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By William W. Elmer

This paper, describing the mining method at the Black Butte quicksilver mine, is one of a series of papers being prepared by the U. S. Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in the various districts of the United States. It is presented to show the mining practice and costs in the successful treatment of low-grade quicksilver deposits. The operation discussed is an excellent example of w1-pat can be done in working a limited tonnage of low-grade ore under sound management. The Black Butte mine is situated at Black Butte, Lane County, in the southern part of the State of Oregon, 17-1/2 miles from Cottage Grove -- a station on the Siskiyou branch of the Southern Pacific Co. The Black Butte mining district lies in the foothills of the Calapooia Mountain Range, which connects with the Cascade Range on the east and with the Coast Range on the west. The elevation at '.lie reduction plant is 1,000 feet above sea level. The apex of Black Butte Mountain, or which the mine is situated, has an elevation of 2,700 feet. The district possesses exceptional natural facilities infrequently met with elsewhere for the mining and reduction of cinnabar ores. Several factors which contribute to the unusually low mining costs are:

Jan 1, 1930

By Scott Turner

Within recent years , people have begun to realize the importance and significance of the mining and allied industries . The leading part the engineer plays in civilization is becoming recognized . However , accurate quantitative knowledge of the industrial importance of mining is still seldom possessed except by those close to this business . It is true that there are a few who go to the extreme and represent the whole progress of civilization as a reflection of man's gradual mastery of mineral utilization , but on the whole , the magnitude of the industry is underestimated . The uncertainties of mining , as evidenced by the variable results of prospecting on surface or underground , in an unknown new field or from the bottom levels of a mature mine , the ins and outs of tonnages and metal contents , the possibility of a widespread or even a sudden change between cost and realization-price , add to its picturesqueness and make mining attractive to some . To many , the fact that results are generally more uncertain and less predictable than in other industries lends added charm . The following pages may serve to call attention briefly to the importance of mining relative to other industries in the United States , in Canada , and in the world . Ordinarily , the annual primary mineral production of the United States amounts to about 5 billion dollars . The average for the last five years has been a little over 5 billion dollars . Last year , sadly enough , it was less than 34 billions . Just now , we are on the decline , and have been for the past two years . In Canada , the 5-year average was about 268 million dollars . Last year it was 227 million . Due in part to gold output ( in 1930 , for the first time , Canada's gold production exceeded that of the United States ) , the Canadian average is holding up better than ours . It has been estimated that the average world mineral production over the past five years has amounted to about 12 billion dollars , while in 1931 it was less than 8 billions . The mineral industries are as indispensable for the conduct of modern society as are those of agriculture , but , in the United States at least , they receive far less recognition from the Government . With us , agriculture is fostered by a great department that is maintained by enormous appropriations , while the mineral industries get but little financial support . In the United States , in the calendar year 1930 , the value of production by these two industries were as follows : to 1 . Agriculture ( inclusive of forestry ) 9.9 billion dollars ; mining 4.8 billions ; ratio 2 Direct appropriations by our Federal Government were 109 million dollars to agriculture and 2.8 million to mining , a ratio of 39 to 1. Obviously this is out of balance to the extent of 19 to 1 in favor of agriculture .

Jun 1, 1932

By Donald E. Redmon

Industrial engineering departments perform staff duties and are most effective when sincerely supported by management. In accordance with the needs and desires of the mining companies involved, various industrial engineering functions have been adopted widely at western metal mines during the period 1950-60. Newly organized departments usually conduct method and equipment studies, work-measurement programs, and establish and maintain production standards. Supervisor-training programs and courses are effective in showing the relationship between supervisory responsibility and the purpose for which industrial engineering is practiced. Industrial engineering staffs of western metal mines are composed predominantly of personnel from within the companies. Experienced industrial engineers, not necessarily experienced in mining, frequently are hired by a company to help establish the department. Management consultants frequently are called upon to advise management and instruct department personnel in industrial engineering practices. Some departments have developed satisfactory industrial engineering programs without benefit of formal industrial engineering training or advice.

Jan 1, 1962

By L. J. E. Hofer

The Bureau of Mines determined rates of adsorption and desorption of methane as a function of particle size and temperature, using coals from the Pocahontas No.3 seam (lvb) from the Bishop mine of western Virginia, and the Pittsburgh seam (hvab) from the Pursglove No. 15 mine of northern West Virginia. For a given coal sample and temperature, the rate curves for adsorption and desorption are essentially the same when expressed on a fractional approach to equilibrium basis. The rates of adsorption and desorption increased eightfold as the particle size was decreased from 6-8 to 270-325 mesh per inch. The adsorption process appears to be diffusion controlled. Rate of sorption processes increased with increasing temperature; however, the amount adsorbed at equilibrium decreased.

Jan 1, 1966

By Robert M. Doerr

Isothermal oxidation kinetics were determined for three grades of Ni and for 99.99 percent Co in Ca and in air from 800° to 1,200° C. The oxidation reactions followed approximately the parabolic rate law. For 99.99 percent Ni in 02 at 1,200° C, the parabolic rate constant was 2 mg cm-2 hr-2. For 99.99 percent Co in dry air, the constant ranged from 1 mg cm-2 hr-2 at 800° C to 18 mg cm-2 hr-2 at 1,200° C; for 99.99 percent Co in 02 the constant was 2 mg cm -2 hr-2 at 800° C and 10 mg cm-2 hr-2 at 1,000° C. For 99 percent Ni in dry air, the constant ranged from 0.2 mg cm 2 hr-2 at 800° C to 3 mg cm 2 hr-2 at 1,200° C. By X-ray diffraction measurements, only divalent oxides were found in the scales. Volumetric and quartz-helix gravimetric methods were used. The volumetric apparatus was designed to permit less stringent restrictions on the corrosion specimens; it was also more convenient to use. The agreement between the weight gain determined gravimetrically and the 02 consumption determined volumetrically was not good enough for direct comparison of gravimetric and volumetric results.

Jan 1, 1963

This report describes the redesign, development and field demonstration of a remote shotcrete lining system, capable of operating in shafts and mines from 8 to 16 feet in diameter at depths up to 1000 feet. The original contractural scope of work outlining problems and remedial measures associated with a previous unit proved inadequate. Significant additional effort was necessary in order to fulfill the project objectives of producing a functionally reliable remote shotcrete lining system. Included with the engineering and technical description of the system, is a comprehensive technology package. Included with this material is ancillary equipment, materials selection procedures, mix-design data, quality control and assurance program, selection and training of personnel and the organizational aspects required to operate the entire system. The report concludes with details of a successfully completed borehole lining operation at the Nevada Test Site. An irregular 104 inch diameter borehole was lined at a rate of 4.8 feet per hour and 20 feet per hour respectively for 8-9 inch and a 2 to 3 inch shotcrete thickness.

Jan 1, 1983

By Robert H. Schutz

This publication lists and describes devices approved jointly by the Secretary of Interior and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under the provisions of [§]70.300-1, Part 70, Subchapter 0 of Chapter I, Title 30, Code of Federal Regulations (35 F.R. 5548, April 3, 1970), for use as respiratory protection against respirable pneumoconiosis-producing dusts. Included are type C supplied-air respirators approved under Bureau of Mines Schedule 19R and dust, fume, and mist respirators approved under Bureau of Mines Schedule 21B.

Jan 1, 1971

By Jacob Schoder

This is one of a series of papers published by the Bureau of Mines on mining and milling methods and costs. The Tennessee-Schuylkill Corporation, Chloride, Ariz., mines and mills a lead-zinc ore containing gold, silver, and a small amount of copper. The mill products are lead and zinc concentrates that are shipped to smelters. The company was the second largest producer of lead and zinc in Arizona in 1937 and was seventh in gold production. Operations discussed are those being conducted at the mine in October 1938 and are representative of the complete operating period from 1936 to date.

Jan 1, 1939

By d&apos, D. V. Andrea

Nine rock properties were determined for rocks coming from 49 locations and having a wide range of compressive strengths. Plots of the nine rock properties versus each other were prepared. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to obtain several equations for predicting compressive strength. Both linear and curvilinear relationships were assumed between compressive strength and the other rock properties. The prediction equations had multiple correlation coefficients ranging from 0.947 for an equation with 1 variable (point load tensile strength) to 0.986 for an equation with 25 variables. Of the properties tested only point load tensile strength could be used alone to estimate compressive strength with fair accuracy.

Jan 1, 1965

By ALBERT C. DURHAM

In anthracite mining , pumping is a problem of major importance , and water must be handled and rehandled in almost every mine whether the mine is in operation or idle . The motor - driven centrifugal pump is the most commonly used type of unit for the large pumping installations, and experience has . proved that fully automatic control has certain advantages over manual control . Some of these advantages are greater safety for maintenance personnel , continuous protection against faulty operation , which could cause damage to the Lumping apparatus , and lower pump -room operating costs .

Aug 1, 1948

By N. S. Dalal, X. Shi

It has been known for more than a decade that vanadium (V) stimulates the oxidation of NADH by plasma membranes (1) but the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. This effect has been attributed to a membrane-associated NADH-dependent vanadium (V) oxidoreductase (1). Subsequent studies suggest that vanadium ( V) can accept an electron from fiavoprotein dehydrogenase that oxidizes NADH (2). The phenomenon ofNAD(P)H oxidation coupled to vanadium(V) reduction has also been demonstrated in other biological systems (3-6). A recent electron spin resonance (ESR) study from our laboratory reported on the accumulation of vanadium (IV) duringthe reduction ofvanadate (vanadium(V)) by the ftavoenzymes glutathione reductase (GSSG-R),4 lipoyl dehydrogenase, and ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase in the presence of NAD(P)H (7). It was concluded therein (7) that these ftavoenzymes function as NAD(P)H-dependent vanadium(V) reductases. More recently, however, Liochev and Fridovich (8) have argued that the ESR data (7) do not demonstrate that the investigated fiavoenzymes act as vanadate reductases. They suggest an alternative mechanism in which the fiavoenzyme simply serves as a generator ofsuperoxide (02) radical, which acts as a propagator of the radical chain reaction leading to NAD(P)H oxidation (9, 10), as summarized below:

Nov 1, 1995

By W. L. Cooley, K. Y. Lee, M. M. Hassan

Because power system topographies for surface coal mines are significantly different from those for underground coal mines, the requirements for ground wire monitors for surface systems are somewhat different. This paper analyzes the problems faced by high-voltage ground wire monitors. Based on this analysis, some design requirements for monitors are suggested. Finally, results from laboratory evaluation of some of the commercially available monitors are presented.

Jan 1, 1979

By E. D. Gardner

This paper is one of a series on mining methods and costs being published by the United States Bureau of Mines. In April 19.74 the St. Joseph Lead Co., at Atlanta, Elmore County, Idaho, was mining and milling about 225 tons of gold ore daily with a total force of 150 men. The mine, which comprises the old Boise-Rochester and Monarch properties, is at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Snow lies on the ground about 5 months each year but does net interfere greatly with local operations. However, the road to Mountain Home, the shipping point 80 miles distant, passes over a high range and usually is closed by snow from about November 15 to June 15. Heavy supplies are brought in and concentrates trucked out during the summer. In winter the district is served by a biweekly mail plane and a passenger and express plane making 4 to 6 trips weekly. Mine timber is cut locally. A plentiful supply of water is obtained from a stream brought to the property through 7,500 feet of plume.

Jan 1, 1935

By R. L. Benner

A compound stability diagram was constructed by the Bureau of Mines for the Zn-Fe-S-O system to show the phases that should be thermodynamically stable at various temperatures, oxygen pressures, and SO2 pressures. The diagram was demonstrated to have good qualitative value for predicting stable phases that may, in turn, be related to the recovery of zinc in the leaching phase of the electrolytic zinc process. The study showed that roasting temperature is the most Significant variable in preventing roaster formation of zinc ferrite, which is directly related to subsequent extraction of zinc in the leaching step.

Jan 1, 1966

By L. E. Schultze

The Bureau of Mines devised a technique to recover a Zn-Pb concen-trate from a geothermal brine. More than 99 pct of the Zn and Ph was precipitated by treating the brine with H2S and controlling the pH with lime. Recycle of the sulfide precipitates increased crystal size and resulted in easily filterable products. A typical sulfide precipitate contained 53 pct ZnS, 8 pet PbS, 24 pct MnS, and 15 pct FeS. Addition of sulfide as FeS or CaS was not effective in precipitating Zn and Pb, but Zn in the brine was selectively removed with a strongly basic ion-exchange resin. A proposed flowsheet for metals recovery is discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

By Robert W. Geehan

"INTRODUCTION The Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Federal Geological Survey, explored the Crowell fluorite mine by core drilling in 1945. Claims investigated are in sec. 14, T. 12 S. R. 47 E., M. D. B. & M., in southern rye County, Nev., about 5 miles east of 'Beatty.The twelve holes drilled by the Bureau totaled 3,661 feet. During 1945 the mine operator drove extensive exploration drifts, in part to verify results of the Bureau's work. The drilling program was designed to test for extensions of ore bodies known in the mine.The Crowell mine has shipped Ore to steel plants on the west coast for the past 20 years. During the war this market called for all the fluorite the mine could produce, but previously there were periods when it was difficult to sell ore or concentrates.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn its program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Nines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each exploratory project as soon as practicable after its conclusion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests. Both these branches are under the supervision of Dr. R. S. Dean, assistant director.Special acknowledgment is due to Glenn Allen, district engineer;A. C. Johnson, chief, Reno Division, Mining Branch; S. R Zimmerley, chief, Salt Lake City Division, Metallurgical Branch; W. R. Thurston of the Federal Geological Survey for advice on geological problems; and J. Irving Crowell, Jr., operator of the property, for his cooperation."

Nov 1, 1946

By D. E. Wolfson

This report presents 900° C BM-AGA carbonization and related data for coals from the principal beds of Nicholas, Randolph, and Webster Counties, W. Va. Thirty-three samples from nine coal beds in three counties were car-bonized at 900° C in the l8-inch-diameter BM-AGA retort, data from which have been correlated with industrial production. Host of the samples were chemically suitable for metallurgical use, and their coking properties were satisfactory. Except for four of the Lower Kit-tanning samples, the ranges of constituents in the coal seams were 1.8 to 9.0 percent ash and 0.4 to 1.1 percent sulfur, values within the range of accept-ability for metallurgical coals. Coke strength indexes were normal for Appalachian coals of similar rank, and the tumbler stability indexes of the coke ranged from 35 to 57.

Jan 1, 1969

By E. C. Perkins, R. S. Lang, D. M. Taylor, H. Dolezal

The amenability of titaniferous slags and domestic mineral concentrates to chlorination was determined in a 6 - inch diameter fluidized bed chlorinator . Ilmenites from Valley County , Idaho ; Aiken , S.C ,; Trail Ridge , Fla .; and MacIntyre , N.Y .; and a titaniferous magnetite from Iron Mountain , Wyo . , were used in preparing the slags . The domestic minerals tested were an ilmenite concentrate from Valley County , Idaho , and a rutile concentrate from Magnet Cove , Ark . A high - grade Australian rutile was used as a standard for comparison . The impurity content of the slags and minerals tested , which was the most critical factor affecting their performance , was dependent on the geographical source of the material . All of the materials tested were amenable to chlorination in a fluidized bed although some required special operating conditions . Titanium extractions and chlorine utilization were over 90 percent for most of the slags and the Australian rutile . The Valley County , Idaho , ilmenite performed well in the reactor despite its 34 percent iron content .

Jan 1, 1963

By Wing G. Agnew, Albert E. Long

"SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONSTests conducted at Mount Weather indicate that clear water is the best bit coolant and cuttings-removal medium for diamond drilling. All of the mediums tested did show that drilling speed increased when drilling with the faster feed ratios (greatest pressure on the bits). In no case, how¬ever, did the increased drilling speed amount to over 16 percent, and even in a long hole the slight increase in drilling speed would be more than offset by the extra time consumed in setting up.Bit wear was excessive when lubricating agents were used, the most footage per bit was obtained when drilling with clear water in the normal manner, and the next best footage was obtained when drilling with circulated water containing no lubricating agent. The diamonds showed little or no wear in any of the bits, and all bits cut well throughout the tests. They were only taken out of service when erosion of the cast metal had progressed to the point where the diamonds were about to roll out. The lubricating agents evidently hold some of the cuttings in suspension, which in turn help to cut the rock but also wear the metal of the bit.No hard-matrix bits were tested, and it is possible that one or more of the lubricating agents might increase the efficiency of such a bit by keeping it sharp and doing away with the necessity of sharpening by sand blasting. Some tests are planned with hard-matrix-type bits and the same lubricating agents used in the tests under discussion, but it is realized that any drilling advantage gained by the bits sharpening themselves may but at least partly offset by excessive wear of the Pump parts."

Jan 1, 1945

By N. L. Kozlinsky, B. W. Gandrud

"The Marvel mines 1 and 3 of the Roden Coal Co. are located in the Cahaba field in Bibb County, Ala., nearly southwest from Birmingham, an airline distance of roughly 30 miles. The coal of the Clark seam at this point has some coking properties, but at present it is sold exclusively as a domestic and steaming coal.This paper, which is the second of a series on the washability of Alabama coals, like its predecessor dealing with the Mary Lee seam,5 contains screen-sizing and float-and-sink tests of a representative sample of the raw slack, and slotted-screen tests showing the proportions of flaky particles in certain selected sizes; inasmuch as this coal is not used for coke manufacture, no crushing tests have been made. These data have been obtained in connection with an exhaustive study of coal preparation in Alabama, now being conducted by the United States Bureau of Mines and the University of Alabama with the cooperation of the different coal operators. As the work progresses, other papers will follow containing further data on Alabama coals and giving results obtained in preparing these coals by various methods.The only published investigative work on the Clark seam is that of Forbes,6 who gives a number of sections of this seam in Marvel No. 3 mine with proximate and ultimate analyses of face samples taken in the mine and also some analyses of delivered coal.The available information on this coal indicated that the preparation problem was one of ash reduction. In order to substantiate this information a complete analysis of the 3/4 by 3/16 inch size, and sulphur determinations and ash-fusibility tests of the float-and-sink fractions have been made; these results are given in Tables 1 and 2. As these results also indicate that the preparation problem is one of ash reduction, the tests and discussion have been devoted to that subject."

Jun 1, 1930