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The emerging discipline of ægeometallurgyÆ is not new but is becoming increasingly recognised as a discrete and high-value activity that reflects an ongoing commercial and cultural trend towards more effective mine site integration and optimisation. Geometallurgy involves a quantified and spatially constrained approach to ore characterisation in terms of relationships to critical processing performance. Industry recognition of the need for large-scale, integrated geometallurgical research is currently supporting a major new research initiative. The AMIRA International P843 æGeMIIIÆ project (geometallurgical mapping and mine modelling) is a cross discipline collaboration involving four major Australian research groups; CODES the ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits at the University of Tasmania, a world leader in economic geology-related research; the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) at the University of Queensland, a world leader in mining and mineral processing research; the WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre (BRC) at the University of Queensland, which aims to be a world leader in mining geostatistics, operations research and optimisation in mine design and planning; and CSIRO Exploration and Mining in the area of automated core logging. The project is currently supported by 19 global mineral companies. The project aims to deliver fundamental knowledge, tools and methods for more effective approaches to geometallurgical definition of mineralogy, element deportment and texture that can be linked to mineral processing performance and efficiency at a range of scales. Outcomes are improved predictive indices of processing performance that can be embedded in resource block models to define processing domains, which can be exploited in mine planning and optimisation. To achieve these aims the project is involved in a range of technology developments that include more automated core logging technologies, new applications of automated microscopy and development of software-based texture analysis and categorisation techniques. Attributes derived from these measurement technologies are used to develop predictive processing models linked to new small-scale physical testing regimes.

Jan 1, 2009

Iron ore pellets with or without additives are commonly used as alternate charge material in both conventional and newer ironmaking processes. The performance characteristics of these pellets are normally assessed on the basis of their reducibility values, reduction strength and resistance to clustering. These properties depend mainly on the type and amount of additives and on the sintering phenomena of the pellets during firing. In the case of composite pellets (ore-coal pellets), reduction and sintering of the iron ore fines occur simultaneously. The thermodynamic and reaction mechanisms of the processes involved in the reduction of iron ore pellets with and without reductants, additives, etc., may not necessarily be identical. The reduction and sintering characteristics of pellets greatly influence the reaction mechanism and the surface morphology of the reduced pellets. The approaches in the literature to the analysis of these reduction and sintering phenomena are broadly categorized as follows: (i) empirical models, (ii) models based on kinetics, and (ill) models based on morphological changes. The relative merits and de-merits of these models are illustrated by their application to the reduction of fluxed ore-coal composite pellets. A critical analysis of the investigations that have been conducted on the reduction and sintering behaviour of such pellets is given. It is shown that, although elegant empirical models and kinetic equations have theoretical significance and can be usefully employed in elucidating the reaction mechanisms of iron ore lumps, they are sometimes not directly applicable to fluxed ore-coal composite pellets. In studies of the latter, the approach should be to correlate the morphological changes with the reduction mechanism. The paper also gives a brief account of an investigation on the reduction and sintering aspects of fluxed composite reduced iron pellets.

Jan 1, 1996

By Kenneth L. Graham

Horizontal directional drilling from existing underground workings will greatly reduce, if not replace, surface exploration drilling. Diminishing ore reserves along with increasing difficulty in acquiring access and permitting of drilling surface holes requires a change in procedure. The length and direction of the required long holes is site specific, but once determined could be quickly mobilized. Data would be available for a much more timely evaluation without any surface disturbance and required reclamation issues. Preplanned directional drilling from underground will also provide an evaluation of already inconsistent uranium deposits located under surface terrain that is inaccessible to surface drilling.

Aug 1, 2010

By D. Norman, D. J. Hughes, R. Dashwood, I. McGregor, N. D. Raath

"This paper develops a methodology for predicting spot weld fractures in automotive boron steel grades, such that fracture modes can be predicted accurately in a vehicle or sub-assembly structure. To achieve this, it was necessary to understand the range of complex fracture modes observed in boron steel spot welds and how these are linked to the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) microstructures and hardness distributions and residual stress.Material data for the HAZ was extracted by simulating the spot welding process using a Gleeble machine; achieving specific weld microstructure in a larger volume which was used in destructive testing. Neutron diffraction was employed to accurately characterize the post-weld residual stresses found inside the weld. The constitutive relations of specific areas in the HAZ where fracture is thought to occur is being incorporated into finite element software to improve fracture prediction of boron steel welds.IntroductionWith the drive for light-weighting and improving passenger safety, lighter and stronger materials are being continuously sought in the automotive industry. The application of boron steel in the Body-In-White (BIW) meets both these criteria by down-gauging thickness of the steel and increasing the strength. As an example, when applied to crash-relevant areas in cars, components have an ultimate tensile strength of 1500 MPa, minimum springback and reduced sheet thickness.To achieve high strength and low springback, boron steel components must be formed and hardened at the same time. This is typically achieved by austenitizing the steel around 900 °C and simultaneously quenching and forming, usually with a hydraulic press and tool-set. Trace amounts of boron, typically 0.005wt%, increase the hardenability of the steel dramatically. This is attributed to the grain boundary segregation of boron, which hinders the formation of ferrite during cooling and forces the transformation of austenite to martensite at high cooling rates, a minimum of25 °C/s."

Jan 1, 2013

By Robb L. Swenson

Construction of foundations for the Skyway Segment of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge required innovative techniques due to the mass of the structures being inserted and the unique subsurface of the Bay. Twenty of the pier structures required large sheet pile cofferdams. Eight other foundations were installed in open water without cofferdams at the deeper part of the Bay. This narrative will present the initial planning, as well as the stages of installation, for each type of foundation. The first section will discuss foundation constructability modifications made during the initial planning phases of the project. Considerable effort was expended by Caltrans, the owner, T.Y. Lin the designer, and KFM (Kiewit/FCI/Manson) the contractor in modifying the design to assure that required tolerance would be maintained during the installation of the foundations. The final section will describe the steps required for installation including: initial access dredging, installation of cofferdams, preparation required to install the footing boxes, footing box installation, foundation support pile installation, and pile to box connections.

Jan 1, 2005

By N. E. Maccallum

Almost half a century has passed since the Siemens brothers, after tedious and costly experiments, finally began the manufacture of open-hearth steel. The furnace of that time was very small, having a hearth-capacity of from 3 to 4 tons, and we can appreciate the wonderful development that has taken place in those 50 years by the knowledge that to-day furnaces of 50 times the original capacity are in operation. As the new steel process assumed importance, and furnaces began to grow in number and in size, a question arose, to which no satisfactory answer has ever been given, and that was: aWhat is the safe and economical limit of the open-hearth furnace ?" Various stopping-places have been suggested, and 20, 30, 40, and 50 tons have each been advocated, but all such arbitrary restrictions have been passed, and 60 tons would probably represent the average furnace, although in a few instances from 70 to 80 tons are regularly tapped into one ladle. The furnaces which are the subject of the present paper have gone far beyond even these limits, and since, in my opinion, they mark another step in the progress of open-hearth steel, they will be considered fairly and frankly, in order that those to whom the matter may be of interest may be able to judge and form their own conclusions. Short accounts of the work of these furnaces have appeared from time to time in various technical journals, of which the following is a brief résumé. These furnaces are the property of the Phoenix Iron Go., of Phœnixville, Pa., and their distinctive and important feature is, that they charge to twice the capacitl of one ladle, and tap simultaneously into two ladles, with a device for controlling the flow into either. In this way the capacity of the furnace is not limited, as formerly, but heats of any size within the capacity of two ladles may be charged.

Jan 1, 1913

By Alfred H. Bell, George V. Cohee

In 1939 Illinois produced 94,302,000 bbl. of oil—almost three times the amount of oil produced at the peak in 1908, when development in the southeastern Illinois field was at its height (Fig. I). It represents nearly a fourfold increase over the 24,075,000 bbl. produced in 1938 (Table 6). This rapid increase in oil production in Illinois is largely due to development in the Salem and Louden fields (Table I). During 1939 daily production for the state increased from 135,000 to 332,572 bbl. A notable increase in production for 1940 is expected as a result of the drilling of the Devonian limestone in the Salem and Centralia fields,

Jan 1, 1940

In 1985 a 2.5-tonne top blown rotary converter was installed in the silver refinery at Cominco's Trail Operation to carry out the final cupellation of burndown metal to Dore metal. The furnace is fired with an oxygen-natural gas lance which is capable of achieving a variety of furnace conditions, varying from reducing to highly oxidizing. Reaction rates are about 4 times greater than using conventional cupel furnaces. The faster reaction rates improve productivity and reduce in-process precious metal tie-up. The furnace is also used to reduce litharge slag for bismuth recovery.

Jan 1, 1989

By F. C. Miller

The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company has divided their coal mines into groups or divisions: Las Animas, Huerfano, Fremont and Gunnison counties. Each division is represented by a safety committee composed of three men appointed by the management and three men selected by the employes? representatives. The three men appointed by the management are usually from a group engaged in routine work that is primarily of a safety nature. Mr. Robert McAllister, chief mine inspector; Mr. George B. Parker, superintendent of first aid and mine rescue training; Mr. F. C. Miller, chief chemist, fuel department; and Mr. 0. C. Irwin, assistant chief electrician. The three men appointed by the management act in each of the four divisions. It is the duty of the safety commit- tee to visit each mine three times per year and make a thorough investigation of conditions underground and on top. Their report is in the form of recommendations to the management for their consideration. They are also called to investigate all fatal accidents and learn, if possible, the cause leading up to the accident and recommend precautionary measures that will prevent the recurrence. This committee inspects the haulage roads, air courses, manways, electrical equipment, ventilation, timbering, working places and humidity. In addition, each mine has a local safety committee with the superintendent acting as chairman. It is the duty of this committee to keep in daily touch with conditions underground and on top. They hold weekly meetings and discuss problems related to safety. These men work on local conditions that govern their affairs. As an example: One of the mines has a checking out board at the man-trip parting in addition to the regular checking in and out system as required by law, and this board is checked before the man-trip leaves for the outside, giving the officials a chance to take prompt action in looking up a man who may have become ill or injured. Should a man walk out and forget to check off, there is a penalty imposed. The ventilation of a coal mine is most important and the method of conducting the air to the working face is one of the greatest precautionary measures linked with safety. A quantity of air must be maintained at every working face to insure rapid diffusion of explosive or noxious gases and in a manner without interruption. With this intent in, view, the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company is installing fan equipments with capacities of 200,000 cubic feet per minute with dual drives, twin fans in some instances, for insured circulation. Dual drives consist of a steam engine using exhaust

Jan 1, 1925

By Adrian Smith, Debra W. Struhsacker

13.1 INTRODUCTION Cyanide is, a generic term indicating the presence of the cyanide ion (CN-). Cyanide is a very common, naturally occurring compound produced by many biochemical reactions. Many plant species synthesize organic compounds which contain cyanide in the form of cyanogenic glycosides (Knowles, 1976). For example, trace amounts of cyanide are present in the seeds and leaves of many members of the Rosaceae (rose) family (Kingsbury, 1964). Many common items such as lettuce, maize, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, (Oke, 1969) almonds, and cigarette smoke contain cyanide. As examples, a recent chemical analysis of chocolate-covered almonds measured a total cyanide content of about two ppm (Steffen Robertson and Kirsten, 1987); and the U.S. Surgeon General (U.S. Department of Health, 1964) has shown that cigarette smoke contains up to 1,600 ppm total cyanide. The chemistry of cyanide solutions is complicated because the cyanide ion forms compounds and complexes with many elements. Some cyanide species are highly toxic whereas others are relatively inert and harmless. Molecular hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is the most toxic form of cyanide. Under most conditions, HCN exists as a gas which readily dissipates or reacts with the environment to form less toxic or nontoxic forms of cyanide. Thus HCN is an ephemeral toxin, and many naturally occurring geochemical processes reduce the HCN concentration of a heap system with time. As discussed below, free cyanide includes the two species, ionic cyanide (CN-) and molecular hydrogen cyanide. Free-cyanide toxicity in man, mammal s, and aquatic species is we1 1 documented (Doudoroff, 1976; Ecological Analysts, 1979; Towill et al., 1978). The lethal doses reported for human adults vary with the type of exposure as follows: • One to three mg/kg body weight if ingested; • One hundred to 300 ppm if inhaled; and • One hundred mg/kg of body weight if absorbed. Acute toxicity of free cyanide to freshwater invertebrates ranges from 0.028 to 2.295 mg/l, depending on species and test conditions. Generally, free-cyanide concentrations greater than 0.1 mg/l are expected to kill sensitive species in freshwater or marine environments (Doudoroff, 1976;

Jan 1, 1988

Traditionally, the predominant drilling method in open pit mining has been large hole rotary drilling using cumbersome, inflexible equipment offering merely limited scope for improvements in pit design and overall costs. By contrast, the recent development of comparatively light high-pressure down-the-hole hammer crawlers has paved the way for new ideas and trends. High penetration rates coupled with superior mobility and fast set-ups contributing to substantial productivity gains have resulted in a renascence for this drilling method in open pits. The ability to cover a wide range of hole diameters and angles gives designers unique drill pattern possibilities especially when establishing steep and stable pit slopes. As pre-split holes, buffer holes and production holes all can be drilled by using the same equipment, there are, there are obvious advantages in production scheduling as well as in materials handling and service. This paper presents some case stories, which will demonstrate the benefits and improvements that the introduction of new drilling methods and equipment has brought to open pit mining operations.

Jan 1, 2003

By Lowell B. Moon

Regardless of how a mineral deposit in first discovered or by whom, any mining enterprise based upon it must pass through a preliminary stage of exploration. The common understanding of ?exploration? among mining engineers is well-expressed by Jackson and Knaebel:3/ Exploration work ranges from that performed by the individual prospector employing only the simplest tool, and equipment to elaborate campaigns involving the expenditure of largo stuns of money end the use of churn- car diamond-drilling equipment, large test-pitting crews, or sometimes a regular mining organization. In any event, the object is to determine as accurately as possible, with the funds available, the size, shape, and other characteristics of the ore bodies and their average value or grade.

Jan 1, 1945

By G. L. Fisher, R. H. Geils

The effect of small amounts of columbium (<0.01 to 0.10 pct) on the ?-a transformation occurring during the continuous cooling of a low carbon Ni-Cu steel was investigated. Dilatometer specimens were aus-tenitized at 950" and 1068?C and cooled at 17? and 375 C° per min. Columbium caused a marked depression in the ?-a transformation temperature except when cooling at the slower rate from 950°C. The effec of columbium on the transformation temperature was greater the higher the austenitizing temperature and rate of cooling. A maximum depression of 92 C" was observed. Metallographic examination of specimens of <0.01 and 0.07pct Cb steels heated at 1200°C for 1 hr and cooled at various rates showed that columbium had a major effect on the ferrite morphology. The fer rite in the columbium -free steel remained equiaxed at cooling rates as high as 440 C? per min while the columbium-bearing steel exhibited mixed structures o equiaxed and bainitic ferrite at cooling rates as low as 130 C° per min. The ? grain boundaries in the columbium -free steel provided the ferrite nucleation sites in rapidly cooled specimens. There was a complete absence of nucleation at these sites in the colum bium-bearing steel. It is concluded that columbium depresses the transformation temperature by suppressing ferrite nucleation at the austenite grain bound-aries. In this respect the effects of columbium are analogous to those of boron in low C-Mo steels. It is well known that small columbium additions can substantially strengthen plain carbon steels. As little as 0.02 pct Cb can increase the yield strength of mild steels by 10,000 psi.1 A fine precipitate of CbC has been observed in columbium-bearing steels2 and is generally thought to be responsible for the strengthening. Little attention has been devoted to the effect of columbium on the ?-a transformation. Webster and woodhead3 have studied the effect of columbium on the isothermal proeutectoid ferrite reaction in mild steels. They found similar transformation behavior in steels both with and without columbium additions. However, as the austenitizing temperature increased, the incubation time for the start of the ferrite transformation became longer in the columbium-containing steel. Morrison1 found that the addition of 0.03 pct Cb to a C-Mn steel lowered the transformation temperature by 50 C° during cooling from 1200°C at a rate of 80 C" per min. The strengthening effect of columbium has recently been utilized in an age-hardenable, low-alloy steel containing copper and nickel.4 A small amount of columbium has a substantial effect on the as-rolled strength of this steel. By increasing the columbium level from <0.01 to 0.13 pct the as-rolled yield strength is increased by 15,000 psi. Columbium also significantly lowers the ?-to-a transformation temperature of this steel during continuous cooling from the austenitizing temperature. Because of the low carbon level in this steel (0.05 pct max), it is almost entirely ferritic. Thus, it offers the opportunity of studying the effect of small columbium additions on the proeutectoid ferrite reaction. Of particular interest in this study was the reason for the marked lowering of the transformation temperature by columbium during continuous cooling. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Materials. The compositions of the steels used in this investigation are shown in Table I. The steels were 30-lb air induction melts. They were forged to 4 by 8 by 1 in. plate at 1230°C, air cooled, and then reheated to 1230°C and cross-rolled in two passes to in. plates. Dilatometry. A Leitz Bollenrath dilatometer was used to record the transformation during continuous cooling from two different austenitizing temperatures. The dilatometer specimens were + in. in diam and 2 in. long. Oxidation and decarburization of the specimens was prevented by maintaining a small positive pressure of dry argon in the dilatometer furnace and by plating the specimens with 1 mil of Cu. For the lowest cooling rate, 17 C" per min, the temperature of the specimen was measured with a Pt-Pt 10 pct Rh thermocouple placed in a & in. diam well in the center of the specimen. During air cooling, 375 C° per min, this method of measuring the temperature interfered with the operation of the dilatometer. However, it was found that the temperature of the specimen could be measured accurately by placing a thermocouple in an identical specimen in a holder adjacent to the one being used to operate the dilatometer mechanism. The dilation-temperature curves were recorded on photographic film and then converted to volume percent ferrite-vs-temper-ature curves. The cooling rates obtained with the dilatometer are shown in Table 11. Cooling rates of

Jan 1, 1970

By James W. Guider

Of all the technology available to the iron blast furnace operator, raw materials preparation is by far the most important. Superior raw materials have been basic to the success of the Japanese steel industry, and they are just as essential to the American steel industry in winning its competitive battle against foreign government subsidized steel imports. Therefore, the mine operator and the ore beneficiation engineer must strive to produce the highest quality raw materials possible to meet the precise demands of the modern blast furnace and steel plant.

Jan 1, 1978

By D. A. Fenton

The structural design of large grinding mills, with reference to shell-mounted bearings by D. A. FENTON*, P. Eng. (Visitor) The paper outlines the advantages of shell-mounted grinding mills over mills having a conventional trunnionsupported shell. The growing use of larger mills in the past decade has led to a significant number of mechanical and structural failures, the most common being those at the junction of the head and the shell. Larger mill diameters favour the use of shell-mounted bearings. The elimination of castings, which have an inherent weakness to fracture, makes the shell-supported mill lighter and stronger than a conventional mill of the same shell thickness.

Jan 9, 1976

By Donald R. Johnson

Apparatus developed by the Bureau of Mines for thermal analysis of oil shale was used to determine the thermal properties of shortite. Dissociation of shortite near 470° C occurs as an endothermic reaction that could consume significant quantities of heat in the oil-shale retorting process that produces shale oil. The shortite dissociation products undergo other thermal reactions that would not affect the retorting process. These reactions include crystal inversions near 365° C and 425° C and melting and decomposition endotherms above 500° C. Two separate reaction route for fusion and decomposition of the shortite decomposition products are dictated by the presence or absence of CO2 around the sample.

Jan 1, 1974

By T. Jason Hardell

The Victory Bridge project was contracted by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The project included the construction of two 4000-ft precast segmental concrete bridges to replace the existing Victory Bridge that was built in the 1920&apos;s. The existing bridge was a swing span bridge that was in desperate need of replacement. The project was considered high priority due to the large maintenance costs to keep the swing span operating over the busy navigational channel. In March of 2003 construction began on the first bridge and by April of 2005 all of the segments were set for the second bridge. On September 5 of 2005 the second bridge was open to traffic. The total cost of the project was $110-million. The two new bridges required the construction of 24-eight foot and 32-six foot diameter-drilled shafts with rock sockets. All of the shafts were constructed in the tidal Raritan River working from barges. What will follow is a description of the construction techniques that were used to build these drilled shafts, the anticipated and unanticipated challenges that were encountered during the project, and the lessons learned.

Jan 1, 2005

This Committee, formerly known as the Membership Committee, had its title changed as above by the new Constitution which was adopted February, 1928. During the year 1928, 607 applications for membership were submitted to the Committee for its action; and after careful consideration 601 were recommended to the Board of Directors for election to the various grades. Of this number 597 accepted election and became members during 1928. The changes in the membership resulting therefrom are set forth in tabular form on the following page. The Rocky Mountain members, who now appear in this list for the first time, were added pursuant to the action taken at the Annual Meeting

Jan 1, 1929

By James L. Evers

Introduction There is a continuing search by government and industry for new mining methods that increase production, improve the working environment, reduce labor intensity, enhance recovery effectiveness, improve the reclamation process, streamline the flow of material, and reduce the unit cost. Hydraulic extraction and transport methods have outstanding potential in several of these areas. For example, hydraulic fragmentation produces a significant reduction in respirable dust. The inherent simplicity of hydraulic mining equipment and the resulting high reliability are recognized. Tool wear can be virtually eliminated. There is great flexibility in the size, shape, and orientation of the mineral deposit that can be mined. The cutting, gathering, and transport operation can be controlled remotely, providing more safety for workers. The threat of tool sparking and the resuiting dust or gas ignition are also eliminated. Although hydraulic mining was introduced in the US before the turn of the century, it has not gained the degree of acceptance found in other countries such as the Soviet Union, China, Germany, and Canada. The Hydraulic Mining Research program, initiated by the US Bureau of Mines in 1958, and the subsequent research by others has provided much of the basic technology required to spur the development of these methods into a viable extraction alternative. This article updates the development of hydraulic mining in the US. Particular attention is paid to monitor mining, the long-wall hydrominer, borehole mining, and the semi-autonomous mining system. Whenever the particular mining method is also being developed in other parts of the world, a brief description of the world-wide state of the art is given. Finally, allied studies designed to optimize these mining techniques are described. Hydraulic Monitor Mining Since 1958, the US Bureau of Mines (USBM), the Department of Energy (DOE), and other government agencies have funded more than a dozen programs to investigate the potential of hydraulic monitor mining. For this method, water is directed on the coal face from a monitor nozzle. Sufficient velocity is used to cause local fragmentation (Fig. 1). Coal particles are washed from the face to a trough. They are then flumed to a collection point. Oversized particles are directed through a breaker and then into the troughs. Monitor field tests were conducted in the 1960s in bituminous and anthracite coal at the following locations: • Rosylin No. 9 mine, WA (Nasiatka and Badda, 1963); • Rosylin No. 10 mine, WA (Price and Badda, 1965); • Sugar Notch mine, PA (Buch, 1964); • Thomson Creek mine, CO (Palowitch and Malinka, 1964); and • West Lebanon, PA (Fowkes and Wallace, 1968). In 1975, Ingersoll-Rand Research Inc. was awarded a two-year USBM contract to develop a continuous coal mining system using water jet fragmentation and

Jan 10, 1984

By Ken A. Pfaff, Ray Daigh

This paper will discuss state-of-the-art applications of GPS automation in mobile conveying systems. Robotic mobile conveying systems increase profitability, optimize stacking and reclaiming operations, and control complex interfaces more accurately than other systems. We will also discuss the application process in machine-to-machine coordination, selection of the appropriate GPS system, and Ethernet considerations. As the leading supplier of GPS-controlled mobile conveying systems, we&apos;ll draw on our experience at Morenci, Radomiro Tomic, Zaldivar, El Abra (Figure 1), and El Tesoro mines in the US and South America to demonstrate system reliability and the lessons we&apos;ve learned through analysis of these projects.

Jan 1, 2002