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By L. A. Stinnett

An investigation of hazardous surface openings of abandoned and inactive underground mines in the Black Hills area of South Dakota has revealed: (1) tracing legal ownership of mineral claims via county courthouses is confusing, complex, and oftentimes misleading, (2 ) in general, the selected mine openings in this investigation are to be considered relatively high in risks and hazard potential which poses a threat to the general public, (3) mine closure procedures and designs can generally be categorically implemented depending on the overall situation of the particular mine opening with subsequent unit costs' estimates, (4) few preventive state or federal legal measures exist to date concerning mine closures, and (5) liability damages relating to mine opening accidents usually involve expensive and complex common law cases.

Jan 1, 1979

By Ernest W. Hilton

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the environmental impact of the surface mining methods currently used in the steep-sloped areas of Central Appalachia: southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. Comparisons are made between mountaintop/cross ridge mining, contour strip, augering and an innovative method surface shortwall mining which was attempted at Julian, West Virginia. Included in this final report are a discussion and analysis of current Appalachian production, reserves, and the extent of land affected on a county- by-county basis. Additionally, the seams within the steep sloped region have been assessed according to minimal standards of thickness, surrounding lithology, and areal extent to determine their amenability to surface shortwall mining. These seams have been tabulated with their ash, sulfur, and BTU content on a county-by county basis. Only minimal statements are made concerning quantity because of the narrow set of conditions required by the shortwall method. Other sections deal with the possible technical failings of an operational surface shortwall system based on field studies at shortwall operations, discussions with people experienced with shortwalls and research into ground control problems at sites where short- and longwall operations have been monitored. A final section details proposed additional research directions which the Bureau might take in the future.

Jan 1, 1979

By Philip B. Grote

The deep ocean mining industry is in a pre-commercialization stage of development. In the context of a proper legal/regulatory regime, deep ocean mining system design, site survey, and operation technologies are capable of rapid evolution. The report recommends that the regulatory framework develop in parallel with the industry and presents a rationale for implementing this approach. The Government has several interests in deep ocean mining technology: (1) as a potential regulator, sound regulations should be based on an understanding of the technology; (2) as a potential monitor, survey technologies are relevant; and (3) as an estimator of strategic minerals supplies, it is important to understand the technology which allows economic access to deep ocean minerals. Thus, the major portion of the report presents an in-depth review of systems design, operations, and survey equipment and techniques.

Jan 1, 1979

By Mackenzie Burnett

The Brattice Window Method was used to measure the leakage rates of a total of 42 ventilation stoppings in 8 hardrock mines. Various types of stopping construction were evaluated. The following types are listed in order of decreasing effectiveness: 1) Cinder block, 2) Timber and mortar, 3) Timber and polyurethane foam, and 4) Timber and brattice material. There are slight differences in the effectiveness of the first three types, while the timber and brattice type is substantially inferior to the others. The repeatability of the Brattice Window Method was found to vary with physical conditions in the mine such as stopping location with respect to intersections, regularity of drift cross section, and the presence of hardware such as air and water pipes, timber sets and wire mesh. The Brattice Window Method is viewed primarily as a tool for estimating and comparing stopping leakages for the purpose of determining where repair efforts should be concentrated. A laboratory test program resulted in the derivation of several "rules of thumb" for employing the Brattice Window Method, which will aid in securing accurate and repeatable data.

Jan 1, 1979

This appendix contains the list of equipment selected for the capitol cost estimate, with the respective quotations from their vendors/manufacturers. A vendor response report along with a separate equipment and motor list has been included in the first part of this appendix.

Jan 1, 1979

By Raymond P. Miller

This two volume report addresses slope stability of surface mine spoils within the Interior Coal Province. Sixteen (16) mines were visited, pertinent data and samples collected, and reported spoil instabilities back-analyzed. Laboratory test results are compared to back-analyzed material properties. Available methods of slope stability analysis are reviewed and evaluated with respect to application to mine spoil stability evaluation and prediction. Correlation and tentative relationships among spoil material properties, highwall conditions, mining equipment and procedures and empirical observations are presented. Slope stability sensitivity plots illustrate the relative significance of various input parameters on stability. Slope stability input parameters are correlated with site and mining conditions to identify the primary factors controlling spoil stability. Investigative methods, spoil stability enhancement techniques, spoil stability prediction procedures and future study areas are discussed. Appendices include a glossary of terms, annotated bibliography, details of mine visits, and detailed laboratory test procedures and results.

Jan 1, 1979

By K. B. Bengtson

This task report provides the process technology, preliminary design, capital and operating costs for a 25 TPD pilot plant to produce cell-grade alumina using a clay/hydrochloric acid extraction - HCI gas induced crystallization process. The report consists of six volumes: I - Process Technology and Costs; II and III - Equipment Lists, Specifications and Quotations; IV and V - General Specifications; VI - Drawings. The process was selected by the Bureau of Mines as the more promising method to produce cell-grade alumina from clay based on the results of the two previous task reports under this contract: Task I - Comparison of Six Processes (alunite, anorthosite-lime sinter, clay/sulfurous acid, clay/nitric acid, clay/hydrochloric acid evaporative and gas-induced crystallization) and Task 2 - Comparison of Two Processes (clay/nitric acid and clay/hydrochloric acid - gas induced (crystallization). The pilot plant process utilizes a unique dual crystallization process to produce aluminum-chloride-hexahydrate crystals having sufficient purity when decomposed to meet stringent alumina product specifications. The size of the 25 TPD pilot plant has been selected to permit scale-up to commercial size plants of equipment, technical and economic parameters. The capital cost estimate for the pilot plant, exclusive of fee and escalation, for a southeastern U.S. location is $52,311,000 expressed in 1979 dollars. The total time required to construct the pilot plant including engineering and procurement is 32 months. The operating cost to produce the estimated 9,000 tons of alumina required for testing in Hall cells is $40,91[0],190 expressed in 1979 dollars.

Jan 1, 1979

By K. T. Menzies

Over 1500 literature citations related to diesel exhaust sampling and analysis were obtained as a result of both computer and manual searches of nine data bases. Abstracts and hard copies of relevant citations were reviewed and those considered appropriate for evaluation were included in a bibliography. Based on the literature collected, available sampling and analysis methods for the following diesel exhaust contaminants were evaluated: CO, CO2, NO, NO2, Hydrocarbons, Particulates, PNA, S04, Oxygenates Emphasis was given to both laboratory and field methods for these species. Methods were evaluated on the basis of sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy and reliability and a selected list of preferred methods was developed for each compound/ class. The selected methods were additionally evaluated through communication with current investigators. Sampling and analysis methods for all compounds except CO and CO2 were observed to have some unreliability. Recommendations were made for future research to develop, improve, and validate methods.

Jan 1, 1979

By Felix du Breuil

Contract H0177044 included three objectives; (1) consolidate, maintain, and distribute information on STE approved lighting systems; (2) develop and present one-day seminars on underground mine lighting; (3) determine direct labor and hardware costs associated with the installation of mine illumination systems. All objectives were completed with results as follows: Task I - A file containing 1350 Statements of Test and Evaluation (STE) for all types of underground equipment was developed and publicized throughout the coal fields, A total of 40 requests for STE information was received and processed. Task II and III - A series of 50 seminars was scheduled and presented to 942 attendees throughout the coal fields. The seminars were well received and attendees indicated the information presented would be helpful in bringing their equipment into compliance. Holding a series of seminars in the coal fields, instead of a few in population centers, was favored by attendees. Task IV - Installation cost data obtained on 415 lighting systems indicate that the factors which most affect installation costs are higher hardware cost for DC powered systems and slightly higher manpower requirements for systems installed underground. Based on these data, the total cost to industry of retrofitting existing underground equipment could range up to $50 million.

Jan 1, 1979

By Clark P. Mangelsdorf

The report consists of two parts. In Part I is a state-of the-act study of roof truss technology as of January 1979. Included are a history of the truss concept, a review of analysis techniques, a record of hardware available and equipment used in its installation and numerous examples of user experience. Part II is concerned with a study of the role of friction in the behavior of a roof truss. The appendices include laboratory tests by the author.

Jan 1, 1979

By Herbert H. Einstein

The innate variability of natural materials and processes causes uncertainty in the models representing the natural phenomena and uncertainty in estimating the parameters that are used in these models. Reliability analyses, in contrast to the traditional factor of safety approach, are well suited to a rational incorporation of uncertainty in design and exploration decisions. Probabilistic kinetic and kinematic analyses were developed and combined to form reliability analysis methods. With one method the reliability, i.e.) the probability of failure, of an individual 2-plane wedge in a slope can be determined. The other method is aimed at slopes with a single slope parallel set of joints. In each case two approaches were developed, an encompassing one relying on computer codes and a simplified or summary approach relying on charts or pocket calculator computation. A major contribution of these approaches is the treatment of joint persistance. Instead of having to assume a certain persistence, it is now possible to use exploration data on joint geometry and to include the persistence effect rigorously.

Jan 1, 1979

This appendix contains the list of equipment, their corresponding number and their specifications with the quotations from the vendors/ manufacturers who can supply this equipment. The listings are arranged by process plant areas.

Jan 1, 1979

By Robert L. Lagace

A prototype adaptive volume control for the loudspeaker output of mine trolley carrier phones was designed, built, and tested in the laboratory and in a mine. This volume control senses, and adapts to, the ambient acoustic noise environment in such a way as to produce a loud sound output under noisy conditions, and a quieter output under quiet conditions, thereby producing an understandable and unstartling volume level under all noise conditions. The design approach, prototype hardware, and test results are described, and the device is shown to be feasible for in-mine operations. The circuit design principles are easily applicable to currently available mina trolley carrier phones. Recommendations for practical improvements are included. An in-mine experiment to assess the practical feasibility and utility of the dedicated wire technique for overcoming poor trolley carrier phone system performance was designed, performed, and evaluated. The technique involves the use of a single, low-loss, properly terminated auxiliary wire, placed in the rail haulageway, which allows signals to naturally couple to and from the trolley wire/rail transmission line, and thereby significantly decrease the overall signal attenuation rate on the trolley wire/rail line. The in-mine dedicated wire experiment, results, and conclusions are described, and the technique is shown to be a valid and practical one for significantly Improving carrier phone system performance in mines. Guidelines for the installation and use of the dedicated wire are provided. Recommendations are made for obtaining further practical information on its performance and utility. A second in-mine experiment to assess the feasibility and utility of the low-impedance (low-Z) line technique for overcoming poor carrier phone signal transmission in mines was designed, performed and evaluated. The low-Z line technique involves the periodic connection of shunt capacitors between the trolley wire and the rail to artificially lower the line characteristic impedance. This causes the low impedance shunt loads encountered across the trolley wire/rail line to be less mismatched to the line, thereby reducing the overall attenuation of carrier phone signals. The results of in-mine experiments performed along unenergized and fully operational sections of trolley wire/rail line are described. The experiments were designed to measure line parameter such as inductance and capacitance per unit length, characteristic impedance, and propagation phase velocity, in addition to signal strength versus distance behavior under normal and low-Z line conditions. The low-Z line technique is shown to be valid, but not as practical as the dedicated wire technique which is recommended as the most favorable for most coal mine applications.

Jan 1, 1979

By J. Bongarra

This report describes the development of the instructional design and content of a training program for shaft construction miners and supervisors. The recommended training approach is based on the results of a needs, task, and competency analysis of the jobs performed by conventional shaft sinking and raise drill personnel. Learning objectives were derived from the task analysis and the appropriate training delivery system was chosen using a selection technique which employed learning algorithms. The training described is aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of constructing shafts by new hire and experienced miners and supervisors. A self-paced, self-teaching, modular approach to training, using criterion-referenced tests was proposed. Recommendation was made to divide the training into three parts: Orientation and Safety; Task Instruction; and Practical Exercise. Training requirements for conventional shaft sinking and raise drilling were described. Training program content was detailed in the form of module and lesson design approaches. In addition, the report recommends a method for developing, implementing and validating the training program. The authors conclude that such an implementation would meet the major objectives of improving the safety and efficiency of shaft construction work operations.

Jan 1, 1979

By Herbert H. Einstein

Appendices A through M contain information that is the basis for many developments reported in the main text (Parts I through V); this information is, however, not needed in applying the research results. Specifically the appendices contain: A: Geology of Sampled Sites B: Comparison of Distribution Forms with Observed Trace Length Frequencies C: Joint Attitude Pole Diagrams D: Resistance and Deformability of Rock Discontinuities E: Resistance and Deformability of Joints - Details of Data Recording Procedure F: Documentation and Details for Simplified 2-Joint Wedge Analysis G: Generalization of the Stiffness Approach H: Inadequacy Due to Simplifying Assumptions in Wedge Analysis I: Rock Slope Reliability Analysis: State of the Art J: Resistance Derivations for Mechanical Model K: Supporting Derivations for Analysis Method DAYLITE L: Supporting Derivations for Simplified 2-Plane Reliability Analysis M: Plots of SLOPESIM Runs

Jan 1, 1979

Exploration for uranium in Australia has so far discovered reserves equal to 17.5% of the Western World's. The Australian uranium industry, when fully developed, will be one of the largest producers and possibly the largest exporter in the world. The world's nuclear industry is young, rapidly developing in size and technology and is subject to more social, political and regulatory controls than any other industry. This paper considers the probable development of Australia's uranium industry against a background of normal commercial parameters together with other factors which are peculiar to the nuclear industry. As the theme of this conference is "Australia's role in the World Mineral Indus- try" this paper concentrates on the commercial and practical aspects associated with the development of Australia's uranium resources in a world context.

Jan 1, 1979

By W. L. Cooley, K. Y. Lee, M. M. Hassan

Because power system topographies for surface coal mines are significantly different from those for underground coal mines, the requirements for ground wire monitors for surface systems are somewhat different. This paper analyzes the problems faced by high-voltage ground wire monitors. Based on this analysis, some design requirements for monitors are suggested. Finally, results from laboratory evaluation of some of the commercially available monitors are presented.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. Musu, J. A. E. Bell

P.T. Inco has constructed a smelter to produce 45 000 tonnes (49 500 tons) of nickel per year as a nickel matte from the lateritic ores of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The facilities include mines, five screening stations, two dryers, three novel reduction kilns, three electric furnaces, three top blown rotary converters, and associated infrastructure of port, towns and a hydroelectric generating station. The screening stations and converters are unique in the industry. The problems encountered in the construction and operation of this complex facility in remote Indonesia are described.

Jan 1, 1979

By James A. Clem

Approximately 2,000 years ago, the Lord Admonished the Scribes (Lawyers) and Pharisees (Religious leaders of that time) that they had paid the tithe but had omitted the weightier matters of law, Judgement, Mercy, and Faith. (Matt. 23:23). I want to talk about "The Weightier Matters of Law." In a situation where big government is trying to have an effect on even small details of a work activity, otherwise simple situations become complex. Regulations are written to such detail that constant compliance with strict interpretations can be a nightmare--not to mention off the target of the intended purpose for the regulation. One soon re- cognizes the oneros characteristics of Federal statues

Jan 1, 1979

By Herbert H. Einstein

This report contains the documentation for 11 computer programs representing the entire computer documentation for the eight-volume report entitled "Risk Analysis for Rock Slopes in Open Pit Mines." A detailed summary of the programs is included.

Jan 1, 1979