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By W. Hermanson

This report presents the results of a task to complete a final design of a remote controlled hi-roof bolting machine for high roof areas in coal mines. The project was begun by visiting several coal mines to become familiar with roof fall areas. Several machine concepts were generated and presented to the design committee for criticism. A preliminary design was completed, as covered by this report. A Final Design and Final Report will be issued incorporating the committee comments at the Preliminary Design review and comments received concerning this Preliminary Design Report.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. V. Ramani

In this report, the application of the Open Pit Materials Handling Simulator (OPMHS) to a mine located in Illinois using bucket wheel excavator (BWE) and a stripping shovel in tandem for overburden removal is described. The specific objective of the study is to demonstrate the application of the simulator to analyze mine planning and scheduling problems and to generate and analyze alternatives for increased production. On the basis of the simulations it was concluded that the maximum productive capacity of the system in raw coal was around 3000 tons per shift. At this production level, the equipment combination and availability also satisfy the match requirements for the stripping shovel and the BWE, and the overburden and coal removal systems. Several alternatives requiring new equipment are proposed and analyzed for increasing production. However, no economic analyses of these proposals were done.

Jan 1, 1977

By Curtis A. Jones

Continuing interest has been shown in developing processes for extracting nickel and cobalt from low-grade domestic deposits of these metals and in improving existing methods. Of special concern is the nickel-recovery installation at Nicaro, Oriente Province, Cuba, operated for the General Services Administration. The Bureau? of Mines felt that a bibliography would help familiarize personnel at various Bureau of Mines stations and General Services Administration contractors with extraction methods both in the United States and in foreign countries. When this task was under way it became apparent that to compile a complete bibliography would require considerable time, so it was decided to limit the first part to the later literature and issue it independently, thus making it available sooner. The present work supplements the first part and extends the coverage to the earliest years of nickel and cobalt metallurgy.

Jan 1, 1959

By James L. Eirls

The objective of this project was to improve a driver's field of view for large trucks used in the mining industry. Rearward viewing was enhanced by improving the rear-view mirror designs. Rear vision was accomplished using a closed circuit television system. Views ahead,, to the right, and downward were obtained with a blind area viewer (BAV). The BAV is a unique combination of fresnel lenses housed in a shielded, environmentally protected enclosure that produces an image of the area in front of and downward 70° and to either side of the BAV 300. The improved visibility devices were evaluated by long-term, in-mine testing. The right Bide mirror (RSM) and BAV provide the greatest improvements for the least cost and are commercially available. Application of the RSM and BAV should achieve a reduction in accident potential and greater vehicle productivity by enlarging and improving the equipment operator's visibility and making priviously blind areas and hazardous situations detectable.

Jan 1, 1982

By Daniel E. Sullivan

The recession of 1974 continued into 1975. Real gross national product (GNP), measured in 1972 dollars, declined significantly in the first quarter of 1975 but rose slightly in the second and increased sharply in the third quarter. Unemployment peaked during the second quarter and then declined slowly for the balance of the year. The inflation rate declined owing to reduced demand and smaller-than-1974 increases in energy and food prices early in the year. Recovery was clearly evident by yearend, though un-employment and inflation remained at high levels. Total output as measured by the GNP in current dollars rose 6.5% in 1975. Real GNP declined 2.0%, and inflation, as measured by the implicit price deflator, increased 8.7%. Real gross private domestic investment for residential structures declined 18.1% in 1975, which was a smaller rate of decrease than the 27% decline in 1974. Real State and local Government purchases increased 2.4%, and real personal consumption expenditures for services rose 1. 7 %. The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) index of industrial production declined 9.7%.

Jan 1, 1977

By Brian T. Brady

The year 1992 recorded unimpressive economic growth and uncertainties over what changes would occur for the financial market. Falling interest rates in the United States and elsewhere tended to exert a number of positive influences on financial markets and, indirectly, the mining and quarrying industry. The interest rate declines during 1992 were no exception. Lower rates prompted many investors to turn their attention to long-term investments such as stocks that offer potentially greater rates of return, causing large cash inflows into the equity market. Lower rates made it easier for businesses to finance growth and for consumers to finance the purchase of products businesses made. Also the rates enabled many companies to increase their health and profitability by refinancing their existing loans at lower rates. Falling interest rates were not confined to the United States. With Japan and Western Europe in the midst of economic slumps, marketing authorities in many countries overseas lowered rates in an effort to stimulate business activity. True to form, that contributed to stock market rallies abroad. Stabilizing inflation and lower interests stimulated the industry during 1992 and will likely influence favorably the industry for the next few years.

Jan 1, 1992

By R. August Heindl

[A proposes process for recovering manganese from open-hearth steel-plant slogs is indicated by the flow diagram shown in figure 1. Investigation of the process, the laboratory development of which was reported previously,4/ was expanded to a larger scale. Mixtures of flush slags and limestone were proportioned to have molar [SiO2] ratios of 1.5 to 2.2 and were fired at temperatures up to 2,400° F. In an oxidizing atmosphere. This produced clinker consisting principally me various combinations of the oxides of manganese, iron, aluminum, and magnesium aloe with a dicalcium silicate phase containing the phosphorus. Some tests were made with a continuous sintering machine of the traveling-grate type, but a rotary kiln was the most satisfactory apparatus for this operation. Material was fed at 150 to 200 pounds per hour after first being agglomerated either on the sintering or else binder extruding and drying finely ground mixture of the sing, limestone, binder, and water. Tests with slag; from tree different source indicated overkill manganese recoveries of 65 to 80 percent by ammoniacal-ammonium-carbonate leaching.]

Jan 1, 1955

By Robert C. Ellman

Stockpiles containing 2.3 million tons of lignite constructed in the period 1948-56 in conjunction with the construction of Garrison Dam on the Missouri River demonstrate successful stable long-term storage of lignite. Uniform and thorough compaction of each of the I-foot-thick layers by which the piles were constructed produced a bulk density of 70 Ib/cu ft. Air penetration into the stockpiles was restricted to a degree that prevents spontaneous heating or deterioration of the stored lignite, A continuing record of observations beginning with stockpiling operations in 1948 has been accumulated, This includes periodic fuel analysis, analysis of pile gases, and measurement of pile temperatures on the first large stock-pile, pile 5. This report describes the stockpiling method, the changes in heating value, pile gas composition, and pile temperature and summarizes observations from 1953 to 1964, Data accumulated attest to the stability of the stored lignite. The variation of the average heating value of periodic pile-depth samples is only 160 Btu/lb (11,990 to 11,830) on the moisture" and ash-free (maf) basis during almost 10 years of storage. Temperature levels of the pile interior are progressively decreasing. At pile surface, cyclic variations occur with the season. The only problem encountered with the large stockpiles is wind and water erosion of the pile surface. The partially successful control measures used are described.

Jan 1, 1967

By Hal J. Kelly

A picture of the ceramic industrial potential of the Pacific Northwest States is presented by reviewing the present ceramic industries, raw-material resources, and current market demands. A resume is given of the industrial plants manufacturing ceramic ware as well as available information on raw-material resources. No attempt was made to prospect for new deposits but rather to evaluate, insofar as possible, those already known. Since much of the industry is concentrated on the Pacific coast, most of the information available on resources concerns deposits in that area. Large, undeveloped districts in Montana and Idaho, however, offer promise of larger reserves of ceramic raw materials. Average annual production, some operating costs, and annual power consumption are given for each of the plants. Production and some cost figures are listed to show the limited nature of the present industry and to suggest fields open for new development.

Jan 1, 1956

By Walter I. Enderlin

To economically extract ore from great depths in the earth while sustaining an acceptable working environment will require the development of new technology and equipment, involving large capital expenditures. Moreover, careful analysis and advance planning will be required. But, the literature is lacking in data pertaining; to the thermal properties of various host rocks and to quantities of heat generated by various underground heat sources. This types, of data is required to forecast nine heat loads during advanced planning and design. This thesis sets forth a practical method for evaluating underground sources of heat in deep mines and provides an improved information base. Moreover, seven topics for further research are recommended. The heat sources considered are: wall-rock, ground water, adiabatic compression, equipment, service lines, blasting, metabolism, curing of cement, and oxidation of sulfides and timber. Seven deep metal mines with high production rates and high heat loads were visited to obtain data necessary to assess their thermal environments. Mine records were examined, wall-roc:, temperatures were measured and a survey of the mine ventilating air and mine drainage was performed. Also, the thermal conductivity of wet and dry specimens of the host rock were measured in the laboratory. Data analysis disclosed that rock heat and adiabatic compression account for stout 60 per cent of the mine heat load at depth. Equipment currently contributes approximately 20 per cent; however, to offset increasing costs with depth, increased mechanization is anticipated. The treat from ground water averages 19 per cent and the contribution from blasting, metabolism and cement is negligible. Also, approximately [0] per cent of the increase in the enthalpy of the ventilation air is in the form of latent heat. Moisture, however, did not significantly affect the thermal conductivity of the rock specimens measured in the laboratory. Also, from the data, it is evident that a negative correlation exists between the thermal conductivity of the host rocks and the per cent of the heat load derived from the wail-rock. Furthemore, steady state heat flow renditions may be assumed in airways where there has been no major changes in the ventilation system for a period of two years or more. Under these conditions, the author found it more convenient and reliable to compute heat influx using the steady state equation for heat flow into a cylinder, rather than Carrier's method for transient heat flow, which is so often used.

Jan 1, 1973

By James R. Boyle

The value of Alabama's nonfuel mineral production in 1985 was $405.9 million, a slight decrease from the record high of 1984. With the exception of clays, output of most nonfuel minerals increased over that of 1984. Alabama was second in the Nation in production of crushed marble and bauxite; third in firre clay; fourth in masonry cement and kaolin; fifth in portland cement and lime; and sixth in ferroalloys and recovered sulfur, Alabama ranked 20th in the Nation in value of nonfuel minerals produced, but ranked 13th in value of industrial minerals. Valuewise, Alabama produced 2.4% of the Nation's industrial minerals.

Jan 1, 1987

By W. L. Dare

This information circular is one of a series, published by the Federal Bureau of Mines, on methods and costs of mining uranium ore on the Colorado Plateau. This report describes the relatively small-scale operations of the Salt Wash miner: The mining method followed, the equipment used, and the production costs. It describes 10 lease-operated mines of Union Carbide: Nuclear Co. that are typical of Salt Wash operations on the plateau. These mines lie within the Uravan mineral belt3/ and arc in the Gateway, Bull Canyon, and Uravan mining districts. (See fig. 1.) Generally the ore bodies occur as irregular, discontinuous layers of ore minerals within sandstone beds in the Salt Wash member of the Jurassic Morrison formation. The ore bodies sometimes occur as rolls, pod associat with carbonaceous trash, or tabular masses. Their size and erratic distribution preclude the use of a prearranged and uniform stoping system. The mining method is simply to follow the ore and leave open scopes behind.

Jan 1, 1959

By James R. Boyle

The value of Alabama's nonfuel mineral production in 1982 was $299.4 million, a decrease of $14.4 million from that of 1981; the decrease continued a downward trend that started in 1980. Output of most nonfuel minerals declined; cement, crushed stone, lime, sand and gravel, and clays were the major commodities produced in the State. Despite the decrease in mineral output, Alabama led the Nation in the production of crushed marble; was second in bauxite; third in ferroalloys and oyster shell; fourth in bentonite and dimension marble; fifth in common clay. fire clay, and kaolin; and sixth in masonry cement and lime.

Jan 1, 1984

By M. H. Marvin

This report presents the results of a program to develop backfilling techniques to mitigate undesirable effects of hydraulic borehole uranium mining. Large underground cavities, formed during the borehole mining process, can be backfilled to prevent ground subsidence and to allow mining of adjacent uraniferous sandstone. Three backfilling techniques were tested in the laboratory and in the field: bulk dumping of slurry into the borehole from ground level, slurry injection under water, and slurry injection above the cavity water level. These techniques were tested with sand and with sand and one percent cement (by weight) mixtures. The project was accomplished in four tasks: equipment preparation and transport, mining operation to generate a full-sized cavity, backfilling operation, and assessment through core samples and subsidence checks. The concentrations of cement mixed with sand proved to be inadequate to bond the sand. Bulk dumping resulted in a 30-degree angle-of-repose, much too steep to completely fill the cavity. Both slurry injection techniques filled the cavity satisfactorily. However, underwater injection is the recommended backfilling technique because the borehole water level does not need to be pumped down during backfilling. The borehole itself was filled by bulk dumping of slurry. In conclusion, backfilling of borehole mining cavities is entirely feasible, and the preferred method is slurry injection under water.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. A. Cattell

The Bureau of Mines recently observed its fortieth anniversary, and with the close of the fiscal year 1950 it completed 36 years of close cooperation with and helpfulness to the petroleum and natural-gas industries, whose technical problems it studies. Petroleum people likewise observed the ninetieth anniversary of the start of this truly American industry when "Colonel" Drake drilled the first well at Titusville, Pa., in 1859 (see fig. 1). Throughout the period, during which there have been many changes in the fuel and related economy of the country, this work has been carried on systematically by an organized entity of the Bureau first known as the Petroleum Division and in recent years as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Branch. Changes in the industries have been brought about partly by economic forces, partly by advances in technology, and in some measure by the impact of two world wars. As the needs of industry and the Nation have changed, so have the studies of the Bureau changed to meet these needs. Consistently, Bureau technologists and scientists have tried to keep in step with progressive movements; frequently, in fact, have taken the lead. Wherever possible, they have looked far ahead in their program of research, at the same time recognizing the needs of the hour.

Jan 1, 1951

By Carl R. Peterson

This report describes the development and testing of a prototype tunneling machine. Principal efforts were aimed at testing of the fragmentation subsystem of a continuous drill and blast hard rock excavation machine suitable for use in underground mining and tunneling applications. The concept utilizes a unique self -shielding spiral blasting pattern that permits efficient performance with relatively small single shots, while at the same time directing major blast fragments at right angles to the tunnel axis. A major accomplishement was the development of a remote controlled, loading and initiation system in which explosive slurry and a detonator are Simultaneously placed (pumped) into the blasthole via a loading hose. The special electric long-delay detonator is inductively ignited upon emplacement, and the machine remains at the face during the blast.

Jan 1, 1976

By James A. West

Near East region countries continued to supply a large share of the world's energy requirements in 1965. The area accounted for nearly 27 percent of estimated total world crude oil output and for about 60 percent of world exports of this commodity. Also, it was the source of more than 40 percent of the world's petroleum refinery products exports. Although other mineral industry activities remained relatively in? significant in comparison with petroleum, regional production and export of certain metallic and nonmetallic mineral commodities were of world significance. Of these commodities, chief in importance were chromium, copper, mercury, antimony, boron, potash, and phosphate Tack. The Near East region contains the largest and most productive oil resources in the world. Petroleum exploration and development operations during 1965 resulted in crude oil reserve additions of almost 8 billion barrels to increase proved reserves to 219 billion barrels at yearend, an amount equal to nearly 68.5 percent of the world's proved oil reserves. Near East countries' production of crude oil averaged a record 8.337,575 barrels per day in 1965, an increase of nearly 11 percent over that of 1964. On an annual basis, Kuwait continued as the leading oil producer in the Near East; however, Saudi Ayabia was a close second and its rate of production in late 1965 exceeded that of Kuwait. The major oil producing nations and their percentage of total area crude oil output was Kuwait, 26.0; Saudi Arabia 24.3; Iran, 22.3; and Iraq 15.9.

Jan 1, 1967

Coal research and technologic work by the Bureau of Mines covers a broad program of investigation aimed at conservation and utilization of this important natural resource. Conservation is served by a constant search for higher efficiencies in mining, preparation, and use. Increased utilization is sought through various projects that probe new ways to use coal and expand existing coal markets. This report, the twenty-eighth in the series,3 gives the highlights of Bureau of Mines coal research and technologic work in 1963. The scope and complexity of the program makes it virtually impossible to report all progress on every project, even tor a 12-month period. Full insight into each project can be gained only through intensive review of basic objectives, past accomplishments, and current status of the work. Details of the work are given in numerous publications issued by the Bureau and its laboratories and centers located throughout the country.

Jan 1, 1964

Coal research and technologic work by the Bureau of Mines covers a broad program of investigation aimed at conservation and utilization of this important natural resource. Conservation is served by a constant search for higher efficiencies in mining, preparation, and use. Increased utilization is sought through various projects that probe new ways to use coal and expand existing coal markets. This report, the twenty-eighth in the series,3 gives the highlights of Bureau of Mines coal research and technologic work in 1963. The scope and complexity of the program makes it virtually impossible to report all progress on every project, even tor a 12-month period. Full insight into each project can be gained only through intensive review of basic objectives, past accomplishments, and current status of the work. Details of the work are given in numerous publications issued by the Bureau and its laboratories and centers located throughout the country.

Jan 1, 1964

Consumption and intensity of use trends for 12 metals, by industrial end use, were estimated for 1972 through 1982 by the Bureau of Mines and U.S. Department of Commerce. The trends were then forecast through 1993 using standard statistical methods. The intensity of use measure selected is the quantity of metal consumed per constant dollar output of a specific industrial sector. The metals studied were aluminum, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, the platinum-group metals, tin, titanium, tungsten, and zinc. Average annual growth rates for the following 4 of the 12 metals increased from 1972 to 1982 as follows: aluminum, 1.00%; platinum-group metals (consisting of platinum, palladium, and iridium), 8.83%; titanium, 7.82%; and tungsten, 6.09%. Consumption for the remaining eight metals decreased at average annual rates ranging from 0.58% (copper) to 5.37% (manganese).

Jan 1, 1986