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The Interior Department's Bureau of Mines is the Federal Government's primary research arm in the mineral and fossil-fuel fields. In accordance with its Organic Act of 1910, the Bureau's responsibilities have been reinforced since the passage of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, and the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970. The 1966 and 1969 acts deal specifically with the development of safe working conditions and a healthful working environment for those engaged in the mining industry, while the third sets the national policy as follows: " ... to foster and encourage private enterprise in (l) the development of economically sound and stable domestic mining, minerals, metal, and mineral reclamation industries; (2) the orderly and economic development of domestic mineral resources, reserves, and reclamation of metals and minerals to help assure satisfaction of industrial security, and environmental needs; (3) mining, mineral, and metallurgical research, including the use and recycling of scrap to promote the wise and efficient use of our natural and reclaimable mineral resources, and (4) the study and development of [ ]

Jan 1, 1972

By Paul C. Turner

In 1998, approximately 57,000 tons of titanium metal was consumed in the form of mill products (1). Only about 5% of the 4 million tons of titanium minerals consumed each year is used to produce titanium metal, with the remainder primarily used to produce titanium dioxide pigment. Titanium metal production is primarily based on the direct chlorination of rutile to produce titanium tetrachloride, which is then reduced to metal using the Kroll magnesium reduction process. The use of titanium is tied to its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Aerospace is the largest application for titanium, and titanium cost has prevented its use in non-aerospace applications including the automotive and heavy vehicle industries.

Jan 1, 2001

By Terrence J. Stobbe

The authors investigated the nature, cause and treatment of 234 back injuries which occurred in 156 different situations in underground coal mines. A detailed interview was conducted with each injured miner as 137 variables were explored to provide a complete picture of the injury scenario. The miners worked at 23 mines in six states. An important finding of the study was that sudden movement, which occurred in 527 of the injuries, is a more frequent factor than heavy lifting in causing hack injuries. Along with sudden movement, other major injury causing factors were equipment seat design, lifting, cable handling, and slips/trips. No significant differences were found between the injury scenarios associated with lost time and non-lost time injuries; thus, both sets of scenarios should he used in doe loping back injury control strategies. Medical treatment and rehabilitation varied in content and quality. Dialogue between the medical, rehabilitation and mining communities is needed to develop an effective treatment strategy. Back injury control related training was found to be inadequate in most mines. Mine specific training for physical stress recognition and potential sudden torte release should he added to the training currently given. Based on the information collected in this study, recommendations were made regarding equipment design, mechanical assists and procedures for material handling, training, etc., which, if implemented, will assist in reducing the frequency of back injuries in underground coal mining.

Jan 1, 1989

By Wilbur L. Webb

This publication reports on the design, fabrication and test of an Improved methane monitor system for compliance to 30CFR75.313. The system will Initiate automatic shutdown of mining machinery when excessive concentrations of methane are encountered. The prime consideration: In the design were small size, Improved accuracy and reliability, fast response and a transient resistant power supply capable of reliable operation from any mine power source. The power supply contains an internal battery that provides operating power to the detection system prior to mining machine start-up or after machine shutdown. This report documents the development program from conception through in-mine testing.

Jan 1, 1978

This summary of State laws on explosives was compiled primarily to ascertain what subjects relating to their control have been acted upon by each State legislature and, in general, how they have been treated. It does not include any legislation passed after 1942, or any proclamations, regulations, or administrative orders. It does not purport or attempt to be authoritative. If any problem arises involving interpretation of the statutes of any particular State, the original source must be consulted for the exact words used by the legislature. This summary, however, will be useful in determining whether relevant statutes exist and in locating them quickly, with a minimum of effort. It will be of value also in comparing statutes in one State with similar statutes in other States to determine what construction has been placed upon them by the courts of those jurisdictions or to contrast the varying provisions of many States upon a single subject. To make these comparisons easier, the statutory provisions for each State have been grouped under several major topics in outline form. Although

Jan 1, 1943

By W. R. Chambers

A wide variety of mining conditions exists within the South Midlands Area and across this range of conditions more than one half of the mines are highly susceptible to spontaneous combustion. Two thick seams in which the greatest risk exists are described and illustrated. The different heatings which take place are categorized by the locations at which they occur in the mines: additional special cases not easily categorized by location are discussed separately. The discussion for each category of heating follows the pattern of: (i) the reasons why it occurs; (ii) when it arises the means by which it is fought, and (iii) the preventive measures taken in an attempt to avoid its occurrence. Relatively new factors which may affect the incidence of heatings are highlighted and suggestions are made which may assist in reducing the number of incidents in the Area. A new method of continuous sampling, analysis and recording is described and mention made of an original method of interpreting carbon monoxide results with the aid of the computer. The first results from this work show that an early warning is given of an adverse change in trend several weeks earlier than with the present methods. Lastly, suggestions are made about the direction in which research might proceed to assist in reducing the special hazards created by several features inherent in the present methods of mining.

May 23, 1905

By D. A. Hayman, J. D. Steenkamp, G. M. Denton

Design of furnace containment systems can be based on one of two design philosophies: Insulating or conductive lining designs. In insulating lining designs, management of the compatibility between refractory materials and process materials (typically liquid metal and/or slag) is an important criterion for furnace design, and an important process parameter to control during furnace operation. In conductive lining designs, management of the integrity of the layer of frozen material (freeze lining) on the interface between the liquid process material, and the refractory lining, is important. For example in ferrochromium production, both lining design philosophies are applied. The work presented here discusses the significance of lining design philosophy in the context of ferrochromium production.

Mar 1, 2017

The Canadian concept for nuclear fuel waste disposal is being assessed by AECL Research in a series of experiments at its Underground Research Laboratory (URL) near Lac du Bonnet. Manitoba, Canada. As pan of this research, the Mine-by Experiment has been designed to obtain information on rock mass behavior, the development of an excavation-induced damage zone and failure mechanisms around a circular bored tunnel. An iterative design approach was used to effectively reconcile the experiment objectives and construction logistics. This paper discusses the design considerations and construction methodology adopted on the project.

Jan 1, 1991

By L. Ozdemir

An investigation was made to determine the mechanical properties of oil shale at elevated temperatures and confining pressures, the thermal properties at elevated temperatures, and to provide mathematical models for mine design for in situ oil shale retorting. A review of current activity in in situ retorting is included with a comprehensive list of references. Tests were run at temperatures from 20°C to 500°C and confining pressures to 1500 psi with shale of 10 to 30 gallons per ton. A major loss of strength occured in heating 140°C with a partial regain from 380°C to 500°C. Higher grade shale had lower compressive strength. Elastic properties showed large variations. Brazilian tensile strength showed a similar temperature sensitivity as the compressive strength. Equations were developed for each property in terms of grade, temperature and pressure. Thermal, electrical and acoustical properties showed anomalies through the temperature range. Creep is a major factor in overall deformation of heated shale. Oil shale was found to be an excellent insulator. Loss of pillar support area at 800 hours of heating would be about 10 percent. Good correlation was found between a finite element model using the developed properties and an in situ heater test.

Jan 1, 1981

By L. A. Eros

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and Western Fuels Utah, Inc. entered into an agreement to plan, install, and evaluate a micro-computer based monitoring and control system at Deserado Mine, an underground coal mine. The U.S. Bureau of Hines contracted the Colorado School of Mines (CSN) to independently evaluate the project. CSM evaluated and documented costs, benefits, problems, and management and labor perceptions in this report. Recommendations are provided for mine operators and monitoring system vendors considering future installations.

Jan 1, 1986

A compilation of papers presented at The Second WVU Conference on Coal Mine E1ectrotechnology in Morgantown, West Virginia on June 12 -14, 1974. Papers cover areas of electric power, electronic communications, detection and location of trapped miners, and electronic sensors and monitoring systems.

Jan 1, 1974

By Peter J. Nicholson

The methods of reinforcement to be discussed in this paper are all insitu methods, ones that can be used on the soil structure as it exists in the ground, and do not rely on excavation and replacement of the soil. Current practice in the United States, as well as new ideas and methods, will be discussed as they relate to slope stability, retaining walls, and to other uses such as control of mine or cavity related subsidence and to liquefaction control under existing structures. The method is based on the concept of "nailing" or reinforcing the soil in place, and thereby causing a mass of soil to act as a coherent unit. When performed properly, a true gravity structure can be constructed, one that will remain intact under both horizontal and vertical loadings and that will also resist vibrational and seismic loadings.

Jan 1, 1991

Jan 1, 1900

By A. Lackner

Using the CFD software package FIRE, the smelting process inside a cyclone reactor is modelled. The fluid flow is calculated 3 dim., using different turbulence models. The effects of design parameters (length and diameter of the cyclone, concentrate feeding tangentially or from the top,..) and operating conditions are investigated. Single particle traces illustrate how to increase particle retention time before the particles reach the liquid film flowing down the cyclone wall. Moreover a two phase flow approach is developed, based on the "Discrete Droplet Model". The position, velocity, diameter and temperature of each reacting particle is described. The results show the advantages of top concentrate feeding, large height/width ratio of the tuyeres and increasing number of tangentially gas inlets.

Jan 1, 1995

This Bureau of Mines report and its companion report (Information Circular 9142) have been prepared to assist in the preparation of prefeasibility type estimates for capital and operating costs of beneficiation of various types of mineral occurrences using current technology. The handbook provides a convenient costing procedure based on the summation of the costs for the unit processes required in any particular mining or mineral processing operation. The costing handbook consists of a series of costing sections, each corresponding to a specific mineral processing unit process. Contained within each section is the methodology to estimate either the capital or operating cost for that unit process. The unit process sections may be used to generate, in January 1984 dollars, costs through the use of either costing curves or formulae representing the prevailing technology. The mineral processing handbook includes individual cost estimation sections for unit operations associated with comminution, beneficiation, solid-liquid separation, hydrometallurgy, and special applications as well as infrastructure and plant general and administrative costs. When using this system for estimating cost data for a mineral processing facility or for checking or verifying processing costs from an existing facility, a minimum amount of background information is necessary.

Jan 1, 1987

By Benjamin W. Haynes

This Bureau of Mines publication comprises a compilation of the state of the science in Pacific Ocean manganese nodule mineralogy and elermental composition. The report is divided into three sections: morphology, mineralogy and elemental composition. The nodule morphology section defines what is considered a nodule for the study, and details the external characteristics and internal structure. Nodule mineralogy is discussed in three sections: manganese minerals, iron oxide minerals, and accessory minerals. The major manganese minerals discussed are todorokite, birnessite, and vernadite. The iron oxide minerals are less well known and include feroxyhyte, goethite, and lepidocrocite. Accessory minerals present include quartz, clays, and other silicates and nonsilicates. A discussion on moisture content is also included. The elemental composition section presents data on 74 elements occurring as cations or anions. Summary data, histograms, and interelement correlation coefficients are presented. The elements are grouped as follows: major and minor elements of potential economic interest (8), other major and minor elements (9), elements of environmental interest (8), rare-earth elements (15), precious-metal-group elements (6), radioactive elements (3), other trace elements (17), and anion-forming elements (8). Cross sectional determinations of Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, Pb, Fe, Ce, and Ba are given for a single nodule to show the general tendency of different growth patterns within a nodule because of different element associations and composition.

Jan 1, 1982

By J. O. Marsden

This paper presents an overview of the innovative methods for gold and silver extraction that have been put into actual practice in North America since 1987. It is an update of a paper of the same title which was presented by Sass and Mansanti at the AMC conference in San Francisco in 1987. New practices, new equipment and variations of older practices that have been introduced in the last five years are discussed in each of the following categories: process selection trends, comminution, gravity concentration, flotation, oxidation, agitated and vat leaching, heap leaching, solution concentration and purification, zinc precipitation, electrowinning, tailings disposal detoxification, and reclamation.

Jan 1, 1993

By G. B. Shea

Among the many engineering problems directly related to conservation in the petroleum industry, that of crude-oil emulsions continues to be important. Emulsions of water and oil always have constituted one of the most serious forms of waste in the oil fields, and the necessity of dehydrating emulsified crude petroleum to obtain marketable or pipe-line oil confronts operators in many fields with a major operating problem. In 1926 the Bureau of Mines published a comprehensive treatise s on oil-field emulsions dealing with field conditions, practical methods of dehydration, and physicochemical characteristics of the formation and resolution of emulsions. Although this bulletin is still available and may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C., and although its contents are a valuable reference on the subject of emulsions, knowledge regarding the physical properties of emulsions and the phenomena of dehydration has increased greatly within the last decade. With the information gained through continued scientific research, substantial improvements have been made in the art of resolving petroleum emulsions. Moreover, in recent years there has been a growing realization of the importance of emulsion-preventive measures that has led to more critical examination of the causes of emulsions and methods of eliminating or at least reducing the degree of emulsification. Conditions causing agitation and commingling of oil and water and the formation of "cut oil" often are within the control of the producer, thereby making it possible to utilize preventive or remedial measures by which emulsification may be minimized or avoided. In fact, many companies have materially reduced their treating costs as a result of careful studies in emulsion prevention and proper handling of "wet" production. Of course, in many instances preventive measures or the correction of conditions causing emulsification cannot be achieved practically or economically, and the emulsions that form must be treated regardless of the care exercised or the money spent in attempting to prevent their formation.

Jan 1, 1939

By Ali Hafiz, Aidin Golrokh, Tom Iseley, Kaz Tabrizi, Saleh Behbahani

In the USA many highway tunnels were built during the 1930s through 1960s. This indicates that these tunnels have exceeded their intended design service life. Based on the initial tunnel inventory conducted jointly by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), more than 526 highway tunnels have been identified in the USA. For understanding the condition of the tunnels and risks associated with deteriorating conditions, comprehensive condition assessments are necessary to mitigate risk and remediate works as required. Monitoring the condition and rate of deterioration of tunnels is vital for timely tunnel maintenance and rehabilitation to avoid sudden tunnel collapse. This session will explain the necessary steps for tunnel inspection and review some of the state of the practice information on tunnel inspection techniques.

Jun 13, 2023

By A. Yaghini, Y. Pourrahimian

"Human factors (HFs) play an important role in the mining and mineral industry, affecting operational and maintenance efficiency and safety. Despite the introduction of new technologies and automation in this sector, it is well known that a significantly large proportion of total human errors occur during the operation and maintenance phase. A comprehensive literature review of HFs across several industries is provided. From this review, the impact of HFs on operation and maintenance is summarized, with a focus on what the mining industry is currently doing and what opportunities exist for additional improvements. Future research directions and themes are also identified.RÉSUMÉ Les facteurs humains (FH) jouent un rôle important dans l’industrie des mines et des minéraux, en ce qu’ils affectent l’efficacité et la sécurité de l’exploitation et de l’entretien. Malgré l’apparition de nouvelles technologies et de l’automatisation dans ce secteur, il est bien connu qu’une grande partie des erreurs humaines (EH) se produisent durant une phase d’exploitation et d’entretien. Cet article propose une analyse documentaire approfondie des FH dans plusieurs secteurs. L’impact des FH sur l’exploitation et l’entretien est résumé à partir de cette analyse, une attention particulière étant accordée à l’évolution de l’industrie minière et aux possibilités d’améliorer davantage ses activités. Sont également identifiés les futurs thèmes et voies de recherche.INTRODUCTIONDuring the past several decades, the mining industry has focused on improving equipment, machinery, and methods that have led to more advanced hardware and software, equipment with higher reliability and productivity, and other technological advancements. These actions have improved safety and productivity and have reduced casualties and maintenance workload. Although today’s mining equipment and machinery are technologically advanced and highly reliable, the risk of accidents is still relatively high and key performance indicators have not improved significantly compared to other industries (Sorensen, 2012). A prominent reason could be due to insignificant integration of human factors (HFs) as part of planning, operation, and maintenance activities. The current mining system is a people system, and inevitably HFs and human error (HE) figure prominently in all aspects of this industry. Even the most advanced technologies and innovations require operators and maintainers with significant knowledge and skill, which could increase the potential for HE."

Jan 1, 2018