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By J. S. Johnson, W. C. McCulloch

All phases of plant operation must be synchronized so that the A number of interruptions in the flow of material may be reduced to a minimum. In the majority of plants operating under a labor agreement, time lost during the operating shift cannot be made up with overtime. With the work week restricted to 35 hr., the ratio of productive time to total time justifies extra effort in keeping the plant operating at capacity during the productive shift. This does not apply when central plants with adequate storage are operated by multiple shifts. In such installations the problems become similar to those of any factory or mill where added units, parallel circuits, or excess capacity serve to maintain the average production during intervals of maintenance shut- down. These plants, by special agreement, may run continuously, barring mechanical interruptions. The control of plant operation is in those procedures that are practiced to obtain from the run-of-mine product a high recovery of clean coal products to meet adopted trade standards and consumer specifications at the lowest possible cost. Correlation of all factors for continuous operation requires more than mechanical perfection in the plant. The run-of-mine coal must be delivered to the preparation plant without delays and the clean coal and refuse products taken away. Power supply and water requirements must be adequate. Signal systems must be established for emergency stops and to facilitate resumption of coal flow.

Jan 1, 1943

By A. V. Deforest, C. W. Macgregor, A. R. Anderson

One of the important problems in the design of structures and machine parts subjected to rapidly applied loads is the determination of the strength and ductility of the material itself under such conditions. Realizing the need for such information, many investigations have been carried out in the past. Most of these experiments have been made using notched bars in bending either with the Charpy or Izod impact machine. While yielding valuable data on the effect of notches in the energy absorption of the material and on the condition of heat-treatment, this form of test does not lend itself readily to a determination of fundamental stress-strain relations. For this and other reasons, more attention has been paid recently to the tension impact test. An extensive literature already exists on the subject and only those investigations somewhat closely related to the present paper will be mentioned. For a more comprehensive list, the reader is referred to the Symposium on Impact Testing or the A.S.T.M., 1938. The work of Mann.' Clark and Dätwyler,2 Nádai and Manjoine,3 Winlock and Leiter,4 Deutler,5 and Brinkmann,6 however, deserves especial mention. In most of the previous investigations on the subject, when stress-strain relations were obtained under high rates of loading, it was the common procedure to determine stresses based on the original area and strains based on the original length. Stress-strain curves were then constructed by P ALo plotting So = 1/A0 as a function of eo = ALr,o where A0 and Lo refer to the original area and gauge length, respectively. At present there exists a paucity of true stress-strain data in the impact problem. The advantages of constructing so-called true stress-strain curves in order to reveal the fundamental physical properties of the material for the tension test were discussed recently by one of the authors.7'8 It was shown that the true physical behavior of the material in the tension test could best be represented P by plotting the average true stress, S = 2P as a function of 6 = q' = log —r = log ~9L where P, A, L, S, E, and q' refer to the load, the cross-sectioned area while the load P is applied, the actual gauge length, the average true stress, the true strain and true reduction in area, respectively. Besides giving a better physical representation, the method has certain additional advantages in that the stress-strain curve so plotted becomes a straight line from the maximin load point to fracture. The construction of such curves, however, while comparatively simple for the slow rates of loading customarily used in the tension test, presents certain dificulties for tensile impact in that both loads and diameters are required throughout the test. The continuous measurement of test-piece diameters to fracture under impact conditions offers considerable experimental difficulty. In order to make it feasible to

Jan 1, 1942

By A. V. Deforest, A. R. Anderson, C. W. MacGregor

One of the important problems in the design of structures and machine parts subjected to rapidly applied loads is the determination of the strength and ductility of the material itself under such conditions. Realizing the need for such information, many investigations have been carried out in the past. Most of these experiments have been made using notched bars in bending either with the Charpy or Izod impact machine. While yielding valuable data on the effect of notches in the energy absorption of the material and on the condition of heat-treatment, this form of test does not lend itself readily to a determination of fundamental stress-strain relations. For this and other reasons, more attention has been paid recently to the tension impact test. An extensive literature already exists on the subject and only those investigations somewhat closely related to the present paper will be mentioned. For a more comprehensive list, the reader is referred to the Symposium on Impact Testing or the A.S.T.M., 1938. The work of Mann.' Clark and Dätwyler,2 Nádai and Manjoine,3 Winlock and Leiter,4 Deutler,5 and Brinkmann,6 however, deserves especial mention. In most of the previous investigations on the subject, when stress-strain relations were obtained under high rates of loading, it was the common procedure to determine stresses based on the original area and strains based on the original length. Stress-strain curves were then constructed by P ALo plotting So = 1/A0 as a function of eo = ALr,o where A0 and Lo refer to the original area and gauge length, respectively. At present there exists a paucity of true stress-strain data in the impact problem. The advantages of constructing so-called true stress-strain curves in order to reveal the fundamental physical properties of the material for the tension test were discussed recently by one of the authors.7'8 It was shown that the true physical behavior of the material in the tension test could best be represented P by plotting the average true stress, S = 2P as a function of 6 = q' = log —r = log ~9L where P, A, L, S, E, and q' refer to the load, the cross-sectioned area while the load P is applied, the actual gauge length, the average true stress, the true strain and true reduction in area, respectively. Besides giving a better physical representation, the method has certain additional advantages in that the stress-strain curve so plotted becomes a straight line from the maximin load point to fracture. The construction of such curves, however, while comparatively simple for the slow rates of loading customarily used in the tension test, presents certain dificulties for tensile impact in that both loads and diameters are required throughout the test. The continuous measurement of test-piece diameters to fracture under impact conditions offers considerable experimental difficulty. In order to make it feasible to

Jan 1, 1942

By Hans E. Gustafsson

INTRODUCTION The Kiirunavaara iron ore mine is situated in northern Sweden about 150 km north of the Arctic Circle. The ore body has a sheetlike shape, stretches about 4000 m N-S dipping 60°E and has an average width of 85 m. The ore body is known to a depth of more than 1500 m. Mining at present has reached a depth of about 500 m. The mineral is a magnetite containing 66-68% Fe. The ore body was originally mined as an open pit from 1900-1957. From then on the mining method has been sublevel caving. Production for the last few years has been 20-25 million tons /year. Sublevel caving is a mining method with many merits. One of the most valuable is the ability of using a high degree of mechanization. Today, 25 years after sublevel caving was introduced at Kiirunavaara, the advantages of the method have been more or less exhausted, and the disadvantages are more obvious as the rock pressure increases with depth. One of the disadvantages is the high degree of waste rock in the hoisted ore. Today the waste rock content is about 25% by weight of which 20% comes from the caved rock. Second, we are calculating a relatively high loss of ore (20%). Third, selectivity is unsatisfactory when mining different grades of ore. Field testing sublevel shrinkage caving (MSTM) is primarily aimed at lowering the content of waste rock compared to sublevel caving. ECONOMIC TARGET A simple calculation shows that if the waste rock content can be lowered from 25 to 15% the operational costs of mining will be lowered by about 40 million SEK/year (US $9 million) at a production level of 20 million tons/ year. A 15% waste content is the target of the field test. In the long range a decrease in waste rock dilution will mean lower investment costs for deeper levels. DESCRIPTION OF THE MSTM MINING METHOD One reason for decision to carry out the field test was that with MSTM the development drifts from sublevel caving could be utilized and thus the project could start without delay. The only additional development work needed was the loading level. Fig. 2 shows a profile through the MSTM area 66-68% Fe. and Fig. 3 shows the loading level.

Jan 1, 1981

I-Institute of Metals Division* PAUL D MERICA, Chairman ZAY JEFFRIRS, Vice-chairman W M CORSE, Secretary Executive Committee T R FREEMAN JR, Local Section S SKOWRONSKI, Papers Committee R S ARCHER Non-ferrous Data Sheets H C JENNISON, Membership Committee C BAIN, Journal Committee L W SPRING Local Section Committee J R FREEMAN, JR, Chairman R J ANDERSON Cincinnati R L DOWDELL Minneapolis R S WILLIAMS, Boston H CLAMER, Philadelphia W A SCHEUCH, Chicago R F WOOD, New York Papers Committee S SKOWRONSKI, Chairman H S ARCHER-Aluminum W K FRANK-BRONZE F W HARRIS-Copper H BASSETT-BRASS G O HIERS-Lead Alloys M CORSE-White Nickel Base Alloys PAUL D MERICA-Nickel

Jan 1, 1923

By AIME AIME

MEXICO embraces one of the great metal and petroleum producing provinces of the world. In this respect its history dates back to the overthrow of the Aztec empire by a Spanish force under Hernando Cortes between 1519 and 1.521. Even before then, its richness in silver and other minerals was not unknown. But it was a treasure house for the Spanish conquerors until the country became independent in 1821. It has been computed that in the 400 years following 1521, Mexico yielded 1.55,000 metric tons of silver, worth $3,000,000,000, two-thirds of the entire world production. In 1935 the country accounted for 36 per cent of the world's silver output, 14 per cent of its antimony (in 1934), 13 per cent of its lead, 3 per cent of its zinc and copper, and 21/2 per cent of its petroleum. Contrary to the impression of some, its gold output is now comparatively small, though important in the past. Its oil, as well, formerly hulked much larger than now, in 1921 being one-fourth of the world output.

Jan 1, 1936

By Guy R. B. Elliott

If chemical mining is to work, it is extremely important to watch heat balances. Some reactions with coal give off heat and others absorb heat. The reactions of coal with oxygen or air give off heat, but the reactions of coal with steam or with carbon dioxide absorb heat. By balancing the proportions of the two types of reactions, the energy of the coal can be almost completely recovered and environmental damage is minimized. The chemical reactions are listed in Table 1 in the usual form with subscripts (s) and (g) indicating solid or gaseous materials. In reaction 1, solid corbon, C(s), reacts with gaseous oxygen, O2(g), to produce gaseous carbon dioxide, CO2 (g). H means enthalpy or available heat in the material; F is free energy, and it measures whether the reaction can go at all, and if so, how much.

Jan 9, 1973

By A. B. Parsons

AT the outset, the authors of this paper desire to file a disclaimer and an, explanation. They have no inside information from occult sources; neither of them feigns clairvoyant powers in the slightest degree. It is true that they have indicated on be graphs an approximate trend for the consumption of seven important mineral commodities up to the year 1954. At best this is a risky business; the figures do not pretend to be any- thing more than reasoned conjectures that are predicated on an attempt to evaluate some of the more obvious of the many factors that are likely to have a bearing on the future.

Jan 1, 1937

By E. C. Rien

When the electrical system for a surface or open pit mine is designed, four major considerations should be satisfied in the following order: safety, reliability, flexibility, and cost. Careful planning initially will make expansion for future growth economical as well as possible without extended shutdown of operations. Electrical requirements in surface and open pit mining can be divided into three categories: main substation, plant power, and pit distribution. These systems are integral to each other, but will be dealt with separately here. 11.2-1. Main Substation. A main substation for a mining operation may vary from a 500 kva transformer supplying 480-v power to motor-driven pumps and conveyors, to a 50,000 kva substation serving a large beneficiation plant or a large strip mining operation. Regardless of size, it should be designed with the realization that a failure of the main substation will totally shut down the operation (Fig. 11.2-1.). Location of a main substation usually is a compromise between expense of running the incoming high-voltage transmission lines and the voltage drop of long secondary runs. Based on a geological survey for immediate and future areas of excavation, the main substation should be located as near to the center of load as possible. The site should be out of the blasting area, readily accessible to authorized personnel, and situated where prevailing winds will keep it free from dust or snow. DISCONNECTS AND OVERLOAD PROTECTION. The main substation should have a primary disconnecting device-either a pole top gang-operated switch and fuses of adequate interrupting capacity or, preferably, an oil circuit breaker with properly coordinated relay protection.

Jan 1, 1968

MRS. SIDNEY J. JENNINGS, President, MRS. ARTHUR S.. DWIGHT, First Vice-President, MRS. KARL EILERS, Second Vice-President, MRS. H. W. HARDINGE, Third Vice-President, MRS. BRADLEY STOUGHTON, Recording Secretary, MRS. AXEL 0. IHLSENG, Corresponding Secretary, MRS. ARTHUR S. DWIGHT, Acting Treasurer. Welfare Committee MRS. C. C. BURGER, Chairman, Sub-Committees Americanization Belgian Relief MRS. LEVI HOLBROOK, Chairman, MRS. HENRY H: KNOX, Chairman, Emergency MRS. HERMAN A. PROSSER, Chairman. Since the annual meeting held in February, 1917, when the Woman's Auxiliary to the A. I. M. E., was formed, the work of organization, which of necessity must be slow, has steadily gone forward. Under the Chairmanship of Mrs. C. C. Burger of the Welfare Committee, three active sub-committees have been formed: that of Americanization; under Mrs. Levi Holbrook, who is eminently fitted for such a position, by her active and valuable work in a number of the fine patriotic societies of our country; the Belgian Relief Committee, under Mrs. Henry H. Knox, which has clone phenomenal work in the three months of its existence, and whose report is later given in detail; and the Emergency Committee under Mrs. Herman A. Prosser, which has a fund already established, and is. in close touch with Major Arthur S. Dwight, ready to act when necessity arises. The officers of the Auxiliary feel more than gratified at the response so far received, and in a later issue will print extracts from letters, if permission can be gotten from the writers, showing the interest and enthusiasm that have beer aroused by the formation of a Woman's Auxiliary. Answers have even come from far Korea "the hermit nation," from Australia, from South America, showing what a bond of sympathy and, helpfulness is in process of growth. It is our sad duty to announce the death of our Treasurer, Mrs. George D. Baryon, who, from the very inception of our plan to organize, was an inspiring and valuable co-worker. Her place will be difficult to fill. Mrs. Arthur S. Dwight is Acting Treasurer at present. The Auxiliary wishes to express its heartiest thanks to Mr. Stoughton, the genial and efficient Secretary of the A. I. M. E., for his cooperation and valuable suggestions in the difficult work of organizing. He has indeed been "a guide, philosopher and friend." SUSANNE M. IHLSENG (MRS. AXEL 0.), Corresponding Secretary.

Jan 7, 1917

By B. Russell, J. R. Tuffley

The stability regions of the normal sulfate and the various basic sulfates of lead in 02-SO2 and PhS-SO2 gas atmospheres were calculated from available thermodynamic data over the temperature range 600o to 1200oC. Roasting experiments were carried out on samples of synthetic lead sulfide at various temperatures and for various roasting times. Compounds in the oxidized surface layers were identified by X-my techniques. The order in which the various reactions occurred was determined by considering the experimental results in conjunction with the thermodynamic calculations. The results of these investigations were applied to the sintering of lead sulfide concentrates, and the extent to which each of the various reactions occurred in a sinter bed was determined. PRODUCTS which may be formed during the roasting of PbS are PbS04, PbSO4. PbO, PbSO4 . 2PbO, PbSO4 . 4PbO, PbO, and Pb.1, 2 The formation of some sulfates has been studied by a number of investigators3-' whose experiments have mostly been confined to the temperature range between 500" and 850°C. Culver, Gray, and spooner3 were able to isolate the reactions which formed PbSO4 and PbSO4. PbO by carefully controlling the compositions of the roasting gases. The kinetics of these reactions were studied within the temperature range 673" to 807°C. Gardner4 and Merrick5 also studied the kinetics of oxidation of PbS. Gardner disregarded the existence of basic sulfates and, as a result, misinterpreted some of his experimental data. Merrick recognized that most of the products of oxidation were mixtures of basic sulfates, but was unable to identify the individual components. Hoschek6 oxidized PbS in air at temperatures up to 800°C. The products were analyzed after roasting had proceeded for some minutes, but no attempt was made to follow the reactions in the initial stages. Consequently, no roasting mechanism was derived. He also showed that PbSO4 and PbSO4 - 4PbO decomposed slowly in air at temperatures in the region of 800°C. The stability regions of sulfates in the temperature range 500" to 850°C have been only partially determined, while practically no information is available for higher temperatures. In the lead sintering process, PbS concentrates are roasted at temperatures within the range 1000o to 1200°C. In order to investigate sulfate formation, it is necessary to determine the effects of temperature and gas composition upon the various oxidation reactions and upon the regions of stability of the various lead sulfates. Kellogg and Basu2 introduced an equilibrium diagram similar to those in Figs. 1 to 3 which provides a convenient medium for represent-

Jan 1, 1964

By C. Schlumberger, M. Schlumberger

The object of this paper is to clarify the idea, so important when exploring by potential methods, of the depth of investigation attainable by electrical measurements. After defining, with some precision, .the term "depth of investigation'' in geophysics, the authors show how it is possible to regulate this depth in potential methods and to obtain an 'electrical drilling" from surface observations. They consider also the difficulties encountered in deep measurements and indicate how it is possible to reach greater depths than those having an industrial interest. Depth of Investigation The term, depth of investigation, in its general sense, is easily understood. For instance, a driller who can pull cores from a depth of 2000 m. is capable of working, with accuracy, to that depth. By means of a properly placed drill, he may locate an orebody at a depth of 1999 m., however small this orebody may be. On the contrary, the term as used in geophysics requires precise elaboration. As a matter of fact, no geophysical method, irrespective of the physical property studied (density, magnetic permeability, conductivity), can discover a very small body at a great depth because, in practice, the physical parameter upon which such a geophysical method is based is never regular enough, throughout the ground, to distinguish the feeble anomaly caused by the small, deep-lying body from the numerous anomalies due to irregularities of the encasing terrains. Aside from this question of the ratio between the size of the body being hunted for and its depth of burial, a second factor plays its role in the possible depth of investigation; that is the difference, for the parameter under consideration, between the body and its surrounding material. The greater this difference, and the more homogeneous the encasing terrains, the greater is the possible depth of investigation. This being generally established for all geophysical methods, it is possible to distinguish two main classes of these methods, from this same point of view

Jan 1, 1932

By C. N. Garman

Homestake-New Mexico Partners operate a 750-tpd carbonate leach uranium concentrate mill near Grants, N.M. The highly mineralized water available as process water leaves much to be desired. The 628 ppm as CaCO 3 makes the use of raw water very troublesome in pipes and on filter cloths. However, the residual sodium carbonate in the final filter cake going to tails makes an ideal softening agent. To take advantage of this fact, all makeup water used in the mill is first used as tailing slurry dilution water and comes to the mill from the tailings pond. The 5-acre tailings pond serves as a thickener and 100 to 150 gpm of nearly clear solution is decanted to a pump to be returned to the mill. Since this tailings water has small quantities of uranium in the solution an ion exchange scavenger unit was installed to remove as much uranium as possible. The ion exchange raffinate is then used as final filter wash ahead of the tailings slurrying step. In spite of the large settling area this return water is not clean enough for ion exchange feed. The solids present are very fine and composed of approximately 15 pct (by weight) burnable carbonaceous material common to the sandstone uranium ores in the area, 40 pct SiOz plus 45 pct CaC03. Laboratory work showed that this material responds very well to flotation. Before deciding to use flotation, various clarifying systems such as pressure leaf filters, sand filters, and continuous vacuum pre-coat filters, were considered. Each of these could have solved the problem but with much more operating labor, more reagents and greater installation costs than the flotation step. About 100 to 150 gpm of fouled water is fed to two 66-in. Fagergren cells, in series. Reagents used at the beginning were Arquad 2HT75 and Arquad C50, at the rate of about 1% lb per 8-hr shift, or about 0.0053 lb each per ton of ore. This did not completely remove the solids but does an acceptable job. Approximately 75 pct of the slimes are a size that can be caught on a 41-Whatman Paper are removed. Removal of these slimes also allows much better settling of the coarse nonfloatable material. Advantage is also taken of this fact in a small settling tank ahead of precipitation. Removal of this amount of the slimes makes the ion t:xchange feasible. PREGNANT SOLUTION CIRCUIT The carbonate? leach-caustic precipitation method of uranium concertration does not provide for any process purification step ahead of precipitation. Therefore, any fine solids getting into the pregnant solution through the filter cloth show up in the final concentrate. This, of course, lowers the grade, and, at times, the slimy nature of these very fine solids rendered final filtration of the concentrate difficult if not impossible At Homestake-New Mexico Partners a 75-ft thickener was available for gravity clarification of 100 to 120 gpm of this pregnant solution. However this did not sufficiently remove the slimes. Laboratory investigation of the whole range of flocculants that were suggested by literature, salesmen, and friends failed to turn up anything of consequence. A continuous vacuum pre-coat filter would do the job and was investigated. The capital cost and the operating labor and materials made this a last chance choice. Following work done in the metallurgical laboratory on the tailings return water, it was found that some changes in the reagent strengths and combinations made a very definite decrease in the solids in the pregnant solution. Concentrate grade improved about 5 pct anti the final product after drying had an appreciably greater bulk density. Compared to a cost of about 2.2e per ton for pre-coat filter opelation for cleaning just one circuit, flotation costs less than 1.0 per ton of ore for cleaning two circuits. While a pre-coat filter would do a more thorough job, the flotation does all that is required for either circuit. Gravity causes the froth produced to run back into the leach circuit. This does not appear to result in a build-up of objectionable slime. No extra manpower is required; the operators in the separate areas can observe the operation of the cells and mix the small quantities of reagents as needed. Normally the 66-in. Fagergren cell requires 15 hp per cell, but this very dilute slurry needs only 10 hp for both cells. Originally, a combination of the two Arquads mentioned previously served as frothers and promoters. As further testing

Jan 1, 1962

By Leo Wolrnan

IN the relations that exist between capital and labor in this country, there is a bright as well as a dark side. After many years of distressing conditions of labor and a plentiful supply of propaganda, it is doubtful that the doctrine of the class struggle, however defined and stated, has been embraced by any influential and numerous elements of our population. Extreme and uncivilized methods of conflict, whether they be the labor spy as used by the employer or the sit-down strike by organized, labor, have come to be abandoned as the result of the pressure of sober and distinterested public opinion. Unwise terms of our law of trade unions and the unbridled zeal of its administrators show some slight signs of being revised in the light of 'experience and the protests of the law's own beneficiaries. At the point where labor policy touches economic conditions, the two powerful factions in the American labor movement appear to look with a less friendly eye on the bewildering succession of economic experiments and to have a deep nostalgia for a simpler and more prosperous economy.

Jan 1, 1938

"Located on Missouri River 16 miles N. E. from Helena, 67 miles from Butte and 18 miles below Canyon Ferry. River drainage area 16,000 sq. miles.DAM: Built in 1907; rebuilt of concrete in 1911. Maximum height 129.3 ft., length over all 720 ft.; elevation of crest 3621; elevation of bridge 3640; normal head 60'; normal tail water elevation 3568.5.SPILLWAY: Length over all 491 ft.; clear opening in 24 sections; 445' flashboards, 14 high to elevation 3635, which is 3.5' above Canyon Ferry normal tail . water elevation.PENSTOCKS: 5 of steel, 12 ft. diam., about 75 ft. long from canal to main turbines, and 3 40-inch diam. from canal to exciters.WHEELS: 5 main pairs, horizontal, center discharge, 48-inch bronze turbines, 225 rev., 4,000 h-p. at 60 ft. head, made by S. Morgan Smith Co., direct coupled to generators, and--3 single, horizontal, 25-inch units, direct coupled to exciters.GENERATORS: 5 W. E. & M. Co. water wheel type, revolving field, 2,800 k-w., 2,400 v., 225 r. p. m., 3 phase, 60 cycle alternators.OPERATION: The plant has a larger water storage than Canyon Ferry and can also use stored water from Canyon Ferry storage. Separate transmission lines 13 miles long connect to lines from Canyon Ferry to Butte, and the Plant operates in parallel with the Canyon Ferry plant."

Jan 1, 1913

By Edward Keller

Jan 1, 1906

By J. F. Stiehr, R. L. Sanford, T. L. Myers

This paper summarizes the development of a Directory of Computer Programs Applicable to US Mining Practices and Problems. The directory is funded by the US Bureau of Mines and includes a sampling of computer usage in operating and manufacturing companies, consulting firms, computer companies, research organizations, universities, and various US government agencies. General references to computer applications throughout the mining industry are discussed as well as the availability of programs to interested organizations or individuals.

Jan 9, 1979

By Andrew Mayer

EARLY in 1942 National Lead Co. was requested by the War Production Board to construct and operate a plant for the Government to produce magnesium by the ferrosilicon process which had been developed by Dr. L. M. Pidgeon in the laboratories of the Canadian National Research Council. A contract with the Defense Plant Corporation was concluded in May 1942 and Magnesium Reduction Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of National Lead Co., was formed to carry out this project. The capacity of the plant was rated at 10,000,000 lb. of magnesium per year, equivalent to an average production of about 14 tons per day. THE PROCESS The process, in brief, is as follows: The raw materials are dolomite and ferrosilicon, 75 per cent grade. The dolomite is calcined, the calcine and ferrosilicon are ground and mixed and the mixture is briquetted. The briquets are charged into tubular retorts of chrome-nickel steel set horizontally in a furnace with the open ends projecting outside the front wall. The retorts are then closed and evacuated. Magnesium is liberated according to the reaction 2(MgO, CaO) + Si = 2Mg + 2CaO, SiO2 It is distilled from the charge and condensed on a removable sleeve in the throat of the retort. Sodium and potassium, if present, are also liberated, distilled and condensed on a "sodium condenser" in the end of the retort. At the expiration of the distillation period the retorts are discharged and the cycle of operations is repeated. For the rated daily capacity of ±. tons of magnesium there are required approximately 170 tons of dolomite, equivalent to about 85 tons of calcine, and 16.5 tons of ferrosilicon. The retort residue, a bulky powder which at present is waste, amounts to about 87 tons. CHOOSING THE SITE The investigation to select the location of the plant was conducted by the Research Laboratories of National Lead Co. This work included geologic and economic surveys of a number of districts, examination of dolomite samples by chemical, spectrographic and petrographic methods and large-scale tests of dolomite from several of the more promising localities. In the last-named tests 2-ton samples were put through the ferrosilicon process in the pilot plant of the Canadian National Research Council, under the guidance of Dr. Pidgeon. The conclusions drawn from the investigation, in regard to the quality of dolomite to be used in the ferrosilicon process, were: First, the dolomite should contain not less than 21 per cent MgO

Jan 1, 1944

Apart from the general cooperation received in many quarters, the Unitization Committee desires to make specific acknowledgment to the following individuals for assistance rendered in the study to this time. California.—Committee members: Joseph Jensen, chairman, L. L. Brundred, E. M. Butterworth, H. Norton Johnson, D. B. Myers, W. R. Wardner; others who contributed: C. R. McCollom, F. C. Merritt, E. B. Noble, Ralph Arnold, J. R. Pemberton, Roy R. Morse, T. F. Stipp, John R. Roberts, R. D. Bush, Alexander Anderson, J. A. Taff, F. 0. Martin, J. E. Van Gundy, E. K. Parks, A. C. Rubel, Lew Suverkrop, W. L. McLaine, Gerard Henny, Walter Stalder, Lester C. Uren, Hoyt S. Gale, W. L. Walker. Rocky Mountain.—Fred E. Wood, chairman, J. G. Bartram, C. E. Dobbin, Wilson B. Emery, Charles E. Erdman, R. D. Hawley, E. W. Krampert, Foster Morrell, W. T. Nightingale, K. B. Nowels, C. M. Rath, Earl Shoenfelt, J. W. Steele, E. T. Wilson, J. J. Zorichak. Kansas-Oklahoma.—Committee members: C. E. Beecher, chairman, A. W. Ambrose, R. C. Hauber, Clyde Alexander, R. F. MacArthur, C. R. Swarts, M. M. Valerius, E. H. Griswold, G. 6. Rollin, L. Murray Newman, David L. Trax, Richard K. Huey, Marvin Lee, Harry Johnson; others who contributed: E. A. Carr, Paul S. Ache, K. C. Slater, R. S. McFarland, J. R. McWilliams, Joseph Chalmers, Henry A. Ley, Dorsey IIager, H. C. George, W. K. Whiteford, L. G. E. Bignell, L. E. Smith, George E. Burton. Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico.—Frederic H. Lahee, chairman, Donald C. Barton, C:. E. Beecher, Olin G. Bell, G. E. Campbell, Paul Wagner, John West, Robin Willis, J. M. Forgotson, E. J. Gorman, P. S. Haury, Marvin Lee, C. F. Lytle, L. H. McBee, T. F. Petty, C. C. Pope, F. S. Prout, J. C. Stewart, J. R. Suman, L. P. Teas, W. C. Thompson, A. F. Truex, R. B. Campbell, M. G. Cheney, P. C. Dean, F. W. DeWolf, Dugald Gordon, B. A. Hardey, F. E. Heath, J. F. Lucey, George C. Matson, W. H. Perot, T. W. Pew, W. A. Price, W. A. -Reiter, R. C. Stewart. Eastern United States and Foreign Fields.—H. H. Hill and E. L. Estabrook, chairmen; Dr. Richard Ambronn, Gottingen, Germany; Arthur R. Andrew,

Jan 1, 1930

By R. Dawson Hall

LONG regarded as nearly worked out, the anthracite region still shows promise of a hundred years of life, for means are being found to get bottom, top, pillar, and other coal that earlier generations disregarded as too expensive to mine. Rock drivages and, still more, machinery are making it possible to get such coal. Mechanical methods enable the owner of thin beds to mine these with profit, and the miner recognizes that he must permit the use of machinery or the inexorable laws of economics will deny him opportunity to work. E. L. Dana, Jr., well outlines this situation, which in the past year became definitely established. Stripping also is recovering, safely and inexpensively, coal that past generations regarded as too hazardous and costly for mining.

Jan 1, 1935