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By W. O. Hotchkiss

IN CONSIDERING the question of mining methods the possible rate of production deserves much more attention than it often receives. Hoover's theorem that, in order to show the greatest profit, an orebody should be worked out in the shortest practicable time, should be better known. The author recently' obtained detailed statements of costs from iron-mine superintendents of the Lake Superior district. In discussing these, the effect of rate of mining on cost of production was considered and detailed estimates were made. The methods by which these estimates were made and the way in which they were presented are here described to illustrate the importance of this factor in mining operations. The saving due to lower costs is not the only factor that should be considered. The greater profit per ton is of much importance but of equal importance are the greater profit per ton that will be made on a greater number of tons per year, and the fact that the total profit will be received in a shorter; period. This last makes a great difference in the present value of a property, by shortening the period of discount on future profits. Another item of importance to those operating a number of mines is that the tonnage needed to supply the market can be obtained most profitably by operating the smallest number of mines that will supply the amount required when each is worked to maximum capacity. In the Lake Superior iron district there are many grades of ore, and the requirements for each are known. If the demand for a certain grade can be supplied from mines now operating, the development and mining of a new orebody of the same grade must result in lower rates of production and lower profits to all mines producing this grade. If a company is mining the same grade of ore from three mines when it can supply its needs by operating only two, by operating only two it can obtain the greatest profit. Royalty rates, lease terms, and other considerations modify this general statement, but if all three properties

Jan 5, 1922

By F. M. Stephens

This paper is to be presented at the annual meeting of the American institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, San Francisco, February 1959. Permission is hereby given to publish with appropriate acknowledgements, excerpts or summaries not to exceed one-fourth of the entire text of the paper. Permission to print in more extended form subsequent to publication by the Institute must be obtained from the secretary of the Institute. If and when this paper is published by the Institute, it may embody certain changes made by agreement between the Technical Publications Committee and the authors, so that the form in which it appears here is not necessarily that in which it may be published later.

Jan 1, 1959

Newmont Australia Limited has for some 15 years mined a number of large open cuts associated with the Telfer Gold Dome deposits. The principal ore body exploited has been the East Flank of the Main Dome where a very high grade gold reef deposit of mixed metal sulphides, grades in excess of 20gA Au, has been mined in conjunction with dissemi- nated mineralisation contained in the overburden material. The main ore body has been under review for some years as an under- ground mine, however due to the ore body widths of less than 1 metre and a dip generally less than 35 degrees and a very weak host rocks earlier studies all resulted in a continuation of open pit mining activities. In early 1988 it was recognised that open cast mining would not be able to mine all of this valuable resource and a feasibility study was commenced to come up with a practical and economic approach to underground mining.

Jan 1, 1991

Carlisle: An old friend and good friend, Alan Bateman, is the Silliman Professor of Geology Emeritus at Yale and editor of the Journal of Economic Geology. Now, Alan, let's start off by telling us something about how you became interested in copper. Bateman: Well, after I left Yale in 1913, I was appointed one of the field members of the Secondary Enrichment Investigation. We spent three years in the field studying all the copper deposits of North America, trying to find out how secondary copper enrichment took place. As part of this investigation, I went up to Kennecott, Alaska, in 1916. After the trip I was asked by the president of the company to become consulting geologist to them. I accepted his offer, and to this day I'm still consulting geologist to the Kennecott Copper Corp. Up at Kennecott, there were both Henry Krumb and my good friend Henry DeWitt Smith, who was general superintendent. He and I had been together at Yale, and I had ushered at his wedding. Interestingly enough, Henry took his bride to Alaska and I took mine there two months later. My assistant was Don McLaughlin, and I think that was his first experience in a mining camp. We published a paper on Kennecott together and cemented a friendship lasting to this day.

Jan 11, 1964

By A. T. Miesch, L. B. Riley

Distribution of minor elements in sandstone-type uranium deposits of the Colorado Plateau is being studied by the USGS on behalf of the A EC. A primary objective has been to provide basic data which could be useful in geo-chemical exploration for new deposits. The basic statistical measures — similar to those used in sedimentary petrology—are described. The underlying principle is that the frequency distributions fit or approach the log-normal form. Since 1952 the U. S. Geological Survey on behalf of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission has conducted a study of the distribution of minor elements in sands tone-type uranium deposits of the Colorado Plateau. A primary objective in this study has been to provide basic data which could be useful in geo-chemical exploration for new deposits. Among the basic data considered important are estimates of the abundance and habit of each element in the ore and in the host rocks. It has been found that a few basic statistical techniques, and variations of these techniques, are useful in this type of study. Some of the basic techniques have been used to advantage by researchers in geochemistry and in other fields of geology, especially sedimentary petrology; others have been used to only a limited extent. Among the latter is the linear correlation coefficient, which has proved useful in assessing the element associations in a particular rock type without analysing individual mineral separates. In computing the basic statistical measures a scale has been used which is, in some ways, similar to the phi ($) scale used by sedimentary petrol-ogists in grain-size studies.' FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTIONS It has been recognized for some time that the results of analyses for a given minor element in a suite of samples of rocks or ores yield frequency distribution curves which are approximately normal when the curves are plotted on logarithmic or geometric scales. In other words, the analytical results give an approximate lognormal frequency distribution. A classical example is given by D. G. Krige2 in the study of the distribution of gold values from a mine on the Witwatersrand. Another example is shown in Fig. 1, the distribution of barium concentrations in samples of uranium ore from the Chinle formation. The geochemical data are analogous to grain-size data gathered by the sedimentary petrologist. Both types of data, after simple logarithmic transformations, may be treated by conventional statistical methods based on the normal distribution. This is not to say that other types of transformations may not serve equally well or better for particular element distributions.3 Spectrographers and other analysts are quite aware of the dependence of their precision on the concentration of the element present.4 For example, in the part per million range the variation may

Jan 1, 1961

By David Newman

In Eastern Kentucky, the Darby seam has had an extensive history of coal bumps and pillar bursts. The combination of high overburden, strong rock and coal, subjacent and superjacent mines, and retreat mining has produced incidences of violent pillar failure. The influence of these factors on pillar stability and the potential to bump is illustrated in two case histories. In the first case history, a bump occurred unexpectedly during the retreat mining of a five heading continuous haulage panel. Alternative cut sequences and pillar dimensions were analyzed to identify a geometry that would reduce the potential for future coal bumps or bounces during retreat mining. The viability of the alternatives was constrained by the reach of the continuous haulage system, the overburden depth, and the presence of thick sandstones in the main roof. Each alternative was numerically modeled cut-by-cut to examine the mechanism of stress transfer, as a pillar row is retreat mined. This approach highlighted which cuts were being made in highly stressed portions of a pillar and therefore more prone to coal outbursts. Validation of the numerical modeling was accomplished by comparing the cuts where bumps and outbursts had occurred underground to the highly stressed cuts shown within the models. Recommendations of the barrier pillar width between adjacent panels, pillar dimensions, and changes in the retreat mining sequence were proposed based upon the overburden thickness, geology, and the result of the numerical modeling. The second case history documents a nine-entry panel 3,600-feet long that was retreat mined a distance of 2,064-feet without a significant roof fall or roof-floor convergence. Mine management became concerned about the potential for a coal bump or a large roof collapse within the gob and the resulting air blast. The stress on the pillar line and within the remnant pillars in the gob was quantified through numerical modeling. Changes in mining practices on the current panel were implemented to avoid a bump in the active panel. A barrier was established between the current and the future panels to protect the future panel against abutment pressures from the void area. A change in pillar centers was proposed in the adjacent panel to absorb the side abutment pressure from the gob of the active panel.

Jan 1, 2008

By Robin Shepherdson

Security concerns have prompted the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the use of recording systems on all vessels holding materials used for blasting; a new regulation is expected in the near future. By measuring the strain developed in the legs of vessels with bolt-on sensors, it is possible to monitor the weight of vessel contents. Several companies make this type of sensor and recent versions give the required accuracy. This paper describes two generations of sensor, the second generation having a simpler method of installation that uses standard power and hand tools. Three types of indicator are available to monitor the material weight. 1) A simple electronic bar-graph indicator with a digital weight display. 2) A touch-screen display showing bar-graphs of multiple silos with digital weight displays plus their associated trend graphs, recent readings and an alarm log. 3) A data acquisition unit which acquires the weight digitally from up to 32 vessels and stores the raw and filtered date and time stamped data in a local computer database. This local computer then transmits the data via an Internet connection to a secure central database which allows the weights of all the storage vessels for a company to be viewed anytime and anywhere via the Internet. Historical trend graphs can be viewed and the data can be uploaded into an Excel file for further processing; for example to determine filling or discharge amounts. In addition, E-mail and SMS (Short Message Service) text alerts can be sent automatically when selected alarm levels are reached. Current research and development includes connection of vessels to the central database by a cellular wireless modem when a local computer or Internet connection is not available, as well as connection of remotely located vessels to a central point via “Wi-Fi bridge" radio data links. Future versions will include digital I/O (Inputs and Outputs) to record, for example, activation of filling and discharge devices as well as opening and closing of doors.

Jan 1, 2015

By E. R. Borcherdt

IT is notable that the first large-scale mine operation equipped entirely with detachable bits was the Badger State mine of the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. in Butte, Montana, just 30 years ago. This mine in 1922 was producing approximately 1200 tons of ore per day. Much of the data presented in C. L. Berrien's article1 describing the development and installation of the Hawkesworth detachable drill bit were obtained from these operations. As in any pioneering effort, no precedent existed and many difficult problems required solution, so that the changeover to detachable bits at all Butte hill mines was not completed for 6 years. There was widespread disbelief as to the probable efficiency of the new installation.

Jan 2, 1953

WM. A. COWAN, Brooklyn, N. Y. (written discussion*). -This is evidently an excellent continuation of the work described in the article "An Investigation of Fusible Tin Boiler Plugs" by Messrs. Burgess and Merica.1 The present paper gives information of much value in con-nection with the manufacture and inspection of fusible boiler plugs, and the investigation of the cooling curves of tin with various other metals close to the tin side of the diagram is very interesting. These curves corroborate in all cases, except that of antimony, the diagrams given by other investigators. However, only the liquidus curves of the thermal equilibrium diagrams are given, except for copper-tin alloys where one branch only of the solidus (representing the freezing, of the eutectic)

Jan 11, 1919

By A. Warczok

Smelting slags contain payable metals in a dissolved form and as mechanically entrained matte or metallic inclusions in the size range from 2 to 1000 µm. Slag cleaning requires reduction of magnetite and metal oxides and sedimentation of inclusions. Slag cleaning in an electric furnace is carried out in batch or semi-continuous mode. The strong trend for continuous slag cleaning generates the basic question about the optimal geometry of the electric furnace. Results of combined CFD, potential distribution and heat transfer modeling allowed for the determination of the fluid flow pattern and the temperature distribution in a classical, circular electric furnace as well as in a rectangular furnace. For the rectangular furnace, various length/width ratios and position of electrodes have been simulated. Analysis of key phenomena pointed out the advantages of the rectangular electric furnace over the circular furnace, particularly for continuous slag cleaning. Phenomena that have been analyzed were mass transfer, the rate of slag reduction, coalescence and settling of inclusions, all on the basis of the calculated slag flow pattern and the temperature distribution.

Jan 1, 2007

By D. C. McLean

Early studies in the carbonate leaching of uranium ores led to the investigation of pressure leaching as a method to enhance the dissolution of the metal values in this system. The initial investigations conducted at the University of British Columbia supplemented by the work done by the group at the A.E.C. Grand Junction pilot plant, all established the higher efficiency and better economics of the alkaline pressure leaching system. This work was conducted either in laboratory autoclaves using oxygen overpressures, or in pilot plant sized horizontal autoclaves with air as an oxidant. Both of these testing vehicles utilized agitation provided by relatively high speed impellers (300 to 700 rpm), which apparently enhanced the oxidation of the uranium to the hexavalent state. The installation of vertical autoclaves on a production scale, which through design considerations require relatively slow agitator speeds (68 rpm), led to the studies of the utilization efficiency of the air addition and the use of catalytic type oxidants to effect a greater usage of the oxygen added through the aeration system. In addition to investigating the effects of the chemical additives, studies were also conducted on the effect of different impeller configurations on the extraction of uranium, which in itself is a measure of oxidation efficiency. The material presented in this paper was compiled in the Ambrosia Lake district of New Mexico, and the majority of the data was obtained in the Homestake- Sapin Partners mill, located at Grants, New Mexico.

Jan 1, 1960

By Bo R. Arvidson

"New permanent magnetic alloys have recently opened up possibilities for development of unique mineral separators. These are now making several new applications feasible. In many cases where conventional electromagnetic-induced roll separators have traditionally been used, the new permanent magnetic roll separators may reduce both over-all capital costs and operation costs.The development of the next generation of extremely powerful permanent magnets, i.e. neodymium-iron alloys, is progressing rapidly and will affect the roll separator as well as another type of magnetic separator. Permanent Magnet Roll SeparatorDesign and FeaturesDiscs of permanent magnets interleaved with soft iron discs constitute the basic magnetic roll design (Fig. I). By enveloping the magnetic roll with a thin abrasive resistant belt (Fig. 2), even highly magnetic particles are removed.The first prototype roll utilizing the new magnets was shown to have approximately equal strength as induced magnetic roll (IMR) separators. Since the initial test roll, the new separator, called the PERMROLL® , has been made twice as strong with regard to magnetic force, that is, the magnetic flux density is determined to exceed 1.7 tesla (17 kilogauss), while the magnetic field gradient is more than twice the gradient than can be practically achieved with IMR."

Jan 1, 1985

By John B. Pearse

IN view of the great importance of accurate knowledge respecting the chemistry of iron and steel, as related to their physical properties, I come before you with a paper showing the great mass of work which has been heretofore done on the subject. I have tabulated the more important data I bring at this time, so as to draw out the results clearly. This information is accessible to all who will seek for it. I have made it the basis of my own practice throughout, and such knowledge is undoubtedly the only foundation, for the successful practice of metallurgy. As is well known the ordnance corps of our army, after 1841, made exhaustive experiments on the properties of cast-iron. The investigations were undertaken in order to obtain necessary information on the reorganization of the corps. I wish to call your attention to the results obtained by a comparison of the chemical and physical properties of cast-iron for guns, to describe certain characteristic peculiarities of steel, and to give a brief history of the chemical work relating to carbon in iron. The Reports on Experiments on the Strength and other Properties of Metals for Cannon, published by H. Carey Baird, Philadelphia,

Jan 1, 1876

By D. A. Stanley

The Bureau of Mines conducted laboratory-scale experiments to determine whether or not surface waters with a high organic content could be purified sufficiently to be used to replace the natural high-quality deep well water currently being used in the silica flotation step of phosphate rock beneficiation. Waters abundant in organic matter were collected from two central Florida streams, flocculated with a cationic polyethylenimine polymer, and processed in a sand filter. This treatment removed most of the organic materials from the water. Untreated surface water, treated surface water, and distilled water were used to compare the flotation response of the acid insolubles in an amine flotation circuit. Surface water treated with PEI-1000 was shown to be as effective as distilled water for the acid-insoluble-flotation step. Flocculation and filtration can therefore produce water suitable for amine flotation of quartz, which would permit substitution of surface water for deep well water.

Jan 1, 1981

By Byron T. Darnton

Gravity concentration at the Pegasus Gold/Montana Tunnels Mine, near Helena, MT, began in June 1991 when a coarse-gold-scalping circuit was commissioned. It processes a small portion of the ball-mill circulating load to reduce the risk of gold particles that are too coarse to float from advancing to flotation. The circuit also cost-effectively enhances overall gold recovery and payable gold ounces. This gravity circuit has been a major success. Since the circuit was commissioned, throughput has increased 30%. Several modifications and improvements were made during the last three years that allowed the gravity circuit to keep pace with the higher tonnage. The overall approach to gravity concentration at Montana Tunnels has always been to optimize production rather than maximize the gold ounces produced. This philosophy has now yielded a circuit expansion and relocation project. It will allow for an estimated 50% increase in gravity gold production, while significantly reducing the unit costs of production.

Jan 1, 1995

By William Kent

During the discussions at the Philadelphia meeting in February last;) several speakers expressed their doubts of the general accuracy of chemical analyses of steel made by "iron works chemists," and especially of determinations of manganese. Since the meeting, the discussion of the " practical value of chemical analyses" has been continued at some length in 'the columns of the Iron Age.

Jan 1, 1882

By R. Klimpel

Recent work has shown that the measurement of flotation kinetics in the laboratory is useful in providing guidelines on how operating sulfide flotation plant performance can be improved. This work outlines the influence of various factors on flotation kinetics such as collector/frother type and concentration, particle size, and frother blending.

Jan 1, 1981

By Hoffmann CF

Thermal conditions at depths of several k.i'-.r.,etres in hydrothermal systems are a major (actor controlling gold transport into the epithermal environment. Understanding of the coupling of thermal, metal and ligand (HZZ S) sources in the root zones of hydrothermal systems therefore becomes important for the application of tectonic and igneous petrochem- ical studies to regional scale precious metal exploration. The evaluation of favourable conditions in this source zone and application to explor- ation rests on a detailed knowledge of the gases, H2S, CO2 hydrocarbons and other trace components preserved in fluid inclusions. Recent developments in analytical techniques now permit examination of these components and the recognition of complex hydrocarbons in rluid inclusions from epithermal and other lydrothermal systems appears promising for ieoosit-source correlation.

Jan 1, 1987

By W. Reisz

Blast area security is the responsibility of everyone involved in the blasting operation and goes well beyond simply controlling access by unauthorized personnel.

Jan 1, 2009

By L. Zwell, H. A. Wriedt

In describing their procedure for measuring the lattice parameters of solid solutions, Abrahamson and Lopata report (p. 77) the final heat treatment of their alloy specimens as "700°C for 100 hr, followed by a furnace cool". The isothermal part of this treatment may be expected to precipitate solute in excess of the stable a solid-solution limit at 700°C; the subsequent slow cooling is likely to reduce the dissolved solute still further. Fig. 1 (upper) presents the data for titanium alloys so he;rt-treated and shows the lattice parameters of solid solutions containing up to 3.5 at. pct Ti; Fig. 17 (lower) shows 2 at. pct Ti as the solubility limit in a iron at 700°C. Figs. 1 and 17 are thus incompatible. The paper contains comparable incon~patibilities for zirconium alloys, for niobium alloys, and for tantalum alloys. The final heat treatment at 700°C may also be responsible for the anomalous "knee" in the lattice-parameter data for nickel alloys, Fig. 3. The "knee" composition is located near the 700°C limit of the stable a solid-solution field;37 alloys of the experimental composition range with more nickel than the "knee" composition are two-phase at 700 C and prolonged heat treatment of them at 700°C would tend to produce inhomogeneity rather than homogeneity. In Figs. 4 and 7, the composition ranges of the zirconium, hafnium, and niobium alloys examined terminate at alloy concentrations of 0.1 to 0.2 at. pct. These metals form very stable oxides and their partial removal from solid solution in iron by impurity oxygen may be expected. We believe that the authors should have reported the procedure by which they distinguished the amounts of alloying elements in solution and in oxide. The diagrams pertaining to copper in Figs. 3 and 18 (lower) are almost certainly incorrect. Three recent investigations of this system38-40 all substantially agree on the solubility of copper in a iron, finding it to be much larger than that reported by Abrahamson and Lopata. The change of the lattice parameter with composition reported by Abrahamson and Lopata is too large by a factor of three to five, as seen by comparison with the findings of other investigators.41738 Moreover, the authors violate, in Fig. 18, the accepted Fe-Cu constitution diagram37 by ignoring the eutectoid at about 850°C.

Jan 1, 1967