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By David K. Sitler

Continuing advances in manufactured diamond materials used in rock cutting tools have created a new generation of high production tools for mining. This paper will review the three major manufactured diamond products available for the mining industry as supplied by General Electric Company, Specialty Materials Department, and examine the ways in which these materials are employed. As an integral part of this examination, the economic impact of manufactured diamond tools will be evaluated. Time and again, one will find that the premium price of these tools is economically justified when compared to traditional tools.

Jan 1, 1985

By D. K. Sitler

Continuing advancements in manufactured diamond materials as used in rock cutting tools have created a new generation of high production tools for mining. This paper reviews the three major manufactured diamond product types available in the mining industry as supplied by General Electric Co., Specialty Materials Dept., and examines the ways these materials are used. As an integral part of this examination, the economic impact of manufactured diamond tools is evaluuted. Time and again, one will find that the premium price for these tools is economically justified when compared to traditional tools.

Jan 1, 1988

By A. M. Beebee

IN the present century the coal and manufactured gas industries have been eclipsed in public interest by oil, natural gas, and hydro- electric energy, which have had the benefit of rapid development and novelty. I sometimes wish that our social- order were such that hydro power had been developed first, that the use of gas from coal had never been seriously considered, and that our domestic energy requirements were supplied by other fuels. Sup- pose the manufacture of gas from coal should then come on the scene at the present time with the current plight of the railroads, coal regions, and labor generally, presenting the fact that it could increase the amount of coal mined and shipped by the railroads by some 16,000,000 tons, and increase the coal used at existing u plants five times. Imagine the great public interest that would be manifested; it would supply the cooking and water-heating requirements of a community with a superior character of service at a cost to the customer approximately half that which had obtained previously. Would not such a situation be heralded as the salvation of our country and all help be given it?

Jan 1, 1940

By E. L. Piper

Natural graphite has been known for many centuries, having first been reported as a distinct mineral form by Gessner in 1565. At that time, graphite was used extensively as pencil "lead" because of the ease with which it marks paper. It is a black, unctuous material found as flakes, lumps, or needles in scattered locations throughout the world. The less crystalline, or "amorphous", natural graphites are thought to have been formed from coal under conditions of high temperature and pressure. The more crystalline varieties, such as those mined in Ceylon, probably were precipitated from molten solutions or were pyrolyzed from gaseous carbon compounds. Recognition of the good thermal and electrical conductivity of graphite, together with its highly refractory nature, led to an increasing number of appli¬cations for this material. Clay and pitch bonded natural graphite has been used in crucibles, refractories, foundry facings, and other high-temperature appli¬cations. These forms constitute the most important current uses for natural graphite in the United States. Other products containing natural graphite include batteries, lubricants, pencils, brake linings, etc.

Jan 1, 1973

By William E. Robinson

Our earthly treasures are being quickly depleted. We have experienced what can happen in an energy crisis. You have read and heard all kinds of stories as to what caused this crisis. On the surface it would seem that all of a sudden a situation becomes a crisis whether it be fuel, potatoes, beef or whatever. Well, of course, they don't just happen. There is always a little fore-warning here, an indicator there. Someone recognizes a sign of potential trouble but is ridiculed when he forecasts it. We are running out of sand: Producers of aggregates who can say today ... "That couldn't happen to me", can well be awakened tomorrow to the cold fact of reality. It could come from any number of directions. Depletion is mostly foreseeable but zoning isn't. Legislation can also be sudden death to availibility. With the ever growing population moving into the rural countryside, available deposits are being sold either to developers or being zoned for restricted use. The fact that a gravel pit or quarry is located on a particular plot has not fazed some of the local planning boards when they decided to place the adjoining property in a residential Zone A. Proponents of zoning preach that such use is necessary to insure that the land will be put to its best use. Planning boards establish the best places for schools, homes, shopping areas, factories, etc., so that the individuals or groups are in harmony with each other. This is usually done to date without thought or consideration to the geological importance or potential of the area. Today over half of the United States is living under some form of land use restriction. Little consideration has been given to what lies under the ground to be zoned. Fortunately, the states are slowly getting around to geological surveying. I feel that it is about time that state and federal authorities institute governmental restrictions to prohibit or control local zoning ordinances which would deplete or deny an area of its natural resources. While I could continue for the balance of my time just on this facet of our industry's problems, my point is: How sure are you of your next load of sand? I could be well laughed at by some of you for saying that there is an alarmingly rapid disappearance of "nearby" sand and gravel reserves in many areas of the country. A questionable statement, except to those producers where depletion has already taken place.

Jan 1, 1974

By James M. Polatty

FOR structural as well as economic reasons, sanded grout rather than neat cement grout should be used wherever possible. The chief drawback in using sanded grout mixtures, however, is the tendency of the sand to settle out, causing problems in pumping. Manufactured sands have not been used in sanded grout because it has been assumed that their irregular particle shape would add to the pumping difficulties. The Concrete Division of the Waterways Experiment Station in Jackson, Miss., has conducted a comprehensive investigation of grouts containing both natural and manufactured sands. In the study of manufactured sand grouts an investigation was made of physical characteristics, ease of pumping, and the effects of adding certain mineral fines. The amount of material passing 100 mesh ranged from zero to 25 pct. Results were compared with test results for natural sand grouts.

Jan 3, 1958

The Goodman Mfg. Co., Chicago, builders of underground electric mining machinery, celebrated its 50th Anniversary on April 23rd. The company has a complete line of cutting machines, loaders, conveyors, locomotives, and shuttle cars for service in both coal and metal mines. The Joy Mfg. Co. has received, under the provisions of the Economic Cooperation Administration, an initial order in excess of $1,000,000 for equipment to be used in the mechanization of iron ore mines in France. While the equipment will be used in various privately owned mines, the order was placed through the French Society for the Development of Mechanical Mining. Included in the equipment are the company's recently developed hard rock loaders and shuttle cars. American Brake Shoe Co. has consolidated all operations of its Canadian subsidiaries into one corporation, the Dominion Brake Shoe Co. Ltd., Montreal, Canada. The products of Dominion Brake Shoe include brake shoes, track equipment, manganese steel castings, automotive brake lining, air compressors, and paint spray equipment. Exhibits of more than 2000 electrical products, processes, and techniques, ranging from precise aircraft instruments to complex working models of steel mill, textile and other industry equipment, will be displayed in the "More Power To America Special" when it makes its nationwide tour this spring. C. H. Lang, Vice-President in charge of sales for General Electric's apparatus department, said that the train will visit the country's key industrial centers for inspection by utility and industrial executives and municipal leaders. The train will be hauled by an Alco¬G-E two-unit, 4000-hp., Diesel-electric locomotive which in itself will be part of the unusual series of displays. Sizing of Excavators and Hauling Equipment. The Power Crane and Shovel Association has released a 24-page bulletin dealing with the proper sizing of excavators and hauling equipment, Technical Bulletin No. 3. Rubber Conveyor Belting. "Installation, Care and Maintenance of Rubber Conveyor Belting" is the title of a booklet just published by the Carlyle Rubber Co., New York. Power Transformers. The manufacturing procedure of Allis-Chalmers small power transformers is described in a new 28-page bulletin, 61B6094A, covering the core and coil unit, no-load tap changer, tank construction, cooling methods, oil preserving systems, bushings, terminal compartments, indicators and testing of transformers. Safety Equipment. General Scientific Equipment Co., Philadelphia, has released a 46-page, fully illustrated catalog on personal protective equipment and industrial safety devices. This new catalog covers respiratory devices, eye protection, hats, gloves, carboy pumps, drum pumps, and miscellaneous safety equipment for use in mines, industries, etc. Osmosalts. The Osmose Wood Preserving Co., Buffalo, N. Y., has issued a bulletin on Osmosalts, the wood preservative which, say the manufacturers, makes timber last three to five times longer, slashes maintenace costs, stops rot, and resists wood-destroying insects. Jigs. The Dorr Co. has acquired the Pan American jigs and they are now known as the Dorrco-Pan American jigs. Originally developed as a gold-saving device for dredges, the simplicity, ease of operation. efficiency, and negligible maintenance of these jigs have resulted in wide adoption on all types of placer operations, in the closed grinding circuits of gold mills, and on many applications where a coarse bed concentrate is separated from the ore gangue.

Jan 5, 1950

Rougher Cells The photo shows one of three carloads of new Denver Equipment Co. rougher flotation machines destined for a single customer. [ ] Low level froth overflow on both sides, and double impeller mechanisms in an open-flow type tank, were designed to enable control of variable conditions in the rougher circuit for better metallurgy. Intense agitation and aeration are claimed, for effective recovery of low-grade mineral particles. Standard parts are used, interchangeable with regular Denver Sub-A units. The Super Rougher is now in production and a 2-cell No. 24 machine will be displayed at the Mining Show. Circle No. 1 Fans A line of industrial fans built for air or materials handling is available in eleven sizes from 670 to 44,000 cfm capacity from Westinghouse Electric Corp. The air hand¬ling wheel has backwardly-inclined blades. Circle No. 2 Trolleyphones The Femco Trolleyphone, plug-in model, 2550 series, is offered as a simple mine or mill communications system by Farmers Engineering & Mfg. Co. More compact, easier to install and service, the new model is powered from existing trolley wire or power line. Circle No. 3

Jan 1, 1952

Servicing School Opening of a special factory training course in servicing earthmoving equipment is announced by the Euclid Road Machinery Co. Four [ ] beginning and four advanced one week training courses will be offered to representatives of distributors and customers. Circle No. 1 Core Drill The new Acker "Teredo" core drill, is named after the "boringest little animal in the world" to underline its function as a light, compact, portable core drill capable of depths to 600 ft. While light enough to be truck or jeep-mounted, it offers the combination of a three-speed totally enclosed transmission with either hydraulic or screw feed drill heads. Full 24-in. travel gives maximum footage per shift, 360° rotation permits freedom of hole location, a transmission mounted cathead winch is used in pulling rods and casings, and a power take-off is provided for a pump. Circle No. 2 Plastic Pipe Planned production of both flexible and semi-rigid plastic pipe is announced by Triangle Conduit & Cable Co. Rigid and high-impact pipe will be added to the line later. Three types: non-toxic, industrial, and suction, are being made and in sizes from 1/2 to 6 in. Circle No. 3

Jan 1, 1952

Body Hoists A complete new line of hydraulic dump truck body hoists and bodies featuring many outstanding design improvements has just been announced by St Paul Hydraulic Hoist Fourteen models of this new hoist are available in a selection of capacities from 6 to 25 tons The new body hoist features low standard mounting height, advanced lifting point, new low operating oil pres [ ] sures, a new Uniflex subframe, friction-free roller bearing drive mechanism, including pump and power takeoff, to insure quiet operation and long trouble-free life A stress-eliminating design feature of the new hoists absorbs dumping shocks and permits use of a new principle in hoist design a flexible subframe which ends tendency of rigid hoists to crack or bend when flexed Circle No. 1 Combination Drill A new combination drill offering all three methods rotary, auger, and percussion drilling on the same rig is the revolutionary feature of the latest drill rig designed by Mobile Drilling Inc The B-36 drill is larger, more powerful and versatile than previous models built by this company This new drill has a hydraulic feed of approximately 8000 lb pressure The hydraulic feed cylinder is located directly over the rotary turn table The carriage of the drill is of tubular construction The drill mast, also of tubular construction, nests in the tube members of the drill carriage for cross-country travel with a maximum overall height of 10 ft The drill mast telescopes together with the feed cylinder hydraulically to an operating height of 16 ft The drill can be furnished with an auxiliary cat head, sand reel, and special high pressure water pump The B-36 maximum depth for auger drilling without water is approximately 150 ft, depth for rotary drilling with water is in excess of 300 ft Circle No 2

Jan 1, 1952

Scraper With over 40 pet more struck capacity than previous models, the new Caterpillar No. 90 scraper is designed to increase earthmoving production when used with D8 tractor power. This scraper moves dirt with the aid of a hard surfaced, reversible cutting edge. Material is carried in a flat, doublebottom bowl of high tensile steel. Operation is by means [ ] of a cable-control unit, which can be mounted on the rear of the tractor to provide for positive loading and ejection. Tapered roller bearings are installed at each axle. The scraper uses two 24.00 to 29 front tires and two 27.00 to 33 rear tires, all four of 24-ply rating. When loaded, the scraper distributes 60 pet of the weight on the rear tires. Circle No. 1

Jan 1, 1952

Roof Bolts An expansion shell and plug Westinghouse roof bolting assembly made for use with threaded steel rods and large flat washers or steel channel employs a plug larger in diameter than those for trolley wire service. The notched plug helps prevent shell and plug from turning. The unit is shipped complete. Circle No. 1 Fan The Jeffrey Mfg. Co. Aerodyne Midget fan is a self contained blower or exhauster for auxiliary ventilation through tubing. Operating rating with 5 hp motor is 6.5 in. maximum static pressure, and 6200 cfm free delivery volume. Weight is 340 to 475 lb and it may be furnished in open or permissible form. Circle No. 2 Heavy-Density Initial installation in the Mesabi Range country of the Wilmot-Daniels heavy-density concentrating system was a 175 ton per hour plant at the [ ] Skubic Bros. Virginia, Minn., operation. This Wilmot Engineering Co. unit has a separatory vessel providing unidirectional medium flow and as the only moving part uses a standard drag-line conveyor for lifting sink out of the bath. Circle No. 3 Portable pH Meter A low priced battery-operated portable pH meter of utmost simplicity announced by the Photovolt Corp. uses only 3 ordinary radio batteries which give over 2000 hours of service. Accuracy of 0.03 pH is claimed by the manufacturer for the model 125, and AC power line supply is available. Circle No. 4

Jan 1, 1952

Bellows Connector Fabricated of chemically inert Teflon, the new bellows type connector has many pipe line applications where vibration, expansion and electrolysis exist in the handling of corrosive liquids or gases and solvents. The new connector is electrically non-conductive, flexible even at 94°F and as strong as 480°F as at 70°F, according to the manufacturer. This bellows connector serves as a [ ] vibration dampener as well as an expansion joint and connects misaligned couplings and insulates flanges electrically. End flanges of the joint are French-type envelope gaskets made integral with the joint for easy assembly between companion flanges and a tight, leak-proof seal on installation. Circle No. 1

Jan 1, 1952

Transit A light weight, totally enclosed theodolite, especially designed for mining, has been placed on the market by Askania Werke, A. G. The instrument weighs only 41/4 lb and measures 51/8 x 71/2 in. without tripod and in a waterproof aluminum hood. It may be mounted on tripod or bracket without removing the protective hood. [ ] Standard equipment includes diagonal eyepiece rotating in all directions which eliminates need to be in line with scope for sighting and makes an auxiliary scope unnecessary for steep sights. The transit reads direct to 1 minute and may be estimated to 6 seconds by means of optical micrometer on both horizontal and vertical circles. The telescope in vertical position serves as optical plummet, sighting through an opening in the base. The instrument is shown above mounted for attaching to a pin driven in timber or rock, eliminating tripod or set-up bar in cramped quarters. The chain clamp in the lower picture is used on timber or steel ground supports. Complete with carrying case and set-up brackets, ready for use in a raise, it weighs less than 6 lb, and the protective hood remains on until the instrument is securely mounted. [ ] Accessories for increasing versatility of this mining theodolite are: tripod, electric illumination for optical micrometer and reticule, close range objective lens, and objective lens prism for sighting vertically in front of the instrument. Circle No. 1

Jan 1, 1952

Shovel To further increase the efficiency in the production of their foundry sand, the American Silica Sand Co. has purchased a new and improved shovel that will be used for loading trucks at their Reynolds Pit. The [ ] new shovel will greatly facilitate winter mining operations and make possible larger winter shipments of the company's foundry sand. The Reynolds Pit is one of three sand pits in the Ottawa district owned by American Silica which produce sand that is refined for foundry use. Circle No. 1 Electric Switches The Crane Electric Co. has just announced the production of their R-1000, a new rotating limit switch designed to control the travel of any rotating device requiring interruption or establishment of electrical current after a predetermined number of revolutions. It is useful for machinery, lifts, and other power equipment. The switch is presented in a finished case, 16 gage, reinforced, with walls of sufficient strength to hold the entire mechanism and all the parts in accurate alignment. The worm gear combination has a 60 to 1 ratio, sufficient for most industrial uses. The number of revolutions can still be increased by using various combinations of driving sprockets, either on the shaft of the switch, or on the sprocket of the unit controlled by the switch itself. Circle No. 2

Jan 1, 1952

Dump Truck Kenworth Motor Truck Corp. is beginning full scale production of its new heavy-duty, end-dump earth mover, model 801, a truck engineered for earth moving under the most adverse operating conditions. Payload capacity of the Kenworth earthmover is 30,000 lb and it is over-tired for safety, flotation and high tire life. The truck's body capacity, struck measure, is 9.9 cu yd, with heaped [ ] load at 11.9 cu yd. The earth-mover has a full anti-friction bearing mounted, power assisted steering gear, simplified controls, minimum turning radius and wide axle track to insure ease of handling, maximum maneuverability and high stability. The offset cab of the Kenworth visibility for the driver, before and after. Circle No. 1 Safety Equipment A compact, safe, and efficient valve assembly approved by the United States Bureau of Mines for use with MSA air line respirators, abrasive masks, and abrasive helmets has been developed by Mine Safety Appliances Co. The new MSA continuous air flow control valve regulates air flow from a compressed air source to an operator using respiratory protective air line equipment. Three parts-a centridge container, a cartridge and the air flow check valve-comprise the entire assembly of the control valve. A position action adjustment knob on the cartridge container regulates the amount of air flowing to the operator. The valve can be detached from the air line instantly by pressing the trigger on the cartridge container near the check valve. As the trigger detaches the hose, the spring loaded ball-type valve, which is attached to the end of the hose, automatically stops the flow of air. Circle No. 2

Jan 1, 1952

Steel Tape The new Lufkin Royal Ni-Clad steel tape, made in 25, 50, 75, and 100-ft sizes, is stated to cost less than any other steel tape on the market. Figures and graduations are an integral part of the steel and the nickel plated surface is rust and corrosion resistant. Circle No. 1 Lift A manually operated and propelled hydraulic lift marketed by Century Products Co. weighs only [ ] 150 lb, but the 23x24 in. platform will raise 1000 lb from floor level to 4 ft height. Circle No. 2 Scintillation Counter The Scintillator from Precision Radiation Instruments, stated to have 100 times the sensitivity of the Geiger counter, is suitable for prospecting and may be operated from plane or moving vehicle. The instrument is contained in a 2-lb probe and the belt mounted battery box weighs less than 4 lb. Circle No. 3 Generators Wincharger Corp. announces development of a Speedy-Shift wheel-barrow base type attachment for model 700, 1800 and 5000 engine-generator sets. Portability of the engine-generator sets themselves has been improved by belted construction for higher operating speed and maximum weight reduction. Circle No. 4

Jan 1, 1952

By A. Fred Gelding

Introduction In preparing this paper considerable time was spent attempting to find some upbeat data about the mining industry, so those of us in the field could feel somewhat better about future prospects. Much to my regret, I failed to uncover substantial evidence that our near-term or, for that matter, our long-term opportunities appear all that bright in North America. That is certainly not the kind of assessment anyone likes to hear or accept as even a possibility. Those remarks may, on the surface, appear far too pessimistic. This industry will experience a recovery and most likely will see conditions begin to improve later this year or early next. The kind and degree of recovery, however, will more than likely differ from those experienced in the past. Fundamental Changes Clearly, the fundamentals on a world scale of our business have undergone important changes. In recognizing these fundamental changes, mining authorities believe productivity advances are needed to change the direction mining has taken in recent years. The really tough question is whether increases in productivity will be enough to change the course of events that has dominated the mining sector for the past decade. Before one can provide an honest answer, an appraisal of what has and is happening now is necessary. Here are some changes and events that have taken place that effect domestic mining and will probably continue: • Mineral-rich lesser developed countries (LDCs) in Africa, South America, and Asia-Pacific have reached a point where they have developed the needed mining infrastructure to not only produce at a high rate, but in many instances, at a lower cost than fully developed countries. Just as importantly, these countries, even if they do not enjoy lower costs, will produce for world export with government subsidies because min¬ing products are key in obtaining badly needed foreign exchange. • These producing countries also have the distance advantage of lower labor, environmental, and other important regulatory costs. If that were not enough, these same countries have minerals with considerably higher grade ore and, in some cases, much lower cost accessibility. • Exporting North American commodities is impaired by a dollar that continues to strengthen against other important currencies around the world. There are other impediments to overcome, but these represent some of the realities our industry faces. Can those obstacles be overcome through improving productivity? In the past, this industry has offset the impact of these events to a sizeable degree through innovations of mining techniques, equipment and processes, and by increasing the size of its individual operations to reduce costs. Will further enhancements along these lines be enough to alter this changing balance in the future? While there is no answer, it is apparent that if we do not mount a full-scale assault in some key areas, our prospects will not be encouraging. Productivity improvements throughout the entire chain of the mining industry most certainly rates as a high priority. Every link in that chain from mine planning, equipment selections, and transportation considerations needs to be examined and reexamined to assure the lowest effective cost is developed. Quality, while oftentimes costing a little more initially, is still the most cost effective purchasing decision to make. Regulations Another area of concern is regulations, be they environmental or those that dictate what must or must not be done in running our business. Certainly, I do not suggest that we not protect our environment. However, there is an acceptable balance that has, over

Jan 11, 1983

Payloader The Frank G. Hough Co. has made available another four-wheel drive tractor-shovel. It has a 1 cu-yd bucket with 60 hp Diesel or 54 hp gasoline power optional. The use of large pneumatic tires, same size all around, and drive on all four wheels gives this new Payloader traction to work effectively in sand, mud and snow, and travel on pavements with- [ ] out injuring the surface. Rear wheel steer with power booster plus short wheel base makes it easy to operate and highly maneuverable. Four speeds in both directions insure fast travel speeds for transport and fast operating speeds on shuttle loading or similar operations. Bulldozer blade, crane hook, fork lift and snow plow attachments are available, quickly interchangeable with the bucket to further increase its multi-purpose usefulness. Circle No. 1

Jan 1, 1952

Resistant Tape A new oil-resistant tape for rapid insulation build-up on splices in large power cables has been announced by Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co. Designated Scotch brand electrical tape No. 25 is made of synthetic rubber providing greater dielectric strength and resistance to high temperatures. The chemical-resistant qualities of the tape make it suitable for use in oil drilling, mining and underground [ ] cable operations, while the 40-mil thickness and extreme stretch (1500 pct breaking point) make possible smooth insulation wraps on irregular surfaces. Dielectric strength is 15,000 v and 10,000 v at 500 pct elongation. It has an electrolytic corrosion factor of 1.0 and an insulation resistance of 100,000 megohms. Circle No. 1 Hydra-Lift The Pitman Mfg. Co. announces that is now has in production a new model of the Pitman hydra-lift, recently-developed crane with hydraulically-powered boom that can be mounted on the frame of any truck, 1 ½ tons or larger. According to the manufacturer, the new model hydralift model B features a variety of improvements over the original production model, introduced late in 1950. Changes incorporated in the new model, according to officials, not only have resulted in improved crane, but also have given the unit a new profile which distinguishes it sharply from the original model. The two chief improvements in the new model are: a big increase in the unit's safety margin and the fact that it is now shipped almost completely preassembled, cutting the time and cost of installation. Rated capacities of the hydra-lift are based on the tipping factor of a 1 1/2 ton truck, with outriggers down, and thus have not been increased. Circle No. 2

Jan 1, 1952