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Discussion following the presentation at the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers' general meeting held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 8th April 1916, included the author's introduction, written contributions by Bedson P.P., Gregory T.W.D. and Morgan J.D., oral contributions by Louis H., Greener T.Y. and Severs W., and the author's reply

Dec 1, 1916

By G Williams

Discussing equipment, systems of work, the need for updated programmes of local seismic exploration, and developments within the South Wales coalfield.

Jan 1, 1993

By C. H. J. Beaven, M. P. Jones

Since the various new techniques of automation and computing have enabled vast numbers of mineralogical observations of relatively small samples to be made cheaply and rapidly, the statistical assessment of these measurements has become of vital importance. Much of the theory and most of the procedures of sampling that are used in the mineral industry are based on Gaussian statistics, but modern measuring techniques show that many mineralogical parameters do not necessarily follow the Gaussian distribution function. Consequently, it has become necessary to examine the application of other, more suitable statistical methods in order to derive the maximum amount of useful information from the examination of mineralogical samples. Some of the errors that can be introduced by the use of incorrect distribution functions are discussed and the value of determining the function that is appropriate to the particular parameter that is being measured is shown. Examples are provided of non-Gaussian distribution functions in mineralogical materials that were encountered during prospecting and during mineral treatment operations: a Canadian uranium ore, a Thai tin ore, and gold ore tailings.

Dec 1, 1971

By A. L. W. Lips, B. P. J. Stevens, T. J. R. Bareley, E. Rothery, S. H. White

B.P.J. Stevens contributes a further response to the authors' earlier lengthy reply regarding their paper published in Trans.IMM B, vol.104, 1995, p.B1-B17, contending that despite the positive contribution clarifying their interpretations they perpetrate some misquotations, attempt to rewrite history and fail to understand the New South Wales Geological Survey's stratigraphic interpretation of the Broken Hill area. The paper's authors, in their further response, robustly defend their views, insisting that Stevens tends to misquote or take out of context what they have written and reiterating their findings that Zn is tectonically stacked above Pb at the north end of the orebody, that the written development of the stratigraphic interpretation is as they have stated, that shearing has attenuated or removed fold limbs in the Broken Hill block and that the 1:100 000 stratigraphic map reveals that magnetic anomalies are oblique to and truncated by the Geological Survey's interpreted stratigraphic boundaries

Jun 19, 1905

By H. B. Bell, L. C. Smith

Measurements have been made of the activity of 'FeO' in 'Fe0'-Mn0-Ti02 melts at 1475 degrees C. The results obtained are discussed in terms of ideal mixing of titanates and in terms of a regular solution model. On the basis of the regular solution model activities of Ti02 and MnO in the Fe0-Mn0-Ti02 and Mn0-Ti02 systems have been derived. The data have been shown to be consistent with the liquidus lines in the phase systems. Examples are given of the application of the data to slag-metal equilibria, being used to derive slag-metal data between liquid iron and Fe0-Mn0-Ti02 slags

Dec 1, 1971

By R. R. Hart, R. A. Evans

This paper outlines the the methods currently being used in the West Wales Area for preventing the occurrence of any outbreak of spontaneous combustion. Stress is placed on the importance of correlating the position of a Rider Seam which is prone to spontaneous combustion. The recent introduction of the UNOR Recorder has contributed to the ability to monitor the CO content of the general body of the air during any incident. The use of modern sealants and improved methods of applying them have enabled the few instances of spontaneous combustion in South Wales to be treated promptly and efficiently. The authors describe the current spontaneous combustion problems at two collieries.

May 23, 1905

Jan 1, 1947

By B. Sonmez, B. Aksanl, S. Ersaym, I. F. Erkal, S. L. Ergun

The comminution circuit at the plant has experienced severe problems arising from a feed containing much larger amounts of clay and having a higher moisture content than expected. Three solutions were proposed: replacement of the crushing circuit by tooth roll-type crushers; using washing drums; and introducing primary autogenous/semi-autogenous millling instead of crushing. Computer simulations studied the effects of the first two solutions on the circuit capacity. Laboratory and industrial scale ball mill batch grinding tests were carried out. The parameters of a kinetic model were determined. The ball mill circuit was sampled and operating model parameters were calculated. The ability of batch grinding parameters to represent the operating conditions was studied. Tests failed to find acceptable model parameters, but parameters from an industrial size batch mill were found to be suitable for simulation studies. The simulations indicated that a continuous feed of -12 mm provided by tooth roll crushers would maintain the desired capacity. Increasing the feed size to -25 mm would reduce the capacity by 8-15%. The use of washing drums could also solve the capacity problem, but small fluctuations in water flow rates might result in problems of excess water in the grinding circuit.

Jan 4, 1993

By J. Cech

Discussion is presented of a decision-making support method for the spacing of ore passes along a long vein orebody and the division of the orebody into convenient stopes for future mining operations. The method was tested on a Slovak siderite deposit and also on some hypothetical cases with the objective of obtaining more general results

Jun 18, 1905

By B. H. Smith

"Most of the discoveries of nickel sulphide deposits in Western Australia have followed the search for gossans. The chances of further discoveries depend on improving our understanding of the cover of strongly leached and transported materials that obscure approximately 85% of the area of the Yilgarn Block that has nickel sulphide mineralization potential. The lateritic profiles that are observed on the Yilgarn Block today were formed over a period of more than 100 m.y. of warm and humid climates. This lateritized land surface has been preserved by induration during subsequent arid climates as well as by the structural stability of the Yilgarn Block.In geochemical surveys of lateritied terrain samples have to be taken from at least the saprolite zone usually by drilling so that confident predictions can be made of the significance of analytical data. Account must be taken of the mineralogy of samples, as well as the nature of the horizon of a laterite profile that is being sampled, owing to the concentrating effects on trace elements of Fe and Mn oxides.Multivariate techniques have been applied successfully to analytical data in gossan recognition when textural evidence is ambiguous. Pathfinder geochemistry has also been used in gossan recognition and the most significant recent advance has come from studies of platinum group metals in nickel sulphides and their dispersion during weathering."

Jan 1, 1984

By R. M. Honey

An attempt is made to summarise the mining law of England, Wales and Scotland. Attention is also drawn to the recent privatisation of the electric power and gas industries and the intention of the present Government to follow suit as regards coal mining. The subject of mining law is discussed under the headings: minerals or rights that have been nationalised or are vested in the Crown; ownership (of land and mineral rights); special customs; tracing of owners; right of support (arising from mining); ancillary rights and easements; obtaining prospecting and mining rights; planning permission; statutory aids to obtaining rights; notes on the history, law and practices of petroleum (onshore and offshore), gas, coal, prescribed substances, gold and silver; electricity; safety, health and welfare; and technical information and boreholes. A correction in the subsequent issue amends errors on p.A75 and A82 and regrets the publication of misinformation on the availability of grants

May 1, 1991

By J. E. Rouse, D. L. Buchanan

"During the emplacement of the Bushveld Complex in the Potgietersrus area magma reacted with the original floor rocks— Archaean granite or Malmani dolomite and overlying Penge handed ironstone or sedimentary rocks of the Pretoria Series. The complex sequence of sulphide-rich mafic rocks that formed along the contact is known as the Platreef. Associated with the sul­ phide mineralization are important concentrations of platinum-group metals, copper and nickel. Xenoliths of Malmani dolo­ mite have been incorporated into the Platreef and previous work has suggested that anhydrite is likely to have been present in the dolomite. The sedimentarv-derived sulphur thus introduced into the magma exercised an important control on the forma­ tion of the sulphides.Petrographic studies on the Platreef rocks from the Tweefontein area indicate that the original magma reacted with the banded ironstone to form iron-rich pyroxenites. In the Turfspruit area, to the south, the footwall rocks consist of sediments of the Timeball Hill Series. Original argillaceous rocks have been metamorphosed to cordierite-, corundum- and spinel-bearing hornfelses. Graphite was present in the contact zone in both the Tweefontein and Turfspruit areas. Anhydrite-bearing hornfels rocks are also present on Turfspruit.The Platreef rocks that overlie the corundum- and spinel-bearing hornfelses on Turfspruit are peridotitie, and pyroxenites are present in areas underlain by cordierite-bearing hornfels. The absence of orthopyroxene in the peridotite is probably indicative of low silica activity in the original magma. The pyroxenites have, however, undergone silica contamination from the underlying more siliceous cordierite hornfels.Carbon isotope studies indicate that the graphite in the Tweefontein and Turfspruit samples represents organic material orig­ inally associated with the footwall sediments. Sulphur isotope determinations on the anhydrite-bearing floor rocks indicate that this phase is clearly of sedimentary origin and was probably derived from an evaporitic unit within the carbonate sequence. This provides firm support for a model of ore genesis that involved the introduction of additional sulphur into the Bushveld magma. Isotope studies on sulphides associated with the banded ironstone and graphite indicate that these units were not the source of additional sulphur. Experimental studies predict, however, that a magma contaminated with iron- and carbon-rich material would have a high sulphur-carrying capacity. Where additional sulphur is available the magma would achieve saturation early in its crystallization history and precipitate an immiscible sulphide phase. Experimental work has also shown that sulphide precipi­ tation can be triggered by the introduction of salic material into a magma close to sulphur saturation. This mechanism probably played a role in the control of the sulphide mineralization in the Turfspruit area."

Jan 1, 1984

By P Shead, M A. Tuck

Both climate and methane control have been a prime concern in the development of the workings within the Deep Soft seam at Harworth Colliery. This paper describes the numerous methods employed over the past 15 years to effect control over these two major environmental pollutants at Harworth and describes a future method of working which will enable the output levels required to be achieved, whilst effecting the required level of both climatic and methane control. Firstly, the paper gives a broad historical overview of the steps taken since 1981, when production started in the Deep Soft seam at Harworth Colliery, to effect control over the main environmental pollutants in the seam. Secondly, the paper details the results of planning exercises undertaken to assess the various options with respect to panel layout, to achieve environmental control in future production districts. Finally, the recommended method of panel design to achieve the levels of production required is detailed.

Jan 7, 1997

By N T. Byrom

This paper is essentially in two parts. It describes how risk assessment fits into the overall framework of the activities required to control risk effectively within an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It then goes on to describe the assessment of an OH&S system by the process of auditing.

Jan 7, 1996

By Mike O'Shea

Industrial minerals are extremely important to downstream industries and in our everyday lives. Their ontribution to the UK economy and to society as a whole is greatly underestimated. The industrial minerals sector is lacing increased pressures - environmental and competitive - both at home and abroad. These pressures are likely to increase. The Government, working in conjunction with the industry, can help the industry to meet these challenges. The role of Government is to establish a dialogue w ith the industry, to find out what its concerns are.and to ensure that these are taken into account in the draw ing up of policies that affect it. There is also a role for it in exploring, with industry, the linkages between environmental improvement and competitive advantage, and giving, w herever possible, early warning about regulatory developments. In order to maximise the effectiveness of links, industry needs to be coherently organised and represented both in the UK and in the European Union (EU).

Jan 12, 1997

By R. J. Bridges

Mining operations on the Witwatersrand are conducted for the most part in rocks of highly quartzitic character. They comprise the following types: Conglomerates, grits, and quartzites, to which on the Far East Rand must be added fine-grained quartzitic shales and shales. In addition, vein quartz occurring as small veins, veinlets and fissure fillings, and igneous rocks forming dykes, must be mentioned, although they constitute only a small percentage of the rock broken. The following is an account of the character and mineralogical composition of the various types.

Jan 1, 1947

By C. C. Harris

The two best known graphical methods for presenting and comparing comminution data are obtained by linearising the Gates-Gaudin-Schuhmann and the Rosin-Rammler size distribution equations. It is shown that the Gates-Gaudin-Schuhmann equation can cause excessive congestion in the 50 per cent oversize range and that, overall, the Rosin-Rammler is a better procedure. Examples are given

Dec 1, 1971

By C G. Wall, T S. Daltaban

Three quarters of recent increases in world oil reserve estimates since 1990 have been attributed lo ‘better reservoir management' rather than to new discoveries. For the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (IJKCS), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has on 2.2 bn barrels of extra oil protection through effective reservoir management of existing producing reservoirs. Past practise has been to manage petroleum exploitation on a departmental basis, with exploration assessing and ranking prospects, reservoir engineering assessing development plans and production facilities implementing plans. Any reservations necessary might involve restarting the project evaluation from scratch. Current practice is to manage an operation through asset management teams involving all disciplines. It is hoped that this approach will not only eliminate fruitless directions of effort, but the quality of work in each discipline will benefit from interaction. That is, the result of a team effort is greater than the sum of individual efforts. To date, this is most apparent with the interaction between geology, reservoir geophysics and reservoir engineering through reservoir characterization. This is the current area of greatest effort, with improved geophysical technology and computer power leading to more and more detailed and complex simulation models. The equally important interaction of reservoir engineering and production and facilities engineering applied to fields in decline has not yet achieved the prominence that it deserves. Establishing priorities in reservoir management requires the very critical evaluation of the relative value of objectives. The fact that something can be done (3-D seismic, 4-D seismic, multilateral wells, or three phase multi-layer well test analyses etc) is not a good reason for doing it. Reservoir management should he a study of value added versus cost for any activity possible or proposed. Both in the areas of reservoir data acquisition and of assessing opportunities in the period of production decline, it is likely that expert systems will need to be developed with the associated base of experience, understanding and know ledge. A n other area for the future is the elusive target of ‘enhanced ’ oil recovery, as distinct from ‘improved’ oil recovery. The most likely route forward here is the incessant scrutiny of reservoir regions and units within fields for their suitability for pilot schemes for advanced recovery techniques implemented at a favourable time. Finally, the reduction of costs, the maintenance of low. but viable rates of production and the threat of abandonment costs will increase reserves. An increase which may have appeared insignificant in the past is now more valuable.

Jan 11, 1996

By Haldane J. S.

Discussion of a paper presented at the Institution of Mining Engineers' general meeting held in London on 8th June 1916 included oral contributions by Louis H., Mowat D.M., Lupton A., Bailey T.H., Blackett W.C. and Gerrard J., and written contributions by Collis E.L., Carlow C. and Wilson W.B., with the author's oral and brief written responses

Dec 1, 1916

By S A. M Crawshaw, J A. B Fortune

Trackless battery powered haulage vehicles have been in operation in British coal mines principally for longwall face transfer and personnel transportation. Changes within the industry have resulted in the introduction of room and pillar coal mining methods and the introduction of increasingly heavier longwall roof supports This has resulted in the introduction of: • Battery powered coal haulage machines, which, without the need for trailing cables, increase productivity within room and pillar mining. • Battery powered longwall shield haulers which are capable of carry ing the heaviest shield supports currently being utilised within the British coal mining industry. The conventional machines have been adapted from an American design to meet the requirem ents of European legalisation. This has seen the- emphasis being placed upon the supplier with the European M achinery Directive being introduced, necessitating the assigning of a 'C E ' m ark to each vehicle. Battery vehicle technology has advanced to meet the demands of the ever changing market and will no doubt he further adapted to meet the requirement of the British coal mining industry.

Jan 10, 1996