Search Documents

By J. H. Soulé

This information circular is one of a series published by the Federal Bureau of Mines describing methods and costs at various mining operations. The Schwartzwalder uranium mine, situated about 20 miles west of Denver, Colo., is an important source of uranium ore in the Front Range. Production was begun in 1953, and nearly 36,500 tons of ore had been shipped by September 1, 1958. The mine is operated by Denver-Golden Oil & Uranium Co., Denver, Colo. Much interest has been shown in the property since uranium mineralization tit was found by Fred Schwartzwalder in 1949. The Atomic Energy Commission, Federal Geological Survey, Office of Minerals Exploration (formerly Defense Minerals Exploration Administration), and Federal Bureau of Mines have done work in the area, and various private concerns have shown interest in the property.

Jan 1, 1960

By V. F. Parry

[Approximately 7-1/2 million tons of subbituminous coals are mined annually in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, of which 50 percent probably reaches domestic consumers. The moisture of these subbituminous coals is high, averaging about 25 percent when they are mined. The coals are non-caking end stack to a variable degree when exposed to normal atmospheric conditions. They are good domestic fuels, are considered to be smokeless in most furnaces, and have been used for many years in hand-fired domestic furnaces in which the practice is to employ large lutes for efficient combustion.]

Jan 1, 1941

By Thomas J. Peters

The King Mountain study area is centered about 120 air km northwest of Blackfoot, and 30 air km north of Arco, Idaho. The study area makes up the southern one-third of the northwest-trending Lost River Range--the highest mountain range in Idaho. The area is predominantly underlain by Paleozoic-age marine limestone and lesser dolostone, with a relatively small inlier of silica-rich, Ordovician-age quartzite. There are vast, unquantified resources of these industrial minerals present; however, special markets need to be developed for these resources which are near enough for transportation costs to be competitive. Five prospects were found in the study area; however, only one, the Elbow quartz silica prospect, contains resources and current claims. There has been no mineral production in the study area.

Jan 1, 1993

By K. K. Kelley

Despite the wide interest in titanium and its compounds, no heat and free-energy-of-formation values for titanates (that is, compounds formed from titania and other metal oxides) have been available heretofore except for ilmenite (FeTi03). Such data are needed for understanding and developing processes for producing titania and titanium tetrachloride from ores (and possibly slags) and in connection with ceramic usage of titania. This paper reports experimental measurements of the heats of formation at ordinary temperature of 11 titanates-ilmenite, perovskite, barium metatinate, strontium metatitanate, barium-strontium metatitanate, barium orthotitanate, strontium orthotitanate, barium-strontium othotitanate, geikielite, magnesium-titanium spinel, and magnesium dititanate. The experimental method was solution calorimetry. The solution calorimeter was operated at 73.7°C. and used a strong hydrofluoric-hydrochloric acid mixture as the calorimetric fluid and reaction medium.

Jan 1, 1954

By E. P. Youngman

In the Unfederated Malay States, with the exception of Johore, the rights of suzerainty, protection, and administration were transferred by giam to the British Government in 1909. In the States of Kelantan, Trengganu, Kedah, and Perlis, the rulers are assisted by State Councils and by British advisers appointed by the British Government.3 With respect to Johore, the largest, richest, and most highly organized of the Malay States not in the Federation, the treaty of December 11, 1885, with Great Britain, defined the relations of the State to the British Govern- ment and allowed the Maharaja to assume the title of "Sultan"; an amendment to this treaty (May 12, 1914) provided that the Sultan should be advised by a British officer, the General Adviser. ...... The political organization of the States is reflected in the mining legis- lation, Johore being the only one having a comprehensive code. The mining enactments now in force, according to the High Commissioner for the Malay States, are as follows:

Jun 1, 1932

By Lloyd A. Morley

A concept is presented to improve underground coal mine electrical system safety and availability. This proposed technique is based upon the ability to predict incipient failures in the mine power system. Prediction is made possible by a new method, developed during this research, which uses a minicomputer to implement pattern recognition algorithms. The theoretical basis of the prediction system is discussed, along with synthesis of the hardware and software sections. The deterioration modes which could be detected are examined, and an evaluation of the system's ability to predict incipient failure is presented. Typical results of the system's performance during laboratory simulation of power system deterioration are given.

Jan 1, 1977

By John E. Husted

Quantities of kaolin in Georgia in-contiguous or single bodies had been established by previous work to be sufficient for an alumina industry. The need for characterization of this kaolin to determine its suitability as an ore of aluminum resulted in the studies described herein. It was determined in an area roughly 7 x 27 miles, known as the Wrens district that approximately 5.9 billion short tons of kaolin averaging 35.55 percent A1203 exist in an essentially continuous clay body. The Macon-Sandersville district consists of discontinuous kaolin bodies averaging 35.28 percent A1203 with an average thickness of 28 feet. Tonnages for this district are not available. One hundred and twenty core samples of kaolin were analyzed for K20, CaO, MgO, Al203, T102, Cr203, Fe203, Si02, P205, and F. The P205 and F were analyzed by wet chemistry methods and the others by electron microprobe. Seventy-nine of the samples were from the Wrens district forty from the Sandersville-Macon district and one from the Andersonville district. Emission spectroscopic analyses were also made to qualitatively determine all elements present for each core. X-ray diffraction studies were made of each core to determine mineral species present. Scanning and transmission electron microscope pictures also are given for each I' core sample. Elevations, overburden thickness, and kaolin thickness are given for each core site as well as map locations. Isopachs for over-burden and kaolin thickness are given for the Wrens district.

Jan 1, 1983

By J. W. Town

Recrystallization studies on chrome-bearing spinel materials were made by the Bureau of Mines to determine the effects of certain fluxing agents and cooling rates on the chromium-to-iron ratio of recrystallized spinel. Statistically designed and evaluated tests showed that the ratio of chromium to iron in naturally occurring chrome spinel could be increased from 1.5 to 1 to over 7 to 1 and that the ratio of chromium to iron in the chrome-spinel in a stain-less steel slag could be raised to over 18 to 1. Silica, magnesia, and lime had significant positive effects, while alumina had a significant negative effect. Cooling rates of 200 C per hour in a programmed spiral globar electric furnace were satisfactory for growing crystals of recoverable size.

Jan 1, 1967

By Lindsay D. Norman

Computer models for simulating the construction and for calculating the properties of particulate solids in two- and three-dimensional systems (coverings of circles and packings of spheres, respectively) were developed. By simulating the physical process of constructing circle coverings and sphere packings, in which the circles or spheres were randomly selected from many different distributions of sizes, physically realizable loose random assemblies were simulated whose physical and geometrical properties were predictable with the computer. Many of these properties, such as the number of contacts, are extremely-difficult to measure accurately, or considerable ingenuity is required in their determination. All of these properties were easily and accurately calculated by the computer models for many different coverings and packings constructed from equal, discrete, uniform, and log-normal distributions of particles. In addition to the loose random assemblies, dense random covering and packing constructions were simulated whose properties are ideal upper limits for those of the loose random coverings and packings. The properties of the dense random coverings and packings, heretofore only obtainable by theoretical analysis, were also simply obtained. The statistical geometry of loose random coverings and packings was studied, and several new interpretations of the area-covering or space-filling requirements in these systems were made. In two dimensions, it was found that the properties of all loose random coverings are predictable by taking suitably weighted averages of the corresponding properties of just four kinds of polygons whose edges are defined by connecting the centers of mutually tangent circles in the covering. The distributions of these polygons that permit area-covering were determined, and empirical equations for predicting the density, average coordination number, and average pore area in loose and dense random coverings were formulated. The properties of loose packings were determined by performing a simplicial division of the computer-simulated assemblies to produce a unique set of minimum volume, space-filling tetrahedra whose edges connected the sphere centers in each packing. A simple empirical equation was formulated that permits the calculation of the average number of contacts in any sphere packing, random or regular. Some of the statistical geometrical properties of the simplicial tetrahedra in the computer-simulated packings were analyzed. The tetrahedron edge length distributions in all the loose random packings were nearly identical when the edges were presented in terms of sphere diameters, regardless of the sphere population in the packing. Moreover, the gap lengths in the loose packings were to an excellent approximation representable by a uniform distribution of sizes. The distributions of spheres in tetrahedra resulting from the simplicial division of the loose random packings also existed in the tetrahedra in dense random packings. These observations were employed in developing a unique method for predicting the geometrical properties of loose random packings without simulating the assembled packing. Instead, the space-filling simplicial graph could be predicted for any given density of packing of any sphere population. The cumulative packing properties of these tetrahedra were shown to be nearly identical to those calculated by all loose random packing simulations attempted in this investigation. The simplicial tetrahedra completely describe a packing and can therefore be used to predict all properties of interest.

Jan 1, 1971

By Alan A. Bergeron, J. L. Michels, R. L. Collins

Advanced communication and monitoring systems were developed and demonstrated in three underground mines representing different mining techniques, geographical areas, and material mined. The first mine was a large coal mine in western Pennsylvania that used room and pillar techniques and continuous mining methods. The system developed for this mine provided private telephone channels, environmental monitoring, and control of underground equipment, all on a single coaxial cable, with all system operations under the direction of a minicomputer. Many advanced features were incorporated into the system, such as paging of roving personnel, two-way section wireless, through-the-earth emergency communication, and redundant signal paths. Television was multiplexed into the system for underground equipment surveillance. A hoist radio system completed the complement of equipment at the mine. The second mine was a magnetite ore mine in eastern Pennsylvania that used block caving mining techniques. A radio system was developed that provided two-way communications between trackless vehicles and roving personnel. A unique system of uhf/vhf repeaters combined with a flleaky-feeder" transmission line offered operational and emergency features not previously found in mine communication systems. Evacuation alarming, personnel paging, fan-hole drill operator communications, and maintenance and safety vehicle dispatch were provided. The system required no dispatcher and operated during power failure. A hoist communications/shaft inspection system completed the installation. The third mine was a deep silver mine in the Cour d’Alene district of Idaho. The system developed for this mine utilizes a single wire pair to provide up to 14 voice channels. A unique combination of PBX, telephone carrier system, and intercoms offered private conversations, selective signaling, and emergency backup communications. Two hoist communication systems were installed to provide a voice link and in-cage belling signal between hoistman and cage.

Jan 11, 1981

By R. T. MacMillan

Many bench-scale tests and studies have been conducted in developing and testing a chloride-volatilization procedure Ear treating low-grade manganese ore from the Maple Mountain-Hovey Mountain deposit of Aroostook County, Maine. The ore, averaging 10 to 12 percent Mn, contains manganese in several forms and is resistant to concentration or extraction by usual physical and chemical procedures. Over 90 percent of the manganese, content of the ore has been recovered using a chloridizing roast in which the ore was heated at 950°-9b0' C. in a circulating stream of hydrochloric acid gas. Chlorides of manganese and iron were volatilized and swept to a fume collector, where they were condensed and separated from the [as] stream. Operation of a small, 1-pound-per-hour shaft Furnace produced enough chlorides for studying other factors in an integrated process such as: (1) Conversion of the chlorides to oxides; (2) recovery of HC1 gas of suitable concentration Ear recycling to the chloridizer; and (3) control of the Mn-Fe ratio in the oxide product to produce a suitable feed for ferromanganese production.

Jan 1, 1956

By William J. Krisko

This contract final report summarizes the design, fabrication and testing of a "line brattice air curtain" device under Bureau of Mines Contract H0357097. The purpose of this program was to develop the concept of using an air curtain for coursing ventilating air parallel with the air curtain From the last open crosscut to the face in exhausting ventilation systems to replace the line brattice cloth in room and pillar coal mining operations. The final design of the air curtain device consists of a 10-foot long closed end pipe with c: slot cut along its length. Pressurized air is delivered to the open end with a hydraulically-driven blower. A sheet of air emanates from the slot and is directed toward the mine roof. An invisible sheet of air is thus created between the top of the machine and mine roof and acts a an extension of the existing conventional line brattice.

Jan 1, 1977

By William C. McBee

Specialized sulfur concretes were developed by the Federal Bureau of Mines as a result of research for the beneficial utilization of sulfur in construction materials. Materials were developed for use in acid and salt corrosive environments where portland cement concrete has been found to deteriorate. Because the mineral aggregates also come into contact with the corrosive media, concretes were developed utilizing both limestone and quartz aggregates. The sulfur binder used with both aggregates was modified by reaction with 5 pct dicyclopentadiene to improve product durability. Sulfur quartz aggregate concrete was found to have moderately high strength characteristics (6,000 psi compressive) and was extremely resistant to chemical attack by both acid and salt solutions. Sulfur limestone aggregate concrete exhibited very high strength characteristics (9,000 psi compressive) and was extremely resistant to chemical attack of salt solutions. Both types of concretes maintained their strength and integrity after long-term testing in acid and salt solutions and exhibited considerable resistance to damage by the action of freezing and thawing. Potential uses include leach tanks, electrolytic cells, thickeners, bridge decking, industrial flooring, pipe, and tile.

Jan 1, 1979

By Michael Rieber

Among the principal gathering/distribution systems for coal is over-the-road trucking. Where alternative trunk line modes such as barge or rail links are weak or nonexistent, trucks may, particularly for relatively short line hauls, act as substitutes. Their major application, however, appears to be in connection with smaller mines or coal users particularly where terrain problems are significant. Truck use has increased as rail lines have been abandoned or suffered neglect. For example, in 1956 about 38 percent of the coal transported in eastern Kentucky and about 8 percent of the coal moved in western Kentucky went by truck. By 1975, the percentages were almost 77 percent and 26 percent, respectively [4,U-11]. While rail route .limitations and deterioration played a part in the change, increased emphasis on road building, particularly during the 1950's and 1960's, and improved truck load capacity and efficiency were also important.

Jan 1, 1977

By W. L. Crentz

In Fayette County, the Pittsburgh bed has been the major source of production for almost two centuries. Although historical documentation is not available, there is evidence, that the Pittsburgh bed may have been discovered in Fayette County near Mt. Braddock, Pa., as early as 1753. The earliest known reference to coal in western Pennsylvania was recorded in 1758 by a Quaker trader, James .Kenny, who reported having seen coal in Fayette County. The production of coke from Pittsburgh coal was begun in 1841, when two 10-foot beehive ovens were erected in the Connellsville region to make coke .for shipment by river to the market. The Connellsville, region extends from Latrobe, Pa., in Westmoreland County to South of Uniontown, in Fayette County. Connellsville coke was used with great success in the Clinton furnace in 1859.

Jan 1, 1951

By Merwin H. Howes

In constructing the NORAD Combat Operations Center, controlled blasting techniques were employed to achieve smooth walls and to avoid shattering the rock beyond excavation lines. Extraordinary measures were taken to stabilize the rock to permanently preserve the openings. Rock stabilization was accomplished by means of reinforced concrete and gunite linings, rock boltings, installation of chain-link fabric, and epoxy resin and cement grouting. A particular zone of weakness at B vital location was supported by exceptionally thick reinforced concrete lining, rock bolts, and cement grout.

Jan 1, 1966

By GJ Hundman

The Multiple Unit Continuous Haulage (MUCH) System was designed to provide the capacity to continuously convey coal from the mining machine to the main haulage belt. The MUCH System has an operator who steers the lead vehicle, ever following the mining machine. All the remaining vehicles follow the path of the lead vehicle, with their conveyors automatically lining up between the lead vehicle and mine section panel belt. This is accomplished by mechanical linkages on the vehicles which are interconnected by steering bars between vehicles (patent pending). The MUCH System has an operator who steers the discharge vehicle when outby travel is required. Outby travel is just like inby, with each vehicle following the path of the preceding vehicle. Surface tests overwhelmingly indicate the "UCH System should track/retrack successfully in square pillar underground room and pillar coal mines with 18 ft. wide entries and slopes up to 10 percent. For 60 degree pillar plans the minimum entry width required is 15 ft. Surface tests also indicate the MUCH System will convey over 8 TPM of coal around 90 degree corners without excessive spillage.

Jan 1, 1983

By W. L. Heidenreich

This report describes the methods and results of field investigations conducted by the Bureau of Mines between December 1956 and December 1957 on seven deposits of nickel-cobalt-iron-bearing laterite and weathered serpentine near the west coast of Puerto Rico east and south of Mayaguez. These deposits were named, for purposes of identification, Guanajibo, Punta Guanajibo, Las Mesas, north and south deposits of the Rosario Southeast group, and the west and east deposits of the Maricao Southwest group. In addition, the lower 17 miles of the Guanajibo River Valley was tested at widely spaced intervals for possible concentrations of magnetite and chromite in the alluvial sands. The objective of the investigations was to appraise, by drilling and sampling, the two largest deposits--the Guanajibo and Las Mesas. Testing of the smaller deposits was much more restricted. Field investigations consisted of mapping, drilling with power auger, sampling drill-hole sections, and pre-paring samples for chemical analyses, mineralogical studies, and metallurgical tests. The work was financed jointly under a cooperative agreement by the Bureau of Mines and the Economic Development Administration, an agency of the Puerto Rican Commonwealth.

Jan 1, 1959

By Albert J. Forney

Extensive studies have been made of the various effluents found in the Synthane coal-to-gas process. Analyses have been made of the waters, gases, and trace elements present in some of the streams. Results of analyses show the water effluents are the area where extensive research is needed.

Jan 1, 1974

Ground-water and tailings pond monitoring in the Upper Santa Cruz Basin Mines Task Force's Special Studies Area has been performed to determine the nature and extent of aquifer contamination from copper tailings pond's recharge in the basin. A monitoring program for each of three mining areas (Mines A, B, and D) was developed. Analysis of data shows that recharge from Mine A's ponds has caused increased hardness, sulfate and total dissolved solids in local ground water. However, pumpage in the area has controlled most of the water's movement. Pond recharge from Mine B has led to similar conditions, and the degraded water is moving towards a local public-supply well. Pumpage from Mine D's interceptor wells is controlling some, but not all, of the movement of recharge seepage from Mine D's ponds. Recommendations include the need for enhanced monitoring programs at each current mine site, development of a monitoring program for Mine C's area, development of water budgets for all mines, investigation of tailings pond compaction and sliming, establishment of mine closure plans for containment of recharged pond water, and the need for additional interceptor wells in several locations.

Jan 1, 1983