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By P. A. C. Wilson

Instantaneous outbursts of carbon dioxide in coal mines have occurred in Germany only in one part of the Waldenburg-Neurode mining district.' This mining region comprises the northeastern fold of the "Innersudetian" coal basin. The basin (Fig. 1) is in the form of a geologic trough approximately 60 km. (37 miles) long and 30 to 35 km. (19 to 22 miles) broad and is enclosed on three sides by ancient truncated mountain ranges—the Riesengebirge, the Bober-Katzbachgebirge and the Eulenge-birge. Only the southeastern part of the trough is not enclosed by mountains of older rock formation. The floor of the basin before the building up of the coal measures was formed on the western, northwestern and northeastern borders by the material from Archean rocks (gneiss and mica schists); in the northern part over this was deposited the Silurian formation. The carboniferous period is represented both by the Lower ("kulm") and Upper Carboniferous, with an unconformity between the stages; that is, the kulm was tilted up and partly eroded before the Upper Carboniferous was deposited. The kulm is a salt-water formation (with marine fauna) but Upper Carboniferous rocks are nonsaline water deposits, with fresh-water flora only. The Lower Silesian coal measures were thus formed in a lime basin fed by the running water coming down from the mountains. As already indicated, the bottom series of the Upper Carboniferous formation, termed "Waldenburg strata" were laid down unconformably on the Lower Carboniferous. Over the Waldenburg strata there are the "Weisstein strata," an intermediate barren stage without coal beds, 400 to 500 m. (1300 to 1600 ft.) thick. Another unconformity followed, which is overlain by the '(Saarbrucken" series, which contain the upper coal measures, and the ('Ottweil" strata. In the last named, it is only on the southwestern fold that beds of coal are developed.

Jan 1, 1931

By R. R. Hartman, W. B. Agocs

IN the course of a return flight from Olympia, Wash., to Laramie, Wyo., an airborne magnetometer profile was recorded continuously. The level of flight was controlled at barometric levels along segments of the flight. Barometric altitude was changed from 3000 ft to a maximum of 12,000 ft above mean sea level to take care of topographic variations. Terrain clearance varied from 800 to 7300 ft. Horizontal positions were obtained by recording and tying to cities, towns, airports, river crossings, and other landmarks in the course of the flight. Figs. 1-6 show the course of the flight and the general geologic and tectonic features traversed. The flight line begins south of Olympia, Wash., and proceeds south across the Puget-Willemette depression to the Columbia River. Thence it proceeds eastward along the Washington-Oregon border across the Cascade Mts. and lava flows and the Umatilla basin to Pendleton, Ore. From Pendleton it traverses the Blue Mts. uplift of Oregon in a southeasterly direction, and then to the Boise basin of southwestern Idaho. The flight line swings in an easterly direction as it passes over the Snake River downwarp to the south of the Idaho batholith. It then passes over the northern portion of the Great Basin and the heavily overthrust area at the intersection of the Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming borders. The flight then assumes an easterly course to cross the series of basins and uplifts of southern Wyoming and terminates near the western flank of the Laramie uplift. It should be clearly understood that all statements in this article pertaining to the magnetics were interpreted on the assumption of elongate anomalies transverse to a single profile. Hence any theories or ideas advanced here are in line with future paths of research rather than trying to prove or disprove existing data. Magnetic Interpretation: Depth determinations were made by the slope method of Peters: which is stated as follows: "Draw a line in the maximum slope (at the point of inflection); draw a line whose slope is one-half this maximum slope; draw two lines parallel to this line tangent to the anomaly curve. The horizontal distance between the points of tangency is approximately equal to 1.6 times the depth [or the distance times 0.6251." Certain assumptions must be made for determinations of the causes of the magnetic anomalies:' 1) The anomaly is caused by a susceptibility change rather than basement relief. 2) Polarization of the basement rocks is in the same direction as the earth's inducing field. 3) The disturbing magnetic mass has a great horizontal length in comparison to its width and its sides are vertical and of great vertical extent. 4) The anomaly is unique and not affected by the anomalies from nearby sources.

Jan 1, 1957

The earliest record of production in this county is for drilling a salt well in 1809. Some scattered data are shown in the table; the total figures are estimated. Little coal could be shipped in this period on account of lack of transportation. [ ]

Jan 1, 1942

By Ronald F. Ayers

The basic research for this study was conducted by Battelle's Columbus Laboratories in 1974. The high-sulfur content of coal threatens to erode its competitive position in the future. The impact of sulfur removal on final costs of eastern interior coal lies at the very heart of this market analysis. An extensive market survey was conducted that considered both traditional coal markets as well as anticipated future markets. Competition for coal from this province considers low-sulfur Western coal, nu- clear power, international oil and coal trade, as well as Appalachian coal producers. Based on projections of future energy consumption under several scenarios, a comprehensive market forecast for eastern interior coal was made to 2040. The study upon which this paper is based was completed by Battelle's Columbus Laboratories for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1974. It is but part of an overall effort by the Corps to evaluate the costs and benefits to the nation of waterway improvements. This study is primarily concerned with future coal markets for production from those counties near the Wabash River in the heart of the Eastern Interior Province. An objective here is to consider a most pessimistic energy (and hence, coal) demand for planning purposes.

Jan 1, 1978

By A. G. Suydam

Ancient as is the art of producing copper, so ancient is one of its eternal problems: refractories. Looking backward, in the light of present knowledge, clouded though it be, one cannot avoid a sense of profound respect for the patience, acumen and courage of those who have wrought so successfully despite difficulties, a more accurate understanding of which seems merely to accentuate. The problem of refractories arises from the necessity for constructing containers in which to bring natural ores into thermal solution in order to effect reduction and separation of the valuable metal content and free it of undesirable contamination while producing a waste slag. The very forces known to produce thermal solution of sufficient liquidity are necessarily destructive of exposed refractory linings in proportions varying inversely with thermal conductivity, directly with the porosity and ease of fluxing of the refractories used, and directly with the temperatures employed. Beyond this, mechanical forces are set up within the refractory lining incident to rapid heating or cooling, shrinkage at high temperatures, and unequal or excessive loading, that frequently pass the elastic limit, causing spalling or distortion. The effects of these forces are often accentuated by the necessity of providing at the same time as hot a bath and as cool a container as are consistent with fuel economy. Evolution in the Use of Refractories Clay Brick.—Fireclay and clay refractories had to yield wherever they were in contact with slags rich in basic oxides, first because of the combining power of those oxides with free silica and secondly because of the tendency of alumina to form either aluminates or alumina-silicates of varying complexity. Of no less importance, the incipient fusion point was low as compared with good clay brick of today, while the brick lacked strength at high temperatures. Expansion was slight, therefore it was difficult to make and maintain tight walls, roof, or bottom. However, the spalling tendency was low because of some of these properties and clay brick have retained their place in roasting furnaces, boiler furnace linings, and in the upper walls of some of the reverberatory types such as some refining, anode and wire-bar furnaces. They have served often and most efficiently for hot patching.

Jan 1, 1934

By G. H. Wilson

INTRODUCED in 1946 to serve a need in power- plant operation, closed-circuit TV has been used by well over 200 organizations in approximately 25 different industries. Known as industrial television, or simply ITV, it can be described as a private system wherein the television signal is restricted in distribution, usually by confinement within co-axial cable that directly connects the TV camera to one or several monitors, Figs. 1, 2. The picture is continuous and transmission is instantaneous, permit- ting an observer to see an operation that may be too distant, too inaccessible, or too dangerous to be viewed directly. Destructive testing or the machining of high explosives can now be conducted hundreds of feet away by personnel who still have close control through the eyes of the TV camera. It is also possible for one man to control operations formerly requiring the co-ordinated efforts of several workers. For example, at a large midwestern cement plant conveyance of limestone from primary crusher to raw mill and loading into five storage bins once necessitated the work of two men, one having little to do but prevent spilling of material by manually moving the tripper on the belt conveyor as occasion required. TV cameras mounted on the tripper now provide bin level indication to the conveyor operator at the crusher position so he is able to control the entire loading operation remotely, Fig. 3. By means of a switch, the picture from either camera is alternately available on a single viewer, or monitor, Fig. 4. Each camera is mounted on the tripper by means of a simple adjustable support and looks down into the bin, which is identified by the number of cross members on the vertical rod. Each associated power unit is located on a platform above the camera, Fig. 5. This centralized control by means of TV often has produced superior results, and in many instancés saving in operating costs has been sufficient to write off equipment costs within six months to a year.

Jan 7, 1954

By C. O. Brawner

INTRODUCTION Tailings dams up to about 200 ft. high are proposed to store tailings for a major mining operation on Marinduque Island in the Philippines. The original design of the dam utilized a compacted laterite starter dam followed by hydraulic placement of cycloned sands to form slime retaining dykes along the outer face of the dam. The upstream method of construction was proposed. In view of the failure of numerous tailings dams in Chile during the EL Cobre earthquake (I), an investigation was performed to assess the earthquake stability of the proposed dam. This included a soil investigation on the first cycloned sand dyke, which had been built to a height of 45 ft. Results indicated that the density of the sand was much lower than existing empirical criteria consider to be necessary for resistance to liquefaction. As a result, the dam was redesigned. The downstream method of construction was selected and a yearly construction program was developed to make use of sand available by cycloning. To increase shear strength, improve resistance to liquefaction, and to utilize steeper slopes, compaction of all sand in the dam was specified. A special underdrainage layer and toe drains were incorporated in the design. Details of the decant system and surface erosion alternatives are described. SITE CONDITIONS The mining project is located in the Philippine Islands. At the present annual rate of production, about 4,230,000 cu.m. of tailings will be produced yearly. The volume requirements for tailings storage design for the first 10 years of operation are in the order of 45,000,000 cu.m. The topography near the mine is mountainous with many gullies and canyons carved out by high intensity rainfall and runoff. The bedrock, which is generally shallow and weathered for a considerable depth, is overlain by laterite soils. Vegetation is comprised largely of palms, banana trees, and tropical shrubs and grasses. Precipitation is heavy. The average yearly rainfall over 24 years is 65.2 in. and the maximum recorded 24 hour rainfall is 9.0 in. High intensity rainfall is associated with typhoon storms, which are a seasonal threat inthe Philippines. Fig. 1 shows a summary of monthly precipitation.

Jan 1, 1972

By Ralph A. Sherman, J. M. Pilcher

BY surface treatment of coal is meant the application of a material, either solid or liquid, to the surface of pieces of coal. The purposes of surface treatment are varied. They may be to identify or "trade-mark" the coal, to modify the burning characteristics, the coking tendencies, or the behavior of the ash, to prevent the freezing of wet coal, or to control the dust. The control of dust is the usual purpose of surface treatment. TRADE-MARKING COAL The application of color to the surface of coal for the purpose of identification and registration of the trade-mark has been practiced to some extent. In 1928, the Glen Alden Coal Co. began to color its coal and adopted the trade-mark, "Blue Coal." The Old Ben Coal Co. later followed a similar practice with "Green Coal." A commoner means of identification of coal has been the stenciling of designs or pasting labels on large lumps or in the distribution of small cardboard tags through the smaller sizes. The details of the method used to color coal have not been revealed. Usually all of the coal is not treated, because of the expense. Only enough pieces are colored to show clearly when distributed through the coal.

Jan 1, 1943

By L. R. Page, J. J. Norton

EFFECTIVE methods for determining grade and reserves of pegmatites in advance of mining have been developed in recent years. When intensive work began on the economic geology of pegmatites during the early years of World War 11, it was widely believed that grade and reserves could be estimated only in a most general way. The literature indicated that not all pegmatite deposits are unpredictable, but statements emphasizing unpredictability and irregularity seem to have been more widely accepted. Many standard references reflect the prevailing opinion that minerals: are unsystematic in their occurrence in pegmatites. Pegmatites have been described as "notorious for their irregular structure," and minerals within pegmatites as "irregularly distributed." "irregularly disseminated," of "erratic occurrence," "proverbially erratic in distribution," "characterized by extreme irregularity in ... size and distribution of the essential minerals, and variety and proportion of the accessory minerals," and "spotty.'"" Over many years, however, geologic techniques have been applied with increasing success to economic analysis of pegmatites. Investigations, chiefly since 1939, have shown that mineral distribution and structure of pegmatites are largely systematic and that detailed geologic study can be used to predict the size and shape of mineral deposits in pegmatites. Because the writers are most familiar with the pegmatites of the Black Hills, S. D., examples cited are from that area." Pegmatites mined in other dis- * All examples are described more cornpletely elsewhere.: tricts are similar to those in the Black Hills," and the techniques described here have been applied by geologists and engineers working in other districts. In actual practice few pegmatite mine operators attempt to make accurate estimates of grade and reserves in advance of mining. Many deposits are too small for mining except on a very small scale; few pegmatite mines have more than ten employes. Hence there is little systematic preparation for mining, and the capital outlay may be so small that only a general knowledge of reserves is necessary. Technical personnel are rarely employed by pegmatite mine operators to make such estimates. In the future, however, as capital outlay becomes larger, estimates of grade and reserves will have to be more accurate. Geologic Aspects of Determining Grade and Reserves Estimating grade and reserves requires that the type of pegmatite, the size and shape, and the internal structure be determined by detailed geologic mapping and careful mineralogic study. The wide variations in the texture and distribution of minerals within many pegmatite deposits make a thorough geologic study of this kind necessary before it is possible to decide what sampling methods should be used to determine mineral content or grade. Types of Pegmatites: The first step in economic appraisal of a pegmatite is to determine the min-eralogical and structural type. In general, pegmatites may be classified into two groups: 1) those in which component minerals are more or less evenly distributed throughout the entire body and show relatively minor variations in texture, and 2) those in which component minerals have been segregated into units with recognizable differences in texture, mineralogy. or both. Johnston" has classified these types of pegmatites as homogeneous and heterogeneous, respectively. Cameron et al.10 have used the terms ~inzoned and zoned for similar types. The difference between the homogeneous and heterogeneous types is of great commercial importance. Homogeneous pegmatites can seldom be mined where the products are concentrated by the hand methods now commonly used, but they have been mined in a few places where a milling process has

Jan 1, 1957

By Keijiro Nishio

At a time of great antiquity when our Yomato tribe had not yet found its way throughout the country, there lived in Japan barbarous tribes of the stone age, whose dwellings were vertical caves covered with roof's of twigs and weeds. In a cave lately discovered at the village of Morita, 10 miles west from the port of Aomori, there were found pieces of micaceous iron-ore and psilomelane, with oval holes pierced from both sides. Apparently these objects were regarded as ornaments or curios, without being applied to any practical use. Among the traditions given in the Nihonshoki, an ancient history of Japan, there is one relating to the mining industry. According to this tradition, in the mythological age Izanami-no-Mikoto gave birth to Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto, god of mines, and Amaterasu-Okami (the sun-goddess) was armed with swords. It came to pass at one time that she concealed herself in Ama-no-Iwato ("Heavenly Cave"), and several gods made contrivances to entice her out. Among them, Ishikori-dome, a smith, made a mirror with copper obtained from the Ama-no-Kagoyama, by means of a pair of bellows known as the Ama-no-habuki, which was made of a deer-skin. It is recorded also that Susanb-no-Mikoto, her younger brother, observed the abundance of gold and silver in Korea, where his descendants were to reign, and urged them to provide themselves with boats to convey them across the Sea of Japan. In the course of time he accomplished his object, proceeding to Korea with his son, Isotakeru-no-Mikoto. These accounts

Jan 1, 1913

By L. T. Sicka, H. N. Thomson

The Tooele plant of the Internationa1 Smelting & Refining Co. is situated at the mouth of Pine canyon, Tooele county, Utah. It is connected with the main line of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake railroad by the Tooele Valley railway, and is about 7 miles from Tooele Junction. Fig. 1 is a general view of the plant. The copper plant has been in operation since July, 1910, arid the first blast furnace at the lead plant was blown in on Feb. 29, 1912. The location of the plant was selected on sloping ground with the idea of using gravity to the fullest extent and thus keeping labor at a minimum. Practically the entire plant is constructed of steel, reinforced concrete, and brick. Bingham ores, both lead and copper, are received over the Utah Consolidated Aerial Tramway. The tram buckets, each containing

Jan 1, 1914

By Frank Doxey

AT Dominion Steel & Coal Corp. it has long been recognized that continued mechanization of mine operations is necessary in the Pictou, Cumberland, and Sidney coal fields of Nova Scotia. The varied physical conditions in these fields call for special consideration of individual cases before planning is finalized. Because standard equipment cannot be procured which would operate successfully, many experiments have been necessary over the years to keep pace with the progress made in other countries. There are two mines, producing 2000 tpd, located in the Pictou coal field. The field is badly distorted and crossed by many faults. Seams are highly inclined and irregular and vary in thickness from 5 to 40 ft. Entries are difficult to maintain because of squeezing of the coal ribs and movement of the roof and pavement.

Jan 7, 1954

By P. B. Bucky

THE purpose of this paper is to present a scientific method for deter-mining the proper span and shape of roof for safe and economical mining; at present, these two vital factors wherever pillars are left to support the roof are determined by local practice or general experience. To develop the method described here, experimental laboratory work was done. The arch adopted was a segment of a circle, a flat roof being considered an arch with an infinite radius. Hitherto, arches have been used underground without the background of stress analysis that generally precedes arch construction on the surface. In many cases results have not been as expected, because of the lack of knowledge of the factors affecting its strength and behavior. A theoretical and experimental study of arches should furnish informa-tion that will make it possible to design safe and economical surface structures as well as underground openings. For example, on the subject of mine drifts and tunnels, the present idea is that arching their backs increases their strength; this paper will indicate that this is not always true, and if it can be shown that under certain conditions arching becomes unnecessary an economic saving will result. In room-and-pillar work a question may arise as to whether arching the roof and gobbing the excavated material will result in timber saving, and a decrease in the dan¬gers from falls of roof. It is to be distinctly understood that each mine must be treated as an individual problem, and that answers to these ques-tions and many others can now be found after experimental laboratory data have been obtained.

Jan 1, 1934

By C. W. Burrows

The burden a man can endure depends on its magnitude and the number of times it is applied, as well as on many other factors. The resisting power of steel likewise is dependent on many factors. The maximum load it can support indefinitely is much less than its possible momentary burden. A light load straining the metal far within its elastic limit, if repeated indefinitely, ruptures the metal. The magnitude of the stresses that may be alternately applied and removed without rupturing the material depends on the number of repetitions of the cycle; the intervening periods of rest; the thermal, electric, and magnetic conditions, as well as the presence of secondary streessses. While we are unable to formulate the law between the magnitude of repeated stresses necessary to produce rupture and the length of time during which these alternating stresses may be applied before rupture, my experience is that the time increases as the magnitude of the force decreases, according to a law which! to a first approximation, is exponential. In other words, F = Ce-t where F= magnitude of alternating stresses; t= time for which stresses are continued; C = constant, which depends on the conditions under which the operations are carried out. It is quite probable that the same type of law holds for the magnitude of a continuous force and its duration. When a rod of steel is subjected to the blows of a drilling hammer several things happen. First, one end is struck by the hammer and the other end is driven into the rock, thus causing a bodily displacement of the entire material of the steel drill. The greatest stresses involved in this bodily displacement are located at the two ends of the steel and manifest themselves by the distortion of these parts. Second, after the blow has been delivered, the steel drill, due partly to its own resiliency and partly to the resiliency of the rock, experiences a vibratory motion as a whole, this motion is quite similar to the bouncing of a rubber ball thrown violently upon a smooth pavement. Third, the free vibration of the drill is determined only by its own natural period of vibration. This motion involves all the characteristics of any vibrating body emitting sound. Certain elements of the rod will experience alternations of condensation and rarefaction and, in these regions, the individual steel

Jan 1, 1922

By B. E. Fernow

In order to ascertain to what extent the mining industry has been dependent upon forest-supplies, for the purpose of a report upon

Jan 1, 1889

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Jan 1, 1938

By Y. J. Wang

A critical path approach is presented for the problem of mine ventilation networks where regulators and fans are employed to control the airflow distribution. The problem is a classic one arising in mine ventilation planning. By identifying the analogy between the network for controlled flow and that for critical path method (CPM), the applications of the well known CPM technique to the ventilation problem become straightforward. The mathematical formulation of the problem is presented and the solutions are illustrated with examples. The cutset operation is introduced and employed for obtaining alternative solutions. The effects of booster fans on the total air power of the ventilation network are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1983

By Frank F. Aplan

In looking into the crystal-ball scene of minerals beneficiation for 1970 and beyond, an impartial observer becomes con- fused as to what has been done and what is possible in the way of improvements. The mining official must balance the burden which is being shouldered by the mineral industry for maintaining our environment in its pristine state on one hand, with the solid advancements made in technology and cost savings on the other hand. Then the official wonders if this is really the criterion for judging overall performance today. As a prospective engineer, Dave Bolles sees it this way: "Specialization has caused many engineers to subordinate everything to doing their job the cheapest and fastest way. In the future this won't be enough. The engineer in the mineral industry will be responsible not only for mining, concentrating and smelting, but also for the resultant wastes- the mine dumps, the tailing dams and the slag piles." (See Drift on page 63).

Jan 1, 1971

By W. C. J. van Rensburg

Exploration of unconventional mineral resources is stimulated by uncertainties about the cost and security of conventional resource sup- plies. Costs of the latter are likely to increase as a result of inflation, higher energy costs declining productivity, a lack of sufficient investment in politically volatile areas, or through cartel-like action. Exploration of unconventional resources is likely to be delayed by these same factors, insufficient research and development facilities, and a decline in capital formation. World economic growth is likely to be slow, so there will be more emphasis on material conservation. Therefore, the incentive to explore for unconventional resources may be reduced.

Jan 1, 1983

By Peter J. Huck, Madan M. Singh

IIT Research Institute has investigated the potential of high pressure water jets for rapid rock excavation. During this study, an attempt was made to correlate the extent of breakage effected to the mechanical properties of rocks. Six rock types were used in these experiments and nine properties were determined for each rock variety. A regression equation using the two most significant rock properties and one jet parameter (pressure) was established. Although tests were conducted to specific pressures of 35, no minimum in the specific energy consumption was noted.

Jan 1, 1971