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In the examination of an undeveloped prospect a decision must be arrived at from an inspection of the outcrops and the exposures in a few shallow pits. Prospects that are offered for sale rarely expose any important quantity of good ore, work having usually been stopped when the immediate exploration no longer yielded favorable results. It should be borne in mind, furthermore, that a great majority of prospects have been examined many times, and if of conspicuous promise, would have been acquired-for development. In most cases the problem for the engineer, therefore, is to discover the traces of a valuable mineralization that has disappeared through solution, or the conditions that indicate the possibility, or probability, of underlying secondary enrichments. The available data being meager, every feature should be the subject of careful study-the condition of the outcrop, the structural relationships, the associations of minerals, the alterations of wall rocks, the chances for underlying enrichments, and so forth, as well as the actual assay value of the material exposed. It is frequently advisable to spend the time and money necessary to have trenches dug at various significant points along a promising outcrop; such exposures, even if the depth attained is slight, often disclose conditions that are not apparent at the actual surface, as for example, the existence of soft minerals and the distribution of the various minerals through the mass of the deposit. Trenches also permit samples to be taken from points that were not accessible during former examinations. Strong, persistent outcrops of uniform width may be taken to indicate the probable size and character of the underlying vein,

Jan 1, 1932

By Avnulf Muan, Egil Aukrust

The activity-composition curve for cobalt oxide in (Co,Fe)304 solid solutions with spinel-type stmcture has been determined experimentally by studying the equilibrium between the spinel phase and a coexisting cobaltowüstite phase, "(Co,Fe)O", at 1200°C. A large negative deviation from ideal behavior prevails in the spinel at low cobalt oxide concentrations and a positive deviation at high cobalt oxide concentrations. The activity-composition curve for iron oxide in the solid solution is determined from the above curve by integvation of the Gibbs-Duhem equation along the join Co3O4,-Fe3O4. The standard free energy of formation of cobalt ferrite, CoFe2O4, from the oxide components CoO and Fe2O3 is calculated to be -8.2 kcal. ThERMODYNAMIC properties of (CO,Mn)3O4 solid solutions with spinel-type structure have been presented recently.' The present paper deals with similar relations in another spinel solid-solution phase, that represented by the system Co3O4-Fe3O4. The principles involved in measurements and calculations of thermodynamic properties for the system Co3O4-Fe3O4 are analogous to those used and discussed in detail in the work on (CO,Mn)3O4. A (CO,Fe)3O4 solid solution coexists in equilibrium with a (Co.Fe)Ot solid solution over a considerable Here acOo1.33 and aao are the activities of cobalt oxide in the spinel and the oxide solid solutions, respectively, pO2, is the oxygen pressure of equilibration, and pb, is the oxygen pressure at which CoO and CosO4 coexist in equilibrium in the binary system Co-O at the same temperature. The activity-com position curve for cobalt oxide in the (Co,Fe)O solid solution in contact with metal has been determined in a previous investigation by the present authors.' The system shows a small positive deviation from linear behavior. Because of the large defect concentration in wiistite and in (Co,Fe)O solid solutions, one cannot assume that the activity-composition relations in the oxide phase coexisting with a spinel phase at relatively high oxygen pressures are the same as those prevailing in the oxide solid solution coexisting with metal. However, a Gibbs-Duhem integration over the ternary Co-Fe-0 solution can be used to determine activities of cobalt and iron, and hence of CoO and FeO, from a knowledge of the oxygen potentials. Several papers have dealt with the subject of application of the Gibbs-Duhem equation to multi-component systems. 3-6 In the present case, it was

Jan 1, 1964

By Kenneth C. Vincent, A. M. Gaudin

In a study1 of the action of amyl xan-thate on chalcocite in water suspension, it was found that if the xanthate is added in relatively large quantity the xanthate group can be accounted for in three forms: (1) as xanthate ion remaining in water, (2) as benzene-soluble cuprous xanthate on the chalcocite, (3) as a benzene-insoluble coating on the chalcocite. Reduction in the amount of xanthate added leads to disappearance of form I then of form 2. With minute quantities of added xanthate, substantially all the reagent is of the "unleachable" kind. Yet this unleach-able xanthate can be dissolved by pyridine to form a soluble cuprous xanthate complex, and it is sufficient in effectiveness to make chalcocite flotable even if insufficient in quantity to form a complete mono-molecular film on the mineral. In that study it was also found that chalcocite abstracts cuprous xanthate from benzene so1ution, in what may (or may not) be a case of molecular adsorption. It seemed desirable, therefore, to study further the "unleachable" xanthate on the chalcocite, and particularly to ascertain whether it is formed as a result of the benzene leach or is actually formed during the conditioning of chalcocite in aqueous xanthate solution. A 'splendid tool to make such studies has recently been perfected; that is, the use of radioactive spies or tracer atoms. With this tool, it was thought possible to answer the problem stated above, but, unfortunately, this did not prove to be true. Answer to the flotation question was clouded by the existence of rapid and selective diffusion of copper atoms in the solid mineral—a phenomenon that was totally unexpected yet remains interesting and perhaps important. Method of Radioactive Spies The method of radioactive spies is discussed in many places. Two convenient references are the article by Evans2 and the book by pollard and Davidson.3 The method was first developed by van Hevesy and paneth in 1013, when only natural radioactive isotopes were available. These isotopes are few in number, and so the method remained limited in scope. Recently the synthesis of over 350 active isotopes of all the known stable chemical elements4 has opened widely expanded possibilities for the method, A fundamental tenet of the method is that a radioactive atom and a nonradio-active atom are exactly alike until disintegration of the radioactive atom. Then, by its sudden death, the spy reveals its location. The relative abundance of spies at various locations makes it possible to ascertain the relative abundance of the corresponding nonradioactive atoms at the same times and locations. A second fundamental tenet of the method of radioactive tracers is that the radioactivity lies in the nucleus of the atom: transfer of radioactivity from one

Jan 1, 1947

By Robert J. Anderson

DURing the past 5 years no subject has aroused more interest or received more attention among mill operators than flotation. One reason for this is, undoubtedly, the remarkable success of the process in Australia where that country has risen to the position of furnishing one-fifth of the world's supply of zinc. The plant of the Butte & Superior Copper Co., designed by James M. Hyde in 1912, was the first important large flotation plant in this country; other installations have been made since then with considerable frequency, particularly so in the last 2 years. Without going into complete detail, it may be safely said that although flotation is a highly successful commercial process, it is more or less on an empirical basis. Upon scanning the literature, it is found that the flotation investigations have, in the main, dealt with a solution of the problems which accrue to practise; until recently no attempt was made to remove the difficulties in the way of the formulation of a consistent and harmonious theory. Of late this phase of the work has been receiving considerable attention, particularly by the United States Bureau of Mines at its Salt Lake City station, by the Mellon Institute at Pittsburgh, by the General Engineering Co. at Salt Lake City, by many of the mining schools, and private individuals almost ad infinitum. There is, at present, an enormous amount of laboratory work being carried on in flotation research, and probably the time is not far away when a generally acceptable explanation of flotation phenomena can be set forth. However, at this time, it seems as though the current technology is befogged with a superabundance of contradictory evidence; this confusion can only be dispelled as time proceeds and the knowledge of the subject becomes more complete. Many phenomena are supposed to contribute to the flotation of minerals, whether in whole or in part is a mooted question. I shall only sketch roughly the present tendency of ideas and make no reference to the first early and crude notions which have little value other than histori-

Jan 1, 1917

By Kenneth C. Vincent, A. M. Gaudin

In a study1 of the action of amyl xan-thate on chalcocite in water suspension, it was found that if the xanthate is added in relatively large quantity the xanthate group can be accounted for in three forms: (1) as xanthate ion remaining in water, (2) as benzene-soluble cuprous xanthate on the chalcocite, (3) as a benzene-insoluble coating on the chalcocite. Reduction in the amount of xanthate added leads to disappearance of form I then of form 2. With minute quantities of added xanthate, substantially all the reagent is of the "unleachable" kind. Yet this unleach-able xanthate can be dissolved by pyridine to form a soluble cuprous xanthate complex, and it is sufficient in effectiveness to make chalcocite flotable even if insufficient in quantity to form a complete mono-molecular film on the mineral. In that study it was also found that chalcocite abstracts cuprous xanthate from benzene so1ution, in what may (or may not) be a case of molecular adsorption. It seemed desirable, therefore, to study further the "unleachable" xanthate on the chalcocite, and particularly to ascertain whether it is formed as a result of the benzene leach or is actually formed during the conditioning of chalcocite in aqueous xanthate solution. A 'splendid tool to make such studies has recently been perfected; that is, the use of radioactive spies or tracer atoms. With this tool, it was thought possible to answer the problem stated above, but, unfortunately, this did not prove to be true. Answer to the flotation question was clouded by the existence of rapid and selective diffusion of copper atoms in the solid mineral—a phenomenon that was totally unexpected yet remains interesting and perhaps important. Method of Radioactive Spies The method of radioactive spies is discussed in many places. Two convenient references are the article by Evans2 and the book by pollard and Davidson.3 The method was first developed by van Hevesy and paneth in 1013, when only natural radioactive isotopes were available. These isotopes are few in number, and so the method remained limited in scope. Recently the synthesis of over 350 active isotopes of all the known stable chemical elements4 has opened widely expanded possibilities for the method, A fundamental tenet of the method is that a radioactive atom and a nonradio-active atom are exactly alike until disintegration of the radioactive atom. Then, by its sudden death, the spy reveals its location. The relative abundance of spies at various locations makes it possible to ascertain the relative abundance of the corresponding nonradioactive atoms at the same times and locations. A second fundamental tenet of the method of radioactive tracers is that the radioactivity lies in the nucleus of the atom: transfer of radioactivity from one

Jan 1, 1947

By Eric A. Nordhausen

A good deal of dialogue has been published and voiced concerning one mining regulation or another, that, according to those raising the issues, in effect shuts down or drastically reduces mine and/or mill reduction. The objective of this discussion is to there fore synthesize the various regulations affecting the uranium mining industry and attempt to realistically assess the extent of impact to yellowcake production - on both an individual and collective basis. Emphasis is placed on the later or newer permitting requirements under the Mill Tailings Act, Underground Injection Control Program, the Consolidated Permit Program, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RcRA).

Jan 1, 1980

By E. DeGolyer

I. INTRODUCTION VOLCANIC origin. was among the first of the theories advanced to account for the occurrence of the salt domes of the Gulf coastal plain, northern Louisiana., and eastern Texas, and it is still being re-stated in various forms by the most recent contributors to our knowledge of the geology of such deposits. Argument has been largely by analogy and attention has repeatedly been called to the Mexican oil fields, particularly those of the Tampico-Tuxpam region, because of the occurrence of oil in close proximity to volcanic plugs in those fields, an occurrence supposed to have some resemblance to the common occurrence of oil in the salt domes of the United States. The author, having spent several months of the past year in a general study of salt domes and in a detailed study of certain domes in the United States, and having been acquainted for some time with the exploration of similar domes in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, Mexico, and with the general geology of the Tampico-Tuxpam region, Mexico, has reviewed the various theories of volcanic origin for salt domes which have been advanced to the present time. The purpose of this paper is to present such review and to discuss the supposed Mexican analogy.

Jan 5, 1918

By B. L. Sackett

LEAD smelting has been an important industry in Utah for many years. The first lead smelting was done, over 60 years ago, at the Rollins mine in Beaver County, by burning heaps consisting of alternate layers of wood and high-grade carbonate ore. The lead thus obtained was. molded into bullets. With the development of. the mines, the problem of cheaper handling of the ore became important. The only outlet for this ore was Swansea or the Atlantic Coast but to ship to either cost $150 per ton or more for treatment and handling. From 1864 to 1871, experimenting was done with blast, Scotch hearth, and reverberatory furnaces, with the blast furnace surviving as, the standard plant. The first crude furnaces were circular or hexagonal in shape, and were made of adobe and stone, which quickly burned out. They were small, about 2 1/2 ft. in diameter, and smelted from 3 to 10 tons. in 24 hr. The metal had to be tapped from the bottom of the crucible, necessitating a shut down of the furnace during this process. This pro¬cedure caused salamanders to form around the tap hole when the furnace was started again, which frequently resulted in freezing. The campaign lasted until a tap of bullion was made. The first successful plant of the crude stone type was operated in 1870. From 1870 to 1872, there was a smelter building craze in the state. During that period, about 20 furnaces were built, chiefly near the mines, and their operation was limited and sporadic. The work was then placed in the hands of trained metallurgists, who standardized on the rectangular form of furnace. In 1871, Daggett, at the Winnamuck mine in Bingham, installed water-jackets around the smelting zone of the furnaces. These furnaces were circular; the diameter at the tuyere line was 3 ft. 6 in. and at the charge floor 5 ft. 3 in. The height from tuyere line to charge floor was 14 ft., height of tuyere line above top of crucible was 3 ft. 8 in. Fur-

Jan 8, 1925

By E. R. Kaiser

ACTIVITY on long-range and on immediate wartime problems shared the attention of specialists in coal research during 1943. Programs of the principal coal laboratories were more adequately financed than in previous years, but all reported shortages of technical personnel. Expansion in coal research in the year to come will depend primarily on the availability of qualified research talent.

Jan 1, 1944

By J. Rourke, F. S. Minshall, E. G. Zukas, C. M. Fowler, O&apos

The Hugoniot curves were determined for Fe-Si alloys containing up to 7 wt pct (13 at. pct) Si. The pressure of the transition increased as the silicon content of the alloy increased. Single crystals of 2.9 wt pct Si-Fe were also studied. The pressure of the transition was not dependent on crystallo-graphic orientation. All of the Neumann bands (mechanical twins) were attributable to (112) planes but not all of the {112} planes showed twin markings. A thorough study of the iron Hugoniot (the relationship between specific volume and pressure) under plane wave shock loading revealed a pressure transition at about 130 kbar shock pressure. The results of this investigation were reported by Bancroft, Peterson, and inshall1 in 1956. At the time of this discovery, it was felt that this was probably the a, to y transition normally found in iron and many of its alloys. Subsequently a number of iron alloy systems were surveyed in which the alloying element has a considerable effect on the normal a, to y transformation. The influence of carbon and nickel and/or chromium have already been reported.2,3 At the present time, there appears to be some doubt that this pressure transition is the usual a, to y transition In this study, Fe-Si alloys containing up to 7 wt pct (13 at. pct) Si were chosen for several reasons. To the present, the transition has been found only in iron-base alloys which were originally in the a, phase (bcc). Secondly, the y loop at atmospheric pressure extends to only about 2.5 wt pct Si. If the transition were a, to y, then one might expect a rather drastic pressure effect for alloys containing more than 2.5 wt pct Si. Finally, single crystals of Fe-Si alloys large enough for shock loading studies are readily available thereby making it quite easy to determine the effect of crystal orientation on the transition pressure and on the twinning behavior of the alloy. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Fe-Si alloys containing up to 7 wt pct Si were produced by normal vacuum casting procedures. Single crystals of Fe-2.9 wt pct Si were purchased from Monocrystals Co., Cleveland, Ohio. The orientations of these crystals were determined and samples cut so that the shock wave would be parallel (to within 1.5 deg) to either the (loo), (Ill), or (112) principal orientations. Three distinct experimental testing techniques were used. First, the pin technique, described elsewhere,4 was used to determine the transition pressure for the polycrystalline alloys as well as for the (111) and (112) orientations of the 2.9 wt pct Si single crystals. Secondly, the recovery studies, described in detail in an earlier paper,2 were used for determining the effect of alloy composition and crystal orientation on the plastic II compression-plastic I rarefaction interaction zone for several specific shock pressures. Finally, measurements of pressures above the two-wave threshold were made on the polycrystalline alloys so that more complete Hugoniot curves could be constructed for this alloy system. The optical techniques described by Rice et al.5 were used to measure the shock and free surface velocities of the samples from which the Hugoniot data were obtained. This method is applicable only in the single wave region, since velocities are obtained from the measured total transit times of the disturbances through measured sample thicknesses.

Jan 1, 1963

Sifto Salt Div. of Domtar Chemicals Ltd. has developed a new method for installing roof bolts in the high backs of its 1-million-tpy rock-salt mine at Goderich, Ontario, on the east shore of Lake Huron. The method teams a telescoping- boom hydraulic crane with a specially developed combination auger-drill and bolt-tightening ma- chine. One man, controlling all operations from a basket supported at the end of the crane's telescoping boom, installs an average of 100 5-ft roof bolts per shift, at heights to 45 ft. The mine has very long backs that are not as stable as might be expected. The result has been that roof scaling has occupied an unusually high percentage of the underground work force. About six years ago, company officials decided to go to 100% roof bolting of all backs as a safety measure. The present roof-bolting equipment is the result of a development program instituted at that time to find a faster and more economical method for doing the job.

Jan 9, 1967

By G. P. Hulst

THE Parkes process lead refinery of the International Lead Refining Co., at East Chicago, was built by the International Smelting & Refining Co. to treat the lead bullion produced by its Tooele plant, at Tooele, Utah. The plant was designed and constructed under the direction of the writer. Ground was broken Apr. 16, 1912, and exactly six months later the plant was in operation and lead was being cast. The capacity of the plant, running 25 days per month, is 5,000 tons. The four products of the plant are common lead, corroding lead, antimonial lead, and Doré bullion. The site is an area, 64 acres in extent, lying north of 151st Street, between McCook Avenue and the Canal. The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal, and Pennsylvania Railroad enter, the yard at the plant. There are five, storage tracks and space for storing 100 cars in the yard. The main lead to the storage tracks passes over a 100-ton track scale on entering the yard...

Jan 8, 1914

THE following paper has been prepared to meet a demand for a concise review of the California oil industry. It is based largely upon information secured during the course of the senior, author's professional activities, and upon data obtained during the course of investigations for the U. S. Geological Survey and the U. S. Bureau of Mines. Considerable information has been obtained from other sources, and to those who by publication or otherwise have contributed, the writers extend their thanks. GENERAL STATEMENT In 1912 the United States produced 63.25 per cent. of the world's production of petroleum, Russia, its nearest competitor, yielding only . about 19 per cent. The production in 1912 reached 222,113,218 barrels (or 29,615,096 metric tons), compared with 220,449,391 barrels in 1911. The average price per barrel in 1912 was nearly 74 c., as against nearly 61 c. in 1911. The total value, therefore, increased 22.20 per cent., or $163,802,334 above the value for the previous year. These figures of production include pipe-line runs, independent railroad shipments, oil piped direct to refineries, and the crude oil consumed as fuel in oil production. The production does not include oil in storage in the field which has not been sold.

Jan 3, 1914

By Ralph K. Foster

During five underground mine fires which occurred in Arizona during 1980 and 1981, sealing the fire area became necessary. To minimize leakage into the fire area, ventilation control measures were instituted to balance pressure across the bulkheads. Problems en- countered in sealing the fire areas and measures taken to improve these conditions are discussed. The routing of the ventilation and ventilation control to en- sure the workers' safety were also important considerations in reopening the mines. The use of continuous CO monitors is discussed. One important consideration was the condition of the fire, and chromatographic analysis was used to establish this. Graphs comparing the Trickett ratio, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen concentrations are given. The Trickett ratio was useful but needed to be augmented by the comparison of CO, C02, and 02. Problems with getting good samples from sealed areas and recommended procedures that were developed during these fires are discussed.

Jan 1, 1982

By Gordon H. Geiger, J. Bruce Wagner

Electrical conductavity and therrnoelectvic nzeasuretnents on synthetic hematite slabs with 0.01 to 0.90 at. pet Ti and with 0.30 at. pet Ca were made. Additions of titanium and of calcium both increased the electronic conductivity with titanium yielding greater n-type behavior and calciurn p-type behavior. Reduction studies of hematite to magnetite in CO-CO2 atmospheres between 600° and 900°C initially exhibited linear kinetics. These linear rates were increased by additions of titanium and decreased by calcium. IN recent years many studies have been reported in the literature on the kinetics of the reduction of hematite and magnetite to iron. In addition, Hansen and Josephl and Schenck and Schultz2 have reported studies on the reduction of hematite to magnetite, the first step in total reduction to iron. In order to evaluate the results of the studies of over-all reduction in terms of the actual mechanism of the reaction and to define further the important factors in the rate- controlling mechanism of the magnetic roasting reaction, the following experiments were undertaken. Specimens of undoped hematite and hematite containing titanium or calcium in solution as doping agents were reduced to magnetite in CO-CO2 mixtures. In addition, electrical-conductivity measurements were correlated with the reduction kinetics using concepts of defect solid-state chemistry. EXPERIMENTAL Fisher certified Fe2O3 powder was used to make specimens for both the electrical and kinetic studies (see Table I for analysis). Doping with titanium and calcium was accomplished by adding TiO2 and CaO powders to the Fe2O3 powder. The powders were mixed in a Waring blender for minimum times of 1/2 hr. Satisfactory blending was achieved based on comparison of analyses of individual specimens af- ter reduction. The specimens were formed in a steel die using opposed punches with a rectangular opening 10.0 by 40.0 mm. The Fe2O3-TiO, platelets were pressed cold at 16,000 psi. They were sintered for approximately 16 hr at 1075°C in air, in accordance with information in the literature3, 4 on the time and temperature needed to obtain solution of the titanium in the hematite. The Fe2O3-CaO mixtures were first cold-pressed at 20,000 psi and sintered for 3 hr at 1225°C to insure solution of CaO. This material was then ground to -325 mesh in a 6-in. ball mill and the resulting powder was used to make platelets in the same manner as above. The sintered platelets were usually between 1/16 and 1/8 in. thick. They were ground on a carborundum wheel and polished on 2/0 paper. Typical dimensions of the kinetic-study specimens were 1.6 by 0.8 by 0.05 cm, and a typical weight was 0.3 g. Conductivity and thermoelectric specimens were approximately the same size, but were subjected to further sintering in order to ensure maximum densification. Finally, all specimens were measured to the nearest 0.0005 in. and weighed on a Mettler H-15 balance to the nearest 0.0001 g and the density calculated. The average density of the specimens used for the reduction studies was 4.87 g per cc, or 7.1 pet total porosity. The standard deviation ranged from 0.14 to 0.063 g per cc within a composition group. In the present study, the apparent surface area as measured with a micrometer was taken as the true surface area. The chemical analyses for calcium and for titanium within a group showed maximum variations of 50.04 pet from the average values used in Figs. 9 and 11. In order to suspend the specimen from the balance for the kinetic studies, a hole, 0.03 in. in

Jan 1, 1965

By G. P. Hulst

The Parkes process lead refinery of the International Lead Refining Co., at East Chicago, was built by the International Smelting & Refining CO. to treat the lead bullion produced by its Tooele plant, at Tooele, Utah. The plant was designed and constructed under the direction of the writer. Ground was broken Apr. 16, 1912, and exactly six months later the plant was in operation and lead was being cast. The capacity of the plant, running 25 days per month, is 5,000 tons. The four products of the plant are common lead, corroding lead, antimonial lead, and Dore bullion. The site is an area, 64 acres in extent, lying north of 151st Street, between McCook Avenue and the Canal. The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal, and Pennsylvania Railroad enter the yard at the plant. There are five storage tracks and space for storing 100 cars in the yard. the main lead to the storage tracks passes over a 100-ton track scale on entering the yard.

Jan 1, 1915

By J. G. Bradley

On February 1, 1971, United States Steel Corporation, Lorain Works began operation of its first BOP facility equipped with a partial combustion gas cleaning system.- This shop consists of two 220 ton vessels. Figure I schematically describes this partial combustion gas cleaning system and highlights the necessary features for it-s safe and efficient operation. Waste gases are drawn into the membrane hood by a 2250 H.P. induced draft fan and are first quenched by the six inch bull nozzle at the top of the hood. Larger solid particles are separated from the gas in the quencher venturi and final scrubbing takes place in the P-A high energy venturi scrubber before the cleaned waste gas is burned in the flare stack. Scrubbing water is routed through a cyclone separator and then cycled into one of two 100' diameter thickeners. Underflow sludge which averages 20% solids is dewatered by 100 H.P. centrifuges. The clear overflow from the thickeners is recycled first to the P-A venturi and then to the quencher before returning to the thickeners.

Jan 1, 1972

By R. G. Schaal

The Magma Mine at Superior, Arizona had an unimpressive beginning as a. worked out silver mine that was purchased in 1910 for $130,000 and then incorporated into the Magma Copper Company which has been continuously mining the deposit since 1915. Copper is the principal metal produced. However, zinc, gold, silver and iron have also contributed to the total metal product. Prior to 1973, the production rate of 1500 tons per day was maintained by hoisting 4 and 5 ton pay-loads at speeds up to 1100 FPM through four small hoisting shafts. The hoists used included 8' and 7' diameter double drum, double clutched doc. and a.c. motor driven geared units built as early as 1917. One old timer that did yoeman's service for many years was an 8' Bollen Pulley with a.c. geared drive that utilized an endless rope system with mechanical grip and release mechanism built into the pulley's throat. Primary power for all of these old production hoists was 25 Hertz. Exploration that was completed in 1967 developed a reserve of 10 Million tons of 5 per cent copper which was sufficient to justify new capital expenditures for enlargement of productive facilities to 3300 tons per day. To reach the new reserves a 22' I.D. concrete lined vertical shaft was sunk to an initial depth of 48431. A 12 ½ diameter adit was bored from the mill side of the mountain to intercept the shaft at a point about 1100' below the collar. This 9200' long adit provides the right-of-way for the mine to mill railway and egress for heavy supplies from rail head as well as a conduit for potable water, electric power, compressed air and mine drainage. Mine operating levels begin 3582' below collar and thereafter have been cut at 100' vertical intervals. Skip loading stations have been installed 4282' and 46821 below collar with an in-shaft skip dump station located 800' below collar. This provides for 4500 tons of storage above the mine to mill train loading station located 1100' below collar. Ore and waste are moved horizontally from stope chutes and drift headings by rail haulage to transfer raises which channel all material to the two mentioned skip loading stations. The 22' diameter shaft crossection is arranged with the two skip compartments on the south side separated from the manway and utility compartments by the cage compartment. The cage counterweight operates in a portion of the southwest quadrant of the shaft. The hoisting plant consists of two conventional Nordberg double drum, single clutch, geared, d.c. motor driven units that are identical except for the drives and automatic controls. The drums are 15' diameter x 105" face with LeBus grooving for 2-1/8" diameter wire rope wound in three layers. Mechanical design emp1o::ed is the same as has been used for the past twenty- five years. One drum is attached to the main shaft by 2 large bolted integral shaft flenge. The loose drum is engaged by a 4-arm positive tooth clutch meshing with radially cut teeth of the clutch ring which is bolted to the drum. The drums are one-piece steel plate weldments having a finished weight of 60 tons each and are mounted upon a 36" diameter shaft that also weighs 60 tons. With the addition of brake rings, clutch, bull gear and rope, the total dead weight adds up to nearly 250 tons that is supported by just three double row spherical roller pillow block bearings. There is no bearing between the drums. All pinion shafts as veil as all head sheave journals are supported in the same type of antifriction bearings.

Jan 1, 1975

By Donald C. Violetta

LIMITATIONS of the sintering process as applied to the agglomeration of fine iron-ore concentrates are related directly to the sizes and aggregating properties of the ore particles. A normal sintering mixture is composed predominantly of material which ranges in size from 5/8 in. to 100 mesh, whereas concentrate is composed of material which ranges in size from 100 mesh to less than 10µ. Unless the concentrate has high aggregating properties, it is quite impervious to a gas stream and, as such, inhibits the capacity and operability of the conventional sintering process. Material has Poor Aggregating Properties Aggregating properties, in this case, may be defined as the ability to form small agglomerated fragments or accreated masses by a normal mixing action, and the ability to maintain these shapes during drying and firing. Coarse-screened ores are a natural aggregate, and fine, slimey ores have good aggregating properties. However, specular-hematite flotation concentrate has a very low tendency to aggregate, due to its particle sizes, shapes, and surface chemistry and, as such, is readily air borne in a gas stream when dry.

Jan 3, 1958

By F. E. Bachman

Although it has been apparent to me for a long time that too great weight was currently given to the silicon-contents of foundry-iron, and that the theory of the control by silicon of the carbon-contents of cast-iron is unsound, or that, at best, the influence of silicon is too small to be of much practical value as a guide in foundry-work, it never seemed to me desirable to enter the lists against either the " silicon-fad " or the theory, for the reason that I had neither the time nor the facilities to prove my position, nor any better theory to offer. But since Mr. Summers has taken the step, it seems but right that I should give such facts as are at hand in support of his contention. At the same time I do not think these are enough to prove the case if the contrary proposition were not itself, as it seems to me, based on insufficient evidence. Both Keep's and Turner's conclusions seem to be drawn from irons carrying less than the normal amount of carbon; Turner's " base " being, moreover, a steel rather than a pig-iron, and both the white base and the ferro-silicon of Keep being so low in carbon that compounds of them would not give a material approaching the carbon-contents of a normal casting, and having, therefore, little value as showing the effects of silicon on foundry-irons, even if his samples were treated under the same conditions as those to which pig-metal is subjected in making castings.

Jan 1, 1899