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By Michael M. Hamilton

U.S. Bureau of Mines personnel examined mines, prospects, and mineralized areas to determine mineral resources and resource potential in and adjacent to the North fork Smith RARE II study area. Most mineral resources identified in this area are in laterites, highly-weathered residual soil zones. In the RARE II area, resources of nickel, cobalt, chromium, and magnesium were identified at 15 laterite properties and chromium resources at one chromite mine. Other commodities include copper, gold, silver, and mercury (fig. 1). Approximately 1,100 lode and 1,200 placer claims have been located in or adjacent to the area. Most placer claims are for literites. There are no patented claims or mineral leases. Forty laterite deposits on 15 ,properties within the RARE II area (fig. 2) contain about 16 million tons of identified marginal reserves and subeconomic resources containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, an magnesium (table 1). Most deposits have keen explored and are currently claimed. California Nickel Corporation is developing laterites on Gasguet Mountain, within and adjacent to the southeastern and western parts of the study area. If this project proceeds to production, a laterite processing plant on Gasquet Mountain would enhance the minability of other deposits in the study area. The Climax, PFM, DF, and Stone Corral properties (fig. 1, nos. 1, 6, 9, and 23) have deposits of sufficient tonnage and grade to attract mining interest; resources at these properties are in and adjacent to the RARE II area.

Jan 1, 1983

By George J. Carter

Data obtained from field and laboratory examinations were used by the Bureau of Mines to evaluate 82 silica deposits in the Pacific Northwest. A total of 94 field samples was taken from 64 deposits, and an additional 18 deposits were investigated that did not warrant sampling. Of the 37 deposits found to be of high quality, only 16 were large enough to be classified as industrial silica resources. Another 27 deposits did not meet quality requirements. Methods of simple low-cost beneficiation and rapid classification of a large number of samples were investigated in the laboratory. These tests indicated that high-intensity electromagnetic separation was equal or superior to either high-or low-intensity electrostatic separation. In general, the electromagnetic method gave higher recoveries and produced equal or better grade concentrates. A glass button method developed for estimating iron oxide content of silica samples proved to be highly satisfactory as a means of classifying field samples and evaluating beneficiation tests.

Jan 1, 1962

By John B. Gayle

The Bureau of Mines has designed and constructed an experimental coke oven, using a commercial oven as a model where practicable. Because the rate of carbonization is important in determining the quality of the coke produced and may affect the "mount of pressure developed during carbonization, particular attention was given to those elements of the design that govern the heat transfer to the charge. The new oven deviates in design from most existing test ovens in that the charge is full width (17 inches), the heating walls ore constructed of 4-1/2-inch silica brick, and zoned, heat-input arrangements compensate for heat losses at the ends, top, and bottom of the charge. This report describes the oven, which was designed by H. S. Auvil and installed under his direction, at the Southern Experiment Station, Tuscaloosa, Ala., while he was supervising, engineer, Coke Section. It gives the results of a limited number of carbonizing tests. These results indicate that the main objective in designing and building this oven, that off duplicating commerical, slot-oven carbonizing conditions, has been accomplished; if coke-discharge conditions simulate commercial-oven conditions, the cokes from the experimental oven arc very similar to oven coke, in soma tests being fully as close is duplicate tests from a Angle batch of coke.

Jan 1, 1952

By Mary Cocklan-Vendl

Regulatory processes associated with development of a world class lead-zinc mine, Red Dog Mine, in northwestern Alaska were reviewed and evaluated. Informal interviews with key project personnel, consultants, and agency field and permitting specialists provided perspective on the regulatory successes and failures of the project. Due to potential impacts to air quality, water quality, wetlands, and National Park lands, an Environmental Impact Statement was required. By developing a comprehensive baseline of information on the existing environment to aid in minimizing impacts during project siting/design and through regular coordination of evolving project plans with regulatory agencies, the mine developers were able to acquire necessary permits in a timely and cost effective manner. The only major exceptions occurred when inadequate information was collected on dispersal of airborne particulates, rates of surface water run-off, and groundwater quality. These deficiencies resulted in the need for design changes, unscheduled construction, additional environmental monitoring costs, and delays in issuance of the NPDES permit.

Jan 1, 1992

By E. C. Tarpley

An acid-extraction procedure developed in Germany for determining mineral matter in coal was investigated by the Bureau of Mines to determine its application to American coals. It was found to be suitable for all ranks of coal from anthracite to lignite if modified slightly for coals containing considerable quantities of calcium compounds, such as calcite or calcium humate. The precision of the method is satisfactory, and the results are probably closer to the true content of mineral matter than those obtained by empirical formulas. The method requires considerably more analytical data than the Parr or approximation formulas but is no more time consuming than obtaining the necessary data for the King, Maries, and Crossley formula (theoretically the most comprehensive empirical formula used). An appendix to this report includes a detailed description of a recommended procedure.

Jan 1, 1959

By James Ridenour

This report represents the first comprehensive accounting of lode mining sites in the Loon Creek mining district, Custer County, Idaho. Thirty-five mine and prospect locations have been added to the Bureau's Mineral Industry Location Subsystem (MILS) data base as a result of initial phases of a mineral appraisal of the River of No Return Wilderness; previously known locations were field checked and the updated information added to the data base. The district's major deposits are gold-copper-silver fissure-fillings hosted by biotite schist intruded by dikes ranging in composition from rhyolite to lamprophyre. These deposits contain a trace element suite similar to Tertiary pink granites and may be related to intrusion of the nearby Casto pluton. Continued firm gold prices could stimulate the search for precious metal occurrences in this and other mining districts in central Idaho.

Jan 1, 1983

By K. E. Robinson

This study is the extension of an investigation of reclamation of floodplain areas in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District, Idaho, that are unuseable in their natural condition, by construction of landfills with mill tailings. The study develops a valley-wide tailings disposal plan to utilize 20 potential landfill sites on floodplain areas and presents measures for reclaiming the sites for subsequent productive use. Field and laboratory testing on a test section and two abandoned impoundments support the use of hydraulically deposited tailings for landfill construction. Hydrological testing has shown that controlled discharge from tailings impoundments results in contaminant levels in the discharge below regulated standards. Additional testing indicated that compacted soil liners and pond management provide adequate contaminant abatement where acid-generating tailings are encountered. Mechanical compaction, including surcharge loading, upgrades foundation support capacity so that construction on the surface of tailings deposits is feasible. On completion of the testing program, the test sections were abandoned and rehabilitated. Details concerning potential landfill sites have been refined. At recent production rates, the 20 sites would result in 680 acres of reclaimed land, while providing a minimum of 40 years of tailings storage capacity. A general design has been developed for the retention dikes. Aspects of embankment stability, including liquefaction are discussed, and are shown to provide an adequate factor of safety under the anticipated range of operating conditions.

Jan 1, 1983

By J. W. Thompson

OIL AND GAS AS MINERALS. Oil and gas within the ground are minerals and the fact that they have attributes not common to other minerals because of their fugitive nature or vagrant habit, and the disposition to percolate, and the possibility of their escape from beneath one part of the surface to another, does not remove them from the class of minerals. Texas Co. v. Daugherty (Texas), 176 Southwestern, 717, p. 719, May, 1915. OWNERSHIP OF TAILINGS-ABANDONMENT. A corporation engaged in milling- and the reduction of ores deposited the tailings therefrom upon a portion of its own land lying in a gulch through which water flows at times in great volumes and with great force' and notwithstanding all reasonable efforts by dams and otherwise to retain its tailings, the tailings eventually were forced upon the lands of an adjoining owner; these tailings were valuable and their retreatment, intended by the mill owner, profitable; and the fact that the tailings were so washed down upon the lands of the adjoining owner and permitted to accumulate and remain for some considerable time is not sufficient to show an abandonment on the part of the owner of the tailings, where it is clear that the owner had no intention of so doing, but on the contrary, always intended to conserve and retreat the tailings.

Jan 1, 1916

By Thornton L. Neathery

Geologic investigation of a mineralized zone in eastern Alabama indicates that large quantities of talc and soapstone are scattered over a wide area close to the surface. Laboratory experiments show that this material may be upgraded to a high-quality talc. A market survey indicates that the talc deposits may be of current and long-range interest. The anthophyllite asbestos which is associated with the talc does not appear to occur in sufficient quantities to be considered as a primary commercial source.

Jan 1, 1967

By Susan M. Moore

Many challenges are faced by workers in lower-seam (42 inches or less) mines. The lower-seam heights confine mine workers to their knees as they perform their daily tasks such as installing roof bolts, delivering supplies, repairing belt, or cutting coal. Miners working in these lower seams often consider kneepads to be their only line of defense against knee injuries. However, healthy knees do not start and stop with kneepads. Other interventions such as changing postures, proper hygiene, and work station design may also be used to reduce mine workers? risks for developing knee injuries. Incorporating these and many other interventions into a mine worker?s ?way of life? is an important step to ensuring a long, healthy career and retirement. Keeping knees healthy is also a key aspect to reducing costs in low-seam mines as the industry battles rising health care costs, and training/recruitment of replacement workers is time-consuming and costly. Educating the workforce about the possible interventions to reduce knee injury risk is a primary objective for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health?s (NIOSH) Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL). Therefore, NIOSH researchers, along with industry and academia, developed a training package to educate the mining community about some possible interventions beyond kneepads that may be used to help decrease knee injury rates. Increased awareness and simple changes are the first steps to reducing knee injuries.

May 1, 2008

"An active list of permissible explosives was published in July, 1930 as part of the United States Bureau of Mines Report of Investigations 3025, under the title of “Active List of Permissible Explosives and Blasting Devices Approved Proir to June 30, 1930”. Changes on that list were authorized in August, September, October and November, 1930, and January, March, April and June, 1931, as published in Reports of Investigations 3029, 3037, 3046, 3053, 3069, 3089, 3099, and 3123, respectively, By these changes the following explosives were added to the active permissible list:Big Red No. 9 Hercogel CBlack Diamond No. 5-A Liberty No 1Black Diamond No. 9 Liberty No. 2Burton 5, L. F. Liberty No. 3Burton 7, L. F. Liberty-Gel L.P.Duobel No. 4, L. F. Wesco Coal Powder No. 1Genigel No. 1and the permissible explosive EP-28 was transferred from the active to the in active list of permissible explosives.During June the following permissible explosives were added' to the active permissible list:Austin Red Diamond No. 9-B, L. F. BurtonAustin Red Diamond No. 9-C, L. F. Gelobel No. 4, L.F.Austin Red Diamond No. 10-A, L. F. Liberty No. 6Austin Red. Diamond No.12-A, L. F. Monobel 8 L.F.,- WR Austin Red-D-Gel"

Jul 1, 1931

By E. Concha

The concept of an Automated Continuous Explosive Excavation system (ACEE) for the underground mining applications of development drifting and room and pillar mining has been evaluated in comparison with conventional drill, blast and muck operations. The role and possible extent of application as this method was identified. The evaluation examined each element of existing and of proposed ACEE design concepts in a defined mine environment. Step by step procedures were developed to quantify the evaluation process where this appeared feasible. One conclusion drawn was that a system approach to ACEE design is not only feasible but attainable within the state of the art. Several preliminary design concepts were formulated and examined in order to determine what further research or development might be needed to realize them.

Jan 1, 1982

By Basil Dimitriades

The roles of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in smog formation were investigated by the Bureau of Mines. Samples of automobile exhaust with varying HC and NOx levels were irradiated in a smog chamber under conditions that resulted in smog levels similar to those observed in the atmosphere. Results were used to define the patterns that describe the dependence of a number of smog manifestations on HC and on NOx. Using these dependence data and some simplifying assumptions, estimates were made of the ranges within which HC and NOx must lie in order to obtain specified levels of air quality.

Jan 1, 1970

By Linneas W. Laage

MFIRE is a computer simulation program that performs normal ventilation network planning calculations, and dynamic transient state simulation of ventilation networks under a variety of conditions. The program is useful for the analysis of ventilation networks under thermal and mechanical influence. MFIRE simulates a mine's ventilation system and its response to altered ventilation parameters, external influences such as temperatures, and internal influences such as fires. Extensive output enables detailed quantitative analysis of the effects of the proposed alteration to the ventilation system Network simulation using digital computers has become widespread throughout the mining industry in recent years. However, as the sophistication of the simulator increases (MFIRE, for example), the complexity of input data requirements and interpretations of results requires more skill and knowledge from the users. Perhaps the most difficult part of using MFIRE is to construct the data set describing the mine's physical layout and its ventilation properties. The initial attempts to get the data set running often reveal unknown or ignored aspects of the mine's ventilation.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. Didyk

The final objective of a mine ventilation project is to find a way of supplying the working faces with the necessary quantity of air to dilute all the possible air contaminants to safe limits and to maintain the temperature, humidity and oxygen content within desirable limits. To accomplish the aforesaid, decisions have to be made at early stages of planning and design of a mining operation. That is, ventilation and mine planning are closely related and interdependent, and experience has proved that improvisation as related to mine environment is rarely optimal in ventilation engineering. Mine management should be concerned with two general aspects of ventilation problems. The first is related to the statuatory requirements which are usually the minimum standards that have to be maintained. During the last two decades, mining laws have become increasingly stringent and management of operating mines had to face the effects of these externalities. In some cases these required either a production rate reduction or additional mine development. The second aspect that management should not overlook is the technical and economical importance of mine ventilation on the overall mining cost. In coal mining it is necessary to move, on an average, five tons of air through the mine for each ton of coal produced. The power cost incurred is perhaps the single most important direct cost assigned to ventilation but it is not the only one. Other costs that should be considered include the supervisory labor cost, fan depreciation and maintenance, doors, stoppings and regulators construction cost and maintenance, the additional mine airways development and maintenance because of ventilation requirements. That is,

Jan 1, 1977

By R. H. Sprute

This report describes Bureau of Mines laboratory test results in electrokinetic dewatering and consolidation of metal-mine tailings. Tailings were placed in 0.3-cubic-foot Plexiglass models, and dc potential was applied until dewatering ceased. Time-oriented measurements of water removal, changes in resistivity, and power consumption were recorded during the dewatering process. Dewatered material was tested for moisture content and density. Equipment and procedures were developed to optimize the method for unclassified mill tailings from a particular mine in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, district. Results indicate the method to be highly effective in dewatering and consolidating this material.

Jan 1, 1974

Reports by researchers in government, industry, and universities of the United States are given for various projects on basic coal research concerning, the metamorphism, physical and chemical properties, and reactions of coal, and how many of these studies can lead to better utilization of coal.

Jan 1, 1968

Three complete connector assemblies and six separate contacts were submitted to a series of tests to establish the connectors permissibility and compliance with U. S. Bureau of Mines research Contract #H 0110423 D.C. portion. Test Procedure TPC-0118 was coordinated, and the test plan approved by the Bureau as fully complying with the intent of the contract for the direct current connectors. The components and connector assemblies have been demonstrated in testing that they meet or exceed all the requirements of the test procedure.

Jan 1, 1974

By Staff

A major emphasis of the U.S. Bureau of Mines is to perform research on the prevention of fatal accidents at mining operations. The leading cause of fatalities in the underground coal mining industry is groundfalls. This proceedings volume presents several new developments that are helping to prevent fatalities and reduce injuries by groundfalls. The papers focus on the problem from two different perspectives. About half of the papers present information and techniques that can be used to train and motivate miners to protect themselves from groundfalls. The other papers explain how to identify and respond to various geologic conditions that affect the stability of the mine roof. Of the 95 groundfall fatalities that occurred during 1986-90, 75% took place in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. The rate of groundfall fatalities was much higher at small mines. During 1986-90, the rate of groundfall fatalities at mines employing fewer than 20 people was 4.3 times higher than the rate for larger mines. Because so many groundfall fatalities are occurring at relatively small mines in the southern Appalachian coalfields, many of the papers focus specifically on the needs of this category of mine operations.

Jan 1, 1992

By Alfred Wild

The Kraftile Co. plant, Fremont, Alameda County, Calif.--the largest producer of glazed, structural wall units west of the Rocky Mountains-- maintains modern processing facilities to evaluate and blend a wide variety of clays from several sources to produce quality products. The report desribes the prospecting, exploration, and test methods used to locate raw material sources and covers processing methods, cost factors, and trends. Also, the geologic and ceramic factors are considered in a general discussion of the economics, potentials, and requirements of clays as raw materials for ceramic tile manufacturing.

Jan 1, 1963