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By Gordon R. Sima

The contract is concerned with feasibility studies, design and fabrication of a group of prototype hand-held test instruments and machine-mounted test instruments for measurement of electrical shock hazards of mining machines. An instrument for use in open pit mining machine ground wire verification was proposed, developed, built, and tested. This report presents the design and operational theory of the open pit instrument as well as information on the program to improve the original prototype hand-held machine-mounted test instruments.

Jan 1, 1977

By Philip B. Grote

The deep ocean mining industry is in a pre-commercialization stage of development. In the context of a proper legal/regulatory regime, deep ocean mining system design, site survey, and operation technologies are capable of rapid evolution. The report recommends that the regulatory framework develop in parallel with the industry and presents a rationale for implementing this approach. The Government has several interests in deep ocean mining technology: (1) as a potential regulator, sound regulations should be based on an understanding of the technology; (2) as a potential monitor, survey technologies are relevant; and (3) as an estimator of strategic minerals supplies, it is important to understand the technology which allows economic access to deep ocean minerals. Thus, the major portion of the report presents an in-depth review of systems design, operations, and survey equipment and techniques.

Jan 1, 1979

By John D. Spencer

Projects aimed at achieving the least disturbance to the Nation's air, water, and land resources in the mining and utilization of coal continued to be a feature of the Bureau of Mines coal program. This reflects the current concern about damage inflicted on the environment by our growing and increasingly affluent society. Mine Health and Safety research, along with investigations related to all other aspects of coal extraction and use, also continued to be implemented and expanded.

Jan 1, 1970

By James S. Grichar

Interest in mergers in the nonfuel mineral industry developed when 5 were listed among the 50 highest valued mergers in the United States in 1981. This report presents a Bureau of Mines study of trends in merger activity from 1960 to 1979 and explores motives for mergers in the nonfuel mining and mineral industry. The objective was to determine precedent for or a trend toward the 1981 acceleration in merger activity and to examine certain financial motives for non fuel mineral mergers. Data indicate that the relative value of non fuel mineral mergers has grown since 1972 although the number of mergers has remained proportionate to historical trends for all mergers. Since 1974, the assets acquired in "large," nonfuel mineral firm mergers, those of $10 million or more, have comprised at least 93 pct of assets acquired. More nonfuel mineral firm mergers involved mineral companies as the acquiring firm than vice versa but mining and minerals firms acquired were of higher value than nonmining firms. A major motivation for mergers involving large mineral firms was the acquisition of assets at less than replacement costs. Univariate statistical testing, a methodology chosen for its applicability to the data, confirms this hypothesis while rejecting other financial motives. The remainder of the work is devoted to a discussion of suggested areas for future study.

Jan 1, 1984

By R. R. Wells

As a part of the strategic minerals program of the Bureau of Mines, nine chromite-ore samples were obtained during the period 1949-56 from mines in the vicinity of Red Mountain, near Seldovia, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. This report summarizes the results of beneficiation studies of the samples at the Bureau's Juneau, Alaska, and Albany, Oreg., laboratories. In general, the ores were found amenable to concentration by gravity methods for producing concentrates that assayed over 48 percent chromic oxide. Intimate association of chromite and gangue minerals, however, necessitated fine grinding and limited the amount of chromite recoverable. Recovery of chromium in concentrate that assayed 48 percent chromic oxide or higher ranged from approximately 20 percent for low-grade ores (10 to 12 percent Cr203) to more than 95 percent for 1 high-grade sample (42 percent Cr203). The iron content of the chrome-bearing mineral -hence, the chrome/iron ratio of finished concentrate -appears to vary with the grade of the ore. Concentrates made from high-grade ores had chrome/iron ratios as high as 3.1:1; the concentrates from low-grade ores, however, had chrome/iron ratios as low as 1.8:1.

Jan 1, 1957

By T. W. Johnson

The United States Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Natural Gas Department of the American Gas Association, has been studying actively for the past-several years the flow of natural bas through high--pressure pipe lines.4 This report deals with that part of the study involving the design of pipe-line, systems consisting of lines laid parallel to each other. The lines are deferred to as the original line and the parallel line. The paralleling line may or may not extend the entire length of the original line; however, the parallel line is, connected at its two ends to the original line. As a result of the large expansion of the natural-gas industry almost all markets within economic distance from the developed gas fields have at least one pipe line supplying them with natural gas. Small increases in the consumers' demand for natural gas can be met usually by increasing operating pressures, but any marked increase in demand necessitates paralleling sections of the existing systems. It is believed that to a large extent future

Jan 1, 1934

By Max J. Spendlove

This Bureau of Mines publication reviews current recycling trends in the United States. Although near-term prospects are poor for recycling most present wastes, urban refuse is an important exception. Such wastes comprise a mine above ground, and much less processing energy is normally required to recycle the constituents of urban ore than to obtain them in equal amounts from natural raw materials.

Jan 1, 1976

By Jr. Frank Parrish

This report describes the performance of 17 selected water-injection projects producing from Pennsylvanian-and Permian-age reservoirs. Illustrations depict reservoir structure and thickness, and production and injection history. A selected bibliography of publications pertaining to area oil recovery and geology is included. Tabulations of field and reservoir data reveal marked differences in the projects. Increased oil recovery resulted from injecting water in most cases; however, seven projects recovered less oil than the operators anticipated. Oil recovery by water injection ranged from 0.2 to 262 bbl per acre ft, or 0.1 to 22.5 pct of the initial stock-tank oil in place. Major reasons suggested for poor performance include: (1) Adverse directional horizontal permeability, (2) channeling of injected water through fractures or zones of high permeability, and (3) lack of containment of injected water. One 330-foot-deep project is among the first successful shallow water-floods in north Texas. Another project is the first successful Canyon sand-stone waterflood reported in the area. Previous gas injection in two Cisco sandstone projects did not prevent the reservoirs from responding favorably to waterflooding.

Jan 1, 1965

By Dana C. Reinke, David K. I Ingram

Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health partnered with the water well industry to develop engi­neering control technologies and training products to address noise exposure at the job site. Noise­induced hearing loss continues to be a problem in the well drilling industry. Research con­ducted by NIOSH found that air rotary drill rigs produce sound levels more than 90 dB(A) over the course of an eight­hour workday. Sounds levels above 90 dB(A), identified during hammer drilling and the hammering of casing, exposes workers to levels that can damage hearing. A typical air rotary drill rig provides no barrier, for noise and dust pro­tection, between the drill’s control panel and the drill stem. The development of a partial cab is the clearest example of NIOSH’s research partnership with the water well industry. NIOSH researchers determined that an engineering noise control to protect the oper­ator at the rig’s control panel would be effective, based on typical work site conditions. Many surface rigs do not have full cabs as a result of the original equipment manufacturer design or the high cost of aftermarket products. Developed as a partial cab, the NIOSH engineer­ing noise control design addressed stakeholders’ needs associated with cost, transport, and worker usage (Figure 1). Field tests found the partial cab effective in reducing sound levels at the rig’s control panel, a typical location for a drill rig operator. Sound levels at the control panel were reduced from 104 to 96 dB(A) (Figure 2). Coupled with continued use of personal protective equipment, such as hear­ing protection devices, the partial cab can help to reduce noise exposure. NIOSH researchers created a CD with informa­tion about noise exposure and the partial cab. Most important to well drilling companies is information on how to construct and attach the partial cab to drill rigs. The CD can be viewed on a standard computer and includes a video of the partial cab in use on a work site. Computer­aided design drawings are included on the CD and provide detail of the cab design as well as information on construction mate­rials and design details. Additionally, the CD provides background infor­mation on noise­induced hearing loss and hearing protection devices to increase knowledge about this occupational health concern. This information can be viewed by all company employees to help promote the partial cab’s importance to workers using the cab. More information on the partial cab noise control technology can be downloaded from www.cdc.gov/ niosh/mining NIOSH researchers also examined the health and safety training needs of workers in the ground water industry. It was quickly realized that most workers learn health and safety on the job and do not attend any sort of formal training. In addition, there is not a lot of time for daily “tailgate talks” or “shop talks” on health and safety issues. As a small business industry, the owner is often operating a drill rig along with his other employees. In general, new employees learn the job in an apprentice style sys­tem. As a result, workers and owners have few opportunities to access uniform health and safety information based upon the job — an outdoor work environment with daily change in work sites. With this information, NIOSH researchers devel­oped two products that deliver health and safety information to fit into the daily work of well drillers. Both are information circulars and are available through download at www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining and the NGWA Web site at www.ngwa.org/publication/ publications.cfm. These circulars are: Water Well Safety Bits. This booklet provides information in a “quick bites” style. It is pre­sented in a magazine format and can be left on

By R. W. Huber

A consumable-electrode arc-melting furnace was constructed at the Bureau of Mines Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, College Park, Md., for the production of uncontaminated titanium and titanium-alloy ingots. The furnace was designed to allow for evacuating to very low pressures and back filling with helium and argon mixtures for melting at or near atmospheric pressure. Vacuum melting at a few millimeters pressure was also used with a mixture of helium and argon gas sweeping the crucible. For research purposes a 25- to 30-pound ingot, 4 inches in diameter by 15 inches in length, was selected to provide, enough 1/2-inch plate for extensive tensile and impact testing of standard size specimens. Enough plate was also provided for testing by other Government laboratories. The homogeneity of several alloy ingots was determined, and excellent results were obtained. By using a large electrode-to-ingot-area ratio and high currents or power inputs to the arc furnace rather uniform ingots were routinely prepared.

Jan 1, 1957

By Robert S. Warfield

Eight samples of high-volatile bituminous coal, each large enough for a study of its coking properties by the Bureau of Mines, were obtained from a location along the Kukpowruk River, Arctic Northwestern Alaska. Bench scale and pilot plant carbonization studies with several patterns of coal blending were conducted. The data from these tests were compared to data from similar tests on a coking blend used by the Kaiser Steel Corporation at Fontana, Calif. The majority of the samples representing the 20-foot seam was found to have significant coking properties, and produced coke approaching metallurgical quality when blended with selected coking coals. Although oxidation effects were evident in the samples representing upper portions of the seam, it appears that the whole seam could be used.

Jan 1, 1966

By V. F. Parry, W. S. Landers, John B. Goodman

"INTRODUCTION The object of this investigation was to demonstrate a satisfactory method of storing slack subbituminous coal in open pits in a manner,that would minimize the cause of the physical deterioration and would have a practical application.The storage of coal by industrial plants is to their advantage, since an adequate operating supplying of fuel is available at all times as insurance against transportation delays, shortages, and strikes. Furthermore, it is possible to participate in low seasonal freight rates and mine costs by permitting the railroads to utilize idle equipment and by taking advantage of the off-peak production at the mines. For a number of years, one of the larger beet-sugar companies operating in the Rocky Mountain region has taken advantage of the lower prices and seasonal production of subbituminous slack coal during the summer months and purchased a large proportion of its requirements for the annual winter campaign. This company, operating sugar-refining plants in the 1943 campaign, used 256,613 tons of subbituminous coal. Of this quantity, 166,636 tons was purchased during the off-peak season and stored for use during the winter. It is the practice of this concern to place coal purchased through the months of January to October in underwater storage for use in the beet-sugar campaign, which lasts from October to as late as, January. The beet-sugar refining ""campaign"" period starts immediately after the beginning of the beet harvest and lasts 60 to 70 days."

Aug 1, 1946

By R. W. Courtney

The objective of this study is to make a critical evaluation of the magnitude and extent of electrostatic hazards in typical U.S. mining operations and to assess the adequacy of techniques, materials, and equipment for detecting and minimizing these hazards. This was accomplished with an incident/accident survey, mine visits, literature search, and engineering analysis. It was concluded that it would be desirable to (1) utilize ground fault interrupters to minimize stray current from electrical utilities, (2) decrease the current and electrostatic sensitivity of electric detonators used in areas with a high incidence of lightning strikes or troublesome stray currents, (3) institute quality control and test standards for blasting material and protective devices, (4) establish an electrostatic monitoring program for loading ANFO in plastic lined holes, and (5) establish a risk criteria for operator exposure in mines.

Jan 1, 1982

The purpose of this study was to examine the problems of underground coal mining in the United States, and to develop recommendations for an integrated Research and Development Program aimed at resolving these problems. Specific objectives of the study were as follows: ? To identify the existing inadequacies that have adverse effect on Health, Safety, External Environment, and Productivity. ? To identify opportunities for technological advance s to correct these inadequacies. ? To develop an integrated Research and Development Program designed to accomplish the advances identified. Many of the recommended tasks are dearly long range; this is especially true of those for study of future mining systems. However, funding recommendations in this Report are presented for a 5 -year period, since the developments accomplished during this period will undoubtedly be a factor in the formulation of the follow on tasks. Where applicable, the recommended Research and :Development could include development and test of pilot model equipment.

Jan 1, 1970

By Radford Schantz

In 1990, the Bureau of Mines (BOM) conducted a mineral investigation of the mines and prospects in the East Mojave National Scenic Area (EMNSA). San Bernardino County. California During field work. BOM identified 701 mines and prospects in EMNSA for which the geology, mineral resources, and mining history were compiled and summarized. Analytical results for 1.188 rock samples collected are tabulated. Total value of identified resources in EMNSA is $5.0 billion. Twenty-four mines and prospects were deemed profitable under current economic conditions. Development could generate considerable economic benefits to San Bernardino County. Potential economic benefits from mining the deposits were evaluated under the following access restrictions for EMNSA: 1) fun access, 2) HR 3460, and 3) S 11/HR 780. Under the full access scenario, cumulative mine revenues are $3.0 billion, cumulative personal earnings at mines and supporting industries are $0.94 billion, and annual jobs at mines and supporting industries are 2,379. Under HR 3460, mine revenues, personal earnings, and annual jobs are $2.9 billion. $0.88 billion, and 2,165, respectively. Under S 11/HR 780, mine revenues, personal earnings, and annual jobs are $1.0 billion, $0.32 billion, and 936, respectively.

Jan 1, 1990

By J. E. Conley

Available statistics show that the demands of the American chemical industry for sodium sulphate have been increasing slightly in recent years. The supply from domestic sources, particularly In the form of byproduct salt cake from the acid manufacturers, has been tending to decrease due to the growing manufacture of synthetic acid. Both hydrochloric and nitric acids are being synthesized from their elements. The natural result has been that a smaller amount of salt cake is available. Simultaneously, the expansion of the Kraft paper industry, especially in the South, has brought about greater demand for sodium sulphate in that section. This dean is being met by domestic byproduct salt cake, by imported German sodium sulphate made from potash waste liquors, and by favorable situated domestic deposits of Glauber salts and tile anhydrous salt, thenardite. No shortage of natural sodium sulphate exists in the United States, but usually such deposits occur in semiarid regions far removed from transportation facilities and from markets. Moreover, the major portion of the natural deposits is Glauber salt or mirabilite (Na2SO4 ? 10H20), which must be dried or dehydrated in order to meet consumer requirements. The water of hydration represents, roughly, 55 percent of tae total weight of the crude salts and therefore has a very important influence on transportation costs. In marry instances the cost of getting, even the dehydrated product to market is the deciding economic factor. Therefore, the recovery oil production of anhydrous sodium sulphate from plant-.waste liquors or from natural brines of suitable composition might be economically feasible. The U.S. Bureau of Mines, at its nonmetallic Minerals Experiment Station, New Brunswick, N. J., has, for a number of rears, been investigating the commercial possibilities of treating the complex saline mineral polyhalite (K2SO4?NgSO4?2CaSO4?2H20) for the recovery of potash and magnesia. Certain proposed processes (1, 2, 3, 4)4/ yield waste liquors that contain the bulk of the magnesium and sulphate originally combined as magnesium sulphate in the polyhalite molecule. Sodium chloride In limited concentrations is also present, as extensive beds of salt occur in strata overlying the polyhalite deposits. A typical waste liquor would contain:

Jan 1, 1936

By Charles A. R. Lambly

This paper, which describes the mining practices of the Pend Oreille Mines & Metals Co. at Metaline Falls, Wash., is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in various mining districts of the United States. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Acknowledgment is made to L. P. Larson, president, and Jens Jensen, secretary, of the Pend Oreille Mines & Metals Co. for permission to publish this paper. information was supplied by E. Berglund, mine superintendent; Earl Miller, chief engineer; Lynn Kinney, John Currie, and Wally Frick, engineers; Arthur Newman, chief clerk; and Jack Crampton, assayer.

Jan 1, 1941

By L. Mallett

The changing demographics of the mining industry make successful passing of knowledge and skills to the next generation critical. Training methods and technologies are being developed to meet this need. Twenty years ago classroom training was largely a one-way transfer of knowledge through instructor lectures. In contrast, instructors today can use virtual reality technologies to guide trainees as they fully participate in learning experiences. Trainees can interact with the virtual work environment, co-workers, and equipment without being exposed to workplace hazards. The speed of advancement in mine safety, health, and production training shows no sign of slowing in the next 20 years. Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have studied and participated in the evolution of miner training. A look at training materials they have created in the past and those they are currently developing reveals changes in methods and technologies over time and also key characteristics which have remained constant. Possibilities for the future can he discussed in the framework of an implementation of virtual reality in new miner training sessions. The example computer-based training package teaches new miners to read mine maps and provides opportunity to practice navigation skills in a virtual mine. With this 'serious game', trainees experience the look and feel of moving through an underground coal mine while in the safety of their classroom. During field-testing in 2007, trainees and instructors responded very favourably to this new way of learning. The software was usable by mine trainers with even limited computer expertise and could be installed on the affordable computers they were using for their more traditional slide presentations. The Underground Coal Mine Map Reading Training's foundation on past successful development strategies and its acceptance by today's instructors and trainees provide valuable lessons for developing training materials, strategies, and technologies for mining's future.

Jan 1, 2009

By W. R. Hardwick

This paper describes mining methods and practices of the Chino Mines Division, Kennecott Copper Corp., Grant County, N. Mex. It is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining methods, practices, and costs in various mining districts of the United States. A similar program was conducted from 1928 to 1939, which helped to improve the efficiency of mining operations. The primary purpose of the program is to promote development and conservation of our mineral resources by disseminating technologic information on methods, practices, and related features in mining mineral deposits. It is expected that the program will: (1) Promote efficiency in operating mines; (2) assist operators and engineers in evaluating and developing new mineral deposits; (3) provide data for engineering curriculums in mining schools; and (4) furnish performance and cost data for revising engineering handbooks and for inclusion in engineering textbooks.

Jan 1, 1958

By Robert W. McKibbin

The Bureau of Mines conducted laboratory tests to determine the slurry transport and deposition properties of coal waste. A 188.5-ft pipe test loop was constructed with instruments to measure density, flow, and power and discharge, suction, and differential pressures. A 20-ton ample of Western coal waste was crushed and screened to 100 pct minus 1/2 in. Eight loop tests using this graded waste were run at slurry densities ranging from 1.15 (25 wt-pct solids) to 1.46 (60 wt-pct sol-ids) 0 The resultant friction-'pressure gradients ranged from 0,06 to 0.24 ft of water per foot of 4-in standard steel pipe. Particle-size degradation was significant.. In a typical loop test lasting 25 min, the minus 200-mesh fraction increased from 19 pct to 34 pct. Deposition tests showed that without the use of a flocculant, the slurries would not dewater when left to stand for 1 week. With flocculant, additional water was releas2d; however, the settled slurries remained thixotropic. Further testing is necessary to determine their suitability for use as backfill material in active mines.

Jan 1, 1983