Search Documents

By Steve Kral

Amax Coal Industries Inc.'s Delta Mine is a medium-sized. high-sulfur coal producer that has lived up to the challenges posed by nearly six decades of a highly competitive domestic coal market. The mine now faces one of its biggest challenges - the same one staring at the dozens of other high-sulfur producers in the Midwest - the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The 59-year-old mine, located in the coal fields of southern Illinois, has remained one of the state's oldest continuously operating mines by rolling with the ups and downs of the coal market and by incorporating new technologies and innovative productivity improvements into its operation.

Jan 1, 1993

By D. J. Pyra, J. Kudelko, Korzekwam W.

Polkowice region (Lower Silesia, Poland) is an area, where the copper mining activity started about 40 years ago and new technologies were applied. There are 3 underground mines, 3 processing plants, tailings pond (the biggest one in Europe), pipelines for flotation waste transport, railways. Although new technologies were applied during the copper ore exploitation, the environment in this area were polluted mostly by dust containing copper, lead, zinc and arsenic. Estimated values of heavy metals in polluted soils were compared to the natural contents of this metals. The geochemical background for Polkowice area was defined. The pollution zones occur around mining facilities. Copper ore exploitation and processing is planned for the next 20-40 years depending on market situation. After mines and other facilities closing the most important problem will be sustainable development of this area. To evaluate the scope of revitalization activities the analysis of recent soil environment condition will be necessary as well as forecasts for pollution migration. Geostatistic methods used also in mining will be very helpful for this task.

Jan 1, 2005

By Frank E. Woolley, Robert D. Pehlke

Jan 1, 1965

This paper is in two parts. The first part provides background to coal in New Zealand, information on Solid Energy the Company and details of the resources, mines and products of the company. This part of the paper is intended for people who have limited knowledge of the New Zealand coal scene. The second part of the paper focuses on developments underway in New Zealand and discusses planned or possible changes and opportunities. This paper was first presented at the Coaltrans Asia Conference in June 2000.

Jan 1, 2000

By James W. Martin

This user's manual analyzes the application, selection and performance of front-end loaders in mining operations which can effectively utilize their load-and-carry capability. All aspects of the application are considered starting with a discussion of the load-and-carry system and alternate material handling methods. Site conditions such as the geology of the formation, material characterisitics, alternative mine plans and working conditions are identified. Selection considerations include machine design characteristics, production capabilities and ownership and operating costs. Typical operating practices and safety procedures are discussed. Comprehensive machine specifications, together with a series of checklists and worksheets, are included for preliminary analysis.

Jan 1, 1981

By G. Paquet, E. Godin

"Since the mid fifty's, worlwide pellet production capacity has constantly risen (Fig. 1, Ref. 1 l. There was however at that time no real incentive to decrease production costs but only to produce as many pellets as possible. State of things changed with the iron and steel market recession, starting in 1975, and is currently leading producers to improve pellet quality and to reduce fuel and power consumption.At the Port-Cartier pellet plant, the energy needed for the induration of pellets ranks first in overall operating costs. An important step was made when starting admixing coke breeze in 1980. Oil prices justified the use of coke breeze as a direct replacement in terms of dollar/ton, however, while gaining expertise in using solid fuel a significant decrease in energy consumption was observed (Fig. 2, Ref. 2).In 1985, the ""Centre de Recherches minérales"" was commissioned to undertake research work to investigate the effects of further increasing coke addition to the pellet mix. The positive results of that work led to a 1,5% coke addition plant trial during the fall of 1985. Both laboratory and industrial results are discussed in this paper."

Jan 1, 1986

By Renzo Valdez

Si bien la minería formal es la actividad económica más importante en el Perú, sus proyectos son también los que más conflictos generan entre las compañías mineras y las comunidades campesinas. Este trabajo propone la obligatoriedad de regular el arbitraje de conciencia en los convenios comunitarios como mecanismo adecuado y alternativo de solución a esta clase de conflictos, de manera que se logre satisfacer a ambas partes y se permita el desarrollo de la actividad minera sin mayores pérdidas económicas.

Sep 20, 2019

By Italo Rodríguez

"El presente texto señala la metalogenia encontrada en el distrito de Suyo, provincia de Ayabaca, departamento de Piura. La mineralización en el distrito aurífero de Suyo se presenta en secuencias volcánicas Albiano–Turoniano de las formaciones La Bocana y Lancones, y son controladas por sistemas de fallas NE–SO y N–S. Está constituida principalmente por vetas irregulares de Au–Ag. Espacialmente, están distribuidas sobre los pórfidos de Cu–Mo. Las fallas o zonas de fractura rellenadas con mineralización están estrechamente relacionadas con el cinturón hidrotermal y con centros volcánicos. Las zonas y depósitos que están comprendidos dentro de Suyo son: Chivatos, Santa Rosa, Alvarado, Bolsa de Diablo, Roca Rajada, Quebrada Salitral, QuebradaCabuyal, Quebrada Suyo, San Sebastián, Potrero, Cuchicorral, Cerro Servilleta, Naranjo, La Leona, Alvarado, entre otros que albergan mineralizaciones de Au de hasta 2 onzas por TM y valores anómalos de Cu. "

May 1, 2012

By Hyung Jeek Kim, Jongmin Joo, Jonguk Kim, Jai-Woon Moon, Kyeong-Yong Lee

"Co-rich ferromanganese crusts (Fe-Mn crusts) distributed on seamounts in the western Pacific are potential economic resources for cobalt, nickel, platinum, and other rare metals in the future. Evaluation and selection of a mining site can be established based on abundance and grade of Fe-Mn crusts in the site as well as topography that should be smooth enough for mining operations. Therefore, acquisition of shipboard echo-sounding and acoustic backscatter data are prerequisite to the selection of potential mine sites in addition to visual and sampling operations. Acoustic backscatter data can be used to locate crust-covered areas on a regional scale with the understanding of acoustic properties of crust through its correlation with visual and sampling data.During an expedition that took place from January to March 2014, KIOST collected geophysical and geologic data to assess the resource potential for Fe-Mn crusts on three seamounts (guyots) in the Western Pacific. In OSM11, one of the three surveyed seamounts, three camera tows were performed to observe the distribution of Fe-Mn crusts on the summit and slopes of the seamount. Although sediments of various thicknesses generally cover most of summit region of OSM11, several regions with high backscatter signals occur on the periphery of the summit. The occurrence of Fe-Mn crusts, observed during the camera tows, on those high backscattered regions suggests that the backscatter signals of shipboard multi-beam sonar can reflect changes in the geology of the seafloor from sediment layer to Fe-Mn crust deposits. The Fe-Mn crust deposited around the summit region is worthy of notice because of its topographic characteristics, including shallow depth, flat or gentle inclined surface, and smooth relief, which are more suitable for mining operation compared to the flanks of seamount."

Sep 1, 2014

By Stephen Mansfield

In metalliferous mining operations, subdrill is that portion of the blast hole that is drilled below the target grade elevation, and in most cases loaded with explosives. Its primary aim is to enable efficient excavation down to the target floor level. Subdrill is often described as being expensive and that excessive subdrill should be avoided, as it can result in damage to the subsequent floor, lead to difficult drilling conditions and higher vibration levels. As a result, many operations aim to apply the bare minimum amount of subdrill in order to excavate to the target floor. At a large open cut copper operation, challenging geological structure resulted in slabby and blocky fragmentation in the stemming region, resulting in poor crusher throughput due to bridging. To overcome the poor fragmentation in the top of the bench, longer than conventional subdrill was used to precondition the top third of the bench. The technique significantly improved the run of mine fragmentation and resulted in feed to the in-pit crushers that is more consistent, which produced less crusher downtime due to bridging. A new method of quantifying the energy in a blast has been created. Termed the linear powder factor, or energy factor, the calculation considers the energy contributed by the subdrill of the upper bench and its impact on the energy in the lower bench. The technique enables blast designs to be optimised to deliver finer fragmentation and more consistent blast outcomes. To support the layer of preconditioned rock at the top of the bench, an innovative new device was developed. The device is inserted into the drill collar immediately after drilling and remains in position throughout the subsequent steps of hole depth measurement, priming, loading and removed prior to stemming. The device not only supports the broken rock at the top of the bench, but also minimises the amount of drill cuttings that fall back into the hole. Furthermore, the device helps protect the hole from damage by external factors such as weather events, drill tracks, vehicle tyres and movement around the collar during measurement and loading of the blast hole.

By M. J. Beus

This paper will describe the research approach being initiated by the Spokane Research Center to assess hazards and design criteria to prevent ground and muck falls in and around ore passes in hard-rock mines. The major goal of this research is to compile detailed information about ore pass processes and hazards, identification and testing of prevention strategies, and development of computer-based measurement and design methods. Recent ore pass failures have underlined the lack of OE pass design capabilities and standards available to both mine engineers and MSHA personnel. Design criteria and ore pass hang-up prevention and remediation strategies will include the effects of internal ore pass loads, blasting to relieve hang-ups, and rock mass stress redistribution and structural interaction from nearby mining. New visualization and three- dimensional analysis methods will be presented as an extension of existing ore pass design and analysis techniques. A sophisticated particle-flow analysis program will be used to simulate the response of various ore pass designs to a wide range of loading conditions driven by rock mass deformation, muck flow, ore pass blockage, and blasting in both nearby stopes and the ore pass. Analysis techniques will be calibrated and design criteria validated at the Spokane ore pass test facility. These tools will serve to reduce research costs by limiting the number of experimental field tests required.

Jan 1, 1996

By Pierre Boileau

Outline ? Who are We? ? Canada?s GHG Emissions 1990 - 2000 ? Emissions from the Petroleum Sector ? Emissions from Petroleum Exports ? Emissions from Manufacturing Industries ? Emissions from Mining and Metallurgy ? Conclusions Greenhouse Gas Division Key Functions: ? National GHG Inventory Report, Emission & Removal Trends Analysis, and Indicator Fact Sheets ? Scientific and Engineering Guidance, Technical Advice, Data Quality Assurance & Quality Control and Methodological/Data Development ? International Negotiations (FCCC) & scientific/technical guidelines (IPCC & ISO) ? Expert Review Teams (ERTs) ? Outreach ? GHG Verification Centre ? Clearinghouse ? Protocol Development

Nov 1, 2002

By Arnaldo León

El presente texto señala la problemática de Centromín Perú en el área metalúrgica, dado el potencial que esta ofrece para afrontar la crisis en que se encuentra la minería. Asimismo, se describe las metas, objetivos, proyecto e inversiones que se necesitan desarrollar para que Centromín se establezca como empresa económica

May 1, 1987

It has been proven theoretically and experimentally that the use of 10 - 30 per cent DRI in blast furnace along with iron ore or sinter results in lower coke rate and higher productivity. However, to-date this remains unpractised on a regular basis mainly because of economic reasons. The DRI produced by several methods are expensive and difficult to store/handle in large quantities because of its reactive nature and thus DRI in blast furnace remains unacceptable.

Jan 1, 1999

By H. G. Denkhans

El presente texto señala la aplicación de la mecánica en el manejo de una minería segura y eficiente. La mecánica de rocas se ocupa del movimiento, deformación, fallas y masas rocosas. En esta perspectiva, este proceso tiene como objetivo establecer reglas para el diseño de excavaciones económicas y seguras en la minería. Su aplicación se remite a las minas de oro, carbón, cielo abierto y comportamiento de la roca fracturada.

Nov 1, 1972

By A. T. Iannacchione

Recent fatal injuries occurring during pillar retreat coal mining call for better identification of the hazards and recognition of risks. Ground control hazards associated with room-and-pillar retreat mining tend to intensify with depth, requiring extra precautions in the form of additional controls. In many locations these activities are further complicated by local complexities often associated with unique or novel circumstances, such as over-mining or under-mining. One technique recently studied by NIOSH, Major Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA), may help mine operators to mitigate the risks associated with pillar recovery operations. The approach was trialed at two underground coal mines in southern West Virginia that are currently practicing pillar recovery. The first step in the MHRA process involved reviewing the segments or parts of the pillar extraction mining system and identifying associated hazards and threats to the operation. Some of the high risk hazards at these two sites included: ? Rock fall during pillar extraction covers equipment and injury ? occurs during recovery operations, Rock fall above the roof bolt horizon, potentially injuring ? workers and/or requiring recovery action,Rib fall under deep cover, potentially injuring workers, and; ? Strata instabilities associated with subsidence of the ? interburden due to simultaneously mining two seams in close vertical proximity to one another. The mines? risk assessment teams then considered each threat individually in order to systematically identify potential unwanted events. The top unwanted events were examined individually using structured risk analysis tools. The output from the process includes a list of priority existing controls for monitoring and auditing, and a second list of potential new controls. These controls consisted of: ? Examples of best practices, ? Enhanced communication, ? Implementing standard operating procedures (SOP), ? Protocols for emergency response actions, ? Effective layouts, ? Efficient monitoring, and; ? Successful audits. This paper documents the process as it unfolded at the two mines, and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the MHRA technique as it applies to pillar recovery operations. This work was part of a larger NIOSH research project. NIOSH was responsible for: 1) facilitating the risk assessment process known as Major Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA), 2) documenting the risk assessment process, and 3) providing mine management with a written draft summary of the risk assessment process. The results of the risk assessment represent the thoughts and opinions of the individual risk assessment teams and should in no way be construed as an endorsement of the risk assessment output by NIOSH or the University of Pittsburgh.

Jan 1, 2009

The results of precious metal exploration carried out by Amoco Minerals New Zealand Limited over EL 33-137 in the Longwood Range, Southland, are described. Widespread gold and platinum in alluvial deposits on the perimeter of the range and anomalous gold in stream sediments on its southern and south western flanks indicates that the precious metals were probably derived from erosion of the mafic rocks of the Longwood Complex.

Jan 1, 1983

By Fernando Enrique Toledo Garay

"El presente texto describe las últimas tendencias de la ISO 55000 y así conocer el objetivo de las normas como de los estándares asociados a la gestión de activos físicos. Por ello, se realiza un recorrido a través de todo el IAM Framework (marco de referencia del Institute of Asset Management para lograr la sustentabilidad de la gestión optimizada de activos físicos) e ISO. dencias en las organizaciones de apoyo. En este análisis participan representantes de todas las áreas del negocio de gestión integral de activos físicos (operaciones, mantenimiento, materiales, ingeniería, finanzas, recursos humanos, confiabilidad, seguridad industrial y medioambiente). "

Jun 1, 2015

By B. Goard

"IntroductionCemented backfill has been placed underground in slurry form in Inco Limited's Ontario Division mines since the early 196Os. The slurry was traditionally mixed on surface at between 65 and 70 wt% solids* and transported underground via gravity through a borehole-pipeline distribution system. This method of placement, while simple and dependable, has proven to be costly because of the large amounts of transport water involved.A significant quantity of the slimes buildup on mine levels is caused by the backfill water carrying cement and other fine material out of the stopes. The level cleanup and eventual pumping or hoisting of the slimes and water back to surface result in substantial indirect backfilling costs.The cement that remains in the stope is always overhydrated because of the high water cement ratios that exist. As a consequence, high concentrations of Portland cement must be added to the backfill to produce the fill strengths required for the different mining methods.Pouring backfill at these densities also demands extensive fill preparatory work in the stopes to withstand the hydraulic heads created by the slurried fill. This, along with the delays in pouring necessary to allow for water drainage, result in significant losses in productivity.These negative aspects of slurry placed fill has led Inco Limited to investigate several methods of transporting backfill underground via pipeline, at higher densities (i.e. 75 to 95 wt.% solids). Three separate transport methods are presently being experimented with by the Company's Mines Research Department. Each utilizes a different technique or form of flow transport, i.e. concrete pumping technology, high density slurry flow, and pneumatic conveying."

Jan 1, 1987

By R. C. D. Phillis

The annual mine planning process is one of the most important tactical/operational steps towards achieving strategic goals. These tactical plans are part of a very comprehensive Mineral Resource Management process, with the natural sequel to planning being execution. The execution of an underground hard rock mine plan is a multi-project environment that comprises many development-construction-equipping-stoping single project paths, which are referred to as ?stoping paths?. The uncertainty that typifies execution of projects comes in the form of untimely disruptions to constituent tasks and/or project paths. Annual mining plans also include quantified objectives for occupational health and safety, production, quality, cost, employee morale, environment, and corporate social investment. Such objectives make for a highly complex environment that management must contend with?complex in the sense that all the paths and objectives have interdependent constraints. Furthermore, at the time of this paper, Sections54*and 55**of the MHSA*** put the onus on management to ensure legislative adherence. It stands to reason that planning estimates allow excess capacity?buffers?that cushions the impact of untimely disruptions. This paper concerns the fact that despite all the buffers allowed for, time, scope, and budget creeps impact on mine planning and threaten its successful execution. As a consequence, the paper deals with buffer management, the essence of Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). Effective buffer management provided strategic (executive level) updates without losing the tactical/operational detail necessary for job card creation, especially where professional skills and experience are in short supply. Indicative bottom-line results showed CCPM to be highly effective.

Jan 1, 2011