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By B. C. Darst

Developments in the agricultural use of potassium (K) have been based solely on the essential role K plays in crop production. Crop plants cannot complete their normal life cycle if K is deficient or absent. In fact, no essential plant nutrient other than nitrogen is required in greater quantities. Table 1 shows the amounts of K some crops take up from the soil. Although the exact functions of K in the plant are not well known, its primary role seems to be tied to plant metabolism. Potassium is vital to the process of photosynthesis. When K is deficient, photosynthesis declines, but respiration increases. These two K-deficient conditions. . . reduced photosynthesis and increased respiration ... lower the plant's carbohydrate supply, the end result being poor agronomic crop production. Potassium is also essential to several other plant functions, including the following: 1) Protein synthesis. 2) Water use efficiency, through the influence of K on stomata opening and closing, to maintain the turgidity in plant leaf cells. 3) Translocation of heavy metals such as iron and zinc. 4) Ionic balance. 5) Control of enzyme reactions within plants.

Jan 1, 1985

By M. N. Pons, E. Benizri, B. Laubie, A. Bani, Université de Lorraine LRGP, P. Kidd, A. J. M. Baker

"Serpentine (i.e. ultramafic) outcrops in Europe cover more than 10,000 km2 and have a low-fertility and low-productivity, making them unattractive for traditional agriculture. In general, these areas are slowly abandoned by local farmers, affected by strong rural exodus and landscapes undergo a process of closure. However, ultramafic landscapes have the potential to provide multiple ecosystem services that can contribute to Europe’s goals towards insuring food security, production of renewable raw materials and renewable energy. Phytomining (agromining) aims at cultivating metal hyperaccumulator plants that are able to accumulate Ni and other strategic elements from metal-rich soils and transport them to the shoots (>1%), which can then be harvested as a bio-ore. Such metal-rich biomass can be used to recover highly valuable metals, e.g. nickel (Ni) and also to produce energy (heat, electricity). Nickel agromining can thus offer an eco-efficient alternative to classical pyro- or hydrometallurgical processes without disturbing the soil cover and the geology from soils and rocks that would be considered as low grade ores or sterile material for conventional mining methods.Phytomining agroecosystems can lead to better soil resource efficiency and can offer a fully integrated, new agromining agriculture that could cover thousands of km2 in Europe, benefit local communities with a sustainable rural development and provide a wide array of ecosystem services which will need to be optimised under a life cycle assessment methodology:1. Production of bio-sourced metal products2. Production of energy biomass3. Restoration of soil fertility for conventional agriculture (Ni stress)4. Limiting Ni intake by local populations and farmers5. Use and conservation of local biodiversity (plant and soil fauna and microflora) as cultivated ecosystems6. Store carbon in cultivated soils7. Enhance pollination activity at landscape level.Nickel agromining could therefore change the economical balance in historically-disadvantaged ultramaficregions of Europe"

Jan 1, 2016

Discovery of an economic diamond deposit produces considerable wealth in terms of jobs, royalties, mining investment, and economic spinoffs for residents, including Aboriginal peoples. Diamond mines contribute to the GDP, increased personal income per person and reduced unemployment rates. Is it possible in Alberta?

May 1, 2008

By C. Ford, R. E. Salas Rojas, J. P. Contreras Rodriquez, S. A. Pierce

Heightened environmental consciousness has resulted in the development of various international accords dealing with natural resource management. This international awareness is now being translated into regional and local initiatives that proactively implement collaborative environmental management programs. One such program was recently initiated in northern Chile in recognition of the interconnection of Andean salars. Cooperative efforts between industry, governmental agencies and academic professionals have resulted in the implementation of simultaneous environmental monitoring of flora and fauna in the salars of northern Chile. This coordinated effort is leading to an improved understanding of the migratory patterns of South American fauna, as well as improved access to an expanded database for the multiple user groups associated with the Andean salars. The El Abra Mine is actively participating in these coordinated monitoring efforts.

Jan 1, 1999

By Rudi Acuña, Alejandro Luna

El proyecto: “Agua saludable para Comunidades” busca mejorar la calidad de vida en las localidades de Carumas, Cuchumbaya, Pocata, Coscore, Tala y Calientes, cuya población nunca ha contado con sistemas de agua potable para su consumo, teniendo que consumir agua de fuentes no adecuadas. A través de esta iniciativa, se plantea cambiar esta realidad instalando sistemas de tratamiento de agua que funcionan con energía renovable, y que requieran una operación sencilla con mínimo mantenimiento.

Sep 29, 2023

By Rebecca Darling

El texto describe la importancia del agua en la minería a partir de la integración de enfoques técnicos y sociales para la gestión sostenible del líquido elemento en las comunidades aledañas. Por ello, se describen los riegos típicos de agua que las compañías enfrentan y plantea las posibles soluciones para tener un entorno minero más operativo. Entre estas resoluciones tenemos: la alineación interna, la comunicación estratégica y la cogestión de recursos (un espectro de monitoreo participativo para la toma de decisiones compartida.

Aug 1, 2014

By R. H. King

Mine managers need better information to locate new opportunities and then to assess the effect of their decisions. We are developing the Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) and its two major modules, the Pattern Recognition System (PRS) and the Knowledge Representation Subsystem (KRS) to automatically provide the information from monitoring system sensors. So far, we have developed and reported on algorithms that automatically produce accurate time-study reports of continuous miner data from kilowatt sensors at the Deserado Mine, and we are extending the system to accept other types of sensor data input. This paper focuses on AI techniques that improve accuracy of the numerical algorithms in the PRS module. Additional AI work for the KRS module is summarized in this paper.

Jan 1, 1989

The Naval Consulting Board is asking the aid of all the members of the Institute in its effort to help solve the submarine problem. Probably every member of the Institute has some suggestion, and while each one of these may be of only slight value in furnishing the remedy, the aggregate may be of great service. Every member of the Institute will soon receive a pamphlet known as Bulletin No. 1 of the Naval Consulting. Board of the United States in which full information and instructions will be given to all of those who are willing to assist. It is hoped when this information is received the members of the Institute will give it their prompt attention and write as soon as possible to the Secretary of the Naval Consulting Board, 13 Park Row, New York, N. Y.

Jan 9, 1917

By D. G. Osborne

"The paper describes current 'tools' available to the coal preparation engineer for carrying out the evaluation of data, process design, selection of equipment and layout and design of coal preparation plants.Laboratory and pilot-scale equipment is widely available and test data can be used to provide valuable design information regarding capacities and sizing for specific applications. Pilot plants, unless they fit closely to the basic design envisaged for the eventual commercial plant, C(In often provide only limited useful information.Computing aids such as equipment simulation, plant modelling, etc. are becoming widely applied for establishing design criteria and investigating flowsheet options . Other computer tools such as computer-aided design systems are taking over some of the time-consuming tasks of detailed layout and design and estimation of quantities, etc. and providing the means for detailed examination of more than a single option.Besides computer modelling there is also physical modelling of plant buildings, plant sites and entire proposed mining areas; the former can be especially useful in finalizing design and threading' pipework and electrical reticulation systems through the plant without the resultant risk of impairment of flow, obstruction or wastefulness. Not the least of the benefits of plant models is the assistance provided for training new operating and maintenance staff."

Jan 1, 1985

By F. H. Deist, M. P. Roberts

"The Collieries Research Laboratory of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa is developing a coherent system of programs to aid in the full spectrum of activities arising in the planning of new as well as operating mining enterprises. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the design and application of two subsystems in the complex.One of these subsystems is an initial version of a production simulator. This program draws upon a model of a mining enterprise and simulates the operational and financial aspects of a set of alternative mine production plans.These plans are specified in terms of proposed sequences of operations. Details such as reserves, production rates, resource requirements and so on, are taken from the model.Physically, the model takes the form of a cross-referenced data base, maintained by means of a general file maintenance system which is another subsystem described.The paper concludes with a description and analysis of the first practical application of the two programs."

Jan 1, 2014

Jan 4, 1951

[SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 10 am to 5 pm Council of Section' Delegates SUNDAY, FEBRUARY .17 1 pm Student Relations Committee 2 pm Board of Directors 2:30 pm MIED-Mineral Economics Instruction 5:30 pm MIED-Cocktails and Buffet Supper 7:30 pm MIED-Mineral Education 8 pm IMD-Program Committee]

Jan 1, 1952

Jan 3, 1953

Jan 8, 1950

Jan 11, 1951

Jan 9, 1951

Considerable discussion took place at the June 18th Board of Directors Meeting concerning ways the Petroleum Branch office in Dallas could better serve its members and the essentially Petroleum Local Sections, namely the Delta, East Texas, Gulf Coast, Kansas, Mid-Continent, North Texas, Oklahoma City, Permian Basin, and Southwest Texas. The question of whether decentralization strengthens or weakens the Institute was debated, particularly as to what services could be advantageously decentralized and how both offices could keep informed on their mutual problems. Among other things, it was decided that an Auxiliary Admissions Committee could screen applications from Petroleum members before final action by the National Admissions Committee in New York. Finally it was voted, "That all administrative matters that can be properly delegated to a Branch organization may be so delegated". Final details were approved at the July 16th meeting of the Executive and Finance Committees.

Jan 1, 1952

By M. K. Quinn, A. W. Khair

"This paper presents an analysis of respiraple dust generation due to the action of a continuous miner. Underground coal cutting by a drum-type continuous miner was simulated in the laboratory using a specially designed unique automated rotary coal cutting simulator (ARCCS). An analysis of -400 mesh particles was done on gravity collected material. Samples of entrained dust were collected through the use of cascade impactors. Both samples were analyzed for size distribution and particle shape. Using the simulated coal cutter permitted variation of operating and in-situ parameters to provide information on the effects on generation of -400 mesh particles. In these tests coal blocks with an approximate dimension of 18 in. x 15 in. x 6 in. (45.7 cm x 38.1 cm x 15.2 cm) were first subjected to confining pressures, equivalent to in-situ conditions. Such blocks were then cut by the cutting head of the ARCCS, thus simulating the action of the continuous miner in underground coal mining. During the tests under a particular set of in-situ and operating parameters a number of other parameters such as 1) penetration of bit into coal, 2) penetration resistance (thrust and cutting pressures), 3) rotating velocity of cutting head, and 4) acoustic emission activity in the coal block were monitored. After each cutting cycle the fractured surfaces were photo¬graphed and a velocity survey was conducted by using a sonic technique. At the end of each experiment the cutting paths of the bits in coal were photographed using an optical microscope with an attached camera.IntroductionThe continuous-mining machines introduced in the 1950's now account for more than half the production of coal from underground mines. Unfortunately, these continuous miners, designed for increased productivity, have also increased the concentration of respirable dust in mines. As a result, the Federal Coal sine Health and Safety Act of 1969 was enacted to enforce on the coal operators that the airborne respirable dust not exceed 2 mg/m3, and was intended to reduce the incidence of coal workers pneumo-coniosis. This plus the other aspects of the legislation and the subsequent monitoring and enforcement by MSHA made it very imperative that the coal operators provide a relatively healthier and safer working environment for the coal miners. Since 1970, the Federal government has paid over 11.7 billion dollars to more than 470,000 miners with coal workers pneumoconiosis and their survivors (Newmeyer, 1981). These regulations, coupled with the assessment of the continuing burden on miners, the mining industry and taxpayers appear to have provided an impetus for the mining community towards comprehending the different parameters that influence dust generation and entrainment."

Jun 1, 1988

Each spring most secondary schools select their best student science exhibits, prepared during the preceding academic year, and send them to regional "Science Fairs", which now number over 220. Winner-finalists of these regional contests are then sent to the annual National Science Fair, conducted by Science Service, a non- profit institution for the popularization of science, for final judging. (The Fair is now known as the "National Science Fair-International" because of participation by finalists from Japan, Thailand, Germany, France, Sweden and Canada.) For the first time since the Fair was started in 1950, AIME participated in the awards presentation. Held this year in Baltimore, Md., from May 5 to 9, five members of AIME's Washington, D.C., Section consented to represent the Institute as judges. They were: Marlin J. Ankeny-Director, Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior. Kenneth N. Weaver-Director, Maryland Department of Geology, Mines, and Water Resources. William Harper-American Petroleum Institute. Vice-Chairman, Washington Section, AIME.

Jan 7, 1964

By Do-Hyeong Kim, Jong-Jin Pak, Jung-Mock Jang, Min-Kyu Paek

"Thermodynamic relations among Mn, Al and N in liquid iron were studied by measuring the effect of Mn on the solubility product of AlN in liquid Fe-Mn-Al-N alloys in the temperature range from 1773 to 1873 K. The critical Al and N contents for AlN formation were determined by the metal-nitride-gas equilibration technique over wide ranges of melt composition and temperature. The effects of Mn on N solubility in Fe-Mn and Fe-Mn-Al melts containing Mn up to 26 mass% were separately determined in the same temperature range. The experimental results were thermodynamically analyzed using the Wagner's formalism to estimate the critical Al and N contents for the onset of A1N formation. The validity was checked by the observation of inclusion evolution in Fe-20%Mn-1.5%Al-0.6%C-0.3%Si-0.012%N melt during cooling and solidification.IntroductionRecently, high manganese steels such as Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) steels have been developed as next generation steels because of their high formability as well as excellent strength and ductility.[1•2l In these steel grades, a large amount of Mn (15-20 mass%) and Al (1-2 mass%) are added to liquid steels, and such high Mn and Al concentration bring the great challenges to the steelmaking and casting processes. Mn significantly increases the N solubility in liquid iron and the AlN inclusions can be easily formed at such high Al concentrations due to high affinity of Al and Mn with N in liquid steels. Although the AlN inclusion is known to be a dominating and considered as a detrimental phase for the hot ductility of steels,l3l thermodynamics of AlN formation in high Mn-Al alloyed liquid steels was not well known.Moreover, the melting point of these steels decreases down to near 1623 K as increasing Mn content up to 20 mass%. However, most of thermodynamic data has been measured at the steelmaking temperature around 1873 K. Even at steelmaking temperature, there are huge scatters in thermodynamic interactions of Mn and Al on N in liquid iron. The nitrogen solubility in Fe-Mn alloy melts has been measured using the Sieverts' method[4l and the samplinij method[5-7J in the temperature range of 1813 to 1973 K. In the authors' recent study,[8•9 the N solubility in Fe-Al alloy melts was measured using the sampling method in the temperature range of 1823 to 1973 K. However, the simultaneous effect of Mn and Al at high concentrations on Nin liquid Fe-Mn-Al-N alloys is still not known. Also, there remains uncertainty about the temperature dependence of the interaction parameter of Mn on N in liquid Fe-Mn alloys. Therefore, it is worthwhile to check the temperature dependence of this parameter at a low temperature near the melting point of Fe-Mn alloys. There have been few studies on the characterization of non-metallic"

Jan 1, 2014