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By Norman E. Breslow, John A. Montgomery, Sanford W. Horstman

Reconstruction of historical exposures to silica dust is required in an ongoing cohort mortality study of workers in the diatomaceous earth (DE) industry. However, historical data were collected using three different sampling methods. This study was conducted to derive empirical quantitative relationships from linear regression equations between the three methods: standard impinger, total mass, and respirable mass. Dust from one diatomaceous earth processing plant was sampled simultaneously by all three methods. Results from 61 clusters of the three sampling devices indicate that the phcle size distribution of the dust varies with the two parent products sampled. baghouse product and main product. The relationships between particle counts and respirable mass are: Respirable mass (mg/m3) = 0.064 (mppd) impinger count for baghouse product dust, and respirable mass (mg/m3) = 0.018 (mppcf) impinger count for main product dust. The relationships between particle counts and total mass are: Total mass (mg/m3) = 0.837 (mppcf) impinger count for baghouse product, and total mass (mg/m3) = 1.21 (mppcf) for main product dust. In all four euuations, the intercept did not differ significantly from zero, and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.90 to 0.95. Results are compared with data from four previously published studies.

Jan 1, 1991

By P. R. Pereira

This paper presents a comparison between the simulations of a semi-empirical model and a theoretical model for the prediction of radial stress in rock. The results of the simulations were compared to the results of a field test. The comparison of the radial stress predictions shows that in the semi-empirical model use of the plane wave approximation as the basis for the prediction of the radial stress provides a much better result than the theoretical model. The theoretical model includes the correct elastic wave geometry and theory but fails twice, firstly by considering the charge as a point (unit) energy source therefore; and secondly by using a Delta function with a very sharp rise and decay time to simulate, with no distinction between non-linear and linear zones, the attenuation of the energy per unit volume at the shock wave front as the wave moves away from the borehole. The results of the semi-empirical model were within the same order of magnitude as the results from the field test whereas only one result from the theoretical model came close to the result of the field test. However, even this closer result for the theoretical should be taken with caution as there was no measurement in the field test made at this distance from the borehole. Finally, because of its potential portability, convenience, and cost-effectiveness the theoretical model can be a most valuable tool for mining and civil construction operators in the early design of blasting rounds and of the mining operation itself.

Jan 1, 1993

By Stanislaw Nawrat, Waclaw Dziurzynski

An increasing concentration of coal production, especially in the circumstances of intensive methane inflow makes the coal mine managing staff apply new techniques of safe mining. It paves also the way for scientists to develop new directions of investigations and implementation of state-of -the- art technical solutions. Simultaneously, it could be noticed that the funds assigned for expansive 'En situ ' investigation are continuously decreasing. Better and better results are reached when applying computer technique in calculations of the parameters of ventilation process. Recent theoretical and experimental investigations of air and gas (methane) flow in longwall areas with caving, combined with the implementation of methane drainage system allowed to create, a mathematical model and consequently to elaborate a computer supported numerical simulation of discussed phenomena. The mathematical model has been modified and the simulation program was prepared in such a way that the software is convenient for a user looking for an optimal solution. The paper presented the methodology of optimal choice of following parameters: - ventilation system - rate of flow through the wall. The procedure takes into consideration keeping a safe level of concentration methane in air flowing through the longwall as well as the criterion of maximum methane concentration within the methane drainage pipe line. Results of variant computer simulation regarding the longwall with caving are shown in graphs and tables.

Jan 1, 1995

By R. W. Barbaro, J. M. Mutrnansky

This paper presents a nonlinear integer goal programming model that optimizes a mineral production schedule while considering the penalties and bonuses based on quality variations in the final product. It involves five coal quality goals plus a profit objective in its formulation and uses the weighting method of goal programming for a solution. The goals to be sought involve the sulfur, ash, heat content, moisture content, and ash softening temperature of the blended coal product. The model is linear in its handling of most of these goals but uses a piecewise linear integer formulation for the sulfur and heat content bonus and penalty schedule. The model is applicable to any mineral product blended from several different sources and subject to a varying price dependent on blended product quality or qualities. However, it seems to be most pertinent to optimizing production schedules for coal deliveries to power plants. Accordingly, the model is applied to a hypothetical coal production problem where multiple coal mines are operated to supply a final blended product to a power plant. In this example, the price paid for the coal is assumed to be a function of five of the most important coal qualities. The problem is solved as a direct function of the coal supply contract, thus removing the necessity of determining the weighting coefficients on a subjective basis.

Jan 1, 1987

By Joseph Keenan

In March of 1994, Dynatec Mining Limited entered into a contract with PCL Civil Constructors to carry out the underground excavations for the Algonquin Power Corporation’s15 Megawatt Nagagami hydro-electric power station located near Hearst, Ontario, Canada. Dynatec completed the work for this project in early October 1995. Dynatec Mining Limited’s work included the excavation of a 175 meter long penstock driven at a grade of -25% to a 4000 m3 powerhouse located 50 meters below the intake elevation. A 1200 meter long tailrace was driven from the Nagagami River to connect with the powerhouse. Two 50 meter raises were driven from the powerhouse to surface to pro-vide access for equipment and personnel. The excavation of the tailrace tunnel(5.8m x 5.9m) was completed using Dynatec’s Long Round Jumbo Technology.

Jan 1, 1997

By M. Saidman, R. Pizzuti, R. Hirschfeld, A. J. Desai, J. Rand

Two bedrock tunnels, 170 to 250 feet deep and with a length of about 17,000 feet each, will be used to convey cooling water from the Atlantic Ocean to the Seabrook, N.H., Nuclear Power Plant. Seismic reflection and refraction surveys were used to obtain preliminary information about overburden and bedrock conditions. A major boring program, including core orientation and water-pressure testing, was undertaken to provide detailed geologic data. The results of the geotechnical investigation were summarized in terms of rock type, frequency and character of joints, degree of weathering, modified core recovery (RQD), pressure-test results and strength and hardness. These parameters were used as a basis for evaluating the feasibility of using a tunnel-boring machine, for designing and estimating the initial support systems, and for evaluating the grouting and tunnel lining requirements.

Jan 1, 1976

By Luc Morin

What you don't know won't hurt you! This attitude can get you into trouble when considering your process! When trying to extract the most and the best possible performance from a mineral processing circuit this should be reworded to say: What you don't know about your process will hurt your profits! Today, with the popularity of joint ventures, custom milling contracts and process audits by specialists, not knowing is a formula for trouble! Good Sampling Systems are no longer considered a luxury' Not too long ago the practice of grab sampling was considered acceptable and became the norm. Today, it is rare to hear metallurgists say, "All I need is a trend not a good representative sample. so I'll just grab a sample every few hours." Buyers and sellers of quality products have found that grab sampling leads to poor partnerships'

Jan 1, 1999

By Thomas A. Wheeler

The reagents commercially used in coal flotation and their roles are reviewed and discussed According to their function the reagents are divided into often overlapping groups: 1. Collectors 2. Frothers 3. Conditioning Reagents Frothers have by far the largest effect on the amount of coal recovered They act not only in their traditionally accepted function of “bubble makers”, but in coal flotation they serve in a seldom acknowledged role of collectors. A lab flotation study on four samples of different coal ranks shows how these react to various frother families and proves that no froher is the optimum reagent for all types of coal. The advent of new technology in flotation equipment in the past decade has resulted in various novel designs of column cells, Jameson and Centrifloat™ cells, air-sped hydrocylones, etc. All should require special frothers or blends of frothers to meet their specific needs.

Jan 1, 1994

By Ronald W. May

The Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation in northern Alberta contains bituminous sands interbedded with other sediments which form the reject encountered during mining operations. Grade prediction is based on a combination of geological interpretation, computer modelling and past mining experience. In addition to estimates for ore, an accurate estimate of "waste" or "reject," are required for Mine Planning. This study investigates the ability of point-kriging using geostatistics, to augment the existing data base of drill-holes in a study area on Syncrude's leases. This approach enables the assessment of potential "worst" case - "best" case scenarios within the context of Mine Planning.

Jan 1, 1985

By Y. Luo, S. S. Peng, C. T. Holland

Introduction A well-designed mining plan is one that minimizes cost and mining induced problems and maximizes recovery of the coal reserve. To minimize the negative effects on surface structures caused by ground subsidence due to underground mining activities, two kinds of practices are commonly employed by mine operators. One is the support technique, which leaves an area of coal unmined or partially mined beneath the structure to be supported. The other is the protection technique, which protects the structure when it is subsiding with the ground by taking advantage of the ground subsidence process (Luo et al., 1992). In designing the supporting technique, the only currently available method in the US is the one stated in the Pennsylvania Underground Coal Mining Rules (1985). However, the size of the support area designed by this method will be excessively large and result in a wasteful use of coal reserves when the overburden depth is more than 350 ft. A more scientific method is proposed in this paper for designing the support area. This method is based on a large amount of subsidence data collected throughout a number of major US coal fields and the authors' experience with monitoring and protecting surface structures that have been undermined by longwall panels. It considers the critical deformation indices that a structure can tolerate, and depth and height of underground extraction. A support area designed by this new method will not only assure the safety of the structure to be supported but will also maximize the extraction of the coal reserve. Design of support area using the Pennsylvania rules The Pennsylvania Underground Coal Mining Rules (1985) state that no underground mining activity should be permitted beneath structures where the overburden depth is less than 100 ft. An exception to these rules is provided for mine related openings that provide access to the surface for such as entries, shafts, boreholes and site-specific variances for entry development. If the overburden depth is greater than 100 ft, the mine operators should utilize either of the following: •Extraction techniques that provide for planned subsidence in a predictable and controlled manner, or •Support techniques designed to prevent subsidence damages to features identified as: •Public buildings and non-commercial structures [ ] customarily used by the public, including churches, schools and hospitals • Dwellings, cemeteries, municipal public service operations and municipal utilities in place on April 27,1966 •Impoundments and other water bodies with a storage capacity of 20 acre-ft or more • Aquifers, perennial streams and water bodies that serve as a significant source for a public water supply system, and •Coal refuse disposal areas. The support techniques require that a support area be left beneath the surface structure or feature to be protected (Fig.1). The support area should consist of coal pillars, with their size and pattern being such that their bearing strength is maximized. The total coal extraction within the support area should be limited to a maximum of 50%. The support area should be rectangular in shape and determined by projecting a line at a 15° angle from the surface to the coal seam with an offset distance of 15 ft from all sides of the structure. For a

Jan 1, 1994

By Scott Brien, O&apos

Cyclones have become standard unit operations in mineral processing for both dewatering mineral slurries and for making separations at given particle sizes. Conventional cyclones are normally able to make moderately sharp cuts. However, the limited ability to control water flow out of the apex means that cyclones have difficulty handling fluctuations in feed. Underflow-regulated cyclones are cyclones with a rubber boot attached to the underflow. This boot acts as a non-return valve and restricts flow out of the apex of a cyclone. Normally, this type of restriction on a cyclone causes severe difficulties in cyclone operation. However, by adding a siphon arm to the overflow, water flow can be controlled. The siphon arm creates a vacuum that reduces or eliminates the air core, permitting better control of the ratio of water flow out of the overflow and underflow. A Linatex-developed underflow-regulated cyclone was compared to a conventional cyclone for its ability to dewater a sand slurry. The underflow-regulated cyclone produced slurries with solids contents as high as 80% in the underflow. Conventional cyclones produced lower solids content in the underflow under similar conditions.

Jan 1, 1997

By C. A. Rawlins

INTRODUCTION Radcont is a program designed by the author of this paper for the industry to use as an instrument for radiation contamination evaluation and ventilation planning system. Radiation in mines are associated with the mining of gold and gold bearing minerals, as uranium and thorium is incorporated in the mining of these minerals. Radiation contamination in South African mines is not a new concept as it was investigated by the Chamber of Mines in the early 1960's and found not to be hazardous at the time. Since some of our mines export scrap metal to customers abroad, it came to light (1991) that some of the scrap metal was radioactive. The authority that oversees the nuclear aspects in South Africa is the Council for Nuclear Safety (CNS). They investigated these matters and found that the mines needed further information regarding radioactive material and the handling of these contaminated materials. As the various mines were licensed (with various conditions incorporated) thereafter, the mines had to do their own investigations as to what extent their properties (Surface and underground) were radioactively contaminated. Some mines were found to be highly contaminated over the years of operation and controlling conditions were installed and measures installed to reduce the contamination levels. One of the conditions when issuing a licence by the Council for Nuclear Safety (CNS), is that a screening survey be carried out to determine the radiation exposure levels and corrective action to be taken if necessary. These surveys must be done by a person trained in the required procedures for such a survey. The person must also measure the risk correctly and assess the results properly. In such a survey, the internal and external exposure levels must be determined to assess the total exposure of persons working in those conditions and take appropriate action if necessary. When doing such a survey, hundreds and more likely, thou- sands of data points are recorded. In order to assess the data recorded, various integrated and difficult calculations need to be made, and takes up enormous amounts of time. (This excludes the interpretation of the results ) The following explanation of the program shows the different parts of such a survey assessment calculations to be done. The paper details the program layout and the different sub- sections within the primary program. It must be stated that the program, as with any other program, is as accurate as the data inserted into the data base. The program and details thereof are given under the following headings: 1. TOTAL EFFECTIVE DOSAGE WITH REGARDS TO: • GME required gravimetric results obtained (mg/m3) • Thick layer or total contamination measured (Bq/m2) • Dry condition surveys with dust loads taken as a Standard l0mg/m3 • Wet conditions survey with dust loads taken as l mg/m3 • Airborne long lived alpha and beta activities as determined by analysis in Bg/m3 • LTD (Thermoluminescent Dosimeter). Results as obtained from the SABS (South African Buro of Standards) are recorded in this section for each month of the year for each individual worker. An average dose is then determined at the end of the year. • Bucket measurements as recorded. • Smear samples (Loose contamination). As determined by Electra or by analysis • Occupational factors for Metallurgical and Engineering occupations in and around the Metallurgical facilities of your mine. • All underground dosage determination and calculations. (Radon and Thoron) 2. INFORMATION REQUIRED WHEN PROGRAM IS INITIALISED: As the program is started, it opens up on the contents page. Here there are various options to choose from, but one is cautioned as a beginner in operating the program, not to perform any tasks before carefully reading these instructions. Firstly, one must go to the 'Information required" pushbutton. Press this button. The information required page is shown where the cursor can be moved to the block where one can enter the specific mines name. To enter a mines name, put the cursor in the block provided and just insert the mines name with the normal keyboard keys and press the enter button on the computer keyboard. To enter the other information required such as Alpha and Beta instrument efficiency, ALI (Annual limit of intake) and probe area, one can either press the 'Data required" button for a dialog box information or enter it manually by just putting the cursor in the block provided and entering as did above. In order to insert all the required information for the pro- gram to calculate the information required, one must proceed further by entering the area names surveyed in the spaces provided. There are 20 spaces to enter 20 different areas surveyed. One must further also provide the amount of days worked in each area (i.8. 250) in the block provided. The de- fault is 250 days. There are also standard information given in the information data page such as breathing rate (1,2 m31h), 8 hours worked per day, 5 days per week and 50 weeks per

Jan 1, 1997

By A. W. Laughlin

Analytical costs are a major part of exploration programs in developing nations which may lack adequate laboratories. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), a variant of atomic emission spectroscopy, can reduce exploration analytical costs and can provide the analytical results in <1 minute. CPI is now marketing battery-powered, backpack mounted analyzers, using LIBS to analyze for many elements of interest to the explorationist. LIBS is well suited to the analysis of elements in industrial minerals. Limits of detection in ppm for some of these are: Li-1, Be-2, Na-100, B-33, Sr-10, Ba-300, Cs-1, K-500, Fe-500, Mg-500, and Ti-500.

Jan 1, 1999

By L. Shevenell

Nevada now has, or will have, 35 pit lakes resulting from open-pit mining below the water table. State regulators are requiring that the ultimate pit lake water quality be predicted as part of the permit application process. Water balances/pit lake filling rates must be esti¬mated in support of the geochemical modeling. In Nevada, analytical and numerical methods have been employed for the study of pit lakes. In the current work, analytical solutions are investigated for one pit lake, the Getchell south pit lake, which previously filled be¬tween 1968 and 1982 during a hiatus in mining. Water levels vs. time are available for this lake and these data have been fitted with a hyperbolic curve. This water-level-vs.-time curve was used in simple water-balance computations to find the net inflow rates by forcing computed water levels and volumes to match those of the known water levels and volumes through time. The model described here provides realistic volume fluxes into and out of the lake on a monthly basis as the pit lake filled.

Jan 1, 2000

By E. Bakhtavar

Finding a ?practical spacing between the holes? for use of the expansive mortars is an important problem in dimension stone quarries. Objective has been to first introduce a relationship between this spacing and the dependent parameters in such a way that the required size and shape of the blocks is produced with the maximum efficiency and safety, minimum wastage, conservation of reserves and protection of environment. For this purpose, a dimensional analysis was used. On the basis of granite and marble rock types in Iran two separate relations are hence established to calculate the practical spacing between the holes.

Jan 1, 2011

By Egon Pohl, Friedrich Steinhäusler, Werner Hofmann

INTRODUCTION Anticipated increase of nuclear fuel production in the future coincides with growing concern about the occupational health risk of miners from inhaled radon decay products. As a consequence it has been suggested to even lower presently permitted exposure levels (NIOSH, 1980) and implement more stringent control on measurement programmes. Compliance with these regulations requires large investments in new or modified ventilation systems as well as in increased expenditure for staff and instrumentation for health physics operational monitoring. Since both costs are directly related to the overall ore production costs, this can have far reaching implications with regards to the economic feasibility of certain mining operations and consequently reduce estimates of low-cost minable ore reserves. In addition there is increasing evidence that the radon problem is not limited to the nuclear fuel cycle only, but can also represent a significant hazard to non-uranium miners. A key component in the cost-effective implementation of legislative control measures is the monitoring system employed. The choice of system is decisive for the total costs of installation and maintenance, manpower requirements and accuracy of nuclide determination. In the following operational specifications are defined for monitors in mining and milling environments. Different types of available instrumentation are discussed with regard to their suitability for practical radiation protection in underground mines, open cut mines and mills. ATMOSPHERIC CHARACTERISTICS Underground mines Radon in the air of underground mining operations is exhaled from surrounding rock surfaces, crushed material and, to a lesser extent, from water seepage. Whilst in uranium mines radon releasing ore bodies are generally localized in distinct areas, radon sources in non-uranium mines can be very dispersed throughout the system of mine tunnels. The ventilation scheme used influences the absolute atmospheric level of radon as well as the equilibrium conditions between radon and its decay products (factor F). In uranium mines mechanical forced-air ventilation is normally the only way to achieve and maintain legally required nuclide levels. This causes the F-factor to be rather low, e.g. in French CFA-mines F is of the order of 0.2 (Francois, Pradel, Zettwoog, 1975). At the same time the fraction of unattached radon decay products (fp) can increase due to the high air velocities employed. However, it is possible to find non-uranium mines with either natural draught ventilation only or assisted on demand by forced air ventilation during special operations or climatic conditions. Thereby the F-factor is more dependent on seasonal changes of temperature differences between outdoors and mine atmosphere and work routines. As a result F can cover a wide range from 0.02 to 0.95 (Steinhäusler, 1976). The use of filters or electro-precipitators in mine ventilation systems can modify the atmospheric characteristics twofold as it generally decreases the content of radon decay products, but at the same time increases the content of the unattached fraction fp . Average concentration levels of radon decay products are mostly lower in mechanically ventilated non-uranium mines than in equally ventilated uranium mines and are below 0.3 Working Level (UNSCEAR, 1977). However, some working places in non-uranium mines, specially with only natural draught ventilation can occassionally approach maximum permissible levels as defined for uranium mines (Strong, Laidlaw, O&apos;Riordan, 1975; Snihs, 1976; Sciocchetti, Scacco, Clemente, 1981). Open pit- and surface mines Radionuclide levels of radon decay products in the atmosphere of these mines are mostly too low to represent a significant inhalation hazard for miners, ranging typically from 0.03 to 0.1 Working Level (Steinhäusler, 1976). However, personnel using airpurifying respirators or working in cabins ventilated with filtered air can be exposed to a radon atmosphere with low value for the F-factor (F [<] 0.1) and high fp-value up to 80 % (Leach and Lokan, 1979). Mills Atmospheric radon concentration in crushing, grinding, drying and packing sections depends on the radium 226 content of the ore, ore storage methods and ventilation system employed. Providing adequate ventilation ([>] 2 air changes per hour) and control of dust production radon and its decay products represent only a minor problem (Saconney, 1979). MONITORING OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE Objectives Operational monitoring of the working places provides information on: - confirmation of appropriate control of the routine mining methods employed - indication of abnormal conditions. Although this type of monitoring enables the location

Jan 1, 1981

By Larry Whittle

Gold milling activities generate waste streams containing dissolved metals and cyanide, among other contaminants, that require some form of treatment prior to discharging to the environment. To date, this treatment has involved the destruction of cyanide through natural degradation, chemical oxidation, or a combination of both followed by the precipitation of metal hydroxides. Although these processes have been proven to be capable of achieving. regulatory levels for metals and cyanide, they often generate significant levels of cyanate and, at times, ammonia, that may be toxic to rainbow trout and thus undesirable for regulatory compliance. Tallon Metal Technologies Inc. (Tallon) has developed Vitrokele™, a chelating resin that has the ability to capture metals (including gold), both total and weak acid dissociable cyanide, as well as thiocyanate from both slurries and solutions. The loaded resin is eluted and returned to the recovery circuit while metals and cyanide are recovered from the eluent stream. This process was demonstrated at pilot scale at B.P. Resources' Hope Brook Gold Mine in Newfoundland, and more recently at Canamax's Bell Creek Mine near Timmins, Ontario. The results from these pilot programs showed metal and cyanide recoveries of 99% or more with the concentration of cyanide and metals in the effluent reduced to levels with minimal or no toxicity to rainbow trout. Furthermore, neither cyanate nor ammonia were generated from the process. The loaded resin was effectively stripped and re-introduced to the recovery circuit; cyanide was captured in the eluent stream and made available for recycling to the mill leaching circuit; and metals were captured for re-use, sale or disposal. This paper summarizes the results obtained from the pilot tests at the Bell Creek and Hope Brook Gold mine sites.

Jan 1, 1992

By Joseph Peterson, Alexander May

The Bureau of Mines used geochemical modelling computer programs to characterize a site containing lead slag generated by a lead processing facility. Tests for toxic elements by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extraction procedure showed that all elements except lead were in compliance. Concentrations for lead ranged from 28 to 30 ppm. However, analysis of water samples from monitoring wells resulted in no lead concentrations that exceeded the National Drinking Water Standard. A discussion of a computational program to calculate concentrations of lead species and several other ions is presented.

Jan 1, 1991

By E. J. Miller

The Ventilation Branch is engaged in a project to determine if low level carbon monoxide monitors used for early detection and warning of fire in a coal mine conveyor belt entry can provide protection equivalent to that of thermally actuated point type heat sensors commonly used for fire detection. A series of tests were conducted to determine the required operating parameters, such as sensor spacing and alarm levels of detected carbon monoxide to provide equivalency between&apos; these methods of fire detection. This report summarizes the results of these tests.

Jan 1, 1980

By R. Benito

This paper describes the development of a life of mine schedule (LOM) for one of the world?s largest known sedimentary Copper-Cobalt districts located in the Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A particular feature of the Tenke Fungurume LOM schedule is the considerable number of pits/phases for scheduling, each competing to provide the best ore available to a capacity constrained process facility. This paper discusses the main scheduling objectives and constraints, data pre-processing as a scheduling aid, the mine scheduling approach, and results and conclusions.

Jan 1, 2011