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By F. Sillers, R. T. C. Rasmussen

"INTRODUCTION This is the third report of investigations by the Bureau of Mines in cooperation with industry to establish the value of electrolytic manganese in the manufacture of ferrous and nonferrous alloys. The manganese was produced by the Bureau at its Boulder City pilot plant from domestic ores and by the process developed by it. 4/ The work was done under the direction of R.S. Dean, assistant director, Bureau of Mines, and R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, metallurgical branch. The first report dealt with the use of electrolytic manganese in the manufacture of stainless steels 5/ and the second with its use in acid electric or open-hearth low- and medium-carbon steel castings. 6/The present report treats of the use of electrolytic manganese in the manufacture of low—carbon rimmed and killed steels. A résumé of these three investigations and two others appeared in the magazine STEEL. 7/ Further reports will be published as tests are completed at some 70 industrial plants. All tests were made on full—scale heats or melts, and the resultant product was processed and used commercially."

Jul 1, 1945

By E. H. Illsley

This bibliography is the first report of a Bureau of Mines research project on thermoelectric materials. Interest in such research has increased because of recent success in the design of commercial products, including generators and refrigerators, using the principles of thermoelectricity. This success made possible by the discovery of semiconductors that have much higher [effincies] than the metals and alloys formerly studied. Thermoelectricity is a term that includes a large number of phenomena relating heat to electrical energy. However, the moat important applications arise from two effects discovered by Seebeck in 1822 and by Peltier in 1834. When pieces of two unlike materials are joined at their two ends to form a continuous circuit, both of these effects may be observed. If the two junctions are maintained at different temperatures, an electromotive force known as the Seebeck voltage is generated. If, on the other hand, a current is made to flow through the circuit, the junctions of the materials will be found to differ in temperature. This phenomenon is called the Peltier effect.

Jan 1, 1959

By Emory Smith

The Victorville cement plant of the Southwestern Portland Cement Co. is located about 1 mile from the city of Victorville, Calif. Two transcontinental railway systems, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and the Southern Pacific Railroad, afford shipped facilities. The plant is modern and well kept, as the officials, especially the higher operating officials, take pride in the appearance of the place. Dust has been practically eliminated by the installation of dust collectors and wet grinding. The plant has a rated capacity of 5,000 barrels of cement daily.

Jan 1, 1929

By G. M. Kintz

In safety work a study of past accidents is of value in determining means of reducing future accidents of the same character. This is particularly true with reference to coal-mine explosions. Data from publications of the United States Bureau of Mines and from published reports of the State inspector of coal mines of Colorado are presented in this circular in the belief that they will be of value to operators by indicating methods of preventing future coal-mine explosions. The tables included are complete only with regard to major disasters. The Bureau of Mines considers as a major disaster one in which five 'or more men are killed. However, this circular also includes a considerable number of minor disasters, Various explosions in the coal mines of Colorado from 1883 to 1932, inclusive, are listed with information available as to their probable cause, number of men killed and measures which, if they had been in use at that time, might have prevented them. John McNeil, first Colorado State coal-mine inspector, on page 43 of his first report for the period ended July 31, 1884, made the following recommendations for the prevention of explosions in the coal industry: True causes could be traced either to insufficient ventilation, carelessness and lack of rigid discipline in carrying on energetic ventilation and other precautions needed to be enforced in a mine giving off explosive gases. *** When any quantity of fine coal dust is observed in an entry, air course, or room it should be made damp and be removed from the mine, and thus beep every place as free from dust as possible. *** A system of bratticing close up to the face of each and every place in the mine from crosscut last made (whether gas should just then show its presence or not) which should not be more than 50 or 75 feet according to the nature of the mine.

Jan 1, 1933

By J. K. Whyatt

Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines have been exploring recent advances in the use of strain-softening constitutive laws that approximate shear fracturing. The purpose of these tests is to investigate shear-fracture-related rock bursts in hard-rock mines. The capabilities and remaining problems in the use of strain-softening laws in finite-element, distinct-element, and finite-difference methods are reviewed. Performance of the finite-difference implementation of strain softening is compared to classic experimental results and observations of rock mass behavior in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District of northern Idaho. The results show promise for developing methods to identify the general location and orientation of shear fractures and their sequence of occurrence, but such methods cannot be relied upon to quantify post-fracture loads or displacements accurately. Uncertainty over the amount of energy consumed by failing rock and the dependency of energy consumption on model mesh definition prevent direct application of the results to analyses of rock bursts.

Jan 1, 2010

By W. L. Dare

This information circular is one of a series published by the Federal Bureau of Mines in which the methods and costs of producing uranium ore on the Colorado Plateau are discussed. This report describes the three largest company-operated uranium mines of Climax Uranium Co. - the G-1, the Mineral Joe, and the Frank No. 1. Climax Uranium Co., a subsidiary of American Metal Climax, Inc., was [corporated] May 11, 1950, just 2 years after establishment of the domestic uranium program by the Atomic Energy Commission. Twenty-five years earlier Arthur H. Bunker, now chairman of the board, American Metal Climax, Inc., organized and operated the U. S. Vanadium Co. at Rifle, Colo.3/ Soon after Climax Uranium Co. was organized, it entered into a contract with the Federal Government to build a uranium-vanadium processing mill in Grand Junction, Colo. Under the contract Climax leased from the Federal Government certain uranium-bearing lands that had been withdrawn from public entry in 1948. From Minerals, Engineering Co. on June 12, 1950, Climax acquired other uranium-vanadium properties on Calamity, Outlaw, and Monogram Mesas in Colorado and on Polar Mesa and in the Yellow Cat area of Utah. To house the milling equipment, Climax leased the old Grand Junction sugarmill building of the Holly Sugar Co. Milling facilities, based on a then new process developed for treating both uranium and vanadium, were completed, and the plant went into production in 1951.

Jan 1, 1959

By E. J. Gleim

In keeping with past custom, it is the purpose of this publication to bring up to date previously published lists of equipment that meets safety standards of the bureau of Mines so that the mining industry may be informed as to the development and availability of equipment that can be used safely. The present lists supplement those in Bulletin 543. Permissible Mine Equipment Approved to January 1, 1953; Information Circular 7722, Permissible Equipment Approved During the Calendar Years 1953-54; and Information Circular [40], Permissible Equipment Approved During the Calendar Years 1955-56. These [ew] lists also contain equipment meeting those standards revised since the last listing. A revision of Schedule 16C (now Schedule 16D4/) was officially approved on September 28. 1958. Schedule 29 was another standard revised in 1958. The revision was officially approved on September 8. 1958, and is known as Schedule 29A5/ .

Jan 1, 1960

By Albert W. Deurbrouck

This report describes the preparation characteristics of the Pittsburgh and Upper Freeport coalbeds in Hancock , Brooke , Ohio , and Marshall Counties , W. Va . Over 4.5 million tons of coal was produced in these four counties in 1962. Most of this production came from the Pittsburgh coalbed . Twelve coal samples were collected for this study , 11 from the Pittsburgh bed and 1 from the Lower Freeport bed . Two of these samples could be upgraded to produce metallurgical - grade coal . The sulfur content of the Pittsburgh- bed coals was generally excessive --as high as 4.9 percent in the raw coal and 3.19 percent in the float 1.30 specific gravity fraction . The rank of the coals in this area ranges from high-volatile A to high-volatile B bituminous .

Jan 1, 1964

By Henry Kreisinger

Some of the investigations conducted by the Bureau of Mines have for their object the collecting and disseminating of information regarding methods by which the fuels of the country may be most efficiently used. As the analysis of flue gases tends to develop better methods of firing, which in turn reduces waste of fuel, the Bureau of Mines in this bulletin presents for the benefit of those in charge of boiler plants and all other persons interested detailed information on methods of sampling and analyzing flue gases, and on the utilization of the analyses in promoting boiler-room economy. This bulletin is intended to be a companion to Technical Paper 80,a and is written in plain and nontechnical language, as far as possible, so that it may be readily understood by persons who have not had the advantage of a technical education. Whenever possible, illustrations of apparatus and methods of handling have been used rather than elaborate descriptions.

Jan 1, 1915

By J. W. Jensen

EXTENSIVE research and development was performed on the manganese-copper vibration-damping alloys to determine the relationship between the properties of the alloys and variations in composition, fabrication, Mid heat treatment. Mn-Cu alloys with unusually high specific damping capacity, 20 to 25 percent at a stress of 5,000 psi, have also the following useful properties: Tensile strength, 90,000 to 110,000 psi; yield strong, 60,000 to psi; elongation, 20 to 25 percent; hardness, 90 Rockwell B; and fatigue limit at, 28,000 to 30,000 psi. Both standard and special methods of testing were employed to obtain data on strength, modulus, hardness, resistivity, dilatation, micro-structure, crystal lattice, and damping capacity. The extensive tabular and graphical data on these properties are presented for alloys containing 50 to 85 percent as quenched d solution) and after various aging treatments. Expansion coefficients for all Mn-Cu solid solutions are graphed and a dilatometer study of contraction during aging is reported. Although high damping capacity is associated with aging to precipitate a-Mn from solid solution, with a cubic-tetragonal transformation and with the occurrence of antiferromagnetic ordering in Mn-Cu alloys, a tenable theory of the damping mechanism has not been reached.

Jan 1, 1965

By Nan C. Jensen

Silica, the world's most abundant mineral compound, is composed of the two commonest elements - oxygen and silicon. In addition to being the life-giving constituent of the atmosphere and the major element in the waters of the earth, oxygen comprises almost half of all known terrestrial matter and occurs combined with most of the other ninety-odd elements in the solid crust of the earth; however, a large proportion of the oxygen is combined with silicon. Silicon is second only to oxygen in abundance in nature and constitutes more than one-fourth of all known terrestrial matter. The compound of oxygen and silicon, called silicon dioxide or silica, forms 59.08 percent of the earth's outer 10-mile crust. Some of the silicon dioxide exists as

Jan 1, 1942

By William K. Cunningham

The investigation described in this report was begun as part of the Bureau of Mines progress to develop acid processes for the extraction of alumina from low-grade bauxite and. clays. A domestic shortage of high-grade bauxite sui table for treatment by the Bayer process became acute as a result of' World War II; an intensive search for a practical acid process using lower-grade alumina-bearing raw materials was therefore warranted. The laboratory development was described in a preceding Bureau of Mines publication wherein the basic theory for the design and erection of a pilot plant maybe found. A 2-ton-per-day continuous pilot plant was constructed and successfully operated at College Park, Md., which demonstrated conclusively the chemical and mechanical feasibility of a solvent purification process for aluminum sulfate. The estimated production cost of $38.64 indicates that under present market conditions the process would not be economically feasible.

Jan 1, 1948

By Robert H. Dickson

This paper describing the mining practices at the Verde Central mine at Jerome, Ariz., is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods and costs in various mining districts of the United States. ACKNOWLEDMENTS The costs contained in this paper were prepared by R. J, Huddleston, chief clerk, Verde Central Mines, Inc.

Jan 1, 1931

By D. C. Dahlin

The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the magnetic susceptibility of minerals as a function of mag-netic field strength to determine how it might affect the potential for high-field magnetic separation as an alternative to other separation technologies. Single-mineral concentrates were prepared from specimens from the same deposit to compare magnetic susceptibilities of minerals that occur together and from specimens from different deposits to compare magnetic susceptibilities of like minerals. A vibrating-sample magnetometer with a superconducting magnet capable of producing a magnetic field of 7.16 x 106 Aim (90 kOe) was used to measure the magnetic moment of the samples. The data were then converted to specific magnetic susceptibility data and plotted as a function of magnetic field strength. Cursory studies were also completed on the effects of iron content and oxidation roasts on magnetic susceptibility in high fields. The results showed that magnetic susceptibility is essentially constant in magnetic fields above those needed to saturate ferromagnetic constituents. Although magnetic susceptibility is influenced by iron content and by thermal treatment, the changes are not large enough to influence separations in fields above 1.59 x 106 Aim (20 kOe).

Jan 1, 2010

By Andrew M. Leszcykowski

In 1985, at the request of the Bureau of Land Management, personnel from the U.S. Bureau of Mines examined 18,700 acres of the 24,922-acre Eighteen Mile Wilderness Study Area to evaluate mineral resources. This study area is in east-central Idaho in Lemhi County, approximately 20 miles southeast of Leadore. The study area is underlain by Paleozoic marine sedimentary rock and Ordovician granitic rock. The sedimentary rock is primarily limestone and dolomite with a minor amount of siltstone. The Nicholia mining district borders the southern boundary of the study area. However, none of the district's mineral-bearing structures appear to trend into the study area. Just outside the northwestern part of the study area, on Clear Creek, is the E. J. Wilson and Sons? open-pit gypsum mine that operated until about 1977. About 120,000 tons of gypsum were produced from the mine for the cement plant at Inkom, ID, and for use as soil conditioner. Two theories for the origin of gypsum deposits are a hydrothermal source and a stratabound occurrence. Hydrothermal deposition is favored for this deposit. Occurrences of gypsum may exist in the study area. However, known reserves are adequate to meet needs for at least 800 years. There are no known mines, claims, or leases in the study area. INTRODUCTION This report describes the USBM (U.S. Bureau of Mines) portion of a cooperative study with the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) to evaluate mineral resources and potential of part of the Eighteen Mile WSA (Wilderness Study Area) 1/ at the request of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The USBM examines and evaluates individual mines, prospects, claims, and mineralized zones, and evaluates identified mineral and energy resources. The USGS evaluates potential for undiscovered resources based on areal geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys. Results of the investigations will be used to help determine the suitability of the study area for inclusion into the National Wilderness Preservation System. The immediate goal of this and other USBM mineral surveys is to provide data for the President, Congress, government agencies, and the public for land-use decisions. The long-term objective is to ensure the Nation has an adequate and dependable supply of minerals at a reasonable cost.

Jan 1, 1986

By Farrel W. Lytle

An X-ray emission spectrographic method of analysis is presented for determining rare-earth elements in fractions obtained from bastnaesite ore. The method includes determination of yttrium, thorium, lanthanum, and the rare-earth elements in various complex mixtures. The analysis technique is based upon comparing the samples with synthetic standards approximating the composition of the samples. Working curves are plotted on an absolute-intensity basis, with no correction for back-ground. Examples of working curves and the analyses of typical rare-earth concentrates are included. The selection of spectral lines for the various sample matrices is discussed. A special technique is used for samples in which rapid hydration and carbonation occurred. By analyzing synthetic samples of known composition, the accuracy of the method was determined. The average error of analysis was about 3 percent of the amount present in the range from 5 to 100 percent and about 7 percent in the 0.2-to 5-percent range. A maximum of about 40 samples per day may be analyzed for 7 elements each.

Jan 1, 1957

By R. A. Franks, J. C. Edwards, L. Yuan

To determine the critical air velocity for preventing smoke rollback, diesel-fuel fire experiments were conducted in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Pittsburgh Research Laboratory’s Safety Research Coal Mine. Such information is necessary for preplanning and implementation of ventilation changes during mine fire fighting and rescue operations. The fire intensity varied from 50 to 300 kW depending on the fuel tray area. Airflow in the 2-m- (6.6-ft-) high, 2.9-m- (9.5-ft-) wide coal mine entry was regulated during the course of each experiment. The airflow was measured upwind from the fire as an average over the entry cross-section with an ultrasonic airflow sensor and was recorded dynamically with a mine monitoring system. The extent of smoke reversal was monitored with light-obscuration monitors, ionization smoke sensors and visual observations. Experimental results for the critical air velocity for smoke reversal as a function of fire intensity compared very well with model predictions based upon a computational fluid dynamics fire dynamics simulator.

Workers at Anaconda Aluminum Company's primary aluminum smelter at Sebree, Ky., were back on the job December 1, after agreeing to a new 3-year contract. The old contract had expired November 15. On December 20, the Aluminum Company of America reportedly shut down a 42,000-ton-per-year potline at its Wenatchee, Wash., primary aluminum smelter and half of a 23,000-ton-per-year potline at its Vancouver, Wash., smelter as a result of a power cutback by the Bonneville Power Administration. A1 so in December, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. reduced overall power at its Mead and Tacoma, Mash,, smelters and shut down one of eight 27,500-ton-per-year potlines at Mead. Reported shutdowns for the firms since September have amounted to 76,000 tons for Alcoa and 50,000 tons for Kaiser. Alcan Aluminum Ltd. announced plans to double the generating capacity at its Kemano hydroelectric power plant in British Columbia to 1,916 megawatts. The additional power would be equal to that required of a primary aluminum smelter with an annual capacity of 567,000 tons.

Jan 1, 1980

By Oliver A. Dibble

This paper it one of a series being prepared for and published by the United States Bureau of Mines, describing mining methods and costs at clay pits throughout the United States. These papers are designed to disseminate technical information regarding the methods used. The cost tabulations represent operating expenditures only and not total costs. It is recognized that publication of total costs might in many instances cause embarrassment to individual operators as well as to the industry as a whole. On the other hand, operating costs are essential to the technical discussion and study of the methods employed. The attention of the reader is specifically called to this differentiation in order that no misunderstanding of the scope of the cost tabulations shall ensue. The open-pit recovery of clay for cement plants is a comparatively simple operation in comparison with underground mining of clays; nevertheless, it represents an appreciable factor in the cost of cement manufacture. The following report deals specifically with the methods employed by the Aetna Portland Cement Co., which operates cement mills at Fenton and Bay City, Mich., in recovering clay from their pit at Corunna, Mich., on the Grand Trunk Western Railway.

Jan 1, 1932

By Homer J. Ballinger

The Alma, Degraff and other mines controlled by the Mon-Ark Mining Co. comprise one of the more important groups of zinc-lead mines in Christian County, Mo. The mines were first operated in .1857 and produced more than 5 million pounds of lead from rich, shallow ore deposits. Recent exploration and development led to the discovery of zinc sulfide ore at a depth of 165 to 214 feet in the northern part of the Alma mine. After examination of these mines in September 1942 by Bureau of Mines engineers, investigation of the extension -of the Alma mine and of the depth of mineralization at the other mines appeared justified in order to encourage the production of additional zinc and lead for war purposes. Twenty-nine churn-drill holes totaling 6.463 feet of bore were completed by the. Bureau from September 1943 to January 1944.

Jan 1, 1948