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By P. J. Cook

Comminution is one of the fundamentals of mineral processing, requiring large expenditures to be made on capital equipment, installation, power and maintenance. The trend toward lower grades and higher operating costs, mean mining operations are becoming increasingly marginal. The challenge is to improve and more importantly, utilise crushing and milling technologies that provide for reduced capital and operating costs whilst providing increased unit efficiencies. The Svedala Barmac Autogenous Crushing Mill presents such an opportunity by providing many of the cost savings and production increases required by its ability to produce a finer mill feed size and realise reduced energy consumption. This paper briefly describes the operation of the Svedala Barmac Autogenous Crushing Mill and reviews its benefits towards improving the efficiency of crushing and milling operations.

Jan 1, 1999

Due to deposit shape and dimension, narrow vein makes reserve modeling, geological control, stope design, drill and blasting more challenging. It needs high standard quality control as errors can be created easily, which could cause significant amount of ore loss or dilution. From channel sampling, survey control, reserve modeling, drill hole design, blasting, communication with underground drillers to backfill, this paper illustrated every step and its quality control of a long hole stope mining. Compared to other narrow vein mining methods (cut and fill and shrinkage), long hole stoping means higher production, less labor, and significantly lower cost when deposit characteristics allowed.

Jan 1, 2012

By D. Nutakor

The ability of computers to create synthetic representations of the real world in virtual reality offers a number of opportunities to enhance training methods used in the mining industry. Unfortunately, the training effectiveness of virtual reality systems currently used in the mining industry has received only limited testing. Miner Simulation (MinerSIM), an augmented reality system with integrated hypermedia suitable for training underground miners in the basics of using a jackleg drill to install rock bolts in a virtual mine environment is in its evaluation process at the University of Missouri-Rolla Experimental Mine. This paper discusses evaluation methodologies of the MinerSIM system, which consists of experimental and control groups with control students learning via traditional lecture and text formats. Preliminary results from usability tests of the first part of MinerSim, which is an online tutorial on underground rock bolting, are presented.

Jan 1, 2008

By Thomas Sisley, Jozef Zurawski, Richard Switalski

Hilltop Interceptor Contract G is one of the segments of the wastewater control system in the greater Cleveland area. The tunnel is a relief interceptor constructed by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to minimize combined sewer overflows in the Easterly Service Area. The design study identified the need for a 3.35 m (132 in) diameter, 3.35 km (11,000 ft)in-line storage conveyance tunnel to be constructed at depths of 30 to 70 m (100 to 230 ft).Six structures for access, future flow drop, work shafts and overflow control were required to complete the system. The interceptor reduced the design peak flow from 12.5 m3/s(285 mgd) to 6.1 m3/s (140 mgd) by detaining in line 22,800 m3 (six million gallons) of wastewater.

Jan 1, 1997

By P. Burmeister, R. A. Errath, A. Sapin

Sag Mills are becoming bigger in size almost every year. Concentrator plants are also becoming larger with more SAG and Ball Mills units with Gearless Mill drives installed in one plant. In contradiction to this development, concentrator plants are being built in increasingly remote areas, where the power supply and network conditions are not necessarily covering the needs for the operation of such plants. This paper describes sources of harmonic distortions and possible approaches to solve this problem. It also illustrates the permissible tolerances in terms of commutation of power electronics, based on already realized installations. Furthermore it explains how, and with which measures, harmonic currents created by non-linear loads with SAG and Ball Mill drives can be handled, and how harmonic standards can be fulfilled accordingly. Finally, this paper gives an overview about the technical impact of a strong versus weak network, and the economic relationship between them.

Jan 1, 2001

By Bill A. Hancock

In Situ leaching for the recovery of uranium from low grade sandstone deposits is one of the newest technological advances in the mineral industry. It is rapidly developing into a commercially feasible mining system which has economic, environmental, and social advantages over conventional mining systems. Because of the current uranium shortage, development of In Situ leaching into a sophisticated system has gained new impetus. In Situ leaching will become an important mining technique in the future, which will greatly help to supply uranium for our nation's energy heeds. In this paper, I will be giving an overview of the merits of the system, as well as the technology, problems, and research in solution mining of uranium.

Jan 1, 1977

By G. V. Krishnan, L. Adler

A rock classification for drilling and boring is presented covering most equipment types and providing an estimation of the key parameters for operation, such as thrust and speed, and of performance such as penetration rate and bit life. Drilling and boring are significant and integral aspects of both the mining and heavy construction industries. Together these constitute over 20% of the G.N.P. Drilling and boring represent the most arduous mechanical processes performed in industry. Their misapplication quickly leads to equipment destruction, hazards, and to major delays. The classification is unified in two ways: 1) for a particular rock class several parameters can be estimated, 2) the classification integrates most excavating activities (i.e. digging, ripping and even blasting), and is derived from ground control. The rock classification provides a job property, based on fundamental and index properties, which yields quick and rough estimates of vital information. However it does not obviate the need for a more thorough analysis, and maintaining field records. BACKGROUND In order to adequately describe a drilling operation the conditions, activity, and equipment must be characterized. Of these the major independent variables are the conditions. Conditions focus on the geologic mass and also consider whether the site is surface or underground. The primary component of the geologic mass is the rock type, detailed below in Rock Characteristics. The other components

Jan 1, 1983

The propensity of coal spontaneous combustion can be evaluated using various laboratory testing methods such as R70 adiabatic tests, thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and critical self-heating temperature (CSHT) methods. Each of the methods has its unique characteristics and index for classifying the propensity of self-ignition of coals. Accountable relationships among the propensity indices of different methods should be established. Using the newly established R and TGA testing setups in our ventilation laboratory, samples from US coal mines have been collected and tested. 70 The TGA is a relatively new quantitative method. A test can be conducted in a relatively short time. The temperature and weight of the sample can be measured with high precision and then used to determine the activation energy of the coal which is a good indicator for potential of self-heating. Under a specific experimental design, the TGA technique could perform the proximate analysis for determining coal quality parameters (e.g., moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash content). These parameters can be used in an empirical equation for assessing the potential of coal self-ignition. The trend of activation energies determined using TGA techniques and adiabatic tests are reasonably consistent with each other. As a case study, a comparative analysis of these two methods for determining activation energy was made on coal samples collected from Indiana. The kinetics of the spontaneous combustion mechanism has been explained. If the functional groups of a coal are easier to be activated with a small amount of activation energy at a relatively low temperature, the coal will has a higher potential of self-heating. With the kinetic and coal quality parameters determined by the TGA setup, it has been found that the coal with low potential of self-ignition has low self-heating rate, high activation energy and high minimum self-heating temperature.

Jan 1, 2012

By Kiseong Hyeong, Young-Tak Ko, Gee Soo Kong

"The benthic environmental impact experiment addresses environmental impacts at a specific site related to deep-sea mineral resource development. For such a purpose, since 2010 we have carried out essential environmental research at both the BIS and a preservation site. We have acquired several tens multi- or box core samples at 32 sites within the BIS especially between 2011 and 2013, aiming to examine the basic properties of surficial deep-sea sediment as the potential source for deep-water plumes.In this study, we present physical the properties such as water content, shear strength and also geochemical properties such as major elements, rare earth elements (REEs), heavy metal contents at the BIS. Such proxies vary distinctly according to the Facies association. The lithology of all core sediments in the BIS corresponds to both Association Ib (Unit I/Unit II) and Association IIIb (Unit I/Unit III) on the basis of the KORDI classification (KORDI, 2004); Unit I is watery mud and dark grayish brown (10YR4/2) to dark brown (10YR4/3). Unit II is highly bioturbated mud and brownish yellow (10YR6/6). Unit III is very dark brown (10YR3/2) to black (10YR2/1) mud. Physical properties of these sediment types show that Association Ib is distinct from Association IIIb. The vertical profile of water content changed more sharply in Association IIIb probably due to compaction; water contents varied from 230 to 300% in Association Ib and changed from 200 to 250% in Association IIIb. The vertical profiles of shear strength are also quite different between Associations; the profile curve in Association IIb is much more gentle due to bioturbation."

Sep 1, 2014

By E. A. Metz

It has been approximately four years since IARC reclassified crystalline silica as a “Group One” substance. Since that time, crystalline silica has been considered a human carcinogen. Silicosis is a preventable disease and several aggressive campaigns have been developed to increase awareness of silica dust related problems in the industrial environment. New analytical techniques are being developed to determine quantitatively the amount of crystalline silica in materials. Yet, still much is to be learned about the surface properties of silica and the way in which the disease progresses into full-blown silicosis. This paper will discuss the interaction of free radicals generated by the mineral particles and lung tissue. It is the cell injury and DNA damage that progresses to fibrogenesis. Freshly fractured surfaces of silica contain free radicals. These free radicals play an important role in the stimulation of the alveolar macrophage and the development of the inflammatory reactions leading to the fibrotic response caused by silica. Engineers, scientists, and physicians need to discuss the mineralogy of silica and the technical issues concerning the development of silicosis.

Jan 1, 2000

By J. D. Bittner

The ST separator utilizes electrical charge differences between materials produced by surface contact or triboelectric charging. When two materials are in contact, material with a higher affinity for electrons gains electrons and thus charges negative, while material with lower electron affinity charges positive. This contact exchange of charge is universally observed for all materials, at times causing electrostatic nuisances that are a problem in some industries. Electron affinity is dependent on the chemical composition of the particle surface and will result in substantial differential charging of materials in a mixture of discrete particles of different composition. In the ST separator (Figures 1 and 2), material is fed into the thin gap 0.9 ? 1.5 cm (0.35 -0.6 in.) between two parallel planar electrodes. The particles are triboelectrically charged by inter-particle contact. For example, in the case of coal combustion fly ash, a mixture of carbon particles and mineral particles, the positively charged carbon and the negatively charged mineral are attracted to opposite electrodes. The particles are then swept up by a continuous moving open-mesh belt and conveyed in opposite directions. The belt moves the particles adjacent to each electrode toward opposite ends of the separator. The electric field need only move the particles a tiny fraction of a centimeter to move a particle from a left-moving to a right-moving stream. The counter current flow of the separating particles and continual triboelectric charging by carbon-mineral collisions provides for a multi-stage separation and results in excellent purity and recovery in a single-pass unit. The high belt speed also enables very high throughputs, up to 40 tonnes per hour on a single separator. By controlling various process parameters, such as belt speed, feed point, electrode gap and feed rate, the ST process produces low carbon fly ash at carbon contents of 2 % ± 0.5% from feed fly ashes ranging in carbon from 4% to over 30%.

Feb 27, 2013

By A. D. Davis

Limestone-based technology for arsenic removal from water is an innovative and promising method. The technology offers the potential for low-cost disposal of a stable waste product after arsenic removal, either in an ordinary landfill or by encapsulation in concrete. Leaching research described in this paper shows that the limestone waste, after encapsulation in concrete, passes the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test. Leaching was less than 0.05 mg/L, which is 1/100 of the U.S. EPA?s standard for disposal of arsenic in a landfill. Disposal of arsenic-enriched waste is critical for commercial viability of arsenic-removal technologies. Low-cost disposal gives the limestone-based method an advantage that could help communities meet the new maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion for arsenic in drinking water. The ability to recycle the waste material in concrete could add a significant economic benefit, further reducing overall costs.

Jan 1, 2009

Membrane technology has been available for over 36 years, but has been used sparingly in the general mining industry. However, recent developments in polymer chemistry, spiral wound element construction, pretreatment equipment and techniques and an expanded understanding of membrane fouling and cleaning techniques have dramatically improved the reliability and robustness of membrane based systems in the mining industry. Harrison Western has expanded the use of this “new” technology to enhance the use of membrane technologies to separate metals from large volume heap leach mining solutions containing copper, zinc, and iron, gold or silver. Moreover, membrane technologies are ideally suited to fractionations that add value to processing fluids from refineries like separating metals from acids or concentrating acids and producing high quality process fluids. Finally, wastewater from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) or, as in the case of the Newmont Yanacocha Mine in Peru, the treatment of excess barren leach solution created during the rainy season, can be cost effectively processed to meet World Bank Standards for surface discharge. Polymeric membranes, specifically thin-film composites, have been developed that will purify, fractionate or concentrate gold, silver, copper, zinc or nickel. Recent applications have been developed for spiral wound modules that operate across the pH spectrum from 0 to 14. Systems using membranes have been constructed that operate on feed streams from 140° C to 300 centipoise. Opportunities exist to apply membrane technology to concentrate gold, silver, copper, zinc or nickel using thin film composite membranes. Engineered membrane types can operate across the spectrum from low pH (<2) acid applications to high pH > 10 cyanide applications. Incorporating HW EMS™ membrane technologies into current mining operations could allow one to increase production because the membrane technology would be used to pre-concentrate heap leach solutions, and therefore, increase utilization of existing extraction and refinery capabilities.

Jan 1, 2007

By Kal V. S. Sastry

Comminution is an important unit operation of mineral processing in terms of large tonnage of materials processed, huge energy consumption, and high capital and operating costs. Substantial research efforts have been directed towards the development of process-engineering tools including mathematical models, process scale-up procedures and computer simulation packages (Austin et al., 1984; Rajamani and Herbst, 1990; Kawatra, 1992). The simulation systems are found to provide significant cost savings by enabling efficient circuit design and development of control systems. Most of these simulators are built from scratch, do not make use of software modules from other sources and are designed with minimal usage of formal software methodologies.

Jan 1, 1995

By Steve Wiig

In 1987, the Rock Springs, WY district office of the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began to develop an automated system to store, maintain and manipulate more than 14,000 drill hole logs contained in the district&apos;s office files for various solid leasable minerals. The development of this system was based predominantly on a trial-and-error basis, with many procedural changes incorporated over time. The current Automated Drill Hole Database and Analysis System will continue to evolve with new software developments and increased personal expertise in this field. The mission of the BLM&apos;s Branch of Solid Minerals is mandated by a series of federal laws. The most important are The Mineral Leasing Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Federal Coal Lease Amendments Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Several regulations, promulgated from these laws, dictate that BLM must perform certain tasks and functions as part of its specific duties. The regulations that apply to the BLM Solid Minerals program are codified at 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3400 for coal, and at 43 CFR 3500 for non-energy solid leasable minerals, such as sodium, phosphate and potash. Specific functions required of the Branch of Solid Minerals necessitates the use of geologic and drill hole data analyses. These functions can be divided into pre-lease and post-lease. Examples of pre-lease functions that normally require some level of drill hole data analyses include:

Jan 1, 1992

By D. C. Lynch

While silica ores are generally considered to have little value, those with exceptionally low B and P content have, potentially, significant worth if processed for use in photovoltaics. The sales value of a cubic meter of ?run of the mill? silica sand is $42 per cubic meter (retail and delivered). If the silica sand can be used to produce solar silicon, its value after processing is $34,000 per cubic meter. Factors that impact the suitability of silica for direct processing in production of photovoltaics are examined.

Jan 1, 2010

By S. Underwood

The tracer gas method of conducting ventilation surveys is a means of determining air quantity in underground mines with knowledge of the concentration of the tracer in the atmosphere and the flow rate at which the tracer is being released. The technique is useful in inaccessible areas of underground mines and areas where traditional point measurement of velocity is not practical. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is the industry standard tracer(Kennedy 1987) used in underground mines because it is safe, stable, and not naturally occurring in the mine environment. The implementation of a second tracer will increase the versatility of the tracer gas technique allowing for simultaneous releases for the study of interrelated ventilation circuits, and for conducting multiple experiments in less time. This paper will detail the selection of perfluoromethylcyclohexane (PMCH) as a novel tracer with sensitivity, physical properties, and analysis characteristics similar to SF6. Methods for the release of liquid PMCH into underground mines will be recommended, and the vulnerabilities of sample loss due to condensation of vapor PMCH will be explored. Finally, the benefits and implications of using PMCH as a second tracer will be discussed.

Jan 1, 2012

By J. M. Wempen

As development in underground coal mines progresses away from the critical components of the ventilation system, including the main fans and ventilation shafts, resistance is markedly increased. This results in higher pressure and flow requirements from the main fan(s) to maintain adequate face ventilation, which often requires that the primary ventilation system is upgraded with additional shafts and surface fans. The use of booster fans underground is a potentially practical alternative. This study presents simulations of the use of booster fans in two underground ventilation scenarios, one longwall and one room and pillar. The booster fan effects on the power requirements of the ventilation systems are evaluated.

Jan 1, 2011

By W. C. Taylor

The present fuel situation indicates that, at least for the next 20 to 30 years, the burning of coal will be a main source of energy. All coal contains sulfur, which is converted to sulfur dioxide during combustion. The concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the resulting flue gas, for most coals, would exceed the limits established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, the sulfur must either be removed from the coal prior to its burning, or be collected from the stack gas before it reaches the atmosphere. There is currently a large amount of research devoted to methods of removing the sulfur from the coal before burning, or during combustion in fluidized beds with materials which trap the sulfur in the solid residue. The commercialization of these processes, however, is not expected in the near future. Flue gas desulfurization appears to be the best near term prospect of fulfilling current air quality control regulations. The lime/limestone wet-scrubbing methods are the most advanced flue gas desulfurization processes and will account for the majority of sulfur removal systems in electric power generation. There are currently at least 23 full-scale systems existing or under construction and 17 of these will use the lime or limestone wet-scrubbing process. (1)

Jan 1, 1974

By Dan Witkowsky

Beginning on June 11, 2007, as many as 36, kindergarten-to-grade-12 (K-12) teachers will participate in a program designed to educate them all about the mining industry. The 39th Annual A Total Concept of the Mining Industry – All About Mining, will be conducted by the Colorado Mining Association Education Foundation, Inc. (CMAEF) and the Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education (SPACE) at the Colorado School of Mines. This flagship program includes four intensive weeks at the Colorado School of Mines. During that time, more than 75 volunteer lecturers will “educate the educators” about mining and its importance to the United States and the world. During the learning process associated with obtaining a basic understanding of mining and all its aspects, the teachers will be hosted by hundreds of other industry professionals at 10 Colorado mining operations. Also visited will be a government earthquake center, a museum of mining and industry, an earth mechanics laboratory, a metallurgical research center, a metallurgical concentrator, an electric power plant and a steel mill. Questions before, during and after visits will be answered by another select group of volunteers who will travel with the teachers to the various sites.

Jan 1, 2007