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By E. Farrokh

Estimation of the cutter life and cost is a part of evaluating performance for a hard rock TBM in any project. Various approaches has been proposed for calculation of disc cutter life in various rock types based on machine specifications and rock strength and abrasivity. Cutter change time is a parameter that is used in some of the estimates and is defined as the average time required for changing a cutter on the cutter head and cutter life is the number of cubic meters of excavated rock per each disc cutter. Analysis of cutter life information of several tunnel projects from around the world has revealed that the published models for estimation of cutter consumption require some revisions to offer a more accurate prediction. The preliminary analysis of data shows that the average cutter change time is approximately 66 minutes for different cutter sizes and there is a minimal difference between corresponding cutter change times of the large (e.g. 19 or 20 in) versus smaller cutters (e.g. 15.5 to 17 in). This paper reviews the available and published cutter life data from various projects. It also introduces new models for estimation of cutter life and cutter change time as part of TBM down time and utilization analysis.

Feb 27, 2013

By D. E. Ranta, George F. Weaton

Estimating the Iron Ore reserves of Minnesota are directly related to both the geology of the deposit and the Scandinavian heritage of its people. The flat lying deposits, when properly prospected, make estimating easy and accurate across wide areas of the Mesabi Range. It also makes taxation simple on the unmined reserves. The reserves are their heritage and all the people should benefit, not just the owners. Heritage also dictates that newly discovered ores were there before discovery, hence, subject to the omitted property tax and liable for six years back taxes.

Jan 1, 1992

By S. Lin, Y. J. Wang

Based on systematic definitions of a generalized multiple fan ventilation system, the concepts of an augmented system, its solution curve and the operating points of the original system are introduced. The Quasi-Newton algorithm is applied in combination with the switching-parameter method to ensure a continuous search along an augmented-system solution curve and identify all the possible system operating points on it. Two example networks are analyzed to demonstrate those concepts and the application of the algorithm for identifying operating points of multiple fan ventilation systems.

Jan 1, 1994

By S. A. Allison, N. P. Finkelstein

After a brief consideration of the properties of zinc sulfide minerals, their flotation characteristics, and their reactions with thiol collectors, the literature on the activation of the minerals by cupric ion, their deactivation by cyanide, and their depression is reviewed in detail. The distinction between deactivation and depression is stressed. The contradictions in the published results and theories are discussed and attempts are made to resolve them. It is concluded that, whereas all aspects of the subject require further investigation, the study of depression is most likely to yield benefits in practice.

Jan 1, 1976

By Surendra K. Mishra

Metallic and oily components are the major contaminants of industrial wastes. Underground burial and incineration have been the commonly practiced methods of waste management. To provide a relatively more permanent solution, different processes have been developed. In addition to reviewing these processes, potential of using flotation as a process to treat hazardous metal and oil contaminated wastes is discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 1989

By Aurel Goodwin, Diann Kraft, V. S. Znamensky

This chapter deals with the Mine Safety and Health Administrations's (MSHA] concern and obligations with regard to asbestiform minerals. Asbestiform minerals are defined as the magical group of hydrated, silicate minerals that possess a fiberlike structure capable of being woven into cloth. Their unique combination of properties, such as resistance to heat and chemical attack, high tensile strength, and flexibility was recognized centuries before Christ. Pausanias, the early Greek geographer, speaks of golden lamps, made about 430 BC, with in- combustible wicks of Carpathian flax. The Ro- mans used asbestos as cremation clothes to con- serve the ashes of deceased persons of rank. Charlemagne had an asbestos table cloth that he used to pass through fire to clean (Lanza, 19381. Early recognition of the health hazards associated with exposure to asbestos was documented in the first century by Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, and Strabo, a Greek geographer. Both wrote of slaves with sickness of the lungs, whose occupation was that of weaving asbestos into cloth. This concern for the health of asbestos workers disappeared over the ages. Today, with the use of modern technology, asbestos products have been greatly exploited. The asbestos output has increased over a hundredfold in the past 70 years. World production has jumped from 454 t/y (500 stpy) in 1900 to 4.5 Mt/y (5 million stpy) in 1978. An increase in health problems for asbestos workers accompanied this increased usage. However, it was not until the modern era that the association of asbestos with chronic respiratory disease was rediscovered. Reports were published at the turn of the century documenting the effects of asbestos exposure on textile workers. One such report in 1907 by H.M. Montague Murray described the post mortem findings on a 34-year- old carding machine operator. Murray de- scribed the lungs as showing extensive diffuse pulmonary fibrosis spicules of asbestos. Subsequently, more reports of pulmonary fibrosis following inhalation of asbestos were published, including an epidemiological study of asbestos miners in 1930 (Merewether and Price, 1930), at Thetford, Que., Canada. This study took place at the mine 52 years after large-scale mining of asbestos had begun. But, the cancer- producing potential of asbestos was not established until 1949 when a report by Merewether in England described an excess of cancer of the lung and pleura [the lining of the lungs) among individuals dying from asbestosis (Merewether, 1949). In the past decade much attention has been focused on asbestosis, mesothelioma, and bronchogenic carcinoma, as the three major biological effects associated with asbestos ex- posure. Parenchymal and pleural asbestosis is a fibrosis in the substance of the lung with thickening and often calcification of the membranes lining the thoracic cavity. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the membranes lining the thoracic or abdominal cavities, and bronchogenic carcinoma is a cancer of the lung tissue itself. These diseases occur in various degrees and combinations. The severity and occurrence of these biological effects are directly influenced by conditions such as dose response relationships, intensity of exposure, duration of exposure, lapse of time since initial exposure, and cigarette smoking. Numerous studies indicate that the relationship between these conditions and the incidence of disease is proportional. Congress has recently concluded (Congressional Record, 1979) that, "exposure to asbestos fibers has been identified as significantly in- creasing the incidence of cancer and other severe or fatal diseases such as abestosis." Congress conveys its concerns for the safety and health of the nation's miners through the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 in which it gave MSHA the authority to set safe

Jan 1, 1986

By J. L. Carr

Every year, severe injuries and fatalities occur when a miner is struck or pinned by a continuous mining machine, shuttle car, scoop or other piece of mobile mining equipment. Proximity detection systems offer a means to prevent these types of injuries and fatalities by sensing the presence of a miner and disabling machine motion. Although hundreds of these systems are installed and in use in operating coal mines, the influence that coal has on the electromagnetic fields associated with these systems has never been rigorously quantified. NIOSH researchers have conducted tests to measure whether the proximity of coal has a significant influence on a popular design of proximity detection system. The system tested utilizes a low frequency magnetic field generator that would be mounted on the mining machine. At the NIOSH Safety Research Coal Mine in Pittsburgh, researchers measured the performance of a simplified proximity detection system of this type first on the surface then underground at varying distances from a coal face. Analysis of these measurements shows that the presence of coal does not have a measurable impact. Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Reference to specific brand names does not imply endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Feb 27, 2013

By R. K. Davey

Before the introduction of computerized procedures, mineralization modeling (compilation of level maps), ultimate pit studies, ore reserve compilations, and long-range mine planning all were performed manually. In fact, much of the basis for today's computer programs was derived from manual procedures and actual experience of mining engineers and geologists.

Jan 1, 1979

By Mark E. Gershon

Extensive efforts are under way to- ward applying computer techniques to mine production scheduling problems. These efforts are concentrated in four areas: optimization, computerization of traditional methods, heuristics and simulations. These areas complement each other rather than compete. Characteristics of each are discussed toward enabling the engineer to evaluate specific systems that may be encountered. Alternative approaches within each classification are described as well as the motivation for each.

Jan 1, 1985

By D. Pappas

Over the past decade the number of contractors working in underground coal mines has nearly doubled; however, the effect this has had on the industry?s injury rates has been the subject of much speculation. The confusion exists because the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) database does not assign contractor hours to the individual mining operations where they worked. To better understand the safety record of the contractor segment of the industry, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) undertook a comprehensive analysis of the data contained in the MSHA database. The first part of the study compared overall contractor and operator trends from 1983 to 2009 related to employment, hours worked, injury rate, and days lost. One unexpected finding was that the larger contractors tended to have higher injury rates than the smaller ones. The second part of the study directly addressed the role of contractors on the safety record of 10 large underground coal mines. A detailed analysis provided both injuries and estimated contractor hours worked at these mines for the period 1992?2007. Comparison between the estimated contractor injury rates and the reported operator injury rates at these mines indicated that the contractor injury rates were significantly higher at most of the operations studied. However, the industry-wide data indicates that contractor and operator injury rates have converged since 2005 and are now equivalent.

Jan 1, 2011

By R. R. Tatiya

The algorithms to model three stoping methods - sublevel, down- the-hole (DTH) and cut and fill stoping have been developed. These algorithms are capable of designing and performing economic analysis for one or more number of stopes in a continuous orebody. The design and economic analysis of each individual stope are first obtained. This is followed by the composite stope design layout and overall economics of the stopes under study. This paper describes only the stope design aspects of these models. The programs have been written using Fortran 77 with Tektronix graphical aids available at Imperial College Computer Centre (ICCC) London and are based on the basic data obtained from Khetri Copper Complex (KCC) and Rajpura Dariba (a zinc mine) in India. Minor modifications, however, may be necessary in some routines when used on other systems and for other mines.

Jan 1, 1989

By R. Kingman

At Tahawus, New York, National Lead Company operates the MacIntyre Development, This operation produces 10,600 long tons of ore per day for crushing, 8,000 tons for grinding and processing, of which 2,000 tons per day reports as tailing for disposal in an impounded tailing storage area. With the change in location of mining operations at the mine of National Lead Company, a change in the area for tailing disposal by gravity became necessary, This called for the diversion of tailing from near the proposed mining area to areas more favorable for long term storage by gravity. In order to avail the operation of maximum storage for the future, a uniform minimum grade launder was proposed with a minimum velocity and maximum outfall at the discharge. Disposal of the gravity and flotation tailing was formerly accomplished in open ditch from the concentrator at a grade of 1.5 percent. It was desirable to design the new launder at grades less than this for the greater storage elevation.

Jan 1, 1966

By S. J. Neethling

The flotation froth structure and motion determines the amount of entrained gangue that is collected to the concentrate. Despite this important role in the overall performance, the behaviour of the froth is still ill understood. To date, predominantly empirical models have been developed to describe entrainment. A fundamentally based model is described and used here in an attempt to improve the understanding of entrainment. This general froth simulator (UMIST FrothSim) allows the modelling of a wide range of flotation conditions, as it takes account of a large number of the physical phenomena that occur within flotation froths. The model firstly describes gas motion and bubble coalescence, and the water motion based on gravitational, viscous and capillary effects. The motion of the solids distinguishes between various solids classes based on hydrophobicity, particle size and density and models them by including the effects of Geometric and Plateau border dispersion, particle settling and the motion of the water. The aim of this paper is to show the applicability of this model to explain the observed entrainment and collection of gangue. This is done by comparing model predictions with the experimentally observed relationship between the gangue and water recoveries. The model predicts the identical trends, which are explained in terms of the interaction between the linear effects of water motion and hindered settling and the non-linear effect of particle dispersion.

Jan 1, 2001

By W. de Moura, R. Fueyo, M. M. Botz, J. C. Scola

The Cerro Vanguardia mine is an AngloGold Limited operation in southern Argentina that includes multiple open pits and a hybrid Merrill-Crowe and CIL circuit to recover gold and silver from oxide ore. Operations were commissioned at the site in 1998, which included a plant in the metallurgical circuit to recover cyanide from mill tailings. The cyanide recovery plant was initially configured to process tailings slurry and achieved greater than 90% cyanide recovery from tailings containing about 600 to 800 mg/L WAD cyanide (as CN). The cyanide recovery circuit was operated in this manner for approximately eight months, during which time the consumption of sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide was relatively high, leading to high rates of scale formation in the acidification tank and stripping towers. In July 1999, several piping changes were made in the cyanide recovery system to permit its operation with clear solution, which reduced the sulphuric acid consumption and eliminated scale formation in process equipment. The cyanide recovery system currently operates with a two-stage counter-current decantation (CCD) circuit which provides clear solution for processing in the cyanide recovery plant. The cyanide recovery efficiency now averages about 90% to 92% from solution containing about 350 mg/L WAD cyanide (as CN). Recovered sodium cyanide now accounts for about two-thirds of the total cyanide added to the leaching circuit. This paper presents a description of the cyanide recovery plant and details regarding its current operating efficiency.

Jan 1, 2004

By M. S. Duffy

To exploit the mineral resources of fine grained ore bodies the minerals processing industry is turning to fine grinding technology, of which tower milling has become an established part. However, compared to other mills relatively little is known about the operating mechanisms in tower mills. In all milling processes one of the keys to understanding how they work is in knowing how their grinding media move. To investigate the ball motion in tower mills a glass unit was therefore constructed and measurements taken of the movement of the grinding media. This paper describes the results from this study.

Jan 1, 1998

By George D. Roberts

Dams are constructed to retard the flow of water or debris; therefore natural forces are constantly at work to remove such obstructions. To circumvent nature and avoid expensive trouble with a dam requires thoughtful far-sighted planning, careful construction control and vigilant periodic inspections to detect and repair deterioration at its inception. Although the factuality of the foregoing statements is apparent, all too many have failed to consider them in the past as will many in the future. "The economic, but safe construction of dams calls for the highest order of technical knowledge, practical experience and sound judgment." (1)

Jan 1, 1967

By H. Knorre, A. Griffiths, J. Loroesch

Introduction Hydrogen peroxide is known to the mining industry as a powerful oxidant. able to attack and to destroy cyanide, the most important leaching reagent (Knorre and Griffiths, 1984; Griffiths, 1988; Griffiths, 1988). [ ] The most recent development, however, is the use of H2O2 as an oxidant in the cyanidation of precious metals. This application may appear to be a contradiction to the above mentioned detoxification process. This can, indeed, be the case if certain conditions are not considered carefully. Degussa has developed a new process to enable the application of H2O, in this field without having any detrimental effect on the cyanide. The incentive to seek an oxygen supplier like H2O2 instead of air was the fact that one of the most important conditions for the fast dissolution of gold is the presence of physically dissolved oxygen in the pulp (Kydryk and Kellog, 1954; Warstell, 1987). [ ] Complete gold recovery within a reasonable leaching time may only be achieved if the pulp is saturated with dissolved oxygen. Gold losses in leach operations mainly occur due to the following reasons: In some cases, the saturation of oxygen in the pulp cannot be achieved by aeration due to the difficulty to transfer oxygen from the gaseous into the liquid phase. This happens, for example, in pulps with a high viscosity. In such cases, even violent aeration only results in a low concentration of dissolved oxygen in the pulp. In any case, the starting phase of leaching requires the highest amount of oxygen. Therefore, it is especially important to raise the dissolved oxygen level to saturation in the starting phase. Peroxide assisted leach process (PAL) The intention of the process is to introduce oxygen in a liquid form. As a result of intensive research work, it could be shown that hydrogen peroxide can be used as a source of oxygen in the leaching of gold ores. To avoid side reactions, the following conditions must be applied: Hydrogen peroxide must be diluted before it is added to the pulp. The dosage of H2O, must be properly regulated based on the oxygen level of the pulp. An important part of the continuous O, control is a special oxygen electrode, which resists the extremely abrasive action of the pulp.

Jan 1, 1990

By H. Knorre, A. Griffiths, J. Loroesch

Introduction Hydrogen peroxide is known to the mining industry as a powerful oxidant, able to attack and to destroy cyanide, the most important leaching reagent (Knorre and Griffiths, 1984; Griffiths, 1988; Griffiths, 1988). CN- + H202 => OCN- + H2O The most recent development, however, is the use of H202 as an oxidant in the cyanidation of precious metals. This application may appear to be a contradiction to the above mentioned detoxification process. This can, indeed, be the case if certain conditions are not considered carefully. Degussa has developed a new process to enable the application of H2O2, in this field without having any detrimental effect on the cyanide. The incentive to seek an oxygen supplier like H2O2 instead of air was the fact that one of the most important conditions for the fast dissolution of gold is the presence of physically dissolved oxygen in the pulp (Kydryk and Kellog, 1954; Warstell, 1987). 2 Au + 4CN- + 1 /2 O2 + H2O => 2 [Au(CN)2]- + 2 OH Complete gold recovery within a reasonable leaching time may only be achieved if the pulp is saturated with dissolved oxygen. Gold losses in leach operations mainly occur due to the following reasons: • In some cases, the saturation of oxygen in the pulp cannot be achieved by aeration due to the difficulty to transfer oxygen from the gaseous into the liquid phase. This happens, for example, in pulps with a high viscosity. In such cases, even violent aeration only results in a low concentration of dissolved oxygen in the pulp. • In any case, the starting phase of leaching requires the highest amount of oxygen. Therefore, it is especially important to raise the dissolved oxygen level to saturation in the starting phase. Peroxide assisted leach process (PAL) The intention of the process is to introduce oxygen in a liquid form. As a result of intensive research work, it could be shown that hydrogen peroxide can be used as a source of oxygen in the leaching of gold ores. To avoid side reactions, the following conditions must be applied: • Hydrogen peroxide must be diluted before it is added to the pulp. • The dosage of H2O2, must be properly regulated based on the oxygen level of the pulp. • An important part of the continuous 02-control is a special oxygen electrode, which resists the extremely abrasive action of the pulp.

Jan 1, 1989

By P. M. Soupios

The study of soft soil (wastes above the rock bed) an issue of great importance in civil engineering, is usually addressed by drilling boreholes. This method is rather expensive and time-consuming and although the information obtained is usually accurate, on the other hand it is much localized. Recently published researches have demonstrated the ability of the combination of geophysical exploration methods to estimate the thickness of deposited wastes, which provides the layered structure of the study area and certain, method depended, mechanical parameters as well. By theory, the frequency of resonance of an upper layer is a function of its thickness and the average shear velocity in it. Furthermore, the application of H/V spectral ratios of micro-tremors is a fast, straight forward and cost effective methodology, yielding the determination of the main resonant frequency of the soil. Based on this framework, 20 microtremor measurements have been carried out in a Landfill in Heraklion-Crete. Some of these measurements were deliberately close to drilled sites, where the basement had been reached. Three electrical resistivity tomographies were also used, in order to define the landfill structure such as, thickness, determination of different wastes distribution in the study area and other parameters. In addition, estimation of predictive Vs using empirical relationship between shear velocity and penetration resistance (SPT?s) were also conducted. Knowing the thickness and the resonant frequency, we estimated the shear (Vs) velocity of the waste cover. The final Vs model was confirmed using the results from the Vs-SPT correlation. The combinative implementation of the above mentioned geophysical and geotechnical methods have successfully defined geometrical and geotechnical/geophysical characteristics of the area under investigation in a fast and cost effective way.

Jan 1, 2005

By D. Brady

The need for onsite gas monitoring during, or following, a major incident at an underground coal mine has long been recognised. Recommendations from inquiries following Queensland mine disasters have included ?qualified persons and equipment for rapid analysis of gas samples be available in times of emergency? and that ?this may be accomplished by either mobile laboratories or laboratories established in each mining locality.? Following the Moura No. 2 disaster, the Queensland Government allocated funds to Simtars for a mobile laboratory to respond should such a disaster occur again in the future. This vehicle was commissioned in 1997 and has been used at many mine sites under a wide range of scenarios. Simtars, armed with over ten years of operational experience with this mobile laboratory, has taken an active role in the design and construction of a modernised replacement unit. With a twenty point tube bundle system and ultrafast gas chromatograph the result is, arguably, the best equipped mobile gas analysis laboratory for mine emergency response in the world. This paper outlines the features of the new laboratory, its capabilities and the philosophy behind the design and inclusions.

Jan 1, 2012