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By Warren E. Morrison

The first major evaluation of the nation's raw materials prospects after World War II was completed by the President's Materials Policy Commission (Paley Commission) in 1952 and submitted to the President in June of that year, as a five-volume study entitled Resources for Freedom. The bulk of the report was devoted to an analysis of the past, present, and probable future of the Nation's mineral supply industries. The Commission's evaluation of the future situation regarding minerals was derived from its forecasts of the probable domestic demand for the major minerals in the 1970's. This demand analysis was made in the context of probable worldwide demand. Several crucial assumptions were made by the Commission's fore-casters. It was assumed in 1950 that the next 20 to 30 years would see no major wars and be a period of sustained economic growth. Another assumption was that the anticipated demand for raw materials must be supplied at essentially no increase in real cost in order to avoid crucial supply problems. The Commission's forecasts were derived within the context of the country's expected future rate of economic activity. The gross national product (GNP) growth to 1975 was derived from projections of the number of people in the labor force, hours of work, and an index of probable production measured per unit of labor input. It was believed labor hours would decrease and labor productivity would increase. The result was a forecast GNP growth rate of 3 percent.

Jan 1, 1970

By Jr. Sillers

To prove to .the satisfaction of all concerned that electrolytic manganese from our low-grade domestic ores could be substituted satisfactorily for ferro-manganese made from high-grade foreign fires, an extensive series of tests was conducted in cooperation with industry, in which electrolytic manganese pro-duced by, the Bureau of Mines at its Boulder City, Nev., Station was substituted for the ordinary ferro grades in the production of ferrous and nonferrous metals and alloys and welding-rod coatings. Over 1,200,000 pounds of manganese was given out for this purpose. The objectives of the tests were accomplished, and for some purposes electrolytic manganese was shown to be superior to other grades because of its high purity. The only serious objection that can be raised against electrolytic manganese is its price, which puts it out of reach for most purposes. Even if the price were to be lowered to a point where it would be in line with ferro grades, it is questionable whether electrolytic manganese from domestic ores could supply more than a small part of the needs of American industry because of the large volume of domestic ore that would have to be processed to supply a satisfactory feed for the electrolytic process. Thus, although electrolytic manganese is highly desirable from a metallurgical standpoint, it could not be expected to substitute for more than a fraction of our domestic manganese requirements.

Jan 1, 1952

By W. E. Foreman

A mathematical model was developed to assess the costs for reclamation of surface mining using the shovel overcasting operation, the front end loader operation, and a backfilling operation. A literature review was made of the present laws in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia pertaining to surface mining and of the various parameters that influence the input data for a mathematical model. It was determined that the working mathematical model would have to be applied on an area to area basis, preferably on a permit by permit basis in the area where surface mining was being done. To this end, a flexible model was developed with input data obtained from the area of study. The results of the study show that the cost per ton of coal for reclamation can be estimated for various reclamation levels. Validation of the model was done for selected permits from Virginia. It was determined that the permits could easily be used for input data to the model.

Jan 1, 1974

Anaconda Aluminum Co. began production from a new 60,000-ton-per-year potline at Sebree, KY, which brings the total capacity of the plant to 180,000 tons per year. A strike by workers at Alcan Aluminium Corp. primary aluminum smelters at Arvida, Que., Isle Maligne, Que., and Beauharnois, Que. shut down the plants and the company announced force majeure on part of its ingot supply commitments. Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. announced plans to increase its price for primary aluminum from 60.0 cents per pound to 63.0 cents per pound effective July 1.

Jan 1, 1979

By Jos. R. Guiteras

This paper is one of r series published by the Bureau of Mines dealing with the mineral resources of western South Dakota. The mining of pegmatite minerals is described mainly from the standpoint of the feldspar industry, as most of the other .pegmatite minerals produced are recovered as byproducts from the mining of feldspar. Feldspar is shipped from the Black Hills by three companies, all operating in the southern Hills. Because the pegmatites of the northern Hills, represented by tae Tinton area, have been described in other papers3/ of this series, the present paper is confined to the pegmatite dikes of the southern Black Hills. Emphasis is placed upon the current activity in pegmatite mining; little attention is given to the history of many famous mines in the district, and information concerning them may be obtained by consulting resorts cited in the bibliography. The field work was carried on from July 28 to October 15, 1938. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The geology of the Black Hills has been studied almost continuously during the last half century. A wealth of literature has attempted to explain the geology and mineralogy of the pegmatite dikes of this region. The writer acknowledges his indebtedness to all earlier investigators, as well as to the following men, whose assistance in the field was of particular value: F. C. Lincoln, professor of mining, South Dakota School of Mines; Mont Heumphreus, State mine inspector, South Dakota; Harold. H. Eyrich, superintendent, and Batemen Eilbeck, mine foreman, b. E. Schundler Feldspar Co.; J. W. Mitchell, field man, Consolidated Feldspar Corporation; John Wells, mine operator and local mineral buyer, Ouster, S. Dak.; Frank Hughes, general superintendent, and Harry Wasson, nine foreman, Hugo mine; D. W. Peterson, mine superintendent, Etta mine.; Lon Walker, Mine superintendent, Peerless

Jan 1, 1940

The U.S. economy and, consequently, the demand for minerals grew at more moderate rates in 1995 compared with stronger performances the previous year. Demand for metals such as steel and copper was relatively stable. For example, the decline in steel consumed in motor vehicle manufacturing (reflecting lower vehicle sales) for the first half of 1995 was offset by an increase in steel consumed in construction during the same period. More detailed information on events, trends, and issues in the mineral and material sector Is presented below and in the commodity sections that follow. Overall Performance The value of processed materials of mineral origin produced in the United States during 1995 was estimated to be $395 billion, an increase of almost 10% compared with 1994. The estimated value of U.S. raw nonfuel minerals production in 1995 was $38 billion, about 7% more than in 1994. The value of U.S. minerals production has increased in 30 of the last 35 years.

Jan 1, 1996

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1974 twelve companies operated 31 primary aluminum reduction plants, three firms accounting for 64% of production. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 32% of the total production; Gulf Coast States, 24%; Northern States, 33%, and other Southern States 11%. Output of primary metal in 1974 was valued at $3.4 billion. About 80% of the secondary recovery was from new aluminum base scrap and 20% was from old scrap. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1974, building accounted for about 27%; transportation 19%; electrical, 13%; packaging, 15%; and consumer durab1es, 9%.

Jan 1, 1975

In October, the Aluminum Company of America restarted the fourth of seven pot-lines at its Point Comfort, Tex. primary aluminum smelter. The price of primary aluminum ingot, as quoted by American Metal Market, was increased from a range of 60.5 to 63.0 cents per pound at the end of September to a range of 66.0 to 66.5 cents per pound at the end of October. BERYLLIUM On October 15, Brush Wellman, Inc., of Cleveland, one of two U.S. producers of primary beryllium products, announced a planned $6 million expansion of its extraction plant at Delta, Utah, increasing the plant?s capacity to extract beryllium from bertrandite ore by 25%. Another $5 million will be spent on two mine expansion programs in Jaub and Millard Counties, Utah. Other mineral claims and 1 eases he 1 d by The Anaconda Company will be taken over by Brush Wellman through lease or purchase. This expansion, when completed in 1981, will decrease U.S. dependence on imported beryl ore.

Jan 1, 1979

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1977, 12 companies operated 31 primary aluminum reduction plants, with 3 firms accounting for 65% of production capacity. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 31% of the total capacity; Gulf Coast States 23%, Northern States 26%, and other Southern States 20%. Based on estimated producer prices output of primary metal in 1977 Has valued at $4.6 billion. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered 'in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1977, building accounted for about 25%; packaging 22%; transportation 21%; electrical 11%; consumer durables 9%; and other uses, 12%.

Jan 1, 1978

By D. J. Parker

Because of its convenience and availability, natural gas (and to a much less extent manufactured gas) in being used more generally throughout the country for domestic and industrial purposes. With this use, specific and little-recognized hazards have arisen owing principally to the fact that the public and the consumer lack knowledge of the explosive property of this fuel. During the past 8 years gas explosions hove occurred in public and private buildings with loss of more than 300 lives and injury to many others. Such appalling catastrophes can and will be prevented if and when the necessary precautions are taken in the construction of buildings and the installation and maintenance of gas lines and gas appliances, plus adequate supervisions inspection, and education.

Jan 1, 1941

By John A. Davis, David W. Brunton

During the past few years great progress has been made in the United States toward safer, more efficient, and more economical tunneling methods. This advance is partly due, no doubt, to the recent increase in the number of tunnels and adits driven for devel- oping and draining mines and transporting ore. The Bureau of Mines during 1911 and 1912 made a special examination of this phase of mining operations, in connection with an investigation of mining methods and means for preventing accidents. The details especially studied were the provisions for the safety of employees, the kinds of equipment, the methods of driving, and the costs of con- struction. The results and conclusions obtained from that investi- gation are discussed and summarized in this bulletin. Up-to-date information concerning tunneling methods is difficult to obtain. There are few books on the subject; and much of the material they contain, although interesting and of value historically, is now obsolete. The engineering periodicals, it is true, endeavor to keep abreast of the times, and several in nearly every issue present some article bearing upon tunnel work. But the very multiplicity of these articles prevents one from reading them all, and the foreman or superintendent in charge of a tunnel, or the mining engineer designing one, and especially the business man financing the project, has no time for a lengthy search after scattered articles in order to determine the present status of tunnel work. Then, too, knowledge of new methods travels slowly. Valuable inventions and improve- ments in tunneling as well as in all the other industries frequently remain in the notebook of the investigator, or as theses are buried in university libraries, or are published only in journals of small scien- tific societies. New tunneling methods and equipment that are prov- ing safe, efficient, and economical may be totally unknown outside the district in which they originate. This paper, based on a special examination both in the field and in engineering literature, is in- tended to supply data concerning modern and recent tunneling practice in the United States, and to make suggestions that, it is hoped, will result in a saving to the mining industry of energy, capital, and life.

Jan 1, 1916

In response to increased aluminum demand, U.S. producers have begun reactivating primary aluminum capacity which was shutdown during the 1974-1975 recession. Reynolds Metals Company started up almost 80,000 tons per year of idled capacity at Listerhill, Alabama, and Jones Mills and Arkadelphia, Arkansas plants. Howmet Aluminum Corporation and Alumax announced that the operating rate at their jointly owned facility at Frederick, Maryland was being increased from 75 percent to 100 percent, equivalent to a 44,000 ton-per-year increase in output. Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. expected to restart one of the two idled potlines at its Mead, Washington facility in May raising its production rate by 27,000 tons per year. ANTHRACITE - The anthracite market for the larger sizes continues at a good level, and although the demand for industrial sizes has been weak, the current trend indicates an increased demand for industrial fines by the steel, auto, and other industries.

Jan 1, 1976

By Paul C. Hyndman

The U.S. Bureau of Mines inventoried Federal mineral lands in Idaho and classified them in detail, section by section, according to their availability for mineral exploration and development as affected by legal restrictions and agencies' management practices. The Bureau also identified known mineral deposit areas (KMDAs) and areas conducive to oil, gas, and geothermal resources. This information is shown on maps (developed in part by geographic information system technology) that spatially compare the availability for mineral entry of Federal land with these KMDAs to demonstrate the extent and severity of restrictions on mineral entry. Idaho contains 53.1 million acres, 35.7 million (67%) of which is Federal mineral land. About 7 million acres of this land is within KMDAs that host medium-to high-value locatable mineral deposits; 36% of this land is available, 27% is slightly to moderately restricted, and 37% is severely restricted or unavailable. For the leasable minerals, about 1.8 million acres are within KMDAs that host medium-to high-value phosphate deposits, about 5.4 million acres are favorable for oil and gas resources, and 3.9 million acres for geothermal resources. The percentages of land availability are 30%, 45%, and 25% for the phosphate acreage, 38%, 34%, and 28% for the oil and gas acreage, and 43%, 30%, and 27% for the geothermal acreage.

Jan 1, 2012

Dry weather since the third week in January has set back any prospects for an early increase in hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest, according to The Bonneville Power Administration. The 25% cutback made in July probably will not be restored in March or April. Noranda Aluminum, Inc., increased its price for 99.5% aluminum ingot from 66 cents to 70 cents per pound effective March 1, 1980. Revere Copper & Brass, Inc., also -increased its price for primary aluminum from 66.0 cents to 70.0 cents per pound effective February 1. Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. raised its international price for 99.5% primary aluminum from 72.6 cents to 82.6 cents per pound, c. i. f., effective February 26 on new orders and on shipments from March 15.

Jan 1, 1980

By Oliver Bowles

In 1940 the Bureau of Mines issued a report describing all the cement plants of Latin America, their design, capacity, and output, and the cement imports, exports, and requirements of the several countries. Since that time there has been such great activity in cement plant construction that a revision of the paper is highly desirable. The present compilation comprises the essential data in the previous report together with descriptions of all cement plants completed, under construction, or planned since that date and an overall picture of the supply and requirement situation of each country. Before World War I, Latin America was one of the world's largest export markets for cement. Its dependence on outside sources created no special problems of supply until the shortage of shipping and abnormally high prices of the First World War stimulated a movement toward greater self-sufficiency. Under this incentive many cement plants were constructed, and several countries were able by 1939 to manufacture enough cement for their modest needs. Substantial imports were still required for many important areas, and as the volume of demand was rapidly increasing the Latin American countries as a whole were far from self-sufficient in cement when tine Second. World War began. South and Central America depended to a large extent on European countries, chiefly Germany arid Belgium and to a smaller degree Scandinavia, United Kingdom, France, and Italy, to Supply their cement shortages. The cost of manufacture in these European countries was much lower than in the United States, and transportation expense had been kept at a particularly low level because of the two-way trade that had been developed. Ships destined for Latin American ports for coffee, tropical woods; fruits, and other native products could carry cargoes of cement on their westward voyages at very low cost In some instanced cement was taken in exchange for South American -products because cash was not available. Great Britain had withdrawn from this market to quite an extent because of low prices and because trade with its own Empire had been increasingly fostered. United States trade in cement with Latin America had been confined principally to white and other special varieties. In few places could ordinary portland cement made in the United States compete in price with the European products; although in general it was of better quality and cool d be delivered more promptly.

Jan 1, 1946

As shown in Table 9, consumption has risen steadily for the period November through April, reaching its highest level since June of 1974. Imports remained at a relatively high level in spite of decreased imports from Zaire and Belgium-Luxembourg. Award prices for cobalt sold by the General Services Administration on June 17, 1976 ranged from $5.058 to $5.41211 per pound of contained cobalt. The high bid was about $1 per pound above the current market price set by the major sales agent in the U.S. for cobalt on April 15, 1976. COPPER: Eight domestic producers on July 1 hiked refined copper prices by 4¢ to 74¢ per pound for cathode and to 74.625¢ for electrolytic wirebar. New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX) June pricing of prompt contracted copper averaged 70.6¢, with daily quotes registering between 67¢ and 72.5¢ per pound. In June, London Metal Exchange (LME) cash wirebar prices averaged 70.3¢, trading between a low of 65.5¢ and a high of 73.6¢. End of the month copper stocks totaled 108,758 short tons for the COMEX and 539,350 metric tons for the LME.

Jan 1, 1976

By H. Foster Bain

The war has brought about many changes in the Western States, and some have deep pr sent or potent al economic significance. The West has been feeling severe growing pains for a number of years. Especially since the beginning of preparation for national defense and through the period of

Jan 1, 1945

Workers at Anaconda Aluminum Company's primary aluminum smelter at Sebree, Ky., were back on the job December 1, after agreeing to a new 3-year contract. The old contract had expired November 15. On December 20, the Aluminum Company of America reportedly shut down a 42,000-ton-per-year potline at its Wenatchee, Wash., primary aluminum smelter and half of a 23,000-ton-per-year potline at its Vancouver, Wash., smelter as a result of a power cutback by the Bonneville Power Administration. A1 so in December, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. reduced overall power at its Mead and Tacoma, Mash,, smelters and shut down one of eight 27,500-ton-per-year potlines at Mead. Reported shutdowns for the firms since September have amounted to 76,000 tons for Alcoa and 50,000 tons for Kaiser. Alcan Aluminum Ltd. announced plans to double the generating capacity at its Kemano hydroelectric power plant in British Columbia to 1,916 megawatts. The additional power would be equal to that required of a primary aluminum smelter with an annual capacity of 567,000 tons.

Jan 1, 1980

By Edward E. Johnson

The U.S. economy made significant progress in 1984. The current-dollar gross national product (GNP), the market value of the Nation's output of goods and services, increased almost 11 percent over that of 1983 to slightly more than $3.66 trillion (table 1), and the real gross national product increased almost 7 percent.2/ Such rapid growth in real GNP has not occurred since the early 1950's. Real final sales increased only 5 percent during 1984, and real business inventories increased $24.8 billion ($57.9 billion in current dollars). Total employment of 106.7 million was an all-time record, and the unemployment rate declined from 9.5 percent in 1983 to 7.4 percent in 1984. During 1984 the U.S. dollar showed great strength on international markets, contributing to large current-dollar negative net exports of goods and services (-$62.5 billion) and even larger negative net exports of merchandise (-$107.6 billion). The strong dollar and the substantial increase in net imports of goods and services helped reduce U.S. inflationary pressures and provided a major source of loanable funds for financing domestic private investment.

Jan 1, 1985

By J. W. Allen

This report reviews the work performed on Task M of Bu-Mines Contract H0220073 to develop an engineering model of a surface and subsurface communications system for normal mine operations and for post disaster rescue operations. The system concept provides for one-way transmission of digital information between a number of identifiable subsurface terminals or subcenters and a single surface station. It also provides 2-way voice communications between the subcenters and the surface station. The basic communications link is electromagnetic signaling through-the-earth, but the system is also capable of using mine phone lines as an alternate link. Engineering models of three subcenters and one surface terminal (see Figure 1-1) have been fabricated in order to demonstrate the system's performance. The system concept, however, permits up to 20 subcenters to be incorporated if desired. Additional subcenters are also feasible for large mines if they can be deployed in the mine to operate on a noninterfering basis.

Jan 1, 1973