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By Wallace W. Roepke

Four bit designs, two conical and two radial, were tested in coal against a 60° conical reference bit to obtain data on orthogonal cutting forces and primary respirable dust generation. One conical and one radial design were modified by the Bureau of Mines for these tests. Results were mixed: One radial bit used substantially lower overall cutting forces and specific energy than the other bits and was the only cutter lower on energy and most forces than the standard 60° bit. How-ever, it generated more specific and total dust than any other bit. The four bits were also tested for incendivity, with a 90° plumb-bob bit as the reference. The frictional ignition tests were designed to simulate both trimming top rock and cutting such rock during advance on-sump. Results of these tests were also mixed. The radial bits were substantially less incendive than the reference bit and caused no ignitions in either top trimming or sump modes. Only the modified mushroom-tipped conical bit caused ignitions. Bits similar to this modified design should not be used on drum-type miners in gassy mine areas; in-stead, the other types of bits tested should be used to reduce ignition potential to a minimum.

Jan 1, 1983

By Daniel I. Carey

Current and potential dragline reclamation usage was evaluated for the U.S. coalfields based on data gathered and analyzed during field surveys, literature reviews and contacts with manufacturers. It was concluded that current wining plans have been adapted to federal and state strip mine and reclamation laws in ways which limit the potential for drag line reclamation systems at active mine sites. At abandoned conventional contour mine sites in steep-sloping areas such as central Appalachia, however, it was found that dragline reclamation systems have great potential application and may be the only practical solution to many reclamation problems. Alternative dragline systems were examined for restoring abandoned sites, and it was concluded that a tower excavator system offered superior characteristics and should be evaluated and developed under field conditions. A testing program was developed to provide a framework for the monitoring and analysis of cost, production and environmental data during a field demonstration of a tower excavator system.

Jan 1, 1981

By C. H. Fisher

Coal carbonization, the basis of a major industry, consists in heating coal in the absence of air at various temperatures (ranging from 500° to 1,000° C.) that are selected according to the kind of products desired. During this treatment, the complex organic substances that comprise the major part of the coal are converted into several useful products that are quite different from the original material. The principal products of coal carbonization or distillation are coke and gas. These products, as well as others of which lower yields are obtained (light oil, tar, and ammonia), occupy an important place in present-day commerce and civilization. This paper is concerned with the composition of the tar and light oil, which, as complex mixtures of organic compounds, are the source of many important dyes, inter-mediates, medicinals, resins, etc. The volatile products obtained when bituminous coals are destructively distilled or carbonized are tar, aqueous liquor, and gas. These products vary in composition and properties, depending on the nature of the coal and the temperature and conditions of carbonization. The tar is a dark, rather thick and viscous liquid at ordinary temperatures, becoming semisolid when cooled to the freezing point of water. The aqueous liquor (chiefly water) contains several inorganic substances and certain organic compounds, which, because of their solubility characteristics, have been extracted from the tar. The carbonization gases consist chiefly of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, methane, ethane, ethylene, and several hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight. The hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight (benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.) may be re-moved as liquids from the gas by suitable means. This liquid and the first fractions obtained on distilling the tar are known as light oil.

Jan 1, 1938

By Dennis R. Kasper

This study evaluates selective environmental impacts of two distinct in situ mining techniques. In situ leaching of uranium, porphyry copper and native copper and in situ borehole (slurry) mining of uranium, sandstone, and pebble phosphate ores are the techniques and minerals investigated. The potential impacts onsite in the desert southwest (porphyry copper), Michigan (native copper), Texas and Wyoming (uranium), and Florida and North Carolina (phosphate) are addressed and discussed. The study emphasizes those impacts which are unique to in situ solution leaching and borehole slurry mining. Impacts which are characteristic of all construction projects in the general geographical areas investigated, such as socioeconomic effects on surrounding communities and site-specific impacts, such as rare and endangered species, are beyond the scope of this study. For each of the in situ processes and associated ores investigated, the physical and chemical characteristics of the systems are described, the toxicity of the leaching solutions are presented, and the potential impacts on the environment are developed.

Jan 1, 1979

By John R. Troxell

"INTRODUCTION The Ahles iron mine, also known as the Pequest mine, in Warren County, N. J., was operated continuously for 15 years and was still in ore when it closed in 1916.Tie property was examined by an engineer of the Bureau of Mines in March 1943. 3/ This examination led to an investigation of the deposits by the Bureau by diamond drilling two holes under the old workings to determine whether the extends downward.This report describes the work done at the Ahles mine by the Bureau and presents the data obtained.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn its program of investigation of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. The Mining Division, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual investigative work, and prepares the final report.The Metallurgical Division, O. C. Ralston, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests.The investigation was under the general supervision of J. B. Zadra, acting regional engineer, and under the immediate supervision of G. D. Jermain, district engineer for the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. The author was in direct charge of the project.The chemical analyses for the project were performed at the College, Park, Md., laboratories of the Bureau of Mines under the direction of M. S. Sheftel. The ore-dressing tests were conducted at College Park under the direction of Frank Lamb. Preston E. Hotz, of the Federal Geological Survey, logged and interpreted the drill cores."

Apr 1, 1948

By G. B. Shea

"In 1928, there were 47 fatal accidents in the California petroleum industry, 14.6 per cent more than occurred in 1927 when 41 men lost their lives in the drilling, producing, manufacturing, and marketing divisions of the industry. This increase in the number of fatal accidents for 1928 has caused the first upward trend in the fatality curve of the California petroleum industry since 1923. In no other year during the 6-year period have the fatalities in any one year been greater than those for the preceding year. This fact should be given serious consideration and study by the petroleum industry, and an endeavor should be made to cause the number of fatalities again to decrease and conform to the previous gradual declining trend of the fatality curve.The following chart shows the trend of fatal accidents during the past six years:Of the 47 fatalities in 1928, 30 occurred in the drilling and producing division, 1 in the pipe line and transportation division, 14 in the refining division, and 2 in the sales and marketing division. A comparison of the number of fatalities in each division for 1927, and 1928, is given in the following table:3"

Sep 1, 1929

By W. W. Adams

"The main purpose in the compilation of accident statistics is to reveal conditions that may result in injury to persons or property so that remedial measures may be applied. For practical reasons it is usually found necessary to restrict inquiry to conditions which actually have caused personal injury, and to omit those which nay, but have not yet, resulted in damage, Fortunately or unfortunately, there is a sufficient number of the former to indicate the existence of hazards so numerous as to require all of the attention which the industry can devote to the subject.Two years ago, the Bureau of 'mines, in cooperation with the National Safety Council, undertook an intensive campaign to obtain more complete and satisfactory information regarding mine accidents than had theretofore been available. Since 1911 the bureau had been receiving annual summaries from all companies operating metal mines, showing, in a general way, the number and causes of accidents that occurred during the preceding year and the number of men employed at the mines. Monthly summaries of fatal accidents at coal mines were received from the state inspectors, showing the number of deaths attributed to each of 22 main causes of accidents, Information for individual coal mines was not furnished.While this information, nation-wide in scope, is indispensable because it epitomizes the progress or retrogression in the industry as a whole, and serves as a background of specialized studies, yet certain classes of acci¬dents, for example, those that are more or less peculiar to specific districts or mines, require an analysis in greater detail than is possible on the sole basis afforded by the annual summaries.The need for more specific information was realized some years ago in the State of Pennsylvania in connection with the administration of the workmen's compensation law, The mining industry is well acquainted with the val¬uable studies of accidents, particularly nonfatal accidents, in the mines of that State being conducted by Mr. Rush N. Hosier."

Sep 1, 1924

Now more than ever, the United States must have an adequate and dependable supply of minerals to meet its defense and economic needs. A chief mission of the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Mines is to help ensure that the United States meets these needs at acceptable environmental, energy, and economic costs. As it looks toward the 21st century, the Bureau of Mines will focus its attention on the following areas: - upgrading the capabilities of its mineral information and analysis program - expanding mineral land assessment activities - disseminating the practical results of federally funded research activities to the private sector through enhanced technology transfer - addressing the impact of regulations on mineral industries - addressing the needs for mineral-oriented training and research in the Nation's universities - enhancing mine worker health and safety - improving mining and mineral processing productivity through automation, robotics and other innovative technologies - reducing the environmental impact of mining and mineral processing operations - and enhancing the accessibility and conservation of domestic mineral resources.

Jan 1, 1991

By William C. McBee

Specialized sulfur concretes were developed by the Federal Bureau of Mines as a result of research for the beneficial utilization of sulfur in construction materials. Materials were developed for use in acid and salt corrosive environments where portland cement concrete has been found to deteriorate. Because the mineral aggregates also come into contact with the corrosive media, concretes were developed utilizing both limestone and quartz aggregates. The sulfur binder used with both aggregates was modified by reaction with 5 pct dicyclopentadiene to improve product durability. Sulfur quartz aggregate concrete was found to have moderately high strength characteristics (6,000 psi compressive) and was extremely resistant to chemical attack by both acid and salt solutions. Sulfur limestone aggregate concrete exhibited very high strength characteristics (9,000 psi compressive) and was extremely resistant to chemical attack of salt solutions. Both types of concretes maintained their strength and integrity after long-term testing in acid and salt solutions and exhibited considerable resistance to damage by the action of freezing and thawing. Potential uses include leach tanks, electrolytic cells, thickeners, bridge decking, industrial flooring, pipe, and tile.

Jan 1, 1979

By J. J. Demeter

Experiments were conducted in 2- and 4-inch-diameter standpipes to evaluate the effectiveness of standpipes as pressure seals. During the experiments, these standpipes conveyed Alan-Wood magnetite (60 to 230 U.S. standard sieve mesh) by gravity flow from one vessel to another of relatively higher pressure. The information obtained has been helpful in a Federal Bureau of Mines investigation of how to make either synthesis gas or hydrogen by a modified steam-iron process employing a continuous recycling stream of granular iron-iron oxide at temperatures of 600° to 900° C. In this process the mixture of granular material flows by gravity from a reduction vessel at low pressures to an oxidation vessel at higher pressures. Data from the 2- and 4-inch-diameter standpipes indicate that it would be practical to use a standpipe as a pressure seal between the reductor and oxidizer. Investigators found that, by gravity flow, the standpipe could convey the Alan-Wood magnetite against pressure gradients up to 1.07 pounds per square inch per foot of column height.

Jan 1, 1961

By James M. Spear

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a mineral survey of the Elk Creek RARE II area during the summer of 1981. The study area encompasses 18,900 acres [29.5 sq mi (7,680 ha)] along Elk Creek, 18 mi (30 km) southeast of Covello, California. No mineral resources were identified by the U.S. Bureau of Mines during this survey. Assay results of samples taken in this area indicate only trace amounts of manganese and chromium. No radioactive or fluorescent minerals were detected. No oil and gas, coal, or geothermal leases have been recorded for the study area.

Jan 1, 1982

By Graham W. Marks

Recently it was shown the total energy method of spectrochemical analysis is suitable for the quantitative estimation of many of the elements of which ores are composed. It was shown how this method can be applied to the determination of germanium, tin, and lead. Continuing, this work, the present report deals with analyses for beryllium, zinc, cadmium; and indium. There are three basic problems in these investigations. The first is to study the influence of those elements that make up the greater part of an ore sample on the spectral-line intensities of the elements for which analyses are being made, the latter generally being the minor constituents. The second is to develop proper methods for the preparation of standard spectrographic curves. Finally, we are concerned with improvement in equipment and procedure, so that greater accuracy can be achieved. As discussed previously, it is better to study as groups those elements that belong to the same group in the periodic table because their spectra are similar. Beryllium, zinc, and cadmium are thus related. Indium was included in this work because it is, associated with zinc and cadmium in zinc ores.

Jan 1, 1948

By G. W. Jones

In cooperation with the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston, Mass., and the-Boston Consolidated Gas Co., the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, has conducted a survey continuously since 1929 to determine the general hazards of combustible gases and vapors in manholes of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co.

Jan 1, 1942

By G. W. Jones

In cooperation with the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston, Mass., and the-Boston Consolidated Gas Co., the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, has conducted a survey continuously since 1929 to determine the general hazards of combustible gases and vapors in manholes of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co.

Jan 1, 1942

By W. E. Dennis, M. M. Fine

"INTRODUCTION During peacetime, the United States uses less than 3,000 tons of chemical-grade celestite annually. The war need, however, was estimated to exceed 15,000 tons a year.Hitherto; most of the required chemical-grade ore has been imported from England, Mexico, and other foreign countries. If foreign sources do not find it possible to meet the demand for ore of chemical grade (plus 92 percent SrSO4), it is expected that requirements could be satisfied by concentrating low-grade domestic ores. Celestite deposits on Brown, Nolan, Fisher, and Coke Counties, Texas, are considered to be possible sources of supply for this low-grade material. The Bureau of Mines explored the most important deposits to determine the grade and amount of ore available and conducted ore-dressing tests to obtain a suitable method of concentration.The exploratory work, consisting of test pitting and sampling, was carried on under the direction of W. E. Dennis, one of the authors of this paper, from October 8, 1942, to January 30, 1943. The ore dressing-tests described herein were conducted at the Bureau of Mines Laboratory at Rolla Mo.In this report, a particular deposit is referred to by the name of the landowner on whose .property the .deposit lies. The location of the deposits investigated is shown on figures 1, 2, 3, and 4.The celestite deposits were previously studied by the Bureau of Economic Geology of the University of Texas, and the results of its investigation are published in Mineral Survey Circular No. 46."

Feb 1, 1947

By R. H. Grau, S. B. Robertson, R. B. Krog, T. P. Mucho

Due to the difficulties of ventilating large opening stone mines, the effective dilution of diesel particulate matter and noxious gases has often been problematic. Since stone mines have large openings that develop low air resistances, and propeller fans are designed for low pressure-high volume applications, main mine propeller fans may be a feasible option for ventilating underground stone mines. This paper describes the results of a case study where researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have demonstrated that significant increases in total mine airflow can be achieved and the ventilation improved in a large-opening stone mine by replacing an axial-vane mine fan with two 12-ft diameter propeller fans and adding a line of stoppings. In this study, the use of the propeller fans more than doubled the air quantity from 300,000 cfm to 750,000 cfm, while operating at 50 horsepower less than the original axial-vane fan.

By S. H. Lorain

"INTRODUCTION The veins of the Clark Fork district have been mined on a small scale since 1913. In May 1943, the district was examined by an engineer 3/ of the Bureau of Mines with a view to possible exploration for larger ore deposits that might be of value to the war effort. The area adjacent to the Hope, Whitedelf, and Lawrence mines was re-examined 4/ December 27, 1943. As a result, the Bureau of Mines started exploratory operations in the district during the summer of 1944 which was continued until the late spring of 1946. This report presents the data obtained from the investigation.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSIn its program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each exploratory project' as soon as practicable after its conclusion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts the preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests."

Aug 1, 1946

By Guthrie. R. K., H. B. Hill

"INTRODUCTION During the early 1920's world-wide attention was attracted to a group of oil fields (Mexia, Wortham, Currie, Richard, and Powell) later known as Mexia-Powell fault-line fields in Limestone, Freestonne, and Navarro Counties, Tex. Enormous yields of high-gravity oil from the wells in these fields resulted in drilling campaigns that quickly surpassed all previous records for rapid, intensive development of productive areas. The discovery of oil in the Mexia filed in September 1921 was followed quickly by the finding of oil in the Currie field in October. In January 1923 oil was discovered in the Powell field; in February 1924 the Richland field, midway between Currie and Powell fields, was brought in; and in November 1924 oil was discovered in the Wortham field, situated between Mexia and Currie fields. Each of the fileds was developed rapidly: wells were spaced closely and had high initial production; production peaks were reached early in the producing lives of the fields; subsequent decline was rapid, and there was early and rapid encroachment of edge water.In 1927 Bureau of Mines engineers, in their investigations a engineering conditions in oil,completed a preliminary study and published a mimeographed report 4/ on underground conditions in the Wortham field, and in 1928 they reported on production and development problems in the Powell Field. 5/ field."

Aug 1, 1943

In attempting the predict coal cleat orientation in the subsurface for effective methane degasification of the coal beds in the Warrior coal field of Alabama, approximately 150 rock joint orientations and 45 coal cleat orientations were measured in each of 37 7 ½ minute quadrangles in Tuscaloosa, Walker, Jefferson, Fayette, Winston, Blount, and Bibb Counties. Data from these surface locations, and coal cleat data from eight underground mines was corrected for magnetic declination and titled beds rotated to the horizontal where necessary and plotted on rose diagrams for comparative analysis. Data collected on each joint and cleat consisted of attitude, quality, type, spacing, persistence, lithology, bedding thickness, surface texture, and filling. File data and published and unpublished reports from the State Survey and the State Mine Inspector's Office were re-viewed. Twenty-seven mining companies, most of which supplied information pertinant to the project were also contacted. The information obtained consisted of crop line information structure, and underground mine outlines, all of which were put on 7 ½ -minute topographic quadrangles. LANDSAT-1 imagery and Skylab photography were compared to dominant joint and cleat trends in the study area. Detailed results can be found in an open-file report entitled "Fracture Analyses in a Selected Area of the Warrior Coal Field, Alabama." A master's thesis entitled "The Relationship Between Surface Joints and Subsurface Structure in a Selected Area of the Warrior Coal Field" is being prepared to illustrate the relation-ship of the fracture system to the structure in the Warrior coal field. A proposal has been submitted for research on a project entitled "Rock Fracture Systems and Their Affects on the Extraction of Fossil Fuels in the Warrior Basin, Alabama"

Jan 1, 1976

By James C. Fowler

As report covers the installation and testing of a permanent seismic monitor system at the Loveridge Mine in West Virginia. The testing of the system showed several things: 1. Getting the seismic data hack to the central computer in a usable form is possible 2. It is possible to detect small explosions. 3. The use of this system as a auxiliary system to detect hammer blows from miners trapped in the area of one of the geophones is possible.

Jan 1, 1974