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By Macelwane

WHAT characterizes a geophysical engineer and sets him apart from all other engineers? This is a question that is important not only for accrediting purposes but is assuming increasing importance in the licensing of professional geophysical engineers by state boards. What is the basis of distinction of one type of professional engineer from another type is answered in part by the need which brought each type into being precisely because that need could not be satisfied by pre-existing types and which nevertheless demanded the special outlook, training, and abilities of an engineer. The need which called for the civil engineer was the adaptation to the tasks of civilian life of the capabilities developed by the military engineer for the design and construction of roads, bridges, dams, earthworks, military buildings, and other structures and of mechanisms required by military operations.

Jan 4, 1954

US 4,183,794 - Electrowinning zinc from a zinc sulfate solution produced by leaching zinc ore with sulfuric acid. The leach liquor is subjected to electrolysis in a first cell having an insoluble anode to deposit primary zinc on the common electrode. The coated electrode is transferred to a second cell having an alkaline electrolyte, and electrolysis is effected in the second cell to transfer zinc from the common electrode to the second cell cathode in a spongelike form which is readily stripped. R.H.C.L. Ross. Jan 15, 1980. 10 pp. (204-119). Filed: 12-22-77 (863,190). Same: Canadian 1,051,820, dated Apr. 3, 1979.

Jan 1, 1982

By S. S. Clarke, Douglas C. Brockie

Longhole underground drilling has been carried on in the Tri-State area at various times over the past 35 years or more. W. F. Netzeband reported on this topic in 1926 and in 1930. More recently it has been found that in certain areas of the Picher field, Oklahoma, and under certain conditions, the jackleg or jumbo-mounted drifters can be used more economically and to greater advantage than surface churn drillholes for prospecting. To understand better the problems involved in Eagle-Picher's longhole prospecting program it would be helpful to cover the geologic criteria affecting it. Much has been written about the geology of the Picher field. A more complete description than that given here can be found in a recent paper by J. P. Lyden.

Jan 1, 1956

By G. E. Karantzavelos

Although jigging has been the subject of extensive studies, evaluation of the effect of various jigging factors on the efficiency of separation has been less comprehensive. The basic factors that affect jigging separation are reviewed, a mathematical model describing jigging kinetics is presented, and attention is focussed on the mechanisms of the stratification process. The parameters of the kinetic model (the Wei- bull distribution function) are redefined in a gravity concentration technological sense, and their values are estimated for a wide range of jigging conditions. Several mathematical relationships (regression models) are also formulated which express the dependence of total time required for the complete stratifaction of mineral particles on the operating jigging variables.

Jan 1, 1984

The library of the above-named Societies is open from 9 A. M. to 10 P. M. except on holidays. It contains about 70,000 volumes and 90,000 pamphlets, including sets of technical periodicals and publications of scientific and technical societies. Members of the Institute, with few exceptions, are forced to spend a portion of their time in localities isolated from sources of information. To these the Library, through its Library Service Bureau, can render valuable service through correspondence; letters requesting information will receive especial attention. The Library is prepared to furnish references and photographic copies of articles on mining and metallurgical subjects; to determine the existence of mining maps, and to furnish general information on the geology and mineral resources of all countries. All communications should be made as definite as possible so that the information received may be what is desired and not include collateral matter which may not be of interest. The time spent in searching for such collateral matter will be saved, and the information will be sent more promptly and in more usable shape.

Jan 1, 1919

By A. Bruce Matthews

Of the many opportunities in the mining industry to invest funds to improve operations, there is always some limit in every company as to how much can be spent each year for the acquisition of capital assets. Generally, there are many more opportunities for investment than funds to make the investments. As such, one of management's goals is to select the most profitable of all the opportunities available. Each opportunity must be carefully analyzed for its potential percentage rate of return. This percentage return or return on investment concept is an accepted financial yardstick of business profit- ability. For today's mining engineers, this problem resolves itself in the job of determining how to in- vest most productively the cash that is flowing from their operations so that it will multiply in value. There are four basic types of capital investments: Strategic investments, such as selecting a plant site, are those that affect virtually all long-run plans of a company. Change in a company's product line and expansion of company facilities are two other types of capital investments.

Jan 3, 1963

By J. R. Thoenen

THE proper classification of mining methods has received the earnest study of many mining engineers and has resulted in much technical con-troversy, depending no doubt upon the point from which classification is viewed or the use to which it is put. So far as the writer is aware, the discussion has invariably centered around the classification of under-ground mining methods, and only superficial attention has been directed to surface methods. Volume 72, page 10, of the Institute TRANSACTIONS, presents such a classification, sponsored by the Mining Methods Committee of the Institute. A similar classification by Prof. Hugh P. Nicholson appeared in MINING AND METALLURGY in October, 1934. The two classifications are quite different in their treatment of underground methods but are identical in classifying surface methods, although Professor Nicholson does suggest possible further divisions for surface mining and admits that such subdivision is more difficult than appears at first. Surface subdivisions as given by these two authorities are as follows, showing that in spite of rearrangement the two classifications are identical:

Jan 1, 1935

The following is am incomplete list of members and guests who called at Institute headquarters during the period May 10, 1918 to June 10, 1918. Arthur K. Adams, Potrerillos, Chile. J. M. Mahoney, Wilkinsburg, Pa. John Carter Anderson, Tucson, Ariz. Benjamin L. Miller, South Bethlehem, Pa. George S. Blair, Camp Cordon, Ga. Wilbur A. Nelson, Nashville, Tenn. W. A. Deane, Summitville, N. Y. Miles G. Nixon, Chicago, Ill. Charles H. Fulton, Cleveland, Ohio. Walter G. Perkins, San Francisco, Cal. Rudolf Gahl, Inspiration, Ariz. G. M. Ponton, Ottawa, Canada. C. C. Griggs, Eureka, Utah. D. A. Powell, Columbus, Ohio. J. F. Hanst, Potrerillos, Chile. H. W. Reed, Salt Lake City, Utah. Stanley C. Herold, Pittsburgh, Pa. J. C. L. J. Seelig, Padong, East. Indies. Floyd D. James, Boston, Mass. Oberlin Smith, Bridgeton, N. J. Charles Janin, San Francisco, Cal. Harrison Souder, Cornwall, Pa. E. Horton Jones, Copper Cliff, Ont. Stanley A. Spellmeyer, Camp Meade, Md. William Kelly, Vulcan, Mich. Roger S. Sperry, Waterbury, Conn. Ichiro Kitsunezaki, Tokyo, Japan. D. R. Thomas, Toronto, Canada. P. K. Lucke, San Antonio, Tex. Thor Warner, Phoenix, Ariz. E. Francis McCrossin, Birmingham, Ala. L. Douglass Anderson, formerly superintendent of the United States Smelting Co., Midvale, Utah, is now manager of smelters, Intermountain District, United States Smelting, Refining & Mining Co., Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jan 7, 1918

By F. H. Buchella

When Duval Sulphur & Potash Co. awarded pre- mining stripping and early mining at Esperanza to an independent contractor, it was agreed that monthly payments for excavation were to be made on a truck count. At six-month intervals, however, adjustments must be made on the basis of actual excavation or cut from the pit area. It was estimated that it would be three times more expensive to have the pit sectioned by chain and transit survey than to use photogrammetry, since it would take two crews of three men approximately two weeks to do the field work, another two weeks to plot the sections, and additional time to establish a control network. Therefore it was agreed to have the mine area mapped by photogrammetry for both the premined surface and for semi-annual check surveys necessary for intermediate settlements. A triangulation net was established with a maximum distance of 900 ft between control points. In about 30 working days a two-man survey crew, using a theodolite, set up and triangulated 30 stations and calculated their results. For ease in spotting on the photographs, control stations were marked on the ground with white-painted tires centered over the survey pins.

Jan 6, 1960

By Joel J. Lloyd

The storage and retrieval of geological information is represented by a "Babel" of systems. If the energy and expense that is being expended is to be fully exploited by the earth science community, a common language and common practise is required. Interfacing, applicable in the crossover of scientific disciplines and of polyglot data collections, is neither practical nor economic in the handling of English language information. Whether a single input/output center or a locus of interlocking subcenters is established, is irrelevant. The capture of fugitive information and recapture of lost data is paramount. Existing national committees and international commissions are cognizant of the problem and are engaged with it. The time required to reach agreement may merely complicate the problem. It may prove necessary for a group of individuals to face up to the situation and take the indicated action -- facing the criticism that will probably fall on their heads. The cost of rectifying immediate mistakes may be far less than the delayed execution of a long studied plan. System designs are considered in terms of input elements and output products, various mechanical operating modes are presented, and the economics of organization and maintenance are discussed.

Jan 1, 1969

The International Mining Convention held in Nelson, B; C., May 17 , to 19, was attended by nearly 500 delegates, of whom about 100 were from Spokane, 150 from the Slocan district, and the others from different points in Canada and the United States. Arrangements were in charge of the Nelson, Slocan and Eastern British Columbia Mining Men's Club, under the direction of Secretary Fred A. Starkey, assisted by the City of Nelson, Associated Boards of Trade of Eastern British Columbia and Nelson Board of Trade. The Columbia Section of the American Institute of Mining Engineers; cooperating with the Western Branch of the Canadian Mining Institute, provided the technical program, under the management of Secretary E. Jacobs, of Victoria, and Secretary L. K. Armstrong, of Spokane. Three technical sessions were held, at which the following were read: Difficulties of the Electrolytic Zinc Process, by Thomas French. Sketch of the Geology and Ore Deposits of Nelson and Kootenay Region, by Arthur Lake's. Advantages of Local Organization of National Societies, by W. H. Linney. Review of Kootenay Mining, by Bruce White. Milling of Partially Oxidized Ores, by S. S. Fowler.

Jan 7, 1917

By Frank Somogyi, Donald H. Gray

Techniques for in-situ dewatering of tailings and slimes include evaporation, decantation, drainage under self weight, drainage by surcharging, and electro-osmosis. A promising technique for increasing drainage efficiency is a vertical, wall-drain system, which can be constructed in an impoundment concurrently with deposition of slurried tailings. The vertical drains, which can be constructed from sand or from the coarse fraction of a tailings stream, greatly speed the rate of consolidation of the fine tailings or slimes. The performance of a wall drain system and the semitidy of consolidation efficiency to certain variables or system parameters are examined. These parameters include the slime deposition rate, ratio of drain to slime permeability, drain width, and drain spacing.

Jan 1, 1979

By William B. Plank

THERE are 19 pct fewer undergraduate and graduate mineral engineering students enrolled in the ECPD accredited schools of the United States this year than there were a year ago. The figures are: 8727 this year and 10,674 last year. The entire engineering group in both countries numbers 171,070, as compared with 184,547 last year and 252,250 in 1947-48, the peak year. This is a decrease of 7.3 pct since last year, less than half as much as the decrease in the mineral engineering group. These figures on engineering enrollment for the current year, 195.1-52, in colleges of the United States and Canada were prepared jointly by the U. S. Office of Education and the American Society for Engineering Education. The seriousness of the situation is shown. by the reported demand for 60,000 to 90,000 engineers this year for civilian and defense industries and only 35,800 will graduate next June. Many of the 1952 graduates are subject to Selective Service, having been granted deferments while in college, and ac- [ ]

Jan 1, 1952

By L. M. Higgins

Dust or fume control systems are devices for capturing contaminants at their source and preventing their discharge to atmosphere. The Primary Components Of Any Dust Control System Include: An enclosure around any potential dust source such as conveyor belt transfer, crusher, screening machine, bin loading and loadout. Ductwork including hood takeoffs (transitions) to convey the collected dust laden air away from the source of dust generation to a convenient location. A dust collector for separation of particulate matter from the air stream prior to its discharge to the atmosphere. A prime mover generally a fan, to draw air into an enclosure and to overcome resistance to flow in the ductwork, dust collector and stack.

Jan 1, 1978

By D. J. Spottiswood

The control of thickener operation has proved difficult due to a lack of understanding of thickener operation and the long retention times involved. This is particularly true in counter current decantation circuits where the interact ion between thickeners further complicates the control problem. In this paper, the control aims and controlable variables are identified, and the development of a control system is discussed. Models of the sedimentation process, as carried out in thickeners, have been primarily aimed at thickener design. These models are examined and utilized in a dynamic model development. A preliminary dynamic model of the thickener operation is discussed here with relation to control application and its use in CCD circuit control examined.

Jan 1, 1984

By Immo H. Redeker

The Asheville Minerals Research Laboratory at North Carolina State University is engaged mainly in applied nonmetallic mineral processing research to assist the North Carolina mining industry. The laboratory helped to bring the flotation process to North Carolina feldspar. spodumene, mica and phosphate producers and it maintains a versatile batch and pilot plant. The conservation of mineral resources through improved processing methods has been the object of most of the laboratory's projects. Current laboratory work is sponsored by three feldspar companies, the State of North Carolina, and the U.S. Bureau of Mines. This work is aimed at reducing the amounts of feldspar tailings in the Spruce Pine area. Mineral dressing techniques are applied to these tails to reclaim salable mineral products such as feldspar, mica, quartz, and to make a more uniform material for possible ceramic and other applications.

Jan 1, 1970

By K. Verghese, R. W. Rousseau, R. P. Gardner

A radioactive tracer method and a size-discretized, mass balance model are formulated and demonstrated in a feasibility experiment for the determination of crystal growth rates in MSMPR crystallizers. The system studied is aqueous KN03 with K-42 as the radioactive tracer. The results indicate that the method should prove to be very valuable for this application, particularly when systems exhibiting size-dependent growth rates are of interest. An indicated refinement to the tracer method is the simultaneous use of an additional tracer in the liquid to determine the amount of radioactivity from the liquid that is adsorbed on the samples of filtered crystals.

Jan 1, 1980

By W. L. Austin

At the Steptoe metallurgical plant, where ore of the Nevada Consolidated Copper Co. is beneficiated, a small copper-leaching annex has been in operation treating flue dust from roasting-furnace dust chambers, together with a siliceous oxidized ore. This leaching plant was designed to obviate smelting low-grade siliceous flue dust, which interfered with the operation of the reverberatories by forming a blanket on the charge. The major portion of the copper content of the flue dust accumulating in the upper chambers of the roaster flue, and at the stack, is water soluble, and also contains much free sulphuric acid and soluble sulphates. It was found that sufficient acid could be obtained by mixing this material with water to provide a lixiviant for leaching the siliceous copper ore mentioned. This was the sole source of the lixiviant used in the operation to be described. An analysis of the flue dust showed it to be composed as follows : Per Cent. Copper.............................................. 3.00 siO2................................................. 23.41 Fe................................................... 4.08 CaO + MgO......................................... 2.72 Al203................................................ 0.07 Free H2S04........................................... 19.94 SO3 combined as sulphate.............................. 25.10 H2O combined with the sulphates....................... 10.67 0................................................... 2.50 Total................................... 97.49 Copper soluble in dilute H2SO4.......................... 2.56 The oxidized ore, locally known as carbonate, has the following composition:

Jan 1, 1915

By Earl C. Willis

In selecting new or replacement mining machinery to be purchased, there are many considerations to be discussed and taken into account, the most important being the productivity of the machine and the maintenance cost and downtime to be expected with the new equipment. Productivity of a given mining machine is evaluated by the Industrial Engineering Department: analysis of potential upkeep and downtime calls for the Maintenance Department to enter into the task of evaluating new mining machines. This is a very important function of the maintenance department because a wrong decision or mistake in judgment, particularly in a commercial mining company, can be exceedingly expensive. Once the type and size of a machine is decided, an examination of units fitting the basic requirements will sometimes show one particular machine which has a distinct edge on the competitive machine. In this case, the decision is easy. However, in most cases, the performances of the machines being considered are so close that the decision becomes one that is very difficult to make on performance alone. Serious consideration must then be given to maintenance performances and features of the machine which would permit lower maintenance and less downtime.

Jan 7, 1963

By C. H. Jacoby

Since salt, sodium chloride, is an essential mineral to animals and humans alike, the delineation of the salt deposits of the world has been continuous from prehistoric times. As man explores deeper into the crust of the earth, particularly in search of petroleum, numerous new deposits of salt have been recorded. This paper deals with the factors that equate the current economic value of a salt deposit. The value of a salt deposit is not only determined by the chemical purity of the sodium chloride, but also the method of extraction to be used, the use of the product, and/or the use of the deposit. Salt is basically an inexpensive industrial commodity where large tonnages must be available to conduct a successful mining operation. Therefore, not only must the deposit contain these large tonnages, but also it must be accessible and transported as low cost freight to a large market. The geological environmental conditions surrounding the deposit must be such that it will be conducive to low cost mining operations. These conditions include not only the depth, size, shape, and internal structure of the deposit, but also the characteristics and extent of the overlying ground water.

Jan 1, 1973