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By John A. Organiscak

Enclosed cabs are a primary means of reducing equipment operators? silica dust exposure at surface mines. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health experimentally investigated various factor effects on cab air filtration system performance. The factors investi­gated were intake filter efficiency, intake air leakage, intake filter loading (filter flow resistance), recirculation filter use, and wind effects on cab particulate penetration. Adding an intake pressurizer fan to the filtration system was also investigated. Results indicate that intake filter efficiency and recirculation filter use were the two most influential factors on cab penetration performance. Use of the recirculation filter reduced cab penetration by usually an order of magnitude over the intake air filter alone because of the multi­plicative filtration of the cab interior air. Intake air leakage and filter loading affected the cab penetration to a lesser extent, while wind had the least impact on cab penetration between the calm and 10-mph wind velocities tested. Adding an intake pressurizer fan notably increased intake airflow and cab pressure with only minor changes to cab penetration. A mathematical model was developed that describes cab penetration in terms of intake filter efficiency, intake air quantity, intake air leakage, recirculation filter efficiency, recirculation filter quantity, and wind penetration.

Nov 1, 2008

By Orlando Gallardo

El presente texto describe la implementación del software ADS (Sistema de Despliegue Activo) a los sistemas de control supervisor de los diferentes procesos del complejo metalúrgico a nivel administrativo -en tanto replica los archivos gráficos y de base de datos. Este servidor además de concentrar en su red de campo redundante data de controladores e instrumentos de campo, puede compartir información con clientes usuarios y clientes de visualización dentro de la planta. En ese sentido, el objetivo es simplificar la producción y uso de datos únicos y garantizar la fiabilidad de estos a tiempo real para todos los niveles de supervisión a nivel administrativo, al tiempo que se planea y optimiza los recursos con la toma de decisiones apropiada.

Sep 24, 2008

By Jorge Meza

El presente texto señala el diseño de controladores en los hornos de fusión de concentrados de cobre a través de la lógica difusa. Para ello, se simuló dinámicamente el proceso de fusión de concentrados de cobre de un horno de tecnología Isasmelt, incluyendo su actual sistema de control y subsistemas convencionales (PID), para representar sus principales parámetros termodinámicos, y de esta forma, obtener una base de medición. Posteriormente, se desarrolló el sistema de control avanzado con la teoría de lógica difusa, que fue incorporado en el módulo de simulación del horno, para comparar su performance con la del controlador convencional.

Sep 24, 2008

By Ricardo Baños

Ante la demanda actual de mineral de hierro por el creciente consumo cada vez mayor de los países emergentes del Asia, las empresas mineras tuvieron que explorar nuevos yacimientos de hierro y así satisfacer esta demanda que se prevé continuará en los próximos lustros. En ese sentido, el presente trabajo busca generar niveles a partir de secciones geológicas digitalizadas y representadas por medio de bloques, con el fin de obtener el modelo geológico, para así estimar las reservas geológicas y la valorización del yacimiento para conseguir el límite óptimo del diseño de minado en la empresa Shougang Hierro Perú.

Sep 24, 2008

By Luis Valdivia

Dado que el objetivo principal de un departamento de Geología de exploraciones es el de estimar recursos minerales en nuevos blancos de exploración identificados a través del análisis e interpretación de información geológica proveniente de diversas fuentes. En ese sentido, el presente texto señala la sistematización de los datos geológicos como el uso de las imágenes satelitales, fotografías aéreas, geofísica, geoquímica, cartografiado geológico, sondajes diamantinos, catastro minero, datos geográficos y políticos, etc. a través de un servidor que integre dichas estructuras lógicas de conocimiento, de manera que todos puedan acceder a ella de manera fácil y dinámica. Asimismo, para los datos de carácter numérico llámense muestras, sondajes, leyes, se utiliza la plataforma Access como gestor de base de datos, mientras que para la información grafica superficial, el software ArcGis.

Sep 24, 2008

By Jorge Meza

El presente texto señala la aplicación del sistema de gestión de demanda y consumo de energía eléctrica en la fundición de Southern Perú. El sistema está compuesto por un módulo predictor de demanda eléctrica y un módulo de simulación del sistema eléctrico de la planta. El primero, se construyó utilizando redes neuronales con algoritmos de aprendizaje backpropagation, capaz de pronosticar la evolución horaria de la demanda eléctrica con un porcentaje de error cercano. Mientras que el segundo está basado en técnicas de estimación paramétrica, redes neuronales y ecuaciones matemáticas obtenidas por regresión estadística, que simula el comportamiento del sistema de energía eléctrica de la fundición. En ese sentido, los módulos facilitan una adecuada planificación, ya que permiten conocer el comportamiento de la demanda horaria y los patrones de consumo de la planta, incluyendo los componentes de la facturación. Así como las deficiencias energéticas y oportunidades de mejora, sobre la base del análisis de la información acerca de los equipos, procesos y planes de producción, así como programas de mantenimiento.

Sep 24, 2008

In 2006, a total of 7,178 sand and gravel mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).1 ? Sand and gravel mines were the largest mining sector, comprising 48.2% of all mining operations. ? Sand and gravel mines were found throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Sep 1, 2008

To reduce operator exposure to drilling noise from roof bolting machines. Background Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent occupational illness in the United States. Studies indicate that 70%?90% of miners have NIHL significant enough to be classified as a hearing disability. Mine Safety and Health Administration studies indicated that roof bolting machine operators are among those overexposed to noise. Field studies support the premise that, on average, drilling is the loudest noise source to which a roof bolting machine operator is typically exposed and contributes greatly to the operator?s noise exposure. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has further determined that the drill steel and chuck radiate a significant amount of noise during drilling. To address this noise hazard, NIOSH developed a collapsible drill steel enclosure (CDSE) to encapsulate the drill steel during the drilling portion of the roof bolting machine duty cycle. In addition, NIOSH is collaborating with J. H. Fletcher & Co. in the continued development of a CDSE.

Sep 1, 2008

To minimize the equipment operator?s respirable dust exposure in enclosed cabs of mobile equipment by install-ing cab filtration and pressurization systems and by keep-ing doors and windows closed. Background Enclosed cabs are used on mobile equipment to protect operators from health and safety hazards. The primary health concern is overexposure to respirable dust. Examples of such equipment in mining include drills, dozers, haul trucks, and other equipment. When equipment is new, the operator?s dust exposure is normally at acceptable levels. As the equipment ages and gaskets and seals deteriorate, the air quality inside an enclosed cab can reach a point where it is no longer at acceptable levels for the equipment operators. In an effort to improve the air quality in enclosed cabs of older mining equipment, NIOSH has been performing research to retrofit cabs with new filtration and pressurization systems. Over the past few years, this research has shown that retrofit systems can substantially improve the cab?s air quality back to safe and acceptable levels. How-ever, this is only possible when a positive cab pressure is achieved and maintained. Thus, when a cab door or window is opened, the cab pressure drops to zero and the cab filtration and pressurization system is rendered ineffective. During a recent field study, the magnitude of this impact was noted when a drill operator repeatedly opened the cab door throughout the course of the drill cycle. Upon closer examination, it was determined that the cab door was being opened to manually guide the next drill steel into place each time an additional section of steel was needed to drill deeper holes.

Sep 1, 2008

In 2006, a total of 280 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).1 Metal mines were the smallest mining commodity sector, comprising 1.9% of all mining operations. ? Gold mines comprised 46.8% (n=131) of all metal mining operations. Other common types of metal mines were copper ore (n=34; 12.1%), and iron ore (n=33; 11.8%). Nevada had the largest number of metal mines (n=53; 18.9%), followed by Alaska (n=31; 11.1%).

Sep 1, 2008

In 2005, a total of 7,111 sand and gravel mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). ? Sand and gravel mines were the largest mining sector, comprising 48.5% of all mining operations. ? Sand and gravel mines were found throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Sep 1, 2008

By Sean Gallagher

This report was written in an effort to provide better control measures for low back pain (LBP) and low back disability in the mining industry. There are numerous factors associated with development of LBP, many of which can be effectively controlled while some cannot. Better job design is promoted as the best method of reducing cases of LBP and can also reduce the disability (i.e., lost time from work) associated with LBP when it happens. The report draws attention to what is currently known about LBP, what the causes are thought to be, and discusses recent back injury trends in the mining industry. Research describing unique physical demands in mining, such as the capabilities and limitations of working in awkward postures, is also presented. Methods that can be used to prevent initial LBP episodes are provided, including facilities design and layout for materials and supplies, use of mechanical-assist devices, improved design of lifting tasks, and better seat design. Methods of reducing the disability associated with LBP (including workplace design, proactive return-to-work efforts, communication, and management commitment) are also discussed. The report concludes that control of LBP and disability in mining requires a comprehensive approach to limit the repetitive loading that can occur on the low back due to manual materials-handling tasks and exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). Specific recommendations include the following: ? Successful LBP prevention efforts require a proactive program that has strong management commitment and incorporates employee involvement. ? More efficient supply handling systems and use of mechanical-assist devices can greatly reduce exposure to hazardous lifting tasks. ? Lifting tasks should be designed to minimize low back stress. Tools to evaluate and redesign lifting tasks are presented. ? Improved seat design can reduce exposure to WBV and improve posture, leading to reduced LBP risk. ? The disability associated with LBP can be reduced. Getting the worker back on the job as quickly as possible is in the interest of everyone involved.

Sep 1, 2008

In 2005, a total of 263 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Metal mines were the smallest mining commodity sector, comprising 1.8% of all mining operations. ? Gold mines comprised 46.0% (n=121) of all metal mining operations. Other common types of metal mines were iron ore (n=32; 12.2%), copper ore (n=31; 11.8%), and lead and/or zinc ore (n=16; 6.1%). ? Nevada had the largest number of metal mines (n=52; 19.8%), followed by Alaska (n=27; 10.3%).

Sep 1, 2008

To develop effective noise controls for continuous min-ing machines (CMMs) to reduce worker noise exposure. Background Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an occupational illness caused by chronic exposure to excessive sound levels. For underground coal mine workers, NIHL continues to be a serious health issue. Analysis of hearing loss data suggests that by retirement age, 70%?90% of U.S. coal mine workers will have a hearing impairment. Operated in the confined spaces of underground mines, large industrial mining equipment often produces sound levels that can be harmful to workers. Of all equipment used in underground coal mining operations, CMMs account for the most noise overexposures. To reduce the occurrence of noise over-exposures, engineering noise controls must be developed for the CMM.

Sep 1, 2008

By R. Karl Zipf

This report presents nearly all structural data available from explosion tests of 20-psi mine ventilation seals and concrete-block ventilation stoppings that were conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health during 1997?2008. Although the seals tested were designed to meet the former federal 20-psi pressure design standard, the structural information contained herein on these seal tests will facilitate the analysis and design of coal mine seals that meet the new explosion pressure design criteria of 50 and 120 psi as set forth in the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)?s final rule on ?Sealing of Abandoned Areas.? The seal testing data are organized into six broad categories of seal structures based on the materials used and the construction method for those 20-psi seals: 1. Concretelike materials with steel reinforcement and reinforcement bar anchorage to rock 2. Pumpable cementitious materials of varying compressive strengths with no steel reinforcement and no hitching 3. Articulated structures such as solid-concrete-block seals and ventilation stoppings made of solid and hollow-core concrete blocks 4. Polymer and aggregate materials without hitching 5. Wood-crib-block seals with or without hitching 6. Articulated structures such as lightweight blocks with or without hitching This summary contains data on 52 different structures in the above categories?44 seals and 8 ventilation stoppings. The structural data sets include the applied loading on the tested seal represented by a pressure-time curve and, when available, the measured seal response represented by a displacement-time curve. The structural data sets enable the calibration and verification of numerical models of seal behavior at the 20-psi level, which may then facilitate future structural analyses of seal designs for the new 50- and 120-psi explosion pressure design criteria.

Aug 1, 2008

Objective: To provide a safe, practical, cost-effective method for measuring coal rib thickness during highwall mining.

Jul 1, 2008

Objective: To enable mine operators and mine inspectors to make quick and accurate measurements of the explosible nature of coal and rock dust mixtures.

Jul 1, 2008

By H. Huisa, M. Linn Chong

La Evaluación del Potencial en Recursos Rocas y Minerales Industriales (RMI) a través de los Sistemas de información Geográfica (SIG) es un análisis que utiliza el conocimiento que tiene el sector geológico minero para decidir cuáles son las zonas que proporcionan las mejores alternativas para la exploración y prospección de una actividad minera industrial, basándose en características litológicas, canteras y ocurrencias de RMI, concesiones mineras no metálicas, anomalías espectrales de alteración y accesos; mediante un método de Análisis Multicriterio.

May 1, 2008

By Kevin B. Heather, Stewart D. Redwood

The AntaKori Project, located in the Hualgayoc mining district, has a NI 43-101 compliant inferred sulphide mineral resource of 295 Mt @ 0.36 g/t Au, 0.48 % Cu and 10 g/t Ag (Wilson, 2012) which is still open in all directions. It is a calcic copper-gold-silver skarn. Mineralization is principally hosted in prograde and retrograde exoskarn in the Cretaceous Chulec and Inca Formations, as well as in quartzites and arkosic sandstones/siltstones of the underlying Farrat Formation. Additional mineralization is hosted by early porphyry intrusions, which are weakly mineralized, as well as locally well-mineralized phases of breccia. The porphyry system responsible for skarn-style mineralization has not been discovered yet.

May 1, 2008

By N. Mendoza, B. Nohtani

Kalegar Project is a copper porphyry system with gold-copper structures. The system is located in southeastern Iran, about 170Km NW of Zahedan city, capital of Sistan and Baluchistan Province. The Project is near the highly deformed and tectonized Lut Block and flysch zone. This type of mineralization is related to regional tensional structures and a pull apart basin. Hydrothermal alteration extends (4.5km x 1km), with an EW tendency. The alteration is predominantly moderate silica-clay with restricted silica pyrophyllite alteration and it is related to ‘B’ banded quartz veinlets. These alterations occur in a dacitic unit, heterolithic breccia sequences and early porphyritic andesite. It may be related to a postulated productive porphyry system at depth.

May 1, 2008