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By N. B. Aughenbaugh

This report summarizes the results of an investigation into the causes of coal mine roof instability caused by the environmental characteristics of the air ventilated through a mine. The field studies, which were mostly in the Illinois Coal Basin, concentrated on collecting data of surface weather conditions, mine air characteristics (relative humidity and temperature), roof material types, roof movements, and characteristics of roof deterioration. The field studies revealed seasonal changes in weather are reflected in the mine air. The intake air undergoes rapid tempering along its course as it interacts with the ambient mine conditions. There are seasonal moisture interchanges between the mine rock and air, and a mine will lose more water than it gains on a yearly basis. The field studies also established that when the roof rock is shaley, seasonal changes in the humidity will cause roof deterioration because of the detrimental action of moisture on the shale. Roof falls were inventoried and classified by geometry. In the laboratory investigations, physical tests proved unreliable for evaluating shales for roof stability. The Franklin slake test lacks the sensitivity needed to differentiate shale durability for roof stability. A relative humidity test that reveals the sensitivity of a shaley rock to moisture change was devised. Environemntal chamber studies showed that neither temperature nor barometric pressure have a direct influence on shale durability. Photoelastic studies showed that the rate and depth of moisture absorption into a shale is controlled by bedding planes, fractures, and holes interrupting the exposed surface.

Jan 1, 1976

At the end of August, U.S. producer posting of 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum had been established at 48¢ per pound. At that time, dealer-quoted unalloyed ingot was reportedly at 44¢-47¢. CADMIUM: By late August, most U.S. producers had raised cadmium selling prices by 25¢ to $3 per pound. As a consequence, dealer quoting of cadmium ranged from $2.95 to $3.05 per pound. COAL: The wildcat strike, which began in southern West Virginia on July 19 and eventually spread to nine other States before ending on August 13, at its peak, idled approximately 115,000 miners and accounted for daily coal losses of an estimated 1.5 million tons at the height of the work stoppage. Concerned about the effects of the production cutbacks, the Bureau of Mines, early in the strike period, initiated its coal strike monitoring system which it had developed during the prolonged coal strike in the fall of 1974.

Jan 1, 1976

A major domestic aluminum producer raised its price for primary aluminum metal from 44 cents per pound to 48 cents per pound, effective August 5, 1976. Other major producers have increased their list prices by equivalent amounts COAL: The strike which began July 19 in southern West Virginia enlarged by early August to involve approximately 80,000 miners in nine States. As of August 4, the aggregated loss of production is estimated to be 5.8 million tons. Reportedly, at this time, the railroads which serve the struck areas are feeling the largest impact with coke plants and electric utilities relying on stocks which are generally high.

Jan 1, 1976

By Albert H. Fay

This glossary is publi~hed- by the Bureau of Mines as a contribution' to the mining literature in the belief that it will fill a long-felt need. It contains about 20,000 terms; these include both technical and purely local terms related to metal mining, coal mining, quarrying, petroleum, and natural gas, and metallurgical works; names of useful, important, and common minerals and rocks; an<lgeological terms. It presents in one comprehensive volume the available standard, technical terms relating to the mining and mineral industry, as well as provincialisms that have been or are now in use in English-speaking countries. The glossary also includes many terms relating to ceramics and the clay industry, glass making, foundry practice, railway and building construction, electrical installation and power-plant equipment, and chemical terms relating to metallurgical practice. Complete lists of terms for' each of these allied industries are beyond the scope of this glossary. Paleontological terms, although closely associated with geology, are far removed from mining and metallurgical operations, and for this reason have been omitted. In a compilation of this magnitude, it is difficult, within a reasonable time to verify all definitions as to the latest usage. Much verifying was done and it is hoped that the best and latest definitions have been used. Reference to the publications cited will enable the reader to determine approximately the period when the definition was used. Definitions in use by engineers of high national or international reputation are given first preference. When definitions from different sources are the same, credit is given to the earlier author as being the original or nearest to the original source. Immediately following each term the name of the locality wherein the word is presumed to have originated or is widely used is given, where such information is available. The name of the author or source from which the definition was obtained follows the definition, and serves as a key to the publications listed. The terms selected from the various glossaries and publications examined have been compared with the Webster,

Jan 1, 1920

By Paul C. Hyndman

The U.S. Bureau of Mines inventoried Federal mineral lands in Idaho and classified them in detail, section by section, according to their availability for mineral exploration and development as affected by legal restrictions and agencies&apos; management practices. The Bureau also identified known mineral deposit areas (KMDAs) and areas conducive to oil, gas, and geothermal resources. This information is shown on maps (developed in part by geographic information system technology) that spatially compare the availability for mineral entry of Federal land with these KMDAs to demonstrate the extent and severity of restrictions on mineral entry. Idaho contains 53.1 million acres, 35.7 million (67%) of which is Federal mineral land. About 7 million acres of this land is within KMDAs that host medium-to high-value locatable mineral deposits; 36% of this land is available, 27% is slightly to moderately restricted, and 37% is severely restricted or unavailable. For the leasable minerals, about 1.8 million acres are within KMDAs that host medium-to high-value phosphate deposits, about 5.4 million acres are favorable for oil and gas resources, and 3.9 million acres for geothermal resources. The percentages of land availability are 30%, 45%, and 25% for the phosphate acreage, 38%, 34%, and 28% for the oil and gas acreage, and 43%, 30%, and 27% for the geothermal acreage.

Jan 1, 2012

By Michel C. Frippel

This section of the Minerals Yearbook reviews the minerals industries of 29 countries: the 12 nations of the European Community (Belgium, France, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Denmark/Greenland, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and Ireland); 6 of the 7 nations of the European Free Trade Association (Sweden, Nor-way, Finland, Iceland, Austria, and Switzerland); Malta; the 8 Centrally Planned Economies of Eastern Europe (the German Democratic Republic (GDR), Poland, Yugoslavia, Albania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria); and the U.S.S.R. Western Europe Western Europe [loosely defined to include the 12 nations of the European Com-munity (EC) and the 7 nations of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)] is the single largest trading area and consumer of raw materials in the world. If Western Europe was at one time an important mining sector, it has now increasingly relegated the role of supplying minerals for its minerals processing industry to its ex-colonies in North and South America, Africa, and Australia. In this regard, Western Europe is the most important determinant of raw materials consumption (and thus raw materials production). There is an important reason for this since Western Europe lies somewhere between Japan at one extreme and the United States and the U.S.S.R. at the other extreme as regards the availability of natural resources.

Jan 1, 1992

The value of processed materials of mineral origin was estimated to have exceeded $310 billion in 1990. U.S. raw nonfuel minerals mine production in 1990 was estimated at $33 billion, a 3.1 % increase over that of 1989. The value of minerals production increased in all but 3 of the last 30 years. The metals component of production value has fluctuated much more than the industrial minerals component. This reflects the greater volatility of metal prices. In 1990, total employment in metal mining continued the increase that began in 1987. This growth was partially offset by a slight decline in employment in industrial mineral mining, resulting in an overall in-crease of 1.1 % to 179,100 in 1990. Continuing high (by historical standards) metal prices led to expansions at some mines, as well as opening or reopening of additional mines, resulting in increased employment.

Jan 1, 1991

The London Metal Exchange began its first official session of aluminum trading on Monday, October 2, LME prices based on 3-month forward contracts opened Monday at 52.4 cents per pound, fell midway through the week to 52.3 cents and ended Friday at a high of 52.7 cents. For the week, LME metal averaged 52.5 cents. Although Reynolds Metals Co. and Aluminum Co. of American continued in September to value unalloyed 99.5 percent aluminum ingot at 53 cents per pound, other producers were at higher positions of 55-57 cents. Alcan Aluminum Corp. of Alcan Aluminum, Ltd., a Canadian producer, increased prices for its U.S.-marketed ingot by 2 cents to 55 cents per pound, effective September 21. New York merchants increased ingot quotes by approximately 0.5 cents to 52.8-53.5 cents per pound.

Jan 1, 1978

By Corwin L. Cooper

This vapor, which describes mining and milling methods and costs at the Knob Hill gold mine, is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on gold mining and milling practices in the United States. The mining properties owned or controlled by Knob Hill Mines, Inc., are situated in the Eureka mining district on a country road 2 miles up Eureka Gulch from the town of Republic, county seat of Ferry County, Wash. The district is about 140 miles northwest of Spokane by road and 35 miles south of the international boundary line. The altitude at the mine office is 2,700 feet.

Jan 1, 1940

According to reports in August, Botswana RST&apos;s copper- nickel-cobalt smelter at Selebi-Pikwe produced 7 percent above the rated capacity of about 3,500 metric tons of matte per month. This record production occurred after 2 years of plant production difficulties and was brought about by a new management team. A shutdown for furnace maintenance had been planned for this year, but was postponed because of the improvements in production and operations. However, the mining operation continued to face problems relating to higher costs and some outstanding claims. COPPER: Effective December 1, ASARCO, Inc. and Phelps Dodge Corp. reduced their domestic copper prices by 54 per pound. Within a period of 3 days, a11 other producers (Kennecott Copper Corp., Newmont Mining Corp., Cities Service Co. , Copper Range Co. , Duval Corp., and Inspiration Consolidated Copper Go. ) had either lowered or discounted their market postings by 5¢ to 65.625¢ per pound on electrolytic wirebar and 65$ on cathode plate. Between November 29 and December 3, New York merchants decreased wirebar quotations by 1.8¢-2¢ to within a range of 57.8¢-58¢ per pound. New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX) spot-contracted copper in the week was priced at 57. 1¢ on Monday, 56.7¢ on Wednesday and Thursday, and 57.4¢ on Friday, resulting in a 5-day average of 56.9¢, London Metal Exchange (LME) cash (prompt) wirebar averaged 56.3¢ last week, opening Monday at 56.6¢, falling from Tuesday?s high of 57.2¢ to Wednesday?s low of 55.6¢ and closing Friday at 56.1¢. Foreign producers, guided by LME market transactions, lowered wirebar quotes to 56¢ per pound. Copper stocks as of December 3 totaled 187,702 short tons at COMEX warehouses and 654,573 tons at LME depositories, compared to 97,413 and 537,481 tons, respectively, for the corresponding 1975 period.

Jan 1, 1976

In 1970, the U. S. Bureau of Mines contracted with Theodore Barry and Associates, a management consulting firm, to perform a one-year industrial engineering study of working-face hazards in underground bituminous coal mines. The field data was accumulated from industrial engineering observations in fifty underground mines. Supporting data for the analysis was derived primarily from the Bureau&apos;s fatal accident reports for the years 1966 through 1970. This report, Industrial Engineering Study of Hazards Associated with Underground Coal Mine Production, consists of three main parts: 1) The Fatal Accident Reports Analysis, 2) The Industrial Engineering Analysis, and 3) Multiflow Process Charts and Standard Time Data. The Fatal Accident Reports Analysis (Volume I, Section II) is based upon individual USBM fatal accident reports for 1966-1970. These were read, coded and computerized in terms of 84 significant variables. Cross-tabulations of these variables have been used to identify major underground hazards and to quantify significant causal factors. A very strong relationship was found to exist between fatal accident occurrences and low task experience. This led to a recommendation for formalized training, certification and supervision programs for miners. Victim compliance with federal regulations, mine regulations and supervisor instructions was analyzed, indicating that supervisors provide the most crucial communication link to workers. Thus, every attempt should be made to ensure the competence of immediate supervisors in the industry. Analysis of roof fall variables revealed a fatal propensity on the part of the miners to work under unsupported roof or under support conditions that are marginal. The technical approach to the problem is to make it physically impossible for a miner to work under these conditions; the behavioral approach is to ensure adequate training and develop proper safety attitudes among the miners. The Fatal Accident Reports Analysis revealed a need for normalizing data to interpret the results more accurately.

Jan 1, 1971

By Hazel B. Comstock

[This material survey on magnesium and magnesium compounds is one of a series of Bureau of Mines publications designed to serve the needs of Government and industry for comprehensive, up-to-date information on mineral commodities and activities Magnesium, the world&apos;s lightest structural metal has become a most useful material in airborne and space vehicles, automotive equipment, machine tools, and consumer products. Use of magnesium on in basic refractories for iron and steel furnaces has expanded as the production of iron and steel has increased. Progress in converting steel furnaces to the use of oxygen has further increased the use of magnesium and magnesite brick.]

Jan 1, 1963

By Hazel B. Comstock

This materials survey on magnesium and magnesium compounds is one of a series of Bureau of Mines publications designed to serve the needs of Government and industry for comprehensive, up-to-data information on mineral commodities and activities. Magnesium, the world&apos;s lightest structural metal, has become a most useful material in airborne and spare vehicles, automotive equipment, machine tools, and consumer products. Use of magnesium ores in basic refractories for iron and steel furnaces has expanded as the production of iron and steel has increased, Progress in converting steel fun cares to the use of oxygen has further increased the use of magnesia and magnesite brick.

Jan 1, 1963

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1977, 12 companies operated 31 primary aluminum reduction plants, with 3 firms accounting for 65% of production capacity. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 31% of the total capacity; Gulf Coast States 23%, Northern States 26%, and other Southern States 20%. Based on estimated producer prices output of primary metal in 1977 Has valued at $4.6 billion. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered &apos;in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1977, building accounted for about 25%; packaging 22%; transportation 21%; electrical 11%; consumer durables 9%; and other uses, 12%.

Jan 1, 1978

On November 9, the Reynolds Metals Company cut production by 12 at its primary aluminum smelters at Troutdale, Oreg., and Longview, Wash., as a result of an earlier 25% power cutback by the Bonneville Power Administration due to lower than normal stream flow in September, the Aluminum Company of America had closed one potline at its Vancouver smelter because of the power cutback. Nearly 700 union workers at Anaconda Aluminum Company&apos;s primary aluminum smelter at Sebree, Ky., walked off the job when their contract expired or, November 15, after rejecting a proposed 3-year contract. The smelter has an annual capacity of 180,000 tons mid accounts for 50% of Anaconda&apos;s aluminum production. No talks are scheduled.

Jan 1, 1979

The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) announced that the second unit at its experimental facility at Palestine, Tex. would begin production -in 1979, increasing the capacity of the facility to 30,000 tons per year. The plant uses an experimental process based on the electrolysis of aluminum chloride and reportedly uses 4 to 5 kilowatt hours per pound of aluminum produced, compared to an industry average of about 7 to 8 kilowatt hours per pound. Alcoa has reportedly signed a letter of intent with the Chinese government under which Alcoa will conduct feasibility studies on two new integrated aluminum projects and modernization of an existing aluminum plant. If the study results are favorable, Alcoa Engineers Inc. and the Import and Export Company of the Chinese Ministry of Metallurgical Industry could negotiate agreements to provide Alcoa technology and services for the projects.

Jan 1, 1979

For the sixth year in a row, the value of nonfuel mineral raw materials produced in the United States set a new record, reaching almost $17 billion in 1977. Data provided by the Bureau of Mines show that the 1977 value of domestic nonfuel mineral production exceeded the 1976 value, $16.7 billion, by 2 percent. The $17 billion worth of minerals was the basis for approximately $770 bill ion worth of processed materials of mineral origin. Output of metals decreased $360 mil lion in 1977, while that of nonmetals increased $670 million. Of the 22 metals produced, output of 12 increased, and the value of 13 increased. Among the 46 nonmetallic minerals produced, the quantity of 27 increased, and the value of 34 increased.

Jan 1, 1978

In response to increased aluminum demand, U.S. producers have begun reactivating primary aluminum capacity which was shutdown during the 1974-1975 recession. Reynolds Metals Company started up almost 80,000 tons per year of idled capacity at Listerhill, Alabama, and Jones Mills and Arkadelphia, Arkansas plants. Howmet Aluminum Corporation and Alumax announced that the operating rate at their jointly owned facility at Frederick, Maryland was being increased from 75 percent to 100 percent, equivalent to a 44,000 ton-per-year increase in output. Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. expected to restart one of the two idled potlines at its Mead, Washington facility in May raising its production rate by 27,000 tons per year. ANTHRACITE - The anthracite market for the larger sizes continues at a good level, and although the demand for industrial sizes has been weak, the current trend indicates an increased demand for industrial fines by the steel, auto, and other industries.

Jan 1, 1976

The Particulate Mineralogy Unit has been established at the College Park, Maryland, Metallurgy Research Center. The Particulate Mineralogy Unit will have the responsibility within the Bureau of Mines for the characterization of particulate minerals which have potential for adverse environmental effects. The Unit will provide a focal point for identifying particulates in connection with environmental problems related to the activities of agencies such as OSHA, HEW, EPA, and MESA. The Particulate Mineralogy Unit is seeking to clarify the ambiguities surrounding the mineralogy of and terminology used for asbestiform minerals and other mineral particles. The Unit?s investigations of the morphology, composition, and structure of asbestiform minerals and their nonasbestos analogs have made its members recognized experts in this field. The information which it develops on the characterization of asbestos and other particulate mineral forms such as silica should provide a technically rational basis for decisions by regulatory agencies. Those desiring further information, contact Dr. W. J. Campbell, Program Coordinator, College Park Metallurgy Research Center, College Park, MD 20740, telephone: 301-344-4014. ALUMINUM: For over a month, domestic producers have priced 99.5 percent grade primary aluminum ingot at 48¢ per pound. In the same period, merchants raised ingot quotes by 1.5¢-2.5¢ to a range approaching 44¢-47¢ per pound.

Jan 1, 1976

By E. D. Gardner

Ore and concentrate are transported on, the surface at western mining districts by (1) railroads, (2) surface trams, (3) aerial trams, (4) trucks, and (5) wagons, and (6) on the backs of animals. The daily and ultimate tonnage to be moved is the principal factor governing the selection of the method of transportation. Railroads are preferred when large tonnages are to be hauled over relatively long distances. The mine-haulage system may be extended or surface trams built to the mill or shipping point if a practical track grade is possible and if the distance is relatively short. Aerial trams have a special field of usefulness for transportation over steep or excessively rough terrain.

Jan 1, 1936