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By C. L. Popp

The scope is to address issues confronted by parties in the mining industry such as: Mine planners, survey and engineering departments, field teams and subcontractors. Describing approaches and best practices for assembling a project team to identify and create modeling requirements and to implement beneficial results. 3D Machine Control and Guidance tools continue to reduce project risk and attract quality resources with skill sets new to the earthmoving industry. These tools increase production, reduce rework and help with government permitting.

May 1, 2013

6784. Barnes, V. L., and Romberg, Frederick. Gravity and Magnetic Observations on Iron Mountain Magnetite Deposit, Llano County, Tex. Geophysics, Menasha, Wis., vol. 8, No. 1, 1943, pp. 32-45. An outcrop of magnetite in the Central Mineral region of Texas is explored experimentally with a dip needle and a gravity meter. Two anomalies are observed, one due to the outcropping body and one probably due to a previously unknown body close to the outcrop. The possible attitudes of the bodies are discussed, and their masses and probable dimensions are computed from the gravitational observations. - Author's abstract.

Jan 1, 1943

Helium has probably aroused more varied scientific curiosity than any other single element. Discovered by spectroscopic examination of the sun during an eclipse in 1868, helium is now known to exist not only in the sun and other stars but on earth occluded in minerals, accumulated with natural gases in pockets in the earth's crust, and in the atmosphere surrounding the earth. Astronomers study its presence in the various stars of the universe for clues to their origin and history. Geochemists and geologists study its occurrences in rocks, minerals, and meteorites to determine the age of the earth and the manner of its formation. Pathologists study its effect on living tissues in search for the ideal combination with oxygen for artificial breathing mixtures in medicine, diving operations, and space vehicles. Chemists study its physical properties and use it to trace the sequence of events in reactions in which it does not participate. Geneticists and bacteriologists use it for special studies. Physicists study its behavior when liquefied and the behavior of materials cooled to nearly absolute zero by its use. Nuclear physicists learn more about the universe through study of the nuclear reactions that produce it. Through study of helium and greater knowledge of its origin and properties, science continues to unlock some of nature's more closely guarded secrets. Unknown on earth before 1895, and not discovered as a minor constituent of natural gas until 1905, helium with its simple atomic structure--a nucleus with two electrons orbiting in a closed shell--is a unique element. It is next to the lightest gas, only hydrogen is lighter. It occupies position number 2 in the Periodic Table of the Elements and heads the list of so-called "rare" or ?noble? gases. Most of the naturally occurring helium has an atomic mass of 4.003874 (oxygen = 16). A trace (1.7 x 10-5 mol percent) is the light isotope helium-3 whose atomic mass is 3.0169800 Unstable isotopes of mass numbers 5 and 6 have been authenticated. Isotopes of mass numbers 7 and 8 have been reported, but their existence is less well established. All the heavier isotopes are radioactive and are the product of nuclear reactions.

Jan 1, 1968

By E. W. Rouse

THE year 1936 has seen rehabilitation of many plants which had been closed or severely curtailed. The Steptoe smelter of the Nevada Consolidated Copper Co. has been transformed by a rearrangement of the flow of material and utilization of mechanical handling to a maximum. The Phelps Dodge Corp. reports the construction of newer and better reverberatories at the Copper Queen smelter, and of particular interest, a single high-pressure waste-heat boiler placed directly over the uptake. There has also been a complete reconstruction of the smelter at the Laurel Hill plant of the Nichols Copper Co.

Jan 1, 1937

By Ernest A. Curth

A 3-month study in 1971 of the Essen Roof Support and Rock Mechanics Research Center's program of roof and support evaluation included 25 mine trips. German miners must adopt mining methods and environmental control measures involving methane drainage and water infusion to improve productivity under severe natural conditions. Pressing problems in ground control must be solved such as cavities in front and above the supports at longwall faces and excessive convergence in gate roads. The Center developed automatic data processing methods to quantify the results of roof and support surveys and to establish criteria. Another approach to ground control is the study of mine models. The Center's laboratory has the facilities to test elements of powered roof support and whole assembled units. Face automation and roof control by powered shields are novel developments that are under close scrutiny in the field as well as in the laboratory. Though the Essen Center's roof and support evaluation techniques are tailored to the needs of the coal mining industry of the Federal Republic of Germany under conditions vastly different from those in the United States, some application may be found here, for instance, monitoring faces and roadways and preventive maintenance of hydraulic systems.

Jan 1, 1974

By J. Yianatos

The collection zone residence time distribution (RTD) of mechanical self-aerated flotation cells was characterized for liquid and solid per size class (-45 mm, +45-150 mm and +150 mm). It was found that a single large industrial cell with a volume of 130 to 250 m3, now used in plant operations, can be well represented by an LTST (large and small tank-in-series) model plus dead time. From a scale-up point of view, results showed a similar mixing behavior for industrial cells ranging from 130 to 250 m3. Also, single mechanical cells showed a similar mixing pattern (RTD) when compared to large pneumatic flotation columns. It was confirmed that for practical purposes, the mixing condition in a flotation bank of three or more cells in series can be well described by the classical N tanks-in-series model.

Jan 1, 2008

By M. Hermanus, N. Coulson, N. Pillay

"SynopsisThis paper assesses the effectiveness of the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Leading Practice Adoption System (MOSH) and its potential to improve mine health and safety in South African mines. Developed by the Chamber of Mines, which represents the majority of the country's large scale mining employers, MOSH was devised to accelerate progress towards achieving health and safety milestones, which were set by tripartite agreement in 2003. The paper documents and builds on the findings of a study conducted by the Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI) in 2011 that evaluated MOSH strategy, structures, and process of implementation.The study found that MOSH operated across the mining sector, was directed and dominated by experts and, despite best efforts to include other stakeholders, was led by employers. Statutory worker health and safety representatives and structures were not integrated into the complex change process developed by MOSH. The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI) and organized labour were ambivalent about direct involvement in MOSH and preferred regulatory measures to enforce the participation of mines. MOSH interventions were not targeted at mines with a poor health and safety record, and MOSH lacked a baseline from which to track impacts on sector-wide health and safety performance. The leading practices most widely adopted by mines were designed to improve, rather than fundamentally alter, existing practice. Although the depth of engagement with MOSH among stakeholders and on mine sites varied, mining companies, labour representatives, and the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI) saw the programme as significant.IntroductionIn 2011, the Chamber of Mines commissioned the Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI) to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the rollout of the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Leading Practice Adoption System (MOSH). CSMI, based in the School of Mining Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, is an independent research centre conducting health and safety research relevant to all major stakeholders in the mining sector. The purpose of the evaluation was to identify the factors that enabled or hampered the adoption of new technologies or practices. The timing of the evaluation, two years before the deadline for the 2013 safety and health milestones, allowed time for adjustments to be made. This paper summarizes the results of the evaluation and includes further analysis and discussion of the nature of the programme and the conditions that act to advance it or it hold back."

Jan 1, 2015

By F. Y. Kang

There are rich resources of natural graphite in China. It would be a good opportunity to upgrade national graphite industry if natural graphite with modification is used in lithium ion battery. Micro-crystalline graphite in high purity was coated with a carbon film on the surface. The initial cycle efficiency was improved to be 89.9% and cycle stability was remarkably improved. The experiments proved that microcrystalline graphite with carbon coating have excellent electrochemical performances at low cost as anode materials for lithium-ion battery. In addition, H2SO4-GIC technique was used to prepare the natural flake graphite powders with mild-exfoliation. Sub-micro and nano pores were found in the graphite samples. In correspondence the reversible capacity, rate capacity and cycle life were improved, which would meet the demand of high-power lithium-ion battery. Natural graphite is the most promising anode material for large-scale lithium-ion batteries. The demand of modified graphite grows up greatly in the market. Microcrystalline graphite with surface coating and flake graphite with mild-exfoliation are the promising commercial anode materials for the industry of lithium ion battery.

Jan 1, 2014

By AIME AIME

THE following paragraphs, constituting the concluding portion of the Annual Report of the Council for 1903, have been withheld from publication until now, in order to make them as accurate and complete as possible. They will be published in Volume XXXV. of the Transactions in their proper place at the end of the said Annual Report. Franklin Ballou was born in Pittsburg, Pa., May 29, 1845. He was the son of an old resident, Arthur Ballou, a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in vinegar. In early youth Franklin attended the Western University of Pittsburg, but left school at the age of 16 to become book-keeper for his father, upon whose retirement from business, in 1868, he associated himself with Walter C. Childs, of Pittsburg, in the manufac¬ture of furnace-grates and asbestos-cement for blast-furnaces. This firm was known as W. C. Childs & Co., and did a success¬ful business for several years. In 1869 Mr. Ballou married Miss May S. Wilson, daughter of Judge Wilson, of Lewistown, Pa. In 1876 he spent several months traveling in the West and studying the mining industry, which greatly interested him. In consequence of this journey, he wound up his business in Pittsburg and removed in 1877 to Georgetown, Colo., where for several years he conducted a sampling-works, and built up an extensive business as an agent for the sale of ores, besides engaging to some extent in mining enterprises. , It is said that he controlled at one time about one-eighth of the output of the Leadville mines. In the early 80's, he became Vice-President and General Manager of the Bimetallic Smelter at Leadville, of which Mr. David H. Moflat was the principal owner. This was practically the first successful demonstration of pyritic smelting in Colorado. Upon the sale of the works in 1897 to the American Smelting and Refining Co., Mr. Ballou retired

Jan 1, 1905

Early American history is filled with records of the search for and extraction of minerals-a Northwest passage to the treasures of the Indies-an overland route to the goldfields of California. Mining and its associated minerals industry have heralded advancing civilization throughout the ages. The two basic resources on which we all depend for our food, clothing, shelter, and other comforts are agriculture and minerals. Our endowment and how we use it; the spirit and industriousness of our people; our form of social organization all converge to make up our standard of living-our way of life.

Jan 1, 2012

By Adrian C. Dorenfeld

Concentradora "Dana Aida" (100 t/d capacity) was built in 1971-1972 to treat dumps and ores containing mixed oxide-sulfide copper-gold-silver minerals from two veins. The veins, Don Felipe and aria are about 150 m apart, but are distinctly different mineralogically. The deposit is near San Juan de Guadalupe, Durango. Mexico. All new process equipment was manufactured locally, in or near Torreon, Coahuila. Sampling, ore testing, flowsheet design, plant design, drawings purchasing, financing, etc. was planned and directed by two engineers. Construction was executed by local miners and common labor (largely agricultural). The paper presents detailed costs for equipment and construction. The subsequent breaking-in operation is discussed.

Jan 1, 1979

By Jack E. Brockway

As tunnel boring machine technology has expanded, so has its range of application. Tunneling machines (TBM's) are tackling tasks today that fifteen years ago were considered "inappropriate". A case in point is incline/decline TBM boring. An incline or decline bore presents peculiar design considerations that differentiate it from a horizontal bore. This paper reviews those design considerations as they apply to TBM's, backup, muck handling and other tunneling subsystems. In addition, several abbreviated case studies are presented. By the review of real life tunneling techniques as well as design considerations, the "appropriateness" of TBM incline/ decline boring today becomes apparent. INCLINE Introduction In contemplating the impact of incline versus horizontal tunnel boring system design, the obvious consideration is gravity. Up-hill boring can be quite different than horizontal boring. Muck, water and machine weight all tend to slide down the incline. In addition, hydraulic and lubrication systems if unaltered, will find their fluids pooled in the lower corners contentedly ignoring such higher elevation items as gears and bearings. In order to address this inherent gravity problem, a review of

Jan 1, 1983

By F M. Weir, M Fowler

A discrete fracture network (DFN) approach involves numerical modelling that explicitly represents how defects may be spatially distributed through a rock mass. A DFN is a 3D realisation of the ‘smaller scale’, non-deterministic defects; it is not an attempt to model larger, deterministic structures that should be identified as part of an engineering geology model. The approach utilises structural data in stochastic analyses to give a range of possible models that provides a tool for visualisation and analysis of a rock mass and indicates the potential large-scale slope or tunnel performance and stability.Stochastic fracture modelling for rock mass characterisation has significantly advanced over the past 25 years. With recent improvements to field data collection and computational power, it has become recognised internationally as a valuable tool for modelling some geomechanical problems encountered when designing excavations in fractured rock masses.This paper provides an introduction to the DFN approach, particularly the necessary input parameters and derivation of these from typical structural data sources, such as boreholes or scan line mapping. Of particular importance for engineering applications is validation of the simulated fracture network and techniques for doing so are discussed here.CITATION:Weir, F M and Fowler, M, 2014. An introduction to discrete fracture network modelling and its geotechnical applications, in Proceedings AusRock 2014: Third Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference , pp 435–444 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 5, 2014

By Herbert Hoover

DURING the year, the' Institute has made the most remarkable growth in its history. Our actual increase in membership was 1816 and therefore was 80 per cent. larger than any previous year. Even without expectation of any abnormal growth, we should pass in the year 1921 the 10;000 mark. The causes of this increased growth are not far to seek.. They lie in the widening vision of the Institute's work, not only in its relation to' the profession but as an avenue of service to the nation as a whole. The Institute is today in the first rank of influence among public institutions in the country. During this year we have, for the first time in many years, had a ?deficit of some $3000 in our finances. The sum is not important, but it- does indicate the tendency of the times, and that is the high cost of living:' The increase in our expenses lay, to the largest degree, on the publishing side of the Institute's work. If we compare the year 1918, as a fairly repre¬sentative year, with that of 1920, we find that the costs of issuing the' Institute's publications, after deducting the income received from these publications, shows a .net increase of about $33,000. for the year. This has been to some degree due to the enlarged membership but to a large degree due to the cost of the paper and printing.

Jan 1, 1921

By Theodore J. Williams

Computer control has been one of the fastest moving and most glamorous fields of industrial development in the past decade. A review of this period shows some truly remarkable accomplishments in both system development and applications. In addition, work now under way promises results which will continue the rate of progress of the past. This paper will review the history and status of the field of computer control and point out the major breakthroughs which have occurred. It will analyze the present trends and extrapolate them to predict the early future developments in the field.

Jan 1, 1968

By P. Cicmanec

Mining activities in the territory of Slovakia have a long history. Mining techniques have developed rapidly in the last centuries. This paper deals not only with mining history, but also with underground brown coal mining, magnesite mining and other mining activities at present and sustainable developments of the mining industry in the Slovak Republic. This paper looks forward in the context of mineral raw materials in Europe (Global Europe, 2012).

Aug 1, 2013

By W. P. DYKEMA

This report gins the results of a study conducted hy the Ilnreau of Mines for the purpose of informing the petroleum industry on the recent progress in the de,·elopment nncl application of the absorption process for recO\·ering gasoline from natural gas. The work has been undertaken entirely with regard to plant practice and for the purpose of describing the features and the operation of units of the plants now in use, the improvements that have been made, and the reasons for any ehanges eontemplated by the engineers in eharge· of the plants studied. Throughout the United States the impro,·ements in the absorption process that are under consideration by engineers not only widen practice so as to include gases at all pressures and percentages of gasoline content, but seem to be dewloping definite standards as to dimensions of towers, l"elocities of flow, saturation of oi~ areas of eooling surfaces, and quantities of menstruum to be circulated. Although perfect practice has by no means been attained, the writer belie,·es thnt a description of the current practice at ,·arious plants, including those ob,'iously more efficient features that each plant hns <le\"eloped and uses at one or another stage of treatment, will intere;; t and possibly help all persons operating or designing absorption plants.

Jan 1, 1919

By Daniel I. Carey

Current and potential dragline reclamation usage was evaluated for the U.S. coalfields based on data gathered and analyzed during field surveys, literature reviews and contacts with manufacturers. It was concluded that current wining plans have been adapted to federal and state strip mine and reclamation laws in ways which limit the potential for drag line reclamation systems at active mine sites. At abandoned conventional contour mine sites in steep-sloping areas such as central Appalachia, however, it was found that dragline reclamation systems have great potential application and may be the only practical solution to many reclamation problems. Alternative dragline systems were examined for restoring abandoned sites, and it was concluded that a tower excavator system offered superior characteristics and should be evaluated and developed under field conditions. A testing program was developed to provide a framework for the monitoring and analysis of cost, production and environmental data during a field demonstration of a tower excavator system.

Jan 1, 1981

By Pierre de P. E. M. Ricketts

HAVING had occasion while in Europe during the past summer to visit some of the foreign mints and assay offices connected with the same, I thought a brief description of the general process of coining employed, and such items connected with assaying as were new, might prove interesting to the Institute. The principal foreign mints are: the Royal Mint, London; and the mints in Paris, Brussels, Utrecht, Berlin, Vienna, Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Madrid, Milan, Rome, and Constantinople. My time only permitted my visiting a few of the principal and largest given in the list, and for a description of the remainder I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. James M. Napier, who in company with the deputy master, and chemist of the Royal Mint, made a complete inspection of all the European Mints in 1870.

Jan 1, 1876

By Pierre de P. Ricketts

Having had occasion while in Europe during the past summer to visit some of the foreign mints and assay offices connected with the same, I thought a brief description of the general process of coining employed, and such items connected with assaying as were new, might prove interesting to the Institute. The principal foreign mints are: the Royal Mint, London; and the mints in Paris, Brussels, Utrecht, Berlin, Vienna, Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Madrid, Milan, Rome, and Constantinople. My time only permitted my visiting a few of the principal and largest given in the list, and for a description of the remainder I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. James M. Napier, who in company with the deputy master, and chemist of the Royal Mint, made a complete inspection of all the European Mints in 1870.