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By Robert L. Rough

The 1954 field tests consisted of six experimental shots in relatively deep holes in a sandstone similar to many oil-bearing sandstones. Water-injection measurements were made before and after each shot to establish the change in conductivity of the fluid caused by the shot. The pressure pulse produced by the shot was recorded in nearby holes to monitor the shot and to determine if any relation existed between the change in conductivity and the nature of the pressure pulse. The results of water-injection tests showed the range of conductivity of fluid before and after shooting with two different types of explosives. Because of the large spread in data for similar shots, not enough information was available to evaluate the differences in increased conductivity produced by the two explosives or any relation between the increased conductivity and the nature of the pressure pulse. However, these results, with the results of other tests involving explosive shots in rock, provide guidance for future research on the oil-well-shooting problem.

Jan 1, 1957

By Wesley A. Grosh

The Vest nickel prospect, in Floyd County, Va., was discovered about 25 years ago. Limited exploration of the deposit had indicated some appreciable nickel mineralization in the sulfide ore. The property was examined on March 9, 1943, by an engineer of the Bureau of Mines in company with C. W. Vest, owner of the property. A limited exploration program was recommended. Two holes totaling 320 feet were diamond-drilled in January 1944. Drilling indicated the sulfides are sparsely disseminated. The only nickel values of interest were at the old prospect shaft.

Jan 1, 1949

In presenting this list of permissible explosives and blasting devices, the Bureau of Mines desires to call attention to pages 19 and 24 outlining, the conditions in use under which, and only under which, the explosive or blasting device is permissible. In view of a recent publication recounting trade practice favoring the use of a blasting device without stemming, particular emphasis is placed upon condition 4 on page 19 and condition 2 on page 24. An explosive or a blasting device enumerated in the permissible lists of this Bureau is not permissible in use unless it is properly confined with clay or other incombustible stemming.

Jan 1, 1940

In presenting this list of permissible explosives and blasting devices, the Bureau of Mines desires to call attention to pages 19 and 24 outlining, the conditions in use under which, and only under which, the explosive or blasting device is permissible. In view of a recent publication recounting trade practice favoring the use of a blasting device without stemming, particular emphasis is placed upon condition 4 on page 19 and condition 2 on page 24. An explosive or a blasting device enumerated in the permissible lists of this Bureau is not permissible in use unless it is properly confined with clay or other incombustible stemming.

Jan 1, 1940

By J. E. Tiffany, Z. C. Gaugler

An active list of permissible explosives was published in December 1943 as part of the Bureau of Mines Report of Investigations 3736 under the title "Active List of Permissible Explosives and Blasting Devices Approved Previous to June 30, 1943." This list included 180 brand names. Changes in the list that have been authorized to December 31, 1945, placed 10 additional brands of permissible explosives on the active permis- sible list as a result of tests and changes in brand names.. Twelve permis- sible explosives were transferred from the active. to the inactive list. The present list contains 178 brand names. The brand names of the permissible explosives placed on the active list are as follows: American 3-A By test. Apcol No. 1-B Do. Black Diamond No. 11-B DO. Black Diamond No. 55 DO. Coalite G-1 DO. Coelite K-1 Do. Do. Coalite L-1 Coalite IS-1 Columbia B-2 DO. By change in name. By test. Monobel AA The permissible explosives transferred from the active to the inactive list are as follows: Anthracite B, L. F. Big Red No. 8 Independent No. 1, L. F. Independent No. 2, L. F. Independent No. 3, L. F. Independent No. 4, L. F. Independent No. 5, L. F. Independent No. 9, L. F. Independent No. 9-C, L. F. Independent No. 10, L. F. Independent No. 11, L. F. King No. 9

Jul 1, 1946

By R. J. Leary, W. M. Mahan, F. X. Tartaron

A new type of apparatus for prerefining molten blast furnace iron and to reduce the cost of subsequent steelmaking consists of a funnel - shaped device lined with firebrick into which a horizontal stream of molten pig iron is directed tangentially at the top . The rotary motion thus induced causes the stream to flatten itself upon the wall and flow in a spiral path to the outlet ; thus , the device was termed " vortex cone .' Oxygen and other refining agents are impinged upon the flowing metal in the cone where reaction is facilitated by the large metal surface exposed and the turbulent flow pattern . Experiments with water in 1 - foot - diameter funnels provided an idealization of the flow patterns to be expected with molten iron . A brick - lined reactor 3 feet in diameter was built for desiliconizing molten pig iron in lots of 1 to 2 tons . At flow rates of 0.3 to 0.5 ton min - 1 (430 to 720 tons per day ) this apparatus was 64- to 90 - pct effective in desiliconization with oxygen efficiencies of 19 to 41 pct . Detailed experiments to develop basic engineering data are underway , and adaptation of this principle to other reactions and reactants is planned .

Jan 1, 1964

By F. M. Goodwin, Campbell. John, W. J. Hiffs, G. W. Jones

"INTRODUCTION In cooperation with The Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston, Mass., and the Boston Consolidated Gas Co. a survey has been conducted continuously since 1929 by the United States Bureau of Mines to determine the general hazards of combustible gases and vapors in manholes of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. The New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. also has cooperated in the investigation, and tests have been made in its manholes since May 1, 1933.Yearly reports 6 giving the results obtained since the start of the survey have been published.The method and procedure of conductin, the survey in 1935 were the same as heretofore.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe cooperative investigation was arranged through the interest and effort of F. D. Comerford, president of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston; E. N. Farnesworth, Jr., vice president and general manager of the Boston Consolidated Gas Co.; and A. C. Fieldner chief engineer, Experiment Stations Division, U. S. Bureau of Mines. Thomas H. Haines, superintendent, Distribution Department, of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co., cooperated in furnishing men and information for the work,"

Oct 1, 1936

By Arthur L. Murray

"Oil-shale camps are peculiarly favored, in that before they are established it can be ascertained with a,of certainty, that the life of the project is not limited. Unlike camps at metal mines, where the metal content of a given area is frequently an unknown quantity until after years of development, oil-shale camps should, from the outset, be planned and built as permanent types of camps. Where this procedure is followed camps will be established which better serve the needs of the industry and the cost of their general care and upkeep will be less.Selection of camp or townsite.The site of the camp or town, whether on company property or not, should be selected with care. It should be separate if possible from the location of the plants of the company so as to be free from noise and fumes and so as to provide a change of environment for employees in going from their work to their homes.The principal features governing the site to be selected are as follows:Drainage. The general contour of the surrounding country should be such that drainage is away from the site. The camp or town should, if practical, be situated on higher ground than that in its immediate vicinity.Soil. The nature of the soil on which the camp or town is located may bear a decided relation to health. A porous, well under drained top soil of at least four feet in depth insures dryness and facilities the placing of foundations and the laying of water mains and sewer pipes. Such a soil also is an advantage in growing trees, shrubs and grass plots, which are a decided adjunct to making the community attractive."

Jun 1, 1921

By Paris V. Brough

This paper, which describes the practice of milling custom ore, in addition to that produced under company and lease operations in the Tom Reed mines, is one of a series 'being prepared by the Bureau of Mines. ACKNOWLEDGMENT Acknowledgment is made to W. B. Phelps, managing director, and Jack Zwinge, superintendent, far permission to publish, a-ad to G. E. Jarpe, the present mill superintendent, for his assistance in preparing the paper. LOCATION The mill is in Oatman, adjacent to the Benjamin Harrison shaft of the Tom Reed Gold Mines Co., in the foothills on the western slope of the Black Mountains, western Mohave County. The railroad shipping point is Kingman, Ariz., 25 miles northeast of Oatman. Paved highway U. S. 66 passes by the mill. The altitude is approximately 2,700 feet.

Jan 1, 1937

By A. G. Smelley

As part of research conducted in its mission to effect pollution abatement, the Bureau of Mines, U. S. Department of the Interior, is developing a dewatering technique that allows for disposal of phosphatic clay wastes, for reuse of water now lost with clays, and for reclamation of mined land. The technique utilizes a high-molecular-weightnonionic polyethylene oxide polymer (PEO) that has the ability to flocculate and dewater phosphatic clay wastes. A synergistic flocculation study was made to determine whether a portion of PEO could be replaced by other reagents. Several groups of reagents were tested: (1) those that increased the zeta potential of the phosphatic clay wastes; (2) those capable of hydrogen bonding; and (3) those which flocculated the phosphatic clay waste. Reduction in PEO consumption occurred only with addition of those reagents able to flocculate the slime. The use of natural guar gums resulted in a lower PEO requirement and also yielded a dewatered product of higher solids content, 43 to 45 percent, versus 33 to 35 percent obtained with PEO alone.

Jan 1, 1980

By D. J. Parker

State governments are increasing their efforts each year toward promoting the safety of miners .. Accidents underground are being avoided and mines made safer by means of revising and adding to their mining laws , by enforcing them through mine inspection departments , and by hearty co - operation with other agencies working miners ' safety . The U. S. Bureau of Mines is glad to testify to the co -operation that it receives from State mining departments in its safety work ; reports of the field mining engineers of the Bureau bear witness almost daily to the efforts of the States toward safety in mining . * This Through the courtesy of Mr. William Ogilvie , District State Wine Inspector of District No. 2 , with headquarters at "cAlester , Oklahoma, the Bureau has been furnished with a copy of a letter sent to various mining companies of Mr. Ogilvie's district in Oklahoma, relative to safety in Oklahoma mines . letter shows both the vigorous efforts which the State of Oklahoma is making toward increased safety in mines , and the recognized value of the types of electric cap lamps approved by the U. S. Bureau of Mines as " permissible " for use in gaseous mines ; it is accordingly reproduced in part : "hen during my first inspections of several coal mines in the district I found gas , or fire- darp being given off more or less constantly from the freshly cut coal at numerous points throughout the mines , I became uneasy relative to safety conditions , and am still considering your safety from many angles , but I am more concerned about the gas given off and the coal dust produced daily, than any other factor at the present time .

Jun 1, 1922

By Robert H. Peters

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report identifies the types of serious accidents that occur most frequently at small underground coal mines and describes the strategies that could help prevent these accidents. A wide variety of methods for improving safety are suggested, including improvements in the design of equipment, work procedures, work schedules, safety programs, and emergency response plans, as well as techniques for diagnosing the potential hazards associated with new technologies and work procedures. Some of the papers in this volume focus on preventing specific types of mining accidents--ones associated with materials handling (primarily back injuries), equipment maintenance, improper machine guarding, and ground failure during retreat mining. Although the recommendations in this volume are heavily influenced by research performed at underground coal mines in the Appalachian coalfields, most of the papers contain advice that is equally pertinent to almost any type of mine.

Jan 1, 1994

This pamphlet and the enclosed video describe a safe, effective and economical method for removing dust from work clothes. Background Information Dusty work clothes can increase a worker’s exposure to respirable dust. Respirable dust is usually considered to be particles having an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less and able to enter and deposit in the gas-exchange region of the human lung. A former U.S. Bureau of Mines report documented a 10-fold increase in worker dust exposure on a number of separate occasions from dusty work clothes.* It was found that once clothes become contaminated, they are a continual dust source until cleaned. The only MSHA approved method to clean work clothes requires a HEPA-filter vacuuming system which is very time consuming and difficult to perform effectively. Therefore, most workers use a single air hose (not MSHA approved) which can elevate dust levels for the worker, co-workers, and the work environment. A substantial amount of engineering technology has been developed that, when applied, can significantly lower respirable dust exposures of workers at mineral processing plants. But even with these improvements, some workers continue to exceed their permissible exposure limit. Elevated exposures increase the potential for developing debilitating or fatal lung diseases. ?e clothes cleaning method described within is an example of a continuing effort to reduce the potential for developing these lung diseases. Information about engineering research by the former U.S. Bureau of Mines and NIOSH can be found online at www.cdc.gov/niosh. ?is website can also be used for obtaining NIOSH information about health hazards associated with crystalline silica.

By Harry E. Tuff

"This paper is based data obtained by the Bureau of Mines from some of the principal mine operators in Pennsylvania, in the course of a study conducted in cooperation with the U. S. Forest Service, with regard to economies that might be effected in the selection storage, and preparations of timber particularly treatment with preservative to prolong its life.The Pennsylvania anthracite region, considered as a single mining district is by far the largest user of mine timber of any mining district, either coal or metal, in the United States, and the bituminous districts of Pennsylvania rank second. The present annual consumption of mine timber by the coal-mining industry of Pennsylvania probably exceeds 100,000,000 cubic feet annually.In 1919, Pennsylvania produced, in round figures, 145,300,000 tons of bituminous coal, 86,200,000 tons of anthracite, and 5,400,000 tons of iron ores. If it be assumed that the bituminous coal mines required 0.33 cubic feet, anthracite mines 0.7, and iron mines 0.9 cubic feet per ton mined the timber requirements were bituminous. 47,950,000; anthracite, 60,340,000; iron mines, 4,860,000 or a total of over 113,000,000 cubic feet.The average cost of round mine timber in the anthracite region in 1905, was, according to the U. S. Forest Service, 6.6 cents per cubic foot, and $15.00 per 1000 board feet for sawed timber. The present cost Las advanced to 27.5 cents per cubic foot for round timber, delivered to the mine, of which cost 57.4, represents freight charges."

Nov 1, 1923

By Corwin L. Cooper

This paper, describing; the milling and cyanidation methods and costs at the Yellow Aster gold mine, is one of a series of papers being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on bold milling practices in the United States. Acknowledgments Acknowledgment is made to the executives of the Anglo American Mining Corporation, Ltd., for permission to publish this article, and to A. W. Frolli, manager, and other members of the company staff, for assistance` in preparing the, paper.

Jan 1, 1936

By Murali M. Gadde, John A. Rusnak

Rock mass classification systems are extremely useful for site characterization and have been employed by the rock mechanics community for several decades. While empirical in nature, the classification systems provide a viable means to quantify the nature of rock mass, which is necessary for stability analyses. In U.S. coal mines, the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) is the most widely used classification system for several purposes, including sup-port selection, chain pillar design, assessing the stability of extended face cuts, etc. The Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems (ARBS) is an empirical method developed from the CMRR to guide selection of roof bolts as the primary support system in U.S. coal mines. In this paper, the experience of Peabody Energy in applying ARBS to sup-port design is discussed. In general, data from the Peabody mines show that ARBS predictions match well with field conditions. Peabody, however, does not use ARBS as the stand-alone methodology for support selection. Peabody uses a two-pronged approach in which the support requirement is initially estimated from the classification method, and then numerical modeling is used to select the proper reinforcement system. Such an integrated approach is necessary, as ARBS suggests only the “amount of steel” that may be used to support the roof and does not specify which type of roof bolt to use. A case study is used to demonstrate the usefulness of ARBS and Peabody’s integrated approach to support design. Also, the application of ARBS at several Peabody mines showed a very good correlation with support cost. The correlation indicated a direct relation between bolting cost and the ARBS value.

Jan 5, 2007

By William H. Schiffbauer, Ph. D. Mowrey

Proximity warning devices can improve workplace safety by alerting workers when they are in a hazardous area near moving equipment. Industrial work sites often present extreme challenges to safety-based proximity warning devices. Many commercially available types of proximity warning sensors and systems can be rendered useless when covered with mud, ice, snow, ore, rock, and other material. The list includes radar, ultrasonic, capacitive, and visual types of sensors and systems. Addressing these shortcomings, NIOSH personnel have developed a patented active proximity warning system called HASARD (Hazardous Area Signaling and Ranging Device) which employs lowfrequency, low-power magnetic fields which are quite impervious to severe environmental conditions. A shapeable wire loop antenna which provides the marker of dangerous work areas, has been mounted on a continuous mining machine and was mounted inside 1.3-cm thick angle iron. This loop antenna was exposed to more than six months of active underground coal production, which included being covered by and scraped over with tons of rock, sprayed by a continuous stream of water, and immersed in thick mud. After six months the loop antenna showed signs of wear, but was still capable of performing its intended function. The HASARD system is now being applied to other industrial applications and is showing much promise, especially in harsh environments. This paper details the system, describes the tests that have been done, and mentions other areas where it can benefit the safety of industrial workers.

By F. R. Cattoir

This report presents the results of preliminary studies for the evaluation of some fused-salt electrolytes for refining tungsten metal, and describes the equipment used. Some impurities could be eliminated with electrolytes composed of sodium chloride, sodium iodide, or sodium tetraborate in combination with tungstic oxide or sodium tungstate. Electrolytes composed entirely of chlorides were unusable because of the volatility of tungsten chloride. Refining 96-to 98-percent tungsten to produce a commercial grade was more successful than further refining of 99.9-percent tungsten. No electrolyte tested yielded a product pure in all respects. Electrolyte temperatures of about 900° C were necessary to maintain a good dissolution rate at the anode and acceptable cell operation. Cathode current densities at the beginning of a deposition cycle were limited to approximately 1 ampere per square inch. Higher current densities resulted in a finely divided product that frequently failed to adhere to the cathode. The most conspicuous impurities in the tungsten produced were carbon, iron, and molybdenum; the former two came from the iron cell and the graphite cell liner. Electrolytes com-posed of tungstic oxide or sodium tungstate in sodium iodide, or 2Na, 0.B203, were capable of producing tungsten carbide.

Jan 1, 1963

By Michael S. Miller

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) conducted mineral investigations in the 1,227,000-acre Emigrant Trail study area of Nevada during 1992. During the USBM investigation of 25 areas of development interest, 190 mineral localities were identified and 260 rock and 50 alluvial samples were taken. At least 0.5 million troy ounces of gold, 2.3 million troy ounces of silver, 3.3 million pounds of copper, 10.9 million pounds of lead, 2.4 million pounds of zinc, 500 tons of alunite, 40,000 tons of sulfur, 9,000 pounds of mercury, and 21,000 pounds of tin have been mined from the area and vicinity. Adjacent to the study area, gold is being mined at large, open-pit gold mines, the Hog Ranch and Hycroft Resources, Inc., Sulphur mines, and new production is planned at the Rosebud LAC/Equinox. Hog Ranch mine is nearing depletion, but resources of more than 0.5 million troy ounces of gold and about 5 million ounces of silver are estimated for the Rosebud LAC/Equinox project and more than 0.4 million ounces of gold for the Hycroft Resources, Inc., Sulphur mine. Significant investigations are occurring at SP Ridge and other sites near Scossa and at the Dan claims in the Southern Calico Mountains. Precious opal, placer gold, and geothermal energy resources occur in the study area and vicinity.

Jan 1, 1993

By Lawrence G. Houk

In modern warfare mica is truly indispensable. The coordination of combatant units necessitates maintenance of intricate communications equipment, in the construction of which high-grade sheet mica is essential. Scrap, ground, and the poorer qualities of block mica, which are less essential to the military program, are not considered in this paper. Furthermore, as the paper is designed primarily to assist mica miners, mica derivatives such as splittings and films are also excluded from discussion. The paper therefore relates solely to block mica of strategic quality.

Jan 1, 1942