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By M. Raffaldi, J. Johnson, M. Stepan, D. Benton

"The Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR), Spokane Mining Research Division (SMRD), is continuing its High-Energy High-Displacement (HEHD) testing of field-scale shotcrete panels. A test program was developed to determine the relationship between applied force, displacement, and energy for both unreinforced and reinforced shotcrete panels. Reinforcement options consisted of synthetic macro-fibers, sprayed polyurea liners, chain-link fence, welded-wire mesh, and combinations of these products. During testing, photogrammetry was used to measure the geometric changes of the panels, including volume changes and panel cracking. These measurements were correlated with the load and displacement data, allowing visual observation to be related to the applied force and displacement. The test results provide a comparison of the mechanical performance of the various panel types and can be used by the practicing engineer to evaluate installed support based on visual observation of cracking and deformation. Visual assessment of the loading cycle and strength capacity of shotcrete in underground excavations will improve mine safety by providing a means to quantify the stability of installed shotcrete support. INTRODUCTION The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR), Spokane Mining Research Division (SMRD) is continuing research on the behavior of shotcrete when used as the surface support component in mining ground support systems. Ground control safety often depends on supporting, or at least containing, the ground between the rockbolts. Shotcrete and mesh, in various combinations and with other components, are often used to accomplish this (see Figure 1). Maintaining support pressure during ground deformation is key to the performance of these systems, and to ensuring miner safety. However, the toughness of a ground support system–the ability to maintain strength over large deformations–is difficult to quantify. Researchers at SMRD have responded to this deficiency by designing a full-scale test device, described previously by Martin et al. [2015a], and beginning a testing program to assess the behavior of shotcrete surface support reinforced with a variety of products including: fibers, chain-link mesh, welded-wire mesh, spray-on polyurea liners, and combinations of these products. This paper presents the findings of these tests."

Jan 1, 2016

By S. G. McDowell

Automation techniques are used during the design stage of continuous miners to decrease the time required and ensure the accuracy of the design. This is followed by automated manufacturing processes to reduce manufacturing time and improve the quality and consistency of parts. Combined, the result is a more reliable machine that can provide ongoing production capability. With the use of automation to enhance operator effectiveness and monitor machine condition, the productivity of machines is also improved. Productivity of continuous miners doubled over a 10-year span (Fig. 1). Although this article focuses on the continuous miner, it should be recognized that production increases of the continuous miner would not be realized without increased capabilities throughout the rest of the mining system. There are several aspects of automation that have played a role in providing increased continuous miner productivity. Though some are considered indirect, they still had significant influence on the overall result. Basically, productivity increases are obtained by cutting, loading and transporting the coal at a maximum rate. In addition, these tasks must be consistent, with minimal downtime. Therefore, the miner had to improve in operational capability and reliability. Automation techniques used during machine design, manufacturing and operation have all played significant roles in achieving higher productivity.

Jan 1, 1991

The Bureau of Mines has studied 260 underground coal mine fires which occurred from 1970 through 1989. Every fire had the capacity to be hazardous to life and property, however upon closer examination some were found to be inherently more dangerous than others. Our research involved reviewing and recording specific information contained in published Mine Safety and Health Administration fire accident reports. The objective was to determine if degrees of hazard relative to fire source or location could be construed from information contained in the reports. We specifically looked at the propensity for fires to cause injuries and fatalities as well as the need to seal the area in order to extinguish the fire. Relative to all underground locations, this review found that fires occurring in main haulage-ways were most likely to cause injuries and fatalities as well as require sealing of at least the immediate area to extinguish.

Jan 1, 1993

By S. D. Thompson

Since 1965 several researchers have independently developed computer models for designing gathering belt and surge bin capacities in underground coal mine belt systems. Table 1 summarizes the models applicable to U.S. mining systems. Most of the models, employ the Monte Carlo simulation technique. Basically, the belt loading at each loading point is randomly produced from probability distributions. In some cases, a combination of deterministic calculations and probability distributions are used to simulate the loading. Once the loading is simulated, it is systematically moved through the belt system in a deterministic fashion based on belt speeds, belt lengths, and storage bin discharge rates. The coal flowing from each loading point is tracked as it moves through the belt system. When the loading from tm different sources combines on a belt or in a surge bin, checks are made to determine if capacities have been exceeded. If capacities have been exceeded the amount of spillage is calculated. At the end of the simulated time period, the cumulative spill- age is used to evaluate the belt and surge bin capacities. Naturally, a considerable amount of spillage indicates the capacities are unacceptable. Acceptable capacities are generally indicated by minimal spillage. Numerous trial simulations are often necessary to find the acceptable capacities.

Jan 1, 1987

By G. I. Karydakis

Geothermal energy is an important energy asset which can play a significant role in providing energy resources to cover energy needs of a country while it can play a primary role in a particular region where it is abundant. Greece is especially rich in geothermal energy. The collision of Euroasiatic and African plates coupled with the strong tectonic tension, particularly in north Greece, resulted in the formation of important geothermal fields of low, medium and high enthalpy. These fields are in the Aegean islands, in central and east Macedonia, in Thrace and in central Greece. This work presents and analyzes information about the drilling activity for exploration and production of geothermal fields of low, medium and high enthalpy in Greece for the past thirty years. The number and type of wells drilled together with the spatial and the yearly distribution are given. Depth data has been analyzed according to the fluid temperatures and to the geological formations. Cost data are presented and analyzed for the total number of wells drilled giving also the cost per meter drilled.

Jan 1, 2006

By Huo Zuzhao

The main feature of caving methods is to draw ore from the overlying waste rock. Research on the movements of ore and waste plays a very important part in reducing ore loss and dilution and raising the economic benefits. This paper gives the basic theory of computer simulation of ore-draw, exposses the physical significance of mathematical model, puts forword a new formula of similarity characteristic value, brings forth a method of adjusting similarity, introduces the major functions of the simulation program and describes the ore draw control and stope parameter selection through computer simulation.

Jan 1, 1986

By P. Roghanchi

The difficulties associated with performing direct tensile strength test lead to development of indirect test methods, which are simple, less expensive, and less time consuming. Splitting tensile strength test (Brazilian test) is performed by applying two opposite concentrated compression load across the diameter of a disk specimen until the failure occurs along the loaded diameter. Theoretically, the load is applied over a small width as a line load, however, by increasing the load, the contact width between the loading jaw and the specimen increases as the specimen deforms. The main aim of this study is to investigate the stress distribution in (1) regular Brazilian specimen in traditional tests with loading jaws and (2) flattened Brazilian specimen with flat platens. A series of the splitting tensile strength tests and uniaxial compression strength tests are performed on three rock types: rhyolite, basalt, and limestone. Further, Numerical modeling studies are performed to investigate the effect of the contact between jaw and Brazilian specimen on stress distribution in the disc specimen based on the results from the experimentation. Finally, the stress distribution in the traditional Brazilian test specimen and the flattened end Brazilian test specimen were compared.

Feb 23, 2014

By R. H. Kuhlman

The purpose of this paper is to describe the roles of cement and concrete in construction in general and, more specifically, as construction materials of the Southeast. For purpose of this discussion, the Southeast will include the geographic area composed. of the following 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. In one sense, cement by itself is not a construction material. It is a finely ground manufactured mineral product, usually gray in color. Cement is mixed with water and sand, gravel, crushed stone, or other aggregate to form concrete, the rock-like substance that is the most widely used construction material in the world. Because cement is seldom used by itself for construction but is usually a component of concrete, there is no such thing. as a "cement" sidewalk, a "cement" highway, or "cement" building. Neither is "portland" a brand name. It is a generic term used to describe any cement that hardens in the presence of water and is made to standard specifications .. For all practical construction purposes, therefore, all cement is "portland." The name "port-land" was selected by the English inventor of the product in 1824 because concrete made with his product resembled natural building stone quarried on Portland, an English island. Although portland cement is not the final material which finds its way into completed construction, as the principal component of the most widely used construction material in the world, the location and process of its manufacture warrant some discussion

Jan 1, 1977

By Raymond W. Henn, Kent A. Pease, Glen J. Rorison

The paper focuses on construction of a 2.55-km (8,365-ft) long, 2.4-m (8-ft)diameter storm drain tunnel in Evansville, Indiana. The tunnel was driven through saturated soft ground varying from clay to fine sand. The paper presents: an overview of design and design rational including specific EPB machine requirements; the contractor’s proposed and accepted alternative construction methods and TBM design; and construction issues and performance. Some of the key points discussed are the use of the TBM in different operational modes for alternative ground conditions, the effectiveness of dewatering systems, production rates, and issues such as surface settlements and gas.

Jan 1, 2001

By Stephen J. Navin, Francis P. D. Navin

Long-distance movement of various materials by conveyor is becoming common; therefore, it is no surprise that conveyors are frequently found in very long tunnels. In such long tunnels, there is a continual controversy between the tunnel operator's requirement for a maximum of clear space for the conveyor and vehicles and the investor's wish to make the minimum capital investment for excavation. This analysis shows that the question becomes more pressing as the tunnel becomes longer. The result given in this paper is a straightforward method by which an economic and operational optimal tunnel width may be selected for any specified tunnel length. Detailed computational formulas are developed relating costs of construction, vehicle operation, vehicle accidents, and conveyor downtime to both tunnel width and length.

Jan 1, 1985

By Remo Grandori

The Umiray Angat 13,2 km long tunnel in Philippines have been bored through extremely variable and difficult ground conditions including a number of special events. In particular the following adverse conditions were found: faults in decomposed ground, high temperature rocks, extremely rapid and important convergence phenomena, water inflows up to 800 litres per second. The special El Nino climatic conditions caused a long dry season and lower the level of the lake that was granting the access by barge to the site under the minimum navigable level. Many equipment have had therefore to be transported to site by a 10 ton capacity helicopter, after having been partially dismounted. For the same reason most of the tunnel drive have been bored servicing the site by 1 ton capacity helicopters to transport materials, spares and personnel. In order to overcome the above geological and logistic problems several innovation were introduced and tested in this project. Despite all that difficulties the 13,2 km of tunnel were bored in about 24 months, with a global average of 500 m/month.

Jan 1, 2001

By C. Beul, R. Schipper, L. Santisteban

The Garfield Mine is a legacy vanadium mine in western Colorado with multiple mine openings, waste rock piles, and adit seepages that Cyprus Climax Metals Company (a Freeport-McMoRan Inc. subsidiary) voluntarily remediated through the Colorado Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCUP). The process to obtain a No Further Action determination from the VCUP is presented. Water treatment of the adit discharge, which is not part of the VCUP, is also presented. The remedial action objectives (RAOs) included preventing direct human or biotic exposure to the waste rock and radiation emitting from the waste rock; reducing metal concentrations and radionuclide activities in adit discharge and keeping the discharge from leaving the site; maintaining the existing undeveloped character of the surrounding landscape; and eliminating the need for a stormwater permit. The design included regrading, installation of an infiltration barrier and rock cover, a diversion channel, and a biologically based passive remediation water treatment system. An initial lab-scale evaluation provided design criteria for the full-scale system, which consists of a sulfate-reducing biochemical reactor and post-treatment aerobic polishing cells. The system has been operational since construction was completed in late 2016. Results indicate that the treatment objective of 90% bulk removal of constituents of potential concern (COPCs) is largely being met. The system also provides year-round operation and non-point discharge of effluent. After 20 plus years of site investigations, the remedial action was completed in 2016 with all RAOs met and a No Further Action determination granted in 2018. INTRODUCTION The Garfield Mine is a legacy vanadium mine located approximately 11 miles north-northeast of Rifle, in Garfield County, Colorado. It was leased and operated intermittently from 1929 to 1975 but was never operated by Cyprus Climax Metals Company (Cyprus) (a Freeport-McMoRan Inc. subsidiary). Prior to reclamation, site features included: • six mine openings—five adits and a vertical opening; • two adits discharging mining-influenced water (MIW)— Adit 1 at less than 4 liters per minute (L/min) and Adit 2 at 7 to 10 L/min; • main waste rock pile (13,500 m3) and small waste rock pile (minimal volume); • debris (small structure, mattress, bottles, shells, etc.) indicating site used for recreational purposes; and, • unimproved road, which has been used to access forest fires.

Jan 1, 2019

By J. B. Hedrick

In 2004, rare earths were not mined in the United States. The major supplier, Molycorp, continued to maintain a large stockpile of rare-earth concentrates and compounds. Major uses for these commodities were in automotive catalytic converters, petroleum fluid-cracking catalysts, permanent magnets, glass-polishing compounds, ceramics, metal-alloying additives, phosphors and rechargeable batteries. Consumption of refined rare-earth products decreased. The United States was a major importer and exporter of rare earths in 2004. Yttrium was not mined or refined in the United States in 2004. Imports from China, France and Japan accounted for most of the U.S. supply of yttrium compounds for refined yttrium products.

Jan 1, 2005

By S. L. Lebo, J. D. Gargulak

Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer and bi-product of the pulp and paper industry, has been commercially available in a number of forms since 1940. This growing industry is fueled by demand in traditional applications. Reagents that offer unique solutions in various mineral process applications are examples of advanced uses that also fuel growth. These applications include flotation reagents in fluorspar, bastnäsite and potash, as well as in the zinc pressure leach process. Due to the fact that no concerted effort has been made to find applications for modified lignosulfonates, it is quite possible that this natural material will find use in other benefication processes.

Jan 1, 2002

By T. M. Yegulalp

A short review of the current practice and recent developments is followed by a description of a newly developed approach for the solution of the optimum ultimate pit limit problem. The new approach utilizes the network modeling of the problem for solution by maximum flow algorithm. The latest developments in the implementation of maximum flow algorithm present significant time and memory savings as compared to initial development due to Ford and Fulkerson. Results of a series of computational tests are presented to demonstrate how this approach performs as compared to the well-known Lerchs Grossman algorithm. It is also shown that the solution by the new method will automatically include several optimal solutions based on predetermined number of benches to be included in the analysis.

Jan 1, 1993

By Christoph Schulte-Schrepping, Bou-Young Youn, Rolf Breitenbücher

"The main requirements of two-component grouts are a high workability and sufficient stability against sedimentation with a retention time of more than 72 hours, as well as a rapid strength development im-mediately after grouting. Component A usually consists of OPC, water, bentonite, and retarding agent. Component B, a liquid accelerator, is added to Component A during grouting at the end of the shield tail. Current investigations on different compositions of Component A showed a high workability lasting for at least 72 hours. The workability could be extended with increasing amount of the retarding agent to a certain degree. An increase of the bentonite content improved the stability of the mix, but had a negative impact on the flowability respectively the workability of Component A. High compressive strengths could be rather achieved by an adapted mixing ratio of Component A and B than by increasing the amount of the accelerator. Thereby, the interactions and compatibility of the selected constituents play an essential role. INTRODUCTION In mechanized tunneling with segment linings, the annular gap between segment ring and soil must be filled instantaneously with an adequate grouting mortar. The main functions of the annular gap grouting are to stabilize the tunnel lining and to minimize settlements of the ground surface at the same time. Thereby, two contradictory requirements are demanded on annular gap grouts: On the one hand a high workability and sufficient stability against sedimentation, on the other hand a rapid strength develop-ment immediately after grouting. Besides single-component grouts, which achieve the necessary stiffen-ing by dewatering into the surrounding soil, two-component grouts are used, especially in cohesive soils with a very low permeability. Basically, annular gap grouts are almost exclusively defined on empirical basis. Fundamental studies about the constituents and composition of the grout as well as the related achievable properties are still missing so far. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the material-specific correlations regarding the relevant parameters of annular gap grouts – workability and flowability, stability of the mix as well as strength development – in comprehensive experiments. Based on the knowledge gained from the investigations, it should also be possible, to perform the grouting material according to a real design concept and thus, to ensure an adequate grouting in prac-tice considering the geological and hydro-geological conditions."

Jan 1, 2016

By T. R. Ellis

A number of important international events took place in 2001 in the development and evolution of mineral valuation standards internationally. In Canada, the CIMVal Committee released a draft discussion paper for public and industry comment on principles to guide the development of the planned Canadian mineral property valuation standard. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) received comments on its Extractive Industries Issues Paper. IASB will decide whether the financial statements of public mining and petroleum companies will be allowed to provide the value of mineral and petroleum assets on a current value basis instead of an historic cost basis. The author led the Extractive Industries Task Force of the International Valuation Standards Committee (IVSC) in developing its submission to IASB. IVSC intends to develop an extractive industries valuation section for its International Valuation Standards, which could support the planned IASB standard. In Australia, AusIMM has carried out an in-depth review of its highly regarded VALMIN Code. The AusIMM's MICA subdivision organized the VALMIN ‘01 Conference in Sydney, Australia, with a range of international and current issues papers published in the VALMIN ‘01 book. Considerable support for the IVSC initiative was evident at this conference. The results of the review of the extractive industries submissions to the IASB are expected to be released in early 2002. The CMMI Congress in Cairns, Australia in May 2002 is likely to prove to be an important forum for continued discussion of the development and implementation of international standards and qualifications for mineral valuation. The outcomes and implications of these events are discussed.

Jan 1, 2002

By J. Bartrum

Kidston Gold Mines is a 14 000 tonnes per day rated operation located 280 kilometers west of Townsville in Queensland. The principle shareholder is Placer Development Limited. Kidston's orebody consists of 44.2 million tonnes graded at 1.79 g/t gold and 2.22 g/t silver. Production commenced in January, 1985, and despite a number of control, mechanical and electrical problems, each month has seen a steady improvement in plant performance to a current level of over ninety percent rated capacity.

Jan 1, 1985

By M. Z. Rashad

The intersections of numerous joint sets at the surface of tunneling region of Abu-Tartour-Project in Egypt create blocks with irregular shape and size in the rock mass. Most of these blocks are not able to move into the free space of the tunnel. Few key blocks are in a position to move and as soon as they begin so, some restrained blocks will be liberated. The aim of this work is to find the (removable) key blocks for walls, floor, roof and corners of a portion of the tunnel under jointed surface rocks; and then determine the best tunnel direction.

Jan 1, 1991

By M. Werner

Mining in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District has been going on for over 100 years with a long- term continuation very likely. Mining is presently carried out at depths below the -5000' horizon. As mining continues at ever increasing depths, higher in-situ rock stresses and subsequent rock deformation is encountered making mining costly and hazardous. To provide access for men and materials in such areas, a wooden raise preparation structure is typically built. Although these structures provide adequate support and access, they have proved to be very costly to construct and maintain.

Jan 1, 1986