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By Bruce D. Hanson

A computer model capable of simulating the basic production system in a variety of underground mining methods has been developed at the Twin Cities Mining Research Center. This Bureau of Mines paper describes the simulation of the basic production system at the working face, which includes drilling, blasting, mucking, and roof bolting. The model is event-oriented; that is, the status of the system is updated at the occurrence of an event. All event or activity times, including failure and repair of equipment, are treated as stochastic variables. A location dimension, in addition to the time dimension, is used, allowing the simulation of multiple location systems. To aid the user in determining the efficiency of his system, the model provides several reports. An event or activity report gives the frequency of occurrence total active time, and cumulative delay statistics for each event. An equipment report delineates the availability and utilization of all equipment. A production report provides information on various performance measures such as tons produced and holes drilled. The cost report gives the cost of various elements in the system. Operating data from an actual mining situation were used in validating the model. In addition to the description of the model, examples of simulation experiments which were performed on a room-and-pillar mine system are given. Use of the model to determine methods for improving the efficiency of the system is discussed.

Jan 1, 1974

By Henry H. Roos

NTRODUCTION In the mining industry, a "drill jumbo" is a drilling unit equipped with one or more rock drills and mounted on a mechanical conveyance. Jumbos range from single¬drill ring drills mounted on simple steel skids to sophisti¬cated multiple-drill units mounted on diesel engine powered carriers and equipped with automatic controls and sound-abatement cabs. Individual types of jumbos usually are designed for specific tasks such as fan drilling in sublevel caving operations. Some units, such as development jumbos, can be utilized for several functions in addition to their normal applications, e.g., for production drilling in room-and-pillar operations, stoping in cut-and-fill mining, etc. Mine operators can purchase individual components from manufacturers, assembling these components into a jumbo suitable for specific conditions. However, this requires that mine personnel have good engineering and mechanical abilities. Although manufacturers of jumbos maintain facilities for designing machines to meet con¬ditions created by new mining methods and unusual ap¬plications, the cost of the engineering and experimental work for new types of jumbos should be evaluated in terms of both costs and benefits; it may be advantageous to plan the mining operation so that existing and proven units can be utilized. GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA Since the operating conditions vary in underground mines, the design of a jumbo must be selected to cope with the individual characteristics of the mine. The necessary considerations include access space into the working areas, grades expected to be encountered, radii of the curves, ambient temperatures, the characteristics of the rock, the acidity or alkalinity (pH rating) of the mine water, etc. Access to Mine Workings The mine workings must be accessible to the selected jumbo. Frequently, a jumbo must be disassembled at least partially to pass through the mine shafts. There¬fore, a bolted construction allowing disassembly into pieces of suitable size and weight is desirable in most applications. Type of Undercarriage Generally, a crawler-type undercarriage should not be used in trackless mines having acidic mine water. The acidic water causes an electrolytic action between the individual crawler parts and causes rapid corrosion and early failures. Propulsion A two-wheel drive on a pneumatic-tired jumbo is marginal for grades exceeding 12%. A four-wheel drive unit with good weight distribution is capable of operat¬ing on grades of up to 35%. At least 30% of the gross vehicle weight (GVW) should be carried on the steering axle; otherwise, the steering tires may not have sufficient traction on loose road surfaces and may "plow" instead of steer. To assure stable operation in mines with steep grades, the height of the center of gravity of the jumbo should be considered. It should not make the unit prone to rolling over on the steep grades that may be encoun¬tered. Turning Ability In confined working areas, a skid-steering or crawler unit has the best maneuverability. An articulated carrier is preferable when base-rotated parallel booms are being utilized. A rigid-frame jumbo with automotive steering is compact and economical, having lower maintenance requirements than the other two types. However, the turning radius of a rigid-frame unit is wider than either the skid-steering or articulated units, and this wider turning radius may be detrimental in mines with narrow drifts. JUMBO COMPONENTS Rail Undercarriages A mine with a rail-transportation system generally utilizes drill jumbos that are mounted on rail-type under¬carriages. With a light load and good weight distribu¬tion, this carrier may consist of a simple two-axle four-wheel platform onto which the boom-mounting brackets are attached. As the depth of the round and the penetration rates increase, the weight of the equip¬ment installed on the chassis also increases. The greatest problem with a heavy overhung load is balancing the carrier; a three-boom unit may require a substantial amount of counterweighting to maintain an acceptable 70% to 30% axle-load balance. Although lengthening the wheelbase helps balance the unit, a long wheelbase increases the turning radius, often creating problems on curves and sometimes requiring a swivel truck-type chassis. A good rule of thumb for a simple four-wheel undercarriage is to maintain a wheelbase length to track gage-width ratio that does not exceed 2.5 to 1.0. For a larger ratio, a swivel truck should be utilized. Swing-out outriggers or roof jacks help keep a jumbo in place during the drilling cycle. Usually, a rail-mounted jumbo is not self-propelled. Instead, it is maneuvered into place by a locomotive. Occasionally, several headings are being advanced in close proximity, and a self-propelled jumbo is con¬venient. In electrified mines, such a jumbo utilizes conventional battery-powered traction gear; in dieselized mines, hydrostatic drive components offer good flexi¬bility. The tractive power requirements of a typical rail jumbo may be calculated from the formula: HP = [(RR + GR) X Sl/[33,000 X Em X Eh]

Jan 1, 1982

By R. D. Call

During the past fifteen years considerable progress has been made in the technology of slope design. It is possible to design rational slope angles if suitable data on geology, hydrology, and rock properties are available. It is of course preferable to conduct a full scale slope design study, but there are those situations where a full scale study is not feasible because of time and budget constraints. In this paper we will treat two situations: (1) choosing slope angles for a preliminary feasibility study at the exploration stage; and (2) dealing with a slope failure in an operating pit. In these instances slope angles must often be chosen on the basis of available or readily obtained data. In an exploration program all too often a feasibility study is initiates just a few months prior to the decision deadline to drop the property or to exercise an expensive purchase option. If all that is available at this point are a few cross sections at odd angles showing ore and waste contacts and a dog-earred map of the surface geology there may not be time to collect and organize enough information for design of slope angles. On the other hand if during the drilling program geologic cross sections are constructed and the structural data is presented in tabular form, rational slope angles can be determined within the allotted time. Certain types of data can be collected only at specific times during a project. Two prime examples are logging fracture intensity and collecting samples for rock testing before the core is split. It is particularly disheartening to ask to see the core and to be shown a tattered cardboard box filled with plastic bags of sample pulps.

Jan 1, 1976

By M. D. Lawton

Anglo-Rouyn Mines Limited, managed by Rio Algom Mines Limited is a subsidiary of the British-based Rio Tinto-Zinc Corporation Limited. This mining operation is situated in Northern Saskatchewan, 250 miles north of Saskatoon and represents the first base-metal mine of any importance served by this relatively new mining province. The outcrop of Copper-bearing Chalcopyrite was first discovered by prospectors in 1915, but was not mined until 1965 due to the absence of any form of road into the area prior to this latter date. The mine, mill and concentrator were designed to handle 900 tons per day of comparatively hard, abrasive ore containing chalcopyrite with traces of gold and silver. The flow sheet, Figure 1, is, we believe, elementary, designed with low cost in mind and utilises much old equipment from closed¬-down mines. Due to some difficulty in attaining the designed grinding capacity, changes were made in the crusher circuit. This, unfortunately, lowered the crushing rate too much. A series of changes have taken place to re-establish the original crusher capacity of better than 100 tons per hour. In the quest for a better recovery certain modifications have been tested in the concentrator circuit. These steps are discussed in minor detail.

Jan 1, 1970

By J. D. Cooper

Previous research developed guide- lines to restrict the placement of air velocity sensors to areas of Low turbulence in underground nines. Even though these guidelines are theoretically correct, and may be easy to follow in underground coal mines, their application in small underground metal mines is difficult. As a result, study was undertaken at the Colorado School of Mines Experimental Mine to determine if an air velocity sensor could be placed in other locations with acceptable results. It was found chat by applying a variable calibration function to correct for changes in amounts of turbulence, instead of the previously used calibration factor multiplication, the sensor could be used successfully in areas of moderate turbulence.

Jan 1, 1984

By Mehmet Guney

[The Atlantis-II-Deep is a hydrothermal mineralization located along the median valley of the Red Sea at a water depth of about 2200 m. Extensive exploration of the metal-rich brine deep revealed a potentially mineable deposit on economic interest consisting of oxides, silicates and sulphides with considerable concentrations of zinc, copper, cadmium and silver. Geostatistics was applied to assess the most likely in-situ vague of the metal potential for economical exploitation. Semi-variograms were constructed to characterize the structure of the regionalized distribution of the geological parameters. Volume grades and thicknesses were determined by the kriging technique, avoiding systematically biased high or low grades, and then block .tonnages were computed. The estimation variances, distribution of errors and histograms of observed and kriged values in each grid Mock were also produced.]

Jan 1, 1983

By Aarne Visnapuu

Unmodified pneumatic rock drills may have noise levels of 115 to 130 dB at the operator's position. Experimental modifications have been made to a standard drill to suppress the noise from the three main sources: the air exhaust noise, the noise radiated from the drill, and the resonance noise of the steel drill rods. A prototype model developed at the Bureau of Mines, Rolla Metallurgy Research Center, operates at a noise level below 100 dB. A close-fitting case and muffler unit, consisting of a metallic skeleton filled with viscoelastic absorber and having a durable cover, provided both muffling and noise absorption. Damping alloys were used at strategic points in the drill. Drill steel resonance noise was reduced by a constrained-layer treatment on the outside of the drill rod. The singular and combined effects of the treatments are presented in detail.

Jan 1, 1973

By Bennett D. Lass

A new method for determination of residual flotation oils on beneficiated kaolin clays has been developed. The method, which yields qualitative information, is based on fluorescence measurements employing a spatially resolved, polychromatic illumination source for excitation, and a two-dimensional detection scheme using a silicon-intensified, video imaging device. The method was used to identify residual oils on a beneficiated, Washington County, Georgia, crude clay. The results were compared to a similar qualitative analysis performed via capillary column gas chromatography using an FID detector. The video fluorometry was the preferred method of, analysis.

Jan 1, 1983

By V. Svalbonas

Presently the U.S. mining industry is very conscious of costs. It is timely, therefore, to review the dominant specifications used in the industry for procuring large size-reduction equipment. These are compared with other specifications and procurement methods, such as ASME and DOD, using the criteria of resulting costs, safety/ quality, and fitness-for-service.

Jan 1, 1987

By Joseph D. Martinez

Salt, because of its plasticity, exerts a major influence in deformation. Resulting salt structures are common world-wide. A special type, salt domes, are associated with thick sequences of sediments deposited over salt. Their upward intrusion is generally thought to be in response to buoyancy. Mines in salt domes reveal an internal pattern compatible with large amounts of vertical flowage. Caprock, the end product of accumulation of anhydrite from salt dissolution, attests to long continued upward growth and concomitant truncation by moving underground waters. Concepts of modes of growth are evaluated and related to problems in utilization.

Jan 1, 1979

By Edgar A. Scholz

The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative cost analysis of domestic and foreign exploration projects which developed into mines during the 1960-1974 time period. A total of 18 mining companies, American and Canadian, were approached to solicit cost data on domestic and foreign exploration projects which developed into mines. Only 20 percent of the companies to which questionnaires were sent made data available. Several companies answered negatively, informing us that they would have difficulty in attempting to sort our costs. Some companies were usable to release cost details. It is comforting, however, to realize that some of the non-contributing companies expressed eagerness to hear the findings of this paper. Inasmuch as the data available on exploration expenditures is, in some cases, somewhat uncertain and that no two mining companies follow the same system of cost allocations, the results obtained in this analysis should he interpreted as trends of a general character.

Jan 1, 1976

By J. K. Conibear

Since the 1948 introduction of hydraulic fill at the Sudbury Ontario Mines of the International Nickel Company of Canada, 32,000,000 tons of water-borne sandfill and 420,000 tons of portland cement addition have been placed in underground workings. Fill method mining, currently conducted at six of the ten operating mines, accounts for 28 percent of the total mines underground production. Both classified mill tailings and screened alluvial pit sand are used as fill for cut-and-fill primary mining, undercut-and-fill pillar recovery, and backfilling of blasthole and shrinkage stopes. Cemented fill, consisting of a lean mixture of portland cement, is used in areas where a stabilized fill is required to reduce dilution and aid in the recovery of adjacent pillar ore.

Jan 1, 1970

By Richard E. Barrett

The relationship between coal characteristics and power plant performance has become a matter of increasing interest to utilities. This relationship can affect the value of coals, decisions as to coal washing, setting penalties for delivery of coal that fails to meet specifications, and justifying buying better coals (at higher costs) before public utility commissions. The study described in this paper was directed to identifying how coal characteristics impact on boilers and related coal and gas handling systems. TVA data for the period 1962-1980 was the basis for the study. Models were developed for boiler efficiency, boiler availability, and maintenance costs as a function of such coal characteristics as ash, sulfur, and moisture content and boiler age. Boiler load and maintenance efforts were considered as variables in some of the models, but were found not to be statistically significant. Although the results of this study are strictly applicable to only the TVA system, they can serve as guides or first approximations for other utilities.

Jan 1, 1983

By J. E. Moyle

Rio Algom Corporation of Wilmington, Delaware is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Alloys Inc., an Ohio Corporation, which in turn is 100% owned by Rio Algom Mines Limited of Toronto, Canada. Rio Algom is controlled by the Rio Tinto Zinc Corporation of London, England, which has subsidiaries and affiliated operations throughout the world. Rio Algom geologists first became interested in this Utah pro- perty in 1966, after preliminary drilling had indicated that a known orebody close to the surface appeared to continue on the dorm thrust side of a major local fault, known as the Lisbon fault. Accordingly, in 1968, arrangements were made to acquire what was known as the "Humeca Option", a total of 2,573 acres located in San Juan county in south-east Utah, 35 miles south-east of the town of Moab.

Jan 1, 1975

By G. R. O?Neil

The justification for a "ligand- selective' approach to fine mineral beneficiation via flocculation is established initially. Special emphasis is placed upon the need to identify non-selective, interfering and complicating adsorption effects. Specific strategies directed towards the design and synthesis of complementary selective flocculants are detailed using a number of different polymers and chelating agents as examples. In this regard, the affinity of polymer-bound ligands for metallic cations, ligand concentration, possible modes of attachment, the application of spaced-out ligands and other considerations in the preparation of selective flocculants are highlighted.

Jan 1, 1983

By Haydn H. Murray

Kaolins and bentonites of economic importance in Australia and New Zealand are described. Clays that are used for structural clay products are not discussed. Residual, hydrothermal, and sedimentary kaolins are utilized including clays associated with coal measures. Bentonites are sedimentary and residual. Very little kaolin and no bentonite is exported presently, but this will change in the near future as transportation costs continue to escalate. Many areas of Australia, in particular, where kaolins are known to occur have not been investigated to determine the quality and quantity of the deposit.

Jan 1, 1982

By Andrew P. Gize

A petrographic approach to studying the organic matter in ore deposits is advantageous in that direct observation of sample heterogeneity can be made, organic constituents (macerals) can be identified, and valuable information about the geological history of the sample (such as thermal history, oxidation, and reworking) can be obtained. Thermally immature bitumens are compositionally and structurally heterogeneous, and optically isotropic. The end product of thermal alteration, graphite, is compositionally and structurally homogeneous, and optically an isotropic. One route by which thermally immature bitumens can approach the graphite structure Is by an aromatic intermediate phase, termed mesophase. The development of optical anisotropy and a thermal mesophase has been observed In several high temperature deposits. Textures in bitumens are described from the thermally-altered Mississippi Valley-Type deposit at Nanisivik (Northwest Territories), the silver-vein deposit at Kongsberg (Norway), and the gold deposit at Carlin (Nevada). Textural evidence for multiple generations of bitumens, supportive of a pulsing model for incoming brines, is shown. Petrological evidence for the introduction of bitumens as an immiscible phase or possibly as micelles is shown in the Carlin and Kongsberg deposits.

Jan 1, 2013

By R. W. Utley

Over one half billion tons of coal per year is scalped, classified, deslimed, drained and rinsed, dewatered and final sized on rotary, vibrating, shaking or stationary screens. The vibrating screen is the industry work horse and performs the bulk of the screening functions in the coal preparation plant. There are two major types of brute force mechanical vibrating screens used in coal preparation plants: (1) the two-bearing one-shaft inclined screen and (2) the four-bearing two-shaft horizontal screen. Both of these types are familiar to coal producers.

Jan 1, 1966

By Fred C. Caspall

During the last century the importance of coal as a natural re- source has frequently come to the attention of the general public, but never before nave circumstances combined to focus as much attention on coal as it receives today. There is the ever increasing demand for energy that can be met only by coal consumption, coupled with a growing awareness of man's potential for despoiling his own environment. Society monitors the use of the remaining resources with an increasingly critical eye and, for obvious reasons, surface mining operations tend to draw an unusual amount of public attention. While the surface mine is a successful economic competitor with other uses of the earth's outer skin, one of the unrewarding results of such activity is tile simultaneous destruction of two of our most important resources--the coal seam and the surface soil. In a relative sense the coal seam is a nonreplaceable resource but the surface soil can be restored. Unfortunately, little attention has been given to land reclamation and even less has been devoted to the restoration of a productive surface soil. The research reported in this paper was de- signed to test the relative productivity of newly reclaimed surface mine spoils in western Illinois. The results are preliminary in nature but may aid in the future redevelopment of mine spoil soils in the Illinois Coal Basin.

Jan 1, 1975

By William J. Bryson

Just picture, if you will, the hot, lonely and desolate Ochre Mountains west of Salt Lake City. There works a grizzled old miner, his boots worn down, his clothes hang on a body stooped by years of hard labor. His skin is wrinkled and leather toughened by many years in the hot desert sun. His ever faithful burro stands patiently in the shade of a large rock as the tired old miner examines ore samples just acquired that very morning. Suddenly the old man's eyes widen, his breathing becomes rapid. 'Leaping to his feet, with a gleam in his eye, he cries, "Eureka, I'm rich, I've found the mother lode. This is where I will start my digging. " Without warning, the silent wilderness is alive with wild, shouting, charging figures! Frightened the old miner glances about him wide-eyed and pan- icky. His heart sinks, dismayed he now knows all is lost, this is the end. For there leaping from behind rocks and brush papers in hand, are the men from the Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, State Mine Inspectors, OSHA, MESA, EPA, OEO, and the never ending list of regulatory bodies related to todays mining industry.

Jan 1, 1975