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By J. A. Cole

The mill project at Lone Tree was commissioned in October, 1993, followed by the commissioning of the autoclave pressure oxidation circuit in February, 1994. Discussion of the first year of milling operations at Lone Tree is presented. The mill is currently operating above the design rate of 2,267 mt/d (2,500 st/d). Both phases of the start-up were essentially trouble free. The few problems that were encountered and the respective solutions are addressed.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. H. Sheerin

Remotely located in the jungle near mount Puncak Jaya [16,500 ft (5,030 my), Irian Jaya, Indonesia rests Freeport's Indonesian copper mining operation. Shortly after start up of Freeport's copper concentrator in 1972, lower than estimated throughput was experienced within the crushing circuit. Within one year, Freeport had successfully engineered a solution, and was operating a 5,500 dmtpd wet screening circuit. Today, after 19 years of successful wet screening expansion and operation, the concentrator processes 57,000 dmtpd.

Jan 1, 1993

By Andrzej M. Wala

A knowledge of the friction factor (K-factor) is necessary in planning and designing mine ventilation systems for least cost and highest effectiveness. The friction factor used must be accurate and reliable for correct estimation of airway resistances. At present, the friction factors are determined by using tables of published values. These values were established principally for metal-mine openings having small effective areas. This presents a problem to the ventilation design engineer whose responsibilities center around the design of effective ventilation systems for large room-and- pillar mechanized underground coal mines. Friction factors selected from these tables could be excessively conservative for large scale room-and- pillar operations. With only limited data on the K-factor (which are considerably site dependent) for Kentucky's coal mines and for all the above mentioned reasons, it was concluded that there is a need for field investigations to determine these values in-situ for existing mining conditions in Kentucky. The author describe the study carried out in ten coal mines located in eastern and western Kentucky and present the results of the investigation in both tabular and graphical form.

Jan 1, 1991

By J. A. Procarione

Introduction Ventilation engineers have always felt somewhat uneasy when, in the normal course of their work, they are forced to consider the flow in any mine entry as "wholly rough." Under such conditions in pipes, friction factor is no longer a function of Reynolds' number. This assumption serves to simplify the problem and overcome an evident lack of information concerning the variability of K-factors. During the summer of 1985, a unique opportunity to investigate the reaction of friction factor to changing flow rates presented itself. A Utah coal mine was temporarily directing a substantial airflow through a single entry. By regulating the quantity, it would be possible to obtain a wide range of Reynolds' numbers in an entry composed of two distinct coal thicknesses. This paper describes the conducted study. The theory covering basic fluid flows in pipes that led to the questioning of constant K-factor is presented first. Experimental procedures are then described, including the use of a view camera in determining entry area and perimeter. Finally, a discussion of the observed variations in friction factor versus Reynolds' number is given. Changes of 34% and 45% in K-factor were seen in this study for the two entry heights. The implications of ignoring the relationship in this case and a call for an expanded research effort are also presented. Theory Since a gas is a fluid, the general principles of fluid mechanics are equally applicable to airflow in a mine entry as they are to the flow of water in a pipe. The Darcy equation is, therefore, equally applicable to pressure drop calculations in both situations. This famous formula was originally derived for use in circular cross sections and may be modified for any other shape by the use of hydraulic radius (defined as the area divided by the "wetted" perimeter). The Darcy equation relates the physical parameters of the pipe (diameter, length, and resistance to flow) and fluid velocity to the energy needed to create the flow. A study by Nikuradse (1933) brought to light the suspected dependency of the friction factor term in the Darcy equation upon Reynolds' number. By performing a large number of laboratory experiments, he established some basic concepts upon which other researchers built. Chief among these contributors was Colebrook (1939). Using commercial-grade pipe, he established an empirical relationship between Darcy's friction factor and Reynolds' number that is still in use today. If Colebrook's system of equations is plotted on log-log paper (as was done by Moody, 1944), the curves have some very distinct features. Of importance to the subject at hand is the relative response of friction factor to Reynolds' number at a given relative roughness. Simply stated, a pipe can appear to be either smooth or rough, depending on the flow conditions. As the Reynolds' number increases, the friction factor decreases at a decreasing rate until it becomes nearly a constant value. At this point, the flow is said to be "wholly rough." It is upon this condition that many traditional ventilation solution methods depend. For calculating pressure drops in a mine entry, Atkinson's equation is much more popular than the Darcy equation. Both of these formulas describe the same phenomenon and so have similar forms and functions. The K-factor in the Atkinson equation is equivalent to the Darcy friction factor and can be related by simply changing units, equating the pressure drops, and canceling like terms. A generalized form of this relationship is presented below as equation 1. K = yf/28,800g = [q]f/28,800 (1) where K is Atkinson's friction factor in kg/m3 (lb - min2/ft4), Y is the specific volume in Nt/m3 (lb per cu ft), p is the fluid density in kg/m3 (slugs per cu ft), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2 or 32.2 fpsz), and f is Darcy's friction factor, which is unitless. The objective behind Eq. 1 is to show the strong correlation between K and f. Since these two quantities differ only by a constant (q]/28,000), the assumed independence of K-factor and Reynolds' number is suspect in light of the known response of f. Unfortunately, the formulation does not provide information concerning the actual relationship, as entry geometry likely plays a major role in the response curve. Only an indirect indication that such a relationship might exist is provided. Previous work on this subject was performed by Thomas Falkie (1958). The study involved a laboratory model composed of sections of straight, steel duct and a range of Reynolds' numbers from 15,610 to 137,200. Results from this work show a variation in friction factor with Reynolds' number in much the same way as it was found to vary in pipes. Over the range of velocities examined, a decrease of approximately 38% in K-factor was observed. This previous experience provides additional incentives to investigate the phenomenon under field conditions. Past model studies done at the University of Utah by Ozukurt (1945), Biron (1944), and Greenhalgh (1942) present similar evidence of this variability. More recently, Kharkar's (1974) study of coal mine friction factors contains similar indications that K-factor is not constant in all situations. Taken together, the data

Jan 1, 1988

By Ali Yalçin

The study area is located in the NW of Uluborlu (Isparta). Massive limestones and alluvial deposits form the lithological units of the study area. The average thickness of the alluvium deposit consisting mainly of light brown - red colored and fine grained clastic sediments which derived from the limestone is about 10 meters. The aim of this study to investigate the uses of this alluvial sediments as tile - brick material. For this aim, disturbed and undisturbed samples have been taken from different depths in the alluvial deposits. Mineralogical compositions have been determined by XRD and major oxide contents by XRF. Laboratory experiments have been carried out to determine the technological properties of the samples. The selected major oxide contents of samples vary between A12O3 (24.6 - 24.12 wt %), CaO (0.76 - 4.27 wt %), Fe2O3 (10.21 - 10.29 wt %), MgO2 (1.25 - 1.51 wt %). CaCO3 and MgCO3 values calculated from the geochemical analyses, are between 1.55 - 1.62 and 2.62 - 3.17 respectively. The ratios of grain size of the samples are 82 % for < 0.2 mm and 5 % for > 3 mm. Geochemical analyses and technological features of the samples indicate that these fine grained sediments of alluvial deposit are suitable in terms of uses as tile - brick material. The potential reserve of this tile - brick material has been determined as 40 million tones.

Jan 1, 2005

By Haydn H. Murray

Since the advent of machine coated paper in the mid 1930&apos;s, the kaolin industry has had a remarkable growth, In 1935 the domestic production of kaolin was 500, 000 tons and in 1970 the estimated production was in excess of 3. 5 million tons. The process industries which use kaolin most extensively are paper, rubber, paint, ceramics, plastics, catalyst manufacturers, ink, and pharmaceutical. The paper industry is by far the largest consumer of kaolin using approximately 70 per cent of the total tonnage mined and beneficiated. Up until 1970 the major kaolin producers were able to expand rapidly enough to supply the demand but for the first time in thirty years the demand is expected to be in excess of mining and beneficiation capacity through at least 1975. The major reason for this is the expansion of coated paper production in Europe and Japan. Two areas supply the lion&apos;s share of kaolin for the world markets. These are the Cornwall area in extreme southwestern England and a limited area of Georgia and South Carolina in the southeastern U. S. The English kaolins are primary - (found in decomposed granite) whereas the Georgia-South Carolina kaolins are secondary - (found in lenticular, continuous beds in the Tuscaloosa formation of Cretaceous age. ) The English kaolins are mined by hydraulic methods whereas the Georgia-South Carolina kaolins are mined by dragline or shovel and benefidated by using a wet process for the majority of the production and/or a dry

Jan 1, 1971

By Wade W. Bristol

The Jerritt Canyon Joint Venture project is located about 80 km (50 miles) north of Elko, NV. It produces approximately 9.3 t/a (300,000 oz/year) of gold. The joint venture is 70% owned by Independence Mining and 30% by Meridian Gold. Independence Mining is the operator. The Jerritt Canyon Joint Venture started operations in 1980 by mining a series of open-pit mines. The discovery of deeper ores during early 1990s made it neccessary for the operation to mine a large portion of its annual production by underground mining methods. Underground production started in 1993 at the West Generator Mine. This was followed by the Murray Mine in late 1994. Two additional underground projects are being developed. Underground mining at Jerritt Canyon is scheduled to produce about 3.9 t (128,000 oz) in 1997.

Jan 1, 1997

By T. M. Plouf, G. A. Lang

INTRODUCTION The finding or acquisition of ore bodies containing 200,000 opt gold and greater is becoming more difficult. There are more investors and small heap leach operators who have or can raise the capital to make the investments in the large ore bodies. Echo Bay Mines&apos; approach has been to regionally develop small ore bodies, two or three in the same geographic location, which when considered together contain over 200,000 opt gold. CONCEPT The "world class" ore body syndrome, which many large gold producing companies maintain, can restrict company growth if the finding or acquisition of these large ore bodies is not forthcoming. Another approach has been taken by Echo Bay Mines. The concept is to regionally develop two or three small ore bodies suitable for processing with portable equipment. The systematic scheduling of mining, processing with a single flexible processing plant using the same management/ operator team can reduce your overall investment. The initial selection of mining and crushing equipment suitable for sun11 open pit operations is essential. A very viable option in the mining sequence is to use contract mining/crushing/screening/agglomerating and stacking. This option also lowers your initial capital investment and increases the flexibility in mining as you move from one mining operation to another. LOCATION AND SEQUENCING One single small ore body of itself is not attractive enough for the large producer. The recovery of the initial capital investment, although very rapid, does not make a viable project. The only alternative is to find two or more small ore bodies close enough geographically to each other so that the same management/operator team can be used to run the operations as each is put into operation. Echo Bay Mines has regionally located several ore bodies ranging in recoverable ounces up to 100,000 oz. These small separate ore bodies, located within a 30-mile radius of each other, for planning purposes have been considered as one single ore body. The first small ore body has the initial burden to recover the capital invested in the office, laboratory, power plant and processing plant. Other capital investments such as water supply, access and haul road, fencing, septic system, pads and ponds are reoccurring at each mine site. The first small ore body must recover the initial capital investment in the movable structures as well as the reoccurring capital investment in the fixed structures very rapidly. A total capital recovery time of 6 to 9 months should be used as an economic decision point for both choosing which small ore body should be processed first, and what the plant design capability should be. The sequencing of the small mines is very critical. All the fixed structures mentioned above must be installed at the second mine site before the first mine has been mined out. The ideal sequencing will allow for only one month between shutdown of the first small mine and production from the second. SPECIFIC OPERATION Echo Bay Mines has completed the construction of the Illipah Mine located in White Pine County, Nevada, with this small mine sequence approach. The Illipah Mine is a 40,000 ounce recoverable gold ore body. This ore body met all the necessary requirements. The Illipah project could support the capital investment in the movable structures which will

Jan 1, 1987

By H. L. Monroe

Meramec Mining Company, owned 50% by St. Joseph Lead Company and 50% by Bethlehem Steel Corporation,- is engaged in the mining, concentrating and pelletizing of iron ore from the Pea Ridge Mine which is located in the rugged, wooded Missouri Ozarks about 15 miles from the town of Sullivan or 75 miles southwest of St. Louis. The orebody was delineated in the middle 1950&apos;s by the St. Joseph Lead Company during the Company&apos;s intensive exploration program to discover new lead orebodies to replace the declining reserves of the famous Southeast Missouri Lead Belt. An airborne magnetometer survey was run by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Missouri Survey and several mining companies, (of which St. Joseph Lead Company was the principal supporter). The survey was published in 1950 and disclosed an anomaly in the vicinity of Pea Ridge. In 1950 test drill holes disclosed that under some 1300 feet of sediments there did exist an iron deposit of probable commercial significance. No further action was taken until 1956 when additional drill holes confirmed beyond reasonable-doubt-that this was a major iron ore discovery.

Jan 1, 1965

By Stephen D. Schwochow

Aggregate producers nationwide well recognize the numerous problems often faced in securing local approval to open and operate new gravel pits and rock quarries. Similar problems are faced in Colorado, but this region also presents certain political, social, and geological complexities that have become particularly troublesome in the last 10 years. The gravity of the local permitting dilemma can be related directly to the worsening supply-demand imbalance for aggregates in the state&apos;s most populated area, the Front Range urban corridor, particularly the Denver metropolitan area. The drive to develop crushed-rock reserves to supplement dwindling alluvial supplies and to meet increasing regional growth demands was somewhat predictable but perhaps more a "last resort" alternative forced onto producers by a hesitant and often apathetic government.

Jan 1, 1982

By G. T. Lineberry

There is a critical need for effective instructional materials at the university level and for an upgrading of mine safety and health in the mining engineering curriculum. A fundamental approach to mine safety and health is recast into the familiar 3 E&apos;s: engineering, education, and enforcement, in that order. Each is briefly reviewed and their interdependence emphasized. A unique philosophy for successfully integrating safety and health principles into the mining engineering curriculum is offered. The concept of textbook ?tailoring? is discussed and defended, permitting rapid assemblage and synthesis of existing educational materials. Final recommendations are made for a u, comprehensive approach to mine safety and health education in the undergraduate curriculum.

Jan 1, 1987

By J. P. Gliddon

Since 1980 a number of significant changes have been introduced at Palabora in an effort to off-set the effects of reduced product price and increased unit cost of inputs. These changes and improvements include major equipment rationalization programs, the introduction of trolley assisted truck haulage, adoption of a sophisticated computerized truck control system, pit design enhancements, improved drilling practices, use of emulsion explosives and the installation of an in-pit crushing and conveying system. The various changes, their effect on the operation and their contribution to cost reduction and improved productivity at Palabora are considered.

Jan 1, 1987

By W. H. Renison

This paper will discuss the operation and maintenance of Molycorp&apos;s Quests Mine ore conveyor system. The 1.2 m wide, steel cable-reinforced conveyor belts are capable of transporting 1089 kt/h of ore over a belt line distance of 3124 m with a vertical rise of 518 m. A portion of the conveyor runs in a 2057 m long underground decline on a 10° slope. Six 448 kW motors power the main 1.2 m wide belts.

Jan 1, 1984

By Nicole R. Henderson

Many mining engineering graduates enter the mining industry lacking training in mine emergency management. As a result, mining universities in the United Sates and other countries are beginning to form volunteer student mine rescue teams to train mining engineering students in handling mine emergency situations and give them hands-on experience managing potential emergency scenarios underground. In the early 1980s, the Missouri University of Science and Technology developed the first collegiate mine rescue team in the United States. For approximately 30 years, it was the only successful collegiate team until the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) started its program in 2009. Currently, there are at least five collegiate teams in the United States and one in Canada. At the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology in Germany, the goal is to adapt the Colorado School of Mines Mine Rescue Program to develop a collegiate team of its own. Currently, mining engineering students cover the theoretical basics of mine rescue in an occupational health and safety lecture and take a basic, one-day mine rescue training course at the Central Mine Rescue Station in Leipzig. The course covers the basic mine rescue topics and gives students the opportunity to experience working in elevated heat and smoke conditions while wearing breathing apparatus. This training gives students a small insight into the importance of mine rescue and mine emergency management. Collegiate mine rescue teaches students the importance of mine rescue and mine safety by giving them hands-on learning experiences before entering the mining industry.

Feb 1, 2014

By John W. Stevenson, Ted L. Sartain

Underground booster fan installations are currently employed in hundreds of coal mines throughout the world. Such installations, when properly designed and maintained, have proven to be safe and effective tools to provide desirable airflow volumes on sections or in areas of mines where the ventilation requirements exceed the capacity of the main fan system. In cases where an airshaft cannot be justified due to surface topography, depth of cover, or limited reserves a booster fan can serve the same purpose, be operational in a fraction of the time and at a substantially reduced cost. Booster fans are currently non-existent in U.S. coal mines. This is primarily due to lack of acceptance by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which has failed to acknowledge the merits of a booster fan system. Also, the absence of booster fan provisions in Part 75 of the federal regulations has led to the misconception that booster fans are legally prohibited in U.S. coal mines. In 1986, Jim Walter Resources, Inc. (JWR) developed and submitted to MSHA a plan to install and operate an underground booster fan at the No. 7 Mine. Detailed computer simulations were used to substantiate JWR1s position, that the booster fan could effectively provide the needed airflow on a developing section without adversely affecting ventilation in other areas of the mine. JWR also realized that numerous safeguards and operating procedures were essential for providing a safe system. Thus, safety features such as electrical interlocking, independent power supply, remote atmospheric monitoring, etc., were incorporated into the plan. This paper is a case-study that discusses JWR&apos;s proposed plan to install and operate an underground booster fan at No. 7 Mine. Unfortunately, MSHA&apos;s continued negative response has prevented implementation of the plan.

Jan 1, 1989

While there have always been mining activities on the outcrops of the copper deposits around Tsumeb, large scale mining activities in Namibia only started in colonial times. Originally focusing on the known deposits, the then German Geological Survey and independent geologists soon discovered significant deposits all over the country. This eventually lead to intensive mining operations all over the country on copper, gold, diamonds, fluorspar and finally uranium. Ever since those days, mining has been one of the major economical factors of Namibia?s development, as shown in picture 1. In the Central Namib Desert mining on base metals started in 1901, and first uranium deposits were discovered as soon as 1910, later followed by others, this did, however, not lead to any mining activities on those uranium deposits in the following decades. [ ] The upswing in the use of nuclear energy in the 1960s and early 1970s triggered some extensive uranium exploration worldwide and also in Namibia. Several airborne radiometric overviews were conducted by the Geological Survey at this stage and eventually the first uranium mine was commissioned in 1976. In the following three decades, the focus of prospecting activities in Namibia shifted away from uranium again. However, since 2000 the forecast for a developing and growing global economy and its even stronger growing energy demand have triggered a large number of nuclear energy projects worldwide, thus increasing the installed nuclear energy generation capacity from 387 GW today to more than 490 GW in 2025.

Jan 1, 2011

By Ronald Allum

Underground copper mining at Magma Copper Company&apos;s San Manuel Mine has been un going since 1955. The block caving mine has been producing copper ore at the rate of over 16 million tons per year. Depressed market conditions during the 1980&apos;s forced Magma to look at new technology. Late in 1984, Magma began testing new equipment and mining methods at the underground mine at San Manuel, Arizona. The tests resulted in a move towards mechanized production using new procedures and equipment. The goal was to increase efficiency and cut costs through mechanization.

Jan 1, 1988

By Ken A. Phillips

Like the Arizona jeans commercial says: Arizona&apos;s not just a state, its a state of mines. Nearly 300 mines operate in Arizona making it the largest nonfuel mining state in the nation. Although copper is king in Arizona&apos;s mineral complex, nonmetallic minerals play important roles both regionally and nationally. Throughout Arizona&apos;s mineral resource development history industrial minerals have dominated over the metals for most, but not recent years. The State&apos;s metal mining industry which makes Arizona the number one mining state in the United States is a relatively young phenomenon. Arizona was an important industrial mineral producer long before her metal mining industry got started. Salt, phosphates, silicates, and oxides as food additives, tanning chemicals, gemstones, components of aboriginal ordnance, pigments, and construction materials are among the minerals produced long before copper, gold, silver, and the other metals became important. Around 92 % of Arizona&apos;s mineral industry is made up of nonfuel minerals, 86 % of that is accounted for by copper. Another 4 % is taken up by copper byproducts of molybdenum, silver, and gold. The remaining 10% of the production is occupied by non-fuel, non-metallic minerals. Arizona&apos;s 1994 industrial mineral production of nearly $380 million ranks us among the top 25 in the nation and higher than the total mineral production of at least 15 states.

Jan 1, 1996

By David R. Delling

Introduction In 1967, Tenneco acquired Kern County Land Co. The primary reason for the acquisition was to obtain Kern&apos;s agricultural, manufacturing, and oil interests. Included in the Kern portfolio were the core of Tenneco&apos;s present sodium leases in Sweetwater County, WY. This lease base has been ex¬panded and now consists of 62 km2 (24 sq miles). Beneath this property lies more than 500 Mt (550 million st) of economic trona ore. Following the Kern acquisition, Tenneco continued exploration and feasibility studies concerning the trona leases. The effort was accelerated in 1976. Tenneco was attracted to trona because of the favorable lease position it held, the growth rate of the Wyoming industry during the 1960s and 1970s, and the prospects for a long-term, stable business enterprise. The reserve picture was certainly attractive to a company long accustomed to the never-ending struggle to replace oil and gas reserves. In 1978, Wyoming was a boom area that had experienced rapid growth for a number of years. Unemployment was very low and vacant housing nonexistent. The prospects for soda ash were somewhat different in the 1970s than now. But it was recognized even then that a new producer would have a challenging task to compete in this business. Tenneco knew the capital burden required to build a grassroots facility during inflationary time, would have to be offset elsewhere Since labor and energy are the dominant direct costs in mining trona and producing soda ash these factors have always received a great deal of attention. Contracting and permits Environmental monitoring on the site began in late 1977. With the already mentioned considerations in mind, engineering began by mid-1978. Brown & Root Inc. was selected as the general contractor for the project. S. A. Scott & Co. was the engineering subcontractor for the mine shafts, hoists, ventilation system, and miscellaneous mine facilities. Frontier-Kemper was awarded the contract for sinking the two mine shafts. Acquisition of numerous federal, state, and local permits occupied all of 1978 and 1979. The Wyoming Industrial Siting Permit, which addresses socioeconomic issues, drew the most public interest. Siting issues were all satisfactorily resolved by negotiating reasonable stipulations with various local governmental units, school districts, and the like. Site location The Green River project location is not truly remote. It is located within 5 km (3 miles) of Interstate 80 and only about 32 km (20 miles) west of the city of Green River. Nevertheless, a substantial investment had to be made in communication and utility links to the site. These included: • A 14-km (8.5-mile) rail spur connecting with the Union Pacific Railroad at Bryan, WY. This spur has four bridge structures including one crossing Interstate 80. Most soda ash is shipped by rail, and coal is received over this line as well. • A paved 5-km (3-mile) roadway connecting to Interstate 80. • A powerline extension of about 27 km (16.5 miles), along with two new substations. • A 24-km (15-mile) waterline connecting the plant to a pump station on the Green River. The site is located on gently sloping terrain at an elevation of about 2.1 km (6800 ft). Ground conditions are good for construction. Weathered bedrock lies near the surface in most places. Geology The general geology of the Green River Basin has been well described previously. Tenneco&apos;s ore is in several superimposed evaporate beds. But the bulk of it is present in Bed 17, located about 457 m

Jan 10, 1985

By R. J. Reuss

The ore at this new underground operation is a massive sulfide breccia with high copper values. A major highway and electric transmission line pass directly over the near-surface orebodv. The mining method being used is undercut and fill. A continuous miner together with a single boom, hydraulic jumbo is used for the mining. Backfill is a weakly cemented sand-gravel mixture that is pneumatically placed. The ore is treated by conventional crushing, milling and flotation.

Jan 1, 1992