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By R. A. Jankowski

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) conducted a series of laboratory tests to investigate the effectiveness of using a flooded-bed scrubber with exhaust ventilation in deep-cut faces of up to 12.2 m in length. An experimental test program to determine the impact on respirable dust levels resulting from changes in face airflow, curtain setback distance, operator positioning, and operating parameters of the external spray system on the miner was completed. Gravimetric sampling was conducted in the immediate return and at three sampling locations on the off-curtain side of the entry. Statistically significant differences in dust levels on the order of 0.5 to 1.2 mg/m3 were observed between specific sampling locations and changes in several test parameters. Dust sampling results indicated that a flooded-bed scrubber and exhaust ventilation can be a viable dust control system for extracting deep cuts up to 12.2 m in length. The impact on methane was not evaluated.

Feb 24, 1997

Jan 1, 1993

By Steve Kral

Worker safety is an issue that transcends industries, whether it be mining, construction, manufacturing or even general office work. In the mining industry, safety and training are particularly important because mining is a dangerous occupation. Throughout the years, federal and state safety regulations have been written and revised to keep up with the changing technologies. And mine operators have installed their own safety and training programs. They have come to realize that a safe and healthy workforce has positive effects on productivity and profitability —not to mention avoiding the high costs of injury-related absenteeism.

Jan 1, 2003

By David L. Shuck

This report was prepared for the Bureau of Mines to describe the current methods of design, construction, and development of wells for in situ leaching of uranium. The discussion includes the alternatives for well design drilling equipment and fluids, grout formulation and emplacement, well integrity testing and repair, and well development and stimulation. Current practice in these areas was determined through interviews with eight operators of commercial scale in situ facilities and is also discussed. Based on this information plus the authors' experience, recommendations are made regarding well design, construction, and development tor in situ leaching.

Jan 1, 1982

The Gippsland Basin, southeastern Australia, has an Upper Cainozoic history of episodic change of hydrology and the related environment, reflected in the geomorphology and surficial deposits of the onshore basin and the hydrodynamically controlled accumulations of petroleum of the offshore basin. Succeeding this episodic pattern, man through a number of activities, has had a sudden and major impact on the hydrology and the related environment. Activities include those directly affecting the groundwater system, such as extraction of fossil fuels with the consequent threat of land subsidence; irrigation and clearing of vegetation and the consequent effect of salinisation; change of land use and installation of septic tanks with resulting nitrate pollution; damming of streams and the consequent reduction in the frequency of floods with degradation of the biological Environment; de-snagging streams and construction of cutoffs with increased stream erosion, modifying wetlands including drainage, with the consequent degradation of their ecosystems; and increase in phosphate and nitrate inputs to the coastal lakes with the risk of their eutrophication.

Jan 1, 1992

Circulating Air Classification of Manufactured Sand Due to environmental concerns, the supply and use of natural gravel has been limited by the Swedish government. The Swedish concrete industry is therefore examining manufactured sand as an alternative that has equal or better product quality, and which the Swedish quarry industry already has the ability to deliver. However, in order to comply with the specifications set by the concrete industry, a better means of classification is needed, as the proportion of fine particles (filler) smaller than 63 - 125 ¦m in size must be reduced. One classification technology that meets the requirements may be air classification. This paper examines the process of circulating air classification, which is not yet commonly used in the Swedish quarry industry; suggesting that a better understanding of the process is needed. The circulating air classifier in this study has two internal machine parameters that can affect the separation point; namely, the speeds of the circulating fan and the separator fan. We study their effect on the separation point as well as the interaction between these parameters. Full-scale parameter tests are also conducted, in which size distribution is measured before and after the circulating air classification. This study shows how the different parameters affect the separation point and that it is possible to produce manufactured sand according to specifications. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD, Fluent) is used to study the internal flow of the air circulating within the classifier. A single-phase study of the flow field is conducted to support and explain the findings from the full-scale tests.

Sep 13, 2010

By Fred N. Kissell, Andrew B. Cecala

In This Chapter [Where methane is emitted at longwall faces Where methane accumulates at longwall faces Using the modified shearer-clearer to eliminate ventilation eddy zones Using a walkway curtain to reduce methane buildup during the headgate cutout Control of frictional ignitions and The best location for the methane monitor] The methane released along a longwall face represents only 10%–20% of the total methane emitted from the entire longwall panel. Nevertheless, in very gassy coal seams, this methane released at the face can pose a problem because the shearer is a ready ignition source. Preventing methane ignitions at longwall faces requires four actions. The first is to provide better ventilation around the shearer to eliminate the ventilation eddy zones at the drums where methane builds up. These eddy zones are eliminated by mounting additional water sprays on the shearer to direct air into them. The second action to prevent methane ignitions is to install a water spray behind each cutter bit and regularly replace worn bits. Water sprays behind each cutter bit act to quench the hot metal streak that follows a worn bit when it strikes rock. The third is to ensure that no ventilation eddy zones are inadvertently created by poor placement of water sprays. The fourth is to ensure that the methane monitor on the shearer is in the best location to detect methane accumulations. ADDRESSING METHANE ACCUMULATIONS AT LONGWALL FACES3 Cecala et al. [1985a, 1989] and Denk and Wirth [1991] studied methane emission and ventilation patterns at longwall faces to find where methane accumulations are most likely. Although not always the case, the major source of methane at longwall faces is usually the breakage of coal by the shearer. Stress-related fracturing of the coal seam at the face, called bumps or bounces, can cause the release of additional gas (Figure 4–1).

Jan 6, 2006

By Pamplinm J. W.

"INTRODUCTION For the past six years the United States Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala., the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Rolla, Mo., and certain operating companies of the Florida land-pebble phosphate district have conducted an investigation to determine the amenability of phosphatic sands to concentration. 4 This paper discusses briefly an investigation of the concentration of fine phosphatic sanads of the land-pebble district of Florida. The process used - namely, the tabling of material previously given a selective oiling treatment - is new in its application to the phosphate industry, although old in principle.The feed to the standard phospidate washery is a hydraulically wined mixture of phosphate pebbles, quartz sand, and clay in which the quartz sand grains are segregated in the fine sizes. Me standard method of concentrating (washing) consists of wet-screening. at about 20 mesh to recover the plus 20-mesh material. 5 Lately some of the washeries have introduced hydraulic classifiers for sizing of the screen undersize to recover the coarser spigot products, but even this additional treatment allows much of the fine phosphate to be wasted."

Dec 1, 1932

By Carlos A. Prato, Federico Pinto

"ABSTRACTThe design of drilled shafts often incorporates large factors of safety, for which settlements under service loads are highly influenced by the initial elastic stiffness. In the case of groups of drilled shafts with typical spacing, the elastic shaft-soil-shaft interaction dominates the behavior even for loads close to the bearing capacity, for which the initial stiffness is a key parameter in the design. This paper describes typical trends in results obtained by means of different approaches currently available in the literature for the evaluation of the initial stiffness of a single shaft. An experimental technique that provides a rapid and inexpensive means for the evaluation of the initial stiffness is described, and the results obtained for typical cases are compared with analytical predictions.IntroductionThe behavior of drilled shafts under axial loads is generally governed by the initial stiffness, as the factors of safety considered in design are often large, due to a superposition of conservative assumptions on soil properties and expected loads. In the case of shaft groups, the initial elastic stiffness plays a major role together with the elastic group effects, as nonlinearities tend to localize around the shafts and have a lesser effect than elastic deformations on adjacent elements (e.g., Leung et al., 2010). An accurate characterization of the initial stiffness is thus warranted for the analysis of drilled shafts and shaft groups under service loads.Initial stiffness of shafts may be estimated on the basis of soil stiffness and structural properties of the element by means of numerical methods (e.g., Pinto and Prato, 2006), as well as analytical methods (e.g., Randolph and Wroth, 1978). The soil stiffness may be determined by means of geophysical tests (e.g., Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves, SASW, Stokoe et al., 1994), or correlations with Standar Penetration Test (SPT) blowcounts or Cone Penetration Test (CPT) resistances (e.g., Sabatini et al., 2002).The initial stiffness may also be measured on drilled shafts by means of load tests. Static load tests (SLT), however, have some limitations on measuring small deflections, for which the initial stiffness is often extrapolated by means of large strain measurements (e.g., Chin, 1970), where the SLT measurements are more accurate."

Jan 1, 2014

The Zeehan field has yielded over 190 000 tons of lead and 26,000,000 oz of silver. Moh of the production took place between the initial discovery of silver-lead ore in 1882 and 1920, and the greatest part was extracted from fissure lodes in the Proterozoic to (?) lower Cambrian rocks. It is demonstrated that the prosperity of the mines relied upon the silver content, which is apparently highest in these beds, particularly where spilitic rocks are associated with them. In contrast, galena occurring in orebodies emplaced in the Gordon Limestone is low in silver.Most of the workings are relatively shallow due in some cases to enrichment related to erosion surfaces.Fault zones within a complex anticlinal structure exposing the Proterozoic to (?) lower Cambrian formations appear to have been major factors in the control of mineralization.

Jan 1, 1968

By K. C. Tran

This paper reviews the advancement of measurement technologies for the control of raw materials processes in the basic industries. The combination of digital technology and on line spectroscopy enables the development of intelligent instruments for composition and particle size analyses in real- time high- frequency control conditions. In many industries, the applications result in productivity improvement and energy savings. Plant specific examples include operating experience and benefits realized in sorting, blending and beneficiation processes. Instruments of the future not only measure specific parameters of the process and monitor its own health combined with self-corrective mechanics but also acts with intelligence to effect the quality of the process or regulate the primary apparatus.

Jan 1, 2001

By G. M. Cresswell

The 2 360 t/h two module Phola coal preparation plant represents anew era of large plant in the Witbank coalfield designed to extend its life to 2020 and beyond. The plant uses the optimum processing model for Witbank coals, receiving a feed coal size of -50 mm, wet screening it into coarse and small coal fractions 50 x12 and 12 x0.63 mm before processing them in parallel through two primary DM cyclone sections, in order to make a 27.5 MJ/kg export floats product. The sinks are processed through a common high density DM cyclone section to produce a 21.5?23 MJ/kg thermal coal middlings product. The plant design incorporates the largest size DMS equipment used to date in South African coal preparation plants, i.e. 1 150 mm large diameter pump fed DM cyclones and 4.2 m width banana screens. The fine coal is conventionally processed by spirals, whereas the raw coal slimes are filtered using automated plate and frame filter presses and added to either the middlings or discards depending on its quality. The paper describes the database, innovative design concepts, construction, and commissioning.

Jan 1, 2010

By D Cumming-Potvin, S W. Jacobsz and E Kearsley, J Wesseloo

This paper describes a physical modelling program that recreated block cave propagation in a geotechnical centrifuge. A brief description of the design of the test along with the sample material and monitoring equipment is given. The samples tested showed caving behaviour and fragmentation distributions that one would expect from caving mines, with one cave deviating due to pre-existing major discontinuities in the sample. A series of fractures formed ahead of and parallel to the cave, implying that an extensional failure mechanism may play a larger role in cave development than previously thought. The results of acoustic emission monitoring of the tests show a seismogenic zone advancing ahead of the cave; however, the quantity and quality of the data is too limited to draw any further conclusions.CITATION:Cumming-Potvin, D, Wesseloo, J, Jacobsz, S W and Kearsley, E, 2016. Results from physical models of block caving, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 329–340 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

Digital Simulation of Particulate Processes The inherent complexity of mineral particulates (shape, size and mineralogical texture) has challenged conventional simulation model approaches for decades. Much effort was expedited in using mathematical assumptions to accommodate stereological effect. With the advance of instrumental methods such as x-ray microtomography 3D structure can, in many cases, be measured directly. The information derived from such measurements provides direct input to building the structural digital model. In addition digital simulation methods that enable creation of process realistic particulate properties in an efficient digital computer space have demonstrated their effectiveness to model a variety of realistic packing, sorting and multi-phase processes. The paper reviews recent advances in the use of information derived from 3D micro-tomographic imaging and laser scanning technology can be coupled with digital methods to enable simulation of tablet compaction and dissolution, filtration and permeability, column packing and leaching kinetics, packing and cementation of nuclear waste. By assigning 'properties' to a digital zone (voxel) in the computational space it is possible to mimic the realistic characteristics of quite complex particulate mineral processing systems. The system self-adapts to correct the coherent particle characteristics (shape, size, compound, porosity) with time. Such simulations are useful to elucidate the sensitivity of system performance to variations in process parameters. Dimensional scaling of the approach is also possible, as the case studies will illustrate, in deploying the method to both small (micron) and large (m) features. The use of process realistic simulations presents experimental challenges in code validation. It is in this context that other tomographic methods play a role in direct 3D measurement of system behaviour such as electrical and optical sensors.

Sep 13, 2010

By Constance Holmes

President Lien presented Mrs. Holmes with the first of speaker appreciation gifts presented by his firm Amax Coal West, Inc. These were books by Rand-McNally entitled The Executive Golfer Guide. Following the coffee break, Clark Moseley presented the first annual Institute Safety Achievement Awards for the safest mines in the eight member state region. The awards were based on: 1. Total man-hours 2. Total number of lost time accidents 3. Incidence rate 4. Number of S&S violations 5. Description of safety program 6. Safety awards received 7. Health and safety training efforts 8. Safety Policies 9. Does the operation take employee suggestions and implement them? 10. Letter(s) of commendation from agencies individuals The awards were judged by the senior/graduate level class of Mine Safety & Health at the Colorado School of Mines under the supervision of professor Edward Hollop. The two handsome traveling trophies were awarded to and accepted by: Surface: Big Sky Mine. Colstrip, Montana Gordon Brannon, Manager of Safety Underground: Skyline Mine, Scofield, Utah Dave Hales. Safety Supervisor and Doug Johnson, General Production [ ]

Jan 1, 1998

By J. Bruce Clemmer

In the experimental concentration of Vermont talc-magnesite ores, talc concentrates and tailings rich in magnesite were obtained. On account of the possible market value of the magnesite, the tailings are given consideration' in this report along with the talc. After some comments about the talc industry, the magnesite that accrued as tailings will be considered. Then the flotation results will follow.

Jan 1, 1936

By S F. Simmons

The Ohaaki Rhyolite and the Rautiwiri Breccia are two volcanic units occurring in the shallow and deep parts of the Broadlands-Ohaaki geothermal system. Alteration of these units by chloride waters results in distinct mineral assemblages that also have distinct whole rock compositions. The Ohaaki rhyolite is altered to an assemblage dominated by quartz, adularia, illite and pyrite as a consequence of silica, potassium and sulfur metasomatism. Locally, these rocks contain up to 0.5 ppm Au. The Rautiwiri Breccia by contrast is altered to an assemblage dominated by albite, adularia, quartz, illite, chlorite and pyrite in association with modest sodium metasomatism. Whole rock oxygen isotope compositions of altered rocks range between 3.3 and 7.5 ë, and are generally lower compared to their fresh rock equivalents having values of 9.5 to 10.6 ë; the result is broad pattern of lower values with increasing alteration intensity.

Jan 1, 2002

By Chris Larsen, Ian Orford, Marilene Renaud, Mike Cooper, Lud Strah

"An AG/SAG mill was commissioned at the Brunswick Mine concentrator in October 1998. This paper discusses the original liner design for the bi-directional AG/SAG mill, observed liner wear, subsequent liner design modifications, and benefits. The mill liners consist of steel top hat shell liners, steel end liners, rubber grates and rubber lined pulp lifters.Lifter profile and plate thickness measurements were made on monthly shop days. Trends of wear rates were used to project when liners required replacement. Wear profile information was also used to determine where liner re-design would improve wear life or minimize scrap loss. Charge motion simulation modeling was used as a tool to assist liner design modifications.INTRODUCTIONThe Noranda Inc. Brunswick Mine, located near Bathurst, New Brunswick, is a large underground lead/zinc mine with a nominal production rate of 10,000 tonnes per day. The Brunswick concentrator commenced operation in 1964 with conventional surface crushing followed by rod and ball milling to reduce run of mine ore to the required size to feed two parallel flotation circuits. In 1998 the AG (autogenous grinding) mill was commissioned for a nominal production rate of 9,000 tonnes per day replacing two surface crushing plants, three rod mills and three primary ball mills. In May of 1999 the mining rate was increased and the service of the AG mill was changed to a SAG (semi-autogenous grinding) mill with the addition of 4 inch steel balls (4% volume). The mill operates in closed circuit with 0.66 meter horizontal cyclones to produce a ground product of 90 micron nominal size (K80).The AG/SAG mill liners are steel (Norsteel, chrome-moly steel) with rubber grates and rubber lined pulp lifters.The original liner design was based on studying other AG/SAG mills and recommendations by the liner supplier, Norcast. Design factors taken into account were total cost of lining (including material and labour), protection of mill shell and impact on operating performance."

Jan 1, 2003

By Purushottam Kumar

Keywords: Magnetostriction, magnetic properties, Pd(Fe,Co,Ni) single crystals Fe-Pd, Co-Pd and Ni-Pd alloy systems show appreciable magnetostrictive strains that are of interest for sensor applications. These systems exhibit congruent melting minima. In this work the magnetic and magnetostrictive behavior of congruent melting Fe-Pd, Co-Pd, and Ni-Pd compositions have been examined. The alloys examined include Fe-54.9 at.-% Pd, Ni-45.4 at.-% Pd, and Co-45 at.-% Pd. The paper describes the growth of bulk single crystals of these alloys using Czochralski technique. X-ray diffractometer was used to obtain rocking curves that were used to determine the [001] crystal direction. Magnetostriction in [001] direction was measured using strain gages. Magnetic properties were measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer. Ni-Pd showed the highest magnetostriction values among the congruent melting compositions. Magnetic and magnetostrictive behaviors of these alloy single crystals are presented.

Jan 1, 2005

By J W. Simmons, T H. Antoun

"Rock fragmentation is an important component of explosive mining and excavation techniques andis the culmination of a damage accumulation process dominated by crack propagation. During the past 20 years, improved computer modeling of this process has resulted in new and promising computational tools for improving explosive mining and excavation procedures. This paper discusses one of these new computational tools, a computer model called BFRACT."

Jan 1, 1995