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By John J. Reed

The mines of southeast Missouri's Lead Belt have been in operation since 1864, almost 100 years. During this period about 10 pct of the total ore available has been left in place as pillars, and this now represents the best ore reserve left to the older mines. St. Joseph Lead Co. has been investigating various plans of pillar recovery for several years. The example to be described is only one possible approach under a specific set of conditions. Conditions vary greatly in the different areas within the Lead Belt, and the same approach would be entirely in- adequate in certain other areas, but there are important sections where this system is clearly applicable.

Jan 7, 1959

The following is a, partial list of members and guests who called at Institute headquarters during the period Aug. 10, 1917, to Sept. 10, 1917. L. P. Barrett, Ann Arbor, Mich. Milo W. Krejci, Great Falls, Mont. H. J. Brown, Ridley Park, Pa. Chas. N. La Porte, Peoria, Ill. George M. Cheney, Guayaquil, Ecuador. Askin Nicholas, Bismuth, Australia. W. Lorrain Cook, Chicago, Ill. C. Edwin Nighman, Butte, Mont. John J. Croston, Atlanta, Ga. W. L. Remick, Norfolk, Va. A. F. Duggleby, Santiago de Cuba. T. C. Roberts, Jerome, Ariz. Geo. A. Easley, La Paz, Bolivia. Burr A. Robinson, New Haven, Conn. Burr J. French, Magdalena, Jal., Mex. J. L. Schueler, Peoria, Ill. A. D. R. Galloway, Komfrodua, W. Af. Walter L. Steele, Van Horn, Tex. P. R. Hines, Milwaukee, Wis. F. J. S. Sur, Denver, Colo. T. H. Jenks, Wickenburg, Ariz. C. A. Thomas, Dawson, Y. T., Canada. Paul S. King, Wilmington, Del. E. E. White, Ann Arbor, Mich. Harry Wolf, Golden, Colo. L. W. Bahney has left the Sheffield Scientific School, Yale, to become metallurgical engineer with the Scovill Manufacturing Co., Waterbury, Conn. H. B. Barling, formerly chief engineer of Breitung & Co., of New York, has been appointed manager of the mining department.

Jan 10, 1917

By James K. Greenlee, David W. Wisecarver

It is estimated conservatively that some 14 billion tonnes of coal reserves in the United States exist in beds considered steeply dipping, i.e. at pitches or slopes in excess of 15O - a slope too steep for practical use of mobile wheel or crawler drive mining equipment. Past attempts to mine these steep reserves are limited owing to production difficulties and high costs, an expected result when mining of slopes must be done conventionally and mining on strike with mobile mining equipment is restricted because of limited cross sectional opening and operating room. In Europe, these adverse conditions are countered through the use of the longwall mining method. In fact, longwall mining is employed along pitches up to 55°. However, both operating and administrative - conditions in foreign steep seam coal mines differ from ours in that (1) the mine does not necessarily have to make a profit and (2) single entry development of retreat mining panels is acceptable practice. In the United States development can be done with a minimum of two entries only, provided belt haulage is not used during development.

Jan 1, 1981

By G. R. St. Pierre, R. D. Blackburn

Oxygen contents of' liquid-iron alloys saturated with oxides are analyzed. Minimum points observed in particular Fe-X-O systems can be predicled by a simple extension of first-order interaction methods. If minimum oxygen content occurs at N; where r is the ratio of metal to oxygen in the oxide phase. RECENTLY, wisher' reported on solubility measurements of A1203 in liquid iron at 1580°C which support the earlier work of d'Entremont, Guernsey, and chipman2 and Gokcen and Chipman. Swisher's diagram is reproduced in Fig. l. Minimum points in oxide solubilities have also been found in the Fe-Cr-0 system,4 Fig. 2, and the Fe-Ti-0 system,' Fig. 3. Minima positions can be used to confirm approximately the measured first-order interactions, &, cgr, and E&~, in liquid iron and to deduce compositions of components of constant activity in the oxide phases. Consider the solution of Alz03 in liquid iron: for which an equilibrium constant can be written as: differentiating Eq. [2] with respect to Na~, the atom fraction of &l in the metallic solution, and noting that If the activities of Al and 9 are expanded by a first-order interaction model, then:

Jan 1, 1969

By C. W. Goodale

As an appendix to the above-mentioned paper, a drawing of the vertical projection of the Knoxville mine workings is here given. In my paper it was stated that the ore-chimneys are found along a crack or plane of cleavage in the limestone ; and as this crack is not parallel with the strata, it is safe to assume that the manganese was not deposited where it is now found before the tilting-up of the strata, but rather that the crack was caused by the folding, and that tile formation of the ore was entirely subsequent to the change of position of the limestone. There are here four chimneys, which have produced, as far as explored, over 12,000 tons of ore, containing at least 7000 tons of manganese oxides, and it is very difficult to apply Prof. W. P. Blake's theory of segregation from the surrounding limestone in accounting for the origin of this ore, as cross-cuts and drifts in the countryrock, even at short distances from the ore-chimneys, have not shown manganese in appreciable quantities. It is easier to believe that, in the language of .Mr. S. F. Emmons, in speaking of Leadville ore-deposits, there was a metasomatic interchange between the minerals brought in in solution and the limestone, and not a deposition in already existing cavities. This in-

Jan 1, 1890

The library of the above-named Societies is open from 9 A. M. to 10 P. M. except on holidays. It contains about 70,000 volumes and 90,000 pamphlets, including sets of technical periodicals and publications of scientific and technical societies. Members of the Institute, with few exceptions, are forced to spend a portion of their time in localities isolated from sources of information. To these the Library, through its Library Service Bureau, can render valuable service through correspondence; letters requesting information will receive especial attention. The Library is prepared to furnish references and photographic copies of articles on mining and metallurgical subjects; to determine the existence of mining maps, and to furnish general information on the geology and mineral resources of all countries. All communications should be made as definite as possible so that the information received may be what is desired and not include collateral matter which may not be of interest. The time spent in searching for such collateral matter will be saved, and the information will be sent more promptly and in more usable shape.

Jan 12, 1918

By John D. Morgan, Sylvain J. Pirson

AN instantaneous and continuous analysis of a mineral suspension should be of great value in controlling various mineral preparation processes. Described herein is a method of analysis based on the use of high-frequency alternating current, which, under certain restrictive conditions, could be of use. THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS In a suspension of conductive minerals, the electrical effect primarily responsible for the variations in electric conductivity is the capacitance. In Fig Ia, let an alternating voltage E be applied across two electrodes F and F', between which are two rows (S and T) of mineral particles, all of approximately the same size, immersed in a fluid. Let the number of rows of particles between the electrodes be R and the number of particles in each row be N. If A is the area of a particle, D is the distance separating two particles, and K is a constant depending on the fluid, the capacity, Co, of the particle system will be given by: [KRA C0 ND] Referring now to Fig Ib, let R, the number of rows, be held constant, but let N, the number of particles in each row (S and T), be increased X-fold. The capacity, C1, of [ ]

Jan 1, 1947

H. G. Haemers (Ghent University, Belgium)—The authors claimed "the results of their work indicate that the metals can be arranged in a sulfation series similar in its application for selective sulfation tot the electromotive series for displacement of metals from solution". The series as stated in decreasing order for tendency of SO3 give up, is the same as that stated by free energy diagrams. Indeed, the degree of stability of a sulfate is measured by the free energy of sulfate formation out of the corresponding metal oxide and SO3. The more negative the value of the free energy (-DG) the greater the stability of the sulfate. As a second consequence this statement results in a relative aptitude for capture of SO3 by each metal oxide when brought in contact with the sulfate of other metals. Let M1 and M1 be the two metals, and — DG1 and — DG2 their free energy values at temperature T. Both sulfates are stable at temperature T if - DG1 < O and — DG2 < O. In case where — DG1 < — DG2 the stability of M1SO4 is greater than that of M2SO4, and when M1O (oxide of

Jan 1, 1958

By W. T. Jr. Thom

INTEREST naturally attaches to fissuring and subsidence of the earth&apos;s surface, whatever the cause may be, and the induced movement and fissuring of the impervious strata overlying an oil sand is of even greater practical importance because of its bearing upon the recoverability of the portion of the oil not already extracted or extractable by ordinary production methods. It is probably true that significant ground movement induced by oil production occurs only in oil fields in relatively young formations, where the oil comes from incoherent or only slightly cemented sands and oil-soaked clays, but inasmuch as a great proportion of our "gusher" wells produce from "running" sands and yield a large part of the total oil output, it seems worth while to make an effort to inspire the collection and recording of data indicating the nature and magnitude of oil-field subsidence, both surface and subsurface.

Jan 1, 1927

Masjid-i-Su1aiman.—There have been no new developments in the Masjid-i-Sulaiman oil fields during the year 1938. In spite of the age of this field, the fall in dome pressure shows no appreciable variation from the low rate of about 0.3 lb. per sq. in. per million tons net production. Drilling has been limited to deepening old wells and to new wells required for maintenance of production and general reservoir control. The rate of offtake has been reduced over the past few years, partly because of depletion of the oil column, and it is expected that future offtake from the Masjid-i-Sulaiman field will be stabilized for some years at around the present figure of 3,000,000 tons per annum. Haft Ke1.—An exploratory well to test deeper formations in the Haft Kel field has proved the existence of productive conditions in the Eocene, which underlies the Asmari limestone (the main producing horizon). Drilling to the northwest in the white-oil springs area has revealed the presence of a separate structure with productive potentialities. One well with a satisfactory production rate has been completed. Offtake from the Haft Kel field has steadily increased since it first came on to production in 1929. Naft-i-Shah.—Production from this field has continued to supply market requirements in northwest Iran. The policy of returning surplus products to the reservoir, which was adopted at the beginning of 1936, has been continued.

Jan 1, 1939

By O. C. Wheeler

There was an increased amount of activity in the oil business in Colombia during 1934 over that of the past several years in point of production, development and exploration. The Tropical Oil Co. continued to be the only company operating on what may be called a commercial basis, although the Gulf, through its subsidiary, the Colombian Petroleum Co., was actively engaged in exploratory and developmental work on its Barco property in eastern Colombia. The Socony Vacuum interests acquired an option from Sr. Luciano Restrepo on a concession in Las Monas-Sogamoso River area and carried out geological investigations on these lands during the year. Colombian Petroleum Company The activities of the Gulf in exploration and development in Colombia during 1934 were confined to the Barco concession. The following information is furnished through the kindness of Mr. E. S. Bleecker, Chief Geologist of the South America Gulf Company. Two strings of tools were kept in operation throughout the year on the Petrolca (Tarra) structure. Three wells were completed, including one deep test, all of which were producers from one or more of the three zones which have been defined in the Lower Cretaccous limestone formation. On the Rio de Oro structure, some 45 miles northwest of Petrolea, a complete camp has been established on the Catatumbo River, about

Jan 1, 1935

By C. H. Page, Brenne

Theoretical modelling of a proposed sub-level open stoping mining system was carried out to assess pillar instability and potential for hanging wall caving. This modelling was done, at first, without detailed information concerning the rock mass structure and classification. After mining commenced, the deviance in behaviour from that predicted by the modelling indicated that the structure was having an appreciable modifying effect on behaviour. Further analysis was carried out with detailed engineering geological information and a recently developed pillar design method. The outlined procedure produced results for pillar size and strength that explained the behaviour that had been recorded.

Jan 1, 1983

By A. F. Banks

INTRODUCTION Selective flocculation as a method of desliming potash flotation plant feed has been in commercial use since November, 1974.l It was installed to replace a 1ess efficient mechanical desliming process. While most plants operating in the Saskatoon area of Saskatchewan were designed for 4% to 5% insolubles in practise the quantity and quality of the insoluble materials in the ore has been variable. The variability of the ore has contributed to less than optimum efficiency in the desliming and consequently, the potash flotation circuits. This lower than expected efficiency contributed to the commercialization of a patented process2 through large scale pilot plant testing. Referring to published information and experience, the application of selective flocculation-flotation of slimes to sylvinite ores will be compared with the more conventional mechanical methods of desliming. THE ORE The ore beds being mined in the Saskatoon area of Saskatchewan have proven to be much less uniform than originally thought (Figure 1). The insoluble content of the plant feed is variable in both quantity and quality due to two factors, the presence of disturbances and the structural weakness of the mud seams immediately above the ore beds. Some alteration of the insolubles in the vicinity of disturbances has made them more difficult to liberate and makes ore from the disturbed areas less amenable to treatment.

Jan 1, 1980

By Thomas M. Plouf

Flotation, as we know it today, is a physiochemical method of concentrating finely ground ores. The process involves chemical treatment of an ore pulp to create conditions favorable for the attachment of certain mineral particles to air bubbles which are carried to the surface of the ore pulp for removal. Frother reagents, combined with air and the agitation mechanism, produce the effective bubbles in a flotation cell. A method of analysis is presented to evaluate the effect of frother reductions and additions on a bank of flotation cells, and to economically determine if and to what extent frother reductions and additions are justified. Comparative evaluations of different frother systems, as well as the amount of frother used in a given flotation machine, cannot be made on the frother cost alone. An indepth study must be made to evaluate any given frother as applied to a particular ore body. The recovery of a given mineral is as dependent on the amount of frother as on the type of frother used. An actual case study follows in which the amount of frother required by two different flotation machines was used to make a decision as to which unit performed more efficiently based on costs. This same method may be used to evaluate new frothers as well as to determine if a larger frother addition is advisable.

Jan 11, 1975

By Moshe Sheinkin, Douglas E. Julin

Large tonnage operations face many problems in adequately planning ahead for future years production. In order to maintain desired levels of production, such problems as source of tonnage, man- power and equipment requirements, tailings disposal and water requirements must be anticipated. Of course, before any of these problems can be analyzed, daily tonnage requirements and its source must be determined. Looking ahead for one year or even two or three is usually not sufficient time to adequately prepare an area for production. Because of the sequence of mining and the multilevel nature of the 42,000 tpd Climax mine in Colorado long-range planning must be on a ten-year basis. By using a ten-year base, adequate time is allowed to gain access and prepare a new level for production. Usually eight years will be required for this phase of the initial mine preparation. Once production has been started on a level and access to the area is available, three years is usually sufficient to prepare a new block for production as long as it follows in the normal sequence of mining.

Jan 4, 1967

In a letter to the Secretary, Sir Robert A. Hadfield encloses a statement of the terms and conditions under which his prize is to be awarded by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and also a table comparing the hardness of a large variety of steels, examined both by Brinell and by scleroscope methods, together with the tensile and compressive strength of the same specimens. The conditions for the award of the prize are as follows: SIR ROBERT HADFIELD PRIZE For a new Method of Determining the Hardness of Metals 1. Sir Robert A. Hadfield, D. Sc., D. Met., F. R. S., Vice-President, has placed in the hands of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers the suns of £200, which, with any income therefrom, may he awarded at the discretion of the Council of the Institution as a prize or as prizes, for the description of a new and accurate method of determining the hardness of metals, especially of metals of a high degree of hardness. 2. The ordinary tests of hardness, such as are described in the report of the Hard-ness Tests Research Committee (Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engi=neers, 1916, pages 677 to 778), which should he consulted by competitors, fail to some extent when the hardness of the material exceeds about 600 to 800 Brinell. What is

Jan 3, 1918

By John F. Abel

In the debate between miners and ecologists, our industry has at last begun to get some of its story told. I have been told many times that it is hopeless to even try to get our side across. Some are sure that no one will believe us even when our cause is just. My reply would be that we have to tell the truth; again, again, and again. We will never convert a fanatic, but we must try to reach the reasonable and thinking people. I am encouraged because more of us are trying. Various mining companies here in Arizona have bought newspaper space to set forth some of the facts around our local environmental problems. The Arizona Mining Association co-sponsored a symposium in March: Mining and Ecology in the Arid Environment. The symposium program included tours arranged with local mining companies. The participants saw an acid plant, an acid leaching operation, an alluvial tailings dike, a tailings pond, a smelter, and a couple of open pit mines. This wouldn&apos;t phase you until you realized that half the visitors were ecologists, watershed and wild- life managers, and other assorted conservationists. It took a lot of guts. I am proud that we had that much confidence. As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and they is us!" Actually, we met the enemy and they were just like us-concerned.

Jan 1, 1970

By John Birkinbine

What is believed to be an Aztec, or possibly a Toltec, mirror, is claimed to have been taken from one of the tombs at Cholula, near the city of Puebla, Mexico, where there is a mound of considerable size, in fact a hill, largely constructed of adobe bricks by the Toltecs, or by those who antedated them. The mirror is formed from a mass of what is evidently pyrite, is nearly a true hemisphere, having a diameter of 3 1/8 inches, and weighs 19 ounces. From its unusual size it is believed to have been hung about the neck of an idol. Other Aztec mirrors of smaller dimensions, and of less weight, so as to be carried about the person, are known; but the one exhibited, being heavy, was apparently intended to be held in the hollow of the hand, in which it fits, and may have been utilized to flash heliotropic signals. The entire surface, both of the base and of the convex portion of the hemisphere proper, has been beautifully polished, but, for some reason, the mirror has been shamefully abused, the edges having been broken, and the center of the base defaced, possibly by some one testing it for precious metals. Near the top of the hemisphere a hole, one-fourth of an inch in

Jan 1, 1895

By Charles R. Fettke

The Bradford and Richburg oil fields are the only pools where artificially conducted water drives on an extensive scale have been economically successful. Field practice has progressed from the original accidental or intentional circle flood, through the line flood development plan, to the intensive complete development plan, which is the most-recent and generally considered to be the most successful. Of the intensive development plan the five-spot arrangement of wells is the one that has been used most extensively. A further development associated with the latter method is the application of additional hydraulic pressure to that of the hydrostatic head of the column of water in the intake well. In conjunction with this method is the practice of delayed drilling of the oil wells until the water from the intake wells has entered even the less permeable portions of the sand and developed a "bank" of oil at which time all oil wells are drilled as nearly simultaneously as possible. The five-spot pressurc flood with delayed drilling gives more rapid return on investment than any other method. The seven-spot and nine-spot patterns are rarely used. No chemicals, such as sodium carbonate and other so-called flooding agents, are being added to the water at present since the field tests carried on in 1926 gave no positive results. All air and gas drives have been discontinued.

Jan 1, 1930

By James R. Evans

Forecasting demand is an art as well as a science, and much personal judgment is required. National forecasts made for sand and gravel, crushed stone, and/or aggregate may be misleading or unhelpful locally. This is because of significant variation in demand within different geographic and/or political areas in the US, and/or the use of an inadequate data base and forecasting methodology. The best forecasts may be made for local or regional market areas, irrespective of geographic or political boundaries, provided a proper data base is available.1 The Bureau of Mines compiles detailed statistics on commodities sold or used in the construction industries and, therefore, is in an advantageous position to make national aggregate demand forecasts.

Jan 1, 1979