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By Francis Crockard

DURING the past five years we have probably witnessed greater technological advances than in any similar period. Industry and science have steadily marched ahead. The makers of iron and steel products have watched with great interest the development of stream-lined trains, faster and safer airplanes, the entirely new science of air-conditioning and the widespread use of stainless steels. Since 1930, we have witnessed the erection of the world's largest suspension bridge, the largest and fastest ocean liner and the spectacular Boulder Dam, while even greater things are planned in these particular fields. Other indus-tries, too, have been moving ahead rapidly. This advance in a few years has been caused primarily by the fierce competition of the depression. Now, more than ever, is the emphasis placed upon quality and service. Makers of southern merchant pig iron have been no exception and have been confronted with increasingly strict chemical specifications and with much greater stress on physical characteristics than ever before. For example, sulfur in the iron must be held very low, competition demanding that it be in the 0.020's and low 0.030's; silicon content must be held within a very narrow range, and definite requirements of phos-phorus and manganese are an essential part of the specifications. Physical characteristics are becoming of increasingly greater impor-tance. The introduction of triple-skimmed, slow-cooled iron several years ago was the first step in this direction. Now there are a few customers who buy iron by chemical analysis and physical appear-ance, having found that the analysis alone is an insufficient guide to their requirements.

Jan 1, 1935

By E. S. Machlin

The wzodel of Blandin and Diplunt;, generalized to include a phase factor, is applied to the carbon-carbon interaction in iron. Darken&apos;s "energetic" model is generalized to include not only first neighbor interactions but further neighbor interactions as well. On the bases of these generalized models relations are derived for the activity of carbon in both austenite and ferrite in terms of the carbon-carbon Pair interaction energies. A single function then yields the pair interaction energies consistent with the experimental activities of carbon in both ferrite and austenite. Thus, a simple explanation is given for the observation that the nearest-neighbor interaction between carbon is repulsive in austenite and attractive in ferrite. Certain consequences of this approach are explored. OnE object of the present paper is to attempt to take into account the consequences of electrostatic contributions to the carbon-carbon pair interaction energy for carbon as a solute in iron. Friedel&apos; has shown that oscillations in electrostatic potential are to be expected about a solute atom in a metallic solution. Blandin and 6lant6&apos; have shown that such oscillations yield an interaction energy between pairs of solute atoms that obeys the relation: W{ = A cos(2ftFri + 4>)/(kFri)3 [l] where kF = Fermi wave vector, ri = distance between solute atoms comprising the pair7 <p = phase factor dependent only on electronic nature of solute and solvent, A = coefficient dependent only on electronic nature of solute and solvent. Machlin3 found that Eq. [I] accurately described the pair interaction energy derived from short-range order measurements based on field ion microscope observations of dilute alloys of platinum. He also found that the value of the phase factor $ derived from residual resistivity measurements agreed well with that obtained from the analysis of the short-range order data. Harrison and paskin4 were able to predict the long-range ordering energy of 0 brass using Relation [I] and residual resistivity values to predict the value of the phase factor $. Machlin5 has repeated their analysis and applied it to the prediction of the long-range ordering energy in AgZn and AgCd with excellent agreement between prediction and experiment. Both A and $ are independent of the crystal structure. The Fermi wave vector depends uniquely upon the conduction electron concentration per unit volume in the spherical approximation of the Fermi surface. Thus, Eq. [I] is expected to apply to both fer- rite and austenite with only one set of values of A and $. Mossbauer studies6 yield the result that iron has one 4s electron. We shall make an assumption found to hold previously for platinum3&apos;7 and nikel, which is that only the s electrons are involved in shielding the perturbing potential of carbon. With this assumption, kF = 1.35 A-l. Although A and $ may be obtained from certain mdels&apos;&apos;&apos; we shall take A and $ to be empirical constants in the spirit of Kohn and osko.&apos; Thus, Eq. [I] involves two adjustible parameters. Consequently, two independent relations in A and $I are required in order to evaluate them for carbon as a solute in iron. We may use a recent analysis of Aaronson, Domain, and poundg who showed that Darken&apos;s energetic model,1° as well as others, can be used to describe the activity-temperature data for carbon in iron in both the aus-tenitic and ferritic phases. Darken&apos;s model takes into account only first neighbor pair interactions. For our needs, all neighbor pairs need to be taken into account. It is convenient to generalize Darken&apos;s model. The result for the partition function for austenite is: over the temperature range 800" to 1200°C and where the uncertainty corresponds to one standard deviation. Eq. [4] effectively yields only one relation. Another relation is required to obtain unique values for A and $. One property of Eq. [4] is that it is independent of crystal structure. Hence, data for a iron can be used to obtain another relation. To arrive at this relation we must generalize Eqs. [2] and [3] so that they may be applied to the bcc a iron. The result is that:

Jan 1, 1969

Following the preparation of tantalum oxide and carbide (1) an investigation of the details relating to the production of tantalum metal powder was planned. From the literature (2) it was evident that tantalum could be produced either by reduction of potassium tantalum fluoride with an alkali metal or by electrolysis of a fused salt mixture containing a tantalum compound. The latter method appeared to be the more suitable and, as there was considerable divergence of opinion in the literature as to the nature of the reactions involved, it was decided to study the electrolytic process. The ultimate aim in any case was to produce tantalum pOWder for use in an investigation of the problems relating to the preparation of consolidated tantalum.FACTORS GOVERNING ELECTROLYSISAfter a few preliminary exploratory electrolyses several factors which needed amplification were revealed. These will be mentioned before the details of the electrolysis experiments are given.COMPOSITION OF THE BATHWithout the knowledge gained in the preliminary experiments it would be thought that the best material for the bath would be that one which underwent electrolytic decomposition. Consider what at first appeared the most likely - namely - potassium tantalum fluoride. The melting point of K2TaF7 was determined to be 630&#176;C with volatilization and decomposition taking place at that temperature so that it would not have been very satisfactory.

Jan 1, 1946

By Elliot Schwartz, Julian Szekely

"In this paper we describe an experiment that was recently performed on the IML-2 Space Shuttle mission in which the thermophysical properties of molten metals were measured using electromagnetic levitation. In the planning of these experiments calculations had to be performed to predict the levitation and stirring forces, heating rates, sample deformation, and internal flows within the sample. These predictive calculations were essential for both the planning of the experiments and for the re-planning of experimental runs during the actual Space Shuttle mission.Introduction""Materials Processing in the Computer Age"" involves the use of mathematical modeling to obtain a quantitative understanding of the phenomena that govern materials processing operations. Microgravity, or space shuttle experimentation represents a specific case in point here; the very high cost of the space shuttle flights, the very limited flight opportunities that are available, and the tight resources aboard a shuttle clearly mandate that these experiments be very precisely planned and that all possible opportunities for mathematical modeling be fully exploited.The purpose of this paper is to present the results of calculations performed for the planning of a space shuttle experiment involving electromagnetic levitation and wherever possible present a comparison of the computational predictions with both experimental measurements and asymptotic analyses. Finally we shall seek to discuss the practical implications of both the computational methodologies and the potential experimental findings."

Jan 1, 1994

By Saeed Zandi, Kazem Oraee

"Tunnels and galleries are the most important structures in coal mines. They are used for variety of purposes, such as transporting ore and people and for ventilation. A well-designed support system is necessary to stabilize structures and prevent collapse.Using rock bolts increases the strength of the rock in which tunnels are made. Rock bolts are used extensively in most underground mines today, and coal mines are no exception. Almost all galleries in a typical coal mine use some type of rock bolt, at least, as a means of partial or supplementary support.In this research, changing the support system from expensive methods to the use of rock bolts as the primary means of support is discussed, with the focus on a particular gallery in Hejdak coal mine. Visionary design methods, in conjunction with rock mass classification schedules, were used to determine an optimal rock bolt pattern. For this purpose, rock mass rating (RlVIR) and quality index (Q) classification systems were used. Several empirical methods were also used to design an optimal pattern for rock bolt installation in the particular tunnel under analysis.As such, the tunnel support system was designed using both finite element and empirical methods. Finally, the results obtained from both numerical and empirical methods were compared under different load conditions. The methodology prescribed in this paper, together with the comparison, can be a useful tool when selecting a support system. The results can also be used to design a support system in this and any other coal mine with similar conditions.INTRODUCTIONSince the advent of underground excavation techniques, one of the biggest challenges has been stabilizing tunnel walls and preventing roof collapse in tunnels and other underground openings, such as galleries. Loose rocks and layers drop into tunnels and galleries, except in very hard rock. Underground roof collapse and falling rocks can have devastating effects on the safety of operation personnel and equipment and can seriously affect production. When designing an underground coal mine, the stability of tunnels and galleries is an important parameter that should be studied carefully because it has an important role in the production process of the mine. Therefore, an appropriate and well-designed support system is necessary for preventing collapse and helping to stabilize the tunnels and galleries."

Jan 1, 2016

By E R. Ramanaidou, M S. Piggott

Transport to and handling of iron ore at Port Hedland, Western Australia, results in the generation of airborne particulates that contribute to the atmospheric dust load, with concerns about potential local environmental impacts (eg mangrove swamps) and possible human health implications. Mineral and chemical characteristics of the Background soil samples were contaminated with particles of iron ore as martite octahedra and grains of micro-platy hematite as detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in the 2.5 - 10 ¦m and 10 - 50 ¦m size fractions. Fossilized wood fragments similar to those observed in Yandicoogina fines ore were also detected in some background soil samples. With a predicted increase in demand of channel iron deposits (CID) ores and the inherently dusty Marra Mamba ores (eg West Angelas, MAC, OB29/30/35, Marandoo), in conjunction with particulate emissions from hot-briquetted iron and direct reduced iron (HBI/DRI) processing plants, there is the potential for additional sources of anthropogenic dust to contribute to background levels. Mineralogical and chemical characterisation of the entire range of particulates that could be produced is necessary for a complete understanding of their potential impact on the local environment.

Jan 1, 2002

By W. A. Grell

"The oxygen meter has been in use at MacLeod Cockshutt Gold Mines for over a year, At MacLeod about 200 tons per day of reground concentrate containing roughly 10% pyrrhotite and 20% pyrite is cyanided in four 181 x 18' Dorr agitators. A survey by the Department of Mines showed that oxygen content of some of the agitators was rather low. Experience with our oxygen meter indicates that the oxygen content must at times have been too low for good gold dis solution.We have found that in winter, when pulp temperatures drop to about 50° F, oxygen saturation in the agitators is not difficult to maintain. In summer, however, when pulp temperatures rise to 70or 75°F, the oxygen content will drop very readily. It was found that a high oxygen content can be maintained readily if the pulp is sufficiently dilute. Thus at 50° F, a pulp of specific gravity 1. 75 i.e., about 55% solids, will saturate; but at 70 or 75° F, the specific gravity must be decreased to 1 .45, equivalent to about 40% solids, in order to maintain saturation. Very thick pulps, such as thickener underflows, are noticeably difficult to saturate in the laboratory, and lose their oxygen rapidly.Clear solutions, on the other hand, absorb oxygen readily and hold it. The primary thickener overflow, before agitation, is 100% saturated; after storage of 3 to 4 hours it is still 100% saturated at re clarifier tank. Barren solution after spraying in a launder is 100% saturated.We have not yet attempted to determine what percentage saturation is necessary for good extraction, but it is known that there is a point at which extraction decreases rapidly. So far, the measures required to maintain over 80 or 90% saturation have coincided with measures required to hold the reducing power to the point believed necessary."

Jan 1, 1964

By S. N. Zhow

China has at least 200 collieries suffering from the problem of instantaneous outbursts of coal and gas. The strong outbursts often occurred in active tectonic lanes and areas of high stress concentration. In this paper, the author describes some characteristics of the strong outbursts and analyses the effects of ground stress, gas pressure and the properties of coal in outbursts.

Jan 1, 1987

The first session of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute was called to order by Past President, R. R. Williams, Jr., Manager of Mines, The Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado, who introduced the President, W. K. Dennison, Jr., Superintendent, Raton Operations, Kaiser Steel Corporation, Raton, New Mexico. His speech of welcome to the Institute follows: The President&apos;s Remarks Guests and Members of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute: It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the 56th regular meeting of the Institute. A look at the program will show that the various chairmen and their committees, headed by General Chairman A. Z. Dimitroff, have been hard at work to prepare a program which I am sure you will find to be informative as well as entertaining. I think that a special vote of thanks and appreciation is due Glenn Sorensen, who stepped in to head the Program Committee when Clint Cornelius moved from this area.

Jan 1, 1960

By William F. Brandom

INTRODUCTION Cross, et al. (1974), produced a retrospective study of standard setting for underground miners. This report had two distinct components; i) criteria of importance for the protection of the miners, and ii) economic considerations for standard setting. The methods for setting radiation safety standards reviewed were: dose calculations and consensus methods; epidemiology; pathology; bioassay; animal experiments; sputum cytology; chromosome aberrations; and, the Mantel-Bryan Model. By looking back, the authors intended to enable officials to look ahead in making future decisions based on reasonable conclusions. Now it may be time to consider underground miners&apos; protection from another perspective: are there miners who may be especially susceptible to toxic environments?; and if so, are there any biomedical assays that might be indicative of exceptional sensitivities to toxic substances? The human population is genetically very heterogeneous. The data of Saccomanno, et al. (1973), reveal great variability in individual response to radon daughter exposure and only a small portion of the miner population subject to toxic inhalants develop squamous cell metaplasia (Saccomanno, et al., 1970). The majority of the miner population is either not susceptible or is resistant to the toxic agents. This information suggests the existence of a small subpopulation with increased sensitivity or reduced resistance and underscores the need for indicators from biomedical assays that might prove of value for the detection of such individuals. The heightened awareness of the contribution of pollutants in the environment for the potential induction of mutations and carcinogenesis lead to a profusion of short-term bioassays to circumvent the high cost and time-consuming large toxicity animal studies. Over 100 bioassays across taxa from microbes to man are at various stages of use or development (Hollstein, et al., 1979). Less than a dozen tests currently offer early promise for application to[ in vivo] effect studies of man. Many are still in early development, lack the sensitivity needed for a retrospective or prospective study at current permissible exposures, are impractical to conduct in the field, or are not cost effective. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the bioassays that may now, or in the near term, prove applicable for the detection of individual underground miners with increased susceptibility to toxic agents. Throughout this statement, it is assumed that any single test may give false negatives or false positives and, therefore, a tier of tests should be investigated. The possible tests are in various stages of development; some tests better proven than others with a firmer data base and, therefore, with greater probability of usefulness. Some of the less proven assays are not ruled out if they have practical or theoretical promise as indicators. Table I summarizes the assays critiqued for their potential to monitor the effects of [in vivo] exposure to genotoxic substances. POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF HIGHLY SENSITIVE MINERS Assays of Body Fluids It is desirable to have data on the agent(s) to which subjects are exposed when humans are monitored by biomedical effects. Obviously, to varying intensity, the underground mining environments are monitored for radon daughters and it is recognized that the miners are also exposed to other pollutants, most notably, uranium ore dust and diesel fumes. Further testing for the metabolites of the pollutants can be done on body fluid, urine. [High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)]: This is a very sensitive method for the detection of mutagenic metabolites in urine. The urine is treated with the enzyme sulfatase and beta-glucuronidase to permit identification of substances that are made nonmutagenic by conjugation as glucuronides. The sample is then passed through an XAD-2 resin column and the absorbed organic molecules eluted with acetone. The sample is then split and evaporated to 1 ml and used for direct chemical analysis using HPLC. One drawback to the test is the inability to measure cumulative exposure, but multiple samples can be obtained and comparison to baseline (control) and exposure samples can reveal qualitative differences as a consequence of exposure to mutagens. [The Ames/Salmonella Microbiological Assay]: The Ames/Salmonella microbiological mutagen test is the most extensively used short-term bioassay, with over 2,600 chemicals having undergone testing by this method (Hollstein, et al., 1979). The method, thoroughly worked out and tested for 10 years, consists of taking the second split urine sample from the HPLC preparation, evaporating to dryness and dissolving in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The sample is then applied directly to

Jan 1, 1981

By M. Sadayappan

The grain refinement characteristics of four low-lead and lead-free copper base alloys for plumbing applications were investigated. These are leaded yellow brass (C85800). SeBiLOY III (C89550), silicon brasses (C87500 & C87800) and silicon bronzes (C87600 & C87610); Boron and zirconium were found to be the most effective .grain refiners for copper .alloys produced using the permanent mold cast processes. The study indicates that the type of grain refiner to be used is dependent on the alloy type, alloying constituents and their content. After grain refinement, hot tearing resistance of the alloys was improved but mechanical properties remained unaffected. Alloys refined with boron are prone to the formation of hard spots, which will have adverse effect on the surface quality of the castings during polishing and buffing.

Jan 1, 1999

By Caivin JS, Freeman CJ

The Fairbanks Mining District in central Alaska was discovered in 1902 and since then approximately 7.5 million troy oz of placer gold, 250,000 troy oz of lode gold, and several thousand short tons of antimony and tungsten hap been produced from an area of about 1000 km . Historic lode production was from high grade gold-quartz veins that averaged 1.3 OPT free milling gold. Five main types of mineral deposits&apos; are recognized in the district. I. Conformable, stratabound volcanogenic zinc, antimony, lead, and copper sulfides in places containing gold, silver and tungsten in bimodal metavoleanics (Cleary Sequence). II. Complex precious metal-bearing lead sulfosalt-quartz veins in Cretaceous granitic intrusives. III. Tungsten skarns adjacent to granitic intrusives. IV. Gold-bearing polymetallic sulfide-quartz veins crosscutting metavolcanics and metasedimentary units of the Cleary Sequence. V. Antimony-bearing gash veins along axial plane shears in various lithologies of the Cleary Sequence. Type I and Type IV mineral occurrences are currently being evaluated as low. grade bulk tonnage (target model 16-20 &apos;million tons of 0.05 to 0.15 OPT)&apos;and high grade moderate tonnage (target model 0.5 to 2.5 million tons of 0.5 OPT) gold deposits. The host rocks for Type I mineralization occur over a 30 km strike length and are at least 300 meters thick. Stratigraphic, structural, fluid inclusion, and isotopic data suggest that the Type IV mineralization is related to remobilization of Type I

Jan 1, 1987

By B Veera Reddy

For thick seam extraction, the Blasting Gallery (BG) method is ideal for obtaining the maximum percentage of extraction at fast rates. The continued use of this mining method is threatened by strata control and spontaneous heating problems. The strata control problems are managed, to some extent, by supporting the roof with cable bolting and roof bolts of 2.5 m length and with regular induced blasting. However, a number of BG panels were sealed off prematurely due to spontaneous heating problems, losing 1.12 million tonne of coal. The use of compressed CO2 for controlling mine fires is not uncommon in the coal mining industry, but its use is something new for controlling active spontaneous heating in a BG working panel goaf. This method was attempted at the BG I/8 panel of the Godavarikhani (GDK) 8 Incline, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). The spontaneous heating was effectively controlled and the remaining coal in the panel was completely extracted by continuous flushing of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the goaf for 40 days. One thousand and twenty four CO2 cylinders, each of 45 kg at 80 bar pressure were flushed into the goaf at the rate of 25 to 30 cylinders (350 m3 of CO2) per day. A quantity of 35 510 tonne of coal was extracted during the period from 30 July 2002 to 7 September 2002. The main objective of this paper is to present the complete process of controlling the spontaneous heating by CO2 flushing and to report on the study of the behaviour of gases and their analysis. The unique experience of controlling the active spontaneous heating in the working Blasting Gallery I/8 panel goaf at GDK 8 Incline with CO2 flushing (till the completion of the panel) will go a long way in establishing a working procedure for handling fire/spontaneous heating problems in BG panels.

Jan 1, 2005

By Irina A. Pulyaeva

Hydrogenetic Fe-Mn crusts play an important role in marine mineral-deposit research because of their widespread occurrence and high concentrations of valuable and rare metals. Most Fe-Mn crust deposits occur on the tens of thousands of seamounts found in the global ocean as well as on ridges and plateaus. Because of these circumstances, it is essential to clarify a number of outstanding issues with regard to Fe-Mn crust history and development, including controls on metal sources and concentrations. The first-order characteristics of Fe-Mn crusts as potential ore deposits include concentrations of metals (grade) and the thickness of crusts (tonnage), which vary depending on Fe-Mn crust structure and texture. Data on the structure, composition, age, and deposit characteristics will help define which factors are key for the creation of mineral accumulation and which combination of factors leads to the formation of potentially economic concentrations of metals. In this paper, we address the structure and characteristics of Fe-Mn crust stratigraphic sections collected from Central and Western Pacific seamounts. We describe the changes in mineralogical and chemical compositions of crust layers of different ages, the occurrence and regional distribution of these layers that correlate regionally, and reconstruct the paleoceanographic conditions that influenced crust growth.

Jan 1, 2010

By Gérald Riverin

Over the past century, exploration methods for volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits have evolved in response to a decreasing number of discoveries made by traditional surface prospecting and by ground and airborne geophysics. Statistical trends support the concept that fewer and fewer outcropping and sub-cropping VMS discoveries will be made in the future. In turn, this creates new opportunities to develop more sophisticated exploration models and techniques to explore at greater depth and to make blind discoveries. Current exploration models include various combinations of geological, geochemical and geophysical criteria which have been based on the results of land-based VMS research. The role of seafloor research in the development of these models has so far been only of a subordinate nature, perhaps due to a lack of direct involvment of the exploration industry in the seafloor research, and vice-versa for the seafloor researchers in VMS exploration. Another contributing factor is that exploration relies on exploration criteria that result from detailed geological, geochemical and geophysical studies of both footwall and hanging wall rocks, studies that are not possible in modern sea floor environments. Nevertheless, seafoor research has contributed to our understanding of the growth of sulphide mounds, the mechanism of sulphide deposition and of the chemistry of fluids involved in VMS systems. In particular, the role of structure and of tectonic setting has been clarified through observation of active seafloor hydrothermal systems. In turn, observations made in land-based VMS research has helped seafloor researchers to focus on key issues which, will eventually contribute to improved exploration models.

Jan 1, 1998

By Muto S, Okada S

At Tamano Smelter, part of the furnace settler is electrically heated by electrodes placed internally. This practice provides good control of the settler conditions. The authors have been investigating improvements in furnace operations, especially to decrease the copper content in the slag discarded from the settler. The important operational points on the control of magnetite in liquid matte and slag are discussed on the basis of the thermodynamic calculation method developed by Prof. S. Goto. The behaviour of magnetite in the practical furnace has been studied by using a torsion magnetometer and a solid electrolyte oxygen-sensing cell.

Jan 1, 1980

By E. M. Cukrowska

The evaporative pan complex consists of two adjacent seasonal pans. These pans carry an exceptionally high salt (TDS) load due to over 50 years of effluent discharge via the pipeline from mines. The nutrient, heavy metal, radionuclide load in the water and sediments of the pans are very high affecting groundwater around the pans. The groundwater in the region contains TDS > 40 000 mgl-1 and sulphates > 7000 mgl-1, whereas groundwater in areas assumed to be unpolluted by mining activities have TDS < 500 mgl-1 and sulphates < 200 mgl-1. The extent of continuity between the pans and the groundwater is unknown, although there appears to be seepage of contaminated groundwater into the river system.

Jan 1, 2006

Council for 1999/2000 President M.H. Rogers President Elect Dr L.A. Cramer Vice Presidents Senior A.A.B. Douglas Immediate Past President J.R. Dixon Junior S.J. Ramokgopa Honorary Treasurer J.A. Cruise

Jan 1, 2000

By W. McCombe, G. Remple, L. Zunti, M. Bernardin, L. Nightingale-Mercer

"The McClean Lake Mill is located approximately 700 kilometres north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and is operated by AREVA Resources Canada Inc. (AREVA). The mill was designed to process high grade uranium ores, and has been undergoing a multiyear expansion to increase its production capacity to 24 Mlbs U3O8 per annum, while also undergoing upgrades to allow it to safely transition to processing high grade ores from the Cigar Lake Mine. During the metallurgical test work on the Cigar Lake ores, it was identified that some ore zones in the Cigar Lake deposit have a propensity to generate hydrogen gas during acid leaching. Hydrogen is a volatile and explosive gas, which poses obvious safety concerns in the leaching circuit. Uranium processing is further complicated by the fact that an oxidant in the form of oxygen gas or hydrogen peroxide is required to regenerate iron in the leach, which further increases the risk from hydrogen gas. During 2013 Hatch and AREVA designed and engineered a number of novel upgrades for the leaching circuit to mitigate the risk of hydrogen gas evolution in the process. Best in class technology was utilized in addition to control and operating strategy changes to ensure the leaching circuit can be safely operated with ores that can evolve hydrogen gas. This paper reviews the design concepts and modifications implemented on this unique and challenging project.INTRODUCTION The McClean Lake mill was originally designed to process high grade uranium ores, however until 2014 the average ore grade processed was 1%. The facility has been undergoing a multiyear upgrade and expansion to increase its production capacity from 12 to 24 Mlbs U3O8 per annum, while also undergoing upgrades to allow it to safely transition to new high grade ores, averaging 18% U, from the Cigar Lake Mine. During the last round of metallurgical test work on the Cigar Lake ores, it was identified that some ore zones in the Cigar Lake deposit had a higher propensity to generate hydrogen gas during acid leaching than previous test work had indicated. Hydrogen gas is a volatile and explosive gas, which poses obvious safety concerns in the leaching circuit."

Jan 1, 2017

By R. D. Haynes

Coal, gas, and oil in many geological formations of the Eastern United States are intimately associated but have traditionally been recovered independently of each other. Oil and gas wells, however, are often spaced sufficiently close to cause the subsequent loss of up to 50 percent of the recoverable coal in the form of pillars or barriers left for mine safety purposes. A long-range planning technique was devised for exploiting oil and gas wells simultaneously with the mining of coal to recover the maximum fuel potential of the formations. Planned plugging of oil and gas wells, determined partly from production predictions via decline curve analysis, is coordinated with a mine development plan to achieve maximum coal recovery and reduce overall production losses of gas and oil due to plugging of the wells.

Jan 1, 1973