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By C. W. Owings, J. J. Forbes

"INTRODUCTION The recent coal-dust explosions in Illinois and Indiana have again brought forcibly to the attention of mining men the fact that mines which liberate little or no methane can have widespread explosions, if dry and dusty conditions exist and if adequate measures are not taken to control the dust hazard by rock dust¬ing or use of water.Even though rock dust has been used more or less extensively for more than 20 years as a means of limiting or preventing coal-mine explosions, many mine operators have requested information on rock dusting and means of allaying coal dust at its source. The purpose of this circular is to summarize available information on these two methods.COAL MINES TO BE ROCK-DUSTEDAll nonanthracite coal mines must be rock-dusted, except those mines or locations in a mine that are too wet or too high in incombustible content to propagate an explosion.Coal dust that contains 20 percent or more moisture may prevent ignition or propagation of an explosion. Such dust can be molded in the hands, and under such condition the roadway would be considered muddy. Mine dust that is only damp is not wet enough to prevent propagation of an explosion. Beads of water standing on accumulations of dust are not indications that the dust is wet. Only those mines or locations in a mine in which the coal dust can be molded in the hand need not be rock-dusted."

Jun 1, 1947

By Mousset-Jones P, McPherson M. J

This paper explains and discusses a computer program developed to deter- mine the optimum combination of fan pressures that will give a required distribution of airflows in a mine ven- tilation system. The program is based on an existing simulator, VNETPC and two experimentally developed relationships: (1) linearity between fan pressures and added regulator resistances and (2) a non- linear convex function relating the system air power and the fan operating Pressures.

Jan 1, 1988

By Gregory M. Molinda

The U.S. underground coal miner faces a continuing hazard from the fall of roof. At the root of many injuries and fatalities are weak or defective roof strata. Throughout mining history, millions of miles of entry have provided exposure of every conceivable geologic roof hazard. This report describes the geologic origin, association, and potential danger from the most common hazards. Discussions of weak rock include drawrock, rider coals, head coal, stackrock, and stream valley effects. Discontinuities, or roof defects, are described including, clay veins, slickensides, joints, and paleochannels. A number of examples from U.S. coalfields are used to document geologic structure and associated hazards. Roof fall analysis is a methodology used by NIOSH for hazard recognition and prevention; its application and benefit to the industry are discussed.

Jan 10, 2003

By S. D. Strauss

The marketing of nonferrous metals and of the ores and concentrates from which these metals are recovered is a fascinating trade, international in character, sensitive to every change in the economic tide, and complex in its organization. Each individual metal has its own marketing mechanism; no two are exactly alike. The differences sometimes are a matter of tradition rather than of necessity, but usually they have developed because of the very nature of the problems of producing or consuming the individual metal. This description, because of limitations of space, can do no more than indicate the major aspects of the trade and touch lightly on the marketing structure of each metal. The dictionary states that a market is a "meeting of people for selling and buying." In the case of nonferrous metals this meeting may occur on a half-dozen different occasions between the time the ore has been first mined and the time the refined metal is available for use by industry; or it may not occur at all until after the metal itself has been rolled, drawn, stamped, cast, or forged into a useful semifabricated shape. To illustrate: A Chilean miner may sell his small ore production to a custom mill, which produces concentrates that are sold to an ore dealer, who finances the shipments of the concentrates to a United States custom smelter, which buys these' concentrates for conversion into blister, which is subsequently refined into electrolytic copper and sold. Conversely, much of the production of aluminum is in the hands of integrated concerns that mine bauxite, convert bauxite to alumina, smelt the alumina to produce aluminum, and then fabricate the aluminum into semifinished or even finished products before title to the material changes hands for the first time. Some nonferrous ores are not converted into metal at all but are sold by the miners or dealers directly b the ultimate consumers. A good example would be chrome ores used by the chemical industry. And of course a substantial part of the commerce in nonferrous metals is in scrap, which is the reconversion into useful form of metals that have long since been mined and smelted. Thus, one-third of all the lead used in the United

Jan 1, 1959

By de Vries D, Wilson EG, Henderson GAM, Carter EK

Canberra is a planned city in which the natural environment, rather than existing development and land tenure, has until recent times at least, imposed the major constraints to development. Even redevelopment poses fewer problems than for most cities. Geological conditions have, therefore, played a significant role in determining its shape and layout. The Canberra experience has relevance for major new mining and engineering projects. The role of engineering geologists and geophysicists in Canberra's development is described, and the problems arising from the geological environment are illustrated by several case histories. Four aspects are addressed: pre-development urban geology; major engineering projects; resources evaluation, including groundwater; and post-development problem-solving. The Australian Capital Territory lies within the Palaeozoic Lachlan Fold Belt. Within the ACT the belt is composed of folded and faulted metasiltstones, metasandstones and acid volcanics, intruded by a major granitic pluton. Some limestone lenses occur. The region has been part of a land mass since Late Devonian times and landscape evolution has been very complex. Geological features of special geotechnical significance include deep but variable weathering, with slight to moderate weathering along faults to at least 70 metres depth in places, and consequential foundation problems; close jointing; weathered limestone lenses with solution cavities containing clay and water; confined aquifers containing artesian water in scree deposits flanking hills; the presence of pyrite; and poor quality and low volumes of groundwater.

Jan 1, 1986

By P. K. Koh

With identical annealing heal treatment the development of major annealed texture component seems to depend primarily upon the degree of cold reduction. Cube texture was evident on annealing- 1/2-, 1,/4- , and 1/8-mil tapes at 760°C, but it dissap-)eared on 927°C annealing of 1/8-mil tape cold reduced 96.9 pct. Some cube texturee remained as tile strongest 927 °C annealed texture component in 1/4- and 1/2-mil tapes cold reduced 93.8 and 87.5 pet, respectively. The switching coefficient increases and the squareness ratio of the hysteresis loop decreases proportionally with increasing cube pole concentration. PREVIOUS studies 1,2 on the 1/8-mil ultra-thin molybdenum permalloy tape established cold rolled and annealed textures and their magnetic performance for switch-core and coincident-current memory applications, The major cold-rolled texture was found to be of {110}<335> which is quite similar to the cold-rolled texture of silver and 70-30 cartridge brass. The major annealed texture components were found to be of {120)-- <001> and {113)<785>. Although the direction for easy magnetization for this type of alloy by the single-crystal technique is not avaliable, knowledge from related studies indicated [Ill] as the easy magnetization direction, similar to that of nickel.&apos; Therefore, a cube orientation, if present in the tape core, would be most detrimental to its magnetic performance.3 In its cold-rolled state the tape had < 111 > directions in the rolling plane 14.5 deg from the rolling direction.&apos; But the coercive force of the tape in such condition will be excessive due to large amounts of internal stresses, and therefore makes its use impossible for memory applications due to long switching time. In lower nickel alloys, suchas 50-50 nickel-iron and 65 pct Ni-Fe sheets, previous investigators4"7 found the presence of cube texture on annealing at 900° to 1000°C. Although no cube texture was found in annealed 1/8-mil tape,"&apos; its presence in some annealed 1,/4-mil tape cores was firmly established a year ago as verified by significant differences in magnetic properties. The present investigation is devoted to the orientation study and related magnetic measurements on three thicknesses of the ultra-thin tape, namely, 1/8 mil, 1/4 mil, and 1/2 mil, cold rolled directly from annealed 4-mil stock in the cold-rolled state as well as after they were annealed at 760°C (1400° F) and 927°C (1700°F). The results obtained might serve to elucidate the development of annealed texture as well as to establish clearly the importance of preferred orientation on the magnetic performance of such memory tape core despite its well-known low magnetic anisotropy exchange energy. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Samples were taken from one production heat (0.010 wt pct C, 0.004 P. 0.016 S, 0.80 Mn. 0.29 Si. 79.69 Ni. 4.42 Mo. 0.054 Co, 0.002 Ti, 0.12 Al, 0.04 Mg, 14.56 Fe). Annealed 4-mil sheets were cold re-

Jan 1, 1962

By Wills BA, Barley RW

A brief description of viscosity measuring devices used in Dense Media Separation (DMS) plants is given, including a new On-line viscometer system. The various factors which affect suspension viscosity are identified. The effect of temperature variation on viscosity and viscosity measurement is examined in detail. Practical problems in using a modified Stormer viscometer for laboratory testwork are noted. Likely problems of continuous viscosity measurements are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. Bruce Patterson

The New Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a classic suspension bridge founded on concrete caissons. Caisson construction was complicated by the proximity of the existing bridge piers, only sixty feet away. High capacity plate anchors were used successfully to moor the new caissons in currents as strong as seven knots during construction.

Jan 1, 2013

DuPont is a chemical and energy multi-national of approximately 90,000 employees. Often regarded as the world leader in injury reduction and process safety management, DuPont operate 140 manufacturing sites around the globe. Conoco is a wholly owed subsidiary of DuPont which is involved in oil, gas and coal exploration. &nbsp; Throughout this paper I will discuss DuPont statistics, developing a safety culture and training process as well as discussing possible short comings in the New Zealand safety focus. I will conclude with my recommended improvements and issues for New Zealand companies to focus on. &nbsp; It is very difficult to compare DuPont and New Zealand statistics through lack of compatibility in recording methods and my ability to interpret ACC&apos;s Injury Statistics. However through considering DuPont&apos;s statistics, and comparing them to your own companies or departments, you will agree they are indeed impressive. I hope that by discussing DuPont&apos;s safety philosophy, and possible shortfalls within New Zealand Legislation many of you will find ideas and inspiration which will help you to further reduce your own injury rates.

Jan 1, 1997

By Stuart D. Miller, Clayton L. Rumble

"A field net acid generation (NAG) test procedure has been utilized on-site to identify, classify and map potentially acid forming overburden at the PT Kaltim Prima Coal (K.PC) mining operation situated in the tropical equatorial region of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The field procedure involves routine use of a calibrated, site specific NAG test (rapid oxidation test using hydrogen peroxide) which has a tum-around time of less than 24 hours and requires minimal sample preparation. It is used on geological drill-hole samples, for forward planning and overburden management; blast-hole samples, for day-to-day operational control and overburden scheduling; and final dump surface samples, for verification testing. This operational monitoring program has been in use at KPC for the past four years.Calibration and implementation of the field procedure has involved validating the NAG test using conventional acid-base accounting techniques, producing an overburden geochemical classification scheme, optimizing laboratory and sample preparation procedures, and ongoing quality management. This paper presents background theory and practical application in a case study format."

Jan 1, 1999

By Cyril Stanley Smith, Earl W. Palmer

STRIP of any of the metals used for deep drawing operations occasionally yields cups that are defective because of a rim that varies in height around the cup in a wave-like manner Some such defects are traceable to tools or other press factors, but when the protuberances formed (usually four in number on brass and other copper alloys) are symmetrically disposed with respect to the rolling direction of the strip, they are invariably attributable to the metal The effect is known as "caring" and the protuberances are called "ears" Other terms frequently heard are "tips," "scallops," and "corners " It is recognized that the effect is most commonly a result of a directional crystal structure produced by rolling and annealing operations in the manufacture of the metal strip Numerous papers dealing with various aspects of the caring effect have appeared in the literature, those listed in the references&apos; being especially interesting and valuable An investigation of the factors influencing caring of brass cups has been in progress in the laboratories of the American Brass Co for several years, and it was thought desirable to make some of the results generally available in summarized form The present paper discusses many factors that do and do not contribute to ear formation In addition, a section is devoted to methods of minimizing the caring tendency of brass sheet by proper selection of the cold-rolling and annealing schedule by which it is produced In the space available, it is impossible to quote detailed experimental procedures and numerical results However, the authors make no statement that they do not believe to be properly substantiated, either by experimental evidence obtained under laboratory conditions or by experience in the actual production of deep-drawing brass in the brass mill MECHANISM OF EAR FORMATION It must be clearly understood that the formation on cups of symmetrical ears, four or more in number, is attributable solely to the strip metal, and results from the strip having different deformation characteristics in different directions The tools used in the drawing process, or the type and completeness of lubrication of the strip, have nothing to do with the problem of ears, although they do, of course, greatly affect the "drawing quality" of the strip and the general appearance of the cup A single tip may be drawn up on the rim of a cup because of misalignment of the tools, or because the gauge of metal varies from side to side of the strip The two-ear form that sometimes appears is also traceable to gauge variations However, the four-ear and six-ear symmetrical forms that we are concerned with here are caused by factors inherent in the structure of the metal itself

Jan 1, 1942

By Fred L. Stanley, Ricky Q. Honaker, Michael J. Mankosa

Spiral concentration has gained a great deal of popularity as a cheap, effective method for recovering fine coal (8x100 mesh). Typically, 6-turn, wide-profile spirals are used in either a single pass, open- circuit configuration or in combination with a middlings retreat circuit. Recent work conducted at Carpco, however, has indicated that a split feed scenario and/or hydraulic classification in advance of spiral concentration offers significant advantages in both capacity and metallurgical performance. In addition, it has also been shown that the apparent density separation which naturally occurs in a hydraulic classifier provides significant up-grading in terms of pyrite and ash rejection. The results from this study will be presented in comparison with those obtained from open-circuit spiral testing.

Jan 1, 1995

By Noel N. Moebs

Valley Camp No. 3 mine was the scene of an experimental shortwall introduced in 1973 in an attempt to improve the recovery from the Pittsburgh coalbed in the Ohio Valley area where adverse ground conditions have imposed partial extraction methods with only 40 to 55 percent recovery of the valuable resource. The Bureau of Mines, under a cooperative agreement with Valley Camp Coal Co., monitored ground pressures and caving in the shortwall section in an effort to determine whether the roof strata, notably the limestone main roof, will cave to the extent that roof pressures at the face are relieved and whether the powered roof supports can sustain the roof load. The Bureau&apos;s efforts included mapping of clay veins, instrumentation of chain pillars and shortwall panels with encapsulated pressure cells, recording hydraulic pressures in the legs of the shortwall chocks, and core drilling underground and from the :surface. The experimental shortwall was a qualified success. Recovery increased 5.4 percent compared with partial extraction. Pressures in chain pillars and the abutment zone were not excessive. Hydraulic pressures in the chock legs did not approach the yielding pressure. Apparently, the limestone strata caved and the roof pressure at the face was relieved.

Jan 1, 1976

By T. J. Jr. DeMull, F. G. Miller, J. P. Matoney

For some time a need had existed in the minerals processing field for a relatively efficient separator that would treat high tonnages of particles in the intermediate size range, i.e., those particles too large for froth flotation and too small for conventional gravity-type separa¬tors. Among those devices developed to meet this need are the centrifu¬gal specific gravity separators. These devices employ centrifugal acceleration to assist gravitational acceleration in separating light¬density minerals from heavy-density minerals. In the category of centrifugal specific gravity separators are the heavy-media centrifugal separator and the water-only cyclone. The two major centrifugal heavy-media separators, i.e., the heavy-media cyclone and the DynaWhirlpool, as well as the water-only cyclone, are discussed in terms of: design features, operating variables, operat¬ing data, and flowsheet design criteria. Examples of plant applications are given in the field of coal processing as well as the processing of other minerals such as iron ores, potash, and tin. Finally, the subject of the staging of centrifugal separators and their use in combination with other separators is discussed. PRINCIPLES For coarse sizes of minerals, efficient specific gravity separations have been possible for many years with open-bath vessels using the natural settling velocity or buoyancy of the particles. These bath ves¬sels process ore by utilizing micron-size solid particles suspended in the slurry fed to the separator. The inclusion of these particles in the slurry increases the effective density of the separating fluid to allow particle separations to be made at densities greater than that of water. However, if vessel size is to remain within economical limits, the particles processed in the bath vessel must have high settling rates in a IG gravitational field. Because of this requirement, heavy¬medium bath vessels are usually restricted to processing +V4-in. sizes. To extend efficient specific gravity separation to smaller sizes, the gravitational acceleration of particles is replaced by centrifugal acceleration. The settling of a small particle in a fluid in a centrifugal force field is similar to that found in a static bath except that the acceleration due to gravity, g, is replaced by a centrifugal acceleration where v, is the tangential velocity at radius r: V=kdm(P-P,), V&apos;. (J) µ In more practical terms where the particles settle in a suspension of finer particles comprising the heavy media and with an effective suspension density p" V = kdm&apos; (P P ) . v&apos;. (2) U r To date the most effective use of this principle has been obtained with devices that rotate a liquid or suspension within a stationary enclosure in order to create centrifugal force. Cyclones are the most common devices used for this purpose, because they generate centrifu¬gal forces far greater than the force of gravity and therefore not only have high capacities but can treat finer sizes than bath-type vessels can. The two main types of cyclones used by industry are the heavy-media cyclone and the water-only cyclone. Also quite widely used is the DynaWhirlpool, which, though based on the same princi¬ple, differs in design from the conventional cyclone. HEAVY-MEDIA CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATORS Like the bath vessels, the heavy-media centrifugal separators em¬ploy media composed of micron-size particles suspended in water. However, the centrifugal force generated in these separators accentu¬ates the difference in settling rate between particles of different density and thus makes possible separations of finer size particles than can be treated in bath vessels. The two most common heavy-media centri¬fugal separators are the heavy-media cyclone and the DynaWhirlpool. Heavy-Media Cyclone Although cyclones were originally developed for use as classifiers or thickeners, it was later found that they could also effectively serve as heavy-media separators.63. 64, Design Features Fig. I I is a schematic of a typical cyclone developed to serve for any one of the following purposes: as a classifier, thickener, or specific gravity separator. The cyclone consists of a cylindrical section joined to a conical section, usually having an included angle of between 14° and 25°. Feed enters the cyclone tangentially through an orifice attached to the cylindrical section. The overflow orifice is located in the base plate of the cylindrical section. The vortex finder, a tube attached to the overflow orifice, extends into the cyclone from the base plate of the cylindrical section. The underflow orifice is located at the apex of the conical section. As some medium together with mineral particles is fed through the feed orifice, a vortex with a hollow air core extending from the overflow to the underflow orifice forms in the cyclone while hollow spray discharges form at each of these orifices. Under the influence of the centrifugal force, high specific-gravity particles move through the medium to the wall of the cyclone and descend in a spiral flow pattern to the underflow orifice. Those particles in the feed stream, lower in specific gravity than the feed medium, follow the major portion of the flow to the center of the core where they are caught in the high-velocity upward central current and are carried out through the overflow orifice. Fig. 12 shows a family of curves that illustrates how materials of varying specific gravity are recovered by a cyclone. Since the specific gravity of the medium is 1.40, the particles of 1.40 sp gr actually act as part of the medium and, regardless of the particle size, split between the underflow and overflow of the cyclone in proportion to the volume split of the medium. Particles higher in specific gravity than 1.40 are recovered in the underflow of the cyclone at increasing rates as the difference in specific gravity increases and the particle size increases. Particles lower than 1.40 in specific gravity are dis¬charged through the overflow orifice at increasing rates as the specific¬gravity difference increases and the particle size increases. However, all the curves originate at the fluid-flow ratio point for the finest particles of any gravity. The fluid-flow ratio is defined as the ratio of the rate of fluid flowing from the underflow to the rate of fluid

Jan 1, 1985

By H G. Poulos

"This paper sets out a simplified approach by which the practical foundation designer can undertake the relevant calculations to satisfy the requirements for deep foundation design in seismic areas. The following matters are dealt with:a. Design issues that should be addressed;b. Pile design for axial loading, including the possible effects of liquefaction;c. Pile design for lateral loading where liquefaction does not occur;d. Pile design for lateral loading where liquefaction does occur;e. Measures to mitigate against liquefaction effects.The paper is a modified version of a paper presented in 2013 to the 19th NZGS GeotechnicalSymposium, Queenstown, New Zealand.1. INTRODUCTIONConsideration of the effects of earthquakes and seismic loadings is an increasingly important aspect of modern foundation design, and most contemporary standards have a mandatory requirement for such consideration. For example, the Australian Piling Code, AS 2159-2009, states that “a pile shall be designed for adequate strength, stiffness and ductility under load combinations including earthquake design actions”. However, the methods by which such considerations can be undertaken are generally not set out in the standards, and many approaches have been utilized, ranging from very simplistic methods to extremely complex computer analyses. Accordingly, there appears to be scope for an approach that is soundly based but which is neither too simplistic nor too complex.Poulos (1989) has suggested that there are three categories of analysis and design, as follows:1. Category 1: empirical methods.2. Category 2: simplified but soundly-based methods.3. Category 3: more comprehensive methods that are soundly-based, and site-specific.The objective of this paper is to set out a systematic but simplified approach which falls into Category 2 above, and by which the foundation designer can undertake the relevant analyses to satisfy the foundation design requirements for seismic regions. Emphasis is placed on methods that do not require “black box” software or which employ complex soil models in which the physical meaning of the parameters is unclear."

Jan 1, 1900

By H. R. Manouchehri, A. Weh

"High voltage electric pulse comminution (SELFRAG) relies on inducing electrical breakdown that occurs when the resistivity of a dielectric is insufficient to completely block all transfer of electricity while the conductivity is not high enough to fully accommodate the flow of electricity without considerable changes to the crystal lattice. The technology is based on introducing the electrical discharges into solids immersed in water and placed between two electrodes. The technology has received significant attention since investigations have revealed the potential for fully fragmenting particles or pre-weakening rocks in order to reduce the energy consumption in comminution practices, improve liberation and potentially increase the recovery in mineral processing. Mineralogical analysis of samples showed possible liberation at coarser sizes by high voltage breakage in comparison with conventional mechanical comminution.This study explored the potential of implementing SELFRAG to treat the Sandvik’s Mittersill mine tungsten ore (scheelite) for recovery improvement. Accordingly, standard SELFRAG tests were conducted on four samples from the tungsten process plant to evaluate the energy-breakage relation and potential to liberate the value minerals at coarser size fraction for recovery improvement. The size reduction of the ore after processing with SELFRAG revealed that size deportment occurs at 0.4, 0.2, and 0.1 mm, which indicated potential liberation of gangue and target minerals at respective sizes. In comparison with conventional milling, the difference is the deportment of values into 0.4 mm sizes, which was, to some extent, confirmed by SEM liberation analysis. However, more tests are needed to proof the concept. The study has indicated that, despite consuming more energy in comparison with conventional mechanical comminution, there are promising prospects in liberating the values at coarser fraction and improve recovery by making use of SELFRAG. The energy consumption can be reduced through customized generator and equipment setup, which must be further investigated."

Jan 1, 2016

By Seokwon Jeon, Ho-Young Jeong

"Various numerical methods have been tried to estimate the cutting forces of a TBM disc cutter. In this study, SPH/FEM coupled method was newly employed to improve the traditional FEM analysis. The disc cutter and rock were modeled by Lagrange and SPH codes, respectively. The numerical cutting test was carried out for representative Korean rocks with different cutting conditions. The results show that the cutting forces obtained from numerical simulation had a good agreement with those from LCM tests, and that applying SPH method to rock cutting model has advantages and improvement compared to traditional FEM method. Erosion criterion and erosion limit were not required to simulate the rock fragmentation process, and the cutting forces from the numerical simulation was more stable and accurate. The results indicate that the numerical simulation can be successfully used to estimate cutting performance of a TBM. 1. INTRODUCTION Various numerical studies have been carried out to accurately simulate the limitations of linear cutting machine (LCM) tests. Numerical modelling methods have advantages comparing with full scale tests in terms of cost and time involved. Many numerical methods have been used to simulate rock cutting process by different cutting tools and the studies are summarized in Table 1.In 2D simulations listed in Table 1, because they do not take account of rolling force and horizontal rolling mechanism of a disc cutter, indenter was selected as cutting tool in their modelling. For these reason, 2D modelling is not suitable for rock cutting modelling using a disc cutter. In contrast, 3D numerical models can take account of the indentation process by thrust force and penetration processes controlled by rolling force."

Jan 1, 2016

By J Seppelt, B Akerstrom, J Bubnich, D Seaman, T Waters

The Cadia Hill concentrator at Newcrest’s Cadia Operations has undergone several modifications and upgrades to treat an increased throughput rate of harder ore from the Cadia East block cave mine.Subsequent to the commissioning of the expanded circuit, the flotation cleaner block has undergone a systematic optimisation programme tackling all facets of circuit operation. This included debottlenecking circuit constraints and installation of Jameson cell technology to enhance copper and gold recovery while rejecting fluorine and gangue from the concentrate.This paper outlines the improvements over the course of the project and results obtained from the implemented actions.CITATION:Akerstrom, B, Seppelt, J, Waters, T, Bubnich, J and Seaman, D, 2018. Cleaner circuit optimisation at Cadia Operations, in Proceedings 14th AusIMM Mill Operators&#39; Conference 2018, pp 457–476 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 29, 2018

By Karen Munro

Importance of Aquatic Studies for Mining ?Aquatic habitat is usually the first area where a mine interacts with the ?real world? outside the mine footprint ?Water management is a key consideration for a mine?Effects on the aquatic environment often extend to wildlife and human uses ?There is a lot of regulatory focus on issues of water quality, fish and fish habitat

May 1, 2011

By M. G. Ayat, J. W. Leonard

Introduction Coal preparation plants are continuously losing clean coal in their refuse and contaminating their clean coal product with impurities. This is due to the lack of a system by which the immediate efficiency of the cleaning operation can be determined at any given time. Moreover, the advantage of developing tagging/ tracing techniques would be a reduction in the time and money spent in evaluating the performance of advanced cleaning techniques. Currently, conventional sampling and testing, on-line analyses, and computer information systems are the major tools with which engineers analyze and control the efficiency of processing plants. Conventional sampling and testing is an effective analysis technique but it is slow. On-line analysis provides information on quality parameters rapidly, but these parameters do not provide all of the necessary information. The use of tagged particles in coal preparation plants may provide the necessary link between diagnosis and the application of computers to process control. In this work, a novel technique that uses tagged particles to generate partition data is presented (Leonard et al., 1982). Individually prepared tagged particles are added to the feed and detected in the product or refuse port of specific gravity based processes. Providing that a computer can interpret the output of a detection device and trace particles with predetermined physical properties through the coal preparation plant and that the trace particles actually represent desired raw material, sufficient partition data can be provided for computer analyses and control of processing efficiency. Coal tagging technique The use of tagged particles in coal preparation operations are in the early stages of development. Though there is a brief history of particle tracing in the mineral processing industry (Gardner et al., 1986; Foreman and Amundson, 1976; Poston et al., 1962), the concept has not yet been applied to the analysis and control of processing plant operations. Several methods for tagging coal particles have been identified. These include magnetic, radioactive, and fluorescent techniques. As far as the magnetic tagging of coal particles is concerned, a method has been developed to manufacture synthetic magnetic particles of various sizes and specific gravities. Ideally the synthetic particles would have identical size and density as the coal particles being separated.

Jan 1, 1988