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By J. M. Schaekers

In the first part of the article, the authors give a broad overview of the chemistry and some engineering aspects of bioleach processes, eventually leading to the important and critical issue of the stability of arsenic-containing residues, especially those derived from bioleaching of sulphidic gold ores. In the section ?Factors affecting arsenic stability? they give an excellent summary of the factors normally affecting the stability of such residues. This is followed by some valid comments on the suitability of a single leach test to evaluate the long-term stability of solid waste streams. However, they fail to mention that, up till now, no tests procedure has been accepted by either environmentalists or the mining/processing industry as a valid method to test the long-term stability of solid wastes. Their own method is no exception, although, like many others, it is useful to identify potential problems with solid wastes considered for disposal.

Jan 1, 2001

By Alan B. Wagner

The River Tower is a proposed 27-story condominium building in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA). The tower will be over 100 m tall, and will have a ground area measuring 15 m by 40 m. The structure will be constructed of cast-in-place reinforced concrete. Certain transfer girders and stabilizing diagonals will be constructed of post-tensioned concrete. Vertical loads will be transmitted through an arrangement of columns, bearing walls, and elevator and stair cores. A mat foundation will be used to connect and integrate these load-carrying elements. The site's geologic profile includes 8.4 m of compressible estuarine (organic) deposits. To control settlement, the mat will be pile-supported. These deposits are underlain by moderate-strength inorganic deposits that extend to bedrock at 32 m.

Jan 1, 2002

This publication summarizes, for all interested parties, the research, development, and demonstration in-house projects programed by the Bureau of Mines for fiscal year 1979 (October 1, 1978--September 30, 1979) under its Nine Health and Safety Research program. The objective of these projects is to provide an ordered and sequenced series of advances toward the Bureau's overall goal of providing the system technology required to create a healthier and safer working environment for the Nation's miners.

Jan 1, 1979

The Modified Zincex® Process, developed by Técnicas Reunidas, is highly flexible dealing with a wide range of pregnant leach solutions. No matter if those solutions are produced from primary or secondary raw materials, and/or are based on conventional leaching, pressure leaching, heap leaching or bio leaching the result is always high-purity zinc product. The zinc solvent extraction unit within the process is a very effective barrier for impurities and a buffer for the composition of the pregnant liquor. This unit achieves an extremely pure aqueous extract that can be converted into different final products. All of them are characterized by fulfilling the highest purity standards. Also, there is the possibility to adapt the global process to a wide range of pregnant liquor compositions and various production capacities up to a zinc production limit over 150 000 t/a with a single solvent extraction plant.

Jan 1, 2002

By Foster Fraas

One of the lithium minerals most widespread in the earth's surface is spodumene (Li2O-A1203-4Si02) a lithium aluminium silicate. For some time, deposits of this mineral were known to exist in the Black Rills of South Dakota, but it was only quite recently that Hess4/ pointed out the great magnitude of the low-grade e deposits it s in North Carolina. The theoretical lithia (Li20) content of spodumene is 8.04 percent. The only other minerals with such high lithia content are the phosphates, but these occur only in pockets and are not in extensive deposits5/. Actually, however, the lithia content in spodumene is never found to be this high, being nearly always below 7 percent for the pure mineral, and part of the lithia is apparently replaced by other alkalies.

Jan 1, 1937

By Lino Arias

The main objective of this project is to review and develop a comprehensive application of Lane’s cut-off grade model to a case study, as well as to compare its principles and results compared to break-even cut-off grade model utilisation under the same conditions. The case study sets the context of the application: A conceptual study of a gold open pit mining project requires a cut-off grade analysis, which consists in develop a cut-off grade policy that maximises the net present value (NPV) using Lane’s and break-even model.

Sep 1, 2017

Development of a Froth Dropback Measurement Device

Sep 13, 2010

Continued market pressure on the US coal industry was the overriding factor affecting developments in underground mining in 1986. An oversupply of coal in the spot market kept prices low throughout the year and caused a number of operations to close their doors. Operators stepped up their efforts to improve productivity at existing operations. They made technology advances and improved their relations with employees. A continuing market-related development during 1986 was the divesting of coal properties and operations by major oil companies, which were faced with economic pressures in both the oil and coal industries. Further increases in contract mining production resulted as some larger operators were unable to compete in a tough economic environment. Longwall mining is still seen by many as the technology that will provide the necessary productivity to remain cost-effective. But the number of active faces in the US declined in 1986, as reserves were depleted and economics forced some closures. At the first Longwall USA meeting in June, much attention was placed on improved technology, as electro-hydraulic controls for roof supports gained acceptance. Other recent developments include shearer initiation of roof supports, automatic horizon control for shearer drums, and collection and storage of machine data for predicting maintenance requirements. The government and academic communities continued their research on dust control at longwall faces. Jankowski, Kissel, and Daniel, (October 1986, Mining Engineering), gave an overview of progress in longwall dust control. And Mukherjee, Singh and Jayarman (November 1986, Mining Engineering), recommended design guidelines for improving water spray systems for dust control. Surface subsidence Increasing attention is being given to surface subsidence. This is primarily because of longwall mining and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Improved methods of prediction of surface subsidence, especially computerized methods, are being continually developed. Mining engineering faculty at major universities such as Virginia are helping develop public policy and regulations concerning subsidence. As part of this effort, Unrug and Johnson identified major subsidence areas of Western Kentucky. Peng and Chen (February 1986, Mining Engineering), gave an overview of history and research of surface subsidence. And Elifrits and Aughenbaugh, (February 1986, Mining Engineering), discussed effects of moisture variations and overburden on subsidence. This research culminated in a Symposium on Surface Subsi¬dence at the SME 1986 Fall Meeting in St. Louis and the 2nd Workshop on Surface Subsidence at West Virginia University. Ground control in coal mining continued to be an item of major research interest. Some 30 papers were presented at the 5th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining at West Virginia University. And six sessions were related to coal mining at the 27th US Symposium on Rock Mechanics at the University of Alabama. At the 4th Annual Workshop, Generic Mineral Technology Center, Mine Systems Design and Ground Control emphasized efforts of the participating universities to improve ground control. Peng and Chiang summarized results of studying support capacity and roof behavior with longwall shield supports. And Unrug, Johnson, and Nandy analyzed the process of deterioration of shale roof in a case study of a room-and-pillar coal mine. The importance of geologic conditions in determining mining productivity is receiving increased attention in coal mine design in the US. Mullenex related, through case studies, the benefits to be derived through analyzing the depositional system of coalbeds as an integral part of mine design. Improved technology in this area was related by Lloyd, Semborski, and Stolarczyk. They discussed a case study of using radio imaging to indicate coal-seam discontinuities in advance of mining. Improved coal mining technology in general is being researched more heavily, to help improve US coal competitiveness. However, much of this research and development process has yet to be widely implemented. Equipment manufacturers are devoting more resources to development of continuous-haulage systems, mobile roof-supports, mine-monitoring systems, and predictive-maintenance systems using computers to extract machine data.

Jan 5, 1987

By K. Park

Coupled influence of sulphidizers and xanthates on the electrokinetic property and flotation behavior of malachite was systematically examined via electrophoretic mobility measurements and microflotation tests. The electrophoretic mobility results for the malachite before and after surface modification with different types (Na2S and (NH4)2S) and amounts (1×10-7?1×10-4 moles/g) of sulphidizers, showed that the isoelectric points (IEP) of malachite differed at the low dosage level depending on the type of the sulphidizer, which ranged between 5 and 9.5. However, the IEP values were observed to be shifted from high to low pH values with increasing amount of sulphidizers and finally ranged between 3 and 4, indicating that the sulphidizers played a different role on changing the surface property of malachite. In order to further understand the effect of sulphidizers on the electrokinetic property and flotation behavior of malachite in a sulphidizer+xanthate system, flotation tests were carried out with malachite sulphidized with Na2S and (NH4)2S (adsorptive amount=8×10-5 moles/g) at different bulk xanthate concentrations. The results showed that the flotability of (NH4)2S-treated malachite was greater than Na2S-treated one over the entire xanthate concentration investigated, indicating that the type of sulphidizers played important role in malachite flotation; however, no obvious correlation between electrokinetic property and flotability of malachite was observed.

Feb 27, 2013

By Paul M. Price

The Mouat mine, Nye, Mont., was reopened in 1953 by the American Chrome Co. under a Defense Minerals Production Administration contract. Operations were terminated in 1961 after completion of the contract. Mining methods employed during this period are described in detail, and cost data are presented by years for 1953 through 1959. Ultramafic rocks of the Stillwater complex in Montana contain the largest domestic resource of chromite, and the Mouat mine has been the largest producer. Mine reserves were estimated in 1960 to be about 4.4 million tons containing 22.5 percent Cr2O3. The chromite deposits occur as a series of overlapping bands or lenses roughly paralleling the steeply dipping layers of the complex. Only two of the chromite layers have proven to be of economic importance. One layer is 2 to 16 feet wide; the other is 3 to 8 feet wide. Shrinkage stoping was generally used throughout the mine, but various methods of ore breaking, stope drawing, chute construction, etc., were tested to improve output and lower costs. Long-hole stoping proved to have limited use. Breasting down benches, developed outward from the center of the stope with air-leg drills, was satisfactory only in wider stopes. At the close of operations, the company had standardized the use of lightweight stopers to advance a flat back by breaking from a centrally located face. Mining costs were reduced 47 percent during 7 years of operation.

Jan 1, 1963

By S. R. Gilbert, C. O. Bounds, R. R. Ice

"Many ores are upgraded to produce auriferous sulphide concentrates (principally pyrite) which are not amenable to direct cyanidation. Often these refractory gold-bearing concentrates contain undesirable elements such as arsenic, antimony, etc., which present environmental and/or processing problems. The pretreatment techniques most often considered for processing these concentrates prior to cyanidation include roasting, pressure oxidation, chemical oxidation, pre-aeration, and recently, bacterial oxidation. In this paper, the technical performance and economics of bacterial pre-oxidation vs the classical roasting approach for treating a specific auriferous pyrite concentrate are compared. The results provide flow sheets, preliminary operating and capital cost estimates, and rates of return for the two processes and demonstrate the potential advantages of bacterial pre-oxidation. IntroductionThe increased attention that gold has received in the last ten years has prompted mining companies to look for lower grade orebodies. Many of these low-grade ores do not respond well to conventional direct cyanidation recovery techniques. As free-milling ores decline, gold is sought in refractory environments which, ultimately, drive up the treatment costs.There are a number of reasons for a gold ore to be termed refractory, most of which can be identified by thorough mineralogical examination. The mineralogical occurrence of gold can, to a great extent, impact the method by which the ore is treated and, consequently, the capital and operating costs. Gold in a refractory ore can often occur as discrete particles locked in a host of silicate or carbonate gangue, or associated with sulphides or sulphosalts. Depending on its particle size, gold can be liberated and recovered by mechanical size reduction such as regrinding. This approach is most effective for gold in the 10 - 50 micron range. Gold can also be associated with clay, iron hydroxides, or other minerals which tend to coat the gold surface and inhibit the penetration of the cyanide solution, resulting in poor plant recovery. Because of their resistance to cyanide dissolution, gold tellurides and other refractory gold minerals are also responsible for losses to the tailings. For these reasons, it is paramount that the mineralogical occurrence of the gold be thoroughly and accurately determined before selecting a final process flowsheet."

Jan 1, 1988

By Frank E. Woolley, Robert D. Pehlke

Jan 1, 1965

By Javaid M. Alvi

This paper is an attempt to outline the emergence of Augered Cast-ln-Place piles as one of the more economical types of foundation for supporting high-rise buildings and heavily loaded structures recently constructed in the flood plains in and around the Greater Pittsburgh area. To understand the process of selecting foundation types, it is important to understand the general geology of the area and past construction activities that have taken place in the flood plains, especially along the riverbanks, during the last century. The first part of this paper presents a brief description of the general geology of the area; the second part of the paper concentrates on the historical evolution of the use of deep foundations and selected case histories; and the last part presents the results of load tests on large diameter Augered Tremie Concrete (ATC) Piles placed in sandy alluvium which suggests a much larger load-carrying capacity of these piles and also provides an insight into their future application. 2.0 GENERAL GEOLOGY 2.1 Soil Overburden Most of the high rise buildings in the Central Business District as well as along the North Shore and South Side of Pittsburgh are situated in the flood plain at the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River where their combined flow forms the Ohio River. The flood plain consists of unconsolidated deposits of Quaternary age that overlie the bedrock of Pennsylvanian age. These deposits are called alluvium or valley fill, and include moderately to poorly sorted clay, silt, sand, gravel and some boulders. Their thickness varies from zero at the edges of the valley to about 80 feet towards the rivers (Figure 1).

Jan 1, 2001

By Kevin Connor

During 1986, the Government continued with efforts to ease the country's almost total reliance on coffee exports for trade revenues by allocating 45% of the Government's budget to commerce and industrial projects. The collapse in coffee prices in 1985 continued to exacerbate the country's growing trade deficit, weakened currency, and dwindling reserves of foreign exchange in 1986. Amoco Burundi Petroleum Corp., a subsidiary of Amoco International Oil Co., continued with plans to drill at least two exploration wells in Lake Tanganyika in 1987. Both offshore and onshore drilling exploration was planned by Amoco Burundi. Any oil or gas finds were expected to have substantial impact on the Burundian economy, as a major portion of the country's trade deficit was directly attributable to petroleum and gas imports.

Jan 1, 1988

By Hannu J. Häkkinen

Metal clusters exhibit unique size-dependent physical and chemical properties that differ from those of bulk materials or large particles. Here we discuss recent theoretical investigations of the catalytic properties of free and MgO-supported gold clusters. The catalytic activity of gold clusters depends sensitively on the environment, charge state, and chemical composition of the catalyst. Relativistic bonding effects stabilize large planar structures for gas-phase gold clusters, and non-compact ?quasiplanar? structures are present as important isomers also for surface-supported clusters. The hybridization of the atomic 5d and 6s states is significantly enhanced by the relativistic effects, and large spatial variations in the nature of the local electronic structure make the low-coordinated gold atoms preferable adsorption sites for oxygen molecules. The adsorbed oxygen molecules are activated to superoxo- and peroxo-states via charge-transfer from gold, and Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood reactions with CO proceed via low-barrier formation of intermediates, which do not require O-O dissociation as precursors. This facilitates the low-temperature (below 300 K) activity of gold nanocatalysts in CO oxidation. Other gold nanostructures, such as mono-atomic gold nanowires, may also become important prototype systems in chemical sensing and nanocatalysis; here we show that they are active promoters of hydrogen dissociation.

Oct 1, 2003

By E. R. Maize

This report is the second of a series on roof movement in coal mines. The first (R. I. 3355)4/ dealt with convergence of roof and floor and movement of the surface accompanying and following extraction in a mechanized mine in which retreat of rib lines was rapid. The studies reported herein were made in a mine in which all the coal is loaded by hand, and movement of the rib lines was much slower in consequence. In choosing a site for this work, it was decided that the mine selected should have natural conditions akin to those of the first study and entirely different methods of working. To this end a cooperative agreement was made with the Crucible Fuel Co. through W. J. Whitaker, secretary, for conducting the work in the company's Crucible mine, operating in the Pittsburgh bed in Greene County, Pa. This paper gives an account of the methods used in the investigation, excerpts from the data obtained, and such generalizations as can be made.

Jan 1, 1939

By J. S. Mason

Paper presented at Mineralisation in the Caledonides, the Mike Gallagher memorial meeting held in Edinburgh, 27-28 June 1996. Detailed paragenetic studies of the post-tectonic fracture-hosted vein mineralisation have demonstrated a complex paragenesis, reflecting a multi-phase combination of regional metallogenesis and tectonics through time. Previously published work regarding paragenesis and zoning was oversimplified. Two major epochs of mineralisation resulted in the emplacement of the A1 group of assemblages, from which lead, copper and silver were the main metals mined, and the A2 group, whose galena is only moderately argentiferous but which were major sources of lead and zinc. Tectonic and tentative isotopic evidence points to post-orogenic relaxation as the mechanism for development of the A1 assemblages in the early Devonian, whereas the A2 assemblages are believed to reflect Variscan extensional regimes and regional metallogenesis in the early Carboniferous and Permian

Jun 19, 1905

By S. Pinard, J. MacLellan, G. Ehlert

"The Kidd Creek concentrator is looking actively for alternative technology as means of reducing operating costs in their concentrate handling section. The use of pressure and vacuum filters to eliminate the multiple hearth dryers would have the most beneficial effect. The dryers which constitute the greater portion of concentrate drying costs consume about 35,000 m3 per day of natural gas.After the evaluation of various filters by Kidd's technology group, it was clear that, because of the low final moisture requirements of 5.5 to 6% H20, few filters were able to achieve this target economically. Lately attention has focused on the Andritz hyperbaric filter. Testwork has shown that target moistures can be achieved with an appreciable reduction in operating cost.1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe Kidd Creek Concentrator is located 28 kilometers east of Timmins, Ontario. The ore is hauled by the Kidd Creek Railroad to the concentrator where it is milled to produce separate copper and zinc concentrates.Projected concentrator feed for 1991 is 3,750,000 tonnes of ore grading 3.3 % Cu and 4.7 % Zn. The concentrate production is expected to be 458,080 dry tonnes of copper concentrate at a grade of 25.7 % Cu and 265,020 dry tonnes of zinc concentrate at a grade of 54 % Zn.Currently, there is active investigation toward cost reduction through implementation of new technologies. One area which has been extensively evaluated is the concentrate dewatering and drying section. In that section, the multiple hearth concentrate dryers represent the largest source of operating costs, mainly through maintenance and energy costs (electricity and natural gas). The replacement of these dryers with filtration technology that could produce the required concentrate dryness would represent substantial savings.In September of 1990 filtration testwork carried out by Andritz Ruthner showed that Kidd Creek copper and zinc concentrates could be filtered to below 6 and 8 % moisture respectively. In late May 1991 the laboratory testwork was duplicated on siteand one month later a 5 m2 pilot filter was tested on site. Based on the pilot test results, an economic evaluation was performed. It indicated that a reasonable payback could be realized if hyperbaric filters were to replace the existing concentrate drying section."

Jan 1, 1992

By J. Kulas, J. Weaver, K. Hagley

An assessment of potential groundwater movement beneath the tailing impoundment at the Red Dog Mine was performed, and has indicated a unique aquifer situation within sub-permafrost groundwater at the site. The aquifer was shown to be isolated from both vertical recharge and a real discharge, and is characterized as a virtually no-flow system. The permafrost resulted in a deep aquifer with high tidal efficiency, meaning that variable surface loads are easily transmitted to the fluid. The tidal efficiency has been characterized through analysis of water level fluctuations that respond to earth tides, barometric pressure loads, and loading from the pond.

Jan 1, 2002

By Lynn L. Rethi

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report summarizes common obstacles found when attempting to implement health and safety strategies in small mines and small businesses in general industry. Recently, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration focused much of its attention on addressing health and safety issues at small mines. Some of the more innovative interventions practiced by small businesses in general industry are discussed for consideration of their applicability to the mining industry. The most effective intervention strategy that was developed for small businesses is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Consultative Program. The details of this program and other intervention strategies used by small mines and small businesses are presented.

Jan 1, 1995