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The object of this talk is to bring before members the importance of the prospector and the' State Battery system to the wealth and prosperity of the mining industry in particular and the State of Western Australia in general, and to touch on the more important features.Customs plants of any sort are usually subject to a good deal of critioism, usually on the large profits made at the expense of the customer, etc., and this often clouds the real value of the work being done.Prospectors, on the whole, are a good class of men; they work under conditions and difficulties which would deter those less spirited. Food, water and mining supplies are often difficult to obtain and frequently have to be transported great distances. Their mining tools are usually of the most primitive type, yet during last year over 109,000 tons of prospectors' ore were handled by the State Battery system for 73,250 fine oz. valued in Australian currency at over £587,000, the value being 57/- per long ton at par.This production brings the State Battery system into fourth position amongst the producers of the State, the yield being exceeded by the Lake View and Star, Wiluna and the Great Boulder.In passing I might mention that these notes were written at the end of the year 1940, and the above figures were for the previous period. The figures for last year, 1940, were not quite so good, being 101,000 tons for approximately 60,000 fine oz., valued in Australian currency at £572,000.In spite of this drop the State Battery system maintained its position as fourth in order of gold output for the State.The extractions, as a whole, throughout the system, were 92·54%, made up of 68·86% by amalgamation and 23·68% by cyanidation. These figures, for a group of 20 plants treating widely different classes of ore, must be considered satisfactory. The total production since inception is over £11,000,000 in Australian currency.State Batteries are usually more or less of a standard design. Ore is reduced to about 2i in. maximum size before being sent to the bins. Challenge automatic feeeders control the feed to each mill unit, amalgamated copper plates collect the free gold. Corduroy strakes are used with some ores after amalgamation, but in only a few cases has this been found of any advantage to the customer.The pulp from the battery is sampled, after leaving the tables, with a "Tazewell" sampler and pumped to dams for subsequent cyanide treatment.The "Tazewell" sampler is a machine driven by the moving pulp; and takes about fifteen dips per .minute from such pulp through a slotted...

Jan 1, 1941

By J. B. Brodie, C. Pelletier

"The vulnerability of Canadian and U.S. companies, their directors, officers and employees to onerous penalties associated with violations of environmental statutes and common law actions has provided the impetus for the increasing use of environmental audits. This trend is developing in direct proponion to the cost and difficulty of obtaining liability insurance. Companies operating in British Columbia should be cognizant of developing legislative and enforcement trends and their implications for individual and corporate responsibility. Canadian mining companies doing business in the U.S. should be particularly aware of the environmental exposure which may be assumed with property acquisition or by operations which produce or use any of an ever-increasing list of regulated substances.The environmental audit is now a key component of prudent business planning which will identify noncompliances and environmental liabilities, outline defensive strategies, and assist in a legal defence should charges be laid. This paper will discuss the purpose and mechanics of an environmental audit with emphasis on those features which will maximize protection against statutory and common law actions.IntroductionThe environmental audit is but one weapon in a comprehensive defensive strategy for corporate and individual survival in an increasingly litigious world. The principles of the environmental audit have been formulated as a logical response by management to an ever-growing list of environmental vulnerabilities, which often have the potential to result in plant shutdowns, prosecutions or fmancial liability of major proportions. Accordingly, the audit may play a critical role in maintaining profitability as well as assisting in the defence of a company and its employees against actions taken by regulatory agencies and citi7.cns under statute and common law. Should convictions result from these actions, the penalties are likely to be ameliorated by the demonstration of due diligence through management policy supporting the audit procedure.An awareness of environmental sensitivities, strict adherence to licensing requirements, and planning for environmental emergencies are now generally considered to be as important to profitable performance as operating costs, metal prices, and labour peace. Why is this so? The increased priority given to environmental matters is partly a result of changing attitudes amongst the mining profession, but perhaps more importantly, it is also a direct consequence of the proliferation of ever more stringent environmental legislation, the targeting of management for responsibility and the draconian penalties imposed for violations of such legislation. Contributing to this trend are recent court decisions involving disputes of an environmental nature in which the standard of care required for a successful defence now requires almost super-human diligence in environmental management. The principle of ""strict liability"" (in which negligence or permit violation does not have to be shown) is also being increasingly applied in the resolution of civil actions."

Jan 1, 1988

By Met B. E

During the operation of the Parkes process of desilverising, and in the earlier days of the continuous process, gold and silver were removed separately from softened lead bullion. Gold was removed in the Parkes process by a selective zincing, and -in the continuous process by treatment with zinc in a special de-golding kettle, in each case a crust being obtained carrying the gold and a small portion of the silver. Actually the process could have been more correctly termed a de-copperising process, on accountof the relatively large amount of this metal present, and its affinity for zinc, which caused it to enter the crusts produced.The crust was treated in reverberatory furnaces, where the bulk of the copper and zinc was removed in by-products, and the resulting "gold bullion" cupelled to give adore bullion containing approximately 2,000 ounces gold per ton.For the purpose of parting this dore, a small Balbach-Thum plant of 11 cells was used, and once each six months a short campaign was conducted on the accumulated metal.With the development of the process of de-copperising smelter bullion by means of sulphur, when a bullion averaging about .004% copper was constantly available for refining, the need for a separate de-golding process disappeared.The de-golding kettle of the Continuous Process...

Jan 1, 1937

By Flanelson Maciel Monteiro, Marcondes Mendes de Souza, Mauro Froes Meyer

This research is based on a bibliographical review of a field work that was done in the municipality of Parelhas / RN. The area explored, in turn, is known for its richness of mineral resources that are present in pegmatitic rocks. The general objective of this research is to characterize the main properties of the pegmatites and quartzite, in order to verify the heterogeneity of the elements, to raise a possible viability of extraction for economic purposes. The quartzite also presents a siliceous chemical composition. This rock is a source of bricks and silica refractories used in the steel industry and for the preparation of the blast furnace bed, ornamental rock used in different ways (rustic, carved, polished, among others). However, this research resulted in preliminary data, but it would be interesting to be more detailed in order to evaluate the economic viability of these rocks.

Oct 3, 2019

By David R. Gossett

For the 22nd year, the chance to exchange knowledge, experience and business cards drew hundreds of mining and phosphate professionals for a two-day regional Phosphate Conference in Lakeland, Florida Nearly 400 people participated in the October conference, which focused on the phosphate industry?s future success. There were 41 exhibitors, 13 program advertisers and 23 sponsors among those supporting the conference. It was chaired by David Gossett, 2006-2007 SME Florida Section Chairman. In the opening panel session that he chaired, John Garlanger (SME) of Ardaman and Associates posed the questions; ?How successful has the industry been? How do we measure it and what factors contributed to the industry?s success? How long will the ethanol boom last? Can the industry obtain the permits it needs to mine for the next 30 years? Can the industry attract and retain the quality of workers it needs??

Jan 1, 2008

By Andrzej Walentek

This paper presents the results of numerical modeling of the fractured zone around longwall gateroads. The numerical computations have been based on the results of underground measurements of the fractured zone around longwall gateroads, which were performed for various geological and mining conditions and measured with the use of the endoscopic method with a digital camera. Having results of the underground investigations, trials of duplicating them by the Finite Element Method using software PHASE and the Hoek-Brown failure criterion were performed. In order that the fractured zone predicted by the model-based computations closely simulate that measured underground, some selected parameters in the Hoek-Brown failure criterion were modified based on the earlier determined relations used for prediction of the roof-to-floor convergence in longwall gateroads. As a result, the model-based computations produce results very close to those obtained from the underground measurements. Determination of the fractured-rock zone around the mine roads is of great importance to mining practice, especially in planning and designing supports for longwall gateroads. The influence of the front abutment pressure causes the fractured rock zone around the roads to increase and results in an increase of support load. Moreover, proper determination of the fractured rock zone is one of basic elements in the process of planning roof bolting for mine workings.

Jan 1, 2009

The need to hoist increasing loads from great depths is leading to the more general adoption of winders of the Koepe and Blair types. The trend has introduced a number of new problems in winding ropes, more particularly in the Koepe system where regular destructive tests during the life of a rope are not possible. Consequently, the importance of introducing non-destructive tests is much greater, especially so in the case of Koepe ropes used for deep winding where there are three major destructive fatiguing influences. These are rotational effects when a vertical rope is changed end-for- end each trip, the much greater range of stress to which the rope is subjected each trip as compared with drum winding, and the destructive effect of a high coefficient of friction between wheel and rope. A plea for a lower coefficient in the interest of better rope and tread life, substantiated by analysis, is made for Koepe winders operating at depth.Co-ordination of rope testing with general hoisting problems is stressed and the active participation of the Wire Rope Committee of the Australian Mineral Industries Research Association Ltd. in the promotion ofthe project is noted.The general introduction of a rope testing programme in Australia, personnel requirements and some local basic research in the subject to cope with future demands are considered.

Jan 1, 1967

By P. Conrad

Experience has shown that, since the passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, over-compaction of spoil during the reclamation process has severely limited tree growth on reclaimed land. Researchers at the University of Kentucky have conducted a ten-year investigation at a surface mine in eastern Kentucky that monitored the changes in selected spoil physical characteristics for various reclamation and compaction alleviation methods. More specifically, research plots were developed for reforestation that employed three different levels of compaction and two different methods of ripping for overly compacted spoil. Each year measurements were made in the field of dry bulk density, using a nuclear density gage, and maximum penetration depth, using a recording cone penetrometer. In addition to good correlation between tree growth and selected spoil characteristics, the data demonstrated a gradual convergence of the measured spoil characteristic data over the study period.

Jan 1, 2008

By Y. C. Kim

For the past quarter of century, much more effort and research have been expended in developing the "optimum" ultimate pit limit design algorithms and much less to solving the "optimum" open pit production sequencing. However, the potential economic benefit to an operating mine is far greater for the latter than the former. Unfortunately, the problem of "optimum" open-pit production sequencing has not been fully solved to date. This paper first reviews the past and currently used methodologies for developing this sequence. The staggered pit phase geometry problem of advanced stripping and operational constraints such as ore and waste tonnage requirements by period and necessary contiguity of mining faces are the main reasons why the "optimum" production sequencing problem has not been solved as yet. This paper also explains why any method which attempts to simplify the problem using ultimate pit limit design algorithm will fail to reach an "optimum" solution.

Jan 1, 1994

By Luiz Felipe Mendonça de Amorim, Adimir Fernando Rezende, Gustavo Sampaio Lopes, Claudio Cesar Gajardo Arraño, Eltton de Sousa Veras, Manuel Villalobos Calderon

Many technical challenges were encountered while conducting near-field construction blasting between the critical intersection of Interstate 10 and multiple active railroad tracks in El Paso, Texas, for the Loop 375 Border West Expressway Project. Blasting was utilized for the removal of an andesite bedrock ridge in preparation for the construction of a new elevated super structure to be suspended over the existing railroad tracks. There was concern that the excessive vibrations and/or permanent rock deformation produced from the blasting within near proximity (20 feet, or 6.09 meters) of the railroad tracks would induce excessive stress and foul the tracks by shifting the alignment. This could result in a major loss of scheduling control between the two major railroad companies that operate in this area. There was also concern that the blasting may cause rock fragments to land on and interfere with critical interstate transportation. Blasts

Jan 1, 2019

By Frank Rausche

Since the early 1980s, when the Road Construction Authority of Victoria authorized the dynamic proof testing of roughly 100 drilled shafts of 1.5 m diameter and typically 60 m length in Melbourne Australia, dynamic load testing has been applied worldwide for quality control of drilled shafts. Today, test capacities of 4000 tons or more are not unusual. On numerous occasions the authors have been involved in similar tests in the United States and test engineers from other countries have reported on experiences in many different countries. Without doubt, generating high test loads is most economically accomplished by dynamic load testing and this method is particularly well suited for testing piles founded in rock because of the rocks low energy dissipation. However, deep foundation professionals have on occasion expressed reservations about subjecting a drilled shaft to impact loadings fearing, for example, a degradation of the shaft ? rock interface properties or potential error sources due to uncertain concrete properties or shaft geometry. This paper will present numerous case studies, demonstrating the performance of rock socketed drilled shafts under dynamic loads. It will discuss the mechanics of the dynamic tests and the method of data interpretation, addressing the concerns stated above and investigating the limitations of the test method. The paper will formulate a set of recommendations for the design and execution of these tests.

Jan 1, 2006

The American Petroleum Institute, 250 Park Ave., New York, N. Y. Lacey Walker, Secretary. A complete price list of publications will be sent upon application. The American Petroleum Institute issues a variety of publications; in addition to the Daily Oil Digest ($25 per year) and a weekly Statistical Bulletin ($12.50 per year to nonmembers), a Quarterly is published ($4 per year to nonmembers). Books published by the Institute: American petroleum supply and demand, $3; A series of "Petroleum facts and figures" for each of the years 1928, 1929, 1930 and 1931, $2 for each copy; Function of natural gas in the production of oil, $1; Bibliography of organic sulphur compounds, $4; and "Oil" (Oil Industry Series in one volume), 50 cents per copy. Volumes of the first six annual Meeting Proceedings are out of print, but the Proceedings for the 7th annual meeting in 1926

Jan 1, 1933

By A. Pincomb

After determining minable acreage, tons are calculated by multiplying minable acreage by average thickness and by a volume-tonnage conversion factor. Converting from tons in the ground to tons sold across the scale takes fines and internally used and wasted stone into consideration, resulting in minimum losses of about 10% for limestone and 15% for sand and gravel. A high degree of certainty about thickness, lateral continuity and geologic character defines proven reserves. Assuming continuity of these characteristics defines probable reserves. By using tpa estimations and annual tonnage requirements, the life of a deposit can be quantified. The decision can then be made regarding the necessity of securing more acreage. Some landowners choose to multiply aggregate price, operating income, or a royalty rate by tons to arrive at a value for their reserves. In doing so they probably overstate the value of their land.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. N. Torbin

Foster-Miller has recently developed a new concept.for a highly specialized shaft lining system. This innovative shaft lining system uses a continuous slipforming placement technique. lining the shaft from the bottom up such as in a raised bored shaft. Although this part is not unique, the concept is designed to use polyurethane foam instead of concrete for the liner material. Furthermore, the concept is designed to attain rates of advance of 30 m/hr. The polyurethane foam liner is designed to be thinner (100 mm) than a conventional concrete liner (300 mm). It will eliminate the high cost associated with the erection and operation of an on-site concrete batch plant. The system will be designed to be operated remotely, requiring few personnel for its operation. This system (or parts of it) may be appropriate where fast construction speed is required or where a jointless liner is needed.

Jan 1, 1988

The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy mourns the passing of one of its most distinguished sons. Professor J. de V. Lambrechts died at Franschoek on 30th January, 1988, at the age of 76 years after a long illness. Mintek Application Reports A new series of Mintek reports made its appearance in 1987. These are Application Reports, which present an overall perspective of each of Mintek's technical thrusts to ensure that the existing expertise can continue to be readily accessed. The successful development of an industrial process for the recovery of platinum-group metals from the UG-2 Reef. Application Report no. 1. 1987. 16 pp. The development and implementation of a computer control strategy for conventional milling circuits. Application Report no. 2, 1987. 15 pp. The development of an integrated carbon-in-pulp process for South African conditions. Application Report no. 3. 1987. 17 pp.

Jan 1, 1988

By Peter. PH. D. Cain

Smoky River Coal Ltd. mines low-volatile metallurgical coal by surface and underground methods in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. Current underground operations are confined to the 5B-4 Mine. Development of 5B-4 began in January 1998; production from depillaring sections commenced in July 1998. This paper describes the history of underground mining on the Smoky River property in terms of extraction methods and pillar design. The development of the present pillar design guidelines is discussed in this context. Recent work to prepare a number of case histories for back-analysis using the Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS) method is described, along with the modifications developed for calculating the ARMPS stability factor for retreat extraction of thick seams. The design criteria are described, as well as the geotechnical program implemented in order to verify its applicability.

Jan 5, 1999

By R. W. Metsger

The metamorphic zinc-iron-manganese ore in the Grenvillian rocks of the Reading Prong m Sussex County, N.J. is unique. The singularity of its mineral composition and associations has fueled controversy among economic geologists and mineralogists for more than a hundred years. The silicate-oxide ore, in two synformal concentrations has been mined since about 1838. The Franklin mine was depleted in 1954, while the one at Sterling Hill is still producing. Although the two mines are perhaps best known for their almost three hundred mineral species and have been a mecca for collectors, they -- as importantly -- have provided a window through which to observe more than a billion years of geologic history. When pieced together, studies reveal a sequence of probable sedimentary deposition, intense folding, pseudo- viscous flow with attendant negative diapirism, uplifting, erosion, karstification, hydrothermal alteration, burial, faulting, igneous intrusion, uplift , saprolitization, and glaciation.

Jan 1, 1985

By Luis Yacher

Proccesing plants currently have sophisticated regulation and control systems and there also systems of managment of the quality and laboratory variables, for the mine-plant transport managment, mineralogical extraction, characterization, maintenance managment were desgined to support specific operational business functions: to operate, maintain, control quality, manage the fleet, etc. The vision of systems dedicated to supporting specific business functions contradicts what is nowadays an integrated business operation, esenctially multidisciplinary and it which the managment and supervision process require access to heterogeneus information sources regarding their regarding their origin and managment system. The consecuence of ongoing pressure for operational excellence is the need of more "fine-lunning"of the processes must be adressed in a synchronized way. Hence, the need arises of restating the issue of operation and related information, for which a new conceptual and techonological focus is proposed aimed at the objetive of operational excellence.

Sep 19, 2006

By R. Kok, N. B. Strydom, P. L. Jooste, W. H. Van Der Walt

Intermittent exposures to heat, and the retention of heat acclimatization by N. B. STRYDOM, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Illinois) (Fellow), R. KOK, M.Sc. (Potch.) (Visitor), P. L. jOOSTE, M.Sc. (Stell.) (Visitor), and W. H. VAN DER WALT, B.Sc. (Potch.) (Visitor) Twenty-one heat acclimatized subjects were assessed for the degree of acclimatization attained with respect to heart rate, rectal temperature, and sweat rate during a standard four-hour heat-stress test. Thereafter, they were put on light duties in cool environm ents for four weeks, except for four hours of exposure to heat every seventh day. Their state of heat acclimatization was again assessed two days after the final week's exposure. Although heart rates and body temperatures showed significant increases over the initial values, no differences were observed in sweat rates and, in general, the subjects were rated as still adequately acclimatized to heat.

Jan 7, 1975

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCAL. SECTION Executive Committee SEELEY W. MUDD, Chairman C. COLCOCK JONES, Vice-Chairman FREDERICK J. H. MERRILL, Secretary-Treasurer, 631 Higgins Bldg., Los Angeles, Cal. RALPH ARNOLD A. B. CARPENTER In. order to make the meetings of the, Section more interesting and fruitful, the Executive Committee has formed a sub-committee on programs for. Section meetings, which announces for the coming autumn and winter season, four dinner meetings, at intervals of two months, in which the co-operation of all Section members is urgently. requested. The subjects chosen for discussion at these meetings, with the proposed dates, are as follows: Sept. 28, 1915. Mining Geology of Mojave County, Arizona. Dec. 14, 1915. General Geology and Mining Conditions in Southern California. Feb. 1, 1916. Petroleum, its Geology and Technology. April 4, 1916. General Mining Conditions in. South America. F. J. H.. MERRILL, Secretary.

Jan 10, 1915