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By Emad Iskander

The seepage forces generated around pressurized water tunnels in rock are investigated using the analysis tools of geomechanics. The theoretical background of the two-phase material behavior is explained and the equations of motion and continuity are presented. Applications on two case studies typically occurring in practice deal with the required minimum rock cover for a pressurized tunnel and the separation between two tunnels carrying different heads. The rock mass behavior as described by the Mohr-Coulomb and Hoek-Brown material models is investigated by numerical analyses and the results are compared. The effect of key material parameters on the safety factors and the associated modes of failure is discussed.

Jan 1, 2008

By MUSTAFA ERKAYAOGLU, ENVER YILMAZ

Coal is still a part of energy generation worldwide and has a significant role in the sustainable development of countries. The amount of shallow coal deposits is getting scarce, making efficient underground mining operations crucial for both local and global economies. In underground mining operations, longwall mining is a commonly utilized method to extract deep coal deposits. One of the leading engineering goals in longwall mining is increasing the efficiency of the system by investigating the effects of operational factors on equipment. This paper investigates the shearer performance for a longwall top coal caving operation by discrete event simulation that includes modeling the double-drum shearer, belt conveyors, stage loader, and armored face conveyors (AFC) to evaluate system performance by considering the amount of daily coal production of the shearer. As a result, the most influential factor on mine production is determined and a data-based framework is developed. This study suggests a framework for data collection, data analysis, and the interpretation of the operational data to evaluate the primary production unit’s performance. The models developed for the face coal extraction operations in a longwall top coal caving (LTCC) mine have a bi-directional cutting system and can be implemented in other operations readily.

Jul 2, 2021

By Adam Shang Robert Fu

The Yung-Chung-Tunnel in Taiwan, constructed for the Taiwan-East Railway Bureau, collapsed during construction when a water bearing, fractured marble zone was intersected. The inflow was approximately 4,000 liters/second. In spite of 30 relief holes the total inflow into the tunnel remained constant. The pre-excavation grouting through the re-aligned tunnel had to be conducted under extreme flow-conditions. A hot bitumen grouting program was selected for technical and economical reasons out of 13 international proposals. The technical challenges were: grouting under severe flow conditions high formation water pressures to be injected with hot bitumen at high temperatures and pressures The hot bitumen grouting program resulted in a dramatic reduction in the hydraulic conductivity and stabilization of the formation and facilitated a problem-free excavation.

Jan 1, 2007

By Graham W. Gibbs

The current state of knowledge concerning mesothelioma risk estimates is reviewed. Estimates of the risk of mesothelioma exist for the commercial asbestos fiber types chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Data also exist on which to assess risks for winchite (sodic tremolite) and anthophyllite asbestos. Uncertainty in estimates is primarily related to limitations in measurements of exposure. Differences in the dimensions of the various fiber types and of the same fiber types at different stages of processing add a further complication. Nevertheless, in practical terms, crocidolite presents the highest asbestos related mesothelioma risk. The risk associated with sodic tremolite (winchite) appears to be similar. In chrysotile miners and millers, the mesothelioma risk has been linked with exposure to asbestiform tremolite. Exposure to chrysotile in a pure form seems likely to present a very low if any risk of mesothelioma. While the majority of mesothelial tumors result from exposure to the asbestos minerals, there are other well established and suspected etiological agents. While a practical threshold seems to exist for exposure to chrysotile, it is unlikely to exist for the amphibole asbestos minerals, especially for crocidolite. To date there is no indication of an increased risk of mesothelioma resulting from non-commercial fiber exposure in the taconite industry. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Mesothelioma; Amosite; Grunerite; Taconite; Crocidolite; Tremolite; Anthophyllite; Winchite; Risk estimation; Etiology

Jan 1, 2007

By Jill Murray

This study focuses on the amosite mining region in South Africa and associated health effects, compared to other mined asbestos fiber types. Historically, dust and fiber levels were high in the amosite mills and mines, and many miners and members of the surrounding communities were exposed to the fibers. Research has shown that amosite produces both benign and malignant disease. Nevertheless, the mesotheliomagenic potential of amosite is several fold lower than crocidolite. The risk of disease associated with amosite exposure is difficult to quantify. Reasons for this include the scarcity of available information, including fiber measurements, and case ascertainment, as well as the juxtaposition of the amosite and crocidolite asbestos seams in South Africa. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Amosite; Mesothelioma; Crocidolite; South Africa; Asbestos

Jan 1, 2007

By Richard Wilson

In the early 1970s, it became a concern that exposure to the mineral fibers associated taconite ore processed in Silver Bay, Minnesota would cause asbestos-related disease including gastrointestinal cancer. At that time data gaps existed which have now been significantly reduced by further research. To further our understanding of the types of airborne fibers in Silver Bay we undertook a geological survey of their source the Peter Mitchell Pit, and found that there are no primary asbestos minerals at a detectable level. However we identified two non-asbestos types of fibrous minerals in very limited geological locales. Air sampling useful for risk assessment was done to determine the type, concentrations and size distribution of the population of airborne fibers around Silver Bay. Approximately 80% of the airborne fibers have elemental compositions consistent with cummingtonite-grunerite and the remaining 20% have elemental compositions in the tremolite-actinolite series. The mean airborne concentration of both fiber types is less than 0.00014 fibers per milliliter that is within the background level reported by the World Health Organization. We calculate the risk of asbestos-related mesothelioma and lung cancer using a variety of different pessimistic assumptions. (i) that all the non-asbestos fibers are as potent as asbestos fibers used in the EPA-IRIS listing for asbestos; with a calculated risk of asbestos-related cancer for environmental exposure at Silver Bay of 1 excess cancer in 28,500 lifetimes (or 35 excess cancers per 1,000,000 lifetimes) and secondly that taconite associated fibers are as potent as chrysotile the least potent form of asbestos. The calculated risk is less than 0.77 excess cancer case in 1,000,000 lifetimes. Finally, we briefly review the epidemiology studies of grunerite asbestos (amosite) focusing on the exposure conditions associated with increased risk of human mesothelioma. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Risk; Fibers; Particles; Taconite; Asbestos; Exposures

Jan 1, 2007

By Helmut Westermayr, Michael Tergl

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Geographic Setting The Kops II plant is a pumped storage scheme of the hydroelectric power producer ‘Vorarlberger Illwerke AG’ which is currently under construction in the Austrian Province of Vorarlberg. The plant is located at the end of the Montafon valley and will be fed with water coming from the Silvretta mountain range (Figure 1) Description of Plant The Kops II plant shall be operated as a pumped storage plant with three highly flexible and quickly controllable power generating units. Each unit shall have a capacity of 150 MW and shall be equipped for both turbine operation and pump operation. The Kops II plant uses the existing Kops Lake as upper storage reservoir and the existing Rifa balancing reservoir as lower storage reservoir. All major plant components of the Kops II scheme are located below ground. Total investment costs areapprox. 360 million Euro. Construction Lots The construction works for the Kops II plant, which were subdivided into three lots, were launched in September 2004. It is planned that the first power generating unit shall go on line in the year 2007. The completion of the overall project and the operation start-up of the second and third unit are envisaged for the year 2008. Lot 1—Pressure Tunnel. The 5.5-km-long pressure tunnel forms the connection between the Kops Lake and the beginning of the pressure shaft. The tunnel was excavated by the use of a double-shield TBM. Lot 2—Pressure Shaft and Surge Chamber. The approx. 1.1-km-long pressure shaft was excavated by TBM, advancing from bottom to top. Featuring an inclination of80%, the pressure shaft overcomes a difference in height of approx. 700 m. Lot 3—Power House Cavern and Tailrace Structure. The power house cavern, which is being built approx. 150 m inside the mountain, forms the core of this plant. The power house is designed to accommodate three power generating units, and the transformer cavern is forseen to accommodate three transformer units. The tailrace structure serves the purpose of conveying the water to the lower storage reservoir during turbine operation and as water intake during pump operation (Figure 2).

Jan 1, 2007

By Joseph Ribak

Grunerite asbestos (amosite) has been shown in epidemiological and experimental animal studies to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrosis commonly referred to as asbestosis. An overview of the human and experimental animal studies describing the health hazards of grunerite asbestos (amosite) is presented. Of the many human studies describing the health hazards of asbestos, only three factories using mainly, if not exclusively, grunerite asbestos (amosite) have been studied. The first is a series of reports on a cohort of 820 workers from a plant located in Paterson, NJ. Among this cohort, 18.7% died of lung cancer and 17 mesotheliomas occurred. The Paterson factory closed in 1954 and moved to Tyler, Texas where it operated until 1972. Among the 1130 former workers in the Tyler plant 6 mesotheliomas were reported with 15.8% lung cancer mortality. The third grunerite asbestos (amosite) exposed cohort was an insulation board manufacturing facility in Uxbridge, United Kingdom. Here 17.1% of the workers died of lung cancer and 5 mesotheliomas occurred. The lung content from 48 Uxbridge workers was analyzed by analytical transmission electron microscopy for mineral fibers. The relationship between grunerite asbestos (amosite) concentrations in the lung correlated with grades of fibrosis and asbestos bodies and was lower than the concentration found in the cases with malignant tumors. The lung cancer cases contained more grunerite asbestos (amosite) than mesothelioma cases, and in the cases of non-alignant disease the concentrations were still lower. In both types of malignancies the concentration of grunerite asbestos (amosite) was very high-over a billion fibers per gram of dried lung tissue. Occupational exposure to airborne concentrations of between 14 and 100 fibers of grunerite asbestos (amosite) per milliliter after 20 year latency causes marked increases in lung cancer, mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis). © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Grunerite asbestos; Amosite; Mesothelioma; Asbestosis

Jan 1, 2007

By J. J. Gusek

Several final pits in the Seneca No. 1 Surface Coal Mine were abandoned in the 1960's without king reclaimed. In addition, a progressive landslide aggravated by the abandoned mine land conditions was threatening a county mad 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.

Feb 24, 1997

By Don W. Deere

Faults under high rock cover represent some of the most severe ground conditions a Tunneler can encounter. High ground water pressures and flows are usually associated with mountain faults. Ground behavior can range from blocky ground to flowing sands and squeezing clays. Sticking a IBM within a fault zone for many weeks, with the disastrous financial consequences, is still a common occurrence. Interpreting the geology and detecting the location of a fault prior to penetrating it is a fundamental step to successful tunneling. Ground water control through predraining or pre-grouting is the second fundamental step. This paper discusses techniques applied for detecting and crossing mountainous fault zones through the use of case histories across the globe.

Jan 1, 2007

By D. Kwietnewski

With all of the unknowns associated with tunnel construction, how does a contractor choose a roadheader? This paper presents a review of several models of roadheaders being used in today?s tunnel projects. The features of different models of roadheaders are presented and compared. Roadheader size and cutter power generally determine which roadheader is best for a particular job. We will also present a model for matching features of the roadheader to the anticipated ground conditions such that the most efficient machine is selected for the project.

Jan 1, 2011

While SME is hosting its Annual Meeting at the Phoenix Convention Center, Feb. 28 to March 3, one of the finest collections of mining history will be on display just 15 blocks away at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum. Inside the museum, visitors will be treated to a treasure trove of minerals, gems, me¬teorites, rocks, fossils, mining artifacts, historical exhibits and interactive displays on modern mining. The museum is located at 1502 West Washington. For SME Annual Meeting attendees, this is a free, eight-minute Dash bus ride 15 blocks west of the Phoenix Convention Center.

Jan 1, 2010

By Z. Mullard

The introduction of social media platforms has ushered in a new era of interaction and information exchange, which impact business-to-society relationships. Mining companies are closely watching these platforms, as the industry takes a cautious approach to control flows of information. This paper explores the risks, challenges and opportunities of using social media, based on a qualitative mixed methods investigation with stakeholders from the Canadian mining industry. Generational and language barriers, misunderstanding and limited motivation from regulators make implementing social media platforms challenging and risky at an organizational level. The benefits of social media include being able to mobilize communities and share information in real time. Despite the challenges, the study found that 62% of mining stakeholders are incorporating social media tools, mostly in an ad hoc manner. Flexible strategies for transparent communication and public engagement are creating new opportunities for information exchange.

Jan 1, 2011

By S. C. Chelgani

The Thor lake deposit is a world class resource of rare earth (REE) metals and minerals in Canada. Development work to optimize a REE mineral recovery process flow sheet is underway, however, given the ore mineralogy; the developed reagent scheme is relatively complex. As part of a research project, micro flotation tests were conducted on a feed sample in order to examine factors affecting stream partitioning. SEM-EDX was performed to evaluate variability in grain composition between streams (concentrate and tails) and TOF-SIMS surface analysis was used to determine statistically significant differences in surface species particularly related to potential activation (or depression) of the examined mineral phases. SEM-EDX analysis reveal that the concentrate has a significantly higher proportion of REE bearing grains (carbonates and phosphates) relative to the tail (almost none were identified). Spectral fingerprinting by TOF-SIMS has allowed for the identification of all reagent species investigated. Reagent signal intensity discrimination on test stream mineral surfaces was observed by the TOF-SIMS analysis using reagents at plant concentration levels. TOF-SIMS analysis confirmed that REE bearing grains reporting to the concentrate are doing so in response to collector attachment whereas grains reporting to the tail are doing so in response to a lack of collector and/or in combination with the presence of the depressant. The surface analysis of gangue phases reveal a similar reagent discrimination; the signal intensity of collector species was significantly higher on the concentrate samples relative to the tails while depressant species were significantly enriched on the surface of the gangue phases in the tail samples. A detailed evaluation of the surface species representing the various reagents used in flotation scheme revealed a distinct competitive relationship between two of the reagents. The surface analysis identified that when used in concurrently, there appears to be a negative feedback resulting in a significant reduction in loading for several of the collectors on grains reporting to the concentrate. An evaluation of the effect of reagents on REE mineral in pilot plant is currently under way. Key words: Rare earth minerals, Flotation, Surface chemistry, TOF-SIMS, SEM-EDX

Feb 27, 2013

By W. Burger

In underground mines worldwide, a large number of short and small diameter slot holes need to be excavated. Herrenknecht has developed and built a new boxholeboring machine based on the well-proven Microtunnellingpipe jacking technology. The innovative Boxhole Boring Machine significantly increases work safety and requires only minimal drift dimensions. The high and consistent production rates that can be achieved result in enormous time savings compared to conventional drill and blast excavations. GENERAL ASPECTS In gold, copper and ore mines ventilation shafts are required to prepare block caving operations, to discharge ore onto the transportation level and to provide evacuation shafts. A high level of occupational safety and efficiency is the main objective when drilling vertical or inclined shafts. The faster and more safely shafts can be constructed, the earlier the actual production in the mine can start or be continued. Mechanized or conventional methods (drill&blast) that have been used to date only partially meet the required safety standards and fail to provide the requested production rates.

Jan 1, 2012

By Ching-Liu Wu, John Hawley, Andrew H. Liu, James Chai

The Hatch Mott MacDonald/Bechtel Joint Venture team is designer and construction manager for the 5.25-mile Tunnel Segment of the overall 16-mile Silicon ValleyRapid Transit Project, which extends the existing Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system southward from Fremont to San Jose. The Tunnel Segment includes twin boredtunnels, mined cross passages, and three deep station excavations situated in highlyvariable ground, high ground water table, and a dense urban setting with high-risebuildings adjacent to the largest excavation. This paper will discuss design challengesthat have arisen with the excavations and the proposed solutions.

Jan 1, 2007

By A. Yazadni-Chamzini

Risk ranking of projects is one of the importance parts of the complicated risk management procedure. Recognizing the riskiest criteria enable the managers to plan for risk reduction. The first stage for meeting this aim is defining the risky parameters and then working to establish order between them. There are variety methods for risk ranking. The ELECTRE method is one of the best among the multi criteria decision making methods. In this paper with implementing the fuzzy ELECTRE, The risky criteria in the Tehran Subway project are being ranked. The result of this research presents damage and accident of machineries as well as the lack of labor and equipment safety is located in the first order. Collapse factors and local prices are in second rank. Also wrong design, pollution, urban facilities damageable are in third to fifth respectively. Delay and ? are located in the last positions.

Jan 1, 2012

By Arthur M. Langer

Since the promulgation of the first Federal Asbestos Standard by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1972, other federal agencies have modified the standard to better carry on their own unique missions. The instruments used to identify and measure asbestos, the sampling protocol, and the criteria used to define asbestos, have been modified to some degree. The Mine Safety and Health Administration regulates and controls asbestos dust in the mining and mineral commodity industries. However, crushed stone and processed ores contain mineral fragments that are frequently difficult to distinguish from asbestos. Mineral nomenclature, instruments for particle analysis, and sampling strategy must be accommodated to some degree to make asbestos control workable and meaningful. Precedent in other agencies has made consideration of these changes possible. Newly identified amphibole asbestos minerals have further complicated the agency?s regulatory charge. Changes in its Asbestos Standard are now being considered. Crushed taconite ore in the Eastern Mesabi highlights many of these issues. ©2008 Published by Elsevier Inc. Keywords: Amosite; Grunerite asbestos; Crocidolite; Riebeckite asbestos; Tremolite asbestos; Actinolite asbestos; Winchite asbestos; Richterite asbestos; Arfvedsonite asbestos; Fluor-edenite asbestos; Asbestos defects; Cleavage fragment; Mineral habit; Mesabi amphiboles

Jan 1, 2008

By Steve Polegato, J. Coady Marsh, Gary Landry

The Donkin-Morien Mine in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has successfully completed the excavation of a 7.6m (25-ft) diameter access decline over a distance of 3.5km out under the Atlantic Ocean. The tunnel, completed in December 1984, was driven through a sedimentary sequence of sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and various gassy coal seams prior to intersecting the Harbour Coal Seam where development work will commence. The tunnel was driven by a Canadian prototype tunnel boring machine (TBM) manufactured by Lovat Tunnel Equipment, Inc., Toronto, Ontario. The 7.6m (25-ft) diameter full-face shielded TBM operated at various grades from 0-20%. This paper outlines the TBM design, excavation, support and backup system utilized in the drivage. Problems encountered and drivage rates will be addressed.

Jan 1, 1985

By J. S. Young

During 1975, the Reclasource Corporation constructed and commissioned a plant for the recovery of mill scale, coke breeze, blast furnace dust, blast furnace sludge and basic oxygen furnace dust at the site of Crucible Alloy Division, Midland, Pennsylvania. The Reclaform Process was employed as the criteria for plant design. This Process takes the solid in-plant fines as listed above, commonly found in integrated steel mills, sizes and forms them through the use of a carbonaceous binder briquetting system and cures the binder through a final heat-treating step. 15,000 tons of Reclaform briquets have been tested in the Crucible blast furnace in several campaigns structured to assess material handling properties, burden feasibility and finally culminating in an iron and carbon assessment campaign. Data are presented from the records of the blast furnace operation and conclusions are drawn that both iron and carbon utilization have been demonstrated.

Jan 1, 1977