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By Keyte SG

Gravity methods of recovering alluvial gold are not very efficient at particle sizes below about 0.1mm. Whereas such gold may not have been economic to recover in the past, the same may not be true today. Centrifugal concentrators, like the Knudsen and Knelson bowls, are showing promise after an inauspicious start, at least in New Zealand. The large proportion of heavy mineral in many auriferous beach sands and the natural hydrophobicity of fine gold should make flotation an attractive contender for its recovery. The conventional mechanical flotation cell is effective, but roughing, scavenging and cleaning are necessary to achieve both high recovery and low mass yield. More problematic is the difficulty of maintaining coarse and dense sands in suspension. The air sparged hydrocyclone is effective at recovering fine gold from a fine Colarado River sand, but is not effective for the coarse and dense beach sands of New Zealand. The flotation column shows much promise for these sands, when recoveries of over 80% and mass yields of less than 1% can be achieved in a single pass. The froth separator of the USSR and flash flotation could also be worthy contenders. It is felt that flotation could be limited to naturally and artificially de-slimed concentrates.

Jan 1, 1990

This is a welcome opportunity to exchange ideas about educating for a profession in mining and metallurgy, and I shall use it to highlight the ways in which educators, the industry, and the profession can help one another make that educa- tion better. This is home ground for me in more ways than one. As the executive head of a uni- versity perhaps I may speak as an educator; and there is still, I hope, enough of the metallurgist in me to allow me to speak of what we metal- lurgists and mining engineers can do to help the educators. Another interest should be declared, too. Among the educating agencies I shall focus on universities; among universities I shall further focus on my own, the University of New South Wales. I know it best; and, more to the point, we are one of the minority that offer a full profes- sional training in mining and metallurgy. Further, we are as a university very much concerned- more than most-with specifically professional education, and especially with education in the professions based on science and technology. Mining and metallurgy have of course played a central role, from earliest times onwards, in the history and development of science and tech- nology. In that role they have been both pro- ducers and consumers of new knowledge. Indeed the whole new attitude to knowledge that began to spread in 16th and 17th century Europe owed a great deal to the interests and traditions of the miner and the metallurgist. The first modern text- book of mining and metallurgy, George Agricola's De Re Metallica, is very much more than a spec- ialist handbook; it is a major landmark in intel- lectual and cultural history.

Jan 1, 1978

By E. D. Gardner

VICTOR G. HILLS, Denver, Colo. (communication to the Secretary*).¬If anyone advocates the abolition of the antecedent mineral discovery requirement for the purpose of making it easier to secure title to public land, I hasten to say that I am not of that number. I am in Hearty accord with all that Mr. Gardner has to say in regard to easy patenting as a handicap to small camps, and that in general it acts to retard the mining industry. And the following sentences I want to repeat in order to emphasize and endorse them, "None of the writers on this subject seem to have taken into consideration the effect amending the law pertaining to mineral discovery will have upon the Government's administration of the public land. It must be borne in mind that this land belongs absolutely to the people of the United States as a whole, and their interest must be considered. It is not a no-man's land, as some people would appear to believe." However, I believe that the discovery prerequisite should be abolished, because it fails to effect the protection for which it was designed, and I look for other provisions that will better serve the purpose. We propose to abolish the law of apex not because the theory is objectionable but because the question of physical fact gives rise to never ending litigation. Now the design of antecedent mineral discovery is good; the court rulings are unobjectionable; but when it comes to the physical fact this requirement is second only to the apex law as a healthy litigation breeder. The only circumstance that has prevented the pre-discovery lawsuits from becoming as famous and as: expensive as the apex

Jan 12, 1916

By E. Mcl. Tittmann

Deep-seated human instincts urge us to positively mark the passage of time. We celebrate the passage of each year. Years give way to decades, and decades to half centuries and centuries. At all these mileposts we are inclined to pause, take a look around and catch our breaths before embarking on the next leg. We are at such a point now and this meeting I am sure will give direction to the road ahead into the decade of the seventies. In looking around at this point, 1973, it is obvious to all of us that the environment in which we must mine, mill, smelt and refine lead and zinc has radically changed. These changes have, of course, occurred over a long period of time. They have, however, all been in the same general direction. They have all had the same motivation. The period of greatest contrast is probably the fifteen years just before World War II and the fifteen years following the end of that war. I thought that I might review briefly with you what seems to me to be four of the more important changes that have developed since World War II that profoundly affect our activities in the lead and zinc industry. I mentioned before that all these changes have been in the same direction; that is, they have all tended to restrict our freedom of action in pursuing our objective of producing lead and zinc on a competitive basis at a profit. Consequently, in discus- sing them you may think that I am merely viewing with alarm. This is not the intent. This is merely supposed to be an objective analysis. I think it appropriate before discussing these trends in de- tail to examine the position of lead and zinc today.

Jan 1, 1970

By E. Mcl. Tittmann

Deep-seated human instincts urge us to positively mark the passage of time. We celebrate the passage of each year. Years give way to decades, and decades to half centuries and centuries. At all these mileposts we are inclined to pause, take a look around and catch our breaths before embarking on the next leg. We are at such a point now and this meeting I am sure will give direction to the road ahead into the decade of the seventies. In looking around at this point, 1979, it is obvious to all of us that the environment in which we must mine, mill, smelt and refine lead and zinc has radically changed. These changes have, of course, occurred over a long period of time. They have, however, all been in the same general direction. They have all had the same motivation. The period of greatest contrast is probably the fifteen years just before World War II and the fifteen years following the end of that war. I thought that I might review briefly with you what seems to me to be four of the more important changes that have developed since World War II that profoundly affect our activities in the lead and zinc industry. I mentioned before that all these changes have been in the same direction; that is, they have all tended to restrict our freedom of action in pursuing our objective of producing lead and zinc on a competitive basis at a profit. Consequently, in discussing them you may think that I am merely viewing with alarm. This is not the intent. This is merely supposed to be an objective analysis. I think it appropriate before discussing these trends in detail to examine the position of lead and zinc today.

Jan 1, 1970

By Wilder D. Bancroft

It is eight years since I have been connected actively with metallography, but in this time I have been learning something about colloid chemistry, which may be considered as the chemistry of bubbles, drops, grains, filaments, and films, all things in which at least one dimension is very small or in which the surface is large relatively to the mass. Films, of course, suggest to the metallographist Beilby's amorphous film theory, about which I am going to speak for a while, though probably not in the way you expect. I come to bury Beilby, not to praise him. So far as I can judge from looking over the literature hastily, there are two schools in the United States, those who accept Beilby's theory willingly and those who accept it unwillingly. Hoytl says that: At present there seem to be two schools in metallography, one which has adopted the amorphous-phase theory for the explanation of the effect of cold work, mechanical deformation, etc., and one which is not ready at present to adopt this theory. It seems to me that this theory can at least be used as a convenient means of explaining various facts that are demonstrable in the laboratory but the presence of this amorphous material, through our lack of experimental means, we are unable to prove. That we have failed in this direction should not necessarily hinder us from using a theory as workable as this. Mathewson2 says: I have come reluctantly to believe in the amorphous theory, or some theory admitting a modification of the ordinary crystalline phase so as to permit differential properties with temperature, etc. If Mathewson represents one extreme, with Hoyt perhaps occupying a middle ground, H. M. Howe3 may be cited as one of the enthusiastic supporters of Beilby's amorphous theory. It is, says Howe:

Jan 1, 1923

By Wilder D. Bancroft

It is eight years since I have been connected actively with metallography, but in this time I have been learning something about colloid chemistry, which may be considered as the chemistry of bubbles, drops, grains, filaments, and films, all things in which at least one dimension is very small or in which the surface is large relatively to the mass. Films, of course, suggest to the metallographist Beilby's amorphous film theory, about which I am going to speak for a while, though probably not in the way you expect. I come to bury Beilby, not to praise him. So far as I can judge from looking over the literature hastily, there are two schools in the United States, those who accept Beilby's theory willingly and those who accept it unwillingly. Hoytl says that: At present there seem to be two schools in metallography, one which has adopted the amorphous-phase theory for the explanation of the effect of cold work, mechanical deformation, etc., and one which is not ready at present to adopt this theory. It seems to me that this theory can at least be used as a convenient means of explaining various facts that are demonstrable in the laboratory but the presence of this amorphous material, through our lack of experimental means, we are unable to prove. That we have failed in this direction should not necessarily hinder us from using a theory as workable as this. Mathewson2 says: I have come reluctantly to believe in the amorphous theory, or some theory admitting a modification of the ordinary crystalline phase so as to permit differential properties with temperature, etc. If Mathewson represents one extreme, with Hoyt perhaps occupying a middle ground, H. M. Howe3 may be cited as one of the enthusiastic supporters of Beilby's amorphous theory. It is, says Howe:

Jan 1, 1923

By Lin Bin, Qain Minggao, Qu Qundi, Yao Zhichang

This paper describes the application of a 89C52 chip microcomputer in hydraulic pressure information monitoring system of powered supports in a coal face, and the details of circuit and software of a monitoring system substation. Each substati

Jan 1, 1998

The need to schedule ore production to make maximum use of the strength gained by cem- ented fill during curing is discussed, to show how cement content and hence fill cost can be kept down for any particular operation. Results from laboratory testwork on Isa Mine fill conducted by the author while employed by Mount Isa Mines Limited form the basis of the Discussion

Jan 1, 1973

By R. K. Dann, L. W. Roberts, R. B. Benson

The mechanical properties of 300-series stainless steels were investigated in both high-pressure hydrogen and helium environments at ambient temperatures. An auslenitic steel which is unstable with respect to formation of strain-induced a (bee) and € (hcp) mar-tensile is embrittled when plastically strained in a hydrogen environment. A stable austenitic steel is not embriltled when tested under the same conditions. The presence of hydrogen causes embrittlement at the mar-lensitic structure and a definite change in the general fracture mode from a ductile to a quasicleavage type. The embrittled martensitic facets are surrounded by a more ductile type fracture which suggests that the presence of hydrogen initiates microcracks at the martensitic structure. If a steel is unstable with respecl to fortnation of strain induced martensile, plastic deformation in a hydrogen environment will produce rapid embrittlement of a notched specimen in comparison to an unnotched one. FERRITIC and martensitic steels can be embrittled by hydrogen that has been introduced into the alloys, either by thermal or cathodic charging prior to testing.1-5 However, conflicting reports exist as to whether austenitic steels that are stable or unstable with respect to formation of strain-induced martensite can be embrittled by hydrogen.8-12 A recent investigation has shown that cathodically-charged thin foils of a stable austenitic steel can be embrittled.13 An earlier investigation of a thermally charged 18-10 stainless steel revealed a significant decrease in the ductility only at the lowest test temperature of -78°C, although strain-induced bee martensite was shown to be present in one specimen tested at ambient temperatures.' When martensitic steels are tested in a hydrogen atmosphere, they are embrittled.'4-'7 It has been observed in this Laboratory that 304L steel, which is unstable with respect to formation of strain induced martensite, forms surface cracks when plastically strained in a high-pressure hydrogen environment. Work in progress elsewhere concurrent with this investigation has also established that 304L is embrittled when tested in a high-pressure hydrogen atmosphere." The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of a high-pressure hydrogen environment on the tensile properties of a stainless steel that contained strain-induced martensite (304L) and one that did not (310). EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES Notched and unnotched cylindrical specimens were machined from 304L* and 310 rods that were heat- treated at 1000°C in argon for 1 hr followed by a water quench. The chemical analyses of these steels are given in Table I. The unnotched specimens had a reduced section diameter of 0.184 & 0.001 in., a gage length of 0.7 in., and were threaded with a 0.5-in.-diam. thread on each end. The notched specimens had a reduced section diameter of 0.260 * 0.001 in. and a 0.75-in. gage length, with a 30 pct 60 deg v-notch at the center. The notch had a maximum root radius of 0.002 in. The tensile bars were fractured in a hydrogen or helium atmosphere of 104 psi at ambient temperatures. The system used for mechanically testing the specimens is to be described in detail elsewhere.19 Several specimens of each type were tested in air using an Instron testing machine. The same yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were obtained in 104 psi helium with the above system as with the conventional testing machine. Magnetic analysis was employed to determine that there was a (bee) martensite in plastically deformed 304L and that it was not present in plastically deformed 310. The magnetic technique depended on allowing the material being studied to serve as the core between a primary and secondary coil. Thus, any change in the amount of magnetic material present between the annealed and plastically deformed steels will be indicated by corresponding changes in the induced voltage in the secondary circuit." The ratio of the output signal of a nonmagnetic stainless steel to a completely magnetic maraging steel was 2000 to I. Several unnotched 304L bars tested in hydrogen were analyzed for hydrogen by vacuum fusion analysis. There was an increase in the hydrogen content to approximately 2 ppm for the specimens tested in hydrogen, as compared to less than 1 ppm for the as-received material. Several thin sections cut from notched areas of 304L specimens tested in hydrogen and containing the fracture surface contained approximately 1.5 ppm H. The accuracy of these determinations was estimated to be ± 50 pct.

Jan 1, 1969

By F. I. Grace, L. E. Murr

The mechanical responses and residual defect structures in 70/30 brass and type 304 stainless steel following explosive shock loading and cold reduction by rolling have been studied. A distinct relationship was observed to exist between the residual mechanical properties and micro structures observed by transmission electron microscopy. Shock-loaded brass deformed primarily by the formation of coplanar arrays of dislocations and stacking faults at lower pressures, and twin-faults (deformation twins and €-martensite bundles) at higher pressures (> 200 kbar). The micro -structures of cold-rolled brass were characterized by dense dislocation fields elongated in the rolling direction. Stainless steel was observed to deform by the formation of dense arrays of stacking faults at lower shock pressures and twin-faults at high shock pressures (>200 kbar). Lightly cold-rolled stainless steel deformed similar to low Pressure shock-loaded stainless steel, but transformed to a' martensite in heavily cold-rolled stainless steel. Discontinuous yielding was observed for the heavily cold-rolled stainless steel, and stress reluxution in the weyield region for cold-rolled and shock -loaded stainless steel was interpreted as an indication of the ability of twin-faults and stacking faults to act as effective barriers to dislocation motion. A simple model for the formation of the planar defects and a' martetnsite is presented based on the propagating of Shochley partial and half-partial dislocations. A considerable effort has been expended over the past decade in an attempt to elucidate the response of metallic-crystalline solids to the passage of a high velocity shock wave (e.g., smith,' Dieter,2 and zukas3). While it has been possible to obtain relevant information pertaining to the residual defect structures and mechanical properties, there have been few rigorous attempts to draw a direct comparison between these structures and properties. In addition, numerous investigators have recently observed the occurrence of deformation twinning in shock deformed fcc metals (e.g., Nolder and Thomas,4 and Johari and Thomas5), but little attempt has been made to elucidate the mechanisms of formation of these defects. Comparative data for metals deformed by shock-loading and the same metals deformed by more conventional modes of deformation such as cold-reduction by rolling is also generally lacking. The present investigation therefore has the following objectives: 1) to examine the mechanical properties of some explosively shock loaded and cold-rolled fcc metals of low stacking-fault energy as a function of their residual substructures; 2) to present a simple model for the formation twin-faults and related defect structures in the low stack-ing-fault energy materials of interest (70/30 brass, ySFg= 14 ergs per sq cm; and 304 stainless steel, ySF = 21 ergs per sq cm); 3) to make some deductions with regard to the residual characteristics of dislocation and planar defect substructures in cold rolled and shock loaded 70/30 brass and type 304 stainless steel. In particular, it was desirable to characterize the residual hardening effects of particular deformation substructures. I) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Sheet samples of 70/30 brass (0.005 and 0.15 in. thick; annealed at 659°C for 2 hr) and type 304 stainless steel (0.007 in. thick; annealed 0.25 hr at 1060°C) of nominal compositions shown in Table I were cold-rolled in one direction only to produce reductions in thickness of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 pct in the brass; and 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 pct in the stainless steel. Identical sheet samples in the annealed (unrolled) state were subjected to plane compressive shock waves to various peak pressures ranging from 0 to 400 kbar in the brass and 0 to 425 kbar in the stainless steel; and with a constant peak pressure duration of approximately 2 microseconds. A detailed description of the shock loading technique has been given previously.6 Tensile specimens 1.0 in. in length and 0.125 in. in width were cut from the cold-rolled sheets (tensile axis parallel to the rolling direction), and the shock-loaded sheet specimens. Stress (load)-strain (elongation) measurements on the tensile specimens were made on a Tinius-Olsen load-compensating tensile tester using a strain rate of 2.7 x 10-3 sec-1. Tensile tests were repeated at least twice, giving essentially the same results. Stress relaxation measurements in the preyield region were also made using an initial strain rate of 5.4 x 10-4 sec-1. In addition to tensile and stress relaxation measurements, Vickers microhardness measurements were made on all samples. A total of 100 microhard-ness readings were obtained for each specimen following a light electropolish to ensure uniform surface conditions for all tests. The hardness averages ob-

Jan 1, 1970

By Nenad Spoljaric

Greensand, greensand marl, and green earth are names given to sediments rich in the bluish green to greenish black mineral known as glauconite. The word glauconite is derived from the Greek word glaukos, meaning bluish green. The term "greensand" as a rock name for a glauconite-bearing sediment is more appropriate than "greensand marl," a term that has been doggedly perpetuated in the literature. Because of its potash and phosphate content, greensand was mined and marketed as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner for more than 100 years. The advent of manufactured fertilizers with adjustable nutrient ratios led to a decline in the use of greensand in agriculture. The material has since been recognized as useful in water treatment. Unfortunately, despite large reserves and world- wide distribution, glauconite has not been utilized to any significant commercial extent because no major application has been found for a substance with its chemical composition and properties. This is probably due mostly to a paucity of research on its potential commercial uses. Extraction of potash received considerable attention during and just after World War I. Because of relatively high extraction costs and a generally low potash content (viz., less than 8%), glauconite lost its appeal as a source of this commodity. Historical Background Greensand was used as a fertilizer in New Jersey in the latter part of the 1700s. During the early 1800s its use became more common; applications of as much as 22.5 kg/m2 were sometimes made, although recommendations for agricultural use suggested 4.5 to 11 kg/m2 (Tedrow, 1957). Many crops, especially the forage type, were said to improve with greensand application; however, because of its slow release of potash, large quantities were required. Certain greensands that contain sulfur and sulfide minerals are harmful to plant growth, and these were classified as poison, burning, or black marls. The availability of higher grade potash salts from other mineral sources and the manufacture of prepared fertilizers displaced the agricultural use of greensand during the latter 1800s. During the mid-1800s the greensand industry, centered in a small section of the eastern United States, grossed more than $500,000/y. Toward the end of the century, however, annual production had dwindled to less than $100,000 in value. By 19 10 there were only six or eight greensand producers grossing less than $5,000/y each (Tyler, 1934). There was a brief revival of the US industry during World War I because of the curtailment of foreign potash, especially from Germany. During the latter 1940s and early 1950s greensand was again recommended as a food nutrient for plants and farm crops. Agronomic studies discussed its potential as a soil additive that gradually releases potash and many trace element nutrients essential for plant growth (Tedrow, 1957). Greensand was sold with the idea that it would condition soil and absorb and hold water while its base exchange properties would release trace elements. For a short time glauconite was used in certain parts of New Jersey as a binding additive in the brick industry, and in the 1800s it was used for making green glass (Cook, 1868). In the early 1900s the base exchange properties of glauconite were recognized for water treatment and the mineral gained acceptance as a water softener. Mansfield (1922) does not mention base exchange even though this phenomenon was known in 1916 or earlier. From 1916 through 1922 several patents for the use of glauconite as a water softening agent were granted. A method was also patented for treating greensand to improve it for water softening and ready regeneration with common sodium chloride brine (Borrowman, 1920, Spencer, 1924, Kriegsheim and Vaughan, 1930). Treated glauconite, on contact with water containing magnesia or lime, takes up magnesium or calcium ions and releases sodium ions. This exchange is limited to the outer surface of glauconite grains, and when all the surfaces have absorbed their capacity, the grains must be regenerated. Regeneration, simply stated, consists of treating or backwashing the glauconite with a sodium chloride solution, which replaces the hard water elements with sodium, thus reviving the glauconite. The process has become more sophisticated due to competition among companies in the water softening business. Greensand products for water softening generally consisted of several different grades distinguished by the particular treatment the glauconite was given during processing. The standard greensand water softener was produced from natural glauconite that was only washed and classified. Its characteristics for water softening are given in [Table 1].

Jan 1, 1994

By Kim C. Harden

INTRODUCTION The purpose of the following discussion is to present the state of the art of solution mining. Since the economics of a mining method ultimately determines its applicability and viability this presentation shall revolve around the costs of in- situ solution mining. First the assumed physical characteristics of the hypothetical ore body are described, followed by the appropriate operating assumptions. Then after a brief discussion on the type of surface plant to be used, the assumed project time tables and costs for Texas and Wyoming are presented. Finally, the economics of in-situ uranium leaching are analyzed through the use of discounted cash flow rate of return analysis. ORE BODY CHARACTERISTICS The assumption of the ore body characteristics is probably the most variable portion of this discussion. The characteristics that have been used are based mainly on state of the art technology, however, consideration of the most common depths of ore, ore thicknesses, and permeabilities also influenced these assumptions. In addition, it is assumed that these assumptions are equally applicable to Texas and Wyoming. The average grade of the ore is assumed to be .09% U308 with no apparent disequilibrium. The average thickness of ore is 2.29 m (7.5 ft) which results in an average grade-thickness (GT) of .675. The assumed depth to the top of the ore is 121.92 m (400 ft), the ore density is placed at 1.78 gm/cc (18 cu ft/ton), the porosity is estimated to be 28% and the permeability 1 darcy. These assumed ore body characteristics are shown in Table I. In addition, it is specified that the costs to be later discussed are based on a minimum GT cut-off of 0.15. It is more common to use GT cut-offs of 0.30 to 0.50 but GT cut-offs as low as 0.15 in conjunction with a minimum grade of 0.05% U308 have been used in the past with success and is considered state of the art. The ultimate percentage of uranium recovered from the ore is left to the discretion of the reader since the costs and economics are based on pounds recovered by the surface plant. OPERATING AS.SUMPTIONS An annual production rate of 200,000 lbs U308!yr was chosen for this example. In order to maintain this production rate, based on the ore body characterized above, a flow of 4731 liter/min (1250 GPM) with a recovery solution grade averaging .039 gm U308/liter is assumed. A regular 5 spot well field pattern is used with a well spacing of 21.5 m (70.7 ft) between like wells and 15.24 m (50 ft) between unlike wells. This well spacing gives each well an area of influence equal to 232.25 sq m (2500 sq ftl. An excess wells factor of 1.17 is used to estimate additional monitor wells and well field boundary wells. Each production well is expected to yield an average flow rate of 37.85 liter/min (10 GPM). In addition it is assumed that the ore body has a good shape in that it is not tenuous and narrow but has at least an average width of 200 ft. The process chemistry required for this ore body is assumed to be based on the sodium carbonate System- Oxygen is the chosen oxidant. Sodium chloride elution followed by precipitation with hydrogen peroxide makes up the remaining portion of the process. A fluidized up-flow ion exchange system is specified. The operating assumptions are listed in Table II. Restoration of the ore body shall be assumed to be accomplished through the use of ground water flush. Other methods may be considered as having to fall within the costs estimated for a ground water flush in order to be economic. In Texas it is assumed that a high capacity disposal well (200 GPM +I is required and in Wyoming evaporation ponds covering approximately 35 acres are to be used. No specific cost has been given to restoration. Instead only the additional capital investment for restoration equipment is given. Then, one year of restoration operating expense is estimated and included as the operating expense for one year beyond the last pound of U308 produced. It is also assumed that restoration will be pursued in the mined out areas of the ore body contiguous with ongoing production.

Jan 1, 1980

By George B. Clark

Many basic engineering principles of all four phases of mining operations, namely, prospecting, exploration, development, and exploitation, can be analyzed better in terms of quantitative geology. Geological data from both field and laboratory will also complement scientific methods now being developed. THE geological data emphasized so successfully in prospecting for new deposits, that is, structural controls, strength of solutions, and type of mineralization, are basically those required for successful exploitation. In the mining of newly discovered deposits the most economical methods should be employed as early as possible to keep the overall cost per unit produced at a minimum and to permit maximum extraction of valuable minerals. A crucial question is: How can geological data be translated into useful quantitative results which will aid in achieving this end? H. E. McKinistry' has suggested that a solution may be reached in one of two ways: 1—the usual approach, use of judgment based on experience; or 2—mathematical calculations and tests on models, both subject to certain limitations. He also suggests that in addition to better use of geology more case data and theoretical data are needed on which to base sound judgment. Further research, therefore, is necessary. Perhaps in this field the emphasis should be on more specialization in mining methods and ground movement by men with thorough training in physics, engineering, geology, and underground mining. These specialists would be equipped to point out the most economical and scientific methods of exploitation. Selection of a stoping method is governed by the amount and type of support a deposit will require in the process of being mined, or by the possibility of employing the structure of the deposit to advantage in mining the ore by a caving method. In addition to these factors there are others which almost invariably influence the choice of an economical method of mining:' 1—strength of ore and wall rocks; 2—shape, horizontal area, volume, and regularity of the boundaries of the orebody, and thickness, dip and/or pitch of the deposit and individual ore shoots; 3—grade, distribution of minerals, and continuity of the ore within the boundaries of the deposit; 4—depth below surface and nature of the capping or overburden: and 5—position of the de- posit relative to surface improvements, drainage, and other mine openings. In the final analysis it is usually necessary to disregard the less important of these factors to satisfy the requirements of the more important. Because of the variation of geological conditions throughout and surrounding the deposit, no mining method will be everywhere ideally applicable to the conditions encountered in one ore deposit. The immediate problem is to interpret the above physical characteristics of deposits in terms of geological characteristics. Very few quantitative geological data are available on the factors related to a choice of mining methods. However, there are many descriptive data in mining and geological literature which collectively show how important an effect details of geology have upon all phases of mining operations. The following categories of basic mining methods were investigated to establish the geological factors that have affected their successful application: 1— open stopes with pillars; 2—sublevel stoping; 3— shrinkage stoping; 4—cut-and-fill stoping; 5— square-set mining; 6—top slicing and sublevel caving; and 7—block caving. It should be noted that the first five of these methods are listed in the order of increasing support requirements. Mines were selected as examples only where geological descriptions were complete enough to warrant their use. A study of the geological factors involved in mining operations led to a choice of the following classifications, employed in Table I: 1—structural type of orebody; 2—dimensions (geometry); 3— country rock (type); 4—faulting, folding, and fracturing; 5—alteration of ore and rock; 6—type of mineralization; and 7—geological factors determining mining method (summary). Of these factors only one yielded results that can be defined from available data in a quantitative manner, i.e., dimensions of the deposit. These are the most reliable guides that can be used in selection of suitable mining methods. They are, in general, the properties of geologic structure most difficult to evaluate by studies of models, pho-toelastic studies, and other laboratory methods, all of which are at present more limited in their applications than the geologic method. Application of geology has proved a reliable guide in other phases

Jan 1, 1955

By D. W. Rudd, D. W. Vose, S. Johnson

The permeability of Mo-0.5 pel Ti to hydrogen was investigated over a limited range of temperature and pressuire (709° to 1100°C, 1.i and 2.0 atm). The resulting permeability, p, is found to obey the The experimental data justifies the permeation mechanism as a diffusion contl-olled pnssage of Ilvdrogen atoms through the metal barrier. 1 HE permeability of metals to hydrogen has been investigated by a number of workers and their published results have been tabulated by Barrer' up to 1951. Since most of the work on the permeability has been accomplished prior to this date, the compilation is fairly complete. Mathematical discussion of the permeability process has been reported by Barrer, smithells, and more recently by zener. From these efforts several facts are observed. First, the permeability of metals to diatomic gases involves the passage through the metal of individual atoms of the permeating gas. This is evidenced by the fact that the rate of permeation is directly proportional to the square root of the gas pressure. Second, the gas permeates the lattice of the metal and not along grain boundaries. It was shown by Smithells and Ransley that the rate of permeation through single-crystal iron was the same after the iron had been recrystallized into several smaller crystals. Third, it has been observed that the rate of permeation is inversely proportional to the thickness of the metal membrane. Johnson and Larose5 verified these phenomena by measurirlg the permeation of oxygen through silver foils of various thicknesses. Similar findings were noted by Lombard6 for the system H-Ni and by Lewkonja and Baukloh7 for H-Fe. Finally, it has been determined that for a gas to permeate a metal, activated adsorption of the gas on the metal must take place. Rare gases are not adsorbed by metals, and attempts to measure permeabilities of these gases have proved futile. ~~der' found negative results on the permeability of iron to argon. Also, Baukloh and Kayser found nickel impervious to helium, neon, argon, and krypton. From what was stated above concerning the dependence of the rate on the reciprocal thickness of the metal barrier, it is seen that although adsorption is a very important process, at least in determining whether permeation will or will not ensue, it is not the rate determining process for the common metals. A case in which adsorption is of sufficient inlportance to cause abnormal behavior has been noted in the case of Inconel-hydrogen and various stainless steels.'' APPARATUS The apparatus used in this study is shown in Fig. 1. The membrane is a thin disc (A), but is an integral part of an entire membrane assembly. The entire unit is one piece, being machined from a solid ingot of metal stock. When finished, the membrane assembly is about 5 in. long. Two membrane assemblies were made; the dimensions of the membranes are given in Table I. The wall thickness is large compared to the thickness of the membrane, being on the average in the ratio of 13 to 1. There exists in this design the possibility that some gas may diffuse around the corner section of the membrane where it joins the walls of the membrane assembly, If such an effect is present, it is of a small order of magnitude, as evidenced by the agreement of the values of permeability between the two membranes under the same temperature and pressure. A thermocouple well (B) is drilled to the vicinity of the membrane. The entire membrane assembly is then encased in an Inconel jacket and mounted in a resistance furnace. The interior of the jacket is connected to an auxiliary vacuum pump and is always kept evacuated so that the membrane assembly will suffer no oxidation at the temperatures at which measurements are taken. The advantages of this configuration are: 1) there are no welds about the membrane itself, so that the chance of welding material diffusing into the membrane at elevated temperatures is remote. 2) It is possible to maintain the membrane at a constant temperature. Since the resulting permeation rate is very dependent upon temperature, it is advisable to be as free as possible from all temperature gradients. 3) It is possible to obtain reproducible results using different specimens. The only disadvantage to this configuration is the welds (at C) in the hot zone. The welding of molybdenum to the degree of per-

Jan 1, 1962

By G. W. Thomas

A mathematical tnodel of forward combustion in an oil reservoir is treated in this paper. The model describes a radial system having a vertical section of essentially infinite thickness, all of which is permeable to gas flow. Combustion, however, is presumed initiated over a limited thickness of the total vertical section. In the interval supporting cotnbustion, the mechanisms of radial conduction, convection and heat generation are taken into account. Above and below the burning interval, heat transport in the radial direction is by cottduction and convection. Vertical heat losses from the ignited interval are accounted for by conduction alone. A general solution is presented for the temperature distribution caused by radial movement of the combustion front. The results show that no feedback of heat occurs into the ignited interval when convection and conduction are acting in the bounding media. Peak temperatures are also 5 to 10 per cent higher than in the case where heat transport in the bounding media is by conduction alone. We arbitrarily define vertical coverage to be that fraction of the total ignited interval which is at 600F above atnbient, or greater, at any given time. The radial distance at which the vertical coverage becomes zero is the propagation range of the combustion front. It was found that an increase in vertical coverage results when the oxygen concentration, fuel concentration or gas-injection rate is increased. Moreover, the combustion front can be propagated 10 to 15 per cent further than in the case where only conduction is acting above and below the ignited interval. INTRODUCTION In the theoretical treatment of forward combustion in a radial system, one of the problems encountered is the determination of the transient temperature distributions caused by an expanding cylindrical heat source. Bailey and Larkin' and Ramey' simultaneously presented analytical solutions to the problem assuming heat transport by conduction alone. In a subsequent publication, Bailey and Larkin3 included the effects of both conduction and convection while treating linear and radial models. In this latter work, however, vertical heat losses were largely neglected. Selig and Couch' dealt with a radial model in which both conduction and convection were acting. Only a limiting case involving vertical heat losses was considered, however. Namely, temperatures on the boundary of the bed of interest were set equal to zero. Solutions thus obtained were representative of a system having a maximum vertical heat flux. Chu5 recently treated a more general case in which a permeable bed was considered bounded by impermeable media. Conduction and convection took place within the bed, and only conduction outside of the bed. The effects of vertical heat losses were included in his study. Solutions were obtained by numerical techniques. This paper is an extension of the theoretical work of other authors pertaining to forward combustion in a radial system. In particular, a mathematical model of the process is treated in which heat generation occurs over a small vertical interval of a larger permeable section. In the interval supporting heat generation, and above and below this interval, the mechanisms of radial conduction and convection are also presumed acting. Heat losses from the ignited interval are accounted for by vertical conduction. An analytical solution for the temperature distribution caused by radial movement of the burning front is presented. The effects of certain process variables are indicated and comparisons with Chu's results are made. THEORY To render the mechanism of forward combustion tractable to mathematical treatment, we idealize the problem to the extent of assuming continuous reservoir media possessing homogeneous and isotropic properties. The following additional assumptions are implicit in this analysis. 1. The thermal parameters, i.e., heat capacities, thermal conductivities and thermal diffusivities are invariant with temperature and pressure. Moreover, the bounding media possess the same thermal properties as the bed of interest. 2. The temperatures of the porous media and its contained fluids at any point and at any time are equal. 3. The reaction rate between the oxidant gas and the fuel is infinite. This assumption implies that the incoming oxygen concentration instantaneously goes to zero within an infinitesimal distance, i.e., the width of the combustion zone is negligible. 4. The rate of gas injection is constant and corresponds to the average rate throughout the lifetime of the project. 5. The fuel concentration is constant throughout the volume of rock swept out by the burning zone. 6. There is complete burnoff of fuel. This assumption demands that the rate of propagation of the burning front equals the rate of fuel burnoff. In a radial system, with a

By Plato Malozemoff

While this conference is dedicated to the examination of "Challenges in Mineral Processing," the broader aspect of the pursuit of this subject is Research and Development in the Mining Industry. When I was asked to speak at this symposium, I hesitated to accept. While my early schooling, training and professional occupation were in the field of this symposium, it was so long ago that I no longer feel competent to contribute anything of interest to you except perhaps for a limited historical perspective, which most of you probably already know. However, it might be worthwhile to explore the more general aspect of research and development from the viewpoint of management, as this is the stance from which I dealt with the subject for the last 30 years or so. While most managements generally have a positive view of research and development, few of the leaders in the mineral industry have actually had the personal experience of doing research for a long enough time to have obtained a full understanding and the feel for its place in the long-term technological innovation that our industry must foster. I graduated from the University of California in Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science degree and a major in metallurgy. It was during the great depression of the thirties, and it was difficult to obtain a practical job in the industry. I got a scholarship at the Montana School of Mines and received a Master of Science degree in ore dressing under Professor A. M. Gaudin, followed by another year with him pursuing research. Anyone who studied under him, or knew him well, would assert that this was a unique experience. Gaudin had a brilliant mind and a profound respect for science and the scientific method. He wished to know the scientific basis for every new technological appli-

Jan 1, 1989

F. Lynwood Garrison, Philadelphia, Pa. (communication to the Secretary): I have been specially interested in Mr. Drake's valuable contribution to our knowledge of the Chinese coalareas, as I had occasion, about a year ago, to make a reconnoissance over some of the coal-fields in the Yangtse river valley. I noticed, as he appears to have done, certain peculiarities which may eventually prove to be characteristic of the Chinese coal-measures, at least in central and northern China. The most striking feature, perhaps, is the invariable proximity of the great granite masses to those coal-deposits which have an anthracite character. In common with all other anthracite areas elsewhere, the Chinese show evidences of profound stratigraphical disturbances. The sedimentary rocks are folded, faulted and dislocated in a manner similar to those of the Pennsylvania anthracite-regions. It would seem that the intrusive granite had much to do with converting the original bituminous into present anthracite. The action of the granite was probably direct as a conveyor of heat, and indirect as dynamic force in dislocating, overturning, and compressing the coal-measures. My stay in China was unfortunately cut short, so that I was unable to collect fossils, or to give this highly interesting and important subject more than passing attention. Cholnoky* and Richthofen are practically agreed that these granite eruptions took place during the Tertiary period—probably the Eocene. This profound tectonic movement has had a most important effect upon the geological conditions in central and northern China, and will be, I am sure, a potent factor in the economic development. Evidences of disturbances and metamorphism are very abundant in the anthracite-areas of the Yangtse valley. I noticed the coal in them, as did Mr. Drake in northern China, to be often flaky and " slickensided."

Jan 1, 1902

La caracterización del marco estructural distrital sugiere que la compresion fue inducida a partir de las fallas de rumbo Chicama-Chirimayo con una clara evidencia de vergencia hacia el noreste observado en los anticlinales, interrumpidos por fases de extension determinando bajos estructurales a lo largo de corredores tipo grabens de dirección noroeste, asociado a fallas de componente destral relacionado con emplazamiento de cuerpos subvolcanicos con mineralización de tipo pórfido de cobre-molibdeno coetaneo en 12 Ma.

May 1, 2008

By Pinter R

Several major routes connecting Northern and Southern Europe or Asia run through Austria. These highways have to surmount the alpine range which traverses Austria from west to east. In order to ensure safe driving conditions even in winter, tunnels, at times quite long ones, are necessary. Austria now has tunnels totalling 160 km in length. These tunnels are either already in use or just about completed. The Plabutsch tunnel near Graz will be one of the longest tunnels in the world: approximately 10 kilometers in length. It will be put into operation in the summer of 1987. Before construction could begin, soil and rock conditions had to be investigated by means of a test tunnel. Afterwards, excavation was begun to the full 100 m' cross section. The new Austrian tunnelling method with conventional blasting was used for the major part of the tunnel. It was necessary to have such a large tunnel cross section because a fully transverse ventilation system is installed for environmental reasons. In order to avoid air pollution from the tunnel, exhaust fumes are not allowed to escape from the tunnel portals but from two shafts, each with a diameter of 8.5 m. In this way, exhaust fumes must rise 90 meters or 240 meters before they reach the open air and will thus not affect the city. The ventilation system influences the size of the excavation, and especially the size of the ventilation caverns and the air shafts. All these factors directly influence construction and maintenance costs, and an economical optimisation leads to the appropriate dimensions for the excavation.

Jan 1, 1987