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By A. W. Khair, S. J. Jung

"IntroductionIn a typical incremental loading test, the AE activity increases rapidly in the initial stage of the loading. It is associated with initial closure under compression of favorably oriented cracks already present, together with sliding of crack faces against each other /1/. After the initial stage, crack closure and movement largely cease and the AE activity drops to a barely detectable level /2/. In the final stage of loading test, cracking associated with the onset of inelastic deformation' occurs, and the rate of AE rapidly increases /3/ indicating an increase in the •number of events associated with higher number of microcracks. To understand better primary fragmentation process, Anderson and Ruzzi conducted tests to identify a practical method of monitoring fracture development in rock, as caused by an excavation tool /4/. They proved that a relationship existed between the AE activity, generated during fracturing and the amount of fracture surface area created.A process of fragmentation, demonstrated by conical bits acting orthogonal to the flat surface of block of coal specimen with and without lateral confining pressure is presented here. The monitoring of AE during the fracturing process of rock/coal has been a very useful indirect method in studying fracture mechanism.Specimen PreparationLarge blocks of Waynesburg coal were obtained from a surface mine. These blocks were then out and molded to approximate dimensions of 25.4 x 25.4 x 15.2 'an (10 x 10 x 6 in.). These specimens were instrumented with three strain gages in a 45 degree rosette. One was mounted parallel to the bedding plane direction, another was tinted at an angle of 45 degree from the bedding plane direction and the third was mounted perpendicular to the bedding .plane direction. Each of the three strain gages were set 5.1 an (2 in.) away from the impact point.Typical Test ProcedureIn a typical experiment, the specimen was placed in the confining chamber.Predetermined equivalent in-situ stresses were applied to the specimen by using two sets of hydraulic cylinders. Two 1 in. thick steel plates ware positioned between the sample and the hydraulic cylinders in order to distribute the pressure uniformly over the whole surface of the specimen. The LVDT null position was adjusted with respect to the coal face. After setting the LVDT, the bit and associated weight was lifted to a predetermined height (equivalent to a predetermined kinetic energy) by a win. The three strain gages were balanced using the signal conditioner and the output was recorded by a 6 channel strip chart recorder. The experimental set-up is shown in Figure 1."

Jan 1, 1989

By K. E. Hjelmstad

In the event of fire underground, it is essential that all miners be warned as quickly as possible. With mine air, rapidly depleted of oxygen and contaminated with smoke and toxic fire gases, any delay in the warning signal could have disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, present mine, fire warning systems, such as stench, audible or visual alarms, telephones, and messengers, are often slow, unreliable, and limited in coverage.

Jan 1, 1989

By H. S. Soto

The exact reasons that explain the low recoveries of coarse particles in conventional flotation machines are not clear. Being a concern for only a couple of mineral industries comparatively very few studies have been devoted to the problem of coarse particle flotation. Coarse particles flotation is particularly important in potash and phosphate beneficiation. Potash concentrates with particles larger than 1-2 mm do not require additional compaction or recrystallization and receive a premium price. However, recovery of this size particle in conventional flotation cells is very low, and therefore, the coarse floation tailings have to be reground and refloated to produce, at a higher cost, a less desirable concentrate. In phosphate beneficiation deslimed coarse ore (nominally l4x35 or l6x35 mesh) is normally treated separatedly from the finer (35x150 mesh) ore. Concentration by conventional froth flotation alone yields very low recoveries, and therefore, additional processes such as agglomerate flotation in tables spirals and belt conveyors have to be used ( Moudgil and Barnett 1979). Fatty acids and fuel oil used in phosphate flotation have a moderate level of selectivity but considerable amounts of sand report to the froth product, thus concentrates have to be further upgraded by a double flotation process. Concentrates from the anionic circuit are scrubbed in an acidic media to desorb the collectors and then refloated in a cationic circuit to eliminate the fine silica (Lawver et.al. 1978). In this paper the reasons that explain the low recovery of coarse particles in conventional flotation are discussed. A flotation column modified according to the main conclusions of this discussion is tested with two coarse phosphate samples.

Jan 1, 1989

By Y. J. Wang

This paper describes a procedure for solving the generalized system of n network equations in n unknowns considering the following ventilation variables and parameters: (a) air quantities, (b) pressure losses or gains caused by the control devices (i.e., fans or regulators), (c) resistance factors, (d) natural ventilation pressure, and (e) fan pressures (as a function of air quantities). The air quantities and pressure losses for all branches in the network are grouped into dependent and independent variables. The branches with an independent quantity are contained in a chord set, and the branches with a dependent pressure loss are contained in a chord set. In addition to the problem formulation, the solution procedure, applying the Newton method, is discussed and illustrated with a numerical example.

Jan 1, 1989

By Michael S. Miller

In 1987 and 1988, at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied the 3,100-acre Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area (10-047-004) and a 708-acre parcel adjacent to the north in order to evaluate their identified mineral resources. The study area is located in Custer County, ID, about 18 mi northwest from MacKay. The study area lies along the western foothills of the Lost River Range and is underlain by quartzite, sandstone, shale, argillite, dolostone, and limestone. The Lost River fault, a major active fault, lies along the length of the study area. Large alluvial fans spread out from valleys originating east of the study area.

Jan 1, 1989

By Wood P. D, Pettifer G. R

In the upper coal surface in the Latrobe Valley, craters known locally as fireholes have developed due to prehistoric coal fires. They can be several hundred metres across and up to fifty metres deep, and are now filled with overburden materials varying from hard baked clays to very soft lacustrine clays. In addition to reducing coal reserves, continuous mining operations are seriously affected by fireholes. Large undulations in the upper coal surface result in a mixture of coal and overburden on the upper mining levels. The very soft lacustrine clays are unstable in the mine batters and the overburden dump, are difficult to handle on the bucket wheel excavator/conveyer system, and have insufficient bearing capacity for the large bucket wheel excavators. Early identification is essen- tial and both drilling and dynamic core penetrometer have been exten- sively used. However, this has not proved adequate in locating and defining the extent of all fireholes, due largely to their irregular shape. To overcome this a range of geophysical techniques has been trialled with very promising results. A trial area has been covered on a twenty metre grid using gravity and Geonics EM34 conductivity measurements and the same area has been covered at a closer spacing with high resolution magnetics. Image processing of contoured magnetic, EM34 conductivity and residual gravity data has resulted in very good correlation with drilling data.

Jan 1, 1989

By James R. Boyle

The value of Alabama's nonfuel mineral production in 1987 was $446.6 million, an increase over that of 1986 and the first increase in 3 years. Alabama was second in the Nation in production of bauxite and ferroalloys; third in bentonite, crushed dolomite, crushed marble, and fire clay; and fourth in masonry cement. Trends and Developments.-Employment in the minerals industry remained relatively low for the second year even though the overall unemployment rate dropped to 7.9% by December. Employment in mining and primary metals dropped about 10% and 2%, respectively.

Jan 1, 1989

By M. S. Janssen

The development of a design equation for, and the testing of, a constant- flow airlift pump IS described. The predictions of the new airlift model agree with the results of experiments carried out using riser diameters between 0.025 and 0.300 m, submergence depths between 5 and 10 m, suspension densities between 1000 and 1650 kg/m3, and a solids dg of 70 to 100µm. The predictions o the model also agree with data from the literature for submergence depths that reached 130 m. This airlift model was employed to simulate the pulp flow through a series of tanks, each of which was fitted with an airlift pump to transfer the suspension to the next tank. Particular attention was paid to the riser diameter, submergence of the airlift pump, and control of the air supply to the airlift pump during the simulated operation of a series of tanks. The results of the simulation highlight some design parameters that could affect the efficiency and operation of a plant that employs airlift pumps to transfer suspensions.

Jan 1, 1989

By Lawson F

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy is a society of engineers and scientists formed in 1893 (incorporated by Royal Charter in 1955) to advance science and engineering in the mineral industries, and to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas to enhance the professional excellence of its members. The Institute has several grades of members. The professional members are linked with Student and Company Members, as well as an Affiliate grade covering other professionals and non-professionals with experience in the mineral industry. The diverse group covers all sections of the mineral industry, from exploration through production to marketing of minerals and petroleum. Corporate (professional) membership also covers science and engineering professionals from specialisms other than the "traditional" ones in geosciences, mining and petroleum engineering and metallurgy. The Institute has Branches throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Oceania, whose activities complement the corporate occasions arranged for the benefit of all members by Headquarters in Melbourne. Members are drawn from all sections of the industry - private enterprise, government, research, education, and the support sector, including consultancies, manufacturers and suppliers. Membership of The Institute allows professionals to contribute to their profession through participation in The Institute's seminars and conferences, its many committees and Branch meetings, and through contribution to its many high standard publications. The Institute is the main body for the accreditation of professionals in the minerals industry. The activities of The Institute are directed towards the achievement of professional excellence. It provides opportunitites for contact with, and professional support from, colleagues, and the interchange of information on the latest industry developments.

Jan 1, 1989

By A. Uribe-Salas, J. A. Finch, B. J. Huls

Froth depth or interface level is an important control variable in column flotation which can influence both grade and recovery. A common method of locating the level is based on sensing the hydrostatic pressure at one or more points along the column. The level position is then calculated from these pressure readings using an equation which includes the bulk density in the froth and bubbling zones. The precision with which the level is detected depends on how well these density values represent both zones. The calculation of these bulk densities from theoretical considerations is not possible and, therefore, the practice is to estimate them by calibration. Unfortunately, the calibration parameters often do not report the level with an acceptable accuracy. A portable conductivity probe has been developed to detect the position of the interface from conductance measurements across the interface. The location of the interface corresponds to the position where a large change in conductance is observed, which is primarily a consequence of the difference in gas holdup between the bubbling and froth zones. This probe can be used to detect the position of the interface to an accuracy of± 5 cm. The probe can be used while the column is in operation, which allows the on-line calibration of the level detection system. Results obtained in its application in a pilot-scale column (0.91 min diameter) are described.

Jan 1, 1989

By D Frantzos, J J. Cotter, H Tammemagi, J B. Codrington, J Kaasalainen, A C. Webster

"Exploshres Technologies International (ED) is developing an instrument called ROCSCAN which isplanned to have broad application in both blasting and rock mechanics. The purpose of this paper is to outllne the background that has led to the development of ROCSCAN, describe its objectives and to present a progress report on the work to date. Some of the potential applications of ROCSCAN will also be reviewed."

Jan 1, 1989

By P. Bermingham

A new approach to load testing of high capacity piles is presented. The method is mobile, inexpensive, repeatable and non-destructive allowing for multiple pile testing at a single site. A reaction mass is placed over a pressure chamber situated atop the pile to be tested. The test method is significant in that it can produce linearly increasing forces of high magnitude (over 5.0 MN) with durations of up to 80 milliseconds. This represents pulse durations an order of magnitude longer than achieved using a drop hammer. The accelerations the pile undergoes are less than one g, (conventional dynamic methods = 50 to 100 g). These effects combine to produce pile behaviour no longer dominated by the action of stress wave, instead the pile is under high levels of stress through its length during the force input. This is representative of the situation when static loads are applied, thus the method may be considered quasi-static. Further advances introduced with this method are that pile deflection and transmitted force are measured directly by means of a laser beam and load cell. This allows accurate correlation of event load displacement histories without the error associated with zero shift (acceleration integration) or non-homogeneous materials (strain measurement). The load displacement histories emulate those obtained for static load testing.

Jan 1, 1989

By David M. Mchaina, Allan E. Hall, W. C. H. Kruining, Alan Coode, Stephen Hardcastle

This paper details an investigation into the feasibility of recirculating mine exhaust air in Saskatchewan potash mines. This project was initiated following a previous study at Ruttan Mine, Manitoba, which indicated that recirculation of exhaust air to reduce winter heating costs was feasible. The potash industry was selected for study because the mines use a minimum of blasting in their production methods and the exhaust temperature is significantly higher than that of most metal mines. These factors simplify the monitoring system required and have the potential for greater waste heat recovery. A series of measurements of underground mine pollutants was made at the main exhaust and intake shafts in order to determine the feasibility of introducing controlled recirculation of exhaust air. An experimental recirculation circuit was created by opening two existing doors situated between the return and intake shafts. During this recirculation trial, the air quality parameters at the intake, mixed intake and exhaust measuring stations were monitored. The results obtained from a questionnaire circulated to the regulatory agency and the major potash producers together with results obtained from underground field studies at Central Canada Potash (CCP) Division of Noranda Minerals indicated that controlled recirculation of mine exhaust air has potential application in these mines either to reduce heating costs and/ or to increase the face air quantities. A recirculation system is to be designed in conjunction with CCP and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour, Mine Safety Unit to attempt to implement a working recirculation system for CCP.

Jan 1, 1989

By O&apos, M. W. Neill

Mini-piles have been found to be a practical, technically correct remedial underpinning method. They can be constructed in limited access areas with very little disruption. Experience indicated that mini-piles installed using a down-the-hole soil displacement hammer would be particularly effective in the "bottomless" Beaumont Clay formations in the Houston, Texas, U.S.A. area. The University of Houston Foundation Testing Facility was ideally suited to perform tests on mini-piles. The availability of extensive geotechnical data and previous pile test results was invaluable in evaluating the mini-pile test data. As expected, the mini-pile test results were consistant with test results from large sized driven piles in the same soil formation.

Jan 1, 1989

By Albaharna O. T., Argyropoulos S. A.

"This paper describes the development and the implementation of process control in a variety of instruments used in metallurgical laboratories. These instruments are used for different research projects in extractive metallurgy. Hardware and software aspects for this implementation are described and analyzed. Extractive metallurgy applications where process control was .used are presented. IntroductionMicroprocessors are invading almost every area of our lives and are turning up in unexpected applications. A great deal of new equipment which is coming into the market have built- in microprocessor systems. Nevertheless, the area of upgrading existing processes has been slow to develop. There are a variety of reasons for this, and many of these are economic. One of the principal reasons, however, is the general reluctance on the part of many organizations to commit a strong effort to put this new technology into their existing processes.Microprocessor systems developed ""in lab"" are capable of not only measuring thermophysical events which are taking place in metallurgical furnaces, but simultaneously controlling these furnaces. In this paper software and hardware aspects in the implementation of microprocessor control for resistance and for induction furnaces are presented. In addition to this, metallurgical results are given from experiments where this furnace control was applied."

Jan 1, 1989

By V. Castranova, K. Van Dyke

"I. INTRODUCTIONA mechanism which is present in leukocytes and capable of releasing histamine from rabbit platelets was first described by Barbaro and Zvaitler in I966. A soluble mediator between rabbit leukocytes and platelets was also detected by Siraganian and Osier in 1971. This factor was isolated and characterized in 1971 by Benveniste et al. and named platelet activating factor i PAF). It was shown to be released from rabbit basophils through an antigen - IgE-dependent mechanism. The presence of PAF in human leukocytes' and its aggregation and releasing effects on human platelets were also demonstrated. Chemical analysis has shown that PAF is a glycerophospholipid with a choline polar head group. an ester-linked acyl chain at the second carbon and a nonester link at the first carbon.' The structure of the mediator was found to be 1-O-alky1-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphoryl choline and it has been chemically synthesized.""' A variable portion exists in the alkyl group attached to the first carbon which can have a variety of molecular sizes such as C and C (where Cu is more abundant). Recent work by Pinckard et al."" has shown that there are at least five variations of the alkyl group.PAF has been shown to have a broad range of biological effects. Release of PAF from alveolar macrophages may be important in asthma, allergy, and shock states. In a rabbit model of antigen IgE anaphylaxsis. PAF can induce all of the effects of antigen challenge and. therefore is presumed to be a key mediator in production of anaphylaxsis. In addition to aggregating and degranulating platelets it is a potent chemoattractant."" and causes contraction of guinea pig ileum contraction of lung tissue and enhanced capillary permeability PAF has important effects in the kidney and is also known as the renal hypotensive factor proposed by Blank et al. who found the structure of PAF independently of Benveniste et al.' In producing these responses. PAF acts by a receptor-like mechanism. In platelets. PAF selectively desensitizes itself but not thrombin or collagen. In smooth muscle tissues a similar phenomenon occurs with anaphylatoxin or other stimuli.In vivo. PAF probably acts in concert with other agents in producing its various biological effects. It causes platelets to release histamine serotonin and RCS (rabbit-contractile substance formed from prostaglandins PPG2, PGH2 and TXA2) which contracts rabbit aorta. PAF can cause cells to release SRS-A and leukotriene B."

Jan 1, 1989

By J. M. Mutamansky

"Coal mine dust research throughout the world has been stimulated by the recognition of its importance in the development of coal miners' diseases, particularly coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). A historical look at the problem and the present state of knowledge in this area of importance to the worldwide coal industry is presented. A summary of progress made in this area is provided and some research ideas for the future are discussed.1. INTRODUCTIONI thank Dr. Yong Won John, President of the Korean Institute of Mineral and Mining Engineers, for his invitation to address the International Symposium on Coal Mining and Safety. This presents me with an interesting opportunity to take a broad look at the research in coal mine dust and where we are going. From this broad perspective, we can all view the progress and problems that are apparent in the present state of knowledge of coal mine dust. One important element in the review of coal mine dust research and its role in miners' diseases is that of its history. The existence of diseases attributed to the mine atmosphere is often traced back to Pliny the younger in the first century A.D. His work on natural history mentioned observed human effects attributed to mine fumes and vapors. However, the subject of the effects of dust in the mine was not mentioned in published literature until 1556 when Agricola discussed the ailments of miners in his day (Seaton 1975).For many centuries, many medical ailments of the lungs were often categorized together and distinct diseases were often not recognized until more modern times. The ability to distinguish different lung diseases was limited until the discovery of X-rays in 1986. Nonetheless, Zenker in 1866 applied the term pneumonokoniosis to any disease where dust gathers in the lymphatic depots of the lungs. This term was changed to pneumoconiosis in 1932. While pneumoconiosis was defined in the 1800s, scant attention was paid to control of miners' diseases until recent decades. The first attempt to control disease through control of the mine atmosphere has been attributed to the South Africans who instituted a silica control in 1910 (Drinker and Hatch 1954)."

Jan 1, 1989

The Australian metallurgical processing industry has shown great innovation and progressiveness over the past ten years. During the same period, exploration activity, particularly by Australian companies, has increased substantially in Indonesia. Following feasibility studies, the decision was made to establish a metallurgical laboratory and design facility in Indonesia. An Indonesian partner was selected, and legal and corporate matters were determined. The laboratory was established but proved far more difficult than a similar undertaking in Australia. Australian and Indonesian staff were recruited and training programs, including training of Indonesian staff in Australia, were implemented. Difficulties of operating in Indonesia included: ò language difficulties ò _ local pace of life ò culture ò communications. Rewards of the decision to establish the means to present the technology to Indonesia have included: ò a contribution to Australia's export of technology. ò an opportunity to expand Normet's client base. ò the opportunity to learn aspects of a foreign culture. ò the means to establish a sound long term investment. This export of technology from the Australian mining industry to Indonesia is an example of the initiatives and capabilities shown by the Australian mining service industry.

Jan 1, 1989

By Tibor Zoltai

Asbestos is a generic term for industrially useful fibers recovered from exploitable deposits of the asbestiform varieties of five silicate minerals: chrysotile, anthophyllite, actinolite-tremolite, cummingtonite-grunerite, and riebeckite. Asbestos and asbestiformm fibers of some other minerals are known to be carcinogenic. Minerals crystallized in the asbestiform habit are characterized by unique properties (morphology, strength and flexibility, physical and chemical durability, and defect-free surface structures). The key to the unusual properties, and health effects, of asbestifarm fibers appears to be in their unusual surface structure. In contrast, non-asbestiform crystals of the same minerals, including the five so-called asbestos minerals do not have these properties and are not carcinogenic (1, 2).

Jan 1, 1989

By David J. Lowell

The gold content of porphyry copper deposits ranges from less than 0.05 g/t to more than I g/t ((0.0017 to 0.035 oz per st) and the average is about 0.05 g/t (0.0017 oz per st) gold. Perhaps the highest grade mineralization found near a porphyry cop¬per deposit is the Ok Tedi Gold Cap ore body whose grade falls in the 2 to 3 g/t (0.07 to 0.1 oz per st) range. It is difficult to define a gold-rich por¬phyry copper deposit. All porphyry copper ore bodies contain some gold, but there seems to be a fairly sharp break in the gold content at about 0.1 g/t (0.003 oz per st) gold. There is also a problem in identifying dis¬seminated gold deposits that may have an indirect relationship to porphyry copper systems. This relationship is clear cut in deposits such as the Ok Tedi Gold Cap, the El Hueso deposit, the Fortitude and West de¬posits at Battle Mountain, NV, and the Sur¬prise deposit at Ely, NV. There are many other bulk disseminated, epithermal-type gold deposits - McCoy, NV, for example - that might be related to a porphyry system but where this relationship is remains very uncertain. In such places as the Goldfields and Tonapah district in Ne¬vada and in the El Indio, Chile district, there may be a vertically stacked ore deposit rela¬tionship between near surface epithermal deposits and disseminated molybdenite and chalcopyrite enargite mineralization at depth that may represent a deep porphyry system. This, however, has not been positively demonstrated. Most of the bulk epithermal gold deposits are probably not related to porphyry copper systems. Exceptions would probably be Ok Tedi, El Indio, El Hueso, Battle Mountain, and Lepanto where vertical or lateral zoning relationships are more apparent. This author believes that porphyry copper systems are related to a relatively unique type of intrusion that is probably distinct from, for example, the McCoy intrusivebody. For that reason, deposits such as McCoy, Chimney Creek, and the like will not be included in the definition of gold-rich por¬phyry copper deposits for this article. The interpretation of the origin of several of the deposits previously mentioned are subject to an unusual amount of contro¬versy. For example, geologists seem to be equally divided about the presence of a porphyry copper deposit below the El Indio deposit. Geologic setting Continental vs. island arc Several geologists have speculated that the gold-rich, moly-poor, porphyries are

Jan 1, 1989