Search Documents

By Don Fisher, Jean Juilland

Introduction A section of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 specifies the procedure for areas the US Bureau of Land Management manages that have wilderness qualities. In part, FLPMA specifies that within 15 years of its approval, the Secretary of the Interior shall review roadless areas of 20 km2 (5,000 acres) or more and roadless islands of public lands identified during the inventory as having wilderness characteristics described in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Further, the Secretary shall report to the President his recommendation as to the suitability of each area or island for preservation as wilderness. However, before any recommendations for, wilderness designation, mineral surveys shall be conducted by the US Geological Survey and the US Bureau of Mines to determine if any mineral values are present. And finally, a Presidential recommendation for wilderness designation becomes effective only if so provided by an Act of Congress. BLM Inventory Procedures To fulfill these legal requirements, BLM is inventorying the land it manages for wilderness qualities. Since the law sets special provisions for Alaska, BLM included in its inventory only the public lands it manages in the conterminous US. In 1980, after public input, BLM picked 967 areas to be considered as Wilderness Study Areas. All of the selected WSAs are in 11 western states and the areas total about 97,128 km2 (24 million acres). From these 967 areas, through its multiple-use planning system, BLM is making initial recommendations of areas to be considered suitable for preservation as wilderness. Those WSAs that BLM initially considers suitable for wilderness preservation will have mineral surveys conducted by the USGS and the USBM, to determine mineral values. Based on these mineral surveys and other resources information including wilderness qualities, the Interior Secretary will report to the President his recommendations on the WSAs suitable for wilderness preservation. To make the initial recommendation of suitability, BLM managers will need information about geology, energy, and mineral (GEM) resources as well as information about other resources. BLM has begun a GEM assessment program to provide its managers with that information. This program is designed to provide information for a WSA suitability decision process that aims to supply minimum necessary GEM information. In essence, the program will provide preliminary assessment of the mineral potential for each WSA. Assessing the WSAs To accomplish this, a two-phase program was designed. In phase one, only existing data are collected and used. In phase two, new data are generated and added to existing data. Phase two begins only if BLM geologists, mining engineers, or managers consider the information provided in phase one as inadequate. This avoids unnecessary work and expenses and allows the program to proceed without undue delay. Figure 1 shows the two-phase process, including BLM's GEM in-

Jan 10, 1983

By G. P. Saseen, R. A. Haney

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) developed a model to estimate diesel particu¬late (dp) exposures in underground mines. The estimator uses in-mine measured dp concentrations or engine manufacturers' standardized emission data. Through a series of calculations, full-shift dp concentrations are estimated by applying standard engineering principles of ventilation, control technology and work cycle. This model, in the form of a computer spreadsheet, provides the mining industry with a method for estimating dp levels and determining the impact of various diesel particulate controls on occupational exposures to dp in underground mines. A detailed description of the estimator and several examples demonstrating the results are provided.

Jan 1, 2000

By K. W. Deter

The gold ores in the Jerritt Canyon district have been recognized as refractory since they were first encountered by FMC geologists in 1976. Upon obtaining managing rights as joint venture partner, Freeport McMoRan Inc. developed an operating plan featuring carbon-in-leach gold recovery techniques for the oxide portion of the ores and a patented sulphide oxidation step followed by chlorination for treating the organic carbon constituents of the refractory ores prior to CIL gold recovery. The plant was successfully started up in 1981 with the first gold poured on July 4, 1981. Initial plant throughput was designed to be 2495 MTPD (2750 STPD) total through the dual processing trains.

Jan 1, 1991

By D. Elsworth, M. Bai

The influence of mining on the hydro-geo-mechanical environment can be greatly modified by alternating mining geometries. The limiting magnitudes of surface subsidence and groundwater flow over the mining area, as a result of mine geometric changes, can be reasonably predicted through the coupled finite-element model introduced in this paper. The model has been verified using real and conceptual case studies which reveal that changes in strata conductivities are strongly related to the strata deformation induced by mining. The greatest modification of hydraulic conductivities occurs within the caving or severely fractured zones. The study indicates that narrowing the panel face width will substantially reduce both the intensity and extent of mining damage to the overlying strata, limit surface subsidence and constrain the change in hydraulic conductivity to a reduced scale and smaller extent, particularly as mining depth increases.

Jan 1, 1995

By Li Changgen, A. Bahr

The adaptability of pneumatic flotation cells for the flotation of sulfide ore and the conditions for sulfide ore flotation in pneumatic cells were investigated. The advantages of pneumatic flotation cells over mechanical flotation cells, as well as flotation columns, for the flotation of sulfide ore were demonstrated. Test results indicated that the Cu grade and recovery for concentrates obtained when using the pneumatic flotation cell were 1 % to 2% and 4%, respectively, higher than those obtained when using the mechanical flotation machine.

Jan 1, 1993

By T. E. Walsh

I will address two important alternative energy resources, solar and geothermal, with emphasis on their potential application in electric power generation. As a result of this presentation, I hope to leave you with a realistic view of the principal technology options that are being developed or that are available. Solar Types of Collection In terrestrial solar applications, the biggest challenge is to find ways of collecting the sun’s relatively low intensity energy so it can be converted economically to useful thermal or electric energy. Fig. 1 shows that there are both natural and technological ways of collecting solar energy. In nature we find that solar energy aids in the production of biological growth, rainfall, and wind, all of which can, in one form or another, be put to use in the production of heat or electric power. The sun’s rays also are collected and stored naturally in the form of heat in the upper layers of the ocean which can be put to use in the production of electric energy by means of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) approaches. On the technological side, the sun’s rays can be intercepted by materials that directly absorb and convert its energy to low-grade heat, or by mirrors or lenses that focus the rays onto a material to produce high-temperature heat. The higher temperature systems can be used to drive efficient heat engines in the production of electricityy. The sun’s rays also can be collected on photosensitive materials, in either a direct or concentrated form to generate DC electricity directly. The systems I will discuss employ all of these means of collection and conversion, excluding biological and hydroelectric. The former is too exi

Jan 9, 1980

By T. E. Walsh

Introduction I will address two important alternative energy resources, solar and geothermal, with emphasis on their potential application in electric power generation. As a result of this presentation, I hope to leave you with a realistic view of the principal technology options that are being developed or that are available. Solar Types of Collection In terrestrial solar applications, the biggest challenge is to find ways of collecting the sun’s relatively low intensity energy so it can be converted economically to useful thermal or electric energy. Fig. 1 shows that there are both natural and technological ways of collecting solar energy. In nature we find that solar energy aids in the production of biological growth, rainfall, and wind, all of which can, in one form or another, be put to use in the production of heat or electric power. The sun’s rays also are collected and stored naturally in the form of heat in the upper layers of the ocean which can be put to use in the production of electric energy by means of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) approaches. On the technological side, the sun’s rays can be intercepted by materials that directly absorb and convert its energy to low-grade heat, or by mirrors or lenses that focus the rays onto a material to produce high-temperature heat. The higher temperature systems can be used to drive efficient heat engines in the production of electricityy. The sun’s rays also can be collected on photosensitive materials, in either a direct or concentrated form to generate DC electricity directly. The systems I will discuss employ all of these means of collection and conversion, excluding biological and hydroelectric. The former is too ex

Jan 1, 1980

By G. Gaidajis

In this paper, a semi-qualitative methodology is presented and then applied to an aluminium extrusion industrial facility in order to perform an initial environmental assessment. The results of the assessment enable an improved understanding of the environmental performance of the facility and more importantly identify the areas of significant environmental concern. Following, the application of case-specific sustainability indicators related with the areas of significant environmental concern, leads to a more comprehensive sustainability assessment. The applied two-step approach offers a quick and reliable environmental assessment and help focusing on the most environmentally problematic areas. Moreover, the follow-up of the specific indicators seems to be appropriate for the improvement of the environmental performance of the examined industrial facility.

Jan 1, 2008

By F. A. Kruse, R. J. Madrid, P. L. Hauff

Sub-microscopic gold grains in disseminated gold deposits in Nevada are often directly associated with the clay mineral illite. Delineation of gold ore-zones can be improved by accurate characterization of the associated illite varieties or polytypes. X-ray diffraction studies of clay minerals from several disseminated gold deposits demonstrate that illite polytypes reflect lateral and vertical zonation around the ore bodies. Polytypes act as geothermometers indicating temperatures of ore deposition and proximity to hypogene and supergene fluids. Visible/near infrared spectral measurements using a field-portable reflectance spectrometer provide a reconnaissance technique for mapping the in-situ distribution of illites. Changes in the visible/near-infrared reflectance spectra are observed as illites progress from the lower temperature, less ordered 1 M variety to the higher temperature 2M type. The combination of the reflectance spectroscopy with the X- ray diffraction data creates a powerful tool for detailed mineralogic mapping for gold exploration.

Jan 1, 1989

By R. L. Grayson

Compliance standards for respirable dust, which are reduced because of high quartz concentrations, have become an industry-wide problem. Research on the physical and chemical character of quartz-classified particles in respirable coal mine dusts indicates that they may exist in intermixed layers or may he coated by clay or coal material. The relative amount of intermixing varies with the coal seam being mined. If most of the quartz particles of a mine dust are "pure," then the dust may have a high fibrogenic risk potential because of truly free silica and the compliance standard should he lowered. If, however, the quartz is locked inside another material matrix, or coated, a reduced compliance standard may not he appropriate.

Jan 1, 1991

By A. S. Mallicis, Li Xiawoei, P. W. Weiblen, I. Iwasakl

Platinum group metals (PGM) are often found in close association with arsenide and sulfarsenide minerals in copper-nickel bearing gabbroic rocks. Major losses of platinum in flotation have been attributed to the susceptibilities of the arsenic minerals to oxidation and subsequent losses of their recoveries in cleaner flotation stages. The use of a nitrogen atmosphere in grinding and in flotation, the effectiveness of activation for improving their floatabilities, and the role that electrochemical interactions play not only between grinding media and minerals, but also among different minerals, are discussed.

Jan 1, 1989

By Gordon Hubbard, John D'Acierno

The Randgold Resources Ltd. mine operation in Syama Mali performs whole ore roasting followed by CIL gold recovery to produce gold. The roaster has operated continuously since the plant was first commissioned in 1994. The roaster design throughput is 216 tons per hour (5,184 TPD). Roasting provides for the oxidation of the· refractory components, organic carbon and sulfides. The energy balance for the system requires auxiliary fuel oil to be burned in the Circulating Fluid Bed (CFB) reactor. Energy from the 1200-1350 degree F roasted product stream is recovered and recycled back into the CFB using two fluidized bed coolers; one to directly heat the secondary air and the other to indirectly heat the primary fluidizing air. The basis of the design for the roaster was an extensive pilot plant test program, the results of which were scaled up to the full scale plant design. Due to variation in the feed at the mine a number of roaster modifications were necessary following the initial plant start up. During 1998 ore flotation capability was added to reduce the operating cost for the roaster and increase plant throughput.

Jan 1, 1999

By Qiang Ji, Richard L. Sanford

A laboratory-scale microcomputer-based autonomous excavation system has been developed that moves a pile of fragmented rock to a designated location using a shovel attachment on a robot arm. Navigation and excavation sub- systems interactively direct a robot excavator to move the shovel to the rock pile, intelligently load its bucket using a video camera, and dump the rocks to a designated area. Although research was conducted on a laboratory scale model, the system can serve as the basis for further work on a full-scale, robust excavation system.

Jan 1, 1993

By D. Doepker

The dissolution of metals from various metal/ non-metal mine tailings has been studied through column leach tests at US Bureau of Mines laboratories. Metal mobilization in unsaturated columns was consistently greater than metal dissolution in water-saturated columns. Leachate pH was also frequently lower when a leachant was passed through columns but showed a mixed residence-time dependence. On the other hand, metal and sulfate ion concentrations in the leachate increased with dry-cycle residence time. Results suggest that acid formation through atmospheric oxidation of pyrite may compete with non-acid-forming oxidation of other metal sulfides. The two processes lead to decreased pH and increased metal mobilization, respectively. Leach tests using sodium lauryl sulfate indicated that microbial activity was not a factor in these studies.

Jan 1, 1991

By A. R. Przybylek

A fluid bed dryer has been designed for a nonconventional application to upgrade the value of fine anthracite culm and silt recovered from culm banks and anthracite tailings pond beds. This material can be seen as large spoil piles scattered throughout the anthracite coal regions of Eastern Pennsylvania. Engineering of the system commenced in December of 1986 and at this writing start-up is scheduled for late October or early November of 1987. This paper will focus on generalities concerned With system design and operation, and qualify the differences from conventional fluid bed coal drying systems.

Jan 1, 1988

By L. Adler

Existing classifications of mining and construction equipment have had major deficiencies. They often lack organization, balance, and have remained obscure. Particularly when proceeding to great.er resolution these deficiencies have proven crippling. By adopting "Classes", "Groups" f "Types" and "Kinds" at successive degrees of refinement, a "Taxonomy" is developed based on clear visual differentiation or on a "Morphology??. This symbiotic application, adopted from the Biological Sciences, yields clear, simple and unambiguous results. Supporting this effort are guidelines for easily and credibly sketching equipment which are also distinctive. Numerous illustrative examples are provided. Communications are improved and the engineer obtains a confident feel for the equipment at hand.

Jan 1, 1989

At the dawn of the computer age in the early 1950's, few people in either the minerals industry or the field of electronic data processing (EDP) would have predicted the tremendous impact that the computer has had on the way we conduct our everyday lives and businesses. Herman Hollerith himself (see next page), the Columbia University mining engineer 'turned statistician who developed the first punched card electronic tabulating machines for the US Census Office in the late 1880's, would doubt- less be amazed at the progress that has been made in the application of data processing techniques to nearly all aspects of the mining cycle (Aul, 1974). More than any other factor, the availability of economical computing equipment has led the way for the development of the broad range of mining computer methods described in this text. While limits have been identified for many of the technologies commonly in use today, new technological advancements point to continued exponential advancements in computing price-performance in the 1980's. With those advancements, we may look forward to continued expansion of the role computers will play in mineral production.

Jan 1, 1979

Development of process control in the metallurgical industry over the past ten years has been highly influenced by technical advances centered on use of computers as well as on measurement and associated equipment. The discussion in this section reviews advances in computer technology, measurement devices, data input-output techniques, and their use in mineral processing for the objective of guiding application of process control principles. Advances in the next ten-year period through the 1980's can be foreseen in the cost and application of data handling facilities in the coincident fields of data processing equipment, interface and control devices, and computer programming systems. These will lead to greater acceptance in a widely expanding range of mineral processing fields. It can be predicted that process control methods now known to be effective will become more re- fined. Costs of on-stream analyzers for assays and particle data will be reduced. Continued innovation can be anticipated in measurement devices required for effecting control. Control techniques developed over the last decade in key process operations such as crushing, grinding, flotation, smelting, and hydrometallurgical processes are described in the following chapters. The general forms taken by computer process control are first outlined briefly.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. Hogg, E. Kaya

The presence of agglomerated particles in airborne dust in coal mines has been confirmed by SEM examination of static samples collected on substrates. In addition, the effect of agglomerated particles on the performance of cascade impactors and cyclone- type personal samplers has been studied. Simple procedures have been developed for evaluating the extent of agglomeration in air-borne dust by comparing the observed size- selectivity of the sampling devices with that expected under idealized conditions. Applications of these techniques in the laboratory and in underground mines are discussed.

Jan 1, 1992

By Sheldon Shepherd

Fifty years ago, belt scales were mechanical devices based on a complex weight balancing design. Today's systems use load cells to assess material weight, belt speed sensors and microprocessor-based integrators to continuously compute the rate of material transferred along a conveyor. Belt scales have become important assets to a plant. They help maximize the use of raw materials, control inventories and aid in the manufacture of a consistent product. Choosing and installing a belt scale system may seem complicated but it can be simplified by following a few guidelines.

Jan 1, 1999