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By James M. Spear

The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a mineral survey of the Domeland Addition (5207) and Woodpecker (5206) RARE II areas during the summer of 1979. These study areas were examined to determine the presence or absence of mineral resources and reserves and where possible, to estimate values. The study areas are 9 air mi northeast of Kernville, California, and encompass 47,400 acres of primarily granitic rocks of the Sierra Nevada batholith with some scattered exposures of older metasedimentary, volcanic, and metavolcanic rocks. These other rock units partially surround the exposed batholith in the Domeland Wilderness and consist mostly of late Paleozoic quartzites, mica schists, marbles, and meta-volcanics, Mesozoic quartz diorite and gabbro intrusives, and local Tertiary basalt and andesite flows.

Jan 1, 1981

By R. H. Grau, S. B. Robertson, F. Garcia, A. C. Smith, T. P. Mucho

Researchers working for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory are developing ways to protect the health of miners. Part of that effort is devoted to improving the air quality in underground stone mines by developing ventilation techniques that can be used in these types of operations. The air quality in these large opening nonmetal mines can be significantly improved by using diesel particulate matter (DPM) controls along with sufficient ventilation quantities to remove contaminants. Practical methods of ventilating these underground stone mines can be accomplished by using mine layouts that course and separate ventilation air through the use of stoppings. The design, construction, and maintenance of effective stoppings in large openings have been a real challenge to mine operators. Several different types of stoppings have and can be used for this application. The choice of stopping design, material used, and construction techniques should be dependent upon a number of factors such as the intended life and effectiveness desired.

By D. L. Soreck

The hazards to the public posed by abandoned mine shafts are well documented. As private development encroaches on previously mined areas, the potential for fatalities and serious injuries from abandoned mine shafts increases. The U.S. Bureau of Mines has conducted research into cellular concrete as a material for sealing these openings. The current work involves testing the characteristics of cellular concrete before and after it had been pumped or dropped from different heights into a simulated mine shaft. Cellular concrete was pumped vertically up to and subsequently dropped from heights of 18 and 37 m into concrete forms. Wet density measurements were made at multiple sampling points in the test circuit. Air content determinations and uniaxial compressive strength testing were conducted. Research results showed significant loss in air content and changes in the characteristics of cellular concrete during pumping or dropping from various heights. Recommendations on effective use of cellular concrete for sealing abandoned mine shafts are made.

Jan 1, 2010

By Forrest T. Moyer

INJURY experience and employment data are presented in this chapter for metal and nonmetal mines, stone quarries, sand and gravel pits, iron blast-furnace slag plants, and metallurgical plants (including ore-dressing and nonferrous reduction plants and refineries) in the United States. Employment and injury experience data for all mineral industries are given in volume II. The 1962 figures are preliminary summations which are subject to revision. They were compiled from all reports from producers received by the Bureau of Mines through April 15, 1963. The data for metal, nonmetal (except well and brine operations), stone, and sand and gravel operations were collected by a mandatory reporting system under the provisions of the act of September 26, 1961, Public Law 87-300 (75 Stat. 649). The act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to study the various aspects of safety in metal and nonmetal mines (excluding coal mines) and report the findings 2 years sub-sequent to the enactment of the law. Data on nonmetal well and brine plants and nonferrous reduction plants and refineries were reported voluntarily by the operators. METAL MINES Preliminary data for the metal mining industry comprise reports on 1,871 mines and pits. The combined fatal and nonfatal injury-frequency rate was 31.95 per million manhours in 1962, a decrease of 8 percent from the similar rate of 34.54 in 1961. Metal operations reported a total of 61 fatal and 3,201 nonfatal injuries.

Jan 1, 1963

By B. M. Stewart

Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a long-term groundwater monitoring and site characterization program at an abandoned 10-ha, acid-producing, copper-gold tailings impoundment in north-central Washington State. The purpose was to investigate contaminant release and transport, and attenuation mechanisms in the tailings, sediments below the tailings, and gravels downgradient of the impoundment. This report summarizes the monitoring results and physical properties of the tailings, the sediments below the tailings, and the groundwater system associated with the tailings. Water samples from the vadose and saturated zones of the impoundment were analyzed for 15 constituents. Concentrations of the same constituents were determined in water samples up to 3 m beneath the impoundment and in the shallow colluvium and deep bedrock at 76, 335, and 550 m downgradient and 168 m upgradient. Constituent concentrations within the tailings are quite variable and are influenced by pH, depth of oxidation, grain-size differential (surface area), hydraulic gradient, groundwater mixing, and the presence of hardpan layers, carbonaceous material, and organic matter. Most of the metal constituents decreased to background or near-background concentrations in the farthest downgradient well.

Jan 1, 2010

By Homer J. Ballinger

"SUMMARYDuring December 1945, the Bureau of Mines began churn drilling the Winchester zinc deposit, 11 miles south of Joplin in Newton County, Mo. The deposit lies in a virgin area northwest of the Seneca fault. It is one of several deposits partly proven by drilling but never developed.Logs of 28 privately drilled holes had indicated a substantial tonnage without delimiting the deposit. It appeared that additional drilling might increase this reserve sufficiently to justify mining. A, total of 6,33 feet of churn drilling was completed in 17 holes drilled by the Bureau of Mines. Twelve of the holes penetrated minable ore extending the length of the known deposit and materially increasing its estimated tonnage.INTRODUCTIONDuring May 1943, the Winchester property in Newton County, was visited by an engineer 3/ of the Bureau of Mines, accompanied by Dr. A. N. Winchester, owner, and Charles Keith, lessee of the property. At the request and with the assistance of these gentlemen, examination of the property was undertaken. Logs of 28 churn-drill holes were collected, hole locations were surveyed, and available historical data were obtained. It was concluded that although existing drill holes indicated considerable reserves, additional drilling might increase the tonnage substantially. In addition, it was believed that better knowledge of this ore deposit could be obtained by drilling further, and this knowledge could, in turn, be applied to other less proven deposits in the same field."

Jul 1, 1947

By Phillip R. Moyle

In 1985 the U.S. Bureau of Mines evaluated the mineral resources of tie Bruneau River and Jarbidge River study areas, Owyhee County, ID, for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The study areas, separated by a narrow corridor, include 90,000 acres of the 107,020-acre Bruneau River Wilderness Study Area (ID-111-17) and 47,000 acres of the 75,340-acre Jarbidge River Wilderness Study Area (ID-17-11). They lie 26 miles and 55 miles, respectively, due south of Mountain Home, ID. Approximately 38 placer claims for gold and 182 lode and placer claims for jasper, agate, and limestone were located within and adjacent to the study areas from 1893 to 1981. Currently, there are eight mining claims for jasper at Indian Hot Springs along the corridor between the study areas.

Jan 1, 1987

By James M. Spear

Sample results suggest the only mineral resources in the study areas are placer gold deposits along the South Fork Kern River in the Woodpecker RARE II unit (fig. 1). These deposits, in Rockhouse Basin, total 4.5 Figure 1.--NEAR HERE. million cu yds (3.4 million cu m) of indicated subeconomic gold resources in four deposits of "older" gravel. Gold value in samples averages $0.36 per cu yd ($0.47 par cu m) and is as much as $4.44 per cu yd 1/. Cost of mining the gravel and recovering the placer gold is estimated to be more than $2 per cu yd ($2.62 per cu m) for a deposit of this size and type. Additional inferred subeconomic placer gold resources with similar grade probably occur in four other deposits of "older" gravel on which no mining claims were located. Placer gold occurrences on upper Trout Creek contain gold worth as much as $4.50 per cu yd ($5.88 per cu m) 1/. Average grade is much lower, and only about 1,000 cu yds remain (760 cu m). These occurrences do not constitute a resource, but may attract hobbyists not dependent upon making a profit.

Jan 1, 1982

By R. R. Sayers

"An important, function of the U.S. Bureau of Mines is to instruct miners in first aid, and as a means of promoting interest in it first-aid contests are held under the auspices of the Bureau, usually in coop; ration with other interested organizations, especially the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council and various operators' and Miners' associations. It was early found that the method of judging first-aid meets is one of the most vital factors in determining the degree of success of the meet.It may be safely stated that there is no method for the judging of first-aid contests that has proved ideal. A method that would give the most uniform judging would necessitate the rating of each team by the same judge or committee of judges and, in order that a judge may rate a team satisfactorily, he should see that team perform several events and average the ratings. Such a procedure is not practicable where there are many terms entered in the contest, as it would prolong the meet indefinitely. To overcome this objection the method has been tried of assigning separate judges to each team but this brings in a new factor the individuality of the various judges, some of whom rate closely, others loosely. The next development was to average the judging by having the judges rate different teams for each event. This would seem to solve the problem out it has been found, after using the method over a wide area for a considerable period of time, that the differences in the judging are too marked to be at all satisfactory. The next development was to appoint a committee of chief judges three to five in number especially trained and experienced, to aid the individual judges in rating the teams. This method has proved satisfactory at small meets but, as committee must review the work of each judge on each event, it has not been deemed feasible for a large meet."

Nov 1, 1920

By M. F. Dunn

During a mine fire or other emergency, it may be desirable to reverse the airflow in order to provide an escapeway or to isolate a fire. Also, in colder areas, the airflow may be reversed to prevent ice buildup. When reversing main mine fans, the mine operator usually does not know what operating characteristics of flow and pressure to expect. Laboratory and field tests of vane axial main mine fans in the 7- to 9-ft diameter size range were conducted to establish forward and reverse performance characteristics under controlled conditions and at typical mine installations. The data obtained suggest that reverse performance characteristics are dependent upon the blade angle and the hub to tip ratio. There is also evidence that reverse performance can be predicted for a family of blade angles and a given hub to tip ratio. Generally, quantity of air is 30 to 65% less in reverse than when operating in the normal forward mode.

Jan 1, 1983

By Stephen C. Tadolini, Thomas E. Marshall, Cecil Banta, L. J. Prosser, Anthony T. Iannacchione

The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) endeavors to provide national and world leadership in the prevention of work-related illness, injury, and death. This is accomplished by using a scientific approach to gather information, assemble and create knowledge, then translate the knowledge and results into products and services. These products and services are then delivered to all personnel who can effect prevention. Obviously, the development and use of instruments to monitor mine roof conditions provides an opportunity to execute that mission. In the late 1990’s, based on observations at a number of underground limestone mines, only a few used roof monitors. Subsequently, NIOSH introduced the Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) as an aid to roof inspection beyond traditional visual and sounding techniques. Initial expectations were that by gaining roof movement information, ultimately roof sag rates could provide indications of eventual failure. During this investigation, RMSSs were installed in 13 underground limestone mines in six states and this paper analyzes the data obtained at three of these mines. This paper also provides an overview of the system, data, analysis, and applications relevant to the RMSS.

By Edward F. Courtney

Loss of life, loss of sight, crippling injuries, and property damage nearly always result from accidents involving explosives. The severity of such accidents has prompted lawmaking bodies to pass laws concerning the transportation, handling, and use of explosives; manufacturers of explosives publish manuals 'describing explosives and practical methods of handling then; and mining companies and others who use large quantities of explosives publish rules based on actual experience for the guidance of their employees. Careless storage of explosives by thoughtless or incompetent persons, particularly if they are left where children or saboteurs have access 'to them, has led to many serious accidents. Many contractors and mining operators who use explosives are extremely careless about storing them. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the explosive-handling practices of a large western mining company, which are considered better than most.

Jan 1, 1946

By David A. Hill, James R. Wait

This report contains a summary of analytical research on electromagnetic methods of nondestructive testing of cylindrical conductors. The principal objective is to provide theoretical insight to the operation of electromagnetic sensing of the internal properties of wire ropes that are used extensively in mine hoists. An overall review of past work is also included.

By Travis Q. Lyday

Mineral production in Fiji, a group of 322 volcanic islands and atolls of Melanesia in the southern Pacific Ocean, continued to be dominated by gold. However, the Fijian mineral sector remained a minor factor as a source of export earnings, Government revenues, and employment, generating only 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP), estimated as $1.2 billion.2 The largest and most important mining operation was the Vatukoula gold mine on the north side of Viti Levu, the main island. The Vatukoula Mine has been in prduction since 1932, producing about 3.8 million troy ounces of gold and 1.3 million troy ounces of silver to date. In April 1983, the large Australian mining firm, Western Mining Corp. (WMC), assumed operation of the mine in a joint venture with Emperor Gold Mining Co. Ltd., which operated the mine previously. The WMC takeover of the mine management was expected to bring in additional capital and technological expertise in order to modernize operations, increasing both efficiency and output. During the year, rate of recovery was only about 75% of the gold contained in the ore and only 40% of the contained silver. Mining at the Vatukoula Mine was done using bath opencut and underground methods, with about 60% of the ore mined attributed to the underground operations.

Jan 1, 1985

By A. E. Ketler

The Bureau of Mines Research Program has defined per coal miner's illumination needs. Due to similarity in the environment in which coal and Hardrock miners work, coal mine illumination technology has been applied to Hardtack room and pillar mines.

Jan 1, 1977

By J. Douglas Causey

In 1986 and 1987, at the request of the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied 73,010 acres of the 76,480-acre Lower Owyhee Canyon Wilderness Study Area (OR-003-110) in order to evaluate its identified mineral resources. The study area is in Malheur County, OR, about 8 miles north of Rome. There are approximately 7.7 million tons of subeconomic zeolite (heulandite and/or clinoptilolite) resources with ammonia ion exchange capacities as high as 1.75 milliequivalents per gram in the Chalk Basin-Lambert Rocks area. The bed is 25 ft thick with less than 100 feet of overburden. This resource probably will not be mined in the foreseeable future.

Jan 1, 1989

By T. M. Ruff, W. G. McCoy, M. J. Beus, S. Iverson, W. Hasz

Technology to enhance safety during mine hoisting has been developed by researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Assessment of current hoisting technology suggests that monitoring conveyance position and load directly from the skip or cage top offers several significant safety advantages. Wireless data transmission schemes and a package consisting of sensors, batteries, and a charger mounted on the wire rope and skip have been developed. A state-of-the-art automated hoisting test facility was constructed to test the concept in a controlled laboratory setting. Field tests in a fill-size shaft are underway.

By Thomas J. Peters

In 1978, the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey completed a joint mineral survey of the Chemise Mountain and King Range study areas as mandated by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1916, Public Law 94-579. The U.S. Bureau of Mines examined all identified mineral prospects and deposits; the results of these examinations are included in this report. The U.S. Geological Survey studied the regional geology, geochemistry, and geophysics; the results of these studies are available in USGS Map MF-1196. No mineral resources were identified in either the Chemise Mountain or King Range study areas; however, a high-grade silver and base-metal occurrence, and minor manganese resources were identified in between the two study areas, within the King Range Conservation Area. The only mining activity in either area was a placer gold prospect on Honeydew creek in the northeastern part of the King Range study area. Three samples from this prospect contained no gold. The Chemise Mountain and King Range study areas are in a mountainous region along the coast of northern California, 230 road miles north of San Francisco, and 70 miles south of Eureka by way of U.S. Highway 101, through Garberville and Redway. The Chemise Mountain study area consists of 3,941 acres; it includes the 2,598-ft Chemise Mountain, and the cliff-lined seacoast southeast of Shelter Cove. a resort and fishing village. The King Range study area consists of 39.764 acres northwest of Shelter Cove, and includes the northwest-trending King Range with elevations above 4,000 ft. The Chemise and King Range study areas are underlain by deep-water marine sandstones, shales, and minor pillow basalts of the Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary Franciscan Subduction Complex. Mineral production was 1,650 tons of manganese ore within a manganiferous bed overlying pillow basalt at the Queen Peak mine southeast of the King Range study area. However, no significant manganese resources were found in the Queen Peak area. The Point Delgada area, directly south of the King Range study area, has prospects with high grade copper, lead. silver, and zinc. Exposures are inadequate to estimate resources; however, the metals may be associated with Franciscan volcanism (volcanogenic). The Chemise and King Range study areas may contain similar economic silver-rich, base-metal deposits.

Jan 1, 1992

By Robert S. Dalzell

Following the introduction of roof shields to the U.S. longwall mining scene in 1975, the number of shield faces (faces supported by shields) has increased steadily, and the occurrence of accidents associated with ground control inadequacies at longwall operations has shown a downward trend. However, ground control problems in longwall mining still exist. New mining systems, however efficient, have run afoul of roof control. Shield faces have suffered extended stoppages because of roof cavities. In this report, the Bureau of Mines addresses the problem of longwall roof control. The report presents a review of foreign remedial and strata replacement techniques for longwall faces and evaluates their potential for domestic application. The technology reviewed includes meshing, chemical rock stabilization, cribbing, strain-absorbent modules, inflatables, synthetic foam, and monolithic fills.

Jan 1, 1985

By John R. Benham

The Bureau of Mines examined the Bear Canyon RARE II area in 1982. The area has no identified mineral deposits. The few claims that were located in the study area are devoid of any workings. No concentrations of economic minerals were found in the samples taken. There are no mineral, geothermal, or oil and gas leases in the area; the nearest oil well is 10 mi (16 km) east. The nearest mining operation was the Ruby Gold Placer worked in 1914, 7 mi (11 km) southeast (Hart, 1966, p. 45); the Pliocene Paso Robles Formation which contained the gold does not extend into the area. SETTING The Bear Canyon RARE II area covers 19.7 sq mi (51 sq km) or 12,600 acres (1500 ha) in west-central California. It lies in the Santa Lucia Range 10 mi (16 km) southwest of King City and adjoins the southeast side of the Ventana Wilderness. It is 10 mi (16 km) from the Pacific Ocean. Primary access is by the San Antonio River road on the Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, which parallels the area's southern border. Further access to the area's interior is by jeep and foot trails.

Jan 1, 1983