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By G. W. Jones

In a previous report'/ results were given and a method outlined whereby from a knowledge of the composition of the natural gas and of the inflammability limits of the individual constituents composing the natural gas, the limits of inflammability of natural gas and air mixtures could be closely calculated. This method is based on the application of Le Chatelier's law as modified by Coward, Carpenter and Payman,5/ to apply to a mixture of any number of combustible gases. This law must not be used indiscriminately, because many exceptions have been found. For example, when ethylene, acetylene, hydrogen sulphide, or chlorinated hydrocarbons are present the law may not hold. For a discussion of the many exceptions which have been found, reference should be made to a report by Coward and Jones.6/

Jan 1, 1933

By Neal Lee, Braden T. Lusk, Brendan McCray

Determining the minimum amount of inert material that can be used between explosive columns is a complex problem. Using too little inert material can result in detonator/primer failure, either by sympathetic detonation of or failure to fire of the subsequent explosive column(s). Propagation type failure results when inert material length between charges is small enough that the subsequent (delayed) deck fires more or less instantly. In this situation, the primer, detonator, or bulk product is initiated by the shock wave from the earlier firing deck. This type of failure may be un-noticed until the vibration/airblast report is examined.

Jan 1, 2016

By L. L. Godirilwe, and A. Shibayama, G. Danha, K. Haga, Y. Takasaki

Selective extraction through leaching of an amorphous slag obtained from a base metal smelter plant in Botswana is investigated in this paper, where the main objective is to optimise the experimental variables that would result in the maximum selective extraction of the three base metals (Ni, Cu and Co) from the slag waste. Mineralogical tests showed that the sample is composed mainly of fayalite (Fe2SiO4), with a total entrapped metal sulphides content of about 1.0 wt.% occurring as fine occlusions in the fayalite phase. In our experimental program, we compare the effectiveness of two common leaching techniques. In the first method, we use sulphuric acid to carry out atmospheric beaker leaching tests, and in the second method we use high pressure oxidative leaching. The effects of acid concentration, oxidant addition/oxygen partial pressure and pulp density on metal dissolution rate are examined. The optimal Ni, Cu, Co extractions of 80.5%, 81.9 and 98% respectively were obtained under high pressure oxidative leaching conditions (150 oC, 0.6 M H2SO4, 0.5 MPa O2), with substantially low dissolved Fe of 9.6%, the majority of which was removed as jarosite in the residue. Atmospheric beaker leaching yielded poor extractions of Ni below 40% when sulphuric acid combined with hydrogen peroxide (1.0 M and 0.6 M respectively, 65 oC) were used for leaching, while Fe, Cu and Co dissolutions were each about 80%. Therefore, using high pressure oxidative leaching provides a possibility to effectively extract Ni, Cu and Co while producing an environmentally benign residue, thus alleviating the current adverse environmental issues associated with the abandoned smelter slag. Keywords: Slag, amorphous, fayalite, atmospheric beaker leaching, high-pressure oxidative leaching, extraction

Jan 1, 2020

St. Peter sandstone is very different from the minerals and rocks that have been studied extensively in mining. On the one hand, it is brittle as characterized by an unusually high friction angle and steeply curved failure envelopes. On the other hand, it is friable, possessing extremely low, and in most cases zero cohesion. The scarcity of the ground control techniques for this particular mining environment has created many difficulties for the mine operators. In order to resolve these problems, the geotechnical properties of the St. Peter sandstones were investigated through a comprehensive research program, which included uniaxial test, triaxial test, porosity test, thin section, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The specimens used for the uniaxial and triaxial tests were specially prepared because of the highly friable nature of the St. Peter sandstone. Thin section, XRD and SEM were utilized to examine the effect of the microstructure of the St. Peter sandstones on its strength characteristics.

Feb 27, 2013

By J. M. Gomes

Bench-scale flotation tests were conducted on two western tactite ores to study the recovery of tungsten and zinc minerals. The investigation, which is part of the Bureau of Mines ongoing program to develop methods for beneficiating minerals and metals from domestic low-grade ores, demonstrated the feasibility of producing scheelite, sphalerite, and their bulk concentrates. Sphalerite concentrates containing 51 to 53 pet Zn and less than 0.11 pct W03 were selectively recovered prior to scheelite flotation. Zinc recovery ranged from 85 to 91 pct. Scheelite concentrates containing 17 to 25 pct W03 were then recovered from the ore; tungsten recoveries ranged from 88 to 94 pct. Bulk flotation concentrates containing 84 to 91 pct of the W03 and 87 to 95 pct of the zinc also were prepared. More than 98 pct of the W03 in a bulk concentrate containing 9 pct W03 was extracted by autoclave leaching with a soda solution. The zinc remained in the leached residue.

Jan 1, 1982

By A. Toulet

Mining in Mexico has an immensely long tradition. In his first letter reporting to his sovereigns from Mexico in July 1519, Hernan Cortes wrote, "To our mind it is probable that this land contains as many riches as that from which Solomon is said to have obtained the gold for the temple ... " 1 But not only precious metals drew his attention; in 1524, short of tin needed for casting guns, he found it in Taxco. As an added bonus, those who went to find it "came upon a vein of iron which according to experts is of exceeding richness." 2 Since then, the mines of Mexico have yielded up enormous amounts of mineral and continue to do so. Mexico is one of the ten principal producers of minerals world-wide both in production volume and diversity. 3 Tens of thousands of tons of iron, sulphur, and coal come from its earth annually; it is the world's second largest producer of barite; third of antimony, fluorite, and graphite. 4 Copper, zinc, silver, molybdenum, arsenic and cadmium and others are wrested from its mines. The wealth is there; but maximizing its potential requires investment, technology, and markets that the government cannot itself provide. Thus mining, since the Mexican Revolution severely restricted by both law and policy, today looks to private investment to develop its potential. Beginning in 1989, Mexico's government cautiously moved to liberalize private sector involvement in mining; 5 using the experience gained from these initial regulatory changes, the current new Mining Law was adopted in 1992 6 and new Regulations were promulgated in 1993. 7

Jan 1, 1994

By P. S. Heyns, M. Heyns

A computer model has been developed of mine hoisting systems in deep South African gold mines. Particular attention was paid to the contribution of different modelling assumptions for the guides and guide-roller assemblies. Objective functions indicative of guide-roller tyre endurance, slipper-plate forces and perceived vibration levels were introduced to quantify dynamic performance. These objective functions were used to compare models. It was found that the choice of guide and guide-roller models did not influence the forces on the guide rollers significantly for typical shaft and conveyance characteristics at typical levels of viscous damping coefficients. The rigid and finite-element guide models gave the same results as those of the effective-stiffness guide model, and while the latter is suitable for simulation for design purposes, the finite-element model should be used for unusual guide geometries

Jun 19, 1905

By R. Fedors, T. Ghezzehei, D. Or

The phenomena of dripping into cavities (e.g. tunnels and drifts) within an unsaturated fractured porous medium under ventilated conditions is studied to improve estimates of dripping rates, drop sizes, and chemical composition of droplets that could affect the integrity of high-level nuclear waste packages placed in drifts. The sensitivity of dripping rates and water chemistry to ventilation is analyzed at various flow rates using analytical expressions linking flow on fracture surfaces to drop formation and evaporation. The model was tested using laboratory experiments involving machined aluminum slabs designed to represent a simplified morphology of a fracture face intersecting a cavity and using natural fracture surfaces from a welded tuff. Comparison with ten years of data on dripping in natural caves showed good agreement with model predictions. In particular, for low dripping rates, evaporation due to ventilation leads to larger drop sizes and alters drop chemistry by increasing the concentration of solutes in the drop relative to that in the water flowing on the fracture face.

Jan 1, 2000

By Chas. F. Jackson

During the current business depression the Bureau of Mines has received many inquiries concerning placer mining, the prospects for men of small means to make wages by small-scale placer operations, the locations of placer deposits in the United States, methods of working placers on a small scale, and allied subjects. It has therefore seemed desirable to prepare a circular covering, in nontechnical language, the principal questions which have boon referred to the Bureau of Mines for answer. There are a number of bureau publications dealing with placer mining, most of which are now out of print, but which may be consulted in the larger libraries. Other articles on placer mining nave appeared from time to time in the technical press and several good textbooks have been written on the subject. A partial bibliography of this literature appears at the end of this paper. A recent pamphlet published by the Idaho Bureau of Mines and Geology to assist the prospector and inexperienced small operator has received wide and favorable attention and is recommended as a useful reference. In the present paper no attempt will be made to cover the subject of placer mining in a comprehensive manner, but discussion will be confined to elementary questions of particular interest to persons of limited experience.

Jan 1, 1932

By Clinton C. Knox

To demonstrate the feasibility of unwatering ore reserves previously indicated in the virgin Melrose zinc-lead field in Kansas and Oklahoma, the Bureau of Mines .carried through a pumping project on the Park Walton farm in 1943. Due to success of the undertaking, attention was turned to exploration of other indicated ore deposits and promising areas within that part of the field benefited by .the drainage project, By the middle of 1946, four private mining companies were active in the field; and a considerable output of lead and zinc concentrate had been obtained from the new Park Walton mine and mill. The Park Walton Ore deposit was unwatered by installing deep-well pumps in three holes previously drilled by the lessee. Pumping was continued by the Bureau of Mines at a rate of 2,500 to 1,000 g.p.m. for about 6 months; during this time the local static artesian water-level, originally averaging 108 feet below the surface in the old drill holes was lowered to the 316-foot level, which justified beginning the initial shaft sinking and mine developments. In all, about 750,000,000 gallons of water was pumped by the Bureau of Mines at an operating cost averaging $0.024 per 1,000 gallons.

Jan 1, 1948

By L. S. Zhou

HermesTM metal magnetic liner (MML) has been invented and manufactured by China Metallurgy and Mining General Co. (CMMC). This paper describes its mechanism, structure, magnetic field distribution, application, economic benefit and safety performance. The 10 years? service life in Benxi Steel?s Waitoushan Mine, along with 6 years? technological analysis on its application in 5500mm×8800mm (diameter × length) ball mill in Anshan Steel?s Diaojuntai mineral processing plant, has proved its advantages such as super reliability, long service life, light weight, thin thickness, low noise and short payback period. It has also demonstrated its positive effects on the grinding process such as high productivity, energy-effective performance and low consumption of grinding media. It reduces labour intensity and improves working conditions, due to its easy installation, free maintenance and the fact that it doesn?t require fastening bolts or cause slurry leakage. It is de-signed scientifically in accordance with the varieties of processing lines, mill specification, ore type and grinding media, and has been applied in different grinding processes for magnetite, hematite, gold ores, nonferrous ores and other materials. HermesTM MML has three types of products: General, Composite and Heavy-duty. They are designed to meet the requirements from customers in China and abroad. So far, more than 400 sets of MML have been applied in ball mills with diameter rang-ing from 1500mm to 5500mm. It has become highly popular in American market recently due to its safe and effective performance.

Jan 1, 2014

The Colorado portion of the Rio Grande rift is clearly defined physiographically from the south in the San Luis valley northward to the latitude of Leadville where sediments of the Dry Union Formation (Tweto, 1961) accumulated within the subsiding rift zone. To the north of Leadville is a system of faults active in the late Tertiary, including the Mosquito fault that offset a portion of the Climax mineralization (Wallace et al., 1968). Tweto (197B) describes remnants of Dry Union Formation against the Mosquito fault north of Dillon in the Blue River valley, so it is apparent that the rift and associated sediments extended well to the north of Leadville. Kelley (1952, 1954, 1956) and Chapin (1971) have noted in New Mexico that the Rio Grande rift is a series of en echelon basins, offset to the east, with constrictions connecting them (Fig. 1). In Colorado the structural basins are offset to the west. The net effect of all the rift zone basins in New Mexico and Colorado is an arcuate pattern (Fig. 1) abutting the Colorado Plateau and Sari Juan Volcanic Province on the west. The width of the rift system gradually decreases northward to about Leadville where rift definition is not apparent.

Jan 1, 1987

After a snap-shot survey of water quality of streams draining various coal measures carried out in 2000 - 2001, West Coast Regional Council expanded its monitoring programme to better establish the condition of streams draining coal mining areas and to characterise the variability of water quality with respect to stream flow. Samples were collected for water quality indicators such as pH, sulphate, turbidity, conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen as well as macro-invertebrates, fish and assessments of stream habitat. Water quality sampling was carried out at 27 sites on 21 streams located from Page Stream near Seddonville in the north, to Seven Mile Creek near Dunollie in the South, and to Garvey Creek east of Reefton. There was relatively low variability of pH, conductivity and sulphate concentrations at most of the sites sampled. Conductivity and sulphate concentrations reduced with increasing flow and pH generally increased. Significant effects on macro-invertebrate and fish populations were identified at several of the sites where water quality sampling was undertaken. Of the water quality parameters tested, macro-invertebrates were mostly affected by pH. Although not sampled directly (conductivity was used as a surrogate) heavy metal concentration may explain some of the variation in macro-invertebrate communities. Three creeks affected by mine drainage were sampled for fish and no fish were present. Fish appear to be more sensitive to acid rock drainage that invertebrates. Using data from this survey and other studies conducted in the region, the total length of stream that is actually or highly likely to be adversely affected by acid rock drainage was estimated at 125 km. This figure is useful as a gauge as to the magnitude of the issue in this region and for setting of priorities for remediation. However, as it is only an estimate based on limited sampling sites, it should be used with caution.

Jan 1, 2003

By Arthur Knapp

The petroleum industry is confronted with the problem of conservalion. This is not a simple problem in view of a wide difference of opinion among authorities as to whether conservation is necessary and the specific direction that it should take. Many writers accuse the petroleum industry of wasting the natural resources of the country. Others link the consuming public with the industry in this waste. Let us define our terms; agree, if possible, on where and when waste occurs in connection with either the recovery or use of petroleum and select such plans for conservation as appear most practical. A plan for conserv3tion which appears to be logical today may not meet the problem tomorrow. The conservation of petroleum is closely linked with the advancement of marly arts and sciences and as these advance, the plan of conservation has to change. The need for conservation does not necessarily rest upon the elimination of waste. There is not necessarily a fixed connection between waste and conservation. Conservation may be necessary or desirable although there is no waste. Definitions Waste: Useless or unnecessary expenditure. Conservation: The preservation of the natural resources for economical use. Both definitions contain adjectives the interpretation of which is extremely difficult. It is the determination of what expenditures are "unnecessary" or what uses are "economical" that will require study and agreement. If one lets his automobile engine run in cold weather in order to keep it hot, it is difficult to measure that necessity. If an automobile is driven two blocks, when the driver is physically capable of walking, what is the measure of necessity. This question is in the realm of one of the oldest of sociological problems, "What is a luxury?"—a problem which has not been solved. The history of society indicates that the measure of a man's wealth has been the measure of necessity. What he can afford to buy without stinting himself in some other direction, is not a luxury to him and, if it fulfills his desires, may be considered his necessity.

Jan 1, 1927

By Walter R. Storms

This paper, which describes the mining methods of the Potash Co. of America in Eddy County, N. Mex., is one of a series being prepared by the Mining Branch, of the Bureau of Mines on mining practices and methods in various mining districts of the United States. 4, T. The mine and plant of Potash Co. of America are situated in sec. 20 S., R.. 30, E.,. N. M. P. M., about 22 miles by paved road northeast of Carlsbad (fig. 1). A spur line of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad also connects the mine with Carlsbad.

Apr 1, 1948

By Basil Dimitriades

The roles of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in smog formation were investigated by the Bureau of Mines. Samples of automobile exhaust with varying HC and NOx levels were irradiated in a smog chamber under conditions that resulted in smog levels similar to those observed in the atmosphere. Results were used to define the patterns that describe the dependence of a number of smog manifestations on HC and on NOx. Using these dependence data and some simplifying assumptions, estimates were made of the ranges within which HC and NOx must lie in order to obtain specified levels of air quality.

Jan 1, 1970

By C. Yi, M. Onifade, B. Genc, S. Dineva, T. Zvarivadza, M. Khandelwal

Deep hardrock mines worldwide increasingly face rockbursts as mining depths increase. These events result from the accumulation and sudden release of stress, causing rockmass damage and posing major safety and operational challenges. This paper focuses on destress blasting as a critical strategy to mitigate rockburst hazards. Although limited practical experience exists in Swedish deep hardrock mines, international case studies demonstrate that, when well implemented, destress blasting redistributes peak stresses by promoting controlled fracturing around mining excavations. The success of such techniques is highly dependent on site-specific factors such as stress regime, rockmass brittleness, structural geology, and blast layout. Although destress blasting is especially effective in massive, brittle rock under high stress, typical conditions for strainburst prone environments, its design cannot rely solely on numerical models. Simulations can offer preliminary evaluation of stress redistribution trends and guide early design assessments but their current limitations, including sensitivity to input data and simplified fracture mechanics, mean they are best used as supplementary tools rather than final decision-makers. Field trials, supported by microseismic analysis and fracture mapping, remain essential for validation. The study critically synthesises international experiences and presents a structured framework for destress blasting design, offering practical and academic perspectives aligned with Swedish geological conditions to support safer and more efficient application in deep hardrock mines.

Jun 27, 2025

By T. J. Ballard

Chromite deposits in the vicinity of Louise, Troup County, Ga., were studied y the Bureau of Mines from September 1, 1942, to March, 15, 1943. They are about three-fourths of a mile southeast of Louise and 8 miles northeast of La Grange, Troup County, Ga. The existence of chromite deposits in that area has been known for more than 75 years, but no active prospecting was done until World War I. Prospecting continued intermittently' until 1928. The Bureau became interested in the deposits in connection with its strategic minerals investigations during World War II. The chromite in these deposits occurs as grains ranging from "pin-head" size to 3/8-inch and occasionally 1 inch. Some of the material is magnetic, indicating the presence of magnetite. Of the 300 samples taken during the course of the project, 266 were analyzed. Tables showing the analyses accompany this report.

Jan 1, 1948

By K. Goshtasbi

The mechanical behaviour of schistose sedimentary rocks such as slate show a great amount of anisotropy. Hence, the schistocity plane is essential when investigating the mechanical behaviour of such rocks. The presence of such rocks in civil projects causes non-symmetric deformation and their behaviour is unpredictable. In this research, the anisotropic strength behaviour of slates is studied. Uniaxial and triaxial tests were conducted on specimens having orientation angles (ß) of 0, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 degrees. The triaxial tests were done at confining pressures of 3, 5 and 10 MPa. The effect of anisotropy on uniaxial and triaxial strength, cohesion, angle of internal friction and Hoek and Brown's m and s constants were investigated. The results indicate that the strength of slates in uniaxial and triaxial compression exhibit a U-shaped anisotropic behaviour. In-order to evaluate the most suitable criterion for predicting the anisotropic strength of rocks in uniaxial and triaxial compression, an investigation was carried out on various criteria. In uniaxial compression, the Liao and Huong and Ramamurthy criteria had good agreements with the test results. In triaxial compression the Hoek and Brown and Mc Lamore criteria had better agreements with the test results. It should be noted that in-order to utilize these criteria, a large number of tests must be carried out. However, as the Ramamurthy criterion needs fewer test results, it can be the most suitable for investigating the behaviour of anisotropic rocks in triaxial compression. Keywords: Slate, anisotropy, schistose, failure criteria

Jan 1, 2006

By H. M. Smith

The production of oil during the early development of new oil fields is usually accompanied by large quantities of natural gas. Since in most fields gas under pressure is the main source of the energy causing the oil to move through the sands into the wells and thence to the surface, coincident production of natural gas will continue as long as present-day producing methods are used. Generally the use of this gas is restricted, since markets are not readily available. Consequently, a large portion of the gas produced is often wasted by being blown into the air. The magnitude of gas waste is well brought out in the following statement by Miller: Only a few outstanding examples need be cited to show the enormous production of gas that accompanies the discovery of new sources. In April, 1927, the Ventura field produced approximately 210,000,000 cubic feet of gas a day; and during the summer of 1927 Alamitos Heights reached a peak gas production of 102,000,000 cubic feet a day; on December 1, 1928, as a result of the summer's deeper drilling in the Long Beach field, surplus gas production amounted to 125,000,000 cubic feet a day. It is estimated that in January, 1929, the Santa Fe Springs field will have a daily gas production of 387,000,000 cubic feet from the recently discovered Buckbee oil zone. Of this amount 274,000,000 cubic feet a day will be the surplus above the amount required for field and plant fuel, taken out by utility corporations, and that used in repressuring the Meyer sand which lies above the Buckbee zone. Another example of the waste of large volumes of gas is in the Turner Valley field of Canada, 6 where 250,000,000 cubic feet of gas is being burned daily in flambeaus, as there is no present outlet except at prohibitive cost.

Jan 1, 1931