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By Andrew Button

INTRODUCTION This review deals with the controls exerted by unconformities on the stratigraphic and areal distribution of gold (and uranium) in Precambrian conglomerates. The relations described are drawn mainly from Precambrian basins in southern Africa, particularly the Witwatersrand Basin. The mining industry of South Africa started in earnest with the discovery of diamonds in 1866. Gold was first discovered in 1870, and in March of 1886, two out-of-luck prospectors stumbled across what was to become the world's greatest goldfield, in the vicinity of Johannesburg. George Harrison and George Walker sold their claims for a pittance and were heard of no more. The Witwatersrand goldfield has been in continuous operation since that time, some 150 mines having operated at one time or another. Deep mining technology developed here has allowed operations to proceed to depths approaching 13,000 feet. The Witwatersrand has produced some 55% of all the gold ever mined, and currently produces 60% of the world's supply, some 650,000 kg Au per year. To 1971, the Witwatersrand had produced some $32 billion of gold and $2 billion of uranium (when average prices were less than $35/oz. for Au and $10/lb. for U308). At present prices, the annual Witwatersrand production of close to 700,000 kg would be worth about $10 billion. Uranium was discovered in the Witwatersrand in 1923. In the $15-30/lb. bracket, the basin contains a reasonably assured plus

Jan 1, 1983

The basic principles of mineral valuation were recognised and propounded at the beginning of this century and have remained virtually unchanged since then. Valuation is seen as a two part process commencing with a technical examination of the mineral property followed by a manipulation of the results of the technical examination in order to determine the monetary value of the project. A thorough and competent technical examination was seen then and remains now as the essential but not sufficient foundation for reliable valuation. All authors stressed the need to maintain the integrity of the data base and to ensure adequate coverage of all relevant aspects. The monetary valuation process through most of the first half of this century was mainly based on the Hoskold two rate method, derived from the formulae for valuing annuities but modified to provide explicitly for recovery of capital. Though the basic principles of valuation have not changed significantly, the means of implementing the components of the technical examination, the styles of deposits being evaluated and the mechanisms of monetary valuation have changed dramatically. Despite all the technological improvements, however, mineral valuations are still as apt to vary from realised performance as at any time in the past. As well, mineral property valuations are now being extended to cover all assets of potential value, including valuation of exploration tenements with or without identified resources. Valuation of exploration tenements will continue to be one of the most difficult and contentious of valuation tasks.

Jan 1, 1994

By J. A. Luppens

Five years ago, Phillips Coal Company decided replacing mainframe/workstation programs with a new package of PC software was clearly the best solution for computer reserve modelling. The system chosen was actually three programs distinguished by their power, cost, flexibility and integration, and ease of learning and use. Phase I involves the use of the "StratiFact" program for borehole data management and seam correlation. This phase is probably the most neglected, yet critical aspect of reserve evaluation. Phase II employs the "PC/Cores" package for modelling and volumetrics. Phase m is "PC-Cut" which provides mine planning tools including an automated cut generator.

Jan 1, 1996

By Morsky P, Kalapudas R, Natunen H, Virtanen M

The development of autogenous grinding modification in Outokumpu, known with the name 'Outogenius Comminution', was 'reversed'. At first the metallurgists studied and tested tens of years autogenous grinding in detail in full scale circuits at the concentrators of the company. After the final solution already had been found, also a pilot plant was built and now finally, research work is under way to develop a special laboratory method for testing the suitability of ores for 'Outogenius Comminution'.

Jan 1, 1993

By J. Morris

Petro-diesel is a common collector for fine coal froth flotation but partitioning of diesel range organics (DROs) in process streams has not been widely studied. Preliminary research suggested that under normal dosing schemes total residual DRO in process waters should be limited to the sub-ppm water-soluble fraction (WSF). Further, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) should partition proportionately with DRO. The purpose of this study was to confirm these findings in laboratory flotation tests. Total DRO and specific PAHs were measured in tailings and concentrate streams, and coal recovery and ash rejection were tracked. Results show that concentrate waters consistently had higher DRO than tailing waters, and DRO in both streams generally increased with increasing diesel dosage. DRO again appeared to be limited to the WSF and PAHs tended to partition proportionately with DRO. Results indicate optimal flotation performance should generally coincide with minimal DRO partitioning to process waters. Under typical operating conditions residual DRO should not present an environmental concern; however, conditions should be avoided that allow significant overdosing of diesel.

Feb 23, 2014

By Justo Germán Ramón Rojas

El presente texto describe la importancia de la gestión de seguridad en valor y ventaja competitiva de la empresa para así disminuir las pérdidas económicas causadas por los siniestros, accidentes y daños a la salud del trabajador. La forma de evaluación de la cultura de seguridad es mediante los indicadores de clima y cultura de seguridad y el trabajo responsable y comprometido del equipo de SSO.

Mar 1, 2013

By J. A. Rowland

Magnesium alloys containing nickel, nickel and manganese, lithium, lithium and manganese, and lithium and aluminum were investigated. Melting, casting, and mechanical working techniques and the heat treatment of various compositions were studied. Amenability to cold and hot working was shown for many compositions. The magnesium-nickel and magnesium-nickel-manganese alloys failed to develop superior mechanical properties and were very low in resistance to corrosion. The magnesium-lithium series, although entirely plastic, had low strength properties. The addition of small amounts of aluminum to the Mg-Li base did not affect greatly either the ductility or the strength; further additions developed increased strength, but only at room temperature, and the alloys became brittle with age. Continued study, concentrating on the ductile lithium-rich beta phase as a base composition for ternary and quaternary systems, is recommended.

Jan 1, 1956

By Caroline Gomes de Oliveira

As fibras lignocelulósicas representam vantagens econômicas, técnicas e ambientais em comparação com as fibras sintéticas, como fibra de vidro por exemplo, quando se considera as alternativas de reforço aos compósitos. A fibra natural usada no presente trabalho é a fibra de eucalipto, que é largamente cultivada em território brasileiro. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar uma análise estatística da correlação entre o diâmetro e a densidade da fibra de eucalipto. Para isso, foi aplicado o método de Weibull. O diâmetro foi obtido por meio de medições em projetor de perfil, enquanto a densidade utilizou determinações precisas da massa e do volume de fibras. Os resultados revelaram uma dependência inversa entre o diâmetro da fibra de eucalipto e sua densidade

Aug 17, 2017

By Dever Ashmead

ENGINEERS, operators, miners, and others di-rectly interested in mining will readily agree that more of well-directed illumination in mines will result in a reduction of accidents and general im-provement in the working conditions, comfort, and effi-ciency of those employed underground. Progress has been made in the amount of illumination from individual lamps carried by miners. The candle, which a great many of us can remember as the general method of lighting, was replaced by the oil lamp or torch, later by a specially prepared oil known as "Sunshine," and eventually by the carbide cap lamp. The metal mines still present a field for progress from the standpoint of general illumination, particular-ly those mines having high stopes. Attention is being more and more focussed upon the advantages of im-proved lighting in mines, in order that the underground employee may benefit as the factory workers have al-ready done. The management is vitally interested in the morale of its employees, the reduction of costly accidents and increased production, all of which, judging by results in other industries, will be sub-stantially benefitted through the means of improved general illumination. From data available to the writer, 40 to 50 per cent of the accidents in the metal mines occur at the face; they may be due to roof falls, movement of loose ore, loading of cans, handling of tools, etc. Very probably a large proportion of these accidents may be attributed to lack of light. If sufficient illumination had been present the employee could have seen what was happen-ing and taken the proper precautions. The introduc-tion of better illumination means better visibility, de-crease in accidents, and increase in efficiency.

Jan 6, 1928

By J. Pepin

When using alternating current submerged arc welding (SAW) to produce pipes from microalloyed linepipe steels, it is critical to balance penetration depth and deposition rates, in order to minimize the number of weld passes while still maintaining good heat affected zone (HAZ) microstructures and properties. A series of bead-on-plate (BOP) submerged arc welds were performed on X70 steel, using different waveform variable settings (i.e., balance, offset and frequency). Weld bead cross-section profile deposition and penetration areas were measured, and both Vickers hardness and Charpy V-notch impact testing were performed. Both single electrode and tandem electrode welds were evaluated.

Jan 1, 2011

By Enif Gutiérrez Guerrero

Inclusion deposition is still a standing problem in the continuous casting of steel since the deposition of alumina inclusions inside the SEN affects the productivity and the product quality. The present work studies the factors involved in the inclusion deposition at the nozzle and the effects of inertial, gravitational, buoyant, pressure gradient, and Saffman forces on the inclusion trajectories. The results show that the inclusions reaching the nozzle, only 30% get deposited along its walls mainly at the Upper Tundish Nozzle (UTN). This area of higher deposition is identified close to a low static pressure and a high turbulent kinetic energy dissipation zones where the effects of the gravitational and buoyant forces do not promote a significant inclusion radial movement since these are aligned with the direction of the flow stream lines. In contrast, in this zone, the Saffman force shows an important effect on the deposited inclusions, slowing down the inclusions in the vertical axis and increasing their radial movement.

Aug 17, 2017

By Frank Ebbutt

In this paper it is proposed to point out certain structural factors that; have an important bearing on gold deposition. The subject will be treated; more or less generally. Although the writer has had access to a great many; of Canada's gold mines he does not wish to take the liberty of discussing; details of any particular mine or mines; the aim will be to discuss controls; that are evident in many places.

Jan 1, 1954

By Kefton H. Teague

This paper deals with the practical application of the Dutch State Mines cyclone separator for fine-coal cleaning. The more important operating variables are discussed, and results of a number of continuous-scale tests on various fine coals with a 6-in. cyclone separator are given. Descriptions of the Cyanamid Pilot Plant and the 50 tph Cyclone Separator Plant at the Emma Washery in Holland are included.

Jan 1, 1950

By Jorge Luís Coleti

A siderurgia mundial vive um momento de excesso de oferta, com isso as empresas necessitam reduzir custos por meio da melhora de processos e/ou através da substituição por matérias primas alternativas às convencionalmente utilizadas. Este trabalho trata justamente deste tópico e busca substituir a fluorita por outra fonte de fluxante, neste caso, o óxido de boro. Neste trabalho o óxido de boro foi adicionado a escórias sintéticas num banho de aço à 1600°C. Foram realizados testes com proporções de 3%, 5% e 7% de óxido de boro na composição das escórias. A fusão foi realizada em atmosfera inerte de argônio em um forno de resistência de dissiliceto de molibdênio. Amostras de aço foram removidas periodicamente a cada 5 minutos até os 25 minutos de experimento. Estas amostras foram analisadas em um espectrômetro de infravermelho. Os resultados indicam a viabilidade técnica para a aplicação do óxido de boro como substituinte da fluorita.

Aug 17, 2017

By Robert H. Peters

This report presents a literature review conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The review summarizes what has been learned from the large volume of empirical studies on the effectiveness of eight types of interventions intended to increase organizational effectiveness via in the management of human resources. The interventions concern the following: recruitment, selection, training, objective feedback, goal setting, reward systems, participative management practices and organization development. Although many of these interventions appear to have the potential for improving the safety and efficiency of mining operations, it does not appear that they are being widely used. Examples are given of the successful use of a few of these interventions at mining operations. An analysis of the relationship between coal mine productivity and safety is also presented. This analysis generally supports the view that good safety performance and high productivity are NOT incompatible goals. In fact, safe mines also tend to be more productive and vice versa.

Jan 1, 1992

The desire for minimising impacts of mining activities on the environment, and in particular, water resources; is usually tempered by the costs and practicalities of implementing æbest practiceÆ measures. This paper briefly discusses the theoretical and practical options for water management for typical mines and quarries in a range of environments to assess if adverse impacts can be completely eliminated or at least be perceived as doing so. The regulatory requirements for water resources management are usually an essential part of mine planning and operations that can be a primary focus for all stakeholders. As such they can distract attention from implementing best practice in water management for the benefit of the environment and the community for altruistic reasons that have a long-term benefit for the mining industry as a whole. Cost-effective options for supply, demand and quality management of water that comply with basic regulatory requirements are readily available. Making a mine æinvisibleÆ in a practical sense, in terms of impacts on water resources would require eliminating potentially contaminated discharges, minimising demand, maximising reuse and recycling and putting back a healthy proportion of the clean water that is taken out of the natural environment for use in mine operations. This may sound simple enough and there are many well-known standard approaches that are usually applied. But which are the most effective, and who benefits? New approaches to water management are becoming more affordable and can benefit the bottom line as well as the environment, but can they make a mine ædisappearÆ? The perception of whether a mine is æinvisibleÆ in terms of its impacts on water resources is as important as the actions taken to try to achieve such an objective. The viewpoints and thresholds of perceptions of the different stakeholders are therefore relevant to how ævisibleÆ mining activities become.

Jan 1, 2006

By Malcolm C. Bridges

A review of the application of geomechanics to open stope mining in Australia was recently undertaken for the Australian Mineral Industries Research Association (AMIRA). It compiled the current state of geomechanics and its application to open stope mining, and recommended avenues of research which should be supported by the industry. Information was compiled for eleven mines which use the method. This included their geological setting, the performance of the mining and evolution of the method, properties and behaviour of rock and backfill, and techniques for measurement and analysis. Open stoping accounts for about two-thirds of production from underground mines in Australia. In the future this proportion will progressively increase and the method will become more complex. Overall, the method is being sucessfully applied, but its full potential is not being achieved because a range of problems and limitations are evident within the mines. Many of these are common to several or more mines. These include: zones of poor ground conditions that delay access and stope development; crown pillars that are irrecoverable; substantial overbreak from the walls and backs of stopes; and lack of a widely accepted method to design systems of stopes. Generally, geotechnical information and techniques for applying it to mining are well-developed. However, it nee

Jan 1, 1983

By Irena Grigorova, Tashka Ignatova, Ivan Nishkov, Andrian Valchev

"Feldspars used by ceramic and glass industries as fluxing agents are mainly obtained from high quality feldspar deposits. The demand for feldspar as raw material for industrial applications especially in ceramic manufactures is continuously increasing. However, due to the depletion of those deposits, the research activities related to the recovery of feldspar from the lower grade feldspar deposits and feldspar bearing rocks such as pegmatite, granite, arkosic sandstone and syenite have been intensified in the last two decade. In Bulgaria, the main deposit of arkosic sandstone is located in the area of Shumen town, NE Bulgaria. In Srednya deposit arkosic sandstones are found in Upper Cretaceous sediments (Santonian). In this formation, there are two major industrial minerals - feldspar and quartz. They may be of economic value and possibly suitable for commercial uses. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the beneficiation and upgrading processes of Srednya deposit arkosic sandstones. In a laboratory scale it was studied the possibility to obtain the feldspar concentrate and quartz sand from arkosic sandstones. Particle size distribution, chemical and mineralogical compositions of quartz-feldspar sands were determined. The bench-scale tests using the KOALIN AD laboratory experimental facilities were conducted. Many processing techniques were tested: disintegration, washing, sizing, carbonate flotation and feldspar flotation. The experimental results show that there are possibilities to obtain the silica sand with low content of Fe2O3 - below 0.02 % and potassium feldspar with content of K2O > 14 %. A new technology for recovery of feldspar and silica sand from arkosic sandstone was developed."

Jan 1, 2014

By W. R. Ingalls

THE propaganda in favor of the adoption of the metric system of weights and measures in the United States is founded upon the idea of compulsory adoption. There can be no argument about this, for the metric system has been legal, by Act of Congress, in the United States since 1866. Nobody ought to oppose an educational movement, and if pro-metric activities were confined to that there might be no reason to gainsay them. I do not propose to enter into any discussion of 'the relative merits of the metric and the English systems of weights and measures. The simple case is that the metric system not having made much headway in the United States after more than 50 years of legality, 'it is now aimed to force it upon the people by legislative compulsion. The main arguments in favor of such compulsory adoption are that it would- simplify the education of our children and would promote our foreign trade, for the reason that more countries of the world, with which we do business, use the metric system than the English system. I am going to disregard,' in this contribution, the first of these arguments, for it is largely conjectural." Not so with the other, which is specific, and being so its speciousness can be, proved. It is true that the metric system is used by more countries of the world than the, English system. It is commonly stated that of the Indo-European nations only the United States, Great Britain, and her colonies, and Russia have failed to adopt it. However, if with "colonies" we equate Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania and South Africa, we have a longer list of non-metric countries, and it comprises not only the most populous, but also the most industrial nations of the world.

Jan 1, 1921

By William H. Emmons

Discussion of the paper of William H. Emmons, presented at the Canal Zone meeting, November, 1910, and printed in Bulletin No. 46, October, 1910, pp. 767 to S37. CHARLES R,. KEYES, Des Moines, Ia. (communication to the Secretary*) :-It is not in a spirit of criticism that I offer a supplemental suggestion or two on the subjects covered by this valuable and highly instructive memoir. There are two points which, in my opinion, should have received greater emphasis in Mr. Emmons's excellent paper. One is the fundamental role played by the chlorides under certain conditions in ore-formation. The other is the possible establishment of geographic relationships among the four phenomena of (1) excessive chloridic content of mine-waters; (2) the abundance of chloridic compounds of the precious metals ; (3) the presence of. manganese oxides; and (4) the diminishing importance, in ore-genesis, of the metallic sulphates. Although Mr. Emmons's notes refer to gold alone, it may be pertinently asked whether the same principles do not hold good for silver and copper also, since these metals form, together with gold, a distinct and well-known chemical group. That the reactions involved apply equally well to the other two metals mentioned, is shown by a number of recent observations and discussions. Chloridic ores of silver are, as I have lately endeavored to show, mainly worked in. arid or desert regions only ; and the great deposits of disseminated copper-ores are similarly characteristic of such regions, in which both classes doubtless owe their formation to the abundance of saline materials derived from desert dusts, and to the .plentiful and almost universal presence of manganese oxide. Under these climatic conditions, silver is somewhat more abundantly deposited than copper and gold, because its chloride is so much * Received Nov. 11, 1910.

Jun 1, 1911