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By Greg Colzani, Emily Thompson

The 3RPORT Project, includes a 5-mile tunnel excavated by a 19-foot diameter slurry Tunnel Boring Machine below the city of Fort Wayne, IN. The Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) indicated vuggy to massive argillaceous dolomite within the tunnel alignment. During excavation of the first reach, the TBM encountered zones of cohesive clay and sandstone presented in full face and mixed face conditions. The occurrence of Sandstone was not a “Baselined Condition” described in the GBR for this reach of the alignment. This paper will discuss the methodology to investigate, mitigate and evaluate the DSC impacts on TBM performance.

Dec 1, 2022

By V. B. Achanti

Reliability of the compressive strength of a coal seam determined in the laboratory is often subjected to debate. Effects of the coal seam's inherent characteristics, specimen preparation, testing procedure, testing condition, and a number of tests often result in drastic variation of the strength data. This paper deals with the development of a testing procedure for determination of coal seam compressive strength in the laboratory. Coal samples from two different coal seams were tested. First, the inherent characteristics of each coal seam such as coal structure, Hardgrove Orindability Index (HOI), Slake Durability Index, proximate analysis, and mechanical properties namely Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were determined to categorize them in terms of their characteristic severity liable to produce variable strength data in typical laboratory tests. Second, two commonly used laboratory specimen shapes namely; cylindrical and cubical, were tested to determine which shape produced the least variation of data and reproducible strength values. Third, four loading rates within the static testing range (Le. 0.007 MPa/s (1.0 psi/sec), 0.07 MPa/s (10 psi/sec), 0.34 MPa/s (50 psi/sec), and 0.7 MPa/s (100 psi/sec)) were used to determine an 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.

Jan 1, 1996

By Chin Wei Yang

Linear programming (LP) has proven to be a most effective mechanism for modeling a vast array of practical problems, while the development of LP applications in engineering have been extensive enough to show its advantages and limitations. In this paper: we focus on the properties of the widely-wed linear programming transportation (LPT) model formulated and developed by Koopmans (1) . There have been many models of this type applied especially in the field of energy economics (2-7). Since most of these applications can be linked to the seminal work of Henderson (8), we stall present our discussions based on his work.

Jan 1, 1980

By Ing. Alois Adamus, Ing. Václav Pošta, Ing. Lubomír Hájek

This paper reviews experiences connected with the use of nitrogen in the Czech coal industry. Special attention is focused on the first use nitrogen In the Czech Republic, it is probably the first case of fighting a mine fire using nitrogen in all the World. Discussion dwells on the present-day use of nitrogen, its sources, consumption, technological equipment, and the theoretical evaluation of nitrogen flushing.

Jan 1, 1995

By E. L. Schrader

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a cooperative arrangement between a component or raw materials supplier and a manufacturing customer. The supplier must analyze his own manufacturing process and determine, predict, and control those variable elements in the circuit which affect finished product characteristics according to the customer's specifications. The results include: control of fluctuations in product characteristics to a narrow range, close communication between supplier and customer, and an increased responsibility for quality control placed on the supplier. In the mining and. processing of airfloated kaolin some unique problems arise with the SPC concept: 1) The SPC system was designed for manufacturing facilities that did not have to deal with natural variations in their raw material; 2) The airfloat process is relatively simple and offers limited opportunity to change processing steps or "fine tune" a circuit for special product needs; 3) Determining adequate sampling frequency for a plant which processes hundreds to thousands of tons per day is statistically difficult; and, 4) Due to the variety of customer industries served, different SPC programs must be set up to deal with widely varying specifications. For airfloated kaolin, SPC is "in line" process control, not after the fact "quality" control. The emphasis must be on statistically valid sampling of the kaolin ore and complete monitoring of its path through the beneficiation circuit.

Jan 1, 1987

By Albert Hofstra, Joel Leventhal

The gray, dark gray and black colors of the sediments and the presence of pyrite in the Carlin, Jerritt Canyon, Horse Canyon, Betze, and Gold Acres sediment-hosted disseminated gold (SHDG) deposits indicate that these rocks are not oxidized with respect to carbon and iron sulfide. Both ore and non-ore host rocks generally are dark colored. Analyses for noncarbonate carbon (usually called organic carbon) in samples from SHDG deposits and related unmineralized rocks indicate that these rocks contain from a few tenths to a few percent carbon. We use the term noncarbonate carbon because, strictly speaking, organic carbon denotes carbon that is bound to hydrogen. However, the carbon present in SHDG deposits and related rocks has very little hydrogen chemically bound to it. Rocks with less than 2% organic carbon are usually gray in color. The dark colors in our samples are due to the relatively high temperatures that these rocks have experienced relative to organic matter maturation. We confirm the results of Nelson et al. (1982) that previous reports (for example, Radtke and Scheiner, 1970) were incorrect in reporting significant amounts of humic acids, extractable hydrocarbons (bitumen) or "carbonaceous" material. We believe these reports had problems with contamination or misdirected emphasis. Our samples consisted of unweathered rocks, collected mainly from mine cuts (benches, trenches, cores) and put into glass containers or wrapped in aluminum foil to avoid contamination. Only a few samples were collected from natural outcrops. We were careful to avoid samples in proximity to blast holes that were packed with ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel ("ANFO"). Contamination by ANFO may explain some of the previous reports of hydrocarbons, pyrobitumens, humic acids and anomalous nitrogen. When we were collecting samples, it was apparent that in addition to lithologic and color differences, the surface appearance of the rocks was distinguishable: "preg robbing" material that had a sooty surface; "graphitic" rock with a shiny surface; and more ordinary rocks that had a flat gray or black appearance. [Preg robbing is a term for ores that adsorb gold from the milling circuit; the graphitic material had not been x-rayed to actually identify graphite.] We hoped that laboratory study of these samples would show some fundamental differences that we could relate to ore genesis. Even though these sample types appeared different in the field, we could not distinguish any differences in thermal maturity (see below). Normal petroleum/organic geochemical laboratory procedures (solvent extraction, Rock-eval, pyrolysis-gas chromatography) failed to yield much information because the carbon was over-mature relative to oil and gas generation. Rock-eval results show less than 20 (± 20) mg of pyrolizable hydrocarbons per gram organic carbon (and an indeterminate Tmax) indicating that the organic matter in these deposits is burned-out relative to petroleum generation [with an H/C (atomic) ratio of less than 0.41. Because of the non-definitive results from standard organic geochemical methods, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the carbon. Prior to XRD, samples were treated with HCl and HF acids (1) to remove quartz that has a peak near 26° [20] at the position of the 002 peak of graphite and (2) to concentrate the carbon to a level detectable by XRD. The residue was put on a colodion mount and analyzed by XRD. The XRD analyses yielded a broad peak at 26° [20]. The shape of this peak indicates that the carbon is more thermally mature than anthracite rank coal but less mature than crystallized graphite. Based on XRD results from the literature (Landis, 1971) that are calibrated to metamorphic facies, results from our samples correspond to pumpellyite-actinolite to lowermost greenschist facies conditions, probably

Jan 1, 1990

By Syd S. Peng

The key design parameters of roof bolting using expansion - shell type support for underground coal mine roof support are bolt length, bolt spacing, installed load and anchorage capacity. Depending on the utilization of suspension effect or friction effect, the bolt length is dictated either by the distance between the roof surface and the first overlying strong strata encountered or the desired magnitude of reduction in bending stress at the roof surface, The current prevailing practices about the bolt spacing and installed load are that an initial torque of 125 - 170 ft-lbs is applied and the bolts are spaced at 4- or 5- ft. square grid pattern. This seems to be a rather broad generalization in view of the great geological variances which are expected in underground coal mines. A modest evaluation program to measure the effectiveness of current roof bolting practices is to monitor the load history of roof bolts during a complete mining cycle including the phases of room development and pillar robbing. The load history, when compared with the anchorage capacity of roof bolts determined by in-situ pull tests, will provide information for evaluating the installed load, the bolt spacing as well as the specifications for structural and anchorage characteristics of the bolt assemblies. This paper presents a case history of monitoring the complete load histories of roof bolts in an underground coal mine of Pittsburgh seam.

Jan 1, 1976

By H. Bernatowicz

The Nucoalyzer (On-Line Nuclear Analyzer) is a new method recently made comercially available for monitoring the elemental composition of a process stream. Applications for the Nucoalyzer include grading ore on a conveyor belt before or after it has gone through primary crushing, monitoring the slurry being transported in a pipe to the concentrator, and monitoring the stream of concentrate or the tailings from the concentrator. The Nucoalyzer may also be used at the smelter to monitor elements in the feed that include copper, sulfur, iron and silicon where a uniform feed is desired. The advantage of the Nucoalyzer over most other techniques are (a) it performs the measurement directly on the process with no sampling necessary, (b) the analysis can be performed on streams of particulate and slurries, and (c) the system does not have to make contact with the material it measures. These Nucoalyzers are operating at coal fired power plants and several more are about to be placed in service. This paper discusses the principles of operation of the Nucoalyzer, our experience in the field, application of minicomputers to data reduction, and potential applications in the ferrous and non-ferrous industries.

Jan 1, 1982

By Juan Eduardo Barrera

SUNNARY AND CONCLUSIONS Argentina presents to the foreign and local investors a mineral wealth that is largely unexplored, untested, underdeveloped and therefore incompletely evaluated. In view of the above, the new administration of President Raul Alfonsin through its Department of nines has designed and implemented a strategy ( Plan de Expansión Ninera P.E.M.), whose main objective aims at improving the "investment climate" in the sector. It is the Government's basic intention to apply the Mining Promotion Law with responsibility but with generosity to encourage the attraction of investment (local and foreign) to the sector. The establishment of a Data Bank system to evaluate possible new potential ore mining developments will help to connect the owners of potential projects with investors outside the sector. Argentina has an interesting gold ore potential. Estimated reserves of individual projects already known amount to almost 300 tonnes of gold for potential production. The government strongly believes and present information indicates that more systematic exploration has to be undertaken in the Jurassic areas that almost cover the whole of Patagonia. Two recent gold discoveries (Angela in the Chubut province, and Cerro Vanguardia in Santa Cruz province) indicate the potential of this area.

Jan 1, 1988

By Verya Nasri

This paper will present the design and construction of a deep underground station of the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) project; the Édouard Montpetit station. The Édouard-Monpetit station is an interchange station that will connect the deeply sitting REM tracks to the existing metro station of the same name located closer to the surface. Édouard-Montpetit station is expected to be the deepest in North America, surpassing the famous Forest Glen Station. The various challenges and solutions put forth for the successful completion of this underground work are presented to serve as a valuable example for future deep excavation performed in urban area, in the close vicinity of highly sensitive structures.

Jun 13, 2021

By M. H. Kotze, M. J. Virnig, G. Steinbach

Earlier work at Mintek on the development of gold-selective resins culminated in a plant-manufactured batch of the first generation of Minix resin. A subsequent pilot-plant campaign at a South African gold mine identified some problems with that resin. These included lower capacity and selectivity for gold compared with the laboratory prototype, and a slow but progressive loss in capacity as the resin was eluted and reloaded cyclically. These problems were overcome by chemical modification of the resin structure. Examples of these improvements are presented. The commercialization of a new resin for a new metallurgical application presents problems, which are exacerbated by the initial lack of demand for the resin because the process is unfamiliar to the mining industry. Progress in the commercial development of Minix is discussed in this context.

Jan 1, 1993

By Carlos Álvarez, Sergio Sánchez, Michael Mains, Giuseppe Gaspari

Extensive record of tunnels excavated with SEM (sequential excavation method) in swelling grounds exists in literature: global experiences include successful tunnelling both through clayey and rock masses with time dependant deformation. However, TBM (tunnel boring machine) use in swelling conditions with high water pressures (EPB, earth pressure balance, machines or slurry shields) is much less documented, considering the lower expected impact due to the limited stress relief and operations under saturated conditions. This paper summarizes a number of studies conducted as part of the risk assessment and detailed design of a large diameter TBM tunnel in variable and challenging geological conditions. The tunnel alignment is driven through mixed face conditions including swelling soils and clayey soft rocks, prone to intense time-dependent deformations. The paper also describes the approach adopted for the design of pre-cast segmental lining subject to both swelling actions and high seismic loads, due to the regional active tectonic faults. The design of this lining included a detailed parametric study performed to handle the existing uncertainties related with ground characterization, potential deconnement and complex geological congurations.

Jun 23, 2024

By R. Sellaro

It has long been understood that extended occupational exposures to respirable mine dusts can lead to chronic lung disease. In underground coal mines, CWP and silicosis are major concerns. While there have been many studies aimed at understanding total dust concentrations and silica content associated with different mining conditions (e.g., locations/occupations within a mine, cutting methods, geologic strata), little research has been completed to more comprehensively characterize respirable dust (i.e., by particle composition, size distributions, shapes). This preliminary study sought to characterize dust from an underground coal mine in Central Appalachia using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX). Respirable dust samples were collected from various locations in the study mine, and individual dust particles were identified and classified by mineral type. A continuous personal dust monitor was also used to estimate total respirable dust concentrations during sampling. Here we report initial results of this work, and discuss advantages and challenges of particle-level characterization of mine dusts in terms of occupational health research.

Feb 23, 2014

By S. Chander

A mineral or metallurgical process uses various inputs, such as ores, energy and other raw materials, to make different products that fulfill societal needs. The processing of raw materials has changed in recent years due to the increased complexity of processing low-grade ores, intensifying competitiveness and greater constraints. For process improvement, various plant optimization and process modifications must be conducted under environmental, social, political and economic constraints. Processing research and education's success in meeting the process industry's future needs depends on an adequate balance between micro- and macro-engineering approaches. In its simplest form, macro-engineering is concerned with the "big picture," while micro-engineering requires looking at a subset of the process. So macro-engineering may be defined as an investigation of the larger or "whole" system to achieve the desired goals. And micro-engineering may be viewed as a quantitative investigation of a subset of the process, to determine cause-and-effect relationships within the subset. Two different approaches might be used in macro-engineering analysis. In one, the big picture may be viewed without a detailed knowledge of the subunits. With this approach, statistical tools are used to relate input and output parameters. Also, actual plant data or analog models might be used to obtain the desired information. The usefulness of such an approach increases with problem complexity. To attain the desired goals using the second, "model-based," approach, a detailed knowledge of the subunits is often useful and their interactions may be considered. In complex process analysis, the first of these approaches is more useful since less information is needed. However, it is also less exact and more likely to fail if there are significant changes in conditions and interactions. The second approach, on the other hand, is more exact, with greater predictive ability within the narrow subset being considered. Consequently, it is difficult and costly to conduct.

Jan 1, 1992

By Robert H. Carpenter

Abstract, Syngenetic uranium in pre metamorphic Idaho Springs volcanics and sediments probably, was mobilized during metamorphism (1.7 b.y.) and partly retained along unconformities. Precambrian Silver Plume intrusives (1.4 b.y.) and Pikes Peak granite (1.0 b.y.) may have mobilized uranium from the craton and. Idaho Springs metamorphics to concentrate it in cauldron sites in migmatites, pegmatites, alaskite, disseminations and greissen. Tertiary intrusives also may have upgraded uranium by anatexis, leaching and differentiation. Tertiary vein and shear zone uranium mineralization may have-been-derived from underlying magma sources, leached from Idaho Springs metamorphics and from syngenetic leaching of overlying sediments and introduced by deep hydrothermal convection systems.

Jan 1, 1979

By Jacek Galas, Stanislaw Lenczowski

The image of the flotation froth surface in the mineral processing plant contains the information about its composition. This information can be very useful for a technological process automation. Images, captured in the optical part of the measurement system were read by the computer, then were transformed and analysed digitally. The set of image parameters, extracted from an image transforms, was evaluated by statistical analysis. The recognition algorithm constructed in this process allowed to estimate the froth composition.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. B. Ogbenlowo

A major problem facing the Nigerian Mineral Industry today is flooding in its underground mines. Flooding has reduced productivity to a very low level which results in huge economic losses. Consequently, this paper presents a computer based model that pre¬dicts the quantity of water accumulating from diverse sources in an underground coal mine with a view to suggesting a permanent solution to the problem. Specifically, the paper describes the model building technique and the output achieved from its application to a real mine case study.

Jan 1, 1988

By E. A. Barrett, L. L. Rethi

Throughout all segments of the United States mining industry, 163 independent contractor employees were fatally injured between 1990 and 1997. Factors that contributed to these injuries were identified after reviewing descriptive information contained in Mine Safety and Health Administration fatality reports for each of the incidents. Thirty-three unique contributing factors were identified and multiple factors were noted for each fatality. Those most frequently discerned were "failure to follow `standard operating procedures"', (35% of the fatalities), "poor positioning of employee" (26% of the fatalities) and "failure to maintain equipment" (23% of the fatalities). Contributing factors were then associated with the accident and job classifications of the victims. Factors having the highest frequencies in the top five accident classifications where most fatalities occurred were as follows: powered haulage - "failure to maintain equipment"; machinery - "poor positioning of employee"; slip/fall of person - "inadequate fall protection" and "failure to wear safety line"; electrical - "equipment contact with power line"; and falling/rolling/sliding rock - "poor positioning of employee. " Among the job classifications in which most fatalities occurred, leading contributing factors were as follows: truck driver - "failure to follow standard operating procedures" and "poor positioning of employee"; laborer/utility man/pumper - "poor positioning of employee"; mechanic/ repairman and welder - "failure to follow standard operating procedures." Recommendations for utilizing contributing factor information as a basis for safety training are proposed. Training programs may be developed that inform independent contractor employees of factors which, in the past, have contributed to fatal injuries in their job classifications. Then, by combining this information with contributing factors identified in "related" accident classifications, a truly focused training intervention that addresses very specific workplace hazards may he developed.

Jan 1, 2002

By R. ?nupárek

The quantities/volumes of extracted coal, waste rock, mine water and methane during a 250 year period of coal mining in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian coal basin are presented. The paper deals also with the impacts of mining on surface including subsidence, methane escape, mining affected landscape and induced seismicity. Change of hydrogeological regime in relation to closing and flooding of mines are discussed. In the final part recommendations for utilisation of closed underground mines and pit heaps are proposed.

Jan 1, 2005

By Raj K. Rajamani, Poly K. Songfack

The slurry transport within the ball mill greatly influences the mill holdup, residence time, breakage rate, and hence the power draw and the particle size distribution of the mill product. However, residence-time distribution and holdup in industrial mills could not be predicted a priori. Indeed, it is impossible to determine the slurry loading in continuously operating mills by direct measurement, especially in industrial mills. In this paper, the slurry transport problem is solved using the principles of fluid mechanics. First, the motion of the ball charge and its expansion are predicted by a technique called discrete element method. Then the slurry flow through the porous ball charge is tackled with a fluid-flow technique called the marker and cell method. This may be the only numerical technique capable of tracking the slurry- free surface as it fluctuates with the motion of the ball charge. The result is a prediction of the slurry profile in both the radial and axial directions. Hence, it leads to the detailed description of slurry mass and ball charge within the mill. The model predictions are verified with pilot-scale experimental work. This novel approach based on the physics of fluid flow is devoid of any empiricism. It is shown that the holdup of industrial mills at a given feed percent solids can be predicted successfully.

Jan 1, 1995