statistics should have been cited, or at least compared with those used in the article. Westmoreland Coal Co. is listed as having a 21.1 disabling injury rate for the period (1/78-12/80). The disabling injury rate for the Company for the year ending 1985 was 7.4 for the underground mines and 6.25 for the total facilities. Through March 1986, the dis- abling rate for the underground mines was 2.86. The management and employees of Westmoreland Coal Co. are committed to safety. The improvements achieved over the past five years attest to that commitment. We are justifiably proud of the achievement and dislike being misrepresented as in the April 1986 article Reply by E.M. Spokes I regret that the lapse of time since the original work gives a picture of safety practice that is no longer true today. That Westmoreland has reduced its disabling injury rate by 65% to 7.4 in 1985 is most commendable, and I congratulate you for this accomplishment. It is typical of the progress sought by the National Academy of Science and National Research Council when they funded the original study and published "Toward Safer Underground Coal Mines" in 1982. If a significant number of companies do as well as Westmoreland, the report will have served its purpose. Since the paper was primarily a condensation of the original report, it would not have been appropriate to seek access to later statistics. The purpose in seeking its publication at the time of presentation was to reach those who might have missed the original report. The fact that publication was delayed has not voided that purpose and may have reminded some who were aware of the original that its recommendations still apply to improvement of underground coal mine safety

Jan 1, 1987

By William E. Wallace, Michael J. Keane

This review summarizes three sets of ongoing studies which we are performing in collaboration with a number of researchers associated with the Dept. of Interior - Generic Mineral Technology Center for the Study of Respirable Dusts, concerning surfactant-particle interactions studied using this surrogate surfactant. These topics are: (A) the suppression of mineral particle cytotoxic potential by DPL adsorption and the persistence of this effect under conditions of enzymatic digestion; (B) surfactant suppression of organic particle cytotoxicity by DPL adsorption and the effect on subsequent expression of genotoxic potential; (C) potential effects of surfactant on heterogeneous structured complex respirable particles. The references list some of our reports which can provide additional information on these studies. Further, those reports provide references to the literature of the field and to the works of others on these topics. Deep lung airspaces, the pulmonary alveoli and respiratory bronchioles, are coated with a hypophase which is rich in surfactant biomolecules secreted by the alveolar type II epithelial cells. The surfactant is known to be critical to maintaining stable low surface tensions on the inner surfaces of the alveoli by forming a surfactant layer on the airliquid interface of the alveolar hypophase. Upon deposition in the acinar regions of the lung a respired particle's initial contact will be with this surfactant coating over pulmonary tissue. A primary component of this surfactant is the phospholipid diacyl glycerophosphorylcholine, commonly called lecithin. A surface layer of dipalmitoly lecithin on saline will act much as full pulmonary surfactant in decreasing surface tension and producing a hysteresis in surface tension behavior with surface area. We have used dipalmitoyl glycerophosphorylcholine, or dipalmitoyl lecithin (DPL), a major component of that surfactant, dispersed in physiologic saline as a surrogate for studying interactions of both mineral and organic respirable particles with pulmonary surfactant and consequent effects on particle toxic behavior. A. DUST CYTOTOXICITY AND LECITHIN SURFACTANT ADSORPTION Respirable quartz and kaolin clay particles are found to be comparably cytotoxic in a number of in vitro bioassays including lavaged rat pulmonary macrophage release of cytosolic and lysosomal enzymes, and red blood cell hemolysis as a measure of dust membranolytic potential. These direct and prompt cytotoxic activities do not account for the distinctly greater potential for quartz to induce pulmonary disease. When respirable quartz and kaolin are incubated with a dispersion of DPL in saline at 37C it is found that the prompt cytotoxicity of both dusts is fully suppressed as measured in vitro by pulmonary macrophage release of lactate dehydrogenase, beta-N-

Jan 1, 1991

By Brenda J. Morrison

Anything to do with radioactive waste disposal in these days is regarded in a very negative light and with the thought that no possible good could come of anything connected with it. However, it should be remembered that the Austrian government's disposal of some tailings from the Joachimsthal mines resulted in what was probably the most important scientific discovery of this century. In 1898 the Austrian government agreed to give a Polish research assistant working at the School of Physics in Paris one ton of tailings to enable her to carry on her research. Her meagre stipend and the lack of a research grant did not allow her to purchase the ore which was relatively expensive. The uranium oxide in it being used to colour the famous Czechoslovakian glassware. As we all know, from this ton of ore Marie Curie by her own physical labours extracted one gram of radium. When she started this research she was pregnant with her first child. Nothing of course was known at the time about the biological effects of radiation. Very shortly, of course, the acute effects such as skin burns were observed but it was some years before the chronic effects were noted. It is impossible to estimate to what cumulative amount of radiation that Marie, Pierre and their daughter Irene were exposed but it must have been enormous and it took its toll. Marie complained for many years of fatigue and exhaustion and at one point she was seriously ill with some kidney problem which was probably due to toxic effects of ingestion of uranium. She lived until she was 67, however, and died of leukemia. Her eldest child, Irene, who carried on her work, did not live as long; she died of leukemia at 57. The other daughter, Eve, related how her mother and she went on a skiing holiday not many years before her death, and how her mother at this time would swim 300 meters at a stretch. (Curie, 1937). This suppleness of limb could have been due to the anti-inflammatory action of radiation. Even today, patients in France with certain types of rheumatic conditions are treated with injections of radium, where other anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or cortisone have not worked. (Bertrand, Legras and Martin). All this anecdotal information is just to point out that it is an ill wind that blows no good. The risks connected with uranium waste disposal and tailings piles are

Jan 1, 1980

By Michael Robert Hodson

I. Introduction The free market cash price of aluminium in the third quarter of 1985 is approximately $1000/tonne, well below the short as well as the long run marginal costs of production. The current disparity between marginal costs and price, as well as the pattern of prices since their high level in 1980, has led many economists to question whether prices are governed by the 'fundamentals'. Prices, some would argue, are the result of speculation; and speculation is irrational, little influenced by the fundamentals of the industry. The object of this paper is first to examine the relation between the fundamentals and price. A number of simple models are formulated and some empirical evidence is given to show that prices are not very different from costs. There are good reasons why costs and prices have fallen since 1980. Second, the connection is drawn between the fundamentals and speculation. To do this the concept of 'rational expectations' is defined and applied to a model of the aluminium industry. Then speculation is introduced into the model and the characteristics of the solution are examined. The object is to discover the new factors that determine prices and the basic change in the nature of the solution that is caused by speculation. 2. Prices and the Simple Supply-Demand Model Consider a simple model of the aluminium industry. Demand, D, is determined by economic activity, A, given exogenously, and inversely by the price, P. Supply, Q, is determined by the inverse of the rnarginal cost curve, and so varies inversely with exogenous factor costs, C, and directly with price. Price is determined by the equality of supply and demand. Given the equilibrium level of demand, price in this model is equal to the rnarginal cost of producing the required level of demand, P = MC (Dl. Algebraically, [ ] How well does this simple model explain the change in prices during the last five years? Table I shows the LME cash price and the estimated marginal cost of producing consumption during the second quarters of 1980 through 1985. The figures in the table show that price and the marginal cost of supplying demand both fell between 1980 and 1982, rose in 1983 and by 1985 had fallen again. Only in 1984 is the direction of change different. And during the 1980 to 1985 period, marginal costs fell by approximately $560/tonne while the LME cash price fell by $678/tonne. There is a correspondence between the fundamentals of cost and price over most of the individual years and the period as a whole.

Jan 1, 1986

By Roger S. Dewey

1.1. INTRODUCTION Despite indications of a general economic recovery in the U.S. during the mid-19801s, mine operators have not generally shared in the benefits of these reported better times. Budgets have not rebounded, borrowing is tougher, parent companies' pockets are not as deep as in previous years, and margins are not any better -- if there is any left over at all. Managing capital equipment budgets is always a challenge, and the last five years of stretched equipment lives make these decisions more tenuous. Delays and avoidance of replacements due to tough times inevitably makes those decisions increasingly difficult and usually more expensive The purposes of this paper are to present. a brief refresher outline of the fundamentals of equipment replacement analysis, to suggest a number of papers where analysis methods are explained in greater detail. and to recommend the use of a widespread microcomputer software capability (1-2-3) as the easiest path to a much-needed solution for a very difficult, and usually under-supported management decision problem 2. REPLACEMENT DECISION POLICY Investments in equipment replacements must compete for capital with all other investment alternatives. Capital for replacements of ten represents a greater commitment than do the new projects which a company might handle in a given year. But. sadly, formal policies for standardized analysis of replacements rarely exist, even in major companies. Yet this policy can be very significant in determining the competitiveness of a firm. Whereas many replacement decisions are based on cost minimization, economists and financial analysts agree that wealth maximization or return on investment is the superior criterion. Though the difference may seem slight, agreement on a firm's financial objective is vital. Replacement policy should be straight- forward. have a logical basis, and a proper level of sophistication. There are several reasons to develop a policy for replacement decision-making: [I] 1 - equipment's optimal economic life is nearly always shorter than its physical life; 2 - mine life often exceeds equipment life, so management must face these decisions routinly 3 - replacement capital costs, on an undiscounted basis, can run 25 to 75% of original capital 4 - technological changes may result in a newer machine or system which can operate more efficiently, more safely. or less expensively 5 - estimates should be made consistently in the fundamental areas of life expectancy, availability, utilization. price escalation, taxes 6 - long-term and short-term budgeting without decent data and analytical capability is nearly impossible, or at least ineffective Policy development assumptions which must be considered include: the planning horizon, cost patterns, interest rates, availability of capital, replacement vs. expansion, technology advances.

Jan 1, 1987

By Tim Neil, O&apos

Finnish mining traditions date back 400 years. The country was then one of Europe's major iron producers. Most of the mines in current operation, however, were started during the last 20 to 30 years. The Finnish mining industry must make do with limited resources. Deposits are usually low grade and small in size. Open-pit methods are used where possible. But thin ore bodies and harsh winters can impose severe restrictions. Underground mining is often the only option. Despite these handicaps, Finnish metal miners produce copper, nickel, zinc, vanadium, iron ore, cobalt, and ferrochrome. Ironically, the success of Finnish mining is rooted in a crisis the industry faced several decades ago. Mining costs were rising. High grade mineral deposits were nearly exhausted. It was vital that Finland develop new mining machinery and methods that afforded higher productivity. Cooperation between the Finnish mining industry and its equipment manufacturers was good. Partly as a result, the Finnish mining industry has turned itself into one of the most modern and efficient in the world. The Finns did this while continuing to meet the stringent safety and environmental requirements in force in the Nordic countries. Today, the share of domestic raw materials used by the Finnish metallurgical industry is decreasing. So the country increasingly depends on imports of ores and concentrates. To better provide these imports, Finnish mining companies have expanded their foreign operations. And, while importing raw materials, the mining industry has been exporting its technological and equipment know-how and expertise. Mining methods Conventional mining methods and machinery are used in surface mines. Drilling is the exception. It is done with Tamrock hydraulic track drills and 100 to 150 mm-diam (4 to 6-in.-diam) drill holes. Pumpable slurry explosives are used in larger open pits. Underground, sublevel stoping with open stopes is the most common mining method. It accounts for about 80% of all underground stoping. The main benefits of this method are low production costs, high mechanization, and easy control. The best productivity figures exceed 10 t (11 st) per man-hour, including all mining personnel. The development of cable bolting has made it possible to use sublevel open stoping even in relatively weak rock. Cut-and-fill methods, such as concrete-pillar stoping, inclined-wall stoping, and traditional cut-and-fill have also been used, combined with sublevel caving and room-and-pillar methods, according to local demands. Various fill materials and stabilization components have been investigated and tested for cut-and-fill methods. Sublevel open stopes are often later filled, to stabilize the surface or to allow pillar recovery.

Jan 10, 1988

By Randy Ynchausti

ERIC GUTIERREZ, Knowledgescape: Our next speaker is Randy Ynchausti. He's the director of development, Knowledgescape systems division, of EIMCO Process Equip- ment Company. The title of Randy's talk is "An Expert Control System for Phosphate Beneficiation." RANDY YNCHAUSTI: System integration. How does the systems integrator survive when caught between plant engineers, plant management, and third-party engineering firms, and stay within the budget of the corporate goals? I'm not sure that anyone knows how to do all of that on one project. Results are critical when we talk about how systems integrators work with operating people, how the operating people want systems integrators to work with them, and how both groups work together so that at the end of a project, you have been provided with solutions that meet your needs and solve your problems at a fair price. How does the integrator's role change when working with different types of professionals, such as plant managers, plant engineers, engineering firms, or other system integrators? Finally, what is the dynamics of people working with machines and providing services and solving needs? The average number of employees per pound of copper processed has decreased significantly during the past 15 years. I would dare to generalize and say that the average number of employees per whatever unit of measure we have in whatever industry we work in has decreased over the last 15 years. From a system integrator's perspective, there are some clients who lack a bit of internal expertise as corporate downsizing occurs, and that's one reason why we go out to system integrators or third-party vendors and buy things from them to solve our problems. Downsizing really amounts to savings, but more than that, I think Brian expressed this and I agree with him, it also amounts to a cost. Unfortunately, most of us count the savings and none of us count the cost in that approach. It's easy to count the savings, which is one reason why we count it so quickly. Maybe that also accounts for why we set our pencils down so quickly after we get that dollar value. Maybe we should pick that pencil up every once in awhile and refigure the expense, the cost to us, and determine what we're going to pay during the next year or two or three in losing that expense, or that staff. A broad experience base accumulated over projects at various plants helps system integrators to provide services to clients. This experience enables the system integrator to

Jan 1, 1998

By R. C. Fox

The geophysical aspect of reconnaissance marks the beginning of extensive computer applications supporting development of a mine. Although there are some storage and retrieval applications in geology, and some statistical analysis in geochemistry, large-scale compilation, reduction, and interpretation of mineral resource data are initiated in reconnaissance geophysics. The reasons for this fact are quite simple. Geophysics is oriented toward quantitative evaluation of areas of interest, and methods of data collection are automated to the extent that large amounts of analog and digital information are recorded. The large volume of data must be interpreted in a reasonable time. Furthermore, some modeling problems involving complex numerical solutions could not be attempted without the computer. Therefore, the computer is essential to the success of an exploration project using geophysics. For example, aeromagnetics is a common technique for reconnaissance examination of areas associated with sulfide systems and porphyry deposits. An area covering 161 X 161 km (100 X 100 miles) may be flown with a 1.6-km (1-mile) line spacing yielding 10,000 line miles (16,093 km) of data. If only 10 measurements are recorded per mile, 100,000 data points, including location and magnetic field intensity, must be reduced and stored for quantitative interpretation. Computer applications often represent a significant investment in manpower and hardware. It is desirable, therefore, to initiate an engineering approach to the application of computers to geophysics. By this it is meant that computer programs and systems should be formulated, developed, and implemented in a disciplined manner such that their usage is dependent only on the application and not on the individual doing the programming. In other words, computer application, development, and usage should evolve beyond the personal gadget phase to an important applied technology. Geophysics has evolved over the past two decades in a course parallel to computer hardware development. During the sixties, the computer became large enough and fast enough that complex models required by geophysics could be solved. Automation also relieved the geophysicist from routine manual calculations. During the seventies, computing power in¬creased and applications expanded from two-dimensional problems to three-dimensional modeling. Moving into the eighties, as computer hardware costs will significantly decrease, the major expense of computing will be the manpower required to develop, implement, and use an application; therefore, improved programming techniques and applications software engineering methods will be used to optimize and preserve this investment. This chapter presents a general overview of computer methods in geophysical reconnaissance; it is divided into two parts: geophysical methodology and software engineering.

Jan 1, 1979

By Nelson R. Shaffer

Glamorous, burgeoning biotechnology and mundane industrial minerals would at first glance seem to share little in common, but in truth, modern biotechnology depends on many minerals. Biotechnical processes also can be used in industrial mineral extraction and processing. Biotechnology is broadly defined as the application of biological organisms, systems, or processes to manufacturing and service industries. Genetic engineering has reinvigorated one of mankind's oldest sciences, biotechnology, into a booming business. Many modern processes depend on microorganisms cultivated under very stringent conditions in bioreactors. Minerals from carbonate, sulfate, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and silicate families are used to provide essential nutrients and to regulate growth conditions (such as pH) in order to assure optimal growth of organisms. Certain cells or enzymes perform better when immobilized upon or within solids, and minerals are often used to immobilize cells, especially in continuous process. Minerals are also used extensively in separating and purifying products of biotechnology. Diatomite, zeolites, and silica are especially useful in purification processes. Industrial minerals also are commonly used to clean up large volumes of process water that must be treated. Biotechnology can be employed in exploration, extraction, and processing of geologic materials and in reducing mining or other environmental problems through bioremediation. Microbes have been shown to solubilize certain elements and so promote extraction of heavy metals, phosphate, aluminum, potassium, and even rare earth elements. In a related technique, unwanted materials such as pyrite impurities can be leached microbially to produce cleaner products in sand and clay industries. Microbial actions can modify surface characteristics and so enhance certain ceramic properties. Certain organisms can accumulate useful elements from dilute sources; others can transform unusable chemical species to more useful forms. Deterioration of stone, concrete, and even glass or brick, can be accelerated by microorganisms. Control of such biodeterioration could improve long-term performance of industrial mineral products. Microbial processes have shown promise in improving several mine-related problems. Certain bacteria help remove clays from phosphate slimes and other suspensions. Others are used to degrade cyanide or other organic chemicals such as floatation aids. Cells immobilized on clays have been especially efficacious in bioremediation. Biotechnology industries, like the industrial minerals industries, encompass huge ranges of materials and processes. Costs of products from these industries range from pennies to thousands of dollars per unit, and their products are vital for maintaining modern life styles. Many biotechnical processes depend upon industrial minerals and certain biological processes can be harnessed to do useful tasks in the minerals field. The interplay of industrial minerals and biotechnology is important today, and as biotechnology advances, its interaction with the industrial minerals industry can only increase.

Jan 1, 1995

By Armine F. Banfield

Selection of a plant site is becoming increasingly more difficult and important, mainly due to advances in technology, antipollution laws and changing economic, social and community conditions. Discussion falls naturally under three headings: economic considerations, terrain considerations and environmental considerations. Aside from acquisition of surface rights, problems having to do with terrain, or topography, usually can be dealt with by management alone. Economic considerations largely involve decision-making by management plus negotiations with government regulatory agencies acting under set rules. Environmental considerations, such as air and water pollution, townsites, housing, schools, noise abatement, appearance, surface rehabilitation and the like usually are under the control of federal, state or municipal bodies with a large degree of decision-making. Successful solution of environmental problems often requires lengthy negotiations, during which public relations by the mining company play an important part. Existing union regulations or customs may confine decision- making and the establishment of wage rates, working conditions and regulations. These usually require considerable planning and negotiation. Initial production often is delayed by formal negotiations involving environmental considerations. Surface facilities usually can be divided into two broad categories: those for concentrating ores--such as gold, silver, base metals, low-grade iron ore and potash-which should be close to the mine to reduce ore-transportation costs to a minimum, and those where the ore is shipped elsewhere for treatment, such as direct-shipping iron ores, complex high-value ores requiring specialized treatment and ores from which special products are derived for local markets. The long-term aspects of plant-site selection too often are given no or insufficient consideration because of immediate financial limitations. As a result, additional capital expenditures may be required later for relocation of townsites, roads, railroads and plants to provide additional room for extension of open-pit operations, tailings disposal, storage, or danger to foundations through underground subsidence or open-pit mining. In the past, hillside sites for concentrating plants were preferred to take advantage of gravity-feed methods The modern trend, however, is to place as much equipment as possible on approximately the same level. Some costs relating to plant sites are included in this section. They are ranges as of the year 1970, and are offered only as general guides. Such costs will vary widely with geographical location and, of course, are subject to escalation due to increases in wage rates and cost of materials. Items in the bibliography contain more detailed and comprehensive data on specific subjects. Most contain bibliographies of their own.

Jan 1, 1973

By John K. (Original by) Berry

The handling and disposal of mine water is a much larger problem than is apparent at first glance. Many more tons of water are removed from underground coal mines in the United States each year than tons of coal. In the old anthracite region of Pennsylvania the average was around 32.7 t (36 st) of water for each ton of coal produced, while bituminous mines average about 4.5 or 5.4 t (5 or 6 st). Water encountered in the mines may come from several different sources. In mines with light cover and without a firm solid roof, rain may seep directly into the workings. This is also true of deeper mines where pillar falls have broken the roof to the surface. The top under creek beds is generally faulty and broken and water comes through the roof at this point. Deeper mines are frequently overlain by water-bearing strata and pillar breaks and faulty top can admit water, while places running to the dip often accumulate water which comes up through the bottom. In all cases, except where passing under a year-round stream, the amount of water made is usually pretty closely connected with the weather-more water during the rainy season, less in the dry, although the deeper a mine is, the longer it is before changes in rainfall are felt. Another source of water, not connected with seasonal changes, is old water, accumulated over a period of time in abandoned workings of the mine, or from flooded adjacent mines. Here the water filters through the coal, the parting, or comes up through cracks in the bottom. Similarly, core holes, drilled to prospect the property, can be a source of unexpected water and modern safety requirements for dust-allaying water at the working faces can turn a pleasant working area into a soggy mess over the weekend if the system is not properly maintained and operated. Why water must be disposed of is obvious. If allowed to accumulate, sooner or later the mine will fill up, or at least it will become "roofed" in low places, blocking ventilation and traffic. It must be controlled long before it reaches this stage. Water standing in the working faces is unpleasant for the men who have to work there and also cuts down on the amount of work they can do, as they must watch where they step all the time. It is especially unpleasant in low coal.

Jan 1, 1981

By M. E. Breitrick

Newmont Gold Company began full production in early 1995 at the Carlin East underground mine. The mine is currently producing at the rate of 900 tpd (1.000 stpd). for an annual production of 150.000 ounces. Approximately one hundred twenty five hourly and salary personnel are employed at the project for the estimated six-year mine life. Two mining methods are currently utilized at the mine. Longhole stoping with cemented backfill accounts for 70% of the total mine production. Conventional underhand drift and cemented fill accounts for the balance of the daily tonnage. In December 1996. Newmont purchased a new AC-Eickhoff ET-210 Roadheader. The machine went into service in mid-June of 1997 and is used in both longhole stope topcut development and cut and fill production at a rate of 225 tpd (250 stpd). The Carlin East mine is operated by Newmont Gold Company. The mine is one of four underground gold mines in production in northeastern Nevada owned by Newmont Gold.

Jan 1, 1998

By T. W. Turk

Iron Mountain Mines, Inc., (IMMI) ore de- posits are located in the southeastern portion of the Klamath Mountains in the West Shasta copper/Zinc Mining District in Shasta County (Figure 1). The original massive sulfide ore deposits totaled 22,895,000 Mt (25 million st). The remaining ore deposits contain 12,875,000 Mt (14,183,000 st) of proven massive sulfides and 2,769,000 Mt (3,050,000 st) of proven gossan deposits. The addition of magnetite deposits and tailings (now marketable) brings the total of proven and probable reserves to 20,433,000 Mt (22,508,000 st). The massive sulfide ore bodies are generating a natural flow of acid mine water which has been slowly leaching minerals out of these deposits. This flow varies in volume, depending on rainfall, and contains variable concentrations of copper, zinc, iron and precious metals. This mine water has been treated for the past 50 years at the mine site to remove copper. The treatment process, utilizing scrap iron precipitation, continues at a production rate of approximately 54,430 Kg (120,000 pounds) of copper precipitate annually.

Jan 1, 1986