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By Gerald Sherman

LARGE part of the mining industry is still under the shadow of the depression, and unwilling to undertake changes in plant or methods of operation that require large preliminary expenditures of money. Certain metals command fair prices: nickel, tin, and molybdenum. The precious metals, gold and silver, have been given greater values by natural processes of economics or by proclamation, but are of so much less importance in industry, in total value, and number of men employed, that they have not greatly raised the average for the mining business. The increased value of gold which was established in 1933 has stimulated .the search for new deposits, and aided efforts to revive some of the old mines 'Where it is hoped to find quantities of marginal ore now become profitable. The higher price did not increase production very much for 1934, but two discoveries of major importance, and others yet to be proved, will help later. The two referred to are the Lupa gold field in Tanganyika Territory, and the Silver Queen mine on Soledad Mountain near Mojave in California. The first was recently discovered, and is being developed by the East African Goldfields, Ltd. Uncompleted explorations of the croppings early in the year had exposed for measurement and sampling to a shallow depth, three ore shoots as gregating 7400 ft. in length and 6 ft. in width, containing 0.375 oz. of gold per ton. In the Silver Queen. an ore-

Jan 1, 1935

By C. H. Fisher, Abner Eisner

"INTRODUCTION Sulphuric acid of various concentrations has long been used as a reagent in the determination of olefins and aromatics in hydrocarbon oils 4 such as gasoline, kerosene, and neutral oils from coal—tar distillates. Despite its long use, however, there is no general agreement as to optimum conditions and concentration of acid, and numerous methods and modifications have been recommended. In most cases, treatment of the neutral oil with 60 to 90 percent sulphuric acid, followed by distillation to the original endpoint to remove olefin polymers, is recommended for the estimation of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The distillate thus obtained is taken as olefin—free oil and used in later stages of the anlysis. Aromatic hydrocarbons generally are determined in the olefin—free oil by suphonation with more concentrated acid (96 to 100 percent and fuming sulphuric acid are recommended), the hydrocarbons not attacked and removed as water—soluble sulphonic acids being considered as saturated hydrocarbons. In some cases the saturates are examined further by differentiatingbetween cyclic (naphthenes) and acyclic hydrocarbons (paraffins). Generally this is achieved by physical methods, although strong sulphuric acid is known to react preferentially with some types of saturated hydrocarbons,It was the purpose of the present work to make a general study of this type of analysis and to investigate the reactions of hydrocarbons under conditions often used in analyses that employ sulphuric acid reagents. Since previous work is not in good agreement, the optimum concentrations of acid for the different stages of the analysis were determined. Several sulphuric acid methods previously recommended and new modifications were compared, two synthetic solutions being used as the reference oil. The results obtained are presented below under separate headings."

Dec 1, 1937

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) is a professional society for all those associated with the activities of the mineral industry. Differences of opinion exist within the membership of the AusIMM on the role it should play in the future as a professional society in a changing industry and world environment. This same dilemma is concerning other professional societies of which the author is a member. Some of the activities and priorities of the AusIMM are reviewed in order to clarify a frequently expressed opinion that it identifies with and supports industry at the expense of representing the interests of its individual members. By definition and by action this is certainly not the case and it is concluded that all activities whether seen to be industry or member orientated serve to benefit both. The AusIMM plays a most important role in integrating and promoting the interests of all sections of the mineral industry whether corporate or individual and the Presidential activities in education this year provide an excellent example of this.

Jan 1, 1997

By Jorge Spangenberg, Lisard Torró, Patrick Quispe, al et, Johan Ramírez

Presentamos nuevos datos de isótopos estables de carbono y oxígeno que ayudan a delimitar el origen y la evolución de los fluidos del estadio C en el depósito de Zn-Pb-Ag-In-Sn-Cu de tipo cordillerano de Ayawilca. Los datos isotópicos de rodocrosita hidrotermal indican que los fluidos mineralizantes presentaron valores promedio de 13C y 18O de -13 ‰ (VPDB) y 19 ‰ (VSMOW), respectivamente.

May 10, 2023

By F. R. Hensel

PuRe silver and silver-lead alloys have been studied as to their suitability for bearing~.' A review of the properties of thallium and the silver-thallium constitutional diagram was made by the author to analyze the possibilities of silver-thallium compositions for antifriction materia1s. t The silver-rich end of the diagram as reported in the literatureg-" was found to be sketchy and it was necessary to carry out corisiderable experimental work to arrive at definite conclusions. Some of the results of this work are reported in this paper. Test Materials In the beginning of the work, only fused alloys were investigated. Later, research Table i.—Composition of Fused Silver-thallium Alloys Tested for Antifriction Properties Percentage Alloy No. of Thallium 1533...................... 0.48 1534.................... 1.06 a31 HT................... 2.04 231....................... 2.10 232 HT................... 3.83 Balance 232....................... 4.07 Silver 233 HT................... 5.86 a33....................... 6.38 a34....................... 9.84 a34 HT................... 10.07 was carried out on electroplating methods and diffusion processes. In preparing the fused alloyst care was taken to exhaust the toxic fumes caused by the thaillium content. The compositions of the series of fused alloys are listed in Table I. The silver-thallium alloys were melted in clay-graphite crucibles and cast into preheated steel molds of 3/4-in, diameter. In the cast condition, they showed a cored structure, as indicated by the micrographs of Figs. I to 3. The etching reagent used was a mixture of 2 grams K2Cr207, 8 C.C. H2S04, and IOO C.C. H20. The cored structure is unsatisfactory for the type of corrosion resistance required for bearing applications, and homogenizing experiments were carried out at various temperatures, the results of which are shown in Figs. 4 through 8. The alloys with a lower thallium concentration, which were heated for 2 hr. at 525°C show an almost completely homogenized solid solution type of structure. With higher thallium concentration, the homogenizing temperature was dropped to 475OC. to eliminate the formation of a liquid phase. It is evident that heating for 2 hr. at this temperature did not iesiilt iii complete elimination of the cored structure. As would be expected, cold-working of the cast structure is an expedient in establishing equilibrium conditions. The fine homogeneous grain structure shown in Fig. 7 corresponds to the cold-worked area under the Rockwell ball penetration when the hardness was taken before heat-treatment. A detailed structural study was made on a cast silver-thallium alloy containing 3.67 per cent thallium. Three micrographs (Figs. 9, 10 and 11) show the transition

Jan 1, 1946

By F. R. Hensel

PuRe silver and silver-lead alloys have been studied as to their suitability for bearing~.' A review of the properties of thallium and the silver-thallium constitutional diagram was made by the author to analyze the possibilities of silver-thallium compositions for antifriction materia1s. t The silver-rich end of the diagram as reported in the literatureg-" was found to be sketchy and it was necessary to carry out corisiderable experimental work to arrive at definite conclusions. Some of the results of this work are reported in this paper. Test Materials In the beginning of the work, only fused alloys were investigated. Later, research Table i.—Composition of Fused Silver-thallium Alloys Tested for Antifriction Properties Percentage Alloy No. of Thallium 1533...................... 0.48 1534.................... 1.06 a31 HT................... 2.04 231....................... 2.10 232 HT................... 3.83 Balance 232....................... 4.07 Silver 233 HT................... 5.86 a33....................... 6.38 a34....................... 9.84 a34 HT................... 10.07 was carried out on electroplating methods and diffusion processes. In preparing the fused alloyst care was taken to exhaust the toxic fumes caused by the thaillium content. The compositions of the series of fused alloys are listed in Table I. The silver-thallium alloys were melted in clay-graphite crucibles and cast into preheated steel molds of 3/4-in, diameter. In the cast condition, they showed a cored structure, as indicated by the micrographs of Figs. I to 3. The etching reagent used was a mixture of 2 grams K2Cr207, 8 C.C. H2S04, and IOO C.C. H20. The cored structure is unsatisfactory for the type of corrosion resistance required for bearing applications, and homogenizing experiments were carried out at various temperatures, the results of which are shown in Figs. 4 through 8. The alloys with a lower thallium concentration, which were heated for 2 hr. at 525°C show an almost completely homogenized solid solution type of structure. With higher thallium concentration, the homogenizing temperature was dropped to 475OC. to eliminate the formation of a liquid phase. It is evident that heating for 2 hr. at this temperature did not iesiilt iii complete elimination of the cored structure. As would be expected, cold-working of the cast structure is an expedient in establishing equilibrium conditions. The fine homogeneous grain structure shown in Fig. 7 corresponds to the cold-worked area under the Rockwell ball penetration when the hardness was taken before heat-treatment. A detailed structural study was made on a cast silver-thallium alloy containing 3.67 per cent thallium. Three micrographs (Figs. 9, 10 and 11) show the transition

Jan 1, 1946

By J. L. Eakin

The Bureau of Mines determined agents that are effective in foaming heavy brines and oil from gas wells in severe concentrations of sodium chloride, in severe concentrations of calcium chloride, or in moderate oil-brine mixtures. Dynamic foam tests were designed to select the more effective foaming agents. Numerous foaming agents were tested in concentrated simulated brines, in oilfield brines having varied concentrations of ions, in heavy natural brines, and in a commercial brine generally used as a reservoir pressure-balancing fluid. Several agents were detected that could perform efficiently in the field under the most severe saline conditions. Agents that promote foaming in oil-brine mixtures were also determined.

Jan 1, 1965

Radio Detection and Ranging is an active form of remote sensing. The-imaging system sends out a source of electromagnetic energy to 'illuminate' the terrain and then records the energy returned. The wavelengths used by radar are in the microwave region and vary from a few millimetres to about a metre. Radar systems are independent of lighting conditions and weather. In addition, targets may be illuminated in the optimum direction to enhance features of interest. New Zealand was one of the principal investigators on the Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-B) experiment, part of the payload on Challenger Mission 41-G in October 1984. Data collected over New Zealand was restricted to two very poor quality optical images and one poor quality digital data take. The digital image covered the ranges between the Hawke Bay-Wairoa Basin and the Volcanic Plateau. Variations of texture in this image frequently were indicative of variations in lithology and induration. The image also clearly depicted major faults where these had had a significant effect on the topography.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. C. D. Gush

Paper written on project work carried out in partial fulfilment of Laboratory-scale testwork was undertaken to recover oxidic copper-cobalt minerals by froth flotation, which requires maintaining a certain sulphide level in the pulp. To improve control of the sulphide concentration, an electronic closed-loop system was designed that responds to the potential output of an ion-selective electrode. The PID control was improved by adding a pre-emptive control and a self-calibration feature; a data logging facility is also included. An inexpensive valve design was incorporated using locally available parts. The operating results of this control design are presented.

Jan 1, 2005

By Kim Lapakko

Increasing public concern over the welfare of the environment has placed demands on the mining industry to evaluate the environmental impact of mining development. This is a difficult task and involves considering the influence of a multitude of variables on complex processes over a long time period. Few studies which focus on the evaluation of the environmental impact of mining have been conducted and, therefore, there is little past experience to rely upon. This article describes some of the work done to evaluate the potential environmental impact of mining development in Minnesota. Interest in developing the major copper and nickel sulfide deposits near the wilderness areas of northeastern Minnesota aroused concern regarding the environmental impact of mining development in the region. As a result laboratory and field studies were initiated to investigate the potential for trace metal leaching and acid generation due to dissolution of Duluth gabbro. Chemical equilibrium computer modeling was conducted to aid in data interpretation. The goals of the study included the investigation of leaching mechanisms and rates of release (1, 2).

Jan 1, 1980

By H. V. Kinsey

"IntroductionTITANIUM is probably the most widely publicized metal today. Much has been written, both in the lay press and the technical press, about its properties and potentialities. In view of the fact that Canada possesses large quantities of titanium-bearing ore, and could conceivably become a major producer of metallic titanium, it was felt that a paper dealing mainly with the physical metallurgy of titanium would be of interest to this Institute. This paper is concerned chiefly with the useful properties of titanium and its alloys and the fundamentals governing the modification of its properties by alloying.Physical Properties of TitaniumTitanium belongs to a family of metals that have been termed 'gas sensitive' (I), because their mechanical properties are altered by certain gases which they readily absorb and retain. Other metals of this group are zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, columbium, tantalum, and chromium. Titanium has a strong affinity for oxygen and nitrogen and once it has absorbed these gases they cannot be removed either by melting in vacuum or by any degassing agent. These gases, when present in excess of about half a per cent oxygen plus nitrogen, render the metal brittle and useless as a structural material.Some of the typical physical properties of titanium are listed in Table I along with those of common structural metals for comparison."

Jan 1, 1953

By B. C. Viljoen

"SynopsisCommencement of the next phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a year or so away from becoming reality. Some 50 km of tunnels in the form of access adits, shafts, diversion tunnels, and main waterways will be constructed. Sprayed concrete will form an integral part of the temporary and permanent rock support systems that will be installed. Furthermore, the use of sprayed concrete as a final tunnel lining solution was proposed as a viable alternative to concrete linings in the feasibility studies that preceded the forthcoming implementation phase.The aim of this paper is to make the reader aware of all the sprayed concrete related issues that engineers tend to grapple with during the design and construction of tunnel projects and other underground works. Primarily, these issues would include selection of applicable design parameters, technical specifications, construction application methods, quality control and, most importantly in the context of final or permanent linings, the durability of sprayed concrete.The International Tunnelling Association (ITA) Working Group (WG) 12 has been tasked specifically to publish a set of recommendations on the Quality and Control of the Application of Sprayed Concrete and the Testing of Sprayed Concrete for Durability. These tasks were also further explored at the recent World Tunnel Congress (WTC 2015) that was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia at the end of May 2015.IntroductionSprayed concrete is presented in a variety of shapes, designs, forms, application methods and accompanying terminologies including shotcrete, gunite, pneumatically applied concrete, and the like. The International Tunnelling Association (ITA) decided to standardize on a single terminology, namely ‘sprayed concrete’, in order to simplify specification, interpretation of guidelines, and codes of practice."

Jan 1, 2015

By D. W. Loughridge

INTRODUCTION Raising capital in the 1990s is a timely subject. However, many of us thought why should raising capital in the 1990s prove to be unlike it was in the 19805, the 1970s, the 1%0s, or earlier? There are a lot of creative people in banking and in corporate treasury departments. New tools and techniques are continuing to emerge, many of which are discussed in other papers in this book. While we have new financing tools at our disposal, the underlying issue has not changed. Projects and investments must be judged on their own merits. If they cannot be justified by conventional financial analysis, they should not be built. If they can be justified, it is likely that the financing will be available. The challenges faced in raising capital in this decade will persist to the next. The issues of the 1980s -- currency fluctuation, disruptive merger and acquisition activity, commodity price volatility, political risk, and debt crisis -- will all persist in an increasingly international business environment. I will focus on the financing we have just completed for the Escondida Copper Project in Chile. The Escondida financing is structured along the classic project financing model developed in the late 1970s, but it deals with issues of the 1980s and the 1990s. The financing was intriguing, not just because of the technical issues involved, but also the challenge of reaching an agreement in a large and diverse group. Escondida had the one essential feature that made its financing possible. It was commercially very attractive. It would produce at low cost a commodity (copper concentrates) that direct consumers felt would be in tight supply. The project had the direct support not only of its sponsors, but also its customers, and, very importantly, its host government. The non- recourse financing of Escondida would not have been possible without the support of these parties, and without the robust economics that made this effort worthwhile. The issue was more complicated. Operations in all parts of the world entail some political exposure. This project is in Chile, where there was a constitutional requirement that a plebescite be held when the project would be in its early stages. This plebescite would determine the fate of a 15 year old military dictatorship. The project is copper, a commodity generally deemed to be in surplus. Copper has a history of price volatility (whose price has varied from $.58 to $1.53 per pound over the past two years). It is politically sensitive, not only in Chile, but in the United States, Canada and other developed countries. The project is international, with all the problems of dealing with a variety of currencies, a variety of cultures, and a variety of laws and commercial practices. The project is also large and capital intensive, with a total cost of U.S. $1.1 billion. ESCONDIDA PROJECT Escondida, the largest known copper ore body in the world, was discovered in March of 1981, by Utah International in a joint venture with Getty Oil Company. In 1984, both Utah and Getty were involved in ownership changes, Utah being acquired by BHP. A later restructuring of the ownership of Escondida resulted in BHP, as manager, carrying a 60% interest, Rio Tinto-Zinc Corporation (RTZ) 30%, and a consortium of Japanese companies led by Mitsubishi Corporation with 10%. The Japanese consortium is incorporated as JECO (Japan Escondida Corporation). This ownership structure, which spread ownership around the world, was the first tangible step toward managing both the commercial and political risk associated with the project.

Jan 1, 1990

By P. D. Hodgson, G. L. Kelly, H. Beladi

"The formation of ultrafine ferrite by strain induced transformation is assessed using rolling and hot torsion experiments. These experiments are used to examine the impact of thermomechanical processing conditions and steel chemistry on strain induced austenite to ferrite transformation and the formation of ultrafine ferrite. The critical strain for dynamic strain induced transformation increased with increasing carbon equivalence, deformation temperature and austenite grain size. The deformation structure in the austenite grains changes with the thermomechanical processing conditions.Drawing on these results and the current literature, the important factors for the production of ultrafine ferrite are described and a mechanism proposed."

Jan 1, 2004

By G. K. Jorgenson, S. H. Chung

"IntroductionThe SABREX Blast Modelling Program was developed jointly by the companies of the ICI Explosives Group, of which C-I-L Inc. is a member. SABREX (Scientific Approach to Breaking Rock with Explosives) is a modular computer program which incorporates new technology with a number of tested programs that have been in use world wide.SABREX predicts the performance of blasts in terms of (I) fragment size and distribution; (2) muckpile profile and face velocity; (3) grade fracture; (4) collar breakage; (5) a rupture envelope which depicts crack penetration behind and beneath blastholes; and (6) a complete cost analysis including explosives, drilling and accessory costs. The predicted blast results are displayed as dynamic colour graphics and in tabular form.SABREX uses data on the detailed geometry of the drilled and loaded pattern, detonation characteristics of the explosives and the dynamic properties of the rock to generate blast predictions. SABREX blasting calculations take into account the effects that shock and quasi-static pressures exert on the rock around the blastholes. While physical effects occur very rapidly in rock blasting, it is possible to view and model the sequence of events as discrete sections.The program can be run on a microcomputer and is currently operated by C-I-L technical service staff in Canada for the use of drilling and blasting operators.Figure I is a diagram representing the modules of the program and associated technology that is used to complement the program.Any, or all, of the modules may be used in a particular study or blast optimization. Because the BOBCAT module of the SABREX program has been described in previous papers(7.8.9), this discussion will concentrate on the newer modules: CRACK, HEAVE, RUPTURE ENVELOPE and to a limited extent, KUZ-RAM, which present a more detailed picture of the blasting process.Each of these modules is discussed in terms of the information they offer the operator in analyzing the blast. Specific examples of recent usage in Canadian mining situations are included to illustrate the ability of the model to produce practical results that can assist in optimizing actual blasting operations or solving problems that do exist."

Jan 1, 1987

By A. W. Khair

This paper deals with the design characteristics of cutting tools and the operating parameters these tools are usually subjected to. Eight types of cutting tools/bits with different geometrical shapes and sizes were tested in a linear cutting apparatus, utilizing concrete blocks. The objectives of these experiments were to study the performance of each type of bit, make qualitative assessment of each bit geometry and size and establish cutting parameters for efficient utilization of the tools. During the experiment required forces Fx, Fy, and Fz, cutting, penetrating and lateral forces respectively and audible and sub-audible noises were measured. In these experiments, the depth of cut was kept constant to 1.5 inch while the bit spacing was varied 1.5,2.25 and 3.0 inch (3.75,5.6 and 7.5cm respectively). The results of these experiments indicated that by optimum ratio of depth of cut to bit spacing, the cutting face will be cleaned with the least ridge/land remains between the bit groves, resulting in least specific energy consumption, more large and less fine product particles and substantial reduction of audible noise. The results of these experiments also showed that proper bit design not only decreased cutting energy consumption but also reduced audible noise.

Jan 1, 2001

By Juan Silbino

En 2012 se realizó un diagnóstico en Volcán Compañía Minera donde se identificó la necesidad de efectuar un cambio en dos frentes: Sistema de Gestión SSO y Líderes. El sistema se basó en cuatro pilares fundamentales y aplicó las siguientes herramientas: gestión de riesgos, condiciones, conocimiento y comportamiento. Dentro del pilar condiciones, se priorizó doce riesgos críticos para contener los accidentes mortales e incapacitantes. En ese sentido, el presente artículo describe la estrategia enfocada sobre la base del Cambio de Cultura en Seguridad aplicado a Volcán Compañía Minera como modelo sostenible que se fundamenta en una visión integrada. Esta estrategia influye sobre las personas, instalaciones, equipos, tecnología y sistemas de administración de seguridad y salud con un enfoque de contención de accidentes, a través de los elementos críticos presentes en el sistema de gestión.

Apr 1, 2017

By J. Seiter, S. Cox, E. Kim

Mining has always been among the most hazardous of occupations, and with the increasing demand for coal and minerals, safety in mines assumes even greater importance. Worldwide, underground miners are being exposed to noise and respirable dust hazards associated with roof bolt drilling. These hazards are now being understood to cause irreparable damage to the health of miners. The objective of this research was to discover if a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit generates less respirable dust and hazardous noise than a competing tungsten carbide (WC) bit in dry vacuum drilling. In order to control the drill parameters the drilling tests were conducted in a laboratory setting. The results were obtained by determining the quantities of dust and noise generated using each drill bit and analyzing those levels, using monitoring devices and software to collect the data. This paper includes information on the experimental setup, equipment used, drilling parameters, and data collected. Our results indicate that PDC bits produce significantly less noise and dust than WC bits. Our findings can contribute to improving the working conditions of rock bolter operators by reducing noise and dust generation.

Jan 1, 2014

By Saulo Brinco Diniz

O presente trabalho estuda as características microestruturais e mecânicas de 3 ligas de alumínio (1100, 3104 e 8011) na condição laminada a quente e submetidas a um tratamento térmico de solubilização em diferentes tempos de encharque (1, 2 e 3 horas). As ligas em estudo apresentam um percentual de soluto ligeiramente acima do limite máximo de solubilidade nas mesmas. Assim os tratamentos térmicos de solubilização permitiriam controlar a dimensão, dispersão e natureza dos precipitados presentes modificando a condição laminada a quente, sem atingir a completa dissolução dos mesmos. A avaliação microestrutural/ composicional e mecânica foi feita por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV)/ Espectroscopia de Raios-X de Dispersão de Energia (EDS), Difração de Raios-X (DRX) e ensaios de dureza. De acordo com os resultados apresentados para as ligas 1100 e 8011 o tempo para ocorrer à solubilização está entre 1 e 2 horas enquanto que para a liga 3104 está entre os tempos de 2 e 3 horas.

Aug 7, 2018

By V. Y. Kirillin, V. A. Rumjantsev, S. A. Tchesnokov, Yu A. Veksler, V. F. Kalmykov, A. N. Telgarin, A. T. Shakirov

Mining in outburst hazard seams may be safe and effective if some preventive measures, such as lowering gas and rock pressure as well as speed regulating of a continuous miner in cutting the seam would be practised. The driving speed should be optimal as the low speed lowers labour productivity but the high speed may cause gaso-dynamic phenomena. At this mine the driving speed is regulated by seismo-acoustic control of the seam condition.

Jan 1, 1985