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By R. B. Steele

The paper contains the results of the physical and mathematical simulations (based on the finite elements simulation) of the length and shape influence on the mechanical strength of the brex. Key words: Stiff extrusion, extruded briquettes, BREX, mechanical strength, cold strength, compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, oval shape, finite elements simulation. INTRODUCTION Extruded briquettes (BREX) exhibit a set of unique properties when compared with briquettes formed by alternative methods. Brex generally have sufficient integrity right after extrusion to withstand the necessary handling and stockpiling and does not require any special means and tools for the green briquettes strength conservation. In a typical die without an ancillary cutting device green brex tend to have very high length to diameter (L/D) or length to section area ratios. For round hole dies the brex are typically 5to 6 times the diameters and even longer. Stiff-extrusion allows also for the very easy changing of the forming dies. Dies with different cross-sectional shapes of the brex (round, ovals, square, hollow structures and many other two dimensional shapes) are possible, and common. The results of our investigations show how these geometrical shape factors contribute to overall quality of the brex both in terms of strength and as new charge components in metallurgical furnaces and processes [2-4]

Feb 27, 2013

By Ted D. Johnson

INTRODUCTION The tailing dam is part of the SOHIO L-Bar Uranium Mine and Mill located about 70.8 kilometers (44 miles) west of Albuquerque in northwestern New Mexico. The dam location is shown on Figure 1. The tailing dam is one of the last upstream method dams permitted in the industry. Design and construction aspects of the project, as well as operation and maintenance considerations, are reviewed herein. Since initial construction, SOHIO Western Mining Company and Woodward-Clyde Consultants have developed several modifications and improvements in the dam's operating and monitoring procedures. This work has been done in coordination with the New Mexico State Engineer's Office and in accordance with recommendations in a report done for the Corps of Engineer's Phase I Dam Inspection Report. Modifications and improvements described should be of particular interest to owners and operators of other tailing dams utilizing the upstream method of deposition. The tailing facility was designed for a 10-year life to provide an ultimate storage capacity of 6 1/2 billion kilograms (7 1/2 million short tons) in an area of about 180 acres. A plan view of the tailing dam is shown on Figure 2. The tailing consists of approximately 75% sand size material and 25% fines (material passing the No. 200 sieve). The tailing dam includes a small earth starter dam with raises of the dam accomplished using tailing deposited by upstream method techniques. The starter dam is a homogeneous embankment about 610 meters (2000 feet) long, a maximum height of 12 meters (40 feet) and 2 1/2:1 (horizontal to vertical) upstream and downstream slopes. The starter dam contains an internal drainage system which includes a near vertical chimney drain connected to horizontal finger drains. A typical section through the maximum height of the starter dam is shown on Figure 3. A small confining dam, approximately 1.6 meters (5 feet) high, is constructed beyond the limits

Jan 1, 1980

By B. Seymour

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting research to develop safe practices for the use of shotcrete as ground support in underground mines, particularly mines operating in weak host rock. As part of this research, tests were conducted with a commercial poly-fiber reinforced shotcrete mix to develop a practical means of measuring shotcrete adhesion strength. Full-scale tests were conducted in a test frame equipped with concrete panels having three distinct surface roughness profiles. Adhesion test fixtures either embedded or epoxied in the shotcrete were overcored into the underlying concrete, and direct tensile tests were conducted to determine the bond strength of the shotcrete cores to the substrate after a selected shotcrete curing interval (1, 3, 7, 14, 28, or 90 days). Measured adhesion strengths typically ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 MPa depending on the curing age of the shotcrete samples. This paper presents the results of these tests, describes the portable test system components, and addresses some of the design issues encountered in the development of a rugged and reliable method for determining shotcrete adhesion strength in underground mines.

Jan 1, 2010

By Jed H. Mosgrove

One of the most interesting of all the subjects required of persons studying the different facets of coal mining is coal mine gases. Some mine gases have been a real problem since the very beginning of underground mining, and in the early days there was insufficient knowledge to cope with them. The history of mining shows that until about the last 50 years, much work was done primarily by the hand methods which are primitive by today's standards. Miners had to contend with gases without the aid of enclosed lighting, permissible mine machinery, sophisticated testing devices, and high-pressure ventilating fans. In early days the miners were not educated about the different mine gases nor did they have the technical equipment to determine the actual composition of the deadly atmospheres they encountered. They simply applied a descriptive term to each gas or mixture of gases depending on its effect on a person or the surrounding atmosphere. The gases or mixtures of gases were then referred to as "damps," a term which was probably derived from the German word "dampf," meaning vapors or gases. The more common damps encountered were : Blackdamp A condition of the atmosphere in which a miner's light would be extinguished and in which breathing would be difficult, sometimes even resulting in suffocation. An atmosphere deficient in oxygen which could contain a combination of any of the mine gases Firedamp A flammable mixture of methane and air which would either burn or explode when ignited. White Damp A mixture of gases containing carbon monoxide, most often found in mines during fires or after explosions.

Jan 1, 1981

By D. E. Ranta, M. W. Ganster, A. D. Ward

An ore zoning technique developed by Climax geologists during the past forty years has been used to contour drill-hole assay values on cross-sections for fourteen porphyry molybdenum deposits in western North America, including the Climax and Henderson orebodies. Detailed geological studies of these large, complex deposits are essential in determining ore controls, which are the factors most critical to the zoning of MoS2 and to conceptualizing geologic models. The technique provides a detailed representation of the size, shape, grade distribution, and geologic continuity of the individual deposits. It demands a disciplined approach and adheres to rigorous rules while maintaining flexibility for adaptation to widely varying geologic conditions. By defining the limits that guide and control manual, computer-assisted conventional, and geostatistical reserve estimates, it exerts a strong geologic influence on the estimation process. A combination of ore zoning and geostatistical analysis of molybdenum deposits produces a significantly more accurate, precise, and defendable geologic reserve estimate than other methods.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. S. Hayden

It is becoming increasingly difficult to secure local aggregate resources that meet quality standards and local restrictions without conflicts with other land uses and environmental regulations. The successful integration of natural-resource information into land-use decisions is becoming increasingly important as the needs for both land and resources become more numerous, complex and urgent. Well-reasoned decisions about land-use are crucial to the Nation if infrastructure resources are to remain economically available. Provisions for uninterrupted future supplies of aggregate should be made using proper long-range planning that incorporate a multiple land-use program. That program would include identification and protection of natural resources, strategies that will permit development of resources according to future market needs and environmental considerations, and the beneficial reclamation of mined-out areas.

Jan 1, 1997

By A. Wahab Khair

There are a number of factors, including mine geometry, local geology, geotechnical properties of overburden materials, surface topography, sequence of overburden strata, and extraction rate, affecting characteristics of surface subsidence imposed by large underground excavation. Among the factors, the first three have the major impact on magnitude and area of influence of final subsidence. Hence, a model has been developed, considering mine geometry and geologic and geotechnical properties of the associated area, to predict maximum possible subsidence and subsidence profile at any cross-section within the subsidence influence zone. Based on extensive field measurements and mechanics of strata behavior, under the action of overburden pressure in the vicinity of the large underground excavation, the vertical plane of influence zone has been divided into five areas: 1) excavated, 2) caved, 3) fractured, 4) highly deformed but continuous, and 5) subsided zones. In the final state of subsidence each area maintains a certain volume expansion/contraction, i.e. a factor which depends on geologic, geotechnical properties of overburden strata and state of stress within the subsidence trough. The cumulative volume expansion and contraction partially compensates for the extracted volume and the difference between the two is reflected as the subsided area in the form of the area within a curve defined by a probability function. The input parameters for the model are mine geometry (i.e. length and width of the panel), depth of cover, and geologic and geotechnical properties of overburden strata (i.e. percentage of hardrock, sandstone and limestone, and soft rock, shale within the overburden strata and Rock Quality Designation). The model calculates angle of draw for the site, expansion factor for each zone utilizing empirical relationships, maximum possible subsidence and plots the subsidence profile curve. The model is developed for a longwall excavation with unique characteristics of prediction of angle of draw and maximum possible subsidence for a given geologic and mining condition at any cross-section within the influence zone of subsidence.

Jan 1, 1986

By R. D. Kelsey

The theory, definition and practical application of cutoff grades have evolved over a long period. This evolution is reflected in the continuing flow of papers on this and other related matters though the rate has varied as new ideas and theories have become understood and applied in practice. Papers by Lane(l) in 1964 and Taylor(-2)- in 1972 provided landmarks in the understanding and general communication of cutoff grade theory and its application. The reasons for the continuing interest in cutoff grades are obvious. Too high a cutoff can reduce the mineral recovered and possibly the life of a deposit. Too low a cutoff would reduce the average grade (and hence profit) below acceptable levels. This paper provides a brief overview of existing cutoff grade theory and some particular aspects of its application.

Jan 1, 1979

By J. A. Brierley, C. L. Brierley

The history, current applications and future of biotechnical developments in the metals' extraction industry are reviewed. Bioleaching of copper minerals continues to be the most significant application. Uranium bioleaching was successfully demonstrated at industrial scale. Developments are now being made in biooxidative pretreatment of refractory gold concentrates, ores and low-grade materials. Advancements are forthcoming in water and solid mine waste bioreclamation, including metals' biosorption, wetland treatment of acid mine drainage, and biodegradation of cyanide in spent, heap-leach operations. Better understanding of the types and functions of microorganisms involved in metal interactions could advance genetic engineering applications in bioleaching and bioreclamation.

Jan 1, 1993

By John C. Wangaard

A method of raising by use of a cage has been used with considerable success at the Cary Mine, Hurley, Wisconsin, on the Gogebic Range. The Cary Mine is owned by the Odanah Iron Company, Pickands, Mather and Company, Managers. This method is known to have been used previously at Tennessee Copper and probably in other districts. The Cary Mine was engaged in deepening the main shaft from the 34th to the 37th level. To accomplish this, and to facilitate development, a ventilation shaft 930 feet north of the main shaft was sunk from the 34th to the 37th level and crosscuts were driven on the 35th, 36th and 37th levels to the main shaft location, These levels are at 200 foot verticalintervals. All of this work was done in granite and the majority of the workings were not timbered. The next step was to get a raise through from the 37th to the 36th level, and from the 36th to the 35th level, which would later be stripped to full shaft size. Several methods of raising were considered including double-compartment cribbed and two single raises interconnected at regular intervals, but the cage method was chosen as it appeared to be a safe and efficient operation. The method in general consists in the use of a drill hole between levels through which to pass a hoisting rope to raise and lower a light cage.

Jan 1, 1958

By S. Chander, A. Briceno

The effect of sample storage in argon and in air on the kinetics of oxidation of pyrite from a coal source was studied using accelerated-weathering tests that were performed in laboratory columns. Prior to the weathering tests, the samples were crushed, ground and stored for various periods of time in either argon or air. The test results showed a dramatic difference in the rate of oxidation of the aged samples. The interpretation of the differences was based on the hypothesis that the aging of pyrite led to the formation of surface coatings that changed with time. "Dry" oxidation produced surface coatings that had properties different from those produced by "wet" oxidation. The significance of these results to pyrite/reagent interactions during flotation and in evaluating the acid-mine-drainage potential of pyritic waste materials is discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

By Richard D. Christie, K. Jay Pillai

In the past, it was not unusual for coal preparation plants to discard fine run-of-mine coal. This practice has changed due to increasing quantities of fine material, improvements in beneficiation methods, and the need to recover revenue from these fines. It is in this context that the coal industry has increasingly been turning to froth flotation for fine coal beneficiation. Reagent schemes have been developed to promote coal flotation and to treat the resulting refuse material. While reagent technology has improved, however, most plants rely on manual control of reagent dosing and circuit operation. This often results in misuse of reagents, loss of coal recovery, and consequent loss of revenue. Fine coal circuit operations can be dramatically improved through automation. Intelligent process control systems are now in use which are capable of optimizing reagent usage, maximizing coal recovery, and minimizing chemical costs associated with refuse handling. This paper describes a type of control system currently used in preparation plants, and provides data and information on the significant improvements such systems can produce.

Jan 1, 1994

By S. S. Klima, A. L. Mazzella, J. S. Driscoll, T. W. Beck

Previous testing was performed by researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to improve longwall dust control using underside shield sprays with a longwall directional spray system. This testing provided encouraging results toward respirable dust exposure reductions for longwall personnel, achieving as high as 99% dust reduction at some sampling locations along the longwall personnel walkway. Additional laboratory testing was conducted to test these underside shield sprays in conjunction with a shearer-clearer spray system located on the longwall shearer body. The purpose of this testing was to determine if the underside shield sprays interacted positively or negatively with the shearerclearer sprays. Results from this testing indicate that while the shearerclearer system influences where the respirable dust particles are directed, underside shield sprays can still lower respirable dust exposure for longwall personnel.

Mar 2, 2022

By R. K. Amankwah, E. K. Asiam

Changes in the thermal-oxidation behavior and other properties of gold-bearing waste activated carbon when milled in both a ball mill and a vibratory mill were investigated. It was found that significant changes occurred in the oxidation temperature of the vibration-milled waste carbon as a result of increases in surface area and mechano-chemical activation. The mechano-chemical action brought about modifications in the crystal structure of the waste carbon. As a result, the vibration-milled sample was completely oxidized at a temperature of 450°C. Thus, the study established that vibration milling is a better way of lowering the temperature of oxidation of the waste carbon. Furthermore, the gold was found to be concentrated in the ash and, when leached with cyanide for 20 hrs, the gold recoveries from a sample having a head grade of 2 kg/t was 99.5% for the vibration-milled sample and 82% for the ball-milled sample. The lower gold recovery for the ball-milled sample was attributed to sintering of the ash, which was caused by the higher temperature required for its oxidation.

Jan 1, 1997

By A. T. Weber, G. T. Adel

Earlier studies on the hydrodynamic interactions between fine particles and air bubbles have shown that fine particle flotation can be improved by using small air bubbles. In the present work, microbubbles ranging in size from 70 to 250 microns have been used in a flotation column for the processing of fine coal. The performance of the microbubble column has been studied as a function of wash water addition rate, aeration rate, feed rate and column length to diameter (L/D) ratio. The information collected from these tests has been used to analyze column behavior and to develop scale-up criteria. The results of this investigation suggest that mixing within the column may not be as significant as bubble size and residence time in determining column performance. Improved recovery can be obtained by decreasing bubble size which increases the flotation rate constant, and also by increasing L/D which increases residence time for a fixed column volume. The increase in residence time with L/D is due to a decrease in the volumetric flow rate of wash water with column diameter.

Jan 1, 1988

The ever-increasing power (and decreasing cost) of computers has opened up substantial oppor¬tunities for 'Vision'-based systems in both on-line and off-line control. This paper reviews image analysis applications in use at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) for: •blast and mill feed size monitoring; •AG/SAG mill model-based control; •mineral liberation; and •froth flotation control. The SPLIT™ image analysis system is being used to estimate muck pile and ROM feed sizings. AG/SAG mill feed sizing is being used in a dynamic model for mill control. A new generation mineral liberation analyzer has been developed with Philips Electron Optics. The Philips-JKMRC mineral liberation analyzer offers a substantial improvement in resolution and speed over previous developments. While on-line liberation control continues to be something of a pipe dream, measuring liberation "one shift behind" is now feasible. A robust instrument has been developed to measure flotation froth bubble size and velocity. The instrument also derives a parameter that allows different froth textures to be distinguished. The instrument has been used for on-line control in coal and sulfide flotation. For coal froth, an online ash estimate has been achieved at one site and is being tested at other sites. Overall, image analysis is finding many applications in mineral processing and control.

Jan 1, 2000

By B. Denby, R. Hollands

Mine information is often multi-disciplinary, dynamic and spatially complex. Different departments use the same data in many different ways, information changes over time and mines change their shape continuously. Earthworks InTouch is a radical VR-based system developed by AIMS Solutions and marketed by Earthworks, which provides a rapid and intuitive interface to a wide range of mine information. VR is used to provide an interactive and visually accurate, dynamic 3D model of the mine workings and equipment operating in the mine. Individual objects in the mine can be linked to external applications that provide up-to-date and context sensitive information. Equipment movement can be simulated or tied in to real-time survey from GPS systems for example or excavator productivity data can be extracted from a production database. The paper will highlight the major advantages of using such a VR interface to access valuable and time sensitive information.

Jan 1, 2002

By Gennaro G. Ph. D Marino

In order to improve handling of subsidence damages the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund supported the development of novel cost-effective methods of repair. The research in developing the repairs was directed towards the most common and costly damages that had been observed. As a result repair techniques were designed for structurally cracked foundations in the tension zone; structurally cracked foundations in the compression zone; and damaged or undamaged tilted foundations. When appropriate, the postulated methods would result in: 1. significant cost savings (over conventional procedures); 2. a structural capacity greater than when the foundation was untracked; and 3. an aesthetic appeal. All the postulated repair methodologies were laboratory and/or field tested. The paper will summarize the essentials of each technique developed and the test results.

Jan 1, 1986

By K. E. Hjelmstad, W. H. Pomroy

In the event of fire underground, it is essential that all miners be warned as quickly as possible. With mine air rapidly depleted of oxygen and contaminated with smoke and toxic fire gases, any delay in the warning signal could have disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, present mine fire warning systems, such as stench, audible or visual alarms, telephones, and messengers, are often slow, unreliable, and limited in coverage. Recent research by the US Bureau of Mines has established the feasibility of ultralow frequency electromagnetic signaling for underground mine fire warning. Infield testing completed thus far at five mines, signals of from 630 Hz to 2000 Hz were transmitted through rock up to distances of 1645 m (5400 ft) to a pencil-sized ferrite-core receiving antenna and intrinsically safe receiver circuit. Theoretical analysis indicates a capability to transmit effectively for distances in excess of the maximum depths of most American mines, which is about 900 to 1000 m (2950 to 3280 ft) . The prototype system uses off-the-shelf components and state-of-the-art technology to ensure high reliability and low cost. This technology would enable simultaneous and instantaneous warning of all underground personnel, thereby in- creasing the likelihood of successfully evacuating a mine during a disaster. This report discusses the theoretical basis for through-the-rock ultralow frequency electromagnetic transmission, design of the prototype transmitter and receiver, and the results of in-mine tests of the prototype system.

Jan 1, 1991

By D. E. Walsh

The behaviour of gold particles on a spiral was studied using radioactive gold tracers. The method allowed the effect of particle size, particle shape, pulp density, feed rate, and splitter settings to be studied. Although the method has been successfully applied to other gravity concentrators, it was found that reliable results were more difficult to obtain on the spiral. However, these preliminary results show that provided suitable precautions are taken, the technique is capable of providing valuable information that cannot be obtained by conventional studies, and could be used to better optimize spiral performance.

Jan 1, 1992