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By K. C. Dean

Fine-sized mineral wastes discarded by ore milling plants require stabilization to prevent air and water pollution. Stabilization has been attained by physical, chemical, vegetative, and combination procedures. Vegetative reclamation is preferred to physical and chemical stabilization but is diffi¬cult to achieve because the wastes are sterile, contain deleterious inorganic salts, and lack the essential nutrients and physical characteristics required for sustaining vegetative growth. Methods now have been developed for attain¬ing vegetative growth on all but excessively acidic, basic, or saline tailings at costs ranging from $120 to $650 per acre. The cost for stabilizing tail¬ings requiring more intensive treatment techniques may range upward to $1,750 per acre. This report summarizes procedures developed by the Bureau of Mines and industry for vegetating amenable tailings, lists costs for the various processes, and suggests procedures that may be applicable for stabilizing saline and pyrite-containing tailings. Ridged planting beds, drip irrigation, and deep-furrow planting techniques are suggested for stabilizing saline wastes. A combination of mill tailings and sewage sludge can be used for pro¬ducing synthetic soils, and layers of sewage sludge buried under a layer of tailings offer promise of inhibiting acid formation from oxidation of sulfides in mineral wastes.

Jan 1, 1974

By Frank B. Fulkerson

A study was made of the economic factors governing silver production in the Coeur d'Alene mining region, Shoshone County, Idaho. Production and other statistics were analyzed. It was concluded that if the rapid rise in the open market price that began late in 1961 continues, greater production of the metal should result from the mines of the Coeur d'Alene mining region. However, the output gain would be limited, because costs per ton of ore mined would rise as production was increased beyond optimum capacity. Advances in the price of silver would increase the size of ore reserves by making some marginal ore profitable to mine and by providing greater funds for exploration projects that might result in discoveries adding to the reserves. Output of byproduct silver from Lead-zinc mining probably will not exceed 4.3 million ounces, judging from the trend from 1946 to 1961.

Jan 1, 1964

This report summarizes the work performed and results achieved in the period from 18 June 1971 through 18 October 1971 under Phase I (Task 1: Literature and Industry Search; Task 2: Conceptual Design and Evaluation; and Task 3: Concept Selection and Preliminary Design) in substantiation of the drill/impregnation machine concept recommended for detailed design in Phase II. Also included as Task 5 are recommendations for an experimental investigation to be conducted during Phase II. The report is submitted for approval and authorization to proceed to Phase II.

Jan 1, 1972

By K. P. Wang

The foundation of Japan's growing industrial and economic strength lies primarily in minerals, power, and technical know-how. Domestic raw material resources cannot supply domestic demand, and imports are indispensable. The Japanese are forced to acquire minerals and metals on a global basis, and their activities already have made an impact on international markets. A by-product of these efforts is the development and expansion of mines in many parts of the world to supply Japanese requirements. Japan now has a surplus capacity to produce finished products for consumption and export. Tradition-ally, domestic deficits in minerals have been met by importing crude materials. Because of the rising demand, however, the time has come when semi finished products as well as crude minerals are required. While the domestic market is the mainstay for Japan's industrial products, expanding export markets are essential for balancing trade and for providing economic prosperity and higher living standards for the Japanese people. Japan has a long history of mineral and industrial development, and the best in modern practices abroad has been adopted and modified for use under Japanese conditions of smaller enterprises, cheaper labor, and a more closely knit society. Generations of industrious workmen, technicians, and business-men have been trained in industrial occupations. Devastation of war temporarily slowed progress, but at the same time provided the opportunity for reconstruction, modernization, rationalization, and expansion. The Japanese excel in small and medium-sized operations, but they also have mastered large-scale production. Management is aggressive, practical, and strongly imbued with the concepts of effective utilization of resources. Integrated operations, diversification of facilities, intense competition among concerns in the domestic market, and close cooperation in foreign activities characterize Japanese industrial policies. Available capital has been utilized up to the limit for the establishment of mineral and other industrial facilities at home and abroad. Technology, machinery and equipment, and transport services have been exported along with venture capital, and funds have been advanced against future delivery of foreign raw materials. The Government has been restrained in regulatory functions and has provided technical services to private industry. Thus, Japan's technological foundations are secure, management practices are efficient, and government has stimulated production. The future outlook is bright for the continued rapid growth of mineral and other industries in Japan. Already supreme in Asia in per capita output and living standards, Japan steadily is gaining on the European countries. Steel production has overtaken the United Kingdom and is pressing the level in West Germany. Consumption of fuels and power is expanding at a rapid rate. Construction activities are booming. Japan has built up medium-sized non-ferrous industries. Its ability to produce the exotic metals needed in the nuclear space age is well established. Since Japan makes a great variety of mineral products, her overall posture in mineral extraction and processing is strong. Primarily as a result of intensive efforts in the mineral and other industrial fields, Japan is emerging in world markets as a serious competitor to all industrialized nations.

Jan 1, 1962

By E. J. Gleim

This report describes a trip to Europe in the interest of safety in coal mines. It reviews the Eighth International Conference of Directors of Safety in Mines Re-search, which met in Dortmund-Derne, Germany, July 5-10, 1954, to discuss results of studies made in different countries to improve health and safety conditions under-ground. It also summarizes information on subjects of special interest in the United States gained by the writer in visits to mining experiment stations in Belgium, France, and England. The efforts being made to protect life and property underground were discussed, and ideas and experiences were interchanged freely, not only during the conference but also during visits to the several countries. Helpful information was obtained on many topics of interest, but time did not permit as thorough a discussion on some of them as might be desired.

Jan 1, 1956

By Michael Rieber

This study is an extension of our previous work in the area of coal transportation Its subject is the comparative costing of competing transport erodes. A wide range of costs and aspects of costs are dealt with in terms of engineering - economic analyses of the cost of the components which make up the facility and operating system descriptions of each coal transport mode. The cost comparisons, though analyzed, are not meant to be statements of policy but, rather, an input to decision making. The technical material presented in the succeeding volumes, alone with the earlier work cited above, forms the basis for the analyses. This material may also broaden the general understanding of coal transportation issues and problems. The project is divided into two main sections: (1) lone distance coal transport and (2) gathering and distribution systems. Within each section economic and technological comparisons are made of the available modes. These are used as the basis for comparisons among the modes. Inter-modal compatibility is studied with respect to both mixed trunk line shipment anti with respect to feeder to trunk line and trunk line to distribution systems. The engineering and technological data form the bases for the costing and economic analyses.

Jan 1, 1977

By H. E. Powell

Basic data were recorded on the decompositions that take place during thermal decomposition of siderite (FeC03). Both the naturally occurring and a synthetically prepared mineral were studied by differential thermal, thermo-gravimetric, X-ray-diffraction, and chemical (including gas) analyses. Thermal decomposition was studied in the media of dry air, moist air, dry carbon dioxide, dry helium, and dry carbon monoxide and at atmospheric and at reduced pressures. Results showed the thermal decomposition of FeC03 to be an extremely complex process, dependent on environmental factors and side reactions that cannot now be completely controlled. Therefore, full understanding of the reaction involved must depend on additional research with advanced evaluation techniques.

Jan 1, 1965

An accelerated and coordinated program of coal research is believed by many to be a necessary step in assuring coal's proper position in the expanding energy market. The President's Advisory Committee on Energy Supplies and Resources Policy, for example, made the following recommendation: We recognize that coal is a great national asset and endorse a cooperative study to determine what research and development could be undertaken. The coal industry and both Federal and State Governments should participate in this study and its costs. Representatives of the coal industry have agreed that such a study should be initiated. Accordingly, Felix E. Wormser, Assistant Secretary - Mineral Resources, United States Department of the Interior, requested the Bureau of Mines and Bituminous Coal Research, Inc., to conduct a survey of current research on bituminous coal. In addition to this survey, studies were made to determine research projects that would be of value to the coal industry.

Jan 1, 1956

By Steven R. Munts

In 1985, at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied 8,445 acres of the 20,650-acre Tunnison Mountain Wilderness Study Area in order to evaluate its identified mi nerd 1 resources. The study area is located in Lassen County, CA, about 8 miles northeast from Susanville. No mineral resources were identified in the study area based on literature, field observations, and sample results. No mines were operating in or near the study area in 1985, and no mines, prospects, or claims have been located in or within 1 mi le of the study area. The study area is underlain by Pliocene and Pleistocene volcanic units composed of basalt, andesite, rhyolite, and some pyroclastics. No metallic and only nonmetallic commodities are present in the study area. These included stone and sand and gravel. Although substantial volumes of basalt and andesite (stone) occur within the study area, no identified resources of these commodities were delineated. Sand and gravel is not economic because of small occurrence size and lack of local markets.

Jan 1, 1987

By Robert W. Freedman

As part of a continuing effort to reduce the weight and bulk of equipment that mining personnel must carry underground, the Bureau of Mines and the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration (MESA) investigated accurate and convenient gas samplers for use by mine inspectors in sampling mine atmospheres. The samplers are septum-stoppered glass vials commonly used for routine blood sampling. These lightweight, compact samplers yield results comparable with those obtained with conventional bottle samplers of 250-ml nominal capacity.

Jan 1, 1975

By E. B. Olds

This paper describes the methods and costs of deepening the 3-compartment underground shaft in the Hooper Tunnel adit at the Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining and Concentrating Company Crescent mine in the Coeur d'Alene mining region, 7 miles east of Kellogg, Shoshone County, Idaho. The work was done with the aid of a Defense Minerals Exploration Administration contract (No. Idm-E493, Docket No. DMEA-2764). Preparation for deepening the shaft was begun March 26, 1953, and sinking was completed May 27, 1954. The shaft, bottomed at 1,275.5 feet in 1939, was deepened to 3,276 feet, using mechanical mucking and intermediate pockets. A total of 50,349 man-hours was required to complete the work of sinking 2,000.5 feet, cutting 7 pump stations, and driving 2 pocket raises. The rate of advance was 7.1 feet of shaft per operating day, or 8.4 feet per day of actual sinking. The total direct cost for sinking was $205.20 per foot.

Jan 1, 1957

By Robert V. Spencer

"This report describes an examination and preliminary exploration of the Magnet Cove Rutile Co. property in Hot Spring County, Ark. The company in 1944 was producing titania for use in-the welding-rod and metallurgical industries but later ceased operations. The deposit appeared to contain potential reserves of rutile ore, and the Bureau of lanes in 1945 conducted an examination designed (1) to obtain samples for ore-dressing tests and (2) to gather information regarding the grade, character, and size of the deposit. This report presents the data obtained by geologic mapping, geophysical surveying, churn drilling, and core drilling. Beneficiation tests are being made at the Bureau of Mines Rolla, No. station, on the samples taken and will be discussed in a later report.The Magnet Cove operation had been called to the attention of the Bureau of Mines, and in view of the potential reserve of titanium-bearing material, it was decided to obtain samples for ore-dressing tests. Churn drilling was selected as a means of obtaining representative samples, and geologic mapping and geophysical surveying were done to throw more light on the nature of the deposit. Subsequently, a few holes were core-drilled.The property contains the NE1/4, W1/2 fractional NW1/4 and 82 acres of the N part of SE of sec. 18, and -29 acres of the SW1/4 NW1/4 sec. 17, all in T. 3 S., R. 17 W., Hot Spring County, Ark. The mine and mill are about 1 mile by graveled road northeast of U. S. Highway 270, a paved road connecting Malvern, 10 miles south and Hot Springs, 12 miles west. The area is served by two railroads, the Missouri Pacific, which passes through Malvern and Hot Springs and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific,,has a line connecting Malvern and Hot Springs an passes about 2 miles south of the property. A natural-gas pipe line and an electric power line reach the property."

Sep 1, 1946

By G. R. Hopkins

Crude-petroleum pipe lines in the United States on May 1, 1941, had a total length of 118,350 miles - an increase of 7,770 miles since Jun, 30, 1936, then the last previous survey was made by the Bureau of Mines. The expansion was due almost entirely to trunk-line construction, as the mileage of gathering lines was virtually unchanged from 1936. The greatest mileage of gathering lines, 53,640, was recorded in the survey of May 1, 1931. Both trunk and gathering-line mileage decreased moderately, in the interval from 1531 to 1936, but the present survey indicates that trunk-line facilities have expanded since 1936 to new high levels. Truck-line mileage equaled 55 percent of the total mileage of all crude lines on May 1, 1941, and 52 percent is 1936. The total length of gasoline pipe lines on May 1, 1941, was 9,001 miles this does not include several hundred miles of life under construction at that time or several hundred additional miles now being laid. No detailed surveys of gasoline mileage were made for 1, 1931, and June 30, 1936, but the mileage for those dates was about 1,400 and 4,600, respectively.

Jan 1, 1941

By Dennis A. Hansen

As part of a U.S. Bureau of Mines program to develop a more continuous titanium metal extraction process that uses domestic resources, a study was made to determine the extraction of titanium (Ti) and iron (Fe) from New York rock ilmenite using fluosilicic acid (H2SiF6). The effects of leach temperature, acid concentration, and particle size were investigated for the rate at which Ti and Fe are extracted from the ilmenite. Within the leach time studied, the extraction data fit a shrinking-core model; the rate-controlling step was diffusion of H2SiF6 through an ash layer resulting from a heterogeneous leaching reaction. The rate is linearly dependent on the H2SiF6 concentration and is inversely proportional to the square of the particle diameter. Using 2.6M H2SiF6 at 85°C, 49% of the Ti and 53% of the Fe in 44-to 74-µm New York rock ilmenite were extracted in 3 h.

Jan 1, 2010

By Frank G. Horino

A rock mechanics program (composed of laboratory and field tests) was initiated by the Bureau of Mines in an effort to determine the causes of pillar instability at the Fletcher mine, near Bunker, Mo. Compressive strength, Young's modulus, shear strength, and the angle and coefficient of internal friction were determined on drill cores obtained from 16 different locations in the mine. Results of the laboratory tests showed that highly mineralized zones and brecciated zones in pillars could significantly affect pillar strengths and stability in locations where extraction ratios exceeded the normal design ratio of approximately 78%. High-angle fractures that were present in Some locations also may have contributed to pillar deterioration. In the field tests, in situ stress determinations were made in one pillar to establish the pillar-loading conditions and to evaluate the stability of the pillar. Continued monitoring of stresses in the pillar showed a gradual decrease in compressive stress, indicating that the pillar was probably in the postfailure state. A second stress determination was made in a vertical hole in the underlying igneous rock that was exposed on one section of the mine. Horizontal stresses were compressive and larger than would be expected from gravity loading.

Jan 1, 1978

By N. S. Dalal, B. Jafari, F. H. Y. Green, M. Petersen, V. Vallyathan

"Stable coal radicals (SCRs) were detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy in the lung tissue of autopsied coal miners. The SCR concentrations were measured in the lung tissues from 98 coal miners with and without (a) coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), (b) cancer, and (c) a history of cigarette smoking. Concentrations of SCRs were also determined in the lungs of nonminer controls. The SCR concentration was related to longer mining tenure, CWP disease severity, lung cancer, and cigarette smoking. The mean concentration of SCRs in the lung tissues of miners with 30 ± 1.4 y of coal mining exposure was 5.3 ± 1.3 x 10"" spins/g versus controls who had a nondetec¬table level (< 10 15 spins/g). An increase in disease severity was accompanied by a progressive increase in SCR concentration. A SCR concentration of 4.8 ± 0.7 x 10"" spins/g was found for simple CWP (with moderate coal macules) versus 7.8 ± 4.6 spins/g lung tissue for complicated CWP (with progressive massive fibrosis). Significantly higher (i.e., 10 x 10"") concentrations of SCR in the coal miners' lung tissues were associated with an exposure history in the anthracite regions of northeastern Pennsylvania. These results in¬dicate a possible role for SCRs in the disease process. Furthermore, ESR appears to be an adequate methodology for the quantitation of coal dust retained in the lung and for distinguishing exposures to anthracite and/or bituminous coal.THE PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) differ markedly between geographic locations, mines, and coal fields irrespective of comparable levels of exposure to coal mine dust These differences cannot be fully explained by the presence of silica and other minerals in the coal mine dust.' Rank of coal is also an important factor in the pathogenesis of CWP. Equally important is that the prevalence of CWP decreases from east to west in the United States,' and South Wales miners develop more severe CWP than miners in Scotland.' However, there are conflicting reports that cast uncertainty on the influence of rank of coal in the development of CWP."" These problems are complicated but will be solved as new technology emerges and as more is learned about the disease process."

Mar 1, 1992

By V. B. Royer, C. H. Harty

"MANGANESE-SILOCON ALLOYS AS DEOXIDIZERSThe basic open-hearth process for steel mining requires large amounts of oxidized iron for oxidation of the elements carbon, silicon, manganese, and phosphorus which are to be removed from the metal. Some of this oxidized iron (FeO) dissolves in the metal during the refining process, Subsequent to the elimination of the elements named, a considerable amount of dissolved iron oxide must be removed before the metal may be cast into ingot form. The elements generally used, for iron oxide removal, or deoxidation, are silicon, manganese, and aluminum. Silicon and manganese are always alloyed with iron, either singly or in combinations of various compositions. Aluminum generally is used in a commercially pure state and sometimes in complex alloys. A double deoxidizer of manganese and silicon alloyed with iron for furnace deoxidation has been the subject of an extensive cooperative investigation between the United States Bureau of Mines, the Carnegie Institute of Technology, and the Metallurgical Advisory Board. Certain grader of steel, especially low-carbon rimming steels, require a low-carbon deoxidizer to keep the finished steel within the carbon specification after deoxidation. ACKNOWLEDGMENTThe authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of J. F. Sanderson and S. S. Johnston in the analysis of the alloys used in this work.PURPOSE OF WORKThe need for definite information as to which compositions of manganese and silicon within a certain manganese-silicon ratio and when alloyed with iron would have an allowable carbon content for the particular grade or type of steel on which the deoxidize is used, prompted the undertaking of this investigation to determine the solubility of carbon in manganese, silicon, and iron alloys within the region bounded by 10:1 and 4:l manganese to silicon ratios. These data should be of value to the manufacturer producing such"

May 1, 1934

By R. F. Waters

Laboratory-scale selective volatilization methods developed by the Bureau of Mines to recover germanium and gallium concentrates from coal fly ash and phosphorus furnace flue dust are summarized. In the better experiments between 85 and 98 percent of the germanium was recovered as the lower oxide and as sulfides, and between 75 and 97 percent of the gallium was recovered as the lower oxide and as the trichloride. Grades of the condensates were inconsistent and varied between a few tenths of a percent and 8 percent, depending on the method used. In the primary extractions of germanium alone the degree of enrichment surpassed 100 to 1, and for gallium the best ratio was 30 to 1. Upgrading of condensates by vaporization retreatment and by leaching and precipitation is discussed. An appreciable degree of mechanical preconcentration by attrition scrubbing and elutriation was possible on two fly ash samples.

Jan 1, 1967

By A. M. Evans

"INTRODUCTION Exploration of the Iron Mountain and Bader iron-ore deposits in Llano County and the Gamble deposit in Mason County, Texas, was begun by the Bureau of Mines in January and completed in May 1944. The deposits had been examined by A. B. Needham, district engineer of the Bureau, in November 1942. Detailed geophysical studies by the gravity method as well as with a dip needle were made by the Bureau of Economic Geology 3/ of the University of Texas and the Federal Geological Survey. 4/ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn the program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy., It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each exploration project as soon as practicable after its completion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests."

Apr 1, 1947

This publication summarizes, for all interested parties, the research, development, and demonstration in-house projets programed by the Bureau of Mines for fiscal year 1980 (October 1, 1979 - September 30, 1980) under its Minerals Health and Safety Research program. The objective of these projects is to provide an ordered and sequenced series of advances toward the Bureau&apos;s overall goal of providing the system technology required to create a healthier and safer working environment for the Nation&apos;s mining and minerals processing workers.

Jan 1, 1980