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By Shaohua Ju

Siderite ore is abundant around the world, due to its inert properties of low grade, mudding when milling and low magnetic, and it is very hard to be beneficiated. Nowadays, decomposition by roasting becomes the main process for utilization of the siderite ore. The methods of energy input for roasting are normally electrical heating, coal or gas combustion. Because traditional roasting methods owns some disadvantiges, such as low energy utilization, high cost and/or large exhaust pollution, only about 10% of the siderite ores in China were used as iron concentrate. In this work, the possibility of roasting siderite ore with microwave energy is studied by both laboratory and pilot experiments. The result of laboratory experiments showed that the optimized condition is roasting for 20 min with a power density of 3 W/g, and the Fe content of the final sample obtained is about 59.12%. The pilot experiments result showed that the decomposition is thoroughly, and the main phases of the roasted material are magnetite and wustite, and the energy consumption of the roasting process is 695.8 KWh/t.

Jan 1, 2014

By D. W. Fuerstenau, J. H. Brown

The paper by Professors Sun and Mitchell illustrates the value of ultrasonics as a tool for the mineral engineer. In particular, it opens up a number of possibilities to those interested in the field of comminution. The provision of desliming technique, which is thorough as well as rapid, is a distinct contribution, but the data of the paper suggest applications beyond desliming, in that the same treatments may be useful for size determination purposes. Fig. 1 shows that a marked dependence exists between particle size and the height to which it can be elevated by ultrasonic vibrations. While the curves are only extended down to a size of about 100 u, the fact that they appear to be increasing in slope in this range suggests that the separation may be even more marked here. This, we feel, is very strong evidence that a nlethod for fine sizing could be developed to use ultrasonic waves as the separating force. Professors Sun and Mitchell indicate that floccula-ti~n will present no difficulty: "During the investigation it was found that ultrasonic waves were able to dislodge the adhering gangue particles from the min- era1 surfaces and to disintegrate the soft particles into fine sizes." Thus, it appears that the use of ultrasonic waves as the power behind a size separation process may eliminate the problem of flocculation encountered in most wet sizing techniques. It would be interesting to size a fine material under conditions in which particles are known to be flocculated and under conditions where they are known to be dispersed. Use of a sizing technique of this nature may solve several problems that have long persisted in the fine sizing field. The flocculation problem may be overcome; the continuous production of closely sized fractions may be possible with a device similar to the one described; and with photoelectric methods, rapid analyses in the subsieve sizes may be possible. In general, we suggest that this paper be followed by a study of the sizing applications of the apparatus described. We feel that such a study would not only be rewarding in providing a new sizing technique, but also that the present paper almost requires such work to complete the picture of particle motion in a field of ultrasonic waves.

Jan 1, 1958

BEFORE I go any farther, I wish to show you the different kinds of guns, as I have been able to understand them from the finished works, for no one is found to have written or spoken of this. To my knowledge, it is not universally known who was the inventor of this horrible and fearful instrument. It is believed that it came from. Germany, discovered by chance at least three hundred years ago, according to Cornazzano, * from a crude and small beginning like the printing of letters. I believe, .indeed it seems to me certain, that guns evolved from the effect of powder, and then the forms were varied and changed according to the desires and different abilities of those who made or wished to use them. †

Jan 1, 1942

A large lab apparatus was designed using a scale-down methodology based on the design legacy of the current FLSmidth commercial forced air flotation machines. This new apparatus, along with a new test methodology, was used to evaluate new rapid prototype concepts. The apparatus was designed to monitor bubble size, power, pumping capacity, Jg, velocity profiles, froth character, and tip speed. The methodology developed follows a sequence that goes from hydrodynamic tests and solids suspension tests to a flotation kinetic test. This methodology has been demonstrated to be a good tool to determine the effect of machine design changes on flotation.

Jan 1, 2012

By R. B. Steele

The paper contains the results of the physical and mathematical simulations (based on the finite elements simulation) of the length and shape influence on the mechanical strength of the brex. Key words: Stiff extrusion, extruded briquettes, BREX, mechanical strength, cold strength, compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, oval shape, finite elements simulation. INTRODUCTION Extruded briquettes (BREX) exhibit a set of unique properties when compared with briquettes formed by alternative methods. Brex generally have sufficient integrity right after extrusion to withstand the necessary handling and stockpiling and does not require any special means and tools for the green briquettes strength conservation. In a typical die without an ancillary cutting device green brex tend to have very high length to diameter (L/D) or length to section area ratios. For round hole dies the brex are typically 5to 6 times the diameters and even longer. Stiff-extrusion allows also for the very easy changing of the forming dies. Dies with different cross-sectional shapes of the brex (round, ovals, square, hollow structures and many other two dimensional shapes) are possible, and common. The results of our investigations show how these geometrical shape factors contribute to overall quality of the brex both in terms of strength and as new charge components in metallurgical furnaces and processes [2-4]

Feb 27, 2013

By Maria I. De Rosa

This report analyzes mine fires for all U.S. underground and surface coal mining categories by state and 2-year time periods during 1990-1999. Risk rate values are derived, and ignition source, methods of fire detection and suppression, and other variables are examined. The data were derived from Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) mine fire accident publications and verbal communications with mine personnel. The analysis will provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, MSHA, and the mining industry with a better understanding of the causes and hazards associated with mine fires and will form a basis for future fire research programs.

Jan 1, 2004

By Boris Chacón

Durante el desarrollo cotidiano de una operación minera, se obtienen diversos tipos de información como: muestreo, perforación diamantina, etc. las cuales, se originan en base a observaciones de campo. En ese sentido, es vital desarrollar procedimientos adecuados que permitan administrar la información compilada. Por ello, el presente trabajo señala la aplicación de la administración de datos geológicos en la empresa minera Iscaycruz. La información de datos geológicos se puede administrar en formatos tipo gráfico o en bases de datos, por lo cual se requiere que la estructura de almacenamiento de dichos formatos contenga parámetros previamente analizados. Asimismo, es necesario que el equipo de trabajo organize la base de datos, a través de los objetivos y metas trazadas, así como de la verificación y análisis de los resultados, para mantener actualizada la información.

Aug 25, 2002

By Amy Anderson

The Silica (SME) Technology has been utilized on three separate projects focusing upon the stabilization of mercury-contaminated materials: at the Mother Lode Mine in Oregon, the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine in California and at a former chloralkali plant in British Columbia. Each of the projects relied primarily on the results collected via EPA Method 1311 TCLP, with additional tests such as SPLP, humidity cell tests and other supporting tests employed as well. Both technical and economic performance of the silica-based technology was evaluated as well as that of competing technologies in some cases. Results established that in each of the three projects an SME chemical dosage rate of 3% chemical by weight of soil/sludge was the optimal ratio required to achieve project treatment objectives, TCLP test results exhibited a reduction in the leachable mercury from the treated materials ranging between 75% and 99% as compared to untreated material, satisfying the technical objectives for each project, Project costs ranged from $l5.00 - $18.26 per metric ton.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. C. Urquhart, W. P. Channon, D. D. Howat

The mode of current transfer between electrode and slag in the submerged-arc furnace . by W. P. CHANNON, B.Sc.(Eng.)(Student Member), R. C. URQUHART, M.Sc.(Eng.), ;'h.D.(Visitor), and D. D. HOWAT, B.Sc., Ph.D.(Fellow) An account is given of a laboratory experiment in which the resistivity of a primary slag like those produced in the manufacture of high-carbon ferrochromium was measured at current densities typical of operation in a submergedarc furnace. It was shown that the current flow from graphite elec trode to molten slag obeys Ohm's Law when electrode current densities are less than 12 A/cm". At higher current densities, arcing occurs from the electrode tip to the slag, causing an imbalance in the rate of heating in the furnace burden.

Jan 8, 1974

By D. J. McAdam

IN a recent survey of the literature, the author has found evidence incompatible with prevalent views regarding the technical cohesive strength and yield strength of metals. Some of the evidence regarding the technical cohesive strength was presented in a previous paper,21 and views were presented that are believed to be in better accord with the evidence. In that paper, it was shown that the technical cohesion limit (contrary to prevalent views) varies with the combination of principal stresses,† and that the influence of plastic deformation on the technical cohesive strength is not in accordance with prevalent views. In this paper, consideration will be given to both the technical cohesion limit and the yield stress as affected by the combination of principal stresses. Evidence will be presented that the variations of the yield stress and the technical cohesion limit with the combination of principal stresses are not in accordance with prevalent views. Consideration will also be given to ductility and work-hardening capacity, which depend on the initial difference between the technical cohesion limit and the yield stress. By the "technical cohesion limit" is meant the mean stress at actual or potential* fracture. An example of a technical cohesion limit is the "true" breaking stress of a tension-test specimen, the breaking load divided by the sectional area at fracture. The cohesion limit thus obtained for a ductile metal, however, has been greatly altered by the plastic deformation. It is important to consider the cohesion limit of the metal prior to this deformation, and the variation of the cohesive strength with plastic deformation. The relation between the cohesion limit and the corresponding flow stress† determines the ductility of a metal and the energy that it will absorb before fracture. In this paper, as in the previous paper,21 tensile stresses will be viewed as positive and compressive stresses as negative. The algebraically greatest principal stress will be designated S1, the least principal stress will be designated S3, and the intermediate principal stress will be designated S2. In the previous paper, attention was confined to stress combinations with two of the principal stresses equal (with the intermediate principal stress S2 equal either to S3 or S1). In this paper, consideration will also be given to the effect of stress combinations with all three principal stresses unequal. In the earlier sections of the paper (pp. 1 to 14), attention will be confined to stress combinations with

Jan 1, 1942

By A. Oleynik

The paper presents the modeling and simulation experience in field of research into the mineral row material separation. Features of the subject domain generate a need of different approaches using for modeling and simulation. The general scheme of separation modeling process and some examples of developed simulators are presented. Due to different features and standards of knowledge, different formal models should be used to describe and analyze separation processes in the frame of general scheme. The main types of simulators are modeling tools based on statistical, analytical or expert (logical) methods. Advantages and disadvantages of each method above are mentioned in the paper. Based on the studies in the field considered, an aggregated mathematical model of a separation process has been generated. The aggregated model is presented by two combined equations. The actual apparatus model is formed by substitution of the particular functional expressions of the forces acting in the apparatus into the aggregated model. The developed simulation tools are based on integration of limited experimental data and on ex-pert knowledge available on separation processes. Simulation does not allow producing an optimal, in terms of mathematics, solution. But it gives an opportunity to produce and compare quite adequate solution variants in real time. The results obtained are the theoretical and methodological base for integrated information technologies to support studies in the field of mineral processing.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. B. Hedrick

Rare earths were not mined in the United States in 2008. However, processing of intermediate rare-earth concentrates continued throughout the year at the Mountain Pass Mine in California. Consumption of refined rare-earth products increased. U.S. rare earth imports were primarily from China, with lesser amounts, in decreasing order, from France, Hong Kong, Japan, Austria and Russia. The United States imported 100 percent of its supply of yttrium metal and compounds primarily from China. United States In 2008, lanthanide concentrates were processed by Chevron Mining Inc. (previously Molycorp Inc.) at its mine site at Mountain Pass, CA. Chevron Mining sold its entire holdings in the rare earths mine to Molycorp Minerals LLC in September and operations continued at the site through-out 2008. Major uses for these mineral commodities were in automotive catalytic converters, petroleum fl uid-cracking catalysts, permanent magnets, glass-polishing compounds, ceramics, metal-alloying additives, phosphors and recharge-able batteries. Three domestic companies produced and sold lanthanide intermediate concentrates and refined products. Chevron Mining sold its interests in the Mountain Pass Mine to Molycorp Minerals LLC on Sept. 30, 2008. Molycorp Minerals LLC is an investment company owned by Resource Capital Fund IV L.P., Pegasus Partners IV, LP, The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Traxys North America LLC, Carint Group LLC and Mark Smith. The Molycorp operation previously mined the rare earth fluocarbonate mineral bastnäsite by hard-rock surface methods, and the mine remained on care and maintenance in 2008. Molycorp maintained significant stocks of bastnäsite concentrates, intermediate concentrates and high-purity rare earth compounds at its operations at Mountain Pass. In October 2007, Chevron Minerals completed phase one of its three-stage plan and restarted the rare earth separation plant at Mountain Pass. The company also processed intermediate rare earth concentrates from existing stocks during the first three quarters of 2008. Molycorp Minerals LLC maintained production in the last quarter of the year. The mine at Mountain Pass has been closed since 1998. Future plans are to restart processing of stockpiled bastnäsite concentrates followed by reopening of the mine.

Jan 1, 2009

By Eung Ha Cho, Wendi Li

Wet desulfurization of Pittsburgh No. 8 coal and Illinois No. 6 coal were conducted with sodium hypochlorite in the laboratory. Pittsburgh No. 8 coal was leached by hypochlorite at high pHs in one step only. The hypochlorite concentration varied from 0.2 to 0.6 molar; sodium hydroxide concentration, from 0.2 to 0.8 molar; and temperature was at the levels of 80 and 90°C. The desulfurization of Illinois No. 6 coal was conducted in three consecutive steps of pretreatment in concentrated ammonia at room temperature, leaching with hypochlorite at room temperature and hydrolysis in sodium hydroxide solution at 90°C. In the leaching step, hypochlorite concentration varied from 0.2 to 0.8 molar. The desulfurization method of Pittsburgh No. 8 coal was found to reduce mainly pyritic sulfur. More than 70% of pyritic sulfur removal was achieved at the optimum conditions of 0.4 molar hypochlorite, 0.4 molar sodium hydroxide and 90°C. The desulfurization method for Illinois No. 6 coal was capable of reducing significant amounts of organic sulfur. The removal of organic sulfur achieved a 37.8% reduction at the optimum operation of leaching at 0.4 molar hypochlorite and room temperature followed by hydrolysis at 0.3 molar sodium hydroxide and 90°C. The chlorine content in the coal produced by the chlorination during leaching was kept below the threshold value of 0.3% at the optimum conditions of the desulfurization method for each coal.

Jan 1, 2005

A new mine has begun production of antimony ore and concentrates in Serbia, Yugoslavia. The mine is operated by the mining and metallurgical enterprise "Aajaca." Initial production is running at approximately 45 thousand tons of ore per year, yielding about 1,500 tons of concentrate. The mine is located on the mountain Kopaonik-Raiceyoj Gori. It is planned to expand production eventually to approach the level of 300,000 tons of ore per year. This level will be a significant addition to the world supply of antimony and will place Yugoslavia among the world's major producers. Currently the United States produces only about 6 percent of its primary requirement for antimony. COBALT -Anglo American Corporation, Ltd. reportedly is considering restarting the Tenke-Fungurume copper-cobalt project in Zaire. Construction on the project was suspended in January because of inadequate financing and political uncertainties. Technical feasibility and financing on a smaller scale than previously envisioned are now being considered. However, an increased copper price may be necessary before any decision to proceed is made.

Jan 1, 1976

By Y. Luo

The rock breakage process in drilling is a main source of noise in roof bolting operations, especially when hard rocks are encountered. Proper control of drilling operation can provide an opportunity to improve energy efficiency of drilling and to reduce noise and heat generated from bit-rock friction. Drilling tests have been conducted in laboratory settings to confirm this noise-reduction strategy. Preliminary results show that the drilling parameters, penetration and rotational rates can be controlled to achieve in a desirable range in drilling medium hard rock. Based on the theoretical and experimental studies, rational drilling control strategy is developed for noise control while maintaining a safe and productive roof bolting operation. Applying this strategy in underground roof bolting operation, the noise exposure of roof bolter operators will be significantly reduced.

Aug 1, 2013

By Philip R. Strand, O. F. Stewart

Vermiculite is the name generally applied to the group of hydrated ferromagnesian aluminum silicates that are characterized by the ability to expand when heated. This process, called exfoliation, results in a lightweight product of commercial value. Most uses of vermiculite are for the expanded material. The chief markets are in construction, agriculture, and horticulture, with lesser uses in general industry. Composition and Properties Vermiculite, in its natural state, has the characteristic micaceous habit, a perfect basal cleavage which causes splitting into thin laminae that are soft, pliable, and inelastic. The structure of vermiculite is basically that of a talc. The prominent monoclinic crystal faces are often marked by lines at 60° and 120°. Hardness varies from 1.5 to 2 or more; specific gravities are between 2.1 and 2.8; color varies from almost clear to amber, bronze, brown, green, or black. Vermiculite feels like talc, especially when wet. Although much research has been performed on the chemical and structural composition, there is not yet complete agreement on the exact formula. This is to be expected when different workers have examined the many different varieties. Vermiculite is not considered to be a single mineral species but a family of related minerals. The structural formula for a trioctahedral vermiculite may be written: (H20)-(Mg,Ca,K)-(A12,Fe,Mg)-(Si,A1,Fe)4O10 (OH) 2 Hydrobiotite also occurs with vermiculite and is usually considered a vermiculite for commercial uses. When heated quickly to elevated temperatures, vermiculite expands by exfoliating at right angles to the cleavage into wormlike particles. The name vermiculite is derived from the Latin vermiculare, to breed worms. This characteristic of expansion is the result of the mechanical separation of the layers by the rapid conversion of contained water to steam. The decrease in bulk density of commercial grades is usually approximately 10 times, from 50 to 5 lb/ft3, but varies depending on the quality, size, and furnace efficiency. Individual flakes may expand up to 30 times. Vermiculite may also be expanded by soaking in chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, weak acids, and other electrolytes. Color change during expansion is dependent upon the type of vermiculite and furnace conditions. Heating in an oxidizing atmosphere produces a dull gray or tan color, whereas a reducing atmosphere can produce a bronze or gold color. The expansion of the vermiculite crystal results in large pores being formed between the platelets. Thus, exfoliation makes available a large increase in void volume which is important in the application of vermiculite as a chemical carrier. Mathieson and Walker (1954) state vermiculite must be regarded as a true clay mineral. The characteristic properties of the mineral, such as high cation exchange capacity, organic complexing ability, and variable interlamellar distance are very similar to those of montmorillonite. The cation exchange capacity of vermiculite is one of the highest of all the clay minerals. The interplatelet space is accessible to penetration by some electrostatically neutral molecules. Water and glycerine are two common substances whose molecules may be so imbibed. In the natural state and under normal atmospheric conditions, water occupies the spaces between the silicate layers. The crystal d-spacing is near 14.2A. By differential thermal analysis, it has been determined that the water

Jan 1, 1983

By Mark B. Thorpe

Golden Star Resources started gold mining operations in Africa in 1999 after 15 years of exploration in South America. At the time, the approach to local assistance was through "alternative livelihood" programs and the donation of infrastructure to local communities. This was initially successful with local community support. However, with time and on reviewing the implemented projects, it became evident that the success was limited and many if the projects were either poorly used or in disrepair. Through a review of the options, we decided to develop a community assistance model driven by the communities themselves, while keeping control of the finances and the actual construction of the projects. Through the formation of the Golden Star Development Foundation, we began to support community driven projects for local economic development. The evolution of economic development projects continued over the next several years with the addition of project requirements for partnerships with government, and finally an evolution to a partnered turn-key piece of infrastructure that we hand over to an agency for operation and ongoing maintenance. We are currently working with outside partners to further our economic development activities in Ghana to the benefit of our stakeholders.

May 1, 2011

By R. V. Ramani, R. Stefanko, G. W. Luxbacher

This report was prepared by The Pennsylvania State University under USBM Contract No. H0133040. The contract was initiated under the technical direction of PMSRC, with Mr. Edward D. Thimons acting as the technical project officer. Mr. Frank Naughton was the contract administrator for the Bureau of Mines. This report is a summary of the work recently completed as part of this contract during the period June 30, 1973,to June 30, 1977. This report was submitted by the authors on August 31, 1977.

Jan 1, 1977

By J. F. Crouch

INTRODUCTION Roll front uranium has unique geologic characteristics (L,) which require specialized mining procedures. Roll front uranium occurs in arkosic sandstones with the ore zone typically less than 100 feet in thickness with up to 400 feet of overburden. The areal extent of ore is often a few thousand acres. Within the ore zone, ore grade material occurs in C and S shaped rolls, which are a few feet in width and height but may run laterally for several hundred feet. Since the total mine plan may include mining all ore, a roll front uranium mine may cover a few thousand acres. For both economic and environmental reasons, a roll front deposit is mined as a series of phases or sub-pits (3, 4) as illustrated in Figure 1. A typical sub-pit is 400 to 500 feet across. Sub-pit 1 is stripped initially and the overburden is spoiled on the surface. Depending on haul distance and overburden characteristics, stripping is done with trucks and shovels (or front-end loaders) or scrapers. When ore is encountered in sub-pit 1, mining begins, and the stripping equipment is moved to sub-pit 2, with sub-pit 2 overburden also being spoiled on the surface. When ore is encountered in sub- pit 2, sub-pit 1 mining should ideally be complete so the mining equipment can move to sub-pit 2 and sub-pit 3 overburden can be spoiled in the mined out sub-pit 1 area. Ore is mined selectively in a series of 12 to 24 inch cuts by a 2-1/2 yard backhoe on the basis of radiometric probing. For effective drainage, ditches must be maintained on the boundary of sub-pits, and mining lifts are kept as level as possible, with the orebody slightly elevated as part of general good mining practice. Waste removal in the ore zone is done by self- loading scrapers near the orebodies and by push-pull or push loaded scrapers away from the orebodies. Each self-loading scraper cut is

Jan 1, 1983

By J. S. Godard

The mining developments in western Quebec have shown the ores of this district to be more complex in character than was at first expected. When the initial discoveries were made it was thought that the ores would be similar in character to those of Kirkland Lake and Porcupine areas. Developments have since shown that although the ores along the southern margin of the belt are somewhat similar, those within the belt, constituting by far the greater proportion, are vastly different, being complex mixtures of base-metal sulphides carrying values in the precious metals. These mixtures of base-metal sulphides of copper, zinc, and iron, present several problems to the metallurgist, especially in their concentration into marketable products. For the purpose .of this paper the following classification may be made of the ores of the district. Group I. - Milling Ores: (a) Ores in which~ arsenopyrite is the predominating sulphide. In this class of ore the gold occurs in fractures in the quartz and is associated to a lesser extent with the arsenopyrite and pyrite. Examples of this class of ore are the Granada, south of Pelletier lake, and the O'Brien and the Thompson in Cadillac township. (b) Ores in which iron pyrite is the predominating sulphide and gold is the valuable constituent. This may also be classed as a concentrating ore-Group III.

Jan 1, 1928