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By Secretary of the Interior

"INTRODUCTION The Bureau of Mines Synthetic Liquid Fuels Program again forged ahead during 1952, and important technical advances led the way to improved methods of converting coal and oil shale into liquid fuels. Marking the eighth year of activities under this program, the past 12 months brought a new domestic industry nearer realization.The increasing demand for gasoline and oil and the rising cost of finding new petroleum, coupled with America's growing dependence on imports and the unsettled international situation, have continued emphasize the importance of the Bureau's Synthetic Liquid Fuels Program. Oil, the indispensable material of wartime, likewise has critical importance in peacetime, touching as it does the life of every individual. Supplementing petroleum with synthetic liquid fuels will not only conserve this Nation's petroleum reserves but also will bring into greater use its tremendous reserves of coal, as well as the vast deposits of oil shale for which no other practical use has yet been found.The Bureau of Mines Synthetic Liquid Fuels Program is one of the most important and far-reaching of the Government's research projects. Through development, of commercial synthetic liquid fuels, the United States can obtain oil products from its great inland reserves of coal and oil shale to supplement petroleum in any quantity that may be necessary, consistent with economic and other requirements, such as national defense. The use of raw materials from such deposits would be of highest importance in wartime, when shipping lanes are menaced by the enemy. The Synthetic Liquid Fuels Program of the Bureau of Mines and research efforts of industry have advanced American technology to the point where it is now possible to begin the design and construction of prototype plants. Certainly, significant improvements will be made as the program continues, but this prospect in no way alters the fact that the start of prototype plants should be encouraged. These plants, as the first step in the development of a synthetic fuels industry, would serve a threefold purpose:"

Jan 1, 1953

By K. E. Robinson

This study provides an initial indication that mill tailings produced in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District of Idaho can be placed on floodplain areas in a technically acceptable manner without artificial liners and without seriously contaminating the surrounding area. Tests have shown that landfills on these unused areas can result in returning these areas to productive use. The engineering properties of mill tailings permit construction of stable embankments. Designed slope protection inhibits water erosion. Among the environmental considerations in using tailings for landfill construction are the acid and other contamination produced by tailings and wind erosion of exposed tailings surfaces. The initial results indicate that adverse impacts are not as severe as previously thought, and mitigative measures are feasible. Based on the preliminary data, and in accord with existing Federal and State waste management regulations, a conceptual design has been developed for 23 potential landfill sites in the District, which could reclaim 750 acres of floodplain. A cost analysis of landfill construction with mill tailings indicates that the method would be an economically viable means for increasing the valleywide tailings storage capacity, provided construction with slurried tailings is feasible. A Stage H study is proposed to evaluate slurried tailings as a foundation material, as opposed to hauled tailings used in this present study.

Jan 1, 1981

"D bed, Ky., coaL, washing characteristics RII 5140coking coal, reserves, estimate RI 5037Pa., coal, washing characteristics RI 4834, 4941D bed mine, Ky., coal, washig characteristics"

Jan 1, 1960

By Keith D. Rosbury

The basic objective of this project was to determine the cost-effectiveness of dust control used on unpaved mine haul roads. Field testing was conducted at three surface coal mines (two in Wyoming, one in southern Illinois) for a total of 20 weeks. The highest control efficiency measured for a chemical dust suppressant, 82 percent, was for calcium chloride two weeks after application. Generally, however, the control efficiencies hovered in the 40 to 60 percent range over the first two weeks since application, and then decreased with time. After the fifth week, the limited number of data points suggest a control efficiency of less than 20 percent. Composite watering data were fairly uniform. Watering once per hour resulted in a TSP control efficiency of approximately 40 percent. Doubling that application rate increased the control effectiveness by about 15 percent to 55 percent. Chemical dust suppressants (primarily salts and lignons) can be shown to be more cost-effective than watering under some conditions. Data summaries and the analysis of data are contained in Volume I. Volume II contains basic data.

Jan 1, 1983

By E. P. Youngman

Zirconium, formerly distinctly a rare element, is rapidly becom- ing of rather extensive commercial importance. Economic features of the zirconium industry, together with general information regarding the metal and its compounds, are discussed in a separate paper, to which this paper is a supplement. In addition to giving a brief discussion of the four or five de- posits that so far have proved to be commercial sources of the element, this circular summarizes available data (including some hitherto unpub lished material from the files of the Bureau of Mines) upon other occur- rences, including many of scientific interest only, of the two commercial. minerals, zircon and baddeleyite, and also data upon some of the minor minerals, such as eudyalite and cyrtolite, which have attracted addition- al interest in recent years because they are frequently richer in hafnium than the more common zirconium minerals.

Jun 1, 1931

By L. D. Tracy

This is the third of the series of reports on coal-mine royalties and leasing conditions in Illinois. The results of the study of District VI were published as Serial No. 2726, January, 1926, and those of District VIII as Serial No. 2745, April, 1926, of the Bureau of mines. The counties of Macoupin, Sangamon, and Montgomery, which are three of the principal coal-producing areas in the northern part of District VII, have been chosen for this report because these counties cover an entirely different part of the State than do the two districts already covered. Some leases in, Randolph and Washington counties are included as they are in the southern part of the district, and the data happened to be readily available.

Jan 1, 1926

By J. J. McClelland

The face area of a continuous mining section of an underground coal mine is the most dangerous area in the mine. Workers there are at nearly twice the risk of death or disabling injury than those in other parts of the mine. Despite extensive training of miners and improved equipment and mining methods, fatality and injury rates have remained constant during the past few years. It is clear that advanced research is necessary to apply new technologies or modify work procedures to solve the continuing problem of the loss of lives and the numerous injuries at the mine face. A U.S. Bureau of Mines research program is developing a Reduced-Exposure Mining System (REMS) that relocates personnel operating the mining machinery at the face away from the hazards to a nearby haven of relative safety. REMS uses proven technologies of computer automation and robotics to help control the operation of the mining machines at the face, while personnel are moved away to a nearby, safe control room. In this protected, well-ventilated environment, they can supervise or control the operation of the machines while viewing what the machine is doing using video and graphic display monitors.

Jan 1, 1994

The workshop on "Cyanide Effluents from Mineral Processing' was held on February 2-3, 1982, at the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Salt Lake City Research Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. The workshop was sponsored by the minerals industry, supporting industries, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Bureau of Mines through the Utah Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute, College of Mines, University of Utah Prior to the workshop, a Working Paper was prepared and delivered to the participants. This paper was used as a guide during panel discussions and forms the basis for this proceedings document. The workshop focused on use of cyanide as it relates to the gold and silver mining industry and the froth flotation processes employed by mineral mining companies. Its intent was to discuss "state of the art" technology and provide information pertinent to cyanide use in the minerals industry. No attempt was made to advocate regulatory limits or set policy governing the use of cyanide. The principal topics of discussion included- (1) the chemistry and use of cyanides; (2) control and treatment of cyanide mining wastes; (3) toxicity of mining wastes; (4) fate of cyanide in the environment; and (5) the analytical chemistry of cyanide.

Jan 1, 1983

Mine drainage and mine reclamation are topics of major interest to the mining industry, federal and local governments, and the general public. This publication and its companion three volumes are the proceedings of a conference held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 24-29, 1994. There were twelve sessions (69 papers) that dealt with mine drainage, including modeling, geochemistry, prediction, treatment, control strategies, characterization, hydrology, and case studies. These sessions comprise volumes 1 and 2. The six sessions (34 papers) that dealt with reclamation and revegetation of disturbed lands are included in volume 3. Volume 4 includes the six sessions (34 papers) that dealt with such topical issues as fires at abandoned mine sites, subsidence, hydrology, mine wastes, and policy. Poster session presentations are represented by 49 papers and 92 abstracts that have been placed in the back of volumes 2, 3, and 4, consistent with the subject of that volume.

Jan 1, 1994

By Ernest A. Curth

A 3-month study in 1971 of the Essen Roof Support and Rock Mechanics Research Center's program of roof and support evaluation included 25 mine trips. German miners must adopt mining methods and environmental control measures involving methane drainage and water infusion to improve productivity under severe natural conditions. Pressing problems in ground control must be solved such as cavities in front and above the supports at longwall faces and excessive convergence in gate roads. The Center developed automatic data processing methods to quantify the results of roof and support surveys and to establish criteria. Another approach to ground control is the study of mine models. The Center's laboratory has the facilities to test elements of powered roof support and whole assembled units. Face automation and roof control by powered shields are novel developments that are under close scrutiny in the field as well as in the laboratory. Though the Essen Center's roof and support evaluation techniques are tailored to the needs of the coal mining industry of the Federal Republic of Germany under conditions vastly different from those in the United States, some application may be found here, for instance, monitoring faces and roadways and preventive maintenance of hydraulic systems.

Jan 1, 1974

By Robert C. Merritt

This report describes laboratory as well as pilot heap leaching investigations of low-grade sandstone ores from Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado. Sodium carbonate-bicarbonate solutions containing sodium hypochlorite extracted up to 86, 54, and 16 percent U308 from Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado ores, respectively. Ammonium carbonate-bicarbonate solutions containing sodium hypochlorite were less effective at leaching these ores. Acid leach in replicate pilot plant testing resulted in U308 extractions of 96, 88, and 81 percent from the Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado ores. The development of cost-effective processes for extracting uranium from low-grade ore is essential to the assurance of a continuing domestic supply of uranium.

Jan 1, 1977

By Dennis J. Callaghan

This report is the result of information obtained from a review of related literature, personal inquiry and on-site examination of active surface coal mining operations. Four improved surface coal mine systems are described in detail and evaluated for feasibility, implementation requirements, environmental benefit and costs. Engineering feasibility emphasizes equipment availability, compliance to design requirements, practicality and industry rating. Implementation potential emphasizes immediacy, ease, acceptability and constraints. Special attention was given to environmental responsiveness, both with regard to the solutions to mined-land reclamation problems and to the concurrency of reclamation. Each system description includes a hypothetical model mine with a depreciation schedule, capital summary, estimated annual production costs, sales price computation, production and operating cost summary, and a sensitivity analysis of mine price to stripping ratio. A program plan and time schedule for demonstrating a selected mining system covers site selection criteria, mine data collection, criteria for controlling and budgeting costs and reporting findings. Ten additional mining methods and techniques are briefly described and evaluated. Common reclamation problems are listed and described. Sixteen state reclamation laws and regulations are abstracted. Sixty-nine references are listed in the bibliography.

Jan 1, 1976

By Michael L. Clar

The U.S. Bureau of Mines contracted a study to determine the feasibility of water diversion and overburden dewatering for underground coal mines in the Appalachian Region. All relevant published literature pertaining to the occurrence and control of surface and groundwater in underground coal mines was reviewed and organized into a bibliography. The impacts of mine water with respect to health and safety, production, environment, and costs were assessed. Sources of water inflow into underground mines were described. A summary description and evaluation of techniques that can be used to reduce the amount of water entering underground coal mines was prepared. A review of engineering practices currently used by operating coal mines in the Appalachian region to prevent the movement of ground and surface water into active coal workings was conducted. Major emphasis was placed on the identification of the geologic and hydrologic con¬dition of the site, onsite inspection of the methods used and an evaluation of their technical and cost effectiveness.

Jan 1, 1981

By Guy A. Johnson

Despite the use of warning alarms to alert miners to the backward movement of large mining equipment, miners still are injured too frequently in backup accidents. Currently approved backup alarm technology consists of continuous sounding alarm systems. New technology has developed a warning system that initiates an alarm only if there is an object close behind the vehicle. This advancement eliminates constant exposure to the alarm because a warning is given only in case of a potential collision. Adoption of this development can improve safety and reduce damage, especially for front-end loaders (FEL's). It will also eliminate a source of nuisance noise in urban and residential areas. This Bureau of Mines report describes the general characteristics of infrared (IR) light, ultrasonic wave, and Doppler radar technology as used for backup alarms, and reviews the testing of the most promising detection devices.

Jan 1, 1986

By M. J. Gavin

Within the past three years numerous inquiries for information on oil shale have been received by the Bureau of Manes. These inquiries have been increasing to such an extent that it has seemed advisable to issue a short paper prior to the publication of a bulletin on the subject, giving a, general discussion of the subject and a comprehensive list of references, so that those interested in the details of obtaining oil from shale can find additional information without much difficulty. Some of those who desire information are interested only in a general discussion of the subject, or are not in a position to refer to books and' articles describing the industry. The material for this paper is largely derived from published information on oil shale. Much of the information is obtained-from the books and articles mentioned in the list of references, and has been compiled with the intent of furnishing information to those not interested in all the details.

Jan 1, 1921

By Sidney Katell, JOHN H. FABER, BRYCE L. MADDOX

The information abstracted from the various publications appeared in the magazines under such headings as Business and Industry , Chemical Engineering Developments , Companies in the News , Headlines of the Month , Industrial News , Industry , Refining and Gas - Processing News , Refining News , What's Happening , and others . Although most items are related to chemical and petroleum plants , a few pertain to related fields , such as markets , drilling costs for petroleum , and field prices of crude oil . Certain articles discuss various aspects of cost -estimating procedures or description of processes . Cost bibliographies prepared by other groups are discussed in items 70 and 271. The two references can be considered as supplemental to this report , since the amount of overlap in the contents is insignificant .

Jun 15, 1957

By E. R. Cole

One objective of Bureau of Mines recycling research is to devise technology that enables recovery of metals and minerals from wastes. From October 1982 through September 1985, researchers at the Bureau and at the University of Missouri Rolla (contract H0222002) investigated the use of nonferrous flue dust with varying Zn contents (11 to 66 pct) as a source of Zn for electrogalvanizing steel wire. The waste dusts used were from a secondary Cu smelter, a brass smelter, a Pb smelter, and a water treatment plant. The dusts were leached in H2S04, and the leach solutions were treated to make electrolyte for electrogalvanizing steel wire using soluble Zn anodes. Cyclic voltammetry was used in an inno-vative method to evaluate the quality of the electrolytes used for elec-rogalvanizing. After electrogalvanizing, the wire was drawn on a labo-ratory draw bench to simulate industrial practice. Corrosion resistance was measured by a number of electrochemical techniques and by the stan-dard ASTM salt-spray tests. After successful bench-scale tests, the process was demonstrated in an industrial pilot plant. Results indicate that nonferrous flue dusts can be used as a source of Zn for electro-galvanizing if certain impurities are either partially or completely removed from the starting electrolyte.

Jan 1, 1987

By John W. Colburn

A tractor-integrated version of an explosive ripping system was developed for mining application. This system utilizes diesel fuel and a tractor-mounted blower supplying 30 psig compressed air to a two-stage combustion chamber to produce a high pressure (600 psia) gas charge. The charge is rapidly released into the rock formation near the tip of the ripper. The system, mounted on a D9 tractor, was tested at several quarry and mining operations to investigate rock fracturing effectiveness. Although the results of comparative ripping passes conclusively demonstrated that the system increases rock fracture, performance of the system is strongly dependent on rock morphology and properties as well as basic performance of the tractor-ripper. The theory of conventional and explosive ripping modes is described and existing correlations of seismic velocity and ripper performance are shown to be in error.

Jan 1, 1977

By Daniel I. Carey

Current and potential dragline reclamation usage was evaluated for the U.S. coalfields based on data gathered and analyzed during field surveys, literature reviews and contacts with manufacturers. It was concluded that current mining plans have been adapted to federal and state strip mine and reclamation laws in ways which limit the potential for dragline reclamation systems at active mine sites. At abandoned conventional contour mine sites in steep-sloping areas such as central Appalachia, however, it was found that dragline reclamation systems have great potential application and may be the only practical solution to many reclamation problems. Alternative dragline systems were examined for restoring abandoned sites, and it was concluded that a tower excavator system offered superior characteristics and should be evaluated and developed under field conditions. A testing program was developed to provide a framework for the monitoring and analysis of cost, production and environmental data during a field demonstration of a tower excavator system.

Jan 1, 1981

By Charles B. Kenahan

A summary of Bureau of Mines research on utilization and disposal of solid wastes is presented, accompanied by an extensive bibliography of related publications. The Bureau's Solid Waste and Materials Recycling Program is directed toward four main areas of research, development, and demonstration: (1) extraction of mineral, metal, and energy values from urban refuse; (2) upgrading and recycling of automotive and related ferrous and nonferrous scrap; (3) utilization and stabilization of mine, mill, and smelter wastes; and (4) recovery and reuse of values from industrial waste products. A contract and grant program that supplements the in-house research and aids in the training of manpower in management of mineral-, metal-, and energy -based solid wastes is also discussed. This publication is an updating of Bureau of Mines Information Circular 8460 issued March 1970.

Jan 1, 1971