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By B. Radwanek-Bak

The assurance of future raw materials supply to the EU mineral industry has become, in recent years, one of the most important tasks of the EU Commission. It is focused on creation a new mineral policy within the EU zone. One of the starting points for this activity was identification of the mineral commodities that are critical for the sustainable development and technological progress. The paper presents the glance to this problem from the National Member level. Domestic mineral reserve base as a possible source of critical raw materials for the EU was shown. Poland cannot be considered as its resource base. The source of these raw materials are not only scarce in Poland, but also they are not produced, and their demand is now - and according to forecasts is going to be in the future - met by imports. The raw materials in question are not considered exactly critical for Polish economy, but they are of limited economic importance. On the other hand, their growth is a best opportunity and at once the need to the future sustainable development.

Jan 1, 2011

By Terry S. Cory

This report describes the results of a measurement program to determine the broad spectral characteristics of both differential and common mode noise on phone lines in three coal mines; and, signal attenuation spectral characteristics on the same broad basis over phone line strings with taps/branches. The frequency range used was baseband -1000 Hz for resolution bandwidth ranging from 100 Hz near baseband to 30 KHz near I MHz. The signal attenuation measurements were performed on all three "legs" of taps where possible and applicable. Results were obtained comparing shielded and unshielded phone lines In one mine. The results include an improved electromagnetic noise chart for coal mines showing variations with types of mines, topology, and location of noise sources; also, fundamental high-frequency limit on untreated phone lines in coal mines is identified

Jan 1, 1981

By L. H. Wullstein

Nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) was found to be associated with the following grasses in the field: Agropyron dasystachyum, Agropyron smithii, Aristida purpurea, Oryzopsis hymenoides and Stipa comata. Uptake of fixed nitrogen was also demonstrated for these grasses. Two unidentified nitrogen fixing bacteria were isolated, one from Stipa comata and one from Aristida purpurea. Cynodon dactylon and Agropyron cristatum were successfully inoculated with the unknown isolate obtained from Stipa comata. The inoculated plants exhibited nitrogenase activity (C2 H2 reduction) whereas uninoculated controls gave negative results.

Jan 1, 1982

By L. Hanschar, C. Bwalya, E. Mokola, K. Musonda, A. Makayi

This paper describes the installation, commissioning and operation of porous plugs featuring nitrogen gas purging in both Anode Furnaces at the Kansanshi Copper Smelter (KCS), a greenfield copper smelter which commenced operation in March 2015. The decision to install porous plugs was taken in November 2016 and the facilities were successfully commissioned on both anode furnaces in October 2017. The project was successful and has demonstrated the following process improvements: 12.2% reduction in main burner fuel consumption Larger average charge size, due to fewer accretions; 17 minute decrease in average refining cycle times Improvements in slag skimming operations Improved casting rates INTRODUCTION Porous plugs The application of porous plug technology in copper smelter anode furnaces is well established around the world. Vukovic and Gamweger (2017) and Wallner (2004) noted that the stirring and mixing action induced by the injection of inert nitrogen gas into the molten copper via porous plugs has potential benefits in the following areas: Homogenization of the temperature and composition of the molten copper resulting in Reduced fuel consumption Less tendency to overheat slag (reduced risk of refractory attack) Less slag produced with a lower degree of oxidation (lower rate of refractory wear) Less tendency for buildups to form Improved environmental performance (produce low sulphur blister at Peirce Smith converters) Elimination of buildups inside the furnace and potential for larger charges per cycle Reduced processing times and potential for shorter cycle times More efficient skimming of anode slag Shorter skimming time Less copper carry over to Peirce Smith converters Very little slag remaining in the furnace (reduced potential for buildups to form)

Jan 1, 2019

This report summarizes the work performed under USBM Contract No. H0395041. The primary objective of this work was to extend the noise control technology developed under earlier USBM projects to a wider range of load-haul-dump models to evaluate the general applicability of these techniques. Noise control treatments were designed, fabricated, and installed on three Wagner LHDs (an 5T-2B, ST-2D, and an 5T-8A) selected as demonstration machines for this project. The machines were evaluated either in production mines or at the Bureau's Lake Lynn Mine. The results indicate that it is possible to achieve overall noise reductions of between 4 and 8 dB using these techniques. Engine cooling and seal design were determined to be important design issues in such treatments.

Jan 1, 1984

By B. Gillenwater

This report describes the results of investigations into four specific areas related to trolley wire power distribution systems in coal mines. These are: 1. Partially insulated (shielded) trolley wire 2. High-speed insulator fault detectors 3. Dual-wire trolley systems 4. Insulator failure indicators. Prototype devices or designs were developed in each area. In addition, a brief survey was made in an attempt to assess the Future of mine trolley systems, and data was collected and reviewed in an attempt to analyze the nature of trolley wire related accidents. Other options for decreasing the risks associated with trolley systems that arose .during the study are briefly described in appendices. These include insulating equipment and miners from return and/or energized conductors and use of a segmented trolley wire with local control of current delivering capability.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. C. McClain

The amount of vertical subsidence occurring over a longwall operation is a function of the thickness of material removed, the quantity and quality of any fill material, the width of the extraction, and the depth. The relationship between these variables is empirically determined, and subsidence can be predicted using only a few easily established constants which are subject to local conditions, such as the angle of draw. Associated with the vertical subsidence are both tensional and compressional horizontal strains. The component of strain in the direction of face advance is temporary, while the component perpendicular to the direction of working is permanently retained by the ground. It is these horizontal strains and the vertical strain (tilt) which result in damage to surface structures. It is possible to ameliorate the consequences of mining subsidence by utilizing the well-proved techniques described in this paper in the underground operations and on the surface. INTRODUCTION In the past, American mining practice in stratified deposits has been mostly restricted to production by the room-and-pillar system where a sizable percentage of the salable product is left in place as pillars. These pillars are usually regularly spaced and provide a permanent support for the roof of the mine and the surface above. The longwall system employs an advancing face which may be as much as several hundred yards long and some sort of breaking and loading machine which moves back and forth along the length of the face. The roof is supported behind the face only to a distance required to provide working space for the production machine. The supports are then withdrawn and the roof is allowed to cave. The longwall system therefore possesses the various advantages of complete extraction, thus effectively increasing reserves, while at the same time eliminating the necessity and cost of installing artificial supports such as roof bolts and heavy steel girders over large areas. Longwall mining has long been practiced in Europe, where it has undergone an involved development, culminating in the recent perfection of powered-loading machines and automatic self-propelled supports, offering high productivity. With ever-in creasing

Jan 1, 1967

By John C. Gagliardi, Walter K. Utt

The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with Carter Mining Co., conducted vibration tests of four off-road vehicle seats. The purpose of the tests was to determine which seat provided the best vibration attenuation under laboratory conditions. Laboratory tests were constructed to simulate the mining vibration environment within the limitations of the test equipment. The acceleration test levels and corresponding response of the seats were low compared to IS0 2631's fatigue-decreased-proficiency time limits. Two of the seats employed mechanical suspensions and two seats employed air suspensions. The seats were tested using a 22,241-N (5,000-lbf) electrodynamic shaker. Mechanical suspension seats were tested with various preload-to-mass ratios (PMR's) and cushion densities. Air suspension seats were tested with various air pressure levels and seat cushion densities. Air suspension seats provided good vibration attenuation if pressurized greater than 552 kPa (80 psi). Mechanical suspension seats' attenuation performance decreased if the PMR exceeded 9.8. Seat cushions of lower density provided less vibration damping.

Jan 1, 1993

By Michael J. Atwood

Many buildings in Boston are founded on untreated wood piles, which can deteriorate and lose their structural capacity if groundwater levels are lowered below the tops of the piles, exposing the wood to air in the unsaturated soils that surround the piles. The problem of wood pile deterioration due to lowered groundwater levels in Boston first became evident in 1929 following discovery of rotten piles beneath walls of the Boston Public Library building. Repairs to reconstruct the library building?s wood pile foundations were made in 1930 using pit underpinning methods. Today, more than 80 years later, the subsurface conditions beneath several of Boston?s historic neighborhood areas continue to be plagued with low groundwater levels - regrettably resulting in ongoing deterioration to the wood piles that support some of Boston?s oldest and most beautiful buildings. Pit underpinning is still recognized as the preferred approach to repair wood piles and restore uniform foundation support beneath the impacted buildings. This paper provides a brief historical review of the land filling in Boston through the early 1900s that led to the use of wood piles as building foundations. Also discussed is the impact that groundwater level can have on the long term performance of wood pile foundations and the pit underpinning procedures used to reconstruct decayed wood pile foundations in 1930 beneath the Boston Public Library, and today beneath some of Boston?s oldest buildings. Also included are discussions on engineering controls and permitting requirements that help ensure safety and protection to the workers and buildings during underpinning, and some procedures being used to supplement and improve the loading capacity of the reconstructed foundations and facilitate construction of new useable below-grade space.

Jan 1, 2011

By C. Blawert

In previous studies of various HPDC magnesium alloys we found that the corrosion properties of the skin are inferior in comparison to the bulk, However, this is surprising as one would expect better corrosion properties for the finer microstructure of the skin, In a more detailed study using 2 and 6 mm thick sections from HPDC AZ91 step plates, the corrosion results of the original skin, the slightly removed skin and the bulk were compared, Indeed, the corrosion measurements including potentiodynamic polarization, long term polarization resistance measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed a lower corrosion resistance of the original as-cast skin. An explanation for this corrosion behavior was found, on the one hand, in the microstructure concerning especially the amount and distribution of the 13-phase and, on the other hand, in the composition, including the distribution of the most important alloying element Al and of some impurities such as Fe.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. M. Jimenez, G. D. Schena, A. J. Cazorla

A full-scale Deister column was operated in parallel with the conventional cleaning bank of cells and a pilot Jameson cell in parallel with the conventional rougher cells. Flotation column performance was appreciably enhanced by use of an improved washing system and an internal launder. The performance of the rougher bank of cells, Jameson cells, cleaner cell bank and column were described by simple linear functions. These allowed calculation of overall circuit recoveries and evaluation of alternative circuits. An evaluation procedure based on a financial criterion is demonstrated with a simplified example, illustrating how revenues and operating margins are often of more concern than concentrate grade and recovery

Jun 18, 1905

By S. H. Ash

Probably one of the most significant departures in tunneling practice is the introduction of Diesel locomotives far haulage (Diesel trucks have been used for some time). The fallacy of the belief that they do not generate carbon monoxide or toxic gases and can be used indiscriminately has been proved by the authors through observation for several years of atmospheric conditions surrounding the use of Diesel engines in tunnels. Diesel locomotives haves been introduced in tunnel haulage for reasons other than safety or health. Except to the extent that they replace trolleys, with their danger of causing electrocutions, modern Diesel locomotives do not increase safety Or remove any ordinary hazards to safety or health. In fact, they create such hazards, the extent of which is limited entirely by the carbon monoxide-content level set, method of ventilation, adequacy of the measures.

Jan 1, 1942

By M. G. Senyur

This study aims at investigating the structural characteristics of backfilling material. In this regard, spatial arrangement of solid particles and associated voids in a unit mass of coal mine refuse as backfilling material were tested. The materials were produced from coal mine refuse of Zonguldak Colliery, Turkey. The experimental procedures were developed to determine their void ratio (or its equivalent porosity), bulk density and the shape properties of constituent particles. The orientation fabric and the co-ordination number were the other two fabric elements determined. The filling materials were sieved and their particle size distributions were found. The results obtained by experiments were related to the particle size distribution parameters, namely, the coefficient of uniformity and the effective size. It was concluded that mean value of void ratio is correlated with coefficient of uniformity. The standard deviation of porosity as an index of fabric heterogeneity is clearly correlated to effective size. By an original experiment, the frequency distribution of coordination number was observed as binomial in uniformly graded materials. Also, the co-ordination numbers of test mixtures were calculated by the Marsal method and results obtained showed a good correlation between the minimum particle size and number of contacts per unit area.

Jan 1, 1998

By Frank Firmstone

Discussion of the paper of John B. Dilworth, presented at the Pittsburg meeting, March, 1910, and printed in Bulletin No. 35, November, 1909, pp. 1041 to 1043. FRANK FIRMSTONE, Easton, Pa. (communication to the Secretary*) :-Mr. Dilworth's formulas and tables are of course correct, and the extinction will occur as calculated, provided the money periodically set aside for sinking-fund be really invested. and the interest compounded as assumed in the calculation. Actually, in almost all cases, such funds are used "in the business," in which case, in addition to the periodical charges for principal of the fund, additional charges must be made at the end of each period to cover the interest and compound interest on previous charges. The periodical charge for sinking-fund thus becomes a varying and continually increasing one until the date of extinction. On many accounts it seems more natural and convenient to make the extinction by a fixed periodical charge under the legal rule for partial payments, namely, that each payment should apply first to the interest due at the date of payment;: and any remainder, after this is satisfied, be deducted from the principal before the interest for the next period is calculated. The formula below is convenient for such calculations S, Principal to be extinguished. Q, Periodical payment or charge for sinking-fund. B, Balance unpaid at date of nth payment, but before that payment is made. r, Rate of interest per period per cent. n, Number of payments or periods. Then, B=S(1+r)n-Q(1+ r)n-(1+r) Received July 27, 1910.

Apr 1, 1911

By Joseph Chalmers

Stimulative methods of production, whereby the total recovery of oil from natural reservoirs is increased, have come into considerable prominence during the past 15 years. In many oil-producing areas properties considered ready for abandonment by ordinary producing methods have responded to some form of stimulation, and their economic lives have been extended. The stimulative method having widest application is the injection of air or gas into the reservoir formations through selected input wells and is commonly referred to as the "gas drive." As a result of the many successful "gas-drive" operations operators are depending more and more upon this method for increasing the ultimate recovery of oil from their properties. A number of factors influence the efficacy of different gases as propulsive agents in recovering oil from sands. Gases of high density and viscosity show a tendency toward a slightly higher efficiency than those of lower density and viscosity. The solubility of the gas in the oil also affects the efficiency of oil recovery. Not only does dissolved gas decrease the viscosity of the oil, but dissolved gas that expands from solution in the oil tends to increase the effectiveness of a "gas drive." Interfacial tension between the oil and the gas and its effect upon the recovery of oil by gas injection are factors of which little is known. Dr. A. G. Loomis expressed the opinion that interfacial tension probably plays a minor role in the recovery of oil, except under conditions that produce a gas-oil foam. In connection with the above physical properties that influence the action of a pressure medium, control of the injected volume of the pressure medium is perhaps the major factor. The rate of gas injection determines to a great extent the amount of slippage and the resulting efficiency of the operation. The importance of volume control is realized when one considers that frequently it is the only factor that is under complete control of the operator.

Jan 1, 1930

By E. C. Robertson

D.G. Wilder I found the suggestion that the amount of displacement of a fault can be numerically related to the thickness of gouge or breccia to be both intuitively satisfying and intriguing. I have long agreed that there is some type of relationship between the amount of gouge and the amount of displacement of faults. I congratulate the author for developing a numerical relationship between them. However, I am concerned that the limits for applying this relationship be fully understood. An underlying assumption in this approach is that there is either a uniform thickness of gouge or breccia along a given fault or the thickness does not vary widely. Since it is not always possible to confirm this, the displacements derived by this method should be viewed with caution unless significant fault extent can be observed. At the Nevada Test Site, in drifts constructed in granite for test emplacement of spent nuclear reactor fuel, we found a fault with 0.3 to 0.4 m (12 to 16 in.) of clay gouge. Within a few meters of this location, the fault had no clay gouge, but rather consisted of a highly fractured zone with significantly altered rock and some slickensides. Based on Fig. 1, the 0.3 to 0.4 m (12 to 16 in.) thickness of gouge would indicate a displacement in excess of 30 m (98 ft). However, no gouge thickness would indicate essentially no displacement. Based on a quartz vein that terminated on the fault, and is not identified nearby, an estimated displacement of more than a few meters was made. This estimate is consistent with that obtained using the regression line proposed in the paper if the 0.3 to 0.4 m (12 to 16 in.) thickness for the gouge is used. However, using the regression curves with zero thickness would not yield results consistent with what was observed in the field. Therefore, it is important to recognize that the suggested procedure would properly yield a range of probable displacements. ? *Work performed under the auspices of the US Department of Energy by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract W-7405-Eng-48. Reply by E.C. Robertson It is certainly true that the t (thickness) of gg-bx (gouge and breccia) on a fault does vary along the fault. My observations have been that near the termination of a fault, the displacement d is small and the t is also small, whereas the maximum d and t will usually be found in the central part of the fault. The information on gg-bx and t of the fault found in granite in the NTS tunnel by Mr. Wilder could be interpreted somewhat differently than he does. He speaks of the fault changing within a few meters from 0.3 to 0.4 m (12 to 16 in.) of clay gg to "a highly fractured zone with significantly altered rock and some slickensides," but no gg. The highly fractured rock may be taken to be bx, rock not so finely ground as gg but still crushed by the fault movement, equivalent to the gg in my usage, and probably occupying about the same t. Mr. Wilder's estimates for the fault in the NTS tunnel for t of 0.3 to 0.4 m (12 to 16 in.) and for d of a quartz vein, in excess of "a few meters," would place the point on the low side of the central trend line in my Fig. 1, at the lower limit. There is, of course, a problem with determining d using displacement of only one planar surface. It would be greater or lesser depending on the rake of the movement. Finally, estimating the d of a fault from its t should be made with awareness of our present uncertainties, as pointed out by Mr. Wilder. Although the central trend line in my Fig. 1 has a ratio of d/t of 100, I have put the limiting ratios at 10 and 1000. Understanding of the values of the ratio will be improved only with collection of more data, for which the discussion of Mr. Wilder is much appreciated. G.C. Waterman E.C. Robertson's paper provides significant information to a geologist attempting to deduce fault offset by noting the products of structural dislocation. However, considerable mapping in underground and open-pit mines, and examination of structures produced in different geological settings, have convinced me that gouge and breccia thickness are controlled by geological conditions and fault movement. The following paragraphs suggest geological variables that control them. 1. Depth of Loading A near-surface fault resulting from tensional stress has more breccia/gouge than is produced by a similar stress at considerable depth. A deep-loaded compressional stress may produce a linear zone of schist, or structural dislocation may occur along an earlier formed belt of schist. Such "shear zones" are common in Canadian mines in precambrian rocks. In neither case can offset be directly deduced by an analysis of the minimal gouge/breccia in the shistose rocks. At greater depth, stress may be partially to wholly relieved by flowage. I vividly recall first noting the regional "Midas Thrust" in the Lark mine, Bingham Mining District, UT (where we called the structure the North Fault). My recorded notes, as I remember them, showed a narrow gouge streak separated the `Jordan" and "Commercial" limestone units from impure, muddy limestone beds of uncertain stratigraphic position. The visible structure did not indicate the great importance of this premineral fault

Jan 12, 1984

A series of field and laboratory evaluations were conducted in order to characterize the effects of a Mann+Hummel SMF-AR® diesel particulate filter (DPF) system on the aerosols and criteria gases emitted by diesel engines. This system, with a durable sintered metal filter media and available active regeneration via an on-board electrical heater, has been considered for retrofitting diesel engines used in light- and medium-duty underground mining applications. Two DPF systems were installed on a forklift and locomotive from the underground mining fleet of the Vale?s Creighton Mine and evaluated over a 1,500-hour trial. This evaluation was complemented with field and laboratory emissions tests. The field tests were performed on the vehicles while at the Creighton Mine surface shop. During those tests, the emissions were assessed for the engines operated at hydraulic stall, high idle, and low idle conditions. The laboratory tests were executed at the diesel engine emissions laboratory at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), here the DPF removed from the forklift was further evaluated at four steady-state engine operating conditions as well as at transient conditions using a custom-designed duty cycle. Very similar methodologies were used during field and laboratory tests to measure concentrations of aerosols and criteria gases in the diesel exhaust, both upstream and downstream of the DPF system. The concentrations and size distributions of aerosols were measured using a fast mobility particle sizer spectrometer, in exhaust diluted by a partial flow dilution system. The concentrations of CO2, CO, NO, and NO2 were measured in the raw exhaust using a Fourier transform infra-red spectrometer. Both field and laboratory emissions tests showed that the evaluated DPF systems were very effective in reducing aerosol emissions from all tested engines, and for all test conditions. The systems were found to have minor effects on gaseous emissions from those engines. The findings from this study should help the mining industry to better understand the benefits and challenges of using DPF systems to control the exposure of underground miners to diesel aerosols.

Aug 1, 2013

By E. A. Lowe, J. W. Smith, C. W. Overton

"The operations of Bethlehem Copper are situated in the south-central interior of British Columbia at an elevation of 4900 feet above sea level. Main road and rail transportation systems pass through Ashcroft in the Thompson Valley, which is 28 miles by road from the minesite. The operation was the first low-grade open-pit porphyry copper mine in British Columbia.The minerals are chiefly chalcopytite and bornite, while the rock is principally feldspar and quartz. In the outer fringes of the orebodies some pyrite is present. Average grade of mill feed is 0.55% copper.History of Milling Operations Production commenced in December 1962 at a rate of 3,000 tpd in a plant that comprised two-stage crushing followed by rod and ball milling. Production ratings were increased to 6,000, 10,000 and 12,000 tpd by the addition of a further stage of crushing and more rod and ball mills. When the last expansion was completed tonnage throughput exceeded the 12,000 ton designed rate and was stabilized at 15,500 tpd.However, recovery did not meet expectations at the expanded rate because of coarse flotation feed. Capacity in the rod mill circuits exceeded the subsequent fine grinding capacity, resulting in poor liberation. Studies were initiated to improve recovery without decreasing throughput.Description of Operation Prior to Pebble Milling Crushing with primary, secondary and a closed tertiary stage proceeds at a scheduled 20.5 shifts per week. Fine ore screened on 1/2"" x 4"" apertures is stored in a 30,000-ton bin ahead of two 12.5' x 15' rod mills. Rod mill discharge joins secondary ball mill (one 10.5' x 14' and one 11' x 14') discharge for classification in a single 50"" cyclone which closes the secondary mills. Overflow from this cyclone is split between three third-stage ball mill-pump-cyclone circuits (two 11' x 14' and one 12.5' x 15'). Prior to addition of the two pebble mills the flotation feed was produced by this three-stage grinding system. Grinding criteria are shown in Table I."

Jan 1, 1975

By Tianfei Liao

Extensive site investigations revealed that abandoned shallow mine workings exist under a site planned for construction of a major new facility. Since the mine voids were susceptible to collapse, they were stabilized by grouting. After completion of the mine remediation, three types of deep foundations (micro-piles, auger-cast piles, and drilled piers) were considered for this site. Micro-piles spread the load via the bond between the pile and the bedrock. Without significant length socketed in rock, the axial load of auger-cast piles and drilled piers has to be concentrated on end bearing. Although spreading the load is preferable in this environment, economic consideration dictated the choice of drilled piers for construction.

Jan 1, 2009

By T Graham

The invention of the traditional belt and idler conveyor system is attributed to Thomas Robins in 1892. This basic concept, ubiquitous in most mining operations, has not changed markedly in 125 years and still suffers from five forms of energy losses. Firstly, Wheeler, Roberts and Jones (2004) showed that indentation rolling losses, a consequence of the indentation a roller inflicts on the belt, consume 60 per cent of all energy. Secondly, Wheeler (2006) explained that bulk solid flexure resistance resulting from material interaction and movement absorbs 20 per cent. The remaining energy is lost by idler rotating resistance (5 per cent), belt flexure resistance (5 per cent) and secondary resistances (10 per cent).Traditional conveyor systems are continuous as opposed to batch systems, implying both positive and negative features. On one hand, continuous systems have high availability (available infers ‘ready to run’), but, on the other, utilisation of availability is often low; for example, when a conveyor is running empty or below capacity. This converts into reduced system OEE (overall effective efficiency). Many attempts have been made to mitigate energy losses and low OEE issues, including development of rail-based systems. The key drawbacks have been higher capital cost, low flexibility, poor availability and lack of market acceptance.A recent conceptual development known as the ‘autonomous rail conveyor’ (ARC) promises to address issues of energy loss and poor availability and provide increased flexibility by offering solutions for difficult applications. The ARC uses a series of interconnected skeletal bogies covered with a conventional conveyor belt as a load bed running on relocatable light rail. The bogeys have two axles, each driven by integrated variable speed-geared motor and brake systems, and are connected to previous/next bogeys by specialised couplers. Power is provided by a generator (located in a dedicated bogey) and ‘daisy chain’ plug in cables. Centralised redundant control is provided at a preferred point. Although the system is batch in nature, the number of carriages and trains is flexible, meaning that the system is effectively continuous. Loading is achieved by feeding the ARC from a perpendicularly oriented apron feeder, while material off-loading is accomplished by a twist-dump operation in which the belt is twisted through an angle of 50° below the horizontal, causing material to flow from the belt into a receiving conveyor.The ARC system can run multiple trains over any distance, although benefits are more significant in distances of over two kilometres. Capital and operating costs are predicted to be lower than competitive products, with planned maintenance being simple to perform.CITATION:Graham, T, 2017. The autonomous rail conveyor significantly reduces ore haulage costs, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2017, pp 467–472 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 24, 2017