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By Charles B. Manula

Judging from the rapid pace of increased demands for mineral products, technological forecasting will become an increasingly necessary tool in mining. Even though the mining industry in 1966 produced more are than ever before, current extraction rates are only a fraction of what is expected in the later years of the twentieth century. If metal and mineral commodities continue to hold their respective and present share of markets, the prospect of coping with demands from a population that will double in the next thirty years can become an impossible task when viewed outside the limits of technological advance and change. Those mining companies that are doing little to develop new and expanding horizons for their operations cannot expect to survive. Nearly 90% of all metals and mineral products consumed last year was recovered by open-pit mining. This has placed great pressure on this segment of the industry which, consequently, has resulted in some spectacular developments. Already production rates at many places are dwarfing those of the Panama Canal and other well-known earth moving projects which are frequently identified as massive undertakings. With projects of this scale, the need for increased sophistication of engineering, planning, management and administration of modern mining installations has never become more apparent. The design of complete systems for the mine and plant that fit the mould of today's business and social environments is undergoing an evolutionary process.

Jan 1, 1968

By David A. Benjamin

At the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied prospects, claims, and mineralized sites in a 43,053-acre portion of the 51,262-acre Desatoya Mountains Wilderness Study Area (NV-030-l10) in 1985. The study area, located 50 miles east of Fallon, NV, is underlain by alluvial deposits of Quaternary age and volcanic and volcanic-derived sedimentary rock of Tertiary age. No mines or recent exploration activity were identified within the area studied. The Gold Basin area, located 1/2 mile to the south has produced 982 ounces of gold and 10,086 ounces of silver. The Cold Springs area, located 1/2 mile to the west, has recently been explored for gold-silver. Mineralization at these two areas apparently did not extend into the study area, but future mining at these areas would likely impact it.

Jan 1, 1986

By Sam S. Taylor

The disposal of oil-field brines by injection into subsurface formations other than fresh-water-bearing strata is a positive method of eliminating the harmful effects of mineralized water on fresh-water supplies, vegetation, and aquatic and other animal life. The methods used most generally for the disposal of brines produced with oil are (1) impounding in evaporation ponds, (2) controlled diversion into surface streams, and (3) injection into subsurface formations. Various States recognize one or more of the methods as legally authorized procedure. As a general rule, impounding brine in ponds and solar evaporation have not been entirely successful, principally because of the large volumes handled; the porous nature of the soil, and the low rate of evaporation. Likewise, the diversion of brine into freshwater streams by controlled dilution has not proved satisfactory in some areas, especially in parts of Kansas and Oklahoma where the rainfall is relatively low, because it has been impossible to obtain enough fresh water for such dilution.

Jan 1, 1939

By Marcel Vanpee

Eight extinguishing powders KCI, were tested on five types of diffusion flames. The effect of flame temperature on the inhibition efficiency was investigated by varying the oxygen index of the flame supporting atmosphere. Inn addition a spectrographic investigation of powder flame dissociation products was carried out on the methane/air/ABC (NH4H2PO4) flame. Dissociation products for this flame included P0, PH, NH, and Na. It is concluded that the main factor to be considered in the efficiency of tie powder is the flame temperature Purple K (KHC03) was typically inefficient in low temperature flames and very efficient in high temperature flames. On the other hand, ABC (NH4H2PO4) was found to lose its efficiency at high temperature but to be quite efficient in the low temperature flames. The effect of temperature is offered as an explanation of the poor efficiency of Purple K (KHC03), against coal dust explosions as contrasted to the high efficiency of phosphate salts against coal dust explosions.

Jan 1, 1982

By S. H. Ash

California leads the Nation in the number of operating metal mines and the small number of persons employed at individual mines, which reached a minimum irk 1932 with an average of seven men. The mines are scattered over the entire State, which is the second largest in area (155,562 square miles) in the United States. The mines are situated at various altitudes, with portals ranging from approximately 300 feet below sea level to almost 12,000 feet above. Many of the mines can be reached only during the summer, while at others the heat of the regions adds so the difficulties during the summer months Supplied of explosives the use (or, probably more correctly, the misuse) of which constitutes one of California's gravest mining problems; are handled and stored under condition that contribute many hazards. The problem of providing medical care is serious and complicated, especially at small mines and more particularly in the almost inaccessible mountainous regions; instances in which a knowledge of first aid would have been beneficial but was lacking, or when first aid was instrumental in saving life or limb because it was available are too numerous to be mentioned.

Jan 1, 1936

By T. Bertke

This document assesses the environmental aspects of a preliminary design for processing kaolin clay as the domestic resource for recovery of alumina by a hydrochloric acid leach-HCl gas induced crystallization process. The report covers waste sources, control measures, and potential environmental and health effects applicable to the process technology.

Jan 1, 1980

By S. Gallagher, A. Mayton, R. Merkel

The prolonged exposure of equipment operators to shock and whole-body vibration (WBV) is linked to cumulative back, neck and abdominal disorders. In low coal mines, space restrictions make it difficult for seat suspensions to isolate operators from shock and WBV Researchers at NIOSH's Pittsburgh Research Laboratory are responding to these issues by investigating viscoelastie foams. For the full-load case, an ergonomic seat made with viscoelastie foams can isolate the shuttle-car operator from shock at 15 Hz. Researchers used results from additional foam testing using an analytical model to identify viscoelastic foams that provide shock isolation at a frequency below 5 Hz.

By P. G. Clites

This study was conducted to determine the patterns of heat transfer to water-cooled copper crucibles during vacuum arc melting. Values of heat flux from the ingot to the crucible were determined during nonconsumable electrode vacuum arc melting of zirconium and during consumable electrode vacuum arc melting of titanium) zirconium) and steel. The results of these studies con-firm the existence of a high thermal resistance between the ingot and the crucible wall which results from the shrinkage of the ingot as the metal solidifies. Maximum heat flux occurs near the top of the ingot where maximum values of heat flux of 1.4 X 106 Btu/ft2 hr were observed during small-scale consumable electrode arc melting of zirconium and titanium. The maximum heat flux for consumable electrode arc melting of 8-inch-diameter ingots was 0.5 X 106 Btu/ft2 hr. The effects of electrode material) electrode diameter) arc current) and arc potential on heat flux from the ingot to the crucible were studied. Data were also obtained on crucible wall temperatures and on the effect of very narrow annular water jackets.

Jan 1, 1967

This section contains a summary of our investigation of the soil conditions (type, porosity, moisture content, etc.) at the two sites (Lanse and Kato, Pennsylvania) selected for field testing of latex as a soil sealant. Other natural conditions such as rainfall, frostline, depth of the water table, etc., were also measured and recorded for possible later use in assessing the effect of the latex seal on the total environment. The numbered sites referred to throughout this report are shown on the maps of the Lanse and Kato sites (Figures 1 and 2). KA, RB and KC are positions at the Kato site - all other numbered positions refer to the Lanse site. Two other terms used throughout the report which should be explained are “horizon” and "profile". These are synonymous terms for soil layer, A horizon (or A profile) referring to topsoil and B horizon (or B profile) referring to subsoil. The properties that control the flow of water through the soil are of special interest because these will also govern the passage of a sealant into and through the soil. Normally the particle size distribution is a good measure of soil permeability, which is directly proportional to sand content and inversely proportional to silt and/or clay content. Tables I1 and I11 show the percentages of gravel or stones, sand, silt and clay of Lanse and Kato soil samples. According to the United States Department of Agriculture classification, the gravel is ,ignored and the residue separated into sand, silt, and clay fractions. Figures 4 and 5 indicate by means of the USDk soil texture triangle that the variability of composition of Lanse soil ranges from sandy loam in the creekbed to clay loam. The variation is even greater among soil samples from Kato. Porosity of soil, also known as percent voids, is another indication of how readily water will travel through soils. Soil density usually increases and porosity decreases with depth, and as expected, the porosity of the top soil at Kato, a forest, is exceptionally porous and open (see Table IV) The pore diameter and length of soil capillaries is extremely variable, and its distribution in the field is impossible to determine. In addition to the capillaries, soil also contains many macro cracks, crevices, and passages around stones and roots. All these affect the flow rate of water through soil. Poiseuille's law states that the rate of flow of a liquid through a narrow tube is proportional to the 4th power of the radius of the tube. Pore size normally decreases with depth and in soil containing appreciable amounts of silt and clay this is especially true. Thus, deeper soils should be less permeable and such was the case at Lanse and Kato.

Jan 1, 1972

In 2005, 14,666 mining operations reported employment statistics to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).1 Almost half (48.5%) were sand and gravel mines, followed by stone mines (30.6%), coal mines (14.1%), nonmetal mines (5.0%), and metal mines (1.8%).

Jan 1, 2008

Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America?s only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by electrical manufacturers and distributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities, safety and consumer groups, and trade and labor associations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns and proactive media relations to help reduce property damage, personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does not engage in code or standard writing or lobbying and does not solicit individuals.

Jan 1, 2004

Nineteen eighty-seven was a year of significant change in the Bureau of Mines-change to help it better adapt and respond to the wide range of new challenges facing the U.S. mineral industry. The Bureau has been regarded as the world's premier mineral information and research agency. Its authoritative, comprehensive data and its pioneering research have contributed significantly to the minerals position of the United States. Yet no organization in today's complex, dynamic world, with its rapidly advancing technologies, can afford to rest on its laurels. Mission and program must be constantly fresh and relevant to the day's issues and problems. Moreover, rather than reacting to events, the organization must strive to anticipate and prepare for them. It must have a sense-a vision, if you will-for the future.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. K. Linn

The New Idria Mining and Chemical Co. owns and operates the New Idria mine in southern San Benito County, Calif. During 1957-59, the New Idria mine was the largest producer of mercury in the United States and its alltime production of over a half-million flasks was exceeded only by one mine. It is one of the oldest and most consistent producers in California. With the exception of 1921-22, the mine has an annual production of mercury dating back to 1854. This paper by the Federal Bureau of Mines describes the exploration, development, mining, and furnacing of mercury ore at the New Idria mine. Figure 1 is a view of the furnace plant of the New Idria mine. The purpose of this report is to promote the development and conservation of our mineral resources by dissemination of technological information on mining and processing procedures, and related practices at operating mines.

Jan 1, 1961

By William L. Crentz

1. SALES PUBLICATIONS

Nov 1, 1949

By C. B. Manula, R. L. Sanford, R. A. Rivell

The need for a large capacity, high speed computer is more apparent in the revised model than in the original one. Core storage requirements for data and model logic have at least tripled. This dictates the use of one of the large modern machines such as the IBM 360-370 series or the Univac 1108 and 1110, which handle the model without the need for extensive program overlay. Computer time is expensive on these machines, however, and comprehensive analysis has gone into optimizing computer execution time consistent with model information flow sensitivity. For example, revised locomotive tramming routines have been developed which will significantly cut execution time compared to the previous version. Transceiver Applications The computer coding for the model has been developed to enable program execution and testing using a remote terminal on a time sharing system. In fact, nearly all of the coding, debugging, testing and modifications have been performed from a terminal during develop¬ment. The gaming options described in the Model Input Section of this report have been designed so that they are easily changed by the user from any remote site. One restriction on remote applications which could arise, however, is where highly detailed output options are specified, resulting in a large amount of output records which could be handled more efficiently on a high speed printer.

Jan 1, 1974

Improve the reliability and accuracy of subsurface images using constrained tomography with enhanced ray-tracing capabilities. Background Geophysical tomography is a technique for imaging the structure of a rock mass using seismic or radio waves, in the same way that medical CAT scans image human tissue using X-rays. Tomography has found numerous practical applications related to mining, including lithologic and structural characterization, fracture detection and fluid monitoring, void detection, and evaluation of stress state and integrity of mine structures. Problems Two fundamental problems have largely prevented geophysical tomography from enjoying the tremendous success achieved by medical tomography. The first is a consequence of practical limitations on the placement of sources and receivers of wave energy: ideal resolution can be attained only when the region being imaged is entirely surrounded by sources and receivers, so that it is crossed by rays traveling in all possible directions. When such coverage is impossible or impractical, the inversion becomes underdetermined: there id not enough information in the measured data to provide a mathematically unique solution. The second major problem in geophysical tomography is the necessity for detailed ray tracing. Commercial software, as well as previous U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) software, employs a ray-shooting algorithm that may be unable to model some ray paths when velocity contrasts are larger than about 100%. These ?shadow zones" result in loss of data and degradation of reconstructed images.

Jan 1, 1994

By John E. McCullough

The purpose of this development program is to design and develop a known volume air sampling pump for use in measuring the amount of radio-active material in the atmosphere of an underground uranium mine. The principle nuclear radiation hazard to underground uranium mines comes from the mine atmosphere. Daughter products of 222-radon, namely 214-polonium, 214-lead, 214-bismuth and 214-polonium, are inhaled by the miner, resulting in a relatively high lung cancer rate among these workers.

Jan 1, 1976

By D. Bienstock

A rig was constructed to burn 100 to 125 lb of coal per hour at 4,000° F in a cyclone burner with oxygen-enriched air preheated to 1,500° F to ascertain the problems in the coal-fired MHD generation of power. Potassium carbonate was added to the coal at several concentrations up to 1.23 g-moles/kg of coal (17 lb K2C03/100 lb coal). Boiler-tube materials maintained at wall temperatures of 800° to 1,500° F were exposed to the combustion effluent of 1,800° to 2,500° F. Practically complete removal of sulfur dioxide from the stack gas was achieved with the seed addition. Nitric oxide formation followed theoretical expectations at combustion temperatures with some decomposition of the NO occurring as the gas cooled flowing through the system. Nitrates in the fly ash were less than 1.7 percent of the total fixed nitrogen. With aqueous extraction of the fly ash a maximum recovery of 75 percent of the potassium was obtained. Haynes 25 was unattacked at a wall temperature of 1,500° F in combustion gas at 2,500° F; the stainless steels 310, 316, and 446 were resist-ant at a metal temperature of 1,100° F in gas at 2,100° F.

Jan 1, 1970

On September 4, 2007, Mine Safety and Health Administration, in alliance with the International Union of Operating Engineers and the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers, presented the first annual Mine Construction Maintenance and Repair?s Safety Contractor of the Year Award to Artisan Contracting, Inc., of Cape Girardeau, MO. Eligible contractors located throughout the United States were nominated. Artisan Contracting was nominated by Illinois Cement Company located in LaSalle, IL. Illinois Cement Company is a Division of Eagle Materials Inc., located in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Larry Frankum President of Artisan Contracting Inc., stated, ?While it is gratifying to receive a wonderful award such as this, we must not forget how fragile a good safety record is. We must constantly remain diligent in pursuit of maintaining safe work sites.?

Feb 1, 2008

By John H. Johnson

Diesel tailpipe CO, C02, NO, and N02 concentrations by the Emissions Measurement Apparatus (EMA) were found to compare satisfactorily with simultaneous concentrations by instruments in the MSHA engine certification laboratory in Bruceton, Pa. The EMA was then applied to the measurement of LHD vehicle diesel tailpipe gases and smoke opacity in the White Pine and Brushy Creek Mines. A general experimental approach was developed by which instruments could be compared for the measurement of diesel exhaust pollutant concentrations in the 1/2 to 5TLV range. The concentrations are changed by varying engine speed, dynamometer load, and the portion of the exhaust which enters the dilution tunnel. Dräger detector tube diluted exhaust CO, CO2, NO, and NO2 measurements were compared with simultaneously taken portable instrument measurements. Diesel exhaust interference inaccuracies were separated from inaccuracies due to detector tube calibration by comparing the instrument readings with both actual detector tube readings and detector tube readings corrected by recalibration of the detector tubes alongside NBS traceable calibration gases. The detector tubes' accuracy was found to be only slightly affected by diesel exhaust interferences and it was concluded that most measure within certification limits established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The effects of 2 exhaust system configurations on the pollutant concentrations in a dead-end heading were studied. Both of the configurations exhausted the gases near the roof, directing them toward the crosscut, and both improved the stratification of the air in the heading, due to the bouyancy of the hot exhaust gases. One of the configurations was a pair of Fume Diluters which diluted the exhaust with air by a 10:1 ratio, and the second system was simply a pair of exhaust pipes, bent to direct the exhaust similarly to the fume dilutors. By redirecting the exhaust, the concentration of C02 measured on the LHD vehicle was reduced by as much as 507, in dead-end headings up to 200 ft long. The Fume Diluters showed no improvement over the simple redesign of the exhaust system.

Jan 1, 1980