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By J. C. Rhodes

The demand for good white minerals for many industries including paint and plastics have made it necessary to import high grade industrial minerals from various parts of the world. Some of the calcium carbonate, barite and talc minerals are from China, Mexico, Jamaica and Haiti. These materials can be processed by custom processors. The custom processor can provide a service to the Industrial Mineral owner. The imported materials can arrive in various feed sizes from lumps (3"-6") down to 325 mesh. The materials can also be in various size shipments or container loads. The economics for importing should be investigated thoroughly. The two factors just mentioned can influence the quantity of material to be processed. These two factors can also influence the total cost for each end product.

Jan 1, 1989

By Dan Nilsson

Rock from underground mining has a size-distribution, that varies from mine to mine, depends on rock conditions and mining method and on how much explosives etc, that is used. Because at the high costs, associated with full-scale studies of the size-distribution of blasted rock in a mine, detailed information is seldom published about such size-distributions. However, some facts can be noticed. Rock from tunnelling and other types of development work has a fine fragmentation. Cut-and- fill mining is a method that normally results in blasted rock with an advantageous size distribution. Block caving on the other hand often results in large amounts of boulders, since blasting of the rock is normally not used.

Jan 1, 1985

By C. J. Hall

An investigation of multi-shaft airflow problems by the author in 1976 (1) was presented in the hope of arousing considerable written comment, but in fact-. only one contribution (2) was forthcoming. The investigation in this paper is taken several stages fur¬ther, because the matter is of major importance in many American hard rock mines with complex networks extending over thousands of meters vertically. The examples used have all been generated thermodynamical¬ly and checked by motive column (denisty) calculations. Dry air has been used to reduce the amount of time spent on the rather complex calculations, but it has been shown (3) that the principals developed apply equally well to air/vapor/water mixtures. Initially the subject is investigated using both thermodynamic and motive column analyses. The latter part of the paper concentrates on a motive column presentation. Both methods are, of course, equally valid and give identical answers to any situation when correctly applied, as is shown in the worked examples.

Jan 1, 1980

By G. Davis

Mineral properties and mineral firms often trade at a market value that is significantly greater than the value indicated by discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques. A possible explanation is that DCF analysis does not consider the value derived from managerial flexibility. Presumably, then, at least some of the difference between DCF value and market value is due to managerial flexibility. This paper surveys the recent attempts to empirically quantify the value of managerial flexibility using option pricing theory. The results indicate that managerial flexibility, at least as measured by the option pricing methodology, falls well short of explaining the gap between DCF value and market value.

Jan 1, 1995

By R. R. Bhappu

The metallurgical processing industry is in the midst of a hydrometallurgical revolution with mining companies looking for low cost, energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies for processing sulfide ores and concentrates. The Intec Copper Process is one of the most advanced of these technologies and has the potential to greatly change the way copper concentrates are treated in the future. Specifically, the Intec process has the ability to be built on a small scale and at mine sites while being much more economic than conventional smelting. Intec Copper has constructed a I tonne of copper per day demonstration plant in Sydney, Australia designed to verify metallurgical and operational performance. This paper will describe the process in more detail and provide preliminary results of the process based on the plant's performance. It will also compare the Intec Copper Process with a few of the competing technologies and evaluate the relative economic merits of Intec.

Jan 1, 1999

By Arthur M. Ribe

In my experience, nothing helps me better to get off to a good start in preparing a paper or a talk than a copious consultation with a comprehensive dictionary. I also feel defining the perimeters of a particular subject is helpful to the listener and reader. Sometimes thus precisely defining even the most common of words is helpful. Our general topic this morning as all of you know is "Transportation of Industrial Minerals." The definition of transportation given by the dictionary which I think is appropriate here is: "Systems and modes of conveyance of persons or goods from place to place." Our preceding panelists have outlined for you the state of the art inso¬far as systems and modes of conveyance from place to place are concerned today via rail, water and motor. My assignment is somewhat different as indicated by my topic, "The Traffic Manager in an Industrial Minerals Operation."

Jan 1, 1969

By Charles L. Kimbell

Introduction Despite the focus on the so-called "high-tech" and service components of the economy, the minerals industry in 1987 continued to provide the world the overwhelmingly dominant share of the total raw material supply for all manufacturing operations. And, in the form of fertilizers and other soil treatment materials, minerals also supplied indispensable raw materials to ensure continued high production of the agricultural and forestry sectors of the world's economy. Moreover, the role of minerals as a source of construction raw materials was essential to that sector. On the basis of preliminary and partial statistics on world output of crude mineral commodities, 1987 appears to have been a year of further recovery from the recessional years of 1981-1983. The value of world crude mineral industry production (all mineral commodities including fuels) apparently advanced about 5% to nearly $1.1 trillion in terms of constant 1983 dollars.' That is significantly above the recently revised 1986 level of nearly $1.05 trillion, but still considerably below the record-to-date high of $1.27 trillion set in 1980, as shown in Table 1. That growth in value took place despite relatively flat world oil prices - oil being the most important component of the aggregate, as it has been for decades. There is insufficient information available to assess the total value of processed mineral commodities (refined metals, refined oil, manufactured fertilizers and the like). But a figure of $2.6 trillion (constant 1983 dollars) would be a quite conservative estimate for those materials derived only from primary or newly mined materials. And an additional, as-yet-unestimated increment should be added for processed materials derived from secondary raw materials - scrap and other reclaimed substances. From a world trade viewpoint, minerals and mineral products dominate in terms of tonnage. For example, in 1985, on a weight basis, mineral commodities including fuels constituted more than 58% of all goods moving through the Suez Canal and 53% of all goods passing through the Panama Canal. These waterways cannot accommodate giant tankers and ore carriers. So an even larger share of total oceanic trade is composed of minerals and mineral products. Yet, in terms of value, the share of the total accounted for by these industrial essentials is much lower than that accounted for by other commodities, most notably sophisticated high-tech equipment and other goods with a relatively high per-pound value. Worldwide data on the value of mineral export trade for 1987 is so incomplete at this writing that it is impossible to assess that actual level. Indeed, the compilation of similar available data for 1986 covers only the exports of nations with developed market economies. In 1985, these countries accounted for only 67% of total world exports of all goods. They accounted for only 41% of world exports of major mineral commodities: crude nonmetals; metal ores, concentrates, and scrap; mineral fuels; nonferrous metals excluding gold; and iron and steel. For these developed-market-economy countries, the value of exports of these major mineral commodities declined by more than 10% between 1985 and 1986. Most of the shortfall came as a result of a 26% drop in the value of fuels exports. If these patterns of

Jan 7, 1988

By Eric Lundgren

The mining paradigm is changing on the continent of Africa. Jessica Kogel?s closing statement from her September 2013 President?s Page (ME, September 2013, pp. 6) has never been more appropriate, ?Africa is shaping up to be the next mining powerhouse, and there is huge opportunity for local communities, national governments and private industry to work together to create a win-win situation for all.? Supporting this notion, attendance at numerous industry conferences around the world demonstrates the shift toward a more sustainable, more environmentally conscious extractive model. But questions remain: How effectively is the industry making this transition, and how willing are companies to learn from the experiences of others? The international development community, as we like to call ourselves, is going through a parallel shift. We are experiencing our own funding crisis; governments are not as flush with resources as they were pre-economic meltdown. But more importantly, after a half century of implementing development programs, we must admit that while some of our programs have been fantastically successful, too many still fail to achieve the goal of poverty alleviation for the world?s poorest. Moving forward, we are forced to recognize that achieving success in scale and sustainability is not always accomplished from our work alone. As the director of international programs for Africare, a nonprofit with more than 40 years of experience implementing community-based development programs in Africa, I can report that our organization is changing the way we think about successful development partnerships. Africare recognizes that for too long the mining sector and nonprofits have been at odds, choosing noncommunication as a ?solution? to the problem. Both sides now recognize that this standoff is outdated, and Africare, specifically, is ready to cross the proverbial line. We see the potential benefits of mining for local communities and, when done responsibly, the opportunity to properly manage Africa?s resource boom as a benefit to all. There are challenges in this conversation. Many mining professionals view nonprofits as whistle-blowers, ready in a pinch to speak to news sources and complain about poor operational standards. Those are advocacy organizations, and while their role is important, they are not the only nonprofits interested in mining operations in developing countries. Organizations like Africare, with decades of experience implementing poverty reduction programs, approach this differently. We know we can work with mining companies to promote economic opportunity in the communities where mining operations are occurring. We recognize that the conversation is difficult, and we are open to discussions about how we can bring our unique experience to bear on the problems faced by mining companies in carrying out their investment programs.

Jan 1, 2014

By W. J. Kennedy

Energy management in industry has recently achieved notice as a way to reduce costs without decreasing production. The same approach used in industry can be used in mining, even though the processes are different. This approach is based upon a three phase system of data collection, implementation, and monitoring, all aimed at gathering and evaluating information in such a way as to have a maximum impact on energy costs. This approach has these advantages: (1) attention is directed toward the part of each mining system where the most energy is used, (2) input is collected systematically from all persons involved in the operation of each system, and (3) a means of monitoring the progress toward established goals is created. The mining systems considered are truck haulage, conveyor haulage, blasting and crushing, and lighting. After describing the general procedure, the authors have described a specific method for improving the efficiency (and hence the energy consumption) of round-trip truck haul age systems.

Jan 1, 1982

By Osvaldo A. Bascur

Most mining and metallurgical plants have developed predictive maintenance policies based on statistical analysis and special techniques, like vibration analysis, oil and lube analysis for critical equipment. Process control strategies have also been installed in several metallurgical sites. These control strategies require instrumentation maintenance from local personnel. The availability of real time and process history to identify the most critical part of the processing system from mechanical integrity is a must for global plant optimization. Specialized performance control monitoring algorithms are required to justify their existence and contribution to the bottom line. Emerging technologies are combining these techniques into a single total plant system. Tools are required to assist in troubleshooting and adapting these process control instruments and strategies. The key is the plant equipment and process control availability and utilization rather than just maintenance.

Jan 1, 1997

By Valerie Kollonitsch

Functional mineral pigments are used in large quantities in paint, paper, plastics, rubber, textiles, agriculture, and several other industries. U.S. consumption in 1969 is estimated at over 5 million tons a year, valued at nearly $150 million, as shown in Table 1. Originally extender pigments were employed only to lower cost. They were thought of merely as adulterants to replace more expensive prime pigments and binders. However, over the years their role has become better understood, and today their main functions are: - Increasing strength, stability, and service life. - Improving surface properties. - Enhancing application and processing properties. - Extending prime pigments. - Controlling viscosity and package stability - Lowering overall costs of the finished product. The principal minerals used as functional pigments are kaolin, ground calcium carbonate, talc, and asbestos. Other minerals include barytes, attapulgite, diatomite, mica, ground silica, wollastonite, and nepheline syenite. Several synthetic products, including precipitated calcium carbonate; precipitated, gel, and fumed silica; alumina trihydrate; and barium sulfate, compete with mineral products. They are more expensive, but often have more closely controlled particle size or other properties because they can be tailor-made according to the requirements. This paper covers only natural products selling for $10 or more a ton, approximately the lower limit for pigment grades. Data refer only to consumption in pigment applications. For example, such applications as filter aids for diatomite are not included. Key properties of the major mineral pigments are given in Table 2. It is important to note that these properties are primarily physical rather than chemical. In general, these products are sold to performance specifications for what they can do rather than on chemical composition specifications on what they contain.

Jan 1, 1969

By J. C. Cawley, G. T. Homce

The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) conducted a study of mining industry electrical injuries reported to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for the years 2000 to 2009. The findings of that study are detailed in this paper, and serve to characterize the circumstances surrounding electrical injuries and identify causal factors. The study included three tasks: 1) a direct review of mining industry occupational injury data compiled by MSHA, 2) interpretation of the narrative descriptions available for the injuries (from MSHA data) and 3) a separate examination of fatal electrical injuries. Eight-hundred sixty-five electrical injuries were reported during the 10-year period studied, with 39 of those being fatalities. This makes electrical injuries disproportionately fatal with respect to most other types of injuries in mining. Electrical injury rates were higher in coal mining than noncoal mining and, within the coal sector, rates were higher in underground operations than in surface operations. Of the 865 total cases, electrical and machine maintenance or repair activities were involved in 580 (69%), and electricians and mechanics were injured in 362 cases (42%). Of the 39 fatal electrical injuries, 27 (69%) involved electrical maintenance or repair work, and in 21 of these 27 cases, the failure to de-energize, lock-out and tag the circuit was the cause or a contributing factor. Also, contractor employees had a much greater chance of an electrical injury being fatal than did mine operator employees. The top three root causes for fatal electrical injuries were 1) no or inadequate lock-out and tagging, 2) failure of power system components and 3) contact of overhead electrical power lines by mobile equipment.

Jan 1, 2013

By Lawrence Neal Post

Introduction Synthetic soda ash production began to decline in the late 1930s. This was due to high operating costs and waste disposal problems. Since soda ash was used as a major component in manufacturing glass, an alternate method of producing that chemical was necessary. A process to produce soda ash from trona was developed by FMC Wyoming Corp.'s predecessor, as well as an economical way to obtain trona. Existing trona operations are located about 40 km (25 miles) west of Green River, WY. Five operators presently mine trona in this area. FMC's property has 153 km2 (59 sq miles) leased. Its eight shafts reach 488 m (1600 ft) deep to the uniform trona deposit. The seam ranges in thickness from 2.4 to 3.6 m (8 to 12 ft). History Egyptian tombs, dating from 4000 to 3000 BC, contained mummies preserved by an embalming process using soda ash. For many years, soda ash was produced by burning marine plants, then dissolving the soluble material (sodium carbonate) from the ashes. The name soda ash is derived from this method of production. In 1791, Nicola LeBlanc developed black ash, or salt cake, from salt, sulfuric acid, coal, and limestone. This process remained in use until 1863, when Ernest Solvay developed a method for producing soda ash from salt, coke, and limestone with ammonia as a catalyst. This Solvay process was widely used. And, in the 1930s, there were 17 plants in the US alone. High plant operating costs and waste disposal problems, however, necessitated finding an alternative to the Solvay process.

Jan 10, 1985

By Douglas B. Silver

Study Parameters (Status as of February 1993) Time Period: 1989 -1991 151 North American Public Metal Mining Companies Fiscal not calendar year basis 85+% of Canadian and U.S. Metal Production Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo, Ni, W Results are Preliminary and Research Continues Chicken Little is Alive and Well

Jan 1, 1993

By Douglas B. Silver

Study Parameters (Status as of February 1993) Time Period: 1989 -1991 151 North American Public Metal Mining Companies Fiscal not calendar year basis 85+% of Canadian and U.S. Metal Production Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo, Ni, W Results are Preliminary and Research Continues Chicken Little is Alive and Well

Jan 1, 1993

By Raj K. Singhal

Canada produces close to 42 million tonnes of coal per annum of which some 38 million tonnes is produced by surface mining methods. The two Western Canadian provinces, Alberta and British Columbia, produce 31 million tonnes of coal by surface mining. These two provinces provide the bulk of the metallurgical coal for export. The geological conditions in the Western provinces particularly in the mountain region are complex. The coals are friable and the seams are steeply inclined, sheared, intensely folded and faulted. There may be as many as 15 to 20 coal seams present with true thickness ranging from 2.5 m to over 8 m. This paper reviews the surface mining methods used to extract such seams. The difficulties associated with steep seam and multiple seam mining of friable coal resulting in lower coal recovery, high dilution and the problem of cleaning fine coal in the wash plant have been highlighted.

Jan 1, 1984

By W. D. Hausel

The Wyoming Province is an Archean craton which underlies portions of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and much of Wyoming. The cratonic block consists of Archean age granite-gneiss with interspersed greenstone belts and related supracrustal terranes exposed in the cores of several Laramide uplifts. Resources found in the Province and in the adjacent accreted Proterozoic terrane include banded iron formation, Au, Pt, Pd, W, Sn, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and diamonds. The Province shows many similarities to the mineral-rich cratons of the Canadian shield, the Rhodesian and Transvaal cratons of southern Africa, and the Pilbara and Yilgarn blocks of Western Australia, where much of the world's precious and strategic metal and gemstone resources are located.

Jan 1, 1991

By Fangyu Liu

In the grand tapestry of scientific inquiry, there are individuals whose contributions resonate far beyond the confines of laboratories and lecture halls. It is with profound admiration and respect that we present this special collection of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, dedicated to celebrating the remarkable career of Dr. Patrick Taylor. Dr. Taylor, recently retired from the Colorado School of Mines as the Emeritus Ansell Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, possesses over 45 years of expertise in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. His remarkable journey has seen him traversing the globe, from Canada to Egypt, contributing to pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and mineral processing. Dr. Taylor’s portfolio encompasses lab work, pilot-plant projects, research, and process development across various metals, with an impressive array of authored papers, presentations, and nine patents to his name. A soughtafter consultant for over 20 companies and an esteemed expert witness, Dr. Taylor also led the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy at Colorado School of Mines. Under his guidance, more than 100 graduate students and post-docs have undertaken transformative research, while Dr. Taylor’s 45-year tenure as a university lecturer and the creation of 10 industryfocused short courses underscore his dedication to knowledge dissemination. His contributions extend to crafting professional engineering exam questions for a quarter-century and active participation in esteemed organizations like SME, TMS, ASM, and MMSA.

Sep 16, 2023

By W. N. Key, L. C. Acton

Freeport Minerals Co.'s Ertsberg East underground operation typifies the cliche that all the "easy" ore deposits have already been found. Despite its location, in a remote Indonesian rain forest, and the effort and expense required to develop the ore body, the mine was developed on schedule, under budget, and with minimal disruption of the adjacent open-pit mining operation. Development of the Ertsberg East copper, gold, and silver ore body took less than two years after exploration drilling and feasibility studies were completed. In addition, the project came in well under its targeted budget of $101.5 million. Initial block caving and underground ore production took place last year. About 3 kt/d of Ertsberg's total 8.6 kt/d ore production is currently mined underground. This will increase to 5.4 kt/d by year's end. Underground operations will eventually account for all of Ertsberg's production, as the open-pit ore body is depleted. Freeport Minerals is currently studying the possibility of increasing total Ertsberg East production tonnage to 10.5 kt/d by 1983. The equipment, work practices, and development methods at Ertsberg East (Gunung Bijih Timur or "GBT"), while typical of other block caving mines, were modified for rapid mine development and maximum ore recovery. Located in the Irian Jaya province, "Gunung Bijih" is the Indonesian expression for the Dutch "Ertsberg" that in English means "ore mountain." "Timur" means "east" and relates to the fact that the new underground ore body lies about 1 km east of the open pit. The area surrounding GBT is mountainous, with peaks from 4.2-5 km. The underground mine adit and surface plant are located at a 3.6-km elevation. The mine, 4° south of the equator, gets 5.1 m/a of rain, but has an average daily temperature of only 13°C because of the mine's elevation.

Jan 7, 1981

By Pedone Ezio Michele, Mohamed Dahir Holad

"The 4c segment is a part of the ""Oman National Railway Project” linking the mining area in the surroundings of Thumrait and the port of Salalah. It is 90 km long and the last 40 km stretch crosses a mountainous area near the city of Salalah. The project includes the excavation of a 33 km double and single bore tunnel and 10 km of safety tunnels. This mountainous area is a holiday destination for Omanis, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, especially in summer time due to the monsoon rains. The tunnelling design had to take into account both these environmental constraints and the limestone rock formations crossed, which are affected by significant karst features. Given the context, the conventional tunnelling method has been preferred. INTRODUCTION The Oman Railway Project (Fig. 1) covers the construction of approximately 2,150 km of railway line for freight and passenger transport which will connect together Oman’s main towns and industrial sites and it will form part of the Arabian Peninsula railway system “GCC Project”. The non-electrified double-track railway line must guarantee a speed of 220 km/h for passenger trains and 120 km/h for freight trains and must guarantee the transit of AAR (Association of American Railroad) H and D plates using clearance envelope according to AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) requirements. The design alignment must have maximum radiuses of curvature of 3,250m and a maximum gradient of 1.0%. The project is divided into 9 constructional and functional segments. •,Segment 4c will be constructed in the southern region of Oman, close to the border with Yemen, to connect the town of Thumrait with the Port of Salalah. •,Segment 4c will run through the Dhofar region and will be mainly used by the freight traffic which currently travels by road."

Jan 1, 2016