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By M. C. McCall

When electric current of any appreciable magnitude flows from a power line into the earth, a change sometimes takes place in the conditions of resistivity immediately surrounding the electrode or medium of contact. If the conducting medium is composed of moist earth or clay the effect is to increase rapidly the resistance. If the conducting medium is coal or a coal bed, the effect is one of slowly decreasing resistance as the coal is carbonized, If, however, the flow of current is not enough to carbonize the coal, it will dry slowly, with a resultant increase in resistance. Measuring ground resistance, or impedance, with conventional commercial ground testers does not always indicate the current that will flow in the earth circuit from a direct-current or an alternating-current power circuit. The exact reason for this has not been determined however, it is thought to be due to the comparatively minute currents used for such testing. A typical ground, tester used by the authors for this work indicated a maximum current of 25 milli-amperes. The frequency of this testing current also has an effect on the readings in all probability. While the possibilities of the effects of varying frequencies has by no means been fully explored in this investigation, there are very definite indications that the impedance of a circuit through a section of earth will vary in some inverse relationship to the frequency of the applied voltages. This is evident at ordinary power-line frequencies ns well as at higher frequencies up to 200 kilocycles, which was the highest frequency available for tests in this investigation. This report is written in the hope that it will stimulate further investigation of the possibilities suggested for communication and the development of safety devices for increased electrical safety in coal mining.

Jan 1, 1952

By Bianca Cruz, Tom Lankiewicz, Kent Sorenson, Karrie Radloff, Elizabeth Deyett, Dayal Saran, Michaeline Albright, Dan Stigers

Biology opens a new frontier for the mining industry. With rising environmental concerns, the need to couple conventional chemical and physical technologies with sustainable approaches is pressing. At Allonnia, we harness microbial processes to create innovative and environmentally responsible technologies with broad applications. The native microbial community (microbiome) remains largely unexplored at most mining sites, unlike the geochemical environment. The exploration of complex biological reactions that could transform mining technology is just starting and holds vast possibilities, spanning bio-cementation, carbon sequestration, ore beneficiation, water mitigation, bioleaching, metals recovery, and more. Allonnia has collected samples from mine sites in Australia, Africa, and North America to characterize the microbiome and uncover the genetic potential present in mineral-rich environments. We are evaluating microbial metabolites that selectively solubilize gangue from various ores. In addition, biological reactions hold promise as tailings stabilizers. Our early efforts illustrate exciting prospects for harnessing biology’s potential in mining.

Feb 1, 2024

By W. G. Davenport

Flash smelting is used. mainly for making molten Cu-rich matte* from fine Cu-Fe-S** flotation concentrates. It blows dried concentrate particles into a hot fumace, surrounds them with 01-rich gas and allows them to react. The results are: (a) partial oxidation of Fe and S from the concentrate (b) generation of heat (c) melting of the oxidized particles to form molten Cu-rich matte, ~65% Cu and Cu-barren slag, ~1 % Cu. The melted particles fall to the hearth of the flash furnace where they fonn matte and slag layers, The matte is tapped from the furnace and oxidation-converted to metallic copper. The slag is skimmed, treated for Cu recovery then stockpiled or sold. Figures 1.1 and 1.2 show industrial flash furnaces and the position of flash smelting in the coppermaking flowsheet. ,Fig. 1.3 shows the locations of flash furnaces around the world.

Jan 1, 2001

By J T. Smit

The theory of froth flotation developed slowly, in almost all cases lagging behind practical developments in the operation of flotation processes. This was largely the result of a lack of understanding of the required basic principles of chemistry and physics, many of which were being developed at the same time. A review of some of the early theories propounded is worthwhile, and should encourage those who are presently studying or practicing flotation to exercise some care in claiming a complete understanding of the underlying phenomena in the art. This paper considers theories presented up to and including those in Principles of Mineral Dressing by Antoine M Gaudin (1939). Of course, developments since that time are important, but they are beyond the scope of this discussion.

Jan 1, 2005

By Teresa M. Bodas Freitas, Arianna Lupattelli, Peter J. Bourne-Webb, Diana Salciarini, Martina Zito, Donatella Sterpi

The thermomechanical response of thermally-activated (TA) piles under monotonic thermal loads is quite well understood and the remaining uncertainties relate to the effect of long-term, cyclic loading of individual TA piles and pile groups. Recent studies undertaken by the authors have provided insights into the behaviour of TA pile foundations undergoing cyclic thermal loading. Despite their simplicity, the analyses show that key aspects of the observed response of piles in sand, under cyclic thermal loading can be reproduced, providing confidence in the outcomes of the analyses. The studies examined isolated piles and pile groups, and concluded that irrecoverable thermally-induced settlement may be mitigated through the choice of an appropriate margin of safety on the pile shaft resistance under service mechanical load conditions, and the maximum thermal stress can also be readily estimated. This paper consolidates these works and provides guidance regarding the safe geotechnical and structural design of the piles, then looks towards the remaining issues around the safe provision of thermally-activated pile foundations.

May 1, 2022

By J. V. W. REYNDERS

NOT only is your toastmaster silver-tongued in his references 'to myself, but he is also quite in the habit of "saying it in silver." I have analyzed with some care his statistics of the world's silver production, which have been distributed here along with the menu, although frankly from the point of view of most of us, the distribution rather than the production of silver is of immediate concern. Unlike the performers by whom we have been entertained between courses, the rest of us on the program will have to do without costume or musical accompaniment, which as my friend Rains can testify puts an artist under severe strain. I am entitled by right of office and of precedent to receive your attention for ten minutes. The Governor, who appears on the program as a speaker; however, has asked me for five minutes of my time, and Senator Thomas has insinuated that he would appreciate one-half of the remainder, wherefore, I must ask your close attention to the very brief remarks that I am able to make under such restricted circumstances. To begin with, I want you to believe that I am approaching the task set by your toastmaster with misgivings. In looking over the Institute records relating to the Salt Lake City meeting of 1914 for some precedent as to what I ought to say, I found but one reference-and that of the following indefinite char¬acter-" and Friday night there was a hilarious banquet to 350 members and guests."

Jan 1, 1925

By Frank G. Horino

Drill cores from 18 exploratory holes that were drilled into the unleached saline beds were tested for mechanical properties by the Bureau of Mines. Test cores were primarily selected from zones L4B, R4B, L3, and R3A in the Piceance Creek Basin, Rio Blanco County, Colo. Regression analysis techniques were tried in an attempt to relate kerogen yield or apparent specific gravity to the parameters compressive strength, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio. Correlation coefficients were very poor, indicating that this type of analysis was not amenable to these data. Analysis of variance techniques were tried using a division of either greater than or less than 10% nahcolite together with the requirement of less than 3% dawsonite. Results showed that a larger percentage of nahcolite tended to lower the compressive strength and to increase Young's modulus. A second analysis was made using a division of less than 3% dawsonite and greater than 3% dawsonite together with the requirement of less than 1% nahcolite. For this analysis, a larger per-centage of dawsonite tended to increase compressive strength, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio. Mean compressive strength values were determined for the mining horizons of interest. Average physical properties for design purposes were also determined for the horizons of interest and for a proposed adit based only on logged geologic depths to these horizons. No consideration was given to percentages of nahcolite and dawsonite. Creep data obtained from nahcolite-and dawsonite-rich oil shales provides a best fit to a modified power equation.

Jan 1, 1978

By Thomas F. Donnelly

The Province of San Cristobal is situated on the south side of the island of Santo Domingo about 25 miles west of Santo Domingo city, the capital of the republic. The copper mineraliza,tion is found about 8 miles north of the town of San Cristobal,. in the section known as Bucaro Hill; in San Francisco Hill; on the Nigua River; and on the Jaina River. The district is reached by automobile from Santo Domingo city over an excellent road for 25 miles to San Cristobal, and then, by horseback 6 or 8 miles up the Nigua River to what is locally known as "Camp

Jan 1, 1916

By Fedotov Pavel

One of the efficient means of ore disintegration during the processing is its volume breakage in such machines as roller-presses. Up to date neither the ore disintegration mechanism in roller-presses nor the reasons of their high efficiency are thoroughly investigated. In this work, the mathematical model of Finite Element Method of bad material disintegration in roller-press is discussed. The mechanism of the interparticle ore disintegration is traced.

Sep 1, 2012

By C. C. Furnas

In the course of an investigation3 of the flow of gases through beds of broken solids the author obtained a number of data .on the specific volume of beds of broken solids of variously mixed sizes. A mathematical theory of the limiting conditions has been developed and some generalizations have been made for intermediate cases. A more definite knowledge of the relation between space occupied and size composition would be valuable to all those who are handling large quantities of broken materials. Such knowledge might be advantageously applied to the operation of a coke oven. For example, the output of the oven depends in general upon the number of pounds of coal which can be put in the oven at charging. It is known that the capacity of one battery of ovens was increased several per cent by slightly increasing the proportion of fine material in the charge.

Jan 1, 1928

By R. L. Bruening, R. M. Izatt, N. E. Izatt, S. R. Izatt

"Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT) is a simplified, green chemistry process with applications in selective separations of Ni(II), Co(II), and platinum group metals in primary ore beneficiation processes and secondary recovery operations from spent products, scrap, and environmental waste solutions. Simplification in MRT processes is achieved by non-use of solvents, reduced space requirements, and a simple separation system involving columns packed with metal-selective SuperLig® resins. Minimal waste is generated and metal recovery is achieved at 99% levels from g L-1 to <mg L-1 concentrations. MRT systems are attractive technologically and economically compared with solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation separation processes. Commercial examples of MRT use include removal of impurity metals Cd, Cu, Ni. Fe, and Pb to mg L-1 or lower concentration levels from Co streams to produce battery-grade Co. Highly purified Co is required for optimal function of lithium ion rechargeable batteries and superalloys associated with aerospace and gas turbine operations. Impurity metals are recovered for reuse or proper disposal rather than being discarded to landfill. Green chemistry processes, such as MRT, are needed in metal separations going forward into the 21st century to achieve global metal sustainability in processing of native ore and treatment of secondary sources.INTRODUCTION Maximizing efficiencies of metal separations and optimizing metal recovery rates during separation processes are important goals on the road to achieving metal sustainability. Achievement of these goals is consistent with stated principles of green engineering (O'Connor, Zimmerman, Anastas, & Plata, 2016) and green chemistry (Anastas & Eghbali, 2010). Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT) separation processes using SuperLig® resins have a 25-year record of performing competitive, commercial metal separations with metal recovery rates approaching 100% (Izatt, Izatt, Izatt, Krakowiak, & Bruening, 2017). SuperLig® resins are characterized by high selectivities for specific metals over concentration ranges from g L-1 to mg L-1 or lower. MRT systems use no solvents and are simple in design and operation resulting in reduced capital and operating expenses."

Jan 1, 2017

By Scott Rodibaugh

El presente trabajo describe las aplicaciones representativas de la PPC (pressure-powered centrifugue) en minería, diseño básico, función y la experiencia de aplicación de OEM de motores. Asimismo se detallará ejemplos de desempeño de campo de la PPC como experiencias en un sistema hidráulico de camión minero, un motor diésel de camión minero y una trituradora de mineral que lleva el circuito de lubricación. De otro lado, se abordan los métodos de análisis de laboratorio para detectar los rasgos clave del fluido y evaluar la condición del contaminante.

Feb 1, 2017

By Gabriela Grespan Câmara

O processo de galvanização a zinco utiliza como principal passivante o metal cromo na sua forma hexavalente. O presente trabalho estuda a remoção por zeólitas do íon cromo (VI) do efluente de uma indústria metalúrgica. Devido a grande concentração de Cr (VI) na amostra, primeiramente foi realizada uma redução deste metal utilizando metabissulfito de sódio, que é o agente redutor e de precipitação ideal para efluentes contendo concentrações de Cr(VI) acima de 100 mg L-1. Em concentrações menores o precipitado apresenta baixa cinética de sedimentação, necessitando de um polimento com um tratamento terciário. Este estudo foi realizado em coluna de leito fixo contendo zeólitas, onde foram filtradas soluções com concentrações de Cr(VI) variando de 0,5 a 10 mg L-1. O efluente tratado foi aplicado no topo da coluna e retirado pelo fundo. A partir dos dados de adsorção foram calculados as isotermas de adsorção (Langmuir e Freundlich). O modelo de Langmuir obtido mostrou-se significativo e preditivo com 97,93% de confiabilidade. A capacidade máxima da zeólita em remover cromo (VI) foi estimada em 0,02 mg de Cr(VI) g-1 de zeólita.

Aug 16, 2017

By S. T. L. Harrison, A. Kotsiopoulos, J. R. Amaral Filho, J. L. Broadhurst

The land disposal of voluminous fine-grained tailings from the processing of mined ore bodies poses a long-term risk to the surrounding environment and local communities, while also representing a loss of valuable natural resources; including water, land and mined minerals. To date, the development and practical implementation of alternative approaches and technologies for removing risk and reducing the burden associated with these wastes, particularly in South Africa, remains limited, and value recovery is largely limited to the extraction of precious metals. To this end, researchers at the University of Cape Town have developed a programmatic multi-phased approach to explore and develop opportunities for the valorisation of large-volume mine wastes, based on the innovation value chain. This paper outlines this conceptual approach and presents key outcomes from its application for the specific case of sulfide-bearing coal processing wastes from South African collieries. Through the application of a combination of qualitative and quantitative tools and methodologies, a number of potentially viable opportunities and processing routes for value recovery and bulk re-purposing of these wastes have been identified and tested on a laboratory scale. Studies have, however, also shown that there are several technical and non-technical factors currently constraining commercial application of these opportunities. Overcoming these constraints will require a commitment to innovative waste management approaches and effective multi-sectoral collaboration. Keywords: Coal processing wastes, physical separation, waste re-purposing and utilisation, technology transfer

Jan 1, 2020

By E Widzyk-Capehart

The mines of the future can be envisioned as complex, large-scale technological systems being operated remotely from few centrally located (major cities) operating centres and skeletal crew stationed at the site. These systems will require remotely located human operators to constantly adapt to new and unforeseen system and environmental demands. In addition, the remote operators will need to match system properties to the changing demands and operational conditions, ie must be able to handle the ‘non-design’ emergencies, because the system designers would not have been able to foresee all possible scenarios of failures and provide automatic safety devices for every contingency. Therefore, it is highly important that the operators’ job, which involves problem solving and decision making at the workstation level, is facilitated by the proper interface designs. This paper argues that decision support systems and thus human-system interfaces for the mines of the future should be developed based on the principles of human-system integration that take into account human information processing and cognitive abilities. The information presented to the operator must support the operator in taking appropriate action through a human-system interface designed according to scientific principles of User Centred Design. A case study is presented where an iterative design process was used by CSIRO researchers as an evaluation method involving users (control room operators) at several stages of the user interface design in order to correct any design inadequacies as they emerged. This process allowed the designers to identify any usability issues before the user interface was fully implemented, which subsequently enabled the control room operators to easily adapt to the new interface and carry out all designated tasks in a timely and effective manner.

Nov 22, 2011

By V. Izaxon

Current practice in mining frozen, underground placers is to support the mine openings by leaving remnant pillars, which are kept frozen to maintain their stability. These pillars may be partially extracted depending on mining conditions, but this practice may be risky, and roof falls are common. Instead of allowing the mined-out areas to cave, the extracted entries could be filled with waste material, which would then be frozen, using cold ventilation air. A finite difference model for analyzing the effects of various parameters on the freezing of backfill in underground mines in the Arctic has been developed and tested. The model also accounts for properties unique to a frozen rock mass, including those that change with temperature. Examination of the characteristics of ice-cemented mining waste materials as backfill indicates that with proper engineering control, a backfill system can be designed for use in production mines. The system will allow increased extraction ratio while maintaining the stability of underground openings with minimum heat impact on the surroundings. These simulated results establish the relationships among the strength, the temperature, and the freezing characteristics of a given material. When coupled with site observations these relationships will facilitate the optimal design of ore pillar recovery methods.

Jan 1, 2004

By Rubio R. Bernardo

El alto índice de contaminación de los electrolitos de zinc conlleva que el contenido de magnesio en los concentrados sea penalizado y rechazado por las refinerías electrolítica. Por tal motivo, el mercado demanda un producto libre de impurezas, así como de los procesos de concentración. En este sentido, el objeto del texto radica en enfatizar la investigación a través de las pruebas de laboratorio y sus resultados a escala industrial. Para ello, se desarrolla nuevos circuitos de flotación rougher, y de limpieza para la esfalerita clara, y las etapas de remolienda, lixiviación y relimpieza para la esfalerita negra.

Nov 8, 1984

Meeting of June 26, 1914.-The President was authorized to appoint Advisory Committees to co operate with the United States Bureau of Mines. The President announced the appointment of Edward H. Benjamin and W. C. Ralston as additional members of the Committee on Arrangements for the San Francisco meeting, 1915. H. T. Van Ells and Judd Stewart were appointed to represent the Institute on a joint committee of several technical societies to consider the standardization of graphical methods for the presentation of statistics. The President announced the appointment of H. Foster Bain to succeed Edward H. Benjamin, resigned, on the Committee of Management of the International Engineering Congress, 1915. The Secretary was authorized to issue a new circular advertising the sale of back Transactions and to sell back Transactions, bound in cloth, at a price of $35 for 46 volumes, provided sufficient orders were received to warrant the special binding. The sum of $177.50 was contributed to the San Francisco Local Section. Upon recommendation of the Committee on Membership, 70 Members, 4 Associate Members and 7 Junior Members were elected to their respective classes; there was also one change of status from Junior Member to Member.

Jan 8, 1914

By Fredrik Sarvell, Harald. Ihler, Veli-Matti Uotinen, Jukka Rantala

"Many of the valid international building codes state that the lateral support provided by the soil is sufficient to prevent buckling of fully embedded piles. However, the development of small diameter micropiles and especially the use of high strength steel have evolved to applications including high capacity elements. The ultimate structural load bearing capacity of a pile in a cohesive soil is decided by examining which gives the lowest value, the peak buckling load and the resisting moment provided by the surrounding soil medium or the structural capacity of the pile cross section. In both cases, the initial deflection of the pile is a significant factor when the axial load bearing capacity of the pile is determined. Steel micropiles are joined commonly with mechanical splices. A less rigid mechanical splice is often a weaker hinge that allows the pile to bend and deflect more during installation increasing the initial deflection of a pile. In addition the less rigid splice element decreases the bending capacity of a jointed pile section and the ultimate axial load capacity of the entire pile. A series of FE analysis performed for various pile sizes suggest that the steel pipe piles including separate pile sections and mechanical splicing elements should have the combined bending stiffness of EIshaft = 0,75 × EIpile. This requirement yields to the buckling resistance of at least 96 % of the solid reference pile with the sameinitial eccentricity in similar soil conditions.IntroductionMany of the valid international building codes state that the lateral support provided by the soil is sufficient to prevent buckling of fully embedded piles. However, the development of small diameter micropiles and especially the use of high strength steel have evolved to applications including high capacity elements. The potential buckling of these very slender high capacity piles in soft soils may in many cases be the controlling design factor of the pile, especially with end bearing micropiles.A typical sequence of soil strata in Nordic countries, such as Norway, Finland and Sweden, constitutes of friction soil or dry crust clay on top of soft clay followed by till. This soil stratum often rests on solid bedrock of granite or gneiss. Conditions like these are suitable for slender end bearing piles subjected to buckling and especially steel pipe piles where most of the material is located at the edge of the cross section. Other reasons for using slender steel pipe piles are for example fast installation with minimal waste, efficient manufacturing and relatively well established design and execution procedures. Minimum quality criteria’s regarding splices for steel pipe piles are recommended to be set as national provisions to ensure quality and comparable procurements in foundation business."

Jan 1, 2014

By A. J. Davidson

A Cu-conducting solid electrolyte was used to develop the sensor. Instead of measuring the potential across the electrolyte from the reference material to the Cu-containing phase, a potential was applied and the stable current measured. This gave reasonable readings for copper-tin alloys, which agreed with the theoretical calculations, but was less satisfactory in the case of mattes because the surface area of electrolyte presented to the matte phase varied from sensor to sensor. To overcome this problem the potential was applied, the current was measured and then reversed and remeasured and the ratio of the currents was calculated. The current ratio is shown to be independent of the resistance of the electrolyte and the surface area of the electrolyte offered to the melt, but strongly dependent on the activity of the copper

Jun 21, 1905