Search Documents

By James L. Kelly

Stripping of the Twin Buttes copper deposit started in 1965. Total material removed for the first 10 yr of operation is approximately 879 million tons. The sulfide concentrator has treated about 45 million tons. The Twin Buttes mineral zone was concealed under several hundred feet of recent alluvium. Beneath this post-minera1 cover, Paleozoic limestone, siltstone and quartzite, and Mesozoic metaarqillite, arkose, conglomerate, and volcanic rocks are intruded by an igneous complex of quartz monzonite and diorite. All rock units are erratically mineralized, principally with copper and molybdenum. Strongest copper mineral favors the Paleozoic calc-silicated limestone and siltstone, often preferential to individual beds.

Jan 1, 1978

By John H. Jett

MATERIAL and supply handling is a major problem at underground mines, especially to those operating through deep shafts with small compartments. Mechanization is necessary, yet in many cases cannot be utilized to fullest advantage owing to the limitations of existing plant design. In cases of this sort, improvisation is indicated and adds to the headaches and enjoyment which most mine operators get out of their work. Underground operations at the Copper Queen Branch are principally carried on through three vertical shafts: the Junction shaft, Campbell shaft and Cole shaft. Hoisting depths range from 1400 ft at the Cole through 2700 ft at the Junction to 2966 ft at the Campbell shaft. Men and supplies are moved through each of the shafts. Cage compartments are small requiring all material over 5 ft in length to be handled in an upright position on the cages.

Jan 3, 1953

By K. Osseo-Asare

The DIAGRAM computer program has been used to develop stability diagrams such as Eh-pH, log [CNI-pH, and log [Me]-pH for the systems Me-CN-H 0 where Me = Au, Ag, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co. More complex 2 diagrams involving sulfur- and arsenic-containing species are also presented. With the aid of these diagrams, a discussion is presented of the solution conditions (e.g. pH, [CN], [CNS], Eh) vhich influence gold and silver extraction in cyanide solutions. Special emphasis is given to the effects of ore minerals or calcination products, such as pyrrhotite, pyrite, arsenopyrite and hematite on gold-silver dissolution. Application of the stability diagrams to solution treatment operations such as cementation is also indicated.

Jan 1, 1984

By L. R. Velho, N. A. D. Parlee, J. Gani

THE unsteady-state type of gas-liquid metal diffusion cell1 has found considerable application.2"4 Cells of this general design can function as steady-state cells if allowed to operate long enough to reach steady state. This report tells of some success in the adaption of this type of cell for steady-state work, using the 0-Ag system in which the mass transfer of the gas "species" is basically controlled by diffusion in the liquid. The gas, e.g-., O2, is maintained in the cell tube'-3 at 1 atm pressure, Fig. 1, by buret and sensitive oil manometer. The gas, after diffusing through the stagnant metal, escapes at the annular metal surface around the tube at a lower constant partial pressure, in this case that of O2 in slowly flowing air, 1 atm.

Jan 1, 1970

By Frank Clowes

This lamp has been devised to burn oil from a flat wick in the usual way for lighting-purposes ; and also to burn a hydrogen-flame of standard size instead of the oil-flame, when delicate and accurate gas-testing is to be carried out. The change from the oil-flame to the hydrogen-flame, and vice versa, can be made with great rapidity, and without opening the lamp or running any risk in the presence of gas. The oil-flame serves for illumination; and when the wick is drawn down by the " pricker," so as to abolish the light, the pale blue reduced oil-flame serves to detect fire-damp or "gas," in any propor

Jan 1, 1894

By Fortunato Pereira Gamba

The Department of Narino (formerly included in the Department of Cauca) is a narrow band about 170 km. (100 miles) wide in the southern part of the Republic of Colombia, near the boundary of Ecuador, as showu in the sketch-map, Fig. 1. Its capital is Pasto, a small city of 25,000 inhabitants; the pri~icipal towns are T?querres, Cumbal, Ypiales, Barbacoas, and Tumaco. The port on the Pacific ocean is Tumaco, and traffic in the interior is carried partly on the Patia river (steam navigation to the fluvial port of Barbacoas), and afterwards overland over poor roads by human bearers or on mule-back.

Jan 1, 1913

By Howard W. Jacky

At Weed Heights, Nev., precipitation plays a major role in the plant operation. Almost two-thirds of the present copper production is leach-precipitation plant copper. The entire plant complex processes about 135,000 tons of low grade copper ore per week. Of this tonnage, 49,000 tons of about 0.78% sulfide ore are treated in the concentrator. This is handled in the conventional manner of crushing, grinding, and concentration of the copper sulfide by flotation.

Jan 6, 1967

By W. A. Longacre

IN the geophysical exploration program of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. on the Marquette Range of Northern Michigan, the vertical intensity magnetometer has been used to obtain magnetic anomaly maps of large areas. A network of magnetic base stations has been established and the relative vertical intensity at each station measured carefully with respect to a prime base. In the search for the relatively nonmagnetic soft red hematite ore, the magnetic exploration is indirect, involving the study of dikes, faults, contacts, and other structural features. It was found that the magnetometer, adjusted to a scale value of approximately 40 ? per scale division, was satisfactory for this type of exploration, although many magnetic anomalies were encountered that required the use of auxiliary magnets.

Jan 1, 1952

INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY THEORY The mathematical theory of probability provides the foundation for the interpretations and inferences that can be made from statistical techniques. Probability theory is a broad field of study in itself, and can only be touched on here in order to provide the necessary back- ground for a more complete understanding of statistical analysis. Probability is concerned with the outcome of random events. It had its beginnings in the theory of games of chance which were of great interest to European mathematicians during the last half of the 17th century. The outcome of a random process or experiment is defined as an event. The collection of all mathematical points associated with each event is called the sample space for an experiment. Consider a random experiment having a finite number, n, of possible outcomes, some of which have a characteristic A. What is the probability that A will result from a single

Jan 1, 1980

By Richard Hamburger

Calculating machines permit the use of the more rapid cotangent and semigraphic solutions of plane triangulation. The results of these methods are as accurate as those of other methods. Simple adjustment of the net, and ease of calculation encourage more complete field work. Errors in field work or in computation are easily localized.

Jan 2, 1950

By Pedro Bolsaitis, Paul M. Sullivan

The activities of zinc in liquid Zn-A1 alloys in the temperature range of 1000' to 1160°K were determined by means of the isopiestic technique. The results are in reasonable agreement with the previous values determined by the radioactive tracer dew point method. Slightly negative excess entropies of mixing were found. The measured activities suggest that the a function for these alloys is not a constant, as has frequently been assumed, but is better represented by two straight line segments of different slopes. THE thermodynamic data of Al-Z alloys have been the subject of investigation by many authors. However, in the recent compilation of such data by Hult-gren et al.,5 the conclusion is reached that none of the previous measurements are reliable or consistent with each other. Since then two new sets of measurements have been reported,2, 8 both laying claim to good accuracies, yet showing very significant disagreement in the measured activity coefficients of zinc in Zn-A1 alloys and in the magnitude and sign of the excess entropies of mixing. Information on the thermodynamics of the system is of particular interest for interpreting results of the Bureau of Mines research on refining of zinc by distillation of die cast scrap. The present study was undertaken as an independent check on the recent values obtained from dew point measurements 8 and electromotive force measurements.' The isopiestic method, first introduced by Herasy-menko,' was chosen because it is one of the few thermodynamic techniques which, in principle at least, is carried out under perfect equilibrium conditions. The disadvantage of the method is that data are obtained at various random compositions and temperatures, which makes the interpretation somewhat cumbersome. The random errors arising from temperature gradients and fluctuations appear to be comparable to those of other techniques, as evidenced by the magnitude of the estimated uncertainties in the calculated integral thermodynamic quantities. An advantage of the method is that each run provides a relatively large amount of data; thus, it is less time consuming than those methods where samples of each composition must be measured individually. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The activities of zinc in liquid Zn-A1 alloys were measured by the isopiestic method which uses the principle of the tendency toward equilibrium of a series of samples at various temperatures under an imposed vapor pressure of the more volatile component (i.e., zinc, in this case). The basic apparatus is shown in Fig. 1. The small graphite crucibles that contained the metal samples were 15 mm ID and 13 mm deep with approximately 3 mm wall thickness. Each crucible was notched at the top and bottom to allow easy passage of vapor from one to another. At the beginning of an experiment each crucible was weighed on an analytical balance. Zinc and aluminum of spectrographic purity (99.999 pct) were then weighed into the crucibles. The amounts of each metal added were such that initial compositions varied above and below equilibrium values. One crucible contained only pure zinc. After weighing, the crucibles were stacked with the pure zinc on the bottom (corresponding to the lowest temperature in the furnace) and richest aluminum alloys at the top. The entire stack of crucibles was then placed in the silica glass container "E" which was then sealed under vacuum. Sixteen to twenty calibrated Chromel-Alumel thermocouples were attached by wire along the length of the silica tube, one or more adjacent to each sample.

Jan 1, 1970

By Paul F. Sikora, John W. Weeton, Philip A. Clarkin

Effects of variations in carbon content and micro-structure on the stress-rupture properties of a liquid-phase-sirztered, Izeut-resistunt alloy were studied. Using the powder rnetallurgy technique, specimens could be produced having stress-rupture profierties equivalent to or better than those of the alloy in wrought form. In addition, sintered specimens were easily hot worked even when carbon contents were as high as I pct. Correlations between stress-rupture properties and micro structure were obtained in some cases. IT is well known that many alloys used in high-temperature service are quite complex both from the standpoint of chemical composition and microstruc-ture. During the development of these alloys their complexity has in some cases led to treatment schedules which, while practical, often do not fully utilize available alloying elements. For example, in some alloys, massive carbides that form during ingot practice may never be dissolved by reasonable solution treatments and therefore are unavailable for subsequent precipitation hardening, Ref. 1. This investigation was undertaken to determine whether the powder metallurgy method of consolidation might provide distinct advantages over the conventional melting method. First, segregation of alloying elements might be eliminated or reduced and thus a more efficient use of these elements obtained. Second, the structures produced in powder specimens might differ considerably from those normally seen in castings, which would perhaps result in better response to subsequent mechanical or thermal treatments. If these results could be achieved, it was felt that both forgeability and stress-rupture properties might be improved. The alloy used in this investigation was S-816 produced by powder metallurgy methods. The influence of carbon content over the range of 0.1 to 1.0 wt pct was studied for the alloy in the as-sintered condition and after three additional treatments involving heat treatment, hot swaging, and combinations thereof. EXPERIMENTAL Standard S-816 has the composition shown in Table I. It is a cobalt-base alloy having a nominal carbon content of 0.4 pct and is classified as a precipitation-hardening alloy. This alloy was chosen because it is representative of a class of heat-resistant alloys and because adequate information was available concerning its response to various treatments and its subsequent properties. For this study, -100 mesh alloy powder having essentially the same composition as shown in Table I but without the 0.4 pct C was used. Desired carbon variations, achieved by wet mixing the alloy powder with graphite, ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 wt pct. Specimens were hydrostatically pressed and then sintered in vacuum by slowly heating until incipient melting was observed. Sintering this way gave a liquid phase in the interstices of the powder particles and achieved reasonably high densities. The average density of as-sintered specimens was about 95 pct of wrought alloy density. In order to obtain various microstructures, some specimens were heat treated (solution treated for 24 hr at 2150°F, water quenched; aged 16 hr at 1400°F, air cooled); others were hot swaged at 2150 o F (50 pct reduction in area), while still others were hot swaged (50 pct reduction in area) and then given the above heat treatment. During hot swaging it was observed that forgeability was quite good even when specimens contained as much as 1.0 pct C. Specimens were evaluated by stress-rupture test-

Jan 1, 1962

By Clarence Balke

SMALL buttons of fused tantalum have been produced by are fusion in a vacuum, by drawing an arc between sticks of pressed tantalum and a tantalum-faced water-cooled copper block. However, ingots of appreci-able size can be produced only by the heat-treatment of bars pressed from powder. The following outline covering the production of finished bars of tantalum by the methods of powder metallurgy is also used for the production of columbium, taking into account the difference in the melting points of these two metals. PRESSING THE POWDER With possibly a few exceptions, a pressing operation is one of the essential steps in the practice of powder metallurgy. In fact, the author's experience with a number of high-melting-point metals and with numer-ous types of hard carbide compositions has led him to believe that this operation is often one of the most important in the- entire process, and frequently one of the most difficult to carry out in a satisfactory manner. Defects clue to improper pressing can readily lead to a defective finished product. It is the author's opinion that rarely is a bar or other article pressed from metal powder in such a way that all parts of the piece are uniformly pressed. The nearest approach to uniformity of pressing is possibly attained when the powder is contained in a flexible receptacle, such as rubber, and is pressed under a liquid by hydrostatic pressure. However, this method is not generally applicable. Hydraulic pressing in steel dies where one or two punches are forced into the die must usually be resorted to. As the pressure in such a die is built up, the powder begins to cling to the walls of the die with a tenacity dependent upon the nature of the powder, and this results in a bridging action, so that the layers of powder adjacent to the moving punch are pressed more heavily than those further removed in the mass. Frequently, as the pressure is carried higher, there may be a mass slippage of the powder upon itself, with the result that slip cracks are formed within the pressed

Jan 1, 1938

By J. D. McClung

INTRODUCTION The ever increasing demand for coal sues that meet exacting specifications has made necessary the installation of thousands of dollars worth of crushing equipment by the coal industry. At one time the operator at- tempted to recover as much lump as possible but today he is confronted with the necessity of crushing to facilitate the mechanical cleaning process and to meet the demand for a variety of uniform sizes. As a matter of fact, about 65 percent of the coal mined in the United States today goes through preparation plants where it is crushed and cleaned. One becomes more aware of the importance of the art of comminution when it is realized that practically all of the operations in mining are involved in comminution in one way or another. Whether the coal is mined conventionally or by continuous miners it is separated from the solid by a breaking, ripping or milling action which essentially amounts to a comminution operation. Even degradation resulting from material handling from the mine working face to the preparation plant might in a broad sense be so classified, Then of course crushing is usually necessary in the plant before the coal is ready to be marketed. THEORY Despite the various comminution operations there is a lack of satisfac- tory information concerning the fundamentals of crushing and their relation to the variable factors associated with the operation. There are certain laws and theories on mechanical reduction, such as those of Rittinger, Kick and Bond that are helpful and useful. The difficulty in developing exact mathematical relationships for specific crusher applications is due to the many variable physical characteristics found in coal. Hardness, as measured by the Hardgrove grindability index, is one parameter that has been used for years to determine the resistance of coal to comminution. While the coal properties as measured by grindability are complex, recent work has shown that a high correlation exists between the grindability of some coals and their petrographic analysis. Early research on the hardness of petrographic entities from an Illinois coal2 demonstrated that durain was the hardest constituent followed by clarain, vitrain and very soft fusain. Other research demonstrated that, for different size fractions of the same coal, a wide variation in hardness commonly exists. For example, the fines in about half of 39 coals studied were softer than their corresponding coarse sues while most of the remaining coals were uniformly hard in all sizes. A few coals contained fines which were harder than their coarser constituents. These variations in hardness give insight into the heterogeneous nature of coal.

Jan 1, 1968

By A. P. Miller, T. S. Washburn

Improved procedure in the manufacture of rail steel has come as the rail user demanded better wearing qualities combined with greater unit weight. With each weight increase per lineal yard has come greater difficulty in making a product that would successfully withstand all tests that modern rails must meet. With these facts in mind, and with a sincere desire to produce a rail whose service in track would be satisfactory in all respects, the steelmaker was quick to realize that all of the factors entering into his process would have to be more closely controlled. Control of rail-steel slags was recognized as one of the most important of many interdepending factors. The object of slag control is to hold the slag compositions within a range that gives the best results with respect to economy of production, uniformity of analysis, and quality of the finished rails. The most important component of the slag from the standpoint of these production and quality factors is the ferrous oxide content. This component is a good indicator of the basicity and oxidizing power of the slag, and these largely govern the effect of the slag on the steel. Consequently, the

Jan 1, 1935

By A. Bentzen, S. S. Wong, W. K. Fletcher, B. J. Price, A. J. Sinclair

One hundred eleven pyrite samples from three porphyry-type deposits in the Canadian Cordillera were analyzed (many in duplicate) by AA spectrophotometry for Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn. All elements have density distributions that are lognormal or combinations of lognormal populations. Co and Ni in pyrites show zonal patterns that relate generally to mineralogical zones in the porphyry systems, particularly if contoured as the Co/Ni ratio. High Cu and Mn values in pyrites also correlate with Cu-rich mineralogical zones. Other elements studied appear less regular in their distribution patterns, although Pb and Zn highs in pyrite seem to occur sporadically near the margins of porphyry systems. These data considered with two other studies permit construction of an empirical model for the distribution of certain minor elements of pyrites from porphyry systems of the calc-alkalic suite. In particular cases pyrite geochemistry shows potential as an exploration tool to aid in target definition for detailed exploration.

Jan 1, 1978

By R. J. Brison, O. F. Tangel

The development of a new method of mineral separation was sponsored by the International Salt Company, which requested Battelle Institute to investigate means for improving the quality and appearance of rock salt from the Company's Detroit mine. Although developed specifically for removing impurities from rock salt, the general method may be applicable to other separation problems. The principal impurities in rock salt from the Detroit mine are dolomite and anhydrite which represent 2 to 5 pct of the weight of the mined salt. In the size range from 114 to 112 in. (the range of primary interest in this project) the impurities are only partially liberated from the halite in normal production. Further size reduction to improve the liberation of impurities is not practicable in view of the market requirements for the coarse grades of rock salt. Laboratory separations in heavy liquids showed that, to improve the quality and appearance of the rock salt substantially, it would be necessary to remove not only free gangue particles but also a large proportion of the locked-in particles.

Jan 8, 1960

By A. L. Senkayi, L. R. Hossner, J. B. Dixon, J. S. Ahlrichs

Chemical and physical properties of soils and overburden materials must be evaluated prior to strip mining activities. This information can be used to assess whether subsurface overburden can be equal in quality to the native soils, especially when these soils are classed as prime farm lands. In northeast Texas, lignite primarily occurs in the Calvert Bluff formation which is underlain by the Simboro and Hooper formations. These formations are in the Wilcox group (early Eocene). The Carrizo formation, that unconformably overlies the Calvert Bluff formation, consists of thick layers of sand with poor water and nutrient retention capabilities. These materials are least suited for placement on the surface of reclaimed land. The oxidized, medium textured overburden of the Culvert Bluff and Simboro formations possess adequate water and nutrient retention properties and are better suited for sustained plant growth when compared to the existing native soils. Non-oxidized Calvert Bluff and Hooper sediments generally have acceptable properties for reclamation although acid forming sulfides occasionally occur. Materials high in sulfides must be buried during mining or appropriately treated prior to reclamation.

Jan 1, 1984

By M. W. Cox, V. F. Hollister

Exploration for metallic mineral deposits is carried on by those special adaptations of methods which the explorer believes will yield most economically or satisfactorily the particular answer sought. In this project the usual methods of geologic observation, recording, and interpretation, when combined with magnetic geophysical methods and geochemical soil sampling, led to disclosures of appreciable zinc mineralization where none was visible in surface exposure. Since 1945 considerable work has been done with geochemical prospecting methods, chiefly in determining the presence and distribution of various elements existing in minor amounts in rocks, soil, vegetation or waters of mineralized areas. Such work, in which the U. S. Geological Survey has taken the lead, finds a ready place in the field repertoire of the exploration geologist as a supplement, not a substitute, for other methods. The Chollet project was carried out in 1951 by the American Smelting & Refining Co. near its Van Stone mine in northern Stevens County, Wash., in the area shown in Fig. 1

Oct 1, 1955

By James E. Lonergan, Young C. Kim

Over the past two and one-half years, various emission control strategies for a coal-fired power plant have been jointly developed by the University of Arizona and the Homer City Owners. The objective of this work was to assist the Homer City management in their efforts to comply with SO2 emission regulations while continuing to use the relatively high sulfur coal from their captive mines as the primary source of plant fuel. One of the operational strategies studied was to have the captive mines minimize the sulfur variability of the run-of-mine coal on a short term basis. A mine production scheduling program called COMPF2 was developed to perform this task. This paper describes the application of this mine planning program at an underground coal mine. A comparison of the planning results with actual production figures showed the ability of this program to schedule production so as to minimize both the sulfur content and the sulfur variability of run-of-mine coal.

Jan 1, 1983