Search Documents

By Francis F. Pitard

North America had an Important role in the early development of sampling theories. Unfortunately many progressive ideas were soon frozen into a series of guidelines based on the philosophy that "honest sampling only requires good judgment and practical experience". Such a philosophy appeared to be good enough In the early age of the mining Industry; however, it became quickly necessary to find new approaches. During the last thirty years, Pierre Gy's sampling theory provided tremendous breakthrough in the comprehension of this new science, nevertheless went unnoticed in North America. Sampling always generates complex problems and as the philosopher and mathematician Descartes suggested: "A complex problem can often be dissociated Into a series of several simpler problems, only then you try to solve those one by one". The only way to solve sampling problems is to consider each component of the overall sampling error: components of a continuous model such as long-range quality fluctuations, periodic quality fluctuations, weighting fluctuations; components of a discrete model such as materialization errors, delimitations errors, extraction errors, fundamental errors, grouping errors, and segregation errors. PAST AND CURRENT PRACTICES Many sampling methodologies have been developed, improved, and standardized during the first half of this century. Accordingly, sampling equipment has been proposed, selected, and used by standards committees. Today, there is a tremendous variety of sampling methodologies and corresponding tools offered to anyone with limited experience in sampling and it is very easy for a chemist, metallurgist, geologist or miner to spend considerable money in equipment transgressing the most basic rules of sampling correctness. Sampling stations that never worked properly in modern plants often cause engineers to abandon them and return to a primitive form of grab sampling.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. M. Mutmansky

This paper outlines the results of a study of opinions of practicing engineers concerning the value of environmental engineering courses in a mining engineering curriculum. One hundred engineers with significant experience in mining-related engineering work were carefully chosen. Of the sixty-seven responses received, about half were from mining engineers and half from environmental engineers. The results of the survey are outlined in detail. The number and type of courses recommended by the respondents are summarized as well as the specific topics recommended for inclusion in a mining engineering curriculum. The survey form also asked for the stages in the mine life when environmental experts were needed and the percentage of environmental engineering performed by outside experts for many mining-related environmental tasks. The results of this line of questions are provided. Finally, the paper offers a comparison of the results for environmental engineers and mining engineers and analyzes the differences.

Jan 1, 2001

By C. H. Bucknam

An interlaboratory testing program was undertaken in support of an ASTM standardization program for simultaneous combustion-infrared analysis for carbon and sulfur in ores and related materials. Statistical analysis results from the study are used to generate the within-laboratory and between-laboratory precision data needed for standardization of the methods. The interlaboratory precision statistics are also interpreted to estimate the uncertainty in calculation of net carbonate value classifications using a simplified quantitative risk analysis technique.

Jan 1, 1998

By E. De Souza, J. F. Archibald

"Many underground mines use cemented backfill to mitigate environmental effects associated with tailings disposal. The large energy needs associated with mine backfilling and cement production operations create significant CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. This paper introduces post-consumer glass as an alternate, equally effective and lower cost binder agent strategy for cement in backfill that may be implemented to assist in reducing solid waste production, lowering energy costs, and restricting Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Extensive engineering testing, consisting of pipe flow loop tests and strength tests, has been implemented in order to demonstrate the technical feasibility of process integration within industry. An economic analysis has demonstrated that glass is competitive in cost relative to cement and a socioeconomic study has further indicated that the utilization of glass in mine backfill would create a new market for waste glass that requires less processing and reduces costs."

Jan 1, 2005

By Anil K. Ray

Roof falls are one of the greatest hazards in underground coal mines worldwide. Due to stringent safety measures and extensive support system development, roof falls have been reduced significantly but they still persist in many underground coal mines. Some of the roof falls initiate with cutter roof or guttering. In the past, many factors have been identified as being responsible for the development of cutters and roof fall. These responsible factors can be broadly classified as stress related or non-stress related. In this paper the finer details of mining technique have been taken into consideration for better understanding of cutter roof and roof fall problems. Three dimensional finite difference modeling has been used to explain the mechanism of cutter development. Strain softening material behavior has been used to realistically simulate the cutter formation, and common cutting sequences as implemented in the field have been simulated. This was done with an objective to determine whether the cutting sequence has really any significant control over cutter formation or not. In addition to cutting sequences, the effect of cut length is also studied. The effect of step cutting and turning of crosscut into and away from major and minor horizontal stresses is also examined to see its influence on cutter development.

Jan 1, 2009

For nearly two decades, MINExpo International has held the title to the biggest show in mining. The 2012 MINExpo is expected to be the biggest yet, with nearly 1,800 exhibitors rolling out the newest equipment and services across 12 halls. From September 24 to 26 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, MINExpo will present the newest in everything from automation and robotics to safety and communications equipment to reclamation services, and much, much more. The last MINExpo, in 2008, had nearly 38,500 visitors. The show?s sponsor, the National Mining Association, expects this year will be even bigger, with more than 40,000 visitors over three days. Twenty talks on the issues facing mining today are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, but the real action will happen out on the floor. That?s where ultra haul trucks big enough to carry as much as 363 t (400 st) of rock will be assembled next to underground loaders able to lift more than 20 t (22 st) in one scoop. Caterpillar, Komatsu, Liebherr, Sandvik, Atlas Copco: all the big names in mining equipment will be there. Their massive earthmoving equipment and mining machines are the centerpiece of the show. Preassembly for the largest pieces begins on August 6, 2012.

Jan 1, 2013

By Miles L. Silberman

Three major suites of igneous rocks were erupted in the Great Basin in middle and late Cenozoic time. The first, most likely, resulted from sub- duction of a Pacific plate (Farallon plate) beneath the North American plate, resulting in eruption of andesitic rocks in the northern Great Basin between 42 and 43 m.y. ago. Between 34 and 17 m.y. ago, igneous activity migrated to the southwest, largely as eruption of volumincus rhyolite-quartz latite ash-flow sheets, ending about 17 a.y. ago with the onset of crustal extension and north-south-trending Basin and Range (rift) faulting. The second volcanic suite erupted between 17 and 8 m.y. ago in the northern Great Basin; is mostly basaltic or bimodal basalt-rhyolite. The third volcanic suite consists of andesitic and rhyolitic lavas and some basalt erupted between about 22 to 6 m.y. ago in the western Great Basin along the northwest-trending Walker Lane fault zone. Hydrothermal ore deposits are associated with all suites of igneous rocks, but the largest production has come from mines associated with andesitic rocks of the third (western Great Basin) suite. The oldest (34 to 42 m.y.) andesitic rocks (first suite) of the northern Great Basin have produced some large deposits; slightly younger silicic rocks of this suite are mostly barren. Many small ore deposits are associated with the 17- to 8-m.y.-old basalts (second suite) of northern Nevada.

Jan 1, 1976

By John Songstead

INTRODUCTION The Bunker Hill mine, located at Kellogg, ID, in the Coeur d'Alene mining district, has been a major pro¬ducer of lead-zinc-silver ore since 1887. Since its dis¬covery, it has produced over 25 401 171 t (28 million st) of ore from 20 to 25 veins and ore zones. The mine now covers an area of approximately 1.609 km (1 mile) in length and 0.8 km (1/2 mile) in width and extends from 1097 m (3600 ft) above sea level to 488 m (1600 ft) below sea level. Production is presently at a rate of 1542 t/d (1700 stpd). During 1965, a new stoping method, the Bunker Hill pillar system, was developed to enable the profitable mining of large, low-grade zinc ore bodies. The system was specifically designed to in¬corporate the Atlas Copco T26GH rubber-tired loaders. High productivities were achieved, and the method was adapted for mining the higher grade stopes where large timber square sets are utilized. This results in nearly 100% extraction. GEOLOGY The area encompassing the Bunker Hill mine lies immediately south of the Osburn fault, a major east-west striking, deep-seated strike slip fault which is the dominant structural feature in the Coeur d'Alene district. The Bunker Hill forms a series of veins and mineralized zones which occur as link structures, tension fractures, and breccia zones in folded, interbedded argillaceous quartzites of the Revett and St. Regis formations of the Precambrian belt series. The Rosco ore body is predominantly a zinc ore body above the Cate fault, which is presently known to occur from the 13 level. [elevation 488 m (1600 ft)] to the 1600 level [elevation 304 m (1000 ft) ]. These ore bodies are stringer zones with at least one dominant 1.8 to 4.5 m (6 to 15 ft) wide band of ore. They dip 0.09 to 0.26 rad (5° to 15°) steeper than the local 0.61 rad (35°) dip of the Cate fault, and also deviate 0.26 to 0.52 rad (15° to 30°) in strike from the Cate. Because of the flat dip and fractured weak hanging wall, normal cut-and-fill mining has not proven practical in this ore body. The mechanized timber methods described in the next section and the Bunker Hill pillar system are the mining methods successfully used. MINING METHODS While pillar stoping and mechanized cut-and-fill stop¬ing methods were obviously superior to the widely used timber stoping methods, as far as cost and productivity

Jan 1, 1982

By S. K. Kawatra, T. C. Eisele

A horizontal-baffle arrangement has been developed to prevent excessive axial mixing in flotation columns. These baffles have been shown in previous work to improve the grade/recovery performance of both a laboratory-scale column and a pilot-scale column (Kawatra and Eisele. 1993). In this paper, results are given for continuous on-line operation of the pilot-scale baffled column in a commercial coal- cleaning plant. These results show its ability to operate for extended periods without plugging, to produce a consistent-quality product even while the feed quality was fluctuating, and to remove much of the pyritic sulfur from the coal.

Jan 1, 1995

By J. Bigu

Ventilation conditions in working environments are usually studied by anemometry or, in complex cases, b using special tracer gases such as SF6 and 85Kr. in conjunction with chromatographic and radioactivity techniques, respectively. In some working environments, such as underground uranium mines, however, use can be made of the natural radioactivity environment (e.g.. 222rn. 220rn, and their progeny) to investigate mine ventilation conditions of practical interest. Theoretical studies and experimental data in several underground uranium mines and mine locations show that certain thoron progeny to radon progeny concentration ratios are very good indicators of ventilation conditions. Furthermore, the growth and decay of radon progeny and thoron progeny provide valuable information on mine air residence and clearance times. Some specific examples have been analyzed, such as bacterially-assisted uranium leaching operations in a partially enclosed stope, and the effect on the underground environment of turning ventilation fans on and off for a period of time. Air residence times and other variables of interest, determined from the mine radioactivity environment, were compared with more traditional techniques, such as anemometry and tracer gas chromatography. These studies were also extended to a wet non-uranium mine which exhibited relatively high concentrations of radon and its progeny.

Jan 1, 1989

By O. J. R. Baena, I. C. Sánchez, J. L. G. Guzmán

Frontino, a municipality in western Antioquia, Colombia, has more than 200 years of mining tradition. Currently, mining activities are carried out for lode gold using subway tunnels, where the grinding of the material is done in "cocos", whose energy depends on internal combustion engines and ACPM, environmentally polluting and inefficient methods. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals as an initiative developed by the UN, different mining methodologies that are aligned with these are constantly being analyzed. This study proposes to eliminate the use of hydrocarbons in artisanal mining, mainly promoting Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13. This will be achieved through an energy transition to renewable energy sources that take advantage of the topography and water resources of the area, providing advantages to the communities that live there, such as lighting, electricity for cooking, ventilation for mines, etc

Mar 2, 2022

By N. Aouad

The deployment of large machinery for low cost, bulk surface mine production operations has resulted in high-impact shovel loading operations (HISLO). In extreme cases, shovels load large dump trucks with 100-ton (or more) passes generating high-impact forces under gravity. HISLO generates high-frequency shockwaves that cause severe truck vibrations exposing operators to whole body vibrations (WBV). Current research study in this area has established that the vibration levels affecting the operator?s seat, lower-back, lumbar and cervical regions fall within the extremely uncomfortable zone compared to the ISO 2631 comfort zone. These results pose health threats to truck operators over long-term exposure to these vibrations. In this paper, the authors will examine engineered solutions to mitigate these health threats.

Jan 1, 2011

By R. V. Ramani, S. Shankar

The phenomenon of re-entrainment is seen in environments such as sand dune formation, soil erosion, fugitive dust emission and the spread of radionuclides from accidents involving nuclear weapons. A thorough review of existing literature reveals that work on re-entrainment of dust in mine atmospheres is scant. The present study was undertaken as a part of ongoing research at the Generic Mineral Technology Center on Respirable Dust at the Pennsylvania State University on the development of methods to predict ambient dust concentrations in mine atmospheres (Ramani, 1983). The contribution of re-entrainment to the spatial and temporal concentration of dust in mine airways is being studied. The research has included wind tunnel and in-mine studies. A set of seven experiments was performed under controlled conditions in the US Bureau of Mines' Lake Lynn Laboratory mine. Two types of source coal dust, anthracite and bituminous, were subjected to various airflow rates and were subjected to walking by two different individuals. Six sets of instruments were used along the test section for sampling airborne particles. The average air velocity just above the coal dust bed varied between 2.1 to 3.2 m/sec. Due to re-entrainment as a result of the airflow conditions, the average respirable dust concentration in the center of the mine airway increased to 0.09 mg/m3 (standard deviation = 0.03 mg/m3) from an initial value of 0.02 mg/m3. The concentration of all (total) airborne dust increased to 0.17 mg/m3 (standard deviation = 0. 10 mg/M3) from an initial value of 0. 02 mg/m3. The action of people walking, however, caused higher amounts of re-entrainment. The average concentration of respirable and total dust at the center of the mine airway increased to values of 0. 28 mg/m3 (standard deviation of 0.12 mg/m3) and 1.53 mg/m3 (standard deviation of 1.0 mg/m3), from initial values of 0.03 and 0.05 mg/m3, respectively. It was observed that the dust concentrations were much higher near the floor, immediately at the end of the coal-dust bed. Depending on the level of activity and the amount of dust deposited in the mine airways, re-entrainment may become an important source of airborne dust in areas away from the point of actual mining.

Jan 1, 1996

The dissolution kinetics of gold in iodide solutions with oxygen in an autoclave was investigated. The leaching process was described by a gas-liquid-solid heterogeneous reaction. The effect of stirring speed, temperature, partial pressure of oxygen, and concentration of lixiviants on the overall leaching rate was investigated. It was found that the dissolution of gold was limited by a heterogeneous chemical reaction. The apparent activation energy was measured to be 34.7-54.3 kJ/mol under the conditions studied. Experimental findings were in good agreement with the kinetic model proposed.

Jan 1, 1996

By G. Brooker

The back-filling operation at Olympic Dam mine supports a 9.8 million tonne per year (Mtla) underground Longhole Open Stoping operation. It involves a combination of Cemented Aggregate Fill (CAF), Surface Rockfill and Underground Rockfill. The fill material is introduced from the surface via bore-holes into the top of the stopes. Due to the deleterious effects of the dust and the thickness of the atmosphere in the stope it is not possible to view the filling process. The need for a means to measure the filling process is driven by the stopes, which have both rock and CAF fill placed in them. The large volumes and high relative cost of CAF makes the minimization of CAF fill a business priority. Incorrect filling can lead to the sterilization of ore reserve. The use of millimeter wave radar to view through the haze to give real-time data on the relative positions of the different fill masses is being developed as an in-stope fill control device. This paper reviews the salient points of the technology and its potential use in the back-filling operation at Olympic Dam. The broader potential of this technology for use in the mining industry by 'seeing' through water and dust laden environments such as that found in stopes and ore passes is discussed.

Jan 1, 2001

By C. Zhou, J. Srednicki

Electronic systems have been increasingly used in underground mines to improve mine safety. These electronic systems emit electromagnetic (EM) energy which can adversely impact the performance of other electronic systems nearby and thus should be characterized. Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) characterized the magnetic fields emitted from devices that can potentially interfere with the performance of proximity detection systems (PDSs) and compared the emission levels of these devices to the susceptibility of PDSs. In this paper, we present our measurement results pertaining to this effort. Particularly, magnetic fields emitted from the different orientations of a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) and two lite trackers are evaluated based on the RE101 protocol specified in the MIL-STD-461G standard. The results show that both devices emit strong magnetic fields which strongly depend on the orientation of the devices. At some frequencies, the maximum emission levels from the two devices exceed both the emission limit given in MIL-STD-461G and the maximum magnetic fields that a PDS can withstand without a failure. The results and findings in this paper can help the mining industry better understand electromagnetic interference (EMI) underground and provide critical scientific data that support mining-specific recommendations to address EMI-related challenges.

Feb 1, 2023

By V. B. Achanti, A. W. Khair

Developing a laboratory procedure for the determination of coal-seam compressive strength has been a subject of discussion for many decades, and the reliability of laboratory determinations is often the subject of debate. A coal seam’s characteristics, the method of sample collection, the specimen preparation method and the testing procedure can often result in drastic variations in the test results. In this paper, the development of a laboratory testing procedure for the determination of coal-seam compressive strength is presented. Two samples that were collected from different coal seams were tested in this study. First, the inherent characteristics, i.e., coal structure. Hardgrove grindability index (HGI), Slake durability index, proximate analysis and mechanical properties (Young's modules and Poisson's ratio), of each coal were determined. The results were used to categorize the coal scams in terms of the characteristics liable to produce variable strength data in typical laboratory tests. Second, two commonly used laboratory specimen shapes, cylindrical and cubical, were tested to determine which shape produced the most reproducible strength values. Third, four loading rates within the static testing range, i.e., 0.007, 0.07, 0.34 and 0.7 MPa/s (1.0, 10, 50 and 100 psi/sec), were used to determine the ideal loading rate. Finally, the number of test samples required to produce strength data within the acceptable standard deviation, considering coal seam characteristics, were established. Background Laboratory testing of coal specimens for the determination of seam compressive strength has been a subject of discussion since the early 1900s. Many researchers have tested coal specimens to estimate coal-seam compressive strength for use in pillar design to insure the safe operation of [ ] mines (Unrug et al., 1986; and Hirt et al.. 1992). Yet, there is a lack of a universal procedure, and, no matter which approach is used, it becomes the subject of intensive debate. A great deal of work has been performed on the subject, and there is much information available in the literature. Some of this work concerns quantifying the influence of specimen shape and size on compressive strength (Bieniawski. 1968: Barron et al.. 1992: Khair and Xu 1994; and Khair 1994). As indicted in the literature, coal is a heterogeneous material, consisting of discontinuities such as cleats and bedding planes, which are likely to produce variable strength results (Holland, 1964; Unrug et al., 1986). Some of the prominent issues that influence the determination of coal-seam compressive strength in the laboratory are: •the collection of a representative sample from a coal seam; •the geometry, i.e., shape and size of the specimens to be prepared and tested: •the loading rate at which the specimens are to be tested:

Jan 1, 1997

By R. C. Bunge

The selective flotation of semi-soluble salts with fatty acids is often negatively affected by the interaction of the potential determining cation with the ionic surfactant in bulk solution. This problem can be avoided by floating at low pH which involves the emulsification of the collector. The research presented here focuses on the influence of the Ca2+ ion on the flotation of fluorite with palmitic acid at low pH. Our results show that the surfaces of collector emulsions are dominated by precipitation phenomena similar to those encountered in bulk. In turn, fluorite in palmitic solution at intermediate pH displays surface properties similar to those of the collector by itself. This may be due to two alternative mechanisms (i) adsorption of bulk precipitate on the fluorite surface or (ii) the formation of a bilayer of surfactant ions on fluorite. Possibly, both mechanisms occur simultaneously.

Jan 1, 1993

By Friedrich Steinhäusler

RADON SOURCES AND CONTROL MEASURES IN THE MINING ENVIRONMENT Most of the contamination of the mine atmosphere by radon 222 is due to radon emanating from solid or fractured ore surfaces of walls, roof and floor. Also radon gas emanates from broken ore either from storage in backfilled mined-out areas as applied in e.g. shrinkage stopping methods or from ore spillage along intake airways mainly due to the use of trackless haulage. To a lesser extent water itself can represent an additional source of radon, which emanates into air from open drainage ditches or seepages along intake airways. The contribution from water can be controlled effectively by isolating the water from the primary intake air system, e.g. by diverting the water through pipes and/or sealing of seepages by grouting. However, control of radon emanating from rock surfaces creates a major technical problem with significant impact on the economic aspects of mining operations, if adequate radiological conditions must be maintained. Basically this can be achieved by suppressing the emanation process itself, confining already emanated radon or by removal of radon from the mine atmosphere. Extensive research has been carried out on the rate of radon emanation as a function of barometric pressure changes (Pohl-Rüling and Pohl, 1969). It could be shown that the radon supply consists of a permanent and variable component. The former results from the surface of the rock and depends mainly on the emanating fraction of its radium 226 content; the latter originates from within the rocks and is a function of the suction effect of decreasing barometric pressure, rock porosity and fissures. The practical application of this barometric pump effect for depressing the rate of radon emanation, e.g. by pressurizing the mine atmosphere, is limited due to high costs for providing a sink for absorption of radon and air as well as lack of permeability in most uranium ore bodies (Schroeder et al., 1966). Mine air cleaning by removal of radon can be achieved with the use of cryogenic methods, chemical removal, adsorption into charcoal beds, use of a gas centrifuge or general ventilation techniques. Technical problems have so far prevented the application of any of these methods other than ventilation. It is common practice to use the age-of-air concept, i.e. fresh air is delivered to the worker as directly as possible and removed quickly afterwards thereby maintaining the air "young". Engineering principles for quantity distribution of air through underground working areas are straightforward for general mining situations where radon constitutes an environmental contamination problem. However, in cases of high uranium ore content this concept may result in high costs with regard to installation and energy requirements for effecting both frequent air changes as well as sufficient heating of the air in cold seasons. Taking into account that the investment in ventilation systems is a major cofactor for the overall ore production costs this can be a limiting and decisive component in the assessment of the economic feasibility of specific mining operations and mineral reserves in general. Effective control of the radon flux from the rock surface prevents the initial contamination of the mine air with radon directly at the source. A radon diffusion barrier for practical application in mining requirements should fulfill the following requirements: - reduction of radon emanation rate by at least an order of magnitude - high mechanical strength - ease of sealant application onto surface to be coated - water resistant - low fire hazard - resistant to temperature changes encountered in mines - high cost efficiency in relation to exposure reduction achieved (direct and indirect costs) - low degree of maintenance. In the past several materials have been tested as sealants for controlling the emanation of radon from surfaces of rock and building materials. Epoxy paints reduce radon emanation rate only by a factor of 2 to 6 (Auxier et al., 1974; Eichholz et al., 1980; Keith Consulting Engineers, 1980). Although it is possible to prevent the escape of more than 99 % of the radon to the environment with gel seals over 80 mm thick (Bedrosian et al., 1974), practical applicability is very limited. Multilayer coatings of epoxy resins with various additives require meticulous preparation and flawless application of seamless four-layer coatings in four days to impede radon diffusion (Culot et al., 1976), otherwise results from this method have not been totally satisfactory (Leung, 1978). Aluminium foil laminated with polyethylene and paper on each side is under test as radon barrier but results are not available yet (Ericson, 1980). However, this method has the inherent disadvantage that possible malfunctioning electrical installations can cause fire or electrical shock through the sealant. Polyurethane foam coatings have been used on stoppings as very effective sealants. It does, however, represent a potential danger of spontaneous ignition and it is expensive (Rock, 1975). Thus, there is still need for a material which has similar properties as outlined above. In the following results are reported from investigations on the suitability of various materials as radon diffusion barriers.

Jan 1, 1981

By Brian P. Stapleton, Bill M. Stewart, Joel R. Warneke, Curtis C. Clark

Of the 28 accident/injury classifications listed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, handling materials is second only to roof falls in terms of generating the highest number of reportable accidents in active underground coal mines. Two materials-handling activities that cause numerous injuries each year are the categories of ‘handling supplies or material, load and unload’ and ‘moving power cables.’ Mechanization and mine worker activity training are two methods that can aid in preventing these injuries. This paper describes three mechanical methods – the mobile manipulator, the in-mine hoist, and a cable-handling system - being developed and tested at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Two of the devices are specifically designed for loading, unloading, and moving supplies and materials, and the third device is for handling trailing cables in the confined spaces of coal mines. Also described are safety solutions developed for underground coal mines geared to showing miners safe and unsafe ways of performing various materials-handling tasks.

Jan 1, 2005