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By Ajoy K. Ghose

INTRODUCTION Longwall mining made its debut in Indian coal mining scene around 1900. Despite this headstart, the application of the method has been slow and halting. Currently, there are some 16 operating longwall faces only in different Indian coalfields contributing to perhaps less than 3 percent of the total underground coal production. Ambitious plans for expansion of longwall mining notwithstanding, apprehensions on the cavability of Indian coalmeasure roof rocks and some unsavoury experiences with face collapses in caved longwalla have impeded wider adoption of the technique. Between 1960 and 1983, some 41 caved longwall faces were worked in Jharia, Raniganj, Karanpura and Korba Coalfields in India, of which 6 faces reportedly had collapsed(1). The first powered support longwall face was started in August 1978 at Monidih colliery which marked a major step forward in the introduction of advanced technological system in Indian coal industry. This paper attempts to analyse critically the experiences with longwall ground control in caved longwall faces in India. Experiences from powered support faces at Monidih, Dhemomain and Pathakhera are synthesized to provide an appraisal of the present status of caved longwall faces under the Indian coalmeasure roofs, which thus far have been characterised as “massive”. The geotechnical site factors at the powered support faces are evaluated and conclusions drawn on the pre-assessment of caving characteristics and support resistance required at the faces.

Jan 1, 1984

By C. A. Stetefeldt

In a former paper (Runs., xxi., 286) I described the plant of the Marsac Refinery, and the manipulations of the process, but cou1d not, at the time, give reliable statistical results. To supply the latter is the object of the present paper. I shall give actual facts as correctly as possible, without any bias one way or the other. For all statistics I am indebted to Mr. W. G. Lamb, who has charge of the Marsac lixiviation-plant and refinery; to Mr. A. Luebeck, assayer at the Ontario mill; and to the Daly Office, Salt Lake City.* Before starting on the work of the year 1892, a most careful clean-up was made, and any remnants were charged to the refinery. During 1892 the Marsac lixiviation-works produced 48.8 tons of so-called "regular" sulphides, which contained, on an average, 11,449 ounces of silver per ton; 11.77 ounces of gold per ton; and 569.8 pounds of copper per ton. To this must be added, 266 pounds of sulphides and by-products left over from the product of 1891, which contained 1380 ounces of silver, 1.41 ounces of gold, and 63 pounds of copper. Before giving the results of the clean-up, a general discussion of the items of expense, methods of assaying, etc., is desirable.

Jan 1, 1895

This paper details successful implementation of a revolutionary pit access system involving excavation of an 'in-the-wall' ramp at Three Mile Hill open pit operated by Gold Mines of Coolgardie, formerly Goldfan Limited, at Coolgardie, Western Australia. Three Mile Hill is a medium-size, open pit, gold operation typified by hard, competent, fresh rock conditions from near surface. The project involved construction of a haulage tunnel or decline access located in the wall of an open pit in place of a conventional pit access ramp. Works undertaken as discussed herein included excavation, support, ventilation, dewatering, services installation, commissioning and monitoring. Prior to implementation, the conventional hardrock pit slopes and designs were constrained by the presence of infrastructure and a main road to the North and by adjoining leases to the Southeast. The combination of these factors and economic considerations resulted in a decision to proceed with an innovative in-the-wall ramp access system that is believed to be the first of its type in Australia. Back-analysis indicates that implementation resulted in a cost saving of as much as A$3.6 million and increased mineable pit reserves. The paper deals with the successful implementation and operation of the in-the-wall ramp haulage as well as an economic evaluation that is aimed at drawing some general conclusions on favourable conditions for implementation in other mining scenarios.

Jan 1, 1996

By H. S. Martin

Although it was known some years ago at the Utah Copper Co. mills that fine grinding improved flotation recoveries, no accurate data were available until recently as to just how far the grinding could be carried economically. In 1923 the ultimate degree of fineness for flotation feed was supposed to be about 10 per cent. on 65 mesh, with approximately 55 per cent. through 200 mesh, which meant that most of the mineral would pass 100 mesh. At this time Garfield and Wilfley tables were used ahead of flotation and a good deal of the coarse mineral removed prior to the ball mill regrind. Shortly afterwards, mill-scale tests developed the fact that on a feed containing not over 10 per cent. +65-mesh material flotation alone would give a copper recovery equal to that obtained by the combination of tables and flotation, but that on much coarser feed the recovery with flotation alone was lowered. This was at a time when all the sulfide minerals were floated if possible, so that the only requisite was to grind fine enough to free the mineral from gangue. Earliest Use of Microscopic Examination of Tailings As early as 1921, the writer had attempted to determine by chemical analysis the relative proportions of copper minerals in tailings from an ore that made extremely poor flotation results. Chemical analysis was not satisfactory or conclusive, and samples of these tailings were sent to the U. S. Bureau of Mines Station at the University of Utah for microscopic examination. The question at that time was to determine, if possible, which copper minerals had been lost and why, but R. E. Head, in his report, revealed other interesting data. He said in part: Briefly stated, the mineral partieles or grains may be classified into scparate groups as follows: 1. Free grains of pyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite and bornite, respectively, which contain 110 other included sulfides; 2. Grains in which all three of the copper sulfides are representel (the core may be of chalcopyrite, partially altered to boruite, these two minerals being cntirely surrounded by a shell of chalcocite); 3. Grains composed of equal amounts of bornite and chalcocite or chalcopyrite and chalcocite. The grains of free mineral particles are perhaps the most numerous, taking the ore as a whole, but it is noticeable that of the grains of combined or associated sulfides

Jan 1, 1930

By R. Weber

Methane explosions in underground coal mines are a major concern across the mining industry. After the Pike River disaster, Arnot Coal became even more aware of the explosion risk. To determine whether Arnot has adequate precautions against a methane explosion, such as the one that led to the Pike River disaster, a literature survey covering the causes of the incident and what preventative measures should have been in place was conducted. Many different methane explosion prevention methods were evaluated, as well as codes of practice. Based on the findings, Arnot?s measures to prevent conditions favourable for a methane explosion were evaluated.

Jan 1, 2014

By Horst Peter Wölfel

The goal of biodynamic models is to simulate the vibration behaviour of the human body. In combination with experimental studies biodynamical models can be a powerful tool for the analysis of the effects of vibration exposure on health [1] and comfort. This paper gives an overview of the state of the art of biodynamic whole-body vibration models of humans, addressing both numerical models and hardware dummies. Method Two approaches are distinguished, the phenomenological and the anatomical, as illustrated in Figure 1. [ ] Phenomenological models aim to reproduce the vibration behaviour of humans with respect to particular physical quantities, chiefly the driving-point impedance at the interface to the seat, and partly with respect to other transfer functions. Discrete systems of masses, springs, and dampers with several degrees of freedom whose topology and parameters are determined by structure- and parameter identification methods are used in the sense that the functions derived from measurements are reproduced as well as possible. This paper provides an evaluation of this methodology and defines its range of application as well as its limits.

Jan 6, 2006

Thermal method of diagnostic as a nondestructive monitoring is based on data logging of infrared radiation from heated surface or from the associated thermal field. Monitoring of gearcases and motors hidden faults, such as, bearing degradation (deep-seated wears and tears, fretting wear, spalling and jamming solids of revolution) is closely related to high variations in temperature. The use of portable thermal imaging devices provides considerable advantages due to: easy remote access to the unit under test even when it is operating; minimum time required to obtain information and an opportunity for a real-time diagnosis of the tested subject's condition.

Dec 6, 2010

By Hugh D. Pallister

Alabama probably has the most extensive deposits of high-grade flake graphite in the United States and was the largest producer during World War I. Therefore, with the outbreak of World War II, users of flake graphite turned again to Alabama to supply their requirements. Flake graphite is the most important ingredient contained in graphite crucibles used in melting crucible steel and special alloys essential for war purposes. Early in World War II the Army and Navy placed flake graphite on the list of critical war materials. During World War I, when the supply of Ceylon graphite (then in demand) was cut off, large quantities of flake graphite were produced in Alabama, and about 40 mills were built. Most of these were abandoned after the war when imports of the cheaper Madagascar flake (which gradually replaced Ceylon graphite) began to reach this country. With the beginning of World War II, the Madagascar supply was cut off', and consumers were again compelled to look to domestic sources for their supplies. They found only one small mill in operation, that of the Ceylon Graphite Co. in Coosa County, Ala. The Bureau of Mines made a preliminary examination of the Alabama flake graphite deposits in 1940. Samples were taken and tested at the Southern Experiment Station at Tuscaloosa.

Jan 1, 1948

By D. G. Krige

Using a very large number of chip-sample values from a mined-out area of the Hartebeestfontein mine and accepting these as equivalent to borehole values (also areas of 1 km by 1 km as equivalent to 'mines'), the authors apply a series of borehole-valuation procedures to these 'mines', Large undeveloped sections of existing mines are also regarded as the equivalent of such 'mines'. These procedures start with the orthodox arithmetic mean and then introduce additional information in the form of the Iog normal frequency distribution model for Sichel's 't' estimator. Knowledge of the average log-variance within mines leads to the tH estimator. The mean grade of the 'family' of mines to which a new mine belongs is then introduced via regression or elementary kriging. Next, further information on the macro spatial structure of the grade is used, together with the grades of adjacent existing mines in ordinary and simple macro-kriging procedures; finally, via the distribution model, the grade is seen as a function of the logs of the grades and their variances. These are introduced as spatial variables, and both are estimated by macro-Iog normal ordinary and simple kriging procedures with grades and variances from adjacent mines'. Comparisons are also made between macro-kriging on lognormal transformed values versus untransformed values. Conclusions are drawn on the relative importance of the various items of additional information used, on the procedures followed, and on the significance of the advantages gained

Jan 1, 1992

By K McNabb, M H. Turner, P A. Jenkin

Mining of the Agnew nickel deposit commenced in 1970 using a variety of underground mining methods, though with mixed success due to the difficult ground conditions. WMC Resources Ltd acquired the operation in 1989, and commenced nickel production with an open pit. In 1995 all production reverted to the rejuvenated underground mine, using exclusively SLC (sublevel caving) methods. Currently the mine produces 1.4 Mt per annum, at an average grade of 1.74 per cent Ni. Underground mining of the Perseverance orebody has always presented significant challenges due to the difficult ground conditions in the weak and altered ultramafic rocks. The range of problems include areas of swelling minerals, intense and extremely weak shear zones, relatively high in situ stress, and in other areas very brittle rocks. Under these conditions rock mechanics input has been and remains a critical element of the mining strategy. Severe ground behaviour difficulties down to a depth of 500 m below surface prompted a review of the mining strategy for the large disseminated nickel orebody, including evaluation of alternative mining methods. However, sublevel caving was ultimately selected as the preferred method, and a re-design of the SLC cross-cut layout followed. A selection of rock mechanics investigations of interest are described, including complex virgin stress measurements, detailed ground behaviour monitoring, and the use of non-linear stress analyses to re-design the mine layout. Subsequent ground behaviour, support design and production scheduling are also described.

Jan 1, 2000

By Paivi Suikkanen, Kari Hietala, Kaarlo Haavanlammi

"Processing of high-magnesia concentrates, the recoveries of nickel and copper, as well as those of platinum group metals (PGM’s) and cobalt are key issues of the Nickel Smelting technologies. PGMs are typically found in association with each other, but also importantly with nickel and copper. A challenge of producing saleable concentrates at acceptable recovery degrees, an increasing focus on the sustainable use of metals and recent decreases in the value of nickel has increased the interest to find a reliable route from Cu-Ni-PGM bulk concentrates to product. According to studies, most efficient process for Ni-Cu-PGM concentrates is flash smelting using DON process20 years ago, in 1995, Outokumpu commenced at Harjavalta a new Nickel Flash Smelting technology based on the Direct Outotec Nickel (DON) Smelting Process. The DON process enables production of high-grade nickel matte with low Fe-content directly in the Flash Smelting Furnace (FSF) without subsequent converting. Metal values from the smelting slag are recovered in the Electric Furnace (EF) as iron containing Ni-matte. Matte refining is based on atmospheric pre-leaching and total pressure leaching. Nickel, cobalt and iron are leached leaving a leach residue containing small amount of gangue minerals and PGM’s. Iron is removed from the leach solution in and nickel will be recovered with standard methods. Overall > 95% metal recovery can be expected with low energy consumption and low environmental impact."

Jan 1, 2014

By Abhishek Lahiri

Titanium dioxide is extracted from titaniferous ores by chloride and sulfate processes. These two processes produce wastes in the forms of iron chloride, iron sulfate and rare earth oxides gangue, each of which has to go through a further treatment before it can be disposed safely, which may be expensive. The shortage of high-grade ores is also making the two conventional processes less efficient. In view of the above mentioned problems, an alternate beneficiation process of roasting titaniferous ores with soda ash is discussed. The advantage of this process is that, there is no production of wastes. The impurities present in the ore can be selectively separated after the roasting process. The roasting of titaniferous ores with soda ash was carried out between temperatures of 873K and1173K for several hours. The roasting process resulted in the formation of complex alkali compounds and various sodium titanate compounds, depending on the Na2CO3to ore ratio. The phases formed after roasting were characterized using the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray florescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The phase equilibria in the Na-Ti-O system are evaluated and compared with the phases obtained after the roasting process. The effects of temperature and the proportion of sodium carbonate on titaniferous ores are also discussed. From the experimental data, the overall reaction kinetics and phases formed were analyzed to ascertain the mechanism of overall reaction and the rate-limiting steps.

Jan 1, 2006

By F. J. Smit

The Tintic Division of Kennecott Copper Corporation operates the Burgin Mine in the East Tintic District near Eureka, Utah, approximately 75 miles south of Salt Lake City. The Division was organized in 1963 to develop concealed replacement orebodies in the area located by Bear Creek Mining Company, Kennecott's domestic exploration subsidiary. Several accounts of the discovery of these orebodies and the general geology of the area have been given (1, 2). The ore is very complex and of varying degrees of oxidation and alteration. The principal metal values are lead, zinc, silver, and cadmium. The Burgin No. 2 shaft was sunk in 1963 to provide access for mining the orebodies. Much of the ore mined after this shaft was sunk was high grade and shipped directly to smelters, but concurrently it was recognized that concentration would be required to upgrade the lower grade ore in the deposits. Accordingly, in January 1967, authorization was received to construct a 500 tpd concentrator. From the beginning it was expected that the characteristics of the mill feed would vary widely and unpredictably as mining progressed. This paper summarizes the characteristics of the ore, the test work upon which the plant design was based, the engineering and construction, and the present operation of the facility eighteen months after startup. ORE CHARACTERISTICS The Burgin ore is a complex assemblage of minerals from replacement of limestone. The replacement and alteration occurred in at

Jan 1, 1970

By J. J. Ferreira, M. L. Thurston, I. L. Chinn, D. M. Rose

"Concerns about using microdiamonds for resource estimation have been raised by workers because multiple diamond populations exist in many parts of the mantle source region, small diamonds in kimberlite could be exposed to proportionately greater levels of resorption and modification, and euhedral microdiamonds could crystallize immediately prior to kimberlite eruption. This paper addresses these concerns; discusses the geology of the mantle, the principal diamond host rocks, and the impact of mantle processes; compares micro- and macrodiamond properties and features; and outlines steps to identify and mitigate the risk of diamond resorption and its impact on the diamond grade-size relationship.RÉSUMÉ Des travailleurs se sont interrogés sur l’utilisation de microdiamants pour estimer la ressource; en effet, de multiples populations de diamants existent dans plusieurs secteurs de la région source dans le manteau. Des petits diamants dans la kimberlite pourraient être exposés à des niveaux proportionnellement supérieurs de résorption et de modification; de plus, des diamants idiomorphes pourraient cristalliser immédiatement avant l’éruption de la kimberlite. Le présent article traite de ces questions, discute de la géologie du manteau, des principales roches-mères des diamants et de l’impact des processus dans le manteau, compare les propriétés et les caractéristiques des micro- et des macrodiamants et définit les étapes pour identifier et mitiger le risque de résorption des diamants et son impact sur la relation entre la taille et la qualité des diamants."

Jan 1, 2016

By C. Wachmann

The theory presented ill this paper makes possible examination of the phenomenological aspect of secondary oil recovery by alcohol flooding. Limitutions of the theory are contingent on three primary assumptions: (1) chemical equilibrium, (2) no fingering, and (5) no dispersion. The second assumption implies one-dimensional flow. In a geometric sense the theory extends the Buckley-Leverett construction to systems of two slightly miscible fluids and to systems of three components. This is made possible by considering single-phase fluids to be made up two phases, namely of an excess of one phase and a negative amount of the other phase. The procedure is discussed in the paper. The theory also permits direct determination of the relationship between the aqueous phase saturation and the concentration of water in the aqueous phase in a zone of variable composition. The velocity of planes of constant water concentration and of constant saturation can be computted likewise and the existence of saturation discontinuities inferred. Consequently the behavior of such a Zone, which may exist at some time between a displaced and a displacing fluid, May be determined. mathematical details are given in Appendices. Problems of experimental verification are pointed out on the basis of a supporting experiment. Implications of the theory and effects of violations of primary assumptions are discussed briefly. The major conclusion is that, if the primary assumptions are met, with pure alcohol and alcohol-rich .slugs piston-like displacement of oil and water is possible. INTRODUCTION The recovery of oil from porous media by alcohol displacement has been studied for several years. Extensive experimental investigations into alcohol flooding have been carried out in the laboratory although little has been done in the field. A large amount of practical information is available, the extent being indicated by the first three papers cited 1-3 and their respecrive bibliographies. This has permitted the Formulation of inferential theories. A more analytical approach in which theories are developed primarily by reasoning from known physical principles and relationships has, however, lagged behind. In fact, an analytically derived theory of alcohol displacement has not been available. The theory presented in this paper on oil and water displacement by alcohol from a porous medium is a result of the analytical approach. The theory is idealized, as certain assumptions had to be made to make the mathematics tractable and reduce complexity of argument. In particular, major assuptions concerning conditions of equilibrium, interfacial stability, longitudinal mixing, etc., led to the exclusion of fingering, for example, from all considerations. In many laboratory experiments reported in the literature fingering could not be avoided. There is, therefore, disagreement between theories based on experimental evidence available and the analytically derived theory presented here. This theory presented is based on known physical data and makes use of the Buckley-Leverett construction and its suggested extension. The mathematical derivation of the theory is given in Appendices. Three examples relevant to alcohol displacement are discussed to explain the use of this theory: (1) system of two immiscible fluids (the Buckley-Leverett case); (2) system of two slightly miscible fluids involving an extension of the Buckley-Leverett construction; and (3) system of three components, including injection of pure alcohol or alcohol-rich fluid as a special case, which involves a more general extension of the Buckley-Leverett construction. In these discussions strict assumptions were made to impose equilibrium conditions and exclude mixing and fingering. Effects of relaxing these assumptions and consequent extensions of the theory are indicated. The complexity of the alcohol displacement process makes experimental verification of the theory essential. Some relevant evidence is offered in this paper.

Jan 1, 1965

By P. M. Daling

This report, sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of mines, presents the results of an examination of available safety assessment methods and their applicability to the mining industry. Standard safety analysis procedures were evaluated for relevance to the mining industry and mire operators' needs. The major safety concerns and needs of mine operators were identified through telephone contacts and a visit to a mine site. Safety assessment methods recommended for use by the mining Industry were also investigated for potential adaptability to a user-interactive computer system. Several methods were determined to be Immediately transferrable to the mining industry; these techniques are described in a user's handbook produced as part of this project. The handbook gives detailed instructions on appropriate application and utilization of these methods. Other techniques will require further development before they can be effectively transferred to the mining Industry. These methods, their advantages, disadvantages and resource requirements are described in the final project report. Recommended system safety analysis techniques facilitate an evaluation of total mine system safety and a determination of safety-related interactions among systems within a mine. The application of these methods to the mining industry could result In reductions in both the frequency and the consequences of mine accidents.

Jan 1, 1983

A study was conducted by the Bureau of Mines to evaluate natural gas as an automotive fuel and to provide guidelines for optimum engine adjustments for low exhaust emissions. The study was conducted using a single-cylinder engine, a multicylinder engine, and a total of eight vehicles. Results from single-cylinder engine tests showed that the light-load, lean-limit misfire region for natural gas begins at an air-fuel ratio between 150 and 160 pct of stoichiometric. Changes in ignition timing significantly influenced emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, but had little effect on carbon monoxide emission. Low emissions can be achieved with current-design engines by adjustment of engine parameters, but only with heavy penalty to engine performance. Emissions from vehicles fueled with natural gas are virtually unaffected by ambient temperature change within the range 20° to 100° F. The organic emissions from engines fueled with natural gas were estimated to be 22 to 25 pct as reactive as the emissions produced using gasoline. Levels of exhaust emissions from vehicles fueled with natural gas were unchanged over 10,000 miles of normal driving.

Jan 1, 1973

By A. Y. Smith, R. J. Allan, E. H. W. Hornbrook, R. W. Boyle, W. Dyck

"HYDROGEOCHEMICAL METHODS in the Canadian Shield can be based on analyses of the following :(1) spring waters and their precipitates;(2) stream and river waters;(3) lake and muskeg waters;( 4) ground waters from drill holes, wells, faults, etc.;(5) waters issuing from diamond drill holes, faults, shear zones, etc. into mine workings and open pits; also analyses of precipitates associated With these waters.The first four can be utilized in both reconnaissance and detailed surveys. The last is suitable only for detailed work.For hydrogeochemical methods of prospecting to be effective, the following conditions must be present. 1. Natural waters must come into contact with mineral deposits and remain in contact with them long enough for the solution of detectible amounts of ore, gangue or indicator elements. 2. Dispersion patterns must be present in the hydrologic systems in order to trace the elements back to their source. These patterns may take the form of trains (e.g., increasing amounts of elements upstream toward t he source (s), Figure 1 ) or halos (e.g., increasing amounts of elements in bodies of water toward the source (s), F igures 2 and 3)."

Jan 1, 1971

By William H. Holley

Thirteen additional preservative/fire retardant systems were applied to Ponderosa pine and evaluated for flammability both before and after water leaching. The more promising four systems were given a thorough evaluation for flame spread, toxic gas and smoke density levels, resistance to decay, and compressive strength. The most promising system on the basis of history of usage in the mine, ease of application and low cost as well as overall performance is the Fyreprufe/ACC Albi 107A/ 144 combination. A survey of inspection tools and instruments, identified equipment which could be assembled into an inspection kit for use in determining the extent of decay and/ or impregnant retention levels in mine timber. A literature search identified those high fire hazard areas found in a typical mine. Timber and other wooden structures used in such areas should be treated with an acceptable fire retardant system. A survey of insurance companies revealed that the use of such treated timber in the mines would probably have little or no impact on the rate structure.

Jan 1, 1980

By Virgil A. Marple

The objective of this contract was to investigate time-integrated and real-time methods for determining the diesel exhaust particulate concentration in underground mines, in particular, coal mines. The microorifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) is recommended for obtaining the time-integrated measurement of the size distribution. The mass concentration of diesel exhaust particles can be obtained from the particle size distribution of mine aerosols. On a mass basis, diesel exhaust particles are primarily in the submicrometer size range while coal dust particles are larger. Size distribution measurements made in the laboratory and in three underground coal mines exhibited two distinct modes with the diesel exhaust particles in the smaller particle mode and the coal particles in the larger particle mode. The point of separation between the two modes occurred in the 0.7 to 1.0 pm size range. The separation was found to be independent of mass fraction of the diesel exhaust particles, particle concentration and sampling site. Methods recommended for further consideration as real-time monitors of diesel exhaust aerosols in mines are photometers and filter pressure drop techniques. A preclassifier would be required in both cases to separate the larger dust particles from the sample. The Metrex Mineral/Diesel Photometer should also be investigated further once the electronics problems are eliminated.

Jan 1, 1986