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By Betty L. Gibbs

The ultimate objective of mine design is to determine the development and untilization of mining resources. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and automated mapping are becoming very popular in engineering and in mining. Any computer program which produces a design or model with the interaction of an engineer can be considered computer-aided design (CAD), but' the term CAD is often associated with interactive graphic design and mapping capabilities. Graphics can be effectively used to describe and model two-or-three dimensional mine workings, orebodies, and geologic structures. Interactive computer graphics is applied to mine design with a combination of deposit modeling techniques and the use of AutoCAD for interactive graphics and mapping. The combined system can perform a large part of the calculations and drafting work for geologic and mining design. Using computer calculation and graphics techniques, comparisons of alternatives, can be made quickly.

Jan 1, 1989

By Ray Zelinski

Caltrans sponsored a research project in 1992 which incorporated proprietary and generic pile types. The piles were subjected to axial tensile/compressive loads in deep, soft soils. Descriptions of various pile types and systems, scenarios leading to the proposal to test the systems, and load test results were/will be provided by other presenters at this seminar. Therefore, this paper will focus on the issues surrounding use of test results and proprietary pile systems on Caltrans construction projects. The primary issues facing Caltrans during implementation are as follows: 1) producing pile cap designs for a range of pile types and loads; 2) providing construction specifications which allow fair competition among the system vendors, yet assure design and ultimate capacities; 3) Develop quality control standards for pile system materials and installation techniques which guarantee pile durability for static and dynamic loads; and 4) assure that foundations have adequate lateral capacity.

Jan 1, 1993

Soil improvement technologies have been widely employed over the recent decades to overcome tunnelling problems in difficult grounds, their range of application growing proportionally to the technological development. The constant advancement in the different mechanical (flexible and more powerful equipment) and electronic (enhanced reliability and direct quality control) aspects of these technologies, fostered the confidence of engineers and tunnellers and, ultimately, allowed the entire tunnel industry to approach difficult excavations in a safer and cost effective manner.This paper outlines the main features of commercially available soil improvement techniques, with particular emphasis on permeation grouting and jet grouting. These two technologies, developed concurrently in Europe and Japan, and there customarily adopted in the design of underground structures, have known extensive and extreme applications worldwide in recent years. Case histories and current practice of soil improvement techniques, as they apply to tunnelling, are also rendered.

Jan 1, 1999

The need for a carefully prepared set of special conditions, to be used with general conditions of contract or, alternatively, a purpose written contract for adoption in tunnelling work in Australia is discussed. Recent decisions on the proprietor's liability for tender information and arbitrator's power to award interest are examined. A new clause for inclusion in contracts specifically giving arbitrators power to award interest is suggested. Similarly, a new clause covering delays due to environmental disputes is suggested, particularly for marine outfall tunnels. An alternative method for the settlement of disputes by negotiation is suggested for consideration and contracts and contract administration are discussed as the possible weak point in the construction process. At the conference it is intended to present a method or process to be used in contract administration which should reduce disputes, result in a better quality and efficiency of administration and ultimately in better contracts'.

Jan 1, 1981

By R. M. S. Falcon, L. M. Falcon

The prediction of the mechanical behaviour of South African coal on the basis of current proximate and other chemical parameters gives rise to problems, and the use of ultimate analyses and inferred maceral and rank analyses, although it has improved the situation to some extent, is still not satisfactory. In an attempt to reach a new level of understanding, this paper gives an in-depth review of the fundamental petrographic characteristics of coal and compares these parameters with the main types of mechanical performance. A two-tiered system of primary and secondary parameters is proposed for the prediction of coal behaviour. The primary or inherent parameters include rank and organic composition. The secondary or extraneous factors include such parameters as mineral mater, cracks or cleats, degree of oxidation, and size. In addition, an explanation is offered of several anomalous behavioural conditions in some South African coals.

Jan 1, 1987

By Terry G. Richard, Sunder H. Advani

A sequence of 250 unconfined compression tests were completed on a common marine shale indicative of the overburden strata of east- central Ohio. The samples were of a light gray clay shale of Pennsylvanian age. The shales considered are obvious layered materials with distinct bedding planes. For this reason there is sufficient evidence to consider this material as anisotropic in nature. With a properly chosen reference coordinate system this anisotropy can be reduced to a layered orthotropic characterization. This implies that the mechanical properties can be specified with regard to principal material directions. With this nature in mind a systematic study of the combined influences of strain rate and moisture conditioning was initiated. Of particular interest is the variations in unconfined ultimate compressive strength with variations in the controlled parameters of strain rate, moisture conditioning level and direction of testing. Results of this particular phase of the program are presented.

Jan 1, 1982

By W. E. Hess

At the Vesta mines of Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. on the Monongahela River, 35 miles south of Pittsburgh, JCM Joy continuous miners and 6-SC shuttle cars are used for pillar extraction in the Pittsburgh seam. The entire output of the mine goes into coke production for blast furnace operation. Because this coal, which has high metallurgical qualities, is close to the place where it is ultimately used and because supplies with these properties are being rapidly depleted, complete recovery is essential wherever possible. With the introduction of the continuous miner into the Vesta mines, therefore, it was necessary to plan a project which would facilitate development and provide for future total recovery. Use of continuous miners under varying conditions has necessitated changes with regard to roof action, method of development, method of pillar attack, and innovations in mining. In the following pages these changes will be discussed.

Jan 2, 1955

By Geoffrey Purcell

Although the extractive metallurgist has not yet tackled the problem of getting blood out of a stone, he must, when faced with the mini- metal values of today's ores, believe that this ultimate miracle will soon be expected of him. Even assuming that some plausible professor at one of the few remaining minerals industry schools could persuade the National Science Foundation to sponsor such a sanguine research project, the funds might have to go begging for want of a graduate metallurgist. Falling enrollment in fields devoted to nonrenewable mineral resources, long a matter of grave concern to educators, is now recognized as a problem of great national consequence urgently needing a solution. While the law of supply and demand might eventually be expected to right the imbalance of engineers, time is not on our side and action to correct the shortage is required now.

Jan 1, 1970

By Oliver S. North

Reserves of perlite rock in the western section of the United States are immense. A geological report prepared for the Union Pacific RR showed proved tonnage of over 400 million tons in southern Nevada alone. Yet the perlite industry is not large, and most of the mines are relatively small. There are indications that perlite processing, thus far largely in the hands of relatively small com¬panies, is becoming concentrated in a few large companies. For economic reasons the bulk of perlite sold in crude form has come from three or four pro¬ducers, although many individual operators have sold small quantities to limited lists of purchasers. Perlite is one of ultra-lightweight aggregates. Owing to its outstanding qualities as an aggregate, variety of uses, and ultimate economy of use, it has enjoyed considerable popularity in this country in recent years. Marked foreign interest also has been evinced in this material.

Jan 2, 1955

By I. N. Zavarine

THE observations presented in this paper were recorded during a study of the spheroidizing process. Spheroidization of cementite in steel is either brought about to develop a set of desirable mechanical properties or is an incidental result of mechanical and heat-treating manipulations. Physical properties of steel are materially influenced by the state of the cementite. Conversion of cementite from the lamellar to the spheroidal state is usually accom-panied by a decrease of hardness and of strength and by an increase in ductility. The spheroidized structure is usually considered as an ultimate step in the process of the softening of steel. The unorthodox hardening of a 3.5 per cent Ni steel (SAE No. 2330) after a heat-treatment that previously proved entirely suitable for a complete spheroidization of cementite in carbon steels led to the observa-tions that constitute the subject of the present paper.

Jan 1, 1939

By Alexander Seyfarth

X-ray systems for elemental and phase determination have become more expensive and easier to use. In this sense, although the new systems offer more functions in the software for matrix correction, preconfigured optimized measurement parameters as well as wizards for method development, they will not perform for the applications if not used with the right sample preparation technique. Experience in this sector is not widely shared since it is a more empirical trial and error approach unique to the sample preparation equipment used. This paper outlined 3 case studies, where the sample preparation was crucial in the adaptation of the X-ray technique and it also illustrated that an analytical solution is not complete without the sample preparation, which ultimately governs the accuracy of reference materials and unknowns used. Comparing the necessary sample for XRF with the one used for ICP analysis clearly shows the time and cost savings.

Jul 31, 2003

By Ham G. I, Just G. D

The model considers a range of design parameters and operating condit- ions and evaluates the significance of these in the ultimate design of a mine. It also considers organizational features associated with the mining method and examines the inter-dependence between operations. An important characteristic of the model is the use of both stochastic and deterministic methods to study the behaviour of the complete mining system. The simulator selects the appropriate unit operation, computes and records its time, performs it and then calculates the production and cost data. Output is in the form of shift, day, week or period repor-ts. These reports will indicate problem areas such as restrictions in the production network for a given set of conditions. The likely effects of alternative means of solving these problems can be evaluated by changing the original input. Such information could be used by the mine management to select an

Jan 1, 1974

By N. A. Frazier

The technology for using limestone or lime to scrub SO2 from power-plant flue gas has significant implications to the limestone industry. A brief status report on these processes will be made, possible process requirements on the limestone properties will be reviewed, and projections on the buildup of demand with respect to time will be reviewed. Disposal problems inherent with the use of these throwaway processes will also be summarized. Given a viable technology, relations among (1) distance of power plants from low- and high-sulfur coal and limestone deposits, (2) modes of handling and transporting immense tonnages of bulk material-coal and/or limestone, and (3) regional air-quality standards are some of the factors which will ultimately determine the demand for limestone. A discussion of these factors will be presented, with the intent of identifying geographic regions where significant increases in production can reasonably be expected.

Jan 1, 1974

By Waldemar Lindgren

CONTENTS. [ ] I. INTRODUCTION. THE precious metals, gold and silver, are the basis of the monetary systems of the world. It is, therefore, natural and inevitable that widespread interest should be manifested in their production and in the various classes of deposits in which they are contained. At times a great scarcity of the precious metals has prevailed; at other times the production has seemed so abnormally large that fears have been entertained regarding their ultimate retention as standards of value. Since most nations have adopted the gold standard, and the remaining ones appear likely to do the same in the near future, the question of available supply of gold for the present and future very naturally arises. This necessarily involves a consideration of the characteristics of the gold-deposits. After the absorption of the gold treasures of the New World by the conquistadores, the gold-placers of Brazil and Russia

Jan 1, 1913

By Svenson D

For fully effective information to be obtained from exploratory drilling for coal, drilling programs should be planned systemati- cally in successive stages, on the basis of existing geological criteria and information collated during each stage. In this way, drilling can be executed with optimum economy, aided by auxiliary geophysical techniques wherever these may be appropriate. The object- ives of the programs must ultimately include an adequate assessment of mining conditions as well as thorough evaluation of coal quality. The first of these objectives is not always appreciated by both geologists and mining engineers engaged in supervising drilling pro- grams, often resulting in the need for more additional drilling and more expense than would otherwise be required. To achieve all of these objectives as effectively as possible, the drilling should be supervised by well qualified personnel experienced in working in a multi- dicipline, professional mining, geological and engineering team.

Jan 1, 1977

By Harold E. Rowen

Sintering is accomplished at a temperature of more than 2000°F. For the purpose of this discussion it will be defined as the art of burning a solid fuel with 90 to 95 pct ash content. Think of the problems of combustion involved in keeping a home furnace burning properly with 12 to 20 pct ash in the fuel and remember that the amount of fuel involved in the 5 to 10 pct combustion loss represented by the definition has to be just about right or nothing is going to happen. Our forefathers discovered that many ores containing metals csscntial to the steadily rising standards of living were associated with other minerals, sulfur and arsenic, for example, which had to be removed before ultimate refining. They did this by utilizing the solid fuels they had available-the sulfur or other readily combustible components- to create roasting heat.

Apr 1, 1956

By Robert G. Ditchburn, Cornel E. J. de Ronde, Bernard J. Barry

The age of mineralization, its mode of formation, the time elapsed to amass an economic deposit, its capacity for sustainable extraction and, ultimately, its grade and tonnage, are key aspects in the economic viability of volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits (Ditchburn et al, 2004). Radiometric dating methods applied at GNS Science have been recently refined with the purpose of efficiently determining the ages of seafloor VMS mineralization along active intraoceanic arcs. These developments include: determining the longevity of seafloor hydrothermal systems, details of individual chimney and massive sulfide mound growth, and insights into deep-seated processes, such as the transfer of elements from magmas to their overlying hydrothermal systems. In our pursuit to better understand seafloor hydrothermal systems along intraoceanic arcs, we have thus far compiled age information for three volcanic centres of the Kermadec arc (South Pacific) and one of the Mariana arc (NW Pacific).

By Joseph Singewald

AMONG the genetically interesting iron ores of the United States are those of the St. Francis Mountains near Ironton and Iron Mountain, Missouri. They are specular hematite in porphyry. The Iron Mountain and Shepherd Mountain deposits are generally spoken of as veins and those of Pilot Knob, Cedar Hill, and Russell Mountain as bedded deposits. Iron Mountain has produced nearly 4,000,000 tons of ore and Pilot Knob about 1,500,000 tons. The output of the other three localities has been insignificant. Pilot Knob is no longer worked as an iron mine, but the rock is now being crushed for use as road metal. Iron Mountain has continued as an active producer. In 1927, the property was acquired by the M. A. Hanna Co. and an extensive prospecting and exploration campaign was undertaken, so that the ultimate production of Iron Mountain will doubtless greatly exceed the figures mentioned.

Jan 1, 1929

By Lloyd H. Yeager

Good morning gentlemen. I'm very pleased to be a part of this fine program for the Society of Mining Engineers. Gypsum, as many of you know, is one of the most unique minerals on earth. The very excellent presentations which you have just witnessed, revealed the geological aspects of gypsum operations. It is not our purpose this morning to pursue this subject further. Instead, we felt you would be interested in some of the uses of gypsum . . . and what the future holds for gypsum products. To help accomplish this, we're going to first show the Gypsum Association's new film, "Shape Of The Future. ' This short movie traces gypsum f ram mines and quarries to its ultimate destination in homes, schools, offices -- in virtually every type of construction. We think you'll be particularly interested in the description of gypsum's fire resistive nature.

Jan 1, 1965

By John Millhiser, Margaret Bonarek, Dennis McLaughlin

This report contains a description of the contract activities performed by ENSCO, Inc. under contract No. H0178069. The purpose of this project was to enhance the Bureau of Mine's Cableless Electronic Survey System use to aid in the drilling of long (approx. 2000 feet) boreholes in coal. This drilling is performed as part of the methane drainage program. The system that was ultimately developed was field tested and demonstrated in actual in-mine drilling activities. The significance of this system as compared to previous drill survey systems is the fact that it surveys without having to be inserted and removed for each survey point. It is so designed that it can withstand the shock and vibration experience by the drill string during drilling. This means an increased productivity is now possible in that drill operators can determine drill bit positioning in a near real-time environment.