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By J. J. deBarbadillo

This Bureau of Mines report describes a process for recovering chromium and other metals from superalloy scrap. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to test a complex flowsheet utilizing a wide range of extractive metallurgical operations. The novel basis for the process is the fonnation of a sulfide matte in which chromium is concentrated in a discrete chromium sulfide phase. Mineral processing and hydrometallurgical procedures are used to separate chromium sulfide from the other matte constituents. The products of the process are a chromium-nickel alloy suitable for reuse in the superalloy industry, electrolytic nickel, electrolytic cobalt, and iron-molybdenum residue. Recovery of the principal elements contained in the scrap is chromium--93 percent, nickel--99 percent, cobalt--96 percent, and molybdenum--92 percent.

Jan 1, 1981

By Elwyn H. King, Thomas R. Kuesel

I. CONCEPT MARTA's Peachtree Center Station is being mined out of hard rock, directly beneath Atlanta's central business district, with minimal surface disruption during construction. Its cost is competitive with that of a conventional cut-and-cover alternative owing to its design concept, which utilizes the rock as a primary structural and architectural material. II. PLANNING The station was originally planned for cut-and-cover construction. However, Peachtree Street is unusually narrow for a main business street (generally 78 feet (24 m) between building lines) and cut-and-cover construction would therefore be very disruptive to surface traffic and severely restrict access to adjacent buildings, including Peachtree Center, Atlanta's showcase business/commercial complex. (See Fig. 1.) Tunneling had been considered, but was initially thought [ ]

Jan 1, 1979

By C. W. Davis

Before listing the laboratories and the work performed there, it is proper to make clear what is done and what is not done by Federal bureaus, States, and Territories, as well as by countries to the north and south of the United States. FEDERAL Bureau of Mines. - The Bureau of Mines does not make assays or analyses for individuals or firms unless the samples are part of the ore-testing and ore-dressing investigations of the Metallurgical Division on representative ores from mining districts and of possible benefit to the entire mineral industry through published reports. All significant results obtained in this way are made public. Any mineral sample sent to this Bureau for simple identification will be examined.

Jan 1, 1938

By Clyde E. Williams

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

Jan 1, 1934

By G. Stenning

The paper outlines the need for high-volume ventilation in a uranium mining operation based on the design to meet environmental requirements for dust, radiation and diesel equipment. Mining methods in a highly mechanized operation, a key factor in design, are discussed. The construction and installation of major intake and exhaust fans are described briefly, together with the development of the mine airways and distribution system. Controls in the form of doors and bulkheads are important considerations in planning. Finally, the need to lower ventilation requirements in response to increasing power costs will result in future improvements.

Jan 1, 1979

By N. A. Eilertsen

Procedures of mining high-calcium limestone underground at the Kimballton mine of the Standard Lime and Cement Co. in Giles County, west-central Virginia, are described. Drilling and blasting procedures area discussed in detail, and direct mining costs are tabulated in percentage of total cost. Output, about 1,725 tons of limestone a day, is attained with heavy trackless equipment by the room and pillar method of mining modified by benching floors. Operating features include underground air compression, electric-eye control of curtained doorways, use of a single jumbo drill rig for all drilling, and an effective plan for maintenance of equipment. The company's safety program has contributed to an outstanding safe mining record. The mine is integrated with a plant on the property which converts the stone to metallurgical and chemical grade lime.

Jan 1, 1964

By L. A. Cranson

WHEN I came out of Stanford University in 1922, the out-look for men trained in geology, petroleum engineering, and mining was indeed dismal; in fact, so much so that most of us looked upon our future in those fields as pretty hopeless. Neither our professors nor those men in industry with whom we came in contact gave us any enthusiastic encouragement as to the future of ourselves or the fields we had chosen for our labors. I believe that the attitude of pessimism which saturates everyone about graduation time is lament able and short-sighted, and may often start a young man on his way with an attitude of defeatism. Instead, he should be starting out knowing that he can expect hard work and keen competition, but that the fields of his labours are expanding at an accelerated rate, and that strong, energetic efforts will as always accomplish highly satisfactory results.

Jan 1, 1941

Although Australia is the world's second biggest producer of iron ore, the last few years have not been easy for companies in Western Australia's Pilbara region (see map) where more than 90% of the nation's iron ore is produced. For at least two years, the industry has been plagued by dwindling markets abroad, production-crippling strikes at home, skyrocketing costs (well above the official 13% annual inflation rate), an acute shortage of investment capital, increasingly ferocious competition from foreign iron ore producers-and, as if all this weren't enough, by an over-valued currency that has caused incalculable damage not only to iron ore producers but to the entire mining industry of Australia. (This last problem was mitigated less than two months ago, on November 28, 1976, when the Australian dollar was devalued by a whopping 17 1/2%.)

Jan 1, 1977

By Jose Bengoa

Low metal prices and environmental restrictions are always a challenge for copper smelters operation and its productivity. Thus, in order to reduce production costs and control gas emissions, improvements of the Teniente Converter (CT) operation were made at 110 Smelter Plant of Southern Peru Copper Co" 110, Peru, and the main objective was to increase its capacity for smelting copper concentrates without affecting normal operation, The present work eorresponds to a recent study conducted during the normal industrial operation of the Teniente Converter in this plant and, it shows the effect of increasing air oxygen enrichment from 28 to 34% on its productivity. The results show an increasing of concentrate smelting rate from 800 to 1370 tpd and hence a notorious improving in copper production, and practically no effect on the refractory consumption. The increment of the concentrate throughput, increases also the SO2 concentration and the sulfuric acid production, showing the effort done by this operation in order to accomplish the environmental Peruvian regulation,

Jan 1, 2003

By BUREAU OF MINES

Atentative Draft of a standard smoke abatement ordinance has been prepared by a joint committee made up of representatives of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, the Stoler Mamufacturers Association, the American Civic association, and the Fuels Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The Committee is desirous of obtaining helpful criticism and suggestions about this ordinance, which should be mailed to the chairman, Dr. O. P. Hooi, Bureau of lines, ashington, D. C. Te personnel of the committee is as follows: Dr. O. P. Hood, chairman, and Henry Kreisinger, representing the Fuels Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; P. J. Dougherty, representing the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers; Lloyd R. Stowe, representing the Stoker Mam- facturers Association; Everett L. Hillard, representing the American Civic Ascociation; and Osborn Monnett and Harry 3. Meller, members at large.

Mar 1, 1930

By H S. Smit, P Lotz

Gold mining companies who are signatories of the International Cyanide Management Code (visit www.cyanidecode.org for further information) are required to measure WAD cyanide on-line and destroy WAD cyanide in excess of specified limits. Weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide refers to those cyanide species liberated at a moderate pH of 4.5 such as HCN(aq) and CN-, and the majority of Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni and Ag complexes with low dissociation constants. It is potentially toxic to humans and animals. Recognising and in response to the gold mining industryÆs need for an on-line WAD cyanide measurement device, Mintek recently developed the WAD Cynoprobe. The WAD cyanide analysis technique is based on the use of a ligand exchange reagent that liberates WAD cyanide from metal-cyano complexes. The ligand exchange reaction is represented by the following chemical equation: Metal(CN)X + yLigand <-> Metal(Ligand)y + xCN- The plant filtrate is treated with a ligand exchange reagent, to liberate WAD cyanide, before measuring the free cyanide concentration via amperometry. The instrument proved to be accurate and reliable in the laboratory as well as under industrial gold plant conditions during various trials. It has gained wide-spread commercial acceptance both locally and internationally. However, itÆs recent exposure to complex ore types have called for refinements to the analysis technique. It has been further developed to improve its precision and accuracy and to remove reagent and thiosulfate interferences. Its compatibility with the most commonly used destruction oxidants has also recently been investigated. The WAD Cynoprobe may be configured to measure both free and WAD cyanide concentration. Its fast analysis time, approximately 5 min, makes it suitable for use in the control and optimisation of the cyanide destruction and recovery process. Proper oxidant dosage control and monitoring of effluent concentration levels will ultimately result in less cyanide and post-destruction salts discharged into the environment.

Jan 1, 2008

By Thomas S. Jones

This Bureau of Mines publication reviews characteristics, manufacture, and uses of natural and synthetic iron oxide pigments. Supply and demand trends within the domestic industry and in foreign trade are presented for 1955 through 1976. Iron oxides are expected to continue in demand for traditional uses, and if anything, to be favorably affected by technological developments. Imports have been significant in relation to domestic production, most notably for synthetic oxides from West Germany and Canada.

Jan 1, 1978

By E. Fidler

A recent headline in the Wall Street Journal declared, "trendy management schemes very often fail." Many of the management techniques addressed in the accompanying article are associated with quality management including reengineering, benchmarking, total quality management, and employee empowerment. The article made the point that executives, employees, and customers who are involved in such programs rate the effectiveness of these programs very low, and the programs often fail. Yet, we all know of companies that have made significant advances in their operations using these same quality management practices. Why do a few succeed while many fail? History has shown that the companies that successfully carry out quality management programs have two things in common: 1) Strong leadership committed to the success of the program. 2) A comprehensive plan for carrying out and maintaining the program. Stated another way -the reason many companies fail is the lack of committed leaders and inadequate planning. It is ironic that the title of the Wall Street Journal article is "The Best Laid Plans."

Jan 1, 1994

By E. R. Mitchell

When we grow up in an urban environment and choose to become a part of a way of life, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the cost of this decision in terms of pollution. Explained in this article is our dependence on technology and the amount of pollution that technology produces. Inventories of air pollution on both a personal and a national basis are given so that the reader may judge the magnitude of the problem. In doing so, it is hoped that the reader will understand the need for a responsible attitude toward pollution by everyone and how he can make a personal contribution.

Jan 1, 1971

By Bertha R. Klahold

"In response to numerous inquiries regarding tests and analyses of minerals and related inorganic materials; Bureau of Mines Information Circular 6999, ""Laboratories That Make Fire Assays, Analyses, and Tests on Ores, Minerals, Metals and Other Inorganic Substances,"" by C. W. Davis and M. W. von Bernewitz, was published .in 1938 and revised in 1939 (I. C. 6999R). In this paper on analytical and testing laboratories, the original text has been rewritten and expanded, and a table has been added, in which are listed laboratories prepared to offer a number of special testing services in addition to ordinary assays and chemical analyses. The arrangement of laboratories on, a geographical basis has been maintained.This circular is compiled as a public service, and none of the laboratories listed herein is recommended over any other,These lists were compiled from questionnaires sent to organizations whose work is connected with mineral and metallurgical testing. The response in general was very satisfactory, and the author takes this opportunity to express her appreciation to the officers of the listed laboratories for their cooperation.Acknowledgment is also made of the valuable assistance of the members of the technical staff particularly Morris Slaving/ of the Eastern Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines at College Park, Md., in the preparation of the questionnaire and technical descriptions.Many mineral samples are sent to government agencies in the National Capital with the request that they be assayed or chemically analyzed. It should be emphasized that there is no place in Washington D. C. where assays and quantitative analyses are made for the public b the Federal Government.Virtually all of the States maintain a bureau of mines, a geological survey, or some similar organization, frequently at the State University, where minerals found by residents of the State will be identified free of charge. Usually, a charge is made for assays. Specific tests, as on clays, are made by some of these offices.The Federal Bureau of Mines, although it attempts to avoid duplication of services rendered by State Bureaus, is always glad to give advice as to prospective markets. It does not compete with private assayers and chemists, but with respect to samples sent to its field laboratories, it does offer to identify them as far as this can be done by inspection and simple optical and chemical tests. This examination is usually sufficient to indicate whether the material has commercial value, or at least if the expense of an assay would be warranted. Except in connection with its own technical investigations, no assays or other special tests are made by the Bureau of Mines.The Federal Geological Survey and the National Museum also make simple tests of specimens as a public service. Neither of these bureaus nor the Bureau of Mines, however, can afford to render such services on long suites of specimens submitted by mineral dealers, well drillers, or others, when such work can be done regularly by commercial concerns."

Oct 1, 1949

By P. O. Osifo, K. Premlall, X. Goso, R. H. Matjie, M. R. Mulaudzi, J. R. Bunt, K. Mphahlele

This study investigates the transformation of pyrolytic spent tyre-derived char and crumb rubber into high-performance activated carbon chars for industrial wastewater remediation. Utilising an in-house macro-thermogravimetric analysis system under an argon atmosphere, spent tyre-derived activated carbon char were synthesised via physical temperature activation and aqua regia demineralisation. Comprehensive characterisation using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, revealed a predominantly amorphous structure with nanoscale crystallites (~1 nm) and active surface functional groups. Proximate analysis confirmed that both crumb rubber and leached tyre crumb rubber with aqua regia derivatives achieved favourable compositions (ash ≈ 9.6%; fixed carbon ≈ 84%), comparable to commercial activated carbon (AC). At an optimal activation temperature of 850°C, the char of tyre crumb leached with aqua regia variant exhibited a significant surface area of 300 m²/g. Crucially, the tyre crumb char produced at 850°C variant developed a pore volume of 0.8 cm³/g—effectively doubling that of commercial activated carbon (0.4 cm³/g)—facilitating the sequestration of large organic molecules. In application tests using high-strength starch wastewater, char of tyre crumb leached with aqua regia and tyre crumb char, both produced at 850°C, achieved total organic carbon removal efficiencies of 60% and 50%, respectively, bridging the performance gap between waste-derived and commercial adsorbents. These findings validate waste tyres as a viable, low-cost precursor for industrial-grade adsorbents, offering a sustainable circular economy route for tyre valorisation and reduced industrial disposal costs. Future research will focus on kinetic modelling and the recovery of zinc from spent tyre-derived activated carbon char residues.

Mar 30, 2026

By S. J. Root

The mineral processing industry supplies raw materials to a wide variety of manufacturing sectors. Large companies such as Ford, Microsoft, and Johnson&Johnson have pledged carbon neutral supply chains in the coming decades, leaving suppliers to reevaluate their energy sources [1–3]. National Renewable Energy Lab [4] has partnered with over 700 organizations with similar goals in mind. The energy needs are broad in scope in the mineral processing industry. Generation IV of nuclear reactors, which is currently under development in both the private and public sector includes a class called microreactors like the small modular reactor XEnergy plans to install at Dow Chemical’s Gulf Coast facility by 2023 [5]. As the name implies, these are smaller than the utility scale nuclear power plants in operation today, and are intended to be more versatile. A specific reactor core design, along with modules could be selected to fit a certain application without needing to design a greenfield power plant. Basic water cooled designs could easily supply shaft work, electricity, and low grade process heat to a facility. More advanced designs, such as molten-salt-reactors and high-temperaturegas-reactors can achieve higher temperatures needed for ore roasting. Similarly, these reactors could produce hydrogen by high temperature electrolysis to use as combustion fuel and reducing atmosphere in blast furnaces.

Feb 1, 2023

By D Laurence, L Ge

This paper demonstrates use of remotely sensed imagery in promoting sustainable mining. Remote sensing technology can be used during all phases of a mining project û from evaluating the resource, to making extraction more cost-effective, through to monitoring, mine closure and remediation. Use of the new generation of satellite platforms with the capability of acquiring satellite data with higher spectral and spatial resolution have the capability to emerge as essential indicator for sustainable development in the minerals industry. A life cycle approach to satellite imagery is discussed. The use of an imagery of the site prior to mining activity establishes the environmental baseline, guides mitigation measures and eventual help in suggesting remediation. Remote imagery provides the cost-effective means of monitoring reclamation, including the growth of planted vegetation, of the mine site and surrounding area. The latest advancements in satellite remote sensing are highlighted to meet the newer challenges of sustainable mining practices. Some of the worldwide successful remote sensing applications for the measurement and evaluation of the sustainable development impact of mining operations are described. Presently available source of imagery and its comparative advantages and disadvantages are provided as a guide. Finally, the limitations of this tool are indicated.

Jan 1, 2009

By A. C. Butterworth

M OST operators of open-pit mines in the Lake Superior iron ore district are quite familiar with the use of fuel oil in the heavy-duty Diesel engines commonly used in truck-haulage service but some operators, including my own company, Pickands Mather, have had butane-engine trucks in service for several years, and less is known of their operation. One of the first installations of trucks for iron-ore haulage was in 1939 at a deep open-pit mine on the Cuyuna Range. These superseded standard-gauge steam haulage. Trucks then obtainable were equipped with 150-hp Diesel engines, and the speed of these units on an 8 % grade would have been so slow, considering the depth of the pit, that plans for an all-truck haul out of the pit were rejected. About this time one of the engine manufacturers brought out an auto-

Jan 1, 1948

By Gerald R. Smith

Because of continuing concerns regarding the effects of cumulative quantities of materials in the environment, the Bureau of Mines has initiated a series of studies to evaluate, to the fullest extent possible, all aspects of the materials flow sequence fur selected commodities. Although tungsten and its compounds do not pose a significant health hazard to the environment, they do represent valuable resource materials to which appropriate conservation considerations must be given. The present study includes a description of recent trends in the consumption, loss, and recycling of tungsten-containing materials in the United States during the period 1974 to 1991 and an estimation of the cumulative loss of tungsten to the environment since 1910. Obsolete tungsten is recycled primarily as cemented tungsten carbide components that have been used in cutting and wear-resistant applications. The quantity recycled, as a of annual U.S. consumption of tungsten, was estimated to have increased from 10% in 1974 to 341a in 1991. An estimated 58% of the 148,000 metric tons of primary tungsten consumed since 1910 was lost to the environment through means such as dissipation, discard, and dilution.

Jan 1, 1994