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By Fred V. Carrillo

Of the total quantity of secondary copper and zinc that became obsolete in the United States from 19b1 through 1970, more than 11 million tons of copper and 10 million tons of zinc were not recovered. These estimates are based on a study of the flow and recovery of old copper and zinc scrap by consumption end-use. This report describes (1) where copper and zinc are being used; (2) when they become obsolete and available as secondary metal; (3) how they are being collected for recycling; and (4) how much might be recovered from scrap that presently is not being recycled.

Jan 1, 1974

By Kenneth Wardell

Those flat lying, bedded or replacement, non-fossil fuel deposits which exist within the U.S.A., and which are amenable to longwall mining, are identified by reference to three principal factors associated with their physical/geological environments. These are their depth, extent and structural continuity. Technical feasibility is assessed in relation to the likely cutting speeds which can be achieved in the identified minerals with existing longwall shearer machines. Economic comparisons are made between traditional mining operations in those deposits for which technical feasibility is demonstrable. Continents are made concerning those technical deficiencies which appear to preclude the application of existing longwall equipment to the identified deposits and suggestions are made regarding the lines of research aimed at improving longwall technology.

Jan 1, 1978

By D. A. Buckingham

Engineering and economic evaluations were performed by the Bureau of Mines on 14 Frasch sulfur, 1 native sulfur, and 21 metal sulfide operations in 11 market economy countries. The evaluation included discounted-cash-flow rate-of-return economic analyses at 15 pct to determine the average total cost of production of these two commodities and the potential availability of elemental sulfur (8) and pyrite concentrate. The Bureau evaluated the potential availability of elemental sulfur and pyrite concentrate. Approximately 279 million metric tons (Mmt) of pyrite concentrate at 46 pct 8 is potentially recoverable from 422 Mmt of in situ metal sulfide ore. Nearly 89 pct of the total pyrite concentrate is available at an average total cost of production below the January 1984 pyrite concentrate market price ($43/mt). About 185 Mmt 8 is potentially recoverable from 253 Mmt of in situ elemental sulfur. About 99 pct of this sulfur is available at an average total cost of production below its January 1984 market price ($131/mt).

Jan 1, 1986

By John S. Ball

[A system of analysis for sulfur groups in petroleum distillates has been developed as one phase of the Bureau-of Mines investigation of the more economic utilization of the so-called "black oils" of Wyoming. This problem is being studied by the Bureau of Mines under a cooperative agreement with the University of Wyoming at the Bureau's Petroleum Experiment Station , Laramie, Wyo. Wyoming black oils have high sulfur and asphalt content and usually yield only small percentages of straight-run gasoline. A more detailed description of the properties of black oils has been given in a previous publication (3)3/. The preparation and properties of asphalts from those oils have been described (1, 2), and the effect of thermal cracking and the use of ordinary methods of treating wore discussed in one Bureau publication (4), Although these studies gave considerable insight into the properties and characteristics of black- oils; it was thought t that a more fundamental attack would assist-materially in, the problem of sulfur removal.]

Jan 1, 1941

By John S. Ball

[A system of analysis for sulfur groups in petroleum distillates has been developed as one phase of the Bureau-of Nines investigation of the more economic utilization of the so-called "black oils" of Wyoming,. This problem is being studied by the Bureau of Nines under a cooperative agreement with the University of Wyoming at the Bureau's Petroleum Experiment Station, Laramie, Wyo. Wyoming black oils have high sulfur and asphalt content and usually yield only small percentages of straight-run gasoline. A more detailed description of the properties of black oilshas been given in a previous publication (3)3/. The preparation and properties of asphalts from those oils have been described (1, 2), end the effect of thermal cracking and the use of ordinary methods of treating wore discussed in one Bureau publication (4), Although these studies gave considerable insight into the properties and characteristics of black oil, it was thought t that a more fundamental attack would assist materially in the problem of sulfur removal.]

Jan 1, 1941

By Arnold M. Lansche

DOMESTIC OUTPUT of white arsenic, As2O3, was derived entirely as a byproduct of smelting arsenic-containing copper ores by The Anaconda Company at Anaconda, Mont., and American Smelting and Refining Company at Tacoma, Wash. Arsenic metal was not produced. Consumption, and Uses.-Most of the white arsenic produced in 1964 was consumed in manufacturing lead and calcium arsenate insecticides. In the 12 year period since 1951 the production of lead arsenate insecticide has varied between 7,800 tons and 4,900 tons, indicating that lead arsenate has maintained its position in competition with organic insecticides.

Jan 1, 1965

By T. H. Jeffers

The Bureau of Mines conducted a laboratory investigation of copper electrowinning from electrolytes produced by solvent extraction. The purpose of the research was to gain a better understanding of the fundamental relationship between copper electrowinning conditions, anode corrosion, and cathode purity. Processing variables were evaluated in a cyclic semicontinuous system in which the depleted electrolyte was used to strip copper from loaded organic extractant. For the production of high quality copper cathodes, the electrolyte was dosed with cobalt and stripped of organic solvent extraction reagent. An optimum cobalt addition of 60 ppm, and removal of the entrained extractant with activated carbon provided the best conditions for electrowinning copper containing the least amount of lead and controlling anode corrosion. As little as 13 ppm of the entrained organic extractant, LIX 64-N, significantly accelerated anode corro-sion. However, the addition of 1,000 ppm of organic diluent kerosine did not affect anode corrosion. After cobalt dosing and removing the entrained extractant, cathodes containing less than 2 ppm lead were consistently electrowon at widely varied current densities, electrolyte copper and acid concentrations, and temperatures. Dosing of the electrolyte with selected impurities including magnesium, aluminum, manganese, and iron did not affect the cathode purity. However, 0.05 giL of chloride ions markedly increased anode corrosion and the sub-sequent transfer of lead to the cathode copper.

Jan 1, 1985

By Alvin Kaufman

To aid industry and Government in planning water developments the Bureau of Mines in 1963 canvassed mineral producers to determine water use in 1962. Water use by the mineral industry comprises only 2 percent of the water withdrawn by industry as a whole. The major water-using mineral industries are natural gas processing, phosphate rock, sand and gravel, and iron ore. Analysis indicated the following conclusions: 1. Total water use and new water intake is dependent on the quantity of material processed and the process water requirements of the particular industry or commodity. 2. Recirculation is dependent on the processing requirements of a particular commodity, the manner in which the water is used, cooling and condensing requirements in certain large industries, the quality of new water intake, and the need to treat new and discharged water. 3. Consumed water is dependent on the quantity of water recirculated, the temperature and humidity in the area, and the proportion of water used for cooling and condensing. 4. A threefold increase in water use by the mineral industry by 1985 is forecast.

Jan 1, 1966

By Noel N. Moebs

Bureau of Mines studies of mine roof fall problem in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed of southern West Virgania and southwestern Virginia have established that type and sequence of rock are significant factors in roof competence. The poorest conditions occur where the immediate roof consists of slump structures and slickensided rock. The best conditions occur where the roof consists of a sequence that coarsens upward from shale to massive sandy shale. A small manual of color photographs of rock types was devised to aid in identifying drill cores. Proper identifications should enhance the prediction of areas of potential roof problems in advance of mining.

Jan 1, 1981

By Leonard Obert

Part I of this report3/ proposed a sonic method for determining pressure, in situ, on rock pillar, arches, and other structures. The method required (1) a laboratory determination of the variation of the velocity of sound with pressure in samples of rock taken from mine pillars to establish a velocity pressure relationship for the type of rock, and (2) a measurement of the velocity of sound in the mine pillars from which the laboratory samples were taken. The pressure on the pillars could be determined by correlating the velocity in the pillar with the velocity-pressure relationship established in the laboratory. The success of this method depends on the extent to which velocity of sound varies with pressure. Furthermore, Young's modulus of elasticity, E, can be calculated from longitudinal velocity, V, by the relationship, E = V2d ...(1) where d = density. Hence, the variation of the elastic modulus with pressure also can be determined. It pointed out that this method might be extended to assist in the prediction of rock bursts, inasmuch as the rock is subjected to extreme pressure in these instances.

Jan 1, 1940

By Leonard Obert

[Part I of this report3/ proposed a sonic method for determining pressure, in situ, on rock pillars, arches, and other structures. Tin r Loa required (1) a laboratory determination of the variation of the velocity of sound with pressure in samples of rock taken from mine pillars to establish a velocity pressure relationship for the type of rock, and (2) a measurement of the velocity of sound in the mine pillars from which the laboratory samples were taken. The pressure on the pillars could be determined by correlating the velocity in the pillar with the velocity-pressure relationship established in the laboratory. The success of this method depends on the extent to which velocity of sound varies with pressure. Furthermore, Young's modulus of elasticity, E, can be calculated from longitudinal velocity, V, by the relationship, E V2d .....(1) where d = density. Hence, the variation of the elastic modulus with pressure also can be determined. It pointed out that this method might be extended to assist in the prediction of rock bursts, inasmuch as the rock is subjected to extreme pressure in these instances.]

Jan 1, 1940

By V. T. Dow

This report describes construction details and methods used in driving the 5490 tunnel at the Kennecott Copper Corp, property, Bingham, Utah. The tunnel will provide railroad access to the world-famous open-pit copper mine at the projected 5490 level. This publication is one of a series prepared by the Bureau of Mines to depict mining operations and techniques in various mining districts in the United States. Utah Construction and Mining Go. (formerly Utah Construction Co.), contractor on the tunnel project, began work during September 1956 and completed the project in February 1959. The tunnel is 18 feet wide, 24 feet high, and about 18,000 feet long, It will accommodate a railroad locomotive on standard- gage track. With the exception of the last 1,700 feet, the tunnel is supported by steel sets embedded in concrete lining. The 1,700-fact segment of the tunnel is supported by timber sets that will eventually be removed as the pit is deepened.

Jan 1, 1962

By F. P. Haver

The Federal Bureau of Mines developed a 10,000-ampere cell to determine the economic feasibility of producing high-purity electrolytic titanium from mill scrap or offgrade sponge. Operating variables were investigated, matetial handling procedures were established, and the cost of electrorefining titanium was determined. The prototype cell produced premium-grade metal (<100 Brinell hardness number (B.h.n.)) from very impure Kroll sponge at a processing cost of less than $0.60 per pound. Refined metal was deposited at the cathode in the form of coarse (85 percent plus 34-mesh), hexagonal crystals of a titanium when the cell was operated an 850° C. A cathode current density of 1,000 amperes per square foot and a molten sodium chloride electrolyte containing approximately 5 percent by weight of soluble titanium were used. In continuous operation, at the optimum number of ampere-hours, (40,000), the current efficiency averaged slightly less than 60 percent. It was possible to supply large enough amounts of electric current for electrolysis to maintain the temperature of the bath, thus reducing overall power consumption to less than 5 kilowatt-hours per pound of metal refined.

Jan 1, 1961

By L. A. Neumeier

The Bureau of Mines evaluated creep properties of Zn-Cu-Ti alloys that were annealed after finish-rolling either cold) or at 480° F (249° C). Compositions ranged up to 1.25 pct Cu and 0.36 pct Ti. Most data are for sheet annealed after finish-rolling to 92-pct total reduction. Annealing times were varied at temperatures between 320° and 560° F (160° and 293° C). For a number of the alloys, annealing after hot-rolling at 480° F affects creep properties very differently in longitudinal and transverse sheet directions. The detrimental result is that the anisotropy in creep properties between the two directions can be vastly increased. Conversely, specific annealing treatments of certain heavily cold-rolled alloys result in surprisingly low anisotropy in creep properties and the low anisotropy coincides with excellent creep resistance for both directions. Supplemental data are presented on tensile, hardness, and thermal expansion properties, and microstructures.

Jan 1, 1972

By Charles E. Whieldon

Data on the oilfields in Mahoning, Columbiana, Carroll, Jefferson, and Harrison Counties, Ohio, were collected from scattered sources and compiled to make the information readily available to operators who may be interested in conducting secondary-recovery operations in the area. General geology, oil production, oil-productive acreage, core data, reservoir calculations by townships, and miscellaneous data and reference material are presented.

Jan 1, 1965

These proceedings consist of papers presented at two Bureau of Mines Technology Transfer Seminars for the purpose of disseminating recent advances in mining technology related to coal mine fire and explosion prevention. Primary, although not exclusive, emphasis is placed on underground coal mining. The papers address research accomplishments ranging from methods for detecting mine fires to remote sealing systems for extinguishing coal mine fires. Each paper represents the current state-of-the-art in the respective research categories. Presentations include research occurring from both Bureau in-house and contract efforts.

Jan 1, 1978

By John D. Spencer

Surveys to establish the quantity and quality of coals available for metallurgical, industrial, and energy use, investigations to develop better mining methods, and studies aimed at improving the health and safety of those who mine the coal highlighted Bureau of Mines research and technologic work on coal in 1968. Also being developed are more efficient methods of coal preparation, transportation, storage, and utilization. Supplementing this effort are projects designed to assure minimum disturbance of land, water, and air resources. Research centers and laboratories of the Bureau of Mines are listed in appendix A. Publications released during 1968 are cited with the various projects and in appendix C. Organizations that cooperated in the work in various ways are cited in appendix B.

Jan 1, 1969

By Louis R. Iverson

Analysis of seed numbers present in topsoils (a grazed area, an ungrazed area, and two stockpiles) indicated that seeds of the most prevalent colonizers (e.g., Kochia scoparla, Setaria virdis, and Salsolo collins) were not present in the topsoil upon respreading but rather appeared by immigration from the surrounding areas. The grazed site had a seed density of over 7,700 seeds m-2 (of which 43% were from weedy species) and the ungrazed site had 3,900 seeds m-2 (of which 7% were weeds); the stockpiled topsoils had very low seed densities (255 and 520 seeds m-2). Seed densities and diversity decreased with depth on both the grazed and ungrazed sites; this was especially true on the grazed site where 94% of the seeds were found in the surface 7.5 cm. Several species were present in the seed bank (e.g., Hedeoma hispida, Artemesia ludoviciana, A. frigida, and A, abslnthlum) which were also found on the three and four year old mined sites in the aboveground vegetation survey. Seeds from these species may germinate after several years of dormancy, thereby starting populations on mined sites and enhancing plant diversity. Seed bank analysis was also undertaken on mined sites ranging in age of 2 to 6 years (plus an unmined site). Mined site seed densities ranged from 1630 to 3980 seeds m-2, with the four year old site having the greatest density (largely because of high Melilotus spp. populations); unmined site and stockpiled topsoil sample had lower seed densities. A significant positive correlation between total viable seed content and soil-water saturation percentage indicated that soil texture may influence seed viability/ dormancy (the. finer the material, the higher the seed population). As with the previous part of this study (and other studies), there was a poor correlation between the aboveground flora and the belowground seed composition.

Jan 1, 1982

By N. Fragen, H. H. Stroch

"INTRODUCTION A previous paper by H. H. Storch 4 described. three processes for the production of potassium sulphate from polyhalite (K2S01.MgSO1.2CaS04.2H2o), Since these processes depended upon calcination of polyhalite followed by leaching with water at 100°C., the fundamental reactions occurring in these steps were discussed in detail. This paper, which describes processes producing syngenite (K2S04.CaSO4.H2O) and potassium sulphate and gives data concerning the production of by-product magnesia, presents the results of work performed at the Non metallic Minerals Experiment Station of the U. S. Bureau of Mines, maintained at New Brunswick, N. J., in cooperation with Rutgers University.A study of the solubility relationships of the system 5 Ca++ -Mg++ -K+-SO4 = H20 at 25ºC. shows that syngenite is stable in the presence of a concentrated MgSO4 solution, the K2SO : equilibrium concentration being comparatively low (2.6 per cent), The processes described below, which involve the conversion of calcined polyhalite to syngenite, are based on the 25°C. equilibria. It has further been found that syngenite can be decomposed by water at 100ºC, yielding a 9 to 10 per cent K250 solution, the solid phase being potassium calcium pentasulphate (K2SO, 3CaSO.H2O, hereafter referred to as ""pentasulphate""). This latter compound is unstable in the presence of water at 25°C., its decomposition resulting in a solution containing about 3 per cent of K2SO4 and a solid phase consisting of gypsum. This behaviour of syngenite with water at 100°C. and of pentasulphate with water at 25ºC. constitutes the basis of processes for the production of K2SO4 by way of the conversion of calcined polyhalite to syngenite,Syngenite is a product which may be used as a fertilizer per se. As produced in the process to be described, it contains about 50 per cent of K2SO1, and will readily give up its potash content on treatment with water, although the limiting concentration at ordinary temperatures is approximately 3 per cent. This definite but limited solubility should make this product more desirable as a fertilizer then the more concentrated forms of potash salts which have higher solubilities and hence involve the danger or plant injury due to a high local concentration of potash."

Sep 1, 1931

By Foster Fraas

One of the lithium minerals most widespread in the earth&apos;s surface is spodumene (Li2O-A1203-4Si02) a lithium aluminium silicate. For some time, deposits of this mineral were known to exist in the Black Rills of South Dakota, but it was only quite recently that Hess4/ pointed out the great magnitude of the low-grade e deposits it s in North Carolina. The theoretical lithia (Li20) content of spodumene is 8.04 percent. The only other minerals with such high lithia content are the phosphates, but these occur only in pockets and are not in extensive deposits5/. Actually, however, the lithia content in spodumene is never found to be this high, being nearly always below 7 percent for the pure mineral, and part of the lithia is apparently replaced by other alkalies.

Jan 1, 1937