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By B. Tönjes

In the course of the last decade, the concept of sustainability has turned from a catchword into a vision - a vision to which politics and industry feel increasingly committed. In terms of the energy industry, the key criteria for sustainable development are supply security, economic efficiency and social responsibility. Coal is able to meet all these criteria if it is produced in conformity with high safety standards through the use of modern mining technology and converted into electricity with the aid of environmentally friendly methods. Among the fossil energy resources, coal will, according to the vast majority of global energy scenarios, continue to be the most important input energy in power generation for the foreseeable future. Coal is therefore today, and will in future continue to be, an important element in ensuring sustainable energy and raw material supply, worldwide, in Europe and also in Germany.

Jan 1, 2005

By Robert A. Haney

Utilizing the recently developed laser velocimeter and a Pitot-static tube, the United States National Bureau of Standards (NBS), has calibrated various types of anemometers that are commonly used in the mining industry. This paper presents a summary of the performance characteristics including accuracy, precision, starting and stopping speeds of each instrument tested. The specific instruments that were calibrated by NBS have become Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) primary reference instruments. These primary reference instruments are used in turn to calibrate secondary reference instruments for each Coal Mine Safety and Health District. Each District calibrates anemometers that are used by District engineers and inspectors. Calibration is accomplished through a substitution procedure in which the reading on the anemometer is compared to the true velocity determined by the reference instrument. Calibration is performed over the entire range of the instrument using an open jet wind tunnel to produce the various approximate velocities. Some specific details of the calibration procedure are presented in this paper.

Jan 1, 1980

By Chen L. Lin, Luis R. M. Bittencourt, Jan D. Miller

Recently research efforts have been made to obtain a high-purity gibbsite concentrate, suitable for first-class alumina refractories, from a Brazilian bauxite ore containing gibbsite (50%), quartz (35%),and kaolinite (15%). Detailed polished-section microprobe analysis was used to describe the liberation characteristics of the ore. Experimental results suggest that the kaolinite liberation characteristics can be described by King's liberation model and that only about 11% of the kaolinite is expected to be liberated at a particle size of 75 µ. Bench-scale experiments for the flotation of gibbsite/kaolinite from quartz using alkyl sulfates as collectors were particularly successful at pH 2, and under appropriate conditions a concentrate containing 93.0% A1 0 (calcined basis) was obtained 2 3 at a gibbsite recovery of about 96%. Subsequently, the more difficult separation of kaolinite from gibbsite was accomplished by kaolinite flotation from the alumina concentrate with a quaternary ammonium salt at pH 6 to produce a high-purity gibbsite product, 97.4% A12O3 (calcined basis), at an overall gibbsite recovery from the bauxite flotation feed of about 90%.

Jan 1, 1990

By S. Chander

Neutralization of acidity by addition of alkaline materials is a commonly used method to treat acid mine drainage. However, this procedure requires large amounts of reagents based on acid-base accounting. The potential use of organic additives in preventing or ameliorating acid mine drainage was investigated in this research. The tests were conducted in weathering columns using refuse samples from a coal cleaning plant. Both cationic and anionic compounds were tested. For a comparison, tests were made in the presence of limestone and lime. The results show that some of the reagents substantially retarded the rate of oxidation whereas others even enhanced it. The suppression of the rate of pyrite oxidation was ascribed to surface chelation. Formation of surface compounds prevented the pyrite particles from further oxidation. Such a treatment required only small quantities of reagents since the reaction was confined to the surface.

Jan 1, 1992

By Y. M. Jiang

Longwall faces can move at high advancing rates, but many geological variations can cause unexpected instabilities and production losses. The rapid movement makes it necessary to evaluate different geologic conditions in the rock mass as fast as possible to assess their effects on the longwall face and shields. It is believed that prompt awareness of geologic conditions is the key to preventing instability at a longwall face. This paper introduces the application of fuzzy set theory for characterizing and evaluating roof conditions. Real-time monitored data coupled with fuzzy set analysis provides valuable information, such as shield leg pressure, developing load on shields, intervals of periodic weighting and the ratio of developing loads during periodic to normal times.

Jan 1, 1997

By G. T. Adel, W. Z. Choi

A model describing size reduction and mineral liberation during grinding has been extended to include multiple classes of composite particles. The majority of the model parameters have been directly determined using computerized image processing equipment to analyze the products from batch grinding tests. A coarse-grained sphalerite ore from Tennessee, representing a nearly ideal binary mixture of sphulerite and dolomite, has been used to experimentally validate the model for the case of dry batch grinding. In all cases, excellent agreement has been observed between the model predictions and the experimental results.

Jan 1, 1988

By Hemendra N. Kalia

To plan a safe and efficient coal mining operation, the design engineer should use all the available information regarding the property to be exploited. The reliability of the mining operation must be as high as possible so that the plants relying on the coal can operate at the maximum design capacity. A good design should incorporate all of the known geological characteristics of the deposit, the structural and physical properties of the coal, as well as the rock which will form the roof and floor of the mine openings. A systematic method is proposed as a guide to insure a mine design that will be safe, efficient and will minimize surface disturbances resulting from mining operations. It is anticipated that the method proposed will result in maximum extraction at perhaps minimum cost to the operator. In general, to develop a mining area, several factors are systematically reviewed: (1) determination of the economic minability of the deposit, (2) the computation of the coal reserves, (3) the marketability of the coal, and (4) the life of the property. In general, boreholes are drilled in a predetermined pattern and geophysical or geological methods are used to log the boreholes. The information so obtained is primarily used to determine the quality and the extent of the deposit and to determine to some extent such geological features as faults, barren areas, washouts, and channels.

Jan 1, 1973

By J. Kern, M. Cain, T. Torries

Until recently, the generation of electricity was regulated in all states, and the value of generation assets in a regulatory environment for ad valorem taxation were based largely on the book value of the plant plus the rate of return on capital allowed by the state regulatory agency. This method of appraising utility generation assets is inappropriate in a competitive environment because past capital expenditures are not relevant in a competitive environment. However, it is not clear what valuation methods are appropriate after restructuring. This paper identifies important problems and advantages of other appraisal methodologies and makes comments on various valuation and taxation methods.

Jan 1, 2003

By Bernardo Portillo, Alejandro Perez, Daniel Norrgran, Joseph Wernham

High gradient permanent magnetic separators (termed "Ferrous Wheel") are described as used to recover the iron bearing minerals from mill tailings at the Grupo Acerero del Norte's Hercules iron mines in Coahuila, Mexico. The pilot scale test work as well as the "in-plant" test work provided the basis for a 385 MTPH plant expansion to be commissioned late in 1995. Approximately 6 million metric tons of flotation tailings averaging 50 percent iron, mostly as hematite, are contained in two separate ponds. The tailings are relatively fine at 93 percent -200 mesh and 72 percent -500 mesh. After testing various recovery methods, a high gradient permanent magnetic separator was selected to produce a preconcentrate prior to flotation. The separator uses a flux converging matrix to generate high gradient magnetic fields and capture the hematite. The advantage of the Ferrous Wheel high gradient permanent magnetic separator is the use of permanent magnets as opposed to electro-magnets. Further the vertical rotating ring is much more conducive to matrix cleaning as opposed to the conventional horizontal ring separators. This feature also allows the use of a wide range of matrix materials to achieve the optimum metallurgical response

Jan 1, 1995

By Rob McIvor, Joe Keating, Gary Simmons

As more complex ores are processed, finer grinding becomes more necessary. A cross section of several industries will be presented with discussions not only of find grinding issues but also the classification of fine particles. JOHN MANSANTI: Our next topic will be fine grinding. Again, the intent is to present a topic that is generic enough to apply to multiple industries. Our first speaker is Gary Simmons. Gary is filling in for Phil Walker from Twin Creeks. Phil was not able to join us this week, because of some issues they're having with the autoclave. Gary, being involved in the development phase, is very familiar with the topic. Gary spent about three years with American Cyanamid and another four years with Noranda. He also spent some time with Meridian Gold, then became the director of metallurgy with Santa Fe Pacific Gold. He spent seven years there and is presently the director of process technology with Newmont Gold.

Jan 1, 1998

By T. W. H. Parker, S. B. Sadleir

ABSTRACT A comprehensive program of air flush core and reverse circulation drilling, trial mining and beneficiation test work was carried out in 1980-1982 to re-assess the potential of the Mitchell Plateau bauxite deposit. The results generally confirm previous work by Amax Corporation. The bauxite is a medium available alumina and reactive silica deposit which responds well to wet screen beneficiation. High grade pockets have developed locally, with the potential for refractory grade extraction. A major feasibility study of the Mitchell Plateau bauxite deposit was completed in 1983. Due to the unexpected severity of the downturn in the alumina market, development of the project has been deferred.

Jan 1, 1984

By T. R. Ellis

The author attempted to concurrently apply the US Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the Australian VALMIN Code to a complex mineral property appraisal assignment and previously to some modest assignments. This led the author into many severe difficulties. These difficulties included the high standards needed in the work of others and information and statements required from the client under the VALMIN Code. The exercises highlighted many positive features of both sets of standards. However, the author concluded that, without modification, VALMIN is incompatible with USPAP and the US regulatory environ¬ment. The author found that VALMIN violates US legal decisions regarding real property appraisal due to its requirement to include many items of business value. The US Securities and Exchange Commission's prohibition on reporting quantitative resource estimates proved to be a severe problem under VALMIN. Some VALMIN requirements could not be met due to the extent and quality of documents specified. Implications and thoughts regarding the development of a set of US minerals appraisal standards are discussed. Management considerations for complex mineral-property appraisal assignments are also presented.

Jan 1, 2000

By William P. Diamond

Production trends have been analyzed for 82 gob gas ventholes on 7 longwall panels in the Lower Kittanning Coalbed, Pennsylvania. Cumulative production from individual holes was found to vary considerably, ranging from 0.03 x 106 m' to 10.1 x 106 m3. Peak production rates were generally about 0.03 to 0.06 x 106 &/d, but rates over 0.10 x 106 m3/d were observed. The variability of gas production from individual holes can be attributed to several factors including: completion practices and problems, the extent of fracture development in the strata above the extracted panel, water production, and location on the panel. Of particular significance, is hole location. Holes on the ends of the panels, where overburden strata are in tension due to the support of the surrounding pillars, were generally the highest and longest producers. This observation led to the experimental placement of gob gas ventholes in the zone of tension along the margin of a panel, instead of in the traditional centerline location which is in compression. Analysis of gob gas production data indicates that the experimental near-margin holes produced 77 pct more gas than did centerline holes on the same panel.

Jan 1, 1995

By Andrew I. Hustrulid

The Internet and World Wide Web create multiple opportunities to advance and change an industry. Scandura Conveyor Belting, a mid-sized manufacturing company supplying the mining industry, has embraced several of these opportunities that add value to the sale and service of the manufactured product. This paper presents a technical overview of available technology and how it is being applied to advance the conveyor belt industry. These technologies are used to provide historic catalog information, interactive troubleshooting, product installation and service instructions, detailed product information, technical calculations for the proper conveyor belt selection, and on-line site surveys and maintenance logs.

Jan 1, 2002

Historian and storyteller, Duane Smith, will be the keynote speaker at the National Mining Hall of Fame's 10th anniversary induction banquet on Saturday, Sept. 6,1997 in the Museum Convention Center at Leadville, CO.Smith is a professor of history and southwest studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. He is also an award-winning author of 28 books about the West and mining. Hall of Fame Board Chairman Richard Moolick said the induction banquet event will mark the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum's 10th anniversary in its Leadville facility, a century-old Victorian schoolhouse. Karl Elers, chairman of Battle Mountain Gold in Houston, TX, will be the master of ceremonies. He is a member of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum's board of directors. The six inductees into the National Mining Hall of Fame will be enshrined by Thomas Falkie, president of Berwind Natural Resources of Philadelphia, PA. He is also chairman of the Mining Hall's board of governors. The six inductees will join 132 mining greats who were previously honored. The black-tie (optional) banquet will be highlighted this year by guests who prefer to don 1890s dress for the occasion in the old silver-mining boomtown. A cocktail reception and open house will precede the banquet, with tours of the district and special events to follow on Sun- day, Sept. 7.

Jan 1, 1997

By G. A. Weisenfluh

The successful application of factors limiting the? availability of coal in eastern Kentucky depends on ac-curate assessment of the original resources. Examination of several previous coal-resource estimates for the region reveals significant differences among the outcomes. These differences relate to methods of analysis, biases in data and their utilization, and the problem of defining the lateral continuity of mineable beds. Improvements in the methods of estimating the original resources would greatly enhance the reliability of the results of the Coal Availability Program.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. Karmis

Surface subsidence has been recognized as an inevitable consequence of underground coal mining for several centuries. The damage resulting from this phenomenon has been witnessed in rural as well as in urban areas and ranges from simple land settlement to severe structural damage to buildings. Subsidence prevention is not feasible, at least under the existing technological and economic constraints of underground coal mining. Using a rational method of subsidence prediction, it has been demonstrated in many coalfields that subsidence control can be successfully practiced in order to reduce and accommodate subsidence within environmentally acceptable levels. This paper presents the development and testing of a subsidence model, based on the zone area method. This technique is a refined development of the influence functions and it is capable of investigating a mining plan of any shape, thus facilitating both longwall and room-and-pillar mining systems. More specifically, this study can be divided into two major efforts: (a) The development of the zone area model. This formulation was designed to accommodate the analysis of an optimum number of zones, over the area of interest, both accurately and efficiently. (b) The testing of the computer techniques with appropriate field measurements. In order to accomplish this, published as well as unpublished information was collected and analyzed according to a regionalized scheme. This procedure minimized differences in subsidence characteristics between the various coalfields and allowed a regional validation of the predictive capabilities of the model.

Jan 1, 1982

By W. E. (Bill) Stanley

Introduction This is an exciting day. It isn't often that you can find the best minds in a particular business gathered together in one place. But that is what we have here. You are the best and the brightest people there are in the business of gold mining. What we discuss at this conference confirms the major issues facing us and sets out the issues governing how our mines and mining companies will be run in the next few years. In looking over the list of papers to be given, I have noticed something. It is something that I have noticed at almost every mining convention I have ever attended. Almost every paper at this conference concerns itself with the technical side of mining. Most of us in this roan are professionals; we are either engineers, geologists, accountants or representatives of some other profession. In getting where we are today, we have had to work hard to acquire the technical skills needed for our individual professions. We are all proud of our knowledge and work hard to claim the right to be considered an expert in a particular technical field or subject area.

Jan 1, 1987

By John Stroiazzo, Bernard C. Aubé

Brenda Mines, located 22 km Northwest of Peachland in British Columbia, Canada was an open pit copper- molybdenum mine which closed in 1990 after 20 years of operation. The primary concern in Brenda's tailings and waste rock drainage is molybdenum at a concentration of approximately 3 mg/L. The mine drainage is alkaline and contains little or none of the typically problematic heavy metals. Given that the waters downstream are used for municipal water supply and some irrigation, a discharge limit of 0.25 ma molybdenum was imposed with specific water quality guidelines in the receiving creek. A review of all existing and potential molybdenum removal methods was undertaken prior to mine closure. The chosen process is a two-step iron co-precipitation with clarification and sand filration at a slightly acidic pH. A 4,000 usgpm (912 m3/h) treatment plant was constructed and commissioned in 1998, at a cost of $10.5M. The successful removal of molybdenum from the drainage water is explained with details on some design innovations and operational challenges encountered during plant start-up. Investigated sludge disposal options are discussed although the long term disposal scenario has not yet been finalised.

Jan 1, 2000

By A. Platts, K. Leung, P. Rohner, P. Munro, B. Coulter

The Hilton Concentrator treats a laminated stratiform silver- lead-zinc ore to produce separate lead, zinc and bulk concentrates. Commissioning commenced in December 1989. Grinding circuit performance is above design with a mean flotation feed sizing of 80% passing 65 microns at 800 000 tonnes / year throughput. Grinding is done in two stages with an open circuit low diameter : length ratio SAG mill followed by a closed circuit ball mill. SAG mill control philosophy is to maintain a fixed feedrate for stability of flotation and to control mill charge weight to a setpoint with feed water. It is planned to increase throughput to 1 million tones / year in the second half of 1991. Proposed milling circuit modifications include close circuiting the SAG mill by recycling a portion of the ball mill cyclone underflow, increasing the SAG mill speed from 73% to 79% of critical and offloading of lower than feed grade -20mm /+7mm SAG mill ore scats. This paper will describe current mill operating practice with operating data and key mill developments since the beginning of operations.

Jan 1, 1992