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By Y. A. Attia

A study was performed on selective flocculation and dispersion for ultrafine coal cleaning. A totally hydrophobic polymer, FR-7A, was employed as the selective flocculent for coal, sodium metaphosphate (SMP) as the general dispersant for shale and a synthetic polymeric product, polyacrylic acid-xanthate (PAAX), as the selective dispersant for pyrite. In the adsorption tests, nephelometry and spectrophotometry were employed for determining the concentration of FR-7A and PAAX in the solutions respectively. The adsorption tests indicated that: a) FR-7A has a higher affinity toward coal and pyrite than that for shale; and b) PAAX has a much higher affinity toward pyrite than toward coal and shale. In the selective flocculation tests, the ash-forming minerals can be efficiently rejected using sedimentation as the separation method. However, due to their relatively high specific gravity, pyrite particles co-settle with the coal flocs. To reject fine pyrite, a froth flotation was used for floc separation. The one-step flocculation-flotation process could reject more than 70% of each of the pyritic sulfur and ash minerals, while recovering more than 85% of the coal.

Jan 1, 1990

By M. Misra

The dispersion of oily collector has significant effect on the flotation recovery of ultrafine coal. Generally, reagent dispersion is accomplished by mechanical mixing and/or ultrasonic agitation, followed by direct addition of dispersed collector into the flotation cell. However, such dispersion and reagent addition techniques are invariably inadequate and non-selective. A new collector utilization technique involving gas phase transport of atomized collector has shown improved results when compared to conventional reagent addition techniques. This new technique involves atomization of the collector into the gas stream. Under these circumstances an aerosol is introduced into the flotation cell. Initially, the oil is dispersed within the gas phase (continuous with respect to oil) and the gas phase is dispersed within the pulp (continuous with respect to aerosol). In the flotation cell, the atomized oil droplets coalesce on the bubble's surface and create a de-facto oil-encapsulated bubble. This approach provides excellent dispersion, increases selectivity, and most significantly increases the flotation rate of ultrafine coal. Furthermore, atomization of collector/frother combinations yielded improved flotation yields and maintained near uniform froth levels which is a desirable feature in coal flotation. In addition to flotation experiments, microscopic examinations of the attachment of oil-coated bubbles at a coal surface were conducted by attachment-time and contact-angle measurements. The oil coated bubbles attach at significantly faster rates and with a higher contact angle than do oil free bubbles.

Jan 1, 1987

By M. Misra, I. Anazia

The dispersion of oily collector has a significant effect on the flotation recovery of ultrafine coal. Generally, reagent dispersion is accomplished by mechanical mixing and/or ultrasonic agitation, followed by direct addition of dispersed collector into the flotation cell. Such dispersion and reagent addition techniques are invariably inadequate and nonselective. A new collector addition technique involving gas phase transport of atomized collector has shown improved results when compared to conventional reagent addition techniques. This technique involves atomization of the collector into the air stream. Under these circumstances, an aerosol is introduced into the flotation cell. Initially, the oil is dispersed within the air phase (continuous with respect to oil), and the air phase is dispersed within the pulp (continuous with respect to aerosol). In the flotation cell, the atomized oil droplets coalesce on the bubble's surface and create a de facto oil-encapsulated bubble. This approach provides excellent dispersion, increases selectivity, and, most significantly, increases the flotation rate of ultrafine coal. Atomization of collector/frother combinations yielded improved flotation recovery and maintained near uniform froth levels, which is a desirable feature in coal flotation. Microscopic examinations of the attachment of oil- coated bubbles at a coal surface were conducted by attachment time and contact angle measurements. Oil-coated bubbles attach at significantly faster rates and with a higher contact angle than oil-free bubbles.

Jan 1, 1988

By Abrahan Barriga

The present study demonstrates the feasibility of the ultrafine grinding and atmospheric leaching process applied to refractory gold concentrates from Salave Project located in northern Spain. At bench scale, it was found acceptable sulfide oxidation was about 84-85% and CIL gold recoveries between 95-96% applying specific energy consumption between 30 and 60 kWh/t during ultrafine grinding. The atmospheric oxidation of the sulfide concentrate was controlled between pH 4.4 and 4.8 with a mixture 90/10 of CaCO3/NaCO3 with residence time of 48 hours for the atmospheric oxidation and 30 hours residence time for the CIL process.

Sep 30, 2022

By K. Nagai

The Asian projects are now in their second terms after the five-year first terms. Ultrafined-grained steels were developed in lab-scale and/or in practical process. Basic approach has been performed to explore the evolution mechanisms of ultrafine-grained microstructures. There have been investigated two approaches to make the ultrafine grains: the "recrystallization route" and the transformation route. In the "recrystallization" route, heavy deformation at low temperature is necessary for the ultra-refinement. In the transformation route, making the high density of ferrite initiation sites in the deformed austenite, especially of the heavily compressed austenite structures, is essential for the ultra-refinement, and further hindering the ferrite growth is also inevitable to utilize the high initiation rate. Strength and toughness are dramatically improved by the ultra-refinement. Fatigue property is also excellent. The poor uniform elongation can be enhanced by the design of the second phase dispersion. At the same time the application has been also pursued from various viewpoints of engineering to take advantages of the ultrafine-grained steels. Bridge, ship, construction, automobile and other high strength parts are being attempted for the application.

Jan 1, 2004

"Real-time, on-stream analysis of the metal content of process slurries is an essential prerequisite for process monitoring and advanced control of mineral processing circuits. On-stream X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) sensors for base metal applications are available commercially and form the basis of many plant monitoring circuits. To date, these commercial technologies have been insufficiently sensitive to measure precious metals such as gold and platinum group elements, typically present at part-per-million (ppm) and sub ppm levels. CSIRO has developed a novel X-ray based technology, called UltraGold, which enables detection of gold in slurries on a real-time basis with a precision below 100 parts-per-billion. This technology is based on the use of advanced X-ray optics, extensive Monte Carlo computer modelling for analyser design, high accuracy X-ray spectrum fitting where the X-ray intensities are matrix corrected. In this paper, we will introduce this technology and discuss the results of a proof of principle study performed in the laboratory with plant slurries (tailings and concentrate) from an Australian beneficiation plant. Finally, we will discuss further planned improvements. As projected grades in (gold) mining around the world fall and several large-scale mines approach the limits of their economic reserves, this method can enable significantly reduced operating costs by rapid analysis to improve circuit efficiency and hence improve recovery significantly.INTRODUCTION This paper describes a study undertaken to explore the feasibility of applying CSIRO?s UltraGold XRF technology to the on-stream measurement of gold in process slurries. The provision of rapid, accurate information of gold grade in feed, tailings and concentrate streams would facilitate significantly improved process control and early detection of plant upsets, resulting in substantial cost-savings. CSIRO have patented X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques for the analysis of key elements in slurries present at part-per-million (ppm) and sub-ppm levels. Conventional, commercially available on-stream XRF instruments generally have detection limits in the tens of ppm range, precluding their use for analysis of elements like gold that are mined and processed at much lower concentrations."

Jan 1, 2017

By S Bouzalakos, W Timms, H Malli

Combining ultramafic mine tailings and acidic mine drainage via mineral carbonation to sequester carbon dioxide, presents an opportunity to minimise waste on mine sites. Low pH mine water with trace element concentrations can be effectively treated by high magnesium mine tailings, a useful source of finely ground reactive matrix. By using milled tailings for mineral carbonation, there are negligible energy requirements for communition of ore rocks to reduce particle size. This study aimed to assess the technical applicability of reacting ultramafic tailings and acidic mine water through mineral carbonation technology in the mining industry. Dissolution has been identified as the rate limiting stage in mineral carbonation; hence the study focused on identifying optimal dissolution conditions. Ultramafic tailings (particle size <100 µm) derived from serpentinite ore, were reacted with a typical mine water that was synthesised in the laboratory. Through variances in the solid to liquid ratios and temperature of dissolution, a maximum five per cent magnesium dissolution efficiency was reached at 50 g/L and 100°C. The acidic mine water was neutralised (from pH <2 to pH ~6) and iron, copper and zinc ion concentrations reduced significantly during the formation of solid precipitates. Carbonation was undertaken by injecting carbon dioxide into the magnesium-rich solution to form stable carbonates. The experimental work demonstrated proof of concept; however, dissolution efficiency and carbon dioxide sequestration was low, indicating that further research would be required before larger scale implementation.CITATION:Malli, H, Bouzalakos, S and Timms, W, 2015. Ultramafic mine tailings to treat acidic mine water and lock away carbon through mineral carbonation, in Proceedings Tailings and Mine Waste Management for the 21st Century , pp 133–136 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 27, 2015

By Yong-Moo Cheong

When the zirconium pressure tube(PT) is in contact with the calandria tube(CT) in the pressurized heavy water reactor(PHWR), the temperature gradient between the inner and outer wall of the PT results in a thermal diffusion of hydrogen(deuterium) and hydride blisters are formed on the outer surface of the PT. Since Zr-2.5Nb pressure tubes have a high risk for the formation of blisters during their operation in a PHWR, there is a strong incentive to develop a method for the non-destructive detection of the blisters grown on the tube surfaces. However, because there is little mismatch in an acoustic impedance between the hydride blisters and zirconium matrix, it is not easy to distinguish the boundary between the blister and the zirconium matrix with the conventional ultrasonic methods. This study has focused on the development of an ultrasonic method to detect the hydride blisters formed on Zr-2.5Nb pressure tubes. Hydride blisters were grown on the outer surface of a Zr-2.5Nb pressure tube using a cold finger attached to steady state thermal diffusion equipment. Ultrasonic velocity ratio method as well as conventional ultrasonic parameters with an immersion technique was developed to detect small hydride blisters on the Zr-2.5Nb pressure tubes.

Jan 1, 2006

The words ""Uncertainty"" and ""Risk"" pervade every discussion about mining exploration and investment. Perhaps these terms are subjectively understood by industry professionals, but objective portrayal of these concepts outside the industry is a woefully undeveloped science. This paper addresses current industry understanding and practice regarding quantitative risk assessment techniques, and provides examples of the application of three of these techniques. Probabilistic techniques for financial risk assessment are valuable adjuncts to conventional financial analysis, and address a range of issues not assessable by any other means. The value of whole-of-project probabilistic risk assessment is currently debatable for decision-making purposes, but is seen as important as a mechanism to focus attention to the critical issues that ultimately impact on project success. The dissection of project capital into risk and non-risk components provides valuable insights into risk characteristics not readily quantifiable in any other way. This technique also provides a framework for more objective ""what if?"" scenario evaluation and for the capital structure of resource projects. Finally, mechanisms for the valuation of undeveloped reserves are examined, and guidelines suggested. The importance of reliability in production cost estimates is highlighted and the impact of early development on reserve valuations is discussed. The importance of economics throughout all stages of the evaluation process is fundamental.

Jan 1, 1994

By M. Rafie, M. Rinne, F. Samimi Namin

"SynopsisRock mass classification systems constitute an integral part of empirical underground excavation design. One system that is commonly used to classify rock mass is the Rock Mass Rating, or RMR, system. The RMR system has evolved over time to better reflect the perceived influence of various rock mass factors on excavation stability. While the introduced modifications have enhanced the applicability of this classification system, there are still areas that cause potential ambiguity. The RMR system cannot deal with input data ambiguities, uncertainties, and vagueness. To deal with the uncertainty, a Fuzzy Rock Mass Rating (FRMR) has been developed. This study aims to describe the main concept of the fuzzy approach, which is implemented in the FRMR to classify rock mass. The FRMR considers the uncertainty associated with the input data (uncertain variables) used in rock mass classification. The Gol-e-Gohar (GEG) area 3 iron ore deposits in the south of Iran were chosen as the case study for investigating the applicability of FRMR. The results of this study show that the FRMR software tool can easily be used for rock mass classification, even if uncertain input parameters have been used. FRMR consists of three parts, each of which is suitable for certain conditions.IntroductionNowadays, rock engineering classification systems, which constitute the backbone of the empirical design approach, are widely employed in both civil engineering and mining engineering. Rock mass classifications have recently been quite popular and are being used mostly for the preliminary design and planning purposes of projects. According to Bieniawski (1989), a rock mass classification scheme is intended to classify the rock masses, provide a basis for estimating deformation and strength properties, supply quantitative data for support estimation, and present a platform for communication between the exploration, design, and construction groups."

Jan 1, 2015

By S. Rukhaiyar, M. Ramulu, G. Pradeep, P. K. Singh, P. B. Choudhury

The drill and blast method is the most prominent rock excavation method used in mining and civil engineering projects. The ground vibration is the most undesirable effect of the blasting and needs to be controlled. The blasts are designed so that ground vibration at nearby structures must remain under the prescribed limit. Various empirical blast vibration attenuation models have been presented to estimate the ground vibration for designing purposes. These models assume ground vibration as a function of distance and maximum charge per delay. United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) model is most commonly used for the blast design. However, the uncertainty associated with these models is seldom characterized, thus diminishing its reliability. The probabilistic Bayesian approach associated with the Monte Carlo method can easily quantify uncertainties associated with the model and its parameters. Thirty-three blast vibration observation data from a granite quarry in Kerala, India, is used to estimate the probability distribution of model parameters. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach is used for sampling 12,000 samples for obtaining the posterior distribution of parameters. The uncertainty associated with model parameters is quantified from the posterior distribution, and this is further used to estimate the credible and prediction limits of the model. The point estimate of the most optimum value of the parameter is estimated using maximum-aposteriori or MAP estimate. The model parameters are also obtained using the commonly used least-square error method, which is a maximum likelihood estimation or MLE approach. It has been observed that the accuracy of the model obtained using both MAP and MLE approach is almost equal. However, the MAP estimate as per Bayesian probabilistic analysis has the added advantage that it can estimate the uncertainty of parameters as well as the model, which is not possible using the MLE approach.

Sep 27, 2021

By M. E. Rossi

In mineral resources, geologic and mining data are acquired, processed, analysed, interpreted and modelled, eventually serving as basis to generate predictions and production plans. This is a complex process, and the resulting predictions are impacted by uncertainties related to the data itself and the processing methods and techniques used. They are also impacted by the subjective decisions made by the modeler(s) at each step of the way. Knowledge, biases, skills, and prior experience come into play in the long mineral resource evaluation development workflow. It is meaningless to discuss uncertainties without evaluating the associated risks that those uncertainties imply. It is important to quantify and assess uncertainty, and to evaluate and mitigate its consequences. This paper discusses (1) conceptual and practical sources of uncertainty; (2) the utopia of an “objective” uncertainty; and (3) the quantification and public reporting of uncertainty using geostatistical conditional simulations. The objective of this paper is to postulate that the industry is running out of reasons and excuses to ignore uncertainty and risk in project evaluation. This is done in two parts, with this, the first one, presenting a more conceptual discussion. Part 2 will present case studies from different types of mining projects and operations showcasing the impact that risk assessments can have in a mining project.

Feb 22, 2026

By B. Panton, J. Carvalho, E. T. Brown

High-capacity, post-tensioned anchors have found wide-spread use in initial dam design and construction, and in the strengthening and rehabilitation of concrete dams to meet modern design and safety standards. Despite the advances that have been made in rock mechanics and rock engineering during the almost 80 years in which post-tensioned anchors have been used in dam engineering, some aspects of the rock engineering design of high-capacity rock anchors for dams have changed relatively little over the last 30 or 40 years. This applies, in particular, to the calculations usually carried out to establish the grouted embedment lengths required for deep, post-tensioned anchors. These calculations which involve a number of aleatory and epistemic uncertainties, usually make simplified assumptions about the distribution and values of rock-grout interface shear strengths, the shape of the volume of rock likely to be involved in uplift failure under the influence of a system of post-tensioned anchors, and the mechanism of that failure. The resulting designs are generally conservative. These aspects of the rock engineering design of large, post-tensioned rock anchors for dams could be improved by making greater use of modern, comprehensive, numerical analyses in conjunction with 3D models of the rock mass structure, realistic rock and rock mass properties, and the results of prototype anchor tests in the rock mass concerned.

Jan 1, 2015

By Peter Halbach

Hydrothermal activity is well known from many locations on most mid-ocean ridges, however no hydrothermally mineralized area had yet been found at the ultraslow spreading southwest Indian Ridge up to October 98 when the Japanese RV Yokosuka with the submersible Shinkai 6500 investigated this area. A massive sulfide field was discovered near 27º51S / 63º56 E in the 11th segment west of the Rodriguez Triple Junction. The Free University of Berlin had joined this cruise and taken over the responsibility for the study of the respective sulfide mineralizations. Hydrothermal minerals were sampled during two dives at water depth of about 2940 m close to the summit of an axial volcanic ridge called Mount Jourdanne. There massive sulfides occur on the seafloor as small smooth mounds with an average area of about 5 m2. Their surfaces are weathered and have a reddish to brownish colour. In addition to these mound-like structures, small tube-like chimneys were observed. These chimneys rise approximately 30 to 40 cm above the floor and are less than 10 cm in diameter. No indications of hydrothermal fauna could be detected. All the hydrothermal features are spatially related to faults and smaller fissures controlled by an E-W trending graben system crossing the summit region of the submarine volcano. Such tectonized areas are generally considered to be ideal for hydrothermal activity because they may have both a magmatic heat source in the deeper underground and pathways for fluid circulation, respectively.

Jan 1, 2001

By Jeffrey B. Smith

Introduction The gas shortage is going to be with us for some time to come. If we can set aside political and industry rhetoric (along with subjective personal opinions), we still are confronted by two serious "facts of life": (1) for almost a decade the U.S. has been con¬suming natural gas at a greater rate than we have been finding new reserves; and (2) there is a finite amount of natural gas present within the earth&apos;s crust. Much of the known and easily exploitable sources of gas (the so-called "conventional" sources, such as the high permeability sand reservoirs of the Tertiary sequence along the Gulf Coast) already have been developed; their production is declining rapidly. The total producible reserves from con¬ventional gas reservoirs amount to only 216 Tcf, less than an 11-year supply. However, several large potential resources of natural gas remain to be developed. These "uncon¬ventional sources" have low permeability and/or peculiar producing characteristics. The DOE program for development of these unconventional sources of gas is called the enhanced gas recovery (EGR) program. The primary goal of this program is to provide a data base of resource characterization and production technology that will lead to commercial development. DOE will encourage and support in¬dustry participation in developing and demonstrating technologies needed to reach this goal. Unconventional Resources Four major unconventional resources of gas have a high potential for commercial development. There are other unconventional sources (such as gas hydrates) that are too poorly defined to warrant a major development thrust at this time. The four unconventional sources of gas currently included in the EGR program are: 1. The carbonaceous shales of Devonian age in the Appalachian, Illinois, and Michigan sedimentary basins are the targets of the Eastern Gas Shales Project (EGSP). 2. The low permeability, low porosity so-called "tight" gas sandstones of the Upper Cretaceous/Lower Tertiary in the Rocky Mountain areas constitute the resource target for the Western Gas Sands Project (WGSP). 3. The free methane trapped in coal beds of both the eastern and western U. S. constitute the Methane from Coal Beds Project (MCBP). 4. The abnormally high pressured, high-temperature saltwater aquifers of the Texas¬Louisiana gulf coast are targets of the Geopressured Aquifer Project (GPAP). Basic implementation strategy for these EGR projects involve (1) assessing and characterizing the resource potential of the resource; (2) conducting cost-shared field testing with industry to improve, develop, and demonstrate various stimulation and production technologies; (3) coordinating EGR activities within DOE and with other federal agencies (such as the Bureau of Mines) to minimize duplication; and (4) aiming all projects toward commercial development of the gas resources. EGSP What type of "geological animal" is the EGSP dealing with? While gas undeniably is related to the occurrence of natural fracture systems within the shale, the overall producing mechanism and precise location of fractured, gas¬bearing locales within each basin is still poorly understood. By developing reliable resource characterization techniques and applying effective stimulation technologies we intend to elevate the Devonian shale from the status of a potential gas resource to that of a proven gas reserve. Once we have done this the private sector can take over the large-scale commercial development of the Devonian shale gas resource. WGSP The second largest project (both in terms of complexity and level of funding) is the WGSP. The primary targets for this project are the low permeability (< 1 md) gas sandstones of the Piceance, Uintah, and Greater Green River basins and the Northern Great Plains Province. Project success in these four primary geologic locales will permit investigating additional low permeability sandstones in 16 other sedimentary basins. It ap¬pears that the only practical means of increasing permeability and resultant flow rates from these sandstones lies in the use of massive hydraulic fracturing techniques. Unfortunately, it is still too early to design such jobs with predictable results. MCBP The MCBP is to be involved in producing and utilizing methane derived from coal beds. The coal, like portions of the Devonian shale, is impermeable, highly fractured (termed "cleat" by

Jan 1, 1980

By Jeffrey B. Smith

Introduction The gas shortage is going to be with us for some time to come. If we can set aside political and industry rhetoric (along with subjective personal opinions), we still are confronted by two serious "facts of life": (1) for almost a decade the U.S. has been consuming natural gas at a greater rate than we have been finding new reserves; and (2) there is a finite amount of natural gas present within the earth&apos;s crust. Much of the known and easily exploitable sources of gas (the so-called "conventional" sources, such as the high permeability sand reservoirs of the Tertiary sequence along the Gulf Coast) already have been developed; their production is declining rapidly. The total producible reserves from conventional gas reservoirs amount to only 216 Tcf, less than an 11-year supply. However, several large potential resources of natural gas remain to be developed. These "unconventional sources" have low permeability and/or peculiar producing characteristics. The DOE program for development of these unconventional sources of gas is called the enhanced gas recovery (EGR) program. The primary goal of this program is to provide a data base of resource characterization and production technology that will lead to commercial development. DOE will encourage and support industry participation in developing and demonstrating technologies needed to reach this goal. Unconventional Resources Four major unconventional resources of gas have a high potential for commercial development. There are other unconventional sources (such as gas hydrates) that are too poorly defined to warrant a major development thrust at this time. The four unconventional sources of gas currently included in the EGR program are: 1. The carbonaceous shales of Devonian age in the Appalachian, Illinois, and Michigan sedimentary basins are the targets of the Eastern Gas Shales Project (EGSP). 2. The low permeability, low porosity so-called "tight" gas sandstones of the Upper Cretaceous/Lower Tertiary in the Rocky Mountain areas constitute the resource target for the Western Gas Sands Project (WGSP). 3. The free methane trapped in coal beds of both the eastern and western U. S. constitute the Methane from Coal Beds Project (MCBP). 4. The abnormally high pressured, high-temperature saltwater aquifers of the Texas-Louisiana gulf coast are targets of the Geopressured Aquifer Project (GPAP). Basic implementation strategy for these EGR projects involve (1) assessing and characterizing the resource potential of the resource; (2) conducting cost-shared field testing with industry to improve, develop, and demonstrate various stimulation and production technologies; (3) coordinating EGR activities within DOE and with other federal agencies (such as the Bureau of Mines) to minimize duplication; and (4) aiming all projects toward commercial development of the gas resources. EGSP What type of "geological animal" is the EGSP dealing with? While gas undeniably is related to the occurrence of natural fracture systems within the shale, the overall producing mechanism and precise location of fractured, gas-bearing locales within each basin is still poorly understood. By developing reliable resource characterization techniques and applying effective stimulation technologies we intend to elevate the Devonian shale from the status of a potential gas resource to that of a proven gas reserve. Once we have done this the private sector can take over the large-scale commercial development of the Devonian shale gas resource. WGSP The second largest project (both in terms of complexity and level of funding) is the WGSP. The primary targets for this project are the low permeability (< 1 md) gas sandstones of the Piceance, Uintah, and Greater Green River basins and the Northern Great Plains Province. Project success in these four primary geologic locales will permit investigating additional low permeability sandstones in 16 other sedimentary basins. It appears that the only practical means of increasing permeability and resultant flow rates from these sandstones lies in the use of massive hydraulic fracturing techniques. Unfortunately, it is still too early to design such jobs with predictable results. MCBP The MCBP is to be involved in producing and utilizing methane derived from coal beds. The coal, like portions of the Devonian shale, is impermeable, highly fractured (termed "cleat" by

Jan 9, 1980

By YU. F. Vasyuchkov, K. Vasioutchkov, B. M. Vorobjev

Introduction It is now believed that, even with the environmental protection measures now being taken, the further application of traditional coal-mining and electric power-generation technologies will inevitably cause further irreversible damage to the global ecosystem. Further improvements in conventional coal-mining technologies, both surface and underground, are expected to have only limited impacts on the economical, ecological and social aspects of coal mining. In countries with a developed coal industry, coal reserves with favorable conditions at shallow depths are rapidly being depleted. Therefore, in the future, more coal will be mined from deeper levels, resulting in higher operational costs and lower labor productivity. The solution to this problem is to be found in developing, promoting and implementing unconventional coal-mining and advanced clean-coal technologies. This paper presents an unconventional concept that has been suggested by the authors. The basic goal is to achieve coal-methane energy resource conservation and to remove barriers to energy efficiency through the adoption of integrated, ecologically clean, innovative technology. The following principles form the foundation of this concept: Energy resource conservation: This principle concerns the exploitation of actual and potential coal-methane reserves in the most effective way with the lowest possible losses and with the application of the most energy-efficient electric power-generation technology. Energy conversion: Energy conversion means the conversion of solid coal to synthetic fuel gas (in situ or in-cycle), the conversion of methane bounded within the coal matrix to free-flowing drained meth¬ane, the conversion of solid coal in situ to a coal/water mixture (slurry), and the conversion of these gas fuels into electric power. Technological and managerial integration: This prin¬ciple means an integration of coal-gas methane min¬ing operations and electric power generation into one commercial mine-to-product enterprise with electric power as the final product. Thus, coalbed methane drainage and coal gasification (both in situ and in-cycle) integrated with a combined cycle of electric power generation constitutes a highly integrated coal-gas methane energy-generation system. The system can be materialized in the form of a local integrated coal-gas electric power complex (LICGEPC). General features of the new concept The coal-gas-methane electricity concept is actually a synthesis of the following four technological components: Coalbed methane drainage. This technique and its utilization attained recognition after commercial operations were proven successful in the San Juan and Black Worriers coalfields in the United States. Worldwide, extensive field experiments and research-and-development activities are being carried out in the area of coalbed methane exploitation and utilization. Recently, coalbed methane drainage for power generation has been undergoing intensive research and development. At the Harworth Colliery in the United Kingdom, a combinedcycle power plant has been built that uses coalbed methane. The plant has an installed capacity of 15 MW Also, Germany, Australia, the CIS and China have conducted various experiments and industrial tests on the use of coalbed methane power generation. Underground coal gasification. Another unconventional technological approach is underground coal gasification (UCG). A number of semi-commercial, demonstration and pilot projects have been undertaken in Russia, the Ukraine, Uzbekistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy and Belgium to demonstrate the technical and economical viability of coal gasification in situ. In Uzbekistan, the Angren coal-gasification station has been in full-scale commercial operation for two decades. The operation supplies a power plant with synthetic coal gas. Under sponsorship of the US Department of Energy&apos;s Morgantown Energy Technology Center, large-scale laboratory tests simulating coal gasification in situ were successfully completed by the

Jan 1, 1999

By Y. F. Vasyuchkov

In general a term "unconventional mining or "non-traditional mining technology" getting more and more familiar to the mining engineering media. There are several alternating terminological combinations such as "in situ mining", "borehole mining", "shaftless mining", "mineless mining", "geotechnology" etc.; specific terms denote particular method of unconventional mining technology: "underground coal gasification in situ", "underground coal combustion in situ", "borehole hydraulic coal mining" and others. Principal scheme of unconventional coal mining technology is shown in Figure I:

Jan 1, 1997

By B. F. Dickerson

STRATEGIC METALS! Recently, this money accented cry has been heard in such diverse locales as Mining company boardrooms, Banker&apos;s offices, Stockbroker&apos;s quarters, Swindler&apos;s dens and Congressional committee rooms. (In some cases, these locales are one and the same). Is the strategic metals rush for real? Should it be? Our paper attempts to give a very generalized view of the subject for a few metals, points to a few potential, but generally overlooked sources of these metals, and offers conclusions based on our studies.

Jan 1, 1981

By Ross Goodman, Jesse Salai

The Ohio River Tunnel Project encountered multiple unexpected geotechnical challenges such as crown and invert instability due to the overstress condition affecting the strata above, below, and in the tunnel alignment during and after TBM excavation along with the potential for methane inflow. This paper showcases how the orientation of a tunnel alignment has a significant impact on how in-situ geological stress can impact the excavation of a tunnel from the contractor’s point of view and how geological features influence gas inflow to the alignment over time.

Jun 13, 2021