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Prior to 1972, Peko Mines Limited at Tennant Creek used a central mill at Peko, which consisted of a gravity circuit, flotation and cyanidation of tailings, to treat their gold ore from surrounding mines. The Warrego concentrator, 60km to the west, was built to handle the Warrego and Gecko copper orebodies, which were being developed concurrently with the concentrator construction The Warrego concentrator consisted of a flotation circuit, using autogenous grinding at 100 - 120 tph, compared to the more elaborate Peko circuit employing rod mill - ball mill grinding capable of treating only 18 - 26 tph. During development of the Warrego copper mine a gold rich ore pod was located, because of which the mining plans were adjusted to allow simultaneous, separate extraction of the copper and gold ores. However, the plans for the concentrator were not affected as the gold ore could be carted 60km to the Peko central mill for processing.

Jan 1, 1978

Provide optimum visibility of mining operations while maintaining protection and comfort for ma-chine operators. Approach Cabs and canopies with hydraulically powered variable-height control were developed for several machines and tested in underground mining operations. How It Works From his position in the cab, the operator can raise or lower the cab, selecting a height that offers either more visibility of the working place or greater clearance for tramming. The entire cab enclosure moves up and down on guide rollers that ride on a pair of rails, and is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder controlled from within the cab. Normal working heights, for each of the four different cabs developed, are with the cab bottom from 6 to 8 inches above the mine bottom. A typical range of elevation (excursion) afforded by this design is shown in Figure 1.

Jan 1, 1978

By W. R. Tyson

IT HAS BEEN KNOWN for many years that alloy steels can become brittle when tempered in the range of 350-600°C, or cooled slowly after heating to higher temperatures. The metallurgical literature reveals that blacksmiths were aware as early as 1883 that water quenching was necessary after heat treatment above 600°C to avoid brittleness. It has also been known for years that the problem is associated with trace impurities; a paper in the Journal of the Iron and Steel Institute of 1894 refers to the brittle, faceted fractures that occur in steels containing arsenic, phosphorus or sulphur. However, definitive investigation of the mechanism of embrittlement has been possible only within the last decade with the introduction of new experimental techniques to investigate surfaces, especially Auger electron spectroscopy. It is now possible to study in detail the chemistry of surfaces with a resolution of an atomic layer or two, and enormous progress has been made recently in studying the segregation of impurities to grain boundaries by exposing the boundaries by fracture inside the microscope. A clear picture of the processes occurring and their interpretation is now emerging, as was particularly clear at the recent 1977 ASM Materials Science Seminar on Interfacial Segregation held in Chicago in October. Recent research in this area has pointed the way for commercial exploitation of this new knowledge and experimental technology. It is the purpose of this article to trace progress in understanding temper embrittlement and to indicate other areas where control of interfacial segregation and its effects can be important in metallurgical applications.

Jan 1, 1978

By David B. McWhorter

Conventional analyses of seepage through saturated media do not apply when tailings impoundments are located above a partially saturated zone. Three stages of seepage are identified and methods for estimating the seepage rates and duration of each stage, based upon flow in partially saturated and saturated porous media, are demonstrated. The effectiveness of earthen liners is discussed and procedures for estimating the required properties of the porous media are provided.

Jan 1, 1978

By G. B. Gait

This report is the fifth in a series concerning the Bureau of Mines program for microfilming maps of abandoned mines in the Pennsylvania anthracite region. A catalog of the microfilmed maps of 47 of 49 major mines and 18 independent mines in the Southern field is presented. Previous reports included catalogs of microfilmed maps of mines in the Eastern Middle field, the Wyoming and Lackawanna Basins of the Northern field, and the Western Middle anthracite field.

Jan 1, 1978

By Wisecarver D. W.

Today the longwall is getting increasing attention in the United States as an excellent way to mine coal. This is not to say it is the best way in every mine because conditions, capital costs, and markets may well dictate another method. However, operators with working longwalls are often showing preference by phasing out room-and-pillar sections and replacing them with longwall. In the United States there are about 90 longwalls in operating coal mines and the number is increasing. In Europe, 95% of underground coal mining is by longwall compared with only 5% in the United States. In the Western States about 25% of the underground coal mines use longwall mining. There is logic behind the increase in longwalling. Compared to room-and-pillar mining, straight single-pass longwall has important advantages that show up in underground coal mining in any part of the country.

Jan 1, 1978

By Elber L, Whiten WJ, Cunningham KD, King GL, Bailey CW, Clay PA

The Savage River Mines concentrator treats magnetite ore at about 300 tonne/h, and produces feed for a pelletising plant. The plant incorporates two parallel grinding lines, each consisting of an autogenous mill, in closed circuit with a screen, a rougher mag- netic separator, a ball mill in closed circuit with parallel cyclones, and a finisher magnetic separator. Significant fluctuations in ore grade and grindability make it difficult to maintain pro- duct size in the narrow range desired, and to achieve maximum possible throughput at the same time, using the present largely manual control system. The present paper describes the develop- ment of a control system based on a mini- computer. It has been possible to implement a scheme of on-line estimation of product size which is sufficiently accurate for use in an automatic control system. The size estimation is essentially derived in terms of plant variables which control the ball mill cyclone cut size. Three control functions have so far been implemented and tested. These are control of the feed rate to the autogenous mill, control of water addition to the autogenous mill, and control of the ball mill sump level.

Jan 1, 1978

By Braham B

The Australian mining industry isstill labouring under the impression. created by the Fitzgerald Report that it does not pay suffic- ient tax. This would appear to be the raison d'etre of the resource rent tax debate. The authors quantitatively compare the cash flows to the mine and government resulting from a large strip coal mine in central Queensland under a number of Australian and international taxation policies. The Liberal government policies are found to be internationally competitive while the Labor 1975 policy is excessively punitive. The present value of the returns to the public from the Liberal 1977 policy vary between three and six times the net present value to the mine, which belies the necessity for the imposition of a super tax. The levelling of a special royalty, excess rail freight, by Queensland could severely re- strict the development of new mines in the Bowen Basin. The impact of excessive freight rates is analysed on a combined strip-deep mine typical of the new projects nearing development in the region. Otherwise economic mines can be made marginal or even sub economic by this tax. Even with moderate rail freights, the mining tax laws of New South Wales are more favourable to the industry than are Queensland's.

Jan 1, 1978

The mineral matter has been isolated from a selection of Australian bituminous coals using low temperature (radio-frequency) oxidation or hydrogen peroxidation techniques and the species present identified by x-raydiffraction. Quartz, kaolinite, and a range of mixed layer clay minerals are the dominant constituents of the coals studied, with carbonate, sulphate, and phosphate minerals abundant in some samples. The clay bands thatoccur within these coal seams contain similar mineral assemblages to the coals themselves, but the lutites that form the inter-seam strata have a markedly different mineralogy, characterized by abundant quartz andillite and a low kaolinite content.The kaolinite is thought to have formed chiefly by interaction of silica and alumina in the waters of the coal swamp, aided by the catalytic action of organic acids, while most of the other clay minerals are probablydetrital. The absence of illite from Australian coals is not fully understood, but it may reflect the action of organic acids on the detritus in the swamp, coupled with deposition in freshwater rather thanmarine conditions. Pyrite, although present in some coal samples when fresh, may undergo oxidation during storage to form a number of sulphate minerals, some of which may interact with any calcite present toform gypsum.The mineral matter assemblage in the coal determines to a great extent the fusion characteristics of the ash.Unless abundant carbonates are present, coals with kaolinite-rich assemblages have a very refractory ash, while those rich in chlorite or montmorillonite have ash fusion temperatures between 1000 and 1300°C. Theinfluence of the minerals on coal preparation and coking properties is also brieflY discussed, as well as the potential of mineral matter studies in coal seam correlation.

Jan 1, 1978

By Drew F. Holbrook

Most of the siliceous rocks of the Arkansas Novaculite are novaculite, but they also include some chert, siliceous shale and, rarely, sandstone. Novaculite is defined as a homogeneous mostly white or light-colored rock, translucent on thin edges, with a dull to waxy Juster, and comprised almost entirely of microcrystalline quartz. The most plausible theory of origin for novaculite is that primary silica from submarine volcanism was picked up by organisms and deposited as amorphous silica, which was subsequently converted to microcrystalline quartz (novaculite) through diagenesis. The Arkansas Novaculite crops out over an east-west distance of 200 miles in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Three divisions of the formation have been defined: a Lower Division, almost entirely massive light-colored novaculite; a Middle Division of interbedded dark chert and shale; and an Upper Division of massive calcareous novaculite. The Lower Division and most of the Middle Division are Devonian in age, and the remainder of the Middle Division and all of the Upper Division are Mississippian. The massive novaculites of the Upper and Lower Division attain their maximum development along the southern and central outcrop belts of the formation in Arkansas, and it is these rocks that are the source of current silica production. The calcareous novaculite of the Upper Division weathers readily to a light-colored, porous, less brittle rock, and in places to tripoli deposits. Currently tripoli is mined from a single deposit near. Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the rock is processed for highly specialized filler and abrasive applications. In the vicinity of Hot Springs, Arkansas, certain novaculite layers from the Lower Division with unique textural characteristics are quarried and processed into whetstones. Several small quarries produce this rock for two local and one out-of-state whetstone-fabricating plants. Chemical analyses of composite samples of novaculite from both the Upper and Lower Divisions taken at widely separated localities average 99 percent SiOz indicating a substantial resource of high-silica rock.

Jan 1, 1978

By Gary E. McIntosh

This paper will discuss a U.S. Bureau of Mines project designed to assess and predict the impacts which surface coal mining will have on the regional shallow groundwater systems in the Powder River Basin. The primary objective will be met through the accomplishment of the following: (1) The design and establishment of a regional network for monitoring of shallow groundwater systems in the Basin. (2) Monitoring of the direction and rate of flow, water quality, and aquifer characteristics of the shallow groundwater systems. (3) Development of a regional groundwater simulation model with appurtenant subroutines to determine local effects.

Jan 1, 1978

By Edgar S. Rush

This study was conducted to make a limited evaluation of experimental and standard tractor dozer blades. A field test program was conducted in the southeastern part of Kansas on strip-mined areas where the spoil banks are parallel with rest-to-crest distances between 90 and 120 ft and maximum dozing distances usually less than 50 ft. This evaluation was a part of an overall joint Pittsburg and Midway Mining Company--U. S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) Specialized Reclamation Field Test Program primarily centered on the field t sting of experimental high-volume lateral relocation blades. The three blades evaluated were the 60-ft-wide angle (A) blade mounted on two 41B tractors. a 48-ft-wide A blade mounted on two D9H tractors, and a 13-ft-wide reclamation universal (Rec U) blade mounted on a D9H tractor. In addition to the experimental blades, three commercially available blades were tested: A 20-ft universal (U) blade mounted on two side-by-side (SxS) D9H tractors; a 20-ft U blade mounted on a 418 tractor; and a l2-ft straight (S) blade mounted on a D8H tractor. The dozer blade evaluations compared measured blade performance with soil and other site characteristics and with estimated earth-moving performance rates based on earthmoving methodology that accounts for the traction and speed of the tractor. The earthmoving methodology was also validated with data collected during this program.

Jan 1, 1978

Martin Marietta Aluminum, Inc. followed Howmet Aluminum Corp., Revere Copper and Brass, Inc. and Anaconda Co. in lifting August prices of 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum ingot by 3 cents to 56 cents per pound. Prior to these moves, Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. raised its June ingot listings by 4 cents to 57 cents and Consolidated Aluminum Corp., 4.5 cents to 57.5 cents. Domestic merchants increased July quotes by slightly more than 1 cent to 51.3-51.8 cents per pound. ARSENIC The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new standards, effective August 1, for worker exposure to inorganic arsenic, a toxic substance linked by OSHA to lung and lymphatic cancer. The new standard will limit worker exposure to 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour period, a drastic reduction from the previous standard of 500 micrograms for a like period. Implementation of the new standards may be the most difficult and costly for copper smelters where arsenic is associated with the copper feed material but problems will also be encountered by producers of arsenic containing products such as for pesticides and herbicides. The new standards allow use of personal protective gear for workers as an interim measure until plant engineering controls can be put into effect.

Jan 1, 1978

By R. H. McMillan

A classification of important uranium deposits which utilizes both genetic and descriptive criteria is presented. The dual aspect is useful because, while the non-genetic nomenclature for the different deposit types is amenable to various interpretations, the critical characteristics of each deposit type can be analyzed to clarify various genetic points. Although the classification is intended primarily for Canadian uranium deposits, most of the important deposit types known elsewhere can be accommodated.

Jan 1, 1978

By A. J. Sinclair

Sampling methods for feasibility studies are dependent on geological characteristics of the deposit being evaluated. A preliminary geostatistical study is required, taking into account autocorrelation aspects of variables under study in order that sample plan design can be optimized to produce grade and tonnage estimates within stipulated error limits. In general, regular sample distribution is to be aimed for, and regular sample lengths (from drill core or cuttings, for example) are preferred in order to facilitate statistical analysis. Sample plans are modified and improved (either technically or economically), as a sampling program proceeds and additional information is obtained. Bulk samples for metallurgical testing can be evaluated in terms of the variance shown by all such samples in a deposit and the internal variability of grade. Attention to these sources of variability will ensure proper evaluation of pilot test results from bulk samples. In addition, a general mineralogical study of a deposit is an important, often ignored, requirement in a more general but semi-quantitative evaluation of the representativeness of a bulk sample; and, moreover, provides information useful in optimizing plant design.

Jan 1, 1978

Four catalytic converters for diesel exhaust systems were tested to determine their effectiveness in reducing the amount of harmful substances discharged into the air. Tests were conducted with four different catalytic converter designs, using two diesel engines as exhaust gas generators. (Of the four noble metal catalytic converters, three are commercially available.) Testing showed that the catalysts varied widely in oxidation efficiency at light to intermediate engine loads, but that all were very effective in reducing emissions of CO, HC, aldehydes, and odor intensity at heavy loads (engine operating modes resulting in high exhaust temperatures). Particulate loading, particulate size, and NOx emissions were generally unaffected by any of the catalysts. The catalysts had one ad-verse effect on exhaust quality--increased sulfate emissions. Because of the potential problem of sulfate emissions, the exclusive use of catalytic reactors for emissions reduction does not appear to be satisfactory. However, when used with a means for subsequent removal of sulfates, a catalyst can function as a key component in an emissions control system for diesel engines operated in underground mines.

Jan 1, 1978

By J T. Keim

Members and guests of the Society of Explosive Engineers, it's indeed a pleasure for a longtime practical user such as myself to have the ears of so many explosive experts for a few minutes just to express my feelings and concerns on blasting as well as the feelings and concerns of many other users and operators.

Jan 1, 1978

By Thomas D. Henderson, Donald E. Crowell

INTRODUCTION This paper presents a "case history" of the steps taken to estimate capital and operating costs for a typical porphyry copper concentrator of ±9,070 metric tons (10,000 short tons) per day capacity. The concentrator described herein is hypothetical, but is based on experience and is, in effect, a composite of several actual projects. The numbers used are illustrative only and do not represent actual costs at any particular concentrator. These numbers are, however, representative of typical milling costs at one point in time, and. are sufficiently accurate to illustrate the cost estimating procedures described in this paper. It is not possible to publish actual, current milling costs and, in any event, actual cost figures quickly become meaningless in today's economic situation with various costs all rising at different rates. The paper is divided into three parts: (1) order-of-magnitude estimate, (2) feasibility study estimate, and (3) discussion of differences between estimated and actual costs.

Jan 1, 1978

Twelve years ago, Jeffrey Mining Machinery Division of Dresser Industries Inc. developed the 120H HELIMINER. This machine was the world's first fixed-drum continuous miner and soon became the standard among manufacturers of continuous miners throughout the mining machinery industry. This paper will first outline a brief history of continuous miner development, then discuss significant parameters which are essential to a successful continuous miner design, and finally describe a number of specific applications of Jeffrey continuous miners in a variety of materials, such as coal, potash, iron ore, and trona, around the world.

Jan 1, 1978

By R. C. O’Ferrall, W. G. Goulding

This paper describes the performance of a Robbins 52R Boxhole Borer from its introduction into the mine in July 1975 until late in 1977. As indicated by the costs involved, the performance has increased considerably and is expected to be even better once further envisaged modifications have been made. The average cost for the first half of 1977 was R275 per metre bored as against an average of R628 for 1975.

Jan 1, 1978