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By W. Wanjokow, H. O. Hofman

In the metallurgical treatment of most metallic sulphides it is usually necessary to carry on a roasting-operation. In some cases the raw ore will have to be roasted; in others the intermediary product, matte, produced in smelting the ore; again, both ore and matte may have to be subjected to oxidation at elevated temperatures. Most metallic sulphides, when given an oxidizing-roast, pass through the state of sulphate before they are converted into oxides. All metallic sulphates are completely decomposed by heat, with the exception of those of lead and bismuth, but the temperatures at which decompositions take place vary with the metals. Some metallic sulphates are converted directly into oxides, others first form basic salts. Alkali-earth sulphates show a behavior similar to that of metallic sulphates, while alkali sulphates do not part with their sulphur trioxide even at elevated roasting-temperatures. The older data on the decomposition of metallic sulphates by heat are only approximations. Thus Kerl' gives the order in which metallic sulphates are decomposed with increasing temperatures as (Ag2, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, Pb) SO,. More recent statenlents give definite temperatures and modify the formerly accepted order of decomposition. But the temperatures given by various observers do not agree. The reasons for this are to be found mainly in the method and manner of carrying out experiments. Four methods have been used: 1. Heating in an evacuated tube; 2, heating in a tube closed at one end, without air-cur-

Jan 1, 1913

By Walter W. Bradley

(Three, papers included, in this discussion are classified as Mining Geology and also as one of the following-A, Metal Mining: B, Milling and Concentration: L, Geophysics. These papers are TP 2255, TP 2092 and TP 2038.) CONTENTS [PAGE Review of Fluorescence as Applied to Minerals, with Special Reference to Scheelite. (TP 1967 by J. W. VANDERWILT, Min. Tech., March 1946. Discussion by WALTER W. BRADLEY) I Geologic Interpretation of Magnetic Exploration on the Mesabi Range, Minnesota. (TP 2038 by R. B. H. JONES, Min. Tech., July 1946. Discussion by ROBERT B. SOSMAN) I A Technique for Photographing Difficult Subjects through a Petrographic Microscope. (TP 2092 by DONALD W. SCOTT, Min. Tech., Nov. 1946. Discussion by HORACE WINCHELL) 2 The Search for Concealed Deposits-a Reorientation of Philosophy. (TP 2146 by SAMUEL G. LASKY, Min. Tech., May 1947. Discussion by T. M. BRODERICK)3 Occurrence of Lead-zinc Ore at Iron King Mine, Prescott, Arizona. (TP 21 go by H. F. MILLS, Min. Tech., July 1947. Discussion by HUGH M. ROBERTS)3 Geologic Relations and New Ore Bodies of the Republic District, Washington. (TP 2197 by LAWRENCE B. WRIGHT, Min. Tech., July 1947. Discussion by AUGUSTUS LOCKE and J. A. RICHARDSON) 4 San Manuel Prospect. (TP 2255 by H. J. STEELE and G. R. RUBLY, Min. Tech., Sept. 1947. Discussion by L. KENNETH WILSON, ELDRED D. WILSON and the author) 5] Review of Fluorescence as Applied to Minerals, with Special Reference to Scheelite WALTER W. BRADLEY*-AS I recall, the first portable units for ultra-violet light of practical use with scheelite were developed at the Nevada-Massachusetts Tungsten Mine at Mill City, Nevada, and were used underground. Ultra-violet lamps are also installed there in the mill, above the gravity-concentration tables, for control observations. Geologic Interpretation of Magnetic Exploration on the Mesabi Range, Minnesota ROBERT B. SOSMAN*-When artificial precipitated magnetite is oxidized at a temperature in the vicinity of 100°C, the oxide is converted into a chocolate brown ferric oxide of the formula Fe2O3, free from ferrous iron, yet possessing the same magnetic susceptibility as the original Fe3O4. This form of Fe2O3 is variously called "ferromagnetic ferric oxide," " maghemite," or "gamma ferric oxide," and has been found as a natural mineral. If a body of magnetite in the Biwabik were to oxidize to this form, the oxidized and leached ore body might successfully conceal itself from Mr. Jones' survey by this ferromagnetic pretense. So far, gamma ferric oxide has not been found on the Minnesota iron ranges. I thought I had found some in the Hibbing pit in 1940, in a strongly magnetic specimen of soft ore differing in color from the prevailing hematite

Jan 1, 1947

By Thomas T. Read

The cost of labor turnover in industry is so large as to justify the adoption of almost any means to bring about its reduction. Intensive study has shown that faulty methods of hiring and discharging men is the most important factor in labor turnover. Complete control over hiring and discharging by the foreman is a relic of outgrown industrial conditions; centralized hiring permits this work to be put on a scientific basis and also does away with many serious evils that cannot, otherwise be reached. Centralized hiring does not impair the authority of the foreman; he hires his men from the employment office and discharges them back to it, instead of from and to the street. The employment manager, being a direct representative of the employer, tends to restore the former relation of direct intercourse between employee and employer that was helpful in avoiding friction between them. Being a specialist,, he is able to bring special knowledge and skill to bear upon the task of selling employment in his concern to desirable workmen; he is also able to give the foreign workman the special attention he requires. Employment managers have been used for the past few years by a number of large organizations, a few of which are engaged in the mining and rnetallurgical industries. They have invariably reduced labor turnover, in some cases to as little as one-tenth of what it had been. So great a reduction is due in part to other changes made in the light of the data made available by scientific study of the labor problem. In my former paper on personnel work' I advocated the more general use of the employment manager in mining and metallurgical enterprises as a means of reducing labor turnover. The form of organization recommended seems not be to understood by all, and I have requested the privilege of explaining it at greater length, since it is perhaps the most important factor of all in personnel work, and has a vital influence on the cost sheet of every industrial enterprise.

Jan 1, 1918

By Paul M. Tyler

The term "milling" as applied to nonmetallic minerals often refers merely to pulverizing without preliminary beneficiation. As applied to dimension stone, it embraces all the gteps involved in shaping and giving the desired finish to blocks. Processes such as sawing, planing, rubbing and polishing seem far removed from milling as the term is used in ore dressing, nevertheless they involve the element of concentration, for only 25 to 50 per cent of the gross quarry output may leave the mill as finished products after imperfect stone has been culled and the rough blocks trimmed. On the other hand, numerous nonmetallic minerals have to be concentrated in much the same manner as low-grade ores. Engineers and machinery manufacturers have begun to recognize more clearly the opportunities awaiting them in the nonmetallic field and have brought with them the methods and equipment developed in metal-mining camps, occasionally with little modification. General Economic Considerations Approximately one-half of the total value of the mineral production of the United States represents mineral fuels, and the other half is about equally divided between metals and nonmetals, the nonmetals recently having become relatively more important. In terms of volume the domestic output of nonmetallic minerals other than fuels is more than 10 times the annual output of metals. Considered on the basis of industrial utility and general commercial and military significance, moreover, the flow of nonmetallic mineral products is quite as needful to our national integrity and well-being as is that of metals, fuels, or other basic materials. Despite their importance individually and as a group, the nonmetallic mineral industries differ so widely in essential characters and economic environment that producers thereof have been slow to develop a community of interest among themselves or with the metal-mining fraternity. A spirit of change is in the air, rule-of-thumb methods soon may be relegated to limbo, and new methods—especially time-tested ideas borrowed from ore-dressing practice—are being introduced. A faithful record of plant practice in certain of these fields, however, must register

Jan 1, 1935

THE Annual Fall Meeting held in Chicago in conjunction with the celebration of a Centennial of Engineering brought forth a round of field trips and symposiums which did much to add to the store of information of the 240 who registered for the gathering. Instead of a scattered program, technical papers were grouped together in organized symposiums, where the particular importance of each report was enhanced by presentation in context. Despite the heavy accent on technical papers and informative field trips, those attending the meeting had ample time to enjoy the benefits of a visit to Chicago. The AIME dinner dance was held at the Palmer House, in the Red Lacquer Room. The Chicago Section played host Friday evening at dinner. The MBD held four sessions at the meeting headquarters, the Palmer House, September 4 and 5. Featuring the meetings was a review of taconite concentration and new theories on comminution. The first session opened with a paper on the Structural Features Which Effect the Concentration of Iron Formations, presented by F. J. Tolonen. The paper was centered upon the various members of the low grade iron formations of the separate Michigan districts. The study correlated macrostructure, microstructure, and concentration tests. [ ] Beneficiation Characteristics of Michigan Low Grade Iron Ores, presented by F. X. Tartaron, cochairman of the session, reviewed the work of his laboratory on the beneficiation of low grade ore taken from various strata of a deep shaft on the Marquette Range. The paper included data on flotation, gravity separation, magnetic separation, and combinations of these processes. The economics of low grade ore treatment generated great interest. Ty. Maki offered a compilation and correlation of field results with magnetic separators in ferrosilicon and magnetite medium recovery circuits. Following the morning session, 130 persons attended a luncheon, followed by a brief business meeting. Later, a film illustrating the grinding, separation, and pelletizing steps investigated by the Mines Experiment Bureau, was presented by H. H. Wade. T. E. Ban, and L. J. Erck gave a report on pelletizing which evoked much discussion. R. A. Limons presented a paper on the Mineralogy of Blast Furnace Sinter, for its author, H. M. Kraner. Friday sessions featured a new hypothesis for high speed drill rod milling and a new technical approach to comminution. Jack Myers commented that Consolidated's large rod mill was a hammer mill turned inside out. Steve Erickson described the use of Cyclones for Heavy Media Concentration of Iron Ore Fines. Bob Meaders gave a Progress Report on the Aerofall Mill. Shiou-Chuan Sun described an improved high frequency analyzer for studying the conductivity of suspensions of various minerals. L. A. Roe discussed a magnetic reflux condensor which enabled him to determine the degree of liberation of magnetic iron ores. Roy A. Johnson described a function of the hydroscilator in which the fan rake was eliminated in favor of a conical bottom. The Industrial Minerals Division sessions held September 5 and 6 and were well attended. The Friday morning session was particularly concerned with developments and advances in industrial minerals with special emphasis on the Chicago area. The first two papers dealt with transportation on the Great Lakes and fuel movement into the Chicago area. The third paper proved to be of great interest, turning the spotlight on the fairly new hydraulic mining methods introduced by a silica company in the Ottawa, Ill. field.

Jan 1, 1952

By H. J. Rahilly

MINE FIRES, in the Butte District, have been a source of trouble and expense for the past thirty years, for while the actual fire area in most of the mines has been comparatively small, the handling of the gas has generally been a much larger problem than the actual putting out of the fire. The chief causes of these fires have been: Defective electrical equipment, incendiarism or carelessness, and spontaneous combustion. While fires from the first two causes have been numerous, they have generally been discovered and extinguished before they became very serious. Spontaneous combustion has been the cause of most of the large fires. Sufficient heat has been generated by ground movement, high rock temperatures, and decomposition to set fire to inflammable materials (tarred ropes, canvas, dry timber, manure, and hay) left in the gobs some years ago. Also, the heat resulting from the oxidation of the fine broken sulfide ore is sometimes sufficient to set fire to the timbers. In 1906, a fire was discovered on the 1100-ft. level of the Minnie Healy mine about 400 ft. (122 m.) west of the Minnie Healy shaft, which presumably originated, in one of the upper levels, from spontaneous combustion. The fire was walled off by concrete bulkheads and a pillar of ground 100 ft. (30 m.) thick was left below and mining resumed underneath. During subsequent operations, this pillar became cracked and broken and the fire passed into the new workings. It travelled downward and spread rapidly until, in 1917, it had become necessary to wall off portions of the Tramway, Leonard, and West Colusa mines on the 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800, 1900, and 2000-ft. levels, and the top of the 2200-ft. raises were sealed. The fire area now consists roughly of a block 1000 by 1200 ft. and from the 600-ft. to the 2200-ft. level. This block is composed largely of a series of parallel northwest-southeast nearly vertical veins and stringers that form a large orebody, with no well-defined walls but badly fractured and faulted, and known locally as "Horsetail Ore." These veins, or orebodies, are mined by the square-set or the rill method.

Jan 2, 1922

By R. E. H. Pomeroy

The statistical data given in this paper are taken from the actual performance of the No. 2 reverberatory furnace of the Nevada Consolidated Copper Co., Mc Gill, Nev., for a period of four months, from April to July, 1914. The principal furnace dimensions are: Length, 132 ft. % in. at the skim-line level; average width, 18 ft., 10 in. at the skim-line level. The roof is 7 ft. above the skim-line level at the firing end. The average area in the uptake flue is 36 sq. ft., and the area above the skim line under the vulcatory arch is 24.3 sq. ft. Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic plan and sectional elevation of this furnace. The furnace is equipped with two 400-b.h.p. Stirling waste-heat boilers set in parallel. California crude petroleum is used for fuel and has a specific gravity of 16.5" B., flashing in open test at 199" F. The oil is heated to about 200" F. in a steam heater before going to the burners, requiring about 9 b.h.p. per furnace day to heat it from the line temperature to the burning temperature. Measurement is made by oil meter, checked daily by reservoir readings. The oil is fed by gravity (34 Ib. static pressure) to seven low-pressure blast burners of the Steptoe type (Fig. 2). The blast for these burners is supplied at about 40-08. pressure by a motor-driven Connersville blower of 42 cu. ft. capacity per revolution. The air supplied by the blower through the burners for atomizing the oil amounts to about 10 per cent. of the theoretical air necessary for complete combustion of the oil. The remainder of the necessary air enters the furnace through the burner openings in the firing wall. No checker holes are provided, and the charge holes in the roof are equipped with slide gates and " dog houses" to minimize air leakages. The combustion of the fuel, as shown by gas analysis at the front of the furnace, is practically complete, the carbon monoxide in the gases being less than 0.5 per cent. The draft at the firing end of the furnace is 0.18 in. of water. At the throat or in the uptake above the "verb" the draft is about 1 in.

Jan 1, 1915

By AIME AIME

THAT the copper industry is in serious straits is admitted. So are the lead and zinc industries, and both lead and zinc are tariff protected. Conditions in the Western lead, zinc and silver mining districts are desperate. These are illustrated by the present disastrously low prices of these metals compared with the levels of two and three years ago and by the comparative rates of metal production and the present activity of the western mining camps. The January production of copper was 32.2 per cent of the 1929 average rate, of steel was 32.3 per cent of the 1929 average, while January production of pig iron was only 27.6 per cent of the monthly average of 1929. The copper industry is only one of many industries that are suffering in this tragic depression. It has been exceedingly prosperous and will be prosperous again when business recovers. Its difficulties are not unique and it does not deserve the tariff equivalent of a dole. The burden of subsidizing through an effective tax or tariff the minority group of high-cost mines would be a heavy one on the consuming public of the United States. On the basis of 1929 consumption figures, an effective 5c. tariff would result in an increased copper bill to the country of over $109,000,000, of which the electric manufacturers would contribute $26,000,000, the telephone and telegraph companies $16,000,000, and the automobile manufacturers $14,000,000. And of this total bill, only $33,000,000 would go to those who are urging a tariff and the balance of $76,000,000 would be paid to those who do not admit either its necessity or usefulness under present conditions.

Jan 1, 1932

By AIME AIME

A DOCUMENT of progress and of great interest to engineers is the report of the Military Affairs Committee of 'the Engineering Council, which has just been accepted and sent to the secretary of War. It provides .a plan whereby civilian engineers holding commissions in the Reserve Corps may; with their con- sent, be called into service of the army during peace at any time, either with troops in the field or in a consulting capacity on any government engineering work. The Military Affairs Committee finds ample authority in the military bill passed by Congress on June 4, 1920, for this arrangement and also for extending the privilege to military engineer, officer-s of the regular army to engage in civilian work during times of peace. It is hoped that the Secretary of War will adopt the suggestions and put the program outlined into effect. This is a constructive piece of work comparable to the efforts of the military Committee before the war which developed so much in the way of preparedness, particularly in the program of military lectures which, held in the auditorium in the Engineering Societies Building, became so popular that each lecture had

Jan 1, 1920

By A. A. Dor

Out of nine new major iron ore concentrators put in operation during the last three years, or expected to be commissioned in 1968, seven incorporate primary grinding mills and have a total design capacity of 13,150,000 ltpy of pellets, while only two include conventional rod and ball mill grinding circuits for a total design capacity of about 6,100,000 ltpy (Table I). This evolution in the application of primary grinding to hard, fine grained magnetite ores represents an important development in the technology of mineral processing. It has been the outcome of comprehensive testwork in the laboratory and in pilot plants.

Jan 11, 1968

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

Jan 1, 1973

By J. D. Wright

INTRODUCTION The Endako deposit was first explored in 1926, but development waited until the early nineteen sixties. It first came under the control of Placer Development in 1963, and early in 1964 a decision to bring it into production was reached. The deposit is located near the geographic center of British Columbia, and is served by an east-west communication system including a paved highway, mainline railway and good telephone, teletype, and computer facilities. The plant area is shown in Figure 1. The operation is known as the Endako Mines Division of Canex Placer Limited of Vancouver. First production was achieved in June, 1965, at a nominal rate of 10,000 tons per day, but it soon was closer to 15,000 tons per day. In 1967, two new grinding and flotation, sections brought capacity to the present rate of approximately 27,000 tons per day. With mill heads of around 0.15 percent MoS2, production is about 14,000,000 pounds of molybdenum per year. A flowsheet of the operation is given in Figure 2. A legend for this flowsheet is given in Table 1. Published ore reserves are estimated at 214,500,000 tons at an average grade of 0.143 percent MoS2. PRIMARY CRUSHING The 85 or 100-ton haulage trucks dump over a grizzly into a 42 inch x 65 inch C.A.C. (Canadian Allis Chalmers) gyratory crusher. The

Jan 1, 1976

By Irving Cadoff, Kurt Komarek, Edward Miller

THE lead-telluride phase diagram as compiled by ansen' has one intermetallic compound, PbTe, with solid-solubility limits extending from 22 to 45 wt pct Te (31.4 to 57.1 at. pct). Pelzel2 redetermined the solubility limits on the lead-rich side of the compound by measuring the relative areas of the two phases in samples annealed in the liquid + compound region, and obtained data that agreed with that of Hansen. Recent studies of the semiconducting properties of PbTe3 however, have indicated that addition of either lead or tellurium to PbTe does not produce samples having carrier concentrations greater than about 10 19 cm-3. Assuming that each impurity atom results in one ionized charge carrier, this carrier concentration corresponds to a solubility range of less than 0.04 at. pct. Fritts and Karrar4 have also observed two phases in samples containing from 0.15 to 3.0 pct excess Pb. To resolve the discrepancy between these data, the solid solubility limits of the compound PbTe were reinvestigated, using several other techniques. Ten 25-g samples with compositions of 1/2, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt pct excess Pb and Te and two 100-g samples of 15 and 65 wt pct Te were prepared, sealed in evacuated quartz capsules, and melted at 950oC. The 1 pct excess Pb and Te and the 15 and 65 wt pct Te alloys were homogenized for 96 hr at 450°C; the remaining specimens were annealed 50°C below the solidus temperature reported in Hansen. The specimens were polished and etched with dilute HNO,. All the samples were two phase, the second phase appearing at grain boundaries or as spheroidized inclusions in the grains. In the case of the tellurium rich specimens, the second phase could be identified as a eutectic. Debye-Scherrer powder diffraction patterns of the i, 1, 3, 5, and 10 pct excess samples were obtained using CuKa filtered radiation. The films were indexed as the B1 or NaCl structure. The calculated lattice parameter of PbTe was the same for all the specimens, with an average of a0 = 6.460 ± 0.0005A. Lines due to excess lead or tellurium were very faint but could be clearly seen in all the films. The relative areas of the two phases in the 15 and 65 wt pct Te samples were corrected for the differences in density of Pb, Te, and PbTe, and taken as proportional to the relative volumes of the two phases. The corrected relative volumes agreed with a phase diagram having negligible solubility of both lead and tellurium in lead tellurium. The density of the two specimens was obtained to give a third independent determination of the phase limits. The specimens were broken into small pieces to eliminate any internal porosity, and adherent air bubbles were removed by vigorous shaking under water for several hours. The density of lead (11.34 g per cm3) and of tellurium (6.25 g per cm3) was taken from the International Critical Tables and that of stoichiometric PbTe (8.25 g per cm3) calculated from the lattice parameter. For the 15 wt pct Te samples, the density assuming no solubility was calculated to be 9.89 g per cm3; the observed density was 9.86 g per cm8. For the 65 wt pct Te alloy, the density calculated for the case of no solubility was 7.24 g per cm3; the measured density wag 7.22 g per cm3. These results are consistent with those of planimetry and X-ray. SUMMARY Data have been presented which show that the solid solubility of both lead and tellurium in PbTe is

Jan 1, 1961

By Arthur Phillips, E. S. Davenport

The purpose of this paper is to present certain data and observations resulting from a series of experiments dealing with the heat treatment and microstructure of commercial white cast iron and its derivative, malleable iron. In planning the experimental work, particular pains were taken to secure for the tests white cast iron of "normal" composition; i.e., within the composition limits commonly prescribed by manufacturers of malleable castings. A review of the literature leads us to believe that much data of a fragmentary character treating of the graphitization of white cast iron have been of little value, mainly because of the diversity in chemical composition of the materials employed in the tests. Moreovcr, when feasible, annealing periods at least comparable to those of current practice have been adopted. We wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the members of the research department of the Eastern Malleable Iron Co. for the white cast iron used in the test's and, particularly, for their active cooperation during the experimental stage of the work. In this paper the following subjects will be discussed in the order indicated: Data on the thermal critical points of white cast iron and malleable iron. Changes produced in tensile properties and microstrue.-ture of white cast iron by annealing at different temperatures within the, range, 760 to 1100° C. Relation of thickness of wall section of hard iron to microstructure and tensile properties of malleable iron obtained under normal annealing conditions. Notes on mechanics of graphitization of normal white cast iron as observed in specimens quenched after various periods of anneal at approximately 800" C.

Jan 1, 1922

By Arthur Phillips, E. S. Davenport

The purpose of this paper is to present certain data and observations resulting from a series of experiments dealing with the heat treatment and microstructure of commercial white cast iron and its derivative, malleable iron. In planning the experimental work, particular pains were taken to secure for the tests white cast iron of "normal" composition; i.e., within the composition limits commonly prescribed by manufacturers of malleable castings. A review of the literature leads us to believe that much data of a fragmentary character treating of the graphitization of white cast iron have been of little value, mainly because of the diversity in chemical composition of the materials employed in the tests. Moreovcr, when feasible, annealing periods at least comparable to those of current practice have been adopted. We wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the members of the research department of the Eastern Malleable Iron Co. for the white cast iron used in the test's and, particularly, for their active cooperation during the experimental stage of the work. In this paper the following subjects will be discussed in the order indicated: Data on the thermal critical points of white cast iron and malleable iron. Changes produced in tensile properties and microstrue.-ture of white cast iron by annealing at different temperatures within the, range, 760 to 1100° C. Relation of thickness of wall section of hard iron to microstructure and tensile properties of malleable iron obtained under normal annealing conditions. Notes on mechanics of graphitization of normal white cast iron as observed in specimens quenched after various periods of anneal at approximately 800" C.

Jan 1, 1922

By Donald W. Gentry

The recently established SME-AIME Education Board has completed its first full year of operation, and its six constituent committees-Accreditation, Career Guidance, Continuing Education, Educational Statistics, and Scholarship-have been extremely active in identifying and initiating programs to serve the educational needs of the Society of Mining Engineers and its members. The Continuing Education Committee-primarily concerned with the needs and problems associated with providing a continuing education program for SME members-is responsible for: (1) determining the need for short course offerings; (2) developing needed courses, along with new means and opportunities of presentation; and (3) scheduling and evaluating course presentation. In response to this charge, the committee has sponsored two short courses at the SME-AIME Fall Meeting in St. Louis and three short courses at the AIME Annual Meeting in Denver. Its major effort, however, has been directed toward the 1978 SME-AIME Fall Meeting to be held in Orlando, Fla., where 18 days of short-course instruction have been scheduled. A portion of these courses will be presented prior to the meeting, with the remainder to be presented in Nassau, Bahamas, immediately following the meeting.

Jan 7, 1978

By Michael J. Messel

OF the various minerals that occur in fibrous form known as asbestos, chrysotile is the variety most in demand for commercial uses, and, last year, over 683,000 tons of the various grades were produced in Canada and United States, exclusive of African and Russian production, which figures are uncertain. Production has not been able to keep up with the increased demand, and an acute shortage exists. Canada, Russia, and Africa are still the most important producers. However, Russia consumes most of its production at home and exports very little. The United States consumes over 60 pct of the total production and produces only about 4 pct of the total from deposits in Vermont and small quantities from Arizona. This paper will review mainly, some of the more recent developments concerned with the extraction and processing of this fibrous mineral for various industrial uses, such as textiles, insulation, building materials and brake linings.

Jan 1, 1949

Charles H. White, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass, (communication to the Secretary*):—In answer to Mr. Jar-man's questions I am able to say that constant use (during term-time) since 1901 has shown the new appliances in our laboratory to be very satisfactory. The draft in the hoods is sufficient to lift the fumes promptly from the baths and hotplates ; and the occasional application of stove-polish,—usually about three times a year, at the recess-periods,—so well protects all iron-work in the hoods that, up to the present time, there is very little evidence of the corroding action of acid fumes. Iron should never be used in the construction of hoods above

Jan 1, 1906

By William H. Shockley

There was an extensive mining and industrial exploitation of Russia, about 20 years ago, by Belgian, French and British capitalists; but the results were discouraging. It is said that the Belgian and French public together lost approximately $400,000,000, chiefly in the coal and iron industry of southern Russia. This loss is largely accounted for by the fact that most of the companies were formed, as usual in " boom" times, to sell stock; and that thorough investigations were not made. I11 1906, renewed interest was taken in Russian mines, especially in those of gold and copper, and a considerable literature is growing on this subject; but as yet I have seen no account of one of the large Russian mining estates. The following notes on such property, where the conditions are so different from those in the mining regions of the United States, should be of interest: This inadequate and probably somewhat inaccurate account is made up, partly from my own notes made on the ground, in the summers of 1904 and 1905, and partly from a volume on the geology and resources of the estate issued several years ago, containing surface- and mine-maps, and from a pamphlet published in 1904, giving a general account of the condition and prospects of the property. This pamphlet includes a report made in 1899 by Arthur L. Pearse, a member of this Institute. Both these books are in Russian, and were prepared by the Bogoslovsk Mining Co., which owns and operates the property. Articles in many other languages have appeared dealing with various matters connected with the estate; but I know of no other general account of it. In numerous books and articles on the Urals and Siberia, however, localities are described in which somewhat similar conditions prevail. Recent papers by

Jan 1, 1909

By J. Parke Channing

These days of great industrial and social problems in America produce many suggested solutions and great changes. The practical engineer and employer of labor views these problems differently from the labor leader or the social reformer, but as never before he is sincerely interested in solving them in a way that will be just to all. The inevitable tendency of the day is toward "industrial betterment," " safety," '(industrial education," " efficiency," and the many other things which have become so familiar to progressive employers. There is no longer any question that these things are worth while from both the human and economic standpoints. They "pay" in dollars and cents. The very center of final success in improving conditions and increasing the efficiency of workingmen must be the spirit of fairness and a knowledge on the part of the employer of how to deal sympathetically and intelligently with his employees. Every progressive employer knows how greatly he desires foremen, superintendents, managers and others who possess these qualities. On the other hand, we are all familiar with serious mistakes made by young graduates of engineering schools who have had no opportunity to develop these qualities, and who have no real appreciation of the worth of the workers. Indeed, one wonders whether much ill-feeling, labor difficulties, and many strikes could not be avoided if such men had the right attitude. Is there any way of remedying this condition? If this particular difficulty can be solved, if these young engineers, many of whom are our coming leaders of industry, can be given the right perspective and the right understanding of these other problems in addition to fair, sympathetic methods of handling men, many of our other problems will be solved—not at once, but gradually and permanently, as these men make good and become influential in paths of industrial righteousness and industrial peace. Many progressive employers of to-day have enlarged their own perspective and realize the great importance of enlarging the perspective of those who shall follow them. How can it be done? For seven years a movement has been making

Jan 1, 1915