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The Interior Department's Bureau of Mines is the Federal Government's primary research arm in the mineral and fossil-fuel fields. In accordance with its Organic Act of 1910, the Bureau's responsibilities have been reinforced since the passage of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, and the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970. The 1966 and 1969 acts deal specifically with the development of safe working conditions and a healthful working environment for those engaged in the mining industry, while the third sets the national policy as follows: " ... to foster and encourage private enterprise in (l) the development of economically sound and stable domestic mining, minerals, metal, and mineral reclamation industries; (2) the orderly and economic development of domestic mineral resources, reserves, and reclamation of metals and minerals to help assure satisfaction of industrial security, and environmental needs; (3) mining, mineral, and metallurgical research, including the use and recycling of scrap to promote the wise and efficient use of our natural and reclaimable mineral resources, and (4) the study and development of [ ]

Jan 1, 1972

By Williams J. A.

"Changes proposed in 1969 to modernize legislation governing the exploitation of mineral deposits in the United Kingdom serve as the basis for a discussion of what is considered to be a desirable framework for future legislative proposals.Proposals with regard to prospecting and exploration, evaluation, and acquisition and exploitation are considered, as are suggestions relating, inter alia, to aerial surveys and land restoration.It is concluded that without legislation along the lines proposed there can be no significant revival of metal mining in Britain."

Dec 30, 1971

By J. H. Chesters

The main, though rarely mentioned advantage, is likely to be the standardisation of best practice and product. In a batch process conditions vary cyclically, but with a continuous process they would, at least ideally, remain the same for long periods of time. The other main advantages of continuous over batch processes are likely to be reduced operating and capital costs, the improved possibilities for automatic control, and more consistent product quality. Recent developments are surveyed for ironmaking and steelmaking with reference to blast furnaces; solid-product and molten-product direct reduction; the trough-type processes of Thring, Worner, the Japanese National Research Institute for Metals and Glinkov; basic-oxygen furnace (LD) variants; spray steelmaking; continuous casting and vacuum degassing; rolling; and coating. Encouragement in the devleopment of continuous processes may be drawn from the way unexpected difficulties, such as trouble with sulphur and refractories, were tackled and overcome to achieve the float glass process

Dec 1, 1971

By M. G. Fleming, F. Warner, R. W. Boswell, M. J. Cahalan

The annual dinner of the Institution was held at the Savoy Hotel, London W.C.2, on 22 April, 1971. The President, Mr. M. J. Cahalan, was in the Chair; members and guests numbered 320. The toasts of The Queen and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, and the other Members of the Royal Family were proposed and loyally honoured. R.W. Boswell proposed the toast of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, the president responded, Professor M.G. Fleming proposed the toast of the guests and Sir Frederick Warner replied

Dec 1, 1971

By T. A. A. Quarm

The concept of a continuous zinc smelting process which employs submerged combustion of coal char for both heating and reduction is described. An estimate of the results of smelting a marmatitic zinc concentrate indicates that both the operating and construction costs would be lower than those incurred in processes now in commercial operation. The results of smelting a complex zinc-copper concentrate are also estimated, but no simple commercial process exists with which they can be compared

Dec 1, 1971

By R. W. Schultz

Mineral exploration carried out in Ireland since the mid-1950s has resulted in the discovery of ore deposits that are now in production atTynagh (Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag), Silvermines (Zn-Pb) and nearby Ballynoe (barite), and Gortdrum (Cu-Ag-Hg); a major Zn-Pb deposit at Navan that is now being drilled prior to development; potentially productive deposits at Keel (Zn-Cd-Pb), Ballinalack (Zn-Pb) and Aherlow (Cu-Ag); and a number of interesting prospects, including one of spodumene. Underground exploration of a formerly extensively mined copper deposit at Allihies has outlined new, albeit currently uneconomic, reserves at depth. The copper and pyrite deposits at Avoca have in recent years been re-explored and are now again being worked. Most Irish ore deposits are in the lower half of the Lower Carboniferous succession of limestones and subordinate shales and sandstones, and this stratigraphic zone is being most intensively explored at present. Other geological units under active exploration are Ordovician sediments-volcanics belts, Caledonian granites, and parts of the Old Red Sandstone and Dalradian series. Surface prospecting is made difficult in many places by glacial and other superficial deposits, including peat and alluvium. Geochemical prospecting methods have been outstandingly successful and primarily responsible for most new discoveries. Boulder hunting and outcrop prospecting have proved effective in detailed investigations of geochemically anomalous areas. Some parts of the country have been covered by three separate airborne geophysical surveys, albeit without success so far. The induced polarisation technique, the most widely used ground geophysical method, has contributed to several discoveries. The scope of application of electromagnetic surveys is more restricted than that of induced polarisation, but the method has been effective in a few cases and has contributed to the Tynagh discovery. To date, the resistivity and self-potential methods have found little application. Magnetic surveys are not applicable directly in the search for ore deposits of the various known types, but can be helpful in outlining geological structures in some areas. The gravity method has been used successfully in a survey over the Zn—Pb deposit at Navan ; it has also proved effective in trials over a blind sulphide deposit at Tynagh that cannot be detected with geoelectrical methods. An appendix lists summary descriptions of 15 Irish deposits and occurrences

Dec 1, 1971

By Thomas J. Wright

The evaluation and development of the Eastern North Carolina phosphate deposit resulted in one of the world's largest and most modern phosphate mines and fertilizer complexes at an investment in excess of $90,000,000. The resulting ore beneficiation process showed excellent correlation with pilot plant data. A number of variations from current industrial practices were introduced and projected from bench scale tests through pilot plant to production. Principal among these variations were the following: 1) removal of magnesium by classification, 2) simultaneous flotation of coarse and fine phosphate, 3) the use of saponified fatty acid, 4) utilization of filter wash water for deoiling, 5) utilization of a rougher concentrate for acidulation, 6) calcination of flotation concentrates, and 7) elimination of grinding prior to the manufacture of phosphoric acid.

Jan 1, 1971

By Katherine Harding

This Bureau of Mines publication describes a practical approach to sampling that does not require elaborate statistical techniques. Simple steps are given for finding a cutoff point in the response from a repetitive survey. This procedure can be used to estimate the aggregate value of the characteristic being measured without waiting for a complete count from the survey. This is a useful technique when the reference periods are repeated at frequent intervals, such as monthly and quarterly, and when the statistical collecting agency is engaged in publishing timely data which must be accurate economic indicators.

Jan 1, 1971

By W. Burr Bennett

The prestressed concrete industry in particular, and the precast concrete industry to some extent, are rank newcomers to the concrete construction field compared to the cement, ready-mixed or concrete masonry industries. This young industry reflects its youth and vigor in its enthusiasm, optimism and the belief that it can reach any goal it chooses to set -- and it is setting its sights high. The prestressed and precast concrete industry fully expects to become the major structural and architectural material by the 1980's. Before exploring how the industry expects to reach this goal, a brief look at the origins and the growth of the industry may be useful in an evaluation of the feasibility of this goal. It was always recognized that concrete, strong and efficient for supporting loads which cause compression, was weak and inefficient when used to carry loads which induce tension. Thus the reason for reinforced concrete in which the concrete efficiently carries the compression in a flexural member while low grade steel bars reinforce the concrete in the areas 'of tensile stress. (Fig. 1). The steel being relatively inexpensive, can passively, but quite effectively carry tensile force while the concrete carries compression. The concrete in contact with the reinforcing also protects the steel from corrosion and acts as insulation to provide a superior "built-in" fire resistance. The major disadvantage of reinforced concrete relative to its main competitor, steel, is its weight in relation to its load-carrying capacity. Reinforced concrete systems, such as waffle slabs, I-beams, thin shells, etc. ,

Jan 1, 1971

By Willard C. Lacy

INTRODUCTION A program to insure adequate talent for development and management of our mineral resources entails two equally important and interrelated aspects: 1) attracting and retaining promising student talent, and 2) providing a first-rate education for those entering careers in mineral science and engineering. Manpower shortages have eased in many areas of engineering, particularly in those areas dependent directly or indirectly upon government contracts in space and war programs. However, in the minerals industry the needs still remain critical. As increasing concern over preservation of the environment has developed, the political and social reaction was to seek out major offenders, to look for "whipping boys" -- and the mineral industry was, and had been, an offender. It was there for everyone to take pictures, it couldn't be covered up, and the Department of the Interior lashed away in the beautiful and popular brochures: Quest for Quality, The Third Wave, The Population Challenge, and Surface Mining and Our Environment (Ravaged Land). The Sierra Club, the Field and Stream magazine, TV, and daily news media added their lashes. In the minds of our social-conscious youth the mineral industry took on the image of "exploiters" of natural resources; "polluters" of streams, lakes, and the atmosphere; "despoilers" of wilderness areas and scenic beauty -- a plague to combat, rather than an exciting challenge that entailed exploration of the remote, conquering of the primitive, and developing of the undeveloped. Enrollments declined and many traditional mineral engineering curricula were abolished or Integrated into other stronger engineering departments to meet student-faculty ratio requirements.

Jan 1, 1971

"The outlook for Eastern Canada is decreasing coal production over the next few years; however, a reappraisal of the long-term requirements and increased prices of coal could lead to a revitalizing of the industry. The market for Western coal is expanding and is expected to exceed 50 million tons per year in the metallurgical and thermal power fields. Western coal reserves are currently estimated at 119 billion tons. Technical developments in Eastern Canada include a shearer and gate-end support system to mechanically cut the stall and brushing at the tail-end of a longwall. In Western Canada, the most modern equipment is used in mining, beneficiating and shipping coal. Results to date on the underground hydraulic experiments exceed expectations. The importance of reclamation is recognized and plans have been made to restore and re-vegetate disturbed areas and mine dumps. In Eastern Canada, experiments were started to determine the feasibility of coal reclamation from mine dumps, including one dump that is on fire. The Mining Research Centre, Mines Branch, continued to conduct research work oriented toward solving Canadian mining problems The Western office of the Centre, opened in 1970, was set up primarily to study problems associated with a resurgent coal industry."

Jan 1, 1971

By Sidney Katell

Several systems have been proposed for the production of synthetic crude oil from oil shale. An economic analysis of one proposed system is presented in this paper. An oil shale complex to produce 100,000 barrels per calendar day of semirefined crude oil will require a capital investment of $426,216,400. This investment includes mining, retorting, intermediate pipelining, and partial refining. A selling price of $3.74 per barrel of product will be necessary to maintain a discounted cash-flow rate of 12 percent.

Jan 1, 1971

By C. N. Savage

An industrial minerals review involves an attempt to assemble field and statistical data which are obscure, elusive and incomplete. Often, when me statistical data are available, combining or lumping of commodity values conceals the value of specific items. Personal knowledge of the minerals known to occur in the area of concern, combined with whatever available published data may be compiled, together with careful use of several extrapolation methods, may yield an acceptable summary review of the industry. However, it is particularly hazardous to speculate on future trends and economic aspects because of the many unpredictable variables which may affect the industrial minerals business. Among these variables are the effects of diverse geological conditions, the impact of technological changes (including new uses for minerals not formerly considered industrial types), changing socio-economic factors (including growing environmental controversy), use of substitutes and even recycling of some of the industrial minerals (for example, building materials, lime, etc.). My main objectives are to reveal, as accurately as I can, the state of the in¬dustrial minerals situation, and the effects of possible future developments on this industry in Idaho. Where the words...industrial-tyke minerals, .are used in this discussion, reference is made to selected metallic and nonmetallic minerals and related materials, as well as rock (Table I). Industrial minerals known to be present in Idaho may be listed under general use categories as in Table 1. Some of these commodities are being marketed, have been marketed in the past, or occur in potentially marketable quantities. Mineral fuels are neither mentioned, nor are they considered important in Idaho. Based upon our present knowledge and lack of known, economically valuable occurrences of these commodities, they are considered insignificant (Idaho Bur. Mines and Geology, 1964). Information used for this study is from several sources. Most of the statisti¬cal information should be credited to the U.S. Bureau of Mines Minerals Yearbooks,

Jan 1, 1971

By R. D. Brown

Higher employer costs and increased employee benefits will result from the current sweeping revisions of the un-employment insurance system now receiving consideration before Parliament. The new legislation, the Un-employment Insurance Act, 1971, will substantially increase the unemployment insurance costs of many employers through an increase in the level of employer contributions -generally, employer contributions will go to 1.4 times employee costs -as well as by extending coverage to many classes of employees now exempt. Under the new legislation, executives, technicians, teachers, institutional workers and others will be covered, and eligible for the higher benefits which it provides. For the first time, absence from work because of illness or accident may qualify individuals for unemployment insurance benefits.

Jan 1, 1971

By W. G. Stevenson

The centennial celebration of the AIME provides an opportunity to review some aspects of developments in mineral exploration since 1871 and to reflect on the changes that have occurred. During this period seven Factors have fundamentally altered the procedures, techniques and philosophy of mineral exploration. Although most of these developed gradually, and unheralded, they have drastically altered the art of exploration and discovery. 1. ADVANCES IN MINING AND MILLING The development of huge shovels, draglines, trucks and track-mounted drills, to replace the wheelbarrow and single Jack has drastically expanded the rate of production for both underground and surface mining. The development of selective flotation has had a far-reaching affect on mineral exploration and has made it possible to extract metals from the metallurgically complex deposits discovered years before. These developments have reduced the costs of mining and treatment, and have transformed material into ore that was considered waste one hundred years ago. These advances have permitted exploration for progressively lower grade and larger mineral deposits.

Jan 1, 1971

By B. M. Monaghan

"The developments of the 1950s and 1960s have seen Canada become an international source of iron ore, trading in all geographical areas and hemispheres. Canada's production will significantly increase in the next decade. However, although the outlook is bright, iron ore producers cannot be complacent. Instead, we must weigh the factors that have brought about the development of the Canadian iron ore industry and examine the probable changes for the next decade that will affect its growth.Looking ahead in the 1970s, competition will be severe. Pressure on prices will continue as new sources of supply bid for long-term contracts and as steel producers continue to develop mines around the world. Rising costs will make these pressures more severe. We must balance the growth of the world's steel makers with the emergence of new supplies of iron ore. The iron ore industry is now part of a new era in which demand and supply are intermeshed, and the developments around the world are acting on the Canadian iron ore industry's future."

Jan 1, 1971

By Charles T. Holland

INTRODUCTION Insofar as I am aware, the term rock mechanics was not in the English dictionary in 1930 when I started my graduate program at West Virginia University. Hence, I never thought that I was undertaking studies in rock mechanics when I undertook to write a thesis on the physical properties of West Virginia coal. In this case, the subject was primarily concerned with the compressive strength of coal, the elasticity of the coal, the physical weathering properties of the coal and its friability. These days investigations of rocks pertaining to such properties are included in the term "rock mechanics". Other than this aspect, the principle interest in this part of my program was that I became interested in the strength of coal from the standpoint of structural purposes, and also became cognizant of its elastic properties as well as its energy storing properties. This research also tied in with a remark that Professor Lawall made in a Mining Methods class in 1928 when he remarked that a peculiar thing was happening in the southern part of West Virginia, namely, in the Pocahontas coal field. His remarks were to the effect that pillars were blowing up in the mines and when asked why he replied the cause was not known. The failure of three-inch coal specimens, especially those in stronger coal, in non-hydraulic actuated testing machines was reminiscent of his description of those pillar bursts or bumps.

Jan 1, 1971

By Armando M. Lago

Secular and cyclical patterns of postwar sources and uses of funds of the mineral sector are analyzed. A simultaneous equation behavior model of sources and uses of funds is developed for both mining firms and integrated producers, and these models were put through the task of predicting the financial and expenditure be-havior of mineral corporations in response to mergers and changes in investment tax credits and depletion allowances. Finally, the quantitative analysis methodology is applied to the analysis of optimum capital structure of mining corporations. The postwar changes that have occurred in the expenditure and financial behavior of mineral corporations are reviewed, particularly the relative importance of factors that affect the industry's supply and demand for funds. This quantitative statistical investigation of factors affecting sources and uses of funds of mineral corporations is achieved through the formulation of a simultaneous equation model of sources and uses of funds. After a description of the study sample, the postwar cyclical and secular financial behavior of mineral corporations is analyzed in detail. An econometric model of mineral corporate financial behavior is formulated. This model is then estimated and reviewed. Policy issues regarding depletion allowances, investment tax credits, and industrial organization of the mineral sector are discussed. Finally, the optimum financial structure of mining firms is discussed and the effect of corporate financial structure on the mining corporations' average cost of capital is analyzed.

Jan 1, 1971

By Lorraine Brandt Yde

This paper describes development of a cost report that is descriptive, logically oriented, and concise. Since the costs involved relate to mining, this reporting technique could help bridge any possible communications gap between "mining men" and computer personnel, at the same time giving the computer-oriented mining individual information to assist him in his job performance. As computers become entrenched in the mining world, meaningful report assimilation becomes a major task. No one should be more capable of defining required results than the man requesting a report. If he is able to clearly state his needs and has researched his problem, it will be reflected in the computer output. During 1970, The Anaconda Company's Berkeley Pit Operation, at Butte, Montana, received many different computer-generated equipment cost reports. Up to thirty-six different components for each type (class) of pit equipment contributed cost data to the Berkeley Pit cost system files for both operating and repairs during current month, year-to-date and accumulation-to-date time periods. This reporting approach was taken to facilitate analyzing this voluminous data. SUMMARY A Major Component Cost Analysis (Exhibits 6-A thru 6-C) developed by arranging the top ten operating and repair percentages (component cost divided by total cost) in descending order, and then accumulating these percentages to a possible one-hundred percent. While tabulating the operating and repair cost percentages by equipment unit number in the current month, year-to-date and accumulation-to-date time periods, a frequency chart is constructed for each equipment

Jan 1, 1971

By L. J. Vincze

The program of study of pellet binder materials was begun by the ORF in 1963 to examine various Canadian materials as substitutes for bentonite which is imported in large tonnages (199,270 tons in 1969) from the U.S.A. for Canadian pellet plant operations. Most of the raw bentonite used in Canada originates in Wyoming, North Dakota and more recently Greece, resulting in relatively high transportation costs to pellet producers. Some Canadian bentonites available in Western Canada (Alberta) can be beneficiated for uses as pellet binders but could not compete in cost with U.S. sources due to the cost of beneficiation and the higher rail transport charges to Eastern Canada. It is difficult to find a substitute for bentonite, and many materials have been investigated by research groups but, so far, no economic substitute is in use. However, some success is apparent in studies of low cost materials such as clays, sea weed, peat moss and low grade coal, The work done by the ORF over several years has covered systematic test¬ing of Ontario clays, lignite, some types of tree bark, waste sulphite liquors of various kinds, and peat moss as binders for iron ore pellets. The major effort has been concentrated on peat moss and has included a study of the influence of different additives. Since analysis of peat moss for humic acid is difficult and time consuming, a certain amount of time was devoted to development of improved methods, the most useful of which was a spectrophotometric method based on extraction of peat by sodium pyrophosphate for determination of humic substances. In the present paper, only the most recent work concerning the use of peat moss with suitable additives is discussed in detail, since it is the most conclusive and best documented portion of the program.

Jan 1, 1971