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By M. E. Orman

Many factors must be considered when designing a heap leach pad. Geotechnical properties of the ore, can and will affect how well an ore leaches, the solution recovery, stability of the heap, and settlement. As a heap is stacked some of these properties will change due to the increased load. In order to properly design a heap these properties should be determined beforehand so that the heap performs as intended.

Jan 1, 1997

This paper evaluates the effect of longwall mining on a cluster of unconventional shale gas wells located in a district barrier pillar between a current longwall panel and the future panel north of the barrier pillar. A cluster of 19 unconventional shale gas wells have been drilled and 5 additional gas wells have been proposed in the barrier pillar. The closest gas well is 25.6 m (84 ft) to the current panel tailgate and 26.2 m (86 ft) to the tailgate of the future panel north of the barrier pillar. The rib-to-rib width of the barrier pillar is 57.9 m (190 ft). The distance between the two gas wells across the barrier pillar is 6.1 m (20 ft). The pillars in the current tailgate are on 22.9-m (75-ft) and 32.0-m (105-ft) centers, and the pillars in the tailgate of the panel north of the barrier will be on 22.9-m (75- ft) and 36.6-m (120-ft) centers. The two longwall panels adjacent to the barrier pillar are 475.5-m (1,560-ft) wide. The overburden depth at the shale gas well site is 321.6 m (1,055 ft). The wells have been installed in the barrier pillar, and the current district panel and subsequently the panel north of the barrier will be developed and retreated in the near future. The average min

Jan 7, 2020

By James F. McConnell

Federal and State sulfur oxide emission and ambient air quality regulations have been implemented to fulfill the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970. Primary and secondary air quality standards have been established at levels considered necessary to assure the protection of the health and welfare of the public. Standards of performance under this Act have been established to control the rate of sulfur oxide emissions from individual sources so as to protect and to improve the quality of the Nation's air. The new source standards of performance were made rigorous for large coal burning stationary sources. This has had a severe impact on the electric utilities that operate the coal fired steam electric plants which are the largest consumers of the Nation's coal production. States have taken different approaches in State Implementation Plans (SIPS) as approved by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, have chosen to permit moderate SO2 emission rates from existing sources which are not in critical air basins. All are required to meet primary and secondary air quality standards and to limit sulfur oxide emissions from new large stationary sources to a minimum of 1.2 LBS of S02/MMBTU fired. This re- quires a fuel sulfur percentage of about 0.7 for a 12,000 BTU/lb coal. In an effort to develop strategies and technologies to conform to performance standards while continuing and hopefully expanding the utilization of the Nation's coal supply, the electric utilities, the Federal and State regulatory agencies, and other industries and government agencies are considering several alternatives. 1. Natural low sulfur coal 2. Flue gas desulfurization - (FGD) non-regenerative and regenerative 3. Coal gasification 4. Liquefaction and solvent refined coal 5. Fluidized bed combustion 6. Chemical coal cleaning 7. Physical coal cleaning Of these options, only the first and the last can be considered to be widely used in full commercial practice at this time. FGD has certainly demonstrated technical and operating feasibility and is close to being in full commercial practice but it remains to be seen if the large systems under construction are economically and environmentally optimum.

Jan 1, 1975

Rest potential, cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements were made to study the effects of cathodic polarization of chalcopyrite simulating the mineral contacted with grinding media under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction products on the chalcopyrite surface were identified by XPS and the mechanism of the cathodic reaction was proposed. Micro-flotation tests were performed to investigate the effects of surface changes on the floatability of chalcopyrite.

Jan 1, 1991

By Felicia F. Peng

Using granular media for removal of soluble manganese from mine water and industry waste stream has the advantage of forming a compact surface layer of manganese oxide coating on the media. This process can avoid the step involving the separation of voluminous sludge of manganese hydroxide by the high-pH method for soluble manganese removal. The removal of soluble manganese is accomplished by adsorption and oxidation. The adsorption of Mn(II) on the manganese oxide-coated media was rapid through the specific adsorption and may be due to the ion exchange of hydroxyl ions on the manganese oxide by Mn(II). In the subsequent step, the adsorbed Mn(II) form the intermediate manganese complex on the manganese oxide product is oxidized with dissolved oxygen or other available oxidant source in the aqueous solution. This paper presents the efficiency of removal of soluble manganese from mine water by using a laboratory fluidized bed and the recovery of manganese oxide coating on the anthracite coal particles. In order to accelerate the formation of the manganese oxide layer on the surface of anthracite media, dilute potassium permanganate solution is used as an active oxidant. The effects of operation parameters on the manganese removal including pH, flow rate, concentration of feed and oxidant dosage are evaluated.

Jan 1, 1996

By C. B. Henderson

The development of slurries of coal and water as a boiler fuel replacing No. 6 fuel oil has been actively pursued at the Atlantic Research Corporation since 1976. Funding for this effort has been provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Electric Power Research Institute, and by corporate funds. The name ARC-COALTM has been selected for these slurries. Stable coal-water slurries with bone-dry coal loadings between 62% and 77% have been prepared, evaluated rheologically, and successfully burned in an experimental furnace without the assistance of other fuels. The advantages and properties of these slurries, including combustion results, are reviewed. Also discussed is the pilot line used for processing barrel quantities of fuel and a pilot plant capable of processing 600 bbl/day, currently being designed.

Jan 1, 1982

By Kristin K. Mueller, Lucie Coudert, Thi Yen Chau Nguyen, Lan Huong Tran, Jean‑François Blais, Guy Mercier

Fluorite (calcium fluoride—CaF2), also known as fluorspar, is an industrial mineral used in metallurgy, hydrofluoric acid production, and ceramics manufacturing. Based on the results from a previous study, a low-grade fluorspar by-product (20.0% CaF2) originating from the exploitation of a rare earth carbonatite deposit can be improved to 75.4% by combining magnetic separation and acid leaching. The present research aimed to develop and optimize a column flotation process to increase the purity of this fluorspar by-product by removing residual silicate minerals and meeting the requirements for ceramic manufacturing (> 85% CaF2). The optimal flotation conditions required for maximizing the recovery and improving the grade of a fluorspar by-product were identified using a conventional approach combined with a response surface methodology (Box-Behnken design). Optimal fluorspar flotation was achieved under the following conditions: 3.6 g/kg of sodium oleate as the collector, 2 g/kg of sodium silicate as the pH modifier and depressant, a conditioning time of 35 min, a flotation time of 7 min, and a solid-to-liquid ratio (S/L) of the pulp of 5%. Under these conditions, 86.8% fluorspar recovery was achieved, and the grade increased from 76.5% in the feed (metallurgical grade) to 88.6% (ceramic grade) in the final concentrate. The silicon content decreased from 5.66% in the feed to 1.12% in the fluorspar concentrate. Using magnetic separation before the flotation improves the final content of fluorspar in the concentrate with the final grade of 94.4%.

Sep 9, 2022

By Ray Brainard

Treated effluent from the Clean Water Coalition (CWC) member agencies is currently discharged at an annual average rate of 6,570 l/s into the Las Vegas Wash, and is increasing annually. As the effluent flow increases, the nutrient loading of the treated effluent will approach the maximum limits allowed under the current regulations. To manage this flow while maintaining water quality in Lake Mead, the CWC is implementing a 44-km-long conveyance system. This paper discusses the geological and geotechnical aspects of the 13.4-km-long tunneled section through the River Mountains and their effect on design. The tunnel alignment traverses a heterogeneous package of volcanic and sedimentary rocks exhibiting widely variable rock conditions.

Jan 1, 2008

By Robert A. Clifton

It seems probable that more and more minerals will be used in plastics as time goes on. This must occur because the minerals will; aid in processability, enhance the engineering properties, reduce the cost, and above all conserve large amounts of petroleum based chemicals. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of using the minerals and the ability of the domestic minerals industry to support this possibly very large undertaking. In the author's opinion, it can. This talk is excerpted from a forthcoming Bureau of Mines Information Circular.

Jan 1, 1985

By Frank P. Frandina

The Heartland Corridor Clearance Improvement Project is part of a regional Public-Private initiative to allow double stack container trains a direct route from the Port of Norfolk through Virginia, West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and into Central Ohio. The project involves clearance improvements to twenty-eight tunnels, twenty-one of which require structural modification. With construction of the first Package of tunnels just underway at press time, this paper summarizes the program implementation from design through the initial stages of construction.

Jan 1, 2008

By Richard Hanke

Tunnel construction on the Brightwater Conveyance System?s East and Central contracts required ground modifications of the existing site soils, comprised of sandy alluvium to very dense glacial till, to assist with both hand-mined and TBM tunneling operations at vertical access shafts. The ground modification program was completed with a modified double fluid jet grouting system to construct continuous overlapping soilcrete columns to depths up to 94-ft below existing grade. This paper presents the sequence and methodology for the ground modification work and capabilities of jet grouting for structural support and groundwater control in the challenging soil profile present at the Brightwater Conveyance System Project.

Jan 1, 2008

By Frank A. Jerabek

Problems of mine backfilling and fill material deposited underground, the characteristics and relationship between the deposited fill material and overlying ground, and the practical applications and limitations of hydraulic backfilling as ground support are discussed. A great variety of materials ranging from coal washery refuse to concentrator tailings is used as hydraulic fill. Some materials will solidify and cement; others will resemble quicksand, Hydraulic fill as ground support is more efficient in inclined mine openings than in horizontal mine openings, where it cannot be placed tightly to the back. This and other deficiencies of hydraulic backfilling led to the development of pneumatic stowing. Research work in hydraulic backfilling at the Pennsylvania State University is also discussed. This research work includes the investigation of segregation in the discharged fill slurry, the quantity of solids escaping in the drain liquid, the relationship of escaping solids to slurry concentration and discharge rate, and the compressibility of fine fill material.

Jan 1, 1965

By Meng Li, Hao Nie, Weitian Ding, Mamdouh Omran, Ying Li, Yao Ge, Yaowei Yu, Abourehab Hammam, Lei Zan

This study examines the isothermal and non-isothermal reduction behaviors of iron ore compacts in a pure hydrogen atmosphere and compares the results obtained during the reduction process by CO. The different phases accompanying the reduction reactions were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and its morphology was microscopically examined. In isothermal experiments, temperature plays a significant role in the reduction process. At any given temperature, the reduction rate during the initial stages is higher than that during the final stages. The reduction rate in H2 atmosphere was faster than in CO gas. The comparison of activation energy values suggested that reduction with H2 is more efficient thanwith CO. At the same temperature, the time required to achieve a certain degree of reduction was lower when using H2 gas than CO atmosphere. In non-isothermal tests, the heating rate has a significant effect on the reduction rate and reduction extent. At the same heating rate, the degree of reduction was higher in H2 atmosphere than in CO gas. Based on experimental data, the parameters of reaction kinetics were deduced by application of model-free and model-fitting methods. The reduction in H2 atmosphere was controlled by nucleation model (Avrami-Erofeev model), while the CO reduction reaction was controlled by gas diffusion.

Sep 29, 2020

By Ken E. Baylis

Current over-capacity in coal production provides assured and relatively low-cost supplies to coal importers. At the same time, it is of serious concern to coal producers who invested considerable sums in the expectation that overseas demand would continue to grow rapidly. This paper assesses the reserves available for export, the export facilities, the coal supplies which can be put through them, and the market prospects for the future. It assumes, rightly or wrongly, that there will be no major and prolonged disruptions in supply from any major sources of coal. COAL RESERVES FOR EXPORT Economically recoverable reserves in the non-communist world amount to about 470 billion tonnes. These are sufficient to sustain current production levels of 2 billion tonnes a year for 235 years.

Jan 1, 1984

By E. W. Sawyer

Gelling-grade attapulgite and sepiolite clays are employed as thickening agents for the preparation of ionically contaminated drilling fluids where the use of fresh water clays are unfeasible or impossible. Attapulgite and sepiolite are nonswelling clays that can be dispersed and reflocculated by mechanical and chemical means to increase the viscosity of fresh water, salt containing waters, gypsum contaminated waters and fluids containing cement. Such gelled systems are quite stable in viscosity properties and can be further treated with other necessary additives such as thinners, water loss reducers, weighting agents, surfactants, etc. Many of the oil well drilling fluid practices have influenced such technologies as water well drilling, foundation drilling and waste disposal. The use of salt water gelling clays in these fields will be described and compared to oil well drilling.

Jan 1, 1986

By B. A. Hillman

Silicon is the second most abundant element on earth, exceeded only by oxygen. Silicon dioxide forms a crystalline structure of repeating SiO2 molecules which form characteristically hard, durable crystals. As a result, crystalline silica is Ubiquitous in the crustal rocks, sediments and the mineral products derived from mining. An examination of the history of studies that identify silica as a human and animal carcinogen is presented in the context of the development of a public health policy in California. The implications for the cost of conducting aggregate and other mining operations in the state are discussed.

Jan 1, 1992

By Milton Hood

The Copper Flat Property is located approximately 6 miles NE of the small town of Hillsboro in Sierra County, N. M. (Fig. 1). Hillsboro was the center of considerable mining activity in the late 1800's and early 1900's following the discover, of gold bearing vein deposits and later discovery of, placer gold along the east slopes of the Animas Hills. The Copper Flat orebody is a porphyry type deposit occurring in a small quartz monzonite porphyry stock that has intruded the center of a circular andesite plug (Fig. 2). The primary ore mineral is chalcopyrite. By-product values are contained in gold, silver and molybdenum.

Jan 1, 1983

By T. J. Loyd

The capabilities of the analog computer, the Mine Ventilation Simulator, installed at WHA's Safety and Health Technology Center in Denver, Colorado, are discussed. General opera- ting procedures are described showing how a mine model is produced, and how the model can subsequently be modified to produce a solution to a mine ventilation problem. A sample problem is included to illustrate the technique. The important role the Mine Ventilation Simulator plays in ventilation training is discussed, including experiences with the education of students at the Colorado School of Mines. This paper includes a summary of some of the advantages and disadvantages of the analog technique and suggests some design criteria for application to future development of analog computers, based on experience gained with the Mine Ventilation Simulator.

Jan 1, 1984

By B. Pesic

This is an extension of the work on recovery of silver and manganese from Ag-Mn ores, and recovery of silver and gallium from flue dust from phosphate industry. Carbon adsorption was considered as the most adequate method for recovery of silver from thiourea leach solutions. For this reason it was decided to examine the characteristics of adsorption of silver on activated carbon. Coconut hard shell activated carbon was used for this study. Ag(TU)2C1 complex was dissolved into thiourea solution to give 2 gpl stock solution. Thy studied parameters were: loading isotherms at 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C, initial kinetics as a function of thiourea concentration, temperature, pH, N2, and O2. It was found that the loading capacity of carbon for silver and thiourea was 137-150 mg/g and 514 mg/g, respectively, at 25 °C.

Jan 1, 1986

By T. W. Camm

The Bureau of Mines conducts studies of the economic impacts of regulations on federal lands. These studies are part of the Bureau Potential Supply Analysis (PSA) program. To meet the needs of these studies, a methodology was developed to estimate operating and capital costs for a mineral deposit given its tonnage, grade, and depth. The format for the cost models in this study was developed at the Bureau's Western Field Operations Center (WFOC), Spokane, W. A., for studies of known and undiscovered resources on Federal lands. These cost models are described in a Bureau publication by Camm (1991).

Jan 1, 1993