Search Documents

Surface mining and reclamation of a southeastern Ohio site with sandstone-shale overburden resulted in (as compared to premining levels): 1) runoff volumes and peak rates that increased by a factor of from 2 to 10 during mining and after reclamation, 2) destruction of the "aquifer" perched on the underclay of the mined coal bed and gradual, but, as yet incomplete redevelopment of this aquifer after reclamation, 3) no immediate effect on another, lower perched "aquifer", 4) up to 100 times greater sediment concentrations in runoff. Results were influenced by increasing annual precipitation amounts through the period of record; 1978, 1979, and 1980 (postreclamation years) experienced precipitation amounts approaching or exceeding long-term normalcy for the area. Part of the reason that the site produced more runoff after reclamation than before mining is that the premine condition was one of an open, porous soil under woodland, while the postreclamation condition was one of a compacted, bulldozed soil. Sediment concentration results were influenced by failure of the postreclamation erosion control system and by a series of detention reservoirs above the stream monitoring station.

Jan 1, 1983

By Martin D. Larisch

The construction of diaphragm walls and most large-diameter bored piles (piers) is often carried out under drilling support fluids to temporarily stabilise the excavation prior to concrete placement. In most cases such fluids are either mineral-based slurries (bentonite) or polymer support fluids. The working mechanisms of these two fluid types are fundamentally different. Designers need to consider possible fluid-related impacts on the permanent design performance of the project-specific deep foundations as well as for the temporary excavation stage during construction. Robust design methods for bentonite slurry-supported excavations have been developed in the last few decades and the working principles and associated risks of such mineral-based slurries are understood reasonably well. However, such meth-ods have not been developed in detail for polymer-based drilling fluids. This document provides a brief overview of the main characteristics of bentonite- and polymer-based drilling fluids as a guide for construction practitioners and design engineers alike. The paper also high-lights some common construction risks related to casing installation and the selection of suitable fluid systems for different ground conditions. Typical defects caused by the incorrect application of drilling support fluids, and their pro-active mitigation, are discussed, too. In addition, the basic concepts of sta-bility calculations for bentonite fluid-supported deep excavations are briefly introduced and their ap-plicability for other fluid types such as polymer-based support fluids or water are reviewed.

Nov 1, 2022

By John P. Wagner

The details of a three-phase study (total time period of 12 months) entitled ?Fire Alert Systems for Metal and Non-Metal Mines,? are presented. Phase 1 consists of a state of the art survey on fire detection devices and gas sensing techniques. Phases 2 and 3 include laboratory screening and systems concepts testing on various detectors classified as products of combustion, optical view-field and contact (or thermal) types under incipient and flaming combustion conditions. Recommendations for a mine fire detection system to protect shaft, sealed off or mined out (from spontaneous combustion of sulfide containing ores and cellulosic materials), and fuel storage areas are also included. me principal problem area noted during Phase 1 study is the high expected occurrence of false alarming of products of combustion detectors (POC") subjected to normal mining operations---diesel vehicles and equipment and shot firing or blasting operations. Simultaneous gas sensing of either the ratio of CO/NOx or CO2/NOx with detection of one or more fire signatures (smoke, radiant energy, or heat sensing) is the recommended approach to discriminate against these operations.

Jan 1, 1975

By P. F. Sands

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report reviews the state of the art in blind pneumatic stowing of backfill in voids in abandoned coal mines. It contains a short history of the development of pneumatic equipment in mining and four recent case histories of blind pneumatic stowing. Limitations of pneumatic stowing in terms of equipment wear, costs, backfill material, and methodology are discussed, and some new procedures and designs are reviewed. A bibliography covering pneumatics in mining is included also. This report provides background for the preparation of a Bureau test program in which the variables affecting the efficiency of pneumatic backfilling will be studied using a full-scale surface test facility.

Jan 1, 1990

By BUREAU OF MINES

This report is submitted in accordance with the provisions of the Synthetic Liquid Fuels Act of April 5, 1944 (30 U.S C. 321-325, as amended), which require that: "The Secretary of the Interior shall render to Congress on or before the first day of January of each year a report on all operations under this Act." Owing to the broad scope of the content and the diversity of interests represented, the Annual Report for 1953 has been divided into two separate publications. Each has been published by the Bureau of Mines as a Report of Investigations, and the respective titles follow: R. I. 5043, Part I - 011 From Coal. R. I. 5044, Part II 011 From 011 Shale. - Identical in each report, the introduction summarizes research progress made in 1953 under the entire Synthetic Liquid Fuels program. A free copy of each of these publications may be obtained by a written request to the Bureau of Mines, Publications Distribution Section, 4800 Forbes Street, Pittsburgh 13, Pa. The R. I. number and title of the publication desired should be indicated.

Apr 1, 1954

By H. W. St. Clair

Sampling of heterogeneous mixtures of fused metals or solidified melts is subject to errors not met in sampling finely ground ores or granular materials. These errors arise largely because of the segregation of constituent metals that usually takes place during solidification. It is seldom that a random sample of a lot of metal will represent the composition of the entire lot. The problem becomes especially difficult when it is necessary to make accurate analyses for a segregated impurity present in very small amounts. This paper discusses some of the pertinent experimental observations made in selecting a method for sampling melts of aluminum and zinc containing small amounts of iron and silicon as impurities. Although this experimental study dealt only with sampling this specific combination of metals, many aspects of the study apply generally to any mixture of mol ten metals containing minor constituents that segregate rapidly during freezing of the melt.

Jan 1, 1949

By H. H. Schrenk

One phase of the Bureau of Minest work in the field of health and safety is the promotion of safe, satisfactory, and reliable respir atory protective devices. To insure that such devices will be available, the Bureau has established schedules of what it considers the minimum re- quirements for oxygen breathing-apparatus,3 gas masks, hose masks,5/ and mechanical filter-respirators (a schedule of requirements for hose- type supplied-air respirators is being prepared). Approval of oxygen breathing-apparatus is given by the Safety Division; approval of other types of respiratory equipment is given by the Health Division, both divisions being in the Health and Safety Branch, Manufacturers of respiratory protective devices may submit their equipment to the Bureau for approval under the requirements of these schedules. As a prerequisite to submitting a device for approval, the Bureau requires a statement that the device is completely developed and of the design and material that the manufacturer believes suitable for a finished marketable device; that the device has been

Aug 1, 1937

By D. E. Redmon

Exploration of hidden mineral deposits becomes increasingly important as known ore reserves are depleted. The primary objective in any exploratory program is to obtain enough reliable information to evaluate accurately the potential of the mineral deposit. Constant improvement in equipment and technique has established drilling as one of the most valuable methods of exploration. This paper presents the results of studies of several drilling methods currently used in the search for uranium deposits in sedimentary formations from surface drill sites. Also presented is a description of drilling with wire-line equipment from an underground location in metamorphic rocks. The studies were conducted in the Colorado Plateau area and in northwestern New Mexico and Wyoming. Statements of a general nature pertain to conditions or situations existent in those areas.

Jan 1, 1960

By Ruilin Yang

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of shockwaves in an air-deck induced by detonation of an explosive charge and shows that the initial shock pressure in the air-deck at the interface with the explosive charge is only about 1% of the detonation pressure. A rarefaction wave with the low pressure travels back into the explosion detonation products greatly reducing the post-CJ detonation pressure. Additionally, AUTODYN modelling shows that the pressure attenuates further during shockwave propagation along the air-deck. Although the pressure increases at the bottom of the blasthole due to shock reflection, the overall pressure in an air-deck does not increase and is still around 1% of the detonation pressure which is too low to break most rock.

Jan 1, 2016

By BUREAU OF MINES

Mercury has been used by mankind since prehistoric times. It has been, and is now, widely used in industry and medicine and has unique properties which make direct substitution difficult or impossible. At present its prin- cipal uses are for electrical apparatus, control instruments, electrolytic soda preparation, mildew-proofing paints, pesticides, and medical and dental preparations. Deposits of mercury are less common than those of other base and precious metals, but some of the deposits are very large and have been ample to meet the world's past demands. The price of mercury has had many sharp fluctua- tions, but in general, the limited number of producers has resulted in a more stable price structure than that of many other commodities. The United States has been one of the main producers of mercury, and from 1850 to 1961 produced 3,247,704 flasks. Yearly production since World War II has varied from 4,535 to 38,067 flasks. An estimate of domestic resources of mercury producible at various price ranges was prepared for each mercury mine by combining specific knowledge of mercury mineralization with estimates of potential, based on geologic informa- tion and past production history. The sum of the individual estimates for each price range is shown in a table. A parallel estimate of nationwide production potential was made from a study of past price and production relationships. These were analyzed by plotting yearly production figures against the previous year's price, expressed in dollars of constant purchasing power. An equation was fitted to the data by mathematical means and was used to extend the curve into areas of higher than historic prices. Potential production rates at various price levels were taken from this graph. The estimated yearly production rates were used to make an estimate of total potential based on the premise that produc- tion rates and reserves have a proportionate relationship.

Jul 1, 1964

By Herbert Haas

The Bureau of Mines is endeavoring to reduce waste and increase efficiency in the production, refining, and utilization of petroleum . During the last few years the demand for petroleum and its products has increased so much more rapidly than the production that greater efficiency in utilization is now a matter of most serious importance . The Diesel engine, a comparatively new type of internal-combus- ' tion engine, is an important device for insuring more efficient utilization of petroleum and coal-tar products, for it consumes heavy liquid fuels such as can not be utilized in other types. Like the gas or the gasoline engine, it is revolutionary within its province. For some uses this engine is replacing gas and gasoline engines , but its most important duty will be to replace the wasteful consumption of fuel oil in steam engines. Not only will a wider use of the Diesel engine relieve the demand, but it will result in more power being obtained from the same consumption of fuel oils . In spite of these advantages, comparatively few Diesel engines are in use in the United States . In this report the author discusses recent developments in the design and construction of the Diesel engine, the fuels suitable for burning in it, and the uses to which it is particularly adapted .

Jan 1, 1918

By A. C. Fieldner

The past full year of war has increased greatly the demand for virtually all kinds of fuel, and the Bureau of Mines research and service facilities have been extended to meet these unprecedented requirements. Liquid fuels, such as aviation and motor gasolines, are fundamental to modern warfare. Bituminous coal and anthracite are needed, not only to servo the expanded industrial program for which coal normally is used but also to replace natural gas, wherever possible, and fuel oil in the Eastern States, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. Railroad transportation with energy derived from coal is replacing much of the motor-vehicle transportation that has been stopped or curtailed to conserve rubber. Pulverized coal hoe been sound to be a satisfactory and cheaper substitute for fuel oil in metallurgical heating furnaces. Celloidal fuel - a mixture of coal dust and oil - may offer a partial substitution for curtain coal-burning equipment. Several industrial experiments have been made with this type of fuel. The expansion of the steel industry in connection with the war program has required a corresponding increase in the production of metallurgical coke and its associated byproducts - light oil, tar, ammonium sulfate, and surplus gas. If the war is of long duration and new reserves of petroleum are not discovered, wartime trends from fuel oil to coal probably will not be reversed.

Jan 1, 1945

By R. M. Barker

The historic Getchell property is currently being mined from the Getchell Main Underground workings, a foot wall extension of the Getchell open pit deposits along the Getchell fault. Drift-and-fill techniques are used to extract the ore through a ramp access. The adjacent Turquoise Ridge deposit is currently under development via two vertical shafts. Together, the two mines will continue to provide feed to the Getchell's 3,200 tpd mill/autoclave circuit, taking Getchell Gold from its current production rate of 200,000 ounces (Au) per annum, to over 400,000 ounces (Au) per annum by 1999.

Jan 1, 1997

By G. E. Murray

Introduction The development of the method for recovering zinc from lead blast-furnace slags at Trail is interesting and important in the history of both lead and zinc metallurgy. Many efforts have been made in the past, particularly in Germany, to make economic recovery of zinc from slag. The Pape process on Oker slags was successful and is being worked at the present time. More recently the Waelz process has come to the fore. One effort at Cockle Creek, Australia is of special interest in view of subsequent developments. This was re-ported in detail by Guy Courtney in 1920(1). It deserves mention as it shows how, as in many other instances in the metallurgy of lead and zinc, important pioneering work has been done in Australia. These experiments, started over 25 years ago, comprised reduction with coke, powdered coal, and eletrothermically in carbon-lined furnaces. The so-called slag eye furnace, which volatilised the metals from a blast furnace running with a hot top, was also investigated.

Jan 1, 1933

By R. Reeves

Coal producers and utilities depend on automated coal blending systems to reduce costs and meet stringent environmental regulations. Over 30 systems installed in the United States since 1987 use on-line PGNAA (Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis) analyzers to accurately control the blending process. Experience and detailed engineering are required to integrate real-time data produced by the coal analyzer with a control system to meet demanding performance specifications. This article reviews successful installations and lists important features including interfacing analyzers with plant control systems, specifying feeders and weigh scales, and managing data.

Jan 1, 1995

By Catherine C. Kilgore

The Bureau of Mines investigated the availability of fluorspar (CaF2) from 36 U.S. and 50 foreign mires and deposits in 13 countries. Only 6 U.S. properties are considered to be economic, as 29 domestic deposits were found to have an average total cost of production that was uneconomical at a breakeven (0-pct) discounted-cash-flow rate of return (DCFROR). The 50 foreign properties evaluated represent at least 55 pot of demonstrated fluorspar resources located in market economy countries and China. Al I evaluated foreign operations were found to be economic to marginally economic in January 1984 dollars when compared against published prices for each country. Reserves for 56 properties totaled 97 million metric tons (mt) (recoverable Ca F,) from demonstrated ore resources of 344 million mt that contained 123 million mt CaF2. The average total cost needed to cover all costs over the life of each operation was determined for all recoverable fluorspar products. Comparisons of ruining, beneficiation, and transportation costs per metric ton of fluorspar concentrate illustrate advantages between countries. Of the three countries with the greatest fluorspar production, China, with its high-grade, low-cost operations had the lowest weighted-average total cost of production ($38/mt concentrate), Mexico was next, at $54/mt concentrate, and benefited in U. S. dollar terms from the devaluation of the peso. The Republic of South Africa needed an average of $90/mt of concentrate to cover all costs of production at its large low-grade deposits.

Jan 1, 1985

By William J. Douglas

This document describes the development of a conventional mining equipment data base, and an approach for conducting industrial engineering studies of arbitrary mining systems employing network techniques. Data was acquired through underground time studies. Each member of a four-man field team was assigned to a specific machine during each shift for which observations were conducted. Using digital wrist watches and networks describing the man-machine interactions, all events occurring luring the course of each shift were recorded on cassette tapes. The tapes were transcribed, coded, keypunched, and validated using computerized editing techniques. The resulting data files were processed to provide statistics relating to activity durations and event frequencies. The results were used to evaluate operator, machine, and system performance for each section which was observed. Equipment, reliability, and maintainability analyses were conducted using the industrial engineering data files in conjunction with historical information collected at the mine site.

Jan 1, 1976

By T. Brozell

"Communities near sand mines and processing facilities in Wisconsin have raised concerns regarding possible exposure to ambient respirable (PM4) crystalline silica. Fenceline PM4 (particulate matter captured with a 50 percent cut size of 4 micrometers aerodynamic diameter) crystalline silica concentration data were compiled at Fairmount Santrol Inc., Mathy Construction Inc. and U.S. Silica facilities. The long-term average PM4 crystalline silica concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 0.45 micrograms/m3 when sample values below the limit of quantification were treated as zeros. All of the long-term average concentrations were less than 20 percent of the Minnesota Department of Health’s and California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s PM4 crystalline silica chronic reference exposure level of 3.0 micrograms/m3. The measured concentrations were consistently within the local background concentration range.Air Control Techniques P.C. compiled the sampling data using Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Partisol 2000i PM2.5 samplers meeting the requirements of 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L. These samplers were adapted to capture particulate matter with a 50 percent cut size of 4 micrometers. The use of polyvinyl chloride filters allowed for crystalline silica X-ray diffraction analysis by NIOSH Method 7500. The combined use of adjusted PM2.5 filter-based samplers with Method 7500 crystalline silica analyses provided for a highly sensitive limit of quantification of 0.31 micrograms/m3 of PM4 crystalline silica.BackgroundIn 2005, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA, 2005) adopted a 70-year chronic reference exposure level (REL) for PM4 (particulate matter having aerodynamic diameter of 4 micrometers or less) crystalline silica. The REL was extrapolated from occupational hygiene epidemiological studies, essentially all of which were based on in-plant PM4 crystalline silica measurements. No well-established ambient sampling technique for PM4 crystalline silica was available at the time that OEHHA adopted its REL. The personal samplers used for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 0600 in-plant sampling of employee exposure were designed for concentrations higher than ambient levels. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of PM4 crystalline silica on NIOSH 0600 filters was too high for the effective sampling of ambient air."

Jan 1, 2015

By Miguel Reyes, Bruce Whisner, Joseph Bickson, Lincan Yan, David Yantek, Justin Srednicki, Nicholas Damiano, Eric Bauer

Built-in-place (BIP) refuge alternatives (RAs) are designed to provide a secure space for miners who cannot escape during a mine emergency. Heat and humidity buildup within RAs may expose miners to physiological hazards such as heat stress. To minimize the risk of heat stress, Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), or 30 CFR, mandates a maximum allowable apparent temperature (AT) for an occupied RA of 35 °C (95 °F) (MSHA 2008 [1]). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted extensive research on the thermal environment of occupied RAs intended for use in underground coal mines. NIOSH research has demonstrated that a fully occupied BIP RA can exceed the AT limit by > 5.6 °C (10 °F) in mines with elevated mine strata and air temperatures (Bissert et al. 2017 [2]). In this circumstance, an RA cooling system could provide a solution. This paper provides an overview of test methodology and findings as well as guidance on improving the performance of a cryogenic air system prototype by optimizing the flow rate, increasing the tank storage capacity, and improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger of the cryogenic system. This may enable BIP RAs to meet the 35 °C (95 °F) AT limit in mines with elevated temperatures. The information in this paper is useful for RA manufacturers and mines that may choose to implement a cryogenic air system as a heat mitigation strategy

By Brian Raymond

This paper will outline the problems and solutions of the new generation washeries, as well as the recent technological advances which are being considered for future coal preparation plants. The subjects to be covered will include: - reasons for considering coal preparation plants; - raw coal crushing and handling systems; - types of coal cleaning equipment being used versus new equipment being considered; - fine coal circuit sizing; - clean coal centrifuging and dewatering; - thermal dryer problems and changes; - fine refuse dewatering systems; - clean coal storage problems and changes; - materials handling within the plants; and - control systems for preparation plants. The design and integration of the various circuits that form a modern coal preparation plant have led to the creation of an exciting new field of industrial research. As the need for energy sources increases, efficient methods of preparing coals for specific markets will become more important.

Jan 1, 1979