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By M. H. Pelley

To increase drill fleet capacity and meet increased ore demands at its Carol Lake Project, the Iron Ore Company of Canada initiated a program in 1975 to convert the Gardner-Denver 120 and Bucyrus-Erie 60-R rotary drill fleet from 12 1/4-inch-diameter multi-pass drilling to 15-inch-diameter single-pass drilling. This paper will examine briefly the conversion program , including some tests and results, and examine how the utilization of the 15-inch-diameter blast-holes, coordinated by a comprehensive drilling and blasting program, has improved the drilling, blasting and drilling-plus-blasting aspects of the mine operations, from both economic and operational viewpoints.

Jan 1, 1978

By L. S. Sundae

The Bureau of Mines conducted a series of tests to compare the cutting forces required by radial and point-attack bits when making similar cuts. Three radial and four point-attack bits were tested in two coal mines using the Bureau's in-seam tester to measure coal-cutting forces in situ. Tests were also conducted to investigate the effects of weathering and cleating. The test results show that in each case, at a specific clearance angle, the radial bits required less tangential and much less normal force than the point-attack bits. The resultant of the cutting forces for some types of cut was 50 pct less at mine 1 for radial cuts compared to cuts with the best point-attack bit, and 40 pct less at mine 2. There was some difference between three types of radial bits, but it was not as significant as the difference between each type of point-attack bit. Cutting coal perpendicular to the cleat planes required less cutting and normal force than the same type of cuts parallel to the cleat planes. Test results showed no effect due to weathering on cutting force data. Cutting parallel increased forces only because cuts were made in the rock band.

Jan 1, 1987

Since its creation in 1910, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Mines has pioneered in the development of mineral technology, through research. From the very beginning, research on mine health and safety has been a dominating concern, and a responsibility that expanded markedly as a result of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. Until the mid-1970's research on fuel technology and coal production also was an important part of the Bureau's work. But in the four years following the 1973 oil crisis, Congress established a reorganized Federal energy research apparatus in which all fossil fuel research-encompassing extraction, use, and conservation-was centralized. Today, the Department of Energy houses Federal research on coal mine production technology, while research on coal and noncoal mine health and safety and environmental technology, and on noncoal mine production technology, remains in the Interior Department as a continuing responsibility of the Bureau of Mines. In carrying out its authorized research programs, the Bureau conducts both short- and long-term re-

Jan 1, 2012

By Kelvin K. Wu, George H. Gardner

On July 24, 2002, a nonfatal entrapment accident occurred at the Quecreek #1 Mine, Black Wolf Coal Company, when an active mining section inadvertently cut into a flooded abandoned mine. This incident, and the dramatic rescue which ensued, brought national attention to a common problem in the coal mining industry. Since 1995, there have been more than 100 inundations at coal mines in the United States. Unavailable, inaccurate, or incomplete mapping of older abandoned mines is typically responsible. Serious problems associated with accidental discharges of fluid mine waste material (slurry) and water from coal refuse disposal facilities have resulted from similar causes. Recent problems related to the inaccurate location of old abandoned mine works have increased the interest in the use of conventional and emerging drilling and geophysical techniques for detection of air-filled and water-filled cavities. The United States Congress has committed significant funding toward investigating the applicability of these technologies. MSHA actively promotes the use of the best available technology to minimize the significant adverse safety and environmental consequences associated with unplanned breakthroughs and inundations. This paper provides background information and a general summary of the MSHA-sponsored field demonstration projects which are currently in progress. Potential benefits and limitations are discussed. The need for field verification/ground-truthing is emphasized. Under appropriate conditions, geophysical methods can be effectively integrated into a comprehensive field exploration program.

Jan 1, 2005

By James A. Schneider

The evolution of the American Petroleum Institute (API) design method for axial capacity of driven piles in siliceous sands is explored, and complemented with an overview of how changes in offshore site investigation practice have increased the level of knowledge with respect to vertical variability of soil characteristics. Increased use of the cone penetration test (CPT) provides near continuous profiles of soil type and strength which can be used in calculation methods that address variation in local shaft friction rather than the API method which seems to have initially been based on observations of average shaft friction in relatively uniform sand deposits. Development of a formulation for CPT correlations to axial pile capacity in sand is discussed, along with implications to existing factors of safety used in routine design.

Jan 1, 2006

By T. A. Henrie

The Federal Bureau of Mines has investigated methods of sodium reduction of titanium chlorides to produce high purity titanium metal (14).4/ This investigation was made to obtain a better understanding of the reactions involved in sodium reduction of titanium chlorides and was part of the Bureau's activities toward improving the technology of titanium. Theoretical and experimental evidence show that sodium reduction of titanium tetrachloride occurs by stepwise reactions. The first stage reduction between sodium vapor and vapors of titanium chlorides produces titanium di-and trichlorides which subsequently condense with sodium chloride to form a salt mixture. The second stage reduction takes place in the condensed salt mixture between sodium and titanium subchlorides. Final reduction is a heterogeneous reaction between two separate phases, the a phase which consisted of sodium dissolved in sodium chloride and the ß phase titanium subchlorides dissolved in sodium chloride. The mechanism of the heterogeneous reaction between these phases is electrochemical in nature. The model proposed is a galvanic reaction at the interfacial region.

Jan 1, 1960

By S. Nagamatsu

Alumina supported gold catalyst prepared by spray reaction method (spr) provides gold particle with about 20 nm of diameter. The gold particle size is larger than conventional gold catalysts. However, the spr catalyst shows higher catalytic activity for NO-CO reaction. In the present paper, we have discussed the local structures of spr-Au/Al2O3 catalyst by using Au L3-edge XANES spectra. In order to investigate the local structures of Au-sites, multiple scattering approach to XANES analysis was applied. Calculated Au L3-edge XANES spectra for fcc-Au and Au2O3 were in good agreement with the observed spectra. XANES spectra for spr-Au/Al2O3 were characterized by 4 types of Au sites (bulk, interface, surface and peripheral). In this case, almost all gold sites (> 90 %) are bulk site. The other sites are less than 10 % of gold particle. However, the experimental and the calculated results of Au L3-edge XANES spectra for spr-Au/Al2O3 require about 30 % of gold oxide or hydroxide. Bulk of Al2O3 contains a certain number of gold nano-particles, which was incorporated in the bulk Al2O3 support. In the interface area, gold oxide forms a few layers. This result was also supported by DV-Xa electronic structure calculations. The comparison of the catalytic activities of the spray catalysts and the impregnation catalyst for the NO-CO reactions imply synergy effects between gold nano-particles and alumina support.

Oct 1, 2003

By Francis C. Lincoln

"INTRODUCTION As part of a general investigation of the zinc-producing area of southwestern Wisconsin, the Bureau of Mines undertook a limited amount of exploratory drilling in the immediate vicinity of the New Dale Rundell mine, in the Mifflin District of Iowa County, Wisc.The work was carried out during the early part of 1945, at a time when all effort was being directed toward increasing production of metals important to the Nation's war program. Bureau of Mines engineers decided to conduct exploration at the New Dale Rundell mine after a preliminary study of available data showed a reasonable possibility of indicating an important deposit. Before the Bureau of Mines investigation, 50 holes had been drilled in the vicinity. Of this number, 18 encountered ore of minable grade. Subsequently the mine was developed and operated for a brief period; however, work was stopped before all of the ore disclosed by drilling had been mined. There appeared to be a correlation between the ore shown by the drilling in the New Dale Rundell mine and another disclosure some 1,500 feet to the northwest. The Bureau of Mines exploration was pinned to explore this possible correlation. Of the 7 holes drilled by the Bureau of Mines, 3 disclosed minable ore beyond the limits of previous drilling."

Aug 1, 1946

By Adams R. W

A commercial scale strong acid leaching plant was commissioned at the Risdon plant of the Electrolytic Zinc Company of Australasia Limited, a member of the Pasminco group of companies, in February 1988. It was designed to upgrade the lead/silver residue product from 26% to 37% lead, thus improving the realised value and increasing overall zinc recovery. This in turn enables the lead smelter treating the lead residue to improve its productivity. The equipment consists of two 250m3 bricklined leach tanks and two 6.5m diameter stainless steel high rate thickeners operating with counter current washing at 95¦C and 120 g/L H2SO4. The present filtration and drying equipment is also being replaced. Two 35m2 squeeze action filter presses equipped with horizontal plates are being installed, together with ancillary drying equipment to ensure that the final product complies with the transportable moisture limit. The new filtration plant is due to be commissioned in mid-1989.

Jan 1, 1989

THE Yallourn chimney has aroused interest, as it is, for the time being, the tallest structural erection in Australia. Its height was not decided on, however, with the object of breaking records, but is purely incidental to the purpose which it serves. Theboiler plant at the briquetting works (first instalment) consists of five Babcock and Wilcox land-type water-tube boilers, each of 4510 sq ft. heating su:r£ace and 225 sq. ft. grate area in the form of step grates. Four boilers will normally produce 73,000 lb. of steam per hour at a gauge pressure of 265 lb. and a temperature of 6500 F., the fifth boiler being a reserve. Each boiler will consume about 100 tons of Yallourn coal per 24 hours. Provision is made for future installation of economizers, should it be found desirable. Designing for this condition, and allowing for a waste gas temperature of 3500 F. and an air temperature exceeding 1000 it was found necessary to have a draft of about 1.3 in. (water gauge) at the base of the chimney, and to deal with about 2000 cub. ft. of gases per second. Estimates were made of the cost of providing the necessary draught by means of fans and by means of a tall chill).ney. The annual charges of the two methods differed only slightly, and the tall chimney wasselected as being the more general practice in briquetting factories.Estimates were prepared for brick and concrete chiIlllleys. Yallourn bricks at that time were hand-made, and, while very suitable for domestic work, were not capable of withstanding high compressive stresses. The chimney design to suit these bricks thus required to be on very ample lines, resulting in high cost. Machine-made bricks from Melbourne would cost about £5 10s. per thousand on the site, with extra for radials, so that high cost again resulted. On the score...

Jan 1, 1924

By B Murphy

Traditionally comminution optimisation has been focused on energy minimisation, whereas flotation optimisation has been focused on recovery improvement. One of the largest, if not the largest, operating cost over the life of a flotation circuit is electrical energy. With increasing pressure on operators to lower production costs and the cost of energy increasing, reducing the energy consumption of the flotation circuit can be beneficial to site economics. This paper reviews the use of energy by mechanically agitated flotation machines and discusses the measurement and benchmarking of energy consumption in modern flotation concentrators. Opportunities for improving flotation energy efficiency are also identified.CITATION:Murphy, B, 2013. Flotation energy consumption and opportunities for improvement, in Proceedings MetPlant 2013 , pp 399-412 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 15, 2013

By F. Ikumapayi

Hydrogen peroxide production was measured during the grinding of a complex sulfide ore, and its oxidizing effect on solid surfaces was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with diffuse reflectance attachment measurement. In turn, an attempt was made to correlate the formation of hydrogen peroxide, surface oxidation and sphalerite flotation. Additionally, in order to predict and minimize detrimental production problems due to the recycling of process water in sulfide ore processing, the effects of major components of calcium and sulfate species present in recycled process water and the effect of temperature on sphalerite flotation were investigated through bench-scale flotation tests using complex sulfide ores. The significance of process water species in flotation was studied using tap water, process water and simulated water containing calcium and sulfate ions. Formation of hydrogen peroxide was revealed during the grinding of the complex sulfide ore, and its formation was counteracted by diethylenetriamine (DETA). The FTIR spectrum of the pulp solid fraction showed varying degrees of oxidized surface species, which are related to the concentration of H2O2 analyzed in pulp liquid. Bench-scale flotation using two different complex sulfide ores showed that sphalerite recovery is better in process water than in tap water. Flotation results also indicated a varied recovery of sphalerite at different temperatures in either tap water or process water.

By M. Poirier, J. H. Mbouche

"The research question of the present work is the following: at which speed should a rotary sample divider operate in order to produce representative samples of iron ore concentrate? In order to solve this problem, the representativity of a rotary sample divider treating iron ore concentrate from Iron Ore Compagny (IOC) Carol Lake mine in Labrador City was studied in the laboratory of mineral processing of “CEGEP de Sept-Îles”. The rotary sample divider speeds tested are: 20, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100%. The results show differences in both weight and particles sizes distributions with respect to the various rotation speed used. 20% has shown to be the speed that generates an almost normally distributed samples for both weight and particle size. As the speed of the rotary sample divider increases, the polygon of frequency for weight distribution progressively becomes a two modal distribution curve. 40, 50 and 100% speeds generate normal samples distribution curves with respect to particles size only. 60 and 80% are the speed to be avoided since they generate multiple modal distribution curves for both weight and particles size.IntroductionIn the mining industry, samples representativity is part of the key elements for management decisions. In fact, “Sampling provides vital information to plant operators, clients and geologists to profitably run and operate iron ore mines and plants” (Kevin Thorne et al. 2007). At the laboratory scale, several types of techniques’ are currently used to perform sampling. This include: grapping, alternate spading, quartering, riffles divider and rotating divider etc.. Among all these instruments, rotary divider is the most commonly used. Nevertheless, the usage of a rotary divider is not a guaranty for samples representativity since the results have shown to be related to running speed of this instrument. For the present research work, the idea is to use iron ore concentrate to quantify the representativity of a rotary sample divider. In other words, the research idea is to determine the speed at which a rotary sample divider produces representative samples while treating iron ore concentrate from Carol Lake mine. The present report will give an overview of the methodology used and the principal results obtained."

Jan 1, 2016

By C. C. Clark, D. J. Benton, J. B. Seymour, L. A. Martin

"The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting research on jackleg use and related accidents in underground metal mines. This paper provides an analysis and overview of jackleg drill usage, accidents, operational characteristics and alternatives, based on information from injury reports, legacy research, stakeholder input and published literature. The results indicate that jackleg drills are involved in more groundfall accidents in underground metal mines than any other drill, and jackleg-drill-related injuries are most prevalent at the face in the course of installing initial ground support. Practical mechanized alternatives to jackleg drills for drilling and bolting under incomplete support in narrow underground openings have not yet been realized. Small, versatile mechanized bolting equipment needs to be developed to address jackleg-drill-related accidents and improve safety at mines where jackleg drills are being used. IntroductionJackleg drill is a generic name for a handheld, rotary, percussion rock drill equipped with an attached reaction leg to provide stability and thrust (Fig. 1). All of the drill and leg controls are located near the operator’s handle at the rear of the head portion of the drill. Jackleg drills are classified according to the bore size of their pneumatic pistons, which normally range from 6.03 to 8.26 cm (2.375 to 3.25 in.) (Kurt, 1982; Clark, 2012). Jackleg drills typically weigh 46.7 kg (103 lb), but the weight can approach 54.4 kg (120 lb) after being fitted for operation with drill steel and air and water hoses (McKibbin and Clark, 2001). In underground mines, jackleg drills are commonly used to drill 3.8-cm (1.5-in.) diameter holes up to 1.83 m (6 ft) deep in rock."

Aug 1, 2016

By B. R. Boardman

Project Environmental Approval is a multi-faceted issue. From a mining perspective, it is a costly item because of avoidable time delay. The government perspective is that the approvals are a necessary part of meeting departmental requirements to ensure that the wellbeing of other uses of the environment is maintained. This paper outlines some of the problems inherent in the environmental approvals process and makes recommendations to both the proponent and government about improving the efficiency of the process.

Jan 1, 1978

By E. -R. Niinikoski, M. A. Islam, H. Mischo, G. Barakos, J. Joutsenvaara, G. Meissner

European Union's transition to a low-carbon and digital economy highly depends on securing the strategic autonomy of the Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) supply chain. This paper introduces a European Commission-funded research and innovation action, AGEMERA, which aims to create detailed geological and people's concerns maps to unlock the CRMs potential in Europe. Furthermore, the project will develop educational packages for schools and universities, publish online CRM-related games and news flashes, and arrange public events to ensure a basis for socially accepted and sustainable exploration and mining of CRMs in Europe. 1. IntroductionCritical Raw Materials (CRMs), crucial for shifting to a low-carbon and digital economy, should focus on maintaining Europe's overall supply-demand balance (Birol, 2022). Therefore, to proactively address the surge in demand and ensure the strategic autonomy of European industrial supply chains, the exploration and extraction of CRMs must be scaled out across the continent. Moreover, mobilizing Europe's domestic potential is vital for the EU to become more resilient and to establish open strategic autonomy as the demand for CRMs continues to increase quickly on a global scale (European Commission, 2021). Base metal extraction and mining have a long history in Europe. Nevertheless, CRMs mining projects have shown less success, although these have a lot of potential (Guzik et al., 2021). The main barriers are a lack of investment in mining and exploration, complicated and drawn-out national permitting processes, and low levels of public support (European Commission, 2020). It is necessary to have a vast amount of knowledge and intelligence about CRM's potential and market impact. Novel non-invasive geophysical survey techniques that enable sustainable exploration must be created and used to enhance mineral system models of ore deposits incorporating CRMs. The minerals policy framework significantly influences the mining industry's performance, stability, and sustainability. However, the EU Member States' mineral policy frameworks differ significantly (MINLEX, 2017). In addition, the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies offers concrete information on how managers and executives of mining companies view key policy areas that impact mining activities in the jurisdiction in which they operate or are familiar (Jackson & Green, 2015).

Feb 1, 2023

By James F. O'Neill

Brown iron ore resources in Barbour , Butler , Crenshaw , and Pike Counties were investigated in a drilling program and geological study by the Federal Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the Alabama Geological Survey and the University of Alabama . The aggregate footage drilled was 18,010 linear feet . When developed , reserves of 12,664,000 long tons of crude ore were indicated , containing from 26.9 to 29.0 percent iron and 0.2 to 1.6 percent manganese under a maximum overburden of 40 feet . Total inferred crude ore for the four counties was calculated to be 827,700,000 long tons . Beneficiation of samples by simulated log washing and use of a 1 / 8 - inch screen yielded from 46.8 to 51.7 percent iron and 0.2 to 2.6 percent manganese . Screen- test studies indicated no appreciable interlocking between the iron and manganese minerals and the waste particles of materials retained on a 200 - mesh screen . Clay was prominent in micron - size slimes . Silica was deleterious in the minus 20 - mesh size . While an indicated 2,198,000 dry long tons of usable iron ore can be recovered , sink - and - float tests show that it may be possible for 4,654,000 dry long tons to be recovered by other than log washing . However , applicable commercial processes have not been demonstrated .

Jan 1, 1965

By McHenry Mosier

The object of this investigation is to determine the field for the use of detachable bits in metal mines of the United States by correlating the data developed through the experience of mines using these bits. Most of the metal-mining districts in the Middle Western and Eastern States already have been visited. The purpose of the present circular is to define the problem and to discuss the factors that must be considered in order to determine, under different operating conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of this type of bit. Some of the data obtained to date are presented to emphasize points made in the discussion. It is hoped that, as the study progresses, a great many data on drilling will become available. It is evident that since in some cases these data will be confidential they cannot, therefore, be published except as they may be included in average figures covering several different mines. Some data already secured are of this nature, Although considerable information on drilling operations has been gathered at different mines, there were only a few instances in which there were available complete data on all the factors entering into the total cost of drilling with detachable bits and with conventional bits on regular drill steel.

Jan 1, 1936

By J. F. McCoy

As mining develops into deeper and hotter regions, the safety and health of miners require that the workspace be cooled. Toward this end, this program has successfully developed a high performance, low maintenance spray cooler of 5000 cfm nominal capacity. Further, a series of four 25,000 cfm, nominal capacity, spray coolers has been built and mine tested with satisfactory results. The smaller coolers have been patented and become commercialized with 50 units currently in service. The concept has been developed independently overseas with an unknown number of units in operation.

Jan 1, 1984

By James F. Neill, O&apos

Brown iron ore resources in Barbour, Butler, Crenshaw, and Pike Counties were investigated in a drilling program and geological study by the Federal Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the Alabama Geological Survey and the University of Alabama. The aggregate footage drilled was 18,010 linear feet. When developed, reserves of 12,664,000 long tons of crude ore were indicated, containing from 26.9 to 29.0 percent iron and 0.2 to 1.6 percent manganese under a maximum overburden of 40 feet. Total inferred crude ore for the four counties was calculated to be 827,700,000 long tons. Beneficiation of samples by simulated log washing and use of a 1/8-inch screen yielded from 46.8 to 51.7 percent iron and 0.2 to 2.6 percent manganese. Screen-test studies indicated no appreciable interlocking between the iron and manganese minerals and the waste particles of materials retained on a 200-mesh screen. Clay was prominent in micron-size slimes. Silica was deleterious in the minus 20-mesh size. While an indicated 2,198,000 dry long tons of usable iron ore can be recovered, sink-and-float tests show that it may be possible for 4,654,000 dry long tons to be recovered by other than log washing. However, applicable commercial processes have not been demonstrated.

Jan 1, 1965