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By Bhaskar B. Thapa

The proposed Caldecott fourth bore will consist of a two lane highway tunnel along California State Route 24 near the City of Oakland. The proposed design and construction sequence for the 15-m-diameter tunnel are based on the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The initial support system incorporates combinations of shotcrete, rock dowels, lattice girders, spiles, and grouted steel pipe canopies. The final lining is cast-in-place reinforced concrete. A waterproofing membrane and drainage system are placed between the initial and final linings. State Route 24 is a lifeline route, required to be open to emergency vehicles within 72 hours after a major earthquake, defined as having a return period of 1,500 years and a peak ground acceleration of 1.2 g. Although the seismic design criteria are stringent, the design of the tunnel lining system is ultimately controlled by static ground loads in the weak rock along the alignment.

Jan 1, 2008

By Gary Anderson

??Privately Held Corporation ??Incorporated in Delaware, May of 2002 ??HQ in Malvern, PA (just outside Philly) ??Approx 40 employees ?9 Field Engineers ?MSHA Certified ?10 Development/NOC Engineers ?Site Survey/Site Design ?RF Engineers ??Standards Based ?IEEE 802.11 ??Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) ?Gateworks, Ubiquity, Atheros, Linux Based ??Technology was developed and inspired by the lack of communications during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001

May 1, 2009

By A A. Ndiaye, A Galli

In a companion paper on current hedging practices in the mining industry (Armstrong et al, 2009) we showed that contrary to popular belief, mining groups are still using financial derivatives to hedge against foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk, and more recently against adverse changes in energy prices, notably the oil price. This paper presents a case study on a hypothetical gold mine to illustrate the impact that hedging policies could have on its profitability by reducing the downside risk due to adverse changes in the exchange rate and increases in fuel prices. The characteristics of the hypothetical mine have been set to reproduce those of a real gold deposit, the Kisladag mine that is currently being exploited by open pit methods in Turkey. This mine was selected because its feasibility study was available to the public. Geostatistical simulations are used to reproduce the inherent uncertainty on the recoverable reserves û stochastic simulations are used to generate the variability of the other three key sources of uncertainty: the gold price, the cost of energy and the exchange rate. A simple strategy based on straightforward vanilla options (puts and calls) was developed for hedging the last two risks, on the assumption that the company sells its production at the prevailing spot price.

Jan 1, 2009

By S. L. Huang

The location and shape of potential failure surfaces in soil slopes were directly determined based on the stresses induced in the soil mass and the strength of the soil itself. Stress calculations were carried out by the finite element method with the Drucker-Prager nonlinear material model. The Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion and Mohr's circle stress analysis were then applied to the calculated stresses to determine the characteristics of the failure surface.

Jan 1, 1989

By L Baumgardner, A. V. Castelli

Barite In 1987, United States mine production of barite increased 15.870, consumption (sold or used by grinding plants) increased by 6.97, and imports are estimated to have fallen by 19.57. World mine production decreased by 137, according to the US Bureau of Mines. The value of US produced barite, fob mine, decreased 1.4%, according to the Bureau. The declared value for cif US port of all imported unground barite during the first 10 months of 1987 decreased from $39.02/t ($35.40 per st) to $37.16/t ($33.71 per st), the Bureau stated. Nevada continued to be the leading US producer of' barite with 637r of the total. It is followed by Georgia, Missouri, California, Tennessee, and Montana. The Bureau of Mines estimates 657 of the US mine production was used as a weighting agent in drilling fluids. The remaining 35°/r was used in barium chemicals, glass or as a filler. Most of the production from Missouri, Georgia, and Tennessee was used in the non-oilfield sector. This sector continued to increase. Of the total consumption (used by grinding plants and chemical manufacturers), it is estimated that 8070 was used in drilling fluids and 2017( in the non-oilfield sector - barium chemicals and fillers in paper, plastics, and glass. The tonnage consumed in the drilling fluids market increased slightly. But the average number of rotary rigs operating decreased from 964 in 1986 to 936 in 1987. This is the lowest number of operating rigs reported since 1949. The increase in consumption in this sector is due to an increase of rigs operating in the US Gulf and other higher consumption areas over 1986. Crude barite imports were estimated to be down by 19.5% in 1987. Still, they accounted for 637 of the barite consumed in the US. During the first 10 months, China continued to be the leading exporter to the US with 86.970, followed by Mexico with 10.997, and Morocco 2.107(. About 5Y of the imported ore was used in the nonoilfield sector. Ground barite imports dropped from 19.8 kt to 8.8 kt (21,800 st to 9800 st) in 1987. Of this amount, 1.4 kt (1598 st) was used in drilling muds and the remainder of the non-oilfield use. During 1987, a few more grinding plants that supplied the drilling fluid market were closed. Along the US Gulf Coast, there are 13 operating plants versus a high of 31 in 1981. Cameron Offshore reopened its grinding plant at Cameron, LA. New Riverside Ochre Co. of Cartersville, GA, purchased a jigging-washing plant in Missouri and plans to place it in operation this year on a new deposit near Cartersville, GA. Milpark purchased Hughes Drilling Fluid in 1987 and operates under Milpark. US mine production will probably stay about the same as 1987. Price increases in the 10 % range for imported ore are expected due to water freight and the weak dollar. Baker Hughes estimates the average number of operating rotary rigs at 1070. A slight increase is expected in the non-drilling fluid market (chemicals, glass, and filler). Bauxite and alumina L. Baumgardner, US Bureau of Mines Domestic bauxite production in 1987, expressed as dried equivalent, was 581 kt (640,400 st), a 14% increase over 1986. US mine production amounted to less than 170 of total world production. Virtually none of the domestic bauxite was consumed in the production of primary alumina metal. About 30% of the bauxite produced by US mines was calcined to produce 117 kt (128,970 st) for use in abrasives, catalysts, chemicals, proppants, and refractories. Most of the uncalcined bauxite was refined to specialty aluminum oxide (alumina) forms. Metallurgical grade bauxite was imported from 10 countries in 1987. Principal suppliers of the 9.8 Mt (10.8 million st) were Guinea (4270), Jamaica (3501,), Australia (127), and Brazil (57). The average value, delivered U.S. ports, cif, as reported to US Customs Service, was $29.50/t ($26.76 per st). Calcined refractory grade baux-

Jan 6, 1988

By W. C. Lacy

Stratabound copper ore bodies in thick Proterozoic metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rocks at the Tong Kuang Yu Mine in southern Shanxi Province of China were considered as possibly being amenable to block cave mining. Initial evaluation of caving characteristics was based upon old calyx drilling records, limited underground mining experience and geological mapping, a few diamond drill holes and measurements in surface subsidence features. Classification and mapping distribution of rock quality types aided in mine design, prediction of fragment sizing and explosive requirements, cave assist and ground support requirements. Comparison is made between early feasibility predictions and actual mine experience.

Jan 1, 1989

PRESENTATION PURPOSE ? Provide an overview of BC?s Environmental Assessment Actand environmental assessment process ? Identify key issues influencing environmental assessments in BC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ACT ? Major project proposals require an EA before a project can proceed ? Considers potential effects of proposed projects and ways to minimize or avoid adverse effects Minister of Environment and the Minister designated as responsible for project category decide whether or not to certify a project or order further assessment

May 1, 2006

By J R. Goff, R Carver, D S. Sheppard

The REGCHEM (Regional Exploration Geochemistry) stream sediment geochemistry database of open file mining company data, managed by GNS Science, was recently made accessible via the internet (http://maps.gns.cri.nz/website/minmap/). REGCHEM provides coverage of selected elements in mineral rich areas of New Zealand. Analysis of REGCHEM data highlights problems with inconsistencies between different surveys in terms of sampling methods, number and types of elements analysed, analytical techniques and detection limits. New, consistent multi-element geochemical surveys with national coverage are required. To test sampling, analytical and data treatment techniques for the new surveys, a pilot stream sediment geochemical survey was carried out in the Thames area, Hauraki Goldfield. Seventy samples were collected in an area of 220 km2 representing about one sample every 3 km2. The samples were analysed for 50 elements, mostly by XRF.   Regional patterns are apparent in the concentrations of some elements. Several elements, such as As, Cd, Cu, K, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn exhibit anomalous concentrations mainly in the western part of the study area, related to Au-Ag-Zn-Pb-Cu epithermal quartz veins and porphyry Cu occurrences in hydrothermally altered andesitic terrane.   Mercury is anomalous in southern samples, reflecting cinnabar occurrences in the Kauaeranga valley (eg Mangakirikiri), and the occurrence of cinnabar as a late stage mineral in some of the Thames epithermal veins. Ba and U are anomalous in the eastern samples, and these anomalies are probably related to the presence of rhyolitic rocks in the eastern part of the project area.

Jan 1, 2006

By J. D. Stone

This paper briefly reviews the adequacy of existing management theories and practices and the managerial proficiency or competency in the South African mining industry. The investigation revealed that existing management practices are totally inadequate to enable all employees on all the levels of the mining industry to achieve the results required from them, in all aspects, at all times. As a result, the South African mining industry is gradually losing its long standing reputation as a relative cheap, competitive, and reliable supplier of minerals to the local and global markets. According to some prominent management authors and theorists, an all-inclusive unified management theory does not exist at present. In this paper the authors summarize the main aspects of a newly developed comprehensive, practical, and integrated management method. It is believed that the application of this method would significantly improve the future performance and competitiveness of the South African mining industry

Jan 1, 2010

By V. Galla

Waste rock facilities (WRF) generally have a large footprint depending on the strip ratio the mine plan provides. Considerable planning is involved during the initial phase of the mine plan regarding the location of the WRF. As the mining operations are commenced the locations of the WRF change accordingly with the variations in the mine plan involving feedback and support from local communities and stakeholders. Waste rock facilities management becomes challenging when the area available for placement is limited due to terrain topography, environmental and permitting constraints. Risks associated in the design of waste rock facilities constitute particle size of rock, chemistry associated with the rock for reactivity and stability of the over all facility. This paper will provide some insights on designing, scheduling and managing a WRF. Emphasis on geotechnical, geophysics and geochemistry aspects of waste rock with reference to design, construction process and scheduling of WRF are also presented. Design improvements in the reclamation slope of WRF for erosion control will be discussed. Continuous improvement (CI) methodology will be introduced in the process of WRF operations. Current practices and future recommendations towards sustainability and consistency in operating WRF will be discussed in conclusion.

Jan 1, 2011

By Tim O’Neil

More than 5,300 mining professionals from around the world attended the SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, March 1-3 in Denver, CO. Seventy three technical sessions highlighted innovative technologies and applications for the development of mineral resources. And the exhibit featured 421 companies worldwide and 632 exhibit booths. The 1999 SME Annual Meeting had 10% international attendance. Professionals from outside the United States were guests at the first SME International Reception.

Jan 1, 1999

By G. ALBORNOZ, S. Utili, A. AGOSTI, C. VALDERRAMA, R. PELL, N. Morales

The steepness of the slopes of an open pit mine has a substantial influence on the financial return of the mine. The paper proposes a novel design methodology where overall steeper pitwalls are employed without compromising the safety of the mine. In current design practice, pitwall profiles are often planar in cross-section within each rock layer; i.e., the profile inclination across each layer tends to be constant. Here instead, a new geotechnical software, OptimalSlope, is employed to determine optimal pitwall profiles of depth varying inclination. OptimalSlope seeks the solution of a mathematical optimization problem where the overall steepness of the pitwall, from crest to toe, is maximized for an assigned lithology, geotechnical properties, and factor of safety (FoS). Bench geometries (bench height, face inclination, minimum berm width) are imposed in the optimization as constraints which bind the maximum local inclination of the sought optimal profile together with any other constraints such as geological discontinuities that may influence slope failure. The obtained optimal profiles are always steeper than their planar counterparts (i.e., the planar profiles exhibiting the same FoS) up to 8° depending on rock type and severity of constraints on local inclinations. The design of a copper mine is first carried out employing planar pitwalls, secondly adopting the optimal pitwall profiles determined by OptimalSlope. The adoption of optimal slope profiles leads to a 34% higher net present value and reductions of carbon footprint and energy consumption of 0.17 Mt CO2 eq and 82.5 million MJ respectively due to a 15% reduction of rockwaste volume.

Feb 9, 2022

By J. Mácsik, J. Lindblom, C. Maurice, Susanne Nigéus

Using non-hazardous industrial residues in mine waste remediation is beneficial not only for the mining industry where substantial amounts of the waste generated have potential to produce acid rock drainage and pollute the environment, but also the providing industry, minimizing the waste landfilled. In this study green liquor dregs (GLD), residue from 15 different paper mills were characterized to valorize it as a potential product as a cover material. In another part of the study, one of the GLDs and a local till were characterized to determine the optimal mixture of GLD amended till to be used in a field application at the closed Näsliden Mine in northern Sweden. The study concluded 10% GLD-amended till to be the optimal recipe and was successfully applied at the Näsliden mine waste dump. However, the great variability in the characteristics of GLD creates challenges if it is to be valorized as a product.

Dec 7, 2023

By Lewis Martin

Whereas many researchers and mine engineers have conducted tests using different types of grout, grout ratios, and physical modifications of the cable to determine cable bolt load characteristics, few studies have been conducted on cables fitted with internal instruments. Those studies that have been done have concentrated on cable behavior averaged over significant cable lengths. Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Spokane, WA, are investigating the physical properties of cable bolts by replacing the conventional king wire with a modified king wire on which strain gauges have been installed . This paper documents test results on these modified cable bolts. Three tests were conducted at SRL on 1.83-m-long cables grouted into two 0.91-m-long pull-tube assemblies. Load along the cable was monitored with 20 strain gauges installed along the length of the cable. The instrumented cable bolt provided reproducible point measurements of cable load as opposed to load measurements averaged over significant cable lengths. Such point measurements can assist in interpreting the influence of cable confinement, grout quality, rock mass stiffness, and other factors. The instrumented cable bolt is a practical field and research tool because it can predict point loading along the cable and thereby allow interpolation of maximum possible loads on a cable.

May 1, 2002

In 2005, a total of 7,111 sand and gravel mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). ? Sand and gravel mines were the largest mining sector, comprising 48.5% of all mining operations. ? Sand and gravel mines were found throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Sep 1, 2008

By E. Eccleston

The ConRoast process for the production of platinum group metals involves the use of a fluidized bed reactor for the removal of sulphur from ore concentrates by roasting prior to smelting in a DC-arc furnace. Test work was carried out in 2007 at Hazen Research in Golden, Colorado to provide the data necessary for a commercial roaster to be designed by Technip. This paper discusses the rationale behind the test work, the goals for calcine composition to be used as smelting furnace feed, the results of various roaster operating parameters in terms of calcine composition (particularly residual sulphur and the fate of trace elements), and the impact of the results in terms of a commercial roaster design.

Jan 1, 2009

By Thorndycraftm R. B.

"PURPOSEThe purpose of this presentation to the Canadian Mineral Processors is to review gold heap leaching systems currently in use and discuss their applicability to Canadian ores. The author's experience with the development and operation of heap leaching spans the past four years at. Pinson, and visits to many ether heap leaches in the western United States.INTRODUCTIONBy way of introduction to the heap leaching system, I will describe in slight detail the method used at Pinson Mining in northern Nevada. This will be followed by a discussion of optional methods in use at other operations visited.The Pinson orebody is a finely disseminated, well-oxidized hydrothermal deposit. Gold particles are finer than 20- microns. The orezone hostrocks are metamorphosed and silici¬fied limestone and shale. Sulfides and carbonaceous materials are negligible.The Pinson open-pit mine has operated since June 1980. It produces 1500 tpd of C.I.P. mill feed averaging .10 oz gold per ton, and 1500 tpd of heap leach material averaging .025 oz gold per ton. Cutoff grades are 0.04 for mill feed, and 0.01 for heap leaching. Stripping ratio is 9 tons of waste and leach grade to 1 ton of mill feed.The project is located in northern Nevada at 4900 feet above sea level.,Winters are fairly severe, with freezing conditions affecting operations from early December through April. Although officially designated as ""high-mountain desert"" country, snow and/or freezing rain occur almost every week of the winter.To date, all Pinson production-scale heap leaching has treated run-90,000 tons of ore are stacked on 300 foot square clay leach pads. Cyanide leach solution is applied through ""wobbler"" sprinklers at .0025 gpm/sq ft for 60 to 90 days. The pregnant solution flows from the heap by gravity to plastic-lined ditches, into a collection sump and then through buried piping to the 2.2 million gallon pregnant solution pond."

Jan 1, 1984

By Thomas E. Brown

Commercd explosives have evolved through this century f?om dynamite through ANFO to the current lines of Water Gels and Emulsions. Water Gels and Emulsions evolved to counter the lack of water resistance and density of ANFO yet maintain its low cost position verses dynamite. Today, explosives must be safe and inexpensive and perform under a wide range of temperatures, function efficiently in wet or dry boreholes and have a good shelf life. Emulsions meet this criterion, which is why they are the current trend products worldwide.

Jan 1, 1998

By J. Pascoe, J. H. van Laar, J. H. Marais, F. J. L. Matthee

Advanced measurement and verification (M&V) is a process where the impact of an energy initiative is determined in real time. Data prediction models can be used to predict and compare energy consumption with a predetermined baseline. Deeplevel mines can benefit from advanced M&V as the impact of operational changes can be identified in real time. Ultimately, this can ensure that informed decisions are made regarding energy management based on the impact and severity of the occurrence. Previous studies on advanced M&V do not account for operational changes to the model’s baseline. These changes can significantly impact the performance of both the mine and related activities. The aim of this study is to propose a method that can accurately predict the energy consumption of a deep-level mine regardless of operational changes. To achieve this objective, nine different data predictive modelling techniques were considered. The proposed method is based on the Moving Average (MA) modelling technique due to its simplicity, flexibility, and rapid development time. The coefficient of variation for the root mean square error (CV(RMSE)) was used to statistically analyse the modelling error. If the predictions exhibit an unsatisfactory CV(RMSE), the model dynamically adjusts to reduce the prediction error. The model was developed to adapt to operational changes in scenarios where the standard model becomes irrelevant. The method developed in this study was able to predict the future energy consumption of deep-level mines with an accuracy of 99%, improving the mine’s energy and finance management.

Dec 13, 2023

By R. Ordóñez Olivares

This manuscript focuses on the design and development of steels for the railroad industry and methods of testing them. Here are summarized the results of research focusing on alloy development and design, with particular focus on advanced rails and wheels. The high-performance steels are characterized for their mechanical and service characteristics. The relationship between properties and cleanliness is discussed and compared to the regular railroad steel. Some of the tests presented are standard tests that are complemented with the nonstandard test recommended by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and recommended modifications of this. The paper presents the results of metallurgical analysis, mechanical, and residual stress tests. The laboratory methods include microstructure, residual stresses, tensile, hardness, fracture toughness, and microcleanliness tests.

Jan 1, 2013