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By Morgan M. Sears, Gamal Rashed, Michael M. Murphy, Brent Slaker

A parametric study was conducted using FLAC3D numerical models to examine the impact of oblique loading on the strength and yield pattern of a stone pillar using two simplified geometry types. In type-1 the side walls of the pillars were assumed to be perpendicular to the roof and the floor, while in type-2 the side walls were assumed to be vertical. These two geometries are frequently used to simplify/model the creation of pillars in dipping mines. Results from the numerical modeling indicate that dipping pillars have reduced strength compared to horizontal pillars, and they are at an elevated risk of failure. Also, an asymmetric failure propagation pattern could be obtained depending on the interaction between the pillar width/height (W/H) ratio, seam dip, in situ stresses and pillar geometry.

By J. -B. C. Varnier, J. A. Cremeens, D. D. Overton

"Slope failures that occurred in 2008 and 2009 at the Pikeview Quarry in El Paso County in Colorado in the United States were investigated using three-dimensional discrete element modeling methods. Large-scale block sliding failures occurred along weak bedding planes that dip steeply into an excavation located at the toe of the slope. Several mining sequences at the toe of the slope were simulated to evaluate the effects of various degrees of extraction and backfill on slope stability. Slope stability back-analysis was conducted using prefailure and post-failure conditions to determine the joint shear strength properties. Laboratory testing was also conducted to determine intact rock properties. Three-dimensional discrete element analysis was uniquely applicable to this evaluation because it allowed representation of shear stress of the basal sliding surface and afforded evaluation of several scenarios of extraction and backfill at the toe of the slope. IntroductionThe Pikeview Quarry is an aggregate quarry located approximately 8 km (5 miles) northwest of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, CO, USA. The quarry has been operated by several owners since the early 1900s. According to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA, 1986), the quarry has been a major source of construction aggregate for the Colorado Springs area for many years. In the 1950s, the site was mined by Peter Kiewit and Sons to provide limestone for the construction of the nearby Air Force Academy.A large-scale slope failure occurred on Dec. 2, 2008, which stopped mining activity at the Pikeview Quarry. A second, related slope failure occurred on Sept. 13, 2009. The second slope failure was located immediately adjacent to the initial December 2008 failure.The objective of this paper is to discuss the three-dimensional slope stability evaluation. The causal relationships of slope instability are not within the scope of this publication. However, omitting the precursors to slope failure would limit understanding of the nature of the slope stability evaluation. The regional and local geology and the history of slope instability at the Pikeview Quarry aid in understanding these precursors. Two main failure mechanisms were hypothesized during the failure investigation to explain the triggering of the 2008 and 2009 large slope failures at the Pikeview Quarry, and both of these mechanisms were given equal credence in the present study. Quarry excavation and backfilling was a key factor in the slope instability for both failure mechanisms. The excavation was backfilled in stages in an effort to provide slope support. The objective of the three-dimensional model was to evaluate the effects of extraction and backfill at the toe of the slope with respect to slope stability."

Jan 3, 2018

By N. Langsford

The Archaean Yilgam craton has been a major gold province since 1888 with production and reserves of about 4700 tonnes. Production in 1994 was about 135 tonnes. The largest deposit, the famous Kalgoorlie Golden Mile, contains about 2000 tonnes of gold. About 40 deposits containing more than 35 tonnes (1Moz) of gold has been discovered so far in the Yilgarn. Most of the craton has deep weathering profiles inherited from previous tropical climatic conditions, modified by subsequent arid conditions. A mantle of transported material covers much of the variably stripped weathering profiles. Resolving the geology of the volcanic-sedimentary units (greenstones) and the structures that host the gold mineralization relies heavily on aeromagnetics and shallow drilling.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. L. Wilsey, K. M. Oakes, W. J. Reich, M. J. Protani

The time frame required to complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for a new mine or the expansion of an existing mine can range from nine to 24 months, or even longer. The time frame will vary depending on whether an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) will be completed Completing properly designed baseline studies to collect natural resource data to support the EA or EIS prior to the start of the NEPA process can shorten this time frame. In this paper, a two-year natural resource baseline study by Homestake Mining for the Ruby Hill Mine, Eureka County, NV, is used as a case study to describe how a properly designed and executed natural resource baseline study streamlined the NEPA process.

Jan 1, 2003

The 28th annual American Mining Hall of Fame Awards Banquet and fundraiser sponsored by the Mining Foundation of the Southwest will be held at the Marriott University Park Hotel, Tucson, AZ on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. The Mining Foundation of the Southwest is a nonprofit organization whose objectives are public education about the mineral industries, and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in and contributions to the fields of mineral and fuel resources. Funds are being raised to the support the foundation?s educational programs. Among these is the Educational Outreach Program operated jointly by the foundation and the Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources.

Jan 1, 2010

By Harold L. Lovell

The areas of application, the limitations imposed by water chemistry as well as the advantages and disadvantages in the use of limestone for the treatment of coal mine drainage have recently been described by the authors (1),(2), (3). The process has been demonstrated in continuous, full-scale operation to yield a treated water meeting specifications established by the Pennsylvania Sanitary Water Board and containing excess alkalinity. Their final pH levels are usually less than seven, a condition which avoids consumption of excess neutralization reagents, but which occurs with lime-based processes and results from unwanted side reactions. Operating experience has been cited by Calhoun (4) using ferric waters while others (5), (6), (7), (8), (11), have reported on related research efforts. Despite the advantages including ?the relative simplicity, and minimal costs of the process, there have been very limited industrial applications of mine drainage neutralization with limestone. Although any treatment of these waters may be considered as a temporary control measure (9), the lack of feasible, immediate alternatives, the extensive magnitude. of the waters and the high cost of treatment requires that optimum processes should be utilized and that operating experience in their use be developed as is feasible. This paper will review treatment experience with a ferrous water of moderate pollution loading .

Jan 1, 1972

By Michael F. Gleason

In 1986, Gold Fields began negotiations with a large Nevada electrical power utility to supply power for its Chimney Creek Mine In northern Nevada. After the long negotiations reached an impass over various costs associated with the power line, a decision was made by Gold Fields to generate its own power. Self-generation is not uncommon overseas, but it is rare for any but very large or very small operations in the United States. Surprisingly, under certain conditions a mine can generate its own power profitably and Gold Fields has found that the associated operating and maintenance problems are minimal. The following report details what factors went into this decision and how it works. Hopefully, it can serve as a guideline for those who may find themselves in a similar position.

Jan 1, 1990

By K. E. Yassin, A. Yehia, M. Amar

Phosphate fines (size ≤ 45 μm), from the Red Sea Region, Egypt, were subjected to beneficiation process to recover the phosphorite grains from such fines. The sample is characterized by low P2O5 content (18.78%) associated with gangue minerals such as silica (22.77% SiO2) and carbonate (2.01% MgO) indicating its low grade. Phosphate pre-concentrate was prepared by gravity separation, using Falcon, where 63.37% of the phosphate, with 24.94% P2O5, 1.46% MgO, and 10.54% SiO2, was firstly recovered reducing the mass flow to the subsequent beneficiation process. However, the gravity tailing was the feed for the reverse phosphate flotation using bench scale column flotation where oleic acid was used as a carbonate gangue collector and amylase enzyme as a phosphate depressant. Under the appropriate flotation conditions (0.1% amylase, 5·10−4 mol/dm3 oleic acid, and temp. 30 °C), phospho-concentrate assaying 0.61% MgO, 13.14% SiO2, and 27.85% P2O5 with a P2O5 recovery of 55.45%, was finally obtained without the use of expensive depressants, e.g., phosphoric acid or sodium silicate. A tentative flow sheet for the whole process was postulated.

By H. A. Zollinger

The Hallmark Distribution Center is one of the most sophisticated material handling and order filling facilities in the world. The 53 million cubic foot facility houses an ultra-modern, computer- monitored distribution complex that handles as many as 1/4 million orders per day. The Distribution Center replaces 16 leased buildings scattered through- out metropolitan Kansas City and, in addition, re-leased 4 floors in mid-town Kansas City needed for creative and administrative expansion. This new facility is the nerve center for distribution of Hallmark products in United States and Latin America. The size and gross numbers of all parts of the system is a significant accomplishment, but the purpose of this paper is to explain the technical advancements in the state-of-the-art of material handling and controls. The system iteself is made up of seven sub-systems including receiving, warehousing, picking rack stocking, towline, order filling, order sorting, and shipping. Significant techniques were used in each of these areas as well as technical advancements in the state-of-the- art. The most significant points are in 4 of the areas and are discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 1973

By M. J. Zdunczyk

The final 1995 figures on industrial sand and gravel have not yet been compiled by the US Geological Survey (USGS). There is usually about a nine-month lag time in receiving and compiling this information. However, USGS estimates that domestic production of industrial sand and gravel will increase about 4% to 28.2 Mt(31 million st). The average unit price is expected to increase as well. The top five producers during 1995 were Unimin, US Silica, Fairmount Minerals, Oglebay Norton and Morie Co. Glass manufacturing for containers, automobiles and buildings was mixed during 1995. Containers, the largest consumer of silica sand, remained steady, with regional increases. However, silica use in glass containers face increased competition from plastic and recycled glass (cullet). It was reported that the Pepsi Cola announced plans to replace glass containers with plastic during 1996.

Jan 1, 1996

By J. O. Marsden, M. M. Botz

"Heap leaching is responsible for approximately 21 percent — 3.9 million metric tonnes — of copper production and 9 percent — 270 metric tonnes or 8.7 million ounces — of gold production worldwide. Given metal price assumptions of $2.25/lb for copper and $1,250/oz for gold, these portions of global production generate revenues of $19 billion and $11 billion, respectively. For heap leaching operations, small changes in metal extraction efficiency drive substantial changes in operating cash flow margins and affect project viability. Variances in actual metal production from budgetary forecast estimates can mean the difference between success (value creation) and failure (value destruction) for a heap leach project. Despite the importance of heap leaching for copper, gold and silver production worldwide, there are no clear standards or guidelines for developing heap leach metal production forecasts. There is considerable variation among copper and gold producers that apply heap leaching technology as to how such modeling and forecasting is applied at the operational level. There are a variety of different modeling approaches that can be utilized for this purpose. However, these vary in cost, complexity, time to implement, accuracy and credibility. This paper explores the options available for heap leach modeling, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and provides guidelines/recommendations for an effective approach to modeling metal production at existing or planned heap leach operations. The paper also provides expected ranges of variation between actual and modeled production.Introduction and backgroundHeap leaching is fundamentally different from other methods used in the processing and extraction of gold, silver, and copper and other base metals. Considered globally, the technique represents a relatively modest portion of production compared with the primary technologies applied for copper and gold recovery. Approximately 21 percent of copper production is attributable to heap leaching techniques, as opposed to 79 percent by conventional crushing, milling, flotation, smelting and refining. For gold, about 9 percent of global production is obtained from heap leaching, compared with over 90 percent by various combinations of crushing, milling, gravity concentration, flotation and/or agitated cyanide leaching processes or, in the case of placer deposits, by direct gravity concentration and/or amalgamation. In cases where heap leaching is the primary source of metal production, the ability to accurately forecast metal production may be the difference between commercial success and failure for a project or operation. Heap leaching — of crushed or run-of-mine ore — is also commonly applied as a secondary process to treat lower-grade ores from a given deposit, such as at Chuquicamata in Chile, Cerro Verde in Peru and Bagdad in Arizona for copper extraction and at Twin Creeks and Carlin, both in Nevada, for gold. In such cases, heap leaching provides incremental revenue to supplement the primary process. Variances between actual and forecast metal production from heap leaching as a secondary process are typically tolerated and absorbed within the overall site metallurgical balance. In either case, accurate production modeling and forecasting creates significant value for heap leaching projects, is essential for managing production expectations — timing and volumes — and is likely to be a critical success factor for most heap leach projects."

Jan 1, 2017

By Hamid Mazouz, Mohammed Hakkar, Rim Jouraiphy, Fatima Ezzahra Arhouni, Ahmed Mahrou, Aziz Boukhair, Mohammed Fahad

The wet process is the most commonly used worldwide for phosphoric acid (PA) production, in which phosphate rock (PR) is reacted with strong acid mainly sulfuric acid. This work aims on studying the rare earth elements (REEs) distribution during the production of phosphoric acid using different qualities of phosphate through various industrial technologies. At the onset of this work, the process started with 12 samples of PR, PA, and phosphogypsum (PG) being taken simultaneously from two different Moroccan basins (Ouled Abdoun mine represented by K09 and Gantour mine depicted by G10, G20, BG) and various production lines at two processing platforms (Jorf Lasfar and Safi). Afterward, collected samples were prepared and analyzed for REE characterization using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Based on the analysis results, a transfer factor ( TFX) was introduced with the aim of gauging the REE distribution between PA and PG. The results showed that the total concentration of REEs in different phosphate qualities ranged from 411 to 631 ppm; the major part of this concentration was attributed to the four elements: Y, La, Ce, and Nd which constitute more than 77%. The REE distribution between PA and PG depends on neither the phosphate quality nor the industrial technology used since that the distribution results showed that 55 up to 66% of the initial REEs in phosphate rock ended up in the PG. The behavior of each REE was common except for the element scandium, which transferred mainly to the phosphoric acid.

Nov 3, 2021

By H. Sevim

Placement of coal combustion byproducts into abandoned sections of underground coal mines for the purpose of subsidence mitigation has been investigated in Illinois. Several handling and transportation systems have been examined. Prototype pneumatic and hydraulic placement systems have been developed and demonstrated. The demonstration site, Peabody No. 10 mine in Pawnee Illinois, is selected as a case study. It is found that, for a project of 5 years, transporting 150,000 tons of byproduct annually from a power plant located 32 km (20 miles) to the mine would cost $1.80 per ton and placement into underground would cost $3.07 per ton.

Jan 1, 1998

By S. Todd Mickleborough

The geostatistical technique of conditional simulation is applied to measure the uncertainty in factor of safety predictions for soil slopes where there is incomplete knowledge of the spatial distribution of soil properties. A case study considers a natural clay slope in Canada. The sequential indicator simulation technique is used as a means for generating a series of spatial maps of soil properties for this site. These maps approximate random draws from the conditional probability density function that characterizes existing uncertainty in the spatial distribution. Factor of safety determinations are then made for each simulated map using the simplified-Janbu approach, where the computations are performed with a new computer program that can operate on irregular spatial profiles of soil properties specified on a discrete grid. A unique capability of this approach is the ability to generate the distribution of factor of safety conditional to the type, position, and value of existing site characterization measurements. This capability should reduce uncertainty in FS predictions.

Jan 1, 1993

By Mostafa Benzaazoua, Bruno Bussière, Mukendi Kongolo

The desulphurization process has been proposed over the last few years for acid mine drainage control at certain mines, which generate low to medium grade sulphidic tailings (-3 to +25 wt% S). The environmental sulphur recovery, which means the sulphur to be floated to produce a non-acid generating final tailings, depends mainly on the intrinsic neutralizing potential of the tailings. However, in some cases the sulphur cleaning is complicated by other parameters which affect the flotation probability of the sulphide particles. In this study, a number of tests were conducted with a Hallimond tube and Denver Cell on both pure mineral and mine tailings. To develop a better understanding of the mechanisms of non-selective sulphide flotation, three types of approach were investigated in this work: (i) pure pyrite at progressive milling degrees, (ii) artificial mix of pyrite and quartz at different calibrated granulometry and (iii) same composition tailings with 26 % wt sulphur at progressive milling degrees. The effect of the granulometry on the sulphide flotation was demonstrated both. The results allow us to define a granulometry model, which can then be considered in the whole desulphurization modeling.

Jan 1, 2000

By Donald J. Hill

To be successful, every organization within the mining industry must involve itself in researching and evaluating methods of loss control. The appraisal and evaluation of accidents and injuries is required to determine the costs of loss producing practices and conditions. This involves all of an organizations disciplines that concern themselves with a more efficient and cost effective organization. To come to know the cost of your safety program or how much is expended yearly for each employee on safety; to know what your safety costs are per man-hour or per ton-produced; to know what the health, medical and compensation costs are for any given incident are just a few of the important facts and figures that the safety management of a given organization needs to know to operate in the mining industry today.

Jan 1, 1984

By L. G. Austin

The model originally proposed by Austin, et al., has been modified in the light of further investigation of the breakage laws in SAG milling. The model uses a fully-mixed reactor for short L/D mills and calculates the breakage of small particles by the nipping action of balls and pebbles. The autogenous self-breakage of larger lumps is treated as an effective means of fast breaking rock and much slower breaking rock. Experiments show that fast autogenous breakage can be treated as a first-order breakage with an overall specific breakage rate which incorporates fracture and chipping. Similarly, slow breakage incorporates fracture and abrasion. Autogenous breakage is cushioned by the accumulation of fine material. Simulation results are compared to results from tests in a 2 m diameter continuous pilot-scale SAG mill. Future work is discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

By Harry Leslie Bullock

With silica making up more than 27% of the earth's crust, its oxides amounting to more than 59% of the igneous rocks and quartz the most prevalent of the main free oxides, it follows that the mining engineer' is in constant contact with quartz, mainly as a gangue material to be removed as completely and economically as possible and sometimes as a valuable mineral to be purified' for the chemical,, ceramic or glass industries. Water scarcity under desert or semi-arid conditions, dwindling water supplies and difficulties of wet waste disposal in many locations and trouble from freezing in arctic locations make dry benefication more and more desirable. Advances made during the last few years in apparatus and methods and a steadily increasing knowledge of solid state physics are widening the field open to the economical application of electrostatic separation.

Jan 1, 1967

By Grant A. Brackebusch

Paste tailings disposal was successfully implemented at the New Jersey mill in Kellogg, ID with two different types of ore feed, a gold ore and a silver ore. The purpose of this paper is to describe the production of paste tailings, including operational problems during commissioning, and also highlight the environmental and economic benefits that were realized versus conventional tailings disposal such as the recycling of process water, increased shear strength and reduced permeability of the tailings mass, and reduced environmental permitting.

By D. A. Peacock

"INTRODUCTION Outer space technology and exploration have reached a tipping point so that mining and mineral processing in outer space is now a certainty and not a dream. Several competing companies, worldwide, are well on the way to building spaceships to land on the Moon and eventually mine the Moon and asteroids for volatiles, rare earth metals and Helium-3. The Google Lunar XPrize offers a $30 million prize1. China has recently landed a spacecraft on the Moon. The European Space Agency, with cooperation from the United States, has landed a spacecraft, Philae, on a comet. And, Mars One is planning a one-way trip to establish a settlement of humans on Mars. How and why are the Moon and asteroids and their resources of interest to private space industry and companies? Why are the Moon and asteroids viewed as a potential business venue? GEOLOGY OF THE MOON AND ASTEROIDS –WHY DO WE WANT TO MINE THERE? Space enterprises are actively working towards establishing and operating lunar and asteroid mining locations for resource extraction, resource processing, conversion to salable products, and distribution of the products and services in space and to Earth and beyond2. Forty-five years ago, the Apollo manned missions to the Moon returned rocks and regolith to Earth, which were studied and analyzed. What they found was that the Moon contains valuable minerals and resources. These minerals are largely due to meteor and asteroid impacts, which have, over eons, created this mineral rich regolith. These impacts have occurred on Earth as well, for billions of years, particularly early on in the history of the solar system. However, on Earth, wind, water, and vegetation have erased most of these impacts. On the Moon, in contrast, the only weathering is caused by subsequent impacts and the solar wind. The Moon regolith contains valuable rare earth minerals, platinum-group minerals (particularly where the Moon has been impacted by asteroids), volatiles (useful for processing and habitation), Helium-3 and titanium. Almost non-existent on earth, Helium-3 is abundant and accessible on the Moon and can be used in nuclear fusion power plants, producing much more energy than fission reactions and with much less radioactive waste. One of the main reasons Helium-3 is sought after as a fusion fuel is because there are no neutrons generated as a reaction product. Governments and private companies focus on mining of Helium-3 on the Moon as a basis for their economic models. Moon Express, one of the private companies who is planning on mining on the Moon, will recover moon rocks to fund its early operations25. Subsequently, it will recover Helium-3, platinum, and rare earth metals, as it engages in surface mining operations."

Jan 1, 2016