Search Documents

By P. L. Hofmann

The National Waste Terminal Storage (NWTS) Program was established in 1976. The objective of this program is to develop the technology and provide the facilities for the safe, environmentally acceptable isolation of civilian- and defense-related, high-level and transuranic nuclear wastes, including spent fuel elements, for which the federal government is responsible. The principal emphasis of this program is on disposal in mined geologic repositories. Technology development in support of the NWST program includes the formulation and management of a strong basic science and engineering program to generate an appropriate data base to aid in understanding of the key geological processes and major engineering structures involved. The current status, problems, and future plans of the technology program will be summarized.

Jan 1, 1984

By Kenneth W. Luke

A computer programing system has been devised to assist in open pit mine design planning. This system operates upon data generated for cross sections in the mine plan, and parallels present manual methods used in mine design, resulting in a minimal communications barrier between the mine planner and the computer. Input data for each cross section includes geologic interpretation and mine design parameters such as wall angles, bench heights, berm widths, and ramping system. The program will optimize the design of each cross section to give minimum stripping at any desired ore reserve level. This system is functional in the sense that it is easily adopted, changes in mine design parameters can be quickly evaluated, and each resultant design incorporates all recognized mining constraints.

Jan 1, 1973

By S. J. Noesen, J. R. Hughes

Several four-inch-diameter tungsten ingots were arc melted in vacuum or in hydrogen atmospheres. Melting pressures, melt-off rates, effect of atmospheres, and other pertinent factors were examined. Two of these ingots were extruded at 1650°C. Subsequently, forging and rolling were carried out at lower temperatures. For a 60 per cent area reduction by rolling, a one-hour recrystallization temperature of 1250°C was obtained. This temperature is considerably lower than those reported in previously published work, and can probably be attributed to the extreme purity of the as-cast ingots (N, H, 0 all less than 1 ppm). EVER since W. D. Coolidge, in 1909, described his process for producing tungsten metal of high density and good workability via the powder metallurgy tech-

Jan 1, 1961

By P. G. Coombs

The kinetics of the cyclic oxidation and reduction processes for palladium powder were examined in the temperature range 848 to 923 K. The changes in oxidation behavior due to cycling are shown to result from the decrease in surface area. Sintering is found to occur only during the reduction process. Oxidation kinetics were found to follow a cubic law with time and yield a relation for the oxidation rate constant of k x = (1.05) 106 exp P74.0). 103 / RT] The kinetics of reduction are demonstrated to be first-order with the rate constant described by the expression: kr = (7.69) 1012 exp [-(208.0) 103 / RT] . In both expressions R is in J.mo1-1.K-1.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. Laskowski, Z. Sadowski

The properties of quartz, calcite, magnezite and dolomite suspensions prepared from -30 µm size fractions of these minerals have been investigated. Selective coagulation of the quartz-calcite, quartz-magnezite and quartz-dolomite binary suspensions was possible at the pH values slightly above those for the i.e.p. of the carbonate minerals. The tests revealed that quartz suspensions were not flocculated by the anionic flocculants, whereas the same polymers were flocculants for calcite, magnezite and dolomite. Selectivity in the flocculation of the quartz-calcite, quartz-magnezite and quartz-dolomite binary suspensions was not, however, satisfactory because of the activation of quartz by ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Dispersing reagents can be used to improve the selectivity of flocculation.

Jan 1, 1980

By W. A. Longacre

IN the geophysical exploration program of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. on the Marquette Range of Northern Michigan, the vertical intensity magnetometer has been used to obtain magnetic anomaly maps of large areas. A network of magnetic base stations has been established and the relative vertical intensity at each station measured carefully with respect to a prime base. In the search for the relatively nonmagnetic soft red hematite ore, the magnetic exploration is indirect, involving the study of dikes, faults, contacts, and other structural features. It was found that the magnetometer, adjusted to a scale value of approximately 40 ? per scale division, was satisfactory for this type of exploration, although many magnetic anomalies were encountered that required the use of auxiliary magnets.

Jan 1, 1952

By D. M. S. Bhatia

The intimate association of iron formation and massive sulfide deposits has been documented by many investigators (McAllister, 1960; Hutchinson, 1972). In a classic example of such an association, four distinct facies (oxide, carbonate, silicate and sulfide) were identified in an Algoma-type iron formation occurring in Paleozoic rocks, but exhibiting physical features (banding) and chemical composition (SiO2 + A1203 + Fe2O3) typical of Precambrian iron formations. The geochemical variation of the iron formation was studied by analyzing 62 samples for Si, Al, Fe, P, S, and Cop. Following a model proposed by James (1954), the geochemical and mineralogical variation of the iron formation can be used as an excellent tool for the exploration of massive sulfide deposits.

Jan 1, 1982

By Alden B. Greninger

THE study of mosaic structure of crystals1 has been confined until recently to the field of theoretical physics Crystallographers, in general, have neglected the subject, although X-ray crystallographers constantly make use of formulas for intensities of X-ray reflection as modified by mosaic structure Work on mosaic structure has centered chiefly on the task of proving or disproving the secondary-structure theory of Zwicky,2 and very little attention has been paid to the visible imperfections of crystals A Goetz has been responsible for most of the supposed experimental confirmations of Zwicky's theory 3 On the other hand, Smekal,4 and Orowan,5 among others, maintain that these is neither theoretical nor experimental evidence to substantiate Zwicky's secondary structure

Jan 1, 1935

By W. A. Longacre

IN the geophysical exploration program of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. on the Marquette Range of Northern Michigan, the vertical intensity magnetometer has been used to obtain magnetic anomaly maps of large areas. A network of magnetic base stations has been established and the relative vertical intensity at each station measured carefully with respect to a prime base. In the search for the relatively nonmagnetic soft red hematite ore, the magnetic exploration is indirect, involving the study of dikes, faults, contacts, and other structural features. It was found that the, magnetometer, adjusted to a scale value of approximately 40 y per scale division, was satisfactory for this type of exploration, although many magnetic anomalies were encountered that required the use of auxiliary magnets.

Jan 10, 1951

IT is a somewhat curious circumstance that the newest of the Institute's several awards should be conferred in the oldest of our several professional fields-for there is little question that geology and mining have antedated metallurgy and petroleum. Perhaps so did geophysics. After all, one geophysical instrument, the magnetic compass, has been success- fully employed for many centuries. Young in years the Jackling Award may be, but in distinction-whether in terms of the title it bears or in terms of the first three medalists (Reno Sales, E. D. Gardner, and the late Father Mace1wane)-the Jackling Award is already one of the ranking awards of the Institute. The name of the 1957 medalist will bring added luster to an already illustrious roll.

Jan 5, 1957

By G. M. Ritcey

Purification of solutions can involve various treatment methods. In the normal sequence of metals recovery by hydrometallurgy, the ore is initially prepared for leaching by grinding to the desired optimum mesh size as dictated by the leaching parameters. Following leaching and liquids- solids separation, the resultant solution is ready for purification. The use, or introduction of solvent extraction into a plant, can be either a major or a minor part of the metal recovery process as shown by the following list where solvent extraction is normally considered: a) recovery of a metal by a simple leaching of the broken ore, e.g., copper from dump leaching where there are only the three main steps of leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning (1);

Jan 1, 1978

By Thomas R. Couzens

This chapter covers certain aspects of open pit production planning based on experience, pointing out approaches to planning that may help produce a realistic picture for evaluation and operation The subjects discussed are roads, preproduction stripping, dump planning, dewatering, the relationship of production planning to equipment selection, and computer methods for the short-range or operational pit planning process Actual determination of ore limits, pit design, and production schedules are covered in other chapters This discussion is somewhat general. Specific problems that occur in mine planning are extremely varied, and it is not possible to cover many of them in a chapter, therefore, only some of the principles that are important in the approach to open pit production planning problems will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1979

By C. V. O. Hughes

Florida phosphate operations are unique in the ways standard mining equipment is made to meet specialized problems. Hydraulic mining and transportation has evolved in meeting three such special problems: 1) surface mining of a shallow, poorly consolidated but wet material; 2) high pro¬duction rates, necessary because of low prices for phosphate rock in a highly competitive market; and 3) preparation of the value-bearing rock, or matrix, for washing and flotation. The magnitude of the problems is better appreciated if the reader understands the size of operations in the area. The Florida phosphate field produces and ships about 10 million tons per year of phosphate rock. All of this has to be concentrated to its shipping grade, either by scrubbing and screening or by flotation.

Jan 1, 1956

By Wilbur T. Stuart

To assist the mining industry in attacking problems of water control, the U. S. Geological Survey has begun a program of research in mining hydrology. In certain fundamental respects water control is similar to development of water supplies from wells or to the drainage of agricultural lands, as many of the tools developed in recent years for quantitative ground-water problems are applicable, with modification, to mine-water problems. In 1952 a 30-day pumping test conducted jointly by the Eureka Corp. Ltd. and the Defense Minerals Exploration Agency provided an opportunity to gain knowledge concerning water movements around a flooded mine shaft. The methods of analyzing the data may be used as a guide for the evaluation of similar problems elsewhere.

Jan 2, 1955

By B. G. Bunting, J. H. Johnson, H. J. Schock

This paper describes an experimental method for monitoring diesel-generated exhaust gas pollutants in a deadended drift to assess the effect of control approaches. Experiments were conducted to determine the relative merits of these ventilation configurations: no auxiliary ventilation, induction ventilation at the entrance to the drift, and ventilation of the dead-ended drift with positive displacement tubing. The drift used in this experimental work was approximately 32 m long and slightly downsloping, with an everage height and width of 2.4 and 8.6 m, respectively. For this drift, it was found that ventilation with positive displacement tubing provided the best removal of diesel-generate pollutants. Induction ventilation appeared to be the least effective of the three methods examined.

Jan 1, 1982

By G. T. Jackson

PROPERTY AND LOCATION THE Alaska Gastineau Mining Co.'s mine is located at Perseverance, about 4 mi. east of Juneau, Alaska. Its property consists of a group of claims, the lode system traversing these claims for a distance of 11,000 ft. (3352 in.). It is shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 1.-ALASKA GASTINEAU MINING CO.'S PROPERTY NEAR JUNEAU. The ore deposits occur in what is known as the Juneau gold belt. This gold belt can be traced for about 50 mi. northwest of Juneau and 40 mi. southeast. It consists of a single band, several hundred feet wide, in which stringers and veins of quartz, carrying gold, occur in a slate formation near its contact with some altered volcanic rock known as greenstone.

Jan 9, 1919

By W. Chubb

FOR the past several years there has been considerable interest in the development of zirconium and zirconium alloys for application in nuclear reactors. In a portion of the development work being conducted, attention has been given to the development of high-strength zirconium alloys. One of the most outstanding alloys developed in the course of this work is Zr-4 wt pct Sn-1.6 wt pct Mo.' Fabrication and Test Methods Over 50 ingots of zirconium containing either tin and molybdenum or both have been evaluated in the process of selection of an optimum composition. Most of these were prepared as 20-g are-melted buttons; a few were prepared by induction melting. All ingots were prepared by the me of Foote Mineral

Jan 1, 1958

By H. W. Young

Development of high-tension outdoor substations during the past few years has been due primarily to economic reasons. The demand for power in small communities could not be met with the conventional and Fig. 1.—33,000-VOLT step-up outdoor air-break switch and substation installation outside of a powerhouse generating at 2300 volts stepping up to 33,000. Twenty-one coal mines are supplied from lines leading from this installation. comparatively expensive indoor types unless the rate for service was materially increased. To prove that the problems lncident to development have been solved successfully, it is only necessary to point to the wide adoption of outdoor substations by utility companies. Passing at once to the question as to whether outdoor substations are applicable to

Jan 1, 1920

By Robert M. Dreyer

Population growth in industrialized economies constitutes an automatic stimulus for expansion of the construction and chemical processing industries, which are a big market for industrial minerals. Of the total value of mineral production in the United States, excluding fuels, about 70 % results from the production of industrial minerals. The value of industrial mineral production rose more than 10 % between 1961 and 1962. A similar growth has occurred during 1963. During the decade 1952-1962, the production of industrial minerals increased in value by 98%, in contrast to an increase of 60% in the value of the gross national product. The accompanying table shows the percentage change in the production of various industrial minerals from 1952-1962, as well as from 1961-1962.

Jan 2, 1964

By W. O. Philbrook, C. W. McCoy

The reduction of chromous oxide from lime silica alumina slags by carbon-saturated iron behaves as a first-order process having a rate of 0.001 grams Cr min 1 cm 2 (pct Cr ) , substantially independent of slag composition and temperature over an important range for iron smelting. The equilibrium ratio (pct Cr)/[pct Crl is below 0.04 for slags having lime-silica ratios above 0.6. MANY studies have been conducted on chromium in slag-metal systems under oxidized conditions. The Purpose of these investigations has been twofold; namely, (1) to determine those conditions which lead to greater chromium recovery in electric-furnace and open-hearth practice, and (2) to determine the nature of oxide inclusions and de-

Jan 1, 1959