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By W. Collingwood

As openpit mines continue to grow deeper and productivity continues to increase, the management of respirable dust and noxious gases can become a challenge. The natural wind flow in openpit mines is often recirculatory. This recirculation traps dust and gases in deep openpit mines. This problem is particularly acute in high-latitude openpit mines, due to a phenomenon known as atmospheric inversion. In the winter, arctic and subarctic regions experience short days and long nights. This deficit of solar radiation creates a situation in which cold, still air accumulates near the bottom of the pit. In openpit mines, this can result in unhealthy accumulations of gases and other contaminants. In this study, the natural wind flow patterns in and around openpit mines were investigated using a computational fluid dynamics (CfD) program. Two-dimensional models were created for a variety of pit geometries. The effect of depth, slope angle and wind speed on the recirculation pattern in the pit was examined.

Jan 1, 2012

By F. Crundwell, N. Steenekamp

"The leaching of sulphide minerals generates a significant amount of energy. There are three systems that might be used to remove this energy. These are: cooling coils, quench water, and flash recycle. Flash recycle is the recycling of slurry from the autoclave to the feed tank. Heat is removed in this arrangement when the slurry at elevated temperature and pressure is flashed to atmosphere, releasing steam. The slurry is returned to the autoclave at lower temperature, resulting in cooling. The cooling is directly proportional to the steam released from the recycled slurry. Design equations and results for the flash recycle system are presented. A fourth proposal for removing heat is to recycle slurry from the back of the autoclave. These four alternatives not only remove the heat, but also have an effect on the leaching efficiency. Amongst the four alternatives, design calculations indicate that the flash recycle option is the optimal solution in terms of leaching efficiency and heat removal, and recycling product from the back of the autoclave is the worst. In spite of its efficiency in terms of heat removal and leaching, the implementation of the flash recycle system is limited to a few operations in the platinum industry.INTRODUCTIONIn considering ways to improve leaching operations, focus is placed on the chemistry, on the kinetics, the agitation and perhaps even on the gas mass transfer conditions. Attention is less frequently placed on the removal of energy from these reactors and how this might limit performance.The pressure leaching of sulphides releases a significant amount of heat. For example, the reaction for the leaching of chalcocite, Cu2S, given by"

Jan 1, 2012

By F. R. Archibald

SINCE the opening of the Beattie mine, in 1933, the concentrate produced by flotation has been considered refractory. As the gold extraction by cyanidation was poor, the concentrate, during the first four and a half years of operation, was shipped to a smelter for further treatment. After the installation of the cyanide plant, in 1934, seventy per cent of the gold in the concentrate was recovered before shipment to the smelter. In 1937, a roasting plant was built so that treatment might be complete at the mine. Much experimental work had been done by a number of investigators prior to the installation of the roasters, but none of them had seriously attempted to identify the causes of, or the elements responsible for, the refractory behaviour of the concentrate. Intensive investigation in this direction commenced in the Beattie lab-oratory in July, 1938, has led not only to the identification of several causes contributory to the refractory behaviour, but also to revisions in procedure and principles with respect to roasting Beattie concentrate in particular and arsenical concentrates in general. The accuracy of the identification of these causes and the soundness of the principles is borne out by interpretation of roasting plant records, by improvements and simplification since applied. to plant operation, and also by laboratory and test-plant results on arsenical concentrate produced by another mine. It is the purpose here to present an account and interpretation of the laboratory investigation, together with a correlation of laboratory and plant results. Incomplete extraction of the gold by cyanidation after roasting is due primarily to the nature of the material roasted, and secondarily to the manner in which it has been roasted. There is a possibility that better extraction may be obtained by improvements in both particulars.

Jan 1, 1939

By Luana De Lucca de Costa

A microestrutura resultante do processo de forjamento é influenciada por variáveis como temperatura, deformação, tamanho de grão austenítico inicial e taxa de resfriamento. A proposta deste trabalho é estudar o comportamento termomecânico do aço ABNT 4140 mantido nas temperaturas de 900, 1000, 1100 e 1200ºC por 22, 66 e 200 minutos e, posteriormente, forjado e analisar a influência da temperatura sobre os grãos austeníticos que caracterizam os fenômenos metalúrgicos ocorridos.

Aug 16, 2017

By J. Zegarra W

El presente texto describe las etapas del proceso de metalurgia del tungsteno. Este proceso comprende el conocimiento de la mineralogía y la ganga asociada. La segunda etapa describe el deslamado y preconcentración de los relaves de la planta. Como tercer punto está la flotación y la concentración. Posteriormente se da la lixiviación alcalina a presión de concentrados de tungstenos y por último, está la precipitación de ácido tungstico.

Nov 20, 1978

By Steve Dillingham

The horrific events surrounding September 11th left Americans with a feeling of sudden helplessness...the shock of being unprepared and powerless. From this tragedy, we can understand the need to prepare for the unexpected, and can apply this hard lesson into operational planning for those involved in the commercical explosives industry.

Jan 1, 2003

By D. Milne, G. Snell

"A new method to predict stope hangingwall failure in underground excavations is proposed. This method compares movement rate for stope hangingwalls, determined from changes in strain or deformation, with changing opening geometry. This geometry is represented by the effective radius factor (ERF), a measure of relative distance to supporting abutments from an opening surface point. This strain-ERF (SERF) approach is applied to an instrumentation program for Brunswick mine near Bathurst, New Brunswick. The SERF method for this case study predicted failure at an ERF of 13.9 m and hangingwall failure actually occurred at an approximate ERF of 12.4 m.RÉSUMÉ Cet article propose une nouvelle méthode permettant de prévoir la rupture de l’éponte supérieure des chambres d’abattage dans les excavations souterraines. Cette méthode compare la vitesse de mouvement des épontes supérieures des chambres d’abattage, déterminée à partir des changements aux niveaux des contraintes ou de la déformation, à la géométrie variable de l’ouverture au jour. Cette géométrie est représentée par le facteur du rayon effectif (ERF, de l’anglais Effective Radius Factor), une mesure de la distance relative jusqu’aux appuis latéraux de soutènement à partir d’un point de la surface d’ouverture au jour. Cette approche contraintes-ERF (SERF, de l’anglais strain-ERF) est appliquée à un programme d’instrumentation pour la mine Brunswick située près de Bathurst, dans le Nouveau-Brunswick. Pour cette étude de cas, la méthode SERF prévoyait une rupture à un ERF de 13,9 mètres (m); la rupture de l’éponte supérieure s’est effectivement produite à un ERF d’environ 12,4 m.INTRODUCTIONUnderground stope design can be improved with the installation of field instrumentation. The most commonly used instrumentation for monitoring rock mass behaviour around open stopes is extensometers. The y-axis of Figure 1 represents how the changing rate of movement, measured using either displacement- or stress-type instruments, can be observed over time. The magnitude of movement measured by extensometers can give an approximation of the load on installed support (Milne, Pakalnis, & Lunder, 1996) and a changing rate of movement can indicate approaching instability."

Jan 1, 2018

A machine that improves safety during the cutting of boxholes (ore-passes) and travelways in underground mining operations has delivered impressive results in trials conducted at a South African platinum mine. The technology is a joint effort by Sandvik Mining and Construction and platinum mining company Lonmin. The ABH 1600 boxhole borer was built by Voest-Alpine Bergtechnik, Sandvik’s Austrian subsidiary. It was delivered to the Lonmin Eastern platinum mine in February 2005. There, it was deployed underground on the Number 8 Level (320 m or 1,050 ft below the surface) at the mine’s Newman incline shaft.

Jan 1, 2006

By Charles B. Carpenter

In general terminology, the West Texas Permian Basin companies the area south of the Texas Panhandle and west of the Bend Arch or Central Basin region. It is outlined more definitely by geologists however, as that area underlain by the south half of the Permian Salt Basin4/ and includes Scurry, Mitchell, Sterling, Howard, Glasscock, Reagan, Crockett, Upton, Midland, Martin, Gaines, Andrews, rotor, Crane, Pecos, Ward, Winkler, and Loving Counties in Texas, and.. Lea and Eddy Counties in New Mexico. The oil fields of the area, of which more than 70 have been discovered, are shown in fire 1. Approximately 4,200 producing oil wells have been drilled in these fields. Oil has been produced from limestones and dolomites of Permian age in most of the fields in the West Texas Permian Basin. Some of the fields produced oil from sandstone beds above the limestone, and in two fields production has been found below the limestone in formations of Ordovician age.

Jan 1, 1936

By Charles B. Carpenter

In general terminology, the West Texas Permian Basin comprises the area south of the Texas Panhandle and west of the Bend Arch or Central Basin region. It is outlined mere definitely by geologists, however, as that area underlain by the south half of the Permian Salt Basin4/ and includes Scurry, Mitchell, Sterling, Howard, Glasscock, Reagan, Crockett, Upton, Midland, Martin, Gaines, Andrews, Ector, Crane, Pecos, Ward, Winkler, and Loving Counties in Texas, and Lea and Eddy Counties in New Mexico. The oil fields of the area, of which more than 70 have been discovered, are shown in fire 1. Approximately 4,200 producing oil wells have been drilled in these fields. Oil has been produced from limestones and dolomites of Permian age in most of the fields in the West Texas Permian Basin. Some of the fields produced oil from sandstone beds above the limestone, and in two fields production has been found below the limestone in formations of Ordovician age.

Jan 1, 1936

By C. T. O’Connor

Since the first IMPC took place in London in 1952 there have been many developments in our understanding of flotation, both in terms of chemical and physical factors influencing the process. Many of these developments have been captured in the proceedings of thirty congresses that have taken place since that first event, as well as in numerous journal papers and special volumes dedicated to flotation. This paper attempts to highlight the individual contributions which many eminent researchers and engineers have made over the past 70 years towards extending our understanding of, especially, the effects of chemical factors on flotation. Although the focus is mainly on more fundamental aspects, it seems that the ‘pull’ of practice has often preceded the ‘push’ from laboratory-based research. As the fundamental understanding of the role of chemical factors on flotation continues to be developed, the major challenge remains to transfer this knowledge effectively into the domain of operations of this profoundly complex process.

Jan 1, 2020

By Xiaolu Ye

"Comprehensive utilization of Bi and Sn from the tin-associated polymetallic tailings by “gravity separation – flotation combination process” has been studied, which was verified that the novel process is an effective method to deal with the high content pyrrhotite tin-associated polymetallic tailings. In this investigation, ore property analysis and magnetism analysis of pyrrhotite were conducted to research and develop reasonable beneficiation flowsheet. The results of ore property analysis present that pyrrhotite was not closely related to bismuth and tin minerals. Particle size analysis results indicated that pyrrhotite was mainly in the form of fine particles. The magnetic analysis results show that pyrrhotite was distribution in all the three types of pyrrhotite in a single mining area, which indicated that variable magnetism of with different crystal structure pyrrhotite. The process of “low intensity magnetic separation - high intensity magnetic separation” shown an excellent adaption for the high content pyrrhotite tin-associated polymetallic ore compared with the single flotation process based on the magnetism variable of pyrrhotite. The results of whole process test indicated that a bismuth coarse concentrate assaying 5.63% of Bi at 81.77% recovery was obtained, which treat the conditions for the Bi-S separation flotation. In addition, the content of sulfur in the tin concentrate decreased from 2.5% to 1.5%, which provided a new reference for other tin-associated polymetallic tailings. INTRODUCTION Tin has been applied extensively in catalytic chemistry, gas sensors, tin plating, and plumbing. Tin-bearing polymetallic ores have been the important deposit types to recycle tin with the rapid depletion of mineral resources. The comprehensive utilization of the associated elements has been a preoccupation for the mineral processing researchers."

Jan 1, 2018

By Lumena Glória de Souza Nunes

Objetivo deste trabalho foi simular o processo de deformação plástica severa, mais especificadamente o processo de colaminação acumulativa (Accumulative Roll-Bonding-ARB) em aço baixo carbono, por ensaio de torção a morno. Os corpos de prova foram inicialmente recozidos à 900ºC por 5 min e resfriados dentro do forno com potência desligada. Realizou-se o ensaio de torção à 500ºC aplicando cinco passes de deformação de 0,8, totalizando uma deformação verdadeira de 4, à uma taxa de deformação de 0,1s-1, bem como deformações intermediárias de 0,8; 1,6; 2,4 e 3,2. Para verificar a influencia da temperatura no processo, realizou-se o ensaio também nas temperaturas de 600 e 700ºC. As micrografias mostraram que ocorreu refino do grão, típico do processo estudado. Ensaios de nanodureza Vickers mostraram um aumento considerável na dureza, mostrando que o teste de torção é uma ferramenta eficiente para simulação do processo ARB.

Oct 30, 2017

By André de Albuquerque Vicente

Foram estudadas as camadas de óxidos formadas nas superfícies de um aço inoxidável austenítico laminado do tipo 22.12, após oxidação ao ar a 800, 900, 1000 e 1100 °C, dentro de um projeto que visava uma melhor compreensão da oxidação a altas temperaturas ao ar de aços inoxidáveis resistentes a altas temperaturas. Utilizou-se o aço inoxidável austenítico microligado ao cério (253 MA®), que é um aço projetado para trabalhos a altas temperaturas. Várias técnicas complementares de análise microestrutural foram utilizadas, tais como difração de raios X e microscopia eletrônica de varredura com EDS acoplado. Observou-se a formação de uma camada não protetora de óxidos de ferro (Fe2O3, Fe3O4 e FeO) e posterior formação de uma camada protetora mais espessa de crômia (Cr2O3). Mais internamente observou-se a formação de SiO2.

Oct 30, 2017

By N. Nikolaev

La cantidad de métodos experimentales y analíticos no consideran los factores que influyen sobre el proceso de acción recíproca entre los elementos de sostenimiento y el macizo rocoso. En ese sentido, estamos en condiciones de separar dichos factores en grupos, reuniendo en uno los independientes, y en otros los relacionados entre sí. Por ello, el presente texto señala los métodos adecuados para determinar la influencia de un factor determinado o de un grupo de factores sobre el desarrollo del proceso a través de la determinación del tipo de cabeza de anclaje y de la pérdida de tensión final del anclaje con el transcurso del tiempo.

Jan 1, 1973

By C. Siac

"It is a widely held view that in the 21st century, the mining industry will be dominated by a relatively small number of large companies, truly global in scope and internationally staffed (Gooding, 1997). Interestingly enough, most of the exploration and exploitation activities are being carried out by junior and major mining companies from common law jurisdictions in civil law countries, in particular in Latin America, where in recent years, the region has ranked first as a destination for exploration dollars, thanks to the reforms undertaken by some countries to amend their legal framework to attract foreign investment. From a lawyer’s point of view, this is where the main challenge lies: how to bridge the gap between the two legal systems.In order to avoid pitfalls, common law lawyers should be more diligent and proactive when dealing with civil law jurisdictions, given the different systems of law, standards, traditions and customs. Common law lawyers cannot be expected to be well-versed in civil law but they should not be completely unfamiliar with it either. A balance should be struck to ensure clients’ needs are professionally taken care of and that common law requirements and standards are met."

Jan 1, 2003

By Laurence G. Trudell

A geologic framework for interpreting stratigraphic and geographic variations of the Green River Formation in the Piceance Creek Basin is developed from lithologic data accumulated by the Bureau of Mines from oil-shale coreholes. From detailed Bureau of Mines descriptions of samples from nine coreholes and supplementary lithologic data from seven additional sampled sections, three cross sections were constructed along lines transecting the basin. Plotted as lithologic columns with corresponding oil yields and resistivity logs, the sampled sections are correlated on a time-stratigraphic basis. Distribution and correlation of nahcolite and halite zones are shown, and the approximate base of leaching of these saline minerals is indicated. General lithologic characteristics of members and zones are discussed and interpreted. Large-scale lithologic logs illustrate the nine Bureau of Mines core descriptions, and the complete description of Bureau of Mines-Atomic Energy Commission Colorado Corehole No. 1 is included in an appendix. The time-correlated cross sections provide a necessary framework for understanding the depositional history of the Green River Formation and will facilitate evaluation of oil shale and other mineral resources in the Piceance Creek Basin.

Jan 1, 1970

By Qingwen Shi, Yun Zhao, Brijes Mishra

The effect of discontinuities on the fracturing and mechanical behavior of shale has been extensively investigated on a laboratory scale in previous works. It is well agreed that the lamination properties, including discontinuity and lamina properties, affect the behavior of shale. However, it is still unclear how the lamination properties are affecting the stability of the shale roof in an underground coal mine entry. This paper investigated the effect of lamination properties using the discrete element method on a mine-scale entry model as an extension to the previous work conducted on laboratory scale models.

Jan 11, 2022

A symposium was held on January 30 and 31, 1973, at Pittsburgh, Pa., to review the state-of-the-art in designing and utilizing diesel-powered equipment in underground mining. The Health and Safety Activity of the Bureau of Mines sponsored the symposium with major assistance from the following four participating organizations: The American Mining Congress J. Allen Overton, President The United Mine Workers of America Arnold R. Miller, President The National Independent Coal Operator's Association Cloyd D. McDowell, President The Bituminous Coal Operators' Association, Inc. Guy Farmer, President Seventeen papers were presented during four half-day sessions devoted to the general subjects of the diesel engine, the place of the diesel in underground mining, health protection using diesels underground, and maintaining safety of diesels underground. Eleven of the speakers were from industrial organizations here and abroad; one represented the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia; two were with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and three reported on Bureau of Mines work related to diesels.

Jan 1, 1975

By Chamila Jinendra Nanayakkara, Nimila Dushyantha, Amila Sandaruwan Ratnayake, Gayithri Niluka Kuruppu

Rare earth elements (REEs) are key ingredients in many advanced materials used in energy, military, transportation, and communication applications. However, the prevailing geopolitical dynamics and the rising demand for REEs have rendered the reliance on primary REE resources susceptible to future supply disruptions, posing a substantial risk to the availability of these elements for numerous applications. Therefore, it is imperative to undertake substantial initiatives in the extraction of REEs from secondary sources on a large scale to ensure the resilience of the supply chain. Permanent magnets, lighting phosphors, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are among the secondary sources with high potential for sustainable REE extraction. This review assesses the extraction potential of REEs from the aforementioned three secondary sources and their leaching kinetics and thermodynamics aspects. More importantly, state-of-the-art different existing kinetic models employed in rare earth (RE) leaching were well discussed for a better understanding of the REE leaching reactions. Furthermore, the optimized leaching parameters related to this kinetics were described, and various RE recovery methods were comprehensively summarized. These processes facilitate to managing one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams by minimizing environmental impacts and producing critical metals, including REEs via circular economy approaches. The recovery of REEs from secondary sources aligns with numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the renewable energy sector for climate change mitigation. Consequently, this trash-to-treasure urban mining concept to transforming e-waste into a valuable resource for REE recovery emerges as a pivotal element within the REE industry.

Dec 28, 2023