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By C. J. Bise

In August, 1977, the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act was signed into law [I]. It stated that: "The Congress finds and declares that because of the diversity in terrain ... and other physical conditions in areas subject to min ing operations, the primary governmental res- ponsibility for developing, authorizing, issuing, and enforcing regulations for-surface mining and reclamation operations subject to the Act should rest with the States." Section 516 of Title V (Control of the Environ mental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining) of the Act deals with the surface effects of underground coal mining operations. "Each permit issued under any approved State or Federal program pursuant to this Act and relating to underground coal mining shall re quire tfieoperator to adopt izeasures consist ent with known technology in order to prevent subsidence, causing material damage, to the extent technologically and economically feasible, maximize mine stability, and main tain the value and reasonable foreseeable use of such surface lands, except in those instances vhere the mining technology used requires planned subsidence in a predictable and controlled manner: Provided, that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the standard method of room and pillar mining. "

Jan 1, 1980

By Collin L. Stewart

Published subsidence data for the western United States is limited in comparison with data for the east. This paper summarizes the results of a subsidence monitoring program above two longwall panels at the Foidel Creek Mine located in northwest Colorado. The monitoring area is characterized by overburden ranging from 1000 ft to 1100 ft in thickness. The surface slope parallels the dip of the bedding at approximately 5 deg. Average mining height is 9 ft. Smax averaged 3.4 ft. Draw angles averaged 15 deg for up-dip ribsides and 19 deg for down-dip ribsides. A site-specific profile function is developed from the data.

Jan 1, 1986

By Theodore H. Budd, Douglas J. Heinz

This report concerns the successful construction of Contract No. 287 of the Northeast Side Relief Sewer System for the Metropolitan Sewerage District of the County of Milwaukee. The contract involved the construction of approximately 3316 meters (10,880 feet) of tunnel concrete lined to 1.83 meters (72 inch) internal diameter; 30.48 meters (100 feet) of 1.83 meters (72 inch) reinforced concrete pipe jacked-in-place; a river crossing of approximately 107 meters (350 feet); 197 meters (647 feet) of 1.83 meters (72 inch) reinforced concrete pipe in open-cut; several diversion and flow monitoring structures; and miscellaneous manholes and appurtenances. The contract proposal, which was extremely prescriptive, did allow alternative methods of primary support consisting of precast reinforced concrete segments, steel liner plates, steel ribs with wood lagging, and combinations thereof in designated areas. The specifications required the contractor to designate which support scheme it intended to use. The specifications also required compressed air as a means of ground water control for approximately 2316 meters (7600 feet) of tunnel. The alternative selected in the bid proposal was the support method consisting of steel ribs and wood lagging for 2263 meters (7425 feet) of tunnel and steel liner plates for the remaining section. Shaft supports, by specification, were designed to be steel liner plate with steel ribs varying in size from 4.27 meters to 6.10 meters (14 foot O.D. to 20 foot O.D. ).

Jan 1, 1983

By W. M. Cross

The use of fillers and reinforcements for plastics has increased considerably over the past few decades. For example, in the 1980's the average growth rate of filler use was 5.8%. [Katz and Milewski, 1987] Similar filler use growth rates occurred in the 1970's due largely to the increase in price of petrochemical starting materials for plastics. While filler use is still sometimes predicated on the cost benefits associated with their addition to the plastic, other mechanical and performance advantages associated with filler addition are being realized, and account for most of the increased usage. Plastic filler types are many and varied, and include both inorganic minerals/metals and organic compounds, with the former type being, by far, the more common. Common mineral fillers include oxides, including both natural and synthetic silica; carbonates, particularly calcium carbonate; clays such as kaolin; and silicates like mica and talc. It has been recognized that a number of factors influence filler performance, including particle size, shape, surface area, and hardness to name a few. In addition, the interaction between the filler and the plastic is of paramount importance as this interaction will determine the wettability, bonding and the adhesion between the two materials, and ultimately, the mechanical properties of the composite. Froth flotation has long been recognized as a viable process to separate different mineral types. [Leja, 1982] Prior to flotation the minerals are liberated from the ore by comminution. The mineral particle size range produced by this comminution process is typically between 300 and 10 microns. This size range is also typical of mineral fillers for plastics. The size similarity between mineral fillers and minerals concentrated by froth flotation is only one of many similarities that can be found.

Jan 1, 1997

By M. J. Gula, S. S. Xue, E. P. Horwitz

A study was conducted to remove iron from sulfate solu¬tions using Eichrom'sDipex®extractant, PP'-di(2-ethylhexyl) methanediphosphonic acid (H2DEH[MDP]). It was found that this extractant can effectively and selectively extract ferric ion from highly acidic solutions. Ninety-nine percent of the iron was extracted from a simulated feed solution in a single stage. The separation factor, Fe/Zn, was 106. More than 90% of the iron in a loaded organic can be recovered in an aqueous solution by reductive stripping. This paper presents the experimental results. A new process for iron removal using Dipex extractant is described and discussed.

Jan 1, 2000

By R. Addison

This is the story of the Carlton Mill. But first-a little geography. For those who do not know where the Carlton Mill is, or, perhaps, have only a vague idea, its location is indicated in Figure 1. The plant is situated on the road between the two old mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor, 10 the west of Colorado Springs. From Denver, it's about 110 miles by road. The story of the Carlton Mill began with the discovery of gold at Cripple Creek in 1890. This discovery set off a major boom such that, by the turn of the century, there were 450 separate operating mines in the district. Gold production boomed early and declined rather rapidly as indicated by the graph in Figure 2. Significant factors affecting production are shown on the graph-the raising of the gold price in 1934 from $20.67 to $35.00 per ounce and the government executive order L-208 in 1942 requiring the closure of all gold mines.

Jan 1, 1983

By Russell L. Dahl

In a continuing effort to improve plant efficiency, United States Steel's Atlantic City Ore Operations completed the rubber lining of its balling drums in late 1982. This resulted in benefits of reduced bentonite consumption, reduced maintenance costs, improved production rates, and lower power consumption. These advantages far outweigh the disadvantages of increased oversize production and increased surging on the roll screen sizing devices. Certain operating characteristics and variables are discussed herein.

Jan 1, 1983

By Brian G. White

The Coeur d'Alene Mining District of northern Idaho is remarkable for its number of large ore bodies and for the amount of its historical production of lead, zinc and silver (Fig. 1). Since veins were first discovered in 1884, more than 127 Mt (140 million st) of ore have been produced from narrow, high-grade veins. Mining continues at the Lucky Friday, Galena and Sunshine mines (Fig. 2). All have been in production for decades. At these mines, more efficient mining and exploration techniques have reduced costs while adding significant new reserves. Even the old Bunker Hill Mine, where ore was first found in 1875, continues operation on a limited basis, partly involving production of world-class pyromorphite specimens. Until recently, the Coeur Mine was also a profitable silver producer. Other large producers have included the Star-Morning, Hecla, Page, Standard-Mammoth, Hercules and Gold Hunter mines (Fig. 2). The first deposits were discovered by prospectors who spilled over from the Murray gold mining district, 24 km (15 miles) to the north. The Bunker Hill Mine was founded the year after the first veins were discovered. Bunker Hill has now operated for more than 100 years. Production includes 2.3 Mt (2.6 million st) of lead, 1.1 Mt (1.2 million st) of zinc and 4.1 kt (132 million oz) of silver. Total district production through 1996 (Springer, 1997) amounted to 7.3 Mt (8.1 million st) of lead, 3 Mt (3.3 million st) of zinc, and 34.5 kt (1.109 billion oz) of silver. This record establishes the district as the largest recorded producer of silver in the world, while also yielding major quantities of lead and zinc. Only Potosi, Bolivia, may have produced more silver, although records are unclear. Despite the district's longevity, historic production and current activity, the published literature on the district lags behind with regard to recent concepts of district geology. The most recent comprehensive US Geological Sur- vey (USGS) bulletins (Hobbs et al., 1965; Fryklund, 1964) are dated. Much research in the last half century has been short-lived or geographically restricted because the district is large and its geology is complex - and even this research tends to remain unpublished. Thus, it has been difficult for in- [ ]

Jan 1, 1998

By M. C. Manderson

Phosphate rock is a naturally occurring mineral which, in upgraded form, is important to both agriculture and industry. Phosphate rock normally must be upgraded before it can be assimilated and used. Most of this upgrading is now carried out by chemical means, largely through the reaction of a strong inorganic acid (primarily sulfuric acid) with the phosphate rock to remove major impurities and to produce soluble phosphate. A less important but yet still commercially significant conversion method involves the thermal reduction of phosphate rock at high temperature in an electric furnace to produce elemental phosphorus. The elemental phosphorus is then converted to usable end products. This conversion route is a more costly method than the chemical route, but it has the advantage of being able to produce chemically pure phosphorus derivatives. On the other hand, the use of phosphate rock for agricultural application-primarily for use as a plant nutrient ingredient for fertilizer -does not require the same level of purity. As a consequence, the chemical method of phosphate rock upgrading is the predominant technique for producing phosphatic fertilizers.

Jan 1, 1977

By Glenn J. Phillips, Debra L. Musick

The operating mine is dynamic, everchanging, and a continuous moving target. The only way to effectively manage such a creature is to be able to evaluate the cost of operation over short enough time periods that rapid effective controls can be implemented before loss can erode the marginal profits in todays market place. Such short term evaluations can provide the basis for the long range planning that can keep an operation healthy in the future. The spreadsheet programs on small computers (PC's) offer the possibility of such evaluation by accumulating data in a useable format, providing timely cost reporting and providing a tool for use in evaluating the day to day alternative choices of the real mining world.

Jan 1, 1987

By D. G. Krige

In the world mining scene, precious metals (particularly gold) have recently monopolized the attention in exploration as well as new production activities. As the major world producer of gold, South Africa plays and will continue to play a very significant role in this commodity. This role will, of course, have its consequential effects on the world's gold supply and, hence, also on the international price of gold. It is essential, therefore, and in the interests of all gold producers that the likely future pattern of gold production in South Africa be estimated such that some measure of production uncertainties can be predicted. For this purpose, some elementary geostatistical models will be used, and the main factors affecting the situation will be analyzed in broad outline only under the following headings: South Africa's basic gold ore potential in the three categories of: (1) ore remaining in existing mines; (2) extensions to existing mines via unexplored areas and/or reef horizons of lower grade; and (3) new mines, potentially deep or ultradeep. Cutoff grades - operating, marginal, and flotation, for the foregoing three ore categories, respectively. The availability of production, financial, and other resources required. Cutoff grades will, of course, depend on cost levels (operating and capital), future inflation and cost escalation trends in South Africa (SA), and/or gold price trends (in US$ and via the exchange rate in SA Rand terms). The differentials in inflation and escalation trends with those in overseas countries, mainly the USA, will, in general, set the scene for future exchange rate levels of the Rand. To predict the effect of various cutoff grades on future gold production from South Africa, it is essential to use geostatistical models. The applicability of such models is tested against past records of price, cost, and grade trends and then applied to the estimated ore potentials. These models were referred to briefly in a paper at a recent seminar on gold (Krige, 1986) but are discussed in detail herein. This lecture was intended originally to cover only technical aspects, but, in view of South Africa's position internationally and the possible effect of sanctions, internal unrest, and strikes on gold production, a brief reference to the third factor above (availability of production, financial, and other resources) seems appropriate.

Jan 1, 1988

By Tony Dunn

FMC Corp. achieved a significant cost reduction at its Green River, WY soda ash operations using a new proprietary solution-mining and processing technology. In phase one of the program, trona ore is dissolved, recovered and processed with the new technology. It is then fed into an existing refining plant, replacing dry mined and calcined trona ore. Phase two produces a final high-purity product. It also increases capacity by 635 kt/a (700,000 stpy). Both phases were completed under budget and ahead of schedule. This $120-million expansion project uses a new process and a new team to derive soda ash in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. The team successfully introduced solution-mining technology - with a liquid solution injected into previously mined sections of the mine. This shift in techniques signified a new era for soda ash production. The project is an example of teamwork at its best. For it to be successful, FMC had to work within several different areas inside and outside of the company. Engineers, contractors, mechanical operators and technical people were needed who could blend in with FMC's existing in-house team.

Jan 1, 1999

By Alton G. Woody

Like so many installations of its type approaching middle age, the ore processing and shipping facilities in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, have taken a lot of twists and turns in their lifetime. The object of this paper is to lead you through these twists and turns and some of the reasoning for them. The need for additional sources of iron are in the United States became evident during the time of the second world war. An exploration team from U. S. Steel located further high quality direct shipping iron are in commercial quantities near Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela in 1947. Basic decisions were made to develop these reserves for export via the Orinoco River through a new shipping port to be built at the confluence of the Orinoco and Caroni Rivers. The basic concept was for the ore to be loaded directly to ocean going vessels. This was something of a gamble since the basic economics depended upon successfully opening up the main channel of the Orinoco River to deepwater vessels, and the Bethlehem Steel mine in the same area was already working with shallow draft river boats and a transfer station on the coast. Always, the basic philosophy has tended to be to plan with expansion in mind. The original conveyor systems were 1.52 m (60 inches) wide with 200 idlers, whereas 1.07 m (42 inches) or 1.22 m (48 inches) wide conveyors could have carried any production foreseen at the time of installation. Stockpiles have been located and designed with room for expansion. Basic designs have had dotted line future expansion blocked in.

Jan 1, 1978

By Wayne J. Nordstrom, Dennis L. Murr, James E. Wennen

National Steel Pellet Company (NSPC) conducted pilot scale testing and computer simulation studies which indicates that the capacity of the secondary grinding mill could be increased and that concentrate grade improvement could be expected with improved classification in the grinding circuit. Based on these studies, a decision was made to modify one secondary ball mill line at NSPC to include both cyclone and screen classification with magnetic separation applied to the circulating load. This paper will briefly discuss the studies leading to the decision to modify the circuit, the design of the modified circuit and the initial start-up and operating experience.

Jan 1, 1997

By David M. Rubio

The Ortiz Mine is an open pit-heap leach gold operation in central New Mexico processing about 3,100 tonnes (3,400 short tons) per day. It is the initial mining property in the United States developed by Gold Fields Mining Corporation, a subsidiary of Consolidated Gold Fields, PLC. This paper discusses the evolution of the present mining and ore control procedures as adaptions to the characteristics of both the rock being mined and the orebody, and with respect to the fact that mining is done by a contractor.

Jan 1, 1984

By Thomas R. Kuesel, Harvey W. Parker

INTRODUCTION This paper describes the use of a shield and compressed air for construction of a short section of a pair of twin single-track tunnels for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) transit system. Although only two blocks long, this section posed the greatest difficulties to both engineers and contractors, and is the most expensive section of line construction on the MARTA system. All this derives directly from its setting--these tunnels had to be constructed through mixed-face conditions. SETTING The Broad Street tunnels form a link between the Peachtree Center and Five Points Stations, in the heart of Atlanta's central business district (Figure 1). Peachtree Center sits atop a solid rock ridge, which inspired the design of a deep rock-mined station, as described in the 1979 RETC. Five Points Station is MARTA's hub--the intersection of the system's two main branches. It is located in the old railroad gulch, a filled-in erosional valley at the base of Peachtree Ridge, and was constructed by open-cut methods. The alignment and profile of the Broad Street tunnels were closely constrained by these two adjacent anchors, and in the six-block stretch between them there was very little room for maneuvering. Since the rock ridge petered out about in the middle of the section, it was evident at the outset that there would be about two blocks of rock tunneling at the north end, two blocks of soft ground construction at the south, and two blocks of mixed-face in between. It is this central two-block section that is the focus of this paper.

Jan 1, 1981

By S. Hartman

The Escalante Silver Mine in Southwest Utah produces an average of 71.000 kg (2.3 million troy ounces) of silver dore annually. Precipitates from a cyanide leach circuit are treated by either acid leaching prior to fusion or a direct fusion with nitre. Process development, plant experience, and a comparison of both methods will be discussed. Plant experience from the custom treatment of a gold/silver precipitate containing matte producing elements will also be covered.

Jan 1, 1989

By James J. Gusek

The Atlantic City iron mine is located in Fremont County in central Wyoming, near the historic gold mining camps of Atlantic City and South Pass City. The mine lies on the southeast flank of the Wind River Mountains at an elevation of about 2,470 m (8,100 ft) above sea level (Fig. 1). An 81-h M2 (200-acre) tailings impoundment at the Atlantic City taconite operation has been a source of blowing dust. The site qualified for reclamation under Wyoming&apos;s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation program. The ultimate reclamation construction incorporated commercially available organic amendments and fertilizers into a 300-mm- (12-in.-) thick cap of a sterile clay loam cover material. The water level was lowered in an adjacent flooded mine pit that was feeding uncontrolled seeps into the tailings basin. A wide tailings pond spillway was built that allows flood control while minimizing seasonal water-level fluctuations in the pond. Rock berms and rock snow fences were built for wind-erosion control and soil-moisture preservation. Future work includes tree planting in the protective wind/ snow shadows of rock berms and rock snow fences and plugging a decant pipe. US Steel opened the Atlantic City iron mine in August 1962. It closed in 1983. Taconite iron ore was mined by surface methods. The ore was magnetically separated from the waste. The magnetic concentrate was mixed with bentonite, formed into pellets and roasted to produce a blast furnace feed stock for US Steel&apos;s blast furnaces in Geneva, UT. The pellets were hauled by rail to the Geneva Iron Works. The Atlantic City Mine produced three types of wastes. These included waste rock overburden from mining, a coarse-grained (sand to small-gravel sized), nonmagnetic reject rock termed "cobbs" and fine-grained tailings ranging from 600 to 75 µm (28 to <200 mesh). The waste rock has been used as an aggregate/rip rap source by a local contractor and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). WYDOT also

Jan 1, 1998

By Edward Hall Smith

The E1 Indio Mine is located in the Andes mountains about 180 kilometers East of La Serena, capital of the Fourth Region of Chile. It is reached by an international highway running up the Elqui Valley as far as Juntas from where the last 42 kilometers is on a road constructed by the Company. The plant is located at 3.900 meters above sea level among extremely rugged terrain with nearby mountains rising about 5.500 meters. Climatic conditions at these altitudes are severe with winter temperatures down to -20°C. Snow storms lasting several days and leaving up to two meters of snow have been experienced, while fierce winds are corm=.

Jan 1, 1984

By G. E. Erdman

This paper presents talc milling guided by a theme of "So You Want to Be In The Talc Business". Such a theme strikes a cautionary note to warn the uninitiated of potential pitfalls, and this paper will cover briefly some of the technical traps as well as one of the larger talc milling operations. It is important to our purpose to pre- sent some of the market and mineral complications that make the business of producing and selling industrial talcs much more intricate than an outsider would perceive. Metal markets by comparison are great worldwide pools into which production streams of generally identical metals can flow over a weir of market prices. Industrial talc markets are not as well defined and often must be developed by the producer working closely with a specific customer or groups of customers to prove out the attributes of the specific product from a new property. All the negatives of a new market seem to work against the introductory talc in the forms of industry or customer reluctance to change, sales prices, cost of delivery, mode of transportation, health considerations of the minerals and many more. Just locating the potential customers for a new industrial talc may be a substantial undertaking. Thus, an analogy of the worldwide metal market might compare starting a new talc operation to trying to gather up enough fallen rain drops to be able to start a production stream of a worthwhile size.

Jan 1, 1984