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By Gregory M. Dexter

Recent litigation in Pennsylvania between three coal-mining companies and a private water company resulted in the payment by the coal companies of the equivalent of about $500,000 to buy a new water supply to replace that which had been damaged by acid drainage from strip mining. An investigation of the relevant facts indicates that the water could have been treated by spending about $40,000 on equipment and $15,000 yearly for chemicals, labor, and power until the contamination could be reduced about 80 pct. The water company's supply, furthermore, had deteriorated largely by reason of dry weather before stripping was begun by the coal companies. Payment to the water company should not have exceeded $300,000 and could have been as low as $100,000. Strip mining of coal is common in Pennsylvania. The most important objection to it in Pennsylvania is generally acid pollution of runoff water. An outline of the methods, therefore, that could be used to reduce such pollution, to compare acid-contaminated waters, and to treat such waters to make them satisfactory for public and industrial use is worth-while. The watershed of the West P~M Water Co. covers about 4.5 square miles, 20 miles west of Pittsburgh, and has two 90,000,000 gal reservoirs sup- plying about 1,300,000 gal daily for public and industrial use of which 450,000 gal daily are for two railroads. The pollution arises from weathered derivatives of typical "Coal Measures"

Jan 1, 1949

By E. W. Davis

THE large iron-ore producers on the Mesabi Range are able to maintain the silica in their shipping products at from 8 to 10 per cent by mixing ores of various grades, some assaying 4 per cent silica and some as high as 18 per cent silica. For each ton of 4 per cent silica ore mined, a ton of 14 per cent silica ore can be mined and mixed with it and the average grade maintained at 9 per cent. This mixing operation has made possible the utilization of large cluantities of ore too lean to be used alone. and herein lies the advantage of the producers who operate a number of mines at the same time. As the grade of the ore from one of the properties falls off, a little high-grade ore from another property can be mixed with it and the average maintained, while if one property alone were being operated all of the ore below grade would be left behind.

Jan 1, 1930

W. S. GRESLEY, Erie, Pa. (communication to the Secretary): A six-entry method of opening coal-mines is, or was a short time ago, practiced in the Connellsville coal-region; but Dr. Chance's method has a novel aspect; for while in the Connellsville region the main pillars are formed outside of two pairs

Jan 1, 1901

HeRbert A. MeGRaw, San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato, Mex. (communication to the Secretary*) :—Although Mr. Bordeaux prefaces his paper with the statement-that it is a general outline of practice in the Republic, many of his statements seem to be made from the view-point of a particular case, which does not always agree with general practice. For the purpose of calling attention to some of these variations, I respectfully offer the following comments: The operation of crushing and grinding is performed by so many different methods and systems that it is useless to select any one as the standard. However, primary crushing in rock-breakers followed by stamps is thus far so general that it might be so classified. Whether or not it is the best way, is open to question. Regrinding may be performed by any of the various types of Chilean mills, Huntington mills, or similar machines, or the material may be taken directly from the stamps and delivered to the tube-mills. Mr. Bordeaux's statement that " the slimes can be treated only by decantation; the new Butters slime-filter, as used in Nevada, does not seem to be successful with silver-ores," is surely an error. All over Mexico many of the purely silver-ores are being successfully handled by the Butters or similar filters, such as the Moore and the Burt filters, and a letter to the manufacturers of these filters will undoubtedly bring a list of the silver-ores now being successfully treated in this way. The statement that crushing silver-ores in solution is impossible is equally erroneous. Most modern mills crush the ore in solution, in some cases containing as much as 0.12 per cent, of KCN. I cannot for the moment recall any modern mill in Mexico which does not follow this practice. There may be some reason for it in particular instances, but, generally speaking, the practice is to crush in solution. Care in installation avoids any mechanical loss of cyanide, and the chemical loss is so small as to be negligible.

Jan 1, 1910

By J. S. Marsh

AN incomplete statistical analysis performed wearily on the morning after Thursday, Feb. 12, indicates that the unavoidable items of conversation among steelmen were the current shortage of sleeping time and the "Normandie." No analysis is needed, however, to be certain that many thousands of valuable words were uttered, both in and out of technical sessions, concerning matters of deep interest to members of the Iron and Steel Division. The opening session consisted mostly of papers that have appeared, or will appear shortly, in Metals Technology. One, however, that was not finished in time to be printed in any form, but that aroused great interest, was by E. L. Ramsey and L. G. Graper (Wisconsin Steel Works). Its subject was the production of high-sulphur steel by treatment with sulphur dioxide derived from anhydrous sodium sulphite or bisulphite added to the ladle or to the mold. The sulphide distribution in the finished steel is such that increased machinability and longer tool life result. Both items are of obvious importance in these days of mighty production.

Jan 1, 1942

By Jack C. Haptonstall

Abstract-Minas de San Luis, S.A. operates the old Tayoltita mine located in the Sierra Madre Occidental in Durango, Mexico. Yearly production is 55 000 kg (1.7 million troy ox) of silver and 1000 kg (31,000 troy ox) of gold from milling 165 000 t/y (181,900 stpy) obtained from fissure veins. A 4.4 km (2.75 miles) adit, to intersect the veins below existing workings, was completed in 1974. The adit and ancillary projects facilitated extensive mechanization of the mine, ramp development of it, integration of duplicate facilities and elimination of obsolete facilities. It provided a deep-level access for exploration and development of the veins, and resulted in a 25% increase in production with the same labor force. The cost of the in-house financed project was $3.4 million.

Jan 2, 1978

By Oliver B. Knight

The producing formation in the South Field, or "Golden Lane" structure of Mexico, is a buried ridge of reef limestone of Comanchean age overlain unconformably with sediments of Upper Cretaceous, Eocene and Oligocene. The structure extends in a long sweeping arc, with the convex side toward the west, from San Geronimo, Vera Cruz, to San Isidro, south of the Tuxpam River, which it crosses at the town of Alamo. It is 52 miles long and averages 3/4 mile in width. The surface of the producing formation of El Abra limestone consists of a series of minor parallel highs which are separated longitudinally by synclinal troughs and laterally by structural saddles. The presence of these highs has been of utmost importance in the development of the field, especially in recent years when the salt-water level has risen above the synclines and confined the oil to the isolated highs. In many cases, faulty information and interpretation of the subsurface has resulted in drilling costly dry holes and salt-water wells. Development The development of the Golden Lane was started by the Mexican Eagle Oil Co. in 1906. San Diego No. 3, usually known as Dos Bocas, the first producing well on the structure, was completed on July 4, 1908. This well came in unexpectedly for an estimated daily production of 129,000 bbl., and, as the casing was not properly set, the well flowed wild into the Tamiahua Lagoon, causing a loss of several million barrels of oil. In flowing wild the well formed a crater which covers an area of 48 acres, out of which salt water and small quantities of gas still flow. Casiano No. 2, the Huasteca Petroleum Co., which yielded 200 bbl. of oil daily, and which was completed in November, 1909, was the next producing well to be drilled on the structure. In 1910, the same company completed Casiano No. 7, with an initial production of 50,000 bbl. daily, and Casiano No. 1, which produced 200 bbl. daily. In the same year, the Mexican Eagle Oil Co. completed its Potrero del Llano wells 1, 2 and 4, with initial productions of 500, 400 and 100,000 bbl. respectively. From 3910 to the latter part of 1919, development proceeded

Jan 1, 1931

By G. B. Walker

THE sink-float methods designated by heavy-media separation processes were pioneered by C. Erb Weunsch for the treatment of base metal ores as an improvement over jigs. The work of Weunsch was further developed by Victor Rakowsky and The American Zinc, Lead and Smelting Co. Early in the development of the processes, the inherent unsuitability of galena as the solid constituent of the medium was recognized and ferrous media amenable to magnetic recovery and control were developed. The high efficiency and low cost of magnetic recovery and cleaning of ferrous media regardless of particle size, slime contamination, or surfacial oxidation had led to the adoption of ferrous media by all of the sink-float plants operating under the heavy-media separation processes patents controlled by American Zinc, Lead and Smelting Co. Approximately 2,000,000 tons of base metal and nonmetallic minerals are treated each month by these methods.

Jan 1, 1949

J. H. HEGINBOTHAM, a, metallurgist of the General Engineering Co., talked on "Current Milling Practice at Kirkland Lake," at the December meeting of the Utah Section. The ore is enough alike through the whole district so that some generalizations and comparisons may be made. The question as to whether or not the flotation process should be used in the flowsheet for extracting gold by cyanide solutions is still being vigorously debated, and it will seemingly need some years for a definite answer to be given. Most of the gold is either free, though much of it is finely dispersed in quartz, or occurs with pyrite. At times there may be 2 per cent of telluride compounds in the ore, but the amount of gold telluride present is small and has not been definitely established. It has been shown by Dr. Haultain and others that though gold tellurides may be so finely disseminated that it is necessary to grind the ore exceedingly fine, the compounds themselves are not difficultly soluble. (An increase in temperature helps to dissolve tellurides, and also to settle pulps.) It is likely that if the ore were ground through 400 mesh, practically all of the gold would be soluble. As it is, with 96 to 98 per cent of the ore ground to minus 200 mesh, and some 70 per cent minus 325, the cost of

Jan 1, 1934

By W. M. Weigel

LESS advances in the technology of non-metallic minerals than for several years past mark 1931, and the cause is easily found. The universal depression and decreased markets for non-metallic as well as other mineral commodities has forced the producers to cut out all unnecessary expense and reduce operating costs to a minimum in order to keep going, even on a reduced output, and to prevent insolvency. The result. has been that but 'little research has been carried on, and such as has been completed has in but few cases been put into commercial practice on account of the expense involved in new equipment and plant changes. The trend in the industry has been more economic than technologic, and the greatest effort put on market studies and sales attempts to expand markets and scrutiny of present operating 'practice leading to reduction of cost of production. This tendency has been increased by highly competitive conditions and the buyer's market which has prevailed and to the fact that price has been a greater factor than quality in placing orders. Only in cases where improvements in technology would immediately and effectively reduce costs or where in special cases there was but little competition with almost a monopoly control has actual technical development taken place.

Jan 1, 1932

By Steven Mitchell

BACKGROUND Homestake Mining Company began milling operations at the Bulldog Mountain Mine near Creede, Colorado in 1969. The Bulldog Mill, rated at 350 tpd, produces a bulk flotation condentrate assaying about 180 oz/T Ag and 20% Pb, from heads of about 16 oz/T Ag and 2% Pb. The circuit is straightforward with two-stage grinding to 1-5% plus 65 mesh, followed by rougher and cleaner flotation. Reagents used are Z-6, Z-11, Aerofloat 242 and Aero Promoter 404, with an Aerofroth 65-MIBC mixture for a frother. Additional information on the geology, mine and mill are available in references (1) and (2). A flow sheet for the mill and CIP plant together is attached as Figure 1. Final flotation tailings normally vary from 1.5 - 2.0 oz/T Ag. These tailings are cycloned to produce sand for underground backfill. After cycloning, the sands are repulped and given a final scavenger float. This sand scavenger recovers a small additional amount of silver which recycles back to the main flotation circuit. The tailings are recycloned and pumped to the mine or, if the mine cannot accept sand, to tailings. The majority of the silver in the flotation tailings exists in the fine fractions; cycloning upgrades the slimes and lowers the assay of the sand. The sand, after scavenging, typically assays 0.5 oz/T Ag, and the slimes assay about 3.0-3.5 oz/T Ag. From 1969 to 1976 all of the slime tailings and the sand tailings not used underground were impounded in a tailings pond located about

Jan 1, 1983

By Ö. Valla, A. Muan, K. Grjotheim

The solid miscibility gap between CaO and "FeO" in the system CaO-"FeO" in contact with metallic iron gradually closes as MnO is added as a third component. On the liquidus surface of the system CaO-"FeO"-MnO, this situation gives rise to a boundary curve which originates in the bounding system CaO-''FeO", proceeds a short distance into the composition triangle of the ternary system, and then vanishes. A new approach has been used to follow the course of this boundary curve. It is shown that the curve vanishes at a much lower temperature and at much lower MnO contents than has been inferred previously. The oxides CaO, "FeO", and MnO together with SiO2 are the major components of the slag phase formed in the basic oxygen process. Hence, the system CaO-"Fe0"-MnO is of considerable technological interest. In addition, the system is theoretically interesting. The three oxides above all have sodium chloride structure. The size differences among the cations are such that in the bounding "binary"* systems CaO-MnO and "FeO"-MnO complete solid-solution series are formed,1,2 whereas in the system CaO-"FeO" there is only limited mutual solubility in the solid state,3 see Fig. 1. Hence, a solid miscibility gap exists in a part of the "ternary"* system Ca0-"Fe0"-Mn0, and a liquidus boundary curve originates at the peritectic point, point a in the insert in Fig. 1, in the system CaO-"FeO", extends a certain distance into the ternary system, and then vanishes. Very little quantitative information on the system Ca0-"Fe0"-Mn0 is available in previous literature. Fischer and Feischer4 sketched isothermal sections at 1600° and 1700°C, and estimated that the vanishing boundary curve extends to approximately 1650°C and a composition of 42 wt pct MnO. The work to be described in the following was aimed at locating experimentally the "vanishing" liquidus boundary curve, determining its end point, and deriving representative isothermal sections below and above the temperature of the end point of this curve. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS The phase relations were determined by the well-known quenching method. (For a description of this method as applied to oxide systems, see the original paper of Shepherd, Rankin, and wright.5) Prereacted oxide mixtures of desired compositions were contained in iron crucibles and heated in a vertical tube furnace in an atmosphere of purified nitrogen. After equilibrium was judged to have been attained, the samples were quenched to room temperature, the phases present were identified by microscopic and X-ray examination, and total iron oxide contents were determined by chemical analysis. "Fisher Certified" reagents (MnCO3, CaCO3, Fe2O3, and Fe) served as starting materials. The calcium carbonate and ferric oxide were heated in air at 400° and 800°C, respectively, for 24 hr prior to use. Manganese oxide was prepared by decomposing the carbonate in a graphite crucible in hydrogen atmosphere at 1000°C. The product was ground under acetone to -100 mesh. The iron powder was used directly without any preparation. Dicalcium ferrite was used as a starting material for some mixtures. It was made by mixing some of the above prepared CaCO3 and Fe2O3 in proportions corresponding to the formula 2CaO. Fe2O3. This mixture was then fired in air for

Jan 1, 1969

By Wilbur H. Somerton

W. H. Somerton is to be commended for his application of the methods of dimensional analysis in combination with the results of laboratory drilling tests to obtain a significant formula for the rate of penetration for the process of rotary drilling. This formula is shown to be a consequence of a more general formulation developed by the discussor as a result of his investigations of the basic action of most methods of rock drilling by mechanical means—the momentary loading of a chisel-shaped tool on the surface of the rock at the bottom of the hole. Some of the author's conclusions are re-examined in the light of this general formulation. DRILLING RATE FORMULA The author selects a minimum number of the most significant variables associated with the rotary drilling process to set up his two dimensionless parameters. Only one variable is associated with the geometry of the bit —the bit diameter, D; only one variable is associated with the properties of the rock pertinent to drilling— the drilling strength, S; and only two independent variables are associated with the conditions of operation the weight on the bit. F, and the rate of rotation, N. The dependent variahle of interest is, of course, the rate of penetration, R. The results of the author's drilling tests show that the variable R that appears in the dimensionless parameter, RIND is approximately proportioned to the square of the variable, F, that appears in the other dimension-less parameter, F/D2S. This establishes the functional relationship between these two simple parameters that leads to the formulation of a third dimensionless parameter, RD1T2/NF1. This last parameter is a significant one for the rotary drilling process, in general, although the author properly limits the validity of his equations to his present test conditions. The author realizes that the numerical value of this parameter, C, is not a constant but may be a function of one or more additional dimensionless groupings of the many other variables associated with the rotary drilling process, e.g. some dimensionless measure of bit wear. The author's parameter is shown to be a special case of a more general dimensionless parameter, developed by the discussor. that is applicable to practically all methods of rock drilling by mechanical means, namely. RD2S/P. P is the rate at which mechanical work is done on the rock, and S is the drilling strength, a term originated by the discussor. S is defined as the ratio of energy input to the rock to the volume of rock broken

By J. J. Jakosky

The strategic importance of the metallic minerals in our industrial economy, and the declining rates of discovery have focused attention on means of exploration for new mineral deposits. A consideration of exploration techniques leads to an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of geo- physics as a tool for mining exploration. One means of evaluation will be to compare the use of geophysics in petroleum exploration with its possible uses in mining.

Jan 1, 1949

By James Aston

A proper consideration of this subject is not confined to the technical channels of production and metallurgy. It concerns an industry, and should cover economic aspects which are of material importance in any program of development. The discussion may logically be treated under three subdivisions, as follows: (1) manufacture, (2) characteristics related to quality of material; (3) adaptability and exploitation of product. Manufacture of Wrought Iron The manufacture of wrought iron is the most ancient art of the ferrous metal industry. The eighty years or less of existence of processes identified with our modern "Age of Steel" is a relatively brief interval compared with the several thousand years associated with the production of wrought iron by man. From the primitive early methods of production, manufacture for many centuries followed the line of direct reduction. There were developments as experience was gained through the years; but man's needs for a strong, ductile, forgeable product were met by reducing the ore to metallic iron in a single-stage operation. Following the development several centuries ago of what has become our modern blast-furnace operation, manufacture of wrought iron was gradually transformed into a two-stage method of first producing cast iron and then refining this to the desired degree of forgeability; the forerunner in principle of today's scheme of manufacture of steel. The product retained the essential characteristics of highly refined base metal with iron-silicate slag incorporation, which were associated with the material resulting from direct reduction methods. Cort's invention of the puddling process in 1784 is a landmark in wrought-iron manufacture. It consisted essentially in adapting a coal-fired reverberatory furnace to the refining operation; thus lifting the industry out of the slough of

Jan 1, 1935

By JESSE L. MAURY

ONE OF the most hopeful features of the current depression is the discussion which it has en- gendered of ways and means to counteract similar recurrences in the future. 1t is widely recognized that fruitful attack will be directed toward the steady employment of labor, through which the purchasing power of this preponderant class in society will be maintained. S. A, Lewisohn's article' has presented the major factors to be considered; the physical suffering and mental torture endured by those who are deprived of income through no fault of their own, the direct economic losses' sustained in the degradation of 'great, numbers of our population and the disintegration of efficient working forces, and the prime responsibility of owners and managers.

Jan 1, 1931

By Ralph H. Sweetser

MUCH progress in -blast-furnace construction and in the manufacture of firebrick for furnace linings has been made since the publication of Bulletin 130 of the U. S. Bureau of Mines on "Blast-Furnace Breakouts, Explosions and Slips, and Methods of Prevention," by F. H. Willcox in 1917. At the time of publishing this report comparatively little information was available to blast-furnace men as to the fundamental facts relating to the character of blast-furnace refractories. Some of the accepted theories of only a few years ago have been completely reversed. The mortality of blast-furnace linings used to be so great that nearly every furnace plant had one or more complete linings in the brick shed ready for use in case of a lining suddenly "going out"; it was generally accepted that a furnace could not "keep her lines" more than two or three years at best, and often a hot spot in the shell would develop, or a breakout occur in the hearth or bosh within a year or two after blowing in on a new lining. In some respects these frequent relinings were not so detrimental as to he a complete loss because they afforded opportunities to take advantage of advances in blast-furnace practice. At present the cost of relining has greatly increased, but the life of a lining has also increased. Anything less than five years on a lining is now considered a short blast.

Jan 1, 1932

By Jack C. Haptonstall

This paper describes the analytical characteristics of Western subbituminous coal and the manner in which these characteristics apply to their use in a utility-sized steam generator. It compares these characteristics with those of typical Midwestern coal and Eastern bituminous coal. The paper also reviews in detail the design considerations that must receive attention when various blends of these three coals, or any combinations thereof, are planned to be used. This research paper describes variations in analytical and utilization characteristics when coals from different origins are blended in order to achieve a predetermined sulfur content for the purpose of predicting sulfur oxides emissions as they affect environmental regulations and the resulting alterations in utilization characteristics such blending would cause, and how such blends of coal would affect a utility-sized steam generator.

Jan 1, 1979

[Separates of all the Pamphlets published within the last three years (starting with No. 1469) are available, with few exceptions, at Institute headquarters. Separates of all the Technical Publications are also available. All the papers are on file in public, university and technical libraries, and when so indicated in the list, may be found either in the TRANSACTIONS or in the special volumes issued by the Institute.] METAL MINING TRANS. PAMPHLET VOLUME NUMBER TITLE AUTHOR MEETING AND PAGE* -1033 Relation of Air Pressure to Drilling H. W. Seamon New York 66,743, 766 Speeds of Hammer Drills Feb., 1921 1034 Time Factor in Depletion of Mines J. W. Roberts New York - 66,711 Feb., 1921 1 1035 Calculation of Ore Tonnage and Grade J. E. Harding New York 66, 117, 122 from Drill-hole Samples- Feb., 1921 1038 Discussion of Papers Presented in 1920 1041 Run-off and Mine Drainage - H. N. Eavenson New York 66, 624, 630 Feb., 1921 1043 The Health of the Underground Worker A. J. Lanza New York Feb., 1921 1045 Dust-ventilation Studies in Metal D. Harrington New York 66, 272, 282 Mines Feb., 1921 1046 Discussion of Papers Presented at New York Meeting, 1921 1072 Breakage and Heat Treatment of Rock- B. F. Tillson New York 66,758 drill Steel Feb., 1921 1073 Discussion of Papers Presented at New York Meeting, 1921 1076-M Analysis of Some Drill-steel Tests F. B. Foley New York - 66,789 Feb., 1921 1077-M Application of Magnetic Analysis to C_ W. Burrows New York 66,796 Root Drills Feb., 1921 1078-M Heat Treatment of Rock-drill Steel G. H. Gilman New York 66,779 Feb., 1921 1080 What is the Ideal Drill Steel? F. H. Kingdon New York 66,807 Feb., 1921 1081 Rock Drill Steels, etc. W. T. Ober New York 66,814 Feb., 1921 1082-C Underground Mine Development, Its J. B. Dilworth Wilkes-Barre 66, 715, 721 Definition and Valuation Sept., 1921 1084 Drill Steel from Hollow Ingots P. A. E. Armstrong New York 66,809 Feb., 1921 1088 Authors' Replies to Recent Discussion 1092 Heat Treatment of Rock Drill Steel A. E. Perkins New York 66,811 Feb., 1921 1096-M Octagonal Ventilation Shaft of Davis- J. L. Bruce Wilkes-Barre 66, 252, 268 Daly Copper Co. Sept., 1921 1100-C Determination of Electrical Equip- G. Bright Wilkes-Barre 66, 580, 605 ment for a Mine Hoist Sept., 1921

Jan 1, 1926

By O. M. Schaus

REDUCED activity of mining, because of the business recession, had the effect of lowering working time, hence of reducing exposure to accidents, so it is probable that 1938 will be found to have had a lesser number (both fatal and nonfatal) though the accident rate may remain about the same as in 1936 and 1937. During periods of re-employment, such as occurred during 1936, 1937, and 1938, the new men entering the industry are less experienced and not as well trained in accident prevention as are the older, more experienced men and are frequently subject to more accidents. This situation should tend to correct itself as the new employees be- come better trained.

Jan 1, 1939