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By David M. Gullikson

Since publication of the paper on the composition of California oilfield waters by Jensen (6)3/ in 1934 the only other information on the subject was published recently by Chave (4). To supply needed information on the composition of California waters in areas of current drilling activity, the Federal Bureau of Mines collected formation water samples for analysis. Thirty-eight samples from oil-and gas-producing formations in 12 fields located in Ventura, Kern, Glenn, and Colusa counties were analysed by the Bureau's San Francisco Petroleum Research Laboratory. The samples were selected particularly from fields where the water composition was not well known or where interpretation of electrical logs has been difficult and the interpretation may be affected by unusual composition of the water. These samples were obtained from rocks ranging in geologic age from Cretaceous to Upper Pliocene. Fifteen constituents of these waters were determined including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, strontium, barium, lithium, chloride, iodide, bromide, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, borate, and residual acidity. These analyses are the first to be published on California oilfield waters in which determinations for potassium, strontium, bromide, iodide, boron) and naphthenates were made on a significant number of samples. The electrical resistivities of tae samples were determined at 75° F. and 175° F.

Jan 1, 1961

By C. M. Palencia

The Bureau of Mines evaluated the potential availability of molybdenum resources from 88 mines and deposits that account for more than 90 pct of the demonstrated resource base in market economy countries (MEC's). For each property, tonnage-cost relationships were developed that indicate the molybdenum potentially available at different average production costs, including a 15-pct rate of return on invested capital. From the 23 MEC primary deposits, 2.5 billion 1b Mo was determined to be potentially available at a price of $411b, rising to 4.7 billion 1b Mo at $8/lb. Copper price-molybdenum tonnage relationships were developed for those mines and deposits from which molybdenum can be recovered as a byproduct of copper production. This analysis showed that another 3.4 billion lb Mo is potentially available based on a copper price of $0.7511b, rising to 4.3 billion lb Mo at $l.00/lb. The United States has been the world's largest molybdenum supplier since 1924. Its remaining resources are sufficient to meet the domestic demand of 57 million lb/yr Mo (averaged for a 10-yr period) through the end of the century. Production from primary domestic mines was suspended during most of 1983 because of oversupply of materials. A major concern is the cheap molybdenum byproducts from foreign copper operations in which employment and the need for hard currency override economics in meeting production goals.

Jan 1, 1985

By William C. Cooley

A review was made of two Russian books and a chapter from a third book dealing with pipeline transport of coal. Emphasis was placed on hydrotransport of coarse coal in underground mines or surface pipelines. The books reviewed were: "Means of Increasing the Effectiveness of Hydrotransport," by V. N. Pokrovskaya (1972), "Parameters and Modes of Hydraulic Transport of Coal" by V. V. Traynis (1970), and the chapter "Calculations of Hydrotransport of Useful Minerals and Waste Rock" from the book "Hydromechanization of Opencast Workings" by G. A. Nurok (1970). All three are unique and useful additions to the world literature on hydrotransport. The Traynis book reveals the development and results of circular wheel stand tests to simulate hydrotransport in horizontal pipes, which is a potentially outstanding contribution to slurry pipeline technology. Graphical data and equations are presented which suggest that headlosses for coarse coal can be predicted with good accuracy for pipe sizes up to 14 inches in diameter. Wheel stands permit tests for pipe wear and lump degradation without recycling coal through pumps. Recommendations are made for wheel stand tests and for correlation of existing data.

Jan 1, 1976

By C. M. Harrer

Reconnaissance investigations were made of 129 iron occurrences in Arizona to determine their extent, attitude, and potential; character samples were analyzed to determine their quality and impurities; and pioneer metallurgical investigations were made on character samples to present their metallurgical problems. Some factors influencing past and potential western iron markets are discussed. The location, features, qualities, extent, and potential of iron occurrences and some associative resources--limestone and dolomite, coal, petroleum and natural gas, power, and water are discussed. The most abundant iron minerals are magnetite and hematite. The higher grade deposits are extensive contact-metamorphic or pyrometasomatic replacements of calcareous Paleozoic to Proterozoic rocks associated with intrusives. Large low-grade deposits of great potential are present as Precambrian taconite, semitaconite-, and jaspilite-like iron formations of magnetite-hematite. Iron occurs also as low-grade concentrations of magnetite in extensive alluvial deposits. Nonferrous metallurgical slags, nearly 100 million tons, are considered a potential source of iron. Various accessory elements are associated with the iron minerals and these pose metallurgical and economic problems.

Jan 1, 1964

By C. M. Harrer

Reconnaissance investigations were made of 129 iron occurrences in Arizona to determine their extent, attitude, and potential; character samples were analyzed to determine their quality and impurities; and pioneer metallurgical investigations were made on character samples to present their metallurgical problems. Some factors influencing past and potential western iron markets are discussed. The location, features, qualities, extent, and potential of iron occurrences and some associative resources--limestone and dolomite, coal, petroleum and natural gas, power, and water are discussed. The most abundant iron minerals are magnetite and hematite. The higher grade deposits are extensive contact-metamorphic or pyrometasomatic replacements of calcareous Paleozoic to Proterozoic rocks associated with intrusives. Large low-grade deposits of great potential are present as Precambrian taconite, semitaconite-, and jaspilite-like iron formations of magnetite-hematite. Iron occurs also as low-grade concentrations of magnetite in extensive alluvial deposits. Nonferrous metallurgical slags, nearly 100 million tons, are considered a potential source of iron. Various accessory elements are associated with the iron minerals and these pose metallurgical and economic problems.

Jan 1, 1964

By J. M. West

Increased leisure time and increased interest in the out-of-doors is leading more and more families to experiment with placer mining of gold, and some- times even to going on into small-scale production. This Bureau of Mines report supplies basic information un areas of occurrence, equipment needed, prospecting, sampling, mining, and regulations concerning the possession and sale of gold. Selected references are given for further study.

Jan 1, 1971

By D. Harrington

Along with other phases of mining , the ventilation of metal mines has been affected by the business depression of 1930. As might be expected , some of the results are favorable , and some are distinctly disadvantageous to progress . Probably the worst effect of the recession of mining activity is that , as usual , one of the first departments of almost any industrial establishment ( and this is especially true of mining ) to be curtailed is that which concerns what might be called welfare work , such as safety , health , etc. , and ventilation : in consequence , a number of men who were employed mainly on ventilation work in metal mines are now out of employment and their former duties either are being handled by others as only part of a crowded routine or are being allowed to lapse . On the bright side of the picture is the following paragraph from a letter by the ventilation and sarety engineer of the United Verde Copper Co. , Jerome , Ariz . , indicating that money and effort expended on ventilation during " flush " times give results which aid in money savings when depression comes : The desirability of absolute control over the ventilation system has again been demonstrated at this mine . Under full operation we have been using approximately 500 hp . to drive our big fan . Under curtailed operations we naturally do not require as much air , so by sending the air only where needed and airing out all other places periodically to keep timber , etc. , in good condition we have been able to economize in the quantity of air required . The fan speed has been reduced and the power dropped to 300 hp . , thus effecting a material saving in the power bill , and still maintaining an efficient ventilating system . "

Jul 1, 1931

The panic bars (and associated linkages and electrical circuitry) that are defined in this document are a machine operator-actuated control for the emergency deenergization of the tram motors on self-propelled, electric and diesel face equipment; including haulage equipment such as shuttle cars. There are nine basic types of panic bars (and several variations) that are recommended in this document, but all of the panic bars are characteristically of the "fire door" type that is frequently encountered on outside exit doors of many public and some commercial buildings. It is also the intent of the following panic bar designs that, when emergency brakes are added to the face equipment machinery for which they are required, that they be designed and hooked up so that actuation of the panic bar will result in automatic application of the emergency brakes (immediately following the deenergization of the tram motors). The following panic bar design requirements are a restatement of the proposed requirements defined in the Federal Register, requirements cited in 'Guidelines for the Design and Installation of Devices for Deenergization of Self-Propelled Electric Face Equipment/ Automatic Emergency Brakes" by C. E. Lester and J. D. Greenhalgh of MESA, and Bendix recommendations that were formulated as a result of discussions with personnel at the various machine manufacturers and underground coal mines that we surveyed, discussions with G. L. Judy (our consultant), etc:

Jan 1, 1974

By D. N. Tallman

The electrokinetic properties of MgO have been utilized to simultaneously filter suspended solids and remove trace amounts of dissolved heavy metals from synthetic mine water. Greater than 95 pct removal of metals from influent at neutral pH containing 1 to 6 mg/L of dissolved Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn can be routinely achieved by filtering through a granular bed of MgO at flow rates typical of rapid sand filtration (0.3 cm/s). Filtrate concentrations of most metals can be maintained below 0.1 mg/L for 160 bed volumes or more loading. The more mobile metals (those with larger solubility products) are more difficult to remove, and are strongly bonded to the MgO granules so that chemical stripping with chelating agent is required to clean the bed. Less mobile ions are easily removed by the filter and are effectively stripped by conventional filter backwashing. The fraction of metals recovered by chemically stripping the loaded MgO filters correlates to the zero points of charge of the metals. This process may be applicable to removal and recovery of trace amounts of heavy metals in mine drainage that is partly neutralized by liming. Also, since many of these metals are critical and strategic, the technique can be adapted not only to recycle process water from mineral and milling waste streams, but also to reclaim their metal values.

Jan 1, 1986

By R. J. Fantel

The Bureau of Mines investigated the resource potential of 201 mines and deposits in 28 market economy countries and 17 mines and deposits in the U.S.S.R. and China. The 201 mines and deposits evaluated from market economy countries contain an estimated 34.2 billion metric tons of recoverable phosphate rock (at the demonstrated resource level), with Morocco and Western Sahara accounting for 61% (21 billion tons), followed by the United States with 19% (6.4 billion tons). The 17 mines and deposits evaluated in the U.S.S.R. and China contain approximately 1.5 billion tons of potentially recoverable phosphate rock. Potential annual capacity from low-cost, high-grade producing mines in the United States is estimated to decline significantly during the latter half of the next decade, and the United States will have to develop new, higher cost, lower grade mines in order to satisfy demand into the next century. Of the world's new production capacity which could likely be developed over the next decade, slightly over one-third could be produced at an estimated 1981 cost of $40 per ton or less, and about two-thirds would cost in the $40 to $50 range (including a 15% rate of return). In comparison, moot of the competing phosphate rock from producing mines in Morocco could be produced for under $40 per ton. The United States has sufficient demonstrated resources of phosphate rock (plus huge quantities at the identified and hypothetical resource levels) to satisfy domestic consumption for many years to come, but its future ability to compete in the major export markets against low-cost competitors is much more uncertain.

Jan 1, 1984

By Jerry B. F. Champlin

NIOSHAn accelerated testing procedure developed by the Bureau of Mines for evaluating commercially available corrosion inhibitors is described. Ultra-sonic agitation of the corrodent solutions and the hot-finished mild steel test coupons was used to evaluate the effects of several variables on the effectiveness of two corrosion inhibitors. Small changes in the weight of the test coupons in both controlled and inhibited corrodents, before and after exposure, affected the precision and accuracy of the results. Minute amounts of oxygen in the systems were found to be causing the relatively large deviations in the corrosion developed in the controlled tests. Microscopic examination of the test coupons revealed that both surface preparation and internal strains resulting from fabrication methods materially affect corrosion behavior.

Jan 1, 1965

By Margaret R. Egan

A study of the combustion emission products of rigid ventilation ducting was completed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The ducting was composed of fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin. Four properties of the ducting were evaluated: (1) propensity to ignite, (2) smoke characteristics, (3) gas emissions, and (4) heat release. Particle sizes, obscuration, optical densities, and production constants for gas and smoke were also calculated. These results provide comprehensive data about the emission products, detectability, and relative hazards of fiberglass-reinforced plastic ducting and other mine combustibles under realistic fire conditions.

Jan 1, 1990

This report covers the results of an industrial engineering study that assessed the safety and efficiency of underground ore handling in U.S. metal mines. Significant conclusions that will be of benefit to the entire mining industry are the following: It appears from the study that the productivity of the slushing equipment itself cannot be substantially increased using the existing technology; the unsafe situations associated with slushers can be improved by better anchoring practices, by providing better work station layout that incorporates improved clearances and protected walkways over the ore pocket, by lighting the slusher drift, and by improved operator training; improved technology needs to be applied to the movement of broken ore in the stopes; and slushers will continue to be used in the mining industry in certain spedial and unique situations outlined in the report.

Jan 1, 1974

By F. G. Schwartz

This circular presents the results of a survey of research on jet fuel thermal stability jointly sponsored by the National Petroleum Refiners Association (NPRA), Tulsa, Okla., and the Bureau of Mines. The development of supersonic planes has led to many problems that did not exist in the operation of subsonic aircraft. One of the most important of these is rapid deterioration of the fuel at the high temperatures to which it is subjected. At higher speeds, aerodynamic heating of the airframe imposes severe thermal problems, and conventional techniques of rejecting the heat to the atmosphere become impractical. The fuel is the only material present in sufficient bulk to be used as a heat sink. Thus, the fuel is subjected to aerodynamic heating and also is used to dissipate heat from lubricating oil, hydraulic fluid, electronic equipment, wheel wells, and cabin air. Consequently, the fuels may have to withstand both moderate temperatures for sustained periods in the fuel tanks and higher temperatures for brief periods during transfer from the tanks to the combustion chamber. Because of high temperatures, insoluble residue or gum may form in the fuel and contribute to heat exchanger fouling and to clogging of the fuel manifolds, nozzles, control systems, and other components of the fuel system.

Jan 1, 1962

By Mark S. Sanders

This report is a review and synthesis of the published literature dealing with personal equipment items used by low seam coal miners. This report reviews the following items of equipment: headgear, outer garments, respirators, cap lamp, gloves, knee pads, footwear, boots, helmets, ear protection, eye protection. Recommendations for further research and development are included.

Jan 1, 1978

By S. H. Ash

THE INUNDATION of anthracite reserves in the Eastern Middle field of Pennsylvania affects the life of the anthracite industry in this field; it also influences the economic status of people, communities, and industries that depend wholly or in part upon anthracite for their livelihood. The trends of production and of employment in the anthracite-mining industry in this field are downward, and they probably will continue in this direction. The reserves have been depleted to the extent that the end of the active life of the industry as a. major economic factor is approaching. By removing the water in those pools where it can be done economically, the future of this industry may be extended somewhat.

Jan 1, 1950

By Hugh D. Pallister

Alabama probably has the most extensive deposits of high-grade flake graphite in the United States and was the largest producer during World War I. Therefore, with the outbreak of World War II, users of flake graphite turned again to Alabama to supply their requirements. Flake graphite is the most important ingredient contained in graphite crucibles used in melting crucible steel and special alloys essential for war purposes. Early in World War II the Army and Navy placed flake graphite on the list of critical war materials. During World War I, when the supply of Ceylon graphite (then in demand) was cut off, large quantities of flake graphite were produced in Alabama, and about 40 mills were built. Most of these were abandoned after the war when imports of the cheaper Madagascar flake (which gradually replaced Ceylon graphite) began to reach this country. With the beginning of World War II, the Madagascar supply was cut off', and consumers were again compelled to look to domestic sources for their supplies. They found only one small mill in operation, that of the Ceylon Graphite Co. in Coosa County, Ala. The Bureau of Mines made a preliminary examination of the Alabama flake graphite deposits in 1940. Samples were taken and tested at the Southern Experiment Station at Tuscaloosa.

Jan 1, 1948

By V. T. Dow

In April 1957 the Bureau of Mines instituted a reconnaissance of titanium-and zirconium-bearing heavy sandstone deposits in the Four-State area of Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado. This report summarizes the study. Eighty-two deposits or groups of deposits, containing an estimated 27,920,000 tons of titaniferous sandstone, were examined in the Four-State area; 16 in southern Utah, 19 in Wyoming, 33 in New Mexico, and 14 in southwestern Colorado. The 16 deposits examined in Utah contain an estimated 1,043,000 tons with an average grade of 17.98 percent TiO2, 5.67 percent ZrO2, 20.98 percent Fe, and 0.09 percent equivalent Th02. The 19 deposits investigated in Wyoming are estimated to contain 21,873,000 tons of titaniferous sandstone having a weighted grade of 5.22 percent 702, 0.55 percent ZrO2, 24.8 percent Fe, and 0.01 percent equivalent Th02.

Jan 1, 1961

By William E. Dennis

"At the request of Philip S. Hoyt, the Eagle Mountain fluorspar deposits in section 35, block 68, Texas & Pacific Railroad Survey No. 9, were examined by an engineer3/ of the Bureau of Mines during March 1943: As a result of this examination; a preliminary program of trenching, sampling and core drilling by the Bureau of Mines was begun in. June 1943.4/ Eight deposits were explored.The Federal Geological Survey mapped the properties and furnished geologic information throughout the program, while the Texas .Bureau of Economic Geology6/ made preliminary maps that facilitated planning the exploratory work on section 35.The eight deposits explored by the Bureau of Mines are in block 68, Texas & Pacific Railroad Survey No. 9, Hudspeth County, Tex., approximately 7-1/2 miles south of. Hot Wells and 12-1/2 miles south of Allamoore, which is 10 miles west of Van Horn and 20 miles east of Gierra Blanco on U. S. Highway 80(fig. 1). A graded gravel road, built by the Public Roads Administration, leads from Hot Wells to the deposits in section 35, and there are unimproved roads, passable,by automobile, to all the other deposits.Carload shipments can be made to and from Hot Wells on the Southern Pacific Railroad, and complete railroad facilities are available at Allamoore on the Texas & Pacific Railroad.Van Horn and Sierra Blanca are the only local source of labor and. supplies. The prevailing wage for common labor is 60 cents an hour. Living accommodations are obtainable in Horn and Sierra Blanca.No electric power lines pass near the deposits. Diesel and gasoline motors are employed to furnish power for mining and milling operations.Two recently 'drilled water wells on section 35 furnish water for the mill. Other wells will be drilled if the present supply is inadequate for prolonged Peak operation.The properties lie in the foothills on the northeast side of the Eagle Mountains at 5,500 feet altitude. The Eagle Mountain Range rises sharply from a broad, flat valley known as Eagle Flat. Eagle Peak, the highest in the range, has an altitude of 7,510 feet. In the vicinity of the fluorspar deposits the topography is moderately reliefs ranging from 50 to 300 feet."

Jun 1, 1946

By R. Lusignea

This report describes the development of a device for the nondestructive testing of resin grouted roof bolts by means of mechanical frequency response. Various alternative methods were evaluated and the mechanical frequency response method was selected. An interactive program of design, testing, and development culminating in the current prototype instrument demonstrated the capabilities of the method and suggested potential applications of the instrument. The resin bolt testing device utilizes a swept frequency dynamic compliance measurement in the 1 to 2 kHz range which is interpreted by an electronic signal processor to give a "GO" or "NO GO? readout. Field tests have shown that the device can reliably determine the bond quality of the front half of the bolt (nearest the roof surface). Tests were carried out on both experimentally installed bolts and typical mine bolts installed by a conventional bolting machine. The development program has led to recommendations for improvement of the prototype and future development work.

Jan 1, 1979