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By Hugh S. Spence

This paper deals with an occurrence of radium ore near Wilberforce, Haliburton county, Ontario, upon which development work has recently been undertaken and which seems more likely to prove of commercial grade than any other deposit' of radioactive minerals hitherto found in Canada. This occurrence is sometimes called the Richardson property, after Mr. W. M. Richardson, the discoverer, and will be so referred to in the present paper. Occurrences of radioactive minerals are not uncommon in eastern Canada, and a number are recorded in the literature. The earliest of such references is probably that in Geology of Canada, 1863, where is mentioned an occurrence of uraninite at Mamainse, on the east shore of lake Superior. The mineral was first described by J. L. Leconte, in 1847, under the name of coracite, and was said to occur in a two-inch vein at the contact of trap and syenite. Search for this locality in recent years has proved unsuccessful. Obalski, in 1894, mentions (1) the occurrence of uraninite at a mica mine near Murray Bay, Que. In 1903, Obalski records (2) tests made on this uraninite by Rutherford and the Curies and the determination in it of the then newly-discovered element radium. In 1901, he mentions (3) the occurrence of uraninite at the Villeneuve mica mine, on the Lievre river, and of samarskite at the Maisonneuve mica mine, in Berthier county.

Jan 1, 1930

By K. Schimann, H. D. Knipping, J. P. Fouques

"RESUMELe gisement d 'uranium de Cigar Lake, dans la région de l'Athabasca au nord du Saskatchewan, fut découvert en mai 1981 par Cogema Canada Ltée, opérant pour Ie compte de la ""Waterbury Lake Joint Venture"".Le corps minéralisé. qui est dépourvu de toute expression directe en surface, est situé a la discordance entre les met sédiments du wottaston Group (Protérozoïque inférieur ou Aphébien) et les grès de l 'Athabasca (Protérozoïque moyen ou Hélikien), à une profondeur de 410 a450 m.Fin 1984, Ie gisement était reconnu par 105 sondages minéralisés repartis sur une longueur de 1800 m, pour une largeur comprise entre 25 et 105 m. 11 se présente sous forme d’une lentille aplatie de 5 a30 m de puissance, et montre une remarquable continuité d'ensemble. Une ride ou bombement topographique de la discordance est associée au gisement surtoute sa longueur.A l'échelle régionale, le corps minéralisé à est associe à un corridor structural d’orientation est-ouest, a l'intérieur duquel des facies particuliers aténdance blast mylonitique sont développes dans les formations métapolitiques agraphite du socle métamorphique. Il est entouré par un halo d'altération très important, caractériser Ie développement de minéraux argileux alumino-magnesiens (illite-chlorite).La minéralisation est située, pour la plus grande part, dans les grès d'Athabasca, et se compose essentiellement d'uraninite et de sulfo-arseniures de nickel et de cobalt,De nombreux levés géochimiques et géophysiques ont été effectues dans la région de Cigar Lake. Aucune anomalie ne peut être associée directement au corps minéralise, mais la combinaison des données en provenance de plusieurs sources s’est révélée fort utile au niveau de l’interprétation géologique régionale et de la définition des cibles de sondages a l'intérieur des zones reconnues favorables.Le gisement de Cigar Lake présente de nombreuses analogies avec plusieurs des gites classiques de la région de l'Athabasca; il est caractérise en particulier par l'intensité des phénomènes d’altération et la présence de minéralisations extrêmementriches.En 1984, les réserves géologiques globales estimées par géostatistique sur I ‘amas minéralise principal s 'élevaient a 110 000 tonnes d'uranium, aune teneur moyenne de 12.2%, avec une précision de 25% à l'intervalle de confiance de 95%.ABSTRACTThe Cigar Lake uranium deposit, in the Athabasca area of North Saskatchewan, was discovered in May 1981 by Cogema Canada LId., as operator of the Waterbury Lake Joint Venture. The deposit, which is devoid of direct surface expression, is located at the unconformity between the Lower Proterozoic (Aphebian) Wollaston Group meta-sediments and the Middle Proterozoic (Helikian) Athabasca sands tone, at a depth of 410 m to 450 m below surf ace.AI the end of 1984, the deposit had been defined by 105 mineralized holes over a length of 1800 m and a width of between 25 m and 105 m. It has the shape of a flat-lying lens 5 m to 30 m thick and shows a remarkable longitudinal and latera continuity from the information obtained to date. A well-defined bulge of the unconformity underlies the mineralized zone over its entire length.The deposit appears to be controlled by an east-west-trending structure within which a particular rock facies (""augen gneiss"") has developed in the graphitic metapelites of the Wollaston Group. It is surrounded by a strong alteration halo affecting both sandstone and basement, characterized by extensive development of Mg-A I rich clay minerals (illite-chlorite).The mineralization is hosted principally by the Athabasca sandstone, and consists mainly of uraninite and sulfo-arsenides of nickel and cobalt.Numerous geochemical and geophysical surveys have been carried out in the Cigar Lake area, and no specific geochemical or geophysical anomaly can be directly associated with the mineralized body, although there may be locally a good coincidence. However, a combination of several methods proved extre"

Jan 1, 1986

Endless lines at service station gasoline pumps, limited travel at reduced speeds, thermostats set at an uncozy sixty-eight degrees in the dead of winter-these are but a few of the inconveniences and discomforts that awakened Americans to a realization that our domestic minerals resources, traditionally taken for granted, are not boundless. We begin to accept and practice principles of conservation, yet we are aware that this alone cannot appreciably forestall the inevitable depletion of our minerals, metals, and fossil fuels-resources critical to our Nation's economy. The key to warding off shortages is the development of technology that will insure a continuing, adequate supply of minerals and energy from reliable sources at the lowest possible costs to society and the environment. The mission of the Bureau of Mines is to develop this improved technology. Established in 1910, the Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior is the Federal Government's primary research arm in the minerals and fossil fuels fields. In addition to its research role, the Bureau keeps the Government informed of the Nation's mineral posture. The Bureau also seeks to stimulate private industry, through the awarding of grants and contracts, to produce minerals and fuels at a rate compatible with the country's increasing demands.

Jan 1, 1974

By K. P. Wang

The foundation of Japan's growing industrial and economic strength lies primarily in minerals, power, and technical know-how. Domestic raw material resources cannot supply domestic demand, and imports are indispensable. The Japanese are forced to acquire minerals and metals on a global basis, and their activities already have made an impact on international markets. A by-product of these efforts is the development and expansion of mines in many parts of the world to supply Japanese requirements. Japan now has a surplus capacity to produce finished products for consumption and export. Tradition-ally, domestic deficits in minerals have been met by importing crude materials. Because of the rising demand, however, the time has come when semi finished products as well as crude minerals are required. While the domestic market is the mainstay for Japan's industrial products, expanding export markets are essential for balancing trade and for providing economic prosperity and higher living standards for the Japanese people. Japan has a long history of mineral and industrial development, and the best in modern practices abroad has been adopted and modified for use under Japanese conditions of smaller enterprises, cheaper labor, and a more closely knit society. Generations of industrious workmen, technicians, and business-men have been trained in industrial occupations. Devastation of war temporarily slowed progress, but at the same time provided the opportunity for reconstruction, modernization, rationalization, and expansion. The Japanese excel in small and medium-sized operations, but they also have mastered large-scale production. Management is aggressive, practical, and strongly imbued with the concepts of effective utilization of resources. Integrated operations, diversification of facilities, intense competition among concerns in the domestic market, and close cooperation in foreign activities characterize Japanese industrial policies. Available capital has been utilized up to the limit for the establishment of mineral and other industrial facilities at home and abroad. Technology, machinery and equipment, and transport services have been exported along with venture capital, and funds have been advanced against future delivery of foreign raw materials. The Government has been restrained in regulatory functions and has provided technical services to private industry. Thus, Japan's technological foundations are secure, management practices are efficient, and government has stimulated production. The future outlook is bright for the continued rapid growth of mineral and other industries in Japan. Already supreme in Asia in per capita output and living standards, Japan steadily is gaining on the European countries. Steel production has overtaken the United Kingdom and is pressing the level in West Germany. Consumption of fuels and power is expanding at a rapid rate. Construction activities are booming. Japan has built up medium-sized non-ferrous industries. Its ability to produce the exotic metals needed in the nuclear space age is well established. Since Japan makes a great variety of mineral products, her overall posture in mineral extraction and processing is strong. Primarily as a result of intensive efforts in the mineral and other industrial fields, Japan is emerging in world markets as a serious competitor to all industrialized nations.

Jan 1, 1962

The low production rates associated with the underground metal mining industry have received considerable attention during the last decade. A number of significant technological advancements, in the form of new equipment, have taken place to improve the economics of ore production. Unfortunately, an extremely important factor in the equation -- the operator protection and safety -- continues to receive a low priority. The underground metal mining industry has one of the poorest industrial safety records in the United States. Equipment operators are constantly being placed in hazardous situations. Even one fatality is one too many. All of us bear the responsibility to eliminate it. This project is one of the important steps currently being undertaken by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to improve the operational safety of seven major pieces of ore handling equipment commonly used in underground metal and non-metal mines. The objectives of this study are; (a) to identify the existing hazards associated with the operation of the specific equipment, and (b) to recommend practical solutions that will minimize these hazards and reduce operator injuries. These recommendations are to be in the areas of equipment design improvements, additional operator protection and warning devices, equipment operating procedures and any modifications to the existing safety regulations.

Jan 1, 1975

By L. D. Tracy

Many bituminous coal-mining companies have inaugurated extensive safety programs, but the failure to have approved or permissible equipment or safe practice in only one part of a mine has resulted in disaster. The necessity of using only equipment bearing the U. S. Bureau of Mines approval plate is emphasized by the fact that many accidents are the direct result of carelessness on the part of trusted employees using non-permissible equipment. A concrete example is found in the case of an explosion on October 26, 1926, in a mine in the Pittsburgh district, Pennsylvania. Story of the Explosion At about 10 o'clock on the night of the explosion an examination was made in No. 2 butt left and parallel off No. 14 north, and was found to be clear of dangerous accumulations of gas. (See figure). Several hours later a crew of two men brought a self-propelling rock-dusting machine within 50 feet of the face of No. 2 butt parallel before they examined for gas. The machine operator found an accumulation of explosive gas about 13 inches from the roof. He began to wave his arms thoroughly mixing the gas and air. Undoubtedly a highly explosive mixture was created, and as the men attempted to run the machine back to fresh air as explosion occurred.

Jan 1, 1927

The evident need to improve the reliability of fluid power systems in underground coal mining equipment prompted the U.S. Bureau of Mines, and later the Department of Energy, to contract with the Fluid Power Research Center at Oklahoma State University for a research project to develop methods for achieving this end. Since the work of the contract was completed at about the time DOE was relinquishing its underground coal mining projects to BOM it was decided to issue the final report under 80M cover. The contract revealed that the major causes of poor reliability were: (1) poor overall system design, (2) poor component contamination toleranace, (3) poor system filtration, and 4) poor maintenance practices stemming from a lack of defined maintenance procedures and enforcement of same. This report demonstrates the variability of the reliabilities of components of similar performance description when subjected to standard tests. Improved design procedures are recommended and the information needed to specify and select components whose reliability is predictable and optimum without sacrifice in performance or significant increase in envelope size.

Jan 1, 1983

By P. Nos, L. Kolbeinsen, M. W. Kennedy, A. Filzwieser, R. T. Jones, A. MacRae

Modern furnace designs often incorporate extensive use of cooled elements to achieve long campaign lives at high operating intensities. However, contact between water and high temperature fluids can result in powerful Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosions (BLEVEs). Therefore cooling such elements with water carries inherent risks when used under slag and particularly below molten metal or matte. Alternative cooling media exist that can reduce or eliminate the risk of BLEVEs. These media are analysed and discussed in the context of deeply cooled furnace elements. Important factors in selecting alternative coolants are explored including: critical heat flux, thermal limits, toxicity, flammability, unit cost, etc. Key cooling system design criteria are reviewed in the context of both traditional and alternative coolants. Results of Computational Fluid Dynamics are presented for an example tap-block cooler design using a number of selected coolants. Research needs to advance the safe use of alternative coolants are presented.

Jan 1, 2015

Antitrust Investigation Dropped. - The Department of Justice announced that it was dropping its 5-year investigation of the aluminum industry. The investigation was over whether the aluminum companies were acting as if they were a shared monopoly. Deep Seabed Mining. - The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has established an Office of Ocean Minerals and Energy which will be responsible for implementing the Deep Seabed Nard Minerals and Energy Act and the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act. It will establish licensing and regulatory programs.

Jan 1, 1980

By G. R. Hopkins

According to reports received by the Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior, as of January 1, 1934, there were 591 completed refineries in the United States, an increase of 86 ever the total reported at the beginning of 1933 and the largest total ever recorded. It should be noted that the 1934 total, although large, probably does not include more than half of the "pot-still" plants of 1 barrel to 50 barrels daily capacity which have sprung up within the last 2 or 3 years and about which very little information is available. However, the combined operations of these snail refineries are of negligible importance as altogether they refine less crude than one plant of average size. Of the completed plants, 454 were operating on January 1, 1934 and 137 were shut down. In addition, 13 refineries were under construction on January 1, 1934. Compared with the previous year these data indicate a marked increase in the number of operating plants, little change in the number of inoperative plants, but a decline in' the number being built. The material gain in the number of operating plants resulted primarily from the construction off approximately 25 refineries, averaging about 100 barrels capacity in the Kooky Mountain district, as well as from the addition of about 20 plants in the East Texas field.

Jan 1, 1934

By Frank H. Reed

This report is one of a series written by members of the Solid Fuels Mission to Germany describing wartime developments in the mining , preparation , and utilization of coal . This mission was organized early in 1945 under the auspices of the Technical Industrial Intelligence Committee , which cooperated with a counterpart British committee . The Solid Fuels Mission operated under the direction of a steering committee headed by Dr. C. J. Potter , Deputy Solid Fuels Administrator . The personnel of the mission consisted of H. F. Yancey, in charge , J. W. Buch, Thomas Fraser , L. L. Newman , and L. D. Schmidt of the Bureau of Mines ; H. H. Lowry , Director of the Coal Research Laboratory , Carnegie Institute of Technology; H. J. Rose , Vice - president and Director of Research , Bituminous Coal Research , Inc .; and F. H. Reed , Chief Chemist , Illinois State Geological Survey . Over 50 reports were written by the members of the Solid Fuels Mission . These , together with microfilms of supporting data obtained in the course of the investigations , are on file at the Bureau of Mines , Washington , D. C. , where they are available for public examination . The Office of the Publication Board in the Department of Commerce is prepared to furnish photolith copies , photostats , or microfilm reproduction of all declassified reports . A Bibliography of Scientific and Industrial Reports is issued weekly by the Department of Commerce , Office of the Publication Board , and is sold by the Superintendent of Documents , Government Printing Office , Washington 25 , D. C. , on a subscription basis . An initial payment of $ 10 will provide for approximately 9 months , and subscribers will be notified when additional remittance is necessary . All subscriptions will begin with volume 1 , No. 1 , unless ordered otherwise . The Bibliography, covers all materials and subjects and gives instructions for obtaining the desired items . The reports of the Solid Fuels Mission relate to the following general subjects : Mining methods in the Ruhr district of Germany , with special reference to mechanical cutting and loading equipment , pneumatic packing , and Diesel mine locomotives ; activities of industrial research laboratories supported by the German coal and coke industry ; coal preparation in western Europe ; low- temperature carbonization processes ; metallurgical coke from

Jun 1, 1948

Aluminum Production. -By October 1, Aluminum Company of America will restart a 35,000-ton-per-year unit at its aluminum smelter at Rockdale, Tex., restoring that facility to its full capacity of 325,000 tons annually. Primary Ingot Price Increase. -Most U.S. aluminum producers in mid-September were quoting a price of 72 cents per pound for primary aluminum ingot. On September 19, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. announced that it would increase the price of primary aluminum ingot 4 cents to 76 cents per pound.

Jan 1, 1980

By Charles Anema

The Mancarried and Helicopter Receivers were developed under the contract for trapped miner location. This program was a five phase program with 15 mancarried and 5 helicopter production receivers delivered under Phase IV and equipment documentation required under Phase V.

Jan 1, 1976

By K. C. Dean

During the course of the investigation of manganese mineral occurrences in the western United States, the Bureau of Mines collected several lots of ore' from properties in the vicinity of Winkelman, Ariz. As none of the ores would be marketable directly, an investigation was made to determine their amenability to concentration by ore dressing. The Geronimo group of claims is in Pinal County, 8 miles west of Winkelman, Ariz. The manganese oxides occur as cementing material in ore zones of conglomerate. Representative samples of a 2-ton lot of ore cut from outcrops of two lenticular deposits were laboratory-tested. Two 1-ton samples from the Benningfield property were similar in physical characteristics but differed in grade. This claim is 11-1/2 miles south of Winkelman and about 1 mile west of the San Pedro River on the south side of Putman, Wash. The manganese minerals occurred as nodules and lenses, replacing limestone, in a capping over a dark, igneous dike. The North Star group consists of five claims on the west side of the San Pedro River 14 miles south of Winkelman. The ore consists of a low-grade, manganese oxide-calcite occurrence interspersed with stringers of higher-grade material and is present as filling in a fissure zone in porphyry. Two samples were obtained by the examining engineer; one sample represented run-of-mine material, the other represented ore from the vein that could be hand-sorted or selectively mined.

Jan 1, 1952

By H. Ehnes

"“Industry 4.0” – “Mining 4.0” - perhaps you have already heard of these terms? These keywords signify the next stage of industrial production. The internet and production technologies are growing closer together. Machines can communicate with one another, wherever they may happen to be located. The “Internet of Things” is the appropriate term. But what does SAFETY 7.0 mean? It is both brand new and traditional at the same time. It also has to do with the success of companies, with efficient production. And yet there is a great deal more at stake. It has to do with our lives and our safety – the supreme commodity in this world. What exactly SAFETY 7.0 means, what the number 0 stands for and the meaning of the number 7, and what this all has to do with mining will be explained in the following article. Mining is a fascinating undertaking. Mining is indispensable for a country’s economic development, whatever that may concern: infrastructure, energy supplies or raw materials for industrial production. Mining has brought forth many technological developments and innovations that can currently be found in our daily lives. Mining is impressive, grandiose and repeatedly fascinates mankind with its immense dimensions. Miners throughout the world still work hard and, for this reason, are bound to one another in a special way. In mining, every man looks out for the other; you have to be able to rely on each other. That creates a strong bond. The other side of the coin is that mining and disasters belong to normality in the media and thus also in our perception. Accidents at work and even catastrophes occur in mining, quarries, or raw material operations almost on a daily basis somewhere in the world. They are often associated with extremely serious injuries, or even a fatal outcome, for the miners affected and, in turn, dramatic consequences for the families of those involved. It could be in China, India, Russia, or somewhere in Africa, Asia or America – it mostly does not happen in front of our door or in our neighbour- hood. Perhaps because of this in the daily concert of negative headlines, we do not register these catastrophes any more in our minds. We write them off under the heading “Nothing special”, since there are, day in day out, more terrible news items about wars, civil wars, famines, or ecological disasters. Things only really change if there is a dramatic number of deaths or when we are personally affected, close by in the vicinity, or can witness the rescue action live. In Europe, these three mining disasters in particular have recently generated media resonance:"

Jan 1, 2016

By Mark E. Schlesinger

Engineering design follows a six–step sequence. Demonstration of this sequence in materials engineering is less common. A case study is presented, using the 1989 paper by Gafner on the development of 990 gold-titanium alloy. This paper identifies a need, develops the problem, identifies alternatives, demonstrates the use of metallurgical principles to identify alternative responses, and shows how more favorable options are selected. The paper can also be used to illustrate engineering design as an iterative process. The paper is also useful as a starting point for more in-depth examination of specific elements of the design process, and lends itself to the creation of student exercises.

Jan 1, 2014

By Thomas M. Barczak

This US. Bureau of Mines report examines the roof and floor contact pressure provided by the interaction of a shield with the surrounding strata. Controlled forces were applied to an 800-ton two-leg shield in the Bureau's mine roof simulator; the distribution of forces acting on the canopy and base of the shield were measured with 24 hydraulic pressure cells. Several influential factors that affect the load distribution were investigated: (1) the magnitude of loading (leg pressure); (2) the profile of the canopy, principally the upward-sloping tip; (3) the base-lifting device; (4) horizontal load acting on the shield; and (5) compliancy of the immediate roof and floor. It was concluded that the shield does not develop full canopy or base contact without deformation of the strata. Maximum contact pressures are developed at the rear of the canopy and on the toes of the base. Less than 10 pct of the available shield capacity is developed at the canopy tip despite the design intention to ensure tip contact. Horizontal loading reduced the toe pressure acting on the base by as much as 75 pct. The base-lifting device exaggerated the inherently high toe loading, increasing the contact pressure by more than 200 pct.

Jan 1, 2010

By Michael G. Mayer

Since its invention in 1859 various designs of lead batteries have evolved to meet commercial needs for traction applications and standby power. In recent years major developments have taken place in lead alloys and the chemistry and mechanical design of industrial lead batteries. These are reviewed in relation to their commercial application together with the new type of maintenance free gas re-combination lead-acid batteries which are opening so many new markets for lead.

Jan 1, 1990

By Wilmer McInnis

MOLYBDENUM, one of the more versatile alloying elements in modern metallurgy, was first isolated by Hjelm in 1782. The pure metal is silvery white and softer than steel. It melts at a higher temperature than all other metals except rhenium, tungsten, and tantalum. Molybdenum, a member of group V of the periodic table, chemically exhibits valences in stable compounds of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. It is a strong carbide-forming element, and much of its alloying effect in steel is imparted through the formation of carbides. Molybdenum occurs in nature only in combination with other elements. The most common occurence is molybdenite (MoS2), which is widely distributed throughout the world; the few known commercial deposits are the major sources of molybdenun1. The other commercially important mineral, wulfenite (PbMo04), was a major source of molybdenum in the United States during the early part of the 20th century, but with exploration and development of the world-famous Climax molybdenite deposit during the World War of 1914-18, molybdenite soon became the world's major source of molybdenum. In recent years, virtually no wulfenite has been mined. Many copper deposits contain minute percentages of molybdenite; and, since the inauguration during the early 1930's of the recovery of molybdenite as a byproduct of these deposits, they have been an important source of molybdenum.

Jan 1, 1957

By F. B. Waanders

Coal, as energy resource, possesses numerous characteristics and properties which all have an influence on its gasification behaviour. The two properties considered as critically important when evaluating a coal source for gasification is its mineral content and slagging behaviour. Research has indicated that slagging formation can be inhibited or even prevented by the addition of a fluxing agent. It is thus of great importance to understand the mineral interaction during gasification in order to select a suitable fluxing agent for the prevention of slagging and clinker formation in the gasifier. The aim of the present project is to evaluate the effect of iron as a fluxing agent and study the transformation of the mineral and added iron during gasification. A pre-determined amount of pure elemental iron (between 2wt% and 20wt%) was added to a base case coal sample in order to study the effect of the addition of iron to the coal. The transformation of the iron in conjunction with the possible iron containing minerals present in the coal was studied by means of Mössbauer analyses. Typical characterisation techniques included proximate analyses, ultimate analyses and ash composition analyses. The ash fusion temperature analyses (AFT) were used to study and predict the slagging behaviour of the iron-spiked coal samples. Even though AFT analyses only provide an average flow property, it gives a good indication of the changes that the iron addition induces on coal properties. FactSage modelling was carried out in conjunction with the Mössbauer and AFT analyses. From the proximate, ultimate and ash composition analyses it was clear that the coal used con-formed to the average characteristics measured over an extended time period. From the AFT values it was seen that an increase in the flow temperature occurred with the addition of pure elemental iron to the coal, which can be of importance for operational purposes as to raise the gasifier temperature and not to have slagging problems to occur in the gasifier. The Mössbauer data show that he-matite is the main Fe-component that forms from the pyrite originally present and from the added iron to the coal, consistent with FactSage modelling, which shows that the partial oxygen pressure determines which mineral species will form. This study opens up new possibilities when considering operational problems experienced in in-dustrial gasifiers. Successful completion of this study and a study to look at reducing conditions in the gasifier will also add to the knowledge that already exists regarding fluxing agents.

Jan 1, 2014