Search Documents

By Dan Preston, Shane Yanagisawa, Robert Marshall, Don Deere

Geotechnical Baseline Reports often estimate the number of cobbles that will be encountered in terms of volume or weight. These estimates are practically impossible to verify in the field. ClaroVia Holdings in conjunction with Frontier Kemper Constructors Inc. developed Digital Geologist 2.0 to classify and count cobbles discharged from an EPB TBM at the RSC7 project in Burbank, CA. The system worked by using two stereoscopic laser sensors with a global shutter to scan and count cobbles at 12 frames per second. Results of the effort are revealed along with lessons learned and paths for improvement.

Jun 13, 2023

By Donald A. Bruce

Pregrouting is an extremely important part of many rock tunneling projects. However, poor and unsatisfactory performances have been frequently recorded often with very severe consequences, technically and financially. This paper, based on personal knowledge of several relevant case histories, provides recommendations with respect to specification drafting, drilling, water pressure testing, and grouting methodologies, and cementitious grout mix design principles. Even given that the logistical challenges facing tunnel pregrouting from underground will prevent all the sophistication and innovations of contemporary dam foundation grouting being practically implemented, there is still opportunity and need to change “traditional” approaches.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. A. Herbst

A state of the art computer simulation package, named UTAH-MODSIM is being developed. This package can run on a mainframe (eg. UNIVAC) as well as on a microcomputer (eg. IBM/PC with at least 512 kBytes of core memory). Friendliness was the major concern in developing this software. The user simply generates a complete flowsheet by presenting the flowsheet on a graphics terminal. This flowsheet defines the circuit to be simulated. With the minimum required data, the user can obtain a complete mass and water balances within a few minutes. Moreover, this package will provide scale-up and capital cost information of specified equipment relevant to design. In order to illustrate the utility of this software, three design examples are given. They are: a) A typical multistage crushing plant. b) A reverse closed grinding circuit comparing one stage with two stage classification. c) A standard closed grinding circuit suitable to liberate a specified fraction of chalcopyrite from a copper ore.

Jan 1, 1986

By Mokhinabonu Mardonova, Yosoon Choi

Open-source technology for supporting the Industry 4.0 has become the target of academic research in many sectors. This study reviewed the trends of open-source technology, its forms, and some industrial applications. As a case study using open-source hardware and software for the mining industry, this study proposed a low-cost environmental monitoring system for non-metallic underground mines to support mine safety and occupational health issues. The system was developed using open-source hardware, Arduino and 3D printer, to design the monitoring device. An open-source software, MIT App Inventor, was used for developing an Android application for smartphones to enable remote communication with the system. Field experiments were conducted at an underground tunnel and a non-metallic underground mining site to assess the performance of the system in both mobile and static modes, respectively. Although a few limitations related to the precision of the low-cost dust and gas sensors still exist, the findings of the experiments show that the mining industry can benefit from open-source technology deployment when considering cost factors

By Eduardo M. Sacris

The performance of the grinding circuit, from the initial stages of operation to the present, is discussed. The mill efficiency as measured by the Bond grindability data and the operating work index is presented. The objective has been to produce a sand cyclone overflow containing not more than 6% +65 mesh. However, this has never been attained even at low milling rates. On the other hand, significant improvements in throughput were achieved by instituting some equipment changes and process modifications within the grinding circuit. The latest approach to solving the coarse grind problem is also discussed.

Jan 1, 1983

By William Gleason

"Sluggish prices for commodities and a glut of oversupply of many commodities did not stop the world’s largest mining equipment makers from showing off their latest and greatest machines and technology starting with the world’s largest equipment trade show, bauma 2016 in Munich, Germany.From April 8-14, an estimated 580,000 visitors from 200 countries visited the show that featured 3,423 exhibitors from 58 countries. While primarily a show for construction equipment, the mining footprint has grown over the years. Among the largest exhibits was that of Liebherr, which brought more than 100 products, had an outdoor exhibition stand, a stand for the components division and a career stand under the motto “Be Part of Something Bigger.” One of the biggest aspects of the exhibit was its mining products where the company staged the first-ever professional table tennis match in the 130 m3 (170 cu yd) dump body of the T 264 mining truck. The top German players Timo Boll and Patrick Franziska with their trainer Jörg Robkopf faced Austria’s singles world champion from 2003, Werner Schlager, and the reigning Team Europe champions Chen Weixing and Stefan Fegerl.“Bauma 2016 was an absolute success for Liebherr. With this year’s appearance we were once again able to show our innovative strength, performance and technological diversity to a very large and international audience from the industry. We conducted interesting discussions with numerous customers and partners from various countries and discussed new projects,” said Stefan Heissler, Member of the board of directors of the Liebherr Group.Likewise, Caterpillar, the world’s largest maker of construction and mining equipment had a large presence at the show with more than 60 products and 12,000 m2 (129,000 sq ft)of exhibit space. Among the iconic yellow mining equipment that was on display was the 6015B hydraulic mining shovel."

Jun 1, 2016

By M. Michael, A. Felber

"Mining activities, especially underground mining operations, create great demands on utilized haulage means which cover a variety of different horizontal and vertical distances. In the course of the continuous optimization of the haulage process, the application of textile machine elements, in particular synthetic fiber ropes, offers new opportunities. Therefore the current level of knowledge needs to be improved based on extensive analyses. For the estimation of the scope of these analyses, different fields of application and occurring environmental influences which have an impact on synthetic fiber ropes during their use in underground mining have to be evaluated. The Chair Underground Mining Methods of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg works on a scientific project concerning the use of synthetic fiber ropes in underground mining operations. This paper focuses on the potential application of synthetic fiber ropes in haulage systems in underground mining and exposes critical influences as an outcome of the working environment. These first investigations are the basis for the development of an appropriate experimental series. SYNTHETIC FIBER ROPES FOR UNDERGROUND MINING OPERATIONS The main idea is to optimize underground haulage means to develop even more economic systems. The new and lightweight design of single machine elements seems to be the first step to accomplish this goal. An example is the lightweight design of shaft hoisting ropes. The commonly used steel wire ropes are very heavy and are endangered to snap due to their own weight when reaching a distinguishing length. Thus they may not or only conditionally be used for deep mining operations utilizing shaft haulage. Ropes made of high-tech synthetic fibers weigh only an eighth of steel wire ropes while displaying the same tensile strength. This relation is shown in Figure 1, based on the comparison of fiber strength and density. This could offer new opportunities for deep mining operations, which are anticipated by many mining companies. /1/"

Jan 1, 2015

By Jerry C. Tien

In 2009 China mined 2.695 billion metric tones (Gt) of raw coal. It is estimated that only 3-5% or roughly 135 million metric tones (Mt) of these were mined from 300 some surface operations. Except for a dozen or so large modern operations, most of China's surface coal operations are small by western standards, with annual production ranging from a few thousand tones to 300,000 metric tones (mt). Depending on the size of operations, equipment used range from small trucks and shovels to large bucket wheel excavators and draglines in sizable pits. This article provides a brief overview of China's surface mineable coal reserves, mining methods commonly used and increasing environmental concerns; introductions of several large surface operations are also provided.

Jan 1, 2012

By J. Yuan

Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and chemically precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) have become important mineral-based commodities in recent years. GCC manufacturing generally requires high purity and high brightness deposits of marble, chalk or limestone as the stone source. PCC usually uses limes made from lesser quality limestone deposits. GCC products have a wide span of particle size, with a d50 size ranging from sub micrometers to as large as several inches such as those used in landscaping. PCC products are typically limited to less than 10 µm (1,250 mesh). Each PCC product has a narrowly distributed size range. GCC and PCC products tend to have higher levels of whiteness com-pared with other traditional filler and extenders, such as kaolin and talc. Published statistics of GCC production volume often vary due to the exclusion of certain size range GCC products. According to Roskill’s latest estimate, world GCC capacity was believed to exceed 56 Mt (62 millionst) during 2004 for all grades.

Jan 1, 2005

By K. Muralidharan, P. R. Rao, M. Momayez, K. A. Runge

The evolution of trapped geothermal heat in hot underground mine along with emission of toxic gases and dust during mine activity makes the mine environment unfavorable is hazardous to worker’s health. This imposes significant demand on cooling and ventilation systems. As a result, substantial costs are incurred while implementing environmental regulation processes to dissipate the heat and provide comfortable working conditions. Thus, as an alternative, the development of cost effective materials to act as efficient thermal insulators is on the rise. Thermal conductivity is an important property that is a direct measure of a material’s ability to facilitate/deter heat flow. In addition to their superior chemical resistance, adequate mechanical strength, abrasion and fire retardant as well as environmental benefits in comparison to existing building materials such as ordinary Portland cement, aluminosilicate based geopolymers are now gaining widespread interest as promising thermally insulating and sustainable materials. This paper begins with an overview of geopolymers, transitioning into a discussion of recent developments in the field of geopolymer development as a thermally insulating material broadly classified into: filled geopolymers and porous geopolymers resulting in structures with enhanced ability to impede heat flow.

May 9, 2020

By Charles H. Wells

This paper presents a review of the state of the art in coal preparation plant instrumentation and a discussion of automation practice that could be applied based on current mineral beneficiation experience and demonstrated foreign technology in coal washing plants. Specific e-mules of applications of remotely controlled slurry values, pneumatic and electronic field transmitters, computers for control and data logging, and on-line analytical instrumentation are given. A program, to demonstrate this technology is described.

Jan 1, 1980

By I. A. Kunasz

This paper is not intended to review and re-state general information on lithium, but rather to analyze the paradigm that has caused such a rapid rise in lithium production and the development of new lithium producing centers. Details on pegmatites, brines, concentrate and chemicals are amply covered in a number of publications ? SME?s Industrial Minerals and Rocks, Industrial Minerals, Roskill and a host of other publications. There is no question that the latest interest in lithium has been driven by the potential development of the electric car. This stimulus prompts one to recall two symposia: 1. ?Lithium Resources and Requirements be the year 2000?, organized in 1976 by the U.S.G.S. in Denver (1) and the sequel 2. ?Lithium ? Needs and Resources? at Corning, N.Y. (2).

Jan 1, 2011

By Raja V. Ramani

Discussion in this section of the Handbook is limited to the working environment of miners, the mine workers themselves, and the machines used in mining (Fig. 11.0.1). The contents emphasize personnel health and safety aspects and engineering design and control practices to ensure a productive health and safety environment. Reference is to the health and safety of the individual miners as well as to the safety of the working environment. This Handbook also contains references to health and safety regulations in Chapter 3.2 and environmental protection in Chapters 3.4 and 7.3.

Jan 1, 2008

By O. K. Olawale, G. O. Edaogbogun, B. N. Ben‑Festus, F. Ben, F. R. Amodu

The environmental and health implications of artisanal gold mining activities at mining sites across Nigeria have rekindled research interest. This study aimed to assess the scalability of naturally occurring radioactive materials in gold mining sites in Iperindo, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three different mining sites and control locations and analyzed for natural radionuclides, mainly 238U, 232Th, and 40K, using gamma spectrometry having a sodium iodide detector. The average activity concentration values of 61.55 ± 3.71, 72.65 ± 4.45, and 1134.99 ± 38.12 Bqkg− 1 obtained from within the mining sites for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, were above the world permissible values of 33.0 Bqkg− 1 for 238U, 45.0 Bqkg− 1 for 232Th, and 420.0 Bqkg− 1 for 40K. The average activity concentration values of 15.26 ± 3.19, 21.46 ± 4.27, 381.04 ± 23.36 Bqkg− 1 estimated for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, for the control location were, however, lower than the global permissible values. The study also evaluated other radiological parameters such as radium equivalent, dose rate, annual effective dose rate, internal and external hazard indices, and alpha and gamma indices. The obtained values were 252.83 Bqkg− 1, 119.98 nGyh− 1, 147.15 mSvy− 1, 0.85 Bqkg− 1, 0.68 Bqkg− 1, 0.31 Bqkg− 1, and 1.89 Bqkg− 1 respectively. Except for radium equivalent, external and internal hazard risks, and alpha index, which were significantly lower than the recommended threshold, all other radiological parameters were higher than the recommended global limits. Moderate data reproducibility and a p-value of 0.000574 further reinforced the robustness and reliability of the results obtained in this study.

Feb 22, 2024

By Arne M. Myrvang

Rock stress measurements have been carried out by the Mining Department, the Norw. Institute of Technology (NTH) since 1964. Before that time rock stress measurements were carried out at a few locations by the Swedish professor Hast as early as 1958. From the very beginning the NTH engagement in the rock stress measuring field has been very practically aimed, and we have all the time enjoyed a very good cooperation with the Norwegian mining industry. At a very early stage the industry realized that proper measurements with proper equipment could be a very valuable practical tool. Hence the industry also was willing to grant considerable funds for the education of experts and development of measuring techniques. Since 1964 measurements have been carried out in the great majority of Norwegian mines. During the last years a large number of measurements have also been carried out in connection with hydro-electric power plants, road tunnels etc.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. G. Stevenson

The centennial celebration of the AIME provides an opportunity to review some aspects of developments in mineral exploration since 1871 and to reflect on the changes that have occurred. During this period seven Factors have fundamentally altered the procedures, techniques and philosophy of mineral exploration. Although most of these developed gradually, and unheralded, they have drastically altered the art of exploration and discovery. 1. ADVANCES IN MINING AND MILLING The development of huge shovels, draglines, trucks and track-mounted drills, to replace the wheelbarrow and single Jack has drastically expanded the rate of production for both underground and surface mining. The development of selective flotation has had a far-reaching affect on mineral exploration and has made it possible to extract metals from the metallurgically complex deposits discovered years before. These developments have reduced the costs of mining and treatment, and have transformed material into ore that was considered waste one hundred years ago. These advances have permitted exploration for progressively lower grade and larger mineral deposits.

Jan 1, 1971

By William R. Yernberg

The Mineral Processing Plant Design, Practice and Control Conference was held from Oct. 20through 24, 2002, at the Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The conference was attended by nearly 400 of the world’s top mineral-processing specialists, including plant-design engineers, mineral-processing consultants, academics, suppliers and equipment manufacturers. The meeting was sponsored by SME and cosponsored by the Canadian Mineral Processing Division of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM). The conference covered all aspects of mineral-processing design, construction and operation. The meeting included more than 130 technical presentations. Topics included sampling programs, feasibility studies, design criteria, process technologies, construction, start-up operations and shutdowns. To stimulate interaction and discussion throughout the five-day conference, the sessions were presented consecutively. Attendees had the opportunity to attend every session.

Jan 1, 2003

By Borje Bjorkvall

At LKAB's plants in Lappland, Sweden, sintered pellets are manu-factured according to three different industrial processes, viz. shaft furnace at Malmberget, straight-grate at Kiruna and grate-kiln at Svappavaara. At present the total annual capacity amounts to 4.7 million tons. However, since it has been decided to erect a new straight-grate plant (2.5 million tons) at Malmberget, and because of the decision to extend and rebuild the existing plants, it is estimated that the annual capacity will be increased to somewhat over 8 million tons by 1973. The great majority of the pellets produced is exported. They are thus reloaded several times and generally speaking roughly handled, resulting in larger or smaller product losses on arrival at the point of use. It is there-fore of great economical interest to have a good control over the transport strength of the pellets by appropriate quality testing at the point of production. In addition to good transport strength, further demands are ob-viously made on pellets destined for blast furnace operation. The blast furnace burden must maintain a good permeability for the gas. The pellets must thus have a favourable size distribution and must not be so weakened by reduction that they disintegrate under the stresses and clog the blast furnace shaft. Furthermore, the burden must have good reducibility. An increase of the rate of reduction can obviously mean increased blast furnace capacity and reduced coke consumption. In order to optimise the properties of the pellets in these respects, the producer must also be thoroughly familiar with their behaviour during reduction, particularly as the customer's interest in the reduction properties of the pellets' has increased over the last few years. Up to now the only quality demands the customer has made have generally had to do with the cold strength and the screen analysis. Thus a quality control of in addition to good transport strength, further demands are obviously made on pellets destined for blast furnace operation. The blast furnace burden must maintain a good permeability for the gas. The pellets must thus have a favourable size distribution and must not be so weakened by reduction that they disintegrate under the stresses and clog the blast furnace shaft. Furthermore, the burden must have good reducibility. An increase of the rate of reduction can obviously mean increased blast furnace capacity and reduced coke consumption. In order to optimise the properties of the pellets in these respects, the producer must also be thoroughly familiar with their behaviour during reduction, particularly as the customer's interest in the reduction properties of the pellets' has increased over the last few years. Up to now the only quality demands the customer has made have generally had to do with the cold strength and the screen analysis. Thus a quality control of

Jan 1, 1972

By H. Walqui

The Empire concentrator was built in four stages, with the latest stage accounting for 50% of the overall plant capacity. Over the past 5 years, the average throughput of the three grinding lines has decreased by 50 LTPH (15%) without significant changes in ore characteristics and despite the addition of secondary grinding capacity to supplement the existing pebble mills that are the constraint of the grinding circuit. This paper discusses the different areas under study that are aimed at optimizing grinding circuit utilization which includes improving system logic, pebble crushing operation and pebble mills operation.

Jan 1, 2009

By V. J. McSweeney

This paper is directed at interested parties outside the Beach Sand Industry : the scope is quite broad. The geomorphology described is a successful working hypothesis which guided the author during prospecting and pegging campaigns : the author is not an expert in this field. The test data used in the text, for illustrative purposes, is original and may constitute a contribution to the state of the art. The operation- al and design philosophy embodied in the text is personal and describes the author's methods : all practising exponents would differ in some degree amongst themselves on these subjects. In this paper, no criticism of any existing operation or brand of equipment is intended and names are used to maintain a real contact with the subject matter. The author believes that the operational and design techniques evolved in the Beach Sand Industry under continual duress, have a wider application in the mining industry. This glimpse of the Industry is intended to enhance the respect for the present and past members. Space does not permit individual acknowledgements.

Jan 1, 1982