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Basic premises for evaluating special characteristics of gold-bearing porphyry metal systems stem from their contrasts with properties of the class as a whole. Included features are differences in geologic, thus tectonic, environments, subtle but real differences in the proportions of accessory metals Mo-Ag-Au that are regionally and within some regions, tempo-rally distinct, contrasts in the Ag:Au ratios, petrological-geo-chemical as well as isotopic differences between intrusive suites, the age and nature of host terranes, contrasts in alter-ation style, and zoning variations of mineralogical and physical properties of rocks. These properties are linked in various ways in different regions and suggest that in large gold-bearing systems where gold may be uniformly distributed, environ-ments of emplacement, and compositions or sources of igneous "progenitors" may dominate in importance over processes, and that systems in which gold is zoned are processes-dominant.

Jan 1, 1990

By A. W. Deurbrouck, W. W. Agey

Introduction The modern wet concentrating table is a rectangular or rhomboid shaped normally rimed-deck operated in essentially a horizontal plane (Fig. 23). A drive mechanism imparts a differential motion to the deck along its long axis while water flows by gravity along the short axis. Tables are currently employed for processing large tonnages of coal and lesser tonnages of barite, beach sands, chrome, glass sand, garnet, iron, manganese, mica, phosphate, potash, tantalum, tin, tita-

Jan 1, 1985

By S. J. Jung

The goal of this research is to demonstrate how optimization methodology can be coupled with the finite element method for greater stability of underground mine openings. As a result of increasing mining depth and intersection of geologic discontinuities, mining environments are becoming more complex. Current design procedures are rapidly becoming inadequate. In this research, the finite element method has been coupled with optimization criteria to design more stable and safe underground openings

Jan 1, 1993

By Lloyd F, Bayley F. J

The new South Mine in the Western Deep Levels complex is destined to become an ultra deep project extending to depths of 4 200 m below surface and where rock temperatures are likely to exceed 65 ¦C. Initial estimates put refrigeration requirements at 133 000 kWR. A surface refrigeration plant with an initial capacity of 42 000 kWR has been commissioned and will be used for mining the upper levels.

Jan 1, 1988

By Nareetsile S., J. Kabwe

In the past few years Orapa and Letlhakane Mines have investigated various new technologies to enhance and improve production. The goal has been to improve productivity, reduce operating costs and make the mines more profitable The advent of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the early ’80s brought about the realization of this concept. Orapa and Letlhakane Mines started using GPS in 1999 and it is now used atLetlhakane mine for surveying, vehicle tracking and dispatching and for floor control system. Orapa Mine uses GPS in surveying, floor control and drill navigation. It will also be used for vehicle tracking and dispatching in mid-2001 following the installation of a fleet management and control system. The introduction of GPS at both Orapa and Letlhakane mines have improved productivity and reduced operating costs in the areas of drilling, topographic survey and floor control. In vehicle tracking and dispatching GPS has allowed for real-time information management for timeous decision-making which optimized fleet run time hours.

Sep 1, 2001

By M Siefert, P Moser, T Oberndorfer

"The EC-project ""Blasting Control"" with partners from France, Austria, Italy and Greece dealt with the development of a diagnosis system, which enables blasting experts to investigate in detail on probable reasons of poor blasting results in underground drifting. The system incorporates monitoring of geometric, explosive, vibration and granulometry data. All data are compiled in a database and are provided for direct retrievement by demand of the experts in a graphical environment. This paper focuses on the advantages of such graphical system for both research tasks and applications in real testing situations. It describes the procedure of monitoring and presents a selection of graphical outputs generated during data processing immediately after blasting. Benefits of detailed monitoring in respect of detecting sources of errors are explicated by a actual example of a test series in a mine. The paper will conclude with an outlook onto the scientificresearch work which is planned to be based on the results of hitherto investigations."

Jan 1, 1996

By D. C. Hogeman

Growing Greener is the single largest investment of state funds in Pennsylvania’s history, allocated to address the Commonwealth’s critical environmental concerns. Signed into law by Governor Tom Ridge on December 15, 1999, Growing Greener will enable the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to appropriate nearly $240 million over five years, to watershed restoration and protection, abandoned mine reclamation, and oil and gas well plugging projects. DEP has utilized these allocations in some remarkably innovative ways, as it: involves the cooperation of several state agencies, local governments, and grassroots organizations to address environmental concerns of the Commonwealth, provides funds directly to watershed groups based on locally determined decisions for local watersheds and offers a user friendly process. In three years, over $130 million in watershed restoration and improvement projects have been initiated.

Jan 1, 2002

By Kenneth L. Reid

The Mineral Resources Research Center at the University of Minnesota has recently installed a QEM*SEM system (Quantitative E.valuation of Materials using Scanning Electron Microscopy) to aid in detailed mineralogical evaluation of potential mineral resource developments in Minnesota and to provide services to the North American mineral industry. A primary application for the unit is to serve the Minnesota taconite industry by providing mineralogical analysis of ores and concentrator products. Minnesota taconite ores contain fine-grained magnetite in a quartz matrix. The ores undergo several size-reduction/magnetic-separation steps to produce a final concentrate with approximately 75% passing 325 mesh and containing about 5% gangue. The paper describes a typical taconite concentrator flowsheet and reports some preliminary results of the applications of QEM*SEM particle image maps and cumulative yield liberation data to samples from selected points in the concentrator circuit.

Jan 1, 1988

By L D. Lawrence

Certain blasting applications are more prone to the generation of significant levels of nitrogen dioxide post blast fumes, more commonly referred to as after blast smoke, generally ranging in color from dark yellow to bright red. This paper reviews basic background chemistry defining the observed fumes and attempts to correlate geology, blast design, and explosive composition effects on the level of nitrogen dioxide that can be observed in various blasting conditions. Additionally, a test setting for evaluating the generation of post blast fumes is presented with pertinent test data detailing generic explosive formulation modifications which effect the overall level of post detonation generation of nitrogen dioxide.

Jan 1, 1996

By Y Gu

The Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) employs the technologies of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The use of backscattered electron images to define phase boundaries produces very high resolution image analysis and subsequently detailed and accurate particle images and data output. The mineralogy, elemental deportment, grain size, liberation characteristics and mineral associations of a large number of samples can be described. The MLA uses a comprehensive set of analysis methods to meet a wide range of applications. The data from ore characteristion projects completed during feasibility studies are important aids for effective plant design. The MLA can be used to establish variation in the mineralogy of an orebody, identify and quantify the deportment of deleterious elements, and provide valuable information to support comminution and flotation test work. In established plants the MLA data is an important component of plant survey work and monthly composite samples. Changes in feed characteristics and/or operating conditions can be monitored and solutions to any deterioration in recovery and grade performance found. The MLA has extensive applications in the minerals industry. Rare and precious metal samples can be accurately measured using high-resolution grey-scale images. Several new measurement techniques have been developed to perform rapid searches of a large number of samples to provide efficient and accurate analyses of fine-grain, low concentrate material. Quantifying the mineral variability in mineral sands operations is essential to maximising grades and recovery. The MLA produces particle-based data on density, mineralogy, size and shape and has developed measurement techniques to provide the elemental quantification required for the characterisation of these deposits. Nickel sulfide ores can be analysed to provide modal mineralogy, elemental deportment and liberation and locking data. The low-grade and variable nickel mineralogy of these deposits makes the use of quantitative mineralogy an essential component of maximising returns. Coarse particle measurements preserve the in situ textures of ores and support flotation and breakage test work for feasibility studies. The deportment of penalty and bonus elements can be quantified and the association and grain-size data can be used to identify potential separation issues.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. W. Raymond

THE absence of a convenient glossary of terms connected with mining and metallurgy has long been felt by the general public. It is to meet this want, not to furnish a technical manual for experts, that the following glossary has been prepared. It originated in an attempt on my part to revise for publication the manuscript of a compilation prepared from the appendix of Yale's work on Mining Titles and one or two other sources, to serve as an appendix to a new work on mining law, about to be published by Mr. H. N. Copp, of Washington, D. C. This revision soon assumed, contrary to my original intention, the proportions of a reconstruction; and with the consent of Mr. Copp, and for the purpose of receiving from my fellow-members valuable aid, I presented my still incomplete work as a paper at the Lake Superior meeting of the Institute, inviting from any quarter suggestions of new terms or better definitions to be incorporated in the glossary before its final publication. This invitation was so widely and generously responded to, that I cannot undertake to make in this place individual acknowledgments to those members of the Institute, and professional colleagues outside of it, who have favored me with assistance and advice. The labor bestowed upon this paper since its presentation at the Lake Superior meeting has considerably exceeded that of its first preparation, as may be inferred from its great increase in length, as well as the numerous alterations which it has undergone. It could certainly be still further enlarged and improved; but I think a comparison of it with any of the glossaries of the same class now in print will show, at least, that it is an advance upon what has hitherto been accomplished. 1 shall be grateful, however, for further criticisms and suggestions; and I purpose at some future time to incorporate in a supplementary paper the results of such additional collections or corrections as I may obtain. To avoid too great prolixity, I adopted at the outset the following general principles: 1. To include the most important technical words and phrases used by American miners and metallurgists, or occurring in English books and periodicals.

Jan 1, 1881

With the exception of the mentions of coal in Illinois in the period 1660-1680, already referred to, the first coal found in the United States was in the James River, Virginia, field. In 1699 a large tract of .land above the present city of Richmond was allotted for a settlement of French Huguenots by the colonial, government, near the present Manakin, about fourteen miles above Richmond. They soon found coal, tradition says it was uncovered by a hunter pulling out a small tree in a. steel) bank near a stream, and Colonel William Byrd, F.R.S., the most prominent man of his day in the colony, wrote to the Colonial Council of Virginia, May 10 and 11, 1701: "The 10th of May, last., I with Coll. Randolph, Capt. Epes, Capt. Webb, &c., went up to the new settlements of ye French Refugees at ye Manaken Town.... We went tip to ye Cole, w'ch is not above a mile and a half from their settlement on the great upper Creeke, w'ch, riseing very high in great Raines hath washed away the Banks that the Coal lyes bare, otherwise it's very deep in the Earth, the land being very high, and near the surface is plenty of Slate.", Some of the Frenchmen were evidently familiar with the use of coal, as on May 22, 1702, "David Menestrier a black smith and one of ye french Refugees Inhabiting at Luciana Petitioning his Excellency that he may have leave to use ye coal mines lately discovered there for his forge his Excellency by and with ye advice of ye Council loth hereby give Leave to ye said David Menestrier to take what coales he shall want. out of ye said Coal mine for ye use of his forge according to ye Prayer of ye said Petition."2 There was some uncertainty about the grant of these lands to the Huguenots which caused the request for leave to use this coal, as a Virginia patent in its usual form allowed the owner to mine all minerals excepting gold and silver, which were subject to royalties for the Crown. After the visit to the coal above mentioned, "Wm. Byrd, understanding the land had not been granted to the French, took out a patent for 344 acres, including the same, (the coal) which patent was dated October 20, 1704".3

Jan 1, 1942

Paralleling recent experiments in the U. S., the Mines Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys in Ottawa has developed a laboratory process for recovering cell-grade alumina from aluminiferous shale. Mines Branch Research Report R45 (1959) entitled The Alum-Amine Process For The Recovery of Alumina From Shale by G. Thomas and T. R. Ingraham states " . . . With the recent resurgence in Canada, and in the United States, of attempts to recover cell-grade alumina from clays and shales, the Mines Branch undertook to review certain processes that had been tried with marginal success . . . In particular, it seemed quite possible that some recent developments in organic chemistry, relating to uranium technology, might be utilized for the removal of the last traces of iron from intermediate products to permit the attainment of a satisfactory grade of alumina." This introductory paragraph explains the authors' approach toward development of an alumina recovery process from shale. The following is an abstract of their successful laboratory experiments.

Jan 3, 1960

By Eric Jackson

The presentation describes the operation and field test results of a seafloor massive sulphide prospecting system. The prospecting system is deployed from a work-class ROV, and it features a new and innovative electromagnetic ocean floor conductivity sensor. It also includes magnetometers, a multibeam sonar, and subsea cameras. The prospecting system has been used in two exploration campaigns - one in the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2007 and again in 2008 in both PNG and Tonga waters. The 2007 campaign used the prototype sensor, and the 2008 campaign used a Mark II version. Correlations between drill core samples and EM conductivity results are excellent. New prospecting system data will be used to help plan future core drilling locations. The presentation discusses the principle of operation of the EM conductivity sensor, discusses improvements made in the EM sensor and the overall prospecting system, and shows exploration results. Keywords: seafloor massive sulphide, geophysics, ocean floor, subsea, electromagnetic, conductivity, magnetometer, multibeam, core drilling

Jan 1, 2008

The economic recovery of metals from dilute solutions has been the dream of mining engineers for many years. This subject is now receiving greater attention, particularly for copper, in view of the heightened demand for the metal and the tightening supply situation. A Copper Precipitation session, sponsored jointly by EMD Hydrometallurgy Committee and MBD, which took place during the Annual Meeting in March, heard papers on recent research and plant practice. Although the bulk of research in hydrometallurgy has been carried out in countries other than the United States1, producers in this country are making important contributions to the heap or dump leaching system. They realize that the processes are essentially simple to install and give high recovery rates at reasonable cost. Jacobi estimated in 1963 2 that the copper mining industry obtained a gross return from scavenging operations -on a worldwide basis-on the order of $20 million annually, subject to the usual deductions for refining and realization charges, overheads, taxes, etc.

Jan 6, 1966

Improve ground control in longwall gate entries by developing a practical method for evaluating longwall pillar designs. Background Longwalls have emerged as the most important technology to be applied to underground mining since the continuous mining machine. Longwall mines currently produce more than 30 pct of all the underground coal mined in the United States, up from less than 5 pct just 15 years ago. Safe longwall mining depends on maintaining ground control in the gate entries, the lifelines that provide access to the longwall face. In multientry retreat mining as practiced in the United States, rows of chain pillars are left to protect the gate entries (see figure 1). Chain pillars are subject to severe and complex abutment loads during the process of longwall panel extraction. The design of these pillars is often the single most important element in gate entry ground control and has been the subject of intensive Bureau of Mines research.

Jan 1, 1991

By R. S. Conti

The US Bureau of Mines (USBM) has developed an inflatable feed-tube seal (IFTS) for high-expansion foam generators. The IFTS is a lightweight, portable, rectangular inflatable bag that can be used by firefighters to rapidly seal large openings, such as those in underground mines, and to simultaneously provide a feed-tube for a high- expansion foam generator. Thus allows fire-fighting foam to freely flow to the fire site and control or extinguish the fire. Studies indicated that a high-expansion foam plug will travel 183 m (600ft) down an entry with a 4.5% rise in elevation, before leakage of foam from around the inflatable partition.

By Neil E. Izatt

The use of Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT), a selective separations technology using specifically designed ligands, has been established as an effective process for removal of metal ions found in many hydrometallurgical, chemical, and wastewater streams. The MRT process has been proven to be highly efficient and effective for indium extraction and recovery from zinc acid leach, electrolyte, chemical process and waste streams. A high percentage of the indium is recovered in a solid product format. MRT has also proven effective for germanium extraction and recovery from similar feed streams. This paper provides the indium and germanium metal recovery flow sheets and analytical results of the metal load and recovery steps.

Jan 1, 2006

By D. S. Jacobus

It is proposed to give in this paper an estimate of the cost at which carburetted and uncarburetted water-gas will have to he sold, in order to compete successfully for steam-boiler use with anthracite coal. The following are analyses of the gas direct from the generator, and of the same after it has been carburetted for illuminating pnrposes. Per cent. by Volumes. I. 11. Uncarburetted. Carburetted. Nitrogen,.4.69 2.5 Carbonic acid,.3.47 .3 Ethylene,....... 0 12.5 Oxygen,....... 0 .2 Benzole vapor,...... 0 1.5 Carbonic oxide,.36.80 29.0 Marsh-gas,.2.16 24.0 Hydrogen,.52.88 30.0 100.00 100.0

Jan 1, 1889

By K. Stout, E. Van Eeckhout, L. Friel

Previous research at the Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology indicated that it is practical and economically feasible to place stiff back- fill in a cut-and-fill stope. This backfill would reduce wall closure and high stress buildup in pi1llars, thus alleviating rockburst potential. Three ;topes from the Sunshine Mine, of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District, were chosen for a test verification of this concept. Although the first stope was lever mined beyond the initial cut (for economic reasons), some vibrating wire stressmeter results were obtained and found to compare favorably with numerical predictions. Some other instrumentation devices were built and tested, but never installed .

Jan 1, 1984