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By S. Shi, J. Y. Hwang, B. Li

Silver, copper, and zinc are commonly known elements with antibacterial and antifungal capabilities. Attempts have been made to dope silver on minerals, glass, and ceramics and the resulting materials have been investigated for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Since silver is expensive and very reactive, silver doped materials have been found inappropriate in some applications. Copper-vermiculite is investigated as an alternative. Vermiculite has high cation exchange capacity on the magnesium ion in the crystal structure. Copper ion may have a high tendency to replace magnesium because of similar charge interference and ionic radius. Copper-vermiculite is prepared by reacting vermiculite and copper chloride solution. By impregnating copper ions into the nanometer openings between the layers of vermiculite, it is possible to render the composite with antibacterial functions if the copper ions could be released gradually from the composite. The antibacterial efficiency of Cu-vermiculite against Escherichia coli was studied using the Halo method. The results show that Cu-vermiculite is effective for preventing the reproduction of the bacteria. Heat treatment of Cu-vermiculite at up to 400°C does not show significant changes in antibacterial activities.

Jan 1, 2002

By Charles A. Bankston, John C. Rowley, Robert J. Hanold, Joseph W. Neudecker

The basic concepts and processes of soil and rock melting as applied to excavation technology are reviewed. The electrically heated, small diameter prototype penetrator development sequence is presented. Emphasis is placed on the different methods of handling the fluid rock and soil melts and their significance in providing new solutions in hole support and debris handling problems. The refractory materials requirements, penetrator life and electrical heater technology are presented. Consolidating penetrators, which form stable glass-lined holes in low density rocks and soils, require no debris removal and will find applications in horizontal holes for utilities, cables, and pipeline installations. Extruding penetrators are being developed to make holes in dense, hard rocks. Melt is conditioned into a variety of debris forms, i.e., glass rods, pellets or rock wool, selected to match appropriate debris handling systems. Unique use in drilling into very hot rock or magma for geothermal exploration or production wells is projected. Some of the results of laboratory and field tests of these devices are compared with theoretically derived operating performance. Coring-consolidating penetrators for geological sampling in alluvium are projected to larger diameter self-propelled and guided coring devices for prospecting along proposed tunnel alignments. Application to the melting of annular shafts for pipeline support piles in difficult conditions such as permafrost has been scoped. Conceptual design studies of large diameter tunneling equipment have indicated the system contributions and economic aspects of rock melting relative to material comminution, wall and roof support and materials handling.

Jan 1, 1974

By Harry E. Holzschuh

The two Agrico Chemical Company self unloading Phosphate Rock barges put into service in 1976 operate at over their design carrying capacity. Each barge now carries 26,000 short ton instead of the planned 25,000 short ton at 32 foot of draft. They are in service between Agrico's Tampa, Florida Terminal and the Donaldsonville, Louisiana Fertilizer Complex, moving a total of 2,500,000 short tons each year. This was the first use of the Parascrew design for a marine application. The barges, with their 3,000 STPH unloading and matching loading rate is the vital link in this total transportation and handling system. Rock is moved from the Pierce, Florida Mines through the Tampa Big Bend Terminal, across the Gulf of Mexico, and up the Mississippi to the Agrico Faustina Phosphoric Acid Plant 30 miles below Bacon Rouge, Louisiana. The trip from the terminal to the plant is 600 miles and the turnaround time is just about six days. Seven years operating experience has proved that the system works. Fittingly, the two barges are named the "Faustina" and the "Pierce". They have a beam of 85-feet and are 495 feet long. folded depth is 43 feet, with a ballasted light draft of 19 feet and a typical loaded draft of 32 feet. There are four separated holds with the machinery room located forward of 101 hold. Each hold is 51 feet wide at the coamings with an 18 foot straight section on the side, and a 24 foot long, 600 slope sheet for a 23 foot clear reclaim width at the bottom. The Parascrew in each of the holds is 37 feet long between the bearings and is supported on a 14 inch diameter hollow shaft. The screw pitch varies and the diameter of the flights step up from l'-9" diameter to 2'-6" diameter on the discharge end. By sloping the centerline, a minimum four inch bottom clearance is maintained across the hold. Some bending of the tube does take place.

Jan 1, 1983

By Meghan M. Murphy, Derek Penrice

The Downtown Rail Extension (DTX) is principal element of the planned second phase of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority’s (TJPA) Transbay Program. When complete, this regionally critical project will connect Caltrain’s regional rail system and the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s statewide system to the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco via a 1.3-mile tunnel. Studied since the 1970s, the DTX has now received environmental clearance, and key stakeholders are aligned on the project’s configuration and its expedited delivery. This paper describes efforts to optimize the DTX configuration and develop an informed project delivery strategy that incorporates construction industry feedback on project phasing, contract packaging, and procurement methods that accomplish the project’s budget goals.

Jun 13, 2021

By Seal. Thom

Large heap leach operations around the world contain significant under-leached metal values that present recovery challenges to operators. The first challenge is to find the location of the highest inventory. High resolution resistivity ? has proven sensitive enough to detect such zones in the interior of heap leach pads to target treatment or re-leaching. Newmont Mining Corp. has adapted the high pressure fracturing technology, used in oil wells to stimulate select zones in heap leach pads to add reagents in 3-D for re-leaching, changing zonal chemistry for improved recovery and heap closure. High Resolution Resistivity ? is able to subsequently monitor injected solution flow and determine directional permeability during Hydro-Jex stimulation. The combination of these technologies has shown strong economic success, for selecting targets in the heaps and monitoring solution application. These technologies are now available to the mining industry for adoption.

Jan 1, 2008

By J. M. Wempen

Booster fans, large underground fans, can increase the volumetric efficiency of ventilation systems by helping to balance the pressure and quantity distribution throughout a mine, reducing leakage and reducing the total power requirement. However, in ventilation systems that use booster fans there is a potential for system recirculation, the leakage of return air to intake air, and also for localized recirculation near the fan through the bulkhead and airlock doors. Air that is recirculated locally decreases the system efficiency because the quantity of air flow through the fan increases without increasing the airflow throughout the system. To understand the detailed flow characteristics of a ventilation system with a booster fan, two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed using the software Ansys-FLUENT. Though two-dimensional models do not represent the full complexity of the flow dynamics, they do provide a good representation of the flow characteristics and they allow for a qualitative analysis of how the flow dynamics are affected by the system characteristics. The CFD models were used to evaluate how the number of booster fans, the booster fan placement, the location and geometry of the fan installation and the construction of the airlock system affect the flow characteristics and the localized efficiency of the ventilation system.

Feb 27, 2013

By M. J. Sapko

From 2001 to 2007, the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted studies to develop alternative methodologies to full-scale explosion testing for deter-mining the ultimate strength of mine seals. As a result, the PRL developed and proposes an alternative seal-strength evaluation method based on a hydrostatic pressure-loading concept. The researchers suggest pressure loading a seal using water to twice the expected dynamic design load. The hydrostatic chamber test offers a means of validating seal designs, establishing appropriate resistance functions and determining the ultimate strength of seals through testing to failure. This article contrasts the full-scale explosion and hydrostatic testing of mine seals using a simple dynamic system model and principles.

Jan 1, 2008

By Judson C. Higgins

The paper addresses changes in surface transportation methods in the Industrial Minerals business starting with history, the changes to present time including such areas as energy costs, improved highways, changes in regulations and deregulation, and attempts to project future transportation trends. Transportation methods such as rail, piggyback, truck and barge are compared, and their impact on Industrial Minerals producer's costs and profits examined. The customer impact on our businesses due to deregulation is also discussed.

Jan 1, 1983

By Steve Kral

For the past several years, copper producers have faced a tough business climate. Nagging low prices forced many them to reduce their production and make other drastic cutbacks just to breakeven. And sometimes even that did not work. But, like other downturns in the industry, this latest dismal copper market allowed technology to make further inroads into mining and processing operations. Now that the copper market appears to be making a turn for the better, those years spent investing in technology by equipment manufacturers and forward-thinking mining companies should begin paying off.

Jan 1, 2004

By Jim Rozek, Robert A. Gee

The Epping to Chatswood Rail Line project is the largest publicly funded infrastructure project in New South Wales. Construction commenced in November2002 with opening scheduled for 2008. The work includes 13 route km of twin TBM driven 7.2 m diameter lined running tunnel, three cross-overs and three new underground stations. The new stations have platform caverns of 20m span with similarly proportioned concourse caverns alongside. The ground is bedded sand stone and shale with high horizontal stresses. Predicted stress-relief induced ground movements during staged excavation led to innovative use of rock anchors for permanent support.

Jan 1, 2005

By Christopher J. Bise

INTRODUCTION The transportation of men, supplies, and mined material from an underground operation is the connecting link between the mine plant and the surface plant. Unless the mine is accessed by a drift or adit, some form of hoisting system is necessary for slopes or shafts. This chapter will deal with the selection of wire ropes and hoists, two of the most important consider¬ations when designing a hoisting system for an under¬ground mine. WIRE ROPES General A wire rope is designed to transmit forces longitudi¬nally along its axis. Wire rope is used in a variety of mining applications because of its flexibility, high ten¬sile strength, and dependability. Shaft hoisting ropes and principal slope haulage ropes are usually custom-¬built; however, proper rope selection for slushers, car spotters, etc. should not be overlooked. Wire ropes for shafts and slopes, since they represent the life line for the mines, should be of the very highest quality improved plow steel. This quality is necessary to deal with the conditions of loading, winding, vibration, abrasion, and corrosion. Tables I and 2 display the specifications for the typical wire ropes used for mine haulage applications. The 6 x 19-class haulage rope is used for most hoisting where abrasion is not critical. On the other hand, where abrasion is critical, such as a slope application, 6 X 7-class haulage ropes are preferred. For other mining applications, manufactur¬ers' handbooks should be consulted. Selection The selection of a wire rope for a mining situation consists of simply applying appropriate safety factors to a calculated maximum rope pull and comparing the result to the listed breaking strength of the rope under consideration. Table 3 can be used for determin¬ing the minimum factors of safety for wire ropes. To determine the maximum rope pull, the following quantities must be known: the rope weight in pounds (x), the conveyance weight in pounds (y), and the weight in pounds of the load in the conveyance (z). These values are used to calculate the load due to gravity, the load due to conveyance friction, and the load due to rope friction. When these loads are added together, as shown in Eq. 1, the maximum (static) rope pull (RPS) can be derived:

Jan 1, 1986

By S. Sunkavalli

Acid rock drainage (ARD) is produced when sulfides are exposed to oxygen and water. Oxidation reactions typically result in a depression of pH and leaching of solutes and metals. Many oxidation models have been developed based on oxygen diffusion, but in environments with high permeability, other transport processes (i.e., convection and advection) can play an important role. Multiple sulfide mineral phases with differing oxidation rates should also be incorporated. WROC, a finite-difference model, was developed to account for these factors in predicting ARD. The program includes sulfide mineral oxidation using a shrinking core mechanism, heat transfer by conduction, heat of reaction, and oxygen transport by diffusion and advection. The model was validated using data from the literature. After validation, the WROC model was used to simulate several different waste rock scenarios including different forms of sulfide mineralization and the effect of implementing a waste rock cover. The results demonstrate that including specific sulfide mineral phases can have a significant effect on oxidation and that implementation of a cover can also aid in reducing waste rock oxidation. Key words: Arsenic sulfides, oxidation, shrinking core, waste rock, oxygen transport

Feb 27, 2013

By M. Radwan, S. Shimada, S. Z. El-Tawil, K. A. El-Barawy, Y. Miyamoto

This study presents the results of synthesizing monolithic siliconoxynitride, Si2N2O, ceramic from a mixture composed of reclaimed silicon and natural desert sand by using the nitriding combustion synthesis method. Single-phase Si2N2O powder was prepared by the combustion of a mixture composed of silicon and pulverized sand in 3 MPa nitrogen gas. The combustion reaction completed in 2 min and the combustion temperature reached 1577°C.The as-synthesized Si2N2O powder is agglomerate of fine particles with sizes < 5 µm and has various morphologies; rod-like and irregular crystals, irregular kinking, hollow crystals and grown pseudo-hexagonal prismatic crystals. Porous Si2N2O compacts (24.5–47.1% porosities) were fabricated from the synthesized Si2N2O powder at different calcia-alumina additives (5–20 wt%) by normal sintering at 1500°C for 1 hr in N2atmosphere.They showed superior oxidation-resistance at high temperatures up to 1500°C in an oxidizing atmosphere of Ar/O2/H2O(70/20/10 kPa).Near-full dense Si2N2O compacts were also successfully fabricated from the synthesized Si2N2O powder with 5 wt% oxide additives by using the spark plasma sintering at 1600°C.DenseSi2N2O had good mechanical properties (18.7 GPa Vickers hardness, 3.3 MPa.m1/2fracture toughness and 363 MPa strength) and excellent chemical and oxidation resistance.

Jan 1, 2004

By Y. J. Wang

The selection of a shaft size for ventilation purposes is a classic problem of concern to mining engineers. This presentation is concerned with the sizing of conventionally-sunk circular shafts with concrete or shotcrete linings. Costs of sinking shafts of three different depths (from 500 feet to 1000 feet) and six different diameters (from 14 feet to 24 feet) were obtained through questionnaires to shaft contractors. The primary objective of the economic model presented is the balancing of detailed annual capital and operating costs to achieve the minimum overall cost of the shaft installation over its life. The economic model is similar to previous analyses but treats several of the individual cost categories in an updated fashion. Included in the paper is a detailed analysis of the effects of varying power costs on optimal shaft size. Also included are a statistical analysis of current shaft costs and comments on the choice between shotcrete and concrete linings.

Jan 1, 1977

By Harald Ulrik Sverdrup, Anna Hulda Olafsdottir

The long-term supply of nickel to society was assessed with theWORLD7 model for the global nickel cycle, using new estimates of nickel reserves and resources, indicating that the best estimate of the ultimately recoverable resources for nickel is in the range of 650–720 million ton. This is significantly larger than earlier estimates. The extractable amounts were stratified by extraction cost and ore grade in the model, making them extractable only after price increases and cost reductions. The model simulated extraction, supply, ore grades, and market prices. The assessment predicts future scarcity and supply problems after 2100 for nickel. The model reconstructs observed extraction, supply and market prices for the period 1850–2020, and is used to simulate development for the period 2020–2200. The quality of nickel ore has decreased significantly from 1850 to 2020 and will continue to do so in the future according to the simulated predictions from the WORLD7 model. For nickel, extraction rates are suggested to reach their maximum value in 2050, and that most primary nickel resources will have been exhausted by 2130. After 2100, the supply per capita for nickel will decline towards exhaustion if business-as-usual is continuing. This will be manifested as reduced supply and increased prices. The peak year can be delayed by a maximum of 100 years if recycling rates are improved significantly and long before scarcity is visible.

Jan 26, 2021

By S. Boone, J. N. Shirlaw

INTRODUCTION Soft, near normally consolidated clays generally provide ideal conditions for tunneling using Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shields. It is easy to turn the clay into a low permeability, viscous spoil that can be pressurized to maintain the required face pres-sure. Despite this, there are records of relatively large, and often quite variable, surface settlements over EPB driven tunnels in soft clay. To understand this variation it is necessary to identify the various factors that contribute to settlement. Tunnels in soft clay are ideal for study these effects in the field, as an unsupported void will close almost immediately, due to the low shear strength of the soil. In the short term, deformation in a soft clay will occur at constant volume, so short term surface settlements can be related to movements at tunnel level. In this paper, data will be used from EPB driven tunnels in Singapore marine clay. In all of the cases discussed the lining consisted of precast concreted segmental rings erected in the tail of the shield. The marine clay in Singapore has been studied, among others, by Tanaka et al.(2001). The clay typically has a plasticity index of 40 to 60, and the undrained shear strength (SU ) can be derived from: SU = 0.22 svo&apos; where svo&apos; is the current vertical effective stress. Figure 1 shows a summary of undrained strength/depth plots used for design on two sections of Singapore’s North East Line. The stability of a tunnel in clay can be assessed by comparing the stability number (N) of the tunnel with the stability number at total collapse (NTC). The stability number can be calculated from the equation: N = (?Z + q – Pt)/SU where: ? = the average unit weight of the ground above the springline of the tunnel Z = the depth to the springline of the tunnel from the ground surface q = the surcharge Pt = the support pressure within the tunnel The stability number at total collapse depends on the size, geometry and depth of the tunnel, and typically ranges between 5 and 9. Charts for assessing the number at total collapse are provided in Kimura and Mair (1981), based on the testing of model tunnels in a geotechnical centrifuge. For tunnels in the Singapore marine clay, the stability number of an unsupported tunnel would be over nine if the tunnel ois more than 8m deep. As a result, a support pressure

Jan 1, 2007

By Thomas E. Ban

During recent years fuel consuming industries of the United States have been caught between environmental restrictions and the uncertainty of obtaining an inexpensive fuel. With the advent of the National Energy Act of 1978 there has been added impetus to switch from gas and oil to coal. For industrial furnaces and boilers that were designed to bum coal, returning to an available compliance coal might be feasible. However, furnaces and boilers designed for gas or oil cannot reasonably be converted to coal unless the coal is initially gasified. All cases, nevertheless, depend upon the availability of an adequate structured coal of a compliance composition, a challenge to the coal mining industry. The foregoing problems have contributed to the current energy-coal crisis of today&apos;s economies. It therefore would be worthwhile to capitalize on previous experiences of the mineral processing industry.

Jan 1, 1979

By K. Lapakko

Several static tests estimate the capacity of mine waste to produce and neutralize acid and are used as tools for predicting metal-mine waste drainage quality. Various methods and their accuracies are addressed. More accurate quantification of these capacities, as well as their availability and reactivity, may be necessary to predict drainage quality from some mine wastes. Chemical analyses, x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron beam analyses are among the techniques commercially available to more accurately quantify these capacities and provide insight into their availability and reactivity.

Jan 1, 2003

By A. Noble

The design of separation circuits can be a complex, labor-intensive and costly process. While the engineer?s experience along with extensive data sets and simulation are crucial tools for determining the final solution, a more fundamental approach is suitable to compare preliminary options and reduce the number of potential alternatives. In light of this need, the authors have developed the Circuit Analysis Reduction Tool (CART?). This software package relies on the fundamental principles of linear circuit analysis; however, the solution methodology has been streamlined to automatically incorporate stream splitting and unique separation performance for each unit. The resulting tool allows preliminary analysis of circuit designs without the need of detailed feed characterization. In addition to the basic analytical approach, this paper supports the veracity of the methodology with several simulated examples for various separation models.

Feb 27, 2013

By Gary Jobson

The Mt Todd Gold mine is situated near Katherine in the Northern Territory of Australia. Commissioning of an 8 Mtpa processing facility incorporating a four stage crushing circuit, ball mills, flotation, concentrate regrinding, high rate thickening and CIL processing was commenced during late 1996. A 4.5 M tonne /annum crushing and heap leach facility was commissioned during late 1994, and was subsequently upgraded to a nominal 6 M tonne / annum circuit during 1995. Processing equipment used included primary gyratory, secondary cone and tertiary Barmac VSI crushers. Some of the features of that crushing circuit and heap leach facility were presented at the Randol Perth 95 conference by myself. The location is described as sub tropical with average climatic conditions including 1100 millimetres annual rainfall, predominantly during the December. to March wet season, and 3000 millimetres evaporation and maximum temperatures ranging from around 26 to 46 °C. The main gold occurrence at the Mt Todd site is the Batman deposit, with current published Reserves of some 60 Mt@ 1.20 g Au / tonne ( 0.0425 oz Au / ton ). The primary ore from the Batman deposit is an extremely competent greywacke and is very hard at an average Bond Ball Mill Work Index of26.5 kWhrs/ tonne. Other indicators include a Bond Impact Crush Work Index of 20 kWhrs I tonne, an Abrasion Index of 0.15 and Ultimate Compressive Strength values of 100 - 200 MPa. The main gold occurrence is very finely disseminated free gold (at an average grain size of around 5 micron) within a combination of quartz and mixed sulphide. This gold bearing component is confined to largely parallel veins ranging from 0.5 to 25mm wide within a greywacke matrix. Although the gold is essentially non­refractory, there is a strong recovery versus grindsize relationship due mainly to the liberation characteristics and the relatively low permeability of the host greywacke rock.

Jan 1, 1997