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By A. Vasenev

The quality and durability of asphalted roads strongly depends on the final step in the road construction process; the profiling and compaction of the fresh spread asphalt. During compaction machine operators continuously make decisions on how to proceed with the compaction accounting for project specific aspects as: ambient conditions, road geometry, roller type, asphalt mixture characteristics and behavior of other machines. In discussions over quality improvement in road construction it is often suggested to robotize rollers. To operate such robots would of course require operational strategies and routines. The reality of this moment is that these operational strategies and routines are not documented. To identify the existing best working practices and, ultimately, to proceed with developing automated robotized compactors, the knowledge of machine operators should at first be explored and described in a formalized way. Unfortunately operators have difficulty verbalizing their expertise. Observation of behavior, as machine movement patterns, could be helpful to extract the operational strategies, but such observations are time and labor consuming. To overcome this burden we developed a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. In this VR environment operators perform compaction virtually, and their operational choices are traced and analysed. This paper describes this VR development and explains how it helps in following machine operators and extracting their (tacit) professional knowledge. The road geometry and the working conditions are visually represented; the operators show - rather than explain - how they would proceed with the compaction process in the given conditions. Movements of virtual machines are documented, analysed, visualised and discussed. This VR approach is expected to contribute to learning, to more formal description of operational strategies; stepping stones towards compaction algorithms for roller robotisation.

Aug 1, 2013

By C. McKinnon

Climate change is the central challenge facing the mining industry, wherein producers must simultaneously ramp up production to provide the raw materials for clean technologies while transitioning to carbon neutrality. While transitioning to renewables will take time, mines can start improving energy efficiency while improving productivity today. This paper proposes a novel technology ecosystem that can help. By monitoring mine shovels, loaders, haul truck paths, and conveyor belts, the proposed technology enables particle size measurements throughout the operation, truck and belt volume monitoring, ground engaging tools monitoring, and boulder detection.

Mar 2, 2022

By J. Sidhom, W. Fourie

"As the mining industry continues to face difficult challenges the need to persistently focus on productivity and utilization of labor and equipment costs will intensify. With these challenges in mind, Komatsu is helping to bring mining performance and analytics to the next level.By evaluating underground haulage, a significant component of the room and pillar mining value stream, variables have been identified and sensitivities have been performed to show opportunities to balance and streamline throughput. As a result of applying operational excellence tools to the mining environment, Komatsu is seeking to optimize mining performances by limiting waste, simplifying the process, increasing productivity and machine utilization, as well as removing workers from harm’s way.These days it’s not enough to work harder; mines have to work smarter. Improving efficiency, reducing costs, increasing safety: these are no longer nice to haves, they are must haves.Starting with the best products and the right people is a first step, but then what? How do mines take their operations from average to being a top performer? By using operational excellence principles aimed at eliminating waste, simplifying processes, automating where possible and removing people from harm’s way.The fundamentals of operational excellence (OpEx) are based upon the process of define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC). DMAIC is an improvement cycle that helps with, for example, haulage optimization by: defining the issues and problems in the process as well as the areas of improvement; measuring and collecting mining operational data by time study and equipment monitoring system; analyzing through sensitivities and production modelling to determine root causes and then improving the performance and controlling the operation.Komatsu uses OpEx or lean principles inside its organization to drive efficiency, but it also helps its customers employ them to achieve new levels of productivity and safety.These same principles can be applied in most situations to streamline processes, improve operations and deliver value."

Jan 12, 2017

By J. Sidhom, W. Fourie

"As the mining industry continues to face difficult challenges the need to persistently focus on productivity and utilization of labor and equipment costs will intensify. With these challenges in mind, Joy Global is helping to bring mining performance and analytics to the next level. By evaluating underground haulage, a significant component of the Room and Pillar mining value stream, variables have been identified and sensitivities have been performed to show opportunities to balance and streamline throughput. As a result of applying operational excellence tools to the mining environment, Joy Global is seeking to optimize mining performances by limiting waste, simplifying the process, increasing productivity and machine utilization, as well as removing workers from harm’s way. These days it’s not enough to work harder; mines have to work smarter. Improving efficiency, reducing costs, increasing safety: these are no longer ‘nice to haves’, they are ‘must haves’. Starting with the best products and the right people is a first step, but then what? How do mines take their operations from just OK to being a top performer? By using operational excellence principles aimed at eliminating waste, simplifying processes, automating where possible and removing people from harm’s way. The fundamentals of operational excellence (OpEx) are based upon the DMAIC process, which stands for define, measure, analyze, improve and control. DMAIC is an improvement cycle that helps with, for example, haulage optimization by: defining the issues and problems in the process as well as the areas of improvement; measuring and collecting mining operational data by time study and equipment monitoring system; analyzing through sensitivities and production modelling to determine root causes; then improving the performance and controlling the operation. Joy Global uses Joy OpEx or ‘lean’ principles inside its organization to drive efficiency, but it also helps its customers employ them to achieve new levels of productivity and safety. These same principles can be applied in most situations to streamline processes, improve operations and deliver value. As applied to mining, OpEx is seen as moving the needle on value creation by first identifying the value stream, then analyzing the areas that are not optimized. Once defined, these areas are ‘designed out’ of operational processes to create an automated operational flow. At a US coal mine, Joy Global was brought in to apply Joy OpEx principles to optimize mining and haulage to improve productivity and reduce costs. This multi-phase process started by defining the existing systems challenges to start finding areas for improvement."

Jan 1, 2017

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons. ) A member, technically educated, with 20 years' practical experience as engineer, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and manager of large mines and mills on construction and operation, also experience in mine examination, is open to engagement. Metallurgist of 18 years' experience in Mexico with large plants is open to engagement. Last position, superintendent of copper smelting works. Best line, copper and lead smelting, but also experienced in mine valuation and ore-treatment investigation work. Speaks Spanish. A member of the Institute and graduate mining engineer with 10 years' experience in the Lake Superior copper district, also practical experience, desires position as superintendent or manager. Member, graduate mining engineer, experienced in mine and mill work, geology and field work, one year in the hydrometallurgy of copper, is open for engagement Aug. 15. A member, at present in the Southwest., desires a position as assistant superintendent or assistant manager with a mining company operating in Washington or Alaska. Experienced assayer and engineer. A member, technical graduate, with nine years' mining experience as assayer, engineer, foreman, manager's assistant, and superintendent of large development and operating mining companies in the United States and Mexico, is open for engagement. A member, technical graduate, 33 years of age, 11 years' experience as chemist, metallurgist and superintendent of lixiviation plant and in charge of construction of cyanide mill, desires position as assistant superintendent or superintendent of mining or milling company in United States or Canada. Young man, technical graduate, two and a half years' experience in chemical laboratory, desires position as chemist.

Jan 9, 1913

POSITIONS VACANT (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) Wanted for a mill on the Ivory Coast of Africa an experienced amalgamator and millman. Salary, $160 to $200 per month. No. 18. ENGINEERS AVAILABLE (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) Chemist-metallurgist of broad technical training, university graduate, with experience in chemical and metallurgical research work, desires position, preferably in the East. Has successful past that stands investigation. No. 73. Member, mining and metallurgical engineer; thorough technical training, Ph.D., Columbia University, aged 39, married, with-an-extensive experience in smelting, mining, and economic geological work in U. S., Mexico, and South America, desires position as assistant to the Manager or Superintendent, or as a director of experimental and research work, with a reliable mining or metallurgical company. The West, Mexico, or South America preferred. No. 98.

Jan 6, 1914

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members) Member, aged 32. Fifteen years' experience in the mining, quarrying, and manufacture of gypsum and gypsum products, as purchasing agent, designer, operating manager and managing executive. Thoroughly familiar with the business in all branches, especially the organization of efficient producing forces and machinery and the value of cost and their application to manufacturing. Desires responsible position with a financially reliable concern in the same or similar business in which an interest may be obtained at a later date. Now doing consulting work, but free for appointments after April 1. New York or Philadelphia. No. 345. Member, technical graduate. Unmarried. Aged 32. Seven and one half years' experience in mining, timbering, and mine sampling. At present, and for past two and a half years, mine sampler for well known and highly successful mining company. Desire change. Go anywhere. Prefer assisting Mining Engineer. No. 346. Member, 40 years old. 18 years' experience in examinations and operation in the United States, Mexico and South America. Especially successful with poor class of labor. Open for engagement in any part of the world, in technical, administrative or consulting work. No. 347. Member, technical graduate. Sixteen years' experience as engineer, superintendent, and manager in metal mines. Exploratory . work, developing and equipping new properties. Operation of large mines, and various systems of mining. Low costs. Specialized in iron and copper mining, but have had some experience in zinc, lead and pyrite mining. No; 348.

Jan 4, 1917

ENGINEERS AVAILABLE. (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) Member, graduate of College of Mines of University of California, with 12 years' operating experience in mining and milling in California, Canada, and Mexico, is open for engagement. Speaks Spanish fluently. No. 17. Mining engineer and metallurgist open for engagement Jan. 1 as superintendent of mines or constructing engineer. Technically educated, with 14 years' experience in United States and Latin America in concentration, amalgamation, cyaniding, constructing. At present building large modern .all-sliming cyanide mill in Central America. No. 18. Member, mining and metallurgical engineer, is open to engagement. Specialty, the treatment of copper ores. Nine years' experience in the operation and also in the design and erection of copper smelteries. Four years true pyrite smelting. Able to organize the administration, accounting, etc., of a large plant. Speaks a fair amount of Spanish, Russian, German, and French. Qualified to take charge of a large smeltery, or to act as assistant to manager of a combined mining and smelting concern. No. 19. Member, technical graduate, 33 years old, 11 years' experience as chemist, metallurgist, and superintendent of lixiviation plant and in charge of construction of cyanide mill, is open for engagement. Speaks Spanish. No. 21. Member, lately with the Bishop Creek Milling Co., California, is now open for engagement as mine superintendent or superintendent of construction of mine and mill structures. No. 25.

Jan 12, 1913

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute of members or other persons introduced by members) Young mining engineer, and geologist, member, technical, graduate with four years' varied mining experience in the West and Southwest as miner, surveyor and engineer. Past 18 months, work in mine geology, mapping and examinations. Would prefer assisting consulting engineer or work with exploration company in foreign service. Unmarried. Age, 28. No. 331. Member; aged 35, married, with 10 years' experience in the Southwest, thoroughly competent to take full charge of mining and milling operations. Particularly fitted to handle either gold or tungsten producers. At liberty February 1. Will go anywhere. No. 340. A member wants a roving commission to examine old mines of the Mother Lode in. California, especially those which can be bought for their taxes. Some of these mines are reported to contain large quantities of low-grade ores which can now be treated at a profit. No. 341.

Jan 2, 1917

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons. ) Position in sales department is open for a mining engineer with experience in mine ventilation and possessing some knowledge of fan design; one competent to lay out ventilating systems to meet various conditions. No. 2. A large company manufacturing mining machinery has an opening in one of its Western agencies for a young mechanical engineer who has had some experience in designing along general machine shop lines, and who is familiar with cost systems. No. 3. A large university desires to secure a prominent metallurgist for a vacant professorship in metallurgy. No. 4. Opening at a mine in New Jersey for a technical graduate to begin work as chairman on the surveying squad. Salary $50 per month to start. No. 5.

Jan 11, 1913

No. 243. Superintendent for operating Virginia, manganese mine. One experienced with wet concentration, labor and general management. Opportunity for advancement for right man. Write fully concerning experience, references and salary expected to start.

Jan 11, 1917

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) The position of converter blower at a side-blow Bessemer steel casting plant is vacant. The State Legislature of Utah has provided for the establishment of a metallurgical research department at the State School of Mines, Salt Lake City. Applications will be received for, the position of head of this laboratory, and further details may be obtained by applying to Prof. Joseph F. Merrill, Director, University of Utah, Salt Lake City. An engineering company owning patents for improvements in steel manufacture which have been adopted at many works in America, desires. to secure the services of a technical iron and steel metallurgist as assistant to its chief metallurgical engineer.

Jan 6, 1913

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members) Member, Graduate Colorado School of Mines. Four years' experience in West and Northwest. Two years with American Smelting and Refining Co. Wishes to join field party on geological work, mining or areal, where opportunity will be given to be of direct assistance to chief of party in solution of field problems. Age, 26. Unmarried. At liberty June 1. No. 342. Member, technical graduate, aged 30, with' 7 years' experience in concentrating and mining, desires a position of authority with reliable company. At present employed. No. 343. Member. Ambitious, energetic, tactful engineer, college graduate, married, aged 30, desires location with a large coal mining organization. Seven years with present employers -n middle west; has had broad experience in the past eight years on examination, development and construction; successful record in handling men. Position must carry responsible work and a future. Will go anywhere for proper opportunity. Exceptional references as to reliability, character and capacity for work. No. 344.

Jan 3, 1917

POSITIONS VACANT Wanted, for a new smelting company now being organized in China: one man familiar with the design and operation of a zinc smelter; one experienced in the design and operation of a lead smelter; and a chemist competent to make the usual analyses in connection with lead and zinc smelting and to make clay analyses. Men with their wives preferred. Company will pay all expenses to and from China, medical attendance, salary, bonus per ton of zinc or lead produced, allowance for food, and furnish quarters. No. 120. . . ENGINEERS AVAILABLE (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members.) Member, oil geologist, age 33 years, technical education, nine years' experience with oil and mining companies, wishes employment with repu-

Jan 8, 1916

POSITIONS VACANT (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or. other persons.) Position for a single man experienced in cyanide mill construction and operation at a small mine in Nicaragua. Salary $150 per month and expenses. No.. 39. ENGINEERS AVAILABLE (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members.) Member, technical graduate, desires position in ore dressing, either experimental or operating. Has had practical experience in flotation and other special methods. No. 228. Member, technical. graduate, 10 years' experience in Belgian coal mines, five years' experience in American coal mines in connection with reorganization of companies and opening of new coal fields. Aged 37. Speaks Spanish. No. 229

Jan 7, 1915

ENGINEERS AVAILABLE (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members.) Graduate mining engineer, with 10 years' experience, having an office in New York, would like to represent a mining company as selling and purchasing agent, and general supervision if desired. Machinery agency considered. No. 259. Member, technical graduate, with several years' experience as engineer for a pyrites company, and as geologist and engineer for copper, nickel, and silver companies, desires a position as engineer or superintendent of mines. No. 260. Member, technical graduate, aged 29, with experience as draftsman, surveyor, and superintendent of iron and gold mines, and as construction engineer, is open for a position as mine superintendent, or in mine examination or construction. No. 261.

Jan 11, 1915

POSITIONS VACANT (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) Position open as assistant superintendent at a steel plant. Practical experience in the manufacture of crucible and open-hearth steel and heat treatment of steel and alloy steels required. This position offers an excellent future. No. 9. A company in Virginia desires a man with experience in Western mines to act as superintendent of its pyrite mine. No. 15. Position open as instructor at a University in Middle West to teach the mechanical side of mining, such as hoisting, haulage, drilling, and mine surveying. Salary, $1,500 to $1,800. No. 16. Experienced amalgamator wanted at a mill in Ivory Coast, Africa. An American speaking French preferred. No. 18.

Jan 5, 1914

POSITIONS VACANT (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) Opening for man as head of laboratory of large brass manufacturing plant in Ohio; must also be competent to manage foundry making brass castings, following practice of malleable iron castings and insulating materials. Good opportunity for right man. No. 36. Professorship in Mining at a Western university; requires man competent to give instruction in ore dressing, in metal and coal mining, and in zinc smelting, and capable of gaining confidence of mining interests. Salary $2,200 to $3,000. No. 37. ENGINEERS AVAILABLE (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of - the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members.) Member, graduate engineer, aged 44, with over 20 years' experience in connection with large coal and coke operations in different parts of the country, desires position as general superintendent of large coal company, or will take an interest with the management in a smaller company. No. 206.

Jan 6, 1915

ENGINEERS AVAILABLE (Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members.) Member, technical graduate, aged 36. Experienced copper metallurgist and mining geologist. Familiar also, through 15 years' broad practical experience, with mining, cyanidation, concentration (including oil flotation), metallurgical accounting, and mine and plant management. Best references. No. 237. Member, graduate engineer with 10 years' experience in malleable, gray -Iron, and steel, as chemist., metallographist, and metallurgist. Researches and investigations by laboratory methods and under works conditions. No objection to some routine. No. 243. Member, technical graduate, broad experience in coal, oil, and clay. Will go anywhere as mining geologist after Sept. 1, 1915. No. 244. Member, technical graduate, aged 30, married, with over 10 years' experience as chemist, engineer on construction, superintendent and general superintendent of bituminous coal and coke plants. SpeaksSpanish. References. No. 245. Member, open for engagement as mine safety inspector or as superintendent of bituminous coal mine. No. 246. Member, graduate mining engineer, with five years' experience in coal mining as mining engineer, construction engineer, pit boss, and superintendent, open for engagement. Best references. No. 247.

Jan 9, 1915

POSITIONS VACANT (Under this heading will he published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) In the course of the next few months, a mechanical engineer, who has specialized in the design and erection of copper-smelting plants, including steel work, power equipment, etc., may be required by a company operating abroad. Man speaking German preferred. No. 23. ENGINEERS AVAILABLE (Under this heading will he published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons introduced by members.) Member, 31 years of age, married, graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, desires position with malleable iron or steel firm. Nine years' experience as chemist and metallurgist in malleable, gray iron, and steel. No. 123. Member, metallurgist, desires position with company making steel, castings, or tool steel. Has had six years' experience with the electric furnace, making steel castings and tool steel, also heat treatment of same. No. 124.

Jan 9, 1914