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By Steve Kral

More than 111,350 mining and construction industry professionals from throughout the world gathered in Las Vegas, NV, March 19-23 for ConExpo-Con/Agg 2002 and IFPE 2002. The triennial event is the Western Hemisphere’s largest equipment show for the quarrying, aggregates, construction and ready-mixed concrete industries. Despite the difficulties in the world economy, ConExpo-Con/Agg 2002 attracted more than 2,450 exhibitors from throughout the world. This was an increase from the 1,882 exhibitors that were on hand for the 1999show. And this year’s show occupied more than 180,225m2 (1.94 million sq ft) of exhibit space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This was an increase from the160,900 m2 (1.73-million sq ft) occupied at the 1999event.

Jan 1, 2002

By Paul D. Tomlingson

During the next several months, SME’s E-Newsletter will feature 15 articles on maintenance management. The articles may be read online or downloaded and distributed within your organization. They will address maintenance management topics, offer guidelines to mining managers and provide techniques that the maintenance manager can use. The articles will stress equipment management, a strategy that the mining industry has accepted as a modern replacement for outdated maintenance practices. Equipment management is the mutually supportive interaction of all mine departments as they establish equipment needs, procure equipment, test, commission, operate, maintain, modify and eventually replace equipment. The successful application of equipment management principles can quickly and reliably produce cost reduction and performance improvement results while providing a dependable way of sustaining them. Equipment management embraces modern management techniques. These include reliability-centered maintenance, life-cycle costing, capital performance, the effective use of information and productive organizational models.

Jan 1, 2003

By B. Caro Vargas

The Toulon Tunnel project is a key component of the highway corridor on the French Riviera between Marseille and Nice and is a fundamental transportation infrastructure for the region. The first design studies started in the 1960s. The tunnel project is comprised of two separate tunnels: south and north. The north tunnel was built between 1992 and 2002 after 10 years of difficult construction. On March 15, 1996, for example, a collapse of the tunnel in the Marchand area generated a sinkhole in the city center, causing a 20-month delay. The south tunnel alignment runs parallel to the north tunnel below Toulon?s historical downtown at a depth of 20 to 40 m (65 to 131 ft) with some areas with less than 10 m (32 ft) of cover. The risk management program was studied to be a state of the art program in urban tunneling construction.

Jan 1, 2012

1. Paper1?Identification and enumeration of asbestos fibers in the mining environment: mission and modification to the federal asbestos standard Arthur M. Langer Asbestos-related disease is increased with cumulative exposure (the concentration of asbestos in the air and duration of exposure). The maximum duration is assumed to be a working lifetime so federal agencies control cumulative exposure by limiting the airborne concentration of asbestos fibers equal to or greater than 5 lm in length. Air samples are collected in the environment of interest by entraining the airborne particulates including fibers on membrane filters and then counting the number of fibers using phase-contrast light microscopy. In addition to length, the fibers must have a length to width ratio of at least 3 to 1. This ratio is also referred to as the aspect ratio. Some counting strategies placed an upper limit on the fiber width restricting the counting to respirable fibers. Airborne asbestos is controlled by monitoring a sub-population of the airborne asbestos. No asbestos fibers shorter than 5 lm or fibers of any length having widths less than the resolution of the light optical method are counted. In the non-occupational environment, the Environmental Protection Agency requires the use of analytical transmission electron microscopy and fibers and counting fibers with lengths of 0.5 lm or greater and aspect ratios of 5 to 1 or greater are counted. The permissible exposure limit for asbestos has been reduced by more than 120-fold since 1969, when the standard was 12 fiber/ml and the current monitoring methodology was developed. The manufacturing and mining worksites are regulated by two different federal agencies and the asbestos exposure limit was higher in the mining environment until recently (Mine Safety and Health Administration 30 CFR Part 56, 57, and 7, Federal Registry, February 29, 2008). Currently the permissible exposure limit (PEL) is the same in both types of workplace and it is 0.1 fibers per milliliter (fiber/ml) over an 8-h shift as a time-weighted average (TWA). A milliliter (ml) is equivalent to a cubic centimeter (cc) and sometimes this standard is reported as 0.1 f/cc. As the phase-contrast methodology was used to monitor lower exposures and environments, other fibrous mineral particulates were incorrectly characterized as asbestos. These occurred in talc deposits and taconite ores from the Eastern Mesabi Range.

Jan 1, 2008

By Miguel Reyes, Bruce Whisner, Joseph Bickson, Lincan Yan, David Yantek, Justin Srednicki, Nicholas Damiano, Eric Bauer

Built-in-place (BIP) refuge alternatives (RAs) are designed to provide a secure space for miners who cannot escape during a mine emergency. Heat and humidity buildup within RAs may expose miners to physiological hazards such as heat stress. To minimize the risk of heat stress, Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), or 30 CFR, mandates a maximum allowable apparent temperature (AT) for an occupied RA of 35 °C (95 °F) (MSHA 2008 [1]). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted extensive research on the thermal environment of occupied RAs intended for use in underground coal mines. NIOSH research has demonstrated that a fully occupied BIP RA can exceed the AT limit by > 5.6 °C (10 °F) in mines with elevated mine strata and air temperatures (Bissert et al. 2017 [2]). In this circumstance, an RA cooling system could provide a solution. This paper provides an overview of test methodology and findings as well as guidance on improving the performance of a cryogenic air system prototype by optimizing the flow rate, increasing the tank storage capacity, and improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger of the cryogenic system. This may enable BIP RAs to meet the 35 °C (95 °F) AT limit in mines with elevated temperatures. The information in this paper is useful for RA manufacturers and mines that may choose to implement a cryogenic air system as a heat mitigation strategy

By Miguel Reyes, Bruce Whisner, Joseph Bickson, Lincan Yan, David Yantek, Justin Srednicki, Nicholas Damiano, Eric Bauer

Built-in-place (BIP) refuge alternatives (RAs) are designed to provide a secure space for miners who cannot escape during a mine emergency. Heat and humidity buildup within RAs may expose miners to physiological hazards such as heat stress. To minimize the risk of heat stress, Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), or 30 CFR, mandates a maximum allowable apparent temperature (AT) for an occupied RA of 35 °C (95 °F) (MSHA 2008 [1]). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted extensive research on the thermal environment of occupied RAs intended for use in underground coal mines. NIOSH research has demonstrated that a fully occupied BIP RA can exceed the AT limit by > 5.6 °C (10 °F) in mines with elevated mine strata and air temperatures (Bissert et al. 2017 [2]). In this circumstance, an RA cooling system could provide a solution. This paper provides an overview of test methodology and findings as well as guidance on improving the performance of a cryogenic air system prototype by optimizing the flow rate, increasing the tank storage capacity, and improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger of the cryogenic system. This may enable BIP RAs to meet the 35 °C (95 °F) AT limit in mines with elevated temperatures. The information in this paper is useful for RA manufacturers and mines that may choose to implement a cryogenic air system as a heat mitigation strategy

By S. Ragab

The objective of flotation models is to predict the recovery rate of minerals from a flotation cell. In this paper a CFD?based flotation models is presented. The model uses first order rate equation, and the collision frequency is estimated using Abrahamson [1] model with input from CFD two-phase simulations. Spatial distributions of dissipation rate and air volume fraction (also called void fraction) are determined by the two-phase hydrodynamic simulations. Knowing these parameters throughout the machine is essential in understanding the effectiveness of different components (rotor, stator or disperser, jets) on the flotation efficiency. Not only the average pulp recovery rate can be estimated but also the regions of high/low recovery rate can be identified. The CFD-based flotation model presented here can be used to determine the dependence of recovery rate constant at any locality within the pulp on particle diameter, particle specific gravity, contact angle, and surface tension.

Jan 1, 2012

By Michele Ashby

The mining industry is facing new risks from peak commodities, the energy and economic crisis and stock market pressures. The Green Mining Industry Initiative is a risk management strategy for the future of the mining industry. Defining the Risks The bad news is peak commodities, energy and economic crisis and stock markets collapsing are the issues that are already hitting everyone?s bottom line and draining the treasuries of every mining company around the world. Higher energy costs are affecting the bottom line more than ever before, which is creating more risk for companies. Mining companies have major land positions around the world and they have major energy needs. Uncontrollable increases in energy costs, increased regulations for diesel fuel emissions and energy intermittencies are costing mining companies more time, money, and man-power, which are cutting into profits and hitting the balance sheet. The good news is, there are practical energy solutions which are off the grid, tried and true methods which can be implemented in a cost-effective manner and will increase profitability and save shareholder values as well as energy security for these companies and their projects. To date, most of the mining resource industry has not yet considered or used other forms of power like clean, sustainable, or alternative energy for their own energy needs. The reasons have primarily been pushback from the mining industry due to beliefs of older technologies in alternative energy, a lack of understanding of the cost advantages long term, and perceptions of environmental relativity.

Jan 1, 2008

By Martín Antonio Encinas‐Romero, Patricia Guerrero‐Germán, Jesús Leobardo Valenzuela‐García, José R. Parga‐Torres, María A. Bracamontes‐Landavazo, Agustín Gómez‐Alvarez

A study was carried out to process a sulfide mineral concentrate from Norwest of Mexico containing 97 g/t Au, 0.15% Cu, and 15% Fe. An oxidative acid pretreatment was investigated using ferric sulfate as oxidant, followed by leaching of gold with sodium cyanide. Scanning electron microscopy, SEM-EDS, and X-ray diffraction, XRD, the analysis confirms the presence of quartz and pyrite species. First, a leaching was carried out without pretreatment, at ambient conditions, T = 25 °C and P = 1 atm, obtaining only a 45.2% gold extraction. Once the presence of Fe and Cu sulfides had been confirmed, the Eh-pH diagrams were constructed for the Fe-S-H2O and Cu-S-H2O systems, where it is appreciated that pyrite and chalcocite can dissolve with high oxidation potentials and forming sulfur, oxidizing to sulfate at highly acidic conditions. The oxidized concentrate was neutralized and adjusted to pH > 10.5; it was leached at ambient conditions, at different particle sizes, 44, 37, and 26.5μm, achieving an Au extraction of 75% using a concentration of 0.5% NaCN, 26.5μm particle size, 20% solids, and P = 1atm. Then the oxidized material was subjected to different temperatures, 25, 50, and 70 °C, under the same conditions and obtaining Au extractions up to 92% at 70°C. Additionally, the leaching process was compared using an autoclave reactor at moderate pressures, obtaining an increase in the extraction of Au up to 98% in 2 h, at T = 70 °C and P = 0.62 MPa.

Jan 23, 2022

By M. L. Tucker, William H. Langer

Many countries, provinces, territories and states in the European Union, Australia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere have begun implementing sustainability programs. Most of those programs, however, stop short of sustainable management of aggregate resources. Sustainable practices do not always have to be conducted under the title of sustainability. This case study describes how Lafarge implemented the principles of sustainability even though there was an absence of existing local government policies or procedures addressing sustainable resource management. Jefferson County is one of three counties in the six-county Denver, CO, region that has potentially available sources of crushed stone. Crushed stone comprises 30percent of the aggregate produced in the area. And it plays a major role in regional aggregate resource needs. Jefferson County is home to four of the five crushed stone operations in the Denver region. Lafarge operates one of those four quarries.

Jan 1, 2004

By Steven R. Lowe

Construction of a pump station, consisting of an inlet chamber, wet well and pump chamber, required excavation to a depth of 9.7 m (32 ft) below ground surface and more than 7.6 m (25 ft) below the ground water table in a rural, but rapidly developing part of southern New Jersey. Private houses are located [ ] within a few hundred feet of the pump station that use shallow wells for water supply. The pump station design anticipated support of the entire pump station on shallow foundations bearing directly on the underlying natural soils. However, during construction, uncontrolled ground water flow caused ground loss and damage to the bearing qualities of foundation soils. As a result, remedial repairs were required including support of the pump station on drilled pile foundations and releveling of the pump chamber that had settled. This case study is an example of where a poor understanding of the significance of upward flowing ground water had a major impact on the cost of construction. Anticipated subsurface conditions The pump station layout is shown in Fig. 1 with the locations of two borings made prior to construction superimposed. One of the borings was located within the footprint of the deep wet well excavation. Generally, this is not advisable where a deep excavation is required below the ground water table. This is because there is a history of projects where ground water seepage, or pressure, has broken out into an excavation through an ungrouted borehole and compromised the integrity of foundation soils. Logs of the borings did not indicate that the borings [ ] were grouted upon completion.

Jan 1, 2011

By Jürg Schlumpf

Concrete is one of the decisive construction materials, also for the AlpTransit Gotthard Tunnel. The client has many requirements, and many are the solution possibilities that concrete systems can offer. Cement producers and concrete admixture manufacturers have been challenged to design and test jointly concrete systems for cast and sprayed concrete. The testing operation followed the scenario laid out by the Gotthard AlpTransit Project management?s instructions ?Testing system for concrete mixes.? Various supplier teams have applied for the concrete systems for sections Amsteg/Erstfeld, section Sedrun and/or sections Bodio/Faido and have also followed through with the tests. As was to be expected, the rate of failed mixes matched the level of the requirements. Thanks to this system, it was nevertheless possible to test complete concrete systems for all sections and to get them approved. The joint ventures tendering for the contracts were allowed to include only approved mix designs in their bids. Workability and durability are of paramount importance for cast and sprayed concrete mixes. Durability is influenced by the chosen mix design where binder concept and well-defined water content, i.e., impermeability, are determinant. Aggregates for AlpTransit are to be considered as given. The concrete mix design also determines workability. Because ambient conditions and also requirements with respect to workability are subjected to change, it is necessary that the mix designs include control measures. The choice and number of components for the concrete systems (cement, additives and admixtures) allow adaptation to changing conditions. For AlpTransit such adaptive measures must meet very strict requirements.

Jan 1, 2008

By V. Arslan

The primary advantage of using oxalic acid is in the formation during leaching of soluble complexes that are both photo-chemically and microbiologically degradable. In this study, chemical leaching and bioleaching methods were used for quartz sand. Using the ANOVA-Yates test technique, the effects of solids rate, temperature and oxalic acid rate were investigated using chemical leaching experiments. Solids rate and temperature were effective parameters on the chemical leaching. After the tests, the removal of Fe2O3 increased to 97.02%. Finally, the iron content decreased from 0.315% Fe2O3 to 0.0094% Fe2O3 in the leached quartz sand. The effect of pulp density was investigated on the bioleaching experiments. The bioleaching of iron oxides by Aspergillus niger resulted in removal of 47.70% of the total iron in the quartz sand, and suggested that this strain has not a good ability to remove iron impurities from quartz sand in comparison with chemical leaching. The iron content decreased from 0.315% Fe2O3 to 0.164% Fe2O3 in the bioleached quartz sand.

Jan 1, 2009

By Richard E. Gertsch

Mechanical mining holds great promise for the mining industry. Realizing this promise depends on developing the tools needed to mechanize a mining operation with a reasonable expectation of success. Mechanical mining entered the 1990s with new machines, new operating methods and new ideas for the future. Mechanical mining can provide higher production, increase safety, reduce roof support requirements, create smoother openings for better ventilation, substitute continuous production for cyclical drill-and-blast procedures, and create opportunities for automatic and teleoperated control. The full promise of this important technology still lies ahead. Obstacles include: • Long-term production prediction: Mechanical systems have a high capital cost. Although recouped by lower operating costs, the tradeoffs are not always clear to mine operators. • Cutting tools for hard rock: Rock of more than 103.4 MPa (15,000 psi) cannot be cut by flexible mining machines. • Machine designs: Many machines cannot convert the required power into rock cutting capability. • Engineering: Better use of the machines in the mine is needed.

Jan 1, 1994

By E. F. Schnitzer

During 1996 and 1997, Oregon experienced flooding on a scale not seen in many years. Some gravel pits located near rivers experienced erosion. In several cases, breaches occurred between the gravel pit and the river. Initial evaluation of several sites that experienced these breaches showed that impacts to the river system were complex and varied significantly from site to site. The impacts to the adjacent river system may be viewed as positive and negative. Several flood-plain-mining sites in Oregon located in areas of historic river flow reverted to active riverbeds. In many cases, state and federal fisheries biologists and university researchers saw the resulting increase in channel complexity and habitat as favorable. The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries —Mined Land Reclamation Program (DOGAMI-MLR) is studying the effects to the off-channel areas that resulted from the 1996 floods. More data is needed to make sound flood-plain decisions regarding mining.

Jan 1, 1999

By L. Yuan, J. H. Rowland, D. Bahrami, R. Thomas

Blasting is the main method of production in many non-coal underground mining operations and produces multiple toxic gases as a result. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires mine operators to measure the level of toxic gases in mines as frequently as necessary to ensure they are below regulatory safety limits. The current practice uses portable gas monitors to check the concentrations of toxic gases after a fixed post-blast time. This paper studies the application of a gas monitoring system in the return entry of a limestone mine to determine a safe re-entry time. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted such a monitoring program in a limestone mine from September 2016 through May 2018. NIOSH/PMRD (Pittsburgh Mining Research Division) is endeavoring to develop workplace solutions to improve detection of and reduce the risk of hazardous conditions. This study showed that the use of gas monitoring in the return air can be a useful tool at the mine operator’s disposal to detect and reduce the risk of hazardous conditions and also to reliably estimate the re-entry time.

By Andrew B. Cecala, Emily J. Haas, Jay F. Colinet

A sociotechnical system (STS) creates a framework that allows an examination of how social and technical factors affect organizational outcomes within a specific environmental context. STS has been rigorously studied with a primary research focus addressing worker-technology interactions. Although these interactions are important, the social processes and interactions that occur whenever any technical or environmental change is introduced into the system have been undervalued. If social processes are better understood, mining organizations could efficiently prepare and stabilize for such changes. With this goal in mind, we sought to extend STS theory through applying principles of meta-design to analyze the results of two case study interventions. Specifically, we studied the impact of an unregulated dust control technology (the Helmet-CAM) and a regulated dust control technology (the Continuous Personal Dust Monitor) on factors within an STS including employees’ knowledge of, communication about, and use of technology to mitigate respirable dust sources. The results are presented in a way that first, addresses the overarching principles of meta-design STS including organizational participation, flexibility, and communication and second, examines how technology implementation processes differ when the organization is complying with a formal, higher-level requirement. Results show that a prominent focus on the social factors within an STS framework could help reduce unpredictability on the technical side and may improve communication within the system to help reduce adoption time, especially if and when accompanying a new, formal work process.

By Andrew B. Cecala, Emily J. Haas, Jay F. Colinet

A sociotechnical system (STS) creates a framework that allows an examination of how social and technical factors affect organizational outcomes within a specific environmental context. STS has been rigorously studied with a primary research focus addressing worker-technology interactions. Although these interactions are important, the social processes and interactions that occur whenever any technical or environmental change is introduced into the system have been undervalued. If social processes are better understood, mining organizations could efficiently prepare and stabilize for such changes. With this goal in mind, we sought to extend STS theory through applying principles of meta-design to analyze the results of two case study interventions. Specifically, we studied the impact of an unregulated dust control technology (the Helmet-CAM) and a regulated dust control technology (the Continuous Personal Dust Monitor) on factors within an STS including employees’ knowledge of, communication about, and use of technology to mitigate respirable dust sources. The results are presented in a way that first, addresses the overarching principles of meta-design STS including organizational participation, flexibility, and communication and second, examines how technology implementation processes differ when the organization is complying with a formal, higher-level requirement. Results show that a prominent focus on the social factors within an STS framework could help reduce unpredictability on the technical side and may improve communication within the system to help reduce adoption time, especially if and when accompanying a new, formal work process.

By D. M. Ziebarth

"During the mid to late 1960s, the underground potash industry in Saskatchewan was born. For the next four decades the industry operated at a steady pace, supporting a large part of the world demand, until 2008 when the potash market heightened. Operators were motivated to capitalize on this increased demand, new mines were proposed while existing mines were planning upgrades. Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (PCS) was one of the major producers planning upgrades to its production facilities quickly, including modifying the existing headframe and shaft at the PCS Cory Site to accommodate a new 1.5-kt/h (1,650-stph) hoisting plant. Upon completion of the project, the innovative operations group continuously reviewed methods to increase production and reduce operating costs, allowing PCS to continue being competitive on the world market.BackgroundPotash production is a major Saskatchewan industry and has played a significant role in the economy for more than 40 years. Production commenced in 1962 when water problems were overcome at the International Minerals and Chemical (IMC) Mine near Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. A surge of development by other companies resulted in 12 companies opening 10 mines by 1970. In 1975, Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan was created by the government of Saskatchewan, and shortly thereafter purchased several mines in Saskatchewan, including the Cory Mine, near Saskatoon.Cory has been in operation since 1968 and is located 12 km (7.5 miles) west of Saskatoon in central Saskatchewan. The mine is located in the center of the world’s largest potash deposit, 1,000 m (3,300 ft) below surface.PCS has embarked on sizable capital expansions of more than CDN$7 billion.The $1.6-billion Cory expansion was expected to raise operational capability of the site to 2.7 Mt/a (3 million stpy), an increase of 1.9 Mt/a (2.1 million stpy). To achieve 2.7 Mt/a (3 million stpy) of finished product and considering the 22.6 percent average production recovery (Potash Corp, 2013), 12 Mt/a (13.2 million stpy) of ore must be hoisted to the surface for processing. To deliver this rate required upgrading of the hoisting plant to 1.5 kt/h (1,650 stph). To accomplish this ambitious challenge, creative thinking, careful planning and a cohesive team was needed to work together to ensure the schedule, budget and most importantly that the work was completed safely (Potash Corp., 2013)."

Apr 1, 2017

By Doug Harding

The Niagara Tunnel Project (NTP) is a 10.4-km- (6.5- mile-) long, 14.4-m (47.5-ft) bored tunnel that will run under the city of Niagara Falls from the Upper Niagara River to the Sir Adam Beck power station. The completed project will enhance the capacity of the Sir Adam Beck power station by adding 500 m3 /sec (17,657 cu ft/sec) of water through the tunnel. The project uses the world?s largest hard-rock tunnel boring machine (TBM) at 14.4 m (47.5 ft) in diameter to excavate the tunnel. Features of the project include the use of a high performance (HP) main beam TBM, state-of-the-art ground support and tunnel logistics systems. A continuous conveyor is used for muck transport from the TBM to the disposal area In June 2004, the Ontario government announced that Ontario Power Generation (OPG) had been given approval to proceed with the third tunnel under the city of Niagara Falls ? the first two tunnels were constructed in the 1950s using drill-and-blast techniques. The third tunnel, appropriately named the Niagara Tunnel Project (NTP), consists of a 10.4-km- (6.5-mile-) long TBM-bored, concrete-lined tunnel with a finished diameter of 12.5 m (41.1 ft). In August 2005, OPG the selected of Strabag of Austria, one of the largest construction companies in Europe, as the contractor to build the NTP at a price of C$600 million. In September 2005, Strabag selected The Robbins Co. of Solon, OH to design, manufacture and deliver a new 14.4- m- (47.5-ft-) diameter high performance, state-of-the-art main beam hard rock TBM to be used in the excavation of the tunnel. To meet the aggressive construction schedule as requested by OPG/Strabag, the TBM needed to be sup-plied as ready-to-bore within a 12-month period after the contract was awarded to Robbins.

Jan 1, 2008