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By D. W. Fuerstenau, J. Vazquez-Favela

This paper shows how the efficiencies of size-reduction processes depend on the mode of particle constraint and energy transfer within the comminution device: namely, whether the process consists of single-particle loading, confined-particle-bed comminution or loose- (unconstrained-) particle grinding. The relative efficiency of single-particle comminution, ball-mill grinding and particle-bed comminution in the recently invented high-pressure roll mill is evaluated by making use of the self-preserving nature of the size distributions of comminuted products. The highest energy efficiency can be achieved by utilizing a hybrid two-stage system in which the material is first ground in the high-pressure roll mill and then the ball mill.

Jan 1, 1998

By Otis M. Clarke

The Eufaula bauxite-kaolin district in southeastern Alabama is an important source of raw material for the refractory industries in the United States. At the present time, five companies are mining and processing bauxite and kaolin from this district and a sixth company is holding substantial reserves. Mining operations are expanding, but finding new ore reserves is a major problem. The Geological Survey of Alabama sponsored geologic research in the Eufaula district to: 1) investigate the utilization of sandy kaolinS and other clays associated with bauxite-kaolin deposits; 2) find limits of the bauxite district, looking for possible extensions; and 3) study the geology of the district, looking for patterns or trends that may aid in finding new ore reserves. This work was done with the full cooperation of mining companies operating in the district and property owners. Research was aided by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the University of Alabama. The investigation included detailed geologic mapping of mines, drilling in selected areas, and making mineral analyses of bauxite and clays. The mapping was performed primarily by pace and compass because of the complexity of the deposits studied, but aerial photographs were used to a limited extent. Drilling included both auger and core drilling. The auger drilling was limited to 100 feet, but core holes were drilled as deep as 200 feet. The term 'bauxite,' as used here, indicates a mixture of minerals containing more than 50 percent gibbsite. Bauxitic clay is a mixture of gibbsite and kaolinite that contains more kaolinite than gibbsite. The term "kaolin" indicates a clay composed of predominantly kaolinite. Other clays in the Eufaula district are composed of kaolinite, illite, quartz, mica, and goethite or hematite.

Jan 1, 1971

By Dan J. Van Roosendaal

A closely spaced grid of survey points was installed over the tensile zone of a longwall panel in southern Illinois and monitored daily during subsidence to document the complex ground-surface movements associated with dynamic subsidence. Vertical and horizontal displacements were used to calculate maximum tilts and principal strains within the grid. The dynamic nature of subsidence is made evident by changes in both the direction and magnitude of maximum tilts and principal strains. The maximum tilt (smax) of 0.036 and maximum tensile strain (Emax) of 0.027 were measured after subsidence and were oriented transverse to the longwall panel. Observations of surface fracturing were correlated with strain determinations to estimate a surface strain at incipient cracking (E;) of 0.006 to 0.009. Using shallow inclinometers, a linear variation of horizontal displacement with respect to depth was observed, suggesting a neutral¬axis bending mechanism for near-surface deformation. Horizontal displacements transverse to the longwall panel reduce to zero at a depth of 40 feet. A linear relationship between strain and curvature was used to estimate ground-surface curvatures associated with Emax (0.00068 ft-1) and E; (0.00015 to 0.00023 ft-1). The curvature estimates are consistent with published results.

Jan 1, 1986

By T. W. Conrad, B. Kerr

During the last decade grassroots minerals education programs have blossomed throughout the United States and in other countries. At the same time an environmental education movement has been gaining momentum. While this offers a unique opportunity to share the mining industry’s story, it also has some potential pitfalls. In this paper the authors will discuss some of the benefits of participating in environmental education and provide some practical tips for success, based on New Mexico experiences. It will conclude with a presentation on a successful environmental education program at Heights Middle School in Farmington New Mexico.

Jan 1, 2001

By Gary Nash

While there could be as many directions on regulations as there are viewpoints surrounding the asbestos controversy, there are a few basic criteria that generally will influence government thinking, namely: - their definition of the problem to be regulated, - their interpretation of the scientific evidence available to them, and - their sensitivities to the views of, and the implications for, various interest groups in society. Clearly, different assessments of these criteria by various governments will lead to differing regulatory regimes. The consequence, of course, is a patchwork of non-conforming regulations among nations, with all that thin implies for the distortion of international trade and the unsettling of international relations. I would therefore argue that when governments are examining regulatory action, they should explicitly take into account their common interests in stable and cordial international relations, and when possible, efforts should be made to ensure that movement on regulation is at least, in principle, in accord with the general views of the international community.

Jan 1, 1984

By William G. Davenport, Eric H. Partelpoeg

Direct smelting of copper in a single vessel has long been the extractive metallurgist's dream. Such a process offers the important advantages of (i) maximum use of the energy available from oxidizing the sulphur and iron of the concentrate; (ii) restriction of SO2 emissions to a single constant-strength source; (iii) minimum materials handling and (iv) elimination of at least one process step. Extensive developmental work was carried out in the 1960's and 1970's to implement such single-step processes. Some of the processes reached the prototype stage and it appeared that copper smelting technology was on the threshold of a new, efficient, minimum-pollution era. Since that time, however, the forward thrust has slowed and single-step smelting is still a process of the future. The paper describes in detail the potential advantages of single-step smelting; its history and current status; and the reasons why it has not been adopted industrially. It concludes that the potential benefits of single-step smelting are powerful and that many of the difficulties encountered in the 1970's will be overcome in the 1980's.

Jan 1, 1985

By Jaroslav Briancin, Katarína Gáborová, María Florencia Márquez-Zavalía, Marcela Achimovičová, Ol’ga Šestinová, Pavel Škácha

Naumannite (Ag,Se), a silver selenide mineral, was first discovered in 1828. This study investigates the structure, morphology, chemical composition, and leaching kinetics of naumannite. Mechanical activation in a planetary ball mill increased its specific surface area, enhancing the leaching rate of silver in nitric acid (HNO3). The study found that mechanical activation significantly improves silver recovery.

Jul 1, 2023

By J. Cheung, H. Rabia

The traditional methods for predicting mine air temperatures are based on steady state heat transfer models as developed by Voss (1969) and Starfield (1983). These models are useful in providing approximate predictions of air temperatures in trunk and gate roadways. More complex models are required to provide predictions along faces. In practice, the heat flow in underground mines is of transient nature and recent observations in some British Coal mines show temperature variations of up to 5°C during a working week at any one point. In addition, the recent introduction of district recirculation of mine air in British mines requires a more precise prediction of air temperatures during start up of the system or during breakdown. A transient heat transfer theory based on the work of Jordon is presented. The method lends itself easily to computers due to the large number of calculations involved. The proposed transient model is validated using actual temperature data collected in roadways in Wearmouth Colliery in the North East of England. The transient results are compared with the steady state predictions of Voss (1969). Finally, predictions of air temperature in roadways for a recirculation system will be made using both the transient and steady state models. Temperature predictions along faces will be made using a separate model.

Jan 1, 1989

By Chaitanya "Teny" Mittal

INTRODUCTION A team effort by the Owner, Engineer, and Contractor can help avoid serious problems on a construction project. It can save cost and time for both Owner and Contractor, as illustrated in the following case history of the West Zone and Siouf Keblia Collector System in Alexandria, Egypt (Contract 02-AID-83/84). Under the bilateral agreement made in 1980 between the United States of America and the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States, through the Agency of International Development (USAID), gives approximately $1 billion per year as a grant to Egypt for various development projects. The Alexandria Wastewater Management System was selected in 1981 as one such project. The Egyptian Government Agency responsible for this work is the Alexandria General Organization for Sanitary Drainage (AGOSD). A joint venture of two U.S. consulting engineering firms, CH2M HILL, Inc., and Metcalf & Eddy, Inc., called Wastewater Consultants Group, along with two local subconsultants, Engineering Consulting Group and Warith Engineering Co., were selected by AGOSD to study the sewer system and develop a plan to serve the immediate and long-range sewage disposal needs of Alexandria. Wastewater Consultants Group is currently involved in Phase I of the Master Plan. This initial step in providing Alexandria with an operating sewerage system for the current and near-term population (year 2000) consists of the design and construction management of 140 kilometers of collector and force main pipelines (including 9 miles of pipe jacking and tunneling in very soft clay), five new pumping stations, extensive rehabilitation of two treatment plants (built in the 1960s but never operated successfully), and installation of a sludge handling system. Phase I is scheduled to be completed by the end of 1991 at a total cost of around $250 million (US) plus 250 million

Jan 1, 1989

By J. A. Marts, R. C. Gilmore, Jr. Bogin, S. A. Saki, J. F. Brune, J. W. Grubb

The main purpose of mine ventilation design is to provide sufficient quantity and quality of air to the workers and to dilute methane and other contaminants. It is generally perceived that the additional air along the longwall face will improve methane dilution on the face and in the tailgate. However, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling efforts at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) under a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) funded research project have found that higher flow velocities along the longwall face are shown to increase the pressure differential between the gob and longwall face allowing more methane to be entrained in the active face and tailgate (TG) area, thereby negating the dilution effect. The increased face ventilation causes an increase in pressure along the headgate side which allows more oxygen to ingress into the gob area, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen available to form explosive methane air mixtures in the gob and to support spontaneous combustion of the coal. Two things are happening at two different locations along the longwall face, increase in pressure as the flow enters the active area cause an increase in pressure which forces more oxygen into the gob, but as the flow is developed along the longwall face, the higher velocities causes greater pressure drop allowing methane to enter the active face further downstream from the headgate (HG) towards the tailgate side. In this paper, a parametric study will be presented to discuss the effect that varying the face air quantity has on methane concentrations in the tailgate and formation of explosive gas zones (EGZs) in the gob. Counter to conventional wisdom, it appears that increased longwall face air quantities may increase the explosion hazard as they result in increased EGZ volumes in the gob, along with increased methane quantities in the tailgate return.

Jan 1, 2015

By E. J. Peuraniemi, J. T. Yli-Penttilä, A. Jokilaakso, K. M. Riihilahti

Dust formation and the reaction mechanisms of copper matte particles were investigated in simulated flash-oxidation conditions. The granulated and ground matte consisted of 72% Cu, 4% Fe and 21 % S (by weight). Experiments were conducted by using a laminar flow furnace with a reaction-gas composition ranging from 20% to 75% O2 (by volume) in nitrogen. The particle feeding was carried out by a single-particle method, and samples were quenched after a specified reaction time ([~] 0.05 to 0.4 s) in a cold water film. Experimental temperatures ranged from 800o to 1,300o C. Chemical analysis was used to determine the degree of oxidation, and optical and scanning electron microscopes, combined with energy dispersive analysis, were used for characterization of the reacted particles.

Jan 1, 1999

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

Phosphate ores are the source of many commodities, such as phosphorus element, P2O5 and fertilizers. Discarding a large percentage of fine phosphate particles produced as slimes during phosphate ore processing represents a severe environmental problem, besides making the beneficiation process uneconomical. The phosphate industry is interested in a process that is efficient, with high grade and high recovery; ensures economical feasibility, with low operating cost; and is environmentally sound, with low toxicity. Numerous investigations have been conducted to try to find better processing techniques and reagents. However, reagent requirements and recovery limitations may be so high that the end does not justify the means. Reagents of biological origin are of special interest because they offer specific interactions with minerals, reduced operating costs, environmental acceptability and flexibility in adaptation. Recently, there has been a growing interest in using microorganisms as flocculants for mineral fines and as flotation collectors. 

By Larry Murphy, Mohammad R. Jafari, David M. Giel, Sharat K. Kalluri

"Built in 1940’s to provide a key roadway arterial between New York and Boston, the Heroes Tunnel is the only highway rock tunnel in the state of Connecticut and is part of the Wilbur Cross Parkway. This 365.0 m long tunnel consists of two barrels, each with two lanes of traffic, and carries over 71,000 vehicles per day. For nearly 70 years, the tunnel has seen millions of vehicles pass through but time has taken its toll and now the tunnel lining, ventilation system and radial section joints are significantly deteriorated and in need of rehabilitation. Owned and maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), CTDOT initiated a unique managed approach to mitigate the risk, social impacts and financial implications associated with rehabilitation of this tunnel. This new approach consists of performing field inspection and conducting a comprehensive study to explore six rehabilitation options, including construction of new tunnels and enlarging the existing tunnels. The main criteria for this study are: Impact on traffic and the resulting delay cost; Construction cost; Construction duration; and Construction complexity. This paper will present the results of the alternative study. PROJECT BACKGROUND Location and Importance Heroes Tunnel is located in the State of Connecticut within the Town of Woodbridge and the City of New Haven near the Town of Hamden border. Heroes Tunnel is the only true highway tunnel in the State of Connecticut. The tunnel is part of the Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15), a scenic connection between Hartford and New York. Originally constructed and opened to traffic in 1949, the tunneled portion of the parkway passes through the West Rock Ridge. The tunnel was originally named West Rock Tunnel, but was re-designated as Heroes Tunnel in 2003. Route 15 is a vital roadway within the State transportation infrastructure. In the vicinity of Heroes Tunnel, Route 15 carries approximately 71,000 vehicles daily. Locally, Route 15 provides access to residences, shopping centers, and points of interest, as well as other state roadways. Regionally, Route 15 connects New York to the Hartford area and serves as an alternate expressway route to I-95 and I-91. The tunnel is approximately 365.0 m long and passes through the West Rock Ridge. West Rock Ridge is an 11.3 km long rock ridge located on the west side of New Haven. A network of suburban streets abuts the mountain on all sides and a seasonal paved park road climbs to the crest of the ridge. Figure 1 depicts the tunnel topography and location."

Jan 1, 2016

By A. J. Lynch

For over 30 years the JKMRC has been conducting research aimed at improving the understanding of comminution and classification processes. The result of this research has been the development of a range of comminution and classification models which has been successfully applied in numerous optimization and design studies throughout the Australian Minerals Processing Industry. This paper reviews the current status of our understanding of the mechanisms which govern comminution and classification processes. Outlines of mathematical models of these processes are described together with examples of their application in design and optimization studies.

Jan 1, 1992

By C. R. Daly, D. Biswas

This study presents the development of a simplified artificial neural network (ANN) for the characterization of rock mass with a simultaneous display of its output in a three-dimensional interactive environment as well as in the form of a text document. The system was developed using JAVA object-oriented language, virtual-reality modeling language (VRML) and JavaScript, and it runs on the Internet. The user can walk through a three-dimensional virtual roadway, checking the underground rock mass behavior and, consequently, can design a support system. The system first characterizes the rock mass with the help of a neural network and recommends a suitable support system for the particular geomining condition. The system then represents its output in a three-dimensional environment. The neural network developed in this system was trained with 261 data sets, and its performance was evaluated with five case histories. The evaluation results showed that the network could identify the rock category and support system adaptively. The average error for the support load was 2.7%. Among the five case histories, two were represented in a three-dimensional environment. The output obtained from the overall system compared favorably with the existing underground conditions.

Jan 1, 2003

By A. S. Henderson

Eastern Mesabi taconite is one of the hardest rocks known, but fortunately it shows little tendency to pack in the crushers, when the minus 5/16 inch material is removed. The crushing circuit is essentially as shown in the Engineering and Mining Journal article, "Reserve's New Taconite Project", dated December, 1956 except that the grizzly screen between the two stages of gyratory crushing has been eliminated. The Reserve operating staffs aim is to utilize the crushing equipment in such a manner that the maximum tonnage of taconite can be crushed to the required size at a minimum cost. As is readily apparent, the primary consideration is to produce a desired size product, with the other operating factors to be balanced, thus achieving the best setting for each crusher. Much effort has been expended toward the development of a satisfactory sized material for feeding the rod mills. The characteristics of this feed must allow the following situations to be handled by the existing equipment: 1. The material being fed to the rod mill must be such that it can be fed into the unit with the proper quantity of water to maintain the correct density within the mill. 2. The rod mill must produce a product from this feed which can be handled without difficulty by the magnetic cobbing and ball mill circuit. 3. The incidental tramp must not exceed that quantity which can be handled easily after the rod mill and after the ball mills.

Jan 1, 1959

By G. G. O. O. Uwadiale, M. A. U. Nwoke

The flotation of Azara barite tailings was investigated using crude rubber nut oil (RNOc), refined rubber nut oil (RNOR) and oleic acid as fatty acid collectors. Chemical characterization of the rubber nut oils indicated high acidity, high saponification values and high iodine indexes, which are indicative of a high fatty acid compositions. The Azara barite tailings analyzed 64.6% BaSO4 by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Gravity and magnetic separation techniques yielded a BaSO4 concentrate with a grade of 74.8% and a recovery of 92.5%. Barium sulfate grades of 90.0%, 92.8% and 94.8% with recoveries of 80.3%, 85.4% and 86.7% were achieved with collector dosages of 750g/t crude rubber nut oils, refined rubber nut oils and oleic acid, respectively. Hence, rubber nut oils are effective fatty acid collectors for the flotation of barite tailings.

Jan 1, 1998

By Edward C. Dowling

The advance of science and technology influences the modern economy in countless ways. Older industries must adapt to changes in the marketplace, while new industries are born by applying new technology to meet consumer needs. In light of declining head grades and increased unit costs in the US minerals industry, new technological developments in the production environment are paramount to maintaining a competitive footing in the international marketplace. Micro-engineering research provides the transition between the knowledge base and the application of new technology on the production level. Economic considerations The primary goal of technical development in the production environment is to reduce unit operating costs. Simply stated, this is accomplished by improving operating efficiencies and productivities on the production level. The goal of micro-engineering research in the production environment is to evaluate promising technologies and develop the criteria necessary to apply them in operations. As such, this process is the first step toward innovation and discovery. Generally, the micro-engineering research is followed by macro-engineering development. In the production environment, there are generally more development projects than can be accomplished in a timely manner. Usually, this is the result of financial and human resource limitations. Consequently, it is necessary to prioritize the work such that the most beneficial projects are accomplished first. By performing a discounted cash flow analysis and using benefit-cost ratios (for non-mutually exclusive alter¬natives) or net present value criteria (for mutually exclusive alternatives), the projects can be rated from best to worst. In this way, the financial and human resources can be best allocated to first complete those projects giving the highest returns before moving on to other activities. Moreover, this information is a prerequisite for management to justify additional financial or human resources.

Jan 1, 1992

By G. Deschenes, P. J. H. Prud'homme

A laboratory study was carried out to evaluate the effect of oxygen and lead nitrate on the recovery of gold by cyanidation of a free milling gold ore, which contains 0.4 % copper as chalcopyrite. Efficient gold extraction is achieved only under specific conditions. The recovery of gold was increased from less than 90% to up to 98% by addition of lead nitrate. In the pre-leaching, the kinetics of oxidation of soluble sulphides are not an accurate indication for the length of the treatment. Even though the consumption of cyanide was reduced due to the inhibition of the dissolution of chalcopyrite by increasing additions of lead nitrate, cyanide consumption had to the held above 1.85 kg/t to maintain good recovery of gold. The continued addition of lead nitrate above 300 git had no impact on the recovery of gold. It was also found that the addition of lead nitrate at the start of cyanidation gave the same performance as when added during pre-leaching. The addition of oxygen increased the recovery of gold by 1.5%. The concentration ofNaCN had to be maintained in the range of700 mg/L because of the high concentration of copper in solution. The recovery of gold dropped significantly when the average NaCN concentration fell below 640 mg/L. Application of the findings of the laboratory study at the industrial scale led to improved plant performance.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. C. Weimer

The goal of Bethlehem's mining research program is to improve both the safety and productivity of our mines through the use of new equipment, new technology and new mining methods. Although we can all agree on the value of such goals, achieving them can be a costly, time-consuming and sometimes frustrating experience. However, the potential benefits of lower costs per ton and better safety in an increasingly more stringent and confusing regulatory environment make the expended effort worthwhile. At Bethlehem we feel that the mining companies are in the best position to determine the needs of the industry, and coal companies have the incentive as well as mine sites at their disposal for testing. Therefore, the mining industry should be leading the research effort

Jan 1, 1979