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By R. A. Seitz

This paper presents a framework for analyzing the theory and industrial practice of coal flotation and gives some examples of its use for understanding flotation phenomena and optimizing/controlling flotation circuit performance. It is based on extensive laboratory and in plant test work conducted over the past several years by researchers at MTU as well as an analysis of the literature. Previous researchers have usually considered either the surface chemistry or the kinetics of coal flotation behavior, only rarely have these factors been considered together. However, these factors must be considered together in order to gain a clear understanding of the theory underlying coal flotation such that its practical application can be optimized. Fortunately, this complex objective can be achieved by considering the recovery and rate of recovery of the different types of particles present in the feed to coal flotation circuits and the fundamental mechanisms responsible for these recovery phenomena. The influence of three major groups of variables must be considered: control variables (reagent additions, aeration rate, etc.); disturbance variables (feed pH, percent solids, etc.); and circuit design variables (number of cells, circuit arrangement, etc.). Each of these groups of variables affects process kinetics in a clearly understandable manner, which, once determined, is extremely useful in circuit design and optimization. This paper includes a discussion of the use of the proposed framework to explain the effects of some coal characteristics on flotation performance. In addition, an example of using this analysis to optimize the performance of a coal flotation circuit using frother and collector addition levels is included.

Jan 1, 1985

By J. Hanna

The University of Alabama Mineral Resources Institute (MRI) has developed a unique process for selective fatty acid flotation of carbon-ate gangue from sedimentary apatites "francolite" in the pH range of 4-6 without collector conditioning of the pulp. The process, which does not require an apatite depressant, was modified to beneficiate a high Mgo siliceous phosphate matrix from south Florida. The modified process includes two flotation stages, one for carbonate removal, as mentioned above, and the other for phosphate recovery from the siliceous gangue. The selective flotation separation of the carbonate and phosphate, from siliceous constituents of the matrix at various pH levels and collector dosages are discussed. In the carbonate flotation stage, about 70% of the Mgo was rejected in the froth and the phosphate flotation stage produced concentrates analyzing about 31% P2O5,0.7% HgO and 4% insol. The overall P2O5 recovery in the two stages is about 85%.

Jan 1, 1989

By J. Simmons, P. Ziemkiewicz

Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) is an analytical procedure that provides values to help assess the acid-producing and acid-neutralizing potential of overburden rocks prior to coal mining and other large-scale excavations. This procedure was developed by West Virginia University scientists during the 1960s. After the passage of laws requiring an assessment of surface mining on water quality, ABA became a preferred method to predict post-mining water quality,and permitting decisions for surface mines are largely based on thevalues determined by ABA. In order to predict the post-mining water quality, the amount of acid-producing rock is compared to the amount of acid-neutralizing rock, and a prediction of the water quality at the site (whether acid or alkaline) is obtained. We gathered geologic and geographic data for 56 mined sites in West Virginia, which allowed us to estimate total overburden amounts, and values for maximum potential acidity (MPA), neutralization potential (NP), net neutralization potential (NNP), and NP/MPA ratios for each site based on ABA. These values were correlated to post-mining water quality from springs or seeps on the mined property. Overburden mass was determined by three methods, with the method used by Pennsylvania researchers showing the most accurate results to actual overburden mass. A poor relationship existed between MPA and post-mining water quality, NP was intermediate, and NNP and the NP/MPA ratio showed the best prediction accuracy. In this study, NNP and the NP/MPA ratio gave identical water quality prediction results. Therefore using NP/MPA ratios, values were separated into categories: <1 should produce acid drainage, between 1 and 2 can produce either acid or alkaline water conditions, and >2 should produce alkaline water. On our 56 surface mined sites, NP/MPA ratios varied from 0.1 to 31, and six sites (11%) did not fit the expected pattern using this category approach. Two of eight sites with ratios <1 did not produce acid drainage as predicted (the drainage was neutral), and four of 40 sites with a ratio >2 produced acid drainage when they should not have. These latter four sites were either mined very slowly, had non-representative ABA data, received water from an adjacent underground mine, or had a surface mining practice that degraded the water. In general, an NP/MPA ratio of <1 produced acid or neutral drainage sites, between 1 and 2 produced mostly alkaline drainage sites, while NP/MPA ratios of >2 produced alkaline drainage with a few exceptions. ABA is a good tool to assess overburden quality before surface mining and to predict post-mining drainage quality after mining. The interpretation from ABA values was correct in 50 out of 52 cases (96%), excluding the four anomalous sites, which had acid water for reasons other than overburden quality.

Jan 1, 2003

By I. Chatterjee, M. Misra

The principle of microwave drying of fine coal is based on the selective absorption of microwaves by water. Coal is a poor absorber of microwaves. As a result, water can be removed from fine coal by selectively heating water molecules. One of the difficult problems during microwave heating is the exact determination of temperature in the core of the materials. The electromagnetic energy absorption in coal/water mixtures during microwave drying is controlled by several factors including the dielectric properties of the constituents. In this paper, electromagnetic and thermal models of coal are presented that can predict the energy absorption and temperature distribution during microwave drying.

Jan 1, 1992

By Gunnar Thaning

The iron ores mined by LKAB in the north of Sweden have excellent beneficiation properties. This gives LKAB a favourable position as regards the production of low silica pellets for direct reduction. LKAB have concentrated on developing and marketing grades of pellets for the Midrex-Purofer-HyL process group, i.e. such D.R. processes which are carried out in a shaft furnace or a static bed using reformed natural gas as a reducing agent. The paper deals with properties and quality demands of iron ore pellets for such processes. Matters such as the effect of the residual magnetite in the fired pellets on the degree of metallization, the amount and composition of the slag phase in the pellets, the mechanism of the disintegration during reduction, the state of swelling of the pellets during the conditions prevailing in these processes, the importance of the porosity, the improvement of the reducibility and lowering of the sticking tendency of the pellets by small additions of suitable additives and the influence of the pellet size are discussed. A special test procedure for D.R. pellets has been elaborated by LKAB. Thus, three metallurgical properties are routinely determined separately, namely reducibility, reduction strength and sticking. The test methods are described. Finally the present and future LKAB pellets for direct reduction are presented with respect to chemical analyses and metallurgical properties.

Jan 1, 1978

By Adam Bedell, Paul Derby, Brad Crenshaw

Modified contact grouting was introduced almost 15 years ago as a methodology combining traditional contact grouting and consolidation grouting to address groundwater infiltration into hard rock tunnels that utilize cast-in-place concrete as permanent tunnel support. This process has been used on additional tunnels (since initially presented) as a measure to mitigate both groundwater infiltration and exfiltration. During this time, self-sealing grouts have been developed and have been added to the process to further reduce groundwater infiltration that occurs through cracks and discontinuities within the concrete liner itself. This modification is presented and additional results from the grouting process are discussed.

Jun 13, 2021

By John McMorran

An open pit mine design system should have the characteristics of being flexible, versatile, and simple. All of these characteristics are necessary for producing a dynamic mine design. In other words, a design that can be improved, updated, and implemented. Flexibility is an important characteristic due to changing times. For example, the effects of a changing economy, increased knowledge of the mineral deposit, or improvements in mining technology can result in a considerable, if not a complete change in the long range mining plans. Since the short range mining plans are based on the long range mining plans, they will-also be effected. Also, it is very important to validate the information used in the design or the design itself. This means the system should have the flexibility of being able, not only to detect, but to correct errors. Versatility is another important characteristic of a mine design system due to the wide range of situations that may appear. First, a design system must be able to handle both long and short term planning. This is necessary because of the variability in the definition of a time range. Second, a design system must be able to handle different types of deposits. Special emphasis must be placed on this issue, because many deposits, if not the majority, do not fit predefined categories such as bedded, massive, or roll-front, etc . . . Furthermore, the true test of the versatility of a design system is not only the ability to create an ultimate design but also to schedule sequences for this design. Thus, the versatility of being capable to design with a variety of time ranges, variety of deposit types, and scheduling are all important characteristics of the design system.

Jan 1, 1982

By James P. Connell

The American Concrete Institute defines "shotcrete" as "mortar or concrete conveyed through a hose and pneumatically projected at high velocity unto a surface." This definition thus includes what is traditionally known as "gunite," which is a pneumatically applied mortar. In mining practice, the term shotcrete is restricted to pneumatically applied concrete, and this differentiation will be used in this paper. In 1914, following the invention of the mortar gun in 1907, the then Chief Engineer of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, George Rice, developed the guntie process for underground test work at the bureau facility at Bruceton, Pennsylvania. After World War I, gunite was used extensively in American mines and was also utilized for underground civil works such as the San Jacinto Tunnel in California. The greatest development was In Europe where, as early as 1911, gunite was successfully used as an overlay for deteriorated tunnel linings. In 1951, the Swiss firm Aliva developed a pneumatic gun capable of handling coarse aggregate, thus making possible the first use of shotcrete at the Maggia hydropower development. Intially, shotcrete was used to reduce manpower requirements for forming; and placing conventional concrete. However, by 1954 Sonderegger was reporting that the structural advantages of shotcrete were derived from its flexibility and from the fact that it could be applied almost immediately niter the opening had been made. The incorporation of wire mesh into the shotcrete led to the New Austrian Tunnel Method, or NATM. The use of shotcrete in American mines has been implemented more recently. This delay seems to be due to previously unsuccessful experiences with gunite as a structural material and to the U.S. reliance on wood or steel supports in main line haulageways. The long experience with the apparently more substantial rigid supports led mine operators to be reluctant to the new and seemingly unrealistic lighter shotcrete support.

Jan 1, 1977

By P. Rusin

Many oxide silver and molybdenum deposits remain undeveloped because chemical extraction yields poor recoveries or is environ-mentally unacceptable. Bio-reductive leaching of such ore samples at MBX resulted in high recoveries of silver and molybdenum. When baseline 3-day cyanide bottle roll tests were conducted on manganiferous oxide silver ore, 13.7% of the silver was extracted. In contrast, 86% of the silver was microbially solubilized into the organic growth medium by bio-reduction with 99.8% dissolution of manganese. A follow-up cyanide bottle roll test yielded an additional 8.5% silver recovery for a total recovery of 94.5%. Baseline 3-day acid bottle roll tests of the iron oxide molybdenum ore yielded 1.8% moly. However, bio-reduction solubilized 93.3% of the moly into the growth medium. An additional 0.3% moly was recovered during the follow-up acid bottle roll test. Microbial treatment of refractory oxide ores with bio-reductive bacteria resulted in higher recoveries of silver and molybdenum than conventional chemical leaching. The bioleaching process occurred at a near-neutral pH at ambient temperatures. The bacterial solubilization of silver and moly was achieved without the use of cyanide or sulfuric acid.

Jan 1, 1992

By R. O. Y. Breese

Perlite is a hydrated acid volcanic glass that has been derived from the alteration of obsidians through incorporation of water into the silica structure. It is distinguished from other members of the water-bearing natural glass family by total water content, characteristic fracture and luster. The distribution of major occurrences worldwide is associated with silicic Tertiary through early-mid Quaternary volcanics related to plate movement. The No Agua dome and flow complex is one of the most highly studied perlite occurrences in the world. It clearly exhibits lithologic and textural zonations that reflect simple cooling history. Similar features are commonly observed within other perlitized, extrusive glass selvages. This paper briefly discusses current thought regarding geologic occurrence, the hydration process and the modes of origin with special emphasis on No Agua.

Jan 1, 1985

By Jim Buckley, Ryan Sibley, Scott G. Giltner, Thomas Pallua, Joe Schrank, Robert Cidlik

Because of variation in rock type and site conditions, it is important to create site-specific prediction models for peak particle velocity (PPV) and understand instrumentation mounting locations to better interpret the readings provided following blasting operations. The Atlanta Airport is expanding the section of underground tunnels for its Plane Train people mover, and drill and blast operations were determined to be the suitable method of excavation for the project. Extensive work was done to begin creating prediction models and determining levels of concern based on readings from various types of instrumentation. This paper analyzes the effect of close quarters construction blast vibrations and observed frequency spectrum on existing structures with data from 22 different seismographs mounted in various locations and ground conditions.

Dec 1, 2022

By M. Zhang, H. Ni, F. Zheng, M. Guo

"In the present work, we investigate the effects of roasting temperature and time on the transformation of the titanium (Ti)-bearing phase and magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) phase in Ti-bearing electric arc furnace molten slag during the molten sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment process. With applied temperature of 700 °C for 60 min, and a mass ratio of Ti-bearing electric arc furnace slag to NaOH, or Rslag/NaOH, of 1:1.2, the conversion ratios of the Ti-bearing phase and the MgAl2O4 phase reached about 98.3 percent and 88.1 percent, respectively. Moreover, investigation of the reaction kinetics indicate that the conversion of these phases during the molten NaOH treatment process is a typical solid-liquid reaction, and it can be theoretically described by the unreacted shrinking core model. The conversion ratio of the Ti-bearing phase was found to be controlled by the chemical reaction step, with an apparent activation energy of 41.76 kJ/mol. The decomposition of the MgAl2O4 phase was found to be controlled by the surface chemical reaction in the early stage of 0 to 20 min from start of reaction, changing to diffusion control in the later stage of 20 to 60 min. The apparent activation energies of the process were determined as 55.88 and 22.72 kJ/mol, respectively.IntroductionChina has rich mineral resources of vanadium–titanium magnetite ore deposits, and the iron and steel industry in the country produces millions of tons of titanium (Ti)-bearing slag every year. The problem of how to dispose of the Ti-bearing slag has attracted much attention, and various approaches have been developed, including the acid process (Li et al., 2007; Zhang et al., 2011; Zhang and Nicol, 2010; Li et al., 2011), alkali fusion process (Han et al., 2012; Middlemas, Fang and Fan, 2013; Nayl, Awwad and Aly, 2009; Lasheen, 2008; Zhang, Qi and Zhang, 2009), carbonization and chlorination process (Liu et al., 2008; Tao et al., 2012; Fu et al., 2012; Liu, 2009), selective crystallization process (Lei and Xue, 2008; Li et al., 2011; Zhang et al., 2007a, 2007b). However, these processes have been beset by various functional, economical and ecological problems (Yu and Chen, 2010). With environmental protection regulations becoming increasingly rigorous, and demand growing for the comprehensive utilization of resources, the focus is on methods to treat Ti-bearing slag with high efficiency and mild reaction conditions (Nazari and Riahi, 2011; Wu et al., 2013)."

Jan 1, 2017

By David Jurich, Ed Perko, Jacob Prezkuta

Numerous Colorado mountain tunnels that date to the late 1800s convey water to the farming and urban communities of the eastern Front Range. Repairs to these remote facilities, often located in public lands at altitudes of 11,000 feet or more, require detailed planning, close coordination with multiple agencies, and creative execution. Issues and solutions discussed include designing repairs in undocumented ground and support conditions, logistical challenges, work in a short summer construction window, stabilization of historically signicant structures, and proect delivery strategies. xamples that illustrate early contractor involvement, exibility in design, and construction solutions are presented.

Jun 23, 2024

In this study, numerical simulations of yield pillars employing the finite element method with time-dependent Drucker-Prager material model are conducted. The stress control mechanism of yield pillars on weak floor strata is studied. The development of pillar yield zone, the distribution of pillar stress and the development of failure zone in the weak floor strata are investigated. The study indicates that a properly selected yield pillar size may significantly reduce the peak stress induced in the weak floor strata and effectively control the development of failure zone in the floor.

Jan 1, 1999

By R. N. Torbin

The degree to which automation, remote control and robotics have been used in the mining industry is far less compared to general industry. Reasons include the adverse working environment, the difficult work operations and the generally lower incentive for capital investments in new mining equipment. The author and his employer has been involved in the development of advanced mining and underground construction equipment. This equipment is designed to he remotely operated, to improve both productivity and worker safety. Many of these machines employ advanced electronics and robotic features. The types of machines that will be discussed include remote shaft lining and placement, remote excavation and mining operations, and automated conveyor systems.

Jan 1, 1991

By E. B. Kroeger

One of the problems encountered when constructing a roadway is the planned route often needs to cross soils that are soft and highly compressible. An approach to dealing with soft and compressible soils is to construct the fill from lightweight materials, thereby reducing the stresses on underlying soils. Most lightweight fills have approximately the same cost, so the most important consideration when choosing a lightweight fill is that the material properties of the lightweight fill match the conditions existing at the site. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been used as a lightweight fill material for more than 30 years. The EPS used for road fills is typically in the range of 0.5 to 2 lb/ft3, and has a compressive strength of in the range of 10 to 30 lb/in2. If a higher strength material is needed, then the material density is increased, which also adds to the cost of the material. Another type of lightweight fill material that is commonly being used is lightweight aggregate (LWA). LWA can be created by passing slate or shale through a rotary kiln or reheating coal fly ash with other materials to form pellets or aggregate. Several companies throughout the U.S market these materials under a variety of names. LWA can have a unit weight from 45-80 lb/ft3. For sites where trucking granular fill does not pose a problem, this material may be an alternative to EPS. One of the drawbacks to using LWA is the availability of the material. Only a few companies are manufacturing LWA, so it may not be available or may be cost prohibitive in certain areas of the country. Lightweight flyash blocks have been produced which may fill the gap in unit weight between the EPS and LWA. Blocks have been produced with a unit weight as low as 30 lb/ft3. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, and have a moderate compressive strength. Although the unit weight is dramatically higher than EPS, the strength is also higher. If lateral stabilization of the fill is a problem, then geofabrics or grids can be incorporated into the design to add lateral strength.

Jan 1, 2003

By Charles A. Stone, Eric C. Wang

"Top-down wall construction was selected to excavate the tunnel portal headwall areas of the ORB East End Crossing tunnel. Benefits included an expedited construction schedule realized by staging excavation and rock support with development of temporary construction access roads. Rock mass properties, proximity to right-of-way lines, and blasting impacts were considered to design suitable lift heights, intermediate bench locations, and permanent ground support systems to provide supported permanent excavations. Carbonate rock formations contained adverse subsurface geotechnical features including solution cavities, clay seams, weathered joints, pinnacled rock, and boulders, which were addressed by flexibility in design. The resulting over-break conditions and long-term water infiltration issues required economic design solutions. This paper discusses the unique considerations required during design of top-down tunnel portal headwalls excavated in carbonate rock formations including temporary excavation and permanent ground support systems which provided flexibility for unforeseen over-break, minimized construction delays, and provided long-term stability. PROJECT BACKGROUND The East End Crossing is an approximate 8-mile highway connection of the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing (ORBEE) project. Currently under construction, this connection will link State Road 265 in Indiana with the Gene Snyder Freeway in Kentucky to form an outer loop bypassing the Louisville-Southern Indiana metropolitan area. This highway project features a 2,510-foot long, three-span cable-stayed bridge over the Ohio River, and a 1,680-foot long tunnel. The project, being managed by the Indiana Finance Authority and Indiana Department of Transportation, is scheduled to open to traffic by the end of 2016. The new twin three-lane tunnel under the historic Drumanard Estate requires steep cut excavations for approach and tunnel portal walls on the order of 60 feet deep through overburden soil and carbonate bedrock formations. This paper focuses on the design considerations for the permanent support of the top-down wall construction of the tunnel portal headwalls and approach retaining walls."

Jan 1, 2016

By John F. Burst

For several generations now, the high alumina clayey sediments of Southeastern Alabama and Southwestern Georgia have supplied those regions with steady, mineral-based income although the impact of that income has been relatively minor until recently. Since World War II, mining activity has increased algebraically with over half of the total ore value in the Alabama area having been recovered since that time. The Georgia area production increases are even more dramatic. The trends are continuing and the next decade should see ore winning figures which will dwarf all previous production. It&apos;s time for the mining engineers to take note of this development as the mining methods, similar to the production, have developed rapidly and now offer challenges for the most competent professional. The development of mining techniques has followed a classic pattern. Beginning almost a hundred years or so ago, with the loading of weather-resistant surface boulders into mule-drawn wagons, mining methods have progressed to discovery of limited surface exposures in outcrop and eventually to stripping and development of non-obvious, subsurface deposits. Little by little, the overburden thickness of new pits has increased until, at present, pits with 100&apos; -125&apos; of overburden are being actively worked. Ground water problems in the Eufaula District are particularly challenging. At A. P. Green&apos;s J. W. Baker Pit, #l, in Barbour Co., Alabama, it is necessary to continually pump groundwater at the rate of about 400 gallons per minute from wells on the periphery of this large pit in order to keep the water table low enough to allow mining of the ore body.

Jan 1, 1972

By Allen G. Taylor

High-value materials, such as gold, platinum and other precious metals, are subject to loss through unauthorized removal from mines, smelters, refiners and other places where such materials are processed. A study by Gastrow (2001) determined that between 1994 and 1998 an average of 603 kg/a (1,330 lb/year) of gold was stolen from South African mines and subsequently recovered. This does not include the gold that was stolen but not recovered. At 2011 prices, 603 kg/a (1,330 lb/year) of gold would be worth approximately $33 million. Mine security personnel believe that the unrecovered stolen gold far exceeds what is recovered (Gastrow 2001). Traditionally, metal detectors have been used to screen personnel leaving secure areas to discourage such unauthorized removal. However, with the current near-record prices of gold, platinum and other precious metals, it has become worthwhile for people exiting a facility to walk out with quantities of product that are too small for ordinary metal detectors to register, resulting in substantial financial losses.

Jan 1, 2012

By A. M. Marabini, G. Belardi, V. Alesse, M. Acosta

Sotiel mine is situated in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain, some 40 km north of the port of Huelva. Although mining operations at the site date back to Roman times, the present mine came into production in 1983 and 5.6 million tonnes of ore had been extracted by 1993. The orebody is volcano-sedimentary and consists of fine grained copper, lead and zinc minerals in massive pyrite surrounded by slates and volcanics. Prior laboratory research had resulted in the synthesis of a new collector, belonging to the MercaptoBenzoOxazole (MBO) class that acts selectively towards Cu and Zn minerals after activation with CuS04. The MethylMercaptoBenzoOxazole (MMBO) version of this collector had been used for the laboratory flotation of Cu minerals and sphalerite activated by CuS04. This resulted in identification of the optimal physicochemical conditions for laboratory-cell flotation of the two minerals from samples of complex sulphide ores, and subsequently the reagent has been tested in the Sotiel plant (Spain). The plant has three flotation sections. With conventional re-agents, the first section yields a Cu concentrate grading 21% with a total recovery of 29%, and the second one yields a 40% Pb concentrate with total recovery of 34% and a 47% Zn concentrate with total recovery of 78%. Application of the new synthetic reagent in the copper and zinc circuits produces a more selective process with a decrease in re- agent concentration grade and recovery are increased by 2 and 9 points respectively in the case of Cu and by 1 and 3 points where Zn is concerned. Moreover, the penalty elements in the Cu concentrate are halved.

Jan 1, 1995