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By H. Kenworthy

Sulfide-ore concentrates containing cobalt, nickel, copper, lead, and iron from the operations of the National Lead Co. at. Fredericktown, Mo., were treated successfully on a laboratory scale to recover more than 90 percent of the cobalt, nickel, and copper. A cobalt -nickel-bearing, lead-copper matte., produced by the St. Joseph Lead Co. at Herculaneum, Mo., was treated to produce a lead-zinc fume, a copper sulfide concentrate, and a cobalt nickel-iron product, netting a recovery of over 75 percent of the cobalt and about 90 percent of the nickel and copper. National Lead Co. bulk concentrates were chlorinated with gaseous chlorine to form anhydrous metal chlorides and sulfur chlorides, sulfur chlorides were recovered by distillation, a high percentage of the ferric chloride was converted to ferric oxide, and the chlorinated residual metals were extracted with water. Metal ions were removed from leach liquors by pH-controlled fractional precipitation as hydroxides. Cobalt solutions "were prepared from cobaltic hydroxide, and procedures were developed to remove contaminating metal ions. Purified cobalt solutions were employed as electrolytes for deposition of high-purity cobalt.

Jan 1, 1953

By J. Duncan Keppie

"Auriferous quartz veins occupy zones of dilation. Foldgenerated dilation zones are systematically distributed and are dependent upon the folding mechanism. Comparison of natural and theoretical folds indicates that different mechanisms operated in the Halifax and Goldenville formations.In the slates of the Halifax Formation, the folds are of similar type and internal strain is most intense in the limbs. This internal strain is probably accommodated with little or no dilation.In the meta-sandstone and slates of the Goldenville Formation, a combined flexural and tangential longitudinal strain mechanism, modified by pure strain, produced the folds. Tension fissures produced by this mechanism are: (a) saddle 1'eef veins in slate horizons, (b) veins normal to bedding in meta-sandstone layers in the fold hinges,(c) veins along faults in the cores of tight fold hinges and (d) zones of en- échelon veins in slate honzons in the limbs of folds. Because veins in fold hinges (a, b and c above) account for most of the gold production in the Meguma Group, other factors controlling the distribution and size of these veins are summarized below.1. The size of saddle reef veins is controlled by the curvature of the fold hinge. Thus, a Curvature Index greater than 600 degrees indicates a promising prospect, where"

Jan 1, 1976

The U.S. economy showed further strength during the third quarter of 1983, continuing the upward trend discussed in the last two issues of Minerals and Materials. The National Association of Purchasing Management composite index increased to a 10-year high of 67. 1 in July. (A value of 50 or greater indicates expanding industrial activity.) The index, a weighted composite of new orders, production, employment, vendor performance, and inventories, is derived from a survey of purchasing agents for about 250 industrial firms. Investment and Other National Economic Indicators The strong consumer surge of second quarter 1983 was reinforced during the third quarter by the performance of private investment. Because of this, many analysts became more optimistic about the strength of the recovery and its potential for being sustained. Capital investment growth, negative since 1980, was positive for every investment component in the third quarter of 1983. Preliminary estimates indicate a real increase of $1.4 billion (at an annual rate) in private investment expenditures on nonresidential structures, an increase of $4.3 billion (at an annual rate) for producers' durable equipment, and an increase of $4.8 billion (at an annual rate) in real inventory levels. The second quarter 1983 increase in expenditures on producers' durable equipment was the first indicator that investment recovery would occur during the rest of the year (table 1). Corporate profits in total manufacturing increased $6.5 billion from first quarter to second quarter 1983 (table 2).

Jan 1, 1983

Ground control problems in the form of large dome or wedge collapses have been experienced at Tau Lekoa Mine since production began. Crush pillars in various configurations have been used and through a process of trial and error the current pillar layout has been derived. A strike pillar layout is used and additional mid-panel pillars are left spaced a maximum of 10m or 16m apart, depending on conditions and mining direction. Pillar spacing is based on an empirical relationship between fallout height and pillar spans. Analysis of the spatial distribution of large falls of ground indicates that there may be several geotechnical relationships contributing to stable pillar spans. The current focus is to define the relationship between geotechnical areas and hangingwall stability so that area specific support strategies can be formulated that could result in increased production efficiencies. Depuis le début de la production, la mine Tau Lekoa a connu des problèmes de contrôle au sol, sous la forme d’effondrements de grands dômes ou coins. Des piliers d’écrasement, dans des configurations variées, ont été utilisés et une série d’essais a résulté en la disposition de piliers en cours. Une configuration de piliers de direction est utilisée, et des piliers mi-panneau supplémentaires sont laissés, espacés d’un maximum de 10m ou 16m, selon les conditions et la direction de la mine. L’espacement des piliers est établi sur une relation empirique entre la hauteur des retombées et les intervalles entre piliers. L’analyse de la distribution spatiale de grandes tombées de terrain indique qu’il peut y avoir plusieurs relations géotechniques qui contribuent à des intervalles de piliers stables. L’intérêt présent est de définir la relation entre les zones géotechniques et la stabilité du toit, pour pouvoir formuler des stratégies de support spécifiques à un endroit, ce qui entraînerait des accroissements de production. Bodenkontrollprobleme traten seit Produktionsbeginn in Form von grossen Keil oder Dachhaubenbrüchen in der Tau Lekoa Mine auf. Bruchpfeiler in verschiedensten Konfigurationen wurden verwendet und auf Grund empirischer Fakten wurde das gegenwärtige Pfeilerlayout abgeleitet. Ein Layout für Strukturpfeiler wird verwendet und zusätzliche mittig situierte Pfeiler in einem Maximalabstand von 10m bis 16m installiert, abhängig von den Konditionen und der Vortriebsrichtung.Der Pfeilerabstand basiert auf dem empirischen Verhältnis Fallhöhe und Pfeilerspannweite. Die Analyse der räumlichen Verteilung großer Bodenabsenkungen deutet an, daß es einige geotechnische Verhältnisse geben kann, die zu stabilen Pfostenspannweiten beitragen. Der gegenwärtige Fokus soll das Verhältnis zwischen geotechnischen Bereichen und Stollendeckenstabilität definieren, damit bereichspezifische Unterstützungsstrategien formuliert werden können, welche in erhöhter Produktionsleistung resultieren könnten.

Jan 1, 2003

By BUREAU OF MINES

Mercury has been used by mankind since prehistoric times. It has been, and is now, widely used in industry and medicine and has unique properties which make direct substitution difficult or impossible. At present its prin- cipal uses are for electrical apparatus, control instruments, electrolytic soda preparation, mildew-proofing paints, pesticides, and medical and dental preparations. Deposits of mercury are less common than those of other base and precious metals, but some of the deposits are very large and have been ample to meet the world's past demands. The price of mercury has had many sharp fluctua- tions, but in general, the limited number of producers has resulted in a more stable price structure than that of many other commodities. The United States has been one of the main producers of mercury, and from 1850 to 1961 produced 3,247,704 flasks. Yearly production since World War II has varied from 4,535 to 38,067 flasks. An estimate of domestic resources of mercury producible at various price ranges was prepared for each mercury mine by combining specific knowledge of mercury mineralization with estimates of potential, based on geologic informa- tion and past production history. The sum of the individual estimates for each price range is shown in a table. A parallel estimate of nationwide production potential was made from a study of past price and production relationships. These were analyzed by plotting yearly production figures against the previous year's price, expressed in dollars of constant purchasing power. An equation was fitted to the data by mathematical means and was used to extend the curve into areas of higher than historic prices. Potential production rates at various price levels were taken from this graph. The estimated yearly production rates were used to make an estimate of total potential based on the premise that produc- tion rates and reserves have a proportionate relationship.

Jul 1, 1964

By Kenneth Wardell

Those flat lying, bedded or replacement, non-fossil fuel deposits which exist within the U.S.A., and which are amenable to longwall mining, are identified by reference to three principal factors associated with their physical/geological environments. These are their depth, extent and structural continuity. Technical feasibility is assessed in relation to the likely cutting speeds which can be achieved in the identified minerals with existing longwall shearer machines. Economic comparisons are made between traditional mining operations in those deposits for which technical feasibility is demonstrable. Continents are made concerning those technical deficiencies which appear to preclude the application of existing longwall equipment to the identified deposits and suggestions are made regarding the lines of research aimed at improving longwall technology.

Jan 1, 1978

By F. W. Bradley

GOLD is a large subject. One could talk about its geological or mineralogical occurrences, prospect- i11.g for it, mining of .it, its metallurgy or its marketing; but I have decided to limit my discussion to gold as a business-that is, to its production and marketing. In the production of gold, it is necessary to consider the many possible sources, the quantities available, the capital and operating costs and the chances of price-breaking competition. So in the following remarks I shall endeavour to point out that though gold is found in every formation constituting the earth's crust, though it is possible to-find it free in great concentrated placer deposits on the surface, though there are still large unprospected areas of both the surface and the crust, though it may be possible to produce it by the cheapest labor on earth, and by processes not as yet developed, it still has an unlimited market at a definite price. There is no reasonable fear of disturbance by the finding of bountiful deposits, or by cheapening the cost of production due to devaluation, or by the development of any easy processes for direct, or for by product, production.

Jan 1, 1932

By G. R. Hopkins

According to the annual refinery-capacity survey of the Bureau of Mines, the number of refineries in the United States showed little change in 1940, increasing from 057 the first of the year to 562 at the close. Although a number of plants were dismantled in Texas and other States, more than compensating gains were made in California, Illinois, and other States. Low gasoline prices, competition for crude-oil supplies, particularly in Illinois, and the termination of a favorable distributing arrangement for independent plants in the Los Angeles area, forced about 50 refineries to close down in 1940. The number of operating plants accordingly declined from 461 on January 1, 1940 to 420 on January 1, 1941 and the number of idle plants increased from 86 to 136 in the same period. These developments were also reflected in the capacity data, the operating capacity declining from 4,196,694 barrels daily on January 1, 1940 to 4,180,588 daily on January I, 1941 and the idle capacity rising from 431,952 barrels to 53g8381 barrels in the same period. However, the completed capacity on January 1, 1941 (4,718,969 barrels daily) was 2 percent above the previous year.

Jan 1, 1941

By Persifor Frazer

1. SMOKE PREVENTION. Report of Select Committee of House of Commons (1843). Nuisance considerably abated in Leeds (Wm. Backerd, July 13, 1843, 239 pages). A synoptic index, p. 211, gives, in alphabetical order, the digest of every subject taken up. 2. FUEL : ITS COMBUSTION AND ECONOMY. D. Kinnear Clark, C. E. 24mo, 1354 pp. Crosby Lockwood & Co., London (1880). Includes abridgement of treatise on combustion of coal and prevention of smoke, by C. W. Williams, A.I.C.E. 3. DIE RAUCHSCHÄDEN IN DEN WÄLDERN DER UMGEBUNG DER FISCALISCHEN HÜTTENWERKE BEI FREIBERG. Dr. J. v. Schröder, Professor in Tharand, and Dr. A. Schertel, Vorstand des Hüttenlaboratoriums zu Freiberg. Royal 8vo, 27 .pages, 19 pages of tables and a map. Ernst Maukisch, Freiberg (1884). (Aus dem Jahrbuch für das Berg- und Huttenwesen, 1884.) In 1861, Reich and Stockhardt examined the extent of injury to vegetation by the Muldner works. Needles and twigs of pine showed in 100,000 parts : Pb, 5 to 50 ; As, 3.3 to 14.3 ; S02, 62 to 120. In the top twigs, 5 to 8 ; needles, 10 to 16 ; thicker twigs, 10 to 22 ; thinner twig-ends, 17 to 54 of lead. Lead greater in amount in sickly twig-ends with few needles ; also in the bark than in the naked wood of the trunk, which had hardly a trace ; also in the part turned toward the works than on the opposite side. Pb and As diminished in the vegetation with distance from the smelter ; and the same with regard to the soil. Fresh snow was collected, and SO, As, and Pb detected in it.

May 1, 1907

By W. E. Foreman

A mathematical model was developed to assess the costs for reclamation of surface mining using the shovel overcasting operation, the front end loader operation, and a backfilling operation. A literature review was made of the present laws in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia pertaining to surface mining and of the various parameters that influence the input data for a mathematical model. It was determined that the working mathematical model would have to be applied on an area to area basis, preferably on a permit by permit basis in the area where surface mining was being done. To this end, a flexible model was developed with input data obtained from the area of study. The results of the study show that the cost per ton of coal for reclamation can be estimated for various reclamation levels. Validation of the model was done for selected permits from Virginia. It was determined that the permits could easily be used for input data to the model.

Jan 1, 1974

Jan 1, 1991

Workers at Anaconda Aluminum Company's primary aluminum smelter at Sebree, Ky., were back on the job December 1, after agreeing to a new 3-year contract. The old contract had expired November 15. On December 20, the Aluminum Company of America reportedly shut down a 42,000-ton-per-year potline at its Wenatchee, Wash., primary aluminum smelter and half of a 23,000-ton-per-year potline at its Vancouver, Wash., smelter as a result of a power cutback by the Bonneville Power Administration. A1 so in December, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. reduced overall power at its Mead and Tacoma, Mash,, smelters and shut down one of eight 27,500-ton-per-year potlines at Mead. Reported shutdowns for the firms since September have amounted to 76,000 tons for Alcoa and 50,000 tons for Kaiser. Alcan Aluminum Ltd. announced plans to double the generating capacity at its Kemano hydroelectric power plant in British Columbia to 1,916 megawatts. The additional power would be equal to that required of a primary aluminum smelter with an annual capacity of 567,000 tons.

Jan 1, 1980

By Richard Belair, John Read

Ask someone what they can tell you about the Royal Canadian Mint and most likely the first thing that they will mention, is coinage. The Royal Canadian Mint manufactures Canada's one-cent coins, nickels, dimes and quarters - over 1 billion per year. Most of these coins use copper and nickel as base material, and all of this metal is mined, refined and processed in Canada prior to being shipped to the mint for coin production. In 1985 alone, 1270 metric tons of Canadian nickel and 2160 metric tons of Canadian copper were absorbed in circulating coinage. July 1987 will have marked the introduction of Canada's new one dollar coin, an important new addition to Canada's monetary system. The first phase of this program will consume about 2,235 metric tons of Canadian nickel in the initial production run. Annual requirements in subsequent years are estimated at 225 metric tons. The Royal Canadian Mint is also a major producer of circulating coinage for foreign countries. Since the state-of-the-art Winnipeg plant swung into full production in 1976 the Mint has struck more than 5.2 billion coins for some 35 nations around the world. 1985 sales have increased almost 6 fold over 1984. 1987 already shows commitments for a further significant increase in volume in this business. The use of Canadian metals in export to foreign nations as coinage adds still more to the Royal Canadian Mint's key role as a major market maker for Canada's mining industry. The success of the Mint in this realm can be directly traced to it's 75 years as one of the world's most important refiners of gold. Today, the Royal Canadian Mint is the largest refiner of gold in the Western Hemisphere, and the third largest, by volume, in the world. The R.C.M. hallmark on kilo bars, 100 troy ounce comex bars

Jan 1, 1987

By Jack E. Brockway

As tunnel boring machine technology has expanded, so has its range of application. Tunneling machines (TBM's) are tackling tasks today that fifteen years ago were considered "inappropriate". A case in point is incline/decline TBM boring. An incline or decline bore presents peculiar design considerations that differentiate it from a horizontal bore. This paper reviews those design considerations as they apply to TBM's, backup, muck handling and other tunneling subsystems. In addition, several abbreviated case studies are presented. By the review of real life tunneling techniques as well as design considerations, the "appropriateness" of TBM incline/ decline boring today becomes apparent. INCLINE Introduction In contemplating the impact of incline versus horizontal tunnel boring system design, the obvious consideration is gravity. Up-hill boring can be quite different than horizontal boring. Muck, water and machine weight all tend to slide down the incline. In addition, hydraulic and lubrication systems if unaltered, will find their fluids pooled in the lower corners contentedly ignoring such higher elevation items as gears and bearings. In order to address this inherent gravity problem, a review of

Jan 1, 1983

By John D. Rockaway

Failure of the mine floor supporting coal pillars frequently occurs when the subcoal strata include "underclays" or other low strength strata. The failure process has been studied to define the response of these materials to applied coal pillar loads and to determine the applicability of bearing capacity analysis to evaluate unsafe conditions. The study has been accomplished through an investigation of both the intact and insitu geotechnical properties of the subcoal strata and through the installation of floor movement monitoring instrumentation. The results of these studies have indicated that both the shear strength of the underclay and the stratigraphy of the subcoal strata must be considered in the analysis. The shear strength was the major controlling factor determining the ultimate load carrying ability of the materials, but the thickness and stratigraphic position of the weak layers influenced the mechanism of the failure process. The methods of bearing capacity analysis were used to define pillar stability that included provisions for taking into consideration a two-layer system. Conditions assumed for a coal mine where a weak underclay overlies firmer strata. The results of the analysis compared very well with observed mine conditions, indicating marginal conditions in areas of the mine which later experienced pillar support failure. In addition, a "heave factor" was derived to predict potentially unstable floor conditions in the mines studied in detail.

Jan 1, 1979

During the period January 1, 1977 through July 31, 1977, 5 percent (264,000 tons) of U.S. capacity was closed due to power curtailments in the Pacific Northwest because of the shortage of water. During July, one plant in Tennessee cut production by 50,000 tons annually due to a power reduction by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Full capacity production was resumed at a West Virginia smelter during September. If demand for aluminum is strong it seems likely that aluminum supply during the remainder of 1977 and in 1978 will be tight. The price was increased 3¢ per pound to 51¢ per pound effective March 28, 1977, and by an additional 2¢ per pound to 53¢ per pound, effective July 5, 1977. New projects and expansion of existing facilities are planned by Australian aluminum companies over the next 2 to 3 years. The companies listed have committed themselves to spending approximately A$801 million: Alcoa of Australia Ltd. -New alumina plant at Wagerup, south of Perth. Darling Ranges bauxite is located near the proposed project. A$650 million. Coma 1 co Industries Pty. Ltd. -Increase bauxite mining capacity and upgrade or replace other facilities at its Weipa mines on Cape York Peninsula region of Northern Queensland. A$81 million. Alcan Australia Ltd. -Expansion program that will increase capacity of the Kurri Kurri aluminum smelter north of Sydney about 50 percent, and improvement of other facilities at the plant. A$70 million.

Jan 1, 1977

By Emily Wortman-Wunder

As the 2010 president of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., I am pleased to present the 2010 issue of Transactions of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Vol. 328. A significant portion of the contribution that we as a professional society make is the publication of professional and technical papers that accelerate the advancement of scientific knowledge and enable transfer of technology. Communication within the mining community is the key to a successful society. Through books, magazines, meetings and electronic media, we accomplish the technology exchange that is fundamental to the existence of the Society. This technology exchange continues a tradition that dates back to the 1871 meeting of 22 mining engineers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, that resulted in the founding of AIME; those individuals envisioned that these transaction volumes “would form a most valuable and greatly needed addition to our professional literature.” This volume certainly fulfills that pledge. The 2010 Transactions is the first Transactions to take advantage of new publication technologies. It appears solely as an e-book. The decision to go to an all-digital format for this longstanding publication was a difficult one, but one which will certainly better serve the mining community. I am excited about this development and the opportunities it presents. The 2010 Transactions also contain some of the most exciting research from the past year, including new developments in mineral processing, safety and exploration. Be sure not to miss the two Minerals & Metallurgical Processing issues on the subject of gold hydrometallurgy. This 2010 Transactions comprise of a total of 78 technical papers (582 pages including index), including all 21 papers (136 pages) that were published in 2010 in the Technical Papers Section of Mining Engineering magazine (Vol. 62) and all 34 papers (231 pages) that were published in 2010 in Minerals & Metallurgical Processing (Vol. 27). Addition, this volume contains 23 papers (194 pages) that are being published for the first time in this issue. The papers presented in this volume were written by some of the most distinguished professionals in the industry worldwide. All 78 technical papers were peer-reviewed. The process of review and publication requires much hard work by authors, reviewers and our publications staff. As the 2010 president of SME and on behalf of all our members, I would like to extend our gratitude to all whose volunteer efforts contributed to the publication of this volume.

Jan 1, 2010

By Patrick M. - Langevin

THIS TALK IS ABOUT : How the DBL mining camp deposits have been found and what is done to find the next one PLAN: Overview of the geological context Historical exploration perspective Deposits geology and key features Conclusion

May 1, 2006

By C. Travis Anderson

"Nickel is an essential metal in stainless steel, armor plate, and nickel steels and also in nonferrous alleys, such as monel metal and cupre-nickel, which are used in marine service. Nickel is one of the metals that must be greatly restricted in civilian use to provide the amounts needed for our War program. Consequently, it is desirable to investigate every possible substitute.The 5-cent coin no z in use contains 2.3 percent nickel. At the end of 1941, about 450 tons of nickel was being consumed annually to produce these coins. If the nickel used for that purpose in 9141 had been diverted to military use, 15,000 tons of armor plate could have been produced. As nickel is vitally needed for military as well as essential civilian products, it would seem desirable to substitute some other alloy for the 25 percent nickel alloy now being used. The Bureau of Mines has been asked to suggest possible substitutes.The substitute should have physical properties similar to the alloy now being used. It should have a metallic appearance and ring and a reasonably white color, so to be distinguishable from the present 1-cent coin. It should also be reasonably resistant to corrosion."

Aug 1, 1942

By D. Sprott, P. A. Kirsch, J. Harris, D. Cliff

This paper details the work of RISKGATE, the largest Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) occupational health and safety initiative to date. The program is an interactive online risk management system developed to maximize health and safety performance in the coal mining industry by implementing continuous improvement in managing major unwanted events. The comprehensive knowledge base covers tires, collisions, fires, isolation, strata control underground, ground control open cut, explosions, explosives, manual tasks, and slips/trips/falls. All major Australian coal mining companies contributed topic experts to this broad industry initiative: nine coal mining companies, more than 80 experts, and more than 400 days of individual time for knowledge-capture workshops.

Jan 1, 2014