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By P Papanastasiou, J Hadjigeorgiou, E Kyriakou

The south west area of Cyprus has a long history of slope instability problems. The location and extent of these landslides has been influenced by ground morphology, geological structure and the presence of weak rocks and cohesive soils. The main triggering mechanisms have been precipitation and/or seismic events. Landslides have contributed to the decision to relocate villages and considerable efforts have been put into maintaining the integrity of the local transportation network. This paper uses a recent case study of road embankment failure near Pentalia in southwest Cyprus to review the available tools for the analysis of slope instability. It further demonstrates how the shear strength reduction technique can be used in a finite element analysis to better visualise the slope instability mechanism of a road embankment and provide a reliable tool in selecting appropriate remedial measures.

Jan 1, 2006

By Tom F. Deems

The term ball clay is applied to plastic sedimentary clays that have a high content of kaolinite and that possess white firing properties and high green strength (Mitchell and Stentiford, 1973). However, the name ball clay is not derived from any specific property of the clay. Instead, it comes from the original method of production in southwestern England (Scott, 1929). From open pits, the clay was cut into cubes with hand tools. The sides of the cubes were about 220 to 250 mm (9 to 10 in.) and weighed 14 to 16 kg (30 to 35 lb.). The eventual rounding of the corners with handling before sale gave rise to the term ball clay. Ball clays provide the workability and green strength required by the whiteware section of the world's ceramic industry. The main applications are in the sanitaryware, tile and tableware sectors. Each, though, requires particular technical properties in the ball clay component. The clay has to be as white firing as possible for all applications. However, for sanitary-ware, the rheological properties are most important. For tableware, fired whiteness and freedom from specking are the main criteria. Tiles need a reasonable green strength but the clay also needs to be cost-effective. The technical properties of the individual clays in any deposit depend on the clay mineral assemblage. This, in turn, depends on the geological formation of the deposits. Hence, it is the latter that largely determines the market sector for which the clay blends from a particular deposit are suited. Formation of ball clays Ball clays are formed from three main components - kaolinite, micaceous minerals and quartz - while carbonaceous material is also often present. The crystallinity of the kaolinite and mica varies. There are also occasional minor occurrences of feldspar, chlorite, montmorillonite andmixed. layer minerals. Marcasite, siderite and anatase also occur in small amounts. The properties of the clay depend on its mineralogical composition and its particle size distribution, particularly in the lowest size ranges. The original source rocks and the environment of deposition of the clay are the controlling factors. The importance of weathering processes in the formation of ball clays has long been recognized (Bristow, 1968). The diversity of source rocks produces considerable variation in the clay minerals formed. Therefore, each deposit is unique, with time-related variation within it. The greatest development of a weathering mantle takes place in a tropical climatic environment. Plant remains confirm that most ball clay deposits were formed under hot and wet conditions. Sedimentation of the clays had to be in fresh or low salinity water or clay minerals detrimental to whiteware manufacture would have been formed. Fresh water traps for the ball clay, sand and lignite sequences depended -on tectonic features, such as basin development along fault zones or lakes and lagoons on the edge of a large scale embayment. These factors for Devon ball clays were discussed by Vincent (1983). The combination of suitable source rocks, tropical climate, significant fresh water sedimentary environment

Jan 1, 1997

In 1991, Placer Dome Venezuela established a 70% stake in Minera Las Cristinas, to mine the Las Cristinas gold deposits in Bolivar. This case study examines the multi-sectoral partnership arrangement that was developed to improve health services near the proposed Las Cristinas gold mine. The investment climate in Venezuela is uncertain and the socio-economic circumstances are potentially hostile. Despite that, the partnership between the mining company, local communities, government agencies and an international health nongovernmental organization (NGO) collectively leveraged nearly $2.5 million to build and operate a community health center.

Jan 1, 2002

By S. Vézina

"Environmental issues have evolved considerably over the last two decades. The main contributing factors, to name a few, have been the changing values of modern societies, the globalization of trade and its linkage to environment, evolution and accessibility of information/ communication technologies, better educated populations, climate change, longrange transport of toxics, and the increasing influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and multistakeholders.As well, environmental management of mining operations had to be realigned in order to meet these new realities and to respond to more elaborated regulations oriented towards sustainability. Environmental management systems (EMS) have been introduced not only to meet the assurance of conformance to regulations but also to prevent pollution and to apply the continuous improvement of mining processes. EMS models have been developed and certification to international standards (e.g. ISO 14 001) is a common practice.Globalization has imposed challenges and additional requirements to environmental management. Developing a mine in emerging countries implies dealing with international agencies, local communities, and a variety of government infrastructures to obtain a “license to operate.” This paper presents the structure of Cambior’s EMS and how it was adapted and implemented in the company’s operations in South America."

Jan 1, 2006

By Chris D. Shewmaker

So you want to install 2,600 augered cast-in-place piles, about 155,000 lineal feet, in 33 working days? It can be done. The Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) decided to build a combined cycle power plant in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. PSEG selected Fluor Constructors Indiana, L.P. to design and build the plant. Fluor Constructors, in turn, selected Richard Goettle, Inc. to install the piles. The initial plan was to install the 2,600 piles in 33 days, working six (6) ten hour days per week. After successfully installing and performing four pile load tests - up to 300 ton capacity - we set out to complete the work and meet the aggressive schedule. After three weeks of installing an average of 75 piles a day with three drill rigs, Fluor relaxed the schedule because we were so far ahead of their projected construction sequence. We elected to continue drilling on a ten-hour day, five days a week schedule. In all, we installed nearly 2,800 piles, totaling 175,000 lineal feet, in about 47 days.

Jan 1, 2004

By James Boyd

THE Bureau of Mines for a number of years has been seeking additional ways and means of improving the efficiency of its operations and increasing its service to the public. It has become obvious that changes in the organization of the Bureau are essential to a more effective accomplishment of its functions and objectives. The old organization was defective in meeting current needs in that the Bureau's field activities were neither sufficiently coordinated with the national program nor were they particularly responsive to local needs of the mineral industries. Further, the traditional organization hampered the efforts of the Bureau to obtain, analyze and provide to the policy-making agencies of the Government essential information and advice in such a form that the requirements of domestic industry could be fully taken into consideration in the development of domestic and foreign policies. Consequently, the Bureau has now modified its organizational structure.

Jan 1, 1949

In February 1974 a continuous synthetic polymer dosing plant was installed at Hamersley Iron Pty. Limited's Pellet Plant at Dampier. The polymer, supplied in a liquid sus- pension, is used to improve the drying characteristics of green pellets. 'Three years of test work were involved in the development of the use of polymers. Polymer is continuously dosed to the balling spray water system at a rate determined by the flow of spray water to the discs. Problems have been experienced with handling the polymer in 44 gallon drums, the increased viscosity of the spray water, disc overloads, increased bed strength and increased "stickiness" of pellet fines.

Jan 1, 1974

By A. A. Beland, R. J. Dawson, S. Shewchuk

"Shovel buckets, scraper blades, dipper teeth, mine car wheels and hammermills are examples of equipment which require routine maintenance due to abrasion. Service life can be extended by the use 0/hard/acing and buildup materials. Mining and milling applications are described and field welding procedures discussed.A high-stress abrasion test used to select hard/acing and buildup materials/or hammers in a hammermill is described in detail. Field tests of the selected alloys confirmed their performance, and maintenance records showed a significant saving in down time and cost.The relationship between the abrasion resistance of the alloys and their hardness, work hardening, composition and microstructure is summarized. IntroductionLarge volumes of ore are handled daily by the mining industry. The abrasive nature of most ores results in extensive wear to both handling and processing equipment. If such wear is neglected it may cause lost production time and also, in extreme cases, require the complete replacement of expensive equipment. The well-planned maintenance of components subject to abrasive wear by means of buildup materials and hard facing can result in substantial economic benefits. Such benefits can , however, only be realized through the correct choice of welding process, consumables and deposition methods available to maintenance personnel. Hardfacing MethodsHardfacing is applied by a variety of methods; the three most widely used being arc welding, oxyfuel gas and thermal spraying. Table 1 summarizes the major processes used within each method. Filler metals in the form of rod, wire or powder are necessary to fulfill the individual requirements of each process. The filler rods are available in the cast form or, in the case of ductile metals or alloys, as wrought rod or tube. All types are supplied bare or flux covered. Wire is supplied in two forms, drawn flux cored and drawn solid. Powder filler metals are available in many metals or alloys; they may be simple mechanical mixtures or prefused and atomized alloys made to a specific size range and shape for optimum results for each applicable process."

Jan 1, 1980

By Fred H. Lightner

The feasibility evaluation of the Borealis project of Houston International Minerals Corporation (HIMCO) was initiated in October of 1980. The operation of the Borealis Mine and heap leaching plant began in late 1981. In order to achieve the rapid development schedule several items were necessary: 1) Pre-planning of environmental requirements and early study of key issues. 2) Adoption of conservative design criteria. 3) Coordination and cooperation between HIMCO and regulatory agencies. 4) Adoption of specialized engineering and construction procedures. 5) Careful evaluation of owner project management philosophy.

Jan 1, 1982

By R. B. Fisher

This report gives the results of mineralogical research on the Nicaro (Cuba) nickel ores and plant products. These studies were made under a cooperative agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA) of the U. S. Government. The purpose of the investigation was to obtain fundamental data that would be useful to other GSA contractors concerned with the Nicaro ores in their research on reduction roasting, leaching, and other phases of the project; and to the metallurgical staff of the Nicaro plant in Cuba. The overall objective of the combined research was to provide data to accomplish metallurgical improvement in the operations of the U.S. Government-owned plant at Nicaro, Oriente Province, Cuba. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the recovery of nickel from the ores and on the possibility of recovering other valuable constituents, especially cobalt. This study presents the physical and chemical characteristics, mineral associations, differential thermal analyses in controlled atmospheres, and X-ray studies of the ores and plant products. The nickel ores, serpentine and laterite, were from the Ramona-Lama Mulo and Ramona ore deposits. Serpentine ore consisted of serpentine-group minerals, basic iron oxide, magnetic iron oxides, chromite, olivine, enstatite, anthophyllite, cryptocrystalline quartz, wad, and a trace of calcite. This ore contained 1.6 percent nickel, 0.05 percent cobalt, 0.86 percent chromium, and 17.4 percent iron. Laterite are was composed principally of goethite with some altered serpentine, quartz, chromite, wad, magnetite, maghemite, and hematite. It carried 1.3 percent nickel, 0.11 percent cobalt, 1.9 percent chromium, and 48.4 percent iron.

Jan 1, 1959

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 C Harwood

Underground coal mines in the United States are in the process of completing installations for tracking and communication systems, mandated by Congress after a number of recent coal mine disasters. Yet, evaluation, modelling and testing of such systems has lagged due to legislated changes, abruptly introduced into the coal mining industry. System installation in a wide array of mine types, configurations, layouts and characteristics has provided a wealth of information regarding their potential in underground environments. Data collected from numerous installations for a variety of systems can be used to further define true capability and accuracy of communication and tracking packages. This paper describes a uniform means of evaluating the performance of a communication and tracking system. Several performance measures are proposed and described. These measures can also be predicted using an interactive software program. This program predicts the signal propagation, given the input mine characteristics and layout, with numerical and visual feedback. New or alternative system installations can also be more accurately designed to potentially minimise initial system cost and time required for trial and error installs. The focus of this research is to develop tools and protocols that can evaluate and measure the effectiveness of installed underground communication and tracking systems.

Nov 22, 2011

By Josefin Lannefors, Anders Klingberg, Natalija Gorochovceva

"Development of new anionic collectors becomes more and more important. This can be explained, on the one hand, by the fact that over the years phosphate ores have become more fine grained and complex (example weathered). On the other hand, a development with a focus on sustainability (sustainable development) of new anionic surfactants is required by authorities and society. Within the sustainable development several characteristics of a collector have to be taken into an account: efficiency, selectivity, froth characteristics, environmental profile, raw materials used for the synthesis, manufacturing complexity, stability upon storage, etc.Several anionic surfactants based on ester and amide chemistry were synthesized, characterized and used as flotation agents for calcium phosphate containing ore. The surfactants were used in a formulation together with other anionics, since in a pure form, during the flotation, they did not provide right froth characteristics.A new anionic collector/formulation was developed, that fulfills all above listed requirements."

Jan 1, 2014

By L. W. Saperstein

P.J. Ehret By and large, I agree with many of the precepts discussed in the Saperstein paper. I believe there is much more that can be done on the local level to involve both government and planning in the mine permit review process. Admittedly, much can be done to improve discussion between the state regulatory authority, local authorities, and mine operators. However, I strongly disagree, as suggested in the paper's conclusion, that such a system, as outlined in Saperstein's paper, could result in a reduction of review time or a lowering in the cost of permitting. The implementation of such a system by its very nature would only add a new level of bureaucracy to an already cumbersome process. This system, in my opinion, would only add to the cost of permitting and the time necessary to obtain a permit. Admittedly, it would achieve the result of adding local influence into the permitting process, but at what off-setting cost? It has been my professional first-hand experience and observation in the permitting and lands unsuitable processes to note that under the present system, local governments that do feel they have a stake in local mines and actively ad¬vocate their position (not simply comment), have had significant input into the conduct of mining and reclamation plans in their areas. Mining companies that mine in these areas are aware of local interests and attitudes, and do consider them in their plans. Simply put, local governments that want to get involved and want to play significant roles can and do. Those that do not advocate a position or have no input to offer do not. Although the present system is not as direct in effect in regard to local control as Saperstein's, it does work. It does so without the red tape that would result from developing miniature regulatory authorities in every county in which mining occurs. Although local input is important, there are many more sections of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) than Sections 508(a)(8) and 522(a)(3)(A) that also are important. It appears Saperstein's paper may overindulge these sections. An additional specific comment is made in regard to the statement that while local areas benefit from mining (wages, salaries, and purchases), they also endure environmental deterioration caused by mining affects. It is believed that the whole purpose for which SMCRA and its resulting regulations were enacted and developed was so mining would not be permitted if significant environmental deterioration could occur. Therefore, it could be argued that this point under current law is moot. Reply by L.W. Saperstein P.J. Ehret writes in a reasoned and rational way and makes some good points. The arguments in favor of central control of the designation process reflect all of the benefits associated with central environmental control: consistency of enforcement, efficiency of operation, ease of communication among enforcing agency, etc. Nonetheless, the decision to mine or not to mine is a landuse decision which, in substance, is similar to the decision to build a shopping mall, a new highway, or a housing subdivision. Although, state and federal governments' interests in the protection of public welfare are real and are expressed properly in mining laws and mining enforcement agencies (OSM, Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals, etc). I continue to maintain that the permitting and designation processes should originate with local government, which is in keeping with the American tradition of delegation of the land-use decision to local or regional government.

Jan 4, 1984

By Kerina Taylor

Due to their high amount of stored energy, explosives have been the cause of many serious injuries and fatalities over the last centuries. Despite safety advances and awareness in the last decades, injuries and fatalities continue to occur at mining operations due to blasting. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, from 1978 to 2001, blasting incidents claimed 106 lives and were responsible for over 1000 injuries in mines in the US. The main causes of incidents found today are flyrock, blast area security and premature detonations. The concerted efforts of the mining and explosives industries and labour and government agencies have greatly improved the safety record of blasting in mines.

Jan 1, 2011

By Derek Ettie

"In the Hydrometallurgical processes, the presence of the so-called "crud" is a constant challenge in solvent extraction. Crud is a stable emulsion which forms along the interface between the aqueous and organic phase. The spread is influenced by the following parameters: first, wind blows the dust and impurities into the open sedimentation tanks. Second, the undissolved solids such as sand transported in the PLS causing problems in conjunction with incorrect agitator design.The crud fraction can decisively impact the efficiency of the hydrometallurgical extraction because the phase interface can constitute a large fraction and the sedimentation tanks cannot react flexibly to it. In the downstream process of the series-connected sedimentation tanks, they are thus all contaminated with crud. At the same time, the necessary mass transport is significantly impeded at the phase boundary between organic phase and aqueous phase due to the crud formation.The transfer of the organic phase into the electrolysis cell can result in a "burnout" of the cathode. The carryover of this electrolyte into the extraction can cause problems with the pH regulation. The carry-over of the organic components into the raffinate also leads to contamination of the leaching circuit. The continuous treatment of the crud with a 3-phase decanter centrifuge is extremely effective in combating this problem. This technology splits all three phases from each other and they are consequently continuously separated. All subsequent process steps exhibit a stable, uniform effectiveness. The main advantage for the customer is that fluctuations in the process are eliminated and the organic phase can be recirculated back to the extraction. The recycling of the solvent alone justifies the investment in less than 6 months as examples from South Africa and Chile show.To operate solvent recovery in daily operation fully automated online at the optimum limit, the decanter centrifuge is equipped with a concentration-dependent pond adjustment called DControl® by this means, we can guarantee our customers the maximum possible solvent recovery and minimize the solvent costs in this process step. This system is presented in detail in this paper."

Jan 1, 2014

By R. H. Fernald

In 1900, as far as available records show, there were only two producer-gas power installations in the United States. In June, 1915, the number probably exceeded 1,000. Of this number, some 84.5 per cent comprised small plants using anthracite, and only about 15 per cent of the total number utilized bituminous coal and lignite. In addition to these, two plants used wood, and three or four used oil. In the main, however, the larger sized units are operating on bituminous coal and lignite. During the early years of these plants little success was anticipated from the use of bituminous coals and lignites, but in 1904 and 1905 it was fully demonstrated at the Government testing station at St. Louis that these fuels could be utilized to excellent advantage. However, although many producer-gas plants in daily operation are using bituminous coal and lignite, many power-plant men are still skeptical regarding the successful commercial use of these fuels.

Jan 1, 1916

By Tom Treleaven, Andrew Williams

Several contracts were let in Greenwich, Connecticut, for the installation of a sanitary sewer. The majority of the excavation was in rock and involved numerous challenges due to the following conditions:

Jan 1, 2003

By T King

This paper reviews the changes in the coal industry over the past 30 years and attempts to predict the trends over the next ten years. The last 30 years have seen a steady concentration of production into fewer, larger mines, which operate on 3: more continuous basis, and a major increase in productivity per employee. Coal exports have increased from zero to almost half the country's total production. As well as major changes in exploration and mining equipment and the increasing use of computer tools, the industry now operates in a relatively new regulatory and commercial environment.   Safety legislation now requires the writing and enforcement of policies and procedures by the mining companies, rather than adherence to inflexible regulations enforced by an Inspector. Accident rates have decreased dramatically. The transition from coal mining licences to permits, requiring landowner consent and resource consents, is well under way. Environmental controls are now an essential aspect of the industry.   Equipment suppliers now offer maintenance services, production guarantees and flexible financing.  Contract miners offer mine design and restoration as part of the contract. In a similar approach, Solid Energy now offer an ash disposal service and assistance with resource consents to their customers as well as investment in technology to ensure a consistent product to demanding specifications. Solid Energy has proposals for energy centres which install and operate the coal burning appliances and simply sell energy to the customers. The next 10 years should see an intensification of these trends of bigger mines, more exports and greater technology and a 'package' approach to customer service.

Jan 1, 1997

By Nath S. Parate

Emphasis on publications related to coal mining subsidence and damages is appropriate at present in view of the energy crisis and increased coal production and public alertness. I have worked in Harrisburg with the state government Public Utilities Commission on energy-fuel matters and issues (Parate, 1978-80). I have participated in the communication on subsidence/ damage reviews and status with the Bureau of Mines Liasion Office (Kebblish, 1978-79). I have done research (Parate, 1965) and published papers (Parate, 1972; Parate, 1967) in Britain on coal mining subsidence and damages around Sheffield-Nottinghamshire coal fields. I have a few comments on the recent paper titled, "Pennsylvania Subsidence Control Guidelines," by C.J. Bise. 1) What is the basis of the empirical formula or guideline, LD _ (0.27 x D) ± 4.6, defining the support area? 2) The particular structure may not be damaged due to vertical uniform displacement caused by mining beneath unless the displacement is differential (King, 1964). 3) The author mentions the limited subsidence research in the US, and quite rightly so. But he fails to quote any work reference by continental investigators except the British or review work by the US. What are the reasons? 4) The author has not mentioned the importance and role of angle of draw for Pennsylvania, Kentucky, or Illinois coal fields. Is there any current research investigation on the relationship between subsidence research investigation, damage, and transference of strains to structures? There have been a number of newspaper reports on subsidence damage in Wilkesbarre and other areas in Pennsylvania. Is the author aware of such instances and traditional attitudes to such issues? Many times government agencies--due to lack of funds, technical expertise, and public policies--are unable or do not find it interesting to keep updates on these issues, as per the author's knowledge and experience with state governments. 5) What is the net effect and role of the D.E.R. Insurance Office on the monitoring, reducing, or controlling subsidence damage, particularly in Pennsylvania?

Jan 1, 1983