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By John Durkin, Steven Wirch, Fred N. Kissell, Steven Ruggieri

The Bureau of Mines has developed two expert systems to give advice on coal mine dust control, one for continuous miner sections, and another for longwalls. Prototype versions have been evaluated by coal operators and MSHA. Both systems query the user as to the nature and extent of the dust control problem. Typical questions asked deal with matters such as cutting sequence, current dust standards and characteristics of current dust control techniques. Advice given by the system generally does not focus on a single issue, but may suggest a variety of approaches consistent with the ability of the operator to practically implement what is suggested. Both were written using expert system development software called Insight 2+. The advantages of Insight 2+ for the user are: low cost, IBM-PC compatibility, and the fact that little prior experience with computers is required. For the developer, Insight offers an easy to use production rule language and goal driven structure as well as a wide variety of capabilities.

Jan 1, 1987

By K. Gum, W. C. Hirt, D. A. Rice

Selective flocculation was used to produce a superclean zinc concentrate by minimizing silica contamination. Research was carried out on a flotation concentrate from the Jersey Miniere Zinc Company (JMZ) in Gordonsville, TN. The material was first dispersed with sodium silicate and then causticized tapioca starch was used to selectively flocculate the sphalerite, leaving the silica in suspension. This technique has been applied commercially to iron ore beneficiation but never to zinc processing. The feed material assayed 0.45% SiO2. The use of 0.56 kg/ t (1.13 lb/st) sodium silicate and 0.070 kg/t (0.141 lb/st) causticized tapioca starch resulted in a 98.2% zinc recovery and produced a purified zinc concentrate assaying 66.0% Zn and 0.24% silica. The target level for silica contamination in JMZ zinc concentrates is currently 0.30% Si02. This work demonstrated that selective flocculation is a potential method for cleaning flotation concentrates, particularly where low silica products are required.

Jan 1, 1995

By Keith J. Henley, Nicholas C. Clarke, Paul Sauter

A detailed investigation of the stability in cyanide solutions of native gold and gold-silver tellurides in a flotation concentrate from the Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie, has been undertaken to assess whether leaching under different conditions can be used to quantify the distribution of Au between native gold and gold-silver tellurides, as suggested by, for example, Chryssoulis and Cabri (1990). The leaching was carried out on +20 µm native gold and gold-silver tellurides separated from a high-grade flotation concentrate and then diluted with barren quartz. The material leached assayed 270 ppm Au and 118 ppm Te and the leach conditions used were:- Stage 1: Leaching in dilute cyanide (0 .1 % ) at pH 9 .5 for 24 hours to dissolve native gold but not gold-silver tel­lurides. Stage 2: Leaching the residue from Stage 1 in strong cyanide (2%) and pH 12.5 for 96 hours to dissolve gold-silver tellurides.

Jan 1, 1995

By Ivan Caetano Machado

Good morning ladies and gentleman. During 1995 Prof. R. P. King (University of Utah Comminution Center) presented 2 papers on new horizons in comminution: "Comminution Research in the United States " was presented at the 1995 Meeting of the National Mining Association, while "Comminution: Meeting the Needs of Fundamental Research in the Mineral Industry" was presented at the 2nd SME Research Forum - 1995. In both papers a very interesting graph named "Energy usage for various comminution schemes" illustrated some poignant issues proposed by Prof. King. We do think that some of Prof. King's ideas might very well serve as "warm-ups" for this Comminution Panel Discussion, which are ultimately the goals to be reached by the 3-minute presentations. Thus, we shall be addressing in the sequence Prof. King's most relevant ideas (as well as introducing his graph), intending therefore show how important creative and state-of-the-art Mill Modeling is, if it is to become a Tool to Effective Cost-Saving Optimization Strategies.

Jan 1, 1996

By L. A. Arrington-Webb

Forty-four states produced clay products during 1994 for a total value of $1.6 billion. This was a 3% increase in total tonnage and a 7% increase in value from 1993. Kaolin Domestic production of kaolin during 1994 was estimated to be 9.3 Mt (10.2 million st), according to the US Bureau of Mines (USBM). Georgia remained the leading producer with 7.5 Mt (8.2 million st), followed by South Carolina with 535 kt (589,000 st). Kaolin used as a paper coating or filler pigment accounted for 51% of domestic consumption. Other uses included grogs (14%), fiberglass (5%) and plastics (4%). A reclassification by an Alabama producer of fire clay to kaolin accounts for the introduction of kaolin used in grogs. This also accounts for the apparent decrease in the use of kaolin in paper from 60% in 1993. However, the actual amount of kaolin used in paper was the same.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. J. Liesveld, D. Liesveld

For a Colorado mountain quarry, the Water Jet Channeling Method is far superior to Burning, Sawing, Drilling, or Shooting with Primer Cord, Water, or Black Powder. Throughout the life of our quarry, which was founded in 1947, we have used all the methods and turned to the Water Jet Channeler, which we invented and patented as our ideal way to remove dimension granite from our quarry. We jet the block on 4 sides and remove the block with plugs and feathers on the backside. The Water Jet uses approx 7.5 l/m (2 gpm) running at310,000 kPa (45,000 psi) to erode the crystals @ 1sm/h (10sf/h).The 0.533mm (.021”) nozzle oscillates back and forth to achieve an approx 5cm (2”) channel. Using the Jet, we do not lose corners or cause cracks in our red fine grain light class 5 granite.

Jan 1, 2004

By John W. Amos, John A. Christophersen

The Deister No. 7, "77" and "88" Coal Washing Tables have been used by the coal industry in the cleaning of finer sizes of coal (-1/2") since washing of coals became necessary. This paper will deal with the in-plant use of the CONCENCO "88" Deister Coal Washing Table, along with a brief description of the Deister Refuse Superscalper. Efficient in-plant operation of the Deister Coal Washing Table can be accomplished by the adjustment of six basic variables. These variables are: 1. Headmotion 2. Feed 3. Riffle Pattern 4. Dressing Water 5. End Elevation Adjustment 6. Side Tilt Adjustment VARIABLE NO. 1 HEADMOTION The reciprocating movement of the "88" Table is developed within the headmotion entirely by rotating eccentric weights. Four parallel shafts each carry pairs of eccentric weights (Figure 1-A). The shafts are geared together with gears of 2 to 1 and 1 to 1 ratios, so that the two shafts in vertical alignment which carry the small eccentric weights operate at twice the speed of the other two shafts. The other two shafts are also in vertical alignment with each other and carry large eccentric weights. As power is supplied to one high-speed shaft, once each revolution the forces produced by the large eccentric weights are reinforced and then opposed by the small eccentric weights in a horizontal plane. The direction of movement of the table decks is reversed much more sharply at the forward end than at the backboard end of the stroke, causing material to move toward the refuse end of the table. Because in the vertical plane all centrifugal forces oppose each other and cancel out, there is no vertical movement and virtually no impact to the support steel. The "88" Coal Washing Table is suspended by wire-rope cables from three overhead steel beams, and operates with a perfectly uniform and exact differential motion curve in every stroke (Figure 1-B). The decks, being attached to the headmotion, are reciprocated in a parallel line from the head- motion to the refuse corner at speeds varying from 260-300 strokes per minute. Both length of stroke and speed are set at the factory for the coal characteristic desired and should not be changed. A 3 HP motor is mounted on the top of the headmotion and uses 3 V-belts to transmit driving power to the headmotion. The headmotion must be kept running on a horizontal plane. Punch marks are provided on the side and end of the main frame for use in leveling the motion (Figure 1-C). In leveling the motion, the work must always be done with two cables. To level the long side of the headmotion both front or both rear cables are raised or lowered to bring motion back to level. To level side to side, both right side cables or left side cables are raised or lowered to bring motion back to level VARlABLE NO. 2 FEED When tabling different size coals, each deck of a "88" DIAGONAL-DECK Coal Washing Table will handle feeds as described in figure 2-A.

Jan 1, 1988

By Peter J. Huck, Bruce G. Stegman, Richard E. Thill

Introduction Backfilling of mine voids is used to prevent or control the effects of subsidence on surface structures. The pumped-slurry, blind backfilling process has been successful for stabilizing ground over abandoned and inaccessible underground coal mines. This article describes the systematic evaluation of potential monitoring systems that would improve backfill monitoring technology. It also details field proof-of-concept tests that were conducted on two systems and the difficulties encountered in implementing them. Ground subsidence over abandoned mines can have devastating effects on overlying urban areas decades after the closing of room-and-pillar mines. The result may be cracked foundations, ruptured gas and water lines, broken sewers, distortion or cracking in superstructures, and sinks and potholes in the ground surface. About 32,000 km2 (8 million acres) of land in the US has been undermined for coal. According to the US General Accounting Office, 8,100 km2 (2 million acres) have undergone subsidence and another 8,100 km2 (2 million acres) are expected to subside by the year 2000. Actual figures on land affected or threatened by subsidence are probably much higher, since these estimates were based on late 1960s studies. For more than two decades, the US Bureau of Mines has been engaged in stabilizing ground in urban areas having high risk potential for subsidence costing millions of dollars. Thousands of acres have been stabilized, protecting property worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In earlier years, backfilling was by in-mine stowing in accessible mines or by gravity-feed sluicing methods in inaccessible mines. Pumped-slurry methods have been used extensively in the past 10 years. More slurry can be injected for fill from fewer injection holes over extensive areas in abandoned mines. Since this method requires fewer boreholes, there is less disruption of surface facilities. An investigation was conducted to determine the feasibility of using advanced, remote sensing or monitoring technology for application in monitoring fill placement. Specifically, the objective was to develop conceptual systems for blind backfill monitoring that require fewer boreholes and give better definition than is now possible. Blind Backfilling Methods Blind backfilling operations are conducted from the surface and do not require personnel and equipment underground. These methods are applicable to abandoned, inaccessible workings. Two categories of blind back-filling are point support, practiced by civil engineers to protect individual structures or surface facilities, and areal backfilling methods, used to protect large areas against subsidence. Point Support Methods Point support methods are usually gravity-feed systems. In general, point support methods use small volumes of expensive fill material and require a large number of boreholes within a constructed site. Because of the processed material used for back-filling and the close spacing of the injection boreholes, control and monitoring often may be accomplished by borehole cameras. Areal Backfilling Areal backfilling is conducted mainly by the pumped-slurry injection process (Fig. 1). In eastern and interior coalfields, material used is often mine refuse or flyash, both being undesirable on the surface and costly to dispose of in an environmentally acceptable manner. Hence, the use of

Jan 12, 1983

Dravo Corporation was founded in 1891 and has long been recognized as a major domestic engineering and construction firm headquartered in Pittsburgh. In 1977, Dravo had revenue of $852.2 million with international business activities contributing $248 million; quite a different picture than envisioned at the turn of the century. Engineering and construction activities still dominate Dravo's most recent history and will do so for the immediate future. However, fluctuations in capital spending by large industrial sectors of our economy during the late sixties were affecting Dravo's planning for continued growth along its traditional lines of business. Diversification was a possible solution to smooth out the upward trend in corporate earnings. One large result of these continuing efforts was the formation of Dravo Lime Company, a vertically integrated, proprietary chemical supplier for the air pollution control market. Briefly retracing the seventies, the passage of the Federal "Clean Air Act" in 1970 supplied the impetus for Dravo Lime Company. This law promulgated limits on the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from large stationary sources that would affect local air quality. The major industry that felt the brunt of this regulation was the electric utility industry, especially those generating electricity with coal-fired boilers. The law hastened the development of a new industry, flue gas desulfurization (FGD), and is composed of three major segments: (1) the electric utility, (2) the FGD equipment suppliers (the scrubbing modules), and (3) the scrubbing chemical suppliers. Dravo's experience suggested the equipment end of the business but market analysis indicated that our long range corporate goals could be better attained by investigating the chemical processes involved in the removal of the SO, gas. The result being Dravo Lime Company. This paper will briefly describe the Thiosorbic lime scrubbing process and review our innovative mine and calcining facility.

Jan 1, 1978

By M. Board, C. Alexander, M. Ramström, W. Johnson

"Hecla - Lucky Friday is an underground mine that has been in operation for 75 years and produces from depths over 2.3 kilometers (7,500 ft) below the surface. Technical issues at this depth include high rock temperature and seismicity. The use of new innovative mechanization is being examined for ore production. Principal advantages of mechanization are the reduced exposure of personnel, reduced seismic triggers, and increased efficiency. Lucky Friday has partnered with Atlas Copco to design, build, test, and deploy a mechanical miner for primary ore production. We will discuss the background, concept, development and deployment strategy for a mechanical miner. BACKGROUND The Coeur d’Alene mining district in northern Idaho was first discovered over 130 years ago and has been the most prolific silver producer in the US. The Lucky Friday mine of Hecla Mining Company (Figure 1) is the oldest (76 years) and deepest mine in the district, producing approximately 725 tonne per day (800 tons per day) from narrow, vertical lead-zinc-silver veins. Cut and fill stoping is currently employed at depths to about 2.3 km (7,500 ft) below ground surface, making it one of the three deepest mines in the western hemisphere. The #4 Shaft, a winze collared at approximately 1.8 km (5,900 ft) below surface and extending to a depth of nearly 2.9 km (9,600 ft), was recently completed to exploit the high-grade 30 Vein, whose resource has been identified to at least 3 km (9,700 ft) in depth.As with other deep mines worldwide, a number of challenging engineering issues occur, including: high in situ rock stress, squeezing ground, seismicity, high in situ rock temperature that requires refrigeration, diesel equipment that generates diesel particulate matter (DPM) requiring high ventilation airflow rates, and long travel times for worker transport to mining areas."

Jan 1, 2018

By FJ. Johnson

Polymer utilization has increased steadily over the past several decades; however, their usefulness is sometimes limited by natural forces. For example, polymers tend to degrade when subjected to elevated temperatures. This degradation can release toxic fumes, create excess smoke, and aid in the spread of fire. For these reasons, many polymers are filled with various compounds which impart flame retardancy (FR) properties. These fillers do not make polymers non-combustible; rather, they increase resistance to ignition and reduce bum rate. Also, they suppress smoke generation, which is important as up to 80% of fire-related deaths are due to smoke inhalation [1]. Therefore, methods to impart flame retardancy in polymers are industrially important. The early flame retardants used in polymers were halogen-based, working on the principle of inhibiting free radical formation in the vapour phase thus impeding combustion propagation [2]. Usually these were combined with antimony compounds such as Sb203 to decrease loading, yet provide the same FR qualities. However, questions have arisen recently concerning toxicity of halogenated flame retardants. Possible release of toxic compounds (such as dioxins) upon combustion has been reported [3]. Fear of future regulations concerning halogen addition has led to the search for different FR fillers. Two of the more common replacements for halogen-based systems are alumina trihydrate (Al(OH)3 or ATH), and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2)' These systems impart flame retardancy through heat absorption and by release of water of hydration upon their decomposition. ATH has a low decomposition temperature (230°C), limiting its use to unsaturated polymers, epoxies, urethanes, and some wire and cable formulations. However, some advantages of ATH over halogenated FR are that it is relatively cheap, doesn't generate toxic gases, is non-volatile, and is impervious to moisture [2].

Jan 1, 1997

By Marshall D. Himes, Erich U. Petersen

The Sheep Creek deposit near White Sulfur Springs, Montana, is a middle Proterozoic stratabound and strataform sediment- hosted massive sulfide containing 4.5 million tonnes (5.0 million tons) averaging 2.5% copper, and 0.1% cobalt in the upper sulfide zone (USZ) and 1.8 million tonnes (2.0 million tons) averaging 6% copper in the lower sulfide zone (LSZ). Mineralization is hosted in lower Newland shales and debris flow conglomerates in the graben controlled Helena Embayment of the Belt Basin. USZ mineralization is characteristically high in Cu, Co, Ni, Ba, As, Pb, and Ag. Mineralogically it consists of barite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and tennantite with minor amounts of marcasite and various cobalt minerals. By contrast, the LSZ is higher in Cu, Ni, and Au and lower in Co, As, Pb, and Ag. Mineralogy of the LSZ consists of dolomite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. In both zones significant amounts of cobalt, nickel, arsenic and copper are incorporated in pyrite rims. Tennantite controls the abundance of numerous trace elements in the ores. Fluid incluison data from hydrothermal USZ barite suggests that mineralization took place at temperatures in excess of 250°C, under relatively oxidizing conditions (f02 = 10-32+1) from moderately saline (1.1-3.5m), metal rich brines. The absence of barite in the LSZ suggests mineralization under more reduced conditions (f02 = 10.38+2). Mineralization was initiated following basin subsidence in excess of 400m. Contemporaneous with movement along a growth fault(s) was upward migration of hot metal-bearing fluids which permeated the loosely consolidated sediments and may have vented on the sea floor. The differences in the two zones may be explained by the effects of variations in local basin morphology and solution chemistry.

Jan 1, 1990

By E. W. Geist, W. J. Bronkala

PRINCIPLES OF MAGNETIC SEPARATION The application of magnetic separators relies on the different behavior of individual mineral particles under the influence of magnetic forces. When exposed to a magnetic field, all materials are affected in some way. According to whether materials are attracted or repelled by the magnetic field, they are designated paramagnetic or diamagnetic, respectively. Paramagnetic materials are attracted along lines of magnetic force from points of lower magnetic field intensity to points of higher magnetic field intensity. The very strong response of some materials to a magnetic field is sometimes designated ferromagnetic and the particles attracted frequently retain magnetic properties after the applied magnetic field is removed. Diamagnetic materials are repelled along the lines of magnetic force from points of high magnetic intensity to points of lower field intensity. Only limited commercial use of diamagnetic effects has been made. For practical applications, the paramagnetic groupings are: 1. Strongly magnetic (ferromagnetic) 2. Magnetic 3. Weakly Magnetic 4. Non-magnetic The limits of these groupings are not well defined and will vary in some mineral species. Only a few minerals are ferromagnetic (magnetite is an example) and arbitrarily some investigators have selected 10,000 gauss, or 1 Telsa, as the dividing line between low and high intensity magnetic fields. I. S. Wells has developed a table indicating the magnetic intensity required to separate a selected grouping of minerals which is shown in Table 1 on page 2. A similar table has been developed by Carpco Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida in conjunction with the use of its high tension separators. This table, Table 2 on page 3 shows other minerals grouped in the broader categories cited above. Magnetic separation methods are used either to separate valuable minerals from nonmagnetic waste or magnetic impurities or other valuable magnetic minerals from bulk nonmagnetic values. Magnetically susceptible mineral particles occur as either individually discrete particles,

Jan 1, 1986

By T. C. Page, P. C. Gibson, M. A. Miller, J. D. Sell

[The Yarnell gold deposit in the Weaver mining district, Yavapai County, Arizona, occurs in a structurally controlled, hydrothermally altered zone in a 1700 Ma granodioritic intrusive. Both potassic and sericitically altered rocks around and above the low-angle, northeast striking Yarnell fault are known to host economic gold mineralization. A wider envelope of weakly-propylitic altered rock also occurs in this area. During mineralization, strong sericitization accompanied several stages of quartz (±adularia) veining, stockwork formation, localized silicification and potassic replacement, in association with deposition of specularite, pyrite (now oxidized) and gold. The footwall of the fault is also sericitically altered but poorly mineralized. Mineralization along the Yarnell fault continues both northeast and southwest from the main deposit, although the thickness of the zone and associated alter avian envelope diminish away from the orebody A sample of undo formed illite taken from the Yarnell fault zone was K/Ar dated at 69 + 1.6 Ma. This date reflects a minimum age for both mineralization and latest movement on the fault. Gold mineralization is accompanied by modest increases in Ag, As. Cu and Mo content. Both CO2- and H2O- rich fluid inclusions were studied and suggest mesothermal pressures and temperatures of formation for the deposit. Ninety-six reverse circulation holes and four diamond drill holes outline a bulk-minable mineral reserve of'4.1 million tons at 0.051 oz of Au per ton. An additional 2.7 million tons at 0.017 oz of Au per ton occurs in a low-grade zone above and subparallel to the main mineralized zone. Total calculated mineral inventory stands at 6.8 million tons at a grade of 0.038 oz of Au per ton, with a waste-to-ore ratio of 1.45:1. Column leach tests indicate that cyanide heap leach gold recoveries should exceed 70%.]

Jan 1, 1994

By Wenhua Wan, Jan M. Mutmansky

Many concerns have been expressed worldwide regarding the use of diesel equipment in underground mines due to the potential health risks associated with diesel particulate matter (DPM). In assessing the risk to the health of miners and designing control strategies for DPM, it is important to know the concentration of DPM in the working areas of a mine. In some mines, significant stratification occurs due to the characteristics of the diesel exhaust, affecting exposure and the ability to measure DPM concentrations accurately. This study outlines some of the concentration profile data obtained during sampling at three mines where diesels were employed. Mine #1 (a gold mine) employed large openings in which a diesel-powered roof bolter was used. Mines #2 and #3 are both room-and-pillar operations with varying conditions. Mine #2 is an experimental mine where two stationary diesels were utilized for sampling purposes, while Mine #3 is a traditional evaporite operation using two mobile diesel vehicles for section haulage. These field studies indicated that some level of stratification occurred in all the mines, but the stratification was not as pronounced in the case of Mine #2 due to the complex pattern of exhaust emissions generated by the vehicles. The stratification seemed to depend on the distance from the vehicle, the mine air velocity, whether the vehicles were moving or stationary, and whether the exhaust was diluted by equipment design features. The concentration of DPM was generally higher at samplers located near the roof and lower at samplers located near the floor. However, this was not found in all cases. This paper provides conclusions on how knowledge of stratification patterns can be utilized in sampling and control of DPM in mine atmospheres.

Jan 1, 1997

By H. Ziock, J. Ruby, A. A. Johnson

Power generation systems that promote energy security and environmental benefits are highly desired and pursued by a number of government and industry programs. Gasification of coal, other fossil fuels, or biomass has the technical promise of high efficiency and low or zero emission. Gasification for the purpose of electrical power generation has been researched, developed and demonstrated over the last 20 years, but for many reasons is not viewed as economically competitive. This paper describes a coal-based gasification technology well suited to mid and long-term goals of secure, environmentally clean energy. The technology should be adaptable for use with other carbon-based fuels including biomass and a full range of fossil fuels. The new zero emission gasification process is sponsored by ZECA Corporation, a continuation of the Zero Emission Coal Alliance (ZECA). ZECA has completed process design and engineering to assess the viability of a concept originated at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the creation of a business plan to define paths for advancing the technology toward a near-term goal pilot plant. The zero emission carbon (ZEC) technology includes hydrogasification, the production of hydrogen and the carbonation of lime with CO2. For the power generation base case, the hydrogen is used in high temperature coal compatible fuel cells to produce electricity and the carbonate is calcined to produce a pure stream of CO2for sequestration. This paper provides the status of work with the ZEC technology and the availability of crucial equipment, materials and required testing. Discussions are presented for future actions to accelerate the technology assessment, testing and demonstration of a ZEC plant. Brief remarks are provided on complementary projects dealing withCO2separation and gasification costs.

Jan 1, 2004

In 1989, United States mine production of barite decreased 13% while world mine production decreased by 8.6%, according to the US Bureau of Mines. Consumption, sold or used by grinding plants, decreased by 21.2%. And imports decreased by 12.8%. The value of domestically produced barite, fob mine, increased 17.4%, according to the Bureau. The declared value cif US port of all imported crude barite during 1989 increased from $38.10/t ($34.56 per st) in 1988 to $40.27/t($36.54 per st). Nevada continued to be the leading producer of barite with 77% of the total, followed by Georgia and Missouri. The Bureau of Mines estimates 75% of the domestic mine production was used as a weighting agent in drilling fluids. The remaining 25% was used in barium chemicals, glass, or as a filler. Most of the production from Missouri, Georgia, and Tennessee was used in the nonoilfield sector. Of the total consumption used by grinding plants and chemical manufacturers, it is estimated that 80% was used in drilling fluids. The other 20% was used in the non-oilfield sector, including barium chemicals and fillers in paper, plastics, and glass. The tonnage consumed in the drilling fluids market decreased due to the lower average rig count during 1989. The average number of rotary rigs operating was 869, 7.2% less than the average of 936 in 1988. Crude barite imports were down 12.8% from 1988. Imports accounted for 73.8% of the barite consumed (apparent) in the US. China continued to be the leading exporter of crude barite ore to the United States with 63% of total crude ore imports. India followed with 27.4%, Peru 4.3%, Chile 2.9%, and Canada and Mexico, each with 1.1 %. About 97% of the imported barite ore was used in the oilfield sector.

Jan 1, 1990

By Murat Budakoglu

Albite (NaA1Si308) is one of the important raw materials for the rapidly developing Turkish ceramic and glass industry. Prior to 1980, development of the ceramic industry in terms of raw material was dependent upon small-scale mining operations; in the last decade, these efforts have increased substantially. The aim of this study is to investigate the geochemical properties and distribution of albite occurrences in the Kocayayla district, which is about 12 km northeast of the town of Milas, about 50 km west of the city of Mugla in southwestern Anatolia. Kocayayla is also well known for its famous ancient city, Labranda. The field area is located in the Menderes Massif, which was formed by major tectonic events during the Late Proterozoic and subsequent periods. The target area was studied to prepare a detailed geological map (scale, 1:10,000), and to determine the formation of albite-mica-schist-quartzite borders in the host rock gneiss. To do this, systematic sampling of albite was done in the two main areas, the Sarikaya and Yumruta? regions. In the study area, albite zones are scattered within an area of about 20 km2, and they extend in a northeast-southwest direction; mica-schists and quartzite veins accompany these units. Mineralogical observations show that quartz is the main mineral associated with albite. In the ceramic industry, the albite + quartz assemblage is well known and is classified as "standard" or "super type," depending upon the content of TiO2 and Fe203. In this study, the Sarikaya albites (profile I) exhibit remarkably lower TiO2 (0.15% on the average) values contrasted to that of Yumruta? (profile 11; 0.24% on the average), whereas Fe203 values vary slightly from 0.076% to 0.085% in both regions.

Jan 1, 1999

By J. Mattern

Performance monitoring, operational practices and ongoing collection of geologic data in open pit slopes all provide valuable information for quantifying potential steepening of subsequent slopes. Mining at the Goldstrike open pit has been ongoing since the early 1980’s, with its share of slope instabilities. In areas where slopes have remained stable, consideration has been made for potential slope steepening of final walls. With the proper available equipment, steepening of bench face angles via pre-split blasting is not an uncommon method for steepening of inter-ramp slope angles. As an alternative at Goldstrike, the commonly used Modified Ritchie Criteria for empirical catch bench width has been adjusted resulting in quantified, rock specific formulas for bench width and rock fall berm placement. The result is an inter-ramp slope angle increase of 2 degrees on a 300m high slope, without the necessary purchases and procedural changes that would be required for pre-split drilling and blasting. The result has shown significant net benefits through reduction in mined waste tons and an increase in gold reserves. Location The Goldstrike open pit is located on the Carlin Trend gold belt in northeastern Nevada USA (Figure 1). The mine has produced over 43 million ounces (1.2M kg) of gold during the past 30 years. Engineering Geology Stratigraphy Figure 2 is a stratigraphic section of the rocks in the Goldstrike open pit. Quaternary alluvium and Miocene materials typically are poorly indurated stiff soils and are not present in all locations. Bedrock units consist of siltstones, mudstones, sandstones and cherts. From top down the major units exposed in the open pit are the Vinini Formation, the Rodeo Creek Unit, and the Popovich Formation. In general, rock mass strength increases with depth.

Jan 1, 2019

By Orville L. Lantto, Bruce K. Cantrell, Keith S. Olson

Approximately 10 to 20 pct of exhaust aerosol mass from diesel equipped vehicles operating without exhaust controls is attributable to particles in the 1.0-10 µm size range. Recent in-mine measurements suggest that, in addition to reducing overall exhaust aerosol mass concentrations, the use of waterbath exhaust conditioners (water scrubbers) may significantly reduce the concentration of diesel exhaust particles larger than approximately 0.5 µm aerodynamic diameter. This implies that a measurement system that discriminates between diesel and mineral dust aerosols on the basis of aerosol size would have different accuracies depending on use of a water scrubber. To test this hypothesis, laboratory measurements were made by the Bureau of Mines to determine diesel exhaust aerosol penetration efficiency through a water scrubber as a function of size and engine operating conditions. Size distributions were determined using a Micro-Orifice, Uniform Deposit Impactor. Concentrations of CO, CO2, NO x, O2 and gas-phase hydrocarbon concentrations were also measured. No significant effect was found for these gases other than a slight decrease in NOx emissions. The water scrubber served as a moderate aerosol control with reductions in mass concentrations of about 29±9 pct under most conditions. This reduction occurred for particles less than 0.2 µm and greater than 0.6 µm aerodynamic diameter. Coal dust aerosols are mostly larger than 0.8 µm aerodynamic diameter. With use of a water scrubber, separating the aerosol into two parts, greater and less than about 0.8 µm aerodynamic diameter during sampling, results in collection of diesel and coal dust aerosol accurate to within 10 pct. Without a water scrubber in operation, such a sampling protocol would only be accurate to approximately 15 pct.

Jan 1, 1991