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By L. J. Nicks

The current U.S. Bureau of Mines research program is addressing the recovery of flake graphite from kish, a steelmaking waste product, and the use of zeolites from abundant domestic natural deposits for efficiently cleaning up mining industry wastewater. The United States is almost totally dependent on imports for its graphite needs, but this may change depending upon the results from a pilot plant being constructed by industry using Bureau technology. Standard mineral processing techniques were applied by the Bureau to recover high-quality flake graphite from kish. It was considered innovative enough to receive an R&D 100 Award in 1992, and its commercialization has the potential to supply the total U.S. demands for graphite many times over. Zeolites have ion exchange properties similar to ion exchange resins, but are less expensive and available in large quantities. Samples of naturally occurring zeolites were tested for their efficiency in removing metal ions from synthetic and industrial waste solutions. The tests focused on defining their selecting, loading, eluting, and regenerating characteristics, and on developing a method for recovering the metal ions as added value products. The results showed that the removal of metal ions with zeolites from acid rock drainage (ARD) solutions is technically feasible and that this technique has the potential for being used in an integrated chemical treatment systems approach either as a primary or secondary cleaning step.

Jan 1, 1995

By J. M. Mutmansky

The objective of this study was to produce coal dusts for laboratory research that are similar to mine airborne dusts in chemical, mineral, and physical characteristics. In this investigation, dusts produced in laboratory comminution equipment were compared with continuous-miner-generated dust for similarity in physical characteristics. Mining-generated dust (MGD) and bulk coal samples were first collected from an underground mining operation. The bulk samples were then processed in the laboratory for size reduction in various comminution devices. These laboratory-generated dust (LGD) samples were subjected to size and microscopic analyses. Physical properties of the dust particles were studied on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A numerical shape coordinate system (SCS) was also developed and applied to 300 particles from each sample. Statistical analysis was then performed on the collected data and characteristics of the MGD and LGD samples were compared.

Jan 1, 1995

By Xinghui Meng

The recovery of platinum and palladium from automotive catalysts has been investigated by leaching in iodide solutions with oxidants including oxygen and iodine in an autoclave. An ammonium salt was presented in a neutral leaching solution as a key leaching reagent to achieve high recoveries of the platinum group metals (PGM). The effect of temperature, and concentrations of oxidants and of ammonium salt on the recovery of PGM was examined. Under the experimental conditions studied, the recovery of platinum and palladium was found to be greater than 95%. An economical assessment of this process has also been examined and discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

By Szymanski J

In the first part of this paper, the principal sources of dilution during underground evaluation and mining are discussed, then definitions of ore dilution currently in use are analysed. These definitions vary depending on the authors. Ten different analytical expressions of dilution percentage currently exist. It is demonstrated, with the help of a numerical example for a given mining condition, that dilution percentage results vary considerably and that they depend on the definition used. This situation makes it difficult to compare different results regarding the dilution problem, often because some of the terms used are contradictory. A new ore dilution evaluation methodology is proposed, replacing the ten different analytical expressions by only two: the planned dilution factor related to the stoping selectivity, done at the mine planning level, and the additional dilution factor related to the efficiency of the dilution control measures during stoping operations. The conclusion shows that the use of this methodology would be a definitive asset in planning, in stoping operations follow-up, and in future costs comparison studies between mining operations.

Jan 1, 1995

By J. G. Jenkins

Magma Copper Co.'s San Manuel solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX-EW) facility has operated since May 1986. The original facility had a design capacity of 22.6 kt/a (25,000 stpy) of electrowon copper cathode produced by processing pregnant leach solution from an open pit-heap leach operation. In 1988, the plant was expanded to 45.3 kt/ a (50,000 stpy) to incorporate processing in-situ leach solutions. This pager focuses primarily on the heap leaching area with regard to exploration, testing, feasibility, permitting, design and construction, and operating practices. Research using surfactant leaching aids to enhance copper recovery is also discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

By Lawrence C. K Hu

The release of load mechanism during rock breakage by explosives was founded by Dr. T. N. Hagan & published at the Sixth International Colloquium on Gasdynamics of Explosions and Reactive Systems Stockholm, Sweden, 1977.

Jan 1, 1995

By P. K. Kaiser, D. D. Tannant

"A support system for large ground convergence conditions or burst-prone ground must contain holding elements (rockbolts, cable bolts, etc.) that are strong yet capable of sustaining large deformations, i.e., they must absorb as much energy as possible. Steel wire rope anchored in a borehole by a friction bolt provides these desired yield characteristics if the frictional anchorage is placed deep enough into the rockmass, i.e., in non-yielding rock or beyond the expected depth of rock ejected during a rockburst. Pull-out tests were conducted on wire ropes anchored by inflated Swellex bolts to assess the feasibility of this support concept. The test results demonstrate that a Swellex bolt generates a frictional anchorage that allows the wire rope to slide at high loads and to absorb significantly more energy than either a Swellex bolt alone, or a cement-grouted cable.The rope/friction bolt combination can be engineered to provide the desired energy absorption and allowable deformation by varying the installed lengths of the friction bolt and the rope. For yielding rope support, the contact length between the rope and Swellex bolt must be short enough to ensure that the rope can slip well before its tensile capacity is reached. A safe maximum overlap length is about one metre for the wire rope used in this testing. When used as support in the backs of drifts, a swaged button on the ropes end must be used to ultimately mobilize the full rope capacity thereby protecting against gravity-driven falls of ground."

Jan 1, 1995

By Horowitz F. G, Lamb P

As mining operations become larger and more complex, larger volumes of geological, geophysical, and production data must be manipulated and interpreted on a day-to-day basis. Because of the large volume of data, more sophisticated data storage strategies, interpretation tools, and visualisation tools must be used by exploration and mining operations in order to remain competitive. Critical to better practice is an understanding of the basic syntax and character of geological and mining data, expressed in the form of a data model. In the short-term, a data model can be used to implement or evaluate schemes for data storage or exchange. It can be used to evaluate software. In the longer term, a data model is essential to the design of the next generation of software for 3D geological modelling. In this and the related paper (Lin et al, 1995) the data model in use by CSIRO is presented, together with: 1. examples of the use of data transfer in the linkage of existing mining software; and 2. examples of the use of the data model in software design.

Jan 1, 1995

By Mendeckl A. J

Anglo American Corporation has always viewed technological development as vital and as such has placed research and the implementation of new technological practices high on its priority list. Support is given to a number of research institutes but a significant degree of reliance is placed on in-house research carried out at individual companies and at the Group's main laboratory complexes. The Corporation's interests are diverse with advanced practices and innovative technology ranging from new battery technology with wide application to deep level shaft technology with very specific application. In this paper, we aim to concentrate on a particular system developed primarily for use in seismically active deep mines. The system has proved to have far wider application and has the potential to be further enhanced to meet the needs of users across a broad range within the industry and even beyond. As the nature of this conference is to inform delegates of advanced mining practices, we should simply mention that we could have talked on subjects relating to the advances made in deep level winding technology including winder drive and brake control to alleviate dynamic rope loads, shaft steel design for high pay load high speed winding and shaft safety systems such as slack rope devices and moving lip loading facilities to cater for rope stretch. Other areas of interest relating to refrigeration using ice technology or non-explosive rock cutting using diamond wire or saw technology could also have been of interest. As the South African gold mines become deeper and the problems associated with depth become more acute, answers had to be found and systems developed to cope with very high rock stress and the related seismicity. The fundamental understanding of the behaviour of the rock mass has always been important but became critical on our mines to ensure the safe extraction of the orebody. Basic research into and the application of physics, applied mathematics, seismology, rock mechanics, electronics and computer technology have helped us to develop the Integrated Seismic System - Integrated because of the system's abilty to monitor seismic and non-seismic sensors simultaneously and because it encompasses data acquisition, processing and interpretation into one system. The system which is in use at all our gold mines has found application not only in South Africa but also in such locations as Australia, Chile, Canada, Europe and Japan. A highly motivated team of scientists under the leadership of Aleksander Mendecki developed the majority of the hardware and software needed for the system. In essence, the system allows us real time monitoring of energy release and stress transfer data that with the aid of modern computers is turned into useful information. The information so obtained has allowed us to improve our mine and extraction designs to minimise the inherent hazards. The system has proved to be an extremely useful management tool as substantiated by the demand for the product. The paper is intended to convey to the reader the technical concepts and the presentation is intended to demonstrate the usefulness of the system.

Jan 1, 1995

Material hardness and environmental factors can limit or restrict conventional blasting techniques and this has led to advancements in the performance and efficiency of ripping. Not all materials can be ripped, however today's technology and experience can help make a reasonable prediction. A ripping versus blasting decision will depend on the total volume of material to be moved, the production capabilities and costs of the ripping tractor(s) and on the size and relative efficiency of drilling and Blasting.

Jan 1, 1995

By Greg R. Wheeler

Few members of the general public have a clear understanding of mineral resources. Most people do not know how minerals are mined or why they must be extracted from many diverse locations. Many people acquire knowledge of mineral development from mass media sources with incomplete details or obvious anti-mining bias. The California Mineral Education Foundation was formed in 1991 to provide educational opportunities for the public and industry. There have been major changes in earth science teaching requirements for kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) curricula since the passage of California Senate Bill 813 in 1983. Model graduation standards, curriculum standards and the state science framework mandate substantial coverage of geoscience topics. The California State Commission on Teacher Credentialing has completed changes in multiple subject and single subject science credentials which will require more geoscience preparation for all teachers. The need for pre-service and in-service education in geoscience is at an all time high. Teachers must have continuing education to maintain their credentials and many are now seeking information in geoscience. The California Mineral Education Foundation designed and conducted the California Mineral Education Conferences held in August 1991 and 1992. The conferences involved lectures and field trips on mining geology, environmental problems and political concerns. Master teachers were employed to share how they get across mineral resource concepts in the classroom. Ninety-six percent of the participants stated that they had changed to a more positive perception of mining after taking the three day course.

Jan 1, 1995

By Richard J. Frechette

Final reclamation of mine tailings impoundments typically involves addressing the broad issues of surface stabilization and water management. Surface stabilization includes immobilizing the tailings particles and providing long-term protection of the containment facility. Water management typically includes provisions for handling both the external water (rainfall and runoff) and the internal water (pore fluids). Wet tailings disposal facilities, and sites with limited access and steep topography, present challenges to implementing effective surface stabilization and water management plans. This paper presents a generalized discussion of the approach to tailings impoundment reclamation based on project experience.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. A. Young

The remediation of cyanide (CN-) and nitrate (NO)-) anions in mine and agricultural waters by various photolytic methods has been reviewed and investigated. Photolytic methods such as direct photolysis, homogenous photolysis, and heterogeneous photocatalysis are briefly described and compared. Results and discussions show that each method has certain advantages and disadvantages. For each method, Eh-pH diagrams prove useful for determining reaction mechanisms. Preliminary results obtained for cyanide oxidation and nitrate reduction show that homogeneous photolysis can be superior due to faster kinetics than the other methods. The photolytic methods were individually, not simultaneously, tested and compared. Differences in concentrations of products were obtained and attributed to differences in photoconversion efficiencies and other inherent characteristics of .the photolytic methods. Various reaction mechanisms are proposed in accordance with the literature as well as measurements obtained from solution analysis using ion selective electrodes and ion chromatography .

Jan 1, 1995

By E N. Isaev, L E. Levin

New data on the geology of the Late Jurassic to Holocene sediments cover of the World and associated mineral resources (oil, gas, ferromanganese nodules, ores of massive sulphides and other metals) have been compilled in the Atlas at scale 1:25,000,000 and 1:10,000,000. The work was performed by scientists from four Institutes of Russia (VNIIzarubezhgeologia, VNIIoceangeologia, Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of theRussian Academy of Sciences and Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences). The Atlas shows variation of thickness and formational composition of the large complexes (Upper Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, Upper Cretaceous Eocene, Oligocene-Neogene, Pliocene-Pleistocene), distribution of oil/gas and ore deposits in each complex, data of deepsea drilling (leg 1-130),  thermo-pressure condition in the sedimentary basins within Circum-Pacific Rim.

Jan 1, 1995

By Meyer C. F

The increasing use of continuous miners in the extraction of high coal seams has amplified the need for enhanced ventilation systems in the headings. Owing to larger face dimensions and higher production rates, more ventilating air is required to effectively dilute liberated methane to acceptable concentrations. However, the increased air quantities raise and entrain greater amounts of dust, to which the operator is subjected. Various methods (eg sprayfans, on-board scrubbers and jet fans) are used in various configurations and combinations to ventilate the headings. These arrangements generally result in a complex air flow pattern, which complicates achieving an optimum balance between diluting methane and minimising dust capture. In order to cost effectively investigate and propose solutions to this problem for the South African coal mining industry, the Division of Mining Technology has embarked on an extensive work program to evaluate various ventilation methods presently in use. Four currently generic ventilation patterns in various heading scenarios have been simulated using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) computer program. Evaluating these outputs against a predetermined set of criteria allows the best system for a particular situation to be chosen. The program also facilitates fine-tuning of an adopted system without incurring the cost and inconvenience of doing such tests in situ. This process not only provides solutions at significantly reduced costs, but also yields deeper insights into the factors affecting heading ventilation than hitherto possible.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. Patrick

Annually, the U.S. coal industry generates and must dispose of over 200 million tons of coal refuse, expanding a major environmental problem. The purpose of this research was to investigate the feasibility of utilizing coal refuse as an aggregate in concrete. This paper reports on findings of the initial phases of a project to determine the viability of replacing traditional concrete blocks, used for under-ground ventilation stoppings, with refuse blocks. Refuse was collected from three active preparation plants in Eastern Kentucky and used as the primary aggregate for concrete cylinders. The refuse fell within ranges normally observed for size consist, moisture, and ash. Stress-strain analyses yielded compressive strengths of the refuse cylinders from 59% to 77% of the control group strengths. Low variability within groups while significant differences between groups were found. On-going determination of effects of weathering on the refuse cylinders is being conducted and will be completed in early 1995. The research results are favorable for the future direction of the overall project objectives.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. R. Boyle

"Abstract - The Murray Brook precious metal (Au, Ag) gossan deposit is one of nine supergene mineral deposits that have developed over polymetallic massive sulfide deposits in the Bathurst Camp of New Brunswick. Reserves consist of 1.9 Mt of gossan containing 1.53 g/t Au and 65.9 g/t Ag. The supergene zone at Murray Brook consists of six distinct units: a) altered massive sulfide, b) pyrite-quartz sand, c) massive sulfide gossan, d) disseminated sulfide gossan, e) ferruginized wallrock, and f) leached bedrock. The massive sulfide gossan constitutes the main body of economic mineralization and consists of goethite, primary quartz, secondary amorphous silica, K-Fe-Pb-As- Sb-Ag hydrated sulfate and oxide minerals (beudantite, plumbojarosite, jarosite, bindheimite, scorodite), trace cinnabar, and cassiterite of primary origin. The order of stability of sulfide minerals during oxidation was pyrite > arsenopyrite > galena > Bi-Sb sulfosalts > chalcopyrite > tetrahedrite group > sphalerite.Two mass balance techniques (isovolumetric and conservative element) indicate elemental depletion in gossan relative to primary ore in the order: S>Cd=Zn>Cu=Mn>Na=Ca>Fe=Al=V> Mg= K=Se=Hg>Pb>Ti>Ag>Mo=P>Ba; and enrichment in the order Au>As>Sb>Si>Bi. Tin, as cassiterite, is conservative.Mineralogic and paleomagnetic data suggest that the gossan deposit formed under a warm temperate climate throughout the Pliocene. The rate of oxidation and the compositional nature of the ore was significantly influenced by: a) the position of the primary sulfide zone in a downward moving hydrological system, b) primary sulfide composition and zonation that promoted the development of a strong electrochemical oxidation system, and c) pronounced intercalation of carbonate and sphalerite mineralization in sulfide zones, which promoted rapid development of secondary porosity, permeability and downward flow of oxygenated groundwater.During progressive oxidation and physico-chemical erosion of the gossan zone, Au was trans- ported downward in groundwaters, probably as a Auo colloid complex, to be concentrated in the lower horizons of the gossan profile. The precipitation of Au was greatly increased in the pyrite/arsenopyrite zones. Gold concentration was multi-cyclic with continual dissolution and nucleation of the metal until final concentration in the void structures of the gossan. Leaching experiments and microprobe analyses indicate that Au is present in the gossan as submicron composite sols of Au-Ag-silica."

Jan 1, 1995

By Shuguang L, Jing S

Computer controlled truck dispatching systems is a newly-developed technical system in surface mines with shovel-truck technology. The real time dispatching criteria, as the core of optimal truck dispatching software, are analysed and a new criterion, complex dispatching criterion, is put forward. Dispatching criteria previously proposed include: 1. `Earliest Loading' (EL) - to assign a truck to the shovel at which the truck can be loaded earliest. 2. `Max Truck' (MT) - to assign a truck to the shovel at which the truck will have the shortest waiting time. 3. `Max Shovel' (MS) - to assign a truck to the shovel which has been waiting for the longest time. 4. `Minimum Saturation Degree' (MSD) - to assign a truck to the shovel at the branch where the truck flow saturation degree is minimum. 5. `Minimum Saturation Degree with Truck Cycle time consideration' (MSDTC) - as the MSD principle, with the truck travel cycle also considered. 6. `Fixed Dispatching' (FIX) - to assign trucks to fixed shovels. A system simulation model has been set up for truck dispatching system analysis. A few surface coal mines have been selected for case studies. Equipment waiting times and shift production of the system are obtained as the main outputs of the model. Simulation results show that each dispatching criterion has its own applicable range, no one can absolutely dominate the others. For example, when under-trucked, EL and MT criterion can obtain higher production than the MS criterion; when over-trucked, it is vice versa; while for MSD criteria, better results can be obtained no matter how the truck numbers fluctuate. From the view point of shovel output balance, large fluctuations occur for EL and MT criteria, while a good balance can be obtained for other criteria. In the light of dynamic change of mining system conditions, a single dispatching criterion is not necessarily reasonable. A complex dispatching criterion has been put forward to seek the complex optimum effect. Taking the advantage of each dispatching criteria, the dispatching result of a complex dispatching criterion dominates over individual dispatching criterion and a comprehensive optimum effect can be reached.

Jan 1, 1995

A geologic, petrographic and geochemical study has been performed on the pyroclastic flow deposits in the coastal area of East Zhejiang Province, Southeast China. This study leads to classification of the pyroclastic flow deposits into three associations: the extrusive type, the surge type and the ash flow type welded tuff associations. Through detailed investigation and comparison of the characteristics of these lithologic associations, with emphasis on the welded tuffs, a comprehensive model has been proposed to demonstrate the petrogenesis of the pyroclastic flow deposits.

Jan 1, 1995

In eastern China, most of the copper skarn deposits occur in folded troughs which are controlled by the EW-trending faulted fold systems (the Pal-Asian geotectonic domain), and the NNE-trending rift or fault zones (the Marginal-Pacific geotectonic domain), particularly the later. From the north to the south, there are four troughs hosting the main copper skarn deposits in eastern China: the Yanliao Trough, the Yangzi River Trough, The Qiantang-Yuanshui Trough and the Zichen Trough. There are more than 30 copper skarn deposits in eastern China, and ore reserves of each deposit are between 30 to 100 Mt with average grades over 1% Cu.    Most of the large copper skarn deposit-related intrusions are Mesozoic in age (170 to 100 Ma) and were emplaced during the Yanshanian Movement. Outwards from the intrusion bodies, both the skarn alteration and mineralisation show certain patterns of zonation. Mineral assemblages indicate a relatively high oxidisation state during metasomatic alteration and mineralisation. Sulphur isotopic work indicates that most d34S values of the sulphides are between ~4 to 3ë suggesting a common magmatic sulphur source. Fluid inclusion and oxygen isotopic studies suggest that early-stage fluid shows magma-related fluid characteristics although meteoric water was involved during late-stage alteration.

Jan 1, 1995