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By P. Cheung, J. Gulyas, R. Clary

Over the past 50 years, the use of autoclaves in the metallurgical industry has evolved from final metal recovery (hydrogen reduction) and purification (sulphide precipitate oxidation) to treating whole ores and concentrates. Recent process developments, such as the use of autoclaves for laterite leaching, have necessitated higher temperature and pressure operations, which in turn have seen marked advancements in technology and manufacturing capabilities to keep in step with process demands. This paper will discuss the advances in technology in terms of design, materials and construction of autoclaves and liners, typical dip tube design and geometric layout. This paper will also address specific auxiliary equipment, such as acid and steam injection systems, and components, such as agitator seal systems.

Jan 1, 2004

By Terry R. Neumann

During 1983, U.S. Bureau of Mines personnel examined mines, prospects, and mineralized zones to evaluate the mineral resources and potential of the Funeral Mountains Wilderness Study Area (WSA), Inyo County, California. Eleven mineral properties and two mineralized zones were examined during this study. Of these, six are within the study area and seven adjacent. There are no active mines, in the WSA, nor is there evidence of past production from any claim within the study area. The WSA contains no identified mineral resources. However, occurrences of bentonite, zeolites, and strontium were found in the area. There is little likelihood for resource development of any occurrence in the WSA. The area, in the Basin and Range Physiographic Province, is dominated by a Paleozoic marine sequence. Segments of Tertiary continental fluviolacustrine sediments, including volcaniclastic rocks, abut and overlie the Paleozoic rocks in fault controlled basin areas. Significant concentrations of bentonitic clay and zeolites occur as alteration products in Tertiary tuffaceous sedimentary rocks. However, they are generally low-grade, thin, and discontinuous, precluding commercial development. Limestone, quartzite, and sand and gravel in the area are suitable for many types of construction uses, but similar deposits outside the WSA are closer to markets. No energy resources have been identified in the WSA.

Jan 1, 1984

By Jéssica Dornelas Silva

Diferentes mecanismos podem atuar e governar a deformação plástica de uma liga metálica. Estes mecanismos são fortemente dependentes de características como composição química, estrutura cristalina e energia de falha de empilhamento. Com o objetivo de se avaliar o comportamento do aço inoxidável duplex UNS S32304 quando submetido a esforços trativos e considerando a importância desta informação durante a conformação mecânica, este trabalho estudou a influência da taxa de deformação sobre as principais propriedades mecânicas medidas no ensaio de tração. Para a realização deste estudo, corpos de prova de tração foram usinados a partir de chapas do referido aço laminado a frio com espessura final de 2,5mm. Cada conjunto de 3 corpos de prova foi submetido às taxas de deformação de 7x10-4 s-1, 7x10-3 s-1 e 4x10-2 s-1. Por meio da análise dos resultados, observou-se uma diminuição na ductilidade e um aumento no limite de escoamento com o aumento da taxa de deformação. Entretanto, o limite de resistência não variou de forma significativa nas diferentes taxas estudadas.

Aug 17, 2017

By G. B. Shea

"In 1928, there were 47 fatal accidents in the California petroleum industry, 14.6 per cent more than occurred in 1927 when 41 men lost their lives in the drilling, producing, manufacturing, and marketing divisions of the industry. This increase in the number of fatal accidents for 1928 has caused the first upward trend in the fatality curve of the California petroleum industry since 1923. In no other year during the 6-year period have the fatalities in any one year been greater than those for the preceding year. This fact should be given serious consideration and study by the petroleum industry, and an endeavor should be made to cause the number of fatalities again to decrease and conform to the previous gradual declining trend of the fatality curve.The following chart shows the trend of fatal accidents during the past six years:Of the 47 fatalities in 1928, 30 occurred in the drilling and producing division, 1 in the pipe line and transportation division, 14 in the refining division, and 2 in the sales and marketing division. A comparison of the number of fatalities in each division for 1927, and 1928, is given in the following table:3"

Sep 1, 1929

By David J. Kusler

This Bureau of Mines study is an appraisal of the demand for platinum, should this strategic metal be used as a. catalyst in the National abatement of automobile exhaust pollution. The Clean Air Act 0f 1970, as amended, requires that automobiles produced in 1975 and thereafter be provided with antipollutive measures to control automotive exhaust emissions. The study considers the need for automobile pollution control, the methodology for such control, the annual primary (new) platinum demand for automobiles produced from 1975 to 1990, primary platinum availability, and supply-demand forecasts and outlook. The correlative demand for platinum for the production of the required unleaded gasoline is also considered. Methodology for the study included a forecast of new automobile production from 1975 to 1990, development of automobile survival and retirement data, estimates of new platinum demand under various conditions of salvage, and data on recycling the precious metal from the catalytic converters of scrapped vehicles and existing vehicles when their spent converters are exchanged for replacement units. The new platinum demand for automobile exhaust converters, based on a converter service life of 50,000 miles, is estimated to be 1.41 million troy ounces initially in 1975, rising to 1.68 million in 1980, and declining curvi-linearly to 0.94 million in 1990. The platinum demand for converter longevities other than 50,000 miles can be derived from the tabular data presented. An appendix to the report presents a comparison between longevities of 50,000 miles and 25,000 miles. The petroleum industry's demand for new platinum for the production of lead-free gasolines could total as high as 1 million troy ounces between 1972 and 1981, just for expansion of isomerization and reforming capacity, and is in addition to normal operating demand for this metal.

Jan 1, 1972

By James Spiers

This paper describing the mining practice at the Central-Eureka mine is one of a series of similar papers being prepared by the United Staten Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in the various mining districts of the United States. The mining practices described in this paper are illustrative of the methods employed in the exploitation of comparatively low-grade gold ores under the extremely heavy and swelling ground conditions which occur in the Mother Lode belt of California. The Central-Eureka Mining Co. comprises a group of adjoining mines in Amador County near Sutter Creek. The principal mines of the consolidated group are the Central-Eureka, formerly known as the Summit mine, and the Old Eureka mine, which is also known as the Hayward Quartz mine. The group is situated in the most productive part of tae main Mother Lode belt, the 10-mile portion which lies between the towns of Plymouth and Jackson. The three largest producing mines of the entire belt at the present time are the Argonaut, Kennedy, and the Central-Eureka; these lie within a radius of less than 1-1/2 miles.

Jan 1, 1931

The pyrite-sphalerite-galena and barite orebodies at the Rosebery mine are concordant with the shale host rock and have been deformed into one system of folds with an associated axial plane cleavage. The folds are tight and overturned with east-dipping axial planes. Folds in the sulphide ore are commonly disharmonic, particularly between adjacent bands of different composition.Concentric style folds occur in the competent bands, e.g. pyrite-rich bands. Similar style folds are predominant in the less competent sphalerite-galena-rich bands and also in the shale of the host rock. The trends and plunges of the fold hinge-lines are variable but axial planes are of reasonably constant orientation throughout the mine area. The folds in the orebodies are of limited axial extent, approximating to conical folds, and are arranged in en echelon patterns. The fold system was possibly formed in one period of folding by heterogeneous strain that may have been caused by the presence of a mass of tectonically mobile sulphide ore. Lineations parallel to the ore/host rock contacts appear to reflect movement between the ore and the host rock during folding.

Jan 1, 1972

By H. Cay, J. Zachwieja, T. Esplin, R. Ravenelle, T. Olsen-Tank

Barrick Goldstrike mine utilizes a carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit to simultaneously leach gold into solution with cyanide and adsorb the gold-cyanide complex onto activated carbon for further refinement. If the gold bearing ore contains a significant amount of native carbonaceous material, gold cyanide can be adsorbed at these sites instead of onto the desired activated carbon and the gold is effectively lost to tailings in a detrimental process known as "preg-robbing." The preg-rob effect is considerably reduced by treating the ore with a surfactant, which is hypothesized to adsorb to and passivate the native carbon surfaces. Past laboratory and pilot studies have consistently demonstrated significant gains in gold recovery after treating carbonaceous ore with surfactant. With success in bench and pilot scale testing, a plant trial was conducted at Barrick Goldstrike to evaluate the feasibility of using an alkoxylated fatty amine surfactant (Ethomeen T/12) to aid in the leaching of high preg-robbing ores. This paper analyzes the performance of the surfactant during the plant trial in addition to the problems that occurred during the trial period. Suggestions for improvement are also discussed.

Jan 1, 2014

By Tristan Worsey, Nathan Rouse, Kyle Hall

Drilling accuracy is the foundation to any successful blast operation. Even the best blasting practices cannot overcome poor drilling and still obtain desired results. Inaccuracies in boreholes can result in flyrock, increased vibration, uneven floor, and other undesired effects. As depth increases, variation in actual burden and spacing is expected even if collars are located precisely. Problems arise when this deviation reaches a point where it adversely affects the function of the blast design. Not only can unsafe conditions such as insufficient burden at the face develop, but poor fragmentation can compound adverse effects. As with any troubleshooting, problems cannot truly be fixed if they cannot be measured. As a result, significant work has been done in the past on this subject. Currently, there are both cheap and expensive methods used to quantify deviation for a given borehole. However, implementation of these techniques is limited. In general production blasts, little is known about the variance in designed versus true borehole geometry. This is especially true if the blaster does not see telltale signs of drilling deviation. However, losses in blast performance may exist and provide an opportunity to obtain better fragmentation and reduce fines. As drill and blast operations strive for better optimization, greater focus is being placed on drilling accuracy and solutions to this problem. The following paper details the use of several current methods for deviation measurement in order to help prevent compromises of safety and improve overall blast performance.

Jan 1, 2018

By George A. Savanick

Coal mine roof shales fracture preferentially at slickensided surfaces because of weak or nonexistent adhesion between two slickensided rock surfaces. The purpose of this Bureau of Mines research was to characterize chemically the thin film of smooth, glossy material that makes up the slickenside. This material was analyzed by electron spectroscopy and ion scattering spectrometry while in place on the rock surface and by standard methods of quantitative chemical analysis on concentrate removed from the rock. These analyses showed that the chemistry and mineralogy of the slickensides are similar to that of the adjacent shale.

Jan 1, 1974

By Otto Ruhl

The zinc-lead ore reserves of the Tri-State district of Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, as of December 31, 1947, are estimated at a total of 66,100,000 tons of crude ore containing 2.18 percent metallic zinc and 0.38 percent metallic lead. The Bureau of Mines began estimating the reserves in October 1945 and completed the' work December 31, 1947. A total of 38,900 acres of land representing approximately 5 percent of the area of the district is covered in this report. The work was confined for the most part to properties developed or partly developed by drilling and underground workings, and to acreage sufficiently drilled out to indicate ore of enough tonnage to make a commercial undertaking. The acreage in which ore reserves exist is widely distributed in all three States. A map of the Tri-State area is shown in figure 1. The remaining 95 percent of the area is not necessarily nonproductive but represents, possibilities for future exploration and development of additional mineral resources when and if economic conditions or national necessity encourage such work. Of the total reserves, 41 percent are in Missouri, 38 percent in Kansas, and 21 percent in Oklahoma.

Jan 1, 1949

By Robert Stefanko

In the context of the following report, an hazardous location can be described as any industrial area in which flammable or explosive gases, vapors, and dusts can be encountered. When electrical apparatus is used in such hazardous atmospheres, the chance of a dust or gas ignition is ever present. Consequently, in an effort to reduce the ignition hazard, several protection systems have been devised. Such systems are termed electrical hazard reduction techniques. The most widely accepted and used of these, the explosion-proof enclosure, is the principal subject of this report. However, other techniques are briefly mentioned. Hazard reduction techniques used in coal mine atmospheres (which can contain methane, coal dust, and air mixtures) are classified as Group I. The explosion-proof enclosure commonly used in mines is defined by the USBM Schedule 2G as a device that can contain internal explosions of methane-air mixtures without undergoing damage or excessive distortion and without an ignition of a surrounding methane-air mixture or discharge of flame. (100) Internationally, the definition remains the same except the words "discharge of flame" are not present. (4,5,31,42,52,76,102) The latter description often refers to flame-proof enclosure construction, but the terms "flameproof: and "explosion-proof" commonly have the same connotation. These enclosures which may not be vapor tight, are distinguished by heavy-wall cast or welded construction and bolted or threaded close fitting flanges.

Jan 1, 1974

By O. C. Blade

Studies on more efficient utilization of petroleum have been made for 50 years by the Bureau of Mines. As part of this work, the Bureau has analyzed thousands of samples of crude oil by its standardized routine method, and many of these analyses have been published, sometimes in special compilations, other times in connection with reports of research on petroleum. This report is a finding index for all analyses published from 1921 to 1959, and brings up to date the information in Information Circular 7470 3 and in the appendix of Bulletin 490.4 The routine method of analysis and the equipment originally were described in a report by Dean and associates. 5 This report has long been out of print, but Bulletin 490, bringing the procedure and its modifications to date, was published in 1951. 6 Briefly, the procedure consists of testing, by standard methods, small samples of a crude oil for gravity, sulfur, color, viscosity, pour point, and (more recently) nitrogen; and, by a standardized procedure, distilling a portion of the crude oil and determining certain properties on the separated fractions and residuum. Careful records are made during the procedure, and the distillation data obtained are used to compute the approximate amounts of products present in the sample--such as percentages of gasoline, kerosine, gas oil, and lubricants. The principal data and results are recorded on a standard analytical report form. An analysis of a sample of crude oil from a recently developed field is shown in table 1. Compilations of these analyses, sometimes in tabular form and usually for specific geographic areas, are published from time to time. Analyses often are included in connection with other studies, such as engineering field reports.

Jan 1, 1959

By Herbert Hoover

BOTH the directors of industry and your leaders have made great progress toward a new and common . ground in economic conceptions, which, I am confident, has had a profound effect upon our economic progress during the last few years. That is the conception that industry must be constantly renovated by scientific research and invention; that labor welcomes those labor-saving devices; that labor gives its full and unrestricted effort to reduce costs by the use of these machines and methods; that the savings from these reduced costs shall be shared among labor, employer and the consumer.

Jan 1, 1930

By R W. Hutchinson

Cupreous pyrite deposits in Cyprus have many geologic similarities to Canadian massive sulphide copper-zinc ores as well as certain significant differences. A comparison of the Cyprus and Canadian deposits indicates a complex genetic history for the latter and suggests that their origin should be re-examined. The Cyprus ores occur in subaqueous extrusive rocks near and at the top of a Cretaceous volcanic pile or igneous complex. The rocks have not been deformed, nor have they been deeply buried or deeply eroded. Apparently the ores formed near or at surface in the top of the volcanic pile by a volcanic-exhalative process and from an ore-fluid of volcanic derivation. The Canadian deposits are of comparable composition and have similar geologic set-tings, but occur in the most ancient Precambrian rocks. Their enclosing Keewatin greenstones have, in most places, been deformed, regionally metamorphosed and invaded by granitic intrusions. Comparison suggests that the Canadian ores also formed initially near surface in ancient Keewatin volcanic complexes by a syngenetic, volcanic-exhalative process. Subsequently, during orogenesis, they were deformed, remobilized under conditions of elevated pressure-temperature and re-emplaced as epigenetic bodies into

Jan 1, 1965

By V. J. Sikora, W. J. McGuire

Several years ago, we used an electric analogue computer to study the effect of vertical fractures on the productivity of wells in expanding fluid-drive reservoirs. The results of this work were used both as a guide to research and as a basis for the design of actual fracturing operations. In 1958, Dyes, Kemp and Caudle' published portions of the data from this study. The results were released in 1959 to service companies for use in fracturing guides. The purpose of this note is to discuss the experimental conditions and assumptions which were made to derive the information which is already partially a matter of public record. ASSUMPTIONS This study applies to fractures which extend in a vertical plane symmetrically from the well. For simplicity, we chose to study the case of a well in a square drainage area with its fractures extending toward two of its nearest neighbors. We have assumed no migration of fluid across the boundary of this area. The quadrant shown in Fig. 1 models this system. We made the usual assumptions that the reservoir is homogeneous and isotropic, that the fluid is homogeneous and that production is effected by fluid-expansion drive. We also assumed that the fracture extends from top to bottom of the reservoir. Of more practical interest is our assumption that the fracture does not change the size of the drainage area. This premise is appropriate if all the wells in the reservoir are fractured in the same way. But where a single well is fractured, its drainage area may be enlarged at the expense of its neighbors. This could be of economic importance. The assumption that the fracture will not extend beyond the established drainage area of the well also limits the application of the results. Such long frac- tures will yield benefits in excess of those predicted here. When we assume homogeneity, we disregard the frequently observed zone of damage in the vicinity of the well. Where damage is severe, the benefits resulting from by-passing it will far exceed those predicted by this study. All comparisons were made of systems producing in the semi-steady state. By this we mean that equal volumes contributed equally to flow (pressure was dropping at a uniform rate throughout the system) when the rate of flow was observed. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP We used the pool unit of an electric analyzer' in this study. The squase drainage system of a well was rep-

This report is the 22d in a series summarizing Bureau of Mines research and technologic work on coal and related investigations.2 3/ A summary of work published during 1957 and of work in progress is presented. Details regarding the subjects treated in the publications may be found by referring to articles cited in the footnotes. The objective of the coal work of the Bureau of Mines is to obtain information that will lead to improved production and utilization of coal, thus conserving a most important national asset.4 5/ Though studies of mining methods and exploration of various coalfields ma; contribute directly to improved production, no less so does the work in health and safety. The many problems relating to chemical and physical properties of coal reflect the need for an understanding of these properties for the most effective use of coal in its various fields of application and for the development of new methods of processing coal. Studies of existing and proposed processes of combustion, carbonization, gasification and hydrogenation of coal are necessary for increased efficiency in its use. Engineering service provided by the Bureau is of direct value in the conservation program in preventing waste. Stations where the main coal activities of the Bureau are carried out are shown in the following list:

Jan 1, 1959

By Gregory B. Poole

As part of a $3.5 billion program to improve the antiquated waste water system in the city of Atlanta, the Nancy Creek Tunnel is being constructed across the northwest portion of the city. This tunnel is over eight miles long and is being constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) for the majority of the tunnel and conventional drilling and blasting for three shafts, starter and tail tunnels and four connecting tunnels, totaling 2400 feet in length. An extensive public relations program was developed for this project. A group effort by the owner, engineer and contractor produced a public relations program that both informed and educated the public of the anticipated perceptions and effects of the blasting and TBM activities.

Jan 1, 2005

"WELCOME/BIENVENUE TO THE COM 2014 IN BEAUTIFUL VANCOUVER!On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to extend my thanks to you for participating in this year’s Conference of Metallurgists. Recent times have been extremely difficult for the resource sector, but it is crucial for our industry to maintain personal connections through good and bad times. These interactions include technical exchanges, and this is at the heart of MetSoc’s service to its members. The theme of this 53rd Conference of Metallurgists is Prosperity Through Process Advancements. There are thirteen symposia at this year’s conference mainly focused on processing from extractive fields, to materials and the environment. Supporting these topics are the plenary, poster session, and trade show plus opportunities for socializing at functions like the opening reception and the awards banquet.Many people have contributed to this conference, from the authors and presenters to the organizers and the generous sponsors. They are all gratefully acknowledged for their quality work over the last two years. A particular thank you to our student volunteers whom we hope will take advantage of their time at COM to network and to learn about this exciting industry.Again, thank you for being a part of this exciting conference of metallurgists. I hope it will be a memorable experience and that you are able to take advantage of all the conference and Vancouver have to offer."

Jan 1, 2014

By D. Grgic, A. Giraud, F. Homand

RESUME : Le comportement mécanique partiellement saturé du minerai de fer a été étudié à partir d’essais de compression simple sur des éprouvettes à pression capillaire imposée par les solutions salines. Les échantillons restent peu saturés (32 %) même pour une humidité relative de 94 %, du fait de la présence de mésopores. Jusqu’à 90 % d’humidité relative la résistance diminue régulièrement. De 90 % à 94 % une forte chute est observée et pourrait être liée à la fois aux effets capillaires et à l’hydratation de certains minéraux. Le cycle hydrique subit par la roche dans la mine a été modélisé en 1D à l’aide d’un code de calcul entièrement couplé pour les milieux poreux partiellement saturés. Les calculs ont montré notamment une diminution importante en paroi des contraintes totales au cours de la phase de désaturation et une augmentation importante au cours de la phase de resaturation. Ces variations pourraient induire un endommagement du massif et être à l’origine d’instabilités, et soulignent l’intérêt d’une modélisation avec une géométrie plus adaptée. MOTS-CLEFS : mines de fer, partiellement saturé, pression capillaire, résistance, modélisation. ABSTRACT : The partially saturated mechanical behavior of iron ore has been studied from uniaxial compression tests on samples in which the suction is imposed with aqueous solutions. Samples are little saturated (32 %) even for a 94 % relative humidity because pores are too large. Up to 90 % relative humidity the strength decreases regularly. From 90 % to 94 % a great decrease is observed ; it could be explained by the capillary effects and the moisturizing of some minerals. The hydrous cycle imposed to the rocks in the mine has been modeled with an 1D fully coupled code for partially saturated porous media. The computations have shown an important decrease in the total stresses at the wall during the desaturation stage and an important increase during the re-saturation stage. These variations could induce a rock mass damage and instabilities, and highlight the necessity of a modeling with a well-adapted geometry. KEY-WORDS : iron mines, partially saturated, suction, strength, modeling. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG : Das mechanische Verhalten von teilweise gesättigten Eisenerz wird durch einachsige Druckversuche untergesucht. Die Prüfkörper haben einen durch Salzlösungen gestimmten kapillarischen Druck. Sie bleiben kaum gesättigt (32 %), sogar bei einer relativen Feuchtigkeit von 94 %, aufgrund der Anwesenheit von Mesoporen. Bis eine relative Feuchtigkeit von 90 % verringert sich gleichmässig die Druckfestigkeit und zwischen 90 % und 94 % merkt man eine starke Abnahme in Verbindung, möglicherweise, mit kapillarischen Effekten und Hydratation von bestimmten Mineralen. Die nümerische 1D Modellisierung des gezwungenen Wasserzyklus im Stein der Mine ist mit einem für porösen Medien ganz vernetzten Rechnungcode geführt. Sie zeigt besonders ein bedeutendes Sinken der Gesamtspannung während der Entwässerung und eine bedeutende Steigerung während der Sättigung. Diese Veränderungen könnten die Beschädigung des Gesteines herbeiführen und die Grundlage von Unstabilität sein. Sie unterstreichen die Wichtigkeit eine Modellisierung mit einer gut geeigneten Geometrie. STICHWÖRTER : Eisenminen, teilweise gesättigt, kapillarischer Druck, Druckfestigkeit, Modellisierung.

Jan 1, 2003