Search Documents

By Frank J. Wiebelt

The Mohawk lead-zinc mining in San Bernardino County, Calif., was examined by D. W. Butnor, an engineer or the Bureau of Mines, at the request of Dunton, Ray, and Greenwood, leaseholders. Current operations were on a marginal economic basis, and government aid was sought in an endeavor to outline ore reserves so that production might be maintained.

Jan 1, 1949

By Alan G. Mayton

Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and the postural requirements of the job have been identified as important risk factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders of the back among workers exposed to a vibratory environment. This paper focuses on preliminary results of WBV data collected for two groups of haulage trucks ? four older trucks from manufacturer A (MFR-A) and two newer trucks from manufacturer B (MFR-B). All of the trucks and their respective seats were considered to be in good working order during the study. Measurement periods for the truck groups had similarities, but varied from 2 to 58 minutes. Sampling times for the older trucks included a mean of 19.5 minutes and a standard deviation (STD) of 6.5 minutes compared to a mean of 40.8 minutes and a STD of 12.1 minutes for the newer trucks. Data collection coincided with the approximate delivery and first operation of the new trucks, and occurred approximately 12 months apart under similar weather and road conditions, and with the same drivers except an additional driver was included with the older trucks. Truck routes were somewhat different in that quarry production had changed location in the time between data collection activities. Overall, the results suggest that the newer trucks may provide better overall isolation to drivers/operators from WBV exposure compared to the older trucks operating at the quarry; although, this will need to be confirmed with additional measurements. Considering the higher variability and shorter sampling times for the older trucks, the results should be viewed with caution. For two of seven trials, the older trucks showed that seats amplified vibration, i.e., a transmissibility (T) >1.0. Seat T for the older trucks ranged from 0.31 to 1.17 with a mean of 0.77 and STD of 0.32. This contrasted with the newer haulage trucks where seats amplified vibration in 3 of 8 trials. In this case, T did not vary greatly and ranged from 0.87 to 1.05 with a mean of 0.97 and STD of 0.07. Regarding older trucks, in five of seven trials, the seat (output) data of weighted root-mean square (RMS) acceleration (wRMSZ) for the dominant z-axis exceeded the action level of 0.5 m/s2 action level recommended by the European Union Good Practice Guide for WBV (EUGPG) and levels exceeded the recommended exposure limit of 1.15 m/s2 in two of the seven trials. The wRMSZ values for the older trucks varied from 0.41 to 1.83 m/s2 with a mean of 0.99 and STD of 0.57. Similarly, newer trucks indicated a narrower range of wRMSZ from 0.38 to 0.95 m/s2. The mean wRMSZ was lower for the newer trucks at 0.58 m/s2 with a STD of 0.23 m/s2. Similarly, newer trucks indicated wRMSZ reached or exceeded the action level in four of eight trials. None of the trials with the new trucks showed wRMSZ levels that reached or exceeded the recommended 1.15 m/s2 exposure limit. As an indicator of driver/operator discomfort, overall weighted total RMS acceleration (vector sum) values seem to show a ?rougher? ride for the older trucks. The vector sum values for these trucks ranged widely from 0.70 to 2.59 m/s2 and, in four of seven trials, showed levels greater than 1.40 m/s2. The mean vector sum was 1.44 m/s2 with a STD of 0.75 m/s2. Comparatively, the newer trucks exhibited less variation with a range from 0.69 to 1.59 m/s2. The mean vector sum was 1.02 m/s2 with a STD of 0.35 m/s2. Vibration dose values for the dominant z-axis (VDVZ), gave a sense of vehicle jarring/jolting conditions. All trials with the older trucks were within the recommended EUGPG action level of 9.1 m/s1.75. On the other hand, in three of eight trials, both newer trucks exceeded this action level with values of 9.18, 12.58, and 13.21 m/s1.75. Neither truck group showed VDVZ that exceeded the exposure limit of 21 m/s1.75. A statistical analysis was not conducted, since the differences reported between truck groups may not be statistically significant owing to the relatively small sample size. Road conditions, changes in the truck routes, and driver/operator differences (e.g., stopping and turning) are possible factors in the higher VDV for the newer trucks.

Jan 1, 2008

By K. J. Liles

The U.S. Bureau of Mines evaluated the physical properties of ceramic particulate composites made from titanium nitride (TiN), alumina (AI203), and aluminum nitride (AlN) as part of a program to meet the high-performance demands on structural materials for new and emerging technologies. Samples containing from 20 to 80 wt pct TiN were pressed and fired, and their composition, Vickers hardness, modulus of rupture (MOR), and fracture toughness were determined. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses showed that, depending on the amount of TiN added, the microstructure of the samples consisted of either a titanium-aluminum-oxynitride (TiAlON) particulate in a spinel matrix or a spinel particulate in a TiAlON matrix. The best results of the physical tests were achieved on a mixture of 40 wt pct TiN, 30 wt pct A1203, and 30 wt pct AIN. Sintering aids were added in 1-and 3-mol-pct increments to the 40-30-30 mixture to determine their effect on microstructure and physical properties. Results of an analysis of variancf' on a 4 by 4 factorial analysis showed significant effects on density, MOR, and Vickers hardness.

Jan 1, 1989

By Brian T. Brady

The year 1991 recorded unprecedented change throughout the world; war in the Middle East, economic recession in key industrial nations, upheaval in Eastern Europe, and the disintegration of the former U.S.S.R. These issues and growing environmental concerns will affect the entire world mining industry. Environmental issues continue to have an ever greater effect on industrial minerals. In the United States, major issues involving the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the recent Stormwater Rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affect many types of mineral operations. Significant developments include an important decision in 1991 by a Federal Appellate Court to overturn EPA's asbestos ban on certain products, partly on environmental grounds, and proposed legislation that would overhaul or abandon the 1872 Mining Act. On a global scale, prominent issues include environmental concerns over mining in the Antarctic and Arctic regions and a cutback in plans to clean up the Kola Peninsula in the Commonwealth of Independent States (C.I.S.).

Jan 1, 1993

By Roy H. Poston

This paper sets forth the mode of ore occurrence, characteristics of ore and country rocks, methods of exploration, development, and. ore extraction, and the costs of underground operation at No. 8 mine of the St. Louis Smelting and Refining Works of the National Lead Co. located near the southern extremity of the Southeast Missouri lead district. The author acknowledges the assistance of E. T. Campbell, geologist, in the preparation of the paragraphs on the geology of the ores. HISTORY The first record of mining in St. Francois County, Mo., concerns more or less shallow semisurface "diggings" which were worked about the year 174-2. In 1864, however, the discovery of the disseminated deposits, the present source of lead, was made on property near the town of Bone Terre. Winslow has estimated the lead-ore production in this county prior to 1869 to be 59,526 tons.3

Jan 1, 1929

By W. L. Falke

Research was conducted to develop methods on a laboratory scale for recovering manganese from manganiferous slimes and limestones . The procedure is a low- temperature modification of the carbamate process , in which manganese is dissolved and the valence reduced by treating slimes and limestones with controlled amounts of sulfurous acid . Manganese ( II) hydroxide is precipitated and leached with ammonium carbamate solution , and manganese carbonate is separated by warming the leach solution . A major portion of the reagents is regenerated and recirculated . About 75 percent of the total manganese in manganiferous slimes , and from 50 to 75 percent of the total manganese in manganiferous limestones , are recovered as manganese carbonate containing 45 percent manganese .

Jan 1, 1964

By Stanley M. Walker

Safety consciousness is not a constant for which a specific value can be assigned, but is a variable, which is frequently intangible. Its evaluation is not simple. We all know that safety consciousness is the most potent factor in the prevention of accidents. Safety consciousness may be defined as awareness of hazard and alertness to danger, which controls every action of an individual through his desire to remain alive and uninjured.

Jan 1, 1951

By T. A. Lang

The objective was to develop a Program Plan of analytical studies and tests for determining (1) the optimum installation tension of a coal mine roof bolt, (2) the most valid bolt support theory or theories, and (3) the most valid roof failure theory or theories. On this basis a comprehensive literature search was made and significant material dealing with coal mine roof behavior, roof bolting and roof support was collected, reviewed, classified and analyzed. Emphasis was given to the influence of rock reinforcement on the control of deformation, stress field modification and mine roof stability. An assessment was made of the effect of various parameters including bolt tension, bolt pattern and time of installation, on the effectiveness of rock reinforcement systems, and equations developed for bolt tension as a function of these parameters, and rock properties. From these studies, a major program plan of tests and studies was developed for verifying and validating the most tenable theories of roof behavior and roof support and for determining optimum bolt installation tension.

Jan 1, 1979

By E. K. Kleespies

The rate of the heterogeneous reaction between titanium-oxygen solid solutions and titanium trichloride in molten sodium chloride was determined at high temperatures. In the alpha phase, the reaction rate decreases uniformly with the increasing concentration of oxygen. The gamma crystalline form of titanium (above 33 atomic percent oxygen) was much less reactive than the alpha phase, and the reaction rate approached zero at 50 atomic percent oxygen. The activation energy for the reaction of titanium-oxygen solution containing 22.8 percent oxygen was 11.7 kcal/mole of TiCl3 as compared with 8.3 kcal/mole of TiCl3 for pure titanium.

Jan 1, 1967

By H. B. Brunot

A complete list of permissible mine equipment, tested and approved by the Bureau of Mines previous to January 1, 1947, was published as Information Circular 7432.2/ A list of permissible mine equipment tested and approved by the Bureau of Mines during the calendar years 1947, 1948, and 1949 was published as Information Circular 7569. The present list supplements Information Circulars 7432 and 7569 and includes all of 'the equipment approved during the calendar year 1950. Information Circular 7465, which included a list of permissible mine equipment tested and approved by the Bureau of Mines during the calendar year 1947 therefore is superseded.

Jan 1, 1951

By N. S. Dalal, X. Shi

"SUMMARYElectron spin resonance (ESR) measurements provide direct evidence for the involvement of the glutathionyl radical, as well as an isolable Cr(V)-glutathione intermediate in the Cr(VI) glutathione redox reactions. These results indicate a new mechanism for the reduction of Cr(VI) by glutathione in relationship to cellular environment and suggest that synergistic reactions of Cr(V) and GS· might be responsible for the (unexpected) increase in the Cr(VI)-induced DNA-strand breaks at high glutathione levels.INTRODUCTIONWhile the reduction of Cr(VI) by glutathione (GSH) is thought to be a critical' step in the pathogenesis of the Cr(VI)-exposure related carcinogenesis1- 4, the exact reduction mechanism is not yet understood. The following reaction steps have been suggested :(A) Initial step:Cr04 2- + GSH - GSCrOa - (1)(B) At high GSH levels:GSCroa- + GSH - Cr( IV) + GSSG (2)(C) At low GSH levels: GSC rO a - - Cr ( V ) + GS ·(3)Thus far, however, in these reactions, the GS· radical has eluded spectroscopic detection, while the evidence for the Cr(V) formation has been reported positives as well as negative2·. Her~ we present spin-trap ESR evidence for the formation of the GS· radical, and a definitive ESR detection of an isolable cr(V)-GSH intermediate in Cr(VI)-GSH reactions.MATERIALS. AND METHODSESR spectra were obtained at X-band (-9.7 GHz) using a Bruker ER200D ESR spectrometer. The magnetic field was calibrated with a self-tracking NMR Gaussmeter (Bruker, Model ER035M) and the microwave frequency was measured with a Hewlett-Packard (Model 5340A) frequency counter. The spin probes, a-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide) -N -tert-butylnitrone (4-POBN) and 5,5-dimethyl~1-pyrroline-1-ox1de (DMPO) were purchased from Aldrich, K2Cr201 from Fisher and used without further purification. All experiments were done at room temperature."

Jan 1, 1989

By Frank E. Cash

Since ventilation adequate in quantity as well as quality is of paramount importance to the health and safety of men working underground in coal mines, mining officials, employees, and State inspection departments should give it the closest possible attention. MINING LAW OF ALABAMA The law governing, and regulating the operation of coal mines in Alabama was enacted in 1911 and amended or revised in 1923, 1925, 1930, and 1935. The original law and subsequent revisions were progressive steps in safeguarding the health and safety of underground employees.

Jan 1, 1939

By R. V. Ramani

This report is volume 1 of an eleven-volume final report for a Grant completed by The Pennsylvania State University for the Bureau of Mines to develop a dynamic general purpose computer simulation model for underground coal mining. The simulator developed under the Grant has a wide range of possible applications in the design and evaluation of underground coal mining systems from the standpoints of health and safety, productivity, and mine environment. The Master Design Simulator consists of nine free-standing function-oriented subsystem models linked together into an integrated, comprehensive model of an entire mining system. The subsystems comprising the Master Design Simulator include geology and reserves, methane generation, roof support, subsidence, production, rail haulage, cost, water generation, and ventilation. This volume of the final report contains a statement of the purpose and scope of work of the Grant, and provides an overview of the Master Design Simulator with a brief description of each subsystem. Also included is a discussion of several areas of application for the simulator.

Jan 1, 1975

By J. V. Batty

The Bureau of Mines devised techniques involving the use of beta-and gamma-ray-emitting radioisotopes and successfully adapted these techniques to the density of mineralized flotation froths) the rate of flow of finely ground ore pulps) and the residence time of pulps in processing circuits. Specifically, the water and mineral loads of flotation froths were continuously measured by determining the proportion of a constant-strength beam of beta rays that was absorbed by the froth column. Continuous measurement of the rate of flow of an ore pulp was accomplished by measuring the changing width of a free-falling stream of the pulp with a collimated beam of beta rays. The residence time of solids in conditioning and resin-in-pulp circuits was accurately measured by following the progress through these circuits of a portion of the pulp that had been tagged with the gamma-emitting Ag110 radioisotope.

Jan 1, 1966

By Lloyd A. Morley

The primary goal of this research report is to discuss safety considerations involved in the use of lead-acid batteries for traction purposes in underground coal mines. In order to arrive at the objective, the topic of battery safety has been divided into two specific areas. The first deals with the fact that batteries emit hydrogen gas during and after the charge cycle. Hydrogen gas can be the source of dangerous explosions or mine fires. The second major topic deals with the electrical nature of the battery and battery-charging systems, which also provides a source of mine fires as well as electrocution hazards. In addition to the discussion on battery safety, a literature review has been undertaken to acquaint the reader with some basic concepts inherent to the battery usage process. The result of this research is a set of design specifications and procedural recommendations directed at improving the safety factors inherent in any underground battery usage scheme.

Jan 1, 1977

By H. W. St. Clair

This study was undertaken to provide a more adequate knowledge of the chemistry of the sulfide volatilization process for recovery of tin from low-grade Bolivian ores. The investigation was partly supported by the Department of State under its program for scientific cooperation with South American republics. The results of this investigation demonstrate the conditions under which cassiterite (Sn02) may be converted to stannous sulfide by reaction with pyrite or sulfur vapor, Quantitative data are given on the rate of sulfidization and on the vapor pressure of stannous sulfide.

Jan 1, 1954

By G. A. Savanick

The Bureau of Mines has designed, fabricated, and field tested a water jet cutting device capable of perforating nonmetallic well casings for the purpose of completing or stimulating in situ uranium leaching wells. The device is lowered into the wellbore, where it issues a high-velocity water jet that penetrates either a polyvinyl chloride or fiberglass casing, cement, and from 1 to 4 feet into the surrounding uraniferous sandstone. The resulting perforations allow leaching solution to pass between the sandstone and the wellbore. This report describes the water jet perforator, tells how it is used, presents cost data, and discusses the results of laboratory and field tests. The tests were designed to (1) determine the optimum operating conditions for water jet perforation, (2) assess the effects of changes in these conditions, (3) evaluate the performance of the water jet perforator under actual conditions, and (4) compare this method with other methods of well completion. These tests showed that water jet perforation is superior to conventional well completion methods for selectively achieving communication between the well-bore and adjacent sand while maintaining sand control, for restoring permeability lost through wellbore damage, for stimulating poorly performing wells for completing wells with casings that have inside diameters as small as 2 inches, and for extending the effective well diameter.

Jan 1, 1981

By Frank Ruskey

This report describes a computer program devised by the Bureau of Mines to model coal-mining situations where one or more panels encounter oil or gas wells. The program seeks in several hundred trials to evade the wells if possible or to minimize their influence by shifting or skewing the mine plan and/or adjusting the centerline dimensions of the entryways. Upon completion of computations, the program sorts the hundreds of models which have been tested, and lists the 10 best with their associated parameters. It also draws a mine plan of the best configuration, showing the entryways and crosscuts along with the "lost" coal remaining in the barrier pillars surrounding the various wells.

Jan 1, 1972

By F. A. Rutledge

"The W. E. Dunkle mine, sometimes called the Costello Creek coal mine, is 8 miles N. 20° W. of Colorado Station on the Alaska Railroad. The presence of coal in this area has been known since the district was extensively pros¬pected for gold between 1911 and 1915. At that time, coal from this deposit was used by miners for blacksmithing. The increased demand for coal resulting from government defense projects in Alaska led to exploitation of this deposit in 1941.The inability of Alaska coal mines to supply the quantity of coal required by public and private consumers and by the armed forces in Alaska was responsible for establishment by the Army of the Coal Procurement Section of its Alaska Department. It proposed to investigate the deposits and to expedite production from the Alaskan coal fields. The Bureau of Mines closely cooperated in this program.The quality of the Dunkle coal and the favorable location of the deposit caused it to be one of the properties chosen for investigation under a joint Army-Bureau of Mines-Geological Survey program.During July 1943, the coal area in the immediate vicinity of Costello Creek was geologically and topographically mapped. by Clyde Wahrhaftig and Jacob Freedman, geologists, U. S. Geological Survey. F. A. Rutledge, mining engineer of the Bureau of Mines examined the property July 18 to 22, 1943, and a project of trenching, diamond drilling, and sampling was initiated on August 4, 1943. During the project Clyde Wahrhaftig remained at the Dunkle mine to interprets drill cores and assist the author in planning the explora¬tory program. The project was completed October 7, 1943.Field investigations were under the general direction of R. S. Sanford, acting chief, Alaska Branch, Mining Division. Coal analyses were made by Maurice L. Sharp, coal analyst for the Alaska Railroad.Special mention is made of the cooperation and assistance received from Clyde Wahrhaftig, geologist, U. S. Geological Survey.The many courtesies received from the owner, W. E. Dunkle, and the members of the Army Coal Procurement Section, Alaska. Department, also are acknowledged.The W. E. Dunkle coal mine is in the Broad Pass region on the south slope of the Alaska Range at an altitude of 2,800 feet (fig. 1). It is situated within the Third Judicial Division, headquarters of which is Valdez, Alaska. The area is situated approximately at latitude 63° 15' N. and longitude 149° 30' W. and is connected with the Alaska Railroad at Colorado Station by an 11-mile gravel road that is passable throughout the year. This road is maintained by the Alaska Road Commission. A private telephone line to Colorado Station connects with the telephone and telegraph service of the Alaskan Railroad.The passenger rate from Anchorage, Alaska, to Colorado station is $12.10. Freight rates are $1.60 a hundred pounds for heavy machinery and $2.66 a hundred pounds for first-class freight.The Costello Creek coal basin is in an area of low relief and has been dissected by numerous creeks flowing down the south flank of the Alaska Range. The Dunkle coal mine is on Coal Creek, a small tributary of Camp Creek, 1,000 feet from their junction. About 700 feet below this junction, Camp Creek joins Costello Creek, which in turn empties into Bull River 1/2 mile above the latter's confluence with the West Fork of the Chulitna River. The location of the mine is shown on figure 1."

Oct 1, 1948

By Roy Bartholomae

Noise generated by continuous mining machines in underground coal production is an important health hazard. Bureau of Mines Contract J0387229 covers investigation of this noise through laboratory tests of simulated cutting operations and through in-mine noise measurements. The results of these investigations indicate that coal cutting noise and conveyor noise are dominant sources of mining machine operational noise. Typical noise levels for both cutting and conveying operations are approximately 97 dBA (decibels A-weighted). For full operation of all machine systems, the overall sound pressure level is approximately 101 dBA. In-mine and laboratory test results show excellent agreement in both A-weighted overall levels as well as in A-weighted one-third-octave band spectra.

Jan 1, 1983