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By G. G. Lambert

The paper traces the pattern of spontaneous combustion in the workings of what was originally Hemsworth Colliery, but since July 1967 is now part of South Kirby Colliery. Examination is made of the Barnsley Seam sections and the part played by the top section of the seam as it comes in close proximity to the main seam. In this area of the colliery nine mechanised faces were set away between the years 1953 and 1968, every one "fired" at the pillar edge and six "fired" at the face line when production had ceased. The paper deals with the different preventative measures used, from sandbag walls, cement injections, spraying with polyurethane, until finally using Mandoseal as a sealant. Since the latter method was first used, the last three faces worked in this particular area were all salvaged completely, without any sign of a heating developing.

May 23, 1905

Discussion at the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers' general meeting held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 8th April 1916, on the paper published in Trans. I.Min.E., vol.LI, 1916, p.72-90, included written contributions on size and gauge standardisation by Lupton A., Peck W.R., Dean S., Mayer R.W. and Ashworth J., with the author's written response, and by Bulman H.F. and Brown M.

Dec 1, 1916

By M. J. Beus, B. Stewart, S. Iverson

Ore-pass hazards are a significant safety problem in US underground metal mines. From 1975 to 1995, nearly 75% of injuries during pulling or freeing of ore-pass chutes were related to falls of broken rock or the use of hand tools. Risk assessment methods are being used to identify the most probable causes of ore-pass failures and analyse the factors that result in malfunctioning or safety reduction. Static and dynamic loads are being measured in the laboratory and by field testing, with data from test ore passes compared with mine data to characterise true system behaviour. Computer modelling using closed-form solutions, finite element analysis and a newly developed particle flow code are being use to predict loads from ore and waste flow and impact. Preliminary results indicate that dynamic impacts may be much less than expected, as a result of damping factors, normal and shear stiffness and mass frictional characteristics

Jun 19, 1905

By O. E. Polter, W. J. N. Fernando

Smelter-grade alumina is usually produced by the calcination of gibbsite. The ideal energy requirements for the calcination of gibbsite have been analysed and compared with the actual energy consumption of some industrial calcination processes. The consumption of most of these is considerably in excess of the ideal. Methods suggested for calcining dry gibbsite feeds which claim energy savings of 10-14% consume 26-34% more than the ideal energy requirement for dry feeds. This study indicates that it should be possible to recover appreciably more energy, giving further improvements in fuel efficiency, both in existing gibbsite calcination processes and in methods that have been proposed for the stagewise calcination of dry gibbsite

Jun 13, 1905

By W. Petruk, M. J. Matos

An aplite ore from Guarda in northern Portugal, containing albite, microcline and quartz and muscovite gangue was studied to identify conditions for extracting the feldspar minerals. The large amounts of quantitative mineralogical data needed to evaluate grinding behaviour were provided by automated image analysis. The images were acquired on polished surfaces by measuring back-scattered electron signals produced with a microprobe. Minerals were identified from X-ray spectra and discriminated by grey level and element-characteristic X-rays. The quantities and size distributions of the minerals were determined by measuring thin sections of unbroken ore to predict the grind required to liberate the feldspars. The ore was then ground to -1.7 mm, polished sections were prepared from sieved fractions and the quantities of mineral species and apparent total liberation were determined by analysis. The predicted and measured liberations were compared and the grinding behaviour of the ore interpreted. In an appended correction, the correct version of Equation 1 is represented and Tables 3 and 6 are revised to consider all size fractions, including those coarser than 300 micrometres, in calculating the total liberation from King's fractional liberation

Jun 18, 1905

By Y. L. Ding, N. A. Warner

Cylindrical pellets made from graphite and chromite mixtures were reduced in high-carbon ferrochromium melts at 1 600-1 695 degrees C, under an atmosphere of almost pure CO. The reduction rate, as measured by gas evolution, increased with increasing melt temperature and graphite addition and with decreasing pellet diameter or height, although reductant particle size had a very limited effect on kinetics. At a pellet size, heat and mass transfer were significant in controlling the early stages of reduction of large pellets while at chromite grain size, gas diffusion was probably a rate-controlling step. The time required for dissolution of unfluxed pellets into the melts was significantly longer than that for reduction. This indicates that pellet dissolution may be the limiting factor in determining the operating parameters for a proposed new process to produce high-carbon ferrochromium using melt circulation

Jun 19, 1905

By I. L. Whyte

apparent density and drag coefficient of porous ores on

Apr 1, 1995

By M. M. Cole

An assessment of the combined application of remotely sensed satellite imagery, geobotany and biogeochemistry reveals the complementary value of these techniques in the Thalanga area. The SPOT imagery yields useful information on features of the terrain and discriminates the gossan over the ore zone. Geobotany differentiates geological units and the anomalous vegetation provides visual expression of the surface presence of the ore zone, while biogeochemistry effectively locates its concealed extension below Tertiary sediments and ferricrete

Jan 1, 1991

Paper presented at the Mining Institute of Scotland's annual general meeting held in Glasgow, 8th April 1916. Although there is nothing novel or difficult about the sinking described, circular shafts are not numerous in Scotland so the details connected with such a sinking may be of interest. The shaft was sunk at Dykehead Colliery, Larkhall, which has been worked for over 50 years from the upper seams. It became necessary to sink another shaft to serve as a replacement downcast, by which the output might be maintained and some of the lower seams won. As the sandy clays regularly caused bulging into the rectangular shaft and sinking of the surrounding ground it was decided to make the new shaft circular and to enclose its mouth in a foundation-block of concrete resting on the solid clay. Details are given of the sinking, brick seating and lining, kettle strike, water-rings and doorhead lintels as well as the permanent fittings, winding gear and the cages themselves

Dec 1, 1916

By I. R. Hanby

A simple but comprehensive method has been developed for the simulation of a mechanical-drive dump truck that enables various parameters to be predicted as a function of time throughout its whole cycle. Uses of the simulation results are indicated with specific attention to environmental and operational or economic planning. The output of a sample run is presented. The method can be easily adapted for the investigation of a wide variety of mobile plants.

Jan 4, 1992

By J. Ivon Graham, T. D. Jones

This paper presents methods in use in British coal-mines for the suppression of dust. While the effect of present-day treatment will not be apparent for several years, in pits in South Wales, concentrations as high as 50 gm./1,000 cu. ft. were some years ago fairly common in various operations at or near the coal-face, with an average concentration of 20 gm./1,000 cu. ft. Now the average concentration in what were previously dusty pits is probably not greater than 3 gm./1,000 cu. ft.Nevertheless, every effort must be made to improve conditions still further. In South Wales it is claimed that 99% of the coal-faces requiring treatment have been dealt with either by wet cutting, infusion, or hand-spraying. The extent of the treatment by these methods can be gauged by the fact that the total length of coal-faces now being treated by water infusion in Cardiff and Swansea areas is about 33,000 yds., by wet cutting 25,000 yds., and by hand-spraying nearly 14,000 yds. The influence of methods of mining upon dust production is only mentioned very briefly in this review, and there is no doubt that much more is to be learned concerning this aspect. It can be stated, however, that good mining practice is essential to prevent unnecessary dust production, and the problem of dust in mines will be solved only by the closest co-operation between mine managers, workmen, and scientists.

Jan 1, 1947

By R. J. Howarth, P. L. Llowenstein

The errors resulting from field sampling, sample preparation and analysis are investigated for drainage sediments derived from homogeneous sandstone, shale, limestone, basic igneous and granite lithologies as a background to a primary reconnaissance survey of England and Wales. Emission spectrographic analyses of approximately 350 samples for Al, Ca, Fe, K, Si, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sc, Sn, Sr and V and atomic absorption analyses for Cu, Ni, Mn, Co, Zn and Pb have been treated statistically. For routine broad-scale surveys analysis of the unground -80-mesh sediment fraction proves satisfactory. Sampling error between localities in a stream is shown to be less than spectrographic analytical error for many of the elements considered here, except where mineralisation (contamination) occurs, but exceeds the atomic absorption analytical errors in most cases. Unless it it critical to reduce the amount of between-site variability (having regard to analytical errors) in the regional survey, there appears to be no advantage in the use of a more sophisticated sampling technique. The utility of moving-average maps in reducing the width of the confidence belt around the regional 'geochemical surface', and thus compensating to some extent for the sampling errors, is also demonstrated.

Dec 1, 1971

By C R. Ferrari

Residual subsidence is generally accepted as being about 5% of the total subsidence occurring within 12 months of all mining finishing. This paper looks at five case studies from different parts of the country, in various mining settings within a depth range of 430m to 760m. From a single seam single panel working to working the eleventh seam, all are within the concealed coalfield, similar to today's mining. The monitoring of subsidence continued for many years once the mining had finished and the results obtained are at considerable variance from the accepted norm. Subsidence has been found to carry on for up to eleven years after mining has ended, within a range of 8% to 45% of total subsidence. A highly significant factor was that subsidence, as a whole, was generally much more than predicted. The residual subsidence aspect has to he viewed in this context and in order to debate the subject at length, the causes of residual subsidence have to be balanced against the apparent inability to accurately predict subsidence. The results from the case studies were similar, even though the mining settings differed considerably. Subsidence of around 10% to 20% continued for several years after mining had ceased.

Jan 7, 1997

By J R. Leeming

The paper describes a technique that has been developed by the Health and Safety Executive (USE) to make an assessment of the effectiveness of Health and Safety (H and S) management at complex sites. The paper then describes how the technique was adapted and used for the first time at a large coal mine. The results highlighted certain deficiencies in the safety management system, allowing directed advice to he given to management.

Jan 4, 1997

By I. A. Scott, T. J. Napier-Munn

Size-by-size partition curves for mineral separation in dense-medium cyclones pivot about a single characteristic point. This is defined for stable, non-segregating media by the medium density and the proportion of the medium reporting to the underflow. The pivot point departs from these values for unstable, conventional media. The phenomenon can be represented by an equation with two parameters defining pivot point coordinates and two the Ep value. On the basis of experiments in a 200 mm cyclone using ferrosilicon media, simple regression equations were developed for the separation parameters in terms of operating conditions (the coefficients were likely to be site-specific). The experiments successfully decoupled the effects of medium density and viscosity and showed that the value of Ep was independent of the former but strongly dependent on the latter. A classification model was used to predict the density of the underflow medium, a knowledge of which is required to determine the pivot parameters. The model correctly reflects the performance trends observed in dense-medium cyclone operation and has the potential to be generalised to a wide range of industrial practice.

Jan 8, 1992

By NA NA

Listing safety award winners, £I43M has been added to proceeds from coal privatisation in the year to March 1997, bringing total revenues to over £1.3bn, some company news in brief.

Jan 8, 1997

By D. J. Buchanan

British Coal's mining research programme is directed towards the strategic objectives of reducing production costs, improving product quality and resolving health, safety and environmental issues. The strategy for R&D is described and selected parts of the programme are reviewed. Two major initiatives are directed towards reducing production costs: geotechnics and automation. Integrated exploration techniques are used to delineate geological structures as an aid to mine planning. Rockbolting is being rapidly introduced and the in situ stress field has been found to be of significant influence. Automation is the subject of a major programme. A strategy for coal quality has been devised. The health, safety and environmental programme concentrates on the traditional hazards together with surface environmental problems.

Jan 12, 1992

By NA NA

A round up of recent industry matters. Davis Derby acquisition of Safecom UEP Ltd. Record Output by Longannet Mine.

Jan 7, 1997

By H. L. Willett

Wrapping up the symposium, covers incidence of spontaneous combustion in British mines, assessment of liability to spontaneous combustion, precautions, rate of advance, starting a line of a coalface, local heatings at roadsides, burying packs, coal headings, retreating longwall, detection and sealant coatings.

May 23, 1905

By R. J. Pine

Procedures are described for the application of risk analysis or probabilistic methods to mining geomechanics. The methods are widely applicable to existing mine design models. Detailed examples are given of plane slope failure and of pillar design based on displacement-discontinuity stress modelling and empirical strength assessment. The modelling techniques assessed are the Latin hypercube sampling method, incorporated in a spreadsheet environment, and the general point estimate method (GPEM), programmed in TurboBasic. An example GPEM program listing is included. Both methods are very convenient to use. Probabilistic acceptance criteria for slope stability after Priest and Brown are examined and alternatives are proposed where output distributions of factor of safety are approximately normal or lognormal and output distributions of safety margin are normal. The reliability index is included as a useful measure of variability with proposed acceptance criteria.

Jan 12, 1992