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By Qinbo Cao, Qianshan Peng, Heng Zou, Xingcai Yu

In this work, a new flotation strategy was proposed for the flotation of rutile. In this strategy, rutile was activated by Pb(NO3)2 and then floated with amyl xanthate (AX) as a collector at pH 8. Pb(OH)+ was the dominant lead species in the solution at pH 8 and is believed to be the major species reacting with the rutile surface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) study revealed that the lead activation products were well distributed on the rutile surface, and AX− could further bind with the Pb atom on the Pb-activated rutile surface. In this regard, the Pb-activated rutile could be floated by AX. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that Pb(OH)2 was generated on the Pb-activated rutile surface. The electron transfer during the adsorption of the AX− on the Pb-activated rutile surface was also investigated by XPS analysis.

By Qinbo Cao, Qianshan Peng, Heng Zou, Xingcai Yu

In this work, a new flotation strategy was proposed for the flotation of rutile. In this strategy, rutile was activated by Pb(NO3)2 and then floated with amyl xanthate (AX) as a collector at pH 8. Pb(OH)+ was the dominant lead species in the solution at pH 8 and is believed to be the major species reacting with the rutile surface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) study revealed that the lead activation products were well distributed on the rutile surface, and AX− could further bind with the Pb atom on the Pb-activated rutile surface. In this regard, the Pb-activated rutile could be floated by AX. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that Pb(OH)2 was generated on the Pb-activated rutile surface. The electron transfer during the adsorption of the AX− on the Pb-activated rutile surface was also investigated by XPS analysis.

By Michael V. Mergentime, Prakash M. Donde

The Nutley Quarry Trunk Sewer Project is a good example of a tunnel that went through difficult and complex ground. The 2 m (7ft.) diameter and 840 m (2,750 ft.)long tunnel passed through soft ground, mixed face, and hard sandstone. The soft ground and mixed face tunneling provided several challenges. During excavation of the tunnel, the Contractor encountered a number of unanticipated large boulders. In addition, the length of the mixed face portion of the tunnel increased by 100%. The Contractor tried various construction techniques to overcome the difficult ground conditions and complete the project. The tunneling progress was slower than expected. The Contractor claimed extra costs for differing site conditions. Through discussions and negotiations between the Contractor, Engineer, and Owner, all of the changed condition claims were settled before the construction of the project was completed. This paper addresses the difficult ground conditions, claims evaluation, and how they were resolved by cooperative efforts between the Contractor and the Owner/Engineer.

Jan 1, 2001

By Michael J. Robison, Wojciech F. Klecan, Robert L. Horner

Since 1928, nearly 64 km (40 mi) of tunnel have been excavated within the relatively soft Cooper Group, more commonly known as the “Cooper Marl,” for water supply and transporting wastewater in the Charleston area. The majority of these tunnels are unlined and still in operation, while others collapsed shortly after excavating. Tunnel behavior and support requirements vary considerably in this material due to differences in geotechnical properties. The 4.8 km (3 mi) long, 2.4 m (8 ft) diameter Bushy Park Water Tunnel, completed in 1997 for Charleston’s Commissioners of Public Works(CPW), required no ground support. By comparison, the 1.6 km (1 mi) long, 2.4 m (8 ft)diameter Harbor Wastewater Replacement Tunnel now under construction needs continuous support close to the advancing face, despite being located in the same geological formation. Case histories and general guidelines for designing tunnels in the Cooper Marl are presented.

Jan 1, 2001

Bortech’s BoreClad corrosion protection system will be displayed at MINExpo. BoreClad is an innovative system for inside diameter cladding of nozzles, tubes and other circumferential devices. Pressure vessels, mud pumps and other mining equipment must be protected from corrosive caustic chemicals. Usually manufactured from mild steel, they can be clad with a protective material, such as stainless steel, to provide corrosion resistance. However, most welding processes leave voids where corrosion can damage the base metal. BoreClad provides void-free welds by combining gas metal arc welding with automated feed and rotation of chuckable parts. Workpieces of up to 915-mm- (36-in.-) long with a 460-mm- (18-in.-)swing can be clad with stainless steel, Iconel or other exotic metals. In addition to eliminating the voids associated with hand welds, BoreCladcan lay more than 2.2 kg/h (5 lbs/hour) of metal. That is a significant reduction in weld time. Web sitewww.bortech.com.

Jan 1, 2004

By V. B. Achanti, A. W. Khair

Laboratory studies were carried out at West Virginia University to investigate the rock fragmentation mechanism by continuous miners using an automated rotary cutting simulator. The primary factors influencing the fragmentation process were found to be: bit spacing, bit geometry, depth of cut and cutting drum rotational speed. This paper presents the influence of these parameters in achieving optimum energy consumption and minimizing dust generation during rock fragmentation process. Tree bits were used simultaneously on Indiana limestone while the bit tip angle was varied from 60° to 900. Bit spacing was varied from 2.54 cm (1 in.) to 5.08 cm (2 in.) while the cutting process was assessed for varying cutting depths. Restorable dust generated during the course of the experiments was analyzed utilizing cascade impactors. Assessment of these parameters has led to a better understanding of the cutting mechanism by continuous miners in terms of energy consumption and dust generation.

Feb 24, 1997

Electrostatically charged water droplets efficiently suppress breathable dust produced during open air rock crushing operations, according to recently completed independent tests conducted for the Environmental Protection Agency. Since a primary rock crusher produces very heavy clouds of dust, this application was selected as an appropriate test site to measure the efficiencies of new "charged fogging" equipment in mining and mineral processing operations. EPA's Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, contracted TRC-Environmental Consultants Inc. of Wethersfield, CT, to conduct a full-scale demonstration of a recently developed electrostatic fogger, designed to project a charged fog spray at distances up to 15.2 m. Test results indicated overall fogger efficiencies of approximately 70%. The Fogger IV* employed in these tests is reportedly the largest charged logger ever made, with an extremely long operating range. The original fogger was designed for indoor dust control; this fourth generation version is designed for fugitive dusts, indoor and outdoor, and has an operating range up to 15.2 in.

Jan 6, 1981

By S. Holtermann

Through the process of Riverbank Filtration (RBF), the Louisville Water Company plans to obtain a higher quality source of water for their B.E. Payne Water Treatment Plant (WTP) by means of four collector wells located in the alluvial aquifer along the bank of the Ohio River. The collector wells are connected to a 2,850 L/s (65 mgd) pumping station by a 2,362 m (7,750 ft) long, 3 m (10 ft) finished diameter tunnel located in limestone and shale bedrock, which is approximately 45 m (150 ft) below the surface. High tunnel boring machine (TBM) production rates were achieved in this moderately weak bedrock; most of the tunnel only required support in the crown. An unanticipated water-bearing fault and unanticipated ground behavior proved challenging and required quick thinking to minimize impacts to construction. Tunneling conditions are discussed in detail, together with the methods used for overcoming the groundwater and ground behavior challenges. The tunnel is expected to be completed in April 2009.

By D Beahm

Introduction The Energy Metals Corporation (EMC) holds numerous mineral properties in the northern portion of the Great Divide Basin including the JAB Property, one of several potential properties being planned for development as a satellite facility to the greater Antelope Uranium Project. A National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report has been completed for the JAB property. This report estimates total measured and indicated mineral resources on the property totaling 3,555,022 pounds U3O8 contained in 2,400,875 tons at an average grade of 0.073 % U3O8 at a .25 GT cutoff in accordance with CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves. The JAB Property is located in Sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23, Township 26 North, Range 94 West, approximately Latitude 42o 14’ North and Longitude 108o 00’ West (Figure 1, Location Map). This property consists of unpatented mining lode claims and Wyoming State mineral leases comprising approximately 2,100 acres.

Jan 1, 2007

By William H. Hansmire

The Modified Detroit River Outfall No. 2 (MOD DRO-2) will discharge treated wastewater to the Detroit River. Construction of a 6.4-m-diameter, 1.9-km-long tunnel was halted in 2003 by flooding during tunneling with an open face hard rock TBM. A new design for a higher rock tunnel, a ?Modified? design, was completed in 2007 and Notice to Proceed to the tunnel contractor was given in November 2008. Project duration is four years for completion of tunneling and start of outfall tunnel operation. This tunneling project has high groundwater pressure (5 bar), pervious limestone rock of up to 140 MPa (20,000 psi) strength, and hydrogen sulphide in the groundwater. The new tunnel will be connecting to access shafts and outfall diffuser riser shafts previously built for the now-abandoned tunnel. The new tunnel design construction contract, and initial planning to use a pressurized-face (slurry) hard rock TBM are presented.

By Liming Yuan, John C. Edwards, Gene F. Friel, Robert A. Franks

Diesel fuel fire experiments were conducted in NIOSH’s Pittsburgh Research Laboratory’s (PRL) Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) to determine the critical air velocity for preventing smoke rollback. Such information is necessary for the preplanning and implementation of ventilation changes during mine fire fighting and rescue operations. The fire intensity varied from 50 kW to 300 kW depending upon the fuel tray area. Airflow in the 2 m high and 2.9 m wide coal mine entry was regulated during the course of each experiment; measured upwind from the fire as an average over the entry cross-section with an ultrasonic airflow sensor; and recorded dynamically with a mine monitoring system. The extent of smoke reversal was monitored with light obscuration monitors, ionization smoke sensors, and visual observations. Experimental results for the critical air velocity for smoke reversal as a function of fire intensity compared very well with model predictions based upon a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire dynamics simulator.

Jan 1, 2005

In conjunction with steady increases in production levels, longwall operators have applied greater quantities of ventilating air and spray water in an effort to control respirable dust and/or methane. Air velocities greater than 7.6 m/s (1500 fpm) have been measured on longwall faces. Operators have expressed concern over the potential entrainment of respirable dust at these high velocities. The greatest likelihood for entraining dust into the high velocity airstream may occur as shields are advanced allowing relatively dry particles to fall from the shield canopy directly into the airstream. Laboratory tests to simulate dust liberation during shield movement were conducted at the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of NIOSH at velocities ranging from 2.0 to 8.2 m/s (400 to1600 fpm). Airborne dust samples were obtained with personal impactors to quantify the size distribution and concentration of the dust entrained at the various air velocities. Statistically significant increases in both total and respirable dust concentrations were measured as test air velocities were increased.

Jan 1, 2001

By Y. V. Swamy, B. Bhoi, H. S. Ray

Low-grade manganese ores with low Mn/Fe ratios can he enriched through selective carbon reduction of iron oxide to magnetite followed by magnetic separation o f the magnetite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to assess the preferential isothermal reduction of pure M1702 and Fe2O3 using solid carbon. This was followed by reduction of a synthetic analogue of composition comparable to an actual low-grade ore (i.e., Sandur manganese ore, Sandur, India). The carbothermic reduction of the manganese ore converts the hematite and goethite minerals to magnetite (Fe3O4), with the magnetite then going into the magnetic, fraction. The resultant nonmagnetic ,fraction becomes depleted of iron with an enhanced manganese content. These results show that it is possible to reduce the iron from 22% to 5.85%, thus increasing the Mn/Fe ratio from 1.52 to 6.2 with a manganese recovery of about 50%. The recovery was, further improved by grinding the magnetic fraction to -75 µm.

Jan 1, 1999

By Jan Krason

Introduction The South African Witwatersrand is the world's largest gold-bearing province and gold producing district. But the production capacity of the very big mines (Vaal Reef, Driefontein Cons., Western Holdings, Western Deep Levels, and others) is not as large as that of the Soviet Union's Muruntau gold mine. The Muruntau gold-bearing ore body was discovered in 1956-57, and has been in operation since that time. In the early 1970s, this mine produced 70 to 80 t/a (2.3 to 2.6 million oz per year) of gold. Within the last few years it has become the world's largest producing gold mine. Russian authors do not publish ore reserve or rate of production data. But it is very likely that the Muruntau mining complex, which involves several ore bodies, is currently producing about 143 t/a (4.6 million oz per year) of gold. The author has confirmed this by personal information from several knowledgeable Russian geologists. This amounts to one-half of

Jan 11, 1984

By C. A. Rowland

When studying the feasibility of using autogenous or semi-autogenous grinding, operating and engineering companies frequently request assistance from the mill manufacturers in three areas - 1. Recommendations for studying the suitability of autogenous or semi-autogenous grinding for the specific ore. 2. Mill sizing, to accomplish required grind. 3. Recommendations on mill design and operation. Rod mills and ball mills are selected by the use of bench scale standard grindability tests and established calculation procedures, of which the most frequently used are the Bond Grindability tests and the Bond Work Index equation(1). The accuracy of these have been reviewed by C. A. Rowland in his papers, showing the correlation of work indices calculated from plant operating data and laboratory grindability tests(2)(3). The selection of autogenous and semi-autogenous primary mills has not reached the stage where mill size selection can be made from bench scale tests. Considerably more extensive testing will be necessary than required for selecting rod mills and ball mills.

Jan 1, 1974

By Edward O. Reinbold

The paper presents the results of a study which involved collection and analysis of airborne pollutant concentration data in two producing underground room and pillar metal mines which use diesel powered equipment in the area near the face. The results include the concentrations of CO2, CO, NO, NO2 and respirable particulate matter measured with the latest portable instruments, and the carbon and hydrogen contents of the particulate matter samples determined by combusting them in a Elemental Analyzer. The carbon and hydrogen contents are used to estimate the amount of diesel particulate matter in the mine ambient air. The short term grab sample concentration data, although not suitable for determining compliance with ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), are related to the TLVs so that they may be compared conveniently. Lognormal frequency distributions and the arithmetic mean of the concentration measurement data are used to compare different mine situations. Conclusions are drawn as to which pollutants are most important to control under actual mine production conditions.

Jan 1, 1979

By W. R. McDonald

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, conducted field tests on acidic copper tailing as part of its program to devise, improve, and demonstrate technology for stabilizing mining and mineral processing wastes. Results will be presented from successful 1/8-acre and 1-1/2-acre demonstration revegetation plots established in 1973 and 1974 on an abandoned copper tailing pond located on public land adjacent to Holden Village, Wash. The tailing was neutralized with treatments of either dolomitic lime or limerock and fertilized with processed sewage sludge and/or commercial fertilizer. Plant growth covering 60 percent of the surface was achieved on both test plots. Regar brome, Tegmar intermediate wheatgrass, and tall wheatgrass provided the best plant growth and surface coverage. In neutralizing the tailing, the target pH of 6.8 was not achieved; however, good plant growth occurred in areas where the pH ranged from 2.9 to 5.8.

Jan 1, 1979

By J. R. Brett

Utah Development Company (UDC) operates five large opencut coal mines in the Bowen Basin of Central Queensland, Australia. In total, over 20 million tonnes of coking coal are exported annually from the five mines. Typically, the coal seams dip at 5 percent, are 2 to 10 metres thick, and sub-crop some 20 to 40 metres below surface. In the main, the operations are single seam, but multiseam (2, 3 or 4 seams) operations do exist and will form an increasing proportion of the mining activities as depths increase. Draglines are used as the major stripping equipment, highwall depths currently ranging from 20 to 65 metres. Whilst project feasibilities were based on stripping to a 60 metre highwall, it is now proposed to continue opencut mining to depths exceeding 100 metres. This will entail large quantities of prestripping (ahead of the draglines) and overcoming problems associated with steepening seam dips, including haulage of coal from the pits.

Jan 1, 1982

By H. V. Alminas

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of three major islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) and some 50 smaller islands that are located primarily along the coasts of St. Thomas and St. John. St. Croix, the largest of the islands, is located approximately 160 km south-southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico and is about 218 km in area (Fig. 1). St. Thomas, the second largest island is located 64 km east of Puerto Rico and incorporates approximately 77 km2. St. John is located immediately to the east of St. Thomas and incorporates approximately 49 km2. The climate in the U.S. Virgin Islands is maritime tropical. The average annual rainfall at higher elevations is 127-152 cm and at lower elevations 51-76 cm. There is no well-defined wet or dry season. Temperatures generally average in the 80's (F°) with only a 5°-7° F variation throughout the year.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. Fred Pena

The Tower Mill has proven to be a grinding machine with a demonstrated application flexibility. Variations in applications have proven to be numerous. This mill was originally intended for fine grinding applications. Subsequent testwork and installations have demonstrated the mill can be utilized in place of ball mills as secondary mills. The following lists a few of the circuits tested: 1. Tower Mill secondary receiving feed from a primary SAG mill grinding stage. 2. Tower Mill as tertiary grind unit following a rod mill/ball mill. 3. Tower Mill as secondary grind unit following a primary ball mill. 4. Tower Mill as a limeslaker. 5. Tower Mill grinding as a primary unit taking limestone crusher discharge. Applications demonstrate the mill is energy efficient and is sensitive to the following consideration: 1. Circuit chosen. 2. Top size of feed. 3. Product size required. 4. Classification equipment performance. 5. Media size required. 6. Media type required.

Jan 1, 1986