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By J. L. Eakin

A method was developed by the Bureau of Mines in the laboratory and in the field to relieve capillary waterblocks in gas wells. Impaired gas permeability was improved by this inexpensive chemical treatment which lowers the surface tension of the water held in the capillaries of the formation. Effectiveness of the alcohol-surfactant treatment was tested with a variety of chemicals and with sandstone cores cut from rocks having relatively low permeability. Field tests on 20 gas-producing and storage wells demonstrated the effectiveness and limitations of the method. The productive capacity of some wells was doubled by the treatment. The final test was evaluated by the neutron logging technique for measuring changes in apparent liquid saturation. Maximum apparent liquid saturation was reduced by 52 percent; gas production rate increased from 2.3 to 3.5 MMcfd (million cubic feet per day).

Jan 1, 1965

By T. R. Marshall

SAMREC (The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves) Clause 7 notes that ‘Documentation detailing Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from which a Public Report is prepared must be prepared by, or under the direction of, and signed by a Competent Person.’ Similar statements with respect to Competent Valuators (CVs) and Qualified Reserves Evaluators (QREs) are contained in the SAMVAL (South African Code for the Reporting of Mineral Asset Valuations) and SAMOG (South African Code for the Reporting of Oil & Gas Resources) codes respectively. What does it mean to be a Competent Person (CP) in the context of compiling/signing-off on SAMCODE (South African Mineral Code) compliant documents? What do the registration and experience requirements mean? Who is ultimately responsible for the report and what does such responsibility prescribe?

Sep 1, 2021

By V. E. Dementiev, V. I. Kulikov, G. I. Voiloshnikov, Yu. O. Fedorov

"The report presents the summary of the JSC Irgiredmet’s activities in the field of preconcentration of ores. As of 2018, the Institute has almost 40-years’ experience in this area. Over the years, Irgiredmet has done a lot of work – from development to implementation of new technologies of ore piece sorting and concentration based on X-ray radiometric separation (XRRS). INTRODUCTION Preconcentration has been a challenging issue of the mining industry over the last decades. The implementation of this technology can significantly increase mining efficiency. The main application of preconcentration is improvement of mined ores quality, however new and more complex issues have arisen with the evolution of the technology. Irgiredmet has started to develop an efficient preconcentration technology for gold-bearing and rare-metal ores 40 years ago. The X-ray radiometric method widely used at that date as a method of elements determination in geology and geophysics become the ground for this work (1). Since that time, the Irgiredmet Institute has developed and significantly improved the technology of piece ore sorting, or XRRS (2-5), that is currently also known as the X-ray fluorescence method. The progress of the XRRS development achieved by Irgiredmet in cooperation with Rados LLC, Tekhnoros LLC (Krasnoyarsk), Rados-Service LLC and CJSC Tekhnogen (Ekaterinburg) has proved efficiency and applicability of the XRRS technology for processing a wide range of minerals and solving of various technological problems (7-9) compared to other radiometric methods (6). Furthermore, obtained results are supported by numerous studies, trials and implementations. The significance of ore preconcentration for greenfield and brownfield projects determined the establishing a new subdivision of Irgiredmet, the XRRS Technology Center (XRRS TC), that has provided the Institute with a completed range of processing technologies, from preconcentration to producing final products. Over the past few years, the XRRS Technology Center has carried out studies and testing of a numerous (more than 100) projects, mines and deposits of gold-bearing ores, rare metal ores (Be, Ta, Nb, W, Mo), base metal ores (Cu, Sb, Zn, Pb), ferrous metal ores (Fe, Ti, Cr), rough diamonds and coal. The XRRS Technology Center performs various specific studies and testing not only in Russia, but as well as in Kazakhstan, Georgia and Mongolia. Mines and companies from Chile, India, China, Iran and other countries also take an active interest in the XRRS technology."

Jan 1, 2018

By G. D. Bateson

"The Low NOx/SOx (LNS) Burner is a technology which, in pilot-scale tests, significantly reduces acid rain-forming emissions from the burning of coal. The precursors of acid rain are nitrous oxides (NO) and sulphur dioxide (SO:;) . TransAlta is currently planning two demonstration projects.Esso Resources Canada and TransAlta are undertaking a project to demonstrate how coal can be burned cleanly for steam raising in heavy oil operations by using TransAlta's LNS Burner on a steam generator at Esso's Cold Lake Production Project. The $10.7 million project started up in mid-J990, with testing to be completed in mid-I99J. The province of Alberta and Western Economic Diversification Canada, along with other private industry, are contributing funding to the project.The other demonstration project that has been selected for funding under the United States Department of Energy's Innovative Clean Coal Technology Program is a retrofit of LNS Burners to a 33 MW cyclone unit at Southern Illinois Power Cooperative's Marion generating plant. The US$13.6 million project is scheduled for completion 18 months after final funding arrangements are made.TransAlta believes that these demonstrations will lead to the development of a commercial ""clean coal"" technology. Other demonstration projects being planned will further broaden the base of applications.IntroductionTransAlta has recognized an increasing concern worldwide for the environment, and in particular the acid rain problem. Increasing public concern and the need to meet either current or possibly more stringent emission regulations have prompted them to explore various emission reducing technologies - despite the low sulphur content of its coal.The flue gas desulphurization (FOD) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology currently available to reduce sulphur and nitrous oxides from coal burning power plants is very costly. Having to incorporate FGD technology, or ""scrubbers"", greatly adds to the cost of producing power. Having to add such high costs to electric customers' bills is something TransAlta is striving to avoid.There are many research programs now underway which are evaluating ways to provide electricity from coal in a clean manner. TransAlta has been observing or participating in a variety of these programs. However, there is one new technology which the company has identified as having the potential to control acid rain causing emissions at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems. That technology is called Low NOx/SOx, Burner - or LNS Burner."

Jan 1, 1990

By J. M. Goris

The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in a cooperative project with the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, and Homestake Mining Co., Lead, SD, conducted in situ monitoring and numerical modeling of rock masses supported with cable bolts in two mechanized, cut-and-fill stopes and a shaft pillar at the Homestake Mine. Extensometers were used to measure rock displacement, while cable bolt strain gauges were installed to measure loads on both conventional and birdcage cable bolt supports. These instruments provided an assessment of rock mass behavior during mining as well as essential data for verifying results from computer analyses. The numerical modeling program FLAC was used to analyze cable bolt patterns and supports. Results from the evaluation study indicated that cable bolt strain gauges and extensometers were effective instruments for monitoring the behavior of rock masses supported with cable bolts. Also, numerical modeling of the 4S-48N stope using the FIAC code provided displacement values comparable with measurements from field extensometers.

Jan 1, 1993

By G. T. Krempasky

In an attempt to develop a suitable precast concrete support for underground use, two different models (1955 and 1958) of a five-piece concrete set were designed, fabricated, and tested under adverse loading conditions. Model 1955 was designed to withstand an ultimate, uniformly distributed, vertical load equivalent to what a three-piece, 12- by 12-inch wood set of intermediate-grade Douglas fir would withstand. A design figure of 138,000 pounds for the vertical load was used on both the 1955 and 1958 models. In addition, the 1958 model was designed to withstand a uniform horizontal load of 7,000 pounds per foot and additional concentrated-point loading. The step- by-step design of each model is presented in the appendixes. A series of five destruction tests was conducted underground on the 1955 model, and results of the tests showed that the type and method of blocking were of major significance.

Jan 1, 1963

By J. H. McKibbon

This paper outlines the basic steps in the sizing of electrostatic precipitators according to the Deutsch equation. Design parameters that do not appear in the equation are also described.

Jan 1, 1971

By J. H. Soulé

This information circular is one of a series published by the Federal Bureau of Mines describing methods and costs at various mining operations. The Schwartzwalder uranium mine, situated about 20 miles west of Denver, Colo., is an important source of uranium ore in the Front Range. Production was begun in 1953, and nearly 36,500 tons of ore had been shipped by September 1, 1958. The mine is operated by Denver-Golden Oil & Uranium Co., Denver, Colo. Much interest has been shown in the property since uranium mineralization tit was found by Fred Schwartzwalder in 1949. The Atomic Energy Commission, Federal Geological Survey, Office of Minerals Exploration (formerly Defense Minerals Exploration Administration), and Federal Bureau of Mines have done work in the area, and various private concerns have shown interest in the property.

Jan 1, 1960

By M Jara, R Nuñez

As the global interest in sustainable energy sources has increased, lithium has emerged as a vital resource, playing a crucial role in the transition towards a cleaner and more efficient economy, but with this comes important challenges, especially associated to health, safety, and environmental matters. So, it is imperative for the lithium industry to prioritise HSE measures to protect workers, environment and surrounding communities. Implementing robust safety protocols and technology helps ensure the sustainability of mining operations and contributes to the overall responsible development of the industry. In this work we present how the Chilean lithium mining industry becomes a safer and more compliant industry using digital transformation (Cochilco, 2018; Bradley et al, 2013; Cabello, 2022).

Apr 16, 2024

By Robert Pumpelly

During my nearly 30 years with ATF, (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives), I conducted hundreds of inspections. In many cases hours of time were wasted because the licensee or permittee, who had basically done everything right, was not prepared for the audit. In these cases, required documents were scattered, personnel were unprepared and no plan was in place. This paper will provide some simple steps to avoid these embarrassing delays. A list of common violations is also provided.

Jan 1, 2010

By J. M. Christian

Silver has been a much maligned metal in recent years. In the last three and a half years the price has fallen from around US$7.00 -$7.80 to as low as $3.50 this spring. It has consistently under-performed most other precious metals in the past few years, and has fallen to its lowest levels since the late 1940s in inflation-adjusted terms. Perhaps this is beginning to change. Since April, silver prices have outperformed gold and platinum. While this may continue in the years ahead, key questions remain regarding the pace and timing of any future silver price advances. I want to talk about the supply and demand factors that have led silver to its recent position. Also, I will outline a possible path for silver supply, demand, and prices for the next several years. Before I dive into my discussion of the silver market, allow me to explain who I am. One of the points we always make to clients early in a relationship is that, when you are listening to someone's opinions, you always must remember who it is you are listening to, and why he might be saying whatever it is he wants you to hear. So often, people take opinions from brokers, traders, or investment advisors as gospel truth, never stopping to ask themselves two key questions: Is there any reason to believe that this person knows what he is talking about, and, second, is he trying to sell me something, in telling me this.

Jan 1, 1992

By Dan Urich

This paper covers the construction and operation of the Grate-Kiln system at the Humboldt Mine. The mine concentrator and pellet plant are located approximately 14 miles West of Ishpeming, Michigan, on the Marquette iron Range. Production of pellets began in mid-July, 1960.

Jan 1, 1962

By K. Nagai

The Asian projects are now in their second terms after the five-year first terms. Ultrafined-grained steels were developed in lab-scale and/or in practical process. Basic approach has been performed to explore the evolution mechanisms of ultrafine-grained microstructures. There have been investigated two approaches to make the ultrafine grains: the "recrystallization route" and the transformation route. In the "recrystallization" route, heavy deformation at low temperature is necessary for the ultra-refinement. In the transformation route, making the high density of ferrite initiation sites in the deformed austenite, especially of the heavily compressed austenite structures, is essential for the ultra-refinement, and further hindering the ferrite growth is also inevitable to utilize the high initiation rate. Strength and toughness are dramatically improved by the ultra-refinement. Fatigue property is also excellent. The poor uniform elongation can be enhanced by the design of the second phase dispersion. At the same time the application has been also pursued from various viewpoints of engineering to take advantages of the ultrafine-grained steels. Bridge, ship, construction, automobile and other high strength parts are being attempted for the application.

Jan 1, 2004

By G J. I dos Santos

The risk assessment of mining projects is directly related to the possible failure in estimating, and as estimates are made from sampling results, this activity should be done in a judicious and planned manner, to avoid surprises at the start of project operation. Pierre Gy’s (1995) sampling theory addresses the issue of sample representativeness and indicates that only the certainty that the sampling procedure was performed with quality may result in samples being recognised as representative. To validate the representativeness of samples from sampling boreholes selected for studies of mineral processing, the team of geology resource assessment of VALE has proposed a methodology based on the use of statistical analysis tools, which in addition to considering the spatial distribution of these samples in deposit, considers whether they are representative of the populations studied, allowing the geologist to make a quick analysis of sample representativeness.

Jul 11, 2011

By M Saghaeian, V Sheikhzadeh, R Hejazi

Mining dilution is one of the most important factors affecting the economy of mining projects. Instead of quantifying dilution in mining studies, it is common to assume a general dilution such as 5 per cent for massive deposits. Dilution increases the operating costs in the plant by increasing the tonnage of material to be milled. It prolongs the mine life by reducing plant’s effective capacity. It also reduces the feed grade. In most cases, lower feed grade means lower plant recovery. Dilution also increases the cut-off grade, which in turn reduces the overall ore utilisation of a mine. In this study has been investigated applying pre-concentration by dry magnetic separation for decreasing of dilution impact on reserve estimation and open pit design in low-grade iron ore mine. Based on the preliminary open pit design and assumption 3 per cent as dilution factor, the mineable ore in life-of-mine (measured + indicated) has been estimated with Fe = 25 per cent, SiO2 = 49.7 per cent. Based on the experimental test work on the ore, by dry low intensity magnetic separation of dry HPGR product grinding circuit, it is possible to remove diluted waste material and liberated gangue before concentrate plant, so that around 34 per cent rejected and Fe grade increase from 25 per cent to 33 per cent and by weight recovery 66 per cent. The results of the test work showed that this methodology could decrease largely the impact of dilution in the feed to the plant. It also slightly effect on the reducing of dilution factor impact for open pit design and optimisation and leads to increase the mineable tonnage in the low-grade magnetite iron ore mine.

Aug 24, 2022

By A. Sutherland Brown

"The Red Rose Mine is in the Rocher Deboule Range, 8 miles south of Hazelton. The mill camp (elevation 4,000 feet) is on Red Rose Creek, 11 miles by road from Skeena Crossing. The mine camp is one mile northeast and 1,600 feet above the mill camp on a spur of Red Rose Peak.The Red Rose mine was described in the Jubilee Volume, Structural Geology of Canadian Ore Deposits (Davis, pp. 129-131), but regional geology and mine development have progressed to a stage at which a more complete description is possible.The property was first located in 1912, and for the next 7 years was prospected actively for gold and copper on the southern extension of the Red Rose shear. Scheelite was first discovered in the vein in the northern part of the shear in 1923. The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited optioned the property in 1939, and after a drilling program in 1940 the present mine development was initiated in the vein in the northern part of the shear. A 75-ton-per-day mill started operating early in 1942 and continued until 1943. The property was inactive until 195 l, when Western Tungsten Copper Mines Limited leased the property from The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited. A mill, which later was enlarged to 140 tons per day, started operations at the end of 1951. The mine and mill were closed in December, 1954.The mine has twelve levels and sub1evels, and most of the workings are in the plane of the vein (see Figure 2a). The level interval is not constant, but between the lower four levels is 87 feet (100 feet in the plane of the vein). Access is provided by four adits; the 800 (elevation 5,659 feet), 600 (5,920 feet), 300 (6, 133 feet) and 200 levels (6,237 feet). The 600 level is the main haulage, and from it the ore is transported to the mill by aerial tram. From this level an inclined shaft extends in the vein to the lowest level (I, 100)."

Jan 1, 1949

By Dave D. Ferris

Today the coal industry is beginning to use some very fundamental economic evaluations to determine the most economical circuit to produce a specified saleable product. The fundamental economic methods used are standard return on investment and net present value calculations. By utilizing these economical evaluations, one can justify a larger capital expenditure and realize more return for an investment over the life of a coal property.

Jan 1, 1983

By Thomas E. Garnar

Mineral sand products have been produced from beach sand heavy minerals for nearly a century. These minerals have specific gravities of 3.0 or higher and are extremely resistant to weathering. The most common economic heavy minerals are ilmenite, leucoxene, rutile, zircon, stauarolite, monazite, garnet, and the aluminum-silicate minerals. Of these, ilmenite is the most abundant. In some cases a deposit may contain only one or two economic heavy minerals whereas in others five or six may be present. Heavy mineral mining began in the late eighteen hundreds when monazite was mined for its thorium content. This was followed by mining activity on the North Florida coast just south of Jacksonville Beach - where ilmenite and zircon were first separated during the WW I (1,8). Modern heavy mineral mining began in Eastern Australia during the late nineteen-thirties and spread to the United States during World War II. It is the purpose of this paper to review the commercial heavy mineral products, their sources, and their uses.

Jan 1, 1985

By F. H. Edmunds

I N presenting this paper, the writer wishes to point out some of the difficulties and problems of geological work in that part of Saskatchewan in which outcrops are few. These problems are well known to all geologists who have made investigations in this region, but may not be so well known to those outside. A table of the strata as known in certain areas of Saskatchewan and the adjacent provinces is given, with a brief discussion of some of the formations and beds about which there is little knowledge due to their being deeply buried and not exposed in the region. Comment with regard to possible oil and gas structures is made and some features of the structures in the Battleford and Simpson districts are described. The writer wishes to make acknowledgment to members of the Geological Survey of Canada to whose work in Saskatchewan and the adjacent provinces reference is made, and to others who have made, or are making, valuable contributions to the stratigraphy of Saskatchewan. Mr. G. C. Webb has kindly furnished information regarding and materials taken from a well bored recently in the Paynton district. Special thanks are due to the Simpson Oil and Gas Company for permission to use much valuable information with regard to their wells and for the generous way in which the officials and staff co-operated with the writer. The opportunities the writer has had to visit many parts of the Province have been in connection with investigations for the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and through facilities provided by the Department of Soils of the University of Saskatchewan. To these Departments the writer accords his thanks. For the purposes of this discussion, Central Saskatchewan may be considered as that portion of the Province extending from Township 16, with Regina, Moose Jaw, and Swift Current situated on or near the southern boundary, to Township 48, with Prince Albert and Lloydminster on the northern boundary. This region includes territory underlain by Cretaceous sediments and excludes the southern portion of the Province, where Tertiary beds underlie the surface and are exposed to an extent sufficient to permit a measure of systematic mapping.

Jan 1, 1937

By C. S. Harloff, Frank R. Corwin

THE Nichols Copper Co., associated with the Phelps Dodge Corp. and the Calumet & Arizona Mining Co., has constructed at El Paso, Tex., and is now operating a copper refinery with a yearly capacity of 100,000 tons of anodes. Transportation facilities were perhaps the most important of the considerations that led to the selection of this site. The rapid industrial development of the Middle and Far West has increased the consumption of copper there. The advantage of local refining as against shipping the copper to the Atlantic sea- board is apparent. Copper refined in the Southwest is equally competitive for export shipment, either from the Gulf or the Pacific Coast ports. The tonnage of copper produced in the Southwest not only justifies the construction of this plant, but may warrant considerable expansion in years to come.

Jan 1, 1930