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By Yongsik Jeong, Kwangmin Kim

Most tailings storage facility (TSF) failures occur in active, upstream-type TSFs, often due to extreme and unexpected weather conditions—specifically, heavy rainfall and strong winds. This case study of a TSF in southern Arizona examines the use of the optimum safe beach distance (Doptimal, the optimum distance between the crest and decant pond) as a tool for monitoring geotechnical stability and reducing catastrophic failures. A digital model of the TSF was used to determine the critical beach distance (Dcritical) under normal weather conditions, and Doptimal was then determined by adding incremental distances to account for the effects of heavy rainfall (Drainfall) and strong winds (Dwind). To overcome accessibility issues, a drone was used to map the TSF geometry and create a digital model. This model served as the basis for conducting a coupled stress-seepage, finite-element (FEM) analysis with a safety factor of 2.0 to assess geotechnical stability (Dcritical). The safe beach distance increments were determined using the PMP (probable maximum precipitation) and possible maximum wind speed. Based on this analysis, the optimal safe beach distance at the study site was identified as 202.2 m. Since the current beach distance (371 m) exceeds this value, the TSF was considered to be stable and satisfied the design safety factor of 2.0. However, this distance should be reassessed periodically to account for changes in the TSF geometry and other conditions. Furthermore, it applies only TSFs that are well-managed and feature a smooth, non-undulating beach surface with a consistent slope.

By M J. Schultz, R L. Rude, D M. Tomko

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted compliance assistance diesel particulate matter (DPM) sampling throughout the underground metal and non-metal mining industry. Based on that sampling, MSHA identified mines that were having difficulty meeting the DPM limit. To provide further assistance, MSHA then visited approximately 60 of the mines that were experiencing difficulty complying with the DPM standard. As part of these visits, DPM exposures were measured and control technologies for DPM were observed and assessed. Controls consisted of ventilation, clean engines, environmental cabs, alternative fuels, diesel particulate filters (DPF) and work practices. The focus of the follow-up compliance assistance visits was to assess control effectiveness and to make recommendations to mines experiencing difficulty in meeting the DPM standard. At each mine visited, the ventilation controls were evaluated, engine emissions were determined for equipment in use, environmental cabs were examined, and operational practices were noted. Additionally, control technologies, including alternative fuels and DPF were evaluated in several mines. A comparison was made of mine and section airflow to equipment particulate indices. Based on engine emissions, horsepower and operating time, the contribution of individual engine emissions to total emissions was made. Environmental cab integrity, positive pressure and air filtration systems were checked and operational practices relating to DPM exposure were assessed. This paper summarises the preference and magnitudes of controls that were typically used or needed for successful control of DPM. Additionally, results of the assessments of alternative fuels (including bio-diesel and water emulsion fuels) and DPF are presented.

Jan 1, 2005

By E. McCullough

"Fostering positive community relations is a principal tenet of sustainable development, but conflict can test even the strongest of relationships. While conflict surrounding resource development projects has the potential to be destructive, it may actually pose opportunities for partnership and collaboration when managed effectively. It is therefore not only important for mineral resource professionals to recognize the financial and social costs associated with legal disputes among project stakeholders, but also for them to prioritize resolving social conflict using alternative channels that allow for win-win outcomes. A variety of dispute prevention and resolution techniques do exist, but successful practice is not yet the norm. Here we review the sources and consequences of social conflict in the context of mining projects, and discuss typical and alternative approaches to conflict management in light of their respective benefits and drawbacks. We also suggest implementation of conflict resolution lessons into resource-related university curricula as a critical step in the continued shift of the mining industry towards sustainable development. INTRODUCTION Social conflict is a recurring phenomenon in the human experience and serves as a critical mechanism for change [1-5]. It occurs when two or more parties perceive that their needs and interests are in direct competition with each other and believe they cannot be reasonably accommodated. Conflict over mineral resource activities, particularly the distribution of benefit and risk, has become an omnipresent issue throughout the world [6-7]. Contrary to common perception, however, conflict can be a positive, transformative encounter in some instances [2, 8-11]. For this to be possible, society and its acting agents must reconsider how to address conflict. What if conflict were only a challenge to try something different? It is well-understood that the mineral industries must manage an increasingly significant volume of social conflict [12-13], which can be a costly externality impacting all of whom are involved. We commonly consider conflict in a two-party sense, but this deeply over-simplifies the true number of stakeholders. Besides mining companies and community members, government policymakers and regulators, public interest groups, and judicial systems, to name a few, bear the social expenses of poorly-managed conflict [4, 6, 12, 14-22]. It is desirable for interested parties to participate actively in a constructive way to pursue their needs rather than contributing to adversarial relationships, operational problems, and legal costs [1, 4, 12]. Some mining companies are of course already working to develop more productive relationships with their stakeholders, but there is undoubtedly still a gap between ideal and common practices. This gap can inhibit collaboration and threaten the potential for mutually-beneficial resolutions to complex social issues [12]."

Jan 1, 2016

By E. McCullough

"Fostering positive community relations is a principal tenet of sustainable development, but conflict can test even the strongest of relationships. While conflict surrounding resource development projects has the potential to be destructive, it may actually pose opportunities for partnership and collaboration when managed effectively. It is therefore not only important for mineral resource professionals to recognize the financial and social costs associated with legal disputes among project stakeholders, but also for them to prioritize resolving social conflict using alternative channels that allow for win-win outcomes. A variety of dispute prevention and resolution techniques do exist, but successful practice is not yet the norm. Here we review the sources and consequences of social conflict in the context of mining projects, and discuss typical and alternative approaches to conflict management in light of their respective benefits and drawbacks. We also suggest implementation of conflict resolution lessons into resource-related university curricula as a critical step in the continued shift of the mining industry towards sustainable development. INTRODUCTION Social conflict is a recurring phenomenon in the human experience and serves as a critical mechanism for change [1-5]. It occurs when two or more parties perceive that their needs and interests are in direct competition with each other and believe they cannot be reasonably accommodated. Conflict over mineral resource activities, particularly the distribution of benefit and risk, has become an omnipresent issue throughout the world [6-7]. Contrary to common perception, however, conflict can be a positive, transformative encounter in some instances [2, 8-11]. For this to be possible, society and its acting agents must reconsider how to address conflict. What if conflict were only a challenge to try something different? It is well-understood that the mineral industries must manage an increasingly significant volume of social conflict [12-13], which can be a costly externality impacting all of whom are involved. Conflict is commonly considered in a two-party sense, but this can deeply over-simplify the true number of stakeholders. Besides mining companies and community members, government policymakers and regulators, public interest groups, and judicial systems, to name a few, bear the social expenses of poorly-managed conflict [4, 6, 12, 14-22]. It is desirable for interested parties to participate actively in a constructive way to pursue their needs rather than contributing to adversarial relationships, operational problems, and legal costs [1, 4, 12]. Some mining companies are of course already working to develop more productive relationships with their stakeholders, but there is undoubtedly still a gap between ideal and common practices. This gap can inhibit collaboration and threaten the potential for mutually-beneficial resolutions to complex social issues [12]."

Jan 1, 2016

Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in an operating coal mine, Robena No.4, located near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. One technique measures noise over the entire electromagnetic spectrum of interest for brief time periods. With present instrumentation, the spectrum can be covered from 40 Hz to 400 kHz. It is recorded using broad-band analog magnetic tape, and the noise data are later transformed to give spectral plots. The other technique records noise envelopes at several discrete frequencies for a sufficient amount of tine to provide amplitude probability distributions. The specific measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and amplitude probability distribution plots. The general results are that at frequencies below 10 kHz, power line noise within the mine is severe. Impulsive noise is severe near arcing trolleys, and at lower frequencies near any transmission line. Carrier trolley phone signals and harmonics are strong throughout the mine whenever the trolley phone is in operation. Additional information beyond that included in this report may be obtained from the authors, who are with the Electromagnetics Division of the National Bureau of Standards.

Jan 1, 1974

By John F. Wiss

A series of controlled experiments was conducted at four surface coal mines to study the effects of certain blast parameters upon the ground and air vibration. Preliminary scale-model blasts were conducted at a quarry to provide basic data. It was found that the amplitudes of the ground and air vibration were controlled by the maximum explosive weight per delay. Either cube root or square root scaling could be used for the seismic amplitudes, and cube root scaling could be used for the overpressure amplitudes. Both amplitudes were not significantly affected by the total charge weight per blast, the attitude of the boreholes, or the charge length or diameter. The overpressure amplitudes were affected by the charge depth, the use of cover over surface detonating cord, and the use of adequate stemming. The length of the delay intervals and the spacing of holes were important in determining' the potential fur reinforcement of the amplitudes in certain directions from the blasts. In downwind directions from the blast, the attenuation of the overpressure with distance decreases. Surface terrain did not significantly affect the overpressure amplitudes within the range investigated. The type of overburden affects the generation of both amplitudes and the propagation of the seismic amplitudes. Spectral analysis of the ground and air vibration is reported. A bibliography of pertinent literature is included as an appendix. A scaled distance of 300 ft/lb1/3 should produce a peak particle velocity of less than 1 ips and an overpressure of less than 128 dB linear peak. For square root scaling, a scaled distance of 75 ft/lbl/2 should limit the ground vibration to less than 1 ips.

Jan 1, 1978

By Y. Gordon

ABSTRACT A methodology based on a two-stage approach was developed for process technology selection. The first stage includes evaluation of available technologies, followed by shortlisting the best technologies based on mass and energy balance modelling, financial analysis, and risk analysis. The second stage involves detailed analysis using refined input data, mass and energy balance modelling, and capital and operating cost estimation, as well as a more detailed financial analysis. A case study covering the selection of ironmaking technologies for a company in the Russian Federation is presented to illustrate the critical elements of the methodology and the analysis process.

Jan 1, 2014

By T. G. Carter

"Damaging seismicity associated with deep faulting in both mining and civil excavations not infrequently occurs without warning, and often before proper mitigation measures have been put into place. Severe squeezing is also a common problem for excavating through deep major faults. While both problematic conditions are difficult to predict and characterize, there is often a need at pre-feasibility and feasibility level to more reliably estimate the possible level of risk posed by such geologic structures. This paper introduces some structural geologic techniques that have potential application for both mining and civil applications for aiding forewarning of the extent of these types of problem.INTRODUCTIONEncountering adverse faulting at depth in deep excavations, whether for mining or civil purposes can create serious economic and safety impacts. For deep mines or for deep tunnel projects, measures are available for aiding prediction of the extent of possible influence that large scale faults could create, but these techniques are rarely if ever applied as part of routine site investigation programs, or even as part of risk assessment evaluations. Several well established structural geologic methods of palao-history reconstruction have potential application for aiding forewarning of the extent of these types of potential problem by allowing estimates to be made of:• controlling stress orientations that might engender reactivation movement;• principal stress magnitudes that could lead to failure initiation, and• probable mechanisms of fault deformation - brittle (bursting) or plastic (squeezing).This paper explores several structural geological and rockmass characterization techniques that have application for unravelling fault structure of importance to deep engineering projects. Their application for mining or tunnelling purposes is advocated in conjunction with conventional rockmass characterization assessment approaches using GSI, RMR and/or Q to aid early recognition and definition of potential adverse ground condition behaviour associated with intersection of significant faulting at depth."

Jan 1, 2015

By R. Jacob Cefalo, Miguel Valenzuela

The modern drill and blast engineer operates in an environment often rich with data from drilling data and blast designs vs. actuals to fragmentation distributions and vibration records. Despite this abundance, much of the information generated remains underutilized, often collected as a matter of routine rather than for a means to an end. This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can bridge that gap, transforming raw operational information into actionable insights that lead to more consistent and optimized blasting outcomes. Through AI-driven analysis of drilling logs, burden and spacing measurements in design vs. actual, fragmentation distributions, and vibration records, we can identify hidden patterns and correlations that traditional analytics overlook or that we may not be aware of. These insights enable engineers to proactively adjust designs and loading strategies, ultimately improving performance aspects such as improving fragmentation, minimizing ground vibration, and lowering overall operational costs. The paper examines the industry's reliance on lagging indicators, such as post-blast fragmentation surveys or actual powder factors, and suggests the need to shift toward leading indicators like real-time drill data monitoring and predictive fragmentation modeling. Utilizing AI to forecast outcomes before a blast is carried out allows engineers to take corrective actions early in the process, thereby creating a feedback loop that continuously improves performance. This integration of AI into drilling and blasting practices marks a pivotal opportunity for the explosives engineering field to evolve from reactive to predictive methodologies unlocking a new level of operational intelligence and value creation.

Jan 26, 2026

This paper discusses the potential role of underground space and tunnelling in urban planning in Australia. The paper gives examples of the infrastructure and commercial applications of underground space which have been effectively used overseas but have been slow to be considered as a part of urban planning in Australia. In particular, the paper looks at underground quarrying and underground commercial development and their potential use in the urban environment. Existing sites and potential sites for quarrying and/or commercial use have been classified using a system developed by the author. Underground quarrying may provide some solutions for planning problems involving sand and aggregate supplies, waste disposal and other uses. Commercial development involving underground excavation may be accepted if the cost of underground commercial development can be shown to be equivalent to the cost of above ground development. The paper concludes that one role of the underground construction industry is to promote tunnelling and underground space amongst architects, town planners and planning decision-makers. The Australian Underground Construction and Tunnelling Association (AUCTA) and the Australian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) should be instrumental in actively promoting the use of underground space in society.

Jan 1, 1999

Coal research and related activities in 1964 by the Bureau of Mines resulted in many advances in the production, preparation, and utilization of this valuable natural resource. Mining research during the year was marked by work on hydraulic mining, coalbed degasification, mine drainage control, mine sealing, strip-mine rehabilitation, and quenching of mine-refuse fires. Bureau research continued to produce information leading to increased safety in underground mining. Such research included roof and rib control via bolting and bonding, pressure monitoring of coal and mine rock during mining operations, and development of safety devices for detecting conditions leading to roof falls. Other safety work was continued on methane detectors, coal-dust suppression, and mine ventilation equipment and techniques. Mine explosion and explosives research, mine equipment and materials, safety rule modernization, and safety education and training of mine workmen were continued. Coal storage and preparation work in 1964 ranged from freezeproofing of lignite for rail shipment, through washability studies of coals and washing equipment, to research on new ways to remove ash and sulfur from coal. Electric power production, which accounts for a major portion of the market for coal, received further study. Unique power generation systems, including coal-burning gas turbine and megnetohydrodynamic generators, were intensively investigated. Conventional power systems were improved through continuation of work on furnace performance, powerplant stack gas purification, and engineering and boiler water service.

Jan 1, 1965

By A S. Derrington

High-accuracy, solid-state digital reference barometers have proven to be well suited to conducting underground barometric pressure surveys. The only problem is their expense; at least A$4000 each. For this reason, and because barometric pressure surveys are not a routine undertaking, very few mines have been able to justify the purchase of suitable instruments. The author knows of only three Australian metalliferous mines that own them.However, this may soon change given the recent development of low-cost, mass-produced miniature barometric pressure transducers. These transducers were developed to provide an altimeter function in the latest generation of smartphones. The main purpose of the inbuilt altimeter function is to allow the smartphone to be aware of its altitude when the global positioning system satellite signal is lost.This paper describes a prototype barometer that was constructed using one of the most accurate of the latest generation of piezo-resistive smartphone barometric pressure transducers. The prototype instrument was constructed for less than five per cent of the cost of a commercially available digital reference barometer. The prototype was subsequently tested against a reference barometer at the University of Queensland’s Experimental Mine to verify its accuracy and suitability for measuring pressure differences between underground survey stations.It is expected that the instrument’s low cost will pave the way for barometric pressure surveys to become more commonly used in mines. In turn, the resulting improvement in knowledge of major underground pressure losses should allow mine ventilation officers and engineers to optimise their ventilation systems and potentially reduce overall operating costs.An alternative option would be to use a barometer-equipped smartphone as a survey instrument, provided that its inbuilt barometer module is sufficiently accurate.CITATION:Derrington, A S, 2015. Development of a low-cost instrument for barometric pressure surveys, in Proceedings The Australian Mine Ventilation Conference, pp 331–336 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 31, 2015

By V Shrotri L Muhmood, P Gandhre

The current work deals with the measurement of some thermophysical properties of Ca(NO3)2 based ternary nitrate molten salts as HTF (heat transfer fluid) / TES (Thermal Energy Storage) material for CSP (Concentrating solar power) plants. The density and viscosity of different compositions of the ternary salt mixture containing Ca(NO3)2, NaNO3 and KNO3 close to the liquidus has been experimentally measured. An attempt has also been made to measure the melting point of the salt using the cooling curve technique as well as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Thermogravimetric analysis has also been performed to estimate the peak operating temperature of the salt. Compatibility of suitable pipe material (SS304) with molten salt has also been discussed. The salt mixture proves to be a viable alternative to the already existing HTFs like Therminol VP-1 (organic oil) or Solar Salt® in regards to its lower melting point, wider operating range, low cost, nontoxicity, sufficiently high density and comparable viscosity.

Jun 19, 2024

By S. Managi, M. C. Williams, N. H. Behling

Particle processing is a key to using solid particles in fuel cell applications. Selectivity with regard to reactivity, impurities, etc. is important feature and the treatment of particle surfaces could greatly impact the performance of direct carbon fuel cells. Solid fuel particles will become increasingly important in the future. Present energy conversion systems for solid fuels are too inefficient. New energy conversion systems for solid fuels with higher energy conversion efficiencies are possible. Fuel cell technology is a key-technology in these new conversion systems. The direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) operates on carbon particles obtained from a variety of solid fuel feedstocks. The DCFC is the only fuel cell designed to directly oxidize carbon particles in a special anode chamber. The particles are generally graphite structure with high purity. The electrolyte used is the high temperature solid oxide, molten carbonate or hydroxide electrolyte. Since a pure stream of CO2 is produced the stream can easily be sequestered and disposed. Pure carbon dioxide produced as a by-product would also have a market in many industries. A well-defined technology roadmap identifying key research and development (R&D) issues is necessary to provide a framework for the development of these systems and to prevent entrenchment in inherently inefficient technologies. This review paper describes the direct carbon fuel cell and its system, how it works, the developmental status, the characteristics of the carbon particles needed, and the research and development issues for the technology. INTRODUCTION The DCFC has been under development for many years. It was researched as early as 18961), but an intense research and development is necessary to realize its potential. William W Jacques, a US electrical engineer and chemist, described a DCFC in 1896 in US Patent 555511 for a “Method of converting potential energy of carbon into electrical energy”. Jacques used coke electrodes in a molten NaOH electrolyte. Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), solid oxide (SOFC) or hydroxide electrolyte (AFC) technologies can be used as the basis for the DCFC technology. A schematic of the direct carbon fuel cell in the MCFC mode is shown in Figure 1. The molten carbonate fuel cell operates at approximately 650°C (1200°F). The high operating temperature is needed to achievesufficient conductivity of the carbonate electrolyte, yet allow the use of low-cost metal cell components. A benefit associated with this high temperature is that noble metal catalysts are not required for the cell electrochemical oxidation and reduction processes. For the hydrogen reaction the half-cell electrochemical reactions are

Jan 1, 2019

By Wilson W. Zoogah, Joel G. Burken, Abdullah Al Moinee, Mariam K. Al-Lami, Kwame Awuah-Offei

Soil CO2 flux serves a critical indicator of ecosystem function and carbon cycling in disturbed landscapes. This study measured and quantified temporal patterns and environmental drivers of soil respiration across fifteen revegetated treatment plots over a 12-week period (July-October 2025). Utilizing automated CO2 flux measurements, we investigated differences between treatments and quantified their relationships with soil temperature, moisture, and atmospheric pressure. One-way ANOVA revealed significant treatment effects on CO2 flux (F4, 442 =14.1, p < 0.001, η2=0.113), with amended plots exhibiting 40–50% higher mean fluxes than control plots. Weekly temporal analysis demonstrated distinct temporal patterns, with peak fluxes registering in mid-August before a gradual decline. Multiple regression analyses showed that soil temperature (β=0.043, p < 0.001) and moisture (β=2.31, p < 0.001) are the primary flux drivers, together accounting for 18.2% of total variability (adjusted R2=0.182). Atmospheric pressure had a moderate effect (β=1.13, p < 0.001), detectable only in multivariable analysis. Variance partitioning indicated that environmental factors explained more variability (18.7%) than treatment effect (10.5%), with approximately 71% of flux variability attributed to finer spatial or temporal variability. These results demonstrate that revegetation amendments enhance soil biological activity and impact geochemical cycling, and that temperature and moisture are dominant controls on respiration dynamics in reclaimed mine soils. The findings provide quantifiable benchmarks for ecosystem recovery through altering soil biology and geochemistry and for quantifying carbon sequestration potential in post-mining landscapes.

Feb 22, 2026

By G. J. Joy

Although rates of pneumoconiosis in coal miners have declined substantially in the United States since the passage of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, new cases continue to occur, including cases of rapidly progressive disease. In contrast, Australia&apos;s underground coal mining industry has reported few new cases of pneumoconiosis for more than 20 years. Mortality from coal workers&apos; pneumoconiosis in official health statistics and the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among miners screened in X-ray surveillance programs are also lower in Australia. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was requested by both industry and labor stakeholders to examine this issue, with the ultimate aim of reducing the rate of pneumoconiosis among U.S. coal miners. A number of factors, including coal dust exposure, silica exposure and coal rank were examined as potential contributors to the above noted differences. Comparison of coal rank data from each country did not illuminate the issue. Air sample data from the coal mining industries in both countries show that coal dust levels in Australian mines are somewhat higher than those reported in similar U.S. mines; however, quartz exposure for Australian miners is lower than for many U.S. miners. If quartz is contributing to the greater number of cases of pneumoconiosis in the United States, more effective dust control measures, as well as an independent exposure standard for respirable quartz in coal mining, should be implemented to reduce this potentially disabling condition.

Jan 1, 2012

By G Gilchrist, S C. Dominy, T Jashashvili, R C. A Minnitt

The grouping and segregation error is one of Gy’s seven errors that cannot be measured in any qualitative manner because of its transient and changing characteristics each time the sample is handled mechanically. Attempts to calculate the mean and variance of the segregation error is considered by some as ‘an exercise in futility’ that would not help us achieve representative sampling. This research is aimed at understanding the process of segregation of dense, finely divided and dilute particulate materials supported in a clean quartz substrate during intense agitation. Several mixtures of fine-grained materials including steel, tungsten carbide and gold grains were used in these experiments. Four hundred grains of each of the minerals and metals at a top size of 2 mm were mixed with approximately 600 g of finely ground quartz material (95 per cent passing 2000 microns) in a 500 ml plastic jar with a sealable lid. The mineral–?metal mixtures were analysed in three steps using microfocus X-ray computed tomography. Step one consisted of rolling the containers on a flat surface in an attempt to concentrate the mineral and metal grains in the core of the supporting substrate; this is a base case that can be reconstructed after each session of analysis. The second step involved gentle and vigorous shaking of the mixtures in order to segregate the denser minerals and metals from the supporting quartz substrate. In some cases, a third step involved splitting the sample through a riffle splitter. Three-?dimensional images of the surface of each grain, its volume and its X-, Y- and Z-coordinates, before and after intense agitation of the container, were interpreted from the reconstruction of the tomographic X-ray data. The spatial analysis of grains using cell declustering and 3D variography provided a useful means of characterising the distribution of the grains in space and the extent to which they had become segregated during the process of agitation. Spatial analysis indicates that in general, grouping and continuity of grains is weakly developed. The modelled nugget effect remains high for most tests, indicating that grains of similar size did not group together strongly. Agitation through rolling provided the best continuity, although not consistently in the long axis of the plastic jar. The nugget effect was consistently highest, and the range of continuity shortest in samples that had been split, indicating that the grouping and continuity were reduced through splitting the sample. Initial results indicate that very little segregation of the minerals and metals occurs in the quartz substrate. This is somewhat counter-intuitive, but suggests that the effects of agitation on mixtures of dense minerals and metals in substrates of lower density do not lead to excessive segregation. Differences in behaviour between dense materials in response to agitation are evident. Grains of different composition and shape did not group and segregate in a predictable manner in response to the agitation methods. Initial results indicate that the degree to which a material groups and segregates relates more to the characteristics of the denser material itself, rather than the agitation method employed.CITATION:Minnitt, R C A, Jashashvili, T, Gilchrist, G and Dominy, S C, 2017. Quantifying segregation of minerals and metals in particulate materials using computed X-ray tomography and variography, in Proceedings Eighth World Conference on Sampling and Blending , pp 173–182 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2017

By David Garry, Michael J. Brnich, Lynn L. Rethi, Henry P. Cole, William J. Wiehagen, Roberta A. Calhoun

This document contains most of the materials needed to use the exercise. The main part of the document is the instructor&apos;s copy. It tells how to use the exercise, presents the objectives, the master answer sheet, the scoring key, and discussion notes to be used following the exercise. The next section summarizes results from field tests of the exercise, and reports the miners&apos; evaluation of the activity. The last part of this document is three appendices. Appendix A is the exercise problem booklet. This booklet can be duplicated locally. The booklets are reusable. One is needed for every person in the classroom. Appendix B is the answer sheet and the trainee&apos;s questionnaire. Copies of this answer sheet must have the latent image (invisible) ink answers that appear in Appendix C printed on them.1 Answer sheets are consumable. One is needed for each person or each small group of persons who work the exercise. Exercise Summary Read this section first. It determines if the exercise is appropriate for your classes. If you choose to use the exercise, examine the table of contents and review the remainder of this document. Type: Latent image Audience: Supervisors, Safety Personnel and Accident Investigators Length: Eight questions (30 minutes for administration plus 30 for discussion) Skills: Developing a strategy or plan to prevent slips and falls Following correct procedures in conducting an accident investigation Preventing unsafe work practices Recognizing and instituting hazard controls in the section Identifying and implementing safe work procedures Location: Underground coal mine section Problem: You have been the general mine foreman at White Rock Mine for 4 years and have worked at this mine for 12 years. The mine superintendent calls you into his office. He gives you an accident report of an employee in 4-G section who was injured while carrying rock dust bags from the rock dust car to a battery powered scoop. It is several days after the accident and the mine superintendent assigns you and the safety supervisor to thoroughly investigate the accident to determine all the contributing factors. Your job is to make specific recommendations to prevent future slipping/tripping accidents.

Jan 10, 1999

By Raymond P. Miller

This two volume report addresses slope stability of surface mine spoils within the Interior Coal Province. Sixteen (16) mines were visited, pertinent data and samples collected, and reported spoil instabilities back-analyzed. Laboratory test results are compared to back-analyzed material properties. Available methods of slope stability analysis are reviewed and evaluated with respect to application to mine spoil stability evaluation and prediction. Correlation and tentative relationships among spoil material properties, highwall conditions, mining equipment and procedures and empirical observations are presented. Slope stability sensitivity plots illustrate the relative significance of various input parameters on stability. Slope stability input parameters are correlated with site and mining conditions to identify the primary factors controlling spoil stability. Investigative methods, spoil stability enhancement techniques, spoil stability prediction procedures and future study areas are discussed. Appendices include a glossary of terms, annotated bibliography, details of mine visits, and detailed laboratory test procedures and results.

Jan 1, 1979

By Wils L. Cooley

Two major grounding topics are covered: mine ground systems and ground-check monitors. Performance characteristics of ground-check monitors for high-voltage surface mine distribution cables and low-voltage underground mine trailing cables are evaluated. Over 20 commercially available monitors are studied to determine their utility. Several monitoring concepts are incorporated into an unusual monitor design, the prototype of which is described in detail. A comparative study of the effectiveness of several alternate methods of grounding surface mine equipment supports the system currently proposed by MSHA. An instrument design to measure earth voltage gradients is described, as well as an instrument design for measuring the effectiveness of dc haulage current return systems. An extreme analysis is made of techniques for measuring earth resistivity and resistance of safety ground beds. Electrolytic corrosion studies of earth electrodes are reported extensively also.

Jan 1, 1979