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By John E. Caffrey

United States Steel Corporation began mining coal in southern West Virginia at the turn of the century, and until the late 40's production was confined to underground mines. Surface mining was initiated in our southern West Virginia -holdings as a means of recovering coal that could not be obtained by underground mining methods. After observing and evaluating surface mining methods employed by other companies, some of which operated on lands of U. S. Steel on a lease basis, we undertook the establishment of a surface mining operation. Our method, as, initiated in the early 50's, remains basically the same today. Variations have come about primarily by equipment modifications. The method consists' of a pioneer cut to establish the coal outcrop, a drill bench for drilling, blasting, and removal of the overburden from the top of the coal. The land is rugged except for the flood plains of some of the larger streams. The mountains have steep slopes, averaging 30 degrees, with relatively sharp ridges and very narrow valleys,. Geologically, the coals_ lie in the Pocahontas formation of the Pottsville group in the Pennsylvanian system. This means that the coals in our area of operation lie at the base of. The coal measures in the Appalachian range. The coal that we have mined is primarily the Pocahontas nos. 3 and 4 seams. We have mined negligible amounts of other seams in the Pocahontas groups above the no. 4 seam. The Pocahontas no. 3 seam, which is the lowest mineable seam geologically in this area, lies anywhere from 700 feet below: the valley floor up to 400 feet above the floor. This is occasioned by the Anticlinal formation which gives us grades Of about 9% at the anticline, decreasing to about 1 to 1-1/2% on the extreme flanks. We have the opportunity to engage in surface mining where the coal seams intercept the surface above the valley floors.

Jan 1, 1972

A brief review of currently available "commercial" information on methods of treating ilmenite s to produce high titanium content "upgrades" is made. In this back- ground the CSIRO/Murphyores Process is described and its relationship to other methods Discussed.

Jan 1, 1972

By E. E. Malouf

For centuries small amounts of copper have been recovered from acid mine-drainage waters. In recent years, the expansion of copper-bearing waste dump leaching for copper recovery has established a technological basis that is rapidly converting the art of copper leaching' into a science. Leaching of copper, whether from copper-bearing ore or waste, follows well established chemical reactions. These reactions are commonly in an acid circuit, but where leaching of copper is to be made in rock that is a high acid consumer, ammonia and ammonia carbonate, as well as cyanide leach solutions, can be used effectively. Current hydrometallurgical processes are being applied at an ever increasing rate to recover the trace amounts of copper in copper mine waste by in-place leaching. Currently approximately 300, 000 tons of copper are produced annually in this manner where as recently as ten years ago, only one-eighth of this amount of precipitate copper was produced.. Where copper occurs as an oxide in higher concentrations as to be classified as an ore rather than waste, then the hydro-metallurgical processes are applied as percolation or agitation leaching in vats, pachuca tanks, or prepared heaps. This approach gives better control over the recovery of the leach solutions, particularly in the processes where ammonia or cyanide leaching agents are to be used.

Jan 1, 1972

By G. M. Ritcey, B. H. Lucas

In the conventional alkaline leaching of concentrate containing nickel, copper and cobalt, copper is usually removed from the system, prior to nickel reduction, by sulphide precipitation. A new process is described for the selective extraction of copper and separation from cobalt and nickel, using liquid-liquid extraction. General Mills LIX-63 dissolved in a kerosene diluent is the extractant. Trace amounts of co-extracted cobalt and nickel are easily removed by a scrub treatment, and copper is recovered from the extract by sulphuric acid stripping, thus providing a solution amenable to the oroduction of electrolytic copper. Estimated processing costs are included together with a proposed flowsheet.

Jan 1, 1972

By R. L. Schmidt

One of a series published by the Bureau of Mines covering research investigations in rock drillability, this report of field drilling results extends earlier laboratory findings and provides a relatively simple procedure for predicting percussive drilling rates with reasonable accuracy. Two percussive drills mounted on a truck were used to drill a total of 25 rock types, and the results were used to develop a prediction equation. The equation was tested on a set of unrelated laboratory percussive drilling data, and the comparison between predicted and actual rates is shown in tabular form.

Jan 1, 1972

By B. J. Scheiner

Oxidation procedures based on the chlorine-hypochlorite system were investigated for improving gold recovery from carbonaceous gold ores. The oxidation pretreatment prior to cyanidation was accomplished by (1) addition of sodium hypochlorite to ore pulp, (2) by addition of chlorine to ore pulp, and (3) by generation of hypochlorite in situ by electrolysis of a brine solution used to pulp the ore. Gold extraction of 90 pct was achieved by cyanidation of carbonaceous ore that had been pretreated with 20 Ib per ton sodium hypochlorite at 50° C for 4 hours. Similarly, pretreatment of the ore pulp with 35 1b chlorine per ton at 24° to 30° C and 15 hours reaction time resulted in 89-pct gold extraction by subsequent cyanidation. Concomitant studies showed that electrolyzing the pulp prepared with a brine solution was equally as effective as electrolyzing hypochlorite and chlorine for oxidizing carbonaceous ore constituents that are deleterious to cyanidation. Gold extraction of 90 pct was obtained by electrolysis when 275 lb of are was treated at 200 amp for 7 hours in an 8-to 10-pct salt solution. Power consumption was in the range of 60 kwhr per ton.

Jan 1, 1972

By L. A. Haas

S02 reduction with CO was studied in an integral flow reactor at a nominal flow of 0.5 liter per minute. Reactant gas contained 3 percent SO2, 6 percent CO, and the balance He. SO2 conversion was determined for three different types of catalysts. The first consisted of 16 commercial catalysts used for various chemical syntheses. Only the commercial catalysts which contained transition metals in alumina removed more than 30 percent 80a at temperatures below 510° C. Two other types of catalysts were prepared in the laboratory either by pelletizing equal amounts of powdered alumina and transition metal oxides or by impregnating commercial alumina tablets with transition metal ions. Regardless of preparation techniques, Cr and Fe in alumina were the two best catalysts. The observed results suggest that an intermediate (SCO) is formed by the interaction of surface metal sulfides and carbonyls. Alumina then catalyzes the interaction of SCO with S02 to form the end products (sulfur and carbon dioxide). Over 80 percent S02 was removed at 460° C with 2 grams alumina impregnated with 2.5 percent iron.

Jan 1, 1972

By F. Michael Wahl

With the exception of reports on commercial deposits of kaolin, fuller's earth, and other specialty type clays, there is little published information on the extent, properties, and potential uses of the clay resources of Florida. Recent studies by the Florida Bureau of Geology in cooperation with the University of Florida and the U.S. Bureau of Mines have proven the existence of two extensive Miocene clay deposits, one in peninsular Pinellas County and the other in southeastern Charlotte County. Drilling and subsequent testing of the clays from these deposits indicate their potential for economic development. Both deposits consist of montmorillonite type clays, have an average thickness of 25 to 35 feet, and are overlain by unconsolidated Pleistocene sediments. Preliminary firing tests indicate that the clays from Pinellas County are a potential raw material for lightweight aggregate production. The clay has good bloating characteristics across an acceptable temperature range with a resultant aggregate density of less than 1.00 specific gravity. The clays from Charlotte County have poorer natural bloating characteristics but might well be used after treatment or with additives. The economic potential and locations of both deposits emphasize the need for locating similar clay resources in the state that might have economic potential so that land use planning and subsequent urbanization will not prohibit their development.

Jan 1, 1972

By John H. Smith

Because of increased pressure from Federal & State Regulatory Agencies, most acid flows will require some sort of treatment prior to being discharged to receiving streams. In many industries, the volumes of liquors are large and their acid content varied. Pressure to minimize costs of waste treatment equipment and land usage makes development of a treatment process incorporating these desires mandatory. "Standard" methods of acid neutralization with lime have been known for years, however, the volume and characteristics of the resultant precipitated solids can create a disposal problem. Also, when standard lime treatment is used, the settling characteristic of the precipitated solids is normally slow. In some instances, the necessity of added dissolved solids removal, (such as iron, needing aeration) add to the problem of concentrating neutralized solids. In a paper published in the September 1970 issue of "Coal Age," *the results of extensive test work by personnel of the Homer Research Laboratories of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Bethlehem Pa., were reported. This paper dealt specifically with development of a flow sheet to treat acid mine drainage (hereafter referred to as AMD) from coal mine operations. Regulations on discharged water required basic pH and low dissolved iron content after treatment. Liquid flows of over 9 MGD from

Jan 1, 1972

By Peter Stubbs

Mr. Agelopas is to be congratulated on a fine paper. Although the presentation was simple and concise, you will all appreciate that a great deal of hard work went into the development of this highly successful repair method. Earlier this year Bethlehem invited a group of our people to witness lug repairs at their Sparrow's Point plant. We have since made lug replacements on a trial basis using their method. The repaired moulds are now back in service. We will compare their performance with regular moulds and with moulds repaired by a technique developed by Dofasco weld shop personnel. I would like to explain briefly some of the various types of ingot mould repairs presently undertaken at Dofasco. The first problem will be familiar to most of you. The lower inside edge of a mould wall may be damaged by spalling, a runout or by the washing action of steel deflected from a badly worn stool cavity. We repair this type of damage by welding.

Jan 1, 1972

By D. E. Wolfson

The Bureau of Mines investigated the use of preheated coal in carbonization operations. Liquor yields and coking times were reduced, coke quality was improved, and smokeless pipeline charging to coke ovens should eliminate a serious source of pollution.

Jan 1, 1972

By J. Laskowski

J. Laskowski (Associate Professor, Dept, of Mineral Processing and Coal Preparation, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland) -Referring to the papers by J. A. L. Campbell and S. C. Sun, I must say that I am very pleased to see that type of work, because it is the only way to progress towards an understanding of flotation mechanisms. All those interested in the science of the surface chemistry of coals would find these papers a valuable contribution to the literature. In their extensive research, the authors attempt to synthesize their findings into a theory of coal flotation. To do this, the zeta potential of bituminous coals and their lithotypes, as well as that of an anthracite coal, was measured and H+ and OH- ions were found to be potential determining ions. The measured ZPC of bituminous coals was at a pH range from 3.5 to 4.6 and for the anthracites between 2.0 and 4.5. The authors have pointed out that since the hydrophobicity is pH-controlled, the flotation mechanism should also be. The Campbell and Sun papers confirm a good many of the conclusions on surface properties of coals reported in recent years. It is noteworthy to point out that the ZPC found in the paper on bituminous coals was approximately pH 4, similar to the ZPC for the anthracite coal. In fact, we have been investigating different coals from low to high ranks. Thus, the plot of the pH for ZPC against rank could be derived and this curve-an electrocapillary one-indicates a pH near which the hydrophobicity of the coal surface should be at maximum. This can be proved by so-called salt flotation, which, in a sense, can be treated as method of surface charge measurement. It is obvious that the salt flotation experiment is possible when the native hydrophobicity of the mineral surface is high, e.g., when the solid surface does not have an orienting influence on an adjacent water layer and the hydration layers are controlled by the electrical double-layer potential. The addition of electrolyte or a change of pH which decreases the thickness of the stabilizing double-layer "opens up" the hydrophobic surface micro-area mosaic. Thereby the surface becomes hydrophobic and particles become floatable. The orienting influence of surface on hydration layer increases even after very slight oxidation and flotation is affected by it. It seems that such an explanation agrees reasonably well with those of Campbell and Sun.

Jan 1, 1972

By Foster Fraas

A comparison has been made between cubes and spheres in the matrix of the high-intensity wet magnetic separator. For two inclined plane surfaces, such as may occur with cubes, the maximum force value, H [dH-dx] is at the point of nearest approach and is much higher than the force resulting from adjacent spheres. Although the maximum force value for cubes is higher, it decreases more rapidly at increasing distances. The maximum force for spheres is at an appreciable distance from the point of nearest approach. At field intensities for magnetic saturation of the iron spheres, the force extends to further distances with greater uniformity approximating that of the constant force or isodynamic field. The force is also independent of the sphere diameter, which permits the scaling of the sphere diameter to provide changes in particle migration distances without changes in force gradient.

Jan 1, 1972

By Paul S. Schopf

The results of an experimental investigation into the possible use of medium energy acoustic fields (130 to 140 dB) to precipitate 1 to 10 micron particles is presented. The aerosol was produced with a LeMer generator using oleic acid and nitrogen. The sound field was a sinusoidal standing wave field in an acrylic tube, with light transmission data used for concentration determination. The results showed collection efficiencies of up to 80% on 2 micron particles with a residence time of 11.8 seconds at a sound pressure level of 139 dB re 2x10-5 N/m2. A discussion of the possible turbulent mechanism is made, as well as review and comparison with others? work.

Jan 1, 1972

Exploration for economic nickel sulphide mineralisation has often been directed by rationalisations based on poorly understood genetic models. Among those that have enjoyed popularity over the past decade are the "layered gabbro" model and the "basal ultramafic" or Kambalda model. The new discoveries in the Mt Keith-Agnew area could well become a model for future nickel search. Exploration based on even the crudest state- ment of the Kambalda model - prospect the basal contact of Archaean ultramafic complexes for gossanous expressions of sulphide mineralisa- tion - has met with remarkable success. Refine- ments to this model, besides satisfying the geology of any particular deposit, have the major virtue that many of the genetic options - magmatic segregation, hydrothermal transport, sulphurisation, replacement sedimentary, structural control, etc. - are still open. Recent descriptions of highly magnesian silicate melts associated with the ultramafic rocks, do however, place some constraints on the formation of these deposits. Further evidence, from experimental studies on sulphide-silicate and sulphide-oxide phase relationships, and nickel-iron exchange in pyrrhotite, is taken with descriptions of sulphide nickel occurrences in Western Australia to examine genetic models for existing ore bodies.

Jan 1, 1972

By E. R. Olson

The introduction gives not only a historical background but also touches on shaft sinking and surface construction and gives some general information on the Potash Conservation Regulations which the Saskatchewan government introduced in 1969. It also gives information on the corporate and local organization of Alwinsal Potash.

Jan 1, 1972

By R. B. Moffitt

INTRODUCTION In recent times the continuing depletion of high grade mineral deposits and the massive increase in raw material consumption have forced the metal mining industry to exploit ore bodies of lower and lower grades. To obtain a satisfactory financial return from these deposits, there has been the concurrent and evident trend towards increasing the size of operations to obtain benefits from the economies of scale. The evaluation, planning, and design of these large scale open-pit operations, so as to yield the maximum possible return on investment, is an extremely complex, iterative procedure. With profit margins trimmed, "small" errors can become much more significant and with exploration costs spiralling, accurate and rapid evaluation is essential. It demands a sophistication and precision in the evaluation process unheard of ten years ago. What follows attempts to describe the need to thoroughly plan the overall evaluation programme such that duplication of effort is avoided and all relevant information is systematically recorded from the outset of exploration. The final section of the paper takes a realistic case study to illustrate the significance of pit slope angles on the design of the final pit and the economics of the total project. THE EVALUATION PROGRAMME The team, (for a team effort it must be), that is charged with the responsibility of conducting the evaluation exercise, has the difficult task of placing values on a multitude of independent and inter-related variables. Each variable has some economic significance; the degree of significance varying according to the metal sought, the environment in which it occurs, the vagaries of the market place, to name but a few of the problems facing the project team. From this maze of variables, the team must identify those that have the most critical influence on the overall economics of the proposed venture. Investigations must then be set in motion to quantify these controlling factors more precisely. It is important to recognize that such investigations form part of the evaluation programme and require monitoring for both timing and cost as the whole exercise of evaluating the project continues. To add to the difficulties, the economic significance of any particular variable may change during the course of the programme.

Jan 1, 1972

By John E. Young

U.S. Steel Corp.'s Winifrede mine is operated by Lynch District in the mountainous region of eastern Kentucky. This region is characterized by narrow finger ridges and precipitous slopes, which present both an opportunity and challenge in the design and selection of coal-handling facilities for the movement of coal from the section belts to the railrod cars. Lynch District selected diesel-powered locomo¬tives and 100-ton articulated cars capable of negotiating sharp curves. The drop¬bottom mine cars are equipped with longitudinally hinged doors that are auto¬matically opened and closed. Lynch District selected a large-diameter steel-lined borehole for lowering the coal approximately 1000 ft from the seam level to the valley floor railroad load-out point. Taking advantage of gravity, the presized coal is "lowered" vertically approximately 720 ft to existing entries of a previously abandoned mine. The coal is then conveyed horizontally into storage. The coal¬handling facility from the mine-car dump to the railroad load-out point is fully automatic through use of tone control. TV cameras are installed along the facility to continuously monitor the strategic points. The diesel locomotives are either directly operated or remotely radio-controlled, depending on the functions Per¬formed. U.S. Steel Corp.'s Winifrede mine is operated by Lynch District in the mountainous region of eastern Kentucky. This region is characterized by narrow mountain ridges and precipitous slopes which present both an opportunity and challenge in the design and selection of coal-handling facilities for the movement of coal from the section belts to the railroad cars. The narrow finger ridges precluded use of under¬ground haulage and, thereby, presented the opportunity to use high-capacity equipment on the outside bench. The precipitous mountain slopes, steepest at the Wini¬frede seam horizon, presented a challenge to select a solution for lowering the coal approximately 1000 ft from the seam level to the valley floor railroad load-out point. It was evident from the start of planning that these two factors predominated; namely, rail haulage and coal lowering, and solutions to these would determine the final design of the Winifrede mine coal-handling facilities. The Winifrede mine derives its name from the Wini¬frede Seam which comprises the total reserve recov¬erable from this facility. The seam is 5 ft high with a good siltstone bottom and competent shale or sandstone roof. The seam is at an elevation of 2700 ft where the mountain ridges are long and narrow. This configuration of the reserve was ideal for conveyor belt installation to transport the coal from the working face to the outside bench. The preclusion of underground rail haul¬age permitted an opportunity to review the type of locomotive power and to select high-capacity equipment without the limitations associated with underground systems. Since the basic electrical design of the mine was al¬ternating current, with rectification to direct current for shuttle cars required only in the face areas, there was no point in bearing the burden of additional cost of dc trolley installation. And, since the haulage would re¬quire only a few tunnels to negotiate sharp points and to reach the back side of the reserves, diesel power was selected for the haulage locomotives. To provide stability on the almost continuously curv¬ing track and to provide the maximum width of haul¬age equipment, both locomotives and mine cars, stan¬dard railroad gage was chosen to offer the largest choice of equipment. The decision was made to select a standard 45-ton railroad diesel locomotive but to lower the cab height to reduce tunnel excavation requirements. The mine car was the next challenge. Past experience in Lynch operations indicated that drop-bottom cars would be a successful application with the free-flowing coal. The search was for a drop-bottom car within the dimensions of the locomotive to discharge the coal in the shortest time. Numerous types were considered and visits made to various sites to observe cars in operation.

Jan 1, 1972

By John K. Gustafson

The title of my talk is "The Gold Miner and the Future of Gold." This title might just as accurately have been stated as "Gold and the Future of the Gold Miner." Since prehistoric times gold has been sought by mankind for its beauty and its unusual physical and chemical properties. Early in the dawn of civilization it became the ultimate unit of value and lubricated trade between peoples. For at least 6000 years, gold has been used to barter for other commodities. It has been prospected for, treasured, made into works of art and personal adornment, and from time to time has been the object of conquest. Because of its predominant role in recent centuries as a basis for money, economists began to think of it solely in these terms. Annoyed by the disciplinary pressure of gold on the money manager's desire to manipulate money, the famous economist, John Maynard Keynes, characterized it as a "barbaric relic of the past", a characterization repeated by William McChesney Martin, Jr., when he was head of the Federal Reserve Bank. Gold, however, has physical and chemical properties that make it one of the most useful metals in the modern world.' It is the most ductile metal known. An ounce of gold, for example, can be drawn into a continuous wire over 35 miles long. It also is so malleable that an ounce of gold can be beaten into films ten one-millionths of an inch thick sufficient to cover 68 sq ft of surface. It has a density of 19.3 and is so heavy that 1 cu ft of gold weighs more than half a ton. Gold is nonmagnetic and has a high electric conductivity, only slightly less than silver and copper. Gold is so inert to all the chemicals found in nature that gold coins and jewelry buried beneath the soil or at the bottom of the sea for thousands of years appear to be as bright and perfect as when they were first immersed. Finally, gold has an extremely high reflectivity both to light and infrared rays. Because of these qualities, in addition to its rare beauty, industrial and artistic uses of gold have been growing rapidly. On a world basis, a recent study estimated that in 1960 about 750 tons of gold were used for fabrication, and that the amount had grown to about 1296 tons in 1968. My objective in this talk is to discuss with you the present and future supply of and demand for gold on a worldwide basis and the effect these forces are likely to have on the price the miner can expect to receive for the gold he produces. This is a highly controversial and risky subject to discuss before any audience. Nevertheless, it is a subject that I live with constantly as Chairman of the

Jan 1, 1972

By H. G. Stephenson, C. W. Gregory

"This article describes the methods used for pillar extraction in the Wilson Seam at Canmore Mines, Alberta. The Wilson Seam is extremely gassy and varies in thickness between 7 and 30 ft, with an average of 12 ft. The gradient varies from 5 to 30 degrees, with an average of 15 degrees. The seam was developed using Lee Norse miners to form pillars which the company intended to extract using the same machines. Before pillar extraction commenced, an abandoned and inaccessible mine 160 ft above the Wilson had to be drained of 360 million gallons of water. When this was done pillar extraction commenced. Conditions in the mine slowly deteriorated and after 6 months the decision to withdraw the continuous miners was taken. Slusher hoists were installed to replace the continuous miners, with the result that roof conditions and safety steadily improved."

Jan 1, 1972