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By Rosario Lunar, Jesús Martínez-Frías, Egidio Marino, Trinidad Torres, Jose E. Ortiz, Juan A. Martín-Rubí, Luis Somoza, Ricardo León, Teresa Medialdea, Javier González

Seamounts, submarine banks, volcanoes and undercurrent channels are prominent geomorphic features that have become an important target for minerals research and exploration with the goal of future exploitation. Polymetallic ferromanganese deposits are common types of mineralization on these settings. Co-rich ferromanganese crusts are important as potential resources of Mn and Co, but also Ti, Ni, Tl, REEs, PGEs, and other metals. Many seamounts and channels along the Atlantic Spanish continental margin are known to hold mineral deposits but are poorly studied. This work presents and briefly describes the most recent activities of the Spanish Geological Survey (IGME) on exploration and investigation of ferromanganese deposits along the Atlantic Spanish continental margin. Different submarine areas from the northwestern margin of the Iberian Peninsula to the west off Canary Islands have been surveyed by geophysical, sampling and underwater observations from 89 to 4000 m water depth. The mineral deposits cover a large diversity of submarine geological and geomorphical features: mud volcanoes and diapirs related to hydrocarbon seeps, seamounts associated with hot spot volcanism, hydrothermal vents in active magmatic volcanoes, structural basement highs and banks or contourite channels. Considering the collected dataset, we present the preliminary results of the study of these mineral deposits, including ferromanganese nodules and crusts and phosphate pavements and nodules, which can be considered as potential sources of raw materials.

Sep 1, 2014

By David W. James, Howard Jones, George M. Leak

Conditions are described for producing, by primary recrystallization, a matrix suitable for the growth of large grains near (110)[001] orientation in silicon iron strip by secondary recrystallizaliun in a steep temperature gradient. The orientation distribution of these large grains is expressed in terms of rotational deviations about the cross-rolling direction, the rolling direction, and the normal to the sheet, the deviational spread increasing in that order. With the aid of cowplenientary published data on the orientation dependence of growth rate, it is shown that this observation is consistent with the oriented-growth theory of recrystallization lextures. It is conclutled that growth-rate and orientation-distribution data obtained in a steep thermal gradient should be used with caution to account for isothermally Produced recrystallization textures. SEVERAL authors have reported methods of growing large grains by re crystallization of a small-grained matrix in silicon iron 1- B and pure a cr The present study was a preliminary in the growth of single crystals and bicrystals for surface relaxation," grain boundary mobility, and grain boundary diffusion studies. The method was to control the growth of a seed crystal into a suitable primary re crystallized matrix by feeding through a steep temperature gradient. The driving energy for growth derived from the grain boundary energy released as the seed crystals grew into the matrix. Thus, stability of the matrix against normal grain growth was considered to be essential for success. It was known that the manganese sulfide dispersion present in commercial silicon iron performs this function during secondary recrystallization to the (110)[001.] texture.12 Hence commercial, rather than high-purity, material was used throughout. The paper describes the growth conditions for grains large enough to be used as seed crystals for further growth into single crystals. The orientation distribution of the seed crystals is analyzed and its significance for the theory of recrystallization textures is discussed. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Strip material was supplied by the Steel Co. of Wales, Ltd. The chemical analysis in weight percent was Si, 2.90; C, 0.015; Mn, 0.059; P, 0.011; S, 0.027; Ni, 0.032; 0, 0.009; Fe, balance. A gradient furnace of similar design to one described previously4 was loaned from B.I.S.R.A. It consisted essentially of a vertical water-cooled copper slot projecting downwards into the hot zone of a molybdenum furnace. Hydrogen was passed through the furnace to protect both heating element and specimen from oxidation. Strip specimens up to 8 cm wide and 0.2 cm thick were sealed into the furnace at the mouth of the copper slot. A coating of light oil on the strip surface maintained the seal during translation of a specimen. The maximum temperature gradient in the region just below the copper slot was 500°C per cm over 1 cm, with the hottest point controlled at 1175°C. Several large grains would usually grow by secondary recrystallization from the primary matrix when a specimen was immersed in the hot zone for about 30 min. A back-reflection X-ray camera was constructed to facilitate rapid and accurate orientation determinations of the large grains produced. It was possible to reproduce a standard geometry, with regard to strip and camera, without the tedium of careful alignment on each occasion. Specimens, typically 4 cm wide and 75 cm long, were cut with the longitudinal axis parallel to the rolling direction of the original strip. The surfaces were cleaned by immersion alternately in a hot aqueous solution containing 2 pct hydrofluoric acid plus 10 pct sulfuric acid and in cold 10 pct nitric acid. The nitric acid etch was just sufficient to reveal the grain structure. Rolling and annealing treatments to prepare the matrix (discussed below) were followed by growth of seed crystals in the gradient furnace. The matrix was transformed to a single crystal by growth of a selected seed crystal connected to the matrix by a thin neck. 4,5 Growth was promoted by controlled feeding into the gradient furnace. Several single crystals of controlled orientation were grown successfully from seed crystals by twisting the interconnecting neck in a reorien-tation jig.4 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Growth Conditions. A suitable matrix for growth of large grains was prepared starting from primary re-crystallized strip 1.9 mm thick. This was cold-rolled in two stages each being followed by a recrystallization anneal at 800°C for a few minutes. Such treatment gave the required growth matrix only if the two cold-reduction stages were each performed in several passes and in the following ranges: the first, 30 to 70 pct; the second, 10 to 50 pct. Immersion in the temperature gradient otherwise resulted in an equiaxed

Jan 1, 1967

By W. R. Marks

Computer-aided torsional analysis of grinding mill drives is defined and related to the mill design process. Equations of torsional dynamics are developed for general mechanical drives. Consideration is given three solution types - specifically the determination of undamped natural frequencies, the calculation of steady vibration amplitudes, and the prediction of transient torques during starting. Following a summary of the methods of calculating drive motor performance, the problem in making practical application of this theory are discussed. Experiences in both calculating and measuring the torsional loads on a large ball mill with dual synchronous motors are reviewed. Conclusions are drawn on the effectiveness of computer-aided torsional analysis for improving mill drive reliability.

Jan 1, 1984

By Steve Kral

When the price of gold cracked the US$9.60/g(US$300/oz) mark last year, the gold-mining industry began to crank up again. This followed several years of gold prices that had languished in the mid-200s. Existing mines increased production and mines that had lain dormant for many years were getting second looks. The United States still produces a large amount of gold. But not much of the new production is coming from that country. Instead, strict environmental regulations still have companies wary of trying to invest the millions needed to start a new mine or expand existing ones. And after years of studies and negotiations between legislators, environmental interests and the mining industry, the United States still has not crafted a new mining law.

Jan 1, 2003

Since its inception in 1962, the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre has adopted the view that an effective method of training highly qualified engineers for the mineral industry is the pursuit of postgraduate research programmes conducted in operations, that is, in the mines and processing plants of the industry which the research serves. The paper describes how this is achieved in practice, at little or no cost to the taxpayer, and explores the strengths and weaknesses of this approach in the context of a dual mission for the Centre: 1. The postgraduate training of engineers for the mineral industry. 2. The production of useful R &I) for the mineral industry. Topics discussed include financing, relationships with industry and Government, the maintenance of academic excellence, research style, the marketing of research, and limits to growth.

Jan 1, 1989

By W. W. Adams

Because of insufficient funds for printing, the Bureau of Mines was unable to publish its annual bulletin covering accidents at metal mines in the United States for the year 1933. A brief mimeographed summary of the principal statistical data for that year was released to the public late in 1934. Since then reports for 1934 have been received from the mining companies, and in order to avoid further delay in releasing this information to the mining industry and others interested in the prevention of accidents in mining, statistics for both years are presented in this publication with a minimum of interpretation and comment. The fatal-accident rate for the metal and nonmetallic mines (excluding coal mines) of the United States was more favorable in 1933 than in any previous year since 1911, the first year for which the Bureau of Mines obtained reports from the operators. Further progress was made in 1934, when the fatality rate was even lower than that of 1933. On the other hand, the nonfatal-accident rate, which had reached its lowest level in 1932, increased in 1933 and increased further in 1934, although not to such an extent as to prevent the rate for either of those 2 years from being better than that for any year previous to r1931.

Jan 1, 1936

By L. J. Su, J. Y. Zhang, P. W. Gu, J. F. Xu

Surface tension of mold flux is a key factor affecting optimum casting conditions. A thermodynamic model was developed to determine the surface tension of mold flux containing fluoride based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory of slag structure and Butler’s equation. The relationship between composition and surface tension was investigated by this model. Results indicated that the calculated values showed good agreement with literature data, and the average error was 8.19%. The surface tension value of the CaO–Al2O3-based mold flux was larger than that of the CaO– SiO2-based mold flux. The surface tension in a multi-component system decreased with increasing contents of SiO2, CaF2, and Na2O, which are considered surface-active components. This trend was more significant in the CaO–Al2O3-based mold flux.

Dec 11, 2024

By W. B. Evans, D. P. Taylor

"ANFO has two major disadvantages as an explosive low density and no water resistance. ANFO can be blended with more dense, water-resistant explosives to form ""Heavy ANFO"". The use of emulsion or slurry explosives as a matrix is an attempt to correct deficiencies on the basic ANFO while maintaining cost effectiveness.This paper will deal with four main topics.1. Product description, general properties, strengths and weaknesses.2. Technology of ""Heavy ANFO"" , the emulsion matrix concept and the range of products.3. Relative performance and economics in various rock types.4: Current status in Canada and worldwide, and the expectations for future use.IntroductionANFO has been in use for roughly three decades and remains the explosive of choice where conditions are suitable. ANFO has not become the universal explosive - despite its undoubted superiority in cost effectiveness - because it has serious flaws as an explosive. The most serious of these flaws are the low density and absence of water resistance in ANFO. Low density implies a low concentration of explosive energy in a borehole. The amount of energy available can be increased by. adding an energetic material, generally aluminum, or by drilling more holes. Both solutions add considerably to the over-all costs. The absence of water resistance in ANFO is inherent and can only be overcome by changing the fundamental nature of the product. The history of research in the explosives industry since the advent of ANFO is mainly the story of the various attempts to overcome one or both of ANFO's shortcomings.Many technologies and products have been developed to compete against ANFO, among them slurries, emulsion s and the so-called Dense ANFOs (ANFO with an extra nitroalkane liquid sensitizer). None of them was cost-competitive with ANFO so their market penetration has been limited to wet holes or specialized applications. The exception to this result is Heavy ANFO. The aim here was to have the best of both worlds, the high density and water resistance of emulsions or slurries plus the low cost of ANFO. The concept is very simple. ANFO is about 50 % air, roughly 30% in the prills and 700,10 between the prills . The air in the prills provides the necessary sensitivity but the air between them is waste volume. If one fills this volume with a high density, waterproof product, the resultant mix will be denser and more water resistant than ANFO and with very little added cost. This basic concept was invented by B. Clay in the 1970s and is covered by Canadian Patent No. 1 115 959. The water resistance and/or density of the mix can be tailored by changing the emulsion level. Because Heavy ANFO is relatively inexpensive while providing good in-hole densities and water resistance, it can compete successfully against all other bulk products. It competes against ANFO and Al / ANFO by allowing pattern expansion and reducing over-all costs while it competes against emulsions and slurries on price."

Jan 1, 1987

By Amir Rehmat

The Institute of Gas Technology has developed a fluidized-bed process for recovering direct reduced iron from blast furnace flue dust a material currently considered to be a waste from the iron and steel industry. In the process, a portion of the carbon in the flue dust is combusted to supply energy for the endothermic reaction between carbon and steam. The reaction produces reducing gases comprised of carbon monoxide and hydrogen both of which react with iron oxides to produce reduced iron. Up to 95 percent of the iron oxides contained in the waste stream can be reduced to elemental iron. The vitiated reducing gases emanating from the process can be used as fuel in the plant. The yield of iron depends upon the quantity of iron oxide present in the flue dust and generally ranges from 20 to 30 percent of the waste stream. The investment cost estimated for a single processing train dedicated to one steel plant can be recovered in less than one year.

Jan 1, 1996

By H. Maleki

The U.S. Bureau of Mines pioneered the use of borehole deformation gauges and overcoring techniques to measure in situ stress. These measurements provide input to structural mine design and support selection for specific geologic conditions. This paper presents recent stress measurements in a western U.S. coal mine where the orientation of the stress field remained relatively unchanged over distances of several kilometers. The horizontal stress magnitude increased with depth of cover and in relation to major geologic structures. Local variations in roof stress profiles were used to develop generic models relating stress arching to strata stiffness and the inelastic behavior of mine roof.

Jan 1, 1994

By E. N. Cameron

Graphite has been included in U. S. lists of strategic minerals since the problem of mineral deficiencies was revealed during World War I. Since 1918 the domestic graphite industry has led a precarious existence, and there has been much uncertainty as to the amounts of usable graphite of various grades that would be available from domestic sources in time of emergency. In 1950-1951 therefore, the writer, assisted by Paul L. Weis, undertook a review of domestic graphite sources for the U. S. Geological Survey. The conclusions of this study are presented here, with a discussion of some technologic and politico-economic factors bearing upon the problem. Uses of Graphite: Natural graphite as marketed exhibits a wide range of properties, which determine the uses to which it is put. The most essential uses are in the manufacture of crucibles and related refractory articles, in lubricants and packing materials, and in the manufacture of batteries, foundry facings, pencils, and carbon brushes. Numerous specifications covering the mineral in its various applications must be met by producers and processors of graphite. The problem of supply is therefore not simply one of procuring a sufficient total tonnage, but the more difficult problem of procuring enough of each different grade to meet foreseeable needs.

Oct 1, 1956

By Michel Robert

"In 1974, Copperfields Mining Corporation and Soquem formed a new company, Niobec Inc, to bring the niobium deposit of the St-Honore carbonatite into production.St-Honore is located in the Saguenay area, near the cities of Chicoutimi and Arvida, and about one hundred and forty (140) miles north of Quebec. The discovery of the carbonatite complex was made in the fall of 1967 as a result of an airborne radiometric survey in search of uranium. The detailed exploration of the carbonatite indicated two niobium-bearing formations besides the original discovery of a rare earths zone. During the following years, the niobium formations were defined by diamond drilling and a decline was driven down to obtain adequate samples for metallurgical evaluation. In 1974, after seven hundred (700) bench scale tests, eleven (11) months of pilot plant 2nd a worldwide market research, a joint decision was made to initiate the development of a fifteen hundred (1500) T.P.D. mine and mill, under the management of Teck Corporation. The construction of the facilities were completed in early 1976 both on time and within budget. Niobec is now the only north american and the world second largest producer of Niobium concentrate.The process used at Niobec was developed from the pilot plant programs and later modified by the mill personnel. A simplified flowsheet for this process is shown on the slide. Briefly, run of mine ore is crushed to minus 5/8"" and fed to a rod mill, ball mill, and screens circuit where the ore is ground to 92% passing 65 mesh. The ore is deslimed in two stages of cycloning, and the final cyclone overflow at 85% minus 11 microns goes to waste. The cyclone underflow is conditioned prior to flotation of a carbonate-apatite concentrate. This concentrate is cleaned twice and then pumped to tails. The carbonate rougher and cleaner tails are cycloned in two stages to change the process; water and then sent to the pyrochlore rougher flotation. The rougher concentrate is cleaned five times. This is followed by pyrite flotation to remove sulfur, leaching with hydrochloric acid to remove phosphorus and dyed to less than 0.1% moisture before being sent to packaging."

Jan 1, 1978

By Joseph A. Corgan

The river- or dredge-coal industry of Pennsylvania is conducted on many of the rivers and creeks that drain the Pennsylvania anthracite fields. Coal thus recovered found its way into the streams as coal was being prepared for market by the anthracite industry proper, in the northeastern part of the State. The Principal rivers draining; the fields, those where dredging is taking place, are the Susquehanna, Schuylkill, and Lehigh. Several creeks - the Shamokin, Mahanoy, Wiconisco, and Swatara - also are productive sources of river or creek coal. Operations along the streams cover a wide territory, and along the Susquchanna alone; dredges are recovering coal for about 160 miles. Anthracite was a significant factor in the early industrial development of the United States. Industry used it to generate steam, and railroads used it as fuel for locomotives; but it probably was most important industrially in the smelting of iron ore. For more than a hundred years homes have been heated with this fuel. From the beginning of mining in 1807, to 1940, more than 4 billion net tons of anthracite had been prepared and shipped to market. In the preparation process much of the smaller-size coal and refuse found their way into rivers and creeks which carried the material many miles. This study is concerned with the recovery of that anthracite from those rivers and creeks.

Jan 1, 1942

US 4,185,996 -- Removal of arsenic and sulfur Impurities from arsenic-containing cobalt sulfide ore. The ore is oxidized In air at a temperature of 700 to 800°C for 3 to 8 hr to drive off the bulk of the sulfur The oxidized ore 1s heated with a reducing gas at a temperature of 700 to 800°C for 2 to 6 hr to volatilize arsenic, and the final calcine 1s leached with an acid to eliminate substantially all of the remaining arsenic. A.R. Zambrano, assigned to Hanna Mining Co Jan. 29, 1980. 3 pp. (75-2). Filed. 2-13-78 (877,002).

Jan 1, 1982

By Manuel Gomez

This report presents prediction equations for eleven factors indicative of metallurgical coal quality which have been developed from data obtainable during exploration. Five coke strength parameters and six carbonization product yields have been predicted for coking coals having volatile matter contents in the range 16.3 to 42.1 percent, dry basis. The prediction models developed contain information from the proximate and ultimate analyses, the size consist, and the petrographic composition of coking coals carbonized in BM-AGA retorts at 800°, 900°, and 1,000°C. The equations reported have been evaluated with independent data derived from the 900°C carbonization of 33 binary blends. Present results show that metallurgical coal quality can be predicted ahead of mining. Capability to forecast coal quality is useful in mine planning and should provide basic information for optimization of blending and crushing techniques, leading to the production of uniform coke.

Jan 1, 1968

Lime and cement manufacturing has a proud history in Otago, with the earliest lime kilns appearing around 1849 at Caversham and Kaikorai in Dunedin . At Dunback or Makareao (to be precise) three well-type kilns were built by the government in 1899. In 1909 these kilns were leased to the then Milburn Lime and Cement Company. They erected a large brick Schmatolla kiln in 1909, elliptical in plan and fired by coal gas. The kiln operated up until 1944 before being left derelict. The quarry which supplied the kiln also supplied the Burnside Cement works from 1929 up until its closure in 1988. The quarry was shifted to the top of the hill in the 1950s.

Jan 1, 1992

Mintek now offers a service for the accurate measurement and analysis of air pollution in South Africa. 'The deteriorating air quality and general degradation of the environments in industrialized and urban regions of South Africa have been of concern for more than a decade', says Mintek's Dr Johann Engelbrecht. 'The accompanying effect on health, visibility, and damage to property and the environment have prompted the public, authorities, and industry to take appropriate action. A recent study conducted by the Medical Research Council on schoolchildren in the Vaal Triangle, clearly demonstrated the relationship between the deficient quality of the air in that area, and the resultant respiratory diseases.

Jan 1, 1996

By Sacha Neven

Submerged lance technologies combine high intensity processing characterized by rapid mixing and reaction rates using a simple reactor design. The Isasmelt technology uses a central submerged lance to inject oxygen-enriched air and fuel into a bath thus creating large gas bubbles and intensive turbulence and splash. The lance is equipped with swirlers to increase gas velocity and heat transfer. This enables the formation of a frozen slag layer on the lance which protects it from the aggressive environment. Water models as well as high temperature reactors were used to validate the Davidson-Schiiler model on bubbling. Frequencies and pressure amplitudes were measured in a wide range of gas flow rates: from m3/sec using a water model to more than 30 m3/sec in an industrial process. Agreement with the model was satisfactory. The experiments however also clearly showed that cross-flow and bubble wake induce slightly higher frequencies. No influence of the use of swirlers on the bubbling frequency was observed in the water models.

Jan 1, 2002

By Gordon C. Rausser, Michael D. Boehlje, Richard A. Levins, John A. Otte

Changes in SO2 emission standards will not only influence the cost of supplying energy demands from coal, but also the competitive position of various production regions and the method of mining (surface vs. underground). A multiperiod interregional competition model was utilized to evaluate the interactions between mining capacity, new mine development, coal reserves, mining, processing and transportation costs and equipment availability and SO2 emission standards. The empirical results indicate that not only will costs increase dramatically, but production in eastern as well as western regions that have low sulfur reserves will also increase as sulfur standards become increasingly more strict. Implications of the adjustments in the location of coal mining activity for the processing, transportation, and capital goods markets are also presented.

Jan 1, 1978

This study estimates costs of producing bituminous coal and lignite by strip-mining methods in 12 hypothetical mines. Basic costs are developed by geographic area, rank of coal, and output capacity. Seam thickness and depth and type of overburden are considered typical for the area in which the hypothetical mine would be located. The cost analyses are based on the use of new equipment, the prevailing union wage scales, and the payment of all miscellaneous costs including royalties, contributions to the miners' welfare fund, and license and permit fees. All model mines are considered to have a life span of 20 years. Capital costs of bituminous strip mines with a capacity of 1 million tons per year range from $12.7 million in the Appalachian region to $16.0 million in the Interior province. The corresponding selling price, assuming a discounted cash flow return of 12 percent on investment, is $5.40 and $6.95 per ton, respectively. For bituminous coal strip mines producing 3 million tons annually, a capital investment of $24.9 million will render a selling price of, $3.46 per ton in the Interior province, whereas a similar mine in the Appalachian region requires a capital investment of $28.0 million to produce coal selling for $4.01 per ton. Subbituminous strip mines of 5 million tons of output per year range in capital costs from $28.7 million in the Southwest to $13.9 million in Wyoming and Montana. Coal produced in the Southwest would sell for $3.03 per ton, while coal from Wyoming and Montana would sell for $1.83 and $1.64 per ton, respectively. The capital costs for the strip mining of lignite range from $6.4 million for an output capacity of 1 million tons annually to $20.7 million for an annual capacity of 5 million tons. The corresponding selling prices of $3.01 and $2.12 per ton, respectively, Indicate the advantages of a large-capacity strip mine.

Jan 1, 1972