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Acid pollution from abandoned mines causes serious contamination of major streams in coal mining areas. In Pennsylvania alone it is estimated that 3000 miles of streams are devoid of fish and plant life because of coal mine effluent.1 The pollution arises because water and oxygen react with iron sulfide in the mine cavity to produce sulfuric acid and iron sulfate, which later find their way back into surface streams. Two general approaches to the problem are possible: (1) prevent the acid-forming reaction from taking place, (2) treat the acid mine water after it is formed so that it will not be harmful to the ecology when discharged into streams and other surface waters. The work described in this report belongs in the first category - it was based on the assumption that acid formation in the mine cavity can be prevented by keeping water (one of the reactants) out of the mine. This was to be accomplished by-forming a waterproof seal over the mine cavity which would prevent the seepage of surface water into the mine. It was planned to form such a seal at or near the surface of the ground by applying latex to the soil. Ideally a dilute latex would be applied to the soil and would penetrate to a depth of two to three feet below the surface where it would be coagulated by reacting with a constituent of the soil or by other means., A seal below the surface of the soil would have several advantages over a surface seal - it would not be subject to destruction by traffic, frost or vegetation and, more important, it would allow the use of the top soil for many agricultural purposes. A preliminary feasibility experiment was performed prior to application for the present grant. It showed that it was indeed possible to form a sub-surface seal by means of latex. A core of soil was obtained locally (Wayne, N. J.) by driving a 6.5 cm inside diameter steel pipe about 100 cm long into subsoil for a distance of 71 cm. The soil was retained within the pipe for this experiment. A part of the free space above the soil in the pipe was charged with water, and the seepage rate of the soil after it had become saturated was 15 ml/min under a total head (wet soil plus supernatant column of water) of 92 cm. After the supernatant water had drained completely, 100 ml of 5% rubber latex was added and allowed to seep into the soil. This was followed by additional water and the seepage rate was found to be 2 ml/min under the same head. This seepage rate remained unchanged when remeasured on the following day. Since there was no visible evidence of the latex in the collected drain water it is presumed to have been retained by the soil.

Jan 1, 1972

US 4,192,851-Recovery of elemental sulfur and the metal values from a complex sulfide ore containing two or more of the metals zinc, lead, copper, silver, gold and/or other metals. A mixture of ore and sulfuric acid and/or spent electrolyte is flowed at optimum temperature and pressure in a quiescent zone to dissolve selected metals and sulfur and coalesce the sulfur. The coalesced sulfur and unreacted sulfides are separated by flowing the leach slurry with an upward velocity component The separated materials are discharged and further processed by conventional methods as war- ranted. H.E. Hirsch, J F. Higginson, EG. Parker, and G M Swinkels, assigned to Sherritt Gordon Mines Ltd. Mar. 11, 1980. 6 pp. (423-28) Filed. 3-14-78 (886,368). Priority. United Kingdom, 3-15-77 (10800/77).

Jan 1, 1982

By Mark Johnson, Mathew Janes

"The Resonator RD 260 Resonant Pile Driver delivers ground disturbance free, high production pile driving. The Resonator has recently been used on numerous production pile driving sites in the Netherlands and Melbourne, Australia to drive piles in sensitive areas where conventional pile drivers could not be used. Two case histories are provide in this paper which demonstrate the features and benefits of Resonant pile installation.. In the Netherlands the Resonator RD 260 was used at the Vopak Oil Storage facility in the Port of Rotterdam to install pipe and sheet pile within an active pumping gallery. The site demanded vibration free pile installation to construct a cofferdam within sensitive, highly valued assets. Access was an issue and schedule demands were stringent as shutdown windows were narrow. The RD 260 provided ground disturbance free piling immediately adjacent to fragile structures. At Vopak the only site access was using a large crane positioned over 40 m from the location of pile driving. Driving was conducted amongst 900 mm dia pipes carrying heated crude oil.In Melbourne the RD 260 was used to drive GU 18 sheet piling adjacent to light rail easements. The project was the first of many grade separations being constructed within Melbourne urban areas to lower the light rail and provide quieter rapid transit. The original trial used an RGT MR105 series vibrator but noise and vibration criteria were exceeded. The RD 260 was brought in for a trial and performed with high production and produced negligible ground vibration. Up to 17 sheet piles 14 m in length were driven in a 2.5 hour window during the trial.IntroductionThe Resonant Pile Driving method is gaining acceptance around the world as a new method to rapidly drive piles free of ground borne vibrations. The high frequency vibrator resonates the pile, essentially turning the pile into a spring, to excite the toe of the pile with high accelerations and low amplitude. High acceleration with low amplitude generates high penetration rates but the high frequency stress waves are quickly dissipated in the soil. Typically ground borne vibrations are measured at below 1 mm/sec within 1 to 5 m of the pile. The Resonant method can drive a pile next to a glass of wine, without spilling, as has been demonstrated on numerous piling sites.How Does Resonance Work?The Resonant method uses a hydraulic piston - cylinder geometry to generate high magnitude, high frequency oscillating force. This is a very different mechanism than the eccentric mass technology used in conventional and variable moment vibrators.A unique valve geometry achieves the high frequency flow switching necessary to oscillate the hydraulic piston at up to 180 Hz (10800 VPM). The valve is controlled electronically for maximum accuracy of the desired frequency. The volume of hydraulic oil delivered through the valve to the piston (flow rate) determines the amplitude while the hydraulic pressure determines the peak force."

Jan 1, 1900

By G. L. Coleman, D. S. Hutton, W. C. Leslie

The occurrence of twins in a iron, generated during cooling through the ?-a transformation, is well established,1-8 but this phenomenon has been nearly ignored during the past 20 years. It is the purpose of this note to call attention to the prevalence of such twins and to illustrate their appearance. The work of paxton7 and Kelly8 has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that for Neumann bands (mechanical twins) in a iron the twinning plane is (112) and the twinning direction <III>. The agreement with McKeehan&apos;s earlier work4 on transformation twins indicates that both types of twins in ferrite follow the same twinning law. There is little doubt of this conclusion, but it could be strengthened by a microbeam X-ray determination of the orientation relationship between a single ferrite grain and a transformation twin within that grain, as in the technique used by Kelly8 on Neumann bands. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Transformation twins, identified by their appearance on a polished and etched section, were found in

Jan 1, 1960

By Charlie Jefferson

Main Goal: Resource Assessment 1. Incorporate existing data & results, old process. 2. NEW Quantitative Analysis (Chung and Chen) 3. Try mass balance of U and geochemical tracers 4. Use holistic process approach ?with key foci ?Targeted basin / belt assessments ?Is there as much in the Athabascaas they say? ?Athabasca reference for other basins (Thelon, etc) ?Compare sandstone & volcanic with USA, Kazakhstan etc: do their models apply here? ?Which IOCG systems are prospective for uranium? 5.Consider Groundwater, Environment; 6.Communicate

May 1, 2006

The papers discussed in the following pages were presented during two sessions of the Geophysics Education Committee of the Mineral Industry Education Division on Feb. 17 and 18, 1941. At the first meeting, to consider the "Influence of Geophysics upon Geology Curricula," this Committee was joined by the Geophysics and Mining Geology Committees of the A.I.M.E., the Society of Economic Geologists, representatives of the American Geophysical Union, and delegates from the Committees on College Curricula and on Applications of Geology of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Quentin D. Singewald and Sherwin F. Kelly presided. At the ensuing session, especially emphasizing the integration of geology, physics and chemistry for the solution of earth problems, the joint participants with the Geophysics Education Committee were the Geophysics Committee, and representatives of the American Geophysical Union and of the Committee on College Curricula of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Richard M. Field and W. R. Chedsey presided. In the following summary of the discussion at the two meetings, written discussion submitted subsequently is not differentiated from that offered orally at the session. A provisional report of the Geophysics Education Committee was presented at the second session, and some of the following discussion refers to it. This report has not been printed (it is anticipated that a more comprehensive, final one will be rendered at the 1942 annual meeting), but a few mimeographed copies of this provisional report are at the A.I.M.E. headquarters and will be mailed on request. . Dr. W. P. HAYNES presented some notes prepared by Dr. F. H. LAHEE, Chairman of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists&apos; Committee on College Curricula. This Committee&apos;s inquiries reveal the general opinion that a four-year academic preparation is inadequate, five or six being advisable. The fundamentals, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English composition, should be stressed in the first three years, with specialization in the last two or three years. Some companies provide an apprenticeship period, and themselves give additional training.. During academic years more attention needs to be given to engineering training, to field mapping, and in geology to stratigraphy and sedimentation. The amount of mere memory work should be cut, and men trained to observe and reason. Dr. Lahee emphasized the need of more adequate preparation in English composition, because of the inability of many graduates to compose acceptable reports. SHERWIN F. KELLY pointed out that much time in university training, which ought to be devoted to technical subjects, was taken up with English courses. He emphasized that it is the part of the universities to demand of the high schools that the students they send to the university be properly trained to speak and write English. Prof. W. T. THOM protested against the crowding of high-school material into already overcrowded college curricula. C. E. DOBBIN, chairman of the Committee on Applications of Geology of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, described briefly the work of his committee in publicizing geology, and said that it found a widespread popular interest in the subject but a lack of appreciation of its importance. He recommended that attempts to coordinate the works of geologists and geophysicists be expanded somewhat, toward the further developing and encouraging of a "species of geopolitician" capable of assisting the progress of geology and geophysics by more vigorous advertising of

Jan 1, 1941

By D. Brion, J. J. Prédali, J. Hayer

The need to grind volcanic-sedimentary ores very finely (d80 < 20 µm) so as to liberate Pb, Zn, and Cu sulfides from their pyritic gangue causes difficulties in selective flotation. The pyrite, which accounts for 70-80% of the mineral content, is insufficiently depressed by the usual pH and NaCN techniques. To determine better depressing methods, the surface evolution of pyrite during flotation was followed by ESCA spectroscopy to compare the stability range in the Eh-pH diagram. Surface iron hydroxide was formed, which is the main pyrite-depressing factor. NaCN appears to play a more restrictive part, since no ferricyanides were detected, except for very small amounts at pH 7.

Jan 1, 1980

By E. S. Machlin

An extension of the thermodynamic theory has been made for the case of irreversible growth processes occurring by the motion of an interface. The theory is applicable to such diverse phenomena as diffusion, growth in recrystallization, continuous grain growth, growth of carbides, etc., growth of eutectoid products, growth in solidification, recovery, "slipless" flow, etc. THE publication of a recent book1 has served to focus attention on a very powerful means of treating certain irreversible processes. This method which has been formally described as the thermodynamic theory of irreversible processes is applicable to processes which involve an approach to equilibrium and for which the deviations from equilibrium are small. The irreversible processes can be classified into three groups: chemical reactions, transport processes (diffusion, heat and electrical flows), and relaxation phenomena involving a degradation of internal energy to more stable states. The limits of applicability of the theory can be precisely defined1,2 for each type of irreversible process. For example, in a chemical reaction at constant temperature and pressure, the Gibbs free energy released per mol in the process should be less than the thermal energy, RT. Another type of irreversible process, which sometimes involves a combination of the first two of the above-mentioned groups, is treated in this paper. This process is one characterized by the motion of an interface separating two regions having different values of free energy and may be briefly described as a growth process. Prigogine2 and Herring3 have treated special cases of this type of process. Previous conscious applications of the theory in metallurgy have been limited to the field of diffusion, one of the transport processes. Darken,4 Bardeen,5 Prigogine2 and others have made significant contributions in this respect. Some other applications of the theory are described in this paper. The Theory The thermodynamic theory of irreversible processes is based on the work of Onsager,6 DeDonder,7 Prigogine2 and others. A resume of the theory has been given by Prigogine2 and DeGroot.1 A brief description of the theory follows, although for a complete understanding the reader is urged to read the references. It is first assumed that the change in entropy, even for a system removed from equilibrium, is given by dS = [dU + pdV - Si µi, dn, - Sk Pk dxk]T-1 Using this expression, the irreversible entropy production in the system is calculated by subtracting the contribution to the change in entropy of the system by transfer of heat, work, or matter from the surroundings. Thus, for example, the irreversible entropy production of a system at constant temperature and pressure is given by dtS = — — dG (DeDonder7) Now it has been shown by Prigogine,2 DeDonder,7 and DeGroot1 that the rate of irreversible entropy production diS/dt, when calculated in the manner suggested, can be written as a sum of products of conjugate forces XK and fluxes Jk, i.e., d,s/ = Sk Jk Xk [I-1] dt The assumption is next made that a linear relation exists between a given flux and the forces, obtained from Eq. I-1, i.e., Ji = Sk Lik Xk (i = 1, 2, . . . n) [I-2] Generally, there is a degree of freedom in choice of the fluxes and forces. However, for all the choices consistent with Eq. I-1 the Onsager8 relations, based on the principle of microscopic reversibility, namely, Lik = Lki, are valid. The coefficients Lik, depending upon the choice of the conjugate fluxes and forces, may be more or less dependent upon the parameters defining the state of the system. In general, the proper choice of fluxes and forces utilizing Eq. I-1, makes the coefficients Lik independent of time. Also, because many of the three classes of irreversible phenomena have already been treated,1,2 a proper choice can be made by analogy. In any case, the validity of Eq. 1-2, from whatever choice made using Eq. I-1, must be tested by experimentation. The theory, thus, comprises the following steps: 1—The irreversible entropy production is calculated to yield Eq. I-1. 2—The terms in Eq. I-1 are grouped

Jan 1, 1954

By F. Galasso, A. Paton

ThE recent emphasis on producing boron fibers by reacting boron trichloride and hydrogen on a hot tungsten wire has brought about a renewed interest in the tungsten boride phase diagram. The reaction of the boron with the tungsten core results in the formation of 6 WB, W2B5, and another tungsten boride phase, which was suspected of being the WB4 phase reported by Chrbtien and Helgorsky.1 While the powder-diffraction data for the boride in the fiber and those reported

Jan 1, 1967

By K. N. Han

Coal is becoming increasingly important as a major energy source in the face of the world&apos;s depleting energy mainly based on oil reserves. Coal is by far the most abundant fossil fuel both in the United States and abroad. Currently, because of increased mine mechanization, the fineness of preparation plant feed is increasing. Further, in the future as the grade of coal diminishes and the sulfur content increases, upgrading preparation of coal is very important. Because the density of coal is less than that of rock materials that occur as impurities, coal is separated from such waste largely by gravity-controlled processes for particle size between 5 inches and 28 mesh. If the size of coal particles is below 28 mesh, froth flotation is a good method for upgrading fine coal. Previously, numerous investigators have tried to upgrade coal values by froth flotation(1-16) and have achieved moderate success. However, the recovery and grade of coals in the concentrates are not always satisfactory, especially when the particle size is small. In general, when the size of coal is below 100 mesh, the above methods suffer from poor grade and low recovery. The reason for this is that as size decreases, the effects of gravity diminish, and other forces take effect.

Jan 1, 1985

By K. E. Kolm, W. H. Langer

Developing natural aggregate resources (sand, gravel and stone) creates environmental impacts. A systems analysis method was designed to characterize the components of the environmental system, identify potential impacts to those systems and evaluate the extent of those impacts. The stepwise method consists of problem definition, data collection, preliminary conceptualization and characterization, additional data collection, data analysis and refinement. The method requires analyzes of various systems making up the environment, including land surface, geomorphic, subsurface and groundwater systems. After system characterization is complete, the method focuses on identifying and evaluating potential environmental impacts to determine acceptable mining strategies.

Jan 1, 2003

By Yuting Xue, Danqing Gao, Brijes Mishra

Heterogeneity and discontinuity significantly affect rock strength. For accurate stability prediction, intact rock behavior is imperatively included in rock mass behavior. However, past research largely used arbitrary scaling approaches to produce rock strength. This paper considers a stochastic approach in order to determine the strength of a rock. Based on the laboratory data, a MATLAB® with extreme value stochastic model generates a database for each physico-mechanical property. Then FLAC® simulates laboratory-sized rock specimens. The grids developed in the numerical model can in turn develop random material properties in MATLAB®, which researchers then applied to the final FLAC® model. Model runs simulate the approach performed in the laboratory. The results from the model indicate that a stochastic approach produces strengths that are lower than a deterministic approach. Failure modes for each specimen are different, similar to observations in the laboratory. In addition, random density also influences the failure mode, highlighting the importance of stochastic analysis in rocks.

"Previous studies on the effect of polytetrafluoroethylene addition during chalcopyrite leaching under conditions similar to those of the CESL process have reportedly resulted in complete leaching of the copper without the need for grinding of the flotation concentrate. However, these studies employed a pulp density of only 1% and finely sized PTFE particle that required the use of high impeller rotation rates that are not sustainable at an industrial scale. This paper explores the performance of 1/8” diameter balls of PTFE, that readily sink in the leach solution, on leaching performance at impeller rotation rates and ore pulp densities more typical of industrial practice. Possible routes for separation of the PTFE from the leach residues and their regeneration for recycling back to the leaching stage are also discussed.INTRODUCTIONChalcopyrite, CuFeS2, is the most important primary sulfide source of copper. While pyrometallurgical smelting of chalcopyrite remains the only widely accepted route for treating chalcopyrite concentrates, several medium temperature pressure oxidation processes are claimed to be economically feasible (Muir & McDonald, 2007). Among these, the CESL process has been extensively piloted and demonstrated at the prototype scale. The overall process chemistry of the CESL process may be summarized as follows (Marsden & Wilmot, 2007):4CuFeS2 + 5O2 + 4H2SO4 ? 4Cu2+ + 4SO4 2- + 2Fe2O3 + 8S0 + 4H2O (1)4CuFeS2 + 17O2 + 2H2SO4 ? 4Cu2+ + 10SO4 2- + 4Fe3+ + 2H2O (2)Though copper extractions of over 95 % are achieved, the CESL process requires extra grinding of the concentrate (Muir & McDonald, 2007). This is because leaching is conducted at temperatures around 150 °C, where the elemental sulfur produced is molten and grows thicker on the mineral’s surfaces as oxidation progresses, creating an increasingly large barrier for mass transport. In addition, the sulfur is sticky and tends to cause the mineral particles to agglomerate, effectively halting further oxidation of the particles that end up embedded within the agglomerates. Consumable surfactants, such as ligin sulfonate, have been shown to be effective at avoiding agglomeration, but they are not effective at removing sulfur from the minerals. Hence, their use does not obviate the need for fine grinding."

Jan 1, 2012

By Z. M. Beiranvand, M. Moghaddasi, A. Naeimi, Y. Naami, M. Raoufi

Titanium iron oxide and nickel-chromium coatings were applied on low-carbon steel substrates using the high-velocity oxygen fuel thermal spraying process. The microstructure, phase composition, and hardness of the coatings were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and microhardness tests. The phase analysis confirmed the formation of oxide compounds in the coatings. The average microhardness values for titanium iron oxide and titanium iron oxide-nickel-chromium coatings were measured at 580 HV and 970 HV, respectively, under a 100 g load. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was evaluated in a 3.5% sodium chloride solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarisation tests. The results indicated that the nickel-chromium composition exhibited superior corrosion resistance, which was attributed to its low porosity, preventing solution diffusion into the substrate. Wear behaviour was assessed using a pin-on-disk test with a tungsten carbide pin as the counterbody. The incorporation of nickel-chromium into the titanium iron oxide coating resulted in an 80% reduction in weight loss, indicating significant improvement in wear resistance. These findings suggest that nickel-chromium-modified titanium iron oxide coatings enhance both corrosion and wear resistance, making them promising candidates for industrial applications.

May 8, 2026

By Grant Arnold

Le Camp Minier de Matagami est situé dans la ceinture volcano-sédimentaire Harricana- Turgeon appartenant à la Province du Supérieur, sous-province de l?Abitibi, au Québec. Les gisements de métaux de base polymétalliques sont retrouvés exclusivement dans les deux domaines lithotectoniques comprenant l?association basalte-rhyolite (Matagami-Brouillan et Joutel-Raymond). Tous ces dépôts, à l?exception de ceux de Selbaie, sont de type exhalatif et représentent des dépôts volcanogènes à Zn-Cu, typiques de l?Archéen. Le complexe volcanique de Matagami est constitué principalement de deux phases de volcanisme tholéïtique. Les dacites et les rhyolites du Groupe de Watson, représentent la phase la plus précoce et celles-cis sont recouvertes par la seconde phase qui est constituée majoritairement de roches intermédiares à mafiques intercalées d?horizons felsiques, formant le Groupe de Wabassee. Un sédiment chimique sulfuré, la Tuffite Clef, marque le contact et l?hiatus entre ces deux groupes. Cette tuffite est reconnue à la grandeur du flanc sud du camp minier et représente l?horizon favorable à explorer puisque sa déposition a correwspond à une période d?intense activité hydrothermale. Le complexe volcanique de Matagami est limité au nord et au sud par des bandes sédimentaires orientées est-ouest, connues respectivement sous les noms de Groupe de Matagami et Groupe de Taïbi. Le Complexe intrusif de la Rivière Bell, qui occupe la base du Groupe de Watson, est un complexe lité consistant en une séquence stratifiée gabbroïque avec localement des niveaux stratiformes à concentrations d?oxydes magmatiques, la bordure de ce complexe est marquée par la présence d?un horizon granophyrique. Cette intrusion synvolcanique prétectonique, représente probablement la source de chaleur étant à l?origine de l?activité hydrothermale observée dans les roches volcaniques sus-jacentes. Suite à un levé aéroporté, le camp minier de Matagami a vu le jour en 1956 lors de la découverte du dépôt de Mattagami Lake, un gisement volcanogène de 25.6 millions de tonnes. Depuis ce temps, un total de neuf gisements ont été exploités et un dixième, Bell Allard, est présentement en production. En date du 31 décembre 1999, la production historique du camp s?élevait à plus de 41 millions de tonnes. Cette présentation mettra l?accent sur la géologie des récentes découvertes dans le prolifique camp minier de Matagami. Les ressources publiées pour le dépôt Persévérance sont de 947,000 tonnes titrant 19.12% Zn, 1.37% Cu, 32 g/t Ag et 0.40 g/t Au. Deux autres découvertes, Équinoxe et Persévérance Ouest contibueront à la ressource globale. Les trois dépôts sont situés au niveau de la Tuffite Clef même si les roches sus-jacentes ne sont pas celles typiquement observées dans les autres dépôts du flanc sud. Ces découvertes sont le résultat d?un programme d?exploration ciblé et soutenu, démontrant ainsi la possibilité de découvrir de nouvelles ressources même dans les camps miniers comme Matagami qui ont été explorés intensivement depuis plus d?un demi-siècle.

May 1, 2001

By Daniel B. Leznoff

The cyanoaurate anions [Au(CN)2]- and [Au(CN)4]- are shown to be useful building blocks for synthesizing supramolecular coordination polymers. For the gold(I) unit, aurophilic interactions often increase the structural dimensionality of the system and can impart increased thermal stability to the metal-polymers produced. A series of polymers of the form M[Au(CN)2]2(Ligand)x have also been prepared and show large colour changes upon changing the ligand, thus illustrating a sensor-type application. Both building blocks can mediate significant antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions between transition-metal centres in the polymers. For the gold(III) unit, no metal-metal interactions are observed, although weak Au-N(cyano) interactions control the intermolecular packing. Several structural examples of cyanoaurate-based coordination polymers are presented, including 2-D and 3-D arrays and a supramolecular square.

Oct 1, 2003

By B. Das, B. K. Mohapatra, K. S. Narasimhan, S. K. Bhaumik

The iron ore slimes (d80 ~ 50 µm) generated at Noamundi iron ore washing plant (TISCO), assaying 57% Fe, 4% Si02 and 8.3% A1203, have been subjected to hydrocyclone studies. The effects of different design and operating parameters have been studied to get a product suitable for subsequent use in the sinter mix. The studies indicate that it is possible to obtain a product containing 64% Fe, 1.4% Si02 and 3.5% A1203 with a recovery of 49% iron. The process involves classification followed by separation in a hydrocyclone. By this method, the overall yield of iron ore production in the plant is expected to increase by 8%. Microscopic examinations and X-ray diffraction studies were conducted to elucidate the mineralogy and liberation characteristics of Noamundi iron ore slimes. This paper deals with the findings of the investigations.

Jan 1, 1993

By F. Y. Hsiao, H. C. Kao

Underground excavation in hard rock is normally stable at shallow depth except for wedge failure. However, the excavation depth is rapidly increasing recently. In high overburden stress condition, the integrity of rock would be destroyed with degrading rock strength. Therefore, understanding both the peak and the post-peak strengths of hard rock are necessary to assess the tunnel stability at depths. The characteristic of the post-peak strength is seldom studied in Taiwan in the past. Various estimation methods for the post-peak strength degradation were briefly reviewed in the paper. Based on the Geological Strength Index (GSI) system is widely used in the determination of the rock mass strength, the quantitative residual GSI system was adopted to estimate the possible strength degradation for a hydraulic tunnel in Taiwan. The Mohr-Coulomb model (no strength degradation) and the post-peak strength degradation model (strain softening model) were used to simulate the excavation of the case tunnel at different depths. The analyses demonstrate that the tunnel is in stable condition at 600m of depth. And the effect of the postpeak strength degradation on tunnel deformation is progressively significant with increasing tunnel depth. Approximate 3-5 times of increase in crown settlement and horizontal convergence would occur when post-peak strength degradation are considered at 2400m of depth. Severe tunnel deformation may endanger the tunnel stability. Modeling results reveal that the post-peak strength degradation has a great effect on tunnel stability under high overburden stress condition, which should not neglect in deep tunnel design.

Jan 1, 2015

By J Carswell, K McTyer

The Pajingo gold operation in Queensland is approximately 50 kilometres south of Charters Towers and 134km south-west of Townsville. The resource was discovered in 1983 and first open pit gold production began in 1986. The mine traditionally employed a bottom-up sequence – a combination of modified and traditional Avoca methods with run-of-mine waste backfill. This practice caused many high-grade crown pillars to be left in place, yet accessible. In recent years, these crown pillars have been extracted by injection grouting of rockfill. This process facilitated blind up-hole open stoping. To date, thirteen separate injection campaigns have been completed, of which ten were deemed successful. In general, the two key technical difficulties in this mining technique are: maintaining a consistent high-quality ground consolidation of the rock fill material; and controlling the drill and blast practices during stoping. Here, effective drill-and-blast control was found to be essential to achieve the dual aims of 100% extraction, and maximum sill pillar stability to minimise dilution. During stoping, the technical performance of the consolidated rock-fill was recorded; both to verify the design, and to identify operational improvements. The results showed that Pajingo has realised both reduced production down-time through use of early strength gain grout, and more rapid and thorough grout consolidation through changes to the emplacement method. The optimisation of consolidated rock fill has led to several quantifiable benefits to the mine, including: profitable extraction of previously sterilised crown pillars resulting in both increased ore reserves and production profile; improvements to the stability of grouted stope crowns, thereby reducing safety and production related; risks associated with open up-hole stopes; reduction in cost and time constraints, with respect to the grouting of loose fill; and reduction in grout curing time – from 14 days to 8 days – thereby minimising production down-time. This paper is a case study of the evolution and optimisation of the up-hole open stoping mining method at Pajingo. The challenges and successes are discussed in terms of their key mining outcomes. CITATION:McTyer, K and Carswell, J, 2018. Evolution of rock fill consolidation at Pajingo Gold Mine, in Proceedings The Fourth Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference (AusRock), pp 66–77 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 30, 2018

By W. A. Boyer

MINE hoisting ropes can be loaded to capacity only when the strength of each component is exactly known. Characteristic curves provide this information. When load and rate of acceleration are specified for an individual rope, the characteristic curve assumes a predetermined shape. The factor of safety, is the value drived by dividing the breaking strength of the rope by the total stress on the rope where it goes over the sheave wheel. Total stress is made up of the weight of skip and cage, weight of ore, weight of rope between sheave and rope clevise or attachment, friction load, and acceleration force. Bending stresses are neglected in this discussion, as sheaves and drum di- ameters are assumed to be large enough to reduce these stresses to a negligible value. Fig. 1 gives a family of characteristic curves for 13/8-in. improved plow steel hoisting ropes of 6 x 19 or 6x21 construction with hemp core. The curves will hold for all rope sizes of this specified quality when they are subjected to an acceleration rate of 1.608 ft per sec2. As acceleration rates of most deep shaft hoists are close to this value, this family of curves is presented as a standard. Deviation is slight for other rope sizes. Note that for 0, which is the most important, the deviation is within the width of the line on the graph. In a comparison of values for ropes of 5/8-in. and 21/4-in. diam the deviation ranges from a maximum 1.2 pct at 0 ft to 0.6 of 1 pct at 5000 ft. The value of 5.55 is the same for all ropes at 2500 ft. The tabulated columns to the left of the curves are values of total connected load for each size of rope from 5/8-in. to 21/4-in. diam inclusive. With each of these connected loads the safety factor characteristic curve for the rope will be as indicated.

Jan 1, 1957