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By K. A. Wheeler

To evaluate the effects on groundwater of a proposed in-pit disposal operation at an east Texas lignite mine, the local geologic, hydrogeologic, and geochemical features were thoroughly characterized. Resultant data were used in a flow and transport model (SWIFT) to simulate migration of the ash leachate. Computer simulations indicate that the leachate plume will travel 61-152 meters from the disposal area in 100 years after resaturation of the spoils. A 61-meter buffer zone of mine spoils without ash will surround the disposal area. The proposed landfill operation received regulatory approval and is currently operating as a Class 2 non-hazardous landfill.

Jan 1, 1994

By N. Ripepi

"The Langmuir model has been widely used for the coal-methane sorption process via an isothermal test. However, even though the temperature-dependent Langmuir model were recognized theoretically and experimentally, the quantitative relationship between the Langmuir’s constants (a & b) and temperature have not been clarified and confirmed by lab test data. This paper collects 158 methane-coal sorption data under different temperatures, which apply the Langmuir model to consider the relationship between Langmuir’s constants (a & b) and temperature (see APPENDIX I). Even though the Langmuir model cannot be used to show the physical state of methane adsorption on coal, it is widely used because of its simplicity and the reasonable explanation of its parameters (a & b). The results from these published isothermal tests confirm that 1) there is no consistent relationship between Langmuir’s constant-a and temperature; 2) the Langmuir model is a temperature-dependent model, and the temperature-dependent feature is mainly shown by the relationship between Langmuir’s constant-b and temperature; 3) The relationship between Langmuir’s constant-b and temperature can be described by both the exponential and linear relationship with dried coal. This paper provides a database for temperature-dependent Langmuir’s model, which can be used for reservoir simulation of coalbed methane reservoir, coal seam degasification modeling for underground coal mines considering the heating effect induced by geotherm and heat injection (via hot water, hot steam, ultrasonic, etc.). INTRODUCTION The isothermal test for gas sorption on coal is one of the fundamental tests in Coalbed Methane (CBM) recovery fields, such as underground coal mine methane degasification, CBM gas-in-place estimation, and carbon dioxide sequestration in un-minable coal seams. Generally, two methods, volumetric and gravimetric, are employed to obtain isothermal data (Bush, A. & Gensterblum, Y., 2012). Based on these two approaches, a series of commercial and self-assembled instruments are built and several calculation methods are used to obtain isothermal data (Bush, A. & Gensterblum, Y., 2012, Gasparik, K., 2014; Goodman, A. L., et al, 2004; Zhang, L., et al, 2013). In the post-processing stage, many models are provided to analyze isothermal data in order to understand the storage mechanism of gas in coal. Common models include the Langmuir model (and its extended forms), the pore-filling model, multilayer adsorption model (BET), and the Gibbs’ model. Among these models, the Langmuir model is the most widely used for its simplicity and functionality. The Langmuir model is expressed as follows:"

Jan 1, 2016

By Gordon C. ‘Bud’ Presley

The pumice and pumicite review arrived too late for the June issue. Estimated domestic production of pumice and pumicite in 1992 was up compared with 1991, according to US Bureau of Mines statistics. The Bureau estimate of domestic production of 400 kt (440,000 st) for 1991 turned out to be 401 kt (442,000 st) of actual production, the lowest since 1989. In 1992, the estimated the value of pumice and pumicite sold or used in the United States was $11.6 million, up only $200,000 from the 1991 value. There was an increase in the mine, or mill, average price from the five-year low of $11.44/t ($10.37/st) in 1986 to $26.42/t ($23.96/st) in 1992. Estimated tonnage produced in 1992 was 439 kt (484,000 st). Apparent domestic consumption was 642 kt (707,000 st), up 135 kt (149,000 st) from 1991. Imports for consumption were estimated to be 215 kt (237,000 st) last year. Domestic production supplied 68% of the demand in 1992, with net imports supplying the remaining 32%. This compares with domestic production sup¬plying 53% and net imports supplying 47% of the apparent consumption in 1988. Exports were about 900 t/a (1000 stpy) for the period 1984 to 1988. In 1989, exports rose sevenfold to 7 kt (7700 st) and to 20 kt (22,000 st) in 1990. The Bureau of Mines reported that the amount of pumice and pumicite exported in 1992 was 12 kt (13,200 st). It is assumed that these exports were from the Pacific Coast because imports, mainly from Greece, continued to be a market factor on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast States in the United States.

Jan 1, 1993

By J. Miller, B. Slaker, M. M. Sears, G. Rashed

Ground falls represent a significant hazard at underground mines in the stone, sand, and gravel (SSG) sector in the USA. Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are currently conducting detailed investigations into the complex loading conditions at underground stone mines operating in challenging conditions. This paper presents the application of numerical modeling to analyze pillar and roof stability at a dipping underground limestone mine. A validated numerical model was used to explore the potential behavior of the pillars and roof as loading conditions change. The validated model was used to compare changes in mining sequence, overburden depth, and the in situ stress field. This will allow mine operators and engineers to have a better idea of the conditions that could be encountered as mining progresses. Results from the numerical modeling indicate that roof displacement more than doubles as the vertical stress increases from 10 MPa (1450 psi) to 19 MPa (2750 psi) when the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses were 41 MPa (5950 psi) and 22 MPa (3190 psi), respectively. Consequently, as the pillar load increases, the safety factor of the pillars is projected to decrease by about 25%. The impact of the practical application of numerical models can result in a reduction of ground-fall accidents and injuries as well as generally safer working conditions.

Feb 2, 2021

By J. J. Gusek

Several final pits in the Seneca No. 1 Surface Coal Mine were abandoned in the 1960's without being reclaimed. In addition, a progressive landslide aggravated by the abandoned mine land conditions was threatening a county road and private property. An AML-funded project to stabilize the landslide and reclaim the final pits was completed in 1986 for the Colorado Division of Mines and Geology (formerly Colorado Mine Land Reclamation Division). The site was visited after ten growing seasons. The land is stable and the vegetation re-establishment is strong. Volunteer native plant species are now invading the reclaimed sites.

Jan 1, 1997

By Vincent A. Scovazzo

During the winter months of late 1985 and early 1986, residents along Dry Fork near Grundy, Virginia (United States) experienced seismic events that they attributed to longwall mining at Island Creek Corporation’s (Island Creek) Virginia Pocahontas Mine No. 3 (VP-3 mine). Island Creek contacted STS D’Appolonia Ltd. (STSDL) on March 7, 1986, to investigate these events. An STSDL representative, Vincent Scovazzo, interviewed residents of Dry Fork on March 10, 1986. It was noted that only people within a residential structure felt the events they described as house shaking, vibrating walls, and ceramics falling from shelves. STSDL representative installed a blast monitor at a residence. Within 2 days, various events were recorded. Some could be attributed to truck and heavy equipment movement. Eight events had no obvious cause but appeared on resident’s written logs as earthquakes caused by mining. STSDL contacted Utah Geophysical, Inc. who had developed a technique to determine the mode of rock failure using the seismic record. Utah Geophysical was engaged to install and monitor a microseismic network, locate the epicenter of the events, and work with STSDL in determining modes of failure. The network was comprised of six geophones located at five stations. Data was recorded for 24 days from May 20 through June 13, 1986. The data was filtered to eliminate events determined to have an origin other than the longwall panels’ overburden and under-burden. The larger events from this filtered data set were selected and analyzed to determine their hypocenter locations, time of occurrence, magnitudes, and failure mode. Processed data was interpreted, tabulated, and plotted by STSDL to provide information relative to the sources of the seismic vibrations and their possible relationship to the mining operation.

Jul 1, 2023

By A. G. Fonseca

The effects of coal cleaning, coal combustion and flue gas particulate removal systems on the partitioning of 12 trace elements were investigated. This study was prepared to help document the fate of trace elements in modern coal preparation plants and coal-fired utility boilers. The coal cleaning data were obtained from several coal preparation plant operations. The CONSOL 1. 5 MM Btu/hr pilot combustion and electrostatic precipitator (particulate removal system) test facility was used to develop the combustion systems data. A comparison with the very limited amount of published data from utility boilers is presented.

Jan 1, 1993

By M. N. Chandraprabha

This paper discusses the role of the mineral-adapted acidiphilic microorganism Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the beneficiation of arsenopyrite-containing multisulfides (pyrite and chalcopyrite) and the bioremediation of the resulting arsenical waste water. It was found that adaptation to minerals alters the surface properties of the microorganism. Bacterial adaptation to arsenopyrite and controlled bacterial adhesion to mineral surfaces lead to selectivity in arsenopyrite separation. Bioremoval of arsenic ions (both arsenite and arsenate ions) by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is also discussed. Key words: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Bioremediation, Arsenopyrite beneficiation

Jan 1, 2009

By Yu. A. Polozov, V. A. Lagunov, O. Yu. Lushinkova, Yu. I. Svirskiy, Eh. Ya. Kipko, Roy A. Williams

The effectiveness of the grouting of saturated, fractured rock in the vicinity of underground workings depends to a great extent on the correct interpretation of the specific hydrogeological conditions at the site. During the planning of grouting operations, calculations of the hydrogeologic co-efficients and of the parameters of the isolating grout curtain(s) and the procedures for forming the curtain(s) must be based on valid hydrogeologic characteristics of the fracture system of the rock within each hydrostratigraphic unit (Anon., 1976). This chapter presents a discussion of the background information that must be collected for these purposes. Details of testing are presented in Chapter 3. The general design of new or the reconstruction of existing underground workings requires a broadly based organization having the expertise to develop a grouting operations plan once it acquires the necessary information. The needed information includes: 1) general information about the hydrogeologic section, 2) the engineering design of the underground workings, 3) the geology of the region, 4) the hydrochemistry of the ground water, 5) the hydraulic properties of the rock, 6) the characterization of all gases present, and 7) characterization of the rock's physical-mechanical properties which is necessary to avoid or control hydrofracturing . The geological documentation portion of the hydrogeological investigation is prepared based on the results of geologic mapping, geophysical surveys and on geo-exploratory operations at a regional and local scale. Geological data from the excavation of other underground workings in adjacent areas of the region is also included. Finally the results of site specific investigations in boreholes constructed at the site of the proposed underground activity are incorporated. A section of the preliminary report entitled "General Information about the Project Site" patterned after the parent STG guidance document on this subject must be com- piled based on the contents of geological reports and on the general construction plan for a new project or the plan for reconstruction of an existing operation. This section of the preliminary report must contain concise information about the conditions under which the planned grouting operations are to be conducted. The information must cover the geo- graphic, administrative, and economic subject areas also. Information about sources of electrical power, heat and water supplies, the presence and characteristics of local construction materials suitable for making grout (particularly clay and cement for the clay-based grout), transportation, and the status of communication lines and other services must be included in this section. Map scales for this section should be on the order of 1:25,000. The technical characterization of planned underground workings is presented in a project report chapter called "General Construction Plan for a New or the Restoration of an Old Operation. " The characterization comprises concise information about the purpose of the workings, the planned depths (for shafts) and the length (for horizontal and inclined workings), the inside and excavated diameters (for shafts), the cross-sectional area (for inclined and horizontal workings), and the face and mouth markers. If excavated underground workings exist in the region, then a concise description of them must be provided. The characterization of all excavations and all operational conditions must be specified. The location within the general structure of the proposed operation is specified. Flow charts must be included in this section that show: 1) the plan for opening the deposit, 2) the plans of the mining operations, and 3) the planned geological sections as they relate to the main workings. These graphical flow charts and appendices are drawn in scales of 1:2000 or 1:5000. 2.1 GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION The geological characterization of a site of proposed underground workings includes the following principal subject areas: stratigraphy, lithology, structural geology and a characterization of the status of fracturing. 2.1.1 STRATIGRAPHY AND LITHOLOGY A description of the geological section of the rocks to be intersected by the planned underground workings is complied on the basis of: 1) research data derived from core extracted from exploratory boreholes and monitoring boreholes, 2) the documentation and mapping of all natural out- crops in the region, 3) the data from all existing under-ground workings in the regions where operations are being canied out already, along with data from adjacent regions, 4) the data from surface and borehole geophysical investigations (standard and specially developed logging methods, and 5) regional stratigraphy. The geological description of the rock must express the maximum detail possible. The description provides the name of the rock, the granulometric composition (for fragmented rock), the composition and type of stratification, the drilling characteristics of the rock, a visual estimate of porosity and density for each stratum identified, the karstic

Jan 1, 1993

By Nathaniel White, Todd Kilduff, Justin Laviolette, Dan Laviolette, Randy Zeigler, Sean Sundermann

The Mitchell Point tunnel is a part of several ongoing efforts to connect the 12-mile-long Historic Columbia River trail between Mitchell Point Outlook to Mitchell Point Drive. The tunnel lies inside the Mitchell Spur entablature basalt geologic feature, extending 647 linear feet utilizing a typical horseshoe section with a height of 14.5 feet. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) required proper vibration control to minimize potential impacts to Interstate 84 and Union Pacific rail immediately below the tunnel excavations and sensitive, rare plants. The method of designing the vibration monitoring program and the results of its implementation show the iterative process of using monitoring to improve blast design as excavation proceeds, such as reducing air overpressure and COVID-related supply chain-constraints.

Dec 1, 2022

By John T. McDonough

The Climax Mine of AMAX's Climax Molybdenum Division is currently producing approximately 34,000 tons of molybdenum ore per day from two underground levels (see Figure I), and initial design is underway for the next deeper (1200) level. The aim of this report is to present the methods of site evaluation used at Climax for cavability determinations and underground support design. Climax succeeds with its panel caving system of mining (Julin, 1973) (Figure 2) largely because of the presence of pervasive geologic structural discontinuities. The stockwork ore body at Climax was formed by the multiple intrusion of mid-Tertiary rhyolitic magmas into Precambrian granite, schist and gneiss, and the hydrothermal emplacement of molybdenite into the network of fractures that were generated during the forceful upward intrusion of magma. Subsequently, intrusive events that were more deeply seated refractured the overlying, ore- bearing stock and propagated a complex system of axial and radial fractures. Post-ore movement along the Mosquito Fault (Wallace, 1968) and its associated stranded shear zones further fractured the ore body and disordered the existent geologic structure. The result of these structural events is a brittle, crystalline ore body that is transected by a complex pattern of faults, shear zones, and joints that augment cave initiation and enhance comminution of the ore blocks. Generalizations can be made about the structural trends within the ore deposit (King, 1946; Kendorski, 1973), however, the intensity and orientation of geologic structure is by no means uniform throughout the ore body. The relative intensities of silicic and argillic alteration are also highly variable (Vanderwilt and King, 1955). As a consequence, no single rock-mass model suffices as a standard for mine design, and site characterization for cavability and support design is a continuous process.

Jan 1, 1977

The Yanacocha Project is the first foreign investment in Peruvian mining since Cuajone (1976). Three years after the project began, it has become the largest producer of gold from heap leach operations in the world and the top producer in Latin America. The success of Minera Yanacocha (MYSA) opens a new chapter in Peruvian mining with the exploitation of its widely spread gold deposits and has attracted the interest of foreign investors in Peru's ample mineral resources. Construction began on August 1, 1992 and after twelve months of arduous work, the first gold bar was poured on August 7, 1993 from ore from the Carachugo mine. In 1993, Minera Yanacocha produced 81,000 ounces of gold and 304,000 ounces in 1994 (40% above budget). Production is expected to exceed 500,000 ounces in 1995 with the start-up of operations in the Maqui Maqui mine. This paper presents a summary of MYSA's experiences during its first two years of operations in the areas of mining, ore processing, environmental protection, loss control and community assistance. The paper also shows that MYSA's successes are not only due to the richness of the deposit, but also to the combination of a number of factors basic to the project's success, such as: an economic policy favoring investment in Peru, the availability of highly qualified local personnel to facilitate the transfer of technology from the United States and the desire and determination of the partners to carry the project forward in an initial atmosphere of uncertainty and terrorism.

Jan 1, 1996

By J. R. Klaehn, M. Shi, T. E. Lister, L. A. Diaz, J. S. McNally

Since 2019, approximately two dozen international battery recycling companies have been operating at the commercial or pilot scale [1]. However, current process capacity does not exceed 100,000 tons of end-of-life (EOL) lithium-ion batteries (LIB) per year, and the current recycling rate is only about 5% in North America [2-3]. Recycling metals from EOL LIBs is not only essential to waste minimization and environmental stewardship, but also a source of critical materials, which can contribute towards supply chain stabilization. LIB recycling can be roughly divided into three categories: direct recycling, pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy. Direct recycling seeks to retain as much of the manufactured effort with minimum chemical processing [4]. The evolution of battery designs and chemical compositions are challenges to this approach [5-6]. Pyrometallurgical processes are robust and flexible allowing a broad spectrum of batteries with minimum pre-processing requirements. Some of the matrix issues are solved through combustion of some constituents. Smelting is strongly tied to fossil energy and air emissions are a concern. In addition, pyrometallurgical processes are not stand alone, as hydrometallurgical refining normally required to separate and recover the metals of interest (Co, Ni, and Cu) from the produced alloy and Li from the slag [7]. Hydrometallurgical processes can be highly selective and efficient in recovering high purity materials [8]. In general, hydrometallurgical processes are considered cleaner and less costly than high temperature processes [4,9-10]. Extensive chemical consumption and waste generation significantly increase the operating costs and overall environmental impact of the hydrometallurgical processes [11]. Leaching of metals from LIBs is dominated by the mixture of sulfuric acid (1 to 4 M H2SO4) and hydrogen peroxide (1 to 15 wt.% H2O2) [10]. Although organic acids have been tested as lower environmental impact alternatives, the reported pulp density operations are low < 60 g/L [10-11]. For the H2SO4/H2O2 leachates, high leaching efficiencies >90% are reported for Co, Ni, Mn, and Li from cathode materials at temperatures over 40 ⁰C and pulp densities between 30 to 200 g/L [9-10]. H2O2 acts as reducing agent to convert Co+3 and Mn+4 into their soluble forms, Co+2 and Mn+2 [12]. Despite the claims of H2O2 being a clean reducing agent [13], production of H2O2 has significant environmental impacts as determined by life-cycle analyses [13-14]. Moreover, the costs and risks associated with H2O2 transportation and storage cannot be ignored [15].

Mar 2, 2022

By George E. Summers

A salt dome appears to provide the basic medium requirements for the excavation of the 315 foot diameter, unsupported spherical cavity at a depth of 2700 feet required by the AEC in a proposed "decoupling" experiment. Tatum Salt Dome was a natural choice for a site because more geological and hydrological information has been accumulated on Tatum than any other salt dome on the Gulf Coast. The Tatum Dome is a mile in diameter, roughly flat topped, nearly cylindrical in shape and has some overhang at the top. The salt stock has nearly vertical layering of alternating bands of salt and anhydrite. In the vicinity of the dome, adequate fresh water for solution mining is available in surface streams and in subsurface aquifers. A saline aquifer is available for brine disposal. A tentative cavity location was selected near the center of the dome which meets the design criteria established by the AEC.

Jan 1, 1968

By Brian W. Mackenzie

The mine development decision is made on completion of exploration to determine whether or not a mineral deposit should be developed to production and, if so, how. This involves the selection of an optimum mine development alternative from a number of technically feasible alternatives and the comparison of this optimum with those of other available investment opportunities. If the optimum is sufficiently attractive, the deposit is developed to production. The selection process is carried out within a framework of corporate objectives and resources. The mine development decision is based on the balancing of two parameters - - rate of production as reflected in plant capacity and cut-off grade. On the basis of available information and experience, detailed revenue and cost &apos;estimates are made for each feasible combination of plant capacity and cut-off grade. What economic evaluation techniques should be applied to these estimates to reduce each alternative to economic indicators that will enable meaningful comparisons and an informed investment decision? This is the essence of the paper. The determination of optimum plant capacity and cut-off grade has been the subject of intensive research efforts by economists and mining engineers (1-7). Their studies are based on marginal analysis and assume that, at the time of decision, certainty conditions prevail with respect to ore reserves, mining costs and mineral markets. The optimum mine development alternative is defined as that which maximizes profitability.

Jan 1, 1969

By Catherine C. Kilgore

The Bureau of Mines investigated the availability of fluorspar from 35 domestic and 50 foreign, mines and deposits in 13 countries. Only 6 domestic properties are considered to be economic reserves, as 29 domestic deposits were found to have an average total cost of production that was uneconomical at a breakeven (0 pct) DCFROR. The 50 foreign properties evaluated were selected to represent at least 85 pct of the known demonstrated fluorspar resources located in market economy countries and China. All evaluated foreign operations were found to be economic to marginally economic in January 1984 dollars. World demonstrated ore reserves of 344 million metric tons (mt) containing 123 million mt of CaF2 were evaluated for the 56 operations. Average total costs needed to cover all costs over the life of each operation were determined for all recoverable fluorspar products. Comparisons of mining, beneficiation, and transportation costs per mt of fluorspar concentrate illustrate advantages between countries. Of the three largest producing countries, China, with its high-grade, low-cost operations had the lowest weighted average total cost of production ($38/mt concentrate). Mexico was next at $54/mt concentrate, and South Africa needed an average of $90/mt of concentrate to cover all costs of production for its low grade deposits.

Jan 1, 1985

By D. S. Choi

The paper presents the result of analysis of subsidence data collected from coal mines operating in Northern West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania. A particular emphasis la placed on the measurement of the angle of draw for the protection of surface structures.

Jan 1, 1986

By Z. Scopa, E. Tarshizi, R. Setterlind, L. Frost, R. Livernois

"THE MINES OF THE FUTURE The mines of the future present a host of challenges, which may appear exciting or daunting depending on one’s perspective. Whether some sectors of the public recognize it or not, the demand for raw resources is not going away any time soon. In fact, it is rising as global population grows, urbanizes and attempts to steadily increase quality of life. Yes, at the same time that much of the highly developed world is calling for greener goods, reduced consumption, and cleaner production, in other areas there are cries for clean water and sanitation, consistent energy supply, access to health care and education, personal security, and support for basic human rights. The balancing act for sustainable development of our global society is indeed precarious, and the mining community is necessarily a key player. Fortunately, many industry members have accepted this role and the responsibility to provide leadership and a solid foundation for progress. Looking ahead, we need new generations of leaders, many of whom will be mine engineers, which are ready to tackle all sorts of complex problems. There are tremendous needs just for technological innovations. Increasingly tough deposits will require that we continue to expand scale toward “super” pits and “deep” underground mining fully develop unconventional recovery techniques like in-situ leaching and gasification or deep-sea extraction, and seriously consider off-earth endeavors. Such work will take entirely autonomous equipment; novel separations, processing and recycling methods; and systems that can withstand extreme physical conditions – just to name a few. It will also take a level of systems integration never-before seen in our field, complete with big data issues, sophisticated analytics and modeling efforts, and cyber-security challenges. Moreover, increasingly complex environmental problems will require creative solutions. Addressing issues like pollution control across multiple media, emerging contaminants, optimal management of wastes, selective mining, and shared use of resources between mine operations and surrounding communities and ecosystems are among top priorities. Really, a complete paradigm shift must occur, such that our focus is on overall improvement of environmental conditions, rather than minimization of impacts. A similar shift will be required in the social realm. How can we make miners safer and healthier on-site and off? How can we contribute to communities such that they are better off, now and long-term, for having a mine next door? How can we help transform artisanal mining practices to also contribute to sustainable development? How can our work be a factor in increasing economic and political stability? How can we improve the public understanding of raw resources and the need for mining enterprises?"

Jan 1, 2017

By R. R. Bhappu

The metallurgical processing industry is in the midst of a hydrometallurgical revolution with mining companies looking for low cost, energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies for processing sulfide ores and concentrates. The Intec Copper Process is one of the most advanced of these technologies and has the potential to greatly change the way copper concentrates are treated in the future. Specifically, the Intec process has the ability to be built on a small scale and at mine sites while being much more economic than conventional smelting. Intec Copper has constructed a I tonne of copper per day demonstration plant in Sydney, Australia designed to verify metallurgical and operational performance. This paper will describe the process in more detail and provide preliminary results of the process based on the plant&apos;s performance. It will also compare the Intec Copper Process with a few of the competing technologies and evaluate the relative economic merits of Intec.

Jan 1, 1999

By C. G. Hunkin

In situ, or in-place leaching is concerned with the extraction of metals from natural mineral disseminations without removal from their geologic location which, in many cases, amounts to the reversal of the deposition process accompanied by a presumed increase in velocity of the processes, if the project is to be profitable. Solution mining processes involve removal of minerals such as sulfur, common salt, and potash, generally leaving cavernous voids, in contrast to in situ leaching which term is applied to the selective dissolution of a mineral from its gangue without sensible disturbance of the formation. Where such a process can be operated, the advantages are manifold and have been so recognized by miners from the earliest days of mining. Recent technological developments have encouraged a reassessment of the status of in situ leaching, and it now appears possible to extend the application of the method from a few isolated special situations to many uranium and copper deposits. Anaconda&apos;s interest in the techniques stems from long experience with vat and heap leaching, &apos;dump leaching, and natural leach activities associated with several established mines. Increasing activity through-out the industry has been noted, particularly in leaching low grade pillars and the peripheral zones of operating mines, often by the introduction of leach solutions via boreholes drilled from surface. Reactivation of dormant mines] using similar techniques has been successful. Over the long term, environmental improvement activity will lead to excess sulfuric acid production, even to a disposal problem. The cost of leach solutions and reagents must be reexamined in this light. The mineral industry now classifies as uneconomic deposits of readily soluole minerals whose potential value, on a per acre basis, may De several times that of many currently profitable oil field reser-

Jan 1, 1971