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By Charlie Wyche

In 1980, gold, silver, and pit and quarry construction materials were the principal minerals produced in the Dominion of Fiji. The combined value of these minerals totaled some $7.2 million,2 over 85% of all mineral production, Production of cement, sand and gravel, and quarry products continued to increase, but gold and silver production from Fiji's only operating mine declined slightly from the previous year's level. Mineral exploration has been carried out by U.S., Australian, British, Canadian, West German, and South African companies since the early 1960's, and a high level of activity was maintained throughout 1980. At the end of 1980, some 40 mineral prospecting licenses covering over 4,300 square kilometers were in force, and 19 applications were under consideration by the Mineral Resources Department. Total expenditures by mining companies on land base projects exceeded $6 million in 1980.

Jan 1, 1982

By David W. Houseknecht

Probabilities of encountering coalbed discontinuities during vertical or horizontal drilling in a specific coalbed can be estimated based on analysis of mined-out areas of the coalbed where the size, shape, orientation, and distribution of discontinuities are known. The result- ant probability estimates can be applied to cost-risk evaluations of drilling programs proposed for exploratory, developmental, or methane drainage purposes in undeveloped areas of that coalbed. Data compiled from mine maps of the Beckley Coalbed in southern West Virginia were used to estimate the probabilities that discontinuities would be encountered in two illustrative hypothetical drilling programs--one for drilling vertical boreholes and the other for drilling horizontal boreholes. Analysis based on a mined-out area of the Beckley Coalbed indicated that vertical methane drainage boreholes spaced 1,000 feet apart in a square grid pattern would each have a 29 percent probability of encountering a discontinuity in a geologically unexplored area of the coalbed. It was also determined that exploratory vertical drilling could locate most of the discontinuities if a borehole spacing of 2,500 feet were used. For horizontal drainage boreholes in the Beck- ley Coalbed, the analysis indicated a linear relationship between hole length and the probability of encountering a discontinuity.

Jan 1, 1982

By Horace M. Varner

Under sponsorship of the USBM and later of the DOE, a new type of rotary rock drill has been developed by The Bendix Corporation. Originally developed for the production of holes for the installation of longer than seam height roof bolts, the flexible drill is a useful tool for many drilling applications. This drill allows hands-off or remote production of holes for increased drilling speed and greater operator safety in any strata suitable for rotary drilling. The paper discusses various applications and experience for the flexible drill system in coal mining, metal/nonmetal mining, and for general civil engineering uses. Manual, remote control, and automatic roof bolter modules are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1982

By Colin C. Harris, Nathaniel Arbiter

Current scale-up procedures are discussed critically, including: constant specific energy criterion; determination of mill size and power for a given ore, throughput and mesh of grind; specification of operating speed and loading. A major dynamic and kinetic factor now recognized is that the ratio of media rotational flow to ore axial flow, and the number of mill revolutions that ore is subjected to during residence, both diminish as mill diameter increases. These factors can lead to capacity limitations when mill diameters reach a critical range, especially regarding coarse sizes. Experience at the Bougainville and Pinto Valley operations is contrasted. Corrective measures suggested are to reduce loading and increase speed towards the Davis best operating speed.

Jan 1, 1982

By R. Ricketts, D. G. Vanderveer, F. Kirby

"A program of mapping, sampling and testing to determine the potential of the aggregate resources throughout Newfoundland and Labrador was commenced in 1978. A 6-km-wide corridor parallel to all transportation routes was selected as the study area.The study consisted of a preliminary surficial interpretation followed by field mapping and sampling. Granular resources were sampled at a 500-m interval and non-granular materials were sampled at a 1.5- to 2-km interval. Data were gathered on landforms and stratigraphy as well as a field description of the sample and deposit types. Particle-size and lithologic analyses of the samples were also conducted.The locations of samples and deposits were mapped on 1:50,000 topographic base maps and summarized for publication at a 1:250,000 scale. Surficial geology maps were produced at a 1:50,000 scale. A computer program is being developed for the search and retrieval of field data.The first phase of the Inventory of Aggregate Resources program is nearing completion and to date has collected information on approximately 9,500 samples throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This data will be used to provide f or the effective management of these vital non-renewable aggregate resources.The mineral aggregate industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is very competitive, but undercapitalized when compared to other provinces. The demand for aggregates is forecasted to increase to in excess of23 million tons per annum by the year 2002.In terms of over-all mineral production, the extraction of sand, gravel and stone has a significant impact when compared to other minerals in terms of value and tonnage produced.IntroductionThe province of Newfoundland has approximately 18,000 km of coastline. A large proportion of the population lives in coastal communities where, traditionally, beaches have been a major source of construction materials. Beaches have, therefore, often been subjected to overutilization, resulting in erosion of back beach areas or adjacent headlands."

Jan 1, 1982

By R. H. King

This paper describes the results of an underground coal mine trial installation of a shielded trailing cable. The cable was a three conductor, round, type SHC-GC and was installed on a shuttle car in a conventional room-and-pillar mining section. The purpose of the study was to evaluate proposed legislation that would require shielding on low-voltage trailing cables. Such legislation would require machine modifications to cable reels, packing glands, and couplers; increase cable splicing complexity; and necessitate additional splicing materials and training. Furthermore, fault location might be more difficult. Even though shielding will cause some problems for the mine operator, it can reduce electrical shock hazard to mine workers. This paper presents information that mine operators can use to solve most of the problems encountered if they are required to install shielded cables. The in-mine evaluation was funded by the US Bureau of Mines; however, the views and conclusions in this paper are those of the author and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing official policies of the US government.

Jan 1, 1982

By Roy C. Bartholomae

An accurate characterization of the vibration environment and a vibration qualification test derived from it will be a very useful tool for manufacturers of instrumentation for use on underground coal mining equipment. Recognizing this, the Bureau of Mines sponsored a study wherein vibration levels were measured on mining equipment to form a basis for developing the required vibration test. The data base was composed of 160 samples taken at different positions on a variety of underground machinery. The data were analyzed and presented in a format typical of military vibration qualification tests. The form was shown to be virtually identical to the swept sine test envelope specified in MIL-STD-810B for tracked vehicles.

Jan 1, 1982

By J. T. Graves

Bauxite, dolomite, and magnesite are natural occurring minerals that are used extensively in the manufacture of refractory products. In addition, magnesia produced from seawater or brine finds its way into the production of refractories. All of these materials must be processed at high temperatures, 1500°C to 2200°C, to produce an intermediate raw material (refractory grain) , which can then be used in the final manufacture of refractory bricks and shapes. During the last 20 years, the major supply of refractory bauxite has been from Guyana, and at times the annual production has ranged up to 1,000,000 tons per year. More recently, China has become a major source of refractory grade bauxite by supplying over 300,000 TPY. Other sources of bauxite in lesser quantities have been Surinam, Brazil, and the U.S.A. During 1980, the estimated available world tonnage amounted to slightly more than 1,300,000 tons. The bulk of this material has been calcined in rotary kilns except for some of the Chinese production, which was treated in shaft kilns. Recent work has indicated that an excellent product can be produced in the Nichols Shaft Kiln using much less fuel than the conventional rotary kiln. Details of the Nichols Shaft Kiln will be provided later in this paper.

Jan 1, 1982

By William E. Bruce

This paper is intended to provide an improved understanding of natural draft (natural ventilating pressure) and the effect of natural draft on underground mine ventilation circuits. Attention is focused on measurement of natural draft pressures during ventilation surveys in mechanically ventilated mines and on different methods for modeling natural draft using the measured data. A number of examples are presented which utilize data collected during absolute air pressure surveys made by personnel of the Ventilation Division of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's Safety and Health Technology Center, Denver, Colorado. Examples are used to illustrate how the data from absolute air pressure surveys may be interpreted to determine whether natural draft pressure is present and what its magnitude is. In addition, two different methods are described for mathematically estimating the magnitude of the natural draft pressure. Comparisons are made of results obtained using the different methods. Different procedures are described for modeling natural draft using the MSHA-modified Penn State computer program. Use of the routines is described and illustrated relative to drafts that aid or oppose the mechanical ventilation system. Tabulations of results facilitate comparison of outcomes obtained using the different modeling procedures.

Jan 1, 1982

By A. O. Filmer

A study of the dissolution of gold from a pyrite concentrate and from various calcines is reported. The percentage extraction of gold was found to decrease with increasing sulphur content in the material leached because of the porosity of the materials, and particularly because of the passivation of the anodic dissolution of gold when the gold was In contact with other conducting minerals. This is explained in terms of the current-potential curves for the oxidation of gold and the reduction of dissolved oxygen.

Jan 1, 1982

By M. H. Erten

Most of the fourteen workable coal seams in the State of Missouri have high ash and sulfur levels and need beneficiation in order to meet customer and Environmental Protection Agency requirements. If proper ash and sulfur removal methods can be designed, more Missouri coals will be mined and used within the state. One of the main objectives of this research is to investigate the possibility of removal of sulfur of Missouri coals by conventional beneficiation methods.

Jan 1, 1982

By Robert C. Garson

The Mine Roof Simulator at the DOE'S Mining Equipment Test Facility is described. Its use in the research and development on the behavior and response of longwall roof supports to simulated mine environment is investigated. Advanced technology analysis methods such as finite element modeling, strain gage instrumentation, and photoelastic techniques are investigated for application in roof support design two case studies are presented of test data and results.

Jan 1, 1982

Access to the Rosebery Orebody, which dips into the western slopes of Mount Black at 45¦, has been achieved in sequence by the following means: - A series of adits down to 8 level - An inclined shaft (No. 1 Shaft) sunk internally from 8 level to 14 level - A vertical circular concrete lined shaft (No. 2 Shaft) sunk internally from 4 level to 19 level. Although the orebody has been fairly well defined to 19 level, deeper ore occurrences have been outlined by a series of drill holes decreasing in frequency with depth to 26 level. No. 2 Shaft (sink) was stopped some 10 m below 19 level in order to make an early start on doubled production at West Coast Mines, with the intention of subsequently extending the shaft or of driving a decline from the lowest operating horizon for deeper access. The decline approach was adopted some six years after production commenced from No. 2 Shaft. The reasons for that decision are outlined, together with an account of the constraints and design requirements imposed by commencing by a vertical shaft in the hanging wall of the orebody.

Jan 1, 1982

By William R. Sharp

This paper describes a graphics station and graphics software designed specifically for use within the minerals industry. Through the graphics station, a user is able to recall maps for modification, display them on a color CRT, send the work to a plotter, and restore the work when finished. The engineer may use the system for the storing of data, per- forming engineering calculations, doing word processing, and performing general file maintenance. In addition, the system may be used to communicate with a mainframe computer for such purposes as: transmission of large data files, graphic 3-dimensional rotation of a mineral deposit or mine design, contouring of spacial data, and other data processing work.

Jan 1, 1982

By Richard L. Stein

INTRODUCTION Increasing a miner's chance of surviving a disaster requires advance planning for emergencies, adequate training of personnel, and the provision of proper survival equipment. It is extremely important that fires and toxic gases be detected early, and that warning systems such as stench, audible and visual alarms, and communications systems be provided to allow timely escape. However, situations do occur where timely warning is not provided and immediate escape is not possible, regardless of the precautions that are taken. Under such circumstances, a combination of new per¬sonal protective devices and old techniques can provide protection that is adequate to save a miner's life. SELF-RESCUE EQUIPMENT Self-rescuers are devices which provide a short-term supply of respirable air under the potentially lethal con¬ditions following a mine disaster. Functioning either as filtration devices for the elimination of carbon monoxide (CO) or as oxygen supplies, self-rescuers allow an endangered miner a limited amount of time in which to effect an escape or reach a place of temporary safety. Carbon-Monoxide Self-Rescuers For almost 50 years, filtration self-rescuers have protected miners' lives following explosions or fires. Designed to eliminate carbon monoxide from inhaled air, the first of these devices was approved in the 1920s and has evolved into the two units that are approved today-the Mine Safety Appliance (MSA) W-65 and the Draeger 810. Both of these units rely on the cata¬lytic conversion of very toxic carbon monoxide to rela¬tively safe levels of carbon dioxide (CO,). As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, both of these filtration self-rescuers operate in the same manner. On inhalation, the mine air passes through both coarse and fine filters that remove the dust, preventing the dust from coating the chemical beds or entering the miner's mouth. The air then passes over a drying agent that removes water vapor; this is required to prevent the water vapor from poisoning the catalyst. Subsequently, the dried air passes over the Hopcalite catalyst, where carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide. Then, the air passes through a heat exchanger that reduces the temperature of the inhaled air. Finally, the air is inhaled by the user. Air exhaled by the user passes through the heat ex¬changer and exits the device through an expiratory valve. Both units of this type are subject to certain limita¬tions: 1) The units do not protect the user against oxygen¬deficient air; when air is inhaled through this type of self-rescuer, the device only removes the carbon mon¬oxide. If the mine air contains less than 15% oxygen, anoxia is inevitable. Symptoms of anoxia include dizzi¬ness, shortness of breath, quickened pulse, and deeper and more rapid respiration while the victim is at rest. During heavy exertion such as would be expected dur¬ ing escape efforts, a 15% oxygen level can cause loss of consciousness. 2) The units do not protect against excessive levels of carbon dioxide. Available data on carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide concentrations following explosions or fires are limited, but there are indications that the carbon monoxide concentration can rise to 2% and the carbon dioxide concentration can reach 5 or 6% of the mine air (by volume). In some situations, the in¬haled air could contain up to 6 or 7% carbon dioxide. At a carbon dioxide concentration higher than 2%, breathing patterns can be affected adversely. At a con¬centration of 6 or 7%, the effects include severe respira¬tory distress, with unconsciousness resulting from exer¬tion such as that needed for escape activities. 3) The units do not protect against high inhalation temperatures. The catalytic oxidation of carbon mon¬oxide to carbon dioxide is an exothermic reaction that evolves a large amount of heat. As the carbon monoxide concentration increases, the temperature of the inhaled air also increases. Available data show that above 1.5% carbon monoxide, the air inhaled through some self¬rescuers can be as high as 90°C (194°F). At those

Jan 1, 1982

By P. E. Weidmark

"PART 1-Published PapersAllcott, G.A., and Archibald, D.E.; ""Description of pillar behaviour at Heath Steele Mines""; Can Min Metall Bull; 74:834:80-87; 1981.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 1: ""Physical properties of intact rock and rock masses""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of rock Mechanics; 3:32-33; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 1: ""Physical properties of intact rock and rock masses""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:37-38; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 1: ""Physical properties of intact rock and rock masses""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:38; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 1: ""Physical properties of intact rock and rock masses"" ; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:41; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 1: ""Physical properties of intact rock and rock masses""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:42; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 1: ""Physical properties of intact rock and rock masses""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:46; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 2: ""Tectonophysics""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:60; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 4: ""Underground openings""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3: 116; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 4: ""Underground openings""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:116-117; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 4: ""Underground openings""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:117; 1979.Baar, C.A. '; Discussion of Theme 4: ""Underground openings""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:118-119; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussions (2) of Theme 4: ""Underground openings""; Proceedings 3rd Congress lntnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:119; 1979.Baar, C.A.; Discussion of Theme 4: ""Underground openings""; Proceedings 3rd Congress Intnl Soc of Rock Mechanics; 3:120-121; 1979."

Jan 1, 1982

By G. B. Atkinson

To develop technology to help assure an ample domestic supply of zinc, the Bureau of Mines is investigating an aqueous chlorine-oxygen leaching process for treating complex sulfide concentrates. This report discusses the purification of aqueous C12-02 leaching solutions by utilizing zinc cementation to remove Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb. Additional processing of the purified solution is necessary to produce ZnC12 crystals suitable for molten-salt zinc electrowinning cells. The effects of solution temperature, reaction time, zinc dust concentration, ZnCl2 concentration, and degree of agitation on the removal of impurities were investigated for both simulated and actual leaching solutions. Zinc dust addition to a leaching solution at 30° C decreased the Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations to acceptable levels of less than 3 mg/1 each. By increasing the solution temperature to 75° C, the cobalt content was decreased to less than 5 mg/l, an acceptable level for producing electrolytic cell-grade ZnC12. Impurity removal rates from ZnCl2 solutions are Pb>Cu=Cd>Ni>>Co. An increase in the solution temperature increases the rate of removal for these metal impurities.

Jan 1, 1982

By Gordon Lewis

A complex mixture of hydrated reaction products is obtained from hydrothermally treated refractory cements and castable concretes. TGA can be used both to identify the product phases in the mixture and to determine a quantitative relationship among the phases. When reacted mixtures contain compounds that decompose simultaneously, or nearly so, additional assumptions must be introduced in order to develop a quantitative phase analysis. It is the purpose of this paper to examine some of these assumptions and to demonstrate their application, particularly to refractory cement systems.

Jan 1, 1982

By Jerry W. Stengel

The Bureau of Mines subjected two manufacturers' chemical oxygen (K02) self-rescue breathing apparatus to a series of laboratory environmental treatments designed to simulate various conditions in underground coal mines. The environmental treatments consisted of extremes of temperature, shock, and vibration. The tests were designed to be used as predictors of the ability of the self-rescuers to survive those environmental insults with no degradation in their protection to the wearer. Based on the severity of the treatments, simulating conditions more severe than offered by the mining environment, the two apparatus tested should be able to withstand the abuse offered by the mining environment and still function as intended in an emergency. Correlation of these tests with results of long-term field evaluations is needed to provide confidence in the laboratory tests as predictors.

Jan 1, 1982

By Wm. Terry Siemers, Frank E. Kottlowski, George S. Austin

The value of industrial rocks and minerals produced in New Mexico in 1978 exceeded $227 million. The state ranked first in the nation in production of potash and perlite and was a leader in pumice production. Other commodities with sizable production in New Mexico include barite, caliche, clay, dimension stone, fuorspar, gypsum, humate, limestone, mica, salt, sand and gravel, scoria, and silica sand. Non-metallic resources are distributed throughout the state, but development and exploitation is concentrated in western and southeastern New Mexico. The value of industrial rocks and minerals within the state grew about 9% to more than $227 million in 1978. Continued growth, however, depends on continued demand, exploration, and development.

Jan 1, 1982