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By Albert L. Toenges

This paper is the third of a series4/ that describes some methods and practices of mining coal mechanically where operations are conducted on more than one shift. The mining of coal by means of mechanical devices has emphasized the need for continued study of the relationship, of these devices to existing physical conditions and to planning of the operations for increased safety and economy. The purpose of this investigation is to stud the operations of different types of mechanization used in mines under various systems of mining and physical conditions to reach conclusions as to the safest and most economical methods and practices of mining. Physical conditions very in different and in the same mining districts and determine, together with economical conditions, the systems of mining and the types of mechanical loading equipment used. The information presented in this paper

Jan 1, 1941

By Dennis J. Kemp

Laterite projects are found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. As a result severe meteorological situations accompany such projects, often in regions of high seismic activity and political uncertainty. Frequently, socio-economic development supported by political interest is a major driver for development, while environmental protection imposes numerous stresses on the project. This paper will review and examine the many social, environmental, technical and financial issues that a mining and extraction process is subject to during development. The options that must be evaluated will be discussed in the context of sustainable development. Issues of project standards and cultural impact through to long-term issues such as greenhouse gasses and climate change will be assessed in redirecting project environmental norms. Although a rationale for sustainable project can be developed many long- term uncertainties around issues remain. Keywords: sustainable development, communities, social issues, standards, energy, waste management, consultation, agreements

Jan 1, 2004

By Thomas Donnelly

Introduction 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 mineralization is found about 1.-CAMP BUCARO. THE TOP OF THE RIDGE IN THE BACKGROUND MARKS THE CONTACT OF THE LIMESTONE AND TUFFS. S 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 (Liver. The district is reached by automobile from Santo Domingo city over an excellent road for 25 miles to San Cristobal, and then, by horse-back 6 or 8 miles up the Nigua River to what is locally known as "Camp

Jan 8, 1915

By J. B. Salsman

As part of the research effort on investigating the effects of microwave energy on the chemical and physical properties of minerals and ores, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) Tuscaloosa Research Center has conducted research to measure the dielectric properties of these materials. The objective was to establish a reliable database for use in predicting the effects of microwave heating on a wide range of minerals. The dielectric constants and loss factors of minerals, commonly referred to as the dielectric properties, were determined utilizing the theory of microwave propagation through an open-ended, air-filled coaxial line that was terminated at its open end with the particular mineral under investigation. In this phase of microwave research, the USBM measured the dielectric properties of powdered minerals with medium to high electrical conductivities in the frequency range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz and as a function of temperature from 25 to 325 °C. Since the minerals were prepared as powders, techniques were used to relate the measured dielectric properties of the powdered minerals to the dielectric properties of the mineral at its theoretical or natural density.

Jan 1, 2010

By Robert G. Lundquist

This report summarizes all relevant findings and conclusions regarding capabillty of high-energy projectile impact to operate effectively in an open pit mining environment and to successfully handle secondary breakage and bench scaling problems. A silenced, aimable, mobile projectile launcher was designed and fabricated, utilizing a Government-furnished smooth-bore, 90 mm cannon. The silenced launcher was tested at the contractor's test site prior to shipment to ANAMAX Mining Company's Twin Buttes Mine near Tucson, Arizona. Demonstration tests were conducted at an inactive waste dump in the mine on 39 oversize boulders to determine the relationship between boulder size and projectile energy required for secondary breakage. The high energy projectile impact method (known by the acronym REAM -Rapid Excavation and Mining) was tested on an additional 23 boulders in the working mine and on 31 areas of potentially loose rock high on the pit walls. Most of the secondary breakage tests were successful and acceptable for open-pit mining purposes without producing large amounts of fly rock. Five of the 31 scaling tests were successful with one shot, but most of the remainder required two or more shots, and a few could not be dislodged because they were not as loose as they appeared to be, based on visual examination from a distance. Cost comparisons between the REAM method and conventional methods of secondary breakage and bench scaling are discussed. A film documentary, REAM--Mining Applications of High Energy Projectile Impact, has been produced by the contractor depicting the applications of the silenced cannon.

Jan 1, 1976

By G. D. Sandrock

The science and technology of roan temperature rechargeable metal hydrides began about 1969 with the discoveries that the intermetallic Compounds LaNi5 and TiFe could be, conveniently hydrided and dehydrided at roan temperature and modest H2 pressures. Subsequently, this lead to the development of a broad family of REE-containing AB5 hydrides and numerous applications that make use of the extraordinary H2-absorption and reaction-heat properties of these materials. Some of the applications include H2 storage, compression and separation, as well as heat pumping, heat to mechanical energy conversion and electric energy storage. This paper briefly reviews the fundamental phenomenology of metal hydrides, the history of the use of REE's in rechargeable metal hydrides, the practical engineering properties of these materials and the applications that have evolved around them. The rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery, a new vial alternative to NiCd cells, stands at the forefront of the applications.

Jan 1, 1992

This publication summarizes, for potential contractors and other interested parties, the research, development, and demonstration contract projects programed by the Bureau of Mines for fiscal year 1980 (October 1, 1979 - September 30, 1980) under its Minerals Health and Safety Research program. The objective of these projects is to provide an ordered and sequenced series of advances toward the Bureau's overall goal of providing the system technology required to create a healthier and safer working environment for the Nation's mining and minerals processing workers.

Jan 1, 1980

By H. H. Schrenk

One phase of Bureau of Mines work in health and safety is promotion of the use of safe, satisfactory, and reliable respiratory protective devices. To insure that such devices will be. available, the Bureau has established schedules of minimum requirements for oxygen breathing apparatus,3/ gas masks,/ supplied-air respirators (hose masks, air-line, respirators, and abrasive blasting helmets, hoods, or masks),5/ and dispersoid (dust, fume, and mist)

Jan 1, 1943

By Danilo Gonçalves de Oliveira, Rogério Martins Pereira

Chatter is a widely studied vibration phenomenon that affects most cold mills around the world and its impact on these lines are tremendous: from productivity and quality losses to mechanical equipment damage. The investigation of its origins and how to minimize the occurrences and their impact on the equipment require special instrumentation and algorithms in order to have a detection of the vibrations as soon as they start. This paper presents three methods of identification of chatter on a Tandem Cold Mill and the actions to leave the vibration frequency range before its amplitude achieve catastrophic values.

Oct 1, 2019

By David M. Rubio

The Ortiz Mine is an open pit-heap leach gold operation in central New Mexico processing about 3,100 tonnes (3,400 short tons) per day. It is the initial mining property in the United States developed by Gold Fields Mining Corporation, a subsidiary of Consolidated Gold Fields, PLC. This paper discusses the evolution of the present mining and ore control procedures as adaptions to the characteristics of both the rock being mined and the orebody, and with respect to the fact that mining is done by a contractor.

Jan 1, 1984

By D. A. Sloan

THE Young Davidson mine is of particular interest because of the extremely low costs and also because of the novel method devised for pillar recovery. The outstanding feature of the mining system is its simplicity and regularity. The successful operation of this property was de-finitely assured by the rise in price of gold in 1934. The mine is situated in the southeastern part of Powell township, about forty-five miles southeast of Timmins, Ontario. The local town, two miles distant, in Matachewan, which is twenty-five miles northwest of Elk Lake, the terminus of a branch line of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario railway. Mining is confined to one of a group of five claims. The ore occurs in a body of syen.ite porphyry which is intruded along a contact of Timiskaming conglomerates with Keewatin altered ruffs and greenstones. This intrusion extends in a north-easterly direction from Davidson creek for 3,300 feet, of which length 700 feet lies within the Matachewan Consolidated property. The maximum width of the mass is 700 feet; it tapers off as it extends east-ward. The Orebody.-The syenite porphyry is of three types, probably all differentiates of the same magma, but only one of them is gold bearing. This is a cherry-red, coarsely crystalline type which forms the central part of the mass. It is more brittle and more fractured than the others, and consequently has allowed easier access to the gold-bearing solutions. The gold has been brought in by a branching system of quartz veins and along minute fractures. It is mainly in the form of very fine 'free' gold, but also occurs in pyrite, which is the chief metallic mineral.

Jan 1, 1942

By M. Carrales, C. J. Jirik, W. D. Dietzman

In view of the developments and recent interest in recovering heavy oil , this report was prepared to present general information on more than 2,000 heavy oil reservoirs in more than 1,500 fields in 26 states . Information given on each heavy - oil deposit includes the following items : Field and formation , location , average or range of depth , average API gravity of oil , average thickness of formation , areal extent of field , total productive wells drilled in field , discovery date of field , field status in 1963 , cumulative production to Jan. 1 , 1964 , and all known types of secondary - recovery operations initiated ( active and terminated ) in the reservoirs . The geographical location of heavy oil accumulations in the United States is shown by a map , and a brief discussion of 14 different areas is given in the text . As of Jan. 1 , 1964 , 75 percent of the heavy oil reservoirs in the United States had produced more than 10 billion barrels of oil and are estimated to contain over 90 billion barrels of oil in place . It is also estimated that if the deposits which have had little or no production history , such as the one in Missouri , were included , the total remaining heavy oil in place would be in excess of 150 billion barrels . To find economical ways of recovering this vast reserve of heavy oil , industry is developing technology in several types of thermal - recovery methods . Some of the general considerations and more suitable limitations in selecting a prospect to study for thermal - recovery techniques are : Lithology , depth , viscosity of reservoir fluids , gravity of oil , reservoir thickness , oil in place , and permeability and porosity .

Jan 1, 1965

By J. A. MacLellan

It is the hope of the author that this paper, largely a compilation of observations and opinions built up over 20 years of experience in cold and remote areas may be of some help to others in designing better plants for the future in the north. The north is not as difficult to operate in as the better story tellers make it appear to be. ()n the other hand for 6 months of the year the cold is always there, and it seems to be waiting for someone to make a mistake. The simplest things can shut a multi-million dollar plant down at -4n' F with a 4n M.P.H, wind. It only takes one man door improperly latched to freeze up all the pumps on the bottom floor. Someone can poke a one inch hole in an outside wall in July and six months later while you are having Christmas dinner, a watchman will call up to report that the whole plant is flooded because the main water line just froze up and burst. Basic things to remember in plant design for cold and remote areas are: everything in these areas is more expensive due to long and difficult supply lines. Fuel is expensive and would be a major cost item even if it were not expensive, due to the extended periods of low temperatures. Building volumes should therefore he kept to an acceptable minimum. Service areas on the other hand must he adequate, because maintenance generally has to be conducted inside in a heated area. Supply vehicles for instance have to get completely inside the building to unload. If you try to unload a supply vehicle with the door open at -50° F, you won't be able to find the vehicle for fog and if you take more than 5 minutes half the water lines in the plant will freeze up. People in a remote area are expensive. The capital investment per employee may be as high as $30,000; with fringe benefits per annum costs of an employee will he as high as 812,000 per year regardless of basic wage rate. It

Jan 1, 1971

By Bob Hannah, Peter C. Hayes

The changes that are happening in the world of metallurgy, and with it university education, are generational and require generational responses. Some of the key issues facing metallurgical education and ongoing professional training are explored. What will be required of metallurgical engineering professionals in the coming decades? What knowledge and skills will be needed? How to provide the educational and learning pathways, and how to attract smart young people into this profession? These are issues more readily addressed by tertiary institutions in conjunction with industry; perhaps the greater challenges lie in building and maintaining competencies post-graduation. There is a need to establish and maintain a system that supports graduates and enables them to develop further into competent expert engineers able to successfully address complex engineering challenges.

Jan 1, 2014

By Allan P. Fawley

ONE hundred miles from Vancouver, at an elevation of 4,000 feet, is the Pioneer mine. It is situated on Cadwallader creek, a tributary of Bridge river, and is reached by travelling from Vancouver to Squamish by boat, a distance of thirty-two miles, from there by train to Bridge River (one hundred and seven miles), and finally by automobile across Mission mountain .(7,000 ft. elevation) to the mine (fifty-six miles): a total distance of one hundred and ninety-five miles. Prior to 1924, many Companies had examined the Pioneer, which had been developed by shaft to a depth of 200 feet, but, while values were good, the small size of the ore-shoot discouraged large investors. In July, of that year, opera-tions were re-commenced by the late David Sloan and, on sinking further, the ore-shoot was found to lengthen greatly as well as to ex-tend in depth, while remarkable gold values also were encountered. When, later, the price of gold rose from $20 to $35 per ounce, the mine was in an excellent position to take full advantage of the increase + and not only became an extremely profitable enterprise itself but its success greatly stimulated the search for and development of other 1-gold properties in British Columbia.

Jan 1, 1937

By E. J. Gleim

Contact with trolley wire in the mines of the United States has taken a considerable toll of life throughout the years that trolley locomotives have been employed as a means of' transportation. A study3/ of the records over a 15-year period for one State alone showed that, of 98 fatalities resulting from contacts with electrical circuits and equipment, 75 were caused by direct or indirect contact with unguarded trolley wire in coal mines. The law relating to guarding trolley wires in the mines of this particular State, as amended in 1935, reads in part as follows: "All trolley wires carrying 220 volts or more, and less than six feet six inches above top of rail, must be guarded at all points under which men and animals are required to pass***,'" The natural conclusion to be drawn from such records is that lack' of guards or shields must be held responsible for these fatalities. As a preventive measure, it has been advocated that every foot of trolley wire in mines should be guarded. Although some such drastic steps may appear to be amply justified, closer examination of the records nor this and other coal-mining States shows that absence of guards is not entirely responsible; but rather that other factors, such as carelessness and neglect it the observance of certain well-established simple rules concerning installation and location of trolley wires, also are responsible. In other words, if trolley wire is installed carelessly and its maintenance is neglected, it should not be expected that the mere installation of guards will overcome such carelessness and neglect. This publication discusses Various types of guards that have been used in Coal and metal mines of this country, together with related steps bearing upon the problem of 'preventing shock and fatalities from contacts with trolley wire. The material herein contained is taken largely from Information Circular 6577,4/ now out of print, and has been revised to include some types of guards that have been used in metal mines, together with a discussion of guard materials not covered in that publication.

Jan 1, 1945

By L. J. Kane

While analyzing synthesis gas produced from coal, the Bureau of Mines found that conventional procedures for naphthalene determination were difficult and time consuming. The Bureau developed a rapid and sensitive turbidimetric procedure, which requires only simple instruments and hence can be used in plant-control laboratories. The gas is passed through a saturated aqueous solution of picric acid at 3° to 4° C. whose turbidity is then measured at room temperature. A dispersing agent is added to prevent coagulation of the suspension on warming. Only about 1 mg. (0.015 grain) of naphthalene need be absorbed, and precision and sensitivity are a few ten-thousandths of a grain, or a few hundredths of a grain per 100 cubic feet. The determination can be completed less than 10 minutes after absorption. INTRODUCTION One of the functions of the Branch of Coal Gasification, Bureau of Mines, Morgantown, W. Va., is to develop economical methods for manufacturing, from coal, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide for producing hydrogen, methane, and other gaseous fuels. This raw gas may contain many impurities, including naphthalene. This impurity is usually determined by first forming naphthalene picrate in a water solution of picric acid, separating the picrate, and titrating the unreacted picric acid or the picrate itself.

Jan 1, 1957

By Michael J. Nicol

The teaching of courses in geology, mining and extractive metallurgy in Australian universities is undergoing significant change largely as a result of the initiative taken by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA). This has resulted in a major program aimed at developing national under- and postgraduate courses in selected areas with the aim of making these available to a consortium of participating universities. Murdoch University, together with the A J Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy has been commissioned to develop the course in hydrometallurgy. Progress in the development of this course will be discussed in terms of overall philosophy, content and mode of delivery. Aspects of the extension to a Web-based course will also be summarized. Murdoch University has also established a hydrometallurgical pilot plant on the campus and the results of the first continuous operation for several months using under- and postgraduate students as operators will be discussed from the point of view of practical training and providing an interface with the local industry.

Jan 1, 2002

By Paul B. Batten

Shutdown is a generic term for what may be called an Outage, Turn Around (TAR) or Overhaul etc. Running a plant shutdown well has always been key to the financial contribution of a mine. However, something important has changed. The post pandemic reality is that it is harder to retain workers and many of those near retirement just didn’t come back to work. This is creating a shortage of experienced people and a workforce that changes employers easily. We are seeing the impact of this manifested in the erosion of established maintenance and supply chain processes that now struggle to yield the plant runtime that could once be taken for granted. The scope, cost and duration of a shutdown varies widely depending on the nature of the work and the equipment being renewed. The PM of an electric shovel might require a week of downtime and cost $100,000. A gold plant may need to go down for 3 days when its time to change mill liners and cost $500,000. A turnaround in a refinery can take more than a month and cost multi millions. Despite the huge differences.

Jan 1, 2023

By L. A. Readdy

Pilot Hole "X" was drilled to test the formations through which the ventilation shaft for the proposed U.S.B.M. demonstration oil shale mine will be drilled. The history of the drilling of Pilot Hole "XI' is presented. This historical summary provides the details of method used during the drilling of this hole. Problems encountered during drilling are discussed. The quantities of drilling mud and other materials used to drill the hole are documented.

Jan 1, 1977