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By P. S. Newall

As part of a much larger research project, factor analysis was employed to help interpret and compare the geochemical signatures produced by two different sample media; a traditional -80# soil fraction, and a coarse float. Both sample types were collected by hand auger from the extension zone of the Redmoor sheeted-vein complex and analyzed -for 19 major and trace elements. The rationale behind the study infers that the geochemical anomalies produced by wallrock alteration around such targets can be better detected in the lithogeochemical rather than the soil environment, sometimes at considerable distance from their source.

Jan 1, 1991

By T. H. Jeffers

To help maintain an adequate supply of minerals to meet national, economic, and strategic needs, the Bureau of Mines investigated the feasibility of extracting copper from coarse native copper ore with ammoniacal ammonium carbonate solution by a simulated in situ leaching procedure. A 5.9-metric-ton (6.5-ton) sample of minus 30.5-centimeter (12-inch) conglomerate-type ore analyzing 1.96 percent copper was leached in a column for 556 days with a solu-tion that contained, in grams per liter, 2.2 NBs and 1.9 CO[3=]. The copper extraction was 71.4 percent, and reagent consumptions were, in kilograms per metric ton of ore, 1.1 NBs and 0.85 CO[3=] (in pounds per ton of ore, 2.2 NH3 and 1.7 CO[3=]). The pregnant leach solutions contained about 1.4 grams per liter copper, which was readily extracted from these low-tenor liquors with a 1:19 mixture of an organic extractant and kerosine. Copper was stripped from the loaded organic with depleted electrolyte containing 150 grams per liter H2S04, and the copper was recovered by electrowinning with antimonial lead anodes. Conditions also were established for minimal lead transfer to the cathode copper.

Jan 1, 1979

By John C. Holtz

Interest in the possibility of using Diesel6/ engines for haulage power in mining and tunneling is increasing in the United States, owning largely to the reported successful use of Diesel locomotives in European coal mines and to the comparatively recent development of automotive Diesel engines in this country. The extent of this interest has been evidenced to the Bureau of Mines by numerous requests for information as to the factors that must be considered if Diesel engines are to be used safely underground.

Jan 1, 1940

By R. V. Norris

IT was stated in a former paper1 that an intensive study of anthracite costs was being made by the engineers of the United States Fuel Administration. The results of this-study are now available and are offered as a supplement to the former paper. Anthracite costs as reported, for the 6-months period, December, 1917, to May, 1918, inclusive, as compiled by the Federal Trade Commission, were used as a base, and charts similar to those described in the-former paper were made for the standard white ash anthracite and for red ash and Lykens valley coals. ADJUSTMENTS The adjustments of cost from a reported to a price-fixing basis, as described for the bituminous methods, were applied but showed only minor adjustments as necessary. The great spread in anthracite prices on the varying sizes, which for the 6-mo. period under review ranged in average from $5.244 for nut to $2.074 for barley coal, makes the question of the percentage of sizes produced at the different collieries a vital one. The realization with the same prices for each size must be within very wide limits, when it is considered that the percentage of prepared coal reported from different collieries varied from over 80 per cent. to below 30 per. cent. for fresh-mined coal. Hence, as the spread in prices for the various sizes must be predicated on some percentage, it is essential to find some method of adjustment to allow for this variation. The logical method of adjustment is to calculate actual costs to costs as of the standard percentage of sizes, so that the margin between the adjusted costs and the average realization shall be the actual margin for each colliery between its actual costs and actual realization clue to its particular percentage of sizes. As a base for realization the actual percentage of sizes for fresh-mined coal for the 6-mo. period was adopted. This percentage is given in Table 1.

Jan 2, 1919

By F. Burat

The present research covers the results of experiments carried out with high frequency vibration screen on dewatering of coal fines. In the tests, the addition of surface active reagents was studied employing a high frequency vibrating screen. To increase the efficiency of mechanical dewatering processes, ultrasonic treatment was applied along with surfactants and optimum dewatering conditions were obtained. The moisture content of the feed material was from 82.5% to 41% by the optimization of operation parameters including the angle of the screen, vibration frequency, feed rate and screen opening size. Optimum parameters obtained in dewatering processes carried out with the vibrating screen were kept constant and the effects of surface active reagents and ultrasonic treatment on dewatering were investigated. Finally, the moisture level of the material was further reduced from 41.0% to 37.66%.

Sep 1, 2012

By P. M. Swash

The paper describes the use of mineralogical methods in the exploration and evaluation of primary diamond occurrences. The most common methods that are used include the systematic search for kimberlitic indicator minerals, surface textural study of the indicator minerals, (garnet, spinel, ilmenite and chrome diopside) and alluvial macrodiamond studies so as to understand their provenance and guide exploration towards diamondiferous targets. The mineral chemistry of the indicator is used to positively assess the origin of the mineral grains and is also pivotal in the determination of the diamond potential of a deposit. Petrography of the primary deposit is able to identify the body to be kimberlitic and is also a support to the mineral chemistry findings. Unambiguous proof of a prospects potential to contain macrodiamond is proven by the occurrence of microdiamonds in the residues from the rock. The presence of a sufficient number of microdiamonds in the rock is enough to determine a semiquantitative grade estimate and warrant further metallurgical evaluation so as to determine its actual macrodiamond content.

Jan 1, 1991

By Robert C. Schenk

The rapidly expanding, globally based mining industry provides many opportunities and challenges for the engineering construction business. This paper reviews some of the innovations that the industry is implementing to provide increased value in the design, construction, and successful start-up of new mine plant facilities. Approaches being taken to reduce installed-plant costs as well as related value-enhancement opportunities are discussed. Included are comments on new technology developments, use of automation and global communications networks, application of economic models as a project design tool, and management approaches being adopted to make the engineering construction process significantly more effective.

Jan 1, 1998

By E. E. Roecker, J. F. K. Brown

For three years The Hudson Coal Co. has used egg anthracite instead of coke in its foundry cupola. It has long passed the stage of being told it cannot be done—the metal would be cold, of poor quality, or the speed of operation would be low. From observation, from use and from test. we know that our metal is about average; the cast iron invokes no adverse comment from the machine shop and the speed suits our foundry requirements. We have there-iore resolved into practice anthracite combustion processes in an industrial furnace formerly using coke, under conditions suitable to our needs. When it comes to translating what we know into use in another cupola, however, where operating conditions may be different, or to explaining why, with seemingly the same conditions in our own cupola, we have attained sometimes a temperature of 2800° in the metal and at another time 2600°, or a speed of 5 tons per hour against 2 35 tons per hour, we cannot do it. We cannot do this because there seems to be an unbridged gap between laboratory ideas on combustion and practical ideas on com-bustiqn, which we have been unable to cross in terms understandable to us as practical consumers. This gap or bridge centers around the problem of how combustion actually takes place; and we believe it is controlled by two factors: (I) the character of the surface of the fuel and (2) the space provided and needed within which the oxygen of the air is allowed to or can act on that surface. It has long been contended on behalf of coke that porosity is an important factor in combustion, although, admittedly, there are two schools of opposing thought on this question, as revealed in technical literature. It has been understood generally that a light, porous coke is the best metallurgical fuel because there are more square inches of carbon exposed to the blast of air, therefore more useful carbon-dioxide reactions can take place in the given space between the entrance of the air and the point where useful work is done. It is now our general idea that the heavier and the harder the coal, the better the metallurgical fuel, provided the surface of that fuel is suitable for fast reaction with the oxygen. Time and Space A cupola is loaded in layers of fuel and iron. The horizontal line where the first charge of iron rests on the coal is the top of the bed coal. With us that is 22 in., usually, above the tuyeres where the air enters. This means 600 lb. of coal. Every subsequent coal layer is 100 to 125 lb. of coal, and that 100 to 125 lb. of coal melts 1000 lb. of iron at around 2700° in the ladle. This quantity of coal represents a 3-in. layer spread across the cupola. The question arises: If this 3 in. of coal will melt 1000 lb. of metal, why was it necessary to use 600 lb., or 22 in., of coal beneath and between the first charge of iron and the air entrance?

Jan 1, 1944

Increasingly, mineral operations need to manage water as a key business asset. Managing water solely as an environmental issue leaves a business exposed to social, cultural and economic risks associated with water. Adopting a company-wide strategic approach, which takes account of the true value of water will provide businesses with opportunities and risk protection. Rio Tinto has recognised the business imperative for water stewardship and has responded by producing the Rio Tinto Water Strategy. This strategy commits the company to managing water assets in a responsible manner, taking account of environmental, social and economic values. To incorporate the true value of water in site decision making, a new set of tools is required at the operational level. A key part of the strategy focuses on developing a framework to value water based on case study examples from around the Group. This paper presents progress on the companyÆs experiences in developing and implementing the water strategy.

Jan 1, 2006

By Benjamin C. Craft

Operations on the Louisiana Gulf Coast during 1936 resulted in the discovery of five new fields and the proving of flank production or new sands on 12 of the older fields. This district gained the rank as the outstanding deep-drilling region of the world. At the close of the year. 10 wells had been drilled beyond 10.000 ft. One of the most important

Jan 1, 1937

By George Mylonakis

The curvatures and subsequent bending imposed to piles by the surrounding soil during the passage of strong seismic waves is studied. This type of bending develops even in the absence of a superstructure and is referred to as "kinematic bending", to distinguish it from bending imposed to piles by loads generated from the inertia of the superstructure ("inertial bending"). Although kinematic loading may be severe in the presence of sharp stiffness discontinuities in the profile and may lead to damage, it has received little attention by engineers. The scope of the paper is twofold: (i) to discuss some fundamental aspects of seismic pile bending, and (ii) to review some existing design methods. To this end, a dimensionless bending strain parameter (instead of the more commonly used bending moment), and a strain transmissibility function relating pile bending strain and corresponding soil shear strain are introduced. Numerical examples are also presented.

Jan 1, 2002

By H Ulrich Leiste, Leslie Talor

This paper describes a series of small scale tests conducted to investigate the loading applied to a flat plate by the detonation of a cylindrical charge very close (between two and three charge radii from the center of the charge) to the structure. The testing used very small quantities of explosive (PETN): Two different series of tests were conducted. In the first test series, impulse loading on the target plate was investigated using three different sizes of charge. In the second series, pressure time profiles were determined. The charge size was 6 g or less. Impulse was found using high speed video of the target plate to determine its displacement as a function of time, from which initial plate velocity was obtained. Kolsky Bars, placed at the same distance from the charge as the target plate, were used to determine the free-field pressure time profile of the output of the charge at this distance. Two different types of target plates were used in the impulse study. One was just a plate while the other was a plate constrained with a steel frame.

Jan 1, 2009

By Jerry Pyatt

Lead has been used by mankind since before the Egyptian pyramids were built. Its durability provides for a continuum of innovation. As the largest integrated lead producer in the Western Hemisphere, The Doe Run Co. is committed to locating, mining, processing and sup-plying lead in ways that are responsible and sustainable. It takes ingenuity and resolve to successfully operate in the heavy industry field today. Doe Run is committed to applying responsibility through sustainability, lean manufacturing, safety, environmental stewardship, education and workforce development, and com-munity support.

Jan 1, 2008

By J. A. Cervantes

A statistical model for assessing the risk of ground subsidence in abandoned mine areas is presented. The model is based on the relationship that exists between .the frequency and the location-of subsidence events in a given area and the physical conditions of the ground. These conditions can be described by a series of geological, mining, and physical variables. The model suggests the existence of regions in the multidimensional space of variables which are associated .with increases or decreases in the frequency of subsidence events. Regions associated with an increase in the frequency of subsidence events correspond to regions of higher risks, and vice versa. Risk assessment is based on the ability to express the limits of these high and low risk regions in the, space of variables, and on the ability to express the degree of membership of blocks of land within any of these regions. The theoretical framework for the model is extracted, from discriminant analysis. Risk is quantified by the probabilities of membership of blocks of land into any of these regions. Risk maps are produced by displaying membership probabilities in. appropriate contouring levels. The model has been applied in two urban areas where subsidence of the ground has been active in the past. The two areas are Penn Hills, near Pittsburgh, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in northeastern Pennsylvania. In this paper, only the results for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area are presented. Those for the Penn Hills area have been presented elsewhere (Cervantes, et al, 1990). In the- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, geostatistical estimates of variables likely to affect the stability of the ground were made using samples from 53 drillholes. The estimates were made for 2000x2000 ft squared blocks of land covering the study area. Discriminant functions were computed from the estimated variables and used to establish regions for classifying blocks of land into one of these two populations: 1) blocks not likely to have a subsidence event, and ii) blocks likely to have one or more subsidence events. The same, discriminant functions were used to compute membership probabilities for blocks of land to tall within any of these two populations. These probabilities were contoured to produce a risk map. The risk map produced compares well with the location of the subsidence events which have occurred to date in the area.

Jan 1, 1992

By Michael M. Hamilton

U.S. Bureau of Mines personnel examined mines, prospects, and mineralized areas to determine mineral resources and resource potential in and adjacent to the North fork Smith RARE II study area. Most mineral resources identified in this area are in laterites, highly-weathered residual soil zones. In the RARE II area, resources of nickel, cobalt, chromium, and magnesium were identified at 15 laterite properties and chromium resources at one chromite mine. Other commodities include copper, gold, silver, and mercury (fig. 1). Approximately 1,100 lode and 1,200 placer claims have been located in or adjacent to the area. Most placer claims are for literites. There are no patented claims or mineral leases. Forty laterite deposits on 15 ,properties within the RARE II area (fig. 2) contain about 16 million tons of identified marginal reserves and subeconomic resources containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, an magnesium (table 1). Most deposits have keen explored and are currently claimed. California Nickel Corporation is developing laterites on Gasguet Mountain, within and adjacent to the southeastern and western parts of the study area. If this project proceeds to production, a laterite processing plant on Gasquet Mountain would enhance the minability of other deposits in the study area. The Climax, PFM, DF, and Stone Corral properties (fig. 1, nos. 1, 6, 9, and 23) have deposits of sufficient tonnage and grade to attract mining interest; resources at these properties are in and adjacent to the RARE II area.

Jan 1, 1983

By V. A. Melezhik, A. H. Green, L. N. Grinenko

Finally, a theoretical model is constructed that takes

Aug 1, 1994

By D. J. Dunn, J. L. Huiatt, T. E. Norman

Corrosion studies in laboratory ball mills and grinding environment simulations produce corrision rates and total metal removal rates much lower than those recorded in operating production ball mills. The corrosion component of ball metal loss in many mills probably represents less than 10% of the total loss, judging from AMAX experience and recent US Bureau of Mines (USBM) tests. Such small absolute losses are consistent with ball metal loss measured in production ball mill marked ball wear tests to determine effects of corrosion and abrasion resisting properties of alloys in operating mills. These indicate that metal hardness and microstructure determine relative metal loss rates of a given situation. The combination of ore characteristics and grinding process dynamics determine metal loss severity. Alloying for corrosion resistance and modification of the milling corrosion environment yield relatively small metal loss reductions. Alloying and heat treatment to produce high hardness and microstructures of high carbon martensite and, for cast irons M7C3 carbides, produces the lowest metal losses in typical wet grinding applications.

Jan 1, 1986

By S. L. Gerhard

In the United States the performance characteristics of permissible explosives are controlled by routine tests, which include firing the explosive into a gallery filled with a methane-air mixture. These tests are made by the staff-of the Explosives Division of the Bureau of Mines and are similar, in general, to those employed in other countries. This control has helped to reduce the frequency of accidents involving the ignition of firedamp by explosives but has not clarified the basic causes of the ignition. To advance this control and to minimize potential hazards further, this fundamental knowledge is needed. Some of the results of recent research on the causes of the ignition are described herein. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM When an explosive ignites firedamp in the gallery tests, the source of the ignition must be one or more of the emissions from the steel borehole. It has been accepted generally that these emissions are (1) particles, (2) the shock wave, and (3) hot gases and flames. Photographs show that the shock wave emerges from the borehole first, followed closely by hot gases. At first the velocities of these are high and approximately equal, but the velocity of the gases decreases more rapidly than that of the shock wave, and by the time the reactions causing the flame are complete the shock wave travels in an otherwise undisturbed medium. The particles are originally enveloped in the hot gases but some soon begin to break through and eventually out-distance the shock wave. The approximate geometry of these emissions about 1 millisecond after the shot is fired is illustrated in figure

Jan 1, 1939

Continuous pH and Pulp Potential Measurements During Complex Sulfide Ore Flotation

Sep 13, 2010

By E. Gaujot

IN connection with the question of coal waste and economy in mining, we would call the attention of those interested to an apparatus invented by M. Dernencourt, Superintendent of the Anzin Division of the Anzin Coal Company, North of France. This apparatus is known in France and Belgium under the name of prop screw-jack (vis botte), and has been used with good results in the above-named countries for some years past. M. Ponson gives, in his " Trait6 de I'exploitation des Mines," a description of it (page 533), but as the description given is old, the work not widely known in this country, and as some valuable improvements have been made since, I thought it might be useful to give a description of it, having seen it in 'operation in 1867, while in Europe to attend the great Exposition, and on a scientific tour to the mining districts of France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy. The prop screw-jack is composed of the following pieces : I. The body or column B, Fig. 4 [Plate (I)], of oak or yellow pine, sawed square, the bark taken off, and any length, proportionate to the vein. The smallest are 10 inches diameter at the base, and 9 inches at the top, the height being from 12 to 15 inches less than the size of the vein. In the axis of this column, and at the top end, is a cylindrical opening or hole, C, 22 inches diameter, 10 inches deep, for the screw, S. II. Two wrought-iron rings, R R, to strengthen the two extremities of the column ; the rings must be put on hot. III. A cast,-iron washer, E, with hole in centre a little larger than the screw, to be put on the top of the column, and on which the nut is to rest; the top side of this washer must be faced on the lathe, also the bottom of the nut, to prevent friction. IV. The screw, S, having a total length of 12 inches and a diameter of 24 inches (for very high veins this diameter may be increased to 3 inches), and has on its top a wrought-iron plate, T,