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By V. Rajaram

The oil shales of the Green River Formation in the United States have been considered as a source of liquid hydrocarbons since 1908, with the first retort constructed in Colorado in 1917. However, it was not until 1944 that the mining characteristics of oil shale were investigated in a systematic manner. During the period 1944 through 1956, the Selective Mine and the Demonstration Mine (also referred to as the Anvil Points Mine) were operated by the U. S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) near Rifle, Colorado. Significant progress was made in developing a room and pillar mining method by which oil shale could be mined safely at a very low cost per ton. Mechanical properties of oil shale were determined, safe room spans and roof support techniques were established, and drilling and blasting methods for oil shale were developed. As a follow-on to this USBM effort, a consortium of six oil companies with Mobil Oil Company as project manager carried out a research program during the period 1964-68 at the Mobil mine, located in the vicinity of the Anvil Points mine. Rock mechanics investigations were conducted as a part of this research program, and consisted of laboratory studies, in-situ stress determinations, and roof and pillar instrumentation. This paper will discuss the findings at the Anvil Points mine and Mobil mine to illustrate the stability considerations in underground oil shale mining.

Jan 1, 1983

By Pete Turcic, Wade E. Cooper

Many factors influence radon-222 influx and radon-daughter concentrations in underground uranium mines. A brief review of some of these factors is presented. Current radon-222 and radon-daughter control principles and practices for U.S. underground uranium mine atmospheres are discussed and a brief review of the applicability of other possible control methods such as rock sealants, radon-222 removal, and radon-daughter removal is given.

Jan 1, 1982

By Sage B. H., Lacey W. N., G. W. Billman

The composition of the coexisting phases in the methane-ethane-n-pentane system was determined at 100°F. This was accomplished by withdrawing samples of the coexisting phases under isobaric-isothermal conditions. The relative amount of each of the components present in the liquid and gas phases was determined by conventional analytical fractionation methods. The phase behavior of this system approximates that estimated from generalized correlations which take into account the influence of the nature and amount of each of the components present upon the equilibrium. It was found that for particular pressures and temperatures the equilibrium constant of each of the components was influenced significantly by the composition of the system and this effect was more pronounced at the lower pressures for methane than for the components of greater molecular weight. However, at the higher pressures approaching the maximum two-phase pressure for the system at this temperature the composition markedly influences the equilibrium constants of all the components at a particular pressure and temperature. The results of this study are presented in graphical and tabular form. Introduction The phase behavior of many of the binary systems containing parafin hydrocarbon components from methane through n-pentane has been investigated during recent years. In addition the compositions of the coexisting phases in mixtures of crude oil and natural gas have been studied.' However, these results do not establish the influence of the nature and amount of the other substances making up a multi-component system upon the gas-liquid equilibrium constant of any one component. A preliminary correlation on the basis of values for binary systems was made2 utilizing such experimental information as was available. However, there is need for much additional information regarding behavior in systems containing more than two components. Study of the phase behavior of ternary systems offers a feasible attack upon the determination of the influence of composition as well as of pressure and temperature upon the several equilibrium constants concerned. An investigation of the phase behavior of the methane-propane-n-pentane system at 100°, 160°, and 220°F was reported.".' This work served to illustrate the marked influence of concentration of the other components upon the equilibrium constants. Variations of as much as 50 pct in the equilibrium constants for methane for fixed temperature and pressure were observed in regions remote from the critical state. Likewise there was a marked variation in the equilibrium constants of propane and n-pentane as a result of changes in the composition. These results indicated the desirability of investigating additional ternary systems. The present paper deals with a study of the methane-ethane-n- pen-tane system at 100°F, which is similar in many respects to the work upon the meth-ane-propane-n-pentane system cited above.

Jan 1, 1948

By Sage B. H., G. W. Billman, Lacey W. N.

The composition of the coexisting phases in the methane-ethane-n-pentane system was determined at 100°F. This was accomplished by withdrawing samples of the coexisting phases under isobaric-isothermal conditions. The relative amount of each of the components present in the liquid and gas phases was determined by conventional analytical fractionation methods. The phase behavior of this system approximates that estimated from generalized correlations which take into account the influence of the nature and amount of each of the components present upon the equilibrium. It was found that for particular pressures and temperatures the equilibrium constant of each of the components was influenced significantly by the composition of the system and this effect was more pronounced at the lower pressures for methane than for the components of greater molecular weight. However, at the higher pressures approaching the maximum two-phase pressure for the system at this temperature the composition markedly influences the equilibrium constants of all the components at a particular pressure and temperature. The results of this study are presented in graphical and tabular form. Introduction The phase behavior of many of the binary systems containing parafin hydrocarbon components from methane through n-pentane has been investigated during recent years. In addition the compositions of the coexisting phases in mixtures of crude oil and natural gas have been studied.' However, these results do not establish the influence of the nature and amount of the other substances making up a multi-component system upon the gas-liquid equilibrium constant of any one component. A preliminary correlation on the basis of values for binary systems was made2 utilizing such experimental information as was available. However, there is need for much additional information regarding behavior in systems containing more than two components. Study of the phase behavior of ternary systems offers a feasible attack upon the determination of the influence of composition as well as of pressure and temperature upon the several equilibrium constants concerned. An investigation of the phase behavior of the methane-propane-n-pentane system at 100°, 160°, and 220°F was reported.".' This work served to illustrate the marked influence of concentration of the other components upon the equilibrium constants. Variations of as much as 50 pct in the equilibrium constants for methane for fixed temperature and pressure were observed in regions remote from the critical state. Likewise there was a marked variation in the equilibrium constants of propane and n-pentane as a result of changes in the composition. These results indicated the desirability of investigating additional ternary systems. The present paper deals with a study of the methane-ethane-n- pen-tane system at 100°F, which is similar in many respects to the work upon the meth-ane-propane-n-pentane system cited above.

Jan 1, 1948

By J. E. Pogue

That the domestic consumption of gasoline displays a marked seasonal variation, with a low in the winter and a high in the summer, is well known. It is logical to expect that the nature of the variation has itself been undergoing a change as a result of improvement in roads, general employment of closed cars, and growth of mass haulage; but so far as I am aware the change in seasonal variation has never been investigated and measured. It is the purpose of this paper to present the method and results of such an investigation, undertaken as a contribution to the technique of planning operating schedules now so prominent in connection with the functioning of the industry under a Federal quota system. For the method employed I am indebted to the suggestions and help of Frederick R. Macaulay,1 who kindly looked over the work sheets; and

Jan 1, 1934

By E. E. Mason

The Canadian National Railway system is completing construction of the first major tunnel in North America to use the coarse-aggregate (+ ½ -in.) shotcrete technique of primary support and lining. The tunnel was driven 29 X 20 ft in cross section, 10,760 ft long, passing under an industrial and residential area of Vancouver. With the exception of 1400 ft in soil (mainly impervious tills), the tunnel passes through a very young series of flat-lying sedimentary beds, to a large extent so incompletely consolidated as to fall apart on exposure. For a conventional steel-support system, it was estimated 8 WF, 28-lb steel should be used at 5-ft centers. Cost of erection including lagging would amount to $120 per linear ft of tunnel at 304 per lb. With 8-in. concrete cover on the steel, lining would cost $280 per linear ft at $82 per cu yd. Thus, minimum cost of support and lining would have amounted to $400 per linear ft. It is now estimated that at least 90% of the rock tunnel would have required support and 100 % required lining. Specified shotcrete support was 6 in. in the arch and 4 in. in the walls. Cost of this work was roughly $100 per linear ft. In addition, another $10-$12 per ft has been incurred in drainage and waterproofing wet areas and in measures to correct experimental and operational errors, thus finalizing the support as a lining (Fig. 1). The tunnel was driven three shifts five days weekly, no blasting being allowed by city ordinance between midnight and 7.00 a.m. A six-drill jumbo was used to drill a 10-ft round, 110 holes blasted three times daily. A 2-in. layer of shotcrete was applied to the newly blasted arch commencing within 45 min of blasting. This was done from a flying deck that extended over the muck pile from the jumbo (Fig. 2). Also during the mucking cycle, the preceding incomplete arch support was brought up to 6-in. specification. The walls were sprayed 4 in. thick during the drilling cycle (Fig. 3). The shotcrete machines and aggregate bins were mounted on the jumbo.

Jan 1, 1970

By C. F. Jackson

THE work of, the Mining Methods Committee is now well under way. Following discussions previous to and during the February meeting, an Outline for Papers on Mining Methods was prepared, and over a thousand copies have now been distributed to committee men, to section secretaries and to members who have indicated any interest in the subject. The objective of the committee is to prepare a symposium on mining methods which will be of real practical value to the operator and engineer in the solution of every-day mining problems. It is planned to cover the entire field of mining in such a way that the different branches of mining, such as coal and ore (iron, copper, lead, zinc and precious metal) can benefit from the experience of the others at points where they have problems in common.. It is realized fully that each of these branches of mining possesses its own peculiar problems, but at the same time, there are prob-lems in connection with each, where the experience in others should be of value. The committee proposes to proceed along the following lines: 1. To present a general classification of mining methods, showing their inter-relationship, and at the same time .provide a common language for the discussion of mining methods and a nomenclature that will have the same meaning wherever used. A com-plete set of illustrations will accompany the classi-fication to make clear the terminology adopted and to show graphically the inter-relationship of methods. 2. To show the relationship between the physical characteristic of the deposit, the economic consider-ations and the. mining method., It is not proposed to treat this subject as a mere academic problem, but to secure reports from every mining company of impor-tance in this country, which will show what methods or modifications and combinations of methods have actually been applied and the physical conditions and economic considerations which have led to the adoption of these methods in each case. The Mining Methods Committee has drawn up an Outline for Papers on Mining Methods to be distributed among mining engineers and operators, giving in detail the information desired. This outline is the result of several months of careful thought and is a composite of the suggestions of many engineers and mining company officials from all parts of the United States.

Jan 7, 1922

By Alfred Heggem

IT is the purpose of this article to describe methods recently introduced into the oil and natural gas industry to safeguard the lives of the workmen and to protect property from destruction. Only such drilling methods are described as pertain directly to the operations necessary to maintain the well under complete control at all times. Wells Formerly Drilled Without Controlling Equipment It may seem incredible that practically all wells, until recently, were drilled without the provision of any means for control. To drill a hole into a boiler carrying high-pressure steam without first providing means to control the escape of steam would be unthinkable, yet in oil fields wells are drilled into a gas or oil formation with a possible pressure of 300 to 1,800 lb. per square inch and a daily flow of 20,000,000 to 80,000,000 cu. ft. of gas or 1,000 to 15,000 bbl. of oil per day. Some wells have produced in excess of 100,000 bbl. of oil per day, but these are exceptional cases. In addition to the loss of product, one must consider the great danger attendant upon the promiscuous liberation of such an amount of explosive and inflammable substance.

Jan 1, 1916

By Michael Richings

Although the role of slope stability has not changed, there have been changes in the mining industry which affect the geotechnician engaged in slope stability studies. The deposits currently being mined or evaluated are technically difficult , capital intensive, and economically marginal. In addition, many mining companies are now either controlled by oil companies or are financing projects through bank loans. The mining investor or decision maker is, therefore, often more sophisticated financially, but less sophisticated in mining terms. The impact of these changes will be to force the geo- technician and mining engineer to attempt to quantify risk and financial implications of a slope design. In conclusion, this paper outlines several questions which mining engineers should be asking those engaged in geotechnical studies and indicates the necessity for the mining engineer and geotechnician to work together and quantify the financial risk associated with a geotechnical design.

Jan 1, 1983

On request of the Commissioner of Education, a small group of administrative professors of engineering and commerce from higher institutions near St. Louis met in conference with the Specialist in Commercial Education of the Bureau of Education on Feb. 22, for the purpose of discussing ways and means whereby the business of our country may be furthered through increased opportunity in our higher institutions for the preparation of engineers with business training. One or more representatives were present at this conference from the University of Minnesota, University of Illinois, Washington -University, University of Missouri, University of Iowa, Iowa State College, University of Kansas. It was recommended at this conference: First, That the Commissioner of Education appoint immediately a committee to consider commercial engineering in its various aspects and to prepare and approve one or more curricula in commercial and industrial engineering that can be recommended by the Bureau of Education for adoption in our colleges and universities. It was suggested that the committee consider the following curricula plans: First, That a minimum number of hours in business training be required in all engineering courses. Second, That a curriculum providing for a minimum of fifteen to thirty units in business economics be incorporated in all engineering courses and offered on an elective basis. Third, That a curriculum in commercial or industrial engineering, permitting full and proper emphasis upon engineering subjects, be offered in the School of Commerce with degree to be given in that school. Fourth, That a five-year combined engineering and commercial course he prepared.

Jan 5, 1919

By John S. Sumner

The various electrode arrangements used in induced polarization (IP) surveying can be classified according to the geometry of the electric field being measured. The simplest geometry (Wenner, Schlumberger, gradient) is the parallel or plane-wave electric field, while the three-array and pole-dipole array measure the field about a point current electrode. In the dipole-dipole array the characteristics of a dipolar field are approximately measured. The drill hole arrays employ variations of these fundamental geometries, depending on the objectives of the survey. This report compares the relative advantages and disadvantages of each of the commonly used surface and drill hole IP electrode arrays. Factors of each array that are considered are signal-to-noise ratio, EM coupling rejection, speed and cost, and resolution of polarizable bodies. It is concluded that certain arrays are better suited for different exploration objectives and for different geological conditions. Also the type and capabilities of the IP surveying equipment and method limit the choice of arrays.

Jan 1, 1973

By Lewis W. MacNaughton, F. L. Burchard

The North Texas district, as herein defined, includes the counties of Archer, Baylor, Clay, Coolie, Foard, Hardeman, Knox, Montague, Wichita, and Wilbarger. This area covers generally the crest and south flank of a system of buried mountains known as the Red River uplift. The oil and gas accumulations along this feature are in traps, which, although localized by structures incident to the regional uplift, are usually modified by stratigraphic changes in the sediments. Excepting the fields in southeastern Baylor, southern Archer, and southwestern Clay Counties, all the fields within the district are on this Red River uplift. These exceptions, which have the same type of oil and gas accumulation as the other fields, are on the extreme north end of the Bend arch, which is a broad anticline plunging northward from the Llano uplift in central Texas to Archer County. The larger part of past oil and gas production has come from Pennsylvanian strata, with less important amounts from the Permian, and minor but increasingly important quantities from the Ordovician. DevELopments during 1941 Nearly 1600 wells were drilled in the district during 1941 as compared with more than 1700 in 1940. However, the ratio of successful drilling operations was higher and some 1200 oil wells were completed. Production held about even with the previous year, as did the number of producing oil wells. Known oil reserves increased slightly throughout exploration, which generally was carried on at greater depths than in former years. The average depth of discovery wells was 300 ft. deeper than in 1940. Although discoveries were evenly divided numerically between horizons above the base of the Strawn series and those below the Strawn, the deeper horizons, including the Bend series of the Pennsylvanian, the Mississippian limestone, and the Simpson and Ellenburger of the Ordovician, furnished most of the increase in oil reserves. The largest single addition to the reserves was in the Ellenburger formation in the K.M.A. field. During the year 112 wells were completed in this horizon, bringing the total developed acreage to some 4600 acres. The Straan series in K.M.A. also received considerable development in 1941, with 114 completions. K.M.A. Pressure Maintenance Satisfactory progress was made by the K.M.A. Pressure Maintenance Association in 1941. At the end of the year, 99 wells were being used for input and total monthly volume of gas returned to the reservoir reached a high of 340,548 M cu. ft. in December from a low of 208,853 M cu. ft. in February. Total volume of gas returned during 1941 was 3,306,052 M cu. ft. To the end of the year, 150 cu. ft. of gas had been returned for every barrel of oil produced from the reservoir while the input ratio for December was 397 cu. ft. Per

Jan 1, 1942

By F. L. Burchard, Lewis W. MacNaughton

The North Texas district, as herein defined, includes the counties of Archer, Baylor, Clay, Coolie, Foard, Hardeman, Knox, Montague, Wichita, and Wilbarger. This area covers generally the crest and south flank of a system of buried mountains known as the Red River uplift. The oil and gas accumulations along this feature are in traps, which, although localized by structures incident to the regional uplift, are usually modified by stratigraphic changes in the sediments. Excepting the fields in southeastern Baylor, southern Archer, and southwestern Clay Counties, all the fields within the district are on this Red River uplift. These exceptions, which have the same type of oil and gas accumulation as the other fields, are on the extreme north end of the Bend arch, which is a broad anticline plunging northward from the Llano uplift in central Texas to Archer County. The larger part of past oil and gas production has come from Pennsylvanian strata, with less important amounts from the Permian, and minor but increasingly important quantities from the Ordovician. DevELopments during 1941 Nearly 1600 wells were drilled in the district during 1941 as compared with more than 1700 in 1940. However, the ratio of successful drilling operations was higher and some 1200 oil wells were completed. Production held about even with the previous year, as did the number of producing oil wells. Known oil reserves increased slightly throughout exploration, which generally was carried on at greater depths than in former years. The average depth of discovery wells was 300 ft. deeper than in 1940. Although discoveries were evenly divided numerically between horizons above the base of the Strawn series and those below the Strawn, the deeper horizons, including the Bend series of the Pennsylvanian, the Mississippian limestone, and the Simpson and Ellenburger of the Ordovician, furnished most of the increase in oil reserves. The largest single addition to the reserves was in the Ellenburger formation in the K.M.A. field. During the year 112 wells were completed in this horizon, bringing the total developed acreage to some 4600 acres. The Straan series in K.M.A. also received considerable development in 1941, with 114 completions. K.M.A. Pressure Maintenance Satisfactory progress was made by the K.M.A. Pressure Maintenance Association in 1941. At the end of the year, 99 wells were being used for input and total monthly volume of gas returned to the reservoir reached a high of 340,548 M cu. ft. in December from a low of 208,853 M cu. ft. in February. Total volume of gas returned during 1941 was 3,306,052 M cu. ft. To the end of the year, 150 cu. ft. of gas had been returned for every barrel of oil produced from the reservoir while the input ratio for December was 397 cu. ft. Per

Jan 1, 1942

THOSE MARKED THUS * ARE MEMBERS, MARKED THUS ?ARE ASSOCIATES. THESE SIGNS DOUBLED INDICATE LIFE MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES RESPECTIVELY. THE FIGURES AT THE END OF THE ADDRESS INDICATE THE YEAR OF ELECTION. HEAVY-FACED TYPE SIGNIFIES HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. *AARONS, J. BOYD, Vivian Gold Mining Co., Ltd., Harris, West. Australia. '05 *ABADIE, EMILE R., Cons. and Min. Engr., 214 Union Savings Bank Bldg., Oakland, Cal. '76 ?ABBÉ, MAX F., Prest., Abbé Engineering Co, 220 Broadway, New York, N.Y. '07 *ABBOTT, CHARLES W., Min. Engr. Pioche, Nev. ?08 *ABBOTT, JAMES W., Min. Engr: Ploche, Lincoln Co., Nev. '94

Jan 1, 1917

By S. L. Crouch

The application of a simple, two-dimensional computer technique for evaluating rock burst potential in cut-and-fill stopes was investigated. The principal purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of high-modulus fill and destressing as aids in the control of rock bursts. Two conclusions that are probably of general applicability are drawn. First, high-modulus fill is ineffective as a means of increasing the mine stiffness and acts to control rock bursts only if it supports enough load to reduce substantially the stresses on the unmined vein material. Second, destressing is most effective if it is performed when the vein material is near the point of failure.

Jan 1, 1975

By J. Wayne Erickson

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to discover or purchase uranium resources that cannot, or should not, be mined with conventional methods if human, natural and financial resources are to be conserved. Three years ago, an industry-supported research stud was initiated to determine whether a safer and more efficient (in terms of cost and environment) uranium mining method could be designed to replace existing techniques. As a result of this study, the "underground in situ" method was conceived and developed to the stage where it is now feasible. This approach involves: (1) sinking a shaft; (2) driving a drift on the ore horizon the length of the ore body; (3) drilling almost-horizontal long holes the width of the ore body; and (4) oxidizing and leaching the uranium drawn from these holes. The method is unique in that the uranium is removed with a minimum of disturbance to the natural hydrology of host or surrounding sands.

Jan 11, 1978

Some years ago it was my good fortune to inspect some coal properties in Germany, and the most striking impression I received on my trip was that in that country every one in the coal industry, miners and operators, was proud of the fact-not apologetic about it-and that industrially coal was looked upon as a King. The explanation, of course, was that at least 90 per cent of the entire mineral value produced in Germany was from coal, and that it was the very foundation of the nation's industrial life. The feeling was so different from that existing in the United States among those engaged in producing coal that it made a profound impression on me, and many times since then I have speculated about the reasons for the difference in opinion in the two countries. Here, of course, our units are much smaller and more numerous, there is not so large a proportion of technically trained men, and we have the American trait of depreciating the things we do at home; but among those not actively

Jan 1, 1939

Some years ago it was my good fortune to inspect some coal properties in Germany, and the most striking impression I received on my trip was that in that country every one in the coal industry, miners and operators, was proud of the fact-not apologetic about it-and that industrially coal was looked upon as a King. The explanation, of course, was that at least 90 per cent of the entire mineral value produced in Germany was from coal, and that it was the very foundation of the nation's industrial life. The feeling was so different from that existing in the United States among those engaged in producing coal that it made a profound impression on me, and many times since then I have speculated about the reasons for the difference in opinion in the two countries. Here, of course, our units are much smaller and more numerous, there is not so large a proportion of technically trained men, and we have the American trait of depreciating the things we do at home; but among those not actively

Jan 1, 1935

By C. H. Ma, J. S. Makris

This paper describes a modified X-ray diffraction microscope wzethod based on the general principles of Berg-Bawett's Method, Lang's Method, and Woosters1 Technique. This new method may be used for stationary or oscillatory photomacrographs, with both reflection and transmission techniques. In the stationary technique, a small point-source of a divergent X-ray beam of white radiation is used; in the oscillatory technique, a monochromatic divergent beam is employed. The chief advantages of the method described herein are that only approximate alignment of the Bragg angle -of-interest is needed during exposure, and that a large portion of a crystal-specimen surface can he irradiated. In recent years, the study of dislocations through X-ray diffraction microscope techniques has received considerable attention as concerns the per,fection of single crystals. Very promising results have appeared in the literature.'-' These techniques are very useful when the dislocation density of a crystal is near 105 per sq cm or lower. The principle of X-ray diffraction microscopy is based on the differential effect of X-ray primary extinction between the distorted parts and the perfect parts of a crystal. When an X-ray beam impinges on a set of planes of a crystal at the correct Bragg angle, diffraction of X-rays will occur with a 90-deg phase shift of the diffracted beam. This once-diffracted beam still forms the correct Bragg angle with the planes ahead of it, if the planes are not distorted. Thus, part of the strength of the once-diffracted beam is rediffracted and the beam continues to travel in the direction of the primary X-ray beam. This twice-diffracted beam not only takes away part of the strength of the once-diffracted beam, but also causes destructive interference with the primary beam because it now is exactly 180 deg out of phase with the primary beam. As the primary beam goes farther and farther into the crystal, its intensity is continuously weakened. Asa result, the ultimate X-ray diffraction power of a set of undistorted planes is largely extinguished. This phenomenon is called primary extinction.1,2'4 If the set of planes ahead of it is distorted, the once-diffracted beam will have less chance to be rediffracted, because it could not meet the exactly correct Bragg angle for rediffraction. If a part of the beam does rediffract, this twice-diffracted beam is not exactly 180 deg out of phase with the primary beam, and thus it causes less destructive interference. As a result, the registered X-ray diffraction power of the distorted part of a crystal appears stronger than that of the perfect part. Thus, point-by-point contrast of a diffraction image is theoretically possible from a crystal containing dislocations. Two most popular X-ray diffraction microscope techniques today are Berg-Barrett's Method and Lang's Method. Both of these techniques require a

Jan 1, 1964

By J. R. Hassemer, T. T. Chao, University of Georgia, K. C. Watts, R. F. Sanzolone

Secondary oxides of Fe-Mn have been used in mineral exploration from the time gossans were first recognized Since gossans are conspicuous features and are largely explored, it is necessary to look for more subtle indication of blind mineralization. Sampling materials used in these geochemical studies consist of secondary Fe-Mn oxide-rich products of hydrothermal mineralization, and "in situ" weathering found in fracture fillings-as selvages along joints and disseminations in host rock. These materials were selectively collected and studied in the Silver City mining region. Two independent sampling methods were compared. The difference in the sampling methods was mainly in the ways samples were obtained and processed. One method involved systematic sampling of fracture fillings and coatings from which secondary Fe and Mn oxides and associated trace elements were then selectively extracted by chemical methods. The second approach involved collection of composite stream sediments and physical extraction of Fe-Mn oxide materials by gold panning, bromoform concentration, and electromagnetic separation. The source of the Fe-Mn-rich materials in the stream sediments is considered to be fracture fillings and coatings that mechanically entered the drainage basins. Map distributions of the two-sample types were compared. Both methods showed generally supportive patterns of anomalous metal dispersion, although anomaly-to-background contrast seems better in joint coatings. Both were useful in distinguishing geochemical differences between mining districts in the region. For example, the Pinos Altos district may contain more hydrothermally-introduced iron than the Central district, whereas the Central district has lead and zinc enrichments that are less on the amount of iron enrichment than is the case in the Pinos Altos district. The methods were qualitatively compared relative to time, expense, and other advantages and disadvantages.

Jan 1, 1984