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By Clayr Alexander

Stillwater Mining Co. (SMC) is engaged in developing, extracting, processing and refining palladium, platinum and associated metals (PGM)from the J-M Reef. This geological formation is located in Stillwater, Sweet Grass and Park counties in southern Montana. Associated byproduct metals include rhodium, gold, silver, nickel and copper. SMC’s current mining operations are near Nye, MT. The company is currently developing a second underground palladium and platinum mine, the East Boulder project, about 21 km (13 miles) west of the Nye operations. A 5,650-m (18,550-ft) tunnel is required to gain access to the ore-bearing horizon (J-M Reef).

Jan 1, 1999

By S. A. Osterberg, J. L. Breckenridge, R. S. Popielak

Multidisciplinary investigations were completed to prove the availability of water resources for the proposed San Cristóbal silver-lead-zinc mine in the arid Altiplano of Bolivia. Surface water resources are scarce, of poor quality, and unsuitable for development. Therefore, hydrogeological reconnaissance targeted alluvial aquifers for development. Follow-up resistivity, refraction, and water quality assessments were used to prioritize areas with prolific production potential. Pumping tests and regional water balance analysis indicate an alluvial aquifer can sustain the required approximately 40 000 m3 per day production for the life of the mine and predict no significant negative environmental effects on local groundwater users and the environment.

Jan 1, 2002

By Garry Keizer

The Cortez gold mine is located in Lander County, NR, about 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Elko. Cortez Gold Mines (CGM) is a joint venture between Placer Dome US Inc. (60% operator) and Kennecott Corp. (40%). The claims that supply oxide and refractory ore feed to the Cortez milling facility are located in both Lander and Eureka counties. These include the Cortez and Horse Canyon deposits, all operated by the joint venture. Other deposits outside the CGM claim area include Fire Creek, Buckhorn, Gold Bar and Tonkin Springs. These deposits all occur along the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend. History Mining in the Cortez district began in 1862 with the discovery of high-grade silver ores. Grades in the hundreds of ounces per ton occurred in an area 7 km (4.5 miles) southeast of the current CGM mill site. Underground mining through the Garrison and Arctic tunnels provided the bulk of the ore production between 1864 and 1895. To a lesser extent, the Mill Canyon area also supplied ore until 1930.

Jan 1, 1993

By John Kinneen, Sunghoon Choi, Arne Fareth, Edward S. Barboe, Kyle R. Ott

A new water treatment plant is to be constructed for a portion of the water supply system of New York City. The project includes construction of new water conveyance tunnels crossing perpendicular and sub-parallel to the existing pressurized water tunnel at two locations. A study was conducted to evaluate the impact of new tunnel construction on stability of the existing tunnel and hydrojacking potential in the surrounding rock mass. This paper introduces a practical approach to evaluate tunnel interaction, expressed in terms of rock-liner interaction, stress-induced stability and hydrojacking failures. A simple method to evaluate hydraulic and mechanical properties of concrete liners and jointed rock mass is also presented.

Jan 1, 2007

By K. Bounou, K. Komnitsas

"Risk quantification may be used as a sustainable development index in the mining industry, since it encompasses both economic and social factors. In addition, it may assist in the development of a framework, which is also indirectly related to sustainable development, to prevent accidents and improve health and safety standards. However, risk quantification in the mineral sector involves diverse activities and is considered a very difficult task. Although statistical data report accident severity rates, incident rates and accident frequency rates, none of these allow for accurate risk calculations. In this paper, two risk calculation formulas, which may be used to quantify risk, as well as to identify hazardous activities in a workplace, are proposed. Numerical examples are given based on statistical data available through the MSHA database. Also a combination of a decision/fault/event tree that allows risk quantification is presented."

Jan 1, 2005

By K. E. Yassin, A. Yehia, M. Amar

Phosphate fines (size ≤ 45 μm), from the Red Sea Region, Egypt, were subjected to beneficiation process to recover the phosphorite grains from such fines. The sample is characterized by low P2O5 content (18.78%) associated with gangue minerals such as silica (22.77% SiO2) and carbonate (2.01% MgO) indicating its low grade. Phosphate pre-concentrate was prepared by gravity separation, using Falcon, where 63.37% of the phosphate, with 24.94% P2O5, 1.46% MgO, and 10.54% SiO2, was firstly recovered reducing the mass flow to the subsequent beneficiation process. However, the gravity tailing was the feed for the reverse phosphate flotation using bench scale column flotation where oleic acid was used as a carbonate gangue collector and amylase enzyme as a phosphate depressant. Under the appropriate flotation conditions (0.1% amylase, 5·10−4 mol/dm3 oleic acid, and temp. 30 °C), phospho-concentrate assaying 0.61% MgO, 13.14% SiO2, and 27.85% P2O5 with a P2O5 recovery of 55.45%, was finally obtained without the use of expensive depressants, e.g., phosphoric acid or sodium silicate. A tentative flow sheet for the whole process was postulated.

By S. J. Schatzel

In order to better understand the effects of longwall mining on the methane reservoir overlying the panel, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (NIOSH/PRL) designed and implemented a vertical borehole monitoring experiment (BME) on an active longwall panel. The mine operates in the Pittsburgh Coalbed in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The BME site was located away from either end of the panel to avoid mechanical influences caused by the draping of overburden in this region and was positioned at the same distance from the tailgate gateroad as the mine?s gob gas venthole sites. The borehole drilling depths and monitoring intervals were chosen to address a different stratigraphic zone in each of the three planned holes. The monitoring boreholes were positioned perpendicular to face advance using a close spacing pattern of about 15 m (50 ft) between collars. Boreholes were instrumented downhole and on the surface for various measurements. It was observed from the field data that the gob gas venthole fracture network formed 24-46 m (80-150 ft) ahead of the mining face. Overburden permeability?s within the same test zones increased 100 to 500 times following undermining. The borehole test interval within the fractured rock responded to overburden gas pressure while the test interval in the caved zone responded to mine ventilation conditions. Eight months after the boreholes were undermined, slug testing indicated permeabilities had increased further in the fractured rock zone. Measurements of surface movement indicate that the permeability development observed in the boreholes is a product of vertical subsidence without lateral movement within the tensional rock mechanics zone on a supercritical longwall panel. Results from this study suggest that maximum permeability in the longwall panel overburden is achieved 58 to 190 m (190 to 620 ft) behind the longwall following maximum compaction of the overburden.

Jan 1, 2009

By J. A. Delgadillo

Computer simulation and mineral modeling was applied to the optimization of a grinding circuit in a plant processing 256 t/h magnetite. These tools were used to develop a grinding and classification configuration to decrease the grade of silica in the magnetite concentrate, which is produced by the plant. Empirical grinding and classification models were finely tuned using plant experimental data. The JKSimMetTM 5.0 software was used to simulate the grinding and classification units. By applying changes in the original circuit, a throughput increment of 100% was achieved with an important reduction in the energy consumption. The silica content in the magnetite concentrate can be decreased by regrinding the coarse fraction of fine screens into a separate ultrafine grinding unit instead of returning this flow to the ball grinding mills.

Jan 1, 2008

bauma 2004 will feature a couple of firsts for one of the world’s largest construction and building materials machinery exhibitions. The event is scheduled for March 29 through April 4 of next year at the New Munich Trade Fair Center in Munich, Germany. For the first time, bauma will feature an exhibition area dedicated to mining equipment and technology. Also for the first time, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will be a partner region of bauma.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. Kretschmann

Around the world, mining has been done for thousands of years for the benefit of humankind. The winning process in mining operations ends with the depletion of the deposit or its closure if the operation becomes economically unprofitable. After that, a period of post-mining follows which may last for a very long time and which is generally regarded as a period of hazards, risk and high cost. In the USA alone, approximately 500,000 abandoned mines do exist; worldwide, there are millions. In Germany, too, we have had to deal with abandoned mines for a considerable period of time now.

Jan 1, 2012

By Bijan Taheri, Behrouz Maghsodi, Monireh Heshami, Reza Kohan

A common problem recently encountered with the increase in the rate of input feed at Enrichment Plant 2 of the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex is the loss of value to the tails, translating to lower recoveries. The feasibility of the direct transfer of part of the high-grade concentrate from rougher stages to an appropriate position along the circuit was studied, and two positions were proposed for direct transfer of the concentrate. One position was the feed flow into cleaner cells, and the other was the feed flow into the recleaner cell. The results indicated that transferring the concentrate from the first unit of the rougher stage to the feed flow into the cleaner cells was feasible, with no limitations, while the second position required the installation of a set of hydrocyclones. It was found that the transfer of concentrate to the proposed positions not only addressed the problem of limited cell capacity, resulting in debottlenecking of the circuit, but also improved metallurgical separation efficiency up to 1.4%.

Pillars in underground limestone mines are required to support the overburden and provide a safe, stable working environment for mining personnel and equipment. Pillar stability was assessed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in underground limestone mines in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. It was found that current mine layouts have been successful in providing support to the overburden, while a small number of isolated pillar failures were observed. The stable pillar layouts and failed pillars were plotted on a chart that demonstrates the relationship between pillar width-to-height ratio and pillar stress. The results show that pillar failures occurred at the lower range of width-to-height ratios and can occur at relatively low stress levels. Zones indicating the potential risk of pillar instability are shown on the chart, based on hazards associated with the onset of rib spalling, large angular discontinuities and unconfined pillars. The chart can assist limestone mine planners to evaluate potential instability in current or new pillar layouts that are similar to those included on the stability chart.

Jan 1, 2008

By David L. Shearer

INTRODUCTON James Howden first secured an order for two Service Tunnel Boring machines in November 1986. These Tunnel Boring machines were 5.7 and 5.4 metres in diameter and the full length including back up was 215 metres. Manufacture commenced in December 1986 at the Glasgow factories of James Howden & Company with the deliveries to site of the machines in September 1987 and March 1988 respectively. In December 1987 two further orders were secured for the land running tunnels at 8.7 metres diameter. This paper presents some of the challenges in building tunnel boring machines for the Eurotunnel project between Britain and France. The general specifications of the Tunnel Boring machines and length of drives are shown in Appendix 1. DESIGN PARAMETERS The specification given by the Consortium TML on behalf of their client Eurotunnel cleary indicated that cutting of the face should be concurrent with the building of the precast concrete lining rings. In order to do this a telescopic machine was thought to be the best solution. Ground conditions were described as chalk marls of homogeneous nature with the possibility of friable areas and some revelling. A shielded type TBM with open cutter head was chosen together with a telescopic section and a rear

Jan 1, 1989

By V. A. Leach, J. R. Johnson

The calculation of the dose to the bronchial epithelium, lungs and other body tissues from exposures to airborne radon and thoron daughters requires a knowledge of the pattern of deposition in the respiratory system and clearance from it. Exposure to radon or thoron daughters is measured in units of Working Level Months (WLM), which is independent of the aerosol particle size, the fraction of daughters that are attached to the aerosol and the degree of disequilibria between the daughters, and age and breathing rate of the subject. These factors will influence the deposition and clearance, and hence dose. It is therefore of interest to find the relationship between WLM and calculated dose as a function of aerosol size, unattached fraction, and disequilibria, and of age and breathing rate, and to define ranges for these parameters for which WLM is an acceptable measure of the risk. This presentation briefly reviews the two dosimetry models being considered by a current Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD) Working Group, and using these models, defines limits on parameters for which the WLM is applicable.

Jan 1, 1981

By C. J. Bise, D. A. Poukhovski

Two integral components of the 30 CFR 48 training requirements mandated for new miners, newly employed experienced miners, and the annual refresher training of all miners are hazard recognition and prevention of accidents. In these categories, instruction shall include the recognition and avoidance of hazards present in the mine, and a review of accidents and their causes. Unlike instruction preparation for fact-based material, program development for hazard recognition places a particular challenge before safety-training specialists because they are often limited in their ability to adequately gauge the trainees' levels awareness prior to training. Further, they must also assure that the training is relevant, and it is presented in a thought-provoking manner. Computer-based instruction is particularly well suited for assisting trainers in developing hazard- recognition topics because it can be used in pre-training and post-training modes for assessment of training effectiveness, in addition to use as a presentation tool. Therefore, this paper will present a recent approach developed at Penn State to apply this technology for assessment and instruction of accident prevention through hazard recognition, with an application prepared for surface coal mines.

Feb 24, 1997

By David van Cleave, David L. Rome

Whether you buy your minicomputer from a manufacturer or another vendor, the first thing you must do is define your needs. With good planning, the initial cost will be low and your return on investment will be maximized over the long term. Involving all members of your staff who will he using the new computer in the planning phase is also important. Their participation will alleviate any potential concerns they may have about new equipment, and their suggestions will provide valuable input for your specifications. After you define your proposed system, survey available hardware and software. The survey will help you in the next step, preparation of specifications. The specifications, along with a quote request, are then sent to various manufacturers. Consider the Manufacturer When selecting your minicomputer, one important item to consider is the manufacturer. Remember, when you buy a computer, you're also buying the services of a computer company. A firm that makes a commitment to its customers and provides a product that is field tested before releasing it for sale is preferable. Examine the company's maintenance and support packages, since every machine requires preventive maintenance. Does your manufacturer or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support service sites in your area? Has their service record been commendable? Will they provide training for your personnel and a supply of circuit boards so you can retain a degree of self-service autonomy? Three methods of buying a computer involve the manufacturer, an OEM, and the systems house. Buying direct from the manufacturer means you go straight to the source, using no middleman. This gives you maximum flexibility; you can consider every alternative and many possible combinations of computers, peripherals, and software until you find exactly the right system for you. The OEM buys computers direct from the manufacturer and builds them into his own computerized, special purpose product. He usually sells a complete package, including software and hardware, and often noncompetitive equipment as well (a scientific or engineering instrument, for example), designed for the mining market. Because he offers a packaged product, the OEM can often charge less for the system than if you put the pieces together yourself. In many ways, the OEM also provides a unique system. And while the OEM sells a packaged solution, he also usually has the special market knowledge necessary to modify the system to meet your unique needs, if necessary.

Jan 11, 1981

By Steve Dubnewych, Jon Kaneshiro, Calvin Jin

The Joint Water Pollution Control Plant (JWPCP), operated by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (the Districts), treats wastewater generated by over3 million people and processes wastewater solids generated by over 5 million people. The JWPCP Tunnel and Ocean Outfall Project, if constructed, would be one of the major marine outfall projects in the world. The new tunnel and ocean outfall system would provide relief to the existing outfall and allow inspection, maintenance, and repair of the existing tunnel and outfall system, portions of which were constructed as early as the 1930s. Geologic conditions are challenging along the alignments within the study are a being considered. Conditions include saturated alluvial soils, weak sedimentary rock, mixed face conditions, and squeezing ground conditions. Other significant challenges include the potentials for encountering up to 11 bars of water pressure, crossing seismically active faults, and encountering gassy and contaminated ground conditions. This paper discusses the details of the proposed project and the associated challenges.

Jan 1, 2007

By Derek. C. Arnold

In order to meet increasing demands for water supply in the next millennium, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have identified the need for a major new water treatment and transfer scheme. The project now under construction will comprise a 1.2 km long raw water aqueduct, a major new 0.25million cubic metres per day water treatment works (with space for upgrading to 1.2Mm³/d), a 12.1 km long treated water aqueduct and a primary service reservoir. In order to meet increasing demands for water supply in the next millennium, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have identified the need for a major new water treatment and transfer scheme. The project now under construction will comprise a 1.2 km long raw water aqueduct, a major new 0.25million cubic metres per day water treatment works (with space for upgrading to 1.2Mm³/d), a 12.1 km long treated water aqueduct and a primary service reservoir.

Jan 1, 1999

By John Zeni

In Australia during the 1990s, Zeni Drilling took on several demanding shaft boring contracts. This paper describes the safety, operational, technical and environmental advantages derived through the implementation of mechanized boring methods for two of these projects. The paper first describes a 3-meter (10 ft) diameter access shaft blind bored from an underground location to 440 meters (1,444 ft) deep for a gold mine in Tasmania. The construction of a 5.8-meter (19 ft) diameter, 515-meter (1,690 ft)deep ventilation shaft for a longwall coal mine in New South Wales is also described.

Jan 1, 2001

By M. Gangal

CANMET-MMSL, in cooperation with Dry Systems Technologies and Quinsam Mine, conducted a study to determine the effects of B50 biodiesel on the emissions of a flameproof diesel power package in comparison with mining diesel fuel for application in underground coal mines. The emissions testing for coal mine application requires that the intake air mixture to the engine should be at 1.25 percent methane by volume in air. The tested power package system included a naturally aspirated, mechanically-controlled diesel engine with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a heat exchanger, flame arresters, and a low temperature disposable diesel particulate filter. The engine dynamometer tests were conducted at the CANMET-MMSL Diesel Emissions Research Laboratory in Ottawa using the ISO 8178-C1 test protocol. The separate and combined effects of a B50 biodiesel blended fuel, and with and without 1.25% methane enriched intake air were measured on a diesel power package. Fuelling the baseline engine (without methane), with B50 biodiesel blend reduced carbon monoxide (CO) by 44%, and increased nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by 19%, and particulate matter by 31% relative to the mining diesel fuel. Similarly, injection of 1.25% methane to the intake air for baseline engine with mining diesel fuel increased engine power by 15%, CO by 124%, and NO by 15%, and decreased NO2 by 13%. The effect of B50 biodiesel relative to the mining diesel for coal mines application (with methane for both fuels) was to reduce CO by 27%, and NO by 6%, and increase NO2 by 23%, with no change in engine power. The overall results indicate that the minimum ventilation rate for the equipment application in coal mines with B50 biodiesel was 4.11 m3/s (8,700 cfm), slightly higher than the ventilation rate of 4.01 m3/s (8,500 cfm) with the mining diesel fuel. This slight increase in ventilation rate for B50 biodiesel fuel was due to an increase in NO2 at one of the operating test points, and the ventilation rate for this equipment was governed by NO2 in the exhaust gas.

Jan 1, 2009