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By Clare Offner

In 1998, the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) awarded funding to the School of Mining Engineering at the University of New South Wales to establish a rockbolt testing facility to research anchorage mechanisms associated with fully encapsulated rock bolts and to develop standardised testing procedures for rockbolts. This facility is still under development but has already been used to evaluate the effect of bolt profile and confinement on the load transfer characteristics of a resin encapsulated rock bolt. This paper describes the test facility and presents some of the results of development testing to date.

Jan 1, 2000

By James Pile

Since C.C. White introduced coalmine roof trusses in 1967. many different systems have evolved. Beginning in the mid 1990's, several types of bar/cable truss systems have been introduced. A new and innovative bar/cable truss recently introduced offers several advantages. By eliminating many small parts, and simplifying the installation, this new truss increases operator safely. In order to fully benefit from the new truss system, a closer look at the individual components and their interaction was undertaken to understand critical implications on preload and overall support capabilities.

Jan 1, 2004

By Irving Hartmann, Edward Thomas

"INTRODUCTION Adoption of rubber-tire shuttle cars underground in conjunction with mobile coal-loading machines has introduced new problems in the control of dust on mine roadways. Where this type of loading and transportation is used, development and extraction are generally rapid, with the result that much coal is spilled from the shuttle cars during normal operation, Coal in the roadways from this source and from sloughing of the ribs is ground to fine dust by the wheels of the 'shuttle cars and by the treads of the loading and mining machines. The coal dust usually is somewhat contaminated by pulverized rock, and the mixture could not be loaded with the run-of-mine coal without undue contamination of the product even if it were cleaned up promptly.The presence of large quantities of fine, loose dust, which is constantly stirred up and kept in suspension in air by the traffic, constitutes a grave explosion hazard, reduces visibility along the roadways, and is physiologically harmful to the workmen who breathe the air. From the operating standpoint the loose material is undesirable along the roadways because it provides poor traction for the trucks and thereby increases wear and power consumption. The dust-explosion hazard could be eliminated or reduced by frequent application of sufficient rock dust on the roadbed; but this would not remedy the other difficulties, and in fact it might intensify them. Where practicable, the most direct and effective safety measure is to clean up and remove promptly all dust that forms and settles on the roadways. Unfortunately, in many cases this procedure is not feasible. A third Suggested remedy is to prevent dispersal of the dust into the air and to promote its consolidation on the floor by wetting the dust particles.During the past few years several mines have used calcium chloride on shuttle-car roadways to allay the dust thereon. When exposed to the' humid atmosphere of the mine this salt absorbs Moisture from the air and deliquesces, and in this way wets the dust on the floor of the roadway. In a survey conducted in coal mines in southern West Virginia and in eastern Kentucky where calcium chloride has been in use, somewhat conflicting re- ports were received regarding the merits of the application, and several operators have abandoned the practice either because of actual or assumed disadvantages. The purpose of the study described in this report was to collect and correlate evidence and, on the basis of experimental data obtained in the field and in laboratory tests, to present a clearer picture of the factors involved in the allaying of dust by use of salts."

Sep 1, 1945

By J. E. Pahlman

As part of its goal to minimize the requirements for mineral commodities through conservation and substitution, the Bureau of Mines is conducting research to determine the resistance of alumina refractories to corrosion by alkali-containing slags that could result from burning of the abundant Western lignites in metallurgical operations. Static corrosion tests were performed at 1,000° to 1,350° C and dynamic tests were performed at 1,400° to 1,600° C to investigate the stability of refractory specimens in slag environments. In general, the degree of refractory attack increased with decreasing alumina content in the refractory and with increasing alkali content of the lignite ash. The parabolic kinetics observed in static tests suggested that a reaction product layer is formed through which ionic diffusion must occur to sustain the reaction with the refractory material. The linear kinetics observed in dynamic tests in high-viscosity slags indicated a shearing of the reaction product layer by viscous slags. The observed lesser attack of refractories by low-viscosity slags can be explained on this basis. Two 99-percent-alumina refractories and two 90-percent-alumina refractories formed an expanded protective layer with the more viscous slags but not with the less viscous slags. Corrosion of 90-percent-alumina refractories increased exponentially with temperature. In refractories with the same nominal alumina content, those that contain a combination of a-Al203 and mullite (3A1203?2Si02) have better corrosion resistance than those containing a combination of a-Al203, cristobalite (Si02 mineral), and mullite. In alkali environments (1,300 to 1,400° C), 90-to 99-percent-alumina refractories are recommended for use as furnace linings.

Jan 1, 1980

NEW MEMBERS. The following list comprises the names of those persons who became members during the month of flay, 1913: Members. BASTIN, EDSON S., Geol U. S. Geological Survey, Washington, D. C BUCHERER, Louis, Cons. Engr Apartado 1471, Mexico City, Mexico. BURDICK, CHARLES A., Min. Engr 74 Broadway, New York, N. Y. CARR, HOMER L., Min. Engr 109 W. 88th St., New York, N. Y. CARTER, RUSSELL S., Mech. Engr. & Asst. Gent Mgr., Ingersoll-Rand Co., 11 Broadway, New York, N. Y.

Jan 6, 1913

By S. E. Phillipson

Underground mine mapping is a critical component of understanding the controls on ground instability. Many relatively localized examples of ground failure are associated with geologic features, such as faults, joints, compaction zones, or sedimentological transition zones. In contrast, long-running, directional roof falls are associated with regionally directed horizontal stress fields, which are induced by tectonic plate interactions in the earth?s crust. When stress-related features are distinguished from geological features, underground mapping can be an effective method for inferring the direction of horizontal stress at individual mines. Comparisons with data compiled in the World Stress Map confirm that underground mapping can be a valid method for determining the orientation of maximum principal horizontal stress at a variety of scales, ranging from individual mines to an entire mining district or coal basin. Comparisons are presented between the maximum horizontal stress directions inferred by MSHA?s Roof Control Division through underground mapping and the azimuths of maximum horizontal stress in the World Stress Map database for North America?s Pennsylvanian-aged Appalachian, Illinois, Black Warrior, and Arkoma Basin coal fields. The comparison indicates that azimuths are similar for both data sets, even where variations in the direction of horizontal stress are present. It is interpreted that inconsistencies in direction are attributable to near-surface affects such as deeply incised stream valleys, or to fault zones that represent heterogeneities in the crust.

Jan 1, 2009

By B. Etkin, A. A. Haasz

The Infrasizer Mk III, developed at the University of Toronto, is capable of sizing particles of a few pm to hundreds of pm according to particle terminal velocity, which is a function of particle density, size and shape. The factors limiting the performance of the Infrasizer Mk III have been presented and analyzed. It has been established theoretically and experimentally that the device has excellent potential as a laboratory instrument. The principle is applicable to a continuous production classifier, a prototype of which is now under development.

Jan 1, 1980

By Raymond D. Daniels, Frank E. Rizzo, James D. Gerber

ThIS discussion describes a method for the addition of small amounts of oxygen to columbium (niobium) in an accurate and reproducible manner. The method is based on the complete reduction by columbium of a carefully weighed amount of another metal oxide. The equilibrium Pq associated with Cb-CbO mixtures is extremely low, e.g., 10"25 atm at 100O°C, and the pressures over Cb-0 solutions are even lower. The equilibrium Pq associated with a given metal-metal oxide mixture can be easily obtained, with the aid of a Richardson-Jeffes chart.' Although columbium should effectively reduce almost any metal-metal oxide combination, the proper choice of a metal-metal oxide system is complicated by the low rate of oxygen transport in the gas phase at low oxygen pressures and the difficulty in reducing any columbium suboxide formed during the reduction of the oxygen source material. Thermodynamically, oxide formation on columbium will be avoided so long as the oxygen partial pressure over the columbium is below the equilibrium pressure associated with the mixture Cb-CbO. The logical choice of a source for oxygen would appear to be a mixture of Cb-CbO, since oxide formation would be precluded by nucleation difficulty. But calculations using the kinetic theory of gasses indicate that, for a temperature of 900°C, the reaction would proceed too JAMES D. GERBER, formerly Research Assistant, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla., is Research Metallurgist, Air Force Weapons Test Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N. Mex. FRANK E. RIZZO, Junior Member AIME, formerly Assistant Professor of Metallurgy, University of Oklahoma, is Associate Professor of Metallurgy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Tex. RAYMOND D. DANIELS, Member AIME, Professor of Metallurgical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, is an NSF Fellow, Institute de MBtallurgie Structurale, Universite de euch:tel, Neuchitel, Switzerland. Manuscript submitted October 28, 1968. IMD

Jan 1, 1970

By Ankit Jha, Sudarshan Rajagopal, Purushotham Tukkaraja

Geologic structures are one of the crucial parameters in blast design. Structural geology and rock properties influence drilling patterns, blast layout, and initiation systems. A comprehensive understanding of structural characteristics is essential to achieve the desired blasting objectives. This paper aims to identify geologic features in a bench using images obtained from the drone. Images obtained from mine site are annotated for geological features such as faults and joints. Semantic segmentation of images is achieved using an encoder and decoder structure available in the machine-learning pipeline. The encoder consists of initial convolution and pooling layers to capture essential features of the geology and rock patterns from two-dimensional RGB images. Batch normalization is used to put all the features on the same scale. These images are then inputted as training data for the machine-learning algorithm. Machine learning model is trained on sub-section of interest to achieve reasonable accuracy. Initially, 1000 best annotations were used to train the model and additional samples were added later to achieve more accuracy and avoid iteration of machine learning model in wrong convergence. After the model achieves reasonable accuracy, it is used to recognize geological features on new data. Geological features identified on the new data can be used by the blasting crew in blast design and keeps the geological maps updated that can help the geotechnical team.

By James J. Roettger, Robert J. Mitchell

"The results of a series of model stope pours designed to investigate working pressures on bulkheads during hydraulic pouring of classified tailings backfill are reported. Total bulkhead pressures and fill water pressures were monitored under the condition of a fully saturated backfill. Similitude of the model testing is discussed and equations are developed to estimate bulkhead pressures under prototype conditions. The model results show that good base drainage, combined with a bulkhead setback, can reduce the expected bulkhead pressures to values such that timber or concrete block structures should be capable of supporting a saturated backfill. Introduction Bulkheads are used in underground running operations to block drift openings in order that hydraulically placed sand backfill can be contained in stope pours. Whenever possible, the sand fill is designed to have sufficient percolation rate so that excess hydraulic transport water will gravity drain out through the bulk headed drifts. This avoids costly decanting systems. Early bulkhead design assumed that the bulkhead pressure could be as high as 0h = Hy where H is the fill height and ""y is the saturated unit weight of the fill (Thomas et al., 1979)(1). A typical design pressure for a 50 m fill height would be 1250 kPa giving a design force of 12,500 kN on a bulkhead located in a drift of 10m2 in area . Typical bulkheads were 1 m thick heavily reinforced concrete structures formed and poured into a notched drift. Not only were these expensive structures but the associated problems of inside drainage systems and curing time delays increased production costs. As experience with bulkheads for large bulk pours increased and fill pressure measurements became available [see, for examples, Libby et al., 1975(2), Askey et al., 1978(3)] , 'free drainage' timber and concrete block bulkheads were designed. Substantial savings have been realized using these types of bulkheads but greater engineering design and monitoring of backfill pours is necessary to ensure that backfill pressures do not exceed the bulkhead design pressures.The effective and total stress components of fill pressure, the engineering concepts associated with the 'free drainage' design and some detailed design considerations have been discussed by Smith and Mitchell (1982)(4) . It is important to the safe use of these designs, however, that the basic engineering concepts be demonstrated and communicated to those responsible for the day-to-day backfill operations. This paper describes and explains observations from a series of model studies designed to measure bulkhead pressures in a saturated fill."

Jan 1, 1984

By Tony B. Szwilski

"The efficiency of operation and life of an advancing longwall coalface depends, to a great extent. on the face-end roof strata conditions and the stability of the gateroads. The factors that influence the rate of closure of gateroads are examined, in particular the gateside pack and the coal rib (crush) pillars. The performance of mechanized packing systems is briefly discussed. Gateroad deformation surveys were carried out at two coal mines to determine the influence of the rib pillar width on gateroad stability; also, the influence of the gateside pack on the immediate roof and floor strata is analyzed based on strata bed displacement measurements from instruments installed in the gateroad and pack-hole of a longwall advancing face operating in a thick seam (7.55 m). Concluding, an evaluation of the fac e-end systems examined is given and recommendations made f or the most suitable rib pillar width. face-end geometry and roof strata reinforcement.IntroductionKevword s: Coal mining, Pillars, Rib pillars, Ground control, Longwall mining, Gateroads , Packing systems, Roof control. The face-end region of a longwall advancing face is the center of mining activity, being the turn-around point for the coal cutting machine. and the place of gateroad formation and movement of special face-end supports. The design of face-end layouts can be aided by knowledge of strata control parameters, such as the effective loading of the immediate roof strata , convergence of the roof and floor, magnitude and distribution of fractures in the roof strata around the face-end , optimum placement of supports, coal seam thickness and strength characteristics, geometry of layout and interaction from neighbouring workings. Generally, the gateroad is formed by one of three face-end methods: (a) advanced headings, (b) in-line system (gateroad formed at the face) or (c) conventional ripping with or without stable elimination (also halfheading). The quality of gateroad is influenced principally by the face-end system employed, standard of gateside pack and width of pillar. A good standard of gateroad is generally achieved by employing the half-heading face-end system, the gateside pack and coal rib pillar having comparative support/ yield (stiffness factor) characteristics. However, the halfheading is often not favoured due to face operation restrictions."

Jan 1, 1981

By M. S. Badollet

"IntroductionAsbestos as received by the manufacturer of asbestos products is •in the •form of either crudes or milled fibres processed to different degrees of texture. Frequently, the manufacturer finds that l:ihe fibres as he buys them are not adaptable to his plant processes, and, therefore, it is necessary for him either to contact the mine supplying the material and request a specific texture for the :fibre or to reprocess the fibre in his own plant.When the mine or mill manager is requested to change his milling equipment to produce a special grade of fibre with a specific texture, he would like to comply. However, if he began to make special fibre grades for each customer, he would be in the position of constantly rearranging his milling technique, adding more equipment, or building a new mill. In the end, his mill would he producing hundreds of different fibre grades of varying degrees of texture, which is a difficult accomplishment if he desires to maintain any quantity of production."

Jan 1, 1950

By S. Usui, I. Iwasaki

The effect of pH on the adsorption of dodecylamine at the mercury-aqueous solution interface was investigated by differential capacity and electrocapillary measurements. With dodecylammonium acetate, the differential capacity curves showed two desorption peaks in the cathodic branch with their relative intensities varying with the solution pH. With dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, only one cathodic de-sorption peak was observed in the same pH range. Through thermodynamic analysis of the electrocapillary curves, the adsorption density of undissociated amine was evaluated separately from that of aminium ion. The adsorption densities of the un-dissociated amine and of the total amine increased with increasing pH. The ratio at the interface of undissociated amine to aminium ion was several orders of magnitude greater than the ratio in the solution and increased with increasing pH. The potential at the closest distance of approach of counter ions to the mercury surface was compared with values of zeta potential on quartz previously reported. The most important variable in the flotation separation of minerals is probably the pH of the pulp, and a number of theories have been proposed to explain its effect on the condition of the mineral surfaces, on the dissociation of collectors and of inorganic and organic species (accidentally present or intentionally added) in the pulp, and on the mineral-collector interaction. In the development of a theoretical background for oxide flotation systems, an experimental approach based on electrokinetic measurements has been of much value, although the effect of pH becomes confounded since it governs both the electrochemical conditions of the oxide surface and the dissociation of the collector. For investigation of the adsorption behavior of long-chain collectors on oxide minerals, however, electrokinetic potential measurements are the most widely used technique. Hydrogen and hydroxyl ions are found to be the potential determining species, thereby governing the interfacial electrical conditions. The electrostatic interaction between the charged mineral surfaces and ionized collectors is regarded as the driving force for the adsorption of the collectors. An association of alkylamine collectors adsorbed on quartz surfaces has been postulated from streaming potential measurements, and a term "hemi-micelles" has been proposed.' The possibilities of coad-sorption of undissociated amine along with aminium ion has been inferred from contact angle measurements? and from adsorption studies.~ Electrochemical titration as applied to silver sulfide provides a more quantitative approach to the analysis of the electrical double layer at an ionic solid-solution interfaceqG and the electrochemical evidence for the adsorption of amine at pH 4.7 indicates a specific affinity of dodecylammonium ion towards silver sulfide surfaces, whereas at pH 9.2 the adsorbed species might be free arnine." A combination of differential capacity and electrocapillary measurements on a dropping mercury electrode was reported to be a sensitive method of provid- ing reliable information on the adsorption behavior of dodecylammonium acetate (DAA) at a natural (near neutral) pH.? It was also shown that there were striking similarities in the properties of the double layer and in the adsorption behavior of the amine on mercury and on such ionic solids as quartz, silver sulfide, and silver iodide. The effect of pH on the differential capacity curves at a mercury-sodium fluoride solution interface has been investigated by Austin and Parsonss who reported that between pH 7 and pH 11 there was very little effect. In the present paper, the adsorption behavior of DAA was investigated as a function of pH through differential capacity and electrocapillary measurements and the information gathered was correlated with that available in literature on quartz and silver sulfide. Experimental The apparatus and the method used for determining the differential capacity and the electrocapillary curves were identical to those described previously.' The ionic strength of the supporting electrolyte was fixed at 0.1 M with potassium fluoride, and the pH of the solution with potassium hydroxide. Only the neutral to alkaline range was covered in order to avoid the dissolution of the glass vessel with hydrofluoric acid. Results In Fig. 1 the differential capacity has been plotted against the applied potential at a DAA concentration of 10-' M at three different pH values. The curves are characterized by one capacity peak in the anodic branch, by two capacity peaks in the cathodic branch, and by a marked depression in capacity between the peaks. The depression indicates an adsorption of the arnine in this potential range. One of the cathodic peaks appears at pH 7.3 near -1.4 v and decreases with increasing pH. The other appears at pH 8.9 near —1.2 v and increases with increasing pH. At pH 9.6 only the latter peak is observed. Beyond the cathodic peaks, all the curves tend to converge with the curve in the absence of DAA, implying that two different species are being desorbed in this potential region. The anodic peak near 0.0 v increases markedly with increasing pH. The well-defined anodic peaks at pH 8.9 and 9.6 were accompanied by an appreciable increase in the current flow (in excess of O.luA), and, therefore, is a "pseudo-capacity"'" due to a

Jan 1, 1971

By Frank A. Peters

This description of process evaluation techniques used by the Bureau of Mines for studying proposed processing techniques has been prepared to provide those interested in using these studies with an understanding of the methodology. The methods used for preparing both capital and operating cost estimates are described. Each step in preparing the evaluations is described. Types of equipment costs are shown and factors used in the estimates are defined. Uses of the estimates are suggested and several examples are included. The accuracy of various types of estimates is discussed, along with an explanation of the reason for selecting the type used in the Bureau's process evaluation studies.

Jan 1, 1987

By Bowles Oliver

"Modification of Quarry Process.Limestone beds are formed by processes of nature, processes that have been in operation for thousands and perhaps millions of years. Therefore, their com- position and physical properties are long-established and unalterable features over which man has no control. He must take them as he fields them.It is undoubtedly true that the character of lime depends largely on the nature of the parent limestone. A high-calcium lime cannot be manufactured from a dolomite, nor can a pure lime result from the calcination of an impure raw material. However, in the process of turning limestone into lime man is not entirely helpless in his control of quality. Even though a deposit is variable in character a single lime product of uniform quality may be produced by judicious quarrying. A single grade of product may not always be desired, the producer may wish to supply the needs of a variety of users each demanding U different grade or quality of lime such a series of graded products may be produced in part at least by modifying the quarry method. Thus, by changes in quarry practice a single product or a variety of products may be made. The latter problem will be considered at a later time, and the present paper devoted to the first named question' that of producing a single grade of lime from a deposit of variable rock,It is realized of course that uniformity in the product is influenced greatly by manufacturing processes such as calcining' hydrating' grinding or storage, but the present discussion is confined to the influence of raw materials only. In considering the various devices that may be employed it is realized that much remains to be learned, and it is hoped that many operators will contribute to the discussion as they have already done in connection with previous papers of this series."

May 1, 1923

By P. A. Verhey

"This paper describes a series of wear-resistant ceramic materials which have been successfully used in the mineral processing industry in Canada. Applications include use with metallic ores, coal, potash and asbestos, and in other processes where wear degradation is of major concern. The paper will also deal with considerations involving the selection of the different ceramic materials available. It will cover the installation of ceramic materials on support structures under varying process ' conditions, as well as the other physical and chemical factors which have to be taken into account.IntroductionIn the mineral processing industry, large volumes of ores tailings and other materials are handled. The abrasive nature of most of these materials results in extensive wear to both handling and processing equipment.Wear ratios versus cost, production losses due to down time and wear-resistant material suitability for a given application all demand particular attention when viewed against the need for increased efficiencies in existing processes. As a consequence, a very active continuous search for materials with improved wear resistance has been carried out for many years.In this search, starting about 20 years ago, dense ceramic materials were tested and evaluated in certain applications, notably in the iron ore and asbestos operations in Eastern Canada. As a result of substantially better performance both in continuous extended life and ultimate economics realized , wear-resistant ceramic applications developed progressively in many other processing applications, replacing traditionally used materials.In the vast majority of wear-resistant ceramic applications, considerable extended life over previously used materials was established. This invariably was not just a fractional increase but, in most cases , in factors of double, triple and often all the way up to 18 and 20 times the life of alternative materials used previously. In certain applications, extended life could not be measured and appears to be indefinite.Obviously, as a result of such experiences, the progressively wider use of wear-resistant ceramic materials is now an established trend."

Jan 1, 1981

By Floyd Kelley

THE literature of the last decade is rich with information relating to the cause and means of control of grain growth in pure metals, but is deficient concerning the role diffusion plays in grain growth, although during this period many new products that depend on diffusion for their properties and success have been developed. Among these are cementation products, produced by calorizing, chromizing, and carbonizing, or by mixing, pressing, and sintering powdered metals such as Syke's iron-molybdenum die material, Genelite, and Elcon Metal (copper, tungsten) etc. This is a fertile field for new developments, but before it can be util-ized to the fullest extent there must be a thorough investigation of the processes by which diffusion and grain growth take place. Grain growth plays no small part in the process and certainly the physical properties of these products depend largely on the grain size and state of equilibrium produced. The field of investigation does not end here, but may be extended to the effect of diffusion on impurities, segregations and dendrites in the broad field of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. A number of years ago the author investigated several of these cases and noted, with striking regularity, the pronounced effect of diffusion in promoting recrystallization and grain growth. An example of this phenomenon is given in his paper on chromizing1 which contained photomicrographs of large radial or columnar crystals produced by diffusion of chromium in the solid state. Another manifestation of this effect was discussed by Austen,2 who showed the part hydrogen plays in the decarburization of steel and the effect of diffusion upon the grain structure.

Jan 1, 1928

By John Ellenberger

The nature of competition in the coal market tends to deplete the most favorable coal reserves first, and forces subsequent development of mines in more extreme ground conditions such as those associated with multiple-seam mining. In fact, 70% of the United States coal reserves are in multiple-seam situations. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting research to develop mine design algorithms that will result in safer multiple seam mines. This paper presents an overview of multiple seam issues in the central Appalachian coalfields. To date, more than 50 case histories have been analyzed from 20 operating mines in Eastern KY, Western VA, and Southern WV. Each case history is classified according to the degree of multiple-seam interaction, ranging from no apparent interaction to severe interaction with direct impacts on mine safety and resource recovery. The case histories are also examined with regard to amount and geologic characteristics of interburden and overburden, and design stability factors. The sequence of mining has also been found to be critical when the lower seam is fully-extracted. This paper compares current case histories to traditional rules of thumb. In addition two situations were modeled using LaModel software. LaModel has been upgraded to import pillar grids and topographic data from AutoCAD files. The cases presented demonstrate vertical stress capabilities of LaModel.

Jan 1, 2003

By Archie Richardson

Periodic weighting of longwall supports occurs during retreat ofthe face under certain geologic conditions. Strong stratain the immediate and main roof tend to cantilever over the gob, weighting the supports periodically. The distance between weighting peaks, as well as the intensity ofperiodic weighting, is determined by the suength and thickness of roof members, their location relative to the seam, the frequency of joinling, and characteristics of the gob. In this paper the effects of varying several of these variables ate investigated using block modeling. The models are calibrated against a published case history of periodic weighting in the Pittsburgh Seam. It is concluded that block modeling is a useful tool for correlating measured support pressure histories with expected modes of strata behavior in the roof, with potential for predicting shield behavior in new geologic enviromnents.

Jan 1, 1998

By Robert B. Haagensen

While light optical microscopy has long been employed by the mineral processing industry, there has been a tendency to shy away from its use for all but the most exacting purposes. Despite the usefulness of micros-copy in solving a wide variety of problems, the response to such work is often less than enthusiastic primarily due to time considerations. Microscopical techniques are therefore often relegated to the "ivory tower" and their direct and practical application to everyday problem solving over-looked. The purpose of this paper is to dispel such attitudes and promote a wider use of light microscopy. Several examples are given which point out the indispensib1e nature of optical microscopy as a rapid means of defining and solving problems in mineral processing. The application of other instrumental techniques to augment the information obtained is also discussed, particularly the value of the combined use of the optical microscope and electron probe micro-analyzer.

Jan 1, 1981