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By Donald F. Reed

Deposits of gray hematite occur in two districts in Talladega County, Ala., the Emauhee-Tallasechatch and Weewoka, both in the; vicinity of Wintorboro, 50 miles east of Birmingham. The deposits were investigated by the Bureau of Mines in 1945 and 1944. Approximately 15,000 feet of diamond drilling was done and 6,000 linear feet of trenches excavated and sampled.

Jan 1, 1949

By James D. Brown

The Bureau of Mines has written a computer program in FORTRAN to facilitate the calculation of concentrations from X-ray intensities in electron probe microanalysis. Philibert's absorption and Castaing's secondary fluorescence corrections are used; no atomic number correction is included. Background and dead time corrections are applied to the data before calculating the relative intensities. Data from any type of electron probe microanalyzer can be used with the program.

Jan 1, 1965

El siguiente trabajo describe los métodos de medición aplicados a la superficie de minerales en granos compuestos, como los estudios microscópicos cuantitativos y su aplicación al beneficio de los minerales. El origen de esta idea surge por la adquisición de un equipo microscópico de parte del Banco Minero del Perú, para la ejecución de trabajos cuantitativos dentro de la metalurgia minera. La degradación del mineral extraído tiene dos finalidades: la primera, es reducir los trozos compactos del mineral extraído a un material manejable para los tratamientos metalúrgicos y así pueda ser transportado con mayor facilidad, y la segunda, es sintetizar los trozos de mena de composición compleja al tamaño de sus componentes, para separar aquellos que son aprovechables y los desechables durante el proceso metalúrgico. Una vez desarrollado este proceso de trituración, molienda y clasificación, el mineral se transforma en una mezcla de partículas o componentes puros del mineral complejo. De allí, para que se liberen algunos minerales de otros, dependerá del tamaño promedio de los granos obtenidos por degradación. Es importante señalar que si el costo de molienda es mayor que el tamaño medio del producto, se elegirá un tamaño de liberación práctico, de forma que una pérdida del producto se vea compensada por el costo menor del proceso de molienda. De otro lado, el análisis granulométrico realizado con un microscopio informa el tamaño de partículas en productos de molienda, como el número encontrado en cada fracción granulométrica, características morfológicas y asociativas, estado de liberación y naturaleza en particular. El instrumento básico para la ejecución de mediciones estadísticas es la platina de integración, cuya forma imparte un movimiento traslatorio a su propia porta-operaciones, registrando automáticamente el punto de intersección para cada uno de seis minerales componentes por discos graduados, así como las mediciones de trechos, el diámetro de los granos, etc. El método para la determinación de la superficie de partículas consiste en mediciones directas bajo el microscopio de partículas cortadas en secciones pulidas, donde el producto de este corte se muestra en la superficie de la preparación microscópica, y a partir del volumen de las tajadas se calcula la suma de los productos formadas por el largo de las intersecciones y el espesor de cada tajada. De esta forma, no solo se establece la cantidad y la naturaleza de los minerales que componen los granos de producción metalúrgicos, sino se calcula la influencia de cada uno de estos minerales en la composición de la superficie, destacándose como procedimiento importante para el beneficio de los minerales.

Jul 20, 1959

Triboelectric Charge and Separation Characteristics of Industrial Minerals The basic principles of triboelectric charge and separation of minerals and the factors affecting the entity of the charges developed on mineral surfaces are discussed and the surface pretreatment methods by which the electrophysical properties and thereby triboelectric charging and separation of minerals can be artificially altered/modified are reviewed. Furthermore, the triboelectricfication theory of materials is envisaged from the chemical concept of acid-base donor-acceptor and an attempt is made to correlate the physical concept of triboelectrification with the donor-acceptor properties. The triboelectric charge characteristics of the quartz, calcite and wollastonite mineral samples for different size classes were defined using different tribocharging medium. Based on the triboelectric charges acquired by mineral samples their energetic work function values are estimated. In addition, the main electrophysical properties, ie dielectric constant and electrical conductivity, of different size fractions of the mineral samples are measured and their donor-acceptor chemical properties were defined. A series of triboelectric separation tests were conducted to explore the possibilities for separation these mineral from each others. The results from the triboelectric charge and separation of the single mineral systems showed promising prospect in separating quartz, calcite, and wollastonite from each others. Finally, attempts were made to explore the possibilities to implement triboelectric charge and separation process to real ores. Promising results achieved when separation of calcite from silicate impurity was sought from a carbonate ore. A very high purity (99 per cent) calcite product was obtained at a recovery of 80 per cent. Interesting results were also achieved to concentrate wollastonite from a complex silicate ore containing quartz, different feldspars, wollastonite and other Mg-Fe silicates. In this case conditioning of the ore with salicylic acid at defined temperature and relative humidity was found to be essential to concentrate wollastonite. The outcomes indicate despite the fact that triboelectric charge and separation process has not been completely perceived, it pronounced to be an environmentally friendly and economically viable technique for minerals and wastes beneficiation. Being a dry beneficiation technique the process has special appeal, which must be explored further in particular for treating industrial minerals.

Sep 13, 2010

By Fernando O. Boechat

Com a redução da oferta de minério granulado de boa qualidade no mercado mundial e as restrições ambientais à sinterização, as pelotas de minério de ferro passaram a ocupar um papel importante como matéria prima para produção de ferro primário. Entretanto, embora apresentem maior resistência à degradação, as pelotas ainda sofrem com este problema, embora em menor magnitude, quando comparadas com granulados. Pode-se identificar a degradação das pelotas de minério de ferro em duas etapas, durante o manuseio e sob redução. Uma vez que vários estudos já analisaram a degradação durante o manuseio, a degradação durante a redução torna-se um assunto relevante e pouco explorado. Assim, o presente trabalho avaliou as energias envolvidas no movimento da carga ao longo de um forno de redução direta do tipo Midrex, usando o método dos elementos discretos. Para isso, foi utilizado o software EDEM® para obtenção das energias dissipadas durante as colisões das partículas. Aplicando estas energias ao modelo mecanicista proposto por Tavares e Carvalho [4] para fragmentação das partículas foi possível estimar a taxa de geração de finos no interior do forno. Estes resultados foram utilizados na previsão da degradação mecânica de pelotas no interior do forno, que previu a geração de 1,2 a 2,6% de finos gerados em um forno Minimod®, dependendo das premissas usadas.

Aug 1, 2018

By Joseph Poplawski, Christian O’Keefe, Robert Maron

"Unique and difficult minerals processing measurement situations will be described and the application of passive array-based technology for performing these measurements will be illustrated. Examples of these situations include volume flow measurements in froth lines and flotation feed lines with entrained air, slurry lines with magnetite and other magnetic ore, slurry lines with abrasive or corrosive materials, high pressure lines, and slurry and non-slurry lines exhibiting scale buildup. Other situations include measurement of entrained air levels in pipes and in flotation columns. These measurements are achieved through CiDRA’s patented passive sonar array-based technology. This technology performs two independent measurements – flow rate and entrained air amounts. Two hardware implementations of this technology have resulted in a non-intrusive flow and entrained air meter which easily is installed on the outside of the pipe, and a submersible version for entrained air or gas holdup measurements which is used in flotation processes. Recent developments in extending this technology to solve other unique measurement problems such as valve movement confirmation will be covered.INTRODUCTIONThe minerals processing industry faces many unique and challenging process control conditions and environments. In terms of flow measurements, many of these situations are not being properly served by traditional flowmeters such as ultrasonic meters, magmeters, turbine meters, orifice plate meters, vortex flow meters, Coriolis flow meters, and venturi meters. A new class of flowmeters has been developed that solves these unique situations and flow measurement problems. This new class of flowmeter technology utilizes sonar-based processing algorithms and an array of passive sensors to measure not only flow, but also fluid composition. It does so accurately, reliably and without making contact with the fluid. These measurements are performed on practically any type of fluid within virtually any type of pipe.PRINCIPLE OF OPERATIONSonar array-based flowmeters are ideal for tracking and measuring the mean velocities of disturbances traveling in the axial direction of a pipe. These disturbances generally will convect with the flow, propagate in the pipe walls, or propagate in the fluid or slurry. First let us focus on the disturbances that convect with the flow. The disturbances that convect with the flow can be density variations, temperature variations or turbulent eddies. The overwhelming majority of industrial flows will have turbulent eddies convecting with the flow, thus providing an excellent means of measuring the flow rate as described below."

Jan 1, 2008

By A. H. G. Mitchell

Most, if not all, of the six recognised post-Cretaceous, predominantly andesitic mineralised belts in the region are now thought to be subduction-related magmatic arcs. The Inner Carpathian arc and the Eastern Bosnia or Drina-Rhodope arc host numerous vein and replacement deposits with epithermal features and Zn-Pb+/-Ag as the predominant economic minerals. In contrast, the south Apuseni Mountains have produced over 1 600 t Au from epithermal veins but very little Zn-Pb. Recent age determinations and geophysical data from the Baia Mare district of the Inner Carpathians suggest that mineralisation succeeded volcanism by 1-2 m.y. and accompanied crustal extension and the cooling of a large, mushroom-shaped pluton whose boundaries define the mineral district. In the south Apuseni district, mineralisation can be explained by mixing of meteoric with low-salinity metamorphic water expelled during intrusion of mafic rocks into the middle or lower crust. The more continental or cratonic crust in the Drina-Rhodope and Inner Carpathian arcs precluded the input of low-salinity, Au-bearing metamorphic water; the Zn-Pb deposits formed where convecting meteoric water mixed with saline water, possibly introduced through carbonate rocks in the basement

Aug 1, 1996

By Y. van der Grijp

The applicability of a stochastic approach to the simulation of gold distribution to assess the uncertainty of the associated mineralization is examined. A practical workflow for similar problems is proposed. Two different techniques are explored in this research: a Direct Sampling multi-point simulation algorithm is used for generating realizations of lithologies hosting the gold mineralization, and sequential Gaussian simulation is applied to generate multiple realizations of gold distributions within the host lithologies. A range of parameters in the Direct Sampling algorithm is investigated to arrive at good reproducibility of the patterns found in the training image. These findings are aimed at assisting in the choice of appropriate parameters when undertaking the simulation step. The resulting realizations are analysed in order to assess the combined uncertainty associated with the lithology and gold mineralization.

Jan 1, 2015

By B. B. Broms

The high transverse tensile stresses that develop in precast concrete piles during driving have been investigated experimentally from pile load tests and theoretically using the finite element method (FEM). These tensile stresses can be high enough to cause longitudinal splitting of the piles just below the pile cap. Test data and FEM indicated that the maximum transverse tensile stress will increase with increasing thickness of the cover. The maximum tensile stress can be high especially if the pile is eccentrically loaded. The results from the experimental investigation and from FEM are described in the paper as well as a simplified method based on the stress distribution in a concrete cylinder at an indirect tension test.

Jan 1, 2010

Although not fully accepted in South Africa, the Theory of Sampling originally proposed by Pierre Gy is fast becoming the cornerstone of sampling practice throughout the world. The growing acceptance of Gy?s Theory of Sampling in South Africa can be attributed to a number of factors, chief amongst them being the development of a tradable mineral asset market, the promulgation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), the growing number of commercial and academic courses that are offered on sampling, and the regulation of the industry through internationally acceptable guidelines and rules for reporting and trading in mineral assets. The size of the South African minerals industry and the dependence of our economy on mineral production have also meant that correct sampling is of key importance to mineral trade. ISO standards have been the principal guides for producers of mineral bulk commodities who produce to customers? specifications, whereas Gy?s insights have been most readily accepted by precious and base metals producers whose product is sold into metal markets. Understanding of small-scale variability is essential in the precious and base-metal industries, but detailed studies of the effects of heterogeneity have not been as productive in the bulk commodities. Sampling practices at different stages of mineral development from exploration, face sampling and grade control, ore processing and handling, metallurgical sub-sampling, point of sale sampling, and sampling in the laboratory are considered in the gold, platinum, ferrous metal, and coal industries. A summary of the impact of poor sampling in these industries is presented. Generally it appears that poor sampling practice is most likely to erode mineral asset value at the early stages of mineral development. The benefits of good sampling are considered, especially with regard to the financial implications of bias and error on large and consistent consignments of bulk commodities. Keywords theory of sampling, sampling errors, ISO standards.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. Utt

Recent developments in circulating fluidized bed (CFB) once-through supercritical technology (OTSC) have enabled this technology to be offered as a utility-scale alternative competing head-to-head with pulverized fuel (PF) OTSC offerings. One clear example is the CFB supercritical unit at the Lagisza Power Plant in Poland, owned by PoludniowyKoncernEnergetyczny SA (PKE). This unit has now been in commercial operation for three full years, exhibiting very good performance, and has validated Foster Wheeler's performance model at this utility scale as well as for units in the 600 MWe and 800 MWe size ranges offering net efficiency of -43 per cent (LHV basis). This operating unit has also proven the use of the world's first FW/BENSONTM vertical-tube OTSC low mass flux technology. Since the Lagisza original international tender specified OTSC PF technology, it is important to note that the alternative selection of CFB OTSC technology over conventional PF technology is of historic significance, not only for the validation of the CFB supercritical platform as a viable alternative to conventional PF technology, but it also positions the CFB OTSC with fuel flexibility for offering of sizes up to and including 800 MWe units. This paper explores the differences between CFB OTSC technology and standard PF OTSC in utility power generation. Selection criteria, fuel burning range in both technologies, and other selection drivers are discussed. Economic analysis of both technologies, based on existing cases, is also provided. Also discussed are the technical advantages and uses of each technology. Foster Wheeler has recently been awarded a contract for four units of CFB OTSC technology, which utilizes a 2 on 1 configuration of two 550 MWe CFB OTSC boilers on two single 1000 MWe turbines. Essentially this provides a fuel-flexible low-emissions alternative to a 2 x 1000 MWe solid fuel power block.

Jan 1, 2012

By Rob Farnfield, Charlie Adhock

The measurement of near-field shock has always been an attractive proposition for those working in the field of explosive and blast performance. The most commonly employed technique involves the use of piezoelectric accelerometers. Although highly effective, these complicated devices are relatively expensive and are often destroyed in the blast event. This paper describes the development and field-testing of a shock sensor of sufficiently low cost to enable it to be routinely used in product blasting. This new device is based on piezoelectric wafer technology and does not require any external signal conditioning. The device is housed in a small cylindrical package with approximate dimensions of 30mm (1.2”) length and 5mm (0.2”) diameter. It has been determined that the most effective way of fixing the device to rock is in a small diameter hole with epoxy glue. Alternatively the sensor can be simply placed in holes filled with either water or bulk emulsion explosive.

Jan 1, 2005

By W. W. Adams, T. D. Lawrence

"Despite the manpower shortage and other difficulties of operation in war time, the National Safety Competition of 1943 for the promotion of safety in the mineral industries of the United States was notable for having a larger enrollment of mines and quarries than in any other year except 1941 and 1942 since the yearly safety contests were inaugurated in 1925. The competition was also notable for having a larger number of man-hours represented by the competing companies than in any previous contest except that of 1942. The ratio of accidents and days of disability resulting from accidents to the number of man-hours of work performed was more favorable than in 1942; the accident-frequency rate was lower and therefore better than in 13 of the 19 years during which the annual safety competitions have been conducted, and the accident-severity rate was better than in 16 of the 19 years.The National Safety Competition is a yearly safety contest conducted by the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior. Companies that win first place in their respective group in the contest are awarded a bronze trophy, ""The Sentinels of Safety,"" which is provided by THE EXPLOSIVES ENGINEER magazine. Competing companies are segregated into six groups: Underground bituminous-coal mines, underground anthracite mines (in Pennsylvania), underground metal mines, underground nonmetallic-mineral mines, open-cut mines (without regard to kind of mineral produced), and open quarries (without regard to kind of stone produced). The bronze trophies are retained by the six winning companies for 1 year and are then transferred to the winners of the succeeding year's contest. On the pedestal of each trophy is engraved the names of the winners of the trophy. With the award of the trophies for 1943, therefore, the pedestal of each trophy bears the names of 19 winners."

Aug 1, 1944

By Bruce Haldeman

Timber has been used as pile support for structures for 6,000 years. Some means of preservation of wood go back almost that far. Timber piles support all types of structures ? some are buried below the water table; others raise a home for protection from animals or a chief's home for prestige. Millions of wood piles have been driven for bridge support. Earlier piles were driven by hand then by ingeniously raised weights. Charring, animal fats and oils have been used for preservation. Coal tar creosote and other preservative methods started only in the early 1800's and give effective protection.

Jan 1, 1984

By Robert A. Cummings, Madan M. Singh

In April 1984 a subsidence depression formed directly beneath a two-story frame residence, near Linton, IN, causing 2 ft of separation between the floor and walls, and damaging both the foundation and interior of the building. The Office of Surface Mining undertook the rehabilitation of the area under its emergency response program. This paper describes the investigation performed to determine the cause, severity, and extent of the problem. Abandoned mine workings were found approximately 55 to 60 ft below the house. Based on the findings, remedial measures were prescribed. An abatement program consisting of grouting the mine voids was recommended, and specifications prepared. These were implemented, and the area has been successfully stabilized.

Jan 1, 1986

By S. F. Radtke

The properties and characteristics of lead and zinc have made these metals useful to man in many ways since the days of antiquity. Despite their long history of use, however, these metals have proved to be extremely resilient and responsive to modern needs. New alloys and compounds continue to be developed, adding to the growth of these metals. Consumption data is given for 1969 and compared with one and two decades ago. Trends in major markets also are cited and explained. Uses for lead and zinc which have come into prominence within the past few years are described and explained, with emphasis on the role played by the industry's cooperative research program. Current efforts in the research phase are discussed, with details given on major efforts for both metals, including new alloys, process developments, applications research, finishes, coating, paints and pigments, batteries and fundamental research. A forecast is given of promising new areas and a projection made on a longer term of new applications that may emerge from current research.

Jan 1, 1970

By G. M. Molinda

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is being investigated for the potential to determine roof hazards in underground mines. GPR surveys were conducted at four field sites with accompanying ground truth in order to determine the value of GPR for roof hazard detection. The resolution of the current system allows detection of gross roof fractures (>63 cm (s1/4 in) zone) or rider beds in coal measure roof. Data quality is not yet sufficient to detect small bed separations or subtle lithologic changes in the roof. Differences in data quality are discussed, as well as suggestions for collecting improved data.

Jan 1, 1996

By V. Bari?ic

The scheduled power cuts of early 2008 were a disturbing reminder that South Africa needs to expand its power-generating capacity. Low-grade and discard coals, of which South Africa has much, are a source of energy and amenable to combustion in circulating fluidized beds (CFBs). Foster Wheeler (FW) has a long record in developing this technology in boilers. The technology is flexible in burning a variety of fuels; low-grade, high-ash coals, good quality bituminous and anthracite coals, and biomass and waste fuels have all been used. CFB boilers are efficient, reliable and can be designed to meet tight emission standards. In recent years once-through supercritical (OTSC) CFB technology has been developed. It enables the next stage in CFB development to proceed to a medium-scale (500 MWe) utility in such projects as Lagisza, which runs at a net efficiency of nearly 44%. Scaling the technology up to 800 MWe with a net efficiency of>45% is planned to be commercial during 2009. CFB technology can reduce CO2 emissions in the repowering of coal-fired and greenfield power plants. It does so through greater efficiencies and by co-combusting coal with biomass. FW has also developed CFB technology for the gasification of biomass, as, for example, in a pressurized gasifier to produce syngas, which can be used for the production of biodiesel, thereby reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) can potentially cut CO2 emissions in the generation of power from fossil fuels in the short term, provided that it gains public acceptance, that the required regulatory framework is created, and that emission-trading mechanisms or other incentives provide a solid return on the major investments required. Oxyfuel combustion is an option in CCS; Foster Wheeler is adapting its CFB combustion technology for oxy-fuel combustion to meet this challenge. It is developing Flexi-burn?, which enables a plant to be operated either with or without carbon capture. This paper describes the status of CFB technology in terms of boiler efficiency and fuel flexibility. It highlights the advantages of CFB technology for oxyfuel combustion, presents a development plan for Flexi-burn?, and discusses a pressurized gasifier for biodiesel applications.

Jan 1, 2009

By M. Candia

"El presente trabajo describe la utilización del método de corte y relleno descendente en la explotación en la mina Yauricocha. Los métodos convencionales utilizados fueron los de cobre, corte y relleno, etc, siendo aplicables hasta 1848. Posteriormente se utiliza el método de corte y relleno descendente en el minado de ciertas áreas, donde la dificultad de trabajar con otros métodos se presentaba en los pilares, dejándolos abandonados. Es por ello, que la aplicación de este último método es útil en la recuperación de pilares como en el minado propiamente dicho. Asimismo se describe el proceso que comprende: la preparación de la chimenea y subnivel de extraccíón del primer piso, el relleno y finalmente la secuencia de explotación. "

Nov 20, 1972

By D. Grobbelaar, A. Cichowicz, D. J. Birch

The Q-coda method for estimating the quality factor Q(f)= Qo(f)n was used to characterize seismic wave attenuation in a region of the Kaapvaal Craton that includes the mining areas of the Bushveld Complex and Witwatersrand Basin. Seismic waveform data, collected by locally distant stations of the South African National Seismograph Network (SANSN), consisted of mining-related events with magnitudes ranging from ML 1.8 to ML 4. Q was calculated for nine different source-receiver pairs spanning the study region. A weighted average Q based on the number of available data gave an estimated attenuation relation for the study region of Q(f) = 327 f 0.81.

Jan 1, 2015