Search Documents

By B. K. Ayres

Modern management of uranium mine or mill waste storage facilities (WSFs) often requires that they be remediated or decommissioned with a cover system. In addition to creating a self-sustaining landscape that supports the end land use, cover systems are intended to reduce long-term risks to human and ecological receptors from the stored waste to acceptable levels. The performance and longevity of a cover system will be strongly influenced by the features or shapes of the WSF final landform. Hence, cover systems and landforms must be thought of as an integrated design. Based on the author’s experience, the most important elements of the design process for maximizing the potential of WSF final landforms / cover systems being sustainable over the long term are noted in this manuscript. Several key items that must be considered and addressed during the planning phase of constructing a WSF final landform are also described. Various methods for monitoring performance of a WSF final landform are also reviewed. Key aspects associated with decommissioning a tailings WSF and waste rock pile at the former Cluff Lake uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan are included to illustrate many of the practical insights provided in this paper.

Jan 1, 2020

By Michael H. Vallez

On September 13, 1973 MAPCO Inc. leased from Pocahontas Land Corporation an 18,000 acre tract of coal lands in Eastern Kentucky's Martin County (See Figure 1.). In July, 1974 initial run of mine coal shipments commenced and in April, 1976 shipments of a 12,500 BTU, less than 1% sulphur, washed coal was being shipped. Results of exploration demonstrated that large quantities of overburden would have to be moved. MAPCO decided to invest in large surface mining equipment to tackle the job.

Jan 1, 1981

By G. Xu, A. R. Kumar, N. A. Amoah

Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of respirable coal mine dust causes coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis. Underground coal mine roof bolter operators are more prone to elevated exposure to coal and silica dust. The canopy air curtain (CAC) was developed by NIOSH to protect roof bolter operators from the exposure. The CAC supplies filtered air over the breathing zone of the operator. This dilutes the high coal dust concentrations and provides for an impenetrable air curtain. Many studies have been carried out to improve CAC efficiency. However, field test has shown variable dust control efficiencies indicating rooms to further improve due to the nonuniform airflow distribution across the plenum and ineffective perimeter flow. This study therefore redesigns the CAC with optimized flow distribution that effectively protects roof bolters from coal dust exposures. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to optimize the uniformity of airflow distribution across the plenum to achieve the best possible uniformity. A lab experiment validates the CFD model and confirms the ability of this design to reduce floor dust pickup, prevent external wind infiltration, and offer an improved protection efficiency

Mar 2, 2022

By Rexford D. Singer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current literature on the use of calcium chloride and ligninsulfonates as dust suppressants with respect to potential adverse effects on health or the environment. Calcium chloride poses little internal hazard to man and animals, but toxicity to vegetation in and around the area of application should be expected. The effects, however, should be considerably less than those observed from using calcium chloride as a road deicer. Except for trout, ligninsulfonates seem to pose little direct systemic toxicity problems in aquatic organisms, animals and man or any problem with local vegetation. Because of a greater volume of information on its use and effects, calcium chloride is recommended over ligninsulfonates.

Jan 1, 1982

By James A. Finch, Yue Hua Tan, Wei Zhang

"The paper is part of our study of the frother structure-property relationship using bubble rise velocity. Single bubble rise velocity profiles were determined in a 350 cm column for surfactants from the polypropylene glycol (PPG) family. Using velocity at 300 cm, the concentration to reach minimum velocity (CMV) is determined. The CMV is shown to decrease as alkyl chain length (n, number of carbons) increases and as the number of propylene oxide groups (m) increases. Linear correlations log CMV vs. n and m were observed. Taking literature data for critical coalescence concentration (CCC), linear log CMV vs. log CCC correlations were also noted. Mechanisms are briefly discussed, and prediction of CCC made for a commercial polypropylene glycol.INTRODUCTIONAs one of the great enabling technologies of the 20th century, froth flotation is a highly versatile method for physically separating minerals by exploiting differences in wettability (hydrophobicity). Over the last century, flotation reagents have undergone significant developments (Khoshdast and Sam, 2011). One important group of reagents is frothers which are used to reduce bubble size, slow bubble rise velocity and help stabilize froth (Klimpel and Isherwood, 1991).Frothers, originally derived from natural sources (e.g., pine oil and cresylic acid), are largely replaced today by synthetic products which provide more consistent properties. Polyglycols, based on PEO (polyethylene oxide), PPO (polypropylene oxide), or PBO (polybutylene oxide) groups, were first described by Leja and Nixon (1957) and have attracted wide use since then (Farrokhpay 2011). The chemical structure of polyglycols can be represented by a general formula: R(X)mOH, where R = H, or CnH2n+1 and X stands for EO (-C2H4O-), PO (-C3H6O-), or BO (-C4H8O-). The polypropylene glycol ethers (CnH2n+1(PO)mOH) are the most common of these reagents (Pugh, 2007) and the focus of this study.In general, the chemical structure of frother molecules comprises two parts, a non-polar hydrophobic hydrocarbon (alkyl: CnH2n+1) chain and a polar hydrophilic head. By introducing the ether -Olinkage, which acts as another polar site, the propoxy group (-OC3H6-) in the structure makes the frother readily soluble in water (Somasundaran and Wang, 2006), facilitating the industrial use of these frothers. Available as by-products, Dow Chemicals introduced as series of polyglycols, e.g., Dowfroth (DF) 200, 250, 263, and 1012, the most familiar being DF250 (CH3(PO)4OH), a polypropylene glycol methyl ether. While no longer available from Dow, these and other polyglycols are still widely used."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. C. Cawley

Improvements in today's maintenance practices are mandatory as more complex and productive machines evolve in the mining industry. By keeping machine reliability high, through improved maintenance procedures, overall mining costs can be reduced. The Bureau of Mines is investigating diagnostic maintenance systems for underground mining machinery. A hydraulic expert diagnostic system and an electric motor predictive diagnostic system have been designed and installed on a Joy 16CM continuous miner. An electrical diagnostic system has been designed and installed on a Joy 14CM continuous miner. Each system is functionally described and the relative merits of expert diagnostic systems versus algorithmic diagnostic systems are discussed.

Jan 1, 1991

By Basak Anameric

This study reports preliminary feasibility investigations for utilization of the selective carbothermic reduction and smelting (SCRS) processing scheme to beneficiate low-grade iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) mineral deposits from MN, USA. The study includes laboratory-scale demonstrations using an induction furnace and production of various products by manipulation of operational parameters. The products include alternative iron (Alt Fe), high carbon ferromanganese (HC FeMn), alternative silicomanganese (Alt SiMn), and upgraded manganese concentrate (Mn conc). All of these products have commercial value and can be used in various applications as raw materials.

Nov 23, 2020

By C. A. Pickles

Nickeliferous limonitic laterite ores contain considerable free moisture. In this research, the application of microwave radiation for the drying of this ore was investigated. The effects of sample mass, initial moisture content and porosity on the microwave drying rate were studied and the results were compared to those obtained with conventional drying. Microwave drying rates of two to three times the conventional values were achieved. Further enhancement of the microwave drying rate was realized by increasing the flow rate of air over the sample or by operating at reduced pressure. The high microwave drying rates were attributed to the inverted temperature gradient which resulted in internal heating and boiling and this in turn promoted movement of the water, both as liquid and vapour, to the surface.

Jan 1, 2005

By G. Nash

Despite further declines in production for some producers, 1986 proved to be a landmark year for the asbestos industry. The key event was the adoption of The Asbestos Convention by the Inter- national Labour Organization (ILO) and its 150 member countries. The document, entitled "Safety in the Use of Asbestos", reaffirms the international consensus on the "controlled-use" approach to chrysotile asbestos regulation. The decision of the ILO has come at a critical point in time. It represents a major turning point and provides an important building block for the long term future of the asbestos industry.

Jan 1, 1987

By Clyde E. Williams

DESPITE the confusion resulting from the depression and the beginnings of recovery, important progress in all branches of iron and steel metallurgy has been accomplished during the year 1933. Research work has been intensive and highly technical, with increasing attention paid to fundamentals. Plant application of research developments has been rapid. Highly specialized laboratory methods were used for the study of iron-ore concentration methods. More attention has been given by the blast-furnace operator to the sizing of ore and the elimination of fines from the charge by the use of sinter. Combustion in the open-hearth has been placed under better control and the insulation of open-hearth furnaces has spread rapidly, with resultant higher fuel efficiency and better control of the melting and refining operations. Control of iron oxide content in the slag and the determination of iron oxide and other inclusions in steel received great attention during the year.

Jan 1, 1934

By Meng Li, Hao Nie, Weitian Ding, Mamdouh Omran, Ying Li, Yao Ge, Yaowei Yu, Abourehab Hammam, Lei Zan

This study examines the isothermal and non-isothermal reduction behaviors of iron ore compacts in a pure hydrogen atmosphere and compares the results obtained during the reduction process by CO. The different phases accompanying the reduction reactions were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and its morphology was microscopically examined. In isothermal experiments, temperature plays a significant role in the reduction process. At any given temperature, the reduction rate during the initial stages is higher than that during the final stages. The reduction rate in H2 atmosphere was faster than in CO gas. The comparison of activation energy values suggested that reduction with H2 is more efficient thanwith CO. At the same temperature, the time required to achieve a certain degree of reduction was lower when using H2 gas than CO atmosphere. In non-isothermal tests, the heating rate has a significant effect on the reduction rate and reduction extent. At the same heating rate, the degree of reduction was higher in H2 atmosphere than in CO gas. Based on experimental data, the parameters of reaction kinetics were deduced by application of model-free and model-fitting methods. The reduction in H2 atmosphere was controlled by nucleation model (Avrami-Erofeev model), while the CO reduction reaction was controlled by gas diffusion.

Sep 29, 2020

By R. L. Veenstra

This paper explores the connection between the stresses observed and the failure mechanisms present in the modelled cemented paste backfill. In order to look at this connection, the authors have used a previously developed model to conduct a sensitivity analysis of the model?s strength and permeability input parameters. The results from the sensitivity analysis were then compared to determine what causes modelled stresses and failure mechanisms to vary. Increased insight into the behaviour of the modelled paste will help clarify how paste behaves in the field.

Aug 1, 2013

By Karin Bäppler

Mechanized tunnelling is undoubtedly one of the most innovative disciplines in the international construction industry. Technological progress in the planning and production of most modern infrastructure is constantly striving for new records on basis of highly specialized solutions and know-how. Humans and technology have accomplished excellent achievements over the past few years in varied, difficult terrain. New length records are being set with the 64 km long Brenner Base Tunnel and the HS2 Railway system currently under construction in Europe. Cities are building ever longer and more demanding sewer tunnels. The paper highlights some of the challenges, trends and innovations of long-distance tunnelling projects.

Dec 1, 2022

By K G. Harding, A Osman, A du Toit, F K. Crundwell, C M. Sheridan

"Most mineral processing plants have high water requirements for their operational activities. These plants often function in an environment where water is becoming increasingly scarce. An increase in population will result in an increased demand for water; potentially beyond the limits of supply and hence increased competition for the resource. In South Africa, Gauteng and the North West Province are likely to be first to experience a shortage of potable water.In order to avoid a water crisis, efforts must be made to ensure the effective management of water resources and the minimisation of wastage. Hydrometallurgical plants have a responsibility to society and the environment to operate in a sustainable manner - reducing their water requirements will certainly assist towards developing a sustainable footprint.This project improved site water management by: surveying the potable water and storm water systems with a view to assessing the current water accountability and determining methods to improve accountability determining the monthly and yearly water balance for the site and presenting it in the form of a water balance sheet drawing up an input-output and operational model in accordance with the Minerals Council of AustraliaÆs æWater Accounting Framework for the Minerals IndustryÆ calculating the water footprints of the refinery identifying ways in which water savings could be achieved recommending management systems for water usage monitoring.This work was conducted in South Africa. The value of this work lies in that it established the current baseline and assisted in developing management systems that can reduce water usage sustainably.CITATION:Osman, A, Crundwell, F K, Harding, K G, Sheridan, C M and du Toit, A, 2013. Water accountability and efficiency at a base metals refinery, in Proceedings Water in Mining 2013, pp 277-286 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Nov 26, 2013

By R Wynn, R A. Pax, S Mann, B Cornish

The semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill at the MMG Century operation has failing load cells that are essential to the control strategy used to stabilise the mill. Currently, mill-bearing pressure is used as a proxy for the load cells, but it has been found to be a noisy signal and lacking in useful sensitivity. It is also prone to variations and drift due to temperature. After consideration of a number of options, a non-contact acoustic array has been installed around the SAG mill to provide a more stable proxy load signal as well as other information about the internal operation of the?mill.The installation consists of 12 microphones to provide some detail into the operational differences that occur during normal operations at the MMG Century SAG mill. This acoustic approach acknowledges that operational grinding mills emit significant acoustic emissions that are a consequence of the dynamic environment prevailing inside them.Previous studies have attributed the acoustic noise to a range of events that occur inside these mills (Pax, 2011; 2012). Consequently, non-contact acoustic determinations of in-mill behaviour can provide powerful insights into the operation of the primary comminution tumbling mills. By measuring key microphone signal attributes at different positions around a mill, a holistic picture of mill internal operation can be developed.This paper will describe the installation of the 12 microphones and discuss the use of the acoustic load signals as a proxy for failing load cells. It will also present data from new observations of internal mill dynamics and the results of implementation of control using these acoustic signals. Key to the control approach has been the development of a logically coherent picture of the processes inside the mill.CITATION:Pax, R A, Wynn, R, Mann, S and Cornish, B, 2014. Implementation of acoustic arrays for semi-autogenous grinding mill?operation, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 273–282 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 1, 2014

By Edward F. Divers

Tills U.S. Bureau of Mines report briefly evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of basic dust control techniques presently used by U.S. coal preparation and mineral processing plants. These include ventilation, baghouse-type collectors, wet scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, source control, sprays, good housekeeping, and personal protection devices. Two specific problems in these types of operations are also considered: dust collector system duct clogging, and control room dust control. Information provided in this report results from dust control research projects conducted by the Bureau at various coal preparation and mineral processing plants over the past decade to reduce workers' dust exposure. These studies indicate that plant ventilation systems normally provide the most cost effective method for dust control. Baghouses and scrubbers were also effective in specific applications, and examples of each are given. In extreme dust conditions, personal protection devices, such as respirators or the dust helmet, can also be highly cost effective.

Jan 1, 1990

By Jean-François Dorion

In an underground mine rock reinforcement elements and surface support units are often exposed to conditions that make them susceptible to corrosion. These unfavourable conditions include high relative humidity, the presence of dust and various other particles in the atmosphere, splashing of water and gases from blasting and diesel equipment. The corrosion of support systems is often associated with a loss in capacity that can be a major safety and economic concern in underground mines. A support system is composed of several components such as bolts, mesh, plate, retaining nut, cable ties. Every individual component can deteriorate due to atmospheric or aqueous corrosion and consequently can damage the integrity of the support system. This paper reports the results of a 5-yr study on the loss in capacity of individual support and reinforcement components at selected underground hard rock mines. As part of this investigation corrosion coupons were installed at selected locations at participating mines. A number of these coupons were recovered at regular time intervals and analysed for any signs of corrosion and subsequently tested to quantify any loss in capacity. The testing of the corrosion coupons was complemented by similar tests on recovered mesh and friction bolt specimens from the site. The collected data have provided useful insights on the factors that contribute to the corrosion of support systems. This knowledge can aid in the selection of appropriate support strategies and a reliable assessment of the predicted useful life of a support system and the need for rehabilitation.

Jun 1, 2012

By Robert H. Peters

Several significant problems associated with employee turnover among underground miners are described in this Bureau of Mines report. Although a vast amount of research has been conducted on turnover among employees in nonmining industries, there has never been an attempt to empirically investigate the causes of turnover among underground miners. This report presents the results of empirical research on employee turnover in other industries and describes and critiques the research methods that have been used to investigate turnover. Using the findings on employee turnover in other industries and known data about miners and the mining industry, a conceptual model of the factors that cause turnover among miners was generated. This model, which is expected to provide a basis for later empirical studies, is presented. Several recommendations for controlling miner turnover are also presented.

Jan 1, 1986

By Xintan Chang

MFIRE is a computer simulation program that performs normal ventilation network planning calculations and dynamic transient-state simulation of ventilation networks under a variety of conditions. The program is useful for the analysis of ventilation networks under the influence of natural ventilation, fans, fires, or any combination of these. MFIRE simulates a mine's ventilation system and its response to altered ventilation parameters such as the development of new mine workings or changes in ventilation control structures, external influences (varying outside temperatures), and internal influences (fires). Extensive output enables detailed, quantitative analysis of the effects that the alteration will cause to the ventilation system. The program was developed at Michigan Technological University (MTU), Houghton, MI, with support from the Bureau of Mines. A personal computer (PC) version of the program was completed under contract for the Bureau by MTU. The purpose of this report is to document the installation and use of the PC version of the program MFIRE.

Jan 1, 1990

By D. L. Blakeman, Trimble. J. W., S. W. Banning

Noranda's Grey Eagle mine and mill, in the Siskiyou Mountains of northern California, began shakedown operations in the late fall and early winter of 1982. This paper describes some of the unique features in mineralogy, milling, and water treatment operation at Grey Eagle. In addition, major start-up problems in the mill and water treatment plant are discussed along with measures taken to correct these problems.

Jan 1, 1986