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By G. S. Beaumont

This report presents a programme of work to demonstrate the use of a surface-based centralised computer control system for the remote monitoring and control of underground conveyors in a US coal mine. The system selected for demonstration was the 'Dynalink' Micro MINOS system which is manufactured by Hawker Siddeley Dynamics Engineering Limited. The site selected was Barnes S Tucker Lancashire No. 20 Mine located near Carrolltown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The system concept, operating and application software was designed and developed by the. British National Coal Board. The report describes the selection of the site, specification of the system requirements, commissioning, operation and evaluation of the system under typical US mine operating conditions. Experience with the system, based primarily on the system reliability and performance of conveyor control, was favourable. Mine management personnel felt that the system had successfully achieved its objectives and were keen to expand monitoring and control to other activities.

Jan 1, 1986

By William J. Campbell

Three types of X-ray analytical instrumentation were compared for applications in the secondary brass and bronze industry. The instruments were a conventional X-ray spectrograph, a portable X-ray spectrograph, and a radioiso-topic X-ray analyzer using balanced filters. The following two general applications were considered: Rapid identification for sorting scrap metals and quantitative analyses to provide guidance in the melting and casting of alloys. Twenty-three analyzed copper-base alloys were used as standards. Although the alloys varied widely in composition, matrix correction procedures were not necessary except for copper. The conventional X-ray spectrograph provides positive identification of the alloys and quantitative values for the six elements investigated--aluminum, copper, iron, lead, tin, and zinc. Equivalent results were obtained with the portable X-ray spectrograph for those elements whose characteristic X-rays are in the wavelength range of the instrument. The radioisotopic X-ray analyzer distinguishes certain groups of alloys and provides quantitative determinations for copper, lead, tin, and zinc. The sensitivity of the analyzer was marginal for the determination of small concentrations of elements of atomic number 26 or lower.

Jan 1, 1972

8186. Aquilina, C. Determinazioni relative di gravita eseguite nel 1939 (Relative Determinations of Gravity Made in 1939), Ric. Ingegn, Rome, vol. 10, 1942, pp, 6376. In 1939, the author made a survey of relative gravity in the Mediterranean-basin, 41° 35,5' to 41° 56.3' northern latitude and 0° 10,3' to 0° 28' longitude, referred to Mt. Mario. Ten stations were covered; 25 other stations had been occupied in the vicinity of Rome and in Albanian mountains during previous years. The new measurements revealed gravity anomalies ranging within the following limits: (1) With a free-air reduction, between + 29 and + 120 mgl., average + 60 mgl.; and (2) with a Bouguer reduction, between + 22 and + 87 mgl., average + 41.5 mgl. - V. S.

Jan 1, 1946

The Bureau of Mines is active in programs pertaining to solid waste disposal and land reclamation. Nine reclamation projects of mining companies and six projects of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania were investigated to provide information on the procedures, costs, and results obtained from reclamation projects of bituminous coal-waste disposal areas. Refuse disposal costs of mining companies ranged from 9 to 28 cents per ton-mile, and quantities disposed of ranged from 600 to 4,500 tons per day. Spreading and compacting the refuse at the dump site ranged from 3 to 20 cents per ton. Cost of covering with soil and planting ranged from $750 to $1,646 per acre. Total costs of reclamation for the Pennsylvania projects ranged from about $1,800 to more than $15,000 per acre. Refuse preparation costs ranged from $772 to $5,550 per acre. Soil covering and planting costs ranged from $1,083 to $5,086 per acre. The best results were obtained by soil preparation and conditioning prior to planting. The type and depth of soil and effect of climate were also factors.

Jan 1, 1973

By H. D. Kline

This publication describes mining and milling methods and costs at the Madison mine of National Lead Co., St. Louis Smelting & Refining Division, in the Fredericktown district of southeast Missouri and is one of a series prepared by the Federal Bureau of Mines on methods, practices, and costs of mining and milling throughout the United States. The are bodies of the Madison mine are known for the complexity and diversity of their are minerals. Sulfides of copper, nickel, and cobalt occur in commercial quantities with lead sulfide, which is the most valuable metallic mineral in are bodies of the Bonne Terre formation in southeast Missouri. Several attempts were made by various operators to mine the complex ores and separate the sulfide minerals before 1927 when National Lead Co. became interested in the Fredericktown district. Operating then as the St. Louis Smelting & Refining Co., the company began mining and milling ores from the Madison mine in 1944 and has operated continuously since then. A recently built refinery produces copper, nickel, and cobalt metal from a concentrate containing iron sulphides and small quantities of copper, nickel, and cobalt sulphides.

Jan 1, 1961

By Dana C. Reinke

A job analysis is a written list of the tasks associated with doing a particular job. In drilling, describing the steps associated with adding rod to the drill steel would be an example of a task associated with the job. How to hammer casing or fish a lost drill bit out of a hole would also be job tasks. Develop a written list of job tasks. Ask drillers in your company if the tasks listed are correct and accurately reflect how to perform the job. While each driller may do the job a little differently, some tried?and?true methods are required to perform certain tasks safely and correctly. You may find a separate analysis is needed for different drilling jobs (e.g., a residential well or a monitoring well). Also remember to include the tasks of both the helper and the driller.

Jan 1, 2005

By Edward L. McHugh, Louis J. Denes, Jami M. Girard

A prototype portable hyperspectral imager that operates in the visible and near-infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum was field tested at an open-pit mine. The tests were sponsored by the Spokane Research Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as part of an investigation of remote sensing technologies for use in detecting and monitoring conditions in surface mines that could lead to catastrophic slope failure. The spectro-polarimetric imager, built at the Carnegie Mellon Research Institute, employs an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) to control wavelength, a phase retarder to measure polarization signatures, and a digital camera and computer to capture data. The spectral range of the instrument is 450 to 1000 nm at 10-nm intervals. High-resolution hyperspectral images of highwalls, outcrops, hand samples, and drill core were collected in the field. Spectra from the images closely matched those of specific minerals present and were used to classify the images. The field tests were designed to examine the feasibility of using spectral imaging to assist in compiling objective geologic maps of mine highwalls and other hazardous slopes. Results illustrate the capability of the method to discriminate materials within the image, validating the concept of simplified spectral imaging. A contributing factor in many slope failures is the presence and distribution of mechanically incompetent, clay-rich altered rock in slope faces. Spectral features of clays and other minerals are more distinctive in the short-wave and mid-infrared part of the spectrum; the capabilities of the instrument need to be extended into this range to apply the AOTF-based technology to common geologic materials. A field-portable hyperspectral imager could find broad application in remotely identifying diverse materials from solids and coatings to gases.

By V. H. Gottschalk, John Grodd, R. S. Dean

"Elemantary ConsiderationsAlthough magnetiem was first discovered in and derives its name from an oxide of iron found in magnesia and called lodestone its pracical uses date from the discoveries of Faraday concerning its relation to the electric current. We may therefore start our discussion of magnetic properties with Faraday's law for relation between induced electromotive force and the change in a magnetic where e is the electromotive force induced in an electric circuit by a unit rate of change of magnetic flux N, H is the intensity of the magnetic field, S is the area enclosed by the circuit, and i an angle between H and the normal to dS. In the simplest case we could use this law to measure the strength of a magnetic field by passing it at a measured rate through a coil of copper wire and determining the,electromotive force. As a matter of practical convenience, it will be simpler to nee the total quantity of electricity produced by a change of magnetic field. For this purpose we may let i denote the strength of the electric current induced by the change of magnetic field in time in a circuit of area a and resistance R. Then the total electric quantity. Q is given. by"

Mar 1, 1934

By Carl L. Bieniewski

In a Bureau of Mines supply evaluation, the known uranium resources in the United States are estimated to have a total recoverable uranium oxide (U3O8) content of 3,132,400 tons at prices up to $69.32 per pound. Only those resources were evaluated for which sufficient quantity data are available and process technology exists for recovering uranium. A total of 160,800 tons of U3O8 is available at $8 per pound from ore deposits presently mined and an additional 244,700 tons available at prices up to $30 per pound from similar but usually lower grade deposits. A total of 2,726,900 tons of U3O8 is available from four other resources: copper leach solutions, wet-process phosphoric acid, Florida phosphate rock Leached zone, and Chattanooga Shale. These resources contain from 30,000 tons of recoverable U30, at a price of $7.52 per pound as a byproduct of copper leach solutions to 2,557,300 tons at a price of $69.32 per pound from Chattanooga Shale.

Jan 1, 1971

By R. R. Falier, W. E. Rice

"PURPOSE OF REPORTThis paper presents the results of a series of tests made by the U. S. Bureau of Mines in cooperation with The Ohio State University Engineering Experiment Station as part of an investigation on the use of fuel in kilns.This report is preliminary and gives only enough of the test data to illustrate results and show the reasons for the successes and failures of the method of firing investigated; fuller details will be included in the final report.PERSONNEL FOR TESTSThe investigation is conducted under supervision of P. Nicholls, supervising fuel engineer, of the United States Bureau of Mines, and G. A. Bole, research professor, of The Ohio State University. These tests were made under direction of W. E. Rice, associate fuel engineer, assisted by R. R. Faller, assistant fuel engineer, of the United States Bureau of Mines; H. C. Harrison, senior research engineer (until October 1, 1930), C. R. Austin, senior research engineer (since October 1, 1930), and H. K. Van Sohoick, junior research engineer, of The Ohio State University. M. J. Rice, field engineer, represented the manufacturer of the stoker.PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATIONThe general aim of the investigation is to develop more economical methods of using fuel in kilns and to improve the over—all efficiency of the process of firing by methods that will produce ware of better quality. One phase of this investigation is the burning of coal on an automatic stoker to gain the advantages of control, constant rate of application of heat, and ability to burn cheaper coal than can be used in the hand—fired furnaces of kilns. It a stoker in to be used it is desirable that the coot of the installation should be low, the control of operation simple, and the distribution of heat in the kiln as good or better than with hand firing. These desiderata were sought in the stoker and furnaces that were used for the tests described herein. The tests were made to determine whether it is feasible to fire a large kiln with a single stoker, whether the use of a single furnace simplifies control, and whether the admission of all the hot gam at the center of the kiln will give symmetrical distribution of heat."

Aug 1, 1931

By H. H. Storch

"INTRODUCTION The first paper of this series contained data concerning the behavior of polyhalite (K2S04.MgS04.2CaS04.2H20) upon calcination and subsequent leaching with water at 100° C. It was found that upon heating polyhalite to temperatures between 298 and 500° C. the water of crystallization is driven off, leaving, an amorphous mixture of K2S04, MgS04, and CaS04. Two transition points were located; one at 298° C. which coincides with the vigorous evolution of steam; and one at 551° C. which results in the formation of a hard mass of crystals. The latter probably consist of a solid solution If the compounds langbeinite (K2504, 2MgS04), potassium dicalcium sulphate (K2304. 2CaS04), and anhydrite (CaS04). The heat of decomposition of polyhalite at 298° C. was measured and found to be 66,000 ± 5,000 calories per mol. The optimum temperature of calcination with regard to subsequent extrac¬tion with two parts of water (at "" 0° C.) is 430 to 450° C. for 65 to 100 mesh material, if one half hour at the calcination temperature is allowed. The maximum concentration of K2S04 obtainable in the extraction of calcined polyhalite is 11.4 grams per 100 grams of water. This concentration of K2304 is considerably above the equilibrium value (3.6 g. per 100 L. of H20 at 83° C.) with respect to the solid phases polyhalite, potassium calcium pentasulphate, ¬and anhydrite. The figure 11.4 K. of K2804 per 100 g. of H20 is also somewhat than the equilibrium value (9,65 g. per 100 g, H20) with respect to the solid phases potassium calcium pentasulphate and syngenite."

Oct 1, 1930

By W. W. Agey

The Bureau of Mines examined and tested the rhodonite deposits of the Silverton lead-zinc district, San Juan County, Colo., as a possible source of domestic manganese. Exploration and development work by several mining companies and preliminary reconnaissance of the area by Bureau of Mines engineers indicated the presence of extensive manganese resources in the form of rhodonite. This report summarizes the results of laboratory beneficiation tests made on samples of different type and grade material obtained from surface and underground exposures of seven veins in the district. Surface and underground examinations revealed the presence of several prominent veins that could be traced up to 2 miles for a single vein along the surface. The principal veins average about 50 feet in width and apparently carry rhodonite to considerable depth. Underground samples were taken from the Sunnyside, Silver Queen, Washington, Independence, and Scotia veins. Samples also were taken from surface exposures of the Sunnyside Extension and Hidden Treasure veins.

Jan 1, 1962

VOLUME III The objective of Volume III of this report is to provide a concise review of six major types of legal constraints, controls, and regulations on surface coal mining in the United States, as of January, 1976. At the same time, an attempt is made to format the details of federal and state exploration, mining, and reclamation regulations such that point-by-point comparisons can be made and updated as revisions occur. Thus, Volume III should provide both an executive overview and a user's manual of legal controls of surface coal mining.

Jan 1, 1976

By E. R. Maize

This report is the second of a series on roof movement in coal mines. The first (R. I. 3355)4/ dealt with convergence of roof and floor and movement of the surface accompanying and following extraction in a mechanized mine in which retreat of rib lines was rapid. The studies reported herein were made in a mine in which all the coal is loaded by hand, and movement of the rib lines was much slower in consequence. In choosing a site for this work, it was decided that the mine selected should have natural conditions akin to those of the first study and entirely different methods of working. To this end a cooperative agreement was made with the Crucible Fuel Co. through W. J. Whitaker, secretary, for conducting the work in the company's Crucible mine, operating in the Pittsburgh bed in Greene County, Pa. This paper gives an account of the methods used in the investigation, excerpts from the data obtained, and such generalizations as can be made.

Jan 1, 1939

By E. R. Maize

This report is t e second of s series on roof movement in coal mines. The first (R. I. 3355)4/ dealt with convergence of roof and floor and movement of the surface accompanying and following extraction in a mechanized mine in which retreat of rib lines was rapid. The studies reported herein were made in a mine in which all the coal is loaded by hand, and movement of the rib lines was much slower in consequence. In choosing a site for this work, it was decided that the mine selected should have natural conditions akin to those of the first study and entirely different methods of working. To this end a cooperative agreement was made with the Crucible Fuel Co. through W. J. Whitaker, secretary, for conducting the work in the company?s Crucible mine, operating in the Pittsburgh bed in Greene County, Pa, This paper gives an account of the methods used in the investigation, excerpts from the data obtained, and such generalizations as can be made.

Jan 1, 1939

By J. B. Elizondo

This paper, which describes mining methods and practices at the Piokee mining unit and the Piokee expertmental mining project of The Eagle-Picher Co. in northeast Oklahoma, is one of a series being prepared by the Federal Bureau of Mines on mining methods, practices, and costs in various mining districts of the United States. The Piokee unit, comprising the Piokee, Rowe, Lucky Syndicate, and parts of the Netta White and Otis White leases, is in the SW1/4, W1/2NW1/4SE1/4, and W1/2SW1/4SE1/4 sec. 17, T. 29 N., R. 23 E., Ottawa County, Okla. (figs. 1 and 2), The 200-acre tract is adjacent to the town of Picher and near the heart of the Picher field of the Tri-State zinc-lead mining district.

Jan 1, 1959

By A. Visnapuu

Excessive noise and high vibration are inherently associated with equipment used in the mining, extraction, and processing of mineral resources. High vibration degrades structural components, often leading to catastrophic failure and loss of productivity, and excessive noise can result in permanent hearing loss. In order to foster efficient utilization of the Nation's mineral resources and minimize occupational hazards associated with mineral processing, the Bureau of Mines investigated the relationship between the microstructures of carbon and alloy steels and cast irons and their damping capacities (ability to absorb vibration). Researchers measured damping capacity and other properties and investigated the effects of carburizing, spheroidizing, and annealing. The investigators found that in carbon and alloy steels, rounded colonies of fine-grained pearlite in a ferrite matrix correlate well with low damping capacity. Steel microstructures that exhibit sharp-faceted pearlite in ferrite matrix and partially or fully spheroidized cementite in ferrite show considerably higher damping. In cast irons, the lowest damping capacity is associated with nodular graphite microstructure, and the specific damping capacity (SDC) increases as the graphite micro-structure progresses from nodular to compacted to flake. Predominant ferrite in cast irons is also associated with good damping. SDC data are presented for selected carbon and alloy steels and cast irons.

Jan 1, 1987

By D. Denton, M. Stickney, R. Langston

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Stillwater Mining Company worked cooperatively with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology to develop a system that would collect seismic data at the Stillwater and East Boulder mines. The purpose was to obtain baseline information on the magnitude and location of mining-induced seismicity to determine if the mines needed multi-channel in-mine monitoring systems. Seismic data recorded at field sites near the mines are being telemetered via FM radio through a series of repeaters to a central recording site where the seismic signals are digitized using an Earthworm data acquisition system. The Earthworm system performs several data analysis tasks in near-real time and places raw seismic data, preliminary hypocenter locations, and magnitudes on a Website within 5 min of a seismic event. Such rapid access to seismic data allows personnel at the Stillwater Mine, Spokane Research Laboratory, and Earthquake Studies Office to evaluate seismic events quickly and respond in ways that may improve the safety of mine personnel underground. Installation of the system also broadened earthquake coverage to south-central Montana, a region previously not covered by the seismograph network.

By Richard A. Allwes

This Bureau of Mines report presents a procedure for the design of an arch canopy for use in rehabilitating a high-roof-fall area. Only dy-namic line loading of an unbackfilled arch canopy at its crown is considered, and the procedure does not account for an asymmetrical loading condition. The evaluation of whether an arch canopy is suitable for a particular installation depends on many variables, including in-mine conditions and the engineering properties of the structure. However, a general evaluation can be based on a comparison of the arch's maximum crown deflection and a prescribed allowable crown deflection. The design procedure is based on the concept that when an arch canopy is sub-jected to impact loading at its crown and deflects from its unloaded state to maximum crown deflection, the structure absorbs strain energy, both elastic and plastic. As a result, this strain energy can be calculated from a static load-displacement diagram for the structure. The significance of this design procedure is that it gives mine personnel an analytical tool to select an arch canopy to meet the dimensional and functional requirements of a mine entry and a prescribed allowable crown deflection.

Jan 1, 1987

By G. R. Peterson

To determine the availability of lead and zinc from demonstrated resources, the Bureau of Mines evaluated 235 mines and deposits in 31 market economy countries. Of the 235 mines and deposits evaluated for this study, 186 were evaluated as zinc operations, 30 as lead operations, and 19 as copper operations. Demonstrated lead-zinc resources of market economy countries in 1981 were approximately 4.3 billion metric tons (t) of ore containing 221 million t of zinc and 97 million t of lead. Of these amounts, approximately 154 million t of zinc and 70 million t of lead are estimated to be recoverable. The analyses indicate that demonstrated resources in market economy countries should be sufficient to satisfy projected demand for primary lead and zinc through the balance of the century. The U.S. lead industry will continue to have a comparative advantage over the rest of the world industry, barring any drastic increase in the cost of compliance with pollution control regulations. It appears that the comparative disadvantage faced by the U.S. zinc industry will probably intensify owing to the relative quantity of lower cost zinc resources in other countries, especially Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Peru.

Jan 1, 1985