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By W. Scheetz

The Brewer Gold Mine is an open-pit, heap leach operation that processes about 122 kt/m (135,000 stpm). The mine is operated by Brewer Gold Inc., a subsidiary of Westmont Mining Inc., and is located near Jefferson, SC, about 80 km (50 miles) southeast of Charlotte, NC and 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Columbia, SC (Fig. 1). All of the ore to date has been produced from a breccia body of hydrothermal origin and a related smaller body of fault-controlled ore, known as the B-6. Reserves at the time the mine commenced production were 4.6 Mt (5.1 million st) grading 1.4 g/t (0.042 oz per st) gold. History Although some reports of a pre-Revolution War shaft at the Brewer are in the literature (Lieber, 1856, Nitze and Wilkens, 1897), gold was first produced in earnest from the Brewer Mine in 1828. Production occurred primarily from placer deposits south of the present mine workings. Lieber noted in 1856 that “every branch, gulch, ravine or even declivity of the main hill has been washed and rewashed.”

Jan 1, 1991

By H. L. Gilbert

Improvements in production of high-purity chromium metal by magnesium reduction of anhydrous chlorides and by hydrogen treatment of electrolytic chromium are reported. Hydrogen-treated chromium has been arc-melted, and the arc-melted material has been successfully forged, rolled, and swaged. The material also has been forged at liquid-air temperatures. X-ray and metallographic studies indicate the recrystallization temperature of rolled chromium sheet to be about 750° C. Preliminary investigation of hot-bending characteristics of rolled chromium sheet shows the minimum bending temperature to be about 325° C. The heat resistance of chromium has been investigated.

Jan 1, 1952

By David C. Oyler, Dennis R. Dolinar, Christopher Mark, Craig S. Compton

Fully-grouted roof bolts comprise more than 80% of the primary roof supports used in U.S. coal mines. However, nearly 1,500 MSHA reportable, non-injury roof falls occur each year, and most of these are attributable to failure of the roof bolt system. Anchorage failure is one failure mechanism for fully-grouted bolts. As roof deformation works its way upward, the bolts can become heavily loaded near their upper ends. If the applied load exceeds the anchorage, the bolts will simply pull out. Research dating back 30 yrs indicates that this type of anchorage failure is most likely when the roof rock is weak, just where roof support is most critical. In soft shale or coal roof, the small amount of data available in the literature indicates that 20-30 in of resin anchorage may be required to achieve the full capacity of the bolt. In other words, the “full resistance zone” of a 60 in bolt may actually be just 30-40 in. Despite its potential importance, there is no widely accepted anchorage test for fully grouted bolts. Standard pull tests have sometimes been employed, but they provide no information on the anchorage near the top of the bolt. An alternative, first described more than 25 yrs ago in the U.S., is the short-encapsulation pull test (SEPT). With this test, the bolt is installed with only a short (1 ft or less) tube of resin. In recent years variations of this test have become international standards. v

By William R. Yernberg

SME’s Arizona Conference was held at the Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park in Tucson on Dec. 5and 6, 2004. The annual conference is organized by the Arizona Conference Board of Directors, which represents SME sections in Arizona and adjacent areas. The conference provides an opportunity for individuals and corporations associated with mining in the region to get together each year to discuss the status of the industry. The meeting featured a keynote address and more than30 technical papers. Two years ago, the U.S. copper industry was facing on a run for two years now,” and “both precious metal and base metal prices are going up.” The increases in metal prices were attributed to development in China and other Asian countries. “With a population of 1.6 billion, China has recently created 80 million jobs,” said Silver.

Jan 1, 2005

By King R. L

Low-enthalpy geothermal groundwater resources occur at relatively shallow depths in the Upper Cretaceous/1'ertiary sedimentary sequence in the on-shore Gippsland Basin. The main stratigraphic unit containing hot groundwater is the Latrobe Group. Groundwater temperatures in the range 30 to 70¦C have been recorded from depths between 500 and 1000 m. The hottest groundwater is in the Latrobe Valley and Lake Wellington depressions. Geothermal gradients in these areas range from less than 2¦C/100 m to over 10¦C/100 m (compared to a world average of about 3¦C/100 m). A number of theories have been advanced to explain the geothermal anomalies including exothermic reaction such as oxidation of coal, mixing with deeper, hotter groundwater and high geothermal fluxes along fault zones. Variations in geothermal gradients can also result from type and thickness (and hence thermal conductivities) of the sedimentary pile, depth to consolidated basement rocks, and influence of groundwater flow patterns including proximity to recharge zones. The hot groundwater in the Gippsland Basin has substantial potential as a source of energy for direct heat applications such as process heating, space and water heating for buildings, and agricultural and aquaculture. Geothermal energy has a number of environmental advantages over traditional sources of energy. It is clean, safe, causes minimal land disturbances and in most cases is naturally renewable.

Jan 1, 1992

By A. Kazemi, M. A. Ahmadi

Pressure tunnels are constructed nurously in related with powerhouse. In some cases, according to high internal water pressure, rock mass around tunnel can seldom suffer this pressure. So installation of concrete lining which interacts with rock mass and suffers parts of this pressure and transfers the rest of the pressure to the rock. In this paper hydromechanical interaction between rock and lining is investigated. With using empirical and numerical methods concrete lining for Symareh waterway is designed. Initial support of 10 cm reinforced shotcret with wire mesh and rock bolts pattern of 2.5*2.5 m with length of 4 m is suggested. By using FLAC package final lining with paying attention to axial force and momentum in reinforced concrete was designed. Reinforced concrete with 60 cm thickness and two rows of bars, 18 mm diameter and 20 cm spacing are designed. Also for preventing cracks in concrete which caused by the change of temperature and shrinkage, bars with 10 mm diameter and 25 cm spacing, and also bars with 8 mm diameter and 10 cm as minimum shear bars are suggested. Plusieurs galeries en pression se construisent en liaison avec les centrales électriques. Dans certaines galeries, suite à une haute pression interne de l'eau, le massif rocheux autour de la galerie ne peut pas supporter cette pression. L'installation d'une couche de béton a l'intérieur de la galerie donc réagit avec les roches et support d'une partie de cette pression et transfère le reste de la pression aux roches. Dans ce papier, l'interaction hydromécanique entre la roche et la couche en béton a été étudiée. En se basant sur les méthodes empiriques et numériques le système de support de galerie de passage d'eau de Saymareh a été conçu. Un soutènement initial d'une épaisseur de 10 cm de béton étant renforcé par un grill métallique et une maille de boulon (2.5 * 2.5 m) d'une longueur de 4 m a été proposé. En utilisant le logiciel de FlAC, la couche finale en béton selon les forces dans le béton a été conçue. Le béton renforcé d'une épaisseur de 60 cm et deux ranges d'armateurs (18 mm de diamètre) avec un intervalle de 20 cm a été conçu. De plus; pour éviter des fissures dans le béton suite au changement de la température et de l'extraction, des armateurs de 10 mm de diamètre et de 25 cm d'intervalle pour augmenter la résistance au sciesiement du béton ont été proposes Unter Druck stehende Tunnels werden hauptsaechlich im Zusammenhang mit Kraftwerken gebaut. In einigen Faellen, wo der Wasserdruck zu hoch ist, Kann selten die Felsenmasse diesen hoehen Druck allein aufnehwen. Deshalb werden sie mit Betonauskleidung versehen, die wegen guter Wechelwirkung mit der Felsenmasse einen Hauptanteil des Druckes aufnehmen Kann, wobei der Rest an die Felsenmesse weitergeleitet wird. In dieser Arbeit wird die hydromechanische Wechelwirkung zwischen der Gesteinmasse und der Auskleidung untersucht. Mit Hilfe empirischen und numerischen Verfahren sowie Kombination der beiden wurde eine Betonauskleidung fuer die Symareh Wasser Kannal koustruiert. Als erstes wurde ein 10Cm dicker armierter Beton mit einem Mashengitter von 2.5*2.5 sowie den gleichen Felsbolzenabstaenden und einer Laenge von 4 m vorgeschlagen. Mit Hilfe des FLAC Programms wurde die Hauptauskleidung unter Beruecksichtigung von Axialkraeften und Momenten im Stahlbeton koustruiert. Der 60 Cm dicke Stahlbeton wurde mit zwei Reihen von Stangen, 8 mm im Durchmesser und in Abstaenden von 20 Cm koustruiert. Ferner im Sinne der Vorbeugung gegen Rissen im Beton, die durch Temperatur aendeungen und Schrumpfungen bedingt sind, wurden Stangen mit 10 mm Durchmesser und 2.5 Cm Abstaenden zur Erhoehung vor Scherfestigkeit des Betons vorgeschlagen.

Jan 1, 2003

By J L. Maule, S J. Mathews, K A. Rodgers

Gold and Silver bearing epithermal veins of the Golden Cross deposit are hosted in Miocene and Pliocene calc-alkaline volcanics occurring 8 km northwest of Waihi at the southern extent of the Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand. Veining occurred during a period of hydrothermal activity that began early to late Pliocene, and possibly continued into the Pleistocene.   Field relations and petrographic relationships reveal that multiple generations of FeS2 occur in the Golden Cross region, with FeS2 occurring in all nine rock types recognised at Golden Cross. The variability of FeS2 morphology was investigated by preparation of high purity FeS2 separates, and grain counting. Marcasite is the dominant FeS2 phase at Golden Cross, and along with pyrite is shown to have a systematic habit variation. Pyrite shows a sequence from cubes through octahedra to pyritohedra to dendritic growth. This pyrite sequence conforms to an experimentally determined sequence. The parallel sequence for marcasite at Golden Cross is from tabular through bladed aggregates to euhedral miscellaneous marcasite morphologies. The FeS2 sequences observed are believed to be due to increasing temperature, and perhaps also increasing FeS2-oversaturation and fluid flow.

Jan 1, 1994

By Satyam Tiwari, Sarat Kumar Das

Tailings from mines and industries impose danger to the environment as evidenced by the recent failures of tailing storage dams. The tailings are mostly non-plastic with silt-size particles, but their behavior is largely dependent on the extreme void ratios of the material. Hence, the critical state provides an appropriate perspective in explaining the behavior of these geomaterials. Based on a comprehensive dataset of non-plastic tailings and non-plastic soils, an attempt has been made here to correlate critical state parameters to extreme void ratios and stress parameters. A hybrid algorithm with multi-objective feature selection (MOFS) and extreme learning machine (ELM) was used to establish the correlation and to identify the most influential input parameters. Based on the information from the proposed hybrid algorithm, a comprehensive prediction model is proposed using multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) algorithm to facilitate quick estimation of critical state parameters. The performance of both models has been assessed using several performance metrics. The results from the study indicate that hybrid MOFS algorithms perform very well in the prediction of critical state line parameters and the identification of influential features. The findings of the study have significant implications for future research on the safe management of tailing storage facilities.

Dec 22, 2023

By Malcolm D. Flavel

Much has been said and written about the world's, and particularly the united states of America's, energy crisis. The relative changes between cost components of production have altered because the days of cheap energy have now gone. Decisions that made capital investment reduction attractive to treat large tonnage lower grade ore bodies appear to be no longer valid because average energy costs for comminution that were less than 1 cent per kilowatt hour in 1972, are now more than 3 cents and will shortly become 6 cents according to some projections. Increased capital investment to improve processing energy efficiencies are certainly going to be pursued. Energy today is the largest cost component in the average mineral production facility. It takes more than 12000 kilowatt hours to produce one ton of finished steel and more than 60000 kilowatt hours for each ton of copper and aluminum.

Jan 1, 1980

By N. D. Policow, J. S. Orphanos

D.A. Dahlstrom In the paper, a comparison was made between flowsheets using the screen bowl centrifuge and disc filters, respectively, as the primary dewatering device. The authors very effectively show that by raising feed temperature, mechanical dewatering is enhanced through reduced viscosity of the water. When a final coal moisture of 10% is required, the net effect of heating the feed is a reduction in thermal requirements because of the lower evaporated load on the dryer. The flowsheet comparison on this, however, was not completely correct. Disc filters do not generally utilize enhanced mechanical dewatering through increased temperature. Horizontal belt filters, through the optimal use of steam heating of the filter cake, have shown significant cost reductions over disc filters where steam is not used. In addition, the authors forgot to mention that there is a certain fraction of the feed that is so fine that it cannot be recovered by the centrifuge economically. That is the function of the filtration device shown in Fig. 4. In subbituminous pipeline coals, this fraction represents more than 10% of the feed. Even after flocculation and belt pressing, the moisture content in the fine fraction is 30%-40. Recent tests on a subbituminous pipeline coal slurry, compared an Eimco-Extractor horizontal belt filter with the screen bowl centrifuge flowsheet shown in Fig. 4. Mechanical dewatering was enhanced through the use of a steam dry zone after the initial dewatering zone. Vacuum pump horsepower was reduced by more than 50% through the use of condensors, and heat recovery was utilized to minimize thermal costs. Thermal drying to 10% moisture by weight was required in both flowsheets. The 0.5 wt% fines in the filtrate were flocculated and recycled to the filter, thus eliminating the belt press and solids mixers. When the three major operating costs (which normally account for 50%-75% of the coal operating costs) of steam, electricity, and flocculants at current prices were calculated, the flowsheets utilizing the Eimco-Extractor had cost savings vs the centrifuge flowsheet of 89¢/t (81o; per st) of surface dry coal. This advantage increases with increasing thermal and electricity prices. I congratulate the authors for the strides made with the screen bowl centrifuge. However, filtration flowsheets continue to be improved and their simplicity and low thermal and electrical requirements should not be so quickly dismissed. ? Reply by N.D. Policow From a technical standpoint, a number of extensive test programs have demonstrated that by raising the feed temperature, mechanical dewatering is enhanced whether it be centrifuges or filters performing the separation. Economic constraints usually become the over-riding issue. If an inexpensive source of thermal energy is available, i.e., waste steam, etc., the approach becomes commercially acceptable. For the specific case of coal slurry pipelines, since the dewatering plants will be located close to power generation stations, the preheating approach becomes especially attractive. The cost comparison shown in Fig. 7, which was prepared by a major West Coast engineering firm, contrasted screen bowl centrifuges and disc filters. In both alternatives, a thermal dryer was specified to produce a contract moisture of the final product. Sizing of the thermal dryer on the screen bowl alternative was substantially smaller than that of the filter, since the screen bowl was credited with a four to six percentage point decrease in product moisture compared to the disc. This comparison was made at ambient temperatures and reflected solely the mechanical dewatering capabilities of the two devices. No preheating of the feed was included in this particular comparison. Early generation screen bowl centrifuges operated under the principle of maximum bulk tonnage throughput. Second and third generation machines have followed the trends dictated by the coal industry calling for higher one-pass recoveries than previously demanded. The current generation of high-speed, long-bowl centrifuges permit recoveries of ultrafine solids directly comparable to commercial filter operation. On typical coal preparation plant feeds with nominal 600 E. an X 0 (28 mesh X 0) clean coal, recovery levels in excess of 99% are now obtained. The material that does escape the centrifuge and reports to the main effluent is typically -10 µm, high ash material. We have documented substantial beneficiation effects in screen bowl centrifuge performance with the cake product containing lower ash levels than the feed. On the referenced pipeline, coal tests performed on Western subbituminous coal, we found that the percentage of -10 µm material in the feed was six to eight times greater than normally encountered on eastern Appalachian seams. Our 45-t/h (50-stph) production centrifuge was never set up to maximize recovery. It was used as part of the two-stage dewatering circuit that had been chosen by designers of the proposed pipeline. Recoveries up to 95% were recorded. With field adjustments, that performance could most certainly have been improved. In contrast, manufacturers of the horizontal belt filter provided a small pilot-scale unit that operated on a side stream at the test facility. Numerous combinations of chemical additions were evaluated to determine those that had the best impact on filter performance. Whereas the screen bowl centrifuges operated without chemical addition, producing a dry, fluffy cake, the belt filter required two stages of chemical addition to attain satisfactory performance and high recovery levels. On the two-stage circuit that incorporated a belt press as the secondary

Jan 12, 1983

By J R. Manuel, J M. F Clout

The importance of goethite to Australian iron ore production is steadily increasing as the proportion of goethite-rich, martite-goethite bedded and channel iron deposits increases at the expense of declining production from high-grade microplaty hematite deposits. For this reason, an improved understanding of goethite in iron deposits, its genesis, goethite types and their physical and metallurgical properties is vital to maintaining optimum sintering and blast furnace performance in Asian steel mills.The terminology used to describe goethite in Australian iron deposits is currently highly variable. The discredited mineral name ‘limonite’ is still in widespread use as a field term for goethite and there are many misconceptions concerning goethite chemical grade and downstream physical and metallurgical properties. The goethite classification proposed here is based on geological and physical properties from which three types are recognised including brown goethite, dark brown-black vitreous goethite and highly microporous, friable yellow ochreous goethite.In practice, typical vitreous goethite with highly reflective surfaces and conchoidal fracturing, characteristic of the hard cap zone appears from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and electron microprobe analysis to be significantly higher in Si (up to 18.7 wt per cent), Al (up to 3.5 wt per cent) and S (up to 0.14 wt per cent) compared to the generally very low (<1 wt per cent for Si and Al) levels of these elements in ochreous goethite and brown goethite. The data dispels the common misconception that friable earthy or yellow ochreous goethite is high in Al and Si and other chemical impurities. However, P was found to be consistently higher (mean of 0.112 wt per cent and up to 0.296 wt per cent) in ochreous goethite than brown goethite (mean of 0.011 wt per cent) or vitreous goethite (mean of 0.031 wt per cent). The highly porous microstructure of ochreous goethite is thought to have a much higher surface area, which may aid in preferential adsorption of P onto the ochreous goethite mineral surface.CITATION:Manuel, J R and Clout, J M F, 2017. Goethite classification, distribution and properties with reference to Australian iron deposits, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2017, pp 567–574 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 24, 2017

By I. O. Ojala

Detailed knowledge of velocity-depth trends is essential for constructing well-to seismic ties, determining background velocity and generating synthetic seismic traces for interpreting seismic amplitudes in terms of porosity, lithology and pore fluid type. The acoustic properties of shales are of particular importance in the exploration setting as shales constitute more than 80% of sediments and rocks in siliclastic environments. Seismic and sonic log data may be used for estimating overpressure in shales in order to maintain borehole stability during drilling. In addition, velocities in shales can be used for predicting its mechanical properties and hence, borehole collapse. Despite of the apparent importance of understanding shale acoustics, sonic logs in shales are frequently unavailable or unreliable especially for older wells. Hence, it is essential to compute pseudo-velocity logs from other available information. This can be accomplished by using empirical relationships or rock physics transforms. In this study we have compared the predictive power of resistivity (Faust 1951, Hubert 2008) and porosity based models (Wyllie 1956, Holt & Fjær 2003) for computing synthetic P-wave velocity logs using wireline log data from mudstone intervals at three North Sea wells. The wells 6507/2-1, 6507/2-2 and 6507/2-1 are located at the Haltenbanken area at the Norwegian Sea. The wells targeted hydrocarbon potential at the upper Cretaceous and lower Tertiary sandstone sequences. The sandstone beds are overlain by thick Tertiary and Cretaceous sequences of mudstones. Since our primary goal is to model acoustic velocities in shale, we used wireline data from the Nordland (NL), Rogaland (RL) and Hordaland (HL) groups that are mainly composed of mudstone. The mudstone beds were identified from the well log data by using natural gamma log, sonic and resistivity data as well as information from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate website. The volume of shale was estimated from the natural gamma log and the data points with values higher than 0.65 were discarded. Similarly, the data points with shale volume less than 40 % were discarded. Furthermore, exceptionally high resistivity values amounting to more than 6 Ohm m were not included in the analysis. Porosities were determined from the density log assuming 2.7 and 1.05 g/cm3 for matrix and fluid densities, respectively. The depth that was used for calculating Vp from Faust (1953) was the depth below mudline in order to the compare of well data from wells that have been drilled at different depths (Hubert 2008).

May 1, 2009

By H North, J Barringer, S McNeill, D Pairman

Models of ground surface elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, roughness, deformation, as well as other features are gathered together in the term Digital Terrain Model (DTM). DTMs can be generated from a wide range of technologies such as ground surveying, aerial and satellite imagery, including both active and passive sensors. Some elevation derived parameters, such as roughness and slope, can be measured directly using innovative active sensor technology and smart processing, rather than via traditional processing of elevation information. Such models are used as part of a visual interpretation process, and increasingly for computer-assisted analysis using visualisation technology. There is an ever-increasing demand for DTM information to be used in the mineral exploration and mining industry, and consistent pressure from industry to develop models of higher spatial resolution, higher accuracy, and better overall reliability, regardless of the world-wide location of interest. This presentation will survey the range of techniques available for DTM generation, including active (LIDAR, SAR interferometry and differential interferometry) and passive (optical or SAR stereo) methods, as well as interpolation methods (contour or structure interpolation), and the economic placement of these various techniques in the local and regional context. The research issue oftrue-ground elevation models and slopes is also addressed, using LIDAR and SAR polarimetry as signpost technologies. Particular emphasis will be given to the strengths and limitations of new data sources that will, over the next few years, make the acquisition of elevation models of remote regions of the world inexpensive and relatively accurate.

Jan 1, 2000

Using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) to Investigate Industrial Systems

Sep 13, 2010

This paper describes a mobile laboratory developed specifically for nickel prospecting, and which was designed to be operated by sub-professional staff in remote areas independently of established laboratories. An atomic absorption spectrophotometric procedure was used to determine nickel, cobalt, lead, zinc, and copper ID latentIc and sulphIde samples, with a detection limit better than 25 µg/g for all elements. The procedure was applicable to both soil and drill samples and the accuracy of the procedure, which was ±5 per cent relative at the 1,000 µg/g level was sufficient for the preliminary assessment of mineralized samples and the control of drilling operations. The analytical procedure and the means taken to ensure the necessary reproductibility and accuracy are described. One operator can carry out 400 elemental determinations per 8-hr day at an approximate cdst of 6 cents per elemental determination. The results are returned within a single day, a factor which can contribute materially to the efficiency of drilling operations.

Jan 1, 1970

By Walter Ensinger

Working safely means working cost-effectively. Every "dangerous occurrence" and - even more so - every industrial accident causes disruptions in the planned course of construction. Besides moral and legal obligations, economic aspects are therefore also factors motivating increased efforts towards optimal prevention: improvements in work safety and protection of health are wise investments! Ever since its earliest days, the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) has made this subject one of its key objectives and therefore set up a Safety + Environmental Working Group, in which experts from the member organisations exchange national experience and develop proposals for "best practices". The paper presents current developments and results from the work of the S+E WG with particular reference to the project "Ideas for Safety Improvement".

Jan 1, 2006

In presenting this paper the author has in view a twofold purpose. In the first place, it is intended to set forth for the benefit of practical mining men some account of the principles underlying the design of tungsten carbide rock bits in the hope that a knowledge of these principles will assist in the successful application of the bits to mine and quarry drilling. Secondly, by evoking discussion, and even controversy, it is hoped that manufacturers and users of these rock bits will be encouraged to contribute to the general knowledge of a subject which to date has been rather lacking in published literature. The author well appreciates that many of the conclusions drawn in this paper are highly controversial, but if the only result is to call forth contradictory testimony from other workers in this field, at least one of his purposes will have been achieved.An attempt will first be made to set forth and examine those characteristics which go to make up an efficient rock bit, and the main factors affecting these characteristics will be discussed. In a paper of this general nature, consideration of any particular aspect must necessarily be rather brief, and there is little opportunity for detailed presentation of test procedures and data. Thus, it has been found advisable' to confine discussion of some minor points to a simple statement of fact. However, an attempt has been made to support all major conclusions by reference...

Jan 1, 1950

By F. A. Seward

A1though the expanding Eltran1 configuration has been used in induced polarization exploration for several years, there has been little application of this method to straight resistivity problems. A comparison of results of resistivity exploration by this technique versus those obtained from Wenner configuration surveys reveals a number of advantages in interpretative resolution as well as in field operation. The application of electrical resistivity to ground-water exploration is well known.= In the past a major portion of this work has been accomplished by use of one or more variations of a technique employing the Wenner3 electrode configuration. With the introduction of the frequency domain technique of induced polarization measurements, used primarily in the exploration for disseminated sulfide deposits, there arose the need for an electrode configuration by which potentials could be measured externally to the current electrode spread in order to minimize coupling between current sending and potential receiving circuits. It was also deemed desirable that the configuration would provide information laterally along profile as well as with depth. To reach these objectives the expanding dipole-dipole configuration (which probably first was used in the electrical transient method of exploration and from which the name 'Eltran' was derived) has been adapted to induced polarization exploration. The author has successfully applied the same techniques

Jan 1, 1963

By George L. Wilhelm

Timber support of mine openings continues to be an effective system for ground support, due to its avail¬ability, flexibility, and ease of installation. Timber support of mine openings as a primary method to support loose rock has been replaced to a large extent by rockbolting and by filling systems. How¬ever, the many designs of square-set timber and varia¬tions of crib and stull support that have been developed to suit many stope configurations have proven reliable over many years of application. Integrated in modern excavation and stoping methods, timber remains an im¬portant ground support material for today's mines. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TIMBER SYSTEMS Timber, when used as a part of the total support system, is recognized for its unique support properties. More than a cover to prevent minor falls of ground, timber systems have been carefully designed to provide adequate support with sufficient compressive qualities to achieve a safe working environment in extremely diffi¬cult ground conditions. In some cases, a timber support method is designed to yield while retaining its protec¬tive support qualities. Little or no initial investment in equipment or plant is required for incorporating timber into the mining support system. Low cost cutoff saws and portable chain saws are sufficient equipment for effective use of dimen¬sioned (sawed) or round (stull) timber support. Until recently, small sawmills of various complexity were com¬mon at mine surface plants. Sawmills at the mine sites have generally been replaced by timber vendors' mills. Suppliers have been able to use efficient cutting and lumber handling methods to reduce the cost of mine timbers. Most suppliers will package dimensioned mine timber into bundles that are suitable for handling down mine shafts and on level conveyances. The principal disadvantage of timber as a support method is higher material cost and labor cost associated with its labor-intensive installation. Furthermore, stand¬ing timber reserves of mine quality wood are in short supply in some areas, and heavy competition exists for alternative uses of the timber supplies. Vendors are reluctant to supply large cross section dimension tim¬bers relatively free of defects. Some mine operations require 4.8-m (16-ft) lengths of firm timber over 0.09 m2 (144 sq in.) in section and these are difficult to obtain in large quantities. APPLICATION OF TIMBER FOR MINE SUPPORTS Timber used in mine support has been cut from many species of trees. A firm hardwood with physical properties similar to western Douglas fir has been pre¬ferred in the US. Other harder and softer woods, how¬ever, have been used when readily available or where the specific strength or crushing quality of the wood is a desired specification of the support system design. Hard¬ wood, commonly oak, has been used where maximum crushing resistance is required. Mahogany and fir are widely used for shaft guide timber. Normally, timber is used with its core axis parallel to the long axis of the timber dimension. However, in some cases, it is placed normal to its core in a "butt" log position, so as to provide maximum resistance to abrasion of the ore passage adjacent to the cut end of the block. By selective placement of timber block¬ing, controlled resistance to ground closure can be achieved which will prevent early failure of primary sup¬port members of the timber structure. Timber is widely used in modern mining operations as a construction member for chute-lip support. These designs are tailored to each operation to conform to the dimensions of the haulage equipment being used. As a construction material, wood requires none of the spe¬cial equipment necessary for placement of concrete or steel support. Placement of these alternate support ma¬terials requires carefully dimensioned and engineered excavation for their installation. Wood can be easily sawed to fit on location. The successful use of timber in heavy ground de¬pends on the careful and accurate placement of block¬ing and bracing to achieve the controlled yielding re¬sistance needed to support the mine opening. Similarly, frequency, size, and placement of top and bottom block¬ing stulls in flat-bedded deposits are carefully determined to provide adequate support at the mining face. Con¬trolled caving through failure of the stulls may be required as the scope retreats from the earlier mined-out sections. The support program must achieve both of these dimensionless qualities by specification of stull frequency and size. The utility of the square set-system of ground sup¬port and timber support is described in Chap. 2, re¬printed from US Bureau of Mines Information Circular 6691. Four examples of effective use of timber for support of stoping and other mine openings are pre¬sented in other chapters in this section. The Gilman mine's use of Mitchell slice stoping described in Chap. 3 is an early modification of the square-set mining system. This application proved reli¬able for heavy ground and overcame some of the dis¬advantages of conventional square-set timber. Chap. 4 describes the Burgin mine's use of timber with other reinforcement material. This combination of materials achieved high strength and control with yielding com¬ponent members necessary for heavy, squeezing ground. Chap. 5 describes the Bunker Hill mine's use of square¬set timber in a new configuration that provides an effi¬cient and safe support for stoping using small load¬haul-dump (LHD) mobile equipment. Chap. 6 describes some considerations in placing the widely used stull in bedded ore deposits. Finally, in Chap. 7, cost calcula¬tions for

Jan 1, 1982

By R. Karl Zipf

The sudden, violent collapse of large areas of room-and-pillar mines poses a special hazard to miners and mine operators. This type of failure, termed a "Cascading Pillar Failure" (CPF), occurs when one pillar in a mine layout fails transfering its load to neighboring pillars causing them to fail, and so forth. Recent examples of this kind of failure in coal, metal and nonmetal mines in the U.S. are documented. Mining engineers can limit the danger posed by these failures through improved mine design practices. Whether failure occurs in a slow, nonviolent manner or in a rapid, violent manner is governed by the local mine stiffness stability criterion. This stability criterion is used as the basis for three design approaches to control cascading pillar failure in room-and-pillar mines, namely, the containment approach, the prevention approach, and the full extraction mining approach. These design approaches are illustrated with practical examples for coal mining.

Jan 1, 1996