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By Svenson D

Most exploratory drilling in the N.S.W. coal fields has been conducted using convent- ional diamond drill rigs of modern design, us- ually truck or trailer mounted. Conventional diamond drill rigs have also been used exten- sively by the Queensland Department of Mines for coal exploration. However almost all of the exploratory drilling of surface mine coal prospects throughout Queensland has been conducted using rotary rigs typified by the Mayhew 1000 truck mounted unit. The rotary rig has proved capable of both rapid non-core drilling and core drilling with high core recoveries when modern core barrels have been used by experienced drillers. For deep or continuous core drilling, wire-line equipment is now in general use. Both wire-line and conventional coring is effected using stationary split inner tube barrels, for minimum core disturbance, maximum core recovery, ease and accuracy of logging and sub-sectional sampling. Diamond core bits are generally required in N.S.W., with water circu- lation. In Queensland, the generally softer coal measures strata can be successfully cored using tungsten carbide bits and air circulation is the preferred method where possible.

Jan 1, 1977

By B. A. Cheeseman, R. Skaggs, C. F. Yen, S. Wolf

Shallow buried explosives pose a significant threat to lightweight vehicles and their onboard personnel. To date, designers of lightweight vehicles are limited in their knowledge of what occurs during the blast. The high intensity, short term loading imparted by the explosion is enormously complex and can be significantly affected by a number of parameters including the size, shape, type, detonation point and depth of burial (DOB) of the explosive and the type, density and water content of the soil. Recent advancements in numerical simulations have enabled the complex blast event to be accurately modeled by coupling Eulerian and Lagrangian analyses: the former is well suited to modeling the blast and while the latter, the structural response. Further validation of the modeling technique is considered in the current paper, which details simulations performed utilizing the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian analysis to the study the blast output of explosives buried in saturated sand. These experiments varied explosive charge size, its depth of burial, the target stand-off (SO) distance and target plate dimension. The investigation concludes with a discussion of the accuracy of the numerical simulations when compared with the experimental observations.

Jan 1, 2005

By A. T. Yu

Two key components make up the core of a rapid excavation operation. They are: the breaking up of the rock and its removal. Owing to the complexity inherent in mechanical rock-breaking and the relative infancy of the art, for a number of years the first of these two components has received virtually undivided attention from the industry. Only recently has some concern been expressed about the technology and the economics of the much ignored second component: muck removal. As the continuous boring machine's percentage downtime continues to trend lower in the future, the need for adequate and more effective materials handling systems in rapid excavation will become increasingly more acute. (1) Recognition of the need for a broader and more far-sighted approach to our problem has been eloquently underscored in the conclusions of the Committee on Rapid Excavation sponsored by the National Research Council: "Ultimate attainment of the desired cost and speed improvements is significantly dependent on recognition of the excavation process as a system whose subsystems are critically inter-related. Substantial amounts of full-scale field testing of integrated driving, muck removal, and support subsystems are required." (2)

Jan 1, 1997

By Marcel Haffen, Jean Janin

The purpose of grouting is to modify the permeability and strength characteristics of the subsoil in such a way that the planned structure can be efficiently constructed at a given location. This technique, which originally underwent considerable development in the field of dams construction is constantly evolving and it becomes more and more important in urban zones of intensive underground development for projects such as transport tunnels, stations, car parks, ect. Grouting becomes more and more indispensable whatever the natural characteristics of that subsoil ; such is the case particularly when the planned work runs through cohesionless granular soils, usually water-bearing such as alluvium, sands, disturbed ground, fill material, etc. The selection of the grouting method and the extent of treatment required at depends on two fundamental factors. 1º) nature and behaviour of subsoil to be treated. There is no need to stress the necessary of a good knowledge of geotechnical, hydrological and chemical characteristics of the ground to be treated. At the present time the specialists in these fields have available numerous methods of analysis, either laboratory or field tests, which enable to evolve a suitable treatment.

Jan 1, 1997

By Marius R. Campbell

Every mining engineer who has engaged in prospecting for coal in flat-lying rocks understands the importance of constructing geological sections across the territory which he has to prospect. If the area is small and the time and means at his command are unlimited, he can construct such sections with the transit and level; but if the area is great and the examination hurried, as it frequently is, he will doubtless be puzzled how to proceed. Under this pressure of time and means, his work will probably be, to a great extent, devoid of any system, being simply a hap-hazard opening of such seams as show in outcrop at some point on the territory, without any determination of geologic structure or stratigraphic succession. Prospecting carried on in this manner is never satisfactory to the intelligent mining engineer, for he must realize that the information which he is able to furnish to his employer is totally inadequate to determine the economic value of the property. To the owner of the land such a report is no more satisfactory than to the engineer. Unless the latter can show both

Jan 1, 1897

By T. Ranki-Kilpinen

In the flash smelting technique, developed by Outokumpu Oyj, off-gases with dust load are directed into the heat recovery boiler (HRB). As the temperature decreases, metallic sulphates become thermodynamically stable. Sulphation of oxidic particles initiates. The release of heat causes an increase in particle temperatures, and soft sulphated particles can stick to the heat transfer surfaces. Dust accretion may form and cause operational problems. The objectives of the project are to study sulphation reaction mechanisms and kinetics of flue- dust particles under HRB conditions, and get more information for the flue-dust treatment possibilities. The sulphation behaviour of synthetic Cu2O particles (37-53 pm) was studied using a fluid-bed reactor of laboratory scale. The experimental parameters in the latest campaign were oxygen and sulphur dioxide contents of 2.5-10 vol-% 02 and 40-60 vol-% SO2 respectively and temperatures of 600-660°C. Samples were examined microscopically (SEM+EDS) and chemical analysis were conducted. The sulphation rate was found to have a maximum at the certain temperature, which was dependent on the gas SO2 content. Regardless of the level of SO2, a rise in oxygen content promoted sulphate formation.

Jan 1, 2002

By William H. Pailes, Vincent Castronova, Daniel Lewis, Norman L. Lapp, George Goodman

"INTRODCJCTIONAlveolar macrophages are free lung cells located on the surface of small airways and alveoli. These phagocytes play an important role in the protection of the lung against airborne bacteria and particles.1 However, hyperactivation of pulmonary phagocytes can lead to excessive secretion of enzymes and reactive oxygen species which could result in lung injury, emphysema, or fibrosis.2,3 Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage effluents for cell types and cellular activity has yielded information concerning the etiology of various pneumoconioses. For example, emphysema associated with inhalation of coal dust or cigarette smoke has been related to enhanced secretion of reactive oxygen species from alveolar macrophages.4-7 In contrast, hypoactivation of alveolar macrophages has been associated with inhalation of diesel particulates"" and has been related to increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection. s Inhalation of cotton dust has been associated with dramatic increases in lavagable polymorphonuclear leukocytes9 while pulmonary sarcoidosis and silicosis have been related with high numbers of lymphocytes in lavage effluentsl0,11The objective of the present study was to obtain lavage effluents from 8 control subjects, 8 healthy power plant workers exposed to fly ash, 1 healthy coal miner, and 1 rock driller with acute silicosis. These effluents were analyzed for total numbers of alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils and for secretory activity of alveolar macrophages. Data were then analyzed to determine what response patterns were characteristic for given dust exposures.METHODSSelection of SubjectsThe 8 control subjectS were all adult males from the area of Morgantown, WV. Two subjects among the controls had smoked cigarettes for approximately three pack-years and had stopped more than ten years ago. The 8 power plant :workers were all healthy adult male employees of a power facility in Hatfield, PA, approximately thirty miles from Morgantown. One of the power plant personnel was a comparable ex-smoker. The remaining subjects were all lifelong non-smokers. The coal miner was a healthy non-smoking male from Morgantown, WV. The rock driller was a patient under treatment with corticosteroids for acute silicosis. He had shown considerable clinical improvement with this treatment but still manifested significant radiologic and pulmonary functional abnonnalities at the time of lavage. The mean age of the 8 control subjects was 36 years (range: 31 to 49 years); the mean age of the remaining subjects studied was 38 years (range: 29 to 53 years)."

Jan 1, 1990

By Kym L. Morton

Ground water and associated pore pressure represent elements which can have a negative impact on surface mining and slope stability. Ground water flow and deformation within a slope influence each other. An increase in pore pressure will result in a decrease of effective stress; and conversely if the pore pressure decreases, the effective stress increases. Slope analysis and slope design calculations require good information on pore pressure distribution around an open pit excavation. Until recently very little pore pressure data was available and assumptions had to be used. Location and design of measuring points depend on geological and structural setting, geotechnical domains and practicality. Good planning and the use of sensitive point piezometers to measure in situ pore pressures means that real-time data can be collected and used for the construction of flow nets, the determination of pore pressure distribution around an open pit mine, the validation of the dewatering/depressurization requirements, the calculation of the efficiency of the dewatering system and finally the use of pore pressure data in slope stability analysis. The recommended layout for a monitoring system, types and design of piezometers, data collection and use of the pore pressure data are presented.

Jan 1, 2008

By T. S. Golosinski

Timely and efficient conversion from traditional to sustainable development of mineral resources requires that managers, engineers and other mineral industry professionals become familiar with the related techniques and methods. To fill this need the online Master of Engineering program has been developed at University of Missouri-Rolla. Designed primarily for mature students with an engineering or science background this program allows for specialization in several areas of sustainable development of earth resources. To accommodate mineral industry professionals working in remote locations all courses constituting the program can be taken online, without the need to attend the classes in person. The paper describes the program and discusses the experience gained during the first two years of program offering.

Jan 1, 2003

By West R

Since its introduction in 1989, the Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Code (the JORC Code or the Code) has been one of the success stories of the informational interface between the mining industry and investors. This is due variously to the user-friendly nature of the Code itself, to its practical approach to this complex subject, and to the way in which its requirements have been implemented in practice. Recognition of its utility and effectiveness has influenced a significant number of mining countries to re-assess their reporting standards with the positive outcome being that for the first time, a set of standard international definitions for reporting of mineral resources and reserves is a realistic possibility.

Jan 1, 1996

By S. Tiwary, S. Samanta, B. N. Pandey, N. C. Saxena, R. Sinha, B. P. Nandy, B. Singh

Subsidence investigations over one bord and pillar and one longwall caved panel at Dhemomain colliery showed that, although the width-depth ratio (0.82 and 0.83) and working and strata conditions were almost identical, the maximum subsidence over bord and pillar panel was 46.2 per cent of extraction thickness against only 6.9 per cent over longwall panel. The angle of draw was 13O to 210 and 66 to 95 per cent of the subsidence had taken place immediately after extraction. The subsidence profiles were not symmetrical and were of funnel like shape. There was wide variation in subsidence movements over caved faces in India mainly due to difference in the composition of supercumbent strata.

Jan 1, 1983

By James S. Graham

Marine design and construction methods are presented on the caisson foundations for the tower piers at the Brooklyn, Ben Franklin, Delaware Memorial 1st, Tappan Zee, Walt Whitman, Throgs Neck, Verrazano Narrows, Delaware Memorial 2nd, and Newport Bridges. All of the bridges are founded on caissons, bearing on bedrock, soil, or piling. Caissons at the Tappan Zee Bridge are partially supported by piling and partially by buoyant forces. General subsurface conditions for each are provided. The purpose of this paper is inform engineers how bridge foundations using caissons were built over major waterways in the Northeastern USA in the past, anticipating a surge of new bridge construction in the near future.

Jan 1, 2005

By Dunlop GA

Pilot Plant confirmatory testing of the treatment route developed in the Metallurgical Laboratory is an essential factor in the development of complex ore bodies. Objectives should be well defined to permit the efficient planning and cost effective operation of the pilot plant project. The primary objective for the pilot plant should be to confirm the viability of the developed flowsheet on a continuous basis, examining only major variables such as ore types, quantum changes in grind, comparison between bulk and sequential flotation circuits, use of flotation columns, evaluation of autogenous grinding and production of samples of concentrates for market evaluation. Secondary objectives may include the collection of engineering design data and the production of a comprehensive report to Bankable Document standards to provide technical support for capital financing. The complexity of the ore body and the scale of the final operating project together with the pilot plant objectives will determine the extent of the pilot plant operations. The level of expenditure associated with a pilot plant can vary, in total cost and as a percentage of the total development capital investment required to take the prospect from exploration to a producing mine. Factors contributing to expenditure are discussed. Associated with cost considerations is the level of confidence mining company investors can have that their capital investment will return dividends.

Jan 1, 1990

By Noel N. Moebs

Studies by the Bureau of Mines have identified geologic structures in mine roof rock that contribute to many roof falls in Appalachian coal mines. These structures, including paleochannels, scours, pinchouts, slickensides, clay veins, crevasse splays, and joints, can often be identified during, and sometimes before, mine development. Mine projections can be revised to reduce the adverse effects of discontinuitites in roof structure; large roof areas of laminated sandstone or incompetent strata generally can be delineated or inferred from exploratory drill hole data, and the need for supplementary support can be anticipated. Accurate descriptions of roof geology also provide some indication of optimum length and type of roof bolts that should be installed.

Jan 1, 1981

By Ralph H. Sweetser

IN the recent world-wide deflation of commodity prices the coal industry, including both anthracite and bituminous coal, had reached a level where the actual delivered market prices received by the operators were usually less than the cost of production. Many steel companies and public utilities, operating their own "captive" mines, could have bought coal during the past three years for less money than the true cost of coal produced at their own properties. Competition within the coal industry itself was cruel to the point of profitless operation, and the competition of other forms of fuel was bearing heavily on the coal producers. They were thus forced into methods of production and utilization that they had hitherto ignored; there had been almost complete absence of any appreciation (by the bituminous operators especially) of the necessity of real research work in finding better methods of preparing coal for specific uses, and in finding new and profitable uses for different kinds and grades of coal.

Jan 1, 1933

By Braithwaite J. C

A brief summary is given of the applications of geochemistry on two areas in North West Nelson. It has been found to be an effective method for reconnaissance prospecting. Its particular advantage lies in areas which due to thick bush cover or ru

Jan 1, 1980

By Arch J. Alexander

This paper is a resume of a study undertaken by the West Virginia Department of Mines. The underlying and direct causes of accidents are determined in each occupational group. Then from this study, accident prevention courses, visual and written, are to be taken to the various working groups in the mines.

Jan 9, 1950

By William M. Clark

In 1988, the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) launched Responsible Care®, a program of guiding principles created to address the publics' concern about the manufacture and use of chemicals. The Product Stewardship Management Practice code is a key component of the program. Along with the other five comple­mentary codes - Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER), Pollution Prevention, Employee Health and Safety, Process Safety, and Distribution - it has been initiated to protect the health and safety of member companies employees, neighbors, customers, the public and the environment. Possibly no other Management Code requires greater collec­tive effort or comprehensive commitment to implement than Product Stewardship. With its mandated cradle-to-grave control, every employee is required to consider all of the potential cir­cumstances involving product and processes, from raw material supply to customers final use or consumption of product. Degussa Corporation, a long time CMA member, fully endors­es the Responsible Care initiative and is most active in imple­menting the various codes. In fact, the guiding principles of the program are an integral part of the company's business strategy. Degussa recognizes that its long-term success and the health of each of its products, the company and the chemical industry itself, is contingent on the successful implementation of the program. Furthermore, the company believes its role in society and the economy can only be justified and sustained if it improves the overall quality of peoples' lives. Consequently, it is a dictum that Degussa products must provide a net benefit over their entire life cycle - from inception to final disposal - both in terms of their utility and their impact on health, safety and the environment.

Jan 1, 1998

By C. W. Spencer, F. N. Rhines, R. J. Knight

Ametallographic study has been made of the peritectoid transformation as it occurs in two Ag-A1 alloys, containing 6.0 and 6.9 wt pct Al, respectively. After equilibrating at 475°C, these alloys were transformed isothermally just below the peritectoid temperature which lies at about 450°C.1-3 Peritectoid transformation in this alloy system consists in the reaction of a and 5 to form µ. The crystal structures of the a, µ, and 5 phases have been determined as face-centered-cubic, 6 manganese, and hexagonal-close-packed, respectively. At the peritectoid temperature their equilibrium compositions are approximately 5.85, 7.02, and 7.24 wt pct (19.92, 23.2, and 23.8 atomic pct) aluminum."" The transformation might be expected to occur principally at the interface between the a and 5, but such is not the case. Instead, the major part of the transformation occurs by the direct (and perhaps initially diffusionless) conversion of 5 to µ. The composition range of the forming µ nearly overlaps that of the parent at the temperature of transformation" so that little, if any, composition change is required. Transformation proceeds by the nucleation of µ at points upon the external surface of the sample and sweeps through the 5 phase, leaving the a initially almost undisturbed. Subsequently, the a phase participates in the transformation by being partly or totally converted to µ. Specimens approximately 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/16 in. were cut from cast ingots, previously equilibrated 68 hr at 588°C. The specimens were held for 3 hr at

Jan 1, 1958

By C. F. Cornell, R. C. Emmett, D. A. Dahlstrom

FOR many years the disk-type and cloth-covered drum filters have found widest application in liquid-solids separation, which uses continuous filters. The disk type is less expensive, occupies less floor space per square foot of filtration area, and re- quires negligible down time for filter media changing. However, because filter cloth is billowed out by the blowback in the cake discharge, it is very short-lived if the scraper blades are set too close. Consequently cake weight is very important in assisting cake discharge, which normally necessitates a minimum cake thickness of 3/8 to ½ in. Also, the vertical position of the disks eliminates the possibility of efficient cake washing for removal of soluble values. The disk-type filter is generally limited, therefore, to applications that require no cake washing and form relatively thick cakes within the normal range of filter cycle times. The conventional cloth-covered drum filter is a more flexible unit, permitting wider variation in the percentage of cycle time devoted to cake formation, dewatering, or washing, as required by the application. Thinner filter cakes can be discharged be- cause a horizontal line across the filter medium at the location of the scraper blade is equidistant from the edge of the blade at all points. The scraper blade therefore may be set a short distance from the filter medium or, where wire winding is not used, a floating scraper can be utilized so that the contour of the cloth can be followed. The drum filter is generally employed when there are difficult filtering slurries with resultant thin cakes or when cake washing to recover soluble values must be practiced.

Jan 2, 1958