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By G. T. Lineberry, R. S. Mateer

Often only after years of "technical dormancy" do errors in published literature become apparent and meaningful. To prevent duplication of effort for future generations, the following corrections are offered. These errors were discovered during a recent study in which a computer program for mine hoist rope selection was developed (Lineberry and Mateer, 1988). In order of increasing gravity: Captions for Figs. 3 and 4 are transposed. Purported to be a more accurate method of rope selection than the process of successive approximation, the direct method assumes linearity between a given rope's minimum breaking strength, T, and unit rope weight, WV. Because of the sensitive location of the constant, K, in equation (8) for breaking strength, the significance of this nonlinearity is magnified. For a typical 6 x 37 class fiber core wire rope (Wire Rope Corp. of America, 1985), K actually varies from 43,650 to 52,190, depending upon rope diameter. Although the direct solution permits a rapid selection of hoist rope, an indirect (iterative) solution procedure is favored because of its improved accuracy and ease of computerization. Equation (8) for minimum breaking strength is in error. It should read:

Jan 1, 1990

By Li. S. D., R. X. Zhang, K. M. Li, Y. D. Zhang, Y. J. Hou, S. G. Li

A computer aided design software system for long range coal surface mine planning has been developed by the authors. The system is composed of two subsystems: a coal deposite sub- system and a long range mine planning system. The geological parameters are estimated and a grid model is formed, then a 3-D block model can be developed for mining design. The long range surface mine planning system is based on oriented graph simulation and combined approaches to seek for the optimal deign alternative. This mining model consists of a number of sub-models to realize mining design functions such as: calculation of mining volume and coal quality by graph scanning; determination of operational stripping ratio by interactive design; varification of annual coal production; delimitation and development of dumping site; optimization of material flow direction and volumes by Linear Programming; surface mine production scheduling by interactive iteration; etc. The software package was developed on PC computer 486. It features classified menu guide, module structure, figure and graph representation on the screen and flexible interactive functions. This system has been applied to an open cut coal mine and predicted functions have been obtained.

Jan 1, 1996

Liebherr Mining Equipment Co., of Newport News, VA and Baxter Springs, KS, introduced the T282, a new two-axle, diesel-electric, AC drive haul truck with a payload capacity of 327-t (360-st). The T282 was unveiled at a press briefing in October 1998 at the company's Baxter Springs research and development1 manufacturing facility. In addition to an increase in pay- load capacity, the truck's AC drive system has been de- signed to allow for easy configuration to a trolley-assist system with minimal additional equipment. The T282 provides fuel savings, reduced maintenance requirements, and reduced downtime and maintenance costs, providing the mine operator with increases in productivity. Basic dimensions and weight of the T282 are: ? Overall length, 14.5 m (47.5 ft). ? Overall width, 8.7 m (28.7 ft). ? Loading height, 6.5 m (21.2 ft). ? Height - body up, 13.9 m (45.9 ft). ? Empty vehicle weight, 201 t (221 st). ? Operating weight - loaded, 528.6 t (582.6 st). ?Engine, Detroit Diesel 16V4000 at 2 MW (2,750 hp). ?Electric drive system, Siemens/Liebherr.

Jan 1, 1999

By J. C. Reid

Computer-aided lithogeochemistry was used to "prospect" for stratabound scheelite (a tungsten ore) that occurs in many Precambrian clastic and chemical rocks, northeastern Brazil; The district is a metallogenic province covering about 5000km2. Exploration bedrock lithogeo-chemistry was applied at regional, local, and mine scales to identify regional tungsten trends and dispersion halos associated with economic tungsten mineralization. Regional coarse-mesh sampling (Cu,Mo,W) in 25km2 cells "found" all major mines and significant prospects using objective and cost objective computer mapping of bedrock geochemical data. The method is efficient ; of the 3600km2 study area only 9% of the original area remained after the initial pass. Of this area, the geo- chemically highest ranked (4%) cells contained the mines and prospects. Similar computer-aided treatment was applied to Cu,Mo,W,F, and Be lithogeochemical data from several mining concessions and prospects with outcropping and subsurface W mineralization. At a local scale out-cropping W mineralization was recognized at a distance of 500m. Fracture zones through which hydrothermal solutions traveled were identified; these were related to W mineralization at a depth of 200m.

Jan 1, 1986

By M. E. Rossi, V. Camacho

Reconciliation of production information is critical to evaluating the effectiveness of predictive models that would allow for the optimization of mining operations. Whether mining open pit or underground, mine-to-mill reconciliations can be one of management's better tools for the performance of proper accounting. Such reconciliations can also be a very useful tool in evaluation and optimization. This paper proposes a set of criteria and objectives for a typical reconciliation program. This paper also presents a stepwise, logical approach to performing reconciliations and discusses the benefits associated maintaining good information. It also highlights some of the potential pitfalls involved and the methods used to avoid collecting misleading information. These issues are illustrated with an example of a model-to-mine-to-mill reconciliation program that is being implemented at an operating mine. The program involves multiple predictive models (long-term and short-term block models), feed from three open pits and one underground mine, in addition to intermediate stockpiling, for a total of 23 mill streams. This paper presents a summarized version of this reconciliation program and its initial results as implemented at Minera Michilla S.A.

Jan 1, 2000

By W. J. Wuest, M. J. DeMarco, J. R. Koehler

Yield-pillar-based gate-road designs often fail to provide mine operators with adequate ground control. This is because of the unknowing m is employment of "critically" sized pillars. A "critical” pillar is one that is too large to either yield nonviolently or to yield before the roof and floor sustain permanent damage and is too small to support full abutment loads. To demonstrate the critical pillar concept, afield study of a tapering gate road was conducted by the US Bureau of Mines at the Sunnyside Coal Mines, Sunnyside, UT. Extreme pillar stresses and associated coal bumps characterize the response to first panel mining of a 16.8-m (55.1-ft) wide critical design. Significantly lower pillar stresses, early yielding of the pillar and adjacent panel rib, and an absence of coal bumps suggest that a narrower 12.2-m (40-ft) wide design more closely approaches proper yield pillar dimensions. A probe hole in several 10.6-m (34.8-ft) wide pillars revealed low stress levels and substantial pillar and panel rib yielding prior to abutment onset, indicating a properly functioning yield pillar design.

Jan 1, 1997

By Z. M. Zavodni, M. K. McCarter

This paper identifies physical conditions responsible for past instability of the Main Hill area in Kennecott Copper Corporation's Bingham Canyon Mine, Bingham Canyon, Utah, and describes successful stabilization techniques employed in this slide zone. Geotechnical highlights of recent slides are presented, including monitoring, geological engineering data collection, hydrology, physical rock properties, and stability analyses. Local conditions responsible for slope movement in the Main Hill zone are: (1) high pore water pressure that causes a substantial decrease in real and effective material strengths; (2) continuous structural systems that allow sliding in the more competent rock zones; and (3) broad areas containing fractured, altered , and incompetent rock and soil- like materials. The failure mode is structurally controlled and involves a circular-type soil failure in the toe region initiated by excessive pore water pressure. A surface mapping method is presented which assigns rock mass quality on the basis of block size and rock substance strength. This site characterization technique has successfully predicted slide boundaries and failure modes; used in conjunction with laboratory determined shear strengths, it has provided basic input for calculating slope safety factors in the Main Hill slide zone.

Jan 1, 1977

By K. A. Natarajan, Abha Kumari

In this paper, electroleaching and electrobioleaching of ocean manganese nodules are discussed along with the role of galvanic interactions in bioleaching. Polarization studies using a manganese nodule slurry electrode system indicated that the maximum dissolution of iron and manganese due to electrochemical reduction occurred at negative DC potentials of -600 and -1,400 mV(SCE). Electroleaching and electrobioleaching of ocean manganese nodules in the presence of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans at the above negative applied DC potentials resulted insignificant dissolution of copper, nickel and cobalt in IMH2S04 and in sulfuric acid solution at pH 0.5 and 2.0. Mechanisms involved in electrobioleaching of ocean manganese nodules are discussed. Galvanic leaching of ocean manganese nodules in the presence of externally added pyrite and pyrolusite for enhancement of dissolution was also studied. Various electrochemical and biochemical parameters were optimized, and the electroleaching and galvanic processes thus developed are shown to yield almost complete dissolution of all metal values. This electrobioleaching process developed in the laboratory may be cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Keywords: Ocean manganese nodules, Electroleaching, Electrobioleaching, Galvanic interactions

Jan 1, 2003

By J. J. Kollé

A compressed-water hydraulic pulse generator (HPG) for nonexplosive blasting of rock and con¬crete is described Energy is stored in the HPG by compressing water to ultrahigh pressure. A large, fastopening valve discharges the com¬pressed water, resulting in a high-energy impulse. The HPG can be used for small-scale bench blasting by discharging the water through a nozzle that is closely fitted into a borehole. A bench blasting system requires an HPG, a drill and an indexing mechanism to allow insertion of the HPG nozzle into a drilled borehole. Systems with discharge energies ranging from 40 to 250 kJ have been used to excavate hard rock, including andesite, granite and quartzite. The largest system can excavate 15 t/h (16.5 stph) of massive quartzite based on a 2-min cycle time for hole drilling. Blasting with an ultrahigh-pressure hydraulic pulse generator was demonstrated as an effective means of excavating hard massive rock under the confined conditions of a tunnel opening or underground sloping panel. Hydraulic blasting provides a continuous mechanized mining capability that is well suited for deep-level mining and urban excavation sites where explosives are prohibited

Jan 1, 1997

By J. J. Kollé

A compressed-water hydraulic pulse generator (HPG) for nonexplosive blasting of rock and concrete is described. Energy is stored in the HPG by compressing water to ultrahigh pressure. A large, fast-opening valve discharges the compressed water, resulting in a high-energy impulse. The HPG can be used for small-scale bench blasting by discharging the water through a nozzle that is closely fitted into a borehole. A bench blasting system requires an HPG, a drill and an indexing mechanism to allow insertion of the HPG nozzle into a drilled borehole. Systems with discharge energies ranging from 40 to 250 kJ have been used to excavate hard rock, including andesite, granite and quartzite. The largest system can excavate 15 t/h (16.5 stph) of massive quartzite based on a 2-min cycle time for hole drilling. Blasting with an ultrahigh -pressure hydraulic pulse generator was demonstrated as an effective means of excavating hard, massive rock under the confined conditions of a tunnel opening or underground sloping panel. Hydraulic blasting provides a continuous mechanized mining capability that is well suited for deep-level mining and urban excavation sites where explosives are prohibited.

Jan 1, 1998

By Donald L. King, Frank A. Baczek

Sedimentation-based equipment is used in applications where separation of solids from liquid by gravity settling is desired. If a concentrated solids slurry is desired, the equipment is designed to "thicken"; if a clear liquid is desired the equipment is designed to "clarify." Thickeners normally handle higher solids loading rates than clarifiers, which usually process feed slurries containing low concentrations of suspended solids. Thickeners are therefore designed for heavier-duty requirements, and clarifiers have extra features to ensure more complete suspended solids removal. Major components (Figure 1) that are common to all sedimentation-based equipment are: tank, drive-support structure, drive unit and lifting device, rake structure, feed well, and a means of overflow and underflow withdrawal. Specific features are designed interdependently after the overall separation approach is defined conceptually. This conceptual approach is usually based on past experience or evolves from sedimentation studies conducted on samples of the slurry to be handled. Because many variations and combinations of components are possible, the overall conceptual approach has a number of possible designs that will accomplish the desired results. The final choice is based on practicality, potential for minimizing upsets, and cost.

Jan 1, 1986

By Karen Bolm, Floyd Gray, Ailiang Gu, Kerry Caruthers, Carlos Velez, Laurie Wirt, Douglas M. Hirschberg

Understanding sources of dissolved metals and transport characteristics of acid drainage is needed to assist land-use strategies in mineralized regions, particularly in the semi-arid southwestern United States. Water- quality samples were collected from mined and un-mined parts of the Patagonia and southern Santa Rita Mountains of southern Arizona from streams, springs, seeps, adits, alluvial wells, and bedrock wells. Water quality during base-flow conditions was compared with that *of runoff samples from infrequent winter and summer storms. The largest fraction of annual discharge in these ephemeral streams consists of storm runoff, although springs provide a steady source of low discharge base flow to numerous intermittent perennial reaches. Several abandoned mines in the northern Patagonia Mountains contribute acid and heavy metals to streams. During base-flow conditions in mineralized areas, natural springs and intermittent stream reaches produce acidity but the volume is typically low and acidity is often diluted or neutralized down gradient. Overland runoff contains low concentrations of dissolved metals and moderate acidity, however, stream waters were strongly acidified and metal-laden from contact with abundant pyrite-bearing stream sediments derived from erosion of waste-rock material in and along the sides of the stream channel.

Jan 1, 2000

By Zoltan F. Oszter

Feeding bulk solids from bins or bunkers sometimes poses a problem to the materials handling engineer. The paper describes, by practical examples, how material flow can be improved on existing installations, and how difficult-to-handle materials can be successfully drawn from storage and fed to fully automated process systems. The examples illustrated are based on actual experience with projects designed for the mining and metallurgical industry. Maintenance costs, where available, are also indicated.

Jan 1, 1966

By Paul M. Godlewski, Joseph P. Gildner, David S. McAllister

With construction underway on the 22.5 km (14 mile) Initial Segment of the Link Light Rail transit system in Seattle (including the one-mile EPB-driven running tunnels and mined station at Beacon Hill), the Sound Transit Board on May 20, 2004 voted on selection of a preferred route for an approximately eight-mile extension northwards from the central business district to Northgate, and authorized immediate start of advanced conceptual/preliminary engineering and geotechnical exploration programs scheduled to be completed in Spring 2005. The extension includes approximately914 m (30,000) route-feet of bored running tunnels, a mined station with platform level approximately 60 m (200 ft) below grade, three (possibly four) cut-and-cover stations and a cut-and-cover cross-over structure, as well as an aerial terminal station at Northgate and other line-section below-grade and aerial structures. All tunneling will be in glacial soils.

Jan 1, 2005

By R. S. Ondrey

MSHA has prepared two pamphlets that provide guidelines for selecting dust control parameters for underground coal mining sections. These guidelines are based on research conducted by the Bureau of Mines and underground studies conducted by MSHA. One set of guidelines is specific for longwall mining operations. Another set of guidelines covers room-and-pillar operations. The guidelines contain a general discussion on the appropriate use of ventilation and water to optimize the control of dust.

Jan 1, 1995

By B. T. Field

Pyroprocessing systems range from low temperature dryers to high temperature reactors. The materials and process requirements cover a broad spectrum. It is not the intent of this paper to do a detailed examination of individual processes and equipment, since that can be found in a multitude of other sources; rather it is the intent of this paper to examine the key process variables and offer empirical guidelines to assist in a user?s overall evaluation.

Jan 1, 1998

By Robert B. Crookston

This paper presents a resume and status report: of mining technology appropriate to commercial oil shale development in the United States today. The nature and extent of oil shale in Colorado and Utah are discussed. A look at most of the prominent activities now underway emphasizes the questions "where are we now?" and "where are we going?" Various alternate mining methods are reviewed and a bibliography of oil shale mining is included.

Jan 1, 1980

By K. Fuenkajorn

Geomechanics and geohydrological considerations for the seal design for mine openings are presented. Design guidelines derived from laboratory and in-situ experiments are proposed. The results suggest that seal design, specifications and material selection should be site-specific. Performance requirements for a specific seal location should be identified. Evaluation of sealing effectiveness should be made on the entire seal system, i.e. seal, seal-rock interface, excavation-induced damage zone and the surrounding rock.

Jan 1, 1997

By M. H. Pettibone

During the past decade, the size of grin- ding mills has steadily increased. Mills 11 m in diameter with 9 mW motors have been installed with even larger units on the drawing board. The rising costs of energy and labor have spurred interest in improving efficiency while reducing capital investment and operating labor. Autogenous and semiautogenous grinding have experienced renewed interest as efforts to reduce operating and capital costs have increased.

Jan 1, 1981

By R. A. Limons

Natural ores, sinters, and pellets were subjected to a carbon monoxide reduction-disintegration test under laboratory conditions including a simulated blast furnace gas and a 1000°F temperature. The most significant findings were that: 1. Self-fluxed pellets broke down to a greater extent than either the acid pellets or the acid or self -fluxed sinter. 2. When pre-reduced, both the acid and self-fluxed pellets had very good resistance to breakdown.

Jan 1, 1964