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By N. A. C. Smith, A. C. Fieldner, R. R. Sayers

Gases and vapors given off by petroleum and its products have long been recognized as somewhat injurious, when inhaled in high enough concentrations. The petroleum industry has recognized these effects and has tried to minimize the possibility of employees encountering dangerous concentrations of the vapors. Petroleum gases and vapors have not, however, been considered as actively poisonous, in the sense that hydrocyanic (prussic) acid and phosgene are poisonous; men have been exposed to them repeatedly, and for long periods, without any marked ill effects. Light Mexican crude oil when first introduced into the United States for refining was handled in much the same way as was customary with other apparently similar crudes; but experience soon showed that some toxic substance escaped from the crude during production and transportation and in most of the refinery operations. After a preliminary investigation several of the larger companies decided that the gases from the petroleum were the source of trouble, and therefore took precautions, wherever possible, to protect the men from exposure to these gases. With the increasing use of Mexican crude, this problem has become important. The present report covers the work done on the subject by the Bureau of Mines and the Public Health Service under a cooperative agreement with the American Petroleum Institute.

Jan 1, 1925

The Archaeozoic Willyama Complex at Broken Hill has suffered several periods of deformation and metamorphism. New structural and petrological information together with that available from the literature gives a picture of the metamorphic evolution of the Barrier Ranges. Several epochs of metamorphism are recognized, and potassium-argon dating of minerals has been applied with limited success to the resolution of these epochs.INTRODUCTIONAdvancements in the mineral industry at Broken Hill over the past eighty years have been accompanied by a continual striving towards increased understanding of both the geological history of the Barrier Ranges and the environment of the Broken Hill ore deposits. However, although many detailed studies of selected localities and particular-aspects of Broken Hill geology have been carried out recently, the regional geology of the Barrier Ranges as a whole has received little attention from a petrological viewpoint since the pioneer investigations of Mawson (1912) and Browne (1922). There still remains a great need for regional surveys combining field studies of the habits, structures and outcrop relationships of the various rock types with laboratory investigations of their chemistry, mineralogy and microscopic ,fabrics. Recording observations arising from three brief visits to the Broken Hill area during 1959 and 1963 may stimulate further surveys.During one of these visits, the generosity of the Zinc Corporation Limited in providing field transport and geological guidance enabled the writer to collect material and study field relationships and appearance of the various rock types at numerous localities covering most of the Willyama outcrop. A complete study has not been conducted...

Jan 1, 1963

By AIME AIME

WHEN "Chief" Buehler in mid-September set out on his official 10,000 mile swing-around-the-circle visiting Local Sections he decided not to tell his audiences how to organize and operate a state geological survey. As the director for 28 years, of the Missouri Bureau of Geology and Mines (which, he concedes, is the best in existence) lie could have done this to good advantage; but he preferred to discuss affairs of the Institute. In 25 speeches made to member and student groups, he dwelt on sonic or all of the following phases of activities. He stressed the vital importance of the Local Sections in providing the opportunity for members to associate under pleasant auspices with others in their profession. The benefits of Institute membership he classified as tangible and intangible. Of the two lie felt that the latter were more important. A man's progress in his profession depends in large measure upon a broad acquaintance and friendship with others. The Institute is incomparably the best medium for meeting fellow engineers. The primary, function of the new enlarged Membership Committee is to obtain a comprehensive list of engineers eligible to be members, always hearing in mind that the standards of membership must not be lowered in any degree. These men are to be invited by individual letter to apply for membership. Whether they become members or not is of less importance; but it is vital that no qualified man should be outside the fold for the reason that membership had never been suggested to him. Dr. Buehler emphasized repeatedly his feeling that the younger man that had never had Institute membership brought specifically to his attention had been cheated:

Jan 1, 1935

By Jerry Pyatt

Lead has been used by mankind since before the Egyptian pyramids were built. Its durability provides for a continuum of innovation. As the largest integrated lead producer in the Western Hemisphere, The Doe Run Co. is committed to locating, mining, processing and sup-plying lead in ways that are responsible and sustainable. It takes ingenuity and resolve to successfully operate in the heavy industry field today. Doe Run is committed to applying responsibility through sustainability, lean manufacturing, safety, environmental stewardship, education and workforce development, and com-munity support.

Jan 1, 2008

By J. Jerome MacDonald, Stephen B. Flewelling

"In the base metals industry of today, operations required to continuously improve productivity and reduce unit production costs. Consistent with these goals is the improvement of the muck haulage cycle from open stopes with the No. 12 Mine.Existing haulage from open stopes occurs with LHD units experience at Brunswick indicates that LHD units have a higher unit cost per tonne mucked than loader-truck combinations when the haulage exceeds approximately 150 m.The reintroduction of open stoping at Brunswick made existing loader-truck combinations unsuitable. It was recognized that application of recent continuous loading technology could potentially result in significant unit cost savings and productivity increases.A review of the technology resulted in the testing of the Voest Alpine AL60 loader in the open stopes located on the 1000m Le vel. Testing began in January 1988 and finished in late November 1988. The test will provide experience as well as quantified production and maintenenace parameters f or the purpose of quantifying production unit costs and system productivity, ultimately resulting in a decision to further utilize or not utilize the loader as a primarymucking unit at Brunswick .INTRODUCTIONBrunswick Mining and Smelting Corporation Ltd. produces approximately 10500 tonnes per day from the No. 12Mine located 35 km southwest of Bathurst, New Brunswick Mining is the largest (single mine) producer of zinc in the world having mined over 52 million tonnes since 1964. Many years of production still remain with proven and probable reserves in excess of 90 million tonnes. Reserves grade at an average of 3.65% Pb. 8.99070 Zn, 99g/mt Ag and 0.32% Cu . The operation employs 1446 people with approximately 800underground including operations and maintenance staff.In the No. 12 Mine two major mining methods are presently utilized . The primary method is Mechanized Cut and Fill (MCF) accounting for approximately 6500 tonnes per day from four major areas. The remaining 4000 tonnes per day is produced from open stopes with the majority of 2800 tonnes per day being produced by the 1000 level.The 1000Level contains 30 million tonnes segmented into open stope blocks 30 m high, 15m and 30 m on strike , with a transverse width of 10m to 50 m (Fig. I). Stopes are organized on a primary secondary stope arrangement along strike. Primary stopes are undercut and overcut full size with the back fully cablebolted. All stope and lateral development is driven 4.0 m high. All stopes to date are flat bottom (Fig. 2). Primary stopes are filled with cemented rock- fill , secondaries with conventional rockfill, Haulage from the stopes is primarily with 8-yard LHD units ; mucking is approximately 50% conventional and 50% remote. Haul distance to date has averaged approximately 150m with current stope haul distances of approximately 300m. Haulage is presently to a small jaw crusher situated on the 1000 Level. From August 1989on, haulage will be to a set of ore passes feeding to a large gyratory crusher situated on the 1200 Level. Start up of the gyratory crusher corresponds to an increase in tonnage from 1000 Level to 4100 tonnes per day."

Jan 1, 1989

Addressing community concerns in relation to an economic activity, particularly when it causes significant community impacts, is especially important for the development of extractive industry projects. Pipelines comprise an integral part of many hydrocarbon developments, which may cause different effects on local economic development, communities and the environment compared with open cast mines. This paper explores community impacts associated with a case study of the oil pipeline æEastern Siberia-Pacific OceanÆ in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. Based on semi-structured interviews, conducted in 2006 - 2008 in Russia, the paper investigates claims of local communities about potential impacts of the pipeline development of their environments and economic activities as well as community claims for greater involvement in sharing the benefits from this major infrastructure project. A community of Indigenous people, Evenk, is likely to be most profoundly affected by the development due to impacts on their traditional activities such as hunting and reindeer herding. The paper examines in detail the regional economic, social, environmental and Indigenous peoples concerns over the construction of the oil pipeline and investigates actions and methods adopted by community organisations to voice their concerns about the pipeline development. Finally, the paper assesses the process of interaction between the pipeline developers and regional stakeholders.

Jan 1, 2009

By George A. Mealey

Caving mining methods that are based on a planned caving of rock above and/or at times surrounding the material being mined can be classified in three broad categories: longwall mining, sublevel caving, and block caving. Each of the three methods involves a distinct technology as well as art of operation. Each requires a relatively large, regular, and predictable ore body. As a rule, the effect of mining results in some form of impact or change on the surface. Operationally, underground caving methods are characterized by high productivity as well as a high percentage of extraction of the mineral being mined. A key element for the productivity of this form of mining is the ability to standardize the various elements of work taking place underground. Therefore, work-men may perform a specialized role rather than function as all-around miners. Further, the nature of the mining methods lend them to a high level of mechanization. Operations and manpower can be centralized into a relatively small area where supervision can be concentrated and therefore be more effective. Productivity as well as safety benefits thereby. The caving method is unique in that the exploitation openings are deliberately destroyed by the process of mining. Rock mechanics principles focus on the ensurance and the propagation of the cave as well as the continuance of the mine openings designed to extract the broken ore. As a rule, production operations are designed to maintain a steady, continuous flow of ore from the extraction areas. This steady flow rather than an intermittent flow tends to promote good caving action as well as reduce hangups.

Jan 1, 2008

By R. G. Burn

"A brief outline will be given of the concept of risk and its implications with regard to investment in exploration. The relationship between risk and decisions under uncertainty will be examined as a prelude to identifying those factors which contribute to exploration risks:consideration of the effects of corporate objectives (e.g. survival, expansion, diversification) on exploration strategy and ultimately on success or failure, exploration and mining as an investment (the relationship between risk and reward) and the desired return on investment; exploration odds, funding levels, staying power, financial exposure and the concept of gambler's ruin;origins of uncertainty in exploration decision-making-man-made risks and natural hazards; the nature of introduced constraints at each exploration decision stage and their effect on the rate of success;improving the chances of success and the invest reduction of risk through sound exploration strategy, effective project generation and efficient target detection capabilities."

Jan 1, 1984

By Reno M. Pappas, Christopher Mark

This report presents results of a U.S. Bureau of Mines study of longwall gob material. The objective of this work was to determine material stiffness properties of the gob for use in numerical models of rock mass response to longwall mining. Photographs of actual mine gob were digitized to obtain approximate particle size gradations of gob material. The gradation curve was shifted down to a lab- oratory scale, and 20 uniaxial compression tests were conducted. Varying the maximum particle size was not found to affect the stress-strain behavior, but changing the gradation appeared to influence the stress-strain behavior. The stress-strain relationship of the simulated gob material was nonlinear, the stress-secant-modulus relationship, was approximately linear, and the stress-tangent-modulus relationship was approximately a second-order polynomial function. Equations were generated from these curves, providing numerical modelers with a means to estimate gob moduli based on the stress level. In addition, the experimental data were statistically evaluated using multiple regression analyses, producing a series of equations to predict the secant and tangent moduli from the given stress level, bulking factor, rock strength, and thickness-to-width shape ratio of the particles.

Jan 1, 1993

By A. M. Cummings

Each mining district presents different problems as to the methods of ore extraction cad underground support, which are dependent upon the type of the ore deposit and the character of the inclosing rock. Mining costs, however, depend largely aeon the efficiency with which the methods employed underground are [applie] as well as upon the selection of the method best adapted to the physical conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present to the operator in other districts a detailed description of ho mining method used ins results obtained in tie exploitation of the bedded magnetite deposits of the Mineville district. The town of Mineville is situated in the Adirondacks, five miles west of Port Henry on Lake Champlain.

Jan 1, 1928

By Oliver C. Ralston, Dorsey A. Lyon

The data reported in this bulletin are largely the result of experiments conducted by the Salt Lake City station of the Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the department of metallurgical research of the University of Utah. The work on lead is only one of the phases of the investigations carried on at that station during the years 1914 to 1916. The results of similar work with zinc ores and with copper and other ores will be published in future reports of the bureau.

Jan 1, 1918

By James Wm. White

Today a large number of open pit mines use computer-based mine management systems to automatically assign haul trucks, track equipment, and manage information. Now advances in digital communications allow the use of these systems in underground operations. Underground mine management systems help maximize production by providing impressive gains in areas such as equipment and manpower utilization, draw point equalization in block caving operations, preventive maintenance, and safety. Current systems use allocated or "locked" train and LHD dispatching. While allocated dis-patching rarely optimizes open pit production, it offers an efficient mode of operation underground where options are more limited.

Jan 1, 1996

By Albert L. Toenges

The introduction of mechanized mining in coal mines, which has speeded loading, has emphasized the importance of efficient underground transportation systems. The purpose of this investigation is to study and analyze various systems now in use, and to derive conclusions therefrom. This report may be helpful to operators who are planning new systems of transportation or who are revising present systems to increase their efficiency. This paper is the first of a series on this subject and des¬cribes some systems of transportation `utilizing rail haulage, ACKNOWLEDGMENT The information used in preparing this report was obtained through the courtesy and cooperation of the officials of the companies whose mines were studied. The descriptions of the transportation systems at the mines included herein have been checked for accuracy, and publication of the data has been approved by the executives of the several operating companies.

Jan 1, 1940

By Ian Holl, Adam Hempstock, Rickardo Welyhorsky, Niel Morrison

"The Victor Diamond Mine is located in the James Bay lowlands, 90 km west of the First Nations village of Attawapiskat. The project was the first of its kind in northern Ontario and was completed approximately 9 months ahead of schedule.The Victor Mine process plant flowsheet was designed to produce a 95 - 98% by weight diamond concentrate. Main processing steps include 3 stages of comminution, dense medium separation and proprietary x-ray technology for final recovery. Reagent consumption for this process is limited to flocculant, for thickening of fine processed kimberlite, and FeSi for the dense medium separation.The commissioning phase of the Victor Project was executed over a period of 6 months and commenced prior to substantial completion of construction. The approach used was to focus on and complete commissioning of the higher risk dense medium separation and recovery systems prior to construction completion of up stream systems.INTRODUCTIONThe development of the Victor Diamond Mine took place over a period of approximately 5 years and had a capital cost of CAD997 million. It was a greenfields project in an undeveloped region of northern Ontario, only accessible by winter road. Figure 1, below, displays the location of the project within Ontario.The main stages of the project included feasibility, environmental permitting, engineering, construction, and commissioning. At the onset of the engineering phase, the mine was scheduled to enter production in October 2008. Through a team effort between AMEC and DeBeers Canada, the schedule was advanced by 6 months towards the goal of project completion in April 2008. Production status was attained in January 2008, approximately 9 months ahead of the original schedule. This paper focuses on the commissioning aspects of the project and includes a less detailed discussion of the engineering stage."

Jan 1, 2010

By George D. Raitt

Anyone who has spent any time in and around the drilling and blasting profession knows that probably the most critical part is the drilling portion. A blasthole is nothing more than a cylindrical vehicle designed and strategically situated to hold and contain an explosive charge so that it can be detonated in the most efficient and optimum manner possible. It matters very little if the latest “State-of-the-Art” explosive or detonation system Is employed if the hole is poorly placed; i.e. excessive burden and spacing, sized incorrectly for desired results, insufficient in depth etc.. This is not to mention that the drilling phase is the most expensive, requiring sizeable initial outlays and upkeep. It’s also true that improper drilling can cause costs to skyrocket throughout the remainder of the work cycles such as excavating and hauling, crushing, screening and so on.

Jan 1, 1990

Editor?s note: Each year, the June issue of Mining Engineering features an industrial minerals review. Several people put in a fair amount of time in developing the material for this issue. Thank you to the industrial minerals annual review editor, to the technical committees chair and vice-chair, and to the authors of the individual commodity profiles. Jim Norman, member SME, of GeoTrans, Inc., is the industrial minerals annual review editor. SA Ravishankar, member SME, of Cytec Industries, is chair of the industrial minerals technical committees. Technical committee vice chairs include: ? Abani Samal, member SME, of Pincock Allen & Holt, agricultural minerals. ? Aaron McMahon member SME, of Pincock, Allen & Holt, ceramics and refractories. ? Bradley S. Van Gosen, member SME, of the U.S. Geological Survey, chemical raw materials. ? Mark Zdunczyk, member SME, of Continental Placer, Inc., construction materials. ? Jerry Gauntt, member SME, of JEG Minerals Consultants, fillers and pigments. ? Michael Cheshire, member SME, of Indiana University, sorbents, filters and process aids. Their help makes possible this June industrial minerals issue. On behalf of ME readers, the editors thank them.

Jan 1, 2008

By L. J. Defferding

This report documents the work performed by Battelle-Northwest and its sub-contractors in Phase I of a project to develop a cross pit conveyor system for the Bureau of Mines. The conveyor system description includes details of the conceptual design as well as system and component specifications. The selection of primary and back-up sites for system demonstration is discussed. Maneuvers and operating sequences required for mining the selected demonstration site are described and illustrated in detail. Economic viability of the cross pit conveyor system was analyzed by estimating the cost of overburden removal per ton of coal using the Battelle-designed concept and comparing these costs to the cost of an available state-of-the-art 30-yd3 dragline operation. Testing and trade-off studies conducted are documented and the results presented. Alternate designs considered in developing the selected cross pit concept are included for completeness. Based on the evaluation of the selected concept, it was concluded that the cross pit conveyor system proposed by Battelle is a technically and economically feasible overburden handling method with a good potential to improve western coal mining efficiency.

Jan 1, 1976

By R. Adsero

"A high altitude review of the state of the mining industry provided by a study of multifactor productivity shows a continuation of lower output year on year for the capital and labor inputs applied. The story is sadly similar for both U.S. mining and the Australian mining sector. In fact, according to PwC analysts, the world’s mining equipment productivity has declined 20 percent during the past seven years (Lumley, 2014). Although the reasons for the continuing decline in mining productivity are varied, the need for improvement is clear.The world’s mining industry fleet of more than 400 large draglines moves billions of tons of overburden and ore (phosphate, limestone, etc.) annually. This discussion will review a few of the tools available for improved productivity in dragline operations.Benchmarking equipment performance exposes the possibilitiesIn the September 2013 Mining Engineering cover story Graham Lumley and R. Adsero suggested that analyzing best practice equipment performance from an industrywide database for specific equipment performance improvement goals would be beneficial (Adsero, 2013). Benchmarking equipment performance by normalizing differences and then comparing specific measures of performance will provide a road map to improvement for those following the leaders. For those already performing at best practice levels, a benchmark confirms and bolsters what has already been achieved. As described in the SME February 2014 paper by this author, best practice is the average of the top 10 percent in annual output. Filling performance gaps identified by a comparison to best practice by investigating the details of the why and taking action to change, makes all the difference. This is true for all major mining equipment. Given the large gap between average performance and best practice performance most mining operations can benefit. Best practice performance provides a view of what is possible to the 90 percent majority of mining operations that are performing below the top 10 percent.For dragline mining operations, identifying specific characteristics and practices of leading dragline performance will provide a reference for comparison."

Nov 1, 2016

By R. E. Wilmot

This paper is based on the experiences, over many years, of numerous authors in the South African mining industry and of the hot dip galvanizing process and its application as a corrosion protection system. The paper sets out the extensive development, financial resources and stringent operating requirements of the South African mining industry. After many years of research and operational experiences, hot dip galvanizing and, when necessary, duplex systems, have been found to meet the demanding requirements of this particular industry. The paper sets out the requirements from the standpoint of corrosion criteria and is followed with a case where the corrosion protection properties of hot dip galvanizing are demonstrated. This case history traces the early investigation of the expected corrosive conditions in a new mining operation and concludes with two follow-up visits to the mine in order to examine actual performance of the corrosion protection system after ten years in service.

Jan 1, 2007

By G. M. Bernard

The Andacollo gold mine is located near the small town of Andacollo, Chile (population 14,000) in the fourth region. It is approximately 35 miles by paved road from the coastal city of La Serena, and Santiago lies about 300 miles to the south (see map.) Site elevation varies between 3300 feet and 4200 feet. The climate at the site is moderate but arid, with an average annual rainfall of only five inches. Because there is little rain, and the temperature varies only a few degrees (57"F to 75°F); there are no freezing, solution dilution, or pad saturation problems. The climatic conditions are ideal for heap leaching.

Jan 1, 1996