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By John C. Machisak

THIS INFORMATION CIRCULAR contains 1956 and 1957 injury experience and employment data for metal mines in the United States and Alaska. Unlike previous publications, this report covers only metal mining and contains statistical data on injuries and employment pertinent to metal mines and mills reporting voluntarily to the Bureau of Mines on an annual basis. Injury and employment data for the nonmetal industries, which from 1911 through 1955 were published in the same series as the metal industries, for the first time will be published separately as an information circular entitled "Injury Experience in the Nonmetal Industries, 1956 and 1957." The Bureau of Mines is authorized to make requests for injury and employment data, and the information submitted by operators of metal mines and mills is a step forward in promoting safety in the metal-mining industry. Every effort has been made to make this coverage as complete as possible.

Jan 1, 1960

By W. J. Johnson

This report presents the Phase I progress in the development of a Radar Coal Thickness Sensor (RCTS) being conducted by Boeing Aerospace and Electronics for the Bureau of Mines. A method is developed for measuring both the dielectric constant and depth of the coal shale interface using a modified UHF network analyzer and antennas in proximity to the surface of the coal. Both bistatic and monostatic systems, are compared. The algorithm technique uses synthetic range gating for clutter rejection and full polarimetric scattering matrix techniques to extract the dielectric constant and depth to sub-wavelength accuracies. Tests were run both in the lab and in a coal mine to build an error budget and demonstrate a validation of the model. The development of a prototype radar suitable for coal mine robotics is specified.

Jan 1, 1990

By P. H. Francis

In This report, factors which currently enter into the design, manufacture, and quality assurance of explosion-proof enclosures are reviewed, with special emphasis given to the sealing concepts and sealants/cements, per se, for lenses. The physical and mechanical properties of a number of representative sealants and adhesives are measured, and found to exhibit great variance, with few discernible trends which might afford a firm base on which to establish minimum property standards. Accordingly, acceptance criteria for adhesives and sealants are suggested based on the survivability of an explosion-proof enclosure as a structure rather than upon the minimum mat real properties of its constituents. Procedures or surface preparation of adherends, and for quality assurance, also are proposed.

Jan 1, 1980

By L. Xia, B. Hart, G. Gingras, M. Furlotte

Plant and laboratory test work was performed in order to optimize a copper/zinc flotation separation circuit at Matagami concentrator, Canada. The testing identified a significant difference between the laboratory testing and the plant flotation, particularly for the sphalerite recovery in the rougher copper concentrate. Tests indicate that sphalerite recovery of the flotation concentrate in the laboratory testing was significantly higher than in the plant. The ToF-SIMS surface analysis identifies surface species responsible for the discrepancy in Zn recovery. It shows that sphalerite flotation is in response to the collector attachment and a significant enrichment of Cu on the surface of sphalerite grains. A comparative surface chemical analysis was performed on both sphalerite and chalcopyrite grains from the plant flotation and laboratory testing in order to identify surface species variability between the two testing. Two significant observations were revealed. First, there is considerably more hydrophilic iron oxyhydroxide on sphalerite surface from the plant flotation sample relative to those from the lab testing. The secondary coating likely completely or partially passivates sphalerite surfaces, reducing Cu enrichment and hence sphalerite floatability. Secondly, comparing the surface chemistry on sphalerite and chalcopyrite, the hydrophilic iron oxyhydroxide species have preference for the sphalerite grains relative to chalcopyrite. Despite numerous studies on the effect of galvanic coupling during grinding, there is limited documented evidence on the effect of the milling environment on the flotation and plant operations. This observation suggests that interaction between sulphide minerals and grinding media have a significant influence on subsequent flotation. This paper discusses the results of a detailed surface chemical evaluation of sphalerite grains from both the plant and laboratory testing in the context of grinding environments and pulp chemistry.

Jan 1, 2016

By Y. J. Wang

A critical path approach is presented for the problem of mine ventilation net- works where regulators and fans are employed to control the airflow distribution which is preassigned. The problem is a classic one which arises in mine ventilation planning. By identifying the analogy between the network for controlled flow and that for CPPI, the applications of the well known CPM technique to the ventilation network problem become straight- forward. The mathematical formulation of the problem is presented and the solutions are illustrated with examples. The effect of booster fans on the total air power consumed in a ventilation network are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. D. Hausel

The Wyoming Province is an Archean craton which underlies portions of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and much of Wyoming. The cratonic block consists of Archean age granite-gneiss with interspersed greenstone belts and related supracrustal terranes exposed in the cores of several Laramide uplifts. Resources found in the Province and in the adjacent accreted Proterozoic terrane include banded iron formation, Au, Pt, Pd, W, Sn, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and diamonds. The Province shows many similarities to the mineral-rich cratons of the Canadian shield, the Rhodesian and Transvaal cratons of southern Africa, and the Pilbara and Yilgarn blocks of Western Australia, where much of the world's precious and strategic metal and gemstone resources are located.

Jan 1, 1991

By J. Drelich

The adsorption of oleate at the surface of titanium dioxide from aqueous solutions was examined by Fourier transform infrared (FT -IR.) spectroscopy using a germanium internal reflection element coated with a thin film of TiO2. This thin film, with a thickness of 100-200 A, was deposited on the surface of a germanium single crystal by RFIDC magnetron reactive sputtering. It was found that significant adsorption of oleate from a 0.02-0.03 mM aqueous solution on the surface of TiO2 thin film occurs at neutral pH, from about pH=5.5 to pH=7.7. Adsorption of oleate at the surface of the amorphous TiO2 thin film appeared to be reversible, involving soap-acid dimers.

Jan 1, 1997

By S M. Jowitt, G M. Mudd

"The mining industry is the source for the vast majority of the metal, mineral and energy resources we use on a daily basis. New deposits are discovered over time and are developed into mines before being rehabilitated – a sequence that when repeated can help contribute to the noble notion of ‘sustainable development’, despite the generic concept of mining being the unsustainable consumption of non-renewable resources. The scale of the modern mining industry is immense – from iron ore and coal to base and precious metals, modern mines are sometimes hundreds or thousands of times bigger than their long lost historic ancestors. We also live in a world with emerging and increasing demands for so-called technology metals (aka ‘critical’, ‘e-tech’ or ‘specialty’ metals) that are needed to feed the rapid growth in renewable energy (especially solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines), consumer electronics, sophisticated military technologies and super alloys, amongst other uses. These elements include the rare earth elements, indium, germanium, tellurium, rhenium, selenium, gallium and many others, most of which had few or no known uses in the recent past. Although the mining industry has been successful in developing ever larger mines and increasing the scale of production, the key issues underlying the future of the industry are declining ore grades, increased tailings and waste rock generation, the presence of toxic or other impurities, balancing the economics of primary and secondary products, stricter environmental conditions, more difficult exploration, increasing community expectations, as well as the processing of more complex or refractory ores, let alone the recent volatility in world commodity markets. Here, we synthesise our recent research on many of these various issues, focusing on the need to link all areas within the mining chain from mineral resources through mining to environmental performance in order to ensure we obtain the most out of our modern mining effort. The paper presents a unique and detailed assessment of the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing modern mining – and geometallurgical thinking is at the heart of this conundrum.CITATION:Mudd, G M, Jowitt, S M, 2016. From Mineral Resources to Sustainable Mining – the Key Trends to Unlock the Holy Grail?, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 37–54 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By Clyde Williams

IN this war as in no former one, the use of metals has been the major factor governing success. For building new plants, new transport facilities whether by land, sea, or air, for our mechanized army, and for nearly all weapons, iron and steel has provided the basic material. Being the world leader in iron and steel production in peacetime, we soon adapted plants to production for war. Starting with a production of 66,000,000 tons of steel ingots in 1940 from a rated capacity of 80,000,000 tons which only could be reached by straining every productive device available, our industry expanded to 86,000,000 tons in 1942, and ultimately to 96,000,000 tons. To do so required expansion of every unit operation including mining, rail and water transportation, blast-furnace and steelmaking facilities, and rolling mills. New plants not only had to be built in record time but more output for each operation was essential. This performance required skillful operation and engineering techniques and also a better understanding of the physics and chemistry underlying such complex operations as the working of a big blast furnace. A vastly increased pig iron production made possible the great output of steel by an industry that had depended on scrap for its basic raw material even though sufficient scrap was unavailable. This was done by conversion of pig iron in the Bessemer either into steel or into a low-carbon product that was subsequently used in place of scrap in the open¬hearth steel furnace. Furthermore, by duplexing from the open-hearth to the electric furnace, and the construction of many new electric furnaces, our output of electric-furnace alloy steel was greatly increased. Moreover, techniques were developed by which alloy steel could be made in the open hearth with the result that our production of alloy steel reached the fantastic figure of 15,000,000 tons a year.

Jan 1, 1945

By Batric Pesic

A hydrometallurgical process for recovery of Zn and Mn from Bunker Hill Water Treatment Plant sludge was developed. The process is unique because it treats an unusual combination of metals, Zn and Mn. Another non-standard feature of the process is that leaching takes place with ~S04 in the presence of a reductant (SO2). Zn and Mn are recovered simultaneously by electrowinning, Zn on a cathode and Mn on an anode, as MnO2 The major purpose of the process is to detoxify the sludge by removing toxic heavy metals. The recovered metal values could be marketed to offset the overall costs of water and sludge processing. This work is presented in two separate parts, 1. Leaching and Solution Purification, and II. Electrowinning. This paper covers only the first part of the hydrometallurgical process: Leaching and Solution Purification. Initially, the paper briefly discusses the history of the pollution problem at the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, the origin of heavy metals in the mine waters, and the development and use of the water treatment plant. The leaching of sludge was examined as a function of the following parameters: constant vs. initial pH, initial vs. delayed addition of SO2, temperature, and pulp density. It was found that leaching with H2SO4 at pH 2.0 for 15 minutes (at 60°C), followed by S02 addition for another 15 minutes, could completely dissolve Zn and Mn. Solution purifIcation was done in three stages. In the first stage iron was removed by adjustment of pH (to pH 5.0) and oxidation offerrous to ferric iron (with H2O2). In the second stage, Cu and Cd were removed by Zn dust cementation. Finally, Co and Ni were precipitated with the organic reagents 1-2 nitroso-naphthol and nitroso, respectively. Electrowinning of Zn and Mn is discussed separately in Part II of this paper.

Jan 1, 1996

By Henrique Silva Furtado

This paper presents the results obtained on the exchange of an original old blow charge model for a new up-to-date state of art global model, employing optimization techniques and process modelling, and, the results obtained in terms of fluxes consumption reduction and the introduction of user friendly tools and practices.

Aug 17, 2017

By J E. Everett

An essential requirement of product quality control in the mining industry is to be able to reliably predict key quality properties of finished product from the data available before the extraction of the ore. From a production viewpoint, the unit of data collection is generally the input and output data set for each shift of crusher production, but could be any period where mine precrusher data can be reliably matched with product data.This paper demonstrates that linear regression models can be used to predict crush grades from blast grades, even where the crush material is blended from multiple sources or pits for each of which differing regression models might apply. The advantage of using increasingly complex regressions models to match the available data to give increasingly more powerful models is examined. The best model for any application will be a balance between required predictability, available data and the business’ tolerance for complex models.The regression modelling approach has several advantages over the more classic method of run-of-mine (ROM) crusher trials, which will be discussed.The models can use any predictor variable such as grade, geotype and in situ density provided the preextraction data set can be reliably matched with post-crusher data and is significant as a predictor. The models have been used extensively in the generation of the daily crusher plan with the aim of maintaining finished product grade. This approach has also been used associated with exploration drilling and long-term planning.It is acknowledged that there are inherent problems in fitting lump and fines grade to a linear model. However, these problems are minor when they are used for interpolation within the window spanned by the shift blend records used to produce the model. This paper discusses some of the issues limiting linear regression models in this application, and suggests methods enabling consistent models to be formulated

Sep 5, 2011

By T Ireland

The Project Hobson tunnel excavation was the first use in New Zealand of an earth pressure balance (EPB) tunnel boring machine (TBM). The tunnelling on the project was very successful and break-through was achieved three weeks ahead of program, demonstrating that tunnelling can be undertaken in Auckland with a high degree of cost certainty.Project Hobson involved the replacement of an existing 90 year old above ground sewer that crosses Hobson Bay in Auckland, New Zealand, and which had reached the end of its economic life, with a 3 km long, 3.7 m internal diameter segmentally lined bored tunnel. The NZD$ 118 M project has provided several environmental benefi ts to the Owner, Watercare Services Ltd and the local community:· provide capacity to meet projected growth in the region,· virtually eliminate wastewater overflows into Hobson Bay and the Waitemata Harbour, and· remove an obtrusive visual feature and open up the bay for recreational purposes.Auckland’s bedrock is a weak sandstone/siltstone (East Coast Bays Formation), subject to infilled paleovalleys. The geology in the region has been significantly influenced by volcanic activity; 49 volcanoes are present within 20 km of the city centre.The paper describes the design and construction challenges for the projects, including TBM performance, ‘sticky spoil’ management, and risks associated with basalt lava flows and two paleovalleys. The paper also highlights the reasons for the success of the project, including a rigorous approach to risk management during design, and effective planning during construction. Other useful data such as the effect on the watertable caused by closed face tunnelling, and ‘faceloss’ estimates derived from settlement arrays are included in the paper.Project Hobson also saw the successful implementation of a Geotechnical Baseline Report – one of the first uses of this type of document in Australasia.

Mar 8, 2011

By R C. Morris

Secondary microplaty haematite in its variety of styles and generations is the defining component of the high-grade banded iron-formation (BIF)-hosted iron ores of the world that are dominated by martite (M; - haematite pseudomorphs after magnetite). The term microplaty haematite (mplH) was introduced during the CSIRO-AMIRA 1976-1994 iron ore program, and was used to differentiate the then main export martite-microplaty haematite (M-mpl H) ore types of Tom Price-Whaleback and Paraburdoo (Paleoproterozoic), from the newly exploited, more prolific supergene martite-goethite (M-G) ores (Mesozoic-Paleocene) of the Hamersley Province that are now the major Hamersley iron ore exports.Morris (1980, 1985) suggested that the most important genetic factor that distinguishes the two main ore types was regional metamorphism of Paleoproterozoic M-G ores at temperatures normally related to diagenesis (ca 80 - 100°C). As temperatures increased, mplH grew in goethite both spontaneously as well as by nucleating on martite and other pre-existing haematite. Because the conversion of goethite to haematite involves a ~27 per cent reduction in volume, the crystals probably grew within microvoids of their own creation, with iron transfer through water resulting from the process itself, a local hydrothermal process requiring no introduced hypogene fluids.Barley et al (1999) and Taylor et al (2001) concluded instead that oxidation of introduced siderite in hydrothermally metasomatised BIF ‘protore’ resulted in mplH + ankerite by reaction with heated meteoric fl uids. This postulated ‘protore’, still preserved locally at Mt Tom Price, was described during the CSIRO-AMIRA program as local post-ore BIF metasomatic residuals. These new hypogene-meteoric concepts for M-mpl H genesis have formed the basis for a range of varying local and international models that currently dominate the literature of iron ore.No valid petrographic data supporting the hypogene-supergene modelling was found but petrographic images of goethite-related mplH growth in a range of different environments are shown.

Jul 11, 2011

"An atmospheric process for the synthesis of scorodite(DMSP®)has beendeveloped,in which ferrous ions were oxidized by oxygen gas in the presence of pentavalent arsenic ions. Under optimum conditions, the synthesized scorodite (FeAsO4?2H2O) was well crystallizedand the crystals were faceted; the particle sizes were as large as 15 to 20 µm. In thisstudy, iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4·7H2O), arsenic (V) acid (60mass%H3AsO4) solution, and distilled water were used to prepare the original experimental solution (700 ml), in which the contents of Fe(II) and As(V) were 55.9 g/L and 50.0 g/L, respectively. The effects of various synthesis conditions, such as the type of oxidizing gas (oxygen or air), gas injectionrate, temperature, and the initial pH of the solution, on the size and shape of the scorodite particles wereinvestigated. From the experimental results, the changes in the shape of the scorodite particles wereclarified for each synthesis condition.INTRODUCTIONDOWA has developed a processfor synthesizing well-crystallized scorodite (FeAsO4•2H2O). Theprocess is named andtrademarked as DMSP® (Fujita et al., 2008; Fujita et al., 2008; Fujita et al., 2009; Fujita et al., 2009; Fujita et al., 2009, Kubo et al., 2010). In this process, oxygen gas is injectedinto a sulfuric acid solution containing large amountsof As(V) and Fe(II). Facetedscorodite crystals as large as 15–20 µm weregeneratedthrough the pre-formation of a gel-like precursor. However, it is known that the synthesized scorodite particles become smaller and more aggregatedwhen the synthesis conditionsdeviate from the optimumconditions.In this study, the effects of various synthesis conditions, such as the type of oxidizing gas (oxygen or air), gas flowrate, temperature, and initial pH of the solution, on the size and shape of the scorodite particles were investigated. The experimental resultsclarified the changes in the shape of the scorodite particles for each synthesis condition."

Jan 1, 2016

By Afshin Sadri

One of the main reasons for blast furnace reline is the loss of refractory lining, particularly in the hearth and taphole regions. Intense operation of the blast furnace can result in extensive refractory wear and deterioration. This can then affect the continuity of the operation and the furnace campaign life. Novo-Lipetsk (NLMK) and Hatch developed a systematic approach to monitor the condition of blast furnace hearth linings using Acousto Ultrasonic-Echo (AU-E), a non-destructive testing system developed by Hatch. Continuous and periodic inspections of blast furnaces revealed areas with accelerated refractory deterioration, formation of elephant foot, extent and speed of refractory wear, as well as cracks and other anomalies. Improvement in coke quality, stave washing, the addition of titania, and other changes were recommended and implemented to prolong furnace life while maintaining the intensity of furnace operation. This paper demonstrates how the coordinated efforts between NLMK and Hatch resulted in prolonging the blast furnace campaign life.

Aug 17, 2017

By H. Knorre, A. Griffiths, J. Loroesch

Introduction Hydrogen peroxide is known to the mining industry as a powerful oxidant, able to attack and to destroy cyanide, the most important leaching reagent (Knorre and Griffiths, 1984; Griffiths, 1988; Griffiths, 1988). CN- + H202 => OCN- + H2O The most recent development, however, is the use of H202 as an oxidant in the cyanidation of precious metals. This application may appear to be a contradiction to the above mentioned detoxification process. This can, indeed, be the case if certain conditions are not considered carefully. Degussa has developed a new process to enable the application of H2O2, in this field without having any detrimental effect on the cyanide. The incentive to seek an oxygen supplier like H2O2 instead of air was the fact that one of the most important conditions for the fast dissolution of gold is the presence of physically dissolved oxygen in the pulp (Kydryk and Kellog, 1954; Warstell, 1987). 2 Au + 4CN- + 1 /2 O2 + H2O => 2 [Au(CN)2]- + 2 OH Complete gold recovery within a reasonable leaching time may only be achieved if the pulp is saturated with dissolved oxygen. Gold losses in leach operations mainly occur due to the following reasons: • In some cases, the saturation of oxygen in the pulp cannot be achieved by aeration due to the difficulty to transfer oxygen from the gaseous into the liquid phase. This happens, for example, in pulps with a high viscosity. In such cases, even violent aeration only results in a low concentration of dissolved oxygen in the pulp. • In any case, the starting phase of leaching requires the highest amount of oxygen. Therefore, it is especially important to raise the dissolved oxygen level to saturation in the starting phase. Peroxide assisted leach process (PAL) The intention of the process is to introduce oxygen in a liquid form. As a result of intensive research work, it could be shown that hydrogen peroxide can be used as a source of oxygen in the leaching of gold ores. To avoid side reactions, the following conditions must be applied: • Hydrogen peroxide must be diluted before it is added to the pulp. • The dosage of H2O2, must be properly regulated based on the oxygen level of the pulp. • An important part of the continuous 02-control is a special oxygen electrode, which resists the extremely abrasive action of the pulp.

Jan 1, 1989

By Homer J. Ballinger

The Alma, Degraff and other mines controlled by the Mon-Ark Mining Co. comprise one of the more important groups of zinc-lead mines in Christian County, Mo. The mines were first operated in .1857 and produced more than 5 million pounds of lead from rich, shallow ore deposits. Recent exploration and development led to the discovery of zinc sulfide ore at a depth of 165 to 214 feet in the northern part of the Alma mine. After examination of these mines in September 1942 by Bureau of Mines engineers, investigation of the extension -of the Alma mine and of the depth of mineralization at the other mines appeared justified in order to encourage the production of additional zinc and lead for war purposes. Twenty-nine churn-drill holes totaling 6.463 feet of bore were completed by the. Bureau from September 1943 to January 1944.

Jan 1, 1948

Mr. Robert H. Abel Frontier Truck Equip 7167 E 53rd PI Commerce City, CO 80022 Mr. Scott Aberle Western Energy Co POB 99 Colstrip, MT 59323 Mr. Ronald H. Achziger Midwest Rbr & Sply Co 6404 E 39th Ave Denver, CO 80207 Mr. Randy Acre Energy Fuels Coal Inc POB 449 Florence, CO 81226

Jan 1, 1995

By E McLean

The decision making check-list and hierarchy of information for process and plant design is generally wide-ranging and complex. The nature of grades, mineralisation and ore types in an ore body, its mine development sequence, and the body of results from metallurgical and physical test work present complex and competing influences on flowsheet development, values for design, equipment selection, plant efficiencies and operating strategy. The challenge is how to manage all these variables, to understand their impacts on performance, and how best to provide a cost-effective plant design and robust process that meets daily/weekly/monthly operating objectives. Throughput, production and grade or product specifications need to be met. The ore body is not average; its range of metallurgical and physical characteristics may be moderately to highly variable. This paper assesses some of the key competing influences and conflicting issues in design and equipment selection, and their effect on production and performance expectations.

Aug 8, 2011