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Mercury has been used by mankind since prehistoric times. It has been, and is now, widely used in industry and medicine and has unique properties which make direct substitution difficult or impossible. At present its principal uses are for electrical apparatus, control instruments, electrolytic soda preparation, mildew-proofing paints, pesticides, and medical and dental preparations. Deposits of mercury are less common than those of other base and precious metals, but some of the deposits are very large and have been ample to meet the world's past demands. The price of mercury has had many sharp fluctuations, but in general, the limited number of producers has resulted in a more stable price structure than that of many other commodities. The United States has been one of the main producers of mercury, and from 1850 to 1961 produced 3,247,704 flasks. Yearly production since World War II has varied from 4,535 to 38,067 flasks. An estimate of domestic resources of mercury producible at various price ranges was prepared for each mercury mine by combining specific knowledge of mercury mineralization with estimates of potential, based on geologic information and past production history. The sum of the individual estimates for each price range is shown in a table. A parallel estimate of nationwide production potential was made from a study of past price and production relationships. These were analyzed by plotting yearly production figures against the previous year's price, expressed in dollars of constant purchasing power. An equation was fitted to the data by mathematical means and was used to extend the curve into areas of higher than historic prices. Potential production rates at various price levels were taken from this graph. The estimated yearly production rates were used to make an estimate of total potential based on the premise that production rates and reserves have a proportionate relationship. The rate of developing mercury reserves during the period from January 1944 to January 1962 is considered, and it is shown that if this rate can be continued, the mercury resources of the United States, at a constant dollar price of $500 per flask, are adequate to support a production of 60,000 flasks per year for 30 or more years. This publication contains a history and description of the mercury industry in every State which has had production and individual descriptions of all mercury properties which have reported significant production. Accompanying tables give the important facts about all known mercury occurrences.

Jan 1, 1965

By H. P. Cole

Methods for increasing compliance to medical and health regimens were reviewed along with similar research in industrial and mine safety. Principles abstracted from both areas suggest that compliance with health and safety practices is improved when: (1) Workers are cooperatively involved with management in setting safety goals and planning for their achievement, (2) the program has the support of workers, supervisors, and management, (3) specific tasks responsible for injuries are targeted, (4) company organizational policy, educational, and behavioral programs work together toward the same goals, (5) workers and supervisors are frequently informed about their degree of correct task performance, and (6) programs are monitored by the frequency of correct performance of targeted tasks, (the means to lowered accident rates) rather than by lowered accident and injury rates themselves (the goals for safety programs.) Safety programs that incorporate these principles increase persons' adherence to specified health and safety practices and subsequently decrease injury rates. It is recommended that: (1) a group of experts be convened to study the application of these principles to coal mine safety programs, and (2) a short course for safety trainers be developed to demonstrate how these principles can be used to strengthen existing mine safety programs.

Jan 1, 1985

By A. L. Podia

The purpose of this research was to develop a system capable of detecting changes in the structure of rocks, leading to failure of mine roofs, and/or excavations. A prototype system was developed, field tested and delivered to the United States Bureau of Mines for further evaluation and research. This system is based on the analysis of acoustic signals generated on the surface of the roof by an impact device and which are reflected or backscattered by flaws and discontinuities in the rock. The specially designed impact source is capable of generating high frequency acoustic signals with excellent repeatability. The system can also be used in conjunction with conventional acoustic pulse transducers. The received signal is digitized and the data transferred to a minicomputer for processing and display. This capability allows the immediate determination of wave velocity and/or distance to a reflecting interface. Various data processing techniques such as averaging, differentiating, and comparing of different signals can be selected by entering the appropriate commands on the keyboard. Being a programmable system it is possible to implement more advanced signal processing techniques. All results as well as the signal are displayed on a CRT. Furthermore, a permanent record of the data can be generated on paper tape, which can be reentered and processed at a later date. A communications interface allows transmission of the sampled signal to a large scale re-mote computer. The system was tested extensively in the laboratory, and field tested at the York Canyon Coal Mine. These tests proved the feasibility of operation in the mining environment. Results indicate that further investigation and development will have to be undertaken to fully develop the potential of this system in satisfying the goals of this research.

Jan 1, 1973

By Nicholas P. Callas

This report presents research results obtained in the investigation of deviation control of boreholes in the rotary drilling process. The approach taken in this research is the passive method of placing stabilizers in the bottom-hole assembly to control deviation. Extensive use was made of the drill string mechanics theories of Lubinski and Woods. Analog, digital and hybrid solutions to variety of boundary value problems were investigated in order to determine the best models for bottom-hole assemblies. Field drilling data was analyzed and the results obtained from various models were compared to the actual drilling results. Various accomplishments of this work have been published in open energy industry literature, with more publications to follow.

Jan 1, 1981

By K. C. Dean

During the course of the investigation of manganese mineral occurrences in the western United States, the Bureau of Mines collected several lots of ore' from properties in the vicinity of Winkelman, Ariz. As none of the ores would be marketable directly, an investigation was made to determine their amenability to concentration by ore dressing. The Geronimo group of claims is in Pinal County, 8 miles west of Winkelman, Ariz. The manganese oxides occur as cementing material in ore zones of conglomerate. Representative samples of a 2-ton lot of ore cut from outcrops of two lenticular deposits were laboratory-tested. Two 1-ton samples from the Benningfield property were similar in physical characteristics but differed in grade. This claim is 11-1/2 miles south of Winkelman and about 1 mile west of the San Pedro River on the south side of Putman, Wash. The manganese minerals occurred as nodules and lenses, replacing limestone, in a capping over a dark, igneous dike. The North Star group consists of five claims on the west side of the San Pedro River 14 miles south of Winkelman. The ore consists of a low-grade, manganese oxide-calcite occurrence interspersed with stringers of higher-grade material and is present as filling in a fissure zone in porphyry. Two samples were obtained by the examining engineer; one sample represented run-of-mine material, the other represented ore from the vein that could be hand-sorted or selectively mined.

Jan 1, 1952

By Albert L. Toenges

[sing tho ppsf; few Yomn t!le:.c. hcs beer. p. trqnd away frorn locomotive haulwe of cop2 frorn tile losdiw point to tho prop,nration plant of bitu~i- nnus-cod strip mlncc to a;~to~lzcd. h,71Jlr.:~. The qrostion has arisen rrhethcr this is alwqvs econ~nicd, rxcl the purpcrse or' tnf s investigation is to de- termine, if possible, the econonic limlt for ~~torieod had.we. sing tho ppsf; few Yomn t!le:.c. hcs beer. p. trqnd away frorn locomotive haulwe of cop2 frorn tile losdiw point to tho prop,nration plant of bitu~i- nnus-cod strip mlncc to a;~to~lzcd. h,71Jlr.:~. The qrostion has arisen rrhethcr this is alwqvs econ~nicd, rxcl the purpcrse or' tnf s investigation is to de- termine, if possible, the econonic limlt for ~~torieod had.we.]

Jan 1, 1938

By R. S. Handy

This paper describing the milling practices at tae concentrators of the Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mining and Concentrating Co. is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines on milling methods and costs in the United States. The possibility of useful comparisons has prompted the description of all five of the mills operated by the Bunker Hill and Sullivan Company in northern Idaho. The general features of these mills are tabulated below: [ ]

Jan 1, 1930

By T. G. Chapman

This paper has been abstracted from a forthcoming Bureau of Mines bulletin on the concentration of copper ores in North America. GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS IN CONCENTRATING COPPER ORES FROM 1912 TO 1932 During the east 20 years the milling of copper ores as practiced in the larger concentrators has chanced to such an extent that comparatively few of the machines in use at the beginning of this period remain in service today. Concentrating Practice in 1912. In 1912 the usual equipment for concentrating copper ores comprised jigs for the coarser sizes, tables and sand vanners for the intermediate sizes, and vanners for the finer crushed and ground material. Rolls operated in series under graded crushing conditions, were in common use for the liberation of the copper minerals; grinding by Chilean or Muntington mills ordinarily was confined to the coarser tailings of jigs and tables.

Jan 1, 1934

By Albert L. Toenges

[During the past few years there has beer trend away from locomotive haulage of coal from the loading point to the preparation plant of bituminous-coal strip, miner to motorized. haulage. The question has arisen whether this is always economical, and the purposes of this investigation is to determine, if possible the economic limit for motorized haulage. The operators of strip coal mines and of open-pit ore mines have shown great interest in this problem, and it is thought that the findings of this investigation will. Provo helpful to them.]

Jan 1, 1938

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1978, 12 companies operated 31 primary aluminum reduction plants, with 3 firms accounting for 65% of production capacity. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 31% of the total capacity; Gulf Coast States 23%; Northern States 26%; and other Southern States 20%. Based on published producer prices, output of primary metal in 1978 was valued at $5 billion. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1978, building accounted for about 25%; packaging 22%; transportation 23%; electrical 11%; consumer durables 8%; and other uses 11%.

Jan 1, 1979

By Edward A. Metz, R. Larry Grayson, Douglas F. Scott

We describe inconsistencies in disease and illness reporting in U.S. mining, identify under-reporting of disease and illness in U.S. mining, and summarize selected disease and illness in U.S. mining from 1983 through 2001. Methods: We summarized information on mining-related disease and illness data for the years 1983-2001 from the Mining Safety and Health Administration database (MSHA). Results: Discrepancies exist in types of information collected by the Centers for Disease and Control, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Mining Safety and Health Admin¬istration database. Several factors, including a worker's fear of losing his or her job, health insurance, or other job-related benefits contribute to under-reporting of disease and illness information in the US mining industry. Conclusions: Since 1997, both number of workers employed in mining and disease and illness rates have decreased; however, the highest disease and illness rates in mining continue to be coal worker's pneumoconiosis and hearing loss.

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1979, 12 companies operated 32 primary aluminum reduction plants, with 3 firms accounting for 64% of production. Washington, Oregon and Montana accounted for 32% of the total production; Gulf Coast States 20%; other Northern States 32%; and other Southern States 16%. Based on published producer prices output of primary metal in 1979 was valued at over $6 billion. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1979, building accounted for about 24%; packaging 23%; transportation 22%; electrical 11%; consumer durables 8%; and other uses, 12%.

Jan 1, 1980

By J. Frederick Stampfer

Current certification testing of self-contained breathing apparatus includes tests with human subjects wearing the apparatus while exercising. During these tests, certain apparatus variables are measured during rest periods. Because of concerns that the present tests may not accurately simulate the stresses to which an apparatus is subjected in the field, the Bureau of Mines proposed new human subject tests. It was also felt that different measurement techniques would supply more reliable data on the apparatus response to these stresses. The Los Alamos National Laboratory was asked by the Bureau to evaluate the proposed tests and monitoring techniques. The major conclusions derived during this study are these: (1) The proposed tests are not too physically demanding. (2) As long as human test subjects are used, a minimum subject weight should be required for certification tests. (3) Important apparatus variables are the breathing resistance, temperature, and carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations of the inhaled gas. (4) Continuous monitoring should be used, rather than monitoring only during rest periods. (5) New pass/fail criteria based on realistic estimates of the user's physiological requirements, as tempered by present and future engineering limitations, are needed. (6) When available, breathing machines, rather than human subjects, should be used for most certification testing. (7) A more realistic ergonomics test than that proposed is needed. (8) A gas leak test for the system and a facepiece leakage test are also needed.

Jan 1, 1983

Mine drainage and mine reclamation are topics of major interest to the mining industry, federal and local governments, and the general public. This publication and its companion three volumes are the proceedings of a conference held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 24-29, 1994. There were twelve sessions (69 papers) that dealt with mine drainage, including modeling, geochemistry, prediction, treatment, control strategies, characterization, hydrology, and case studies. These sessions comprise volumes 1 and 2. The six sessions (34 papers) that dealt with reclamation and revegetation of disturbed lands are included in volume 3. Volume 4 includes the six sessions (34 papers) that dealt with such topical issues as fires at abandoned mine sites, subsidence, hydrology, mine wastes, and policy. Poster session presentations are represented by 49 papers and 92 abstracts that have been placed in the back of volumes 2, 3, and 4, consistent with the subject of that volume.

Jan 1, 1994

By John W. Taber

The Bohemia mining district is a small but intensely mineralized area in western Oregon . For its size , it has made a substantial although somewhat sporadic production of gold throughout a long period of years . The veins also contain lead, zinc , and copper, but in the past these metals have not been recovered in important amounts . In reviewing the progress of mining activity in the district , an effort has been made to gather under one cover all available information on former operations , including methods of mining , production, and geology pertinent to the ore deposits , problems encountered, and other factual data that may affect future mining in the district . A special effort has been made to assemble as many maps of former workings as possible in order that these may be preserved and readily available to assist in future exploration. The data presented herein are based on brief reconnaissance examinations made during several weeks spent in the field in September 1946. These are supplemented by information obtained from various individuals actively or formerly connected with operations in the district . Only the principal properties and several of the more outstanding prospects were actually examined. Many of the older workings were inaccessible.

Aug 1, 1949

By M. G. Wallis

This report presents the results of a study to develop a detailed mining method design based on longwall mining with sublevel caving. The method is applicable to low-dipping coal seams 20 or more feet thick such as are found in the western United States. The report covers (1) the development and description of the mining method, (2) evaluation of the engineering feasibility of the design, (3) estimates of productivity and recovery, and (4) an engineering cost analysis and economic feasibility evaluation of the mining method design.

Jan 1, 1977

By William O. Vanderburg

This report3/ gives the reconnaissance of a reconnaissance of the mining districts in Churchill County, Nev., made in the fall of 1938 and spring of 1938 All of the mining districts in the county were visited, but no attempt has been made to include all the mines and prospects within the area; inclusion or omission of a property in this paper has no bearing on its merits, The report gives the situation of the various districts, mineral production, and ownership of properties; describes the ore deposit, mines, and prospects; contains information on past and current activity; and includes other data likely to be useful to those interested in the development of our mineral resources. The various district, were named when they were organized for purposes of record and regulation. When established, the districts embraced large areas n without well- defined borders, so that the names have little geographical significance.

Jan 1, 1940

By Timothy A. Clancy

To help reduce the Nation's dependence on imported chromite, the Bureau of Mines is conducting research on the use of dolomites as an alternate material. Dolomite is a plentiful domestic resource and offers certain advantages as a refractory raw material. A review of the literature has indicated that there are many sources of high-purity dolomite in this country and that European nations use a greater proportion of dolomite refractories, primarily in steelmaking, than the United States, The Bureau of Mines characterized 14 domestic dolomites as to chemistry, density, mineralogy, microstructure, and thermal behavior, to develop baseline data on their suitability as refractory raw materials.

Jan 1, 1983

By C. H. Schack

Extractive metallurgy techniques currently employed to recover silver from primary ores and secondary scrap were reviewed and evaluated to identify and delineate metallurgical problems whose resolution would increase the supply of silver from domestic materials. The survey revealed that practically all primary silver is recovered by froth flotation concentration of various types of ores, followed by smelting and refining of the separate lead, copper, and zinc concentrates. Silver losses during the complex processing are, with rare exception, inconsequential. Furthermore, any silver production gain from base metal ores, which contribute about two-thirds of the total primary silver, is directly dependent no improvement in the market for the base metals. Statistical data on new and old silver scrap are wholly inadequate to make reliable conclusions about scrap processing problems and the possibility of increasing the recovery of silver from the many forms of secondary silver-bearing materials. The available information indicates (1) that efficient silver reclamation practices are employed by the larger users of silver, and (2) that recovery of additional secondary silver involves solution of problems of collection rather than of processing. Several possibilities exist for limited increases in silver production from primary ores by improvement in metallurgical practices. Specifically, research is needed to (1) solve the problem of recovering silver from the copper ores of the Copper Range district, Michigan; and (2) devise economically feasible methods for recovery of silver from presently marginal or submarginal ores char because of grade, location, and frequently complex nature cannot presently be exploited by conventional techniques.

Jan 1, 1965

Researchers, medical organizations, statisticians, and others often use data on the nature and rate of occurrence of occupational diseases in directing their efforts and plans. Very often this information is developed from the reports of the States which describe the nature of work¬men's compensation claims and awards and the frequency with which they are made. To be meaningful, the statis¬tical information must be viewed in the context of the State laws involved. There is considerable variation among the laws of the different States. The Bureau of Mines has responsibilities for protecting the health of persons employed in the mineral industries and for the development of useful mineral products. To assist the Bureau in the accomplishment of its objectives, this compilation has been undertaken. For the benefit of the mineral industries, and any others who may have a similar interest, this volume is made available. An earlier compilation of the Bureau of Mines on this subject was published in 1952.4 However, during the intervening years, sufficient changes have been made in State laws to warrant completely recompiling the information. This publication includes the laws of the States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Is¬lands through 1964. Only those portions of the workmen's compensation laws which apply to or as ' related to occupational diseases are presented, and in each case enacted additions to and deletions from the basic law have been incorporated into the text of the law, thus snak¬ing it unnecessary to search out the various amendments made each year.

Jan 1, 1967