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By J. A. Botín

In modern mining, the core of mine planning and design is the block model, a simplified representation wherein the ore deposit is divided in a number of virtual rock cubes, each characterized by technical and economics parameters. Mining engineers use this model to design the mine and develop production schedules. Traditionally, sustainability issues are not considered in the mine design, planning and engineering processes but rather are incorporated in the later stages of the feasibility evaluation as necessary expenditures and operating costs. This paper describes the results of a research project aiming to develop a methodology to incorporate sustainability parameters directly into the block model, so that they become an integral part of the design, planning and scheduling processes. It is considered that the incorporation of sustainable parameters into the block model would yield a more responsible mine design and improve mining projects sustainability performance

Feb 27, 2013

By S. M. Flaherty, R. E. Scheffel, A. Guzman

Geochemical conditions within a leaching operation are heterogeneous. This variability arises mainly from hydrological controls imparted by physical characteristics of the ore and by heterogeneous metallurgical properties at the rock-fragment and industrial heap scale. The resulting chemical conditions are responsible for stratified mineral recovery, non-uniform extraction and prolonged leach cycles. This paper presents field data from a sulfide-leaching operation which clearly demonstrate the impact of chemical heterogeneity on metal recovery and the potential use of modern measuring techniques to facilitate operational monitoring and decision making for optimization of leaching operations.

Jan 1, 2006

By J. F. Brune, A. Verma

"Face ignitions in underground coal mines are a major risk for underground mining operations, as they can lead to methane or coal dust explosions. The 2010 disaster at the Upper Big Branch Mine resulted in 29 fatalities due to a methane and coal dust explosion initiated from a face ignition. Much research has been conducted to mitigate face ignition hazards, from water sprays to installing passive and active explosion barriers. Despite the increased use of water sprays in U.S. coal mines, there have been more than 50 documented face ignitions in the U.S. underground coal mines since 2010, indicating that this hazard still prevails. This paper will examine the statistics of face ignitions and gas explosion in U.S. coal mines based on MSHA data. It will study factors contributing to these face ignitions and outline best practices for their prevention based on experience and practices worldwide. INTRODUCTION Methane and coal dust explosions are one of the major causes of coal mine disasters in the U.S. and around the world. Such disasters have resulted in the large number of fatalities and loss of mine infrastructure. The recent explosion at the Soma coal mine in Turkey has caused the death of 301 miners (Mining Turkey, 2014). As documented by U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA, 2015a), the U.S. coal mining industry has also experienced several catastrophic mine explosions with accidents at Upper Big Branch mine, Darby mine, Sago mine and Jim Walter Resources No. 5 mine in the last decade, causing the deaths of almost 60 miners. Every explosion requires a source of ignition, the right amount of fuel and oxygen. In underground coal mines, methane acts as a fuel while ventilation air acts as a source of oxygen. The source of ignition may vary from spontaneous combustion, electrical equipment and switchgear, mechanical heat sources, face ignitions due to friction rock-on-rock or from cutter bits and lightning strikes. Under the right conditions, energy of less than 0.3 mJ is sufficient to ignite methane-air mixtures (James, 2007) that can result in a catastrophic explosion. Much research has been done to mitigate the methane explosion hazard by proper dilution, continuous monitoring of methane and elimination of ignition sources. Historical studies indicate that face ignitions are the major cause of explosion in underground coal mining operations worldwide (Belle, Carey, and Robertson, 2012). Statistics shows that most mine disasters were started from a small face ignition, which turned into a major explosion fueled by additional methane and coal dust (Belle et al., 2012). To investigate face ignition hazards, researchers must study potential ignition sources as well as potential explosive atmospheres near mechanical coal cutting operations. Statistical analysis of U.S. coal mine face ignitions reported by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA, 2015b) shows that several factors are responsible for face ignitions."

Jan 1, 2016

By P. R. Dugan

Sulfur removal from high sulfur coal has several objectives including: a) reduction of the atmospheric load that contributes to the problem of acid precipitation; b) reduction of ash, which contributes to decreased energy transfer in boilers, as well as ash disposal; and c) alleviation of the social and economic dislocations reluted to uneven geographical distribution of sulfur in coal reserves. Cost in relation to the value of refined coal will govern the development of an emerging coal refining industry. Estimation of the premium paid by power companies for coal with a low sulfur content is a good estimate of the value that will be added as the result of refining. Estimates of premiums paid in 1984 are $28.65/t ($26 per st) for reduction of total sulfur from 3’% to 1% S and greater than $28.65/t ($26 per st) for removal below 1% sulfur.

Jan 8, 1987

By P. D. Rao, D. E. Walsh

Chemical and physical properties of typical low-rank coal (LRC) ash are significantly different than bituminous coal ash. With the exception of extraneous ash, which is incorporated during mining or is due to ash partings within or between coal seams, LRC ash consists primarily of inherent ash that is bonded into the coal's organic matrix or finely disseminated mineral matter. This paper reviews the nature of LRC ash, both inherit and extraneous, and how this impacts the prospects of washing and utilizing LRCs. A literature review, as well as washability data, proximate and ultimate analyses and ash analysis of 25 Alaskan LRC seams are used as a basis for this discussion. The authors' remit research into the nature and distribution of phosphorous in an Alaskan LRC is also discussed

Feb 24, 1997

By Dean Bray

During the past three years, a new rear-dumping dragline bucket technology has been patented, developed and tested at North Dakota coal mines. Field testing has shown that this new concept in dragline bucket technology can improve strip-mining efficiencies by reducing cycletimes and increasing dumping radius. This article details the process, participants and the results for the development of a rear-dumping dragline bucket. Participants in the process In November 1995, the board of directors of Dakota Coal authorized the execution of a field test and option agreement and a license agreement with the partnership of D.F. Schmidt, electrical/maintenance supervisor, and Bill Lengenfelder, president of Modern Industrial. The board also authorized entering into a dragline bucket field-testing agreement with the Falkirk Mining Co.

Jan 1, 1999

By Paul H. Johnson

Resource Engineering and Development, Inc. is desigining and building a portable 150 to 225 tpd, flotation-cyanide leach plant with unitized, skid-mounted components. This plant design, with its portability, low capital investment, and high recovery of silver and gold from many partially oxidized ores, is well suited to treat many small, highgrade deposits, old waste dumps, and old mill tailing piles. A description is given of flotation and/or cyanide leach tests run on 18 partially oxidized, newly mined ores; waste dump materials; placer slimes; and old mill tailings.

Jan 1, 1981

Underground mine designs typically try to avoid extraction beneath streams and rivers of any significant size, especially when the overburden rock thickness between the stream bed and the mine is thin. Potential issues with mining beneath streams include excessive groundwater inflow to the mine; weak ground (roof, floor, and pillar) conditions; horizontal stress effects; as well as stream loss and other potential adverse environmental effects. However, there are times when crossing beneath a stream or river is necessary to move into a new area of mineral reserve without creating additional mine access points from the ground surface. Often, stream crossings are completed without thorough assessment, potentially resulting in increased costs, decreased safety, and, in some cases, failure to advance the mine. Selection of the most favorable location(s) to cross the stream must account for numerous factors and the associated assessment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Stream crossing investigations often require geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical, and geophysical expertise. Phases of stream crossing investigations include desktop evaluation of maps and aerial photography, stream bed observations, drilling, detailed rock core logging, downhole geophysical surveying, hydraulic conductivity testing (packer testing), geotechnical laboratory testing, assessment, and reporting. The deliverables from a stream crossing assessment typically include geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological characterization of potential stream crossing locations; classification of favorable and unfavorable crossing locations; recommendations for entry design and pillar sizing; and recommendations for if, and how, to conduct pre-grouting activities. Examples of technical aspects of data collection and assessment are provided based on decades of industry experience conducting stream crossing assessments in various underground mining scenarios.

Jul 28, 2020

By Guowen Dong, Qiyong Li, Qiang Li, Tiejun Chen, Zhihong Wu, Junying Wan

In order to search for a more economical and effective roasting additive for extracting vanadium from stone coal and solve the question of the disposal of PVC waste, PVC waste was proposed as a novel roasting additive to enhance extraction of vanadium from stone coal and realize the comprehensive utilization of resources. By adding this roasting additive, the leaching rate of vanadium reached 94.5% under the conditions that the PVC waste addition was 10 wt%, the roasting temperature was 800 °C, the roasting time was 1 h, the sulfuric acid concentration was 15 vol%, the liquid-to-solid ratio was 1.5 cm3 /g, the leaching temperature was 95 °C, and leaching time was 4 h, which increased by 8.4% compared with that of blank roasting. The thermodynamics calculation showed that the decomposition reaction of mica was performed easier with the participation of HCl produced by pyrolysis of PVC. Meanwhile, The SEM-EDS and aperture test analyses demonstrated that more cracks and voids appeared in the roasted sample by roasting with PVC waste, which could facilitate the release and extraction of vanadium. Additionally, the TG-DSC analyses indicated that PVC could provide large amounts of heat for the roasting process to promote the decarbonization and roasting efficiency of stone coal because of its high calorific value.

By Guowen Dong, Qiyong Li, Qiang Li, Tiejun Chen, Zhihong Wu, Junying Wan

In order to search for a more economical and effective roasting additive for extracting vanadium from stone coal and solve the question of the disposal of PVC waste, PVC waste was proposed as a novel roasting additive to enhance extraction of vanadium from stone coal and realize the comprehensive utilization of resources. By adding this roasting additive, the leaching rate of vanadium reached 94.5% under the conditions that the PVC waste addition was 10 wt%, the roasting temperature was 800 °C, the roasting time was 1 h, the sulfuric acid concentration was 15 vol%, the liquid-to-solid ratio was 1.5 cm3 /g, the leaching temperature was 95 °C, and leaching time was 4 h, which increased by 8.4% compared with that of blank roasting. The thermodynamics calculation showed that the decomposition reaction of mica was performed easier with the participation of HCl produced by pyrolysis of PVC. Meanwhile, The SEM-EDS and aperture test analyses demonstrated that more cracks and voids appeared in the roasted sample by roasting with PVC waste, which could facilitate the release and extraction of vanadium. Additionally, the TG-DSC analyses indicated that PVC could provide large amounts of heat for the roasting process to promote the decarbonization and roasting efficiency of stone coal because of its high calorific value.

By J. F. T. Agapito

Experience at Energy West Mines in the Wasatch Plateau Coal Field, Utah, has shown that longwall face bursts occur mostly near the tailgate when extracting the third adjacent longwall in a panel section where depths exceed 610 m (2000 ft). It is believed that this is due to a combination of cover depth and side abutment stresses created by the widening of a pressure arch formed by interlocking and bridging of large blocks of" very competent strata. The 60-m-thick (200 ft) Castlegate Sandstone probably plays a key role in pressure arching. This paper presents a back-analysis of the location and magnitude of the stresses associated with face bursts that occurred when mining the 7th Right Longwall at the Deer Creek Mine. Improvement of these conditions may be achieved by widening the longwalls to attain critical subsidence width sooner while mining the second long-wall, and to reduce stresses at the face. Wider longwall faces, however, increase the chance of sandstone channel interception often associated with bursts. Satisfactory mitigation of face bursts beyond cover depths of 610 to 670 m (2000 to 2200 ft) may be difficult without using destressing techniques. The hydraulic fracturing/liquid infusion technique seems to offer the best possibilities for application in longwall mining.

Jan 1, 1997

Mining steeply dipping coal seams is a difficult task. Prior to 1996, fully mechanized longwall mining methods along the seam strike direction were tried in China and other countries. Due to its larger coal reserve in steep seams, China made more, but still limited, progress on mining such seams than other major coal-mining countries. In the last two decades, accelerated research efforts have tried to improve the mining technology in steeply dipping coal seams. Based on this work, a dynamic model of a roof-support-floor (R-S-F) system under asymmetrical constraints in mining steep seams is established here, and a theory of strata control and hazard prevention is formed. The key technologies for mining steep coal seams include global and regional strata control methods in the longwall face; methods for the longwall face machines to sustain static and dynamic loads; and flexible protection technology. These theories and technologies have been successfully applied in China to the mining of steep coal seams of varying thickness and hardness, with hard and soft roof and floor, and with a high potential for spontaneous combustion. In recent years, the technology has been introduced to Russia, India, Uzbekistan and other countries where steep coal seams are mined.

Jan 1, 2013

By K. Whysner

The recycling of metal resources in mining influenced water (MIW) requires a paradigm shift from within the mine water treatment industry. The potential to recover zinc for beneficial use in the micronutrient fertilizer industry was investigated through a survey of zinc micronutrient fertilizer representatives. An application of the findings to a case study of the Argo Tunnel influent MIW was then implemented. It was concluded that the potential to beneficially reuse MIW residuals in fertilizers exists; the current process sequences of treatment will need to be modified if metal recycling is to be prioritized.

Feb 27, 2013

By Charles LeMoyne

The Cable belt Company has been building single flight conveyors for a number of years. The simple design concepts of this type conveyor, introduced over thirty years ago, when distances of one to two miles were considered major advances in technology, remain relatively unchanged. Conveyors that are 6 to 20 miles (9.0 to 32 kilometers) long are being built and are presently in operation through- out the free world. The Cable Belt conveyor is not conventional in its construction. Cable welt differs from conventional troughed idler conveyors in that the driving medium and carrying medium are separated. Motion is provided by two endless steel cables running the length of the conveyor. The cables are driven by a single drive unit incorporating a differential gear which insures identical cable linear speeds and equal tension in both cables at all times. The belting is located and supported by "V" shaped shoeforms moulded to the belt which form a wedging action. The friction between the belting and rope is sufficient to prevent slippage (See figure 01).

Jan 1, 1983

By John C. Nigro

Bench scale and pilot plant research was conducted using dolomites (CaO,MgO) lime as the basic additive in the preparation of self-fluxed pellets from a typical magnetic taconite concentrate (5.57 S_2). The specific objective of this investigation was to ascertain the viability of the magnesia lime pellets in high temperature oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. Pellet basicity and induration temperature were major parameters affecting fired pellet quality; temperatures ranging from 1,200° to 1,250" C appeared to be the most favorable for production of self-fluxed pellets with basesities (B) above 1.0. Comparison of the mechani¬cal and metallurgical properties of regular (acid) and self-fluxed pellets (B 1.55) produced under similar conditions in a modified grate pelletizing machine showed that the self-fluxed pellets were more resistant to abrasion and to high and low temperature reduction disintegration, an important consideration in commercial application. The Plus 3 mesh Linder index increased from 68 percent (regular pellets) to over 90 percent (self-fluxed pellets). The reducibility and swelling indices of the self-fluxed pellets were found to be comparable to the regular pellets.

Jan 1, 1972

By W. P. Arnott

This paper presents real time photoacoustic measurements of diesel-soot black-carbon (BC or EC) and Dusttrak nephelometer total carbon (TC) concentrations in a Nevada gold mine. Comparisons with time-integrated filter-based measurements of EC and TC accomplished using the NIOSH 5040 method were found to be 50% smaller than the integrated real time measurements. This work was initiated primarily as a demonstration project for the usefulness of photoacoustic instruments in measuring BC in the mine environment. Real time black carbon measurements are very useful for determining miner exposure, for providing feedback in mine ventilation systems, and for quantifying machine specific emission rates to understand the operating conditions for specific machines that produce greatest black carbon concentrations. This paper reports real time measurements of DPM from a loaded and empty hauler as it is operated in a drift with a 12% grade. The photoacoustic instruments were demonstrated to be satisfactory for BC measurements in the mine environment.

Jan 1, 2009

By R. L. Loofbourow

R. L. LOOFBOUROW 26.1-WATER FLOW, USE, EFFECTS, CONTROL Sec. 4 discusses ground water as a mineral resource. This section deals wits its control. 26.1.1-IMPORTANCE Flows of water have an important effect on the cost and progress of many deep excavations. The existence of water limits the methods which can be used in some and presents hazards in others. Lowering the water table may reduce the flow of springs and wells, with legal liability. Some mine water is used directly, some must he treated before discharge, and some contains dissolved solids which can be recovered profitably. Loss of life, property and production from flooding is grim, yet scores of mines have worked safely for generations under ground-water reservoirs, lakes and even the sea. The need for better control of mine water is measured by the severity of recent floodings, concern with the quality of the effluent, and direct and indirect costs of working wet ground. There are improvements in freezing in shaft sinking. pumps and their controls, treatment of mine water before it is pumped, bulkhead construction and certain efforts to reduce inflow. 26.1.2-PUMPING COST VS. COST OF WET WORK Direct operating and capital costs of pumping are more evident than indirect items, such as provision of extra standby power and maintenance facilities, The total of all these items is the cost of pumping water from an excavation. This is only a part of the extra cost of working wet as compared to dry ground. Less productive methods, less efficient equipment and more expensive explosives may have to he used in wet work. Wet rock plugs certain equipment. Maintenance is higher and labor less efficient. The cost of any means of keeping work drier should he weighed against the higher cost of working wet. The true difference in the cost of working wet ground, compared with dry, probably is known at only a few places (see checklist of cost items. Sec. 26.4.13). An extreme comparison of mining wet and dry ore is available from Ambrosia Lake, N.M. (Fig. 26-1). Between 1963 and 1967, a wet and a dry mine were worked by the same company under conditions otherwise comparable. Average operating cost at the wet mine, pumping 1,600 to 1,800 gpm. was $16.06 per ton of ore. The comparable figure for the dry mine was $7.50. Principal differences included the fact that the wet mine was worked from drainage levels below the, ore with rail haulage, the dry mine in the ore with off-track equipment loading and hauling to the shaft. In the wet mine, ore packed in chutes, cars and skips and froze in surface bins, stockpiles and trucks. Wet-mine costs included drilling drain holes, building and maintaining ditches and pumping water containing abrasive solids.

Jan 1, 1973

By R. W. Carn, D. Vincent

Environmental Considerations With significant increases in bulk coal movements through terminals, operators are under constant social and political pressure to reduce or remove environmental pollution problems incidental to their operations. To meet these requirements, both equipment manufacturers and terminal designers are endeavoring to design equipment and systems with stringent environmental controls. The most challenging environmental problems facing coal terminal designers and developers are terminal siting restrictions, dust control, and noise abatement. Terminal Siting Finding a suitable site can be a difficult problem because of public concern over coal dust or the impact of a terminal on the surrounding community or natural habitat of the area. Often the only suitable flat land available for terminal development is on a tidal estuary or salt water marsh with great environmental value. In many cases a period of four to six years of full environmental and social assessment has been needed. A recent example of such difficulties is the expansion at Roberts Bank, British Columbia, where environmental impact assessment studies and their public review took almost six years from initial expansion applications until the time of approval. Dust Control Modern coal terminal dust control techniques usually consist of water sprays at strategic locations to suppress dust. The application points include rail car or barge dumper, main conveyor transfers, perimeter sprays around stockpiles, stacker/reclaimer, ship-loader transfers, and loading spout. The water sprays may include a chemical wetting agent or surfactant to reduce the water requirement and increase effectiveness. Recently there have been advances with development of effective micro foam agglomerating agents. In these systems, a micro foam with very small bubble sizes is sprayed into the coal stream. The foam fills the interstices between coal particles and wets the coal fines. These systems have proven to be very effective and usually one application before stockpiling and one upon reclaiming will markedly reduce the coal dusting. Stockpile perimeter sprays can be operated either manually or at the sophisticated terminal, actuated by a computerized control system that senses key environmental conditions such as humidity, precipitation, and wind velocity. Most modern terminals collect the drainage from the stockpile area, remove the solids in settling basins, then recirculate the water to reduce water requirements and effluents from the site. Dusting of long-term storage stockpiles can be reduced by spraying the piles with chemical resin or latex binding compounds to seal the surface. These compounds also can minimize erosion of the pile by rainfall. Dust collection with air evacuation systems and cyclone or wet scrubbers can be used at key areas such as rail car dumpers, main conveyor transfers, and ship-loader spouts. The trend in dust control is away from dust collection since most dust collectors are high maintenance items requiring good operator supervision and servicing. Coal handling conveyors are usually open and uncovered. However, in areas requiring special attention they may be covered or even completely enclosed. Dust generation from terminal roads is often a significant amount of the total dust emitted from a terminal. To reduce this dusting, roadways where traffic is heavy can be paved or sprayed by water trucks. Speed limits can be enforced and use of tracked mobile equipment for stockpile handling rather than rubber-tired loaders is encouraged by authorities. Noise Abatement Terminals located close to residential areas are often faced with noise control problems. Noise can be one of the most difficult environmental problems to solve. Usually, use of electrically-powered equipment is encouraged to reduce noise levels. Rail car dumper houses can be totally enclosed to reduce both dust and noise emissions. Diesel locomotives can be fitted with special muffling devices. Green belts of trees surrounding a terminal or the ap-

Jan 7, 1983

By T. A. Rundle, K. Kim, W. M. McCabe, E. C. Gregory

Overcoring tests were conducted at the Near-Surface Test Facility(NSTF) to assess the suitability of five techniques (U.S. Bureau of Mines borehole deformation gauge (BDG), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) hollow inclusion stress cell, Luleå triaxial gauge (LuH gauge), and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) doorstopper) for in situ stress determination in a closely jointed basalt. This effort is in support of the Basalt Waste Isolation Project, which is studying the feasibility of locating a nuclear waste repository in the basalts of the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington. This paper presents the results from the overcoring study that formed the basis for selection of two techniques to be used during the further exploration of the basalt formations at depth.

Jan 1, 1983

By J. Kretschmann, N. M. Smith, J. F. Brune, P. Goerke-Mallet

Coal production and coal use for electric power generation are diminishing worldwide. Germany will phase out lignite mining as well as lignite and hard coal-powered electricity generation by 2038. In the United States, coal production has dropped by more than 50% since 2006, including in key coal production states like West Virginia and Wyoming (EIA 2021). Closing mines and power plants across entire mining regions has significant socio-economic impacts. Existing industries must be focused on the post-mining economy by attracting new industries, and implementing job retraining programs for displaced workers, as former mining regions transition towards agricultural, industrial and recreational use. This paper examines the German “exit from coal” under the 17 UN Sustainability Goals and illustrates the complex procedures, interrelationships, risks, and rewards of the transition towards renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydrogen, and bioresources.

Mar 2, 2022