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By K. A. McDonald

Hibernia de Mexico SA de CV, based in Durango, Durango, Mexico built and put into operation a 700-t/d (770-stpd) agitated cyanide leach plant in Guanacevi, Durango. Plant construction began in March 1993 and operations began in November 1993. Hibernia de Mexico, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hibernia Holdings, Inc., is a privately held Tucson, AZ-based company. The startup procedures described here deal with Mexico's legal, import-export and finance requirements, and labor and security requirements. The 700 t/d (770 stpd) Guanacevi project is located next to the town of Guanacevi. The project is an agitated cyanide leach plant built to process about 2 Mt (2.2 million st) of flotation tailings over its life. The plant is operated by Servicios de Guanacevi, Asociasion en Participacion. It is owned jointly by Hibernia de Mexico and Metalurgica Guanacevi SA de CV. Legal, importation of equipment and financing For a foreign company to operate in the mining industry in Mexico, it must form a Mexican company. A Mexican company presently must be at least 51 % owned by a Mexican entity. The other 49% may be owned by non-Mexicans.

Jan 1, 1994

By J. T. Lapsley, I. I. Cornet, A. E. Flanigan, R. Hultgren, J. E. Dorn

WITH the greatly expanding use of magnesium during the war, it appeared necessary to the War Metallurgy Committee that procedures of heat treating common magnesium casting alloys be investigated systematically. Accordingly, the National Defense Research Committee of the Office of Scientific Research and Development placed a research contract with the University of California, supervised by the War Metallurgy Committee. Research on the solution heat treatment and aging of magnesium alloy AZ92, (formerly ASTM No. 17; also known as Dowmetal C or AM260) which was done under "Restricted" Project NRC-21, in 1942-1943, and reported, in detail in a final report to the OSRD on September 3, 1943, is the basis of this paper, which has been released for publication by the OSRD. American experience with magnesium alloys prior to World War II was limited, although some of these alloys had been in commercial use since 1909. Requirements of the aircraft industry for light alloys made it imperative to understand and utilize the advantageous strength-weight properties of magnesium castings. Magnesium casting alloys are commonly solution heat treated to increase their ultimate tensile strength and ductility; this treatment may be followed by an age hardening at elevated temperatures, which raises the tensile yield strength but diminishes the ductility. In the present investigation, AZ92 was studied to determine the effects on properties of various solution heat treatment and aging schedules. The principles of heat treatment of magnesium alloys are the same as for other non-ferrous alloys. The alloy studied, AZ92, has a nominal composition of 9 pct aluminum, 2 pct zinc, and minor constituents. Fig I shows, by the projection of isothermal sections on the concentration plane, the solubility surface1 of the ternary magnesium-rich solid solutions as determined by X ray analysis. From this figure it may be seen that above approximately 375°C (707°F), AZ92 alloy is a single phase alloy at equilibrium; below this temperature the equilibrium condition is a. two phase alloy. The beta constituent which precipitates from the solid solution exerts a hardening effect. Because the zinc concentration is only 2 pct, and because of its solubility relations, AZ92 resembles a binary alloy of magnesium with aluminum. The solubility curve1 of Fig 2 shows how rapidly the solubility of the beta phase decreases with decreasing temperatures. Unlike many aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys do not age harden at room temperatures; precipitation hardening of AZ92 alloy is performed at about 177°C (350°F). At this temperature about 3 pct aluminum

Jan 1, 1947

By J. B. A. Solar Menéndez, M. A. Martínez Fidalgo, L. A. Alvarez-Santullano

1. ANTECEDENTS This present communication refers to the results of the research project entitled "Training in the correct use of chemical oxygen self rescue apparatus and also an analysis of apparatus autonomy", carried out under the auspices of the Specific Collaboration Agreement signed between the Industry Council of the Principality of Asturias (Spain) and INSALUD (National Silicosis Institute, Spain). The antecedents of this project lie in work undertaken by the National Silicosis Institute aimed at optimising efficiency in the use of chemical oxygen self rescuers through improvements in worker training. To be precise, by means of Agreements drawn up between the above-mentioned parties, a simulator was designed and incorporated as the basis of a training station within the " Fundación Barredo" of the Industry Council of the Principality of Asturias. This has been operative since the year 2001 and, up to the present, 2300 Asturian coal mine workers have been trained there. What prompted this activity was the observation of various errors in the use of the self rescuers, deriving from their innate characteristics, especially with respect to the sensation of discomfort - the high temperature and humidity of the breathed oxygen, resistance and inconvenience - and limited autonomy. It was precisely this insight that, in critical situations, lack of familiarity with the conditions of discomfort likely to be experienced during the evacuation process might lead to rejection of the equipment, with fatal consequences, that has justified the setting up of this training and simulation centre. The centre is able to provide all mine workers with the necessary training, and experience of the characteristic sensations experienced when using such equipment (Fig.. 1).

Jan 1, 2003

By John Brown

As a part of a symposium on the relations of structure to ore deposi-tion, in February 1938, the writer presented some tentative opinions derived from his experience with a number of important lead-zinc replace-ment deposits. These ideas were set forth, as a basis for discussion and a stimulus to further inquiry, in a mimeographed leaflet that read as follows: Intimate acquaintance with a number of lead and zinc deposits in metamorphosed limestones seems to indicate the existence of certain common features from which can be established some general principles governing the localization of ore in this type of formation. It is suspected that these principles can be applied, with modifica-tions, to mineralization in unmetamorphosed limestone. In metamorphosed forma-tions, some observed rules are as follows: 1. Bands or masses of pure limestone are very resistant to replacement by ore solutions, and are likely either to contain no ore or to resist replacement until near the end of mineralization. The reason for this apparently is physical, not chemical, since microscopic data indicate that when ore is deposited by far the greater part of it substitutes for carbonate. The chief factor is believed to be a lack of porosity in massive limestone that has undergone flowage and recrystallization. 2. Masses of intensely siliceous or silicated rock are likewise unfavorable ore receptacles. This seems to be accounted for by two factors: (a) chemical unsuit-ability or resistance to replacement, and (b) physical resistance to small-scale brecci-ation, which might facilitate the opening of effective channelways for solutions. Some low-grade ore may occur, however, and also sporadic fracture fillings. 3. The optimum condition for ore reception appears to be found in bands or areas containing carbonate and silicates (or quartz) intimately mingled in something like equal proportions. In this situation movement is likely to result in mixed flowage and fracture, producing a fine-textured porosity that admits solutions freely and provides access to an abundance of replaceable carbonate. Cleavage cracks in some minerals such as diopside are believed to facilitate the penetration of solutions. 4. Certain minerals or assemblages are regarded as favorable impurities in a lime-stone and others as unfavorable. Original quartz, and subsequently developed diopside, and perhaps garnet, are typical favorable pre-ore gangue; in general rather equidimensional, brittle minerals. Tremolite, biotite, and probably wollastonite, are typical unfavorable pre-ore gangue; in general highly elongated and somewhat flexible minerals likely to develop under strong shearing stresses. 5. Tentative opinion is that the ratio of lime and magnesia in a limestone-is of little or no importance.

Jan 1, 1940

By John S. Brown

As a part of a symposium on the relations of structure to ore deposition, in February 1938, the writer presented some tentative opinions derived from his experience with a number of important lead-zinc replacement deposits. These ideas were set forth, as a basis for discussion and a stimulus to further inquiry, in a mimeographed leaflet that read as follows Intimate acquaintance with a number of lead and zinc deposits in metamorphosed limestones seems to indicate the existence of certain common features from which can be established some general principles governing the localization of ore in this type of formation. It is suspected that these principles can be applied, with modifications, to mineralization in unmetamorphosed limestone. In metamorphosed formations, some observed rules are as follows: 1. Bands or masses of pure limestone are very resistant to replacement by ore solutions, and are likely either to contain no ore or to resist replacement until near the end of mineralization. The reason for this apparently is physical, not chemical, since microscopic data indicate that when ore is deposited by far the greater part of it substitutes for carbonate. The chief factor is believed to be a lack of porosity in massive limestone that has undergone flowage and recrystallization. 2. Masses of intensely siliceous or silicated rock are likewise unfavorable ore receptacles. This seems to be accounted for by two factors: (a) chemical unsuitability or resistance to replacement, and (b) physical resistance to small-scale brecciation, which might facilitate the opening of effective channelways for solutions. Some low-grade ore may occur, however, and also sporadic fracture fillings. 3. The optimum condition for ore reception appears to be found in bands or areas containing carbonate and silicates (or quartz) intimately mingled in something like equal proportions. In this situation movement is likely to result in mixed flowage and fracture, producing a fine-textured porosity that admits solutions freely and provides access to an abundance of replaceable carbonate. Cleavage cracks in some minerals such as diopside are believed to facilitate the penetration of solutions. 4. Certain minerals or assemblages are regarded as favorable impurities in a limestone and others as unfavorable. Original quartz, and subsequently developed diopside, and perhaps garnet, are typical favorable pre-ore gangue; in general rather equidimensional, brittle minerals. Tremolite, biotite, and probably wollastonite, are typical unfavorable pre-ore gangue; in general highly elongated and somewhat flexible minerals likely to develop under strong shearing stresses. 5. Tentative opinion is that the ratio of lime and magnesia in a limestone is of little or no importance.

Jan 1, 1940

By James T. Baxter

Underground mining of limestone is becoming increasingly attractive in Illinois. Most quarries are near rivers on the western and southern borders where competition for land use is intensive. Increasing demands for stone can be met by expanded mining with access by edits in existing quarries and by inclines and shafts at downdip sites. Geologic, hydrologic, and engineering conditions indicate that deep mines in the Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Salem, Ullin, and basal Burlington Limestones of Mississippian age and in the Moredock Limestone Member of the Dunleith Formation of Ordovician age are possible, but development will require prudent exploration and planning to ensure that the product will be of good quality.

Jan 1, 1978

By George Holderer

THE relation between man-hours of labor and production may be correlated for any industry, and already it has been widely used in piece-work studies. It is not in general use as yet for recording labor efficiency of an enterprise or an industry. An exception to this is the Cement Institute, which tabulates the man-hours used in each operation and FIG. 1.-LABOR PRODUCTIVITY IN COPPER MINING. thus gets the total man-hours per barrel of cement. The writer knows of one steel company that keeps a complete record of man-hours for every operation from mining the ore to finishing the product. No doubt many others find the information useful, and such a study could be of value to the mineral industries.

Jan 1, 1935

By David M. R. Stone

Underground mining in the gold industry is gaining popularity in Nevada, and with it the use of cemented rockfill is becoming mainstream. Even with today?s high metal prices, however, mining companies are very sensitive to the margins they realize, and are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs or improve efficiencies. Given that the backfill is one of the largest cost centers in underground mining, mines are constantly under pressure to reduce backfill costs. This paper will present an overview of the factors that impact cemented rockfill quality in Nevada mines based on the authors many years of consulting experience. Cemented rockfill quality can be linked directly to binder consumption, hence programs aimed at improving quality generally result in lower binder costs, better performance in the fill (hence less dilution), and improved safety. The paper will conclude with the key elements of a comprehensive program of backfill quality assessments and backfill QA programs. Comparative laboratory and minesite data from a number of operating and proposed mines will be presented.

May 1, 2007

By John S. Manka

Of the various methods used to reduce the density of emulsion explosives prior to detonation; ammonium nitrate prill addition, glass micro-balloon addition and chemical gassing, chemical gassing is the method most often selected by emulsion explosive end users. Chemically gassing emulsions costs less than adding micro-balloons and chemically gassed emulsions have better water resistance than emulsions that add ammonium nitrate prills to reduce the bulk density. Unfortunately, the chemical gassing of emulsion explosives can be intricate and is often more art than a science. To gain a better understanding of chemical gassing, we investigated the factors that may affect the chemical gassing of emulsion explosives. Variables investigated as having an effect on gassing were the pH of the oxidizer phase, the amount and type of nitrogen in the emulsifier, the composition of the oxidizer phase, the use of pH buffers in the oxidizer phase, and how the gassing reagents are added to the emulsion.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. P. Constantinea

The use of fluidized beds for the roasting of zinc sulphide concentrates marked a milestone in the electrolytic production of zinc. Stable operation of a fluidized bed for zinc roasting requires a particle size distribution that minimizes the risk of defluidization and helps control carryover to manageable levels. However, the understanding of the roasting process is limited, and changes in operating conditions mainly rely on intuition, experience, and trial and error. A research program has been initiated at UBC to study the phenomena that influence the particle size distribution of fluidized bed zinc roasters. In preparation for the experimental phase, this paper reviews the current literature on the phenomena that affect the particle size distribution during fluidized bed roasting and other fluidized bed processes.

Jan 1, 2002

By Michael L. Clar

Reclamation of surface mined lands has two basic objectives: (1) the elimination or abatement of undesirable environmental conditions, and (2) the restoration of mined land to its former or more productive uses. This paper addresses some of the planning concepts and site factors that influence the selection of suitable land uses for surface mined lands. Three planning concepts included in the discussion are: (1) mine land planning, (2) comprehensive land use planning, and (3) environmental site planning. The site factors that will influence the selection of an appropriate land use have been grouped into three categories: (1) legal, (2) geographic, and (3) natural. The natural factors are further subdivided into three groupings: geomorphology, soils, and climate.

Jan 1, 1981

By G. L. Barlett, J .. D. Barry

Supernatant media of dust-exposed pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) were inactive in assays for both Interleukin-1 and fibroblast growth factors (FGF). We have begun to evaluate several factors that may interfere with dust-PAM interactions. To determine the effect of sterilization on the activity of dusts, PAMs were exposed to autoclaved dust, heat-sterilized dust or to dust that had not been heated. Supernatants from the first two groups were inactive in the FGF assay, but supernatant from PAMs exposed to unheated dusts stimulated growth of lung fibroblasts. Recent data have revealed that freshly crushed mineral dusts possess labile free radicals that are absent in dust that has been stored for more than a few days. Suspensions .were prepared of a "stale" sample of anthracite dust 867 and of a freshly ground sample of the same dust. These suspensions were instilled intratracheally into guinea pigs under general anesthesia. Two, five or eight days later, PAMs were collected from the lungs by bronchoalveolar lavage, and the cells were counted. At two and five days after instillation, all lavage suspensions contained 70 to 85% PAMs, of which 5 to 18% contained phagocytized dust particles. On day eight there were again 80-84% PAMs in all suspensions, but in the presence of "fresh'" dust, 48% of PAMs. had phagocytized particles in comparison to 16% in the presence of '"stale'" dust. A similar experiment was performed in short-term cell culture. During 24 hours, >95%. of PAMs phagocytized dust particles, whether or not the dust was "stale" or '"fresh". Our studies are being extended to determine the effect of (1) removing surface oil contaminants by organic extraction and (2) suspending dusts without surfactant.

Jan 1, 1988

By Hamish D. S. Miller

Currently the underground potash mines in Canada extract about 40% of the available ore, leaving the other 60% behind in the form of stabilizing pillars. The presence of water in the overlying formations requires that any disturbance due to mining be such that no water will enter the workings. This paper deals with the factors that influence the stability of the rock surrounding the mine excavations and looks at the effects of these factors when a system of increasing the extraction is considered.

Jan 1, 1983

Mining is a fundamental activity on which modern society and the world's economy are entirely dependent. Mining investors, large and small, invest on an international scale, frequently being active in several countries.   Prior to committing investment to new countries, the prudent investor will consider the risk involved by analysing a number of physical, financial, administrative and political parameters that impact on the potential financial returns it is seeking. This paper considers these risk factors in relationship to New Zealand and six competitor countries. The conclusion is that for reasons largely within the control of our politicians, New Zealand is a high risk country for mining investors.

Jan 1, 1993

By H. C. George

CAREFUL- sampling and good judgment as to probable recoveries are important factors in estimates of ore reserves, based on prospecting drilling results, but other factors are equally as important and may be more misleading and perhaps disastrous if not properly interpreted. Some of these are: 1. The case where no, ore is shown in the "sludgings," when, as a matter of fact, the drill has passed through a thick sheet of ore which has been broken up and washed away into open crevices. In numerous cases, later mining operations have shown that this has happened. This condition may be discovered by shooting the drill .hole at the point where the open crevices occur, but shooting should not be done until after the drill hole is completed, because the resulting shattered formation may salt the drill hole at lower levels. 2. The case where rich cuttings are shown for a thickness of 20 or 30 ft., when ore was encountered in only the first sludging. Owing to soft or loose formation, the ore from the first sludging has salted the lower sludgings. The presence of large pieces of ore and a similar ratio between zinc and iron assays in the lower sludgings frequently indicate this condition. In the lower sludgings, the presence of oxidized ore in unaltered limestone sometimes shows this condition. 3. The case where the drill hole shows a considerable thickness of ore; but owing to the presence of a vertical sheet of ore, perhaps not more than 1 in. thick, at the place where the drill hole is located, the good assays resulting might be misleading. If this condition is suspected, the drilling of several more holes within a distance of 10 or 15, ft. will usually show it.

Jan 1, 1921

By Ned Kuenhold

AN equipment manufacturer swallows a bitter pill when he sees his machinery improperly in- stalled and not used to the full potential. This frequently happens with vibrating screens. Screens can be classified according to the path of vibration imparted to the screen surface. On this basis there are: 1) vertical circle or modified circle throw, 2) horizontal circle or modified circle throw, 3) vertical linear reciprocation, 4) tilted linear reciprocation, and 5) horizontal linear reciprocation. The most versatile vibration for medium to coarse sizing is generally conceded to be the vertical circle produced by an eccentric or unbalanced shaft, but other types of vibration may be more suitable for certain screening operations, particularly in the finer sizes.

Jan 6, 1957

By Thomas M. Barczak

Purchasing a new set of longwall shields requires a substantial investment. A poor shield design can lead to economic hardships, safety concerns for the mine workers, and closure of the mine. This paper addresses several key points that should be considered in the procurement process: (1) understanding your goals and the logic in selecting a higher capacity shield, (2) the importance of completing performance testing before production shield fabrication begins, (3) making sure performance testing is properly done, (4) measuring load(stress) development during performance testing, (5) testing a shield to failure, and (6) the value of buying extra shields. In addition, several challenges are proposed for consideration in future shield designs. These include (1) 100,000 life-cycle expectancy, (2) improved hydraulic diagnostic capability, (3) smart load control by optimizing setting pressures, (4) lubricated link joint design concepts, (5) composite material applications to reduce shield weight, (6) incorporating periodic weighting predictive algorithms into the data-processing software, (7) advanced component load measurement on two to three specially instrumented shields to detect loading in the structural components, and (8) constant set leg cylinder design.

Jan 10, 2000

By H. W. Graham

AS these annual occasions in honor of Henry Marion Howe continue through the years, there is progressively less likelihood that the lecturer will have had personal knowledge of Dr. Howe. The present speaker is one of those who unfortunately had no opportunity to come under the inspiring presence of this great metallurgist. A review of Howe's work shows it to cover a comprehensive range of interests and to evidence an impressive richness of detail. Not only was Howe at home in the laboratory, but he was familiar with the processes of iron and steel making and had a real understanding of them writings include much that is descriptive of processes with a wealth of material that is becoming of increasing historical value. He recorded his studies of the theoretical aspects of processes and published at least two process classifications, one in 1890 that was lengthy and somewhat theoretical, and a second in 1906 that was more of a practical listing. Wide as Howe's field of interest was, it is significant of the circumstances of his time that he gave little consideration to raw materials or to their effect on iron and steel making processes. In 1933, Waterhouse, Howe lecturer for that year, presented a descriptive summary of the major steelmaking processes, and in 1946 Joseph discussed the blast furnace process. Otherwise Howe lectures have not dealt with processes as major subjects. In today's lecture, with no effort to describe the mechanical arrangements of iron and steel making facilities, it is proposed to examine the essential technological elements of the processes, to explore the inter-relation of these elements, and particularly to seek recognition and understanding of those factors which determine why certain processes are or are not used. The discussion of this lecture will deal with the major well-known large tonnage processes, with only such attention to processes of minor tonnage and special character as may be warranted for explanation by contrast. Subject to the errors of generalization and the short- comings of condensation involved in presentation limited to a single hour, it is proposed to examine broadly but intensively those operations which convert raw materials into steel. It is an innovation for a Howe lecturer to discuss the raw materials of the iron and steel industry, but the changing circumstances of passing years intensify the influence of raw materials on processes and require the metallurgist to be alert for the process adjustments that may become advisable or mandatory. For a half century the metallurgical processing of iron and steel has followed a surprisingly straight path, but this does not necessarily mean that there are no curves in the road ahead. Ages ago primitive man came to know iron in its metallic form, not only by the

Jan 1, 1947

By D. J. Barrett, M. A. Sochocky

INTRODUCTION Summary of Factors Influencing Comminution Circuit Design The selection of an appropriate comminution circuit for a specific ore is one of the most important decisions in the design of a processing plant. The importance is related to the fact that the capital and operating costs for crushing and grinding plant generally represent, as is well known, the major portion of the plant costs. This chapter will, therefore, identify as many as possible of the factors which influence the selection of a comminution circuit. The number of factors which will have to be considered for any comminution project will depend, among other things, on the type of project. If, for example, the project is an entirely new mining development, then most, if not all, the factors identified will have to be analyzed. If the project is an expansion of a developed mining operation or if the new orebody is adjacent to a viable operation, then the existing operation will influence the choice of factors or design constraints which need to be considered. The existing infrastructure or supporting systems may be quite adequate to accommodate the requirements of any expansion or new development. Hence, those factors may not have to be considered. To cover, however, the widest spectrum of projects, the factors which have been identified in this chapter are those which will have to be considered for the most complex of projects, that of developing an entirely new mining operation. The range of factors is as broad as the range of different ore types. Thus, each development must be treated with individualized care. The most important step in the development is the analysis and understanding of the ore characteristics. The hardness of the ore, its abrasiveness, friability, moisture content, grade, mineralization including gangue mineralization, liberation size, chemistry, and other characteristics should be the first to be analyzed in the investigation. The next should be the determination of factors such as plant size, throughput, location, climate, accessibility, and availability of water. The selection of samples for initial bench scale work and bulk sampling (when needed) for further

Jan 1, 1982

By K. K. Wu

In some cases, coal barrier pillars must be relied on to withstand high hydrostatic pressures in order to prevent inundation of active mine workings. Such barriers are particularly important in areas, such as parts of West Virginia, where much of the future mining is down dip of mines which have been abandoned, or are currently being worked. Also, where multiple seam mining is conducted, a barrier pillar in one mine may be critical to safety in a mine in a lower seam. MSHA's Coal Mine Safety and Health district offices and the Mine Waste and Geotechnical Engineering Branch of the Pittsburgh Technical Support Center, have recently been involved in the study of barrier pillars in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Oklahoma. In this paper, the factors involved in determining the required width of pillar are discussed, past practices for sizing barriers are reviewed, and related current Federal regulations are examined. In addition, the results of laboratory testing of bottom rock are presented.

Jan 1, 1980