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Jan 1, 1913

By Frank H. Skelding

Still the world's largest producer, consumer and importer/exporter of minerals, the United States has, in recent years, become more and more aware of the many diverse forces that increasingly affect its ability to maintain free access to and trade in minerals, both domestically and abroad. The nation's growing dependence upon foreign sources of minerals in the face of mounting competition is causing many changes, not only in the mineral industries, but in national attitudes and policies as well. This paper examines the position of the United States in the world mineral economy relative to the significant trends that have and are developing. It attempts to define and evaluate the major present and future impact of these trends and to anticipate the probable effects upon the U.S. and its mineral economy.

Jan 1, 1976

Jan 1, 1901

By Samuel B. Christy

Jan 1, 1889

By James G. Blaine, David A. Summers, L. John Tyler

There has been a considerable amount of research developed which shows that the close contour cutting of an excavation prior to removal of the central core will increase ground stability while concommitantly, reducing the number and size of blastholes required to create the excavation. To date, the industrial development of this technique has however, centered on the development of equipment based on simple cutter movement and mechanical rock cutting. The advent of reliable field operable high pressure waterjet cutting equipment with the very low reactive force required to hold the head in position has opened the way for a much smaller and more manueverable system. The advent of small, micro-computers allows the programming of accurate profiles for cutting tools on excavation equipment. The combination of these two technologies will allow the generation of complex as well as simple, excavation profiles and lead to the potential pre-support of the opening before major excavation is completed. A brief description of the necessary components and their functions is encorporated in the initial prototype design as given.

Jan 1, 1984

By D. D. Porter, H. G. Carlevato

Blasting to prepare orebodies for in situ leaching usually involves extraordinary conditions which sometimes require special and innovative techniques. To date several unusually large blasts have been made for leaching with results that are very encouraging. Among the factors considered when designing these large blasts are orebody shape and depth, rock properties, vibration and damage potential, loading logistics, and safety. All of these factors, and others, are discussed with an effort made to put each of them into its proper perspective.

Jan 1, 1974

By Myrick N. Bolles

The concentration of gold and silver in mattes low in copper, and the subsequent separation and recovery of either or both of these metals, is a question the satisfactory solution of which has long vexed metallurgists. It covers a broad and important department of metallurgical science and brings in its train a series of attendant problems continuing from the initial operations of concentration to the final recovery of " values."

Jan 1, 1905

By Alfred F. Beasley

The slags derived from the smelting of lead and copper ores are composed essentially of silicates. The problems arising from the smelting of these ores consequently involve the study of silicate fusions. In the absence of specific knowledge concerning the compounds occurring in slags, it has been the practice of metallurgists to treat them in terms of their total chemical composition. Slags have been classified as monosilicates, bisilicates, sesquisilicates, and subsilicates according to the relative amounts of oxygen in the acid and basic radicles of the hypothetical salt produced. While this has been a useful guide to metallurgists in computing the furnace charges, it falls far short of a basis for the scientific investigation of slags. In order to understand the nature of a slag as a whole it is necessary to learn the physical and chemical properties of the mineral compounds which go to make up that slag. The efficiency with which an ore is smelted in a furnace depends primarily on the physical properties of the compounds formed during the operation. When the melting points and fields of stability of each of the mineral compounds in slags have been established, it will be possible to determine the properties of any given slag by examining the nature and amounts of its mineral constituents. Earlier Investigations In 1884 and succeeding years an extensive survey of lead and copper furnace slags was made in Europe by Vogt, and a large part of the present knowledge of the subject is due to his publications.' Vogt's interest in artificial fusions was directed primarily towards the explanation of problems in igneous and economic geology and his subsequent works have been confined wholly to that subject.

Jan 1, 1930

Jan 1, 1898

By J. L. Ratliff, R. I. Jaffee, H. R. Ogden, D. J. Maykuth

An experimental program was carried out to improve the low-temperature ductjlity of tungsten through the combined use of dispersed oxides for grain-size control and Groups VII and VIII metal additions for matrix softening. Separate binary -alloy studies showed that increasing amounts of finely dispersed thoria or zirconia and critical amounts of rhenium, osmium, and iridium were effective in significantly reducing the ductile-to -brittle bend transition temperature of tungsten as well as in increasing its re crystallization temper - LIKE most of the high-melting point bcc metals, tungsten undergoes a marked transition from ductile to brittle behavior with decreasing temperatures. The material factors which influence the transition temperature include grain size, metal purity, and the presence of dispersed phases. ature and decreasing its recrystallized grain size. The beneficial effects shown by each of these additions on transition temperature and grain size in binary combinations appeared to be additive in tevnary combinations. Thus, combined additions of 2 to 8 vol pct thoria with 5 pct Re, 0.87 pct Os, or 0.30 pct Ir were effective in lowering the transition temperature of tungsten pom 2000 to 75"C, increasing its re crystallization temperature from 1600 to 1800°C, and decreasing its recrystallized gain size from 1175 to 6800 grains per sq mm. The mechanism by which these factors are operable in tungsten is not yet clearly understood. Nevertheless, it has become increasingly apparent that the interrelationship of grain size and matrix composition governs to a large extent the degree of low-temperature ductility which can be achieved. Though it is not possible to accurately assess the relative importance of these variables, the available evidence suggests that, at low temperatures, grain-size effects predominate over purity effects. This was indicated in recent studies by Allen, Maykuth, and Jaffee,' involving single crystals containing 20 to 40 ppm 0 and 1 to 30 ppm C. Thus, while each

Jan 1, 1964

By John R. Wynnyckyj

Results of correlations between strength-development and sintering shrinkage occurring during induration are presented. A mathematical treatment of the shrinkage kinetics is, next, given and is based on the use of semi-empirical equations. The discussion stresses the significance of kinetic constants and activation energies in the assessment of iron ore concentrates for pelletizing and induration. Next, starting with the assumption that there is a need for parameters to characterize the iron-ore concentrates and relate these parameters to shrinkage-kinetic constants and balling behaviour, results of compaction measurements and pore structure characterization (mercury porosimetry) are presented and discussed.

Jan 1, 1977

By K. P. Gupta, P. A. Beck, N. S. Rajan

By determining the a phase boundaries in the following ternary systems: V-Fe-Si (at 1175oC), V-Co-Si (at 1175°C), V-Ni-Si (at 1175oC), Cr-Mn-Si (at 1000°C), Cr-Co-Si (at 1175°C), Cr-Ni-Si (at 1175°C), V-Fe-A1 (at 1175°C) and Cr-Co-A1 (at 1175°C), it was found that Si exerts a stabilizing effect on these a phases, while A1 tends to destabilize them. Si atoms in solid solution occupy sites D in the a structure, The co/ao ratio increases with increasing Si-, Mn- or Fe-content. The volume of the unit cell decreases with increasing Si-content. THE stabilization of certain metal silicides (the Nowotny phases) by the addition of relatively small

Jan 1, 1961

By K. L. Komarek

Based on theoretical and experimental evidence a discussion follows of the behavior of phosphorus -bearing iron ores in the R-N Direct Reduction Process and suggestions are made of methods of reducing the amount of phosphorus in the metallic end product. In ferrous metallurgy a direct reduction process is one in which iron ores are reduced to metallic iron with gaseous or solid reductants without the appearance of a liquid phase. A number of attractive features have induced several companies and government agencies to invest in the development of direct reduction processes. A summary of all direct reduction processes up to 1954 has been given by Barrett,' and Wiberg,2 and Willems3 have reviewed the most recent developments in this rapidly expanding field. Many difficulties have been encountered in direct reduction processes and the nature of these difficulties has varied from process to process. One problem common to almost all of them is the removal of phosphorus which is one of the reasons for the rather pessimistic outlook given by some government publications4'5 to direct reduction processes. In this paper an attempt is made to give a theoretical explanation of the variations in phosphorus removal observed in the R-NY Direct Reduction Process. However, many conclusions are general enough to be applicable to other processes. Most iron ores treated by the R-N process yield products lower in phosphorus than the original ore. A qualitative account of the factors has been given by Stewart, Reed, and Herasymenkoe but the erratic removal of phosphorus from some ores and the general importance of this problem make a more careful analysis of the theoretical aspects desirable. In the R-N process mixed ore or balled fines, ex-

Jan 1, 1963

By B. H. Bergstrom, J. J. Gilvarry

Previously the authors showed that the Gilvarry equation correctly describes the distribution of fragment size in single fracture, provided the exoclastic particles showing original surface of the specimen are removed from the distribution. In the present work this conclusion has been strengthened in two respects. First, it has been shown that the existence of two peaks in the differential distribution for the endoclastic particles, corresponding to the effect of surface and volume flaws in the interior of the specimen, can be demonstrated from the average of data for a large number of specimens. Second, it has been shown by means of a Coulter counter that data obtained from specimens fractured in gelatin display the behavior at fragment sizes approaching 1 p which is demanded by the limiting form of the Gilvarry equation in this case. In previous work, a rigorous derivation of the proper distribution function for fragment size in single fracture of a brittle solid has been given by Gilvarry,' based on a closely defined physical model and deduced strictly by the laws of probability. Experimental work has been reported by Gilvarry and Berg-str~m,~ confirming the theory in its broad outlines. Subsequently, Gilvarry and Bergstrom extended the theoretical discussion to include comminution and presented experimental data bearing on this point. They have described further experimental results for the case of single fracture recently. The experimental evidence regarding single fracture was rather convincing. However, it was based on only five specimens for which fragment sizes were determined by sieve analyses and three for which measurements in the finer sizes were made on a Coulter counter. The purpose of the present paper is to extend the experimental results as obtained by means of both sieve analyses and the Coulter technique. In the former case, sufficient specimens are included so that the average data should vield ac- curately the detailed behavior of the distribution function for the coarser fragment sizes. In the latter case, measurements for the finer sizes are reported which correspond to single fracture more closely than prior results and fill a lacuna left in the experimental verification. In addition, an extension of the theory given recently bGilvarry for the case of fracture of a two-dimensional solid will be outlined, and experimental results obtained by him will be discussed.6 THREE-DIMENSIONAL CASE Gilvarry' has shown that the Schuhmann size modulus is a measure, in a sense specified later, of the number of activated edge flaws in a specimen undergoing single fracture. Single fracture is defined as that resulting from a single instantaneous application of energy, such as the blow of a hammer whose motion is halted when fracture begins. Plural fracture consists of a short sequence of single fractures, as in a jaw or gyratory crusher; multiple fracture obtains when many applications of energy are made, as in a ball mill. The Griffith flaws associated with fracture of a specimen are flaws occurring within the volume of the body, on the new surfaces created within its interior and on the new edges (intersections of two surfaces) within the body. Fracture proceeds by activation of flaws in the volume of the specimen, in the fracture surfaces throughout its interior, and in the edges produced by intersection of fracture surfaces. If all the flaws and all groups of flaws are distributed at random, independently of other flaws or groups thereof, it has been shown by Gilvarry that the distribution function for fragment size has the form of a Poisson distribution. The fraction y, by weight or volume, passing a sieve of mesh size x is given by where k is an average spacing of activated edge flaws, j2 is an average amount of surface containing one activated surface flaw and i3 is an average volume corresponding to an activated volume flaw. The averages in question are referred to the mean dimension x of a fragment. On the basis of the theoretical

Jan 1, 1962

By J. Q. Ehrgott

INTRODUCTION The U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES), under sponsorship of the Defense Atomic Support Agency, has recently developed a unique dynamic high-pressure triaxial testing device (DHT). The device permits acquisition of both axial and lateral deformation data while undisturbed soil and/or rock specimens are subjected to various states of controlled impulsive-type stresses produced by varying both the axial stress and the radial stress rapidly with time. The device is used to develop controlled dynamic pressure pulses within the triaxial chamber fluid on soil or rock test specimens to 3 inches in diameter. Controlled dynamic axial pulse loads are delivered to the specimen by a piston driven by an existing pneumatic ram loader (SECO). The DHT consists of a triaxial cell and a pressure supply and decay system which permits the chamber pressure to be varied with time. Together the DHT and SECO operate in a testing program so as to provide time varying confining pressures and axial loads to test specimens at independently controlled but synchronized programmed rise, hold, and decay times. Rise time is defined as the time from zero load or pressure to peak load or pressure; hold time is the time of constant peak load or pressure; and the decay time is the time from peak load or pressure to zero load or pressure. The maximum dynamic confining pressure attainable is approximately 15,000 psi and the fastest rise and decay times are 3 millisecond (msec) and 20 msec, respectively. This paper presents a description of the DHT, the necessary support equipment, and details of the measurement system. Performance evaluation tests conducted on clay siltstone and a Cretaceous sandstone are presented since the results demonstrate some of the capabilities of the device and show some of its characteristics.

Jan 1, 1971

By J. C. Marquardt L., J. A. Bratt, J. P. Hunt

The Quebrada Blanca copper/molybdenum prospect lies on a dissected plateau in the high Andes of Northern Chile. The Superior Oil-Falconbridge Group began exploration of the Property in 1977 under a joint venture foreign investment agreement with the Chilean government. Quebrada Blanca is a relatively high grade secondarily enriched porphry copper deposit. Primary mineralization occurred 38 million years ago and accompanied quartz monzonite intrusive. Early disseminated Primary mineralization was followed by hydrothermal mineralization, mineralized breccia, and post-mineral faulting. After supergene enrichment Quebrada Blanca was buried under late Tertiary gravels and then partially re-exposed in Quaternary time. During the past five years, a successful exploration program has developed an open-pit mining reserve, provided samples for bulk metallurgical testing, and located more than adequate supplies of water for future operations. The main orebody is amenable to conventional metallurgical treatment and contains more than 400 Mt (441 million st) of recoverable open-pit ore at about a 1:1 overall stripping ratio. The average millhead grade during the first six years of operations will exceed 1.5% Cu, plus recoverable molybdenum values. Several hundred million tons of additional reserves are available in the surrounding districts

Jan 1, 1984

NEW MEMBERS The following list comprises the names of those persons who became members during the period Oct. 10, 1918, to Nov. 9, 1918. ALLER, FRANK D., Copper Met., Ore Purchaser, American Smelt. & Refin. Co., 120 Broadway, New York, N. Y. AVÈRY, PAUL W., Met. Engr., Esperanza Min. Co., Apt. 8, El Oro, Mex., Mexico. BAKER, CHARLES A., Leaching Foreman, Copper Leaching Plant, Anaconda Copper Min. Co., Anaconda, Mont: BREED, CHARLES H Met., Crown Cork & Seal Co., Baltimore, Md. CHASE, R. L., Min. Engr 102S First National Bank Bldg., Denver, Colo. EICHELBERGER, FRANK, Vice-pres. and Engr., New York-Montana Testing & Engrg. Co., Helena, Mont. GESTER, G. C., Geol., Standard Oil Co. of Cal., 616 Standard Oil Bldg., San Francisco, Cal. GRIFFIN, JOHN, Mgr., Anthracite Territory, The Dorr Co., Board of Trade Bldg., Scranton, Pa. HAYNES, ELWOOD Pres., The Haynes Stellite Co., Kokomo, Indiana. Hsi, T. C:.. Sec'y, Tayeh Iron & Steel Works, Tayeh, China. HYDE, AUSTIN T., Mgr., Keokuk Plant, River Smelt. & Refin. Co., 607 Franklin St., Keokuk, Iowa.

Jan 12, 1918

By Lloyd Pollish, Robert N. Breckenridge

SUCCESS in any underground mining operation is determined by accessibility of the orebody, which in turn is dependent upon maintenance of passage- ways to the mining zones and temporary support of the voids caused by extraction of ore. This is accomplished by one or a combination of the following methods: timbering, back-filling, pillaring, or, more recently, rock bolting. Timbering has usually been the principal means of maintaining these underground openings necessary for mining operations. Timber, however, does not prevent ground movement beyond the scope of localized sloughing, which is indicated by the gradual failing of the timber itself. Besides this, timbering has always been a costly process, and with the decline of available supplies of timber close to the mining areas, mining men have constantly sought other methods of controlling ground.

Jan 7, 1954

By N. J. Keys, B. Barlin

Operating properties of Bancroft Mines Ltd. are in the Western Province of Northern Rhodesia, just south of the Katanga border and at the north- western end of the Rhodesian Copperbelt. The concentrator, above, was commissioned in January 1957 to treat 150,000 tons per month of ore derived from the nearby Kirila Bomwe South orebody, and the Konkola orebody eight miles away. The Konkola orebody is comparatively low grade and mining was discontinued there in early 1958. Development work on the new mine at the Kirila Bomwe North orebody commenced in 1959. Today, the plant treats approximately 150,000 tons of ore per month from the Kirila Bomwe South orebody and development ore from the north orebody. Ultimately, 100,000 tons of ore per month will be produced from the north orebody.

Jan 9, 1963

Jan 1, 1916