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By R. S. Dean

IN THE COURSE of its investigations directed toward providing strategic metals from domestic sources and toward utilizing power from Federal power projects in West, the Bureau of Mines concluded some years ago that the development of a method for producing electrolytic manganese might well be an important step towards both goals. Accordingly, laboratory investigations were undertaken in 1935. Further studied on a relatively large laboratory scale indicated that electrolytic manganese could be made from domestic ores at a cost not out of line with other nonferrous metals. On the basis of these results, the Electro Manganese Corp. Operating under U.S. Patent 2,119,560 issued to S, M, Shelton and assigned to the Secretary of the Interior for administration, undertook commercial production of electrolytic manganese at Knoxville, Tenn, This company has brought the process through the pilot-plant stage successfully, and is now regularly producing approximately one ton a day.

Jan 1, 1941

By R. M. Brick

EDUCATIONAL benefits for veterans of World War II have largely removed one of the two former barriers to a college education for everyone, namely financial means and intellectual capacity. This latter limita¬tion has not kept privately endowed institutions from increasing 50 to 100 percent in size of student body, even after applying moderately rigid entrance standards. Growth of some land-grant universities, which cannot well exercise such restrictive judgements, has been even greater. After a weary board of admissions, subject to student, alumni, faculty, and even political pressures, has admitted double the former number of freshmen, the university's worries really begin: to find laboratory, classroom, and instructional facilities. If this were a one- or two-year problem, the answer would be simple: double up, hold night classes, particularly of laboratories, rent space, and have instructors work 24 class or contact hours a week instead of twelve (it takes usually two to three hours of outside work by the instructor for one hour in class). However, most engineering school faculty men are worn out now from four to five years of "accelerated" (frequently downward!) programs and they couldn't continue teaching in a way satisfactory to their own consciences on

Jan 1, 1947

By AIME AIME

IN accordance with the custom of recent years, the Institute joined with the Western Division of the American Mining Congress in holding a joint meeting at Joplin on Sept. 28, 29 and 30. Actually the meeting might be said to have begun on the 27th, since the Engineering Education Committee held two sessions on that day, which are reported on another page. In addition to these sessions there were informal gatherings in the Hotel Conner, which was the headquarters, on the golf links and elsewhere of all those who had arrived by Sunday morning. The technical sessions were formally opened on Monday morning by Robert E. Tally who, after suitable preliminary remarks, introduced A. Scott Thompson, of Miami, Okla. Mr. Thompson in welcoming the visitors to the Tri-State district said that it had come to be known as a poor man's country and at the present price of zinc did not find it difficult to live up to its name. He also referred to the work Mr. Tally had done for the stabilization of the mineral industry. H. Foster Bain, in responding to this address for the Institute, said that mining men generally felt at home in Joplin, that the solutions of their problems and the general practice that had been developed in the district were not only of great interest to them, but that visitors could learn much

Jan 1, 1931

By Daniel C. Jackling

WHAT is written here features some of the things that I would say if I were to de- liver a Presidential address during the Annual Meeting to be held this month in New York. I am aware that custom favors written rather than vocal delivery of such a discourse; and, as this accords exactly with my own preference, I assure readers that they will never be called upon to hear these remarks spoken- anyhow, not by me. My year as President is drawing to a close. As I look back I like to classify and analyze the impressions that have been left with me. It has been a delightful and fascinating experience to me personally; I have appreciated the courtesies and aids, and have been deeply gratified at the honors accorded me. Perhaps the source of greatest satisfaction is the opportunity I have had to sense more about the provinces of this Institute and about the useful functions of the profession that it represents. For 38 years I have been a member. I served two terms as Director-one in 1914-'16 and again in 1927-'29. I have been honored by selection as a Saunders Medalist. I thought I was reasonably familiar with the functions, the ideals, and the activities of the Institute. But the things that I have discerned during the past year have dispelled that conceit. I still think that, a year ago, I was as well informed as most members; but since then I have had the rare privilege of executive service and insight. That has given me a perspective that I feel can be obtained in no other way-as I think the illustrious engineers who have preceded me in office will agree. I wish that I had the power to translate to every member somewhat of the feelings of pride in our organization that a year as President cannot help but instill.

Jan 1, 1939

By L. W. Blau

PERHAPS the most important event f or exploration geophysics in 1940 was the publication of three textbooks : "Geophysical Prospecting for Oil," by L. L. Nettleton ; "Exploration Geophysics," by John J. Jakosky; and "Geophysical Exploration," by C. A. Heiland. The literature had grown so bulky, and such a long time had elapsed since the publication of the texts by Ambronn and Eve, that treatises covering exploration geophysics comprehensively in all its branches and giving literature and patent references were sorely needed. This need has been satisfied admirably in these textbooks, and geophysicists owe the authors a debt of gratitude. In 1940, geophysics came of age. A conference on applied nuclear physics was held at Massachusetts Institute of Technology from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2. Several papers on geophysical subjects were presented at this meeting. Geophysical activity has decreased in all parts of the world except perhaps in Canada where, under the stimulus of the war's increased demands, prospecting for oil has increased. However, even there the war has had a seriously adverse effect on prospecting for ores and upon the promotion of new properties, although activity in producing and near-producing mines has been stimulated.

Jan 1, 1941

By J. F. Myers, F. M. Lewis

The paper reports the development of a large, slow speed ball mill closed circuited with a hydroscillator. This increased grinding efficiency 28 pct over conventional units.

Jan 1, 1950

By F. Milton Lewis, Roshan B. Bhappu

The methods for preparing operating cost estimates for a proposed mining venture are outlined. The procedures for estimating the direct and indirect operating cost for proposed mining and ore processing facilities are reviewed. Profits from the by-products are credits to the total operating cost, direct plus indirect, and are subtracted to obtain the total net operating cost. The non-operating costs which are a part of the total expenses are defined but are not considered in this manuscript. A method for developing the operating cost for a typical copper concentrator in the southwest is described in detail.

Jan 1, 1978

By Thomas T., Read

THROUGHOUT the Colonial era, Philadelphia was easily , the leading city of North America, and it still held that position at the end of the period, with a population of about 25,000, though closely pressed by Boston, which had slightly over 20,000, and New York, which had nearly as many. It was the center of a region in which mineral industry was important. Thomas Rutter's bloomery, built in the Schuylkill valley in 1716, was quickly followed by many others, and during the Colonial period at least 20 blast furnaces, 45 forges, and iron- works of other types were built in eastern Pennsylvania, which easily led all the other colonies in iron manufacture. During the Revolutionary period others were erected as far west as Fort Loudon, in the Cumberland c alley.^ After 1800 the rapid development of the anthracite mining industry profoundly affected Philadelphia's, development, since transportation of the coal was then necessarily by water, and the streams of the anthracite . regions mostly flowed into either the Schuylkill or the Delaware Rivers. With an abundant near-by supply of coal and iron, with the seat of government, which had been there since 1774, and with a National Bank established there in 1791, one would have seemed safe in prophesying, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, that Philadelphia would permanently remain the leading city of the United States. Education in Philadelphia was at first wholly in the hands of the Quakers, who had established a "Public School" there in 1689, but in November 1739 George Whitefield, who had created a sensation in England by his preaching, though only 24 years old, passed through Philadelphia on his way to Georgia to found an orphan school there. He preached a series of sermons in Christ Church that were so disturbing to the established church that on Nov. 25 the Rev..Richard Peters (who was also Provincial

Jan 1, 1941

By Becket, Frederick M.

CHROMIUM is but one hundred and thirty years of age-a mere youngster as related to many metals that' have speeded world progress. It was Vauquelin of France who proved conclusively that the so called red lead of. Siberia contained a new element. The variety and characteristic colors of the compounds suggested the name chromium. He also succeeded in reducing oxide of chromium to the metallic form and described the product as very brittle, infusible, needle- like crystals on which acids had very feeble action. His metal was not pure chromium, of course; it must have contained appreciable carbon in the combined form as a result of reducing the oxide by carbon at high temperatures. Vauquelin's description in 1798 of this work is a gem-indeed, literally, he went so far as to discover the presence of chromium oxide in the emerald. The metallic product did not seem to interest Vauquelin greatly, but a new chemical industry began shortly after his discoveries.

Jan 1, 1928

By James V. Thompson

ENGINEERS from industrialized countries are frequently called upon to examine mining operations in primitive areas and make recommendations regarding mechanization and modernization. They often set forth with self-confidence, knowing full well that all that is needed is their experience and several shiploads of mining machinery, and at times they mentally provide the answers before the problems have been clearly stated. In primitive areas it is absolutely essential that the examining engineer spend enough time at the site to acquire a thorough understanding of what is being done now and why it is done the way it is. The objective here is to state in simple terms some of the problems that may be encountered, in- as much as solutions, if they can be found at all, will differ with each experience.

Jan 8, 1958

By Salinger, Herbert

WITH the large amount of metallurgical re- search work now being done and the constant effort of the engineer to effect economies of operation, I think it is a safe prediction that the next few years will see a great change in the handling of mine products. The well-managed mine, with sufficient ore reserves to warrant the necessary plants, will increasingly call upon the metallurgist and chemist for the solution of its problems. Shipping sorted ore or concentrate to the nearest smelter will not be the course followed. From ore to metal, or at least to a product directly salable to the consumer, will be the practice followed. As a consequence, mine managers will be increasingly interested in metal trade problems. By metal trade I mean the buying, selling, shipping, handling, and all the practices, forms and customs that go to make up the trade.

Jan 1, 1928

By C. D. King

A QUARTER century ago this country was producing an extraordinary quantity of iron and steel, with a decisive influence on the outcome of the first World War. Today this country is again demonstrating its industrial capacity with telling results. If this lapse of time has confirmed the opinion that man learns little from experience with respect to human relationships, at least we can derive some consolation from the knowledge that in the same period we have made huge strides industrially, and particularly in the steel industry. The differences represented by 25 years are striking, and have resulted from a multitude of changes that have contributed to the present-day high state of our pig iron and steel manufacture.

Jan 1, 1944

By Donald H. McLaughlin

ZEST in the search for new supplies of metallic ores and petroleum is difficult to maintain with stocks of raw materials accumulating and with over- production rightly or wrongly blamed for most of our industrial troubles. Enthusiasm over new methods of prospecting has consequently diminished and exploration programs in many fields have been drastically cur- tailed. Very naturally the effects have been felt with particular keeness in highly specialized phases of the work, such as geophysical prospecting, for the feverish scramble for new areas in which to drill beneath magnetic or electrical anomalies has abated, and there is even a lull in the firing in the battle over salt domes on the Gulf Coast. It is unquestionably an unhappy time for many of the organizations dependent on this work, but in certain respects the situation may be beneficial in correcting unsound practices that .have grown up through the necessity for haste and for quick decisions. With the restriction of the field to the more competent workers by the harsh rule of survival of the fittest, a general improvement, not only in technique but in business methods, can be expected which may go far in restoring public confidence. Geophysical prospecting in the short period that it has been utilized in North America, has suffered severely both from over-popularity and from excessive abuse. The former evil now

Jan 1, 1931

By E. G. Dahlgren, Dan O. Howard

THE West Edmond oil field, which covers parts of Oklahoma, Canadian, Kingfisher, and Logan Counties in the State of Oklahoma, is in geographical extent the largest single oil field found in the state. At the present time, its area of 26,800 acres is almost twice as large as the Oklahoma City field, which hitherto was the state's largest field. Many authorities believe that the West Edmond field is the most important oil pool found in the United States since Pearl Harbor. The discovery of the field without the help of geological, geophysical, or other recognized technical information, the fact that the oil and gas accumulated in a stratigraphic or wedge-type trap, and the rapid development of the productive area under wartime conditions are some of the interesting features of the field. The West Edmond field lies west of the Oklahoma City, Britton, and Edmond fields. The field is in an area that has been considered on the west flank of the Granite Ridge line of folding, on which a number of Central Oklahoma's most important oil fields are located. Over a period of years, especially since the discovery of the new pools such as Oklahoma City, Edmond, Britton, and Crescent, the general area of the West Edmond field has been explored intensively by geological and geophysical methods. This led at times to the drilling of a few dry Wilcox sand tests.

Jan 1, 1945

By Albert F. J. Bordeaux

INTRODUCTION. THE following general survey of the character and present condition of the silver-mines of Mexico, though not offered as a detailed treatise, has been prepared with care, is believed to he generally up-to-date, and is offered as a summary which may be found useful by mining engineers. Mexico has ranked for several centuries first among the silver-producing countries. It is now second as copper-producer, and seventh as gold-producer, with a fast-increasing output every year. The total amount of capital invested in its mining- and smelting-works is more than $250,000,000, while the yearly metallic production is $160,000,000. There are more than 20,000 recorded mining properties. The silver-mines of Mexico represent deposits of three principal classes: (1) veins and stock-works in eruptive rocks; (2) fissure-veins crossing the crystalline schists, granite, diorite, etc. ; and (3) veins and replacement-deposits in limestone. The true fissure-veins in some districts contain (in value) more gold than silver. In other deposits, the silver is decreasing in depth, leaving galena and zinc-blende as the principal ores.

Jan 9, 1908

By Charles Will Wright

MINERAL production in almost all European countries suffered a sharp setback because of the war. Plants were damaged, transportation facilities disrupted, and labor dispersed and demoralized. Since the war, due to lack of confidence and economic stability, there has been little incentive to rebuild and expand the mineral industries even though a big demand at high prices exists for mineral products. Most mining and metallurgical companies in Europe hesitate to invest their capital because of the tendency towards nationalizing industry, high taxes, and low output of labor, as well as the deficiency of mine supplies and equipment within their countries. In short, they do not have faith in the future, and for these same reasons and fears most of the mining companies in America will not risk capital investment in Europe. In Europe, including the United Kingdom, free enterprise has been losing ground and as a result the foundation of their economic welfare is being undermined. American mining interests willing to take the initiative could help in counteracting this influence if a way were found for them to co-operate with the European producer without too great a risk.

Jan 1, 1948

By Blandford C. Burgess

Mica is an orchid among minerals. It is formed in pegmatites, one of the most bizarre of igneous formations, and is exceeded by few other minerals in the perfection it may attain as to size, color, and cleavage. First used for window glazing, as an ornament and article of trade, it has become one of the most essential insulators of electricity, heat, and shock. Most internal combustion engines use mica condensers or capacitors and such machines of war as planes, tanks, and submarines are immobile without it. The original manuscript of this guide was written in April 1943 at the peak of war emergency. It was not used be- cause shortly thereafter a decision was made to buy on a one price basis eliminating differentials for both quality and size. This is now presented with the thought that from the standpoint of preparedness we can only consider an- other war imminent and every effort should he made to set up in usable form the experience gained during the Second World War. Colonial Mica Corp. was set up by Metals Reserve Co. as a wholly owned government agency to encourage production of domestic mica and to purchase it. It soon became the exclusive buying agency for such mica. The writer as Southern Manager called on all the private agencies buying mica to assist in formulating buying policies, methods, and prices.

Jan 1, 1949

Gus C. Henning, New York City: In taking up the discussion of these specifications it is necessary that I give definitions of what I understand under the term " Specifications." There may be three kinds, viz.: (1) Specifications in general; (2) Standard Specifications; (3) Standard International Specifications. 1. A Specification is a document used in commerce which should clearly define the qualities of material to be supplied by the producer, the tests which shall be applied for their determination, and the methods which shall be applied for the purpose of determining that the entire product shall possess such qualities, properties and finish as are desired. The terms used in such document must be applied in accordance with their strict technical definitions as used by those most conversant with them, and the language should be of such accuracy that there can be but a single interpretation of each and every clause. A specification is a part of a contract, and should be legally perfect and accurate. Inaccuracy of definition and dic-

Jan 1, 1903

By William P. Prof. Blake

WHEN we consider the efforts made in Europe to promote the physical and moral well-being of the working classes, the question is suggested whether in this country, where, theoretically, every man is peculiarly the arbiter of his own destiny, we may not be too prone to expect every man to take care of himself, and neglect to make those provisions for the welfare of the employed, demanded alike by enlightened economy and humanity. In the older countries, where the disproportion between capital and labor is greater, and the working classes are more dependent, their welfare largely occupies the attention of employers. The subject is involved in the problem of the just relations of capital and labor, and we are rapidly approaching the time, if we have not already reached it, when a generous paternal interest in the welfare of the employed should be more generally manifested. It is a subject which is of special importance to mine-owners and engineers in this country, especially to those located in the coal regions. My own attention has been particularly directed to it by a visit made to the Hassard collieries, a few miles from Liege, Belgium, under the direction of M. Andrimont. This celebrated engineer has established a comfortable home for the miners near the mouth of the shaft of the mine. It has been highly successful and beneficent in its results, and may to a great degree be regarded as a, model for such undertakings. It is known as "Hotel Louise," this being the name of Madame d'Andrimont, who laid the corner-stone of the building April 4th, 1871. The structure is of brick, upon three sides of a square, and

Jan 1, 1875

By William P. Blake

When we consider the efforts made in Europe to promote the physical and moral well-being of the working classes, the question is suggested whether in this country, where, theoretically, every man is peculiarly the arbiter of his own destiny, we may not be too prone to expect every man to take care of himself, and neglect to make those provisions for the welfare of the employed, demanded alike by enlightened economy and humanity. In the older countries, where the disproportion between capital and labor is greater, and the working classes are more dependent, their welfare largely occupies the attention of employers. The subject is involved in the problem of the just relations of capital and labor, and we are rapidly approaching the time, if we have not already reached it, when a generous paternal interest in the welfare of the employed should be more generally manifested. It is a subject which is of special importance to mine-owners and engineers in this country, especially to those located in the coal regions. My own attention has been particularly directed to it by a visit made to the Hassard collieries, a few miles from Liège, Belgium, under the direction of M. Andrimont. This celebrated engineer has established a comfortable home for the miners near the mouth of the shaft of the mine. It has been highly successful and beneficent in its results, and may to a great degree be regarded as a model for such undertakings. It is known as ((Hotel Louise," this being the name of Madame d' Andrimont, who laid the corner-stone of the building April 4th, 1871. The structure is of brick, upon three sides of a square, and