Search Documents

This paper firstly reviews the requirements for container and hopper design for reliable discharge. Discussion is then directed to the evaluation of the consolidation stresses acting in both in both the cylinder and hopper sections during both initial and flow conditions. Here the vast difference, especially in vicinity of the bin outlet, between the initial or filling and flow conditions is highlighted. This vast difference has major design and operation implications. A further major implication is that all bulk solids must dilate to flow. The opportunity to simultaneously attain reliable discharge and partial moisture removal is also examined.The selection of design parameters to maximise the consolidation stresses in both the cylindrical and hopper sections is detailed. In regard to the latter, it is recommended fine coal bins be discharged using low friction lined transition hoppers with large outlet spans. Such outlets will discharge fine coal in a relatively compacted state. This compaction state should exhibit minimum water retention and short term moisture uptake.

Jan 1, 1998

By Paul Eimon

The 1981 Fall field trip of the Denver Region Exploration Geologists' Society focuses on Creede. That is appropriate - because significant mining history has been made and is being made in this off-the-beaten track, high-country mining district. Creede is one of the few Colorado bonanza towns which was big in the 19th Century, had its ups and downs, and produced almost continuously since its discovery. Creede is important to geologists for its: precious and base metal production, current exploration activity, and research into near-surface hydrothermal systems. United States Geological Survey research and field geologists zeroed in on Creede some 25 years ago and their steady, consistent work is now being spotlighted and appreciated.

Jan 1, 1981

By Chester Purington

THE AUTHOR hopes that this paper will meet with criticism and debate by fellow members of the Institute rather than with that attitude of passiv-ity and indifference which one is inclined to adopt when considering a field completely foreign to one's own experi-ence. After several years of study of voluminous literature, maps, and statistics, and many personal journeys and field inspections of various parts of Siberia, the conclusion is reached .that the area adjacent to the Stanovoi, Zhugd-Zhur, and Yablonoi ranges as below defined is that which .is most accessible to the western world and will soonest give results from exploration. HISTORY The first incursion of the Russians into Siberia east of the Yenesei River appears to have been in 1632 when the fort of Yakutsk was founded on the middle Lena. The early expeditions were in quest of furs. As the Siberians say, "the sable beckoned" and the post of Anadyr was founded in 1639, two thousand miles further northeast. Thus nineteen years after the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, the Russians had established a trading post within 700 miles of what is now the town of Nome, Alaska. Parties of Cossaks penetrated to the shores of the Okotsk1 Sea early in the seventeenth century, but it was not until 1688 that the town of Okotsk was founded. In 1712 a grand project was elaborated at St. Petersburg for building a port at Okotsk, but it came to nothing. Vitus Bering, the Alaska explorer, built ships at Okotsk, and made this his point of depar-ture. It is stated that the iron work used in these ships was brought overland partly from Yakutsk, and partly even from St. Petersburg, 5500 miles away. Accord-ing to report a copper deposit was worked on the river Urak, not far from the coast, and copper was smelted for sheathing the bottoms. Grassgrown mounds con-taining slag and shots of copper were inspected by the writer last summer, at the site of the ancient shipyard.

Jan 11, 1923

By Thomas H. Clagett

ThE Pocahontas coal field comprises the area in Tazewell County, Va. and Mcrcer and McDowell counties, W. Va., in which Nos. 3 and 4, Pocahontas seams of bituminous coal are mined. It is a mountainous region with ridges rising 300 to 1000 ft. (91 to 305 111.) above the very narrow valleys and, except for some poorly kept farms along the tops of the ridges and the area occupied by the mining and coking plants and villages, is wooded throughout. First shipments were made from Pocahontas in 1883. There are now about 100 mines, 95 per cent. of which are drift mines. At the end of 1920, approximately 298,000,000 gross tons of coal had been produced and 35,000 acres of coal mined. No. 3 seam is from 4 to 10 ft. (1.2 to 3 m.) thick, but the change is gradual and the thickness fairly uniform in any particular locality. It has a streak of bone, about 2 in. (5 cm.) thick, to which the coal adheres on both sides. In parts of the field this bone is replaced by hard slate, usually from 2 to 4 in. thick. The seam has a slate or fireclay bottom and a draw-slate top. No. 4 seam is from 65 to 80 ft. (19.8 to 24 m.) above No. 3 seam, and of minable section only in the western part of the field. It is from 3 to 8 ft. thick and has two streaks of bone, cach from 1 to 2 in. thick. It has a fireclay or slate bottom and is overlaid by from 4 to 24 in. of a laminated coal and slate, locally termed "black rash," which is separated from the coal seam by about 3 in. of slate. This "black rash" averages about 2.5 per cent. ash, but contains some clean coal. The coal in both seams is quite soft. Cleavage sufficieiltly well defined to exert an influence on the mining is rare. Overlying strata arc slates, shales, and sandstones, the sandstones predominating, extending from 30 to 1000 ft. above No. 3 seam. The strata directly above the draw slate of No. 3 seam, or "black rash" of No. 4 seam, and up to the first sandstone are usually slates or shales, about 10 ft. thick over the.

Jan 1, 1923

By Thomas H. Clagett

ThE Pocahontas coal field comprises the area in Tazewell County, Va. and Mcrcer and McDowell counties, W. Va., in which Nos. 3 and 4, Pocahontas seams of bituminous coal are mined. It is a mountainous region with ridges rising 300 to 1000 ft. (91 to 305 111.) above the very narrow valleys and, except for some poorly kept farms along the tops of the ridges and the area occupied by the mining and coking plants and villages, is wooded throughout. First shipments were made from Pocahontas in 1883. There are now about 100 mines, 95 per cent. of which are drift mines. At the end of 1920, approximately 298,000,000 gross tons of coal had been produced and 35,000 acres of coal mined. No. 3 seam is from 4 to 10 ft. (1.2 to 3 m.) thick, but the change is gradual and the thickness fairly uniform in any particular locality. It has a streak of bone, about 2 in. (5 cm.) thick, to which the coal adheres on both sides. In parts of the field this bone is replaced by hard slate, usually from 2 to 4 in. thick. The seam has a slate or fireclay bottom and a draw-slate top. No. 4 seam is from 65 to 80 ft. (19.8 to 24 m.) above No. 3 seam, and of minable section only in the western part of the field. It is from 3 to 8 ft. thick and has two streaks of bone, cach from 1 to 2 in. thick. It has a fireclay or slate bottom and is overlaid by from 4 to 24 in. of a laminated coal and slate, locally termed "black rash," which is separated from the coal seam by about 3 in. of slate. This "black rash" averages about 2.5 per cent. ash, but contains some clean coal. The coal in both seams is quite soft. Cleavage sufficieiltly well defined to exert an influence on the mining is rare. Overlying strata arc slates, shales, and sandstones, the sandstones predominating, extending from 30 to 1000 ft. above No. 3 seam. The strata directly above the draw slate of No. 3 seam, or "black rash" of No. 4 seam, and up to the first sandstone are usually slates or shales, about 10 ft. thick over the.

Jan 1, 1923

By PALMER H. TYLER

WHEN the Mid-Continent Section of the A. I. M. E. met at the roof garden dining room of the Tulsa Club on Monday evening, May 13, most of the members present came prepared with a credulity-stretching yarn of some sort or other, gathered from actual experience. Perhaps it was not realized at the time that such anecdotes would eventually burst into print, but while the excellent dinner was appeasing the inner man the word was passed around that informality and spontaneity of expression would characterize the meeting, with the result that the shackles of convention were eventually cast aside and the meeting waxed better and better until the hour grew ,late, and the chairman, L. G. E. Bignell, originator of the idea, brought to a close what was agreed to be a profitable and entertaining evening. The ball was started rolling by Paul Ruedemann of the program committee, who offered the following:

Jan 1, 1929

By Louise B. Freeman

Kentucky for the first time in its oil history passed the 10 million barrel mark. Of the total 10,019,641 bbl., 8,262,516 bbl. were produced in Western Kentucky, and Union County surpassed all others, with 4,056,142 bbl., or 40 percent of all the production for the state. There were 930 wells known to have been drilled during the year; 510 in Western Kentucky and 221 in the gas-producing area of Eastern Kentucky.

Jan 1, 1946

Jan 1, 1935

By H. E. Powell

The magnetic susceptibility, the geographical source, and associated minerals are given for 44 copper-, 26 lead-, and 19 zinc-bearing minerals. Of the 44 copper minerals/ all had a susceptibility of less than 15 X 10-6 cgs, and about 20 percent of them were diamagnetic. Of the 26 lead minerals, all had a susceptibility of less than 11 X 10-5 cgs, and almost half of them were diamagnetic. And, of the 19 zinc minerals, all except four had a susceptibility of less than 9 X 10-6 cgs, and about one-fourth of them were diamagnetic.

Jan 1, 1968

Robert C. Horton was sworn in as the new Director of the Bureau of Mines on October 13 in Washington. Horton, 54, was director of the Geology Division of the Bendix Field Engineering Corporation's operations in Grand Junction, Colorado, before being nominated by - it Reagan for this position. A geological engineer, he has been associated with the mining industry in the West for over 35 years. Legislation to expand the Defense Production Act for 1 year until September 30, 1982, was signed by the President on September 30. The Administration had requested, steel a 5-year extension, but the Congress chose to spend another year considering proposed revisions. The Act, among other things, authorizes the allocation of strategic materials for defense purposes and allows incentives including floor prices and Government financing to encourage domestic mineral projects.

Jan 1, 1981

By Alla D. Mah

The energies of combustion of zirconium carbide and hafnium carbide were measured by combustion calorimetry and the heats of combustion and formation. of zirconium carbide and hafnium carbide were derived . The results are-- ZrC AH298.15 ( combustion) = -308.60 ± 0.55 kcal /mole , AH298.15 ( formation) -47.0 ± 0.6 kcal /mole , AH298.15 = HfC (combustion ) = -306.08 ± 0.20 kcal/mole , AH298.15 ( formation) -52.3 ± 0.4 kcal /mole . = INTRODUCTION This report contains the results of calorimetric measurements to obtain the heats of formation of zirconium carbide ( ZrC) and hafnium carbide ( HfC) . The work was conducted as part of a Bureau of Mines program for determining the heats of formation of oxides , carbides , and nitrides by combustion calorimetry . Combustion calorimetry is one of the most precise calorimetric techniques . The chief obstacle to obtaining accurate heat of formation values for carbides , and the chief reason for the variation in the results of different investigators , is the lack of purity of the carbide samples . Corrections for impurities always involve assumptions which lead to uncertainties . In general , a large impurity correction is accompanied by a large uncertainty in the final result .

Jan 1, 1964

By James C. Barker

The analytical variability encountered when sampling for platinum-group metals (PGM) was statistically evaluated during a 1983 study by the Bureau of Mines and the University of Alaska. Sampling procedures were designed to systematically incorporate commonly used reconnaissance exploration techniques under actual field conditions. Analytical variability was evaluated at each procedural step. Analytical data from each sample from a single deposit grouped relatively well around the calculated mean for that deposit. Standard deviations did not exceed 43 pct of the mean for any of the deposits; more commonly, the deviation was about 25 pct. Statistical treatment of the data by analysis of variance indicated the most important source of error is selection of the sample site. Two or more replicate samples appear necessary to adequately quantify the PGM content. Secondly, significant variation occurs during preparation of a pulverized split for fire assay. The optimum sample size was in the 11-lb range; larger samples did not appreciably reduce variability. Smaller samples generally indicated a higher degree of variability. Evaluation of the sample method suggested the common grab sample, if carefully taken, is a useful indicator of the general range of PGM concentration but potentially includes a considerable margin of error.

Jan 1, 1985

By J. K. Whyatt

Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines have been exploring recent advances in the use of strain-softening constitutive laws that approximate shear fracturing. The purpose of these tests is to investigate shear-fracture-related rock bursts in hard-rock mines. The capabilities and remaining problems in the use of strain-softening laws in finite-element, distinct-element, and finite-difference methods are reviewed. Performance of the finite-difference implementation of strain softening is compared to classic experimental results and observations of rock mass behavior in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District of northern Idaho. The results show promise for developing methods to identify the general location and orientation of shear fractures and their sequence of occurrence, but such methods cannot be relied upon to quantify post-fracture loads or displacements accurately. Uncertainty over the amount of energy consumed by failing rock and the dependency of energy consumption on model mesh definition prevent direct application of the results to analyses of rock bursts.

Jan 1, 2010

By Manlapig EV, Mackinnon IDR, Laudr DW

Orebodies at Ok Tedi contain a number of different fluorine bearing minerals. Some of these minerals report to concentrate and are responsible for the presence of the penalty element, fluorine, within the concentrate. Previous analytical work has tended to examine geological samples for content, rather than determine the metallurgical behaviour of the different mineralogical species. This investigation utilised X-Ray Diffraction combined with Scanning Electron Microscope / Electron Microprobe to identify the fluorine bearing minerals in flotation test products. Seven fluorine bearing minerals were identified, viz., talc, phlogopite, amphibole (tremolite and actinolite), sphene, apatite, biotite and clay. Talc was found exclusively in the skam ore type. Phlogopite and amphiboles (tremolite and actinolite) were found to occur in both skarn and porphyry ores, while sphene, apatite, biotite and clay were found only in the porphyry ores. Of the fluorine bearing minerals observed, only talc exhibited natural hydrophobicity to any significant degree. Phlogopite and the amphibole minerals were found to be hydrophillic, whilst the remaining minerals occurred in insufficient quantities to determine the flotation behaviour. Ok Tedi copper concentrate fluorine content prior to skarn ore treatment in the mill (typically 350ppm) was previously identified as deriving from phlogopite, while talc was believed to be the source of intermittent high concentrate fluorine contents when skarn ores were treated. This paper provides supporting evidence for this belief, and reports the nature of fluorine bearing mineral flotation behaviour.

Jan 1, 1997

By W. K. Dressel

Over 2 million tons of steel furnace dusts are produced each year in the United States. Recycling of these dusts rather than disposal would conserve mineral resources, reduce land requirements for disposal, and decrease pollution. In addition to the iron content, the dusts contain appreciable amounts of zinc and lead. Removal of lead and zinc with simultaneous reduction of Iron oxide has been achieved by inert atmosphere roasting of carbon-containing pellets prepared from steel furnace wastes. High- and low-carbon wastes were blended to obtain mixtures with sufficient carbon to serve as a reductant during subsequent roasting. The mixtures were pelletized with the addition of bentonite and water, and the dried pellets were roasted in a stream of nitrogen at temperatures ranging from 900" to 1,150° C. Zinc and lead contents were reduced to the 0.1 percent level or less by roasting mixtures containing as little as 7 percent carbon for 1 hour at 1,100° C. ton metallization increases with available carbon content; 50 percent metallization is achieved with 7 percent carbon, 85 percent metallization with 12.5 percent carbon, and over 95 percent metallization when the pelletized mixtures contained in excess of 20 percent carbon.

Jan 1, 1973

Interest in the sampling of refined copper cathodes has heightened over the last ten years. This has followed the increasing importance of cathodes as the principle trading form for metallic copper. It has also been given impetus by recent trends for quality certification of manufacturing inputs, specifically the AS3900 and IS09000 series of standards.

Jan 1, 1976

By Linkson PB

The presence of residual cyanide in mine tailings and fill sands may, under specific circumstances, lead to acute and/or chronic cyanide poisoning of the environment and individuals. In this paper, the nature of cyanide contained in mine tailings is discussed, along with the circumstances under which such cyanide would become a hazard. A number of methods for cyanide degradation are reviewed in the paper, with special emphasis being placed on biological degradation (due to its low costs and the non toxic nature of the degradation process itself). Recommendations are made as to the best methods of setting up a biological degradation system, for use in mining Situations.

Jan 1, 1987

By Schneider, W. G.

IT is not my purpose to burden you with many statistics. The charts herewith should be considered merely as indicating the trend. I believe' that is what is really of interest to us. It is difficult, if not impossible to forecast with any assurance future developments, because of possible new mines, competitive materials, curtailment' or increase in the use of the metal in certain markets, and many other factors that have a vital bearing on any industry. Fig. 1 shows United States smeltet output of copper, starting with 1845. It is estimated that in 1928 the smelter output of copper will be about 1,010,000 tons. Between 1895 and 1905 it increased about 200,000 tons, and between 1905 and 1915 about 240,000 tons. Between 1915 and 1925 the increase was about 140,000 tons. This is an average increase over 30 years of about 190,00Q tons per ten-year period. At the present time the indications are that this demand for increased production will continue. As to whether or not we have the supplies or facilities to maintain this increase or a greater one, remains to be seen. Provided it is possible for United States smelters to increase their production, they should be producing at the rate of about 1,210,000 tons or more per year by 1935.

Jan 1, 1928

By A. M. Abouzeid, R. Hogg

Materials transport is involved in all phases of mineral processing. Bulk transport is necessary for moving materials between unit operations and through processing devices such as grinding mills. Differential transport is a primary mechanism for most separation processes. The basic mechanisms of transport and flow in particulate materials are reviewed and their role in materials handling and storage and in the performance of processing operations such as grinding and separation are discussed. Specific examples are used to illustrate current understanding of these transport phenomena and to indicate important research needs and opportunities.

Jan 1, 1989

By Minghao Hu, Hongbo Zhao, Jun Wang, Wenqing Qin, Rui Liao, Central South University

"In the present work, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and electrochemical analysis were carried out to investigate the intermediate species and electrochemical dissolution process of chalcopyrite in the presence of sulfur and iron oxidizing microorganisms. For bioleaching of chalcopyrite by the sulfur oxidizing microorganism Acidithiobacillus caldus, the redox potential was always lower than the appropriate value and chalcopyrite was mainly directly oxidized to polysulfide (Sn 2-), thus resulting in low copper extraction. As for bioleaching of chalcopyrite by the iron oxidizing microorganism Leptospirillum ferriphilum, chalcopyrite was mainly directly oxidized to polysulfide at the initial stage where redox potential was lower than the appropriate value and resulted in low dissolution rate. At the middle stage where redox potential was appropriate (about 350–480 mV vs. Ag/AgCl), chalcopyrite was mainly transformed to intermediate species of Cu2S rather than polysulfide, thus resulting in high dissolution rate. At the later stage where redox potential was higher than the appropriate value, chalcopyrite was mainly directly oxidized to polysulfide which caused the later passivation of chalcopyrite. Finally, a model of electrochemical dissolution process of chalcopyrite in the presence of sulfur and iron oxidizing microorganisms was provided.INTRODUCTIONBiohydrometallurgy is considered as one promising mineral processing technique in processing low grade ores due to the advantages of simplicity, low cost and eco-friendly. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is the most abundant copper-bearing resource, accounting for appropriately 70% of the known reserves in the world, while is recalcitrant to bio-hydrometallurgy mainly due to the coated passivation layer (Klauber, 2008; Li, Kawashima, Li, Chandra, & Gerson, 2013). However, the detailed dissolution and passivation mechanisms of chalcopyrite bioleaching are still uncertain. The microorganisms assisting chalcopyrite dissolution can be mainly classified into three types, including mesophilic microorganisms (e.g., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans), moderately thermophilic microorganisms (e.g., Acidithiobacillus caldus, Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans and Leptospirillum ferriphilum), and extremely thermophilic microorganisms (e.g., Metallosphaera sedula, Sulfolobus sp., Acidianus sp., and Sulfurcoccus mirabilis). Moderately thermophilic microorganisms have a better prospect in the future industrial application of chalcopyrite bio-hydrometallurgy (Olson, Brierley, & Brierley, 2003; Rohwerder, Gehrke, Kinzler, & Sand, 2003). Hence, investigating the detailed dissolution and passivation mechanisms of chalcopyrite bioleaching by moderately thermophilic microorganisms is of important significance, which will provide essential information for promoting chalcopyrite bioleaching by moderately thermophilic microorganisms in laboratory or industrial plant."

Jan 1, 2016