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By R. B. Schluter

Drying and preheating (partial induration) the green, unfired iron ore pellets is a means of reducing the energy required to produce metallized pellets. The Bureau of Mines processed three magnetite and two hematite concentrates through the unit operations of pelletizing, preheating in air, and reduction to metal to determine the effects of preheating upon the properties of the metallized pellets. The pellets were prepared in a 16-inch-diameter laboratory balling drum. Preheating and metallization were carried out in an externally heated 4-inch-ID by 4-inch-long stainless steel drum using air for the preheating atmosphere and lignite char as a reductant. The results 'varied considerably: two of the magnetites spalled when preheated in air at temperatures of 900° C and above, and the third magnetite and the hematite flotation concentrate required complete induration at 1,300° C to produce satisfactory pellets. The earthy hematite ore yielded excellent pellets at all preheat temperatures.

Jan 1, 1972

[1.1. The provisions of this code are minimum provisions and are designed to minimize hazards to life and property in and about underground coal mines where electrical equipment and circuits installed used. They indicate the Steps necessary in the selection, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical equipment and circuits to obtain proper safeguards in reducing electric shock, fire, explosion and other hazards. Surface as well as underground installations were considered in formulating the code and, unless otherwise stated, each provision applies equal to both underground and surface installations. This code does not apply to buildings and installations not directly connected with mining operations, nor does apply to strip-mining operations.]

Jan 1, 1952

This section presents highlights of world economic and mineral industry performance in 1982, a year characterized by continued recession, and selected 1983 forecasts of economic indicators of importance to the mineral industry, some of which indicate a modest improvement in the economies of the United States and Western Europe. The U.S. Economy in 1982 In 1982 U.S. gross national product (GNP) in current dollars increased at a rate of 4 percent, but GNP adjusted for inflation (real GNP) declined at a rate of 1.8 percent. Yearend 1982 real GNP was at roughly the same level as in 1980 (table 1). Thus no growth in real terms had taken place in the United States during the 1980-82 period.

Jan 1, 1983

By Thomas M. Barczak

This U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) report evaluates the load supporting characteristics of grout columns used as point supports for mine subsidence abatement. The cone-shaped columns were constructed with sodium silicate and cementitious grout in both wet and dry environments. The scope of work included the testing of seven full-scale grout columns in the USBM's Mine Roof Simulator from which the load-deformation and failure characteristics were determined. The performances of grout columns are analyzed with respect to (1) the amount of roof contact established during column construction, (2) shape effects produced by the truncated cone geometry, (3) size effects in reference to grout strength and full-scale column capacity, (4) the effect of wet environments on grout strength, (5) the effect of the sodium silicate on the grout strength and full-scale column behavior, and (6) the stiffness of the grout column. Limited tests were also conducted on cylindrical columns constructed in fabric bags. Recommendations for point support construction using sodium silicate technology and the need for additional research to develop improved containment devices for column construction are addressed in the report.

Jan 1, 2010

By R. L. Loofbourow

The adjacent towns of Rouyn and Noranda, centers of the Rouyn mining district of western Quebec, are 360 miles by air line almost duo north of Toronto. Rouyn is reached from the main lines of the Canadian National Railways and the Canadian Pacific Railway at North Bay, Ontario, by the Temiskaming & Northern Ontario Railway and its subsidiary, the Nipissing Central Railway. Noranda is the southwestern terminus of a branch from the Canadian National Railway between Winnipeg and Quebec. The Rouyn mining district is a part of a mineralized zone that has been traced for a distance of 140 miles from Kirkland Lake in Ontario eastward into the Province of Quebec to the Pascalis district. From Rouyn the mine is 5 miler almost duo south over a gravel rend built by the company with assistance from the Province of Quebec.

Jan 1, 1933

By J. R. Thoenen

In June 1929 the Bureau of Mines issued a 13-page information circular entitled "Mineral Wool," which was one of the first publications to present to the public Rome technical aspects of the mineral-wool industry. Since then several articles on the subject have appeared in the technical press as well as in publications of State organizations. Inquiries for information on mineral wool have continued to be received by the Bureau of Mines in large number, and in 1935 it was decided to make a field survey of the plants then producing and to collect therefrom technical data to be compiled in a paper for nubile distribution. With the cooperation of the industry, this survey was made, and Information Circular 6984, Mineral Wool, was published in January 1930. The issue was exhausted after a few months, and requests for copies continued to come to the Bureau. As opportunity arose, further field studies were made in American as well as Canadian plants. The present circular contains the essential information in Information Circular 6994 together with date from later field studies.

Jan 1, 1939

The accompanying supply/demand flow diagrams and 10-year tables for mineral and fuel commodities present essential data required by government, industry, and others to formulate policies and programs that can help assure an adequate and continuing supply of mineral raw materials. The 10-year data base terminates with 1973 figures because adequate world information was not available beyond that date. Moreover, 1974 was an anomalous year with respect to prices, supply, and demand for many commodities. The selected mineral supply/demand tables and flow diagrams comprise but one "output" from the massive body of "information and data collected and com-piled by the Bureau of Mines on a continuing basis covering mineral production consumption, prices, shipments, imports, exports, and stocks, as well as industry activities in all States and abroad.

Jan 1, 1975

By John R. Benham

The Windigo Theilson RARE II area has a low mineral potential. There are no mines or claims in the area. The only observed results of mining activities were five prospect pits near Tolo Mountain. Samples from these pits contained no significant assays. The study area contains more than 190 million cu yds (145 million m3) of cinders in 17 cones. Development of these cinders is unlikely because their locations are remote, and other sources supply area needs. The Geological Survey has classified the area as prospectively valuable for geothermal resources. However, there has been no geothermal exploration activity.

Jan 1, 1982

By Neal M. Miur

"INTRODUCTION The Mineral Ridge-Clay Lick fault system in Crittenden and Livingston Counties, Kentucky, is one of the larger and more important fault systems of the Western Kentucky Fluorspar district. Total production from it up to July 1945 (chiefly since 1900) was approximately 80,000 tons of fluorspar ore, 10,000 tons of which came from the Mineral Ridge Fluorspar Co. tract 1, which was being operated by the Mahoning Mining Co. of Rosiclare, Ill. The fluorspar ore carries lead and zinc that can be recovered by milling, and the Mahoning Co. planned to log-wash the ore at the mine and then mill it in its mill at Rosiclare, The Mineral Ridge Fluorspar Co. properties were examined by O. M. Bishop, an engineer of the, Bureau of Mines, in August 1942. During 1943 and 1314, developments on the properties were under observation by X. B. Starnes, of the Bureau, and it was decided to diamond-drill tracts 1 and 2, as indications seemed favorable for opening up additional fluorspar ore bodies. Drilling was begun March 12, 1945, and was completed July 2, 1945, during which time 12 holed were drilled on tract 1 of the Mahoning Co.'s leases for a total of 3,637.1 feet, and one hole 359 feet deep was drilled on tract 2 of the Jennings lease. The Mineral Ridge-Clay Lick fault system, 4 to 47 feet wide, was encountered in all holes at 126 to 265 feet."

Apr 1, 1947

By Donna lynne Anderson

This report documents the status of a laser-based underground guidance system for tracking and controlling the movements of underground mobile mining equipment. This research is part of a multiple project effort at the U.S. Bureau of Mines to increase mine safety and efficiency by developing technology for computer-assisted mining. Guidance systems, which can track and control the movements of underground mining equipment, are essential during computer-assisted mining operations. A continuous mining machine at the Bureau's surface test facility served as the test-bed for initial development and experimentation of this guidance system. Subsequently, a continuous mining machine in an underground mine served as the platform for in-mine experimentation The first section of this report includes details of the laser sensors, communication network, and computer hardware. The next section includes experimental results, which show the system capable of accurately tracking and controlling the tram maneuvers of a continuous miner underground. The final section discusses conclusions and recommendations.

Jan 1, 1992

By H. A. Doerner

"During the year which has passed since the last progress report on reduction of zinc by natural gas,3 the laboratory experiments on this investigation have been completed. In this concluding report, the whole subject will be reviewed and additional data presented.Chemical ReactionsIn a thermodynamic study of zinc smelting, Maier 4 discussed the use of methane for reducing zinc oxide, and predicted equilibria at various temperatures for the sore important reactions. The study has been extended to include the following list.Maier predicted that 870°C. would be the critical temperature above which reaction (1) would take precedence over reaction (2) and that reaction (1) at equilibria would be substantially complete at or above 927°C. A subsequent papers described experimental verification of these predictions and gave data on reaction rates under various conditions.It methane is passed through a heated bed of zinc oxide at a low enough rate reactions (1), (3), and (4) reach an equilibrium which can be expressed by reaction (10). The equilibrium concentrations for the products of this reaction in the temperature range 900° to 1100°C. were calculated by applying the thermodynamic constants to the stoichiometric relations. 6 The results of these calculations are listed in table 1 and shown graphically in figures 1, A and B. These data have major importance, and experimental work has shown that they are subtantially correct."

Dec 1, 1934

YOUR mom was right …count to 10. Most workers today report that they find their jobs stressful. Miners, in particular, are faced with hazardous and changing environments. Every shift provides different conditions and challenges. Coping with stress is an important tool to maintain your physical and mental health. Now, back to mom. Studies on stress tell us that shifting your focus away from what is causing your stress increases your ability to cope. Counting to 10 is one method. Science proves mom right. The stress response We are born with the stress response, which is a survival instinct, sometimes called the "fight or flight" response. When approached by a tiger in the jungle, our ancestors would perceive danger and prepare to fight or run. The body prepares for the fight or flight response in a number of ways. The bloodstream brings extra glucose and oxygen (fuel) to the heart, the sense of pain is dulled, and memory and thinking improve. The pupils dilate for better vision and the lungs take in more oxygen, while heart rate and blood pressure increase. Body hairs become erect, as puffed-out hair makes an animal look bigger and more dangerous. Once the perceived danger is gone - we have run fast enough to get away from the tiger or won the fight - the body returns to normal functions. Unfortunately, civilization gives us too many opportunities to experience this response. If activated too often, it can create wear and tear on the body, which may lead to injury and illness. Chronic and traumatic stress There are two key types of stress: chronic stress and traumatic stress. Both types can cause both physical and psychological symptoms. Chronic stress builds up from the day-to-day hassles. Traumatic stress results from a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a mine disaster, or the sudden death of a loved one. Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of a number of health problems including heart disease, depression, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Traumatic stress may lead to post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Miners may experience both chronic and traumatic stress in their work.

This field guide is designed for use in planning pollution control and reclamation activities on small sand and gravel operations. Its purpose is to assist operators in selecting environmentally desirable pollution control and reclamation procedures based upon their particular mining situation. The guide includes information on interpreting physical and cultural factors that must be considered in planning and implementing a mining and reclamation program, achieving environmental protection objectives, and improving community/industry cooperation. Included as appendices are a summary of state laws and a list of additional readings on the subject.

Jan 1, 1981

By F. L. Wideman

This paper lists resources of sulfur in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizons, an area comprising approximately 522,600 square miles, Sources of sulfur occuring within the region are sulfur are, pyrite and pyritic ores, and natural gases and petroleum. Data concerning these sources are presented on a statewide basis. Some of the known deposits of sulfur ore are surficial and of fumerole origin; other deposits have resulted from oxidation of pyrite or sulfide ores of copper, lead, and zinc. The deposits are small and the sulfur is distributed erratically in them. There is a small production from some of the deposits, and the material produced is used as soil conditioner.

Jan 1, 1957

By W. W. Adams, T. D. Lawrence

"The National Safety Competition covering the calendar year 1934 was the tenth yearly safety contest conducted by the United States Bureau of Mines. Participating in the competition were 334 mines and quarries in 38 States. Five mining or quarrying companies, each the leader in its group for having established the best safety record during the year, were awarded the national safety trophies ""Sentinels of Safety.""Since these annual contests were begun 10 years ago by the United States Bureau of Mines the scope of the competition has been broadened materially, both as to the number of plants participating and as to the number of man-hours of exposure to accident hazards. Moreover, marked progress in the prevention of accidents has been achieved, as is indicated by an almost constant downward course in toe accident-frequency rates for the contest group as a whole during the past 10 years. On the other hand, the accident-severity rates for the group showed an upward trend during the first part of the decade and a downward trend during the latter part of the period except in 1930 and 1934; in each of those years a disastrous explosion with abnormally heavy loss of life occurred at the property of one of the participating companies.Because of the abnormal nature of the major disaster in a bituminous-coal mine in 1930 and 1934 the accident-severity rates for the bituminous group for those years are not strictly comparable with the rates for other years. The rates for bituminous mines for 1934 in the present report have therefore been computed on two bases; first, to exclude the record of the company that suffered the disastrous explosion and, second, to include the record of this company. The first rate represents the normal experience of the bituminous coal companies unaffected by the disaster and is therefore more indicative of the real trend of the accident rates for this class of mines from year to year. The latter rate shows the actual experience of all bituminous mines in 1934. The report of the competition of 1930 likewise showed the rates for the bituminous group as computed both with and without the disaster that occurred that year.The National Safety Competition is conducted by the United States Bureau of Mines in the interest of safety in the mining and quarrying industries. This object is accomplished directly through the efforts of the competing companies and their employees to win first place in the competition and thereupon receive well-merited and national recognition for their achievement. Indirectly the purpose of the contest is accomplished through studies by the Bureau of Mines of the facts contained in the accident reports which the competing companies furnish to the Bureau to enable the Bureau to compute the accident rates that are the basis for determining the winners of the contest."

Jun 1, 1935

By T. A. Sullivan

Refining in a molten salt electrolyte was investigated as a means of recovering nickel containing less than 1 percent and preferably less than 0.2 percent cobalt from nickel products containing up to 5 percent cobalt. Electrolytic separation of nick and cobalt was accomplished in a molten KCl-LiCl-NiCl2 electrolyte. Nickel containing less than 0.10 percent cobalt was routinely prepared. Factors that influenced the transfer of cobalt to the refined product were the nickel concentration of the electrolyte, the cobalt concentration of the electrolyte, the ratio of nickel to cobalt in the electrolyte, and cathode current densities. A method of recovering the cobalt from the electrolyte was developed. The possibility of preparing high-purity nickel by this process was shown, as well as the preparation of various cobalt-nickel-tungsten alloys.

Jan 1, 1968

By Paul Hatmaker

"The Bureau of Mines recently has issued a general information circular covering briefly the origin and occurrence, properties, uses, exploitation, and marketing of diatomite. Since this publication was prepared, additional information has become available regarding one of the newer uses of diatomite — that as a filler in battery boxes. As this market is rapidly becoming one of the important outlets, a brief discussion of such use may be of interest.Diatomite is a mineral substance composed principally of the skeletal remains of diatoms. The skeletons of these microscopic flowerless water plants are made from silica present in the water in which these tiny plants live. The minute shells or ""casts"" accumu¬late in the bottom of lakes, ponds, or inland seas, and eventually become more or less consolidated into beds of diatomite.The uses of diatomite depend largely upon its peculiar properties. Diatomite is a highly porous substance and possesses marked absorptive powers. The large percentage of pore space makes the material very light in weight. It is relatively insoluble in most solutions.The largest deposits in the world are found in California, but diatomite occurs in many other Western States and also is found in a number of places along the Atlantic seaboard. Outside of the United States diatomite occurs in many countries; Algeria and Germany are among the largest producers.Usually diatomite is mined either by underground or open—cut methods. In some instances it may be dredged from lake and swamp bottoms. It must be dried prior to grinding or other preparation for market, and for many purposes must undergo a complex sizing and grading system for removal of such impurities as sand and clay and for classification of the material to the various sizes desired,"

Mar 1, 1931

By J. Sottile, J. L. Kohler

Component failures in the electrical control circuits of mining machines account for a large percentage of the total downtime of the machine. Once a failure has occurred it is always a tedious and usually a time-consuming task to locate the failed component. Moreover, the pressure to quickly locate the cause of a delay can lead to compromises in safety. Thus an onboard diagnostic system, essential for an automated machine, would be a very useful addition to existing machines. This report details U.S. Bureau of Mines development of a generic procedure for synthesizing diagnostic systems for electrical-control-circuit failures in mining machinery. A continuous mining machine is used as the testbed to illustrate the application of the developed methodology. Substantive differences among mining machine control circuits made it impossible to achieve a generic diagnostic system, but a generic approach for the synthesis of the diagnostic system was possible. As the research progressed, it became apparent that an algorithmic approach was better than an expert- system-based implementation. A prototype system was constructed and used to evaluate the diagnostic system. Prototype implementation issues are also examined.

Jan 1, 1993

By W. W. Adams

Because of insufficient funds for printing, the Bureau of Mines was unable to publish its annual bulletin covering accidents at metal mines in the United States for the year 1933. A brief mimeographed summary of the principal statistical data for that year was released to the public late in 1934. Since then reports for 1934 have been received from the mining companies, and in order to avoid further delay in releasing this information to the mining industry and others interested in the prevention of accidents in mining, statistics for both years are presented in this publication with a minimum of interpretation and comment. The fatal-accident rate for the metal and nonmetallic mines (excluding coal mines) of the United States was more favorable in 1933 than in any previous year since 1911, the first year for which the Bureau of Mines obtained reports from the operators. Further progress was made in 1934, when the fatality rate was even lower than that of 1933. On the other hand, the nonfatal-accident rate, which had reached its lowest level in 1932, increased in 1933 and increased further in 1934, although not to such an extent as to prevent the rate for either of those 2 years from being better than that for any year previous to r1931.

Jan 1, 1936

By Harry W. Campbell

In 1984 and 1985, at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied part of the Meadow Valley Range Wilderness Study Area (NV-050-156) in order to evaluate its identified mineral resources. The study area is located in Clark and Lincoln Counties, NV, about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, NV. The Johnston and Fitchett prospect, in the northern part of the study area, has more than 3 million tons of marginal perlite reserves suitable for many commercial uses. A preliminary mining feasibility estimate suggests perlite could be profitably mined from the study area; however, it is unlikely these perlite deposits will be developed in the foreseeable future because of unfavorable market conditions. Zeolite minerals occur in alteration zones adjacent to perlite deposits at the Johnston and Fitchett prospect, but high quality material is closer to potential markets. A metalliferous black shale unit containing 800,000 tons of subeconomic resources may extend into the study area at the Bradshaw vanadium prospect on the northwest boundary. Limestone, stone, sand, and gravel occurrences are wide-spread, but other suitable deposits in the region are more accessible to potential markets. Seven prospects in and near the study area were examined. The entire study area is leased for oil and gas exploration. A group of perlite placer claims covering more than 480 acres was located in the 1940's in the northern part of the study area. A small group of lode claims was located in the mid 1950's in the southwest part of the study area. No mining claims are currently (1985) held inside the study area. No mineral production is known from within the study area.

Jan 1, 1987