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By Eugene Guccione

"All engineering societies should encourage and motivate their members to take part in public affairs. And engineers, in turn, should learn to translate their technical knowledge in a language which politicians can understand," stated James Boyd last month as he received the Hoover Medal, which is awarded annually by four engineering societies-AIME, IEEE, ASME, and ASCE-to an engineer who has rendered important public service. James Boyd is no ordinary engineer (see box). A few weeks ago, Dr. Boyd took time out of his busy schedule to stop at MINING ENGINEERING'S editorial office for the following exclusive interview.

Jan 1, 1976

By Brian R. Zuckerman

The Capitol Area East End Complex is currently being constructed under contract with the State of California Department of General Services on two sites adjacent to the grounds of the California State Capitol Building in downtown Sacramento. The complex will consolidate the headquarters of the Departments of Health Services and Education, which currently occupy several facilities located throughout Sacramento. When completed in 2003, the complex will be the largest civic office project in California history, with approximately 1.5 million square feet of office space and housing nearly 6,300 state workers. The total project is being constructed on five separate blocks in downtown Sacramento, Blocks 171 through 174 and 225. Separate design/build contracts were executed for the construction on Blocks 171 through 174 and the construction on Block 225. The scope of this paper is limited to construction on Blocks 171 through 174, which comprise a square, two blocks on a side, bounded by 15th, 17th, L, and N streets, located immediately to the east of Capitol Park and the State Capitol Building, as pictured in the image shown below.

Jan 1, 2002

By Roger Ferreira da Silva

O método de ensaio não destrutivo baseado na análise do ruído magnético Barkhausen (RMB) possibilita a obtenção de informações a respeito da microestrutura do material examinado e do estado de tensões presente no mesmo. Devido às particularidades do método, as medições devem ser realizadas mantendo-se constante a geometria entre a sonda e o objeto examinado, de forma a assegurar a confiabilidade das mesmas. Quando realizado manualmente, o processo de medição é demorado e sujeito a erros de posicionamento da sonda. Em trabalhos industriais ou em laboratório, esses erros podem resultar em interpretações incorretas, devendo ser reduzidos ao mínimo possível. Visando à redução do tempo de execução das medições e de análise e a eliminação de possíveis erros de posicionamento da sonda de inspeção, este trabalho propõe a automação do processo de medição de RMB em corpos de prova do tipo chapa. Compreende a construção de um dispositivo de movimentação XYZ acionado por motores de passo e do software “Plate Barkhausen”, com uma interface amigável, para controle da movimentação e da medição, além da análise dos dados.

Jul 30, 2018

By Homer J. Ballinger

The Rex mine is one of several zinc deposits in Ozark and Howell Counties, Mo. It is the second of these deposits investigated by the Bureau of Mines in an effort to demonstrate reserves of sulfide ore underlying the shallow carbonate ores from which the district's major production has come. The initial investigation was made during 1945-46 on the Alice mine, Ozark County, Mo.21 The investigation reported herein was conducted during 1947. The Rex open pit is about 250 feet long, 100 feet wide, and about 25 feet deep (average). Three caved shafts are evident in the bottom of the pit, but the extent of the workings from these shafts is not known. The Bureau of Mines drilled five churn-drill holes in and around the Rex pit to test the grade and the vertical and lateral extent of the deposit. Two of the holes indicate notable zinc mineralization ranging from less than 1 to more than 10 percent metallic zinc, but largely in the oxidized condition.

Jan 1, 1948

By C. Norman Cochran

The pllnse diagvam for the NaF-AlF3 system was used to calcutate an ionic model for the NaF-AlF3 system. Assuming an ideal solution,a series of simultaneous equations expressing equilibria be-tween solid and liquid phases at the euleclic, perilec-tic, and melting points were solved for the activities of the ionic species, the dissociation constants, and the entropies and heats of fusion. The calculations suggest the existence of A13F1415 ions in addition to the F-1+AlF6-3 , and AlF4-4 ions previously proposed by others. The calculaled valnes give better agreement with vapor pressures than the previous model without Al3Fl14-5. Additional possible vefinements of the model are proposed. CRYOSCOPIC1 investigations and density data2 for the NaF-A1F3 system have previously been used to study the dissociation mechanism of Na3A1F6 and to derive equilibrium constants for its dissociation to NaF and NaAlF,. Depending primarily on the heat of fusion assumed for cryolite, the dissociation constants ranged between 0.02 and 0.18 from cryoscopic studies, and from 0.09 at 1273°K to 0.16 at 1363°K from density data. In most cases the values were unable to reproduce satisfactorily the experimental liquidus lines very far on the A1F3 side of the Na3A1Fe composition. This suggested the existence of at least one other ionized compound in the melt besides NaA1F4 in the Na3A1F6-A1F3 side of the system. This is assumed to be liquid Na&13F14 (chiolite), which is already established as a stable solid in phase studies of this system. MODEL FOR THE MELT The melt is assumed to be an ideal solution with ion activities equal to anion fractions. The only cation in the model is sodium so that Temkin and simple anionic activities are identical. Although the compounds are completely ionized to Na' and the respective anion in the melt, molecular rather than ionic notation is used throughout this work. The Na3A1Fe is assumed to dissociate to NaA1F4 and NaF as in the former model, and Na&13F14 to dissociate to Na3A1Fe and NaA1F4. Other valid dissociation equilibria can be written involving these four compounds, but all of these can be obtained by combinations of the two described dissociation reactions and, thus, are automatically considered in these calculations. The model allows for no free AlF3 so that compositions for NAIF3 > 0.5 (mole fraction A1F3 on the NaF-A1F3 basis) cannot be treated. The question of the existence of free AlF3 in the melt will be discussed again later. The constants in the model were evaluated from points along the entire known liquidus line of the NaF-A1F3 system. Previous work employed only the liquidus line or densi- ties near the Na3A1F, composition. The liquidus line compositions used in the solution of the model are from unpublished work by Mr. P. A. Foster, Jr., for compositions between the Na3A1F6 melting point and the Na&13F14-A1F3 eutectic, and from the published works of Grjotheim,1 Phillips,3 and Foster4 for the remainder of the system. The relationships used in solving for the desired dissociation constants and heats and entropies of fusion are listed in Table I, and the points along the liquidus line at which each apply are indicated to the right of the relationships. The mole fractions of each of the separate species in the melt are symbolized by N. Relationships [I] and [2] are the respective dissocia-ation constants, Kl and K2, of Na3AIF6 and Na5A13F14 for this model. For simplicity, these constants will be assumed to be independent of temperature. Relationship [3] follows from the assumption of the ideal solution. The expression relating the values of N to the experimental values of NAIf3, is given in Relationship (41. Relationships [5], [6], and [7] each state the equilibrium between a compound in the melt and its pure solid phase for the portion of the liquidus lines where it precipitates. The heats of melting, AH,, and entropies of melting, AS,, used in [5], [6], and [7] are assumed to be independent of temperature. The compositions and temperatures of all five invariant points (two melting points, two eutectics, and one peritectic) along the liquidus lines from NAIF3 = 0 to NAIF3 = 0.5 were employed in the solution. The eutectic and peritectic compositions were particularly useful because each of these is involved in one more equation than other points along the liquidus lines and thus reduces the number of points required to solve for the constants. Also, their use assures that the inflection points in the derived liquidus line will correspond exactly with those on the experimental liquidus line. The total number of equations is 5k1 — 1, where n is the number of experimental composition points used. The number of unknowns is 4n + 5 (4n- 3 values of N, 3 values each of AH, and AS,, and 2 values of K). Thus, six points must be used in the solution to obtain an equal number of equations and unknowns. The one additional required experimental composition was taken on the liquidus line between the Na3A1Fe melting point and the Na3A1F6-Na5A13F14 peritectic. Previous work indicated this was a difficult portion of the curve to fit. The temperature used for the point was 1161°K, the same as for the NaF-Na3A1Fe eutectic. This choice of temperature gave two points with identical NNa3AIF6 values which simplifies the algebraic solution. The second point at this temperature is denoted 1161°'K. PROCEDURE FOR SOLUTION OF EQUATIONS Values were assumed for NNa,AIF and NNaF at the NaF-Na3A1F6 eutectic at 1161°k. By an iterative procedure, the corresponding values for NNa5A13F14 and NNaAlF4 at 1161°K were determined from 131 and 141. A value was assumed for NNaAlF4 at 1161°'K and

Jan 1, 1968

By Z. Duan

A novel concept involving the deployment of chemical stabilization has the potential to eliminate the need of slurry impoundments and significantly reduce the release of trace elements from the high surface area fine coal waste. The process involves mixing the fine waste generated from the underflow of a thickener operation with chemical stabilization agents to tie up the water and to create a solid waste material that can be discharged directly. Portland cement, sodium silicate, F type flyash, C type flyash and hydraulic lime were evaluated as stabilizing agents. A detailed experimental study has been conducted to identify the conditions that provide the maximum compressive strength within a short curing time. Results to date show the ability to achieve compressive strengths adequate for equipment to maneuver on using a Portland cement concentration of around 10% by weight. Quick-setting concrete was not found to enhance stabilization time and compressive strength.

Jan 1, 2012

By Leonard Obert

Part I of this report3/ proposed a sonic method for determining pressure, in situ, on rock pillar, arches, and other structures. The method required (1) a laboratory determination of the variation of the velocity of sound with pressure in samples of rock taken from mine pillars to establish a velocity pressure relationship for the type of rock, and (2) a measurement of the velocity of sound in the mine pillars from which the laboratory samples were taken. The pressure on the pillars could be determined by correlating the velocity in the pillar with the velocity-pressure relationship established in the laboratory. The success of this method depends on the extent to which velocity of sound varies with pressure. Furthermore, Young's modulus of elasticity, E, can be calculated from longitudinal velocity, V, by the relationship, E = V2d ...(1) where d = density. Hence, the variation of the elastic modulus with pressure also can be determined. It pointed out that this method might be extended to assist in the prediction of rock bursts, inasmuch as the rock is subjected to extreme pressure in these instances.

Jan 1, 1940

By Claudio Luiz Schneider

Projetos green field exigem quantidades relativamente grandes de amostra de alma de sondagem. Se a rota de processamento do projeto inclui moagem no HPGR, são necessários testes em escala de laboratório para o escalonamento. A caracterização da moagem pode ser realizada em um HPGR com rolos de pequeno diâmetro, como o LABWAL. Alguns laboratórios comerciais recomendam utilizar amostras de 20-30 kg para estes testes, resultando em um custo elevado. A pergunta que está sendo avaliada aqui é o quanto de amostra é realmente necessário para realizar esses ensaios? Certamente, quanto maior a quantidade de material disponível mais confiáveis serão os resultados dos testes. No entanto, quando o tamanho da amostra é reduzido, qual será o impacto sobre os dados que são produzidos? Neste trabalho, seis amostras de flogopitito pesando 20 kg foram testadas no HPGR LABWAL, usando seis pressões hidráulicas iniciais, de 10 a 60 BAR. Todos os parâmetros dos ensaios foram determinados. O trabalho foi então repetido utilizando amostras de 5 e 10 kg. Os resultados mostram que, sob as condições que foram escolhidas, as amostras pesando 5 kg são suficientes para a caracterização no HPGR LABWAL.

Aug 16, 2017

By M. Ito

Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust and nodule ores from seamount areas contain volcanic and sedimentary rocks as substrate or nuclei and these ores require mineral processing to remove the substrate/nuclei rock before smelting. This paper reviews the results of jig separation and air table treatment for the coarse fraction and flotation and hybrid jigging for the fine fraction. Using these techniques substrate/nuclei rock was removed from the cobalt-rich ferromanganese oxide components. The mineralogical properties and metallurgical treatment methods including hydrometallurgical treatment of low grade ore is also reviewed.

Sep 1, 2012

By Robert F. Calman

OUTLINE FIVE EXAMPLES OF GOLD-LINKED FINANCINGS 1. Financing the Lupin Mine • Sale of Cdn $40.0 million of 12% preferred shares and Cdn $40.0 million of Gold Purchase Warrants @ $595 per ounce. 2. Financing the Copper Range acquisition • Borrowing 100,000 ounces from a Canadian chartered bank @ US$307 for five years. 3. Financing the Round Mountain expansion • Borrowing up to US $80.0 million in dollars, convertible into gold, repayable over five years from a group of North American banks. 4. Financing the Tenneco Precious Metals Division acquisition •Sale of SFr 110.0 million of ten year 3-718% bonds with warrants to buy 132,000 ounces of gold at US $560. 5. On Forward Sales, Puts and Calls • Gold, Silver, Canadian Dollars, Swiss Francs THE FINANCIAL RULES AT ECHO BAY 1. Never bet the company 2. Equity is the primary form of capital for a gold mining company 3. On debt 4. The Yardsticks for Corporate Decisions 5. Financial Community Relationships 6. Dividend Policy No Text Available Tables Follow

Jan 1, 1990

By D Garcés, M Meléndez, R Castro, E Viera

Enhancing the understanding of gravity flow in caving operations is a key factor in the design, operation and success of caving methods. Consequently, much research has been performed to increase knowledge about gravity flow. Many valuable theories have been gained from different research approaches, which include physical modelling, numerical modelling and a limited number of full-scale tests. Recent advances in technology have allowed Codelco Chile to carry out trials using Smart Markers technology. This technology was used in Esmeralda mine’s Block-2 at El Teniente mine from August 2012 to January 2015. This paper aims to determine the characteristics of the extraction zone and obtain the data that will allow greater understanding of gravity flow for design and draw control purposes.The collected data from recovered markers were analysed using a linear interpolation of both the initial position of the markers and drawbell accumulated drawn tonnage. For each drawpoint in the trial, the regularity or irregularity of flow was analysed based on the recovered markers and the drawn tonnage. Correspondingly, the relationship between flow characteristics and observed fragmentation in drawpoints was analysed. The gravity flow of the Smart Markers revealed that current drawpoint spacing provides the interaction conditions of adjacent flow zones. However, it is possible to increase the drawpoint spacing while allowing caved rock to be extracted from the major and minor apexes.The results of this research also verified that full-scale test data are the predominant factor in the production level design and production control at El Teniente mine.CITATION:Garcés, D, Viera, E, Castro, R and Meléndez, M, 2016. Gravity flow full-scale tests at Esmeralda Mine’s Block-2, El Teniente, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 349–358 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

By M. Moinpour, Y. K. Rao

The catalysed direct reduction of copper sulphide with carbon and lime was investigated in the range 850-1000 degrees C using Cu2S-CaO-C and Cu2S-4CaO-4C reaction mixtures. The effects of the catalytic additives K2CO3, Li2CO3, Na2CO3, NaF, Na2SO3 and the ternary eutectic (K,Li,Na)2CO3 were determined. Potassium carbonate, sodium fluoride and the ternary appear to be the most effective catalysts for the direct reduction process. The rate enhancement of the catalysed carbothermic reduction of copper sulphide in the presence of lime was explained in terms of the catalysis of the Boudouard reaction

Jul 1, 1991

By Hamid Maleki

During the last decade, a significant amount of research has been conducted by Energy West Mining Company, government agencies, academia, and consulting companies to develop predictive tools for assessing the stability of the Castlegate Sandstone, which is found approximately 250 m above multiple-scam coal reserves, Energy West Mining uses longwall mining techniques in its operations near Huntington, Utah, and these studies were initiated to satisfy requirements for maintaining the stability of the Castlegate Sandstone and resource recovery. In this study, the authors have used multiple-regression analysis techniques and a wealth of data collected over many years on geology, mining, and escarpment stability. The volume of failed rocks is used as the response variable after several other factors were considered, including measurement of surface deformation and frequency of mining-induced surface fractures. Geologic and geometric variables were obtained along 3.7 km of escarpment exposure at 130 study locations. Regression analysis of data for the first 29 study location, which had been fully' undermined, showed that surface topography played a critical rule in influencing escarpment stability. Preliminary regression analysis results from 70 study loca¬tions identified several other important geologic arid mining factors that influence be stability of the sandstone escarpment These are canyon slope, sandstone thickness, and mining influence ante.

Jan 1, 2000

By J. -C. Tricket, W. A. Düweke, S. Kock

The high-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) seismic reflection data acquired for Impala Platinum between 1998 and 2002 in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex form an integral part of Impala?s mine planning and development programme. These data are of sufficiently high quality to provide unprecedented 3-D models of the geological structure of the Merensky Reef and UG2Chromitite Reef, from which the mine deduces the size, geometry and distribution of mineable blocks. Conversely, the seismic data details zones of un-mineable ground caused by structural disturbances in the form of potholes, fault zones and pegmatoid intrusions. Furthermore, variations in dip and strike are well imaged, allowing the mine planners to optimize the mine design and layout. Current interpretation work is focused on enhancing the accuracy of these geological model seven further through the analysis of ?seismic trace attributes.? Preliminary testing on the Impala Platinum 3-D seismic volume has shown that attribute analysis has the potential to illuminate a number of geological reef disturbances that are otherwise ?invisible? in the original seismic time volume. Potential areas of improvement include inter alia: ?Improved definition of major fault zones ?Improved definition of zones of reef depression (?slumping?) ?Identification of reef terracing and/or reverse dip.. Keywords: 3D reflection seismics; Impala Platinum Ltd; seismic attribute analysis; Seismic Micro Technology (SMT); rock solid attributes; dip-azimuth; instantaneous phase and similarity.

Jan 1, 2004

By S. Junnikkala, K. Föhr

"Experiments were performed with plant feeds with a continuous 1,8 m3 cell at Pyhasalmi mine with Cu flotation feed in order to test the applicability of the bubble surface area flux as an indicator of the flotation rate constant. It was found that bubble surface area flux could not predict the rate constants of coarse Cu containing fractions. In the middle size fraction, the correlation coefficient in the rate coefficient estimation was higher but not statistically significant. Only the fine fraction showed a linear relationship with a moderate correlation coefficient.The bubble surface area flux was shown not to be a function of the impeller velocity above a threshold value. The flux was an almost linear function of the superficial gas rate enabling to use the superficial gas rate instead of flux if the operation of an existing cell is to be estimated.INTRODUCTIONBubble area flux seems to offer a simple way of modeling flotation. It relates the flotation rate constant with the bubble surface area flux by a simple linear equation. Due to this, there has been a considerable interest in using the bubble area flux for flotation computations. It has even caused claims that a cell producing a high bubble surface area flux automatically produces a high rate constant and therefore a high recovery.This paper discusses some of the assumptions of the relationship and gives some plant results during two sampling campaigns.The bubble surface area flux s b is describing the area of bubbles available for flotation in a cell per unit area. The bubble surface area flux is related to the superficial gas rate J, by the Sauter mean diameter as follows"

Jan 1, 2001

By Carlos Vinícius Domingos de Carvalho

As perdas geradas nos processos de uma Aciaria contribuem de forma significativa para a perda metálica do processo. Eventualmente, mesmo com uma operação correta, do ponto de vista de características do produto, pode ocorrer comprometimento do ponto de vista econômico, e uma forma de redução direta dos custos e aumento de performance é a redução das perdas geradas no processo. Desta forma, tornou-se importante realizar um estudo para reduzir as perdas metálicas na Aciaria. Foi utilizado a metodologia Seis Sigma, sendo estratificadas as perdas por processo na Aciaria, onde as maiores perdas na rota dos processos de Lingotamentos Contínuos foram: perda no Distribuidor (24,7%), corte de sequência (17,5 %), retorno de corrida por baixa temperatura do aço na panela (16,3 %); perda por obstrução da válvula da panela (8,8 %). A perda metálica foi reduzida em 50,8%. Além da redução expressiva das perdas, houve uma grande contribuição em relação à compreensão dos modos de falhas para apropriação correta das perdas, tornando as informações mais seguras e facilitando o tratamento de possíveis falhas no processo.

Oct 30, 2017

By Edgel P. Stambaugh

Oxides are important for use in the production of metals, ceramic hardware, paints, permanent magnets, magnetic recording tapes and many other uses. In some of these applications, particle morphology, degree of crystallinity, purity, and homogeneity are relatively insignificant, while for other uses, these same properties are of critical importance. Many conventional processes are based upon recovery of the oxides from aqueous solutions by processes which include neutralization, evaporation of solvent, and precipitation of a complex salt. Consequently, many of these techniques lead to oxides of low quality. There is a growing demand for oxides of high quality, i.e., materials with narrow particle size distribution, controlled particle morphology, high purity, few structural defects, and high degree of crystallinity and homogeneity. This demand has prompted industry to search for new approaches for the manufacture of these special materials. One new approach for preparing high quality oxides is hydrothermal precipitation. This process has been used for preparing simple oxides such as ZrO2; mixed oxides such as ZrO2-SiO2; and complex oxides such as BaTiO3. These oxides were prepared in a high state of purity with a high degree of crystallinity and., in many cases, without the addition of precipitants. Many impurities- that are normally precipitated by conventional methods such as neutralization present no problem since they remain in solution. Nature of the process and its applications are discussed in this article.

Jan 1, 1977

By L. Klatzel-Mudry, D. J. Nikols, J. D. Hughes

"The Geological Survey of Canada Paper 88-21, A Standardized Coal Resource/Reserve Reporting System for Canada, is referenced by National Instrument 43-101 for the preparation of resource and reserve estimates on coal deposits. However, for all disclosure of mineral resources or mineral reserves for coal, issuers are required by NI 43-101 to use the equivalent mineral resource or mineral reserve categories set out in the CIM Definition Standards and not the categories set out in Paper 88-21. “Because the framework is based on Canadian deposits and their tectonic regimes, the Canadian Securities Administrators believe it is not reasonable to apply Paper 88-21 to foreign coal properties. The “Resource Links” at the end of this volume provide website links to guidance documents for preparing coal resource and reserve estimates in Australia, South Africa, and the USA.”This report discusses definitions, concepts and parameters used to determine coal resource and reserve quantities, and provides a framework to facilitate consistent categorization of coal quantities found within various depositional and tectonic regimes in Canada.Coal deposits, or portions thereof, are first categorized in terms of their geological complexity <Geology Type), and probable recovery method (Deposit Type). Methods for determining quantification parameters including seam thickness, areal extent and bulk density are outlined for each geology/deposit category. Within each geology/deposit category, coal resources are further divided, based on their assurance of existence, into measured, indicated, inferred and speculative subdivisions and, according to their feasibility of exploitation, into immediate and future interest subdivisions. Coal reserves within each geology/deposit category are subdivided according to whether they are within or outside active mining areas, and may be reported on in place, recoverable and saleable bases.A wide cross-section of the coal industry in Canada contributed to the development of this reporting system. To ensure that the parameters and concepts expressed in the system continue to reflect technological and economic realities in the future, the Coal Association of Canada has established a committee to facilitate periodic reviews."

Jan 1, 2003

Recent improvements are described in several techniques for ground control in underground mining. Promising methods for analysis and mitigation of rockbursts are discussed. Methods of assessing damage to underground excavations from repetitive seismic loading are reviewed. Analysis of mining-induced surface subsidence is discussed.

Jan 1, 1989

By Robert W. Van Dolah

On December 27, 1961, a fire and explosion destroyed the blasting agent mixing plant and an attached storage barn of the Whitaker-Atlas Supply Co., near Norton, Wise County, Va. Five residences, an office building, four trucks, and three automobiles were completely destroyed; a house trailer and several other trucks and automobiles were severely damaged; and other property damage, including much window breakage, occurred up to 3 miles or more airline distance away. Through the quick action of the fire marshal of the Norton Fire Department, Norton, Va., there were no fatalities and only five persons required hospitalization. This incident is of particular interest because of the widespread practice of mixing fuel oil (FO) with ammonium nitrate (AN) to prepare low-cost blasting agents, in many cases under conditions and circumstances not very different from those presented here. A representative of the Bureau of Mines Explosives Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh, Pa., and field representatives of the Bureau&apos;s Health and Safety Activities conducted the investigation. Information in this report was obtained from representatives of the Whitaker-Atlas Supply Co., the Norton fire marshal, and others who were on the scene either shortly before or after the incident occurred. Representatives of the Manufacturing Chemists&apos; Association, the Institute of Makers of Explosives, and individual ammonium nitrate producers participated in the inquiries and investigations.

Jan 1, 1962