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By Walter Lang

The year 1931 has shown a marked change over 1930 in New Mexico, with respect to the volume of activities attendant upon the petroleum industry. Although the total production of oil and gas this year exceeds that of preceding years, the results have been attained from established units operating under restriction, but capable of supplying far more than the economic conditions justify. The presidential order of March 12, 1929, that "there will be complete conservation of Government oil in this administration," has merely anticipated a normal consequence of overdevelopment. As a result of the combined economic and legal restrictions imposed, very little new drilling has occurred during the year. Even in proven areas the drilling of offsets has been curtailed to the absolute limit of requirements. Scouting and sample-cutting, which in 1930 were still in a state of feverish activity, are at low ebb, and lease buying has reached a condition of stagnation. A number of the major oil companies have either materially reduced their field and office forces or completely eliminated local office representation. Two tests of particular interest, because correlation shows them to be structurally high although they failed to produce, are the National Securities well drilled six miles west of the town of Hobbs, on sec. 33, T.18 S., R.37 E., Lea County, to a total depth of 4272 ft., which developed a flow of 4,000,000 cu. ft. of gas at 3860 ft., and a show of oil; and the Western Drilling Co. No. 1 State, sec. 16, T.20S., R.32 E., Lea County. The latter test found dead oil at 2575 to 2580 ft., and sulfur water at 2745 ft., increasing to 2780 ft., representing the zone from which production was generally expected. The well was drilled to 4013 feet. The discovery of sulfur at about 950 ft. in the deepening of an old water well (Pearson, NE. 1/4 sec. 8, T.16 S., R.25 E.) drilled in the Little Cottonwood area northwest of Artesia led the Union Sulphur Co. to drill three prospect tests on a block of acreage in the vicinity during the summer and fall. The results of the investigation have not been disclosed. The Kummbaca Oil and Gas Co. drilled the T. J. Kerline No. 1, in sec. 34, T.21 N., R.30 E., Harding County, gaging 3,654,000 cu. ft. of 98 per cent CO² at 940 ft. The Barton structure, 20 miles east of Albu-

Jan 1, 1932

By Paul Summers, Kevin Richardson, Willem (Billy) Villet, Paul J. Sabatini, Edward C. Clukey

"Between 2008 and 2009, more than 6,000, 23-m long deep mixing method (DMM) elements were constructed to support 124 concrete mats comprising the foundations for the process trains for an LNG facility. The Owner requested first-of-its-kind analyses and assessments to confirm the quality and reliability of the DMM foundation. This paper provides information on these assessments and the procedures used to ultimately conclude that a fit-for-purpose foundation system was constructed.During early phases of construction, several DMM test cores revealed nodules of unmixed clay in upper core samples. A comprehensive review of available DMM core information was undertaken. It was concluded that the amount of coring being conducted as part of the contractor’s QA/QC program should be increased to achieve a foundation system with the required level of reliability.Three-dimensional finite element analyses were completed considering various distributions of defects in the DMM elements and the effects of potential downdrag on DMM elements. Calculated mat settlements and mat stresses were compared to cases without defects in the DMM elements. Various distributions of loaded and unloaded mat areas and number and position (both in the subsurface and laterally) of defects were considered. Four (of the 124) mats were identified as potentially “at-risk”. The settlement performance of these mats is currently being monitored and, to date, performance has been acceptable.IntroductionThe foundation support system for the process train at a major LNG facility comprises more than 6,000, 23-m long DMM elements. The general subsurface stratigraphy at the project site comprises (from the ground surface): (i) up to 8 m of fill sand initially placed underwater building to a stable construction platform; (ii) up to 12 m of soft organic clay (Unit II clay); and (iii) clayey sand and sand layers becoming progressively denser with depth (Unit III sands). Each DMM element comprised two secant 1.5-m diameter DMM columns. DMM elements were typically arranged as cells enclosing one, two, or three DMM elements."

Jan 1, 2017

By V Barrera, A Brzovic, M Gaete, L Burgos, E Arancibia

Fragmentation is one of the most relevant parameters in the design and operation of a mine using the caving mining method. Fragmentation affects all subsequent operations, including extraction, comminution processes, secondary blasting and transportation.There are a number of different models in the literature to estimate the size of the ore fragments that report to the drawpoints; however, there is still no industry consensus about which one to use. This paper proposes a new model for predicting the fragmentation reporting to the drawpoints that is based on the geotechnical unit characteristics, extraction height and column of primary ore. The model is developed from observations of fragmentation measurements in different mine sectors of Codelco’s El Teniente mine in Chile.This work focuses on the following three steps:collecting fragmentation and hang-up data from several mine sectorsdeveloping a geotechnical block model using oriented core placed within the main geotechnical unitsanalysing the data and modelling the fragmentation process.The proposed model is used to discuss the mechanisms and the influence of preconditioning on the size of the ore fragments that report to the drawpoints.CITATION:Brzovic, A, Vallejos, J, Arancibia, E, Burgos, L, Delonca, A, Gaete, M and Barrera, V, 2016. Analysis and modelling of the fragmentation process – case studies at El Teniente Mine, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 305–310 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

Whilst the wider community is both a large consumer of mineral products and relies on mineral exports for much of the wealth which sustains it, the community generally has a poor perception of the minerals industry.   The role of professionals and The AusIMM in the "New Economy" minerals industry is reviewed. The new structure of The Institute is vital as we move forward in times of globalisation, rationalism, increasing litigation, criminalisation of risk and increased focus on corporate governance. This address looks forward to ways The AusIMM and professionals of the future are positioning themselves for these and other challenges.

Jan 1, 2001

By R. L. Marek

The number of persons fatally injured in the California petroleum industry, in 1932 was 24, a decrease of 6, or 20 percent from the number killed in 1931. The decrease in the number of fatalities occurring in 1932 caused the fatality curve of the California petroleum industry to reach its lowest point in 10 years. Changing conditions in the oil industry--reduced personnel, decreased active field development, and curtailed production--have undoubtedly caused a part of this decrease, but continued accident-prevention efforts by the industry have also contributed to the reduction in the number of fatalities for 1932. The Bureau of Mines has analyzed and reported annually the fatalities in the California petroleum industry for a period of 10 years. Figure 1 shows the trend of fatal accidents during that period.

Jan 1, 1933

By Nabil F. Ismael

The axial capacity of step tapered bored piles in sand was examined by field tests at one site in Kuwait. Two straight piles, and two step tapered piles were load tested in compression to failure. All four piles were 3 m deep. The straight piles were 0.2 m in diameter. The step tapered piles had a diameter of 0.3 m for the upper segment which extended up to 40% of the pile length changing to 0.2 m diameter for the lower section. The soil profile consists of medium to dense sand with minor cementation and no groundwater was encountered. Both the ultimate bearing capacity and the settlement at working loads were examined. The axial capacity of the step tapered piles was greater, and the settlement at working loads was less, compared with the straight shaft piles. The increase in capacity is mainly attributed to the added side friction along the larger diameter top segment of the shaft.

Jan 1, 2008

IN this paper an attempt is made to describe the sluicing operations on the tin fields of north-eastern Tasmania. No claim is made to completeness, for much of the ground has already been covered, and nothing is to be gained by needless repetition. On this account some portions of the subject have obviously received but attention in order that others may be rather more fully dealt with; for instance, referring to the accuracy of various methods of valuing alluvial deposits, particulars of efficiencies, and water duties on both overburden and drift; also, the system of recording water distribution, &c. The plans of the tin-streaming shed, sluice and feed race, and overburden tail-race represent types of the most modern design.GEOLOGY. The principal alluvial dcposits being worked at the present time are situated either in the ancient or modern bed of the Ringarooma River or its tributaries. This river flowed in a north-easterly direction, receiving numerous tributaries on either bank...

Jan 1, 1910

Since the earliest recorded prospecting of the 1860's mineral exploration and mining in Fiordland has been discouraged by the formidable physical difficulties presented by its isolation, extremely rugged relief, treacherous coastal waters and generally unfavourable weather conditions. Government assistance was often sought by the miners and prospectors but little, if any, support or encouragement was received after the initial period. During the 1840's decorative marble was quarried at Caswell and Dusky Sounds. A prospector discovered and attempted to mine copper sulphides to the north of Dusky Sound (Parks Mineral Beds) and near Mt Solitary. A small Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, Au bearing quartz reef was discovered and driven on in the granite coast line of Preservation Inlet (Bradshaws Reef) and the ore roasted on site. Alluvial and quartz lode gold was discovered at Preservation Inlet in the 1890's and led to the recorded recovery of 11 000 oz of mainly lode gold. Falloff in grades with depth, thinning and splitting of the reefs and the high mining costs at this location led to a virtual abandonment of the field by 1906. In the late 1950's and early 1960's the geology of Fiordland was mapped by the Geological Survey at 1:250 000 scale, but field work was largely confined to the shore lines of the coast and fiords. In view of the physical difficulties it is not surprising that mineral exploration and mining up to 1970 was limited to the scant attention outlined above.

Jan 1, 1977

By Don Hickey

The MTA in conjunction with LIRR, are in the process of expanding one of the largest commuter railroads in the country, with over 260,000 passengers a day. The LIRR, which provides 700 passenger trains every 24 hours, can?t continue on the present growth course as a joint tenant in Penn Station with Amtrak and NJT. For this reason, in conjunction with the fact that over 53% of LIRR?s current riders into Penn Station are ultimately bound for the East Side of Manhattan opening, have created the need for the expansion of the LIRR. The complete expansion will cost approximately 6.3 billion dollars and all of the contracts are to be completed by 2013.

By F. F. Skiba, P. J. Root

A mathematical model has been used to investigate crossflow effects in a stratified reservoir during an idealized displacement process. A process in which one incompressible fluid displaces completely another incompressible fluid of the same density and viscosity was considered. The reservoir was assumed to be composed of homogeneous layers which are discrete but interconnected. Approximate five-spot flow geometry was simulated by arranging two pie-shaped cylindrical (two-dimensional) wedges in series. Some of the common production methods rely, for their effectiveness, on the fact that the formation consists of isolated strata. This is particularly true of selective plugging and single-zone production-injection methods. The effectiveness of these techniques for several cases in which adjacent strata are in communication has been evaluated. The usual production-injection schemes for fluid injection processes involve using the same completion interval in both the production and the injection wells. The efficiency of this, as well as alternative productioz-injection procedures has been examined for some cases involving communicating strata. INTRODUCTION The performance of many fluid injection projects is marred by early breakthrough and by production of a high percentage of the displacing phase after breakthrough. This channeling effect, if it occurs in reservoirs which have large permeability variations, is often explained on the basis of a model composed of discrete, isolated strata. Corrective or preventive measures based on this same model are also common. The behavior of stratified models has been the subject of considerable study. An excellent review of the early literature was given by Seba.1 Studies of the depletion performance have since been made for continuous, unrestricted communication between strata2-4 and for production from one permeable bed in continuous but restricted communication with an adjacent permeable bed.5,6 Model studies of displacement processes in stratified systems with crossflow also have been reprted.7-12 Finally, methods which account for crossflow have been developed for computing displacement behavior in stratified systems.13,14 Most methods for controlling or preventing channeling involve some change in the interval open to production and/or injection. Although many variations of the selective completion problem have been studied in regard to the depletion of a reservoir, little attention has been given to the behavior of a displacement process under similar conditions. Sebal used a resistance network model to study the performance of a process in which one incompressible fluid displaces an identical fluid from a linear, stratified reservoir. He investigated the possibility of improving the vertical coverage by limiting the completion interval of the production well. This investigation deals with techniques in which selective completion of the production and/or the injection wells is used in an attempt to control channeling. At one extreme, selective plugging and single-zone isolation (assuming perfect execution) should be successful if the reservoir is actually made up of independent strata. At the other extreme, they can hardly be expected to be successful if the channeling is caused by a mechanism in which stratification effects are negligible even though there are extreme variations in the formation permeability and/or the injectivity profile of the wells is not uniform. By contrast, it is difficult to anticipate the effect that the amount of communication between the beds of a stratified system will have on the efficiency of selective completion techniques. The objective of this study is the quantitative determination of the effect of communication on the behavior of some particular stratified systems which will at least lead to qualitative conclusions.

Jan 1, 1966

By Hugo Medina M.

Dado que la producción de carbón en el Perú es menor frente a la demanda de petróleo, es necesario plantear una planificación de su estudio y sus posibilidades de desarrollo minero. En este sentido, el presente texto revisa las áreas prospectivas de carbón, reservas y su potencial como mineral con la finalidad de incentivar la reconversión industrial y las inversiones del mineral. Asimismo, señala los factores que afectan el desarrollo minero como el potencial carbonífero no tangibilizado a reservas, superposición, acaparamiento, prioritización y áreas reducidas; asistencia tecnológica y técnica y financiamiento. Finalmente, entre las alternativas de solución está el plan exploratorio nacional, operación minera, apoyo técnico, política de precios, madera, costo del transporte, capacitación e investigación, centrales hidrometalúrgicos, plantas de lavado de carbón y una ley de promoción carbonífera.

Aug 26, 1988

By Earle Schumacher

THE solidus line above the solid solution field in the lead-antimony system was originally determined by Dean and his associates1 from heating curves. They did not regard this line as having been accurately fixed and in their more recent publications2 the curves drawn do not follow closely the original data. The precise location of the solidus line is of importance in the extrusion of lead-antimony cable sheath, as the temperature of the metal in this process must be less than the lowest temperature at which any part of the alloy in the lead-press charge becomes liquid. It is very desirable, however, to operate at as high a temperature as possible, as the rate of extrusion for a given pressure is approximately doubled for an increase of 10° C. in temperature. The precise location of this line is also important, in the investigation of ternary systems of lead, antimony and a third metal. For these reasons, and because of the differences reported in the literature, data were secured on the lead-antimony solidus line by the classical quenching-test procedure.

Jan 1, 1927

Any hypothesis for the origin of the Otago gold-quartz lodes must account for the following observations. 1. Southeast of Glenorchy, where the schists hosting the lodes are comparatively unaffected by Neogene Alpine Fault deformation, the dominant strike of the vein systems is NW-SE, parallel to the axis of greatest post-metamorphic uplift in the Otago Schist belt (Paterson, 1986). 2. The lodes are fault-hosted, with some developed along steep, low-displacement normal faults (eg Barewood, Bendigo, Nenthorn), implying NE-SW extension, and some developed along low-angle thrusts (eg Macraes) implying, in apparent contradiction, NE-SW contraction (Teagle et al, 1990). 3. The mineralising fluid was of metamorphic origin (McKeag and Craw, 1989), but while some of the lodes developed in a mesothermal environment at considerable depth (eg ~10 km for Macraes), others appear to have formed at very shallow depth (eg <1 km for Nenthorn) (Craw and Norris, 1988). 4. The timing of the mineralisation is generally poorly constrained but postdates the main Rangitata schist metamorphism. It probably initiated during early Cretaceous exhumation and unroofing of the schist belt (140 - 120 Ma?) and may have continued well into the Tertiary (Craw, 1989). Estimates for the relative ages of the different lodes are largely speculative but, based on pressure estimates from fluid inclusion studies, Macraes likely represents the deepest and oldest lode system while Nenthorn (just 12 km to the southwest) is perhaps the shallowest and youngest (Craw and Norris, 1988).

Jan 1, 1992

By F. A. Patty

[Health and safety hazards from contamination of the atmosphere in places frequented by persons depend to a considerable extent on whether the contaminating agent possesses sense-perceptive properties which will give warning of its presence before it '.an create harmful conditions. If a distinct and easily recognized warning is given in advance of harmful conditions, hazards ace mitigated, but if warning properties are inadequate or absent, the hazards are augmented. When evaluating the hazard presented by a potentially harmful substance used under conditions of possible escape into the air of places frequented by persons, it is therefore necessary to consider the warning properties of the substance along with ether pertinent information such as toxicity, inflammability, physical properties, and mode of use. If the contaminating agent inherently lacks warning; properties it may be possible to impart them by adding to the hazardous substance a small quantity of a relatively harmless substance which has a high warning intensity.]

Jan 1, 1929

By D. Bois, P. Poirier, B. Bussière

Environmental desulphurization is an attractive alternative for the management of acid generating tailings. Bulk sulphide flotation is the most commonly used method to produce desulphurized tailings, as shown from many previous works. This process can reduce the volume of problematic tailings to manage by making a sulphide fraction concentrate. The desulphurized tailings can then be used as construction material for an engineered cover to prevent acid mine drainage. In this paper, the results from different laboratory and pilot scale flotation tests are presented. These results confirm that low sulphide non-acid generating tailings can be produced by froth flotation. It is also demonstrated that sulphide concentrates obtained from desulphurization mixed with the appropriate binders can be used as feed material for paste backfill. From previous work on the evaluation of operating and capital costs of the desulphurization process for different ore types, the use of desulphurization as a tailings management approach was studied for several scenarios. The desulphurization process was then compared with other technologies (underwater disposal, engineered soil cover) currently used to prevent acidic drainage (AD) for a new mining operation. Results show that partial or total desulphurization are technically and economically viable options to manage tailings during mine operation. Mine waste managers should consider desulphurization as an efficient technology.

Jan 1, 2005

By Khamis Y. Haramy

This paper summarizes ground control studies of longwall panel entry systems in two Western U.S. coal mines. Presented are comparisons of in situ pressure change measurements and assessments of chain pillar and entry behavior under a wide range of cover. Results indicate that no one entry system design is universally applicable, and that site-specific factors need to be considered for panel entry design. Relationships between overburden depth, face advance, and magnitude and location of the forward abutment are discussed for western operations. In addition, analysis indicates that use of yield pillars may reduce or eliminate some stress-related problems that plague longwall panel entry design.

Jan 1, 1989

By O. C. Wheeler

The reports for the years 1942 and 1943 were written in 1943 and 1944, respectively, and were summarized at the meetings of the Institute in February of those two years, but the manuscripts were held until released for publication in 1945. 1942 Lack of transportation facilities during 1942 resulted in a sharp curtailment of producing operations in Colombia at the middle of the year, and production of crude for export was thus greatly affected. Total production in 1942 amounted to only 10,617,008 bbl. Of this amount the Tropical Oil Co. produced 9,453,995 bbl., which includes 126,607 bbl. of petroleum condensate, and the Colombian Petroleum Co. produced 1,163,013 bbl, from its Barco property. The following summary, showing a comparison of the number of barrels of crude produced during the years 1941 . and 1942, reflects the extent to which producing operations were reduced during 1942: These above figures do not include any production recovered from Condor's (Shell's) Casabe wells during testing operations. An active exploratory drilling Program was carried out by several of the major companies, and the year 1942 established a record for wildcatting activity in Colombia. Excluding development operations on the Shell's Casabe wells on the Yondo concession, 13 wildcats were completed. Eight of these were in the Magdalena Valley, and all were abandoned; five were on the Barco Concession, and of these four were completed as producers. Particularly notable among the petroleum developments during 1942 was the continued success of drilling operations on the Shell's Yondo Concession of Compania Colombiana de Petroleos El Condor opposite Barranca-Bermeja. In 1941 the discovery well, Casabe No. I, was drilled and completed with an estimated initial production of approximately 480 bbl. of 19 1/2 A.P.I. gr. oil per day. In 1942, seven stepouts from the discovery well were successfully completed with initial production ratings ranging from 150 to 1230 bbl. per day. An extensive wildcat program on the Barco Concession of the Colombian Petroleum Co. yielded favorable results with the completion of four producers in the Socuavo and Tres Bocas areas; a fifth test, Sardinata Norte No. I, was abandoned at 500;" feet. Wildcatting operations in the lower Magdalena Valley area were initiated in 1942 With the drilling of a deep test, El Dote No. I, by Compania de petroleo Shell de Colombia. The well was a failure and was abandoned at a depth of 10,046 (?) feet. Wildcats on which drilling operations were being conducted at the end of the

Jan 1, 1945

By Robert Anderson

Advance knowledge of roof conditions can lead to improvement in roof control strategies that will reduce roof falls and ultimately will reduce injuries to mine workers. J.H. Fletcher and Company, in cooperation with West Virginia University, has been developing a system to meet these needs by collecting torque, thrust, and rotation speed data during drilling operations. Recent improvements in analysis algorithms to detect anomalies in the roof structure as well as various display enhancements for real time mapping and evaluation of roof structures have been incorporated into current Fletcher Information Display system. The unit has also been housed in an explosion-proof container to allow use in coal mine applications. Recently, the system has undergone extensive field trials in several limestone mines and one coal mine. During these trials, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health assisted Fletcher in verifying the accuracy of the roof mapping capability of the system by comparing the display information to bore hole scoping observations and drill corings. It was concluded from this assessment that the intelligent drilling system can complement scoping and core analysis to provide a more complete picture of roof strata and is capable of seeing features or conditions that are not always obvious in these more traditional methods.

Jan 1, 2007

By L. J. Prosser, Robert Anderson

Advance knowledge of roof conditions can lead to improvement in roof control strategies that will reduce roof falls and ultimately will reduce injuries to mine workers. J.H. Fletcher and Company, in cooperation with West Virginia University, has been developing a system to meet these needs by collecting torque, thrust, and rotation speed data during drilling operations. Recent improvements in analysis algorithms to detect anomalies in the roof structure as well as various display enhancements for real time mapping and evaluation of roof structures have been incorporated into current Fletcher Information Display system. The unit has also been housed in an explosion-proof container to allow use in coal mine applications. Recently, the system has undergone extensive field trials in several limestone mines and one coal mine. During these trials, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health assisted Fletcher in verifying the accuracy of the roof mapping capability of the system by comparing the display information to bore hole scoping observations and drill corings. It was concluded from this assessment that the intelligent drilling system can complement scoping and core analysis to provide a more complete picture of roof strata and is capable of seeing features or conditions that are not always obvious in these more traditional methods.

By Raymond S. Weimer

OF the several characteristics of a coal that influence its suitability for use in a given piece of burning equipment, the clinkering and slagging characteristics of the ash of the coal are highly important. They determine the maximum rate at which the coal may be burned on a stoker or in pulverized form without difficulty from damage to metal parts, from erosion of refractory walls, or from stoppage of gas passages by accumulation on the tubes. They also determine the minimum rate at which a slag-tap furnace may be operated without difficulty in removal of the ash in fluid form. NEED FOR A BETTER CRITERION In common with other producers and users of coal, the Northern Illinois Coal Corporation has long used the available methods for the measurement of the clinkering characteristics of coal ash, chemical composition and fusion temperature of the ash, as criteria for the selection of coal that would suit the particular requirements of its customers. These two available criteria have greatly helped in the problem of selection but it is unnecessary to dwell upon the fact that they are not completely adequate for the purpose. The composition of the ash and its clinkering tendency vary widely over the company's mining area. In a certain period, some years ago, an unusual amount of severe clinkering of the ash of coal shipped made extremely acute the need for a better criterion of the clinkering that might be expected. It was also desirable that the criterion result from a reasonably rapid method, so that the clinkering characteristics of the coal would be known before shipment. Complaints on the severe clinkering of the ash came from only a fraction of the output of the mine but the occurrence of the clinkering seemed quite unpredictable. Attempts to relate the chemical composition of the ash and the fusion temperatures to the clinkering were unsuccessful. Coal from the area of the mine in which the fusion temperature of the ash was the lowest gave the least trouble from clinkering. Chemical analysis of the ash from that section giving the most trouble showed high contents of iron and low contents of silica, but frequently these were not greatly different from those of coals that gave little trouble from clinker. Aside from the clinkering difficulty, the coal was quite satisfactory. The ash content was normal and high rates of burning could be obtained, but again and again such severe clinkering would occur that the furnace would be shut down because of the accumulation of clinker. Examination of the clinker from the customers' plants showed that the clinkers that adhered to the grates and fouled the fuel beds were hard, flat, dense, and usually dark in color. Coal that was satisfactory gave clinkers that were softer, bulky rather than flat, of low density, and usually lighter in color.

Jan 1, 1944