Search Documents

By Mäkinen, Eero

OUTOKUMPU, a large copper mine in eastern Finland, has the distinction of being one of the few important mines in the world discovered by a geologist the late Otto Triistedt, of the Geological Sur- vey of Finland, having found the out- clop in 1910 by tracing glacial ore boulders, some of which had been carried as far as fifty kilometres. As the mine had no connection with either railways or waterways and the possibilities of transport were poor, the owners first tried the Hybinette hydrometallurgical process to extract the copper. The raw ore was finely crushed, treated by a sulphatizing roast. and then leached. The resulting solution was electrolyzed, using lead anodes. This experimental plant, having a capacity of 10,000 tons (all Ions are metric tons in this paper) of raw ore and producing 300 to LEO0 tons of electrolytic copper annually, was built in 1913 and run until dis-

Jan 1, 1938

By Paul M. Tyler

MILITARY power stems from industrial power and industrial power in turn depends predominantly upon an ample and assured supply of mineral raw materials. It thus becomes the duty of mineral economists to collate the vast array of data and logical deductions in order to reach an unemotional judgment as to the ability of the Soviet economy to withstand the strain of prolonged military action on the modern scale. Russian publications, reports: and official speeches have been laboriously screened and analyzed. Since these are the sources of information for the lower echelons of the Soviet industrial organization itself, they carry factual data that can be pieced together to show the present-day pattern. Apparent contradictions and obvious distortions or omissions can often be rationalized on the basis of observations made by foreign engineers and consultants during the 1930'5 and by checking against the technical literature published before even so-called technical articles were riddled by bombastic and presumptuous claims.

Jan 6, 1951

By D. R. Mitchell

MEETING for the thirteenth time in New York as part of the five-ring circus known as the Annual Meeting A.I.M.E., the Coal Division experienced a wartime boom in attendance. Technical sessions were crowded and whereas 65 seats were set up for the annual luncheon meeting of the Division over 100 members showed up, many of whom had to be fed elsewhere. Possibly the Coal Division should adopt "13" as its lucky number. Discussions at technical sessions, formal and informal, were lively. Those papers containing material directly concerned with the war, or containing information that might be usable for war industries, were enthusiastically received. Some criticism was made in regard to the present method of handling discussions and it was suggested that better success would be had in getting discussions in the record by the use of hired reporters. This is being considered by the executive committee of the Coal Division.

Jan 1, 1943

By AIME AIME

THE Institute of Metals held a well rounded out symposium on the working of metals, distributed over two sessions. At the first session* four papers were presented, two dealing with the, cold working of metals and alloys and two with the hot working of non-ferrous alloys. The first paper by E. V. Crane, dealt with "Metal Working in Power Presses." Mr. Crane pointed out the empirical nature of engineering data available for use in calculating the probable stresses developed and power requirements, for the shearing, drawing, binding and other forming operations. He described the various operations, methods of determining stresses developed and presented data obtained. In the discussion C. F. Hammond took exception to Mr. Crane's objections to the rather too frequent. annealing operations in drawing of cartridge cases, pointing out that the material was-manufactured to meet specified structure and physical requirements, which could only be met by carefully controlled sequences of working and intermediate annealing operations.

Jan 1, 1931

By R. W., Ludt

THE use of froth flotation for the separation of minerals has become one of the most important of ore dressing processes. Its particular adaptability to the enrichment of low grade ores has made the process an important factor in the national economy. The methods have been extended to the recovery of a great number of minerals. Among the few minerals which have resisted efforts toward industrial flotation is chrysocolla, a hydrated partly colloidal copper silicate. Chrysocolla, being a product of natural oxidation, has been found to occur in small quantities with many ores which are recovered by flotation methods. In present practice, these small quantities of copper silicate pass off with the tailings and are lost. The advantages to be gained by a satisfactory process for the recovery of chrysocolla is apparent. Any application of principles which points a way toward the satisfactory industrial flotation process for copper silicate would be of advantage. This paper presents an attack on this problem.

Jan 1, 1949

By W. J. Millard

VAGUE rumors and stories have been heard, from time to time, about the diamond and gold deposits of southern Venezuela. It is perhaps appropriate, at this time of revived interest in gold mining, to publish a few facts in regard to this country, which has been undergoing exploration since the fifteenth century. Gold and diamonds are found principally in the State of Bolivar which lies in southeastern Venezuela and is bounded by British Guiana on the east and Brazil on the south (see Fig. 1). The famous Mt. Roraima is situated at a point where these three countries meet in a common point (see Fig. 2). Some gold is also found in the southern part of the territory of Amacuro. Good oil prospects exist in the northern part of this same territory. Diamonds are found on the Caroni river from Rio Paragua to the village of Guri. Another small district is on the headwaters of the Cuyuni river. Quartz veins containing gold are chiefly exploited in

Jan 1, 1931

By Arthur Notman

IN VIEW of the wide publicity given to the charges by the Couzens Committee of the United States Senate of discrimination by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in favor of the copper companies, it becomes a matter of interest to consider the basis for these charges. The point to be determined is whether they rest on a foundation of fact or are purely and simply matters of opinion. The whole question boils down to the purpose of the Tax Law as applied to mines, which is to afford the same protection to them as provided for all other taxpayers, namely: that they were to be allowed to pay back as depletion to their owners the values of their properties as they existed or were estimated to exist on May 1, 1913, free from tax. To determine these valuations it was? necessary to select from a wide range of possibilities a set of values for a number of essential factors.

Jan 1, 1925

By George W. Powel

IN the nation's effort to raise its magnesium metal supply to meet the ever increasing demand, the Government is relying not only on standard established practice but has extended its support to developments not so well proved-at least, not commercially proved. Within the past few months considerable progress has been made, not only in the definite output of metal but in the exploitation of new processes, the successful adaptation of which should, in a reasonably short time, assure an adequate supply of magnesium. Recent months have also witnessed a reshuffling of the favored methods as well as of the likely raw materials, with the mineral dolomite gaining in interest over its richer but less abundant competitor, magnesite, while the lowly sea water appears to be losing ground to the higher magnesian brines of Michigan and western Texas. Every month sees a new alignment and there are signs that still newer methods or raw materials will be in use before the industry finally stabilizes itself.

Jan 1, 1942

By Claus G. Goetzel

SOME of the reactions and procedures upon which modern techniques in the production of metal powders are based were used for 2000 years by the ancients to reduce iron and other metals from their ores. Despite this, however, the art of powder metallurgy is relatively new and probably stems from the introduction of incandescent electric lamp filaments. Attempts to improve upon Edison's carbon filaments led to the production, in order. of metallic filaments of osmium. tantalum.. and finally of tungsten, which ha, replaced the others and is the commercial product of today. These metallic filaments were originally manufactured by the extrusion and sintering of a mixture of the metal or its oxide with a reducing agent which also served as a binder. Further progress in this direction was in the pressing of a small percentage of nickel with the tungsten. The sintering operation was carried out in an atmosphere of hydrogen, at a tem-

Jan 1, 1944

By A. W. Asman

The problem of balanced design in a belt conveyor has been under constant study. Increased use of this method of transport in recent years has stimulated investigations. Conveyor belt, power transmission and other machinery should be adequate to perform the required service. All components of the belt conveyor should work as an efficient unit moving its load continuously between terminals. As part of a long term research project on belt conveyors, Hewitt-Robins established in 1954 a 2-year grant at Pennsylvania State University. Under terms of the grant, certain fundamental phenomena were to be studied. This work evolved a new concept in belt conveyor power determination based on the principle of belt tension. The Penn State contract furnished the foundation for later more detailed studies. From these most recent investigations, more specific factors were defined. In the final analysis, all of the data collected has been worthwhile in belt conveyor design. Units now operate over long distances at speeds of over 800 fpm. Long high lifts are commonplace. Where vertical or inclined shafts were the rule, belt conveyors receive first consideration. Although belt conveyors have moved forward rapidly, the future will see a tremendous gain in their use. The ideal test belt conveyor would be several thousand feet in length and have a maximum tension of at least 70,000 lb., Also, this conveyor should be horizontai and have a variable feed rate of more than one material. Data from such a field belt conveyor combined with laboratory information would permit accurate analysis. Since this type of conveyor was not available, many field locations were visited: An alternate would have been to erect a closed circuit system in the laboratory. Either method had limitations and the first was selected as having the best possibilities. Manufacturers of conveyor belting and machinery basically have been using the same horsepower formula. As more information became available from field installations, factors in the basic formula were modified. Practically all conveyors are designed today by adding together the horsepowers required to move the empty belt, move the load horizontally, and elevate the load. In selecting size of drive motor, the first two elements are relatively unimportant if the last is large. However, it is the combination of

Jan 1, 1961

By HUGH E. McKinstry

OPENING the sessions of the Mining Geology Committee, the program on postwar mineral controls drew a larger attendance than any other session of the entire meeting. In view of its general interest, the papers of this session, or a substantial portion of them, are printed elsewhere in this issue. Whether control of mineral resources can help to promote peace, how controls could be applied and to whom, are questions so far-reaching that naturally no pat answer was agreed upon. In fact the discussion took on something of the flavor of a debate between those who favor strict control and those who felt that attempting to ration nations in peacetime would defeat its own ends. Discussion from the floor emphasized the difficulties in administering any international control and the $64 question, that no one cared to answer, asked by a courageous young lady who was induced to mount the rostrum for the purpose, was whether the United Nations should exchange mineral controllers to police each other.

Jan 1, 1944

By M. A. Roche

AST fall over half a million tons of ore and rock were broken in one blast at the open pit of the Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Company's operation, at Flin Flon, Manitoba. The following particulars of the blast, and details of the preparatory work, indicate how an operation of this scope is carried out. The data given, in essentially the present form, were first published by The Canadian Mining Journal. The area blasted was 150 ft. wide and about 700 ft. long. A total of 123 tons of 50 per cent forcite gelatin, in 5 by 16-in. cartridges, was used for the charge. Drilling for the blast was started on May 29, and was completed late in August, requiring 1297 machine shifts for drilling only. Total footage drilled for the shot was over 5 miles of 6-in. hole. The main blast consisted of 232 holes spaced on 17.5-ft.

Jan 1, 1934

By R. C. FLEMING

G OLD MINING is enjoying a real revival in the West, and a considerable portion of the production is coming from small properties. The large mining companies of the world get most of the publicity, but in the last year the small gold property has often proved a more attractive field for the mining engineer looking for something to do. Old mines have been re- opened, prospects have been more closely examined, and many properties that were out of the running with the high commodity and labor costs of two or three years ago, have recently been making money for their operators. An interesting phase of this activity is the operation of so-called one-man mines. The west is dotted with these small properties, without the resources or reserves to warrant large-scale operation, but which return a living and often something over to one or two men who under- stand mining and simple methods of treatment.

Jan 1, 1932

By J. G. LECKIE

During the first ten months of 1943 copper was produced at a higher rate than in 1947. However, on Oct. 24 one of the large mines was shut down due to a strike. As of Dec. 31 the strike was still in effect and had already resulted in a loss of production of 50,000 tons of copper. The demand for copper was considerably greater throughout the year than the supply. The price of electrolytic copper delivered at the Atlantic Seaboard refineries advanced from 21.20 to 23.20 cents per lb during the year. This sustained demand for copper, together with the increase in price, has had the natural effect of spurring interest in uncovering new deposits, and in re-examination of known low-grade deposits and old tailing clumps. This is in addition to the usual reevaluation activities which normally result from the constant improvements in efficiency of ore concentration.

Jan 1, 1949

By William J. Coulter

WITHIN the past thirty years the United States has been involved in two tragic, vicious, and costly world wars. To make the world safe for democracy was the reason given for our participation, but the confusion and misunderstanding that prevails all over the world today suggests that war is not the proper approach to the attainment of that utopia. These conflicts were conceived and prosecuted by nations far advanced in civilization and culture. Their best manhood was sacrificed, a staggering tax burden was saddled on their peoples, huge financial losses were incurred, destruction of property was appalling, and cultural and peaceful scientific advancement received a setback that may require centuries to retrieve. Therefore, some basis is established for the conclusion that progress in the past fifty years has been most outstanding in the development of instruments used for death and destruction, and that progress in this direction between the two World Wars would indicate that the next war will go far toward total destruction of world civilization.

Jan 1, 1946

By T. A. Rickard

T HE life and career of Daniel Cowan Jackling constitute a distinctive part of a passing era, marked by the intensive exploration and exploitation of the mineral resources of the western regions of the United States. In the development of his abilities and in the use of his opportunities, he typifies the initiative, the energy, and the skill of a modern captain .of industry. Daniel C. Jackling was born at Hudson, Mo., on Aug. 1.4, 1869. He was the only child of Daniel Jackling, born in England of English parents, and Lydia Jane (Dunn) Jackling, born in the United States, but of Scottish ancestry. His father died a few months after he was born, and he lost his mother less than two years later. The orphan boy was adopted by his aunt. He went to school as soon as he was old enough to walk the two miles, and back, alone. As opportunity offered, he went

Jan 1, 1937

By AIME AIME

H OWEVER extensively water-lines may be laid in the mine for fire fighting purposes, there are still, usually, points being worked temporarily, development, stoping or other work of a temporary or incidental nature where it is considered that the expense of laying fire-lines is not warranted. While the laying of water-lines in some sections of the mine may not be warranted, in most metal mines it is necessary to lay an air-line to all working places. In the mine of the United Verde Extension Mining Co., at Jerome, Ariz., advantage has been taken of this fact by providing a means of by-passing the water at the end of the water-line into the air-line in case an emergency arises. By this means the 2-in. air-line can be quickly converted into a water-line for fighting fire which might otherwise be beyond the reach of the water-lines.

Jan 1, 1930

By G. Caetani

I. INTRODUCTION. WE owe to the courtesy of Mr. R. M. Raymond, Manager of the El Oro Mining & Railway Co., Ltd., the permission of publishing in this paper the results of a series of experiments and tests made in view of determining the economical limit to which the fine grinding of the ore by tube-mills could be carried on. For the sake of clearness, the following definitions are given of certain terms used in this paper, as well as of the units and screens in the experiments. Slime : In a general way " slime" is that mill-product, of which from 90 to 95 per cent, will pass a 200-mesh screen (0.067 mm. aperture), and which is treated as one class of material in the El Oro cyanide-plants. As a screen-product, slime constitutes all material that *ill pass a 200-mesh, screen. In sizing, the following products are distinguished:- Coarse Sand : That material remaining on a 100-mesh (0.111 mm. aperture) screen. Fine Sand : That passing through. 100-mesh and remaining on a 200-mesh (0.067 mm. aperture) screen. Slime: That passing through 200-mesh. Fines, which pass through 200-mesh and settle in 30 seconds, and silt, which does not settle in 1 minute. Sand-index : The number proportional to its total fineness considered from the economical point of view, as explained on page 93. Absolute extraction : The percentage of values actually brought into solution. Actual extraction: The percentage of values actually brought to the ziuc-boxes. Units : Dollars, U. S. Currency; pounds; and short tons (2,000 lb.). Gold is valued at $20.67, and silver at $0.50 per ounce. Screens : In the sizing-tests the screens used were:¬ Mesh (per 1 in.), . 24 30 40 60 80 100 150 200 250 Aperture (mm.), . 0.740 0.515 0.424 0.250 0.159 0.111 0.090 0.067 0.058 Strengths of solution : Strengths are expressed in the percent- . age of KCN contained, though the sodium cyanide, which is

Jan 1, 1906

By Young C. Kim, Francis Martino, Ish Chopra

For the past two and one-half years, various emission control strategies were jointly developed by the University of Arizona and the Homer City Owners to com- ply with the clean air requirements at its Homer City Power Plant. Some of the available options for the SO2 emission control by the Homer City Owners were:l)cleaning of run-of-mine coal,2) scheduling of mining operations at its captive mines, 3) blending the captive mine coal with externally purchased low sulfur coa1,and 4) placing a partial FGD system. This paper describes two specific emission control strategies developed and implemented. These are: 1) production scheduling at the mining face to minimize sulfur variability, and 2) external purchasing of low sulfur coal for further blending. The main objective of this paper is to share our experiences on implementing the developed strategies. This paper emphasizesthe need for proper mine planning on a short-term basis, if the power plant is to meet the desired objective.

Jan 1, 1983

By John B. Hastings

THE origin of the watery vapors of vulcanism has always been an object of interest and speculation to the seismologist, and as theories of the genetic origin of ore-deposits have of late years been pretty well narrowed down to the expiring forces of plutonic action, the same question has had a lively interest for mining engineers and geologists, as is well shown by the discussions of the subject in our Transactions. The important part taken by volcanic emanations in the origin of pegmatites and quartz-veins, described in my paper, Origin of Pegmatite,1 and their latent power to concentrate into useful deposits such scattered gold as occurs in the Hartsel granite, make a discussion of their derivation but a natural third and final step. It is conceded that enormous amounts of vapor accompany volcanism, though perhaps we are apt to forget that steam has 1,700 times the volume of water, besides which the column seen over Vesuvius and other volcanoes is greatly mixed with air; the immensity of such volumes compared with solids and liquids is shown by the experiment of Gautier, who, by heating dessicated granite to 100° C., evolved from it uses 20 times, and steam 90 times, its own volume. Dana appraised the average amount of water left in ordinary rocks as 2.5 per cent. T. M. Read estimated that the Mississippi river carries to the sea annually 150,000,000 tons of rock material. If these Mississippi sediments, as deposited, contained 20 per cent. of water, it would be 600,000,000 cu. ft., or 4,500,000,000 American gallons, annually. Allowing the vapor suspended over a volcanic cone to be mixed with 80 per cent. of air, this amount of water converted into steam would replenish anew, every 9 min., a column 15,000 ft. high, 2,000 ft. in diameter at the base, and 10,000 ft. at the top. Read's estimate is only half of the amount given in a more recent and probably correct one .2

Jan 5, 1908