Search Documents

The Bureau of Mines is responsible for a broad spectrum of programs for meeting the diverse and changing mineral resource needs of the Nation. These programs are managed by the Director and two Deputy Directors, who formulate general policy and program direction from the Washington, D.C., headquarters. A senior advisory staff, consisting of the Chief Staff Officer, Chief Scientist, and Chief Mining Engineer, provides advice and consultation to the Director on a wide range of scientific and technical matters and acts on behalf of the Director to maintain liaisons with other government agencies, mineral industries, and professional societies. Bureau program activities are classified into two major functions: (1) Developing new and improved technology that will make the production and processing of minerals more efficient, safer and more healthful for mineral workers and the public, and more compatible with a quality environment.

Jan 1, 1980

By T. A. Sullivan

The Bureau of Mines investigated modified sulfur concretes as one part of a program for utilizing sulfur in construction materials. The use of modified sulfur was studied as a means of preventing the stressing action in the concretes caused by the allotropic transformation of sulfur on solidification. Unmodified sulfur concretes have been prepared that have compression, flexural, and tensile strengths equivalent or better than Portland concretes. However, most of these concretes have been vulnerable to deterioration by weathering, temperature fluctuations, and freeze-thaw cycling. The sulfur was modified by reaction with dicyclopentadiene or dipentene before use as an aggregate binder. Sulfur concretes and modified sulfur concretes were pre-pared from acidic and basic type aggregates. Physical properties of the optimum mixtures were determined and compared with each other and with Portland cement concretes. The best results were obtained by reacting sulfur with 5 pct dicyclopentadiene to prepare modified sulfur concretes. Field testing of the concretes are in progress. Present results show that modified sulfur concretes are superior to unmodified sulfur concretes and equal or better than Portland concretes in compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths. Long-term aging characteristics of both modified and unmodified sulfur concretes are being determined.

Jan 1, 1976

By Janine Pierce, Robert Larson, Christine Raasch

The vibration and impact environment for crew members on locomotives has been investigated in a series of studies conducted by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates (Exponent) beginning in 1990. Locomotive cab vibration and impact levels were measured on a variety of locomotive models operating over many different track sections across the Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and CONRAIL systems. The comfort and health implications of exposure to the measured locomotive vibration levels were evaluated by comparison with the human vibration exposure boundaries given in the International Standards Organization (ISO) standard 2631-1:1997, the British Standard 6841:1987, European Union (EU) Directive 2002/44/EC, measurements made by Exponent on various commercial and recreational vehicles, and vibration exposure measurement data found in the literature. Methods Initially, vibration levels experienced by locomotive crews were measured and recorded at incremental speeds covering the range of normal train operation. In 2003, a method of measuring the vibration exposure continuously by means of a digital recorder was developed, allowing the vibration level over the entire run or crew shift to be analyzed. For each seating location measured, acceleration was recorded on the seat surface beneath the ischial tuberosities (pelvis) of the seated crew member and on the cab floor directly under the seat. At each of the locations, triaxial accelerometers were used to measure the vibration along the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes. Since the vibration environment varies throughout the route, and locomotive vibration levels have been found to be primarily speed dependent, a speed sensor was used to continuously measure the speed of the train. To evaluate the recorded vibrations levels, the data was divided into two-minute segments, which were each processed per the 1997 ISO standard for weighted RMS vibration levels and Vibration Dose Values (VDV). Additionally, PSDs and 1/3 Octave RMS values were calculated to determine the frequency content of the vibration. For each two-minute segment, the average speed of the locomotive was calculated to allow for correlation with the recorded vibration exposure values. The resulting exposure values for the entire run were calculated by combining the data from all of the two-minute segments. Since introducing the continuous method of recording acceleration, 23 seating locations have been recorded on 11 locomotives traveling 11 different routes across various parts of the United States. One of the routes was a shift of ‘yard work’, traveling back and forth in a rail yard coupling train cars together. Results A guide to interpreting weighted acceleration values with respect to health is given in Annex B of the 1997 ISO standard. A health guidance caution zone is defined to indicate the

Jan 6, 2006

By James Westfield

Following is a brief history of Bureau of Mines Division of Coal-Mine Inspection activities that have favorably effected health and safety and reduced Injuries at coal mines: The Federal cline Safety Code for Bituminous Coal and Lignite Mines of the United States was issued originally by the Director of the Bureau of Mines on July 24, 1946, after consulting with management and labor representatives of the coal-mining industry. The code has been used by Federal coal-mine inspectors while inspecting bituminous-coal and lignite mines for the existence of unhealthful and unsafe conditions and practices in these mines. A revised code was issued by the Secretary of the Interior on October 8, 1953, after further consulting with representatives of management and mine workers, and was incorporated in the 1952 and subsequent bituminous-coal wage agreements. The agreement of May 29, 1946, betweeen the Secretary of the Interior, acting as Coal Mines Administrator under authority of Executive Order 9728, and the United Mine Workers of America, covering bituminous-coal and lignite mines in Government possession, charged Federal coal-mine inspectors with the responsibility of making periodic investigations of the mines and reporting to the Coal Mines Administrator any violations of the Federal Mine Safety Code. Federal coal-mine inspectors also had temporary authority to close mines considered imminently dangerous, but authority under Executive Order 9728 was removed on June 30, 1947, when Government control of the mines was terminated.

Jan 1, 1962

By David E. Nicholson

In a Bureau of Mines investigation of the dynamic compaction of mine hydraulic backfills, two basic forms of mechanical vibration inducers were used and compared for effectiveness of compaction. Internal compaction, using concrete probe vibrators of various sizes, and external compaction, using plate vibrators} were studied and evaluated for use in underground stopes. An aluminum plate, which was light and displaced sufficient volume to remain afloat in fluid fill, and a steel plate were both used in the external compaction tests. Efficiency of compaction was better in studies conducted with internal probe vibrators. Tests were conducted in an underground backfilled stope with three different-sized probe vibrators (2-, 4-, and 6-inch-diameter) to determine an approximate area of influence. Results showed the areas of influence to be approximately 3, 4, and 5 feet in diameter, respectively, for the three different probes. Physical properties of hydraulic slurries were determined; preferred grain-size distributions, water exudation properties, and water contents of hydraulic slurries are reported. The best compaction results were obtained with moderately well-graded, fully saturated backfills, with slow rates of water exudation, which were capable of remaining in a semifluid state during the compaction process.

Jan 1, 1967

By K. P. Wang

Mining and metallurgy have had a long history in China, and resources there have always been considered promising. Under the People's Republic of China (PRC), a remarkable industrial renaissance is underway that should further gain momentum in the years ahead. Rapid development of minerals have not only brought the PRC prominence in industrialization, but also in world affairs. Chinese mineral developments, especially petroleum, have been increasingly in the news. Oil and gas may have great potential, but a very large coal industry is already in existence. The steel industry ranks fifth or sixth in the world. The PRC is also prominent in fertilizer, cement, and salt production. The export metals are well known. Also, the country is buying heavily in nonferrous base metals. The need to know and the intense interest in the subject have prompted this study. The world significance of Chinese minerals is pointed out. The history of growth and PRC's mineral supply position are reviewed. Evaluations are made of policy considerations and regional and technical factors affecting mineral development. PRC's mineral trade and efforts to obtain equipment, supplies, and know-how are assessed. Specific reviews are made of major mineral sectors, including coal and power, oil and gas, iron and steel, nonferrous metals, industrial minerals, and fertilizers and chemicals. The overall outlook is summarized.

Jan 1, 1975

By James M. Link

Underground coal mining is the most hazardous industrial occupation in the United States.. Haulage accidents in underground coal mines contribute substantially to the occupational hazards of this type of work. In an effort to improve mine safety, a completely hydraulic transport system has been designed to move coal from the mine face to the preparation plant. The capital investment for the hydraulic haulage system is great, and the size of the mine developed for this study is large. Mine production for the conventional haulage mine is 1. 1 million tons of clean coal per year, while the hydraulic haulage mine will produce over 1.6 million tons of clean coal per year. Safety statistics for a number of mines of this size are shown.

Jan 1, 1975

By D. C. Dahlin

The Bureau of Mines has investigated podiform chromite deposits in three ultramafic bodies in the Caribou Mountain and lower Kanuti River areas of central Alaska. The investigation, reported in two parts, was done as part of the Bureau's mission to help insure an adequate supply of minerals to meet the Nation's needs. Part I describes an extensive field investigation and mineralogical studies by personnel from the Bureau's Alaska Field Operations Center. This report, part II, describes the mineralogy of 11 samples that were high-graded from surface exposures at 10 sites and presents the results of laboratory batch beneficiation tests designed to concentrate the chromite. The 11 samples, peridotites and chromitites that consisted of variable amounts of chromite or chromium-bearing spinets, olivine, and serpentine, were beneficiated by grinding and sizing, gravity concentration, and electrodynamic separation. Three high-chromium chromite concentrates, two high-iron chromite concentrates, and one high-aluminum chromite concentrate were produced. Three other concentrates were marginal, and two were submarginal. Chromium recoveries ranged from 54 to 92 pct. These results indicate that the areas may be significant chromium resources. Potential platinum association with the chromite was also investigated. Analysis of these 11 samples indicates that the areas are not good platinum resources.

Jan 1, 1983

By Chas. F. Jackson

During the past 5 years the Bureau of Mines has published information circulars dealing with mining methods and costs at 78 ore mines; 7 circulars, each of which is devoted to a discussion of one of the principal mining, methods; and 23 circulars dealing with special phases of mining, such as ventilation, shaft sinking, tunnel driving, the cost of equipping and developing prospects and small mines, underground transportation, diamond drilling, and ground support. These circulars were written by many different authors, and in order that the method of presentation and the basis for compilation of data might be the same in all the papers the Bureau drafted an outline to be followed in their preparation. To clarify the data in these circulars, which are in the libraries of many engineers and mining companies, and the summarized data presented in this paper, that portion of the outline dealing with cost and labor-performance data is reproduced below.

Jan 1, 1934

By J. W. Thompson

A contract stipUlating for the delivery of quantities of phosphate rock" f. o. b. mines," and stipUlating that" while this contract is in form an absolute sale for a fixed quantity in each year, it is mutually understood and agreed that the purchase is for the buyer's consumption and not for a sale; the buyer agreeing to give to seller the refusal of any surplus over and above the actual consumption. Buyer is at liberty to increase or diminish the quantity called for in any year, to the extent of not exceeding 10 per cent; provided that the quantity to be taken shall not be less than buyer's consumption; provided further that notice of such increased or diminished demand be given seller 12 months in advance of such change," is to be construed as a contract for the sale of stated quantities of rock, deliverable in approximately equal quantities during each year for the specified series of years, subject only to be increased or diminished after specified notice in any year, where the amount taken would not be les<; than the buyer's consumption, not exceeding 10 per cent, and the contract indicating that the rock was intended by both parties for consumption in the fertilizer plant of the buyer. but the quantity to be taken was not limited by the necessities of' the plant.

Jan 1, 1916

By L. M. Burman

The phase-boundary pressure required to maintain a natural hydrocarbon fluid in a single phase must be considered in planning the recovery of reservoir liquids by miscible-phase processes. The change in the phase-boundary pressure at reservoir temperature that results when a light component or a mixture of light components is added to a reservoir fluid is an especially important consideration. The cricondenbar pressure (maximum phase-boundary pressure) and the critical pressure are unique correlated pressures that have been utilized to calculate the change in phase-boundary pressure that may result when the composition of a reservoir liquid is altered by an additive. In this study one reservoir oil and three gas-condensate fluids are used as examples. Correlations pertaining to the critical and cricondenbar states in chapters 4 and 5 of Bureau of Mines Monograph 10 (3)5 were used to demonstrate how butane and lighter components added to these reservoir fluids affect their phase-boundary pressures.

Jan 1, 1962

By D. E. Sullivan

The Bureau of Mines investigated the availability of potash from 68 mines and deposits in 12 market economy countries (MEC&apos;s) containing, at the demonstrated resource level, approximately 11.7 billion metric tons (mt) of potash in assay terms of contained K2O; K2O as used by industry as a standard of comparison for the different forms of potash. These resources include almost 190 million mt in the United States, 9.63 billion mt in Canada, approximately 430 million mt in Western Europe (France, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), 1.24 billion mt in the Middle East (Israel and Jordan) and over 220 million mt in other countries (Brazil, Chile, and the Congo). This analysis his determined that future production of potash in MEC?s will most likely continue to be from the large resources associated with producing operations in Canada. Based solely on the demonstrated resources included in this study, potash mining in the United States would decline while overseas production from MEC&apos;s can continue into the next century at near current production levels. However, timely development of new or inferred resources would offset any such decline. Producing mines in Canada have the resources to increase and maintain increased production well into the next century. For U.S. potash users, Canada is a long-term stable and secure source.

Jan 1, 1986

By W. W. Adams

With greater production of coal per man-hour of work than ever before achieved, the coal-mining industry of the United States established a better safety record in 1941 than in any year since 1930, the earliest for which complete reports of nonfatal as well as fatal injuries were collected by the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior. In only one year (1933) of the 12-year period 1930-41 was the fatal-accident rate better than in 1941, whereas the rate for nonfatal accidents was better in 1941 than in any previous year. Accident and employment reports received from mine operators, together with fatal-accident reports received monthly from State mining departments and inspectors, showed that 546,692 men were employed in and about the coal mines of the United States during the calendar year 1941. This number does not include office employees or coke-oven workers. The increase of 1.3,426 over the number of employees in 1940 was accompanied by a gain in man-hours of work performed at the mines and an increase in average number of hours worked per man during the year.

Jan 1, 1944

By James D. Brown

The Bureau of Mines has written a computer program in FORTRAN to facilitate the calculation of concentrations from X-ray intensities in electron probe microanalysis. Philibert&apos;s absorption and Castaing&apos;s secondary fluorescence corrections are used; no atomic number correction is included. Background and dead time corrections are applied to the data before calculating the relative intensities. Data from any type of electron probe microanalyzer can be used with the program.

Jan 1, 1965

By L. G. Marshall

This report presents a cross section of the sand and gravel operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The study covers individual operations, economic problems peculiar to the industry, glacial geology of the area and its effect upon the grades and types of products, and past, present, and future trends of the expanding population and its effect upon the industry.

Jan 1, 1963

By L. G. Marshall

This report presents a cross section of the sand and gravel operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The study covers individual operations, economic problems peculiar to the industry, glacial geology of the area and its effect upon the grades and types of products, and past, present, and future trends of the expanding population and its effect upon the industry.

Jan 1, 1963

By J. W. Miller

Depletion of coals most suitable for metallurgical fuel has made necessary a general survey of coking coal reserves in the United States. These investigations were begunn 1948 at the joint request of the Munitions Board, Department of Defense, and a number of coal companies. This report, which is one in a series, by counties, describes the preparation characteristics of the coals of Harlan County, Ky. From these data it is possible to determine: (a) Which coals, either as mined or after beneficiation by conventional preparation, are chemically suitable under present standards for producing metallurgical coke, (b) Which coals require special and more intensive treatment in preparation than is now practiced; and (c) Which coals cannot be considered to be potential sources of metallurgical fuel regardless of preparation.

Jan 1, 1955

Safety rules for installing and using electrical equipment in and about coal mines covered in this information circular supersede those previously included in Bureau of Mines Bulletin 514, issued in 1952. This revision brings these rules up to date and more nearly in line with present operating and safety practices in the industry. The rules are intended to supplement existing Federal and State regulations, and no provision shall be construed to oppose or supersede any provisions of the Federal Mine Safety Codes, the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act, or the mining laws of any State. The rules were designed to permit progress, such as application of new or improved materials and equipment or use of new practices where these materials, equipment, or practices retain or improve the level of safety established by these requirements. It is hoped that they will fill the need for a concise edition for mine electricians and electrical engineers, especially those who do not have ready access to more detailed rules or codes.

Jan 1, 1964

Safety rules for installing and using electrical equipment in and about coal mines covered in this information circular supersede those previously included in Bureau of Mines Bulletin 514, issued in 1952. This revision brings these rules up to data and more nearly in line with present operating and safety practices in the industry. The, rules are intended to supplement existing existing Federal and State regulations, and no provision shall be construed to oppose or supersede any provisions of the Federal Mine Safety Codes, the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act, or the mining laws of any State. The rules were designed to permit progress, such as application of new or improved materials and equipment or use of new practices where these materials, equipment or practices retain or improve the level of safety established by these requirements. It is hoped that they will fill the need for a concise edition for mine electricians and electrical engineers, especially those who do not have ready access to more detailed rules or codes.

Jan 1, 1964

By Bruce F. Grant

"INTRODUCTION The future of oil production in the part of the Appalachian region included in southwestern Pennsylvania; West Virginia, and southeastern Ohio is directly dependent on the maintenance of existing wells. This report presents an analytical study of the methods used in oil-well reconditioning in this area. The study is part of a research program designed to evaluate those means of stimulating oil production that can effectively and economically maintain present oil-production rates and make it possible to keep existing wells in operation. Well-reconditioning work was curtailed during the war; therefore, an abnormally large number of wells in the Appalachian Region is now in need of repair. Because the lubricant content of Appalachian crude: oils is high and the refined lubricating oils an; particularly suited to use in high speed, high-temperature engines, the demand for these crude oils during the war exceeds, the maximum rate of production obtainable under wartime operating conditions. Increases in operating, expenses, inability to meet war-time reconditioning costs, and inflexible price structures caused the abandonment of an alarming number of wells during the past 4 or 5 years.As a means of increasing regional oil-production rates, new drilling in the older fields for primary production generally is uneconomical because reservoir pressures in most of the fields have virtually been depleted and the production rates of newly drilled wells are small."

Feb 1, 1948