After a general outline of mining in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the following mines and open-cast mines are described in detail: Flin Flouchine (zinc-copper ore); Rod Mine (copper-zinc ore); Ruttan Mine (copper-zinc ore); MacLellan Mine (gold); Tanco Mine (pegmatite); Allan Mine (potassium); Rocanville Mine (potassium); K1 Mine (potassium); Utility Mine (brown coal); Costello Mine (brown coal); Brienfait Mine (brown coal); Campbell Mine (gold); Arthur White Mine (gold); Mattabi Mine (zinc-copper ore); Lyon Lake Mine (zinc-copper ore). (HS).

For more than 100 years, lignite has been mined in open-cast mines in the Lusatian region of northeastern Germany. The increase of output quantities in the former GDR of up to about 200 million tons per year lead to problems for recultivation and loss of public acceptance. By 1993, about 39,000 ha of land were reclaimed, but 75,000 ha of land had been utilized by open-cast mining operations until that date. Forest recultivation has a tradition of more than 60 years and shows the ways for an economically acceptable recultivation by the mining industry. Agricultural recultivation of dumps is also performed successfully. Today, the future mining operation of LAUBAG being reduced to 5 open-cast mines uses specific overburden removal technologies in order to create favourable conditions for the arrangement of a safe, variable and Lusatia-typical post-mining landscape - the beginnings are already visible. 12 refs., 6 figs.

The results are outlined for a study made by the Mining Institute of Belgrade on the factors influencing the productivity of Yugoslav coal mines. Data published in the Yearbook of Yugoslav coal mines (published by the Mining Institute of Belgrade) were used. Altogether 34 coal mines (11 open surface casts and 23 underground coal mines) were involved in the study. The main factors influencing productivity are: level of concentration of production, level of technological innovation, miner interest in the work and motivation, level of organization, calorific value of exploited coal, mining conditions.

The redevelopment, securing and design of subsequent landscapes of former mining sites under mining law is carried out, initially under the Federal Mining Act to ensure public safety and order on the former sites and areas as well as orderly design with due consideration of public law. This contribution focuses on the recultivation in the eastern German open-cast lignite mining industry and on climatic and social functions in the mobilisation of the potentials of derelict sites. (orig.)

This volume contains articles on the problems of controlling the basic engineering process in open cast mines and coal mines, the construction of information retrieval systems in the branch automated control systems (using the non-ferrous metal industry as an example) and on the problems associated with automated control system software.

Hydraulic excavators in open-cast mines are cost-intensive capital assets, which must be constantly observed during production in order to ensure availability. Teleservice is one way of reducing the service costs. As open-cast mines are generally developed in areas with a poor infrastructure, the excavators can be reliably reached only via satelite. Several network operators with different data transmission rates are suitable according to the required purpose. Satellite communication is expensive compared to the fixed network. New intelligent network topologies (MANET) are currently undergoing the first field tests. (orig.)

Summary Large-scale destruction of ecosystems caused by surface mining provides an opportunity for the study of colonization processes starting with primary succession. Surprisingly, over several decades and without any restoration measures, most of these sites spontaneously developed into valuable biotope mosaics with many endangered plant species. Investigations were carried out in 10 open-cast mined sites. Data from extensive floristic mapping of mined sites and their surroundings were combined with functional traits. Using binary logistic regression, we showed that eight variables have a significant influence on the probability of the occurrence of particular plant species in mined sites. The regional species pool explained the highest proportion of variance. Further significant variab...

The 1st Middle-Polish (1st Lusatian) Lignite Seam is exploited in open-cast mines in central Poland. A large number of lignite lithotypes, grouped in four lithotype associations, are distinguished: xylitic, detritic, xylo-detritic and detro-xylitic lithotype associations, which show various structu...

A study trip offered an opportunity to obtain an insight into the coal mining industry of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In addition to a visit and discussions at the Institute for Coal Research a trip was undertaken to the most important Vietnamese coalfield of Cam Pha, where an open-cast mine and a deep mine were inspected. The coal output of about 4.5 mill. t/a already important for national conditions, will be at least doubled by the year 2000. This sharp increase in production is possible only with the aid of foreign capital, know-how and equipment. 4 figs., 2 tabs.

The flooding of open cast lignite mines in Eastern Germany raises the risk of widespread contamination of ground water due to the mobilization of oxidation products of the pyrites, which are common in the backfill. Samples from a research borehole in the shut-down open-cast Cospuden show distinct zones of immobilization and mobilization of iron and arsenic. After ten years the conveying bridge spoil was covered with an approximately 17 m thick stacker spoil dump. The upper 2-3 m of the older dump are a zone of reduced element mobility. Fe is immobilized e.g. as jarosite and arsenic is predominantly adsorbed on secondary minerals like ferrihydrite and/or schwertmannite. Beneath this upper zone follows a section with ongoing pyrite oxidation resulting in an enhanced mobility of iron and arsenic with the potential of ground water contamination during flooding of the open-cast. 19 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

Belt conveyors are complex systems with drive groups as functionally very important components. Their proper and reliable operational life is directly related to durability of the load-bearing steel structures. Drive units often have problems linked to increasing of vibrations of steel structures. Drive units on 2nd BWE-BC-S system on Drmno open cast mine (Serbia) and on waste dump on Pljevlja open cast mine (Montenegro) were used as the examples of behaviour and condition diagnostics. As the most suitable diagnostic tool, numerical-experimental procedure was defined in the paper. It showed that the considered constructions failed due to incorrect operational parameters related to vibrations of structures. Appropriate strength diagnostic gave solutions for rehabilitation and reconstruction...

`Turow` brown coal mine located in tectonic syncline /South-West Poland/ has difficult geotechnical conditions. The coal and capping strata are described in detail. They declined to the open cast and therefore the slopes stability is important problem. The slopes are permanently observed and studied. In a case of serious ground motion the slope is supported by capping. This method was successfully applied in 1989 and 1993. 2 ills.

Assessment of respirable dust, personal exposures of miners and free silica contents in dust were undertaken to find out the associated risk of coal workers' pneumoconiosis in 9 coal mines of Eastern India during 1988-91. Mine Research Establishment (MRE), 113A Gravimetric Dust Sampler (GDS) and personal samplers (AFC 123), Cassella, London, approved by Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) were used respectively for monitoring of mine air dust and personal exposures of miners. Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) Spectroscopy determined free silica in respirable dusts. Thermal Conditions like Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, humidity and wind velocity were also recorded during monitoring. The dust levels in the face return air of both, Board & Pillar (B&P) and Long Wall (LW) mining were found above the permissible level recommended by DGMS, Govt. of India. The drilling, blasting and loading are the major dusty operations in B&P method. Exposures of driller and loader were varied between, 0.81-9.48 mg/m{sup 3} and 0.05-9.84 mg/m{sup 3} respectively in B&P mining, whereas exposures of DOSCO loader, Shearer operator and Power Support Face Worker were varied between 2.65-9.11 mg/m{sup 3}, 0.22-10.00 mg/m{sup 3} and 0.12-9.32 mg/m{sup 3} respectively in LW mining. In open cast mining, compressor and driller operators are the major exposed groups. The percentage silica in respirable dusts found below 5% in all most all the workers except among query loaders and drillers of open cast mines.

Namibia is one of Africa's major mining countries and ranks amongst the first 20 in the world. The mining industry is by far the single largest contributor to Namibia's gross domestic product, as well as its exports and public revenue. 44 deposits are currently being mined in Namibia, with diamonds, from the world's richest alluvial diamond field, and uranium, out of one of the world's largest open cast uranium mines (Roessing Mine), being most important of the 31 different commodities produced. In addition Namibia is Africa's largest producer of refined lead and zinc concentrate. Other commodities produced include copper, pyrite, cadmium, arsenic, antimony, gold, silver, tin, fluorite, salt, various pegmatitic industrial minerals, semi-precious stones and building material. Approximately 80% of the value of this mining output is derived from operations held by three major mining companies. There are, however, some 30 other operators active in the country. - Mining has a long history in Namibia with the first prospector arriving in 1761 and the first mine opening in 1856. Mining companies continue to prospect for new mineral resources and extend the reserves of those currently being mined. In 1989 a total of 62.2 million Rand was spent on exploration. The relatively high mineral potential of the country continues to attract investment in the Nambibian mining industry. Areas of particular interest are the base metal mineralization in the northern part of the country, the rare metal occurrences in pegmatites of central and southern Namibia and the offshore potential for fossil fuels, which has been stimulated by the discovery of a substantial gas field in 1974. (orig./HP).

There has been a phenomenal increase in the production of coal from surface mines in India. Vehicular traffic on haul roads of mechanized open-cast coal mines has been identified as the most prolific source of fugitive dust. The airborne dust not only creates a serious health hazard, but also affects the productivity through poor visibility and increased maintenance cost and ultimately deteriorates the ambient air quality in and around the mining sites. An intensive study was carried out in the Muraidih Open-cast Project of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (Dhanbad, Bihar, India) for 1 year to characterize the airborne haul road dust. The percentage of suspended particulate matter at the various size ranges and the free silica content of each of the size ranges of haul road dust were determined. Dust particles are on obvious source of trace elements in the mines. Concentrations of nine trace elements in the haul road dust and the benzene-soluble fractions of suspended particulate matter at the various stations of the mine during all four seasons in 1992-93 were also determined. Enrichment factors were determined and varimax rotated factor analysis was done to get an idea about the source of the various trace elements. 28 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.

In oder to stress its international activities, RAG renamed its daughter RAG Vertrieb und Handel, which is now RAG Coal International AG. Activities in the USA comprise the Cyprus Amax Coal Company which hase 9 mines with a staff of 2650 and an output of 62 Mio. tpa of coal. Coal is produced in 5 longwall mines, 2 mines worked in board-and-stall, and 2 open-cast mines. [German] Um der staerkeren internationalen Ausrichtung Rechnung zu tragen hat RAG ihre fuer den internationalen Bergbau zustaendige Tochtergesellschaft RAG Vertrieb und Handel umbenannt in RAG Coal International AG. Die US-Bergbauaktivitaeten umfassen jetzt die Cyprus Amax Coal Company, die aus 9 Bergwerken mit 2650 Mitarbeitern 62 Mio. t/a Kohle foerdert. Hierbei erfolgt die Kohlengewinnung in 5 Strebbaugruben, 2 Gruben mit Oerterbau und 2 Tagebauen. (orig.)

The Pingshuo open-cast coal field is located in the Shuozhou district, north of Shanxi, China. It is a part of wider region known as the Black Triangle. Open-cast coal mining has caused total destruction of original ecosystems, as well as changes of relief and also land use/cover changes (LUCC) in the mining areas. This paper presents a case study on land use/cover change , and analyzes the LUCC extracted from the TM (ETM+) image data taken from 1986, 1990, 1995, 2002, and 2005. Here comes the results: With the turning of the structure of the mining area land from undisturbed land to land both undisturbed and disturbing, there is the coexistence of undisturbed land, disturbing land and reclaimed land; On the quantity side, from 1986 to 2005, the area of undisturbed land has reduced from 36601.0 ha to 33379.51 ha , while the area of disturbing land has increased from 911.25 ha to 3206.36 ha , and the reclaimed land from 0 ha to 926.46 ha. The area of original land will decrease to 4425.8 ha, as predicted; The spatial evolution, under the obvious limitations of mining order and planning, is presenting a gradient change form from undisturbed land to disturbing land and then to reclaimed land, that is, the spatial scale of reclaimed land is expanding while the undisturbed land is narrowing gradually.

New operations coming on-stream at the Oaky Creek Coal Mine, Queensland, Australia are outlined. These include: mining and maintenance contracting (open cut); the transition towards underground mining; and sub-leasing underground mining contracts. 1 fig. 1 tab.

The research on the reclamation of areas devasted by open cast mining has a long tradition in the Middle-East European Countries. Results obtained from the research in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia and Estonia are summarized. Mining technologies, law regulations and the physiogeographical situation of the mining regions are different in the particular countries. This resulted in different reclamation strategies in these countries. In Poland, forest recultivation is of great importance because of the physical and chemical properties of the uppermost layers of the dumps, whereas in Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Romania agricultural recultivation is more important. The results of studies on the forest recultivation of dumps in Estonia are of great interest, because they have been carried out for more than 50 years. 26 refs., 3 tabs.

Newly vegetated sites provide opportunities to enlighten organic matter (OM) transformation mechanisms in soils and sediments at very early stages of development which, in turn, is relevant to better understand general ecosystem functioning. Mine acid soils and sediments in the Lusatian open cast lignite mining district (Germany) contains a high concentration of fossil carbon (lignite) in ad mixture with recent OM from the local vegetation, both contributing to the humified OM pool. In this study, analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC-MS) was used to monitor the different C sources (lignite or plant derived) in developing mine tailing soils and sediments and their degree of degradation in contrasting environments. Representative vegetation and the organic carbon (OC) rich soil/sediment fraction (hum...

This paper concentrates on testing of cutting resistance in rock and coal and testing of truck performance. It is one of the important means for planning, production and research departments in selecting optimal open-cast mining technology and transporting equipment. Examples are given to illustrate that the mining and technical parameters and curves showing that their relations as obtained in the site tests can be used as criteria for planning optimal mining technology, selection, introduction and use of equipment by taking into account the geological conditions in the Chinese coal field. The method of simply referring to the experience abroad, the general theoretical analysis of compressive strength or analysis of statistical data cannot satisfy the need of modernized production.

The restoration of surface mining landscapes requires the (re)creation of ecosystems. In Lusatia (eastern Germany), large-scale open-cast lignite mining operations generated spoil dumps widely consisting of acidified, phytotoxic substrates. Amelioration and rehabilitation measures have been developed and applied to these substrates since the 1950s. However, it is still not clear whether these approaches are sustainable. This paper reports on collaborative research work into the ecological potential of forest ecosystem development on typical minesites in the Lusatian lignite district. At first sight, pine stands on minesites along a chronosequence comprising about 35 years did not show differences when compared with stands on non-mined sites of the general region. Furthermore, with some modification, conceptual models for flora and fauna succession in forest stands on non-mined sites seem to be applicable, at least for the early stages of forest ecosystem development. For example, soil organism abundance and activity at minesites had already reached levels typical of non-mined sites after about 20-30 years. In contrast, mine soils are very different from non-mined soils of the test region. Chemically, mine soil development is dominated by processes originating from pyrite oxidation. Geogenic, i.e. lignitic, soil organic carbon was shown to substitute for some functions of pedogenic soil organic matter. Rooting was hampered but not completely impeded in strongly acidified soil compartments. Roots and mycorrhizae are apparently able to make use of the characteristic heterogeneity of young mine soils. Considering these recent results and the knowledge accumulated during more than 30 years of research on minesite rehabilitation internationally, it can be stated that minesite restoration might be used as an ideal case study for forest ecosystem development starting at "point zero" on "terra nova".

Sealing walls are an established technology as underground barriers to prevent groundwater inflow. They are widely used in civil engineering, hydrological engineering, and landfill engineering. The Lausitzer Braunkohle Aktiengesellschaft (LAUBAG) uses the technology for detwatering of open-cast lignite mines. [German] Der Einsatz von Dichtwaenden als unterirdische Barrieren zur Abriegelung von Grundwasserstroemen ist eine bewaehrte Technik, die im Spezialtiefbau zur Umschliessung von Baugruben weltweit Anwendung findet. Darueber hinaus ist der Einsatz von Dichtwaenden zur Abdichtung wasserbaulicher Anlagen und zur Einkapselung von Deponien und Altlasten bekannt. Die Lausitzer Braunkohle Aktiengesellschaft (LAUBAG) nutzt die Dichtwandtechnik bei der Entwaesserung von Braunkohlentagebauen. (orig.)

A biosorption process has been developed for the bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated acid drainages from Merladet and Faith open-cast mines, located in western Spain. The process is based on the physico-chemical properties for the adsorption, ion exchange, and complexation of metal ions by biopolymers (chitin and ? (1,3) ?-D-glucan) from industrial biowaste exhausted brewer?s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae L.). Firstly, the chemical composition (U, Mn, Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ni) and the physico-chemical and ecological states of these acid mine drainages were characterised. Furthermore, the selectivity for Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Al the first order kinetics and the performance of the metals biosorption process by exhausted brewer?s yeast were evaluated with polluted acid synthetic waters a...

The Welzow-Sued open-cast mine of Lausitzer Braunkohle Aktiengesellschaft (LAUBAG) is located in the center of the Lausitz brown coal district between the cities of Cottbus, Senftenberg and Spremberg on the southern border of the Land of Brandenburg. It is one of four productive lignite mines of LAUBAG and the main supplier of the Schwarze Pumpe power station and upgrading plant. [German] Der Tagebau Welzow-Sued der Lausitzer Braunkohle Aktiengesellschaft (LAUBAG) befindet sich territorial im Zentrum des Lausitzer Braunkohlenreviers, inmitten des Staedtedreiecks Cottbus - Senftenberg - Spremberg, an der suedlichen Grenze des Bundeslandes Brandenburg. Als Hauptversorger des Kraftwerks- und Veredlungsstandortes Schwarze Pumpe mit Rohbraunkohle (RBK) ist Welzow-Sued einer von vier foerdernden Tagebauen der LAUBAG. (orig.)

Mining and smelting often produce acidic wastes that can cause severe biogeochemical changes downstream from these mines. Dexing copper mine, as the largest open cast mine in China, is connected to Poyang Lake by Le An river. Water and spectra samples were taken from Le An River and two of its branches, and afterward the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were measured in the lab. Different spectral pre-processing methods were applied to the spectra, including Savitzky-Golay spectral smoothing, SNV, first derivative, second derivative spectral transforming. On the purpose of estimating metal concentrations from differently pre-processed spectra, partial least squares regression was then used in model calibrations. For deciding the optimal number of PLS factors included in the PLS model, the model with the lowest root mean square error of validation is chosen. The coefficient of determination (R2v) between the predicted and the reference values from the test set are used as an evaluation mean. For estimating Pb concentration, R2v = 0.915, which is acceptable. For Cd concentration, R2v = 0.697 and 0.683 for Zn. PLS model seems to failed in estimating Cu concentration, for the best R2v for PLS model of Cu is lower than 0.5. From the aspects of spectral pre-processing methods, first derivative after Savitzky-Golay smoothing performs superior to others. In conclusion, PLS models based on carefully pre-processed hyperspectral data turn out to be a promising solution for detecting certain heavy metals concentrations in river.

In November 1997 an outflow of up to 0.4 m{sup 3}/s of groundwater from deep seated aquifers occurred in the open-cast lignite mine of Hambach, Germany. Although this incident was technically under control and did not affect the mining activities, it was studied in a joint research project to exclude recurrences at other locations. In this paper we summarize the results from a hydromechanical point of view. One key issue of this paper is to present a continuous and consistent explanation of the progression of the incident based on an analysis of the available geological, hydraulic, and chemical data. The probability of similar incidents is highly unlikely due to the rare combination of a thin sealing clay smear in the fault, high pressure gradient, and fractured coal seams in direct contact with the sealing clay. As a perspective, strategies for a responsible mining policy are derived based on the outcome of this study to prevent a recurrence of this type of incident and to ensure optimal safety for the mining operations with minimum effects on water resources.

To extract the oil at these locations, oil producers remove the sand in big, open- pit mines, ... Great Canadian Oil Sands opened the first large-scale mine in 1967, but growth was ... Forests must be cleared for both open-pit and in situ mining.

The paper explores how electric drive haul trucks and mine management technologies can combine to maximise haulage and productivity in open-pit mining. It describes operations at TransAlta's coal mine in Centralia, Washington, USA. Two of Komatsu America Corp's 320 t, 930E-3 haul trucks were commissioned in 2003. Operations are further streamlined by an advanced mine management systems installed by Modular Mining systems, the MineCare{reg_sign} and DISPATCH{reg_sign}systems. 4 figs.

This yearbook contains comprehensive statistics on the NSW coal industry divided into the following sections:- demand and supply; coal resources and quality; production; exports; prices; port facilities; domestic consumption; employment; manshifts lost; labour productivity. It also contains directories of companies, mines and new/potential mines; open cut mine survey; longwall mine survey; and export details.

Political, economic and legislative factors combine to influence the utilisation of coal combustion products and are very important to European power producers. Utilities have been forced to move towards utilisation of increasing amounts of CCPs from power plants. Currently nearly 55% of CCPs are utilised in the construction industry and in underground mining, while nearly 33% are used for the restoration of open cast mines, quarries and pits. Only 12% of the total CCPs are temporarily stockpiled or have to be disposed of in disposal grounds. In the majority of cases CCPs are used as a replacement for naturally occurring resources and therefore offer environmental benefits by avoiding the need to quarry or mine these resources. The majority of CCPs are produced to meet requirements of standards or other specifications with respect to utilization in certain applications. Nevertheless, the power industry is very active in developing new and high-grade utilisation fields for CCPs to maximise the economics and ecological benefits of these materials. Over the past ten years the European Coal Combustion Product Association, ECOBA has played an increasingly important role in developing ever higher rates of utilisation of CCPs. This paper was presented by the President of ECOBA. 4 figs., 1 annex.

Uranium production in Brazil will be restarted in the year 2000, through exploration of the Jazida da Cachoeira, located in the uraniferous region of Lagoa Real, Bahia State, northeast Brazil. Because of the mining operations, an open cast mine of approximately 27 x 10(4) m2 will be produced and the material removed will constitute approximately 14 x 10(6) tons, occupying an estimated area of 50 x 10(4) m2. Currently, there is a new concept about project developing, where the impact assessment is addressed during the initial phases. Beside this, legislation requires an environmental impact assessment before starting mining activities. In this context purpose, it is the purpose of this work to evaluate the chemical composition of the future waste; thus, samples were collected from the rocks that surround the mineral deposits. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used for the elemental quantification, the mean elemental concentrations were calculated, and the ratios were normalized using North American Shale Composite (NASC). In the raw material eight main mineral structures exist whose elementary composition were compared using the statistical techniques of analysis of variance, ranking ANOVA, and multivariate ANOVA. PMID:10676504

Using two methods of numerical simulation and similar simulation, the failure problems of an open-pit slope under the condition of combining open-pit mining with underground mining were analyzed and discussed. The results show that the failure of an open-pit slope is a gradual process. In order to guarantee that normal open-pit mine production works well, the explored boundary must be controlled properly by the vertical stature of safe mining. By analysis of a similar simulation, the mining order can be optimized. 14 refs., 8 figs.

In October 2002, a well was constructed by horizontal directional drilling at Vereinigtes Schleenhein open-cast mine by Haustadt and Timmermann GmbH and Co. KG, Duisburg, for the Mitteldeutsche Braunkohlengesellschaft mbH (MIBRAG mbH). The well was to drain residual water resulting from leaching processes in the Zechstein trough of aquifer 3. At the same time, experience was to be gained on horizontal directional drilling. (orig.) [German] Im Oktober 2002 wurde im Auftrag der Mitteldeutschen Braunkohlengesellschaft mbH (MIBRAG mbH) ein Horizontalfilterbrunnen mittels Horicontal Directional Drilling (HDD) im Tagebau Vereinigtes Schleenhain durch die Firma Haustadt and Timmermann GmbH and Co. KG, Duisburg hergestellt. Dieser Brunnen sollte in einer durch Auslaugungsvorgaenge im Zechstein entstandenen Mulde des Grundwasserleiters 3 (GWL 3) anstehende Restwaesser fassen. Gleichzeitig diente der Brunnen dazu, Erfahrungen mit der HDD-Technik im Zusammenhang mit der Entwicklung eines modifizierten Entwaesserungssystems zu sammeln. (orig.)

Without careful management and more efficient utilization of water, demand for water in South Africa will exceed supply by the turn of the century. This has led to legislation such that disposal of effluents in evaporation facilities will be phased out and the installation of desalination treatment facilities will be required. Seepage from gold tailings dams, ash disposal areas, coal washery discard waste dumps and open-cast coal mining spoil piles are areas of concern. This paper illustrates how predictive solute transport models can be used to allow an assessment of seepage quality, prior to desalination treatment. The system modelled, a scavenger wellfield downstream of a waste dump, demonstrates application of one-dimensional and two-dimensional solute transport models, capable of predicting transient effluent discharge concentrations at the wells with variations in discharge rates. 5 references.

The potential of dry cleaning coal of varying ranks using a pneumatic table concentrator has been evaluated as part of an ongoing investigation. The evaluation has been performed at several sites throughout the United States where coal is extracted from surface open cast, highwall and underground operations as well as from coarse reject. The treated coals varied in feed ash content (i.e., 7-70%). Regardless of the mineral matter type, pure rock removal into the reject stream was achieved in all applications with little coal loss. Field data obtained when treating 50 × 6 mm run-of-mine bituminous coal indicate that 70-90% of the >2.0 Relative Density (RD) rock can be rejected. As a result, a clean product having acceptable market quality was generated from several c...

The Kostolac mammoth was discovered in 2009 in Pleistocene deposits adjacent to the Drmno open-cast lignite mine in the Serbian Danube Basin. On the basis of cranial and dental features, the individual is identified as the so-called 'steppe' mammoth, Mammuthus trogontherii. The remains are those of an old male of estimated age around 62 years, and comprise one of the most complete and best-preserved known skeletons of this species, and the first from the region. Skeletal height is estimated as around four metres, and body mass 9.5 t. The excellent preservation of the skeleton provides new information about the osteology of M. trogontherii, an evolutionary intermediate between the better-known ancestral mammoth Mammuthus meridionalis and woolly mammoth Mammuthus primigenius. The find is als...

The objectives of this study were to determine the average concentrations and deposition rates of 28 elements in atmospheric bulk deposition and to elucidate associations among topsoil, bulk deposition and wheat element composition. The fluxes of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) deposition in Cordoba were higher than in other agro-ecosystems, which reflects both natural (geochemistry and topsoil removal) and anthropogenic sources. High lanthanide, uranium (U) and thorium (Th) concentrations revealed the impact of an open cast uranium mine. The highest enrichment factors (EF) were those of Cu, Pb, Zn and nickel (Ni), with calcium (Ca) being the most prominent in the surroundings of a cement plant. Industries and the transport of airborne urban pollutants were the main anth...

The chemical processes and their thermal effects taking place inside a dump of an open-cast mine (Cospuden) during a reclamation process were investigated. Fiber-optic-distributed-temperature sensing (DTS) was applied together with a soil ground water monitoring system (SGM-System). An optical fiber was mounted at the entire length of a double-pipe SGM-System. The temperature was measured monthly, along the depth of 50 m, with a spatial resolution of 0.5 m. The system was utilized for the localization of heat production zones in the subsurface, for the determination of the temperature variation`s penetration depth from the surface into the soil of the dump and for the determination of the influence of the SGM-System on the subsurface temperature balance. The results were compared with a heat transport model and then interpreted.

Analyzes labor productivity of underground coal mines of the Ukrainian SSR from 1975 to 1985. Effects of the following factors on labor productivity are evaluated: mechanization of longwall mining, use of narrow-web cutter loaders, mechanization of coal haulage, increased use of shearer loaders and belt conveyors, use of automatic control systems, replacing friction props with powered supports and hydraulic props, concentration of mining operations, organizational models, changes of coal output structure, declining coal seam thickness, increasing mining weight, increasing temperatures, dimensions of working faces and mine roadways, reliability of mining equiment. Labor productivity in the following phases of coal mining is analyzed: deposit opening, mine drivage, coal cutting, strata control, mine haulage, hoisting, ventilation, mine draining, auxiliary operation, repair and maintenance, operations above ground. Statistical data on labor consumption and labor productivity are analyzed. From 1975 to 1985 labor consumption of underground coal mining in Ukrainian mines increased by 41%. 12 refs.

Features: OPEN PIT COPPER MINES, GREEN VALLEY, SAHUARITA ... The mine pits are recognizable by the concentric lines of benches cut into the pit sides. ... access to the fresh ore (gray) exposed at the bottom of the excavation.

This astronaut photograph illustrates three open-pit mines located ... The mine pits are recognizable by the concentric lines of benches cut into the pit sides. ... personnel access to the fresh ore (gray) exposed at the bottom of the excavation.

This paper explores the potential of emulsion based cast booster to be used as primer to initiate bulk delivered emulsion explosives used in mines. An attempt has been made for comparative study between conventional cast booster and emulsion based cast booster in terms of the initiation process developed and their capability to develop and maintain the stable detonation process in the column explosives. The study has been conducted using a continuous velocity of detonation (VOD) measuring instrument. During this study three blasts have been monitored. In each blast two holes have been selected for study, the first hole being initiated with conventional cast booster while the other one with emulsion based cast booster. The findings of the study advocates that emulsion based cast booster is capable of efficient priming of bulk delivered column explosive with stable detonation process in the column. Further, the booster had advantages over the conventional PETN/TNT based cast booster. 5 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab., 1 photo.

The development is described of technical and mining museums in Hungary from its beginnings in 1807 until 1983. In addition to the Central Mining Museum in Sopron, a further 8 mining museums have been established: The Ore and Mineral Mining Museum in Rudabanaya (1965), Underground Mining Museum in Salgotarjan (1965), The Mining Museum in Ajka on the Armin Shaft (1965), Collection of the History of Mining of Varpalota (1976), The Mecsek Mining Museum in Pecs (1977), Bauxite Mining Museum in Gant (1978), Mining Museum in Oroszlany (1979), Bauxite Mining Collection in Tapolca (1981). Tables list name, address and opening hours of the museums, field of interest, name and address of administrator, information on museum building, staff, exhibits, collections, publishing activity and other information. 9 references.

For decades Malaysia was the world's largest producer of Sn, but now the vast open cast mining operations have left a legacy of some 100,000 ha of what is effectively wasteland, covered with a mosaic of tailings and lagoons. Few plants naturally recolonise these areas. The demand for such land for both urban expansion and agricultural use has presented an urgent need for better characterisation. This study reports on the formation of artificial soils from alluvial Sn mining waste with a focus on the effects of experimental treatments on soil chemistry. Soil organic matter, clay, and pH were manipulated in a controlled environment. Adding both clay tailings and peat enhanced the cation exchange capacity of sand tailings but also reduced the pH. The addition of peat reduced the extractable levels of some elements but increased the availability of Ca and Mg, thus proving beneficial. The use of clay tailings increased the levels of macro and micronutrients but also released Al, As, La, Pb and U. Additionally, the effects of soil mix and mycorrhizal treatments on growth and foliar chemistry were studied. Two plant species were selected: Panicum milicaeum and Pueraria phaseoloides. Different growth patterns were observed with respect to the additions of peat and clay. The results for mycorrhizal treatment (live inoculum or sterile carrier medium) are more complex, but both resulted in improved growth. The use of mycorrhizal fungi could greatly enhance rehabilitation efforts on sand tailings. PMID:22130476

Roessing Uranium Ltd. operates the world`s largest open-cast uranium ore mine near the mountain bearing the same name. After extensive prospection and exploration, production was started in 1976. The open-cast mining areas is 3000 m x 1000 m; the deepest bench is situated 250 m underneath the surface level (576 m above sea level); plans envisage working to a depth of 500 m. Benches are prepared at a distance of 15 m. After sales had picked up in recent years, a change was made to operation in three shifts on seven days a week. An average of 350,000 t of rock is blasted once a week, removed by power shovels, and carried off on heavy duty trucks. As a result of the low uranium content of the low-grade ore there is no need for sophisticated radiation protection measures. Yet, Roessing puts great emphasis on safety, which is monitored continuously by national and international independent expert organizations. Personnel are recruited chiefly from Mamibia. The mining school founded by the compancy was donated to the government as a foundation. Roessing has made all provisions necessary to ensure that Namibia can maintain its position among the uranium supplier countries also in the future. (orig.) [Deutsch] Die Roessing Uranium Ltd. betreibt am gleichnamigen Berge den weltweit groessten Uranerztagebau. Nach umfangreicher Prospektions- und Explorationstaetigkeit wurde die Gewinnung 1976 aufgenommen. Die offene Tagebauflaeche betraegt 3000 m x 1000 m, die tiefste Sohle liegt 250 m unter der Rasensohle (576 m NN), die Planung sieht ein Vordringen bis in eine Teufe von 500 m vor. Die Sohlen werden im Abstand von 15 m aufgefahren. Nach Verbesserung des Absatzes wurde in den letzten Jahren auf einen Dreischichtbetrieb an sieben Tagen in der Woche uebergegangen. Durchschnittlich 350 000 t Haufwerk werden einmal woechentlich hereingesprengt, mit Schaufelbaggern weggeladen und mit Schwerlastkraftwagen abgefoerdert. Aufgrund des geringen Urangehaltes des Schwacherzes brauchen keine aufwendigen Strahlenschutzvorkehrungen getroffen zu werden. Nichtsdestoweniger legt Roessing grossen Wert auf die Sicherheit, die staendig durch nationale und internationale unabhaengige Gutachterorganisationen ueberwacht wird. Die Belegschaft wird ueberwiegend aus Nambia rekrutiert. Die vom Unternehmen gegruendete Bergschule wurde als Stiftung an den Staat uebergeben. Roessing hat alle Vorkehrungen getroffen, damit Namibia auch in Zukunft seinen Stellenwert unter den Uranlieferlaendern behauptet. (orig.)

Underground exploitation of dimensional stones is not a novelty, being long since practised, as proved by a number of historical documents and by a certain number of ancient quarrying voids throughout the world. Anyway, so far, open cast quarrying has been the most adopted practice for the excavation of dimensional stones. One primary reason that led to this situation is of course connected to the lower production costs of an open cast exploitation compared to an underground one. This cheapness has been supported by geological and technical motives: on the one hand, the relative availability of surface deposits and, on the other, the development of technologies, which often can be used only outdoor. But, nowadays, general costs of quarrying activities should be re-evaluated because new, and often proper, restrictions have been strongly rising during recent years. As a consequence of both environmental and technical restrictions, pressure will more and more arise to reduce open cast quarrying and to promote underground exploitations. The trend is already well marked for weak rocks - for instance in the extractive basin of Carrara, where about one hundred quarries are active, 30 per cent is working underground, but also in Spain, Portugal and Greece the number of underground marble quarries is increasing - but not yet for hard rock quarrying, where only few quarries are working underground all around the world. One reason has to be found in cutting technologies traditionally used. In weak rocks, diamond wire saw and chain cutter are usable, with few adaptations, in underground spaces, while drilling and blasting, the traditional exploitation method for hard stone, is not easily usable in a confined space, where often only one free face is available. Many technicians and researchers agree that two technologies will probably open the door to underground quarrying in hard rocks: diamond wire and water jet. The first one is already available; the second should still be improved. The paper refers to some of the most important and significant examples in Italy, and underlines the possibility of extending, by underground quarrying, the exploitation of important and well-appreciated natural stones, as the quartzite-sandstone of the Tosco-Emiliano Appennini (Firenzuola Stone) and the Alpine gneisses. In order to pass from the simple experimental stage (explorative drift) to the more complex 3D design of the underground voids, detailed geo-structural reconstruction of the rock body and specific lithological in situ surveys are needed: such important aspects represent a very interesting common field between mining engineers and geologists.

Papers are presented under the following session headings: aspects of international mining industries; open pit operations; underground coal mining technology; transport; aids to profitability; underground coal mining operations; and profit contributors. Selected papers have been abstracted separately on the IEA Coal Research CD-ROM.

The impact of surface mining for coal on the nature and extent of freshwater wetlands was assessed on 73,200 ha in western Pennsylvania. The influence of mining on wetlands was not uniform across physiographic regions, varying with regional differences in hydrology and soils. Overall, mined lands supported 18% more palustrine wetlands, than unmined lands, primarily because of a 270% gain in permanent, open-water wetlands on mined lands in the glaciated region. Open-water wetlands declined on mined lands in unglaciated regions owing to unfavorable hydrologic conditions. The number and size of emergent wetlands declined as a result of mining. Mined lands supported 81% fewer riverine wetlands than unmined lands. This was caused primarily by avoidance of lands containing streams, and secondarily by a 10% reduction in replacement of riverine wetlands during reclamation. Land managers need to develop land use policies that maximize the ecological and social benefits that can be derived from developing diverse wetland communities on mined lands. 21 references.

Environmental impacts due to large scale open pit mining are dependent upon the physical features of the mine site, the mining technology in use, and the reclamation technology applied. The paper identifies the major environmental problems associated with surface lignite mining in Ptolemais-Amydeon area, northern Greece. It describes the mining methods that currently are in use both for lignite and overburden excavation, and the types and severity of resulting environmental effects. Finally it presents the kinds of reclamation practices that are used to reduce the adverse environmental effects of mining. 4 refs., 2 figs., 7 tabs.

Coal is the largest fossil fuel source used for the generation of energy. However, coal extraction and its use constitute important pollution factors; thus, risk characterization and estimation are extremely important for the safety of coal workers and the environment. Candiota is located to the southeast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and has the largest coal reserves in Brazil, and the largest thermal power complex in the state. In the open-cast mines, the coal miners are constantly exposed to coal dust. The human buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay has been used widely to investigate biomarkers for DNA damage, cell death, and basal cell frequency in buccal cells. The aim of this study was to assess whether prolonged exposure to coal dust could lead to an increase in genomic instability, cell death, and frequency of basal cells using the BMCyt assay. In the analysis of epithelial cells, the exposed group (n = 41) presented with a significantly higher frequency of basal cells, micronuclei in basal and differentiated cells, and binucleated cells compared to the non-exposed group (n = 29). The exposed group showed a significantly lower frequency of condensed chromatin cells than the non-exposed group. However, we found no correlation between DNA damage and metal concentration in the blood of mine workers. DNA damage observed in the mine workers may be a consequence of oxidative damage resulting from exposure to coal residue mixtures. In addition, our findings confirm that the BMCyt assay can be used to identify occupational risk. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:23055270

Coal remains a key feature of the world's energy and steel markets and coal mining is a global industry. Suppliers of equipment to the coal-mining industry have seen traditional markets almost disappear and new markets emerge. Suppliers need to work closely with customers, sometimes in remote areas developing long-term partnerships and continually improving the product to their mutual benefit. An attempt to explain how global changes to the underground coal industry have influenced the supply of coal-mining equipment is illustrated by recent developments in the Long-Airdox group. An example is given of how the group worked with the Cayirhan Mine in Turkey supplying cast armoured face conveyors for longwall mining. The paper was presented at a meeting of the Nottinghamshire Branch of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy on 3 June 1998 in Nottinghamshire, UK. 1 fig.

The potential of using coal mining and coal preparation wastes as an additive to partially reduce the quantity of coke used in the production of cast iron is being investigated by Russia. The method is based on the formation of silicon carbide and ferrosilicon during the heating process in a blast furnace. The study involved thermodynamic calculations and experiments using two types of feed stock at two metallurgical plants. This paper reflects the progress that has been made. The results show that the decrease of coke consumption and increase in blast furnace capacity was achieved. According to our calculations lt. of CW can be used in lieu of 0.5 t of coke for casting cast iron instead of cast iron produced for steel manufacture. Furthermore favourable results were also achieved using shungit rocks in this process; to the extent that shungits are used constantly for decreasing coke quantities in the production of cast iron. 3 tabs.

In simulation of solidification processes, an open issue is the concurrent modelling of fluid flow and solid mechanics. This is critical for the prediction of cracks formed in solidified regions during the filling stage of ingot casting, or in the mould during continuous casting. The proposed approa...

Oct 26, 1982 ... consisting of silicon nitride powder and a densification aid. The reaction ... open porosity originally found in the reaction bonded .... h as silicon particles are injection that I am ... This mixture is slip cast into a plaster mold.

Sliding friction studies were conducted on a clean and oxide- covered iron surface .... cylindrical can opening (see fig. l(b)), and then pass through slits in an inner cylinder ..... on Cast Iron, Graphite, Boron Nitride, and Molybdenum Bisulfide.

Zone casting is a promising method for fabrication of open highly oriented crystalline and liquid crystalline (LC) films for various applications in (opto)electronics. We have performed a comparative structural analysis of mechanically sheared and zone-cast films of a model columnar LC. Grazing Incidence X-ray diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy show that, contrary to the mechanically sheared films, the columns in the zone-cast films are aligned perpendicular to the casting direction. In the films, two LC domains with [20] or [11] reciprocal space vectors perpendicular to the substrate plane are observed. This can be explained by a small lattice mismatch allowing epitaxial growth of the LC domains on each other.

This paper describes Bureau of Mines investigations of recovery of Ni, Co, Cr, and other metals from mixed contaminated superalloy scrap. The scrap is melt-refined and cast into anodes for electrodeposition of recyclable Ni-Co alloy. Preliminary experiments to recover Cr, W, and other metals from the anode sludge and other byproducts are discussed.

The paper looks at the process of producing and matching manganese steel bushings developed by Excel. The process involves centrifugally casting manganese steel (MS) bushings used in mining equipment, yielding tighter grain boundaries, increased density and improved Brinell hardness, while limiting undesirable pearlite. 3 photos.

Researchers at the National Mine Land Reclamation Center recently received a 450,000 dollar grant from the federal government to clean up the Casselman River watershed in southwestern Pennsylvania. Acid mine drainage has been seepling into the Casselman`s tributaries from underground mining operations, primarily from abandoned deep coal mines in the Shaw mines complex. The restoration plan includes four different technologies: anoxic limestone drains; open limestone drains; diversion wells; and magneto-electrochemical treatment. The principles of these technologies are outlined in the article. 1 fig., 5 photos.

The U.S. is the largest producer of mining products in the world. In 2003, U.S. mining operations produced $57 billion worth of raw materials that contributed a total of $564 billion to the nation's wealth. Despite these contributions, the mining industry has not been well supported with research and development funds as compared to mining industries in other countries. To overcome this problem, the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies (CAST) was established to develop technologies that can be used by the U.S. mining industry to create new products, reduce production costs, and meet environmental regulations. Much of the research to be conducted with Cooperative Agreement funds will be longer-term, high-risk, basic research and will be carried out in five broad areas: (1) Solid-solid separation; (2) Solid-liquid separation; (3) Chemical/Biological Extraction; (4) Modeling and Control; and (5) Environmental Control.

Rock mass classification procedure is an important part in solving most rock engineering problem. Well known rock mass classification systems include the rock mass rating (RMR) and the Q-system. These systems have been applied for various works, mostly in civil engineering applications rather than mining purposes. To assess the stability of the mine openings in underground limestone mines, RMR and Q values were estimated from 142 locations of 7 underground mine sites in Korea. Unsupported span derived from the estimated RMR and Q values were compared to measured mine opening span. The results showed that the span derived from RMR was more conservative than those from Q values. This difference might have been resulted from different parameters which each classification system uses, and also their sensitivity to the rock behaviors. Although the both rock mass classification systems have been modified and improved continuously, the results vary with site conditions. The critical span curves proposed by Lang(2001), often called as the Mathews' stability graph method, are used to calculate the unsupported span. These curves were modified for underground limestone mines in Korea. It has led to a reasonable conclusion for assessing the stability of wide underground openings in six limestone mines. Nevertheless, additional research seems to be necessary for other mine sites. The database should be required for calculating the unsupported span. To obtain more data, in ten mine sites the survey was conducted. It will be contributed to Limestone Mine Site Characterization Model(LSCM) for Korea.

Simulations replicating urbanization and/or different landscapes following the cessation of open-pit mining were performed with a non-hydrostatic meso-beta-scale model. Except for cloud and precipitating particles the daily domain averages of the variables of state hardly differ under calm wind conditions. Nevertheless, the `single land-use changes` which are associated with urbanization, open-pit mines or the flooding of open-pit mines may appreciably or even significantly affect the local processes of the atmospheric water-cycle over and downwind of the land-use changes.

The Sorgun and Suluova basins contain a thick and extensive Lower Eocene coal seam. The stratigraphy of both basins comprises basement rocks, the Yozgat Granitoid of Pre-Eocene age in the Sorgun basin and Jurassic-Cretaceous limestones in the Suluova basin, overlain unconformably by the coal-bearing Lower Eocene Celtek Formation and by transgressive units of Middle-Upper Eocene age. In the Sorgun basin the Artova Ophiolitic Complex tectonically overlies the transgressive units. Neogene and Quaternary deposits cover all the older units unconformably in both basins. The single coal seam is located at the base of the Celtek Formation and reaches a thickness of 6 m in the open-cast mine at Sorgun and 8 m in boreholes in the Suluova basin. A total of 75 coal samples from both basins were analysed chemically and petrographically. The coals are characterized by a relatively low moisture content, variable ash yields, and huminite contents. Measurements of the mean random reflectance of ulminite vary between 0.46 and 0.60%. These reflectance values and the chemical analyses show that the rank is subbituminous A or transitional to high-volatile bituminous C coal according to the ASTM classification. The coalbed methane potential of both basins is at present unknown. No borehole has been drilled to explore for this resource and no gas capacity value has been obtained for the coal seam and bituminous shales. The methane explosions which have occurred during coal production in the underground mines imply that both basins may have been an important potential for coalbed methane. 24 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.

The procedure for environmental impact assessment (EIA) in connection with mining covers extraction, preparation and processing of metallic minerals or other extractable minerals when the total amount of ore to be extracted is at least 550 000 tonnes per year or when the surface area of the open-cast mine exceeds 25 hectares. In addition, the Ministry of the Environment can decide that the assessment procedure shall be applied to an individual project (The EIA Act paragraph 1, section 4.) The EIA procedure is two-stage. The first stage comprises drawing up of an assessment programme. The second stage includes collecting assessment reports on the basis of which an assessment of the environmental impact will be made. The authority concerned shall then disseminate information on the project and arrange hearing of the parties. Hearing is followed by submission of an executive summary of the assessment programme and the environmental impact assessment, which together with the environmental impact statement will be used by the licensing authority when taking decision on the matter. The environmental impact assessment procedure in connection with mining will coincide either with the application for mining concession or the submission of the environmental impact statement to the Safety Technology Authority together with a general plan. The aim of the environmental impact assessment is to study what indirect and direct, both positive and negative, effects the project will have on the surrounding nature, man, society and industry. A further aim is to present a proposal for actions in order to prevent and limit the detrimental effects of the project on the environment as well as to present a proposal for a follow-up programme. The dialogue between the operator and the contact authority is of great importance during the entire process of the environmental impact assessment. It is in the interest of all parties that the environmental impact assessment will be made with care. In the case of projects for which an actual environmental impact assessment is not required, there will be an environmental investigation, which conforms to the obligation to keep oneself posted on the environmental impact of a project and which focuses on known facts. Further, a so-called Natura assessment will be made if the planned project is to be carried within a protected area or if the project will have a marked impact extending to a protected area. Before carrying out an environmental investigation or making an environmental impact assessment in connection with a mining project, it is very important to document the normal state of the environment. Such documentation should be available at least at the time of the application for mining concession. The documentation of the normal state of the environment will result in the production of information to be used in the follow-up both during and after mining operations. (orig.)

Easily removable, environmentally safe, low-density, syntactic foams are disclosed which are prepared by mixing insoluble microballoons with a solution of water and/or alcohol-soluble polymer to produce a pourable slurry, optionally vacuum filtering the slurry in varying degrees to remove unwanted solvent and solute polymer, and drying to remove residual solvent. The properties of the foams can be controlled by the concentration and physical properties of the polymer, and by the size and properties of the microballoons. The suggested solute polymers are non-toxic and soluble in environmentally safe solvents such as water or low-molecular weight alcohols. The syntactic foams produced by this process are particularly useful in those applications where ease of removability is beneficial, and could find use in packaging recoverable electronic components, in drilling and mining applications, in building trades, in art works, in the entertainment industry for special effects, in manufacturing as temporary fixtures, in agriculture as temporary supports and containers and for delivery of fertilizer, in medicine as casts and splints, as temporary thermal barriers, as temporary protective covers for fragile objects, as filters for particulate matter, which matter may be easily recovered upon exposure to a solvent, as in-situ valves (for one-time use) which go from maximum to minimum impedance when solvent flows through, and for the automatic opening or closing of spring-loaded, mechanical switches upon exposure to a solvent, among other applications. 1 fig.

High population density in Czech Republic has led, as well as in other countries, to strong NIMBY syndrome influencing the waste disposal location. The largest thermal power plants are situated in neighborhood of extensive open-cast brown coal mines with huge area covered by tipped clayey spoil. Such spoil areas, technically almost useless, are potential space for power giant waste disposal position. There are several limitations, based on specific structural features of tipped clayey spoil, influencing decision to use such area as site for waste disposal. Low shear strength and extremely high compressibility belong to the geotechnical limitations. High permeability of upper ten or more meters of tipped spoil and its changes with applied stress level belongs to transitional features between geotechnical and environmental limitations. The problems of ash and FGD products stabilized interaction with such subgrade represent environmental limitation. The paper reports about the testing procedure developed for thickness and permeability estimation of upper soil layer and gives brief review of laboratory and site investigation results on potential sites from point of view of above mentioned limitations. Also gives an outline how to eliminate the influence of unfavorable conditions.

Increasing competition has forced the brown coal industry to develop new potentials for rationalisation. In open-cast mining, the introduction of the 200,000 miners and belt conveyors in the early seventies was the first step. Recently, the following automation projects were carried out: Automation of stock pile equipment in the coal bunkers; partial automation of loading waggons; partial automation of spreaders; full automation of tripper cars. This served to reduce the specific cost per t of lignite by about 50 percent during the last decade. [German] Steigender Wettbewerbsdruck zwingt den Braunkohlenbergbau dazu, neue Rationalisierungspotentiale zu erschliessen. Im Bereich der Tagebautechnik waren die wesentlichen Mechanisierungs- und Automatisierungsschritte mit Einfuehrung der 200 000er Geraete-Generation und Abloesung des Zugbetriebes durch die kontinuierliche Bandfoerdertechnik Anfang der 70er Jahre erreicht worden. Wesentliche Fortschritte waren beim bestehenden Maschinenpark erst in den letzten Jahren unter steigendem Wettbewerbsdruck und durch die rasante Entwicklung der Automatisierungstechnik moeglich. Konkret wurden bei RWE Power im Bereich der Tagebau-Bergbaumaschinen folgende Automatisierungsprojekte verfolgt: - Automatisierung der Haldenfoerdergeraete in den Kohlenbunkern - Teilautomatisierung Beladewagen - Teilautomatisierung Absetzer - Vollautomatisierung Bandschleifenwagen (BSW). Mit der Automatisierung der Grossgeraete wurde ein wesentlicher Beitrag geleistet, die spezifischen Kosten fuer die Tonne Braunkohle in den letzten 10 Jahren um rund 50% zu senken. (orig.)

This work takes place into the Bierzo Region, located in northeast of the province of Leon (Spain). In this area numerous open-pit and underground coal mines exist. Some of them are still in activity but almost have been abandoned. In any case, mining implies the presence of coal adits, spoil dumps, tailing dams, and coal-washing plants at the river bank. Most of them persist when mining have finished. (Author)

An algorithm is developed and a program written for the YeS series computer for graphic plotting of the position of the front of mining operations as it advances. The algorithm makes it possible to simply realize the problem of computation of reserves prepared for extraction and components of minerals and also development of the mine. An example is cited for the actual outline of a front of operations on one of the horizons of the Lebedin open pit mine.

The Bureau of Mines investigated hot-rolling and forging characteristics of experimental ductile iron castings both sand and permanent-mold, made with charges containing up to 70% foundry pig iron and 95% steelmaking pit iron. Between 1550 and 1950/sup 0/F, most castings could be rolled to 90% reduction or forged to 70% reduction without serious cracking. Charge and composition have less bearing on workability than on subsequent properties. Permanent mold castings could be worked as readily as sand castings at 1750 and 1950/sup 0/F. Plasticity improved with temperature. Small billets were also forged cold to 50% reduction without cracking. The feasibility of die-forging and bar-rolling of ductile iron was evaluated in trial tests conducted under a Bureau contract. Although workability and ductility of ductile iron are inferior to those of steel, more advantage could be taken of ductile iron's plasticity to work rough shapes to final dimensions.

Underground mining has a long tradition in Germany but now only hard coal, salt, potassium, and clay are still mined underground, in addition to some isolated mining of rare minerals. The main activity consists of hard coal mining, with 100,000 miners underground in the Saar and Ruhr coalfields. The uranium in eastern German mines are no longer active, but the high incidence of lung cancer in this mining population calls for specific medical supervision and care. The former copper mines of the Mansfeld area in eastern Germany have created similar health problems for the miners involved. The medical care of all German miners is regulated by the Miners` Health Protection Act of 1992 which covers all branches of underground and open pit mining. This article explains the health care procedures, as well as the legal basis and the exposure-related job rotation system of the underground mines under the supervision of the mine inspectorates. An overview of typical occupational diseases and the development of accidents in the mining industry in German is presented, as well as a short description of the handling of occupational diseases in eastern German mines after the unification. 22 refs., 5 figs.

Major research programs are discussed of the DonUGI research institute in the light of planned development of underground coal mining in the USSR from 1986 to 1990. The following projects are evaluated: more economic methods for opening coal seams, long pillar mining, development of mining schemes without leaving support pillars, new types of equipment for underground mining (new generation of face systems, the KSSB system for manless mining of seams to 0.8 m thick, new systems for shield mining, new chain conveyors), mine drivage and coal deposit development schemes (new cutting tools for heading machines, loaders for materials handling in mine drivage), methods of strata control (use of gunite, grouting, roof bolts, stowing, supports), mine haulage by chain conveyors, optimization of haulage systems in underground coal mines, optimization of ventilation systems in mines with or without methane hazards. General information on research projects is given. Examples of new equipment types are described. Effects of technology development on labor productivity and mining cost are evaluated.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review and compare selected software for data mining, text mining (TM), and web mining that are not available as free open-source software. Design/methodology/approach - Selected softwares are compared with their common and unique features. The software for data mining are SAS Enterprise Miner™, Megaputer PolyAnalyst 5.0, NeuralWare Predict, and BioDiscovery GeneSight. The software for TM are CompareSuite, SAS Text Miner, TextAnalyst, VisualText, Megaputer PolyAnalyst 5.0, and WordStat. The software for web mining are Megaputer PolyAnalyst, SPSS Clementine, ClickTracks, and QL2. Findings - This paper discusses and compares the existing features, characteristics, and algorithms of selected software for data mining, TM, and web mining, respecti...

Using the basic principles of cluster network, and with the aim of rational utilization of resources in the mines and mine area, optimization of mine construction sequence which is constrained by resources is made by taking into account the features of resources. Four indices, namely, coal production, availability of constructional teams, loss due to delay and time value of investment in the period of construction are used as criteria for assessing the decisions on opening and replacing of mines. The proper sequence of constructing the mines is necessary for optimization of construction of mine area as a whole. In addition, some points are raised by adding connecting and selective nodes to improve mine construction network. 3 refs., 9 figs.

One of the safety and health research programs of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Pittsburgh Research Center (PRC) has been the development and evaluation of technology that will provide remote-controlled operation of mechanized equipment in underground room-and-pillar mining. The purpose of this effort is to enable workers to be located away from the hazardous coal extraction area (the face). As part of this program, advanced machine navigation and control technologies have been developed for underground room-and-pillar and highwall coal mining that can be applied to commercially available mining equipment. These technologies use off-the-shelf components and a flexible control software architecture to minimize the effort required to adapt them to mining equipment. An accurate, reliable navigation system that can provide the mining machine`s heading and location is a critical requirement for a remote-controlled mining system. After investigating several different types of navigation sensors, the Honeywell Ring Laser Gyro (RLG) Inertial Navigation System (INS) was selected as showing the most promise. It has been installed on a continuous mining machine at PRC`s Mining Equipment Test Facility. Extensive testing at an open pit site has also been performed. This paper describes the system being employed on the mining machine in the laboratory, in the field, and open pit tests, and provides the accuracy and performance results of the open pit and high wall tests. 5 refs., 11 figs.

MOSS is a computer-based system which creates a 3D model of an existing surface and its development, including new mine designs, haul roads and other engineering works. MOSS automates all aspects of the work involved with the planning and operation of open cut mining, quarrying and surface excavation.

The uses and applications of high-speed photography in open pit and strip coal mines are described. Topics covered include cameras, blast photography accessories, equipment selection factors, set-up procedures, film analysis; the use of photography to enhance blast fragmentation, select delays and maximize blast throw in dragline coal mines is also discussed.

The fundamental goal of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 (Mine Act) is {open_quotes}to promote safety and health in the mining industry, [and] to prevent recurring disasters in the mining industry.{close_quotes} To that end, the Mine Act authorized the creation of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as part of the Department of Labor. One of MSHA`s primary responsibilities, as an authorized representative of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, is to conduct mine accident investigations {open_quotes}for the purpose of . . . obtaining, utilizing, and disseminating information relating to health and safety conditions, the causes of accidents, and the causes of diseases and physical impairments originating in such mines.{close_quotes} First, this Note discusses the general right of access granted by the Freedom of the Press Clause in the First Amendment. The historical case law interpreting the press` right of access begins in a series of cases dealing with the right to conduct interviews with prison inmates. Second, this Note discusses the courts expansion of the Freedom of the Press Clause to include access to trial proceedings. Third, this Note examines both the historical and current right of access granted to the press at the scenes of accidents or disasters. Fourth, the Note discusses the leading case on the press` right of access to mine accident investigations. Finally, a suggestion is offered as to the role the press should be allowed to play in mine accident investigations.

...STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Fire Prevention and Control Flammable and...horizontal or inclined roadways from the surface large enough to accommodate vehicular traffic...another opening every 100 feet by a passage large enough to accommodate any vehicle in...

An analysis is conducted of the quality of opening productive strata at a deposit in western Siberia. Recommendations are given to increase the productivity of mines at the stage of final construction.

...disposal of hazardous waste and radioactive wastes. EPA requested additional...storage and disposition of wastes will need to be addressed...an Open Pit Mine and Processing Facility, Located in...Thermal-Electric Power Plant, San Bernardino...

Active lignite mines in Lower Lusatia (Brandenburg, Germany) are a controversial discussed issue. Though lignite mining destroys whole landscapes, it offers the opportunity to investigate prehistory and landscape development on a landscape scale. Since 2010 scientists from Brandenburgische Technische Universität (BTU) Cottbus and archaeologists from Brandenburgisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologisches Landesmuseum (BLDAM) collaborate to study human-environment interactions. Our study area is the open cast mine Jänschwalde, one out of four active lignite mines in Lower Lusatia. The mine is situated c. 150 km southeast of Berlin. Archaeological excavations have been carried out in the prefield over many years and the outcome is manifold. Different approaches are combined for a comprehensive reconstruction: archaeological investigations, geomorphological/pedological studies and historical research. The archaeological fieldwork includes prospection, the opening of test trenches and area excavations. These outcrop situations provide a view into the stratigraphy and are to some extent commonly used for archaeological and sedimentological/pedological studies. In addition, chronological information is obtained by different methods of relative and absolute (14C, OSL, dendrochronological) age determination. To build up a model for the landscape development, data (topographical maps, historical maps, physiogeographical information, etc.) is gathered and processed. The initial situation for our research is the historic charcoal burning in the former "königliche Taubendorfer Forst" and its impact on the environment. In the study area, this trade was carried out from the c. 17th to the 19th century and is very well documented by about 700 excavated ground plans of circular upright kilns and another c. 300 prospected kilns. It is assumed that charcoal was produced for the smelter at Peitz nearby, where bog iron ore was processed since 1567. There is sedimentological proof of the relationship of logging for wood/deforestation and the formation of wind-blown deposits. In addition, sedimentological/pedological studies of several test trenches (up to 150 m long and up to 150 cm deep) show that buried plough horizons are widespread. First results of radiocarbon dating of charcoal fragments from buried Ap horizons date to the Slavic middle ages (600-1200 AD). It is assumed that the eolian activity was triggered by deforestation and agricultural use. In conclusion, our results suggest that there are two major periods with eolian activity induced by human impact: the first period was caused by the extending agriculture during the Slavic middle ages (600-1200 AD) and the second period was induced by deforestation for charcoal burning between the 17th and 19th century. Future research concentrates on unanswered questions like to what extent the landscape was changed by human impact and the consequences for the environment (soil loss, water balance, vegetation) and for the population. Furthermore, absolute and relative age determinations are needed to supplement the chronology information. For a comprehensive understanding, especially concerning the charcoal burning in the study area, archival studies are carried out. The obtained data will be used to build up a GIS-based model of the paleoenvironment and it is intended to extend the model spatially and temporally.

Open cut mining in Australia is facing the greatest challenge in its history in attempting to compete not only with other operations internationally, but also with underground operations domestically. Most flat dip and shallow depth surface-mineable coal reserves have been depleted during the last two decades and new open cut operations must extract deeper coal deposits. As open cut coal mines move into deeper areas and the stripping ratios increase, the relative cost of overburden removal also increases. It therefore becomes even more important to design the mine around the optimum overburden removal scheme. The deeper mines are usually multi-seam operations with a more complex geology and with more geotechnical and hydrological problems. Deeper mines are subjected to greater problems requiring more detailed mine planning and design, such as selection of the optimum mining method and pit layout. In planning and design of such operations, the number of alternative methods which need to be considered is consequently greater. Dragline productivity and its stripping capabilities are directing affected by the selection of digging method, strip layout and pit geometry. Every mine has a unique combination of geological conditions. The operating methods that work well at one mine may not necessarily work at another site. Selection of an optimal stripping method, strip layout and pit geometry for a given dragline must be considered with respect to the geological conditions of the mine. With increasing geological complexity of Australian strip mines, it is becoming more important to use sophisticated techniques such as computerised mine planning methods to assist in optimising dragline operations. 11 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

A new nonclogging water spray system for continuous-mining machines has been developed under contract with the Bureau of Mines. This paper presents installation and operating guidelines for the system, which consists of improved and easily maintained machine-mounted hardware, including an inline Y-strainer, a hydrocyclone, a backup filter, and two quick-opening valves for flushing particulate from the strainer and hydrocyclone. Underground tests with continuous-mining machines have shown that when properly installed and maintained, the new system virtually eliminates nozzle clogging and thus greatly reduces spray maintenance. The system is relatively inexpensive and has been installed on typical continuous-mining machines for a total cost under $1,000.

Using the Anjialing open-pit mine in Pingshuo for research, limit equilibrium theory and geo-slope software for slope stability analysis were used to consider the influence of the external environment such as ground water and underground mining on slope stability. The study included studying water pressure and a slope damage model under underground mining, carrying out slope stability calculations and providing prevention and control measures. Results show that the water pressure and underground mining are the important factors affecting slope stability. Some upper slopes are seriously affected and sliding is possible. 9 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.

We quantified the wholesale transformation of the boreal landscape by open-pit oil sands mining in Alberta, Canada to evaluate its effect on carbon storage and sequestration. Contrary to claims made in the media, peatland destroyed by open-pit mining will not be restored. Current plans dictate its replacement with upland forest and tailings storage lakes, amounting to the destruction of over 29,500 ha of peatland habitat. Landscape changes caused by currently approved mines will release between 11.4 and 47.3 million metric tons of stored carbon and will reduce carbon sequestration potential by 5,734-7,241 metric tons C/y. These losses have not previously been quantified, and should be included with the already high estimates of carbon emissions from oil sands mining and bitumen upgrading. A fair evaluation of the costs and benefits of oil sands mining requires a rigorous assessment of impacts on natural capital and ecosystem services. PMID:22411786

Mine tailings coming from the exploitation of sulphide and/or gold deposits can contain significant amounts of arsenic (As), highly soluble in conditions of weathering. Open mine voids backfilling techniques are now widely practiced by modern mining companies to manage the tailings. The most common one is called cemented paste backfill (CPB), and consists of tailings mixed with low amounts of hydraulic binders (3-5%) and a high proportion of water (typically 25%). The CPB is transported through a pipe network, to be placed in the mine openings. CPB provides storage benefits and underground support during mining operations. Moreover, this technique could also enhance contaminant stabilization, by fixing the contaminants in the binder matrix. CPB composites artificially spiked with As were s...

An apparatus for containing molten metal using a magnet producing vertical alternating magnetic field positioned adjacent the area in which the molten metal is to be confined. This invention can be adapted particularly to the casting of metal between counter-rotating rollers with the vertical alternating magnetic field used to confine the molten metal at the edges of the rollers. Alternately, the vertical alternating magnetic field can be used as a flow regulator in casting molten metal from an opening in a channel.

Transformations of polish industry began the process of mine closures. Among various mines being in process of abandoning, there are a large number of collieries, which exploited coal since 17. century. The depth of mining openings ranged from some to hundreds meters. The height of primary mining openings ranged from 1 to 9 m. Mining operations have left in geological basement large number of cavities, which still create a hazard to the surface stability. Post mining deformations of the surface can take continuous and discontinuous forms. The last ones are the topic of paper. Although those deformations can take various forms, they are commonly called as sinkholes. In paper, the sinkholes hazard has been analyzed in a scale of selected one mine area, in regard to various parameters. The selected 'Siemianowice' mine is located in northern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. A database containing full set of sinkholes, recorded within area of mine in a period of 50 years, has been tested in geomechanical and statistical approaches. (author)

The ceramic multilayer technique, which is based on tape-cast green sheets, has the potential to generate advanced composite materials. In this work, high-purity refractory oxides like -alumina, magnesia, and magnesium aluminate spinel were used for tape casting and multilayer processing. Highly porous Al2O3 and MgAl2O4 tapes were obtained with 16-36% open porosity and pore sizes <10-m. Subsequently, increasing the grain sizes up to 1-mm led to multimodal slurries that yielded casting tapes of 3-5-mm thickness. Multilayer composites of different combination were prepared from these tapes by lamination and cofiring.

Wood cribs are used extensively to stabilize mine openings by providing resistance to deflections of the immediate mine roof and floor and by supporting the weight of unstable rock masses. While the unit costs of these supports are relatively low, their extensive use results in significant costs to coal mine operators. The US Bureau of Mines (USBM) has developed a Wood Crib Performance Model that computes the load capacity of wood cribs as a function of the displacement of the crib structure induced by mine roof and floor convergence. This permits comparison of the loading characteristics of various crib constructions and enables systems to be designed with consideration of the load conditions imposed by the mine environment. The design method matches the stiffness, strength, and stability of the crib structure with expected rock mass behavior to determine a crib design and employment spacing that will provide the lowest cost support. 4 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

The circle geometric constraint model (CGCM) was put forward for resolving the open-pit mine ore-matching problems (OMOMP). By adopting the approaches of graph theory, block model of blasted piles was abstracted into a set of nodes and directed edges, which were connected together with other nodes in the range of circle constraints, to describe the mining sequence. Also, the constructing method of CGCM was introduced in detail. The algorithm of CGCM has been realized in the DIMINE system, and applied to a short-term (5 d) program calculation for ore-matching of a cement limestone mine in Hebei Province, China. The applications show that CGCM can well describe the mining sequence of ore blocks and its mining geometric constraints in the process of mining blasted piles. This model, which is ...

The Pervomaisk underground black coal mine in the northern Kuzbass has a designed coal output of 1.8 Mt/y and was constructed in 1975. The mine was opened by 2 shafts 276 m and 322 m deep. Coal seams are prone to rock bursts and dust explosions. Methane content in coal is high. Longwall faces are mined by the OKP and MK-75 systems with KGU and GSh-68 shearer loaders. Belt conveyors and 14ARP locomotives are used for mine haulage. Occupational safety in the Pervomaisk mine (1,920 employees) could be increased by wide use of automatic control systems such as Metan, Azot and Veter, as well as by use of advanced communication systems. In 1983 accident rate was reduced by 2% in comparison to 1982. Accidents which occurred in 1983 were less serious than in the previous year. Methods of ensuring occupational safety, training coal miners, and other problems associated with safety in the mine are discussed.

Strategic mine planning and waste management are an important aspect of surface mining operations. Recent environmental and regulatory requirements make waste management an integral part of mine planning in the oil sands industry. The research problem here is determining the order of extraction of ore, dyke material and waste to be removed from a predefined ultimate pit limit over the mine life that maximises the net present value of the operation. We have developed, implemented, and tested a proposed mixed integer goal programming theoretical framework for oil sands open pit production scheduling with multiple material types. The formulation uses binary integer variables to control mining precedence and continuous variables to control mining of ore and dyke material. There are also goal d...

Conducting a government project on public land open to the general mining laws can result in added costs, legal entanglements, schedule uncertainties, and the potential for unanticipated safety issues and concerns due to interactions with mining claimants. Planning for such projects must include a careful assessment of not only land access needs and restrictions, but also possible scenarios for conflict with activities authorized under the general mining laws throughout the life of the project. It is essential to have a thorough knowledge of the applicable mining laws and how they are currently being interpreted and applied by the responsible regulatory authorities and land managers. The Yucca Mountain Project approach to land access, problems encountered with mining claims filed under the Mining Law of 1872, and the lessons learned from these experiences are discussed in this paper.

CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) experiment is searching for axions coming from the Sun. Inside transverse magnetic fields, axions can be converted into X-rays, which can be detected by X-ray detectors. The expected energy of the signal in CAST is in the 1-10 keV range. Low noise and low background detectors are necessary to increase the sensitivity of the experiment. Micro Mesh Gaseous Structure (micromegas) detectors have been used in CAST since the beginning, providing good energy and spatial resolution for CAST's needs. CAST has been intensely studying micromegas detectors to develop new technologies. Initially, CAST detectors consisted of a micromegas, a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) and a Charged Couple Device (CCD), however the improvements in micromegas technologies encouraged CAST to replace the TPC with 2 new micromegas detectors. In some periods during CAST run, ultra low background has been observed in one of the micromegas detectors and it is being investigated through simulations and laboratory tests carried out at Canfranc Underground Laboratory. If this low background is indeed not a systematic effect, it can open new possibilities on rare event searches.

The U.S. Bureau of Mines is conducting research on methods for sorting and identifying mixed metal scrap so that this resource can be better utilized. A mechanical method for separating wrought and cast aluminum scrap and instrumental methods for identifying mixed aluminum scrap and mixed high-value scrap are reviewed. New research on spark testing and field experience in high-value scrap sorting are discussed. (author).

The US Bureau of Mines, through an Interagency Agreement with the US Tank-Automotive Command (TACOM), has successfully developed a steel expendable pattern casting process (EPC) for the manufacture of armorplate. The new armor is lighter and more ballistically effective than conventional rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), and costs less. An applique armor spinoff from the program was field-tested during the Gulf War. The applique armor withstood direct impacts from enemy munitions without failure.

Information is given on the stressed state of a rock mass around open workings. The basic forms are described of slope deformations, and methods of predicting and preventing them. The stability of the working sides of open pits and inner tail banks is examined in relation to the direction of development of mining and parameters of the mining systems, as well as nonworking sides in relation to the design of deposit stripping, direction of open pit deepening, method of working contour stopes, etc. Engineering methods are given for calculating the maximum parameters of slopes of benches, and methods of strengthening slopes and benches.

During the last two decades, many advances have been made in open cut coal mining technology as new mines have come on stream and old mines have faced increasingly difficult mining and operational conditions. The need for close control of operating costs has necessitated consideration of modified excavation methods. Mining systems now often include: truck/shovel prestripping ahead of dragline operations; dragline high walls of 50 meters; total pit depths in excess of 80 meters; mining of multiple coal seams, thin seams and thin partings; more focus on (and measurement of) excavation equipment productivity; and/or conformance to strict environmental limitations. To meet these challenging requirements, innovative explosive products, initiating explosives and delivery systems have been developed. Suitable blasting techniques such as throw blasting also assist coal mining operations to maintain competitiveness in a tough economic environment. This paper examines some of the changes in blasting practices in both open pit and strip mines throughout the Australian coal industry and considers some of the trends for the future.

Topics covered include drilling and blasting, mine haulage, mining equipment, mine automation, surface mining, coal mining, strata control, ventilation, mine design and planning, coal preparation and ore processing.

Before spending the time to design an underground mine in detail, the mining engineer should be assured of the economic viability of the location of the layout. This has historically been a trial-and-error, iterative process. Traditional underground mine planning usually bases the layout on the geological characteristics of a deposit such as minimum seam height, quality, and the absence of faults. Whether one attempts to make a decision manually. or use traditional mine planning software, the process works something like this: First you build geological model. Then you impose a {open_quotes}best guess{close_quotes} as to which geological layers will become part of the mined product, or will influence mining. Next you place your design where you believe is the best location to make a mine. Then you select equipment which you believe will cost-effectively mine the area. Finally, you schedule your equipment selection through the design over the mine life, run financial analyses and see if the rate of return is acceptable. If the NPV is acceptable, the design is accepted. If the NPV is not acceptable, the engineer has to restart the cycle of redesigning the layout, rescheduling the equipment, and restudying the economics again.

The production of any form of coke is determined mainly by the raw material costs. Consequently for the production of special coke, of which the demand is satisfied at the present time by small size fractions of beehive coke or even blast furnace coke, it is necessary to use not only the plentiful coals but also the brown coals of the Kansk-Achinsk coalfield where mining is being expanded. The large reserves of the Kansk-Achinsk brown coals and the favorable geological conditions for recovery by the open-cast method make it possible to increase coal extraction from 31.6.10/sup 6/ tons in 1978 to 350.10/sup 6/ tons/yr in the next 15 to 20 years. In order to explain the high reactivity of heat treated brown coals we shall compare their properties with bituminous coal coke. During the heating of bituminous coals (with a high voltatile matter content) they are able to be weakly fused, to form a structure of coke whose pores are smooth because the coal is partially transformed into a plastic state, which led to a closing up of the finest pores with a very large fraction of large pores. A considerably different microstruture is formed when brown coals are heated. There is no fusion in this case, i.e., the coal does not pass into a plastic state and no swelling is observed (this is characteristic for bituminous and to a certain degree even for the weakly coking coals). As a result of volatile products separation the initial fine pores are preserved and there is an absence of the effect which in bituminous coals leads to the formation of large pores. Therefore in heating brown coals solid residues are formed with a highly developed internal surface, which is one of the factors causing high reactivity. The significance of the final temperature of the fuel should also be noted. It is known that high temperature coke differs in having reduced reactivity.

We have started the development of a detector system, sensitive to single photons in the eV energy range, to be suitably coupled to one of the CAST magnet ports. This system should open to CAST a window on possible detection of low energy Axion Like Particles emitted by the sun. Preliminary tests have involved a cooled photomultiplier tube coupled to the CAST magnet via a Galileian telescope and a switched 40 m long optical fiber. This system has reached the limit background level of the detector alone in ideal conditions, and two solar tracking runs have been performed with it at CAST. Such a measurement has never been done before with an axion helioscope. We will present results from these runs and briefly discuss future detector developments.

A summary is presented of the report completed by the Coal Mining Research Centre in 1980. This report was of a cross-pit conveyor system applied as an auxillary mining complement to the major stripping unit, a dragline. The purpose of the CMRC report was to evaluate selective mining and replacement of the upper horizons of the strata as an aid in reclamation. These strata were the topsoil, subsoil and glacial till. Past utilization of cross-pit conveyor systems and related engineering studies were assessed. The parameters of the study were based on the mining and geological conditions of the Alberta prairie coal mines. The principal excavator for stripping was a dragline. Excavation of the upper horizons was done by a bucket-wheel excavator discharging onto the cross-pit conveyor. Alternative equipment applications were economically compared. Four cases or geological sections were evaluated in detail. The economics of the alternative mining systems for each of the cases were determined. In all instances, the most economical solution was a tandem system utilizing a dragline with a bucket-wheel excavator/cross-pit conveyor system. For both the CMRC study and a similar US paper, the application of a tandem system provided the lowest annual ownership and operating costs. The tandem system consists of a dragline excavating and casting the majority of the waste or overburden and a BWE/CPCS selectively excavating and replacing the topsoil, subsoil and part of the unconsolidated overburden. The bridge spans and designs are within known technical and economic limits.

Thirteen Miocene coal samples from three active open pit and underground coal mines in the Kutai Basin (East Kalimantan, Indonesia) were collected. According to our microscopical and geochemical investigations, coal samples from Sebulu and Centra Busang coal mines yield high sulfur and pyrite contents as compared to the Embalut coal mine. The latter being characterized by very low sulfur (<1%) and pyrite contents. The ash, mineral, total sulfur, iron (Fe) and pyrite contents of most of the coal samples from the Sebulu and Centra Busang coal mines are high and positively related in these samples. Low contents of ash, mineral, total sulfur, iron (Fe) and pyrite have been found only in sample TNT-32 from Centra Busang coal mine. Pyrite was the only sulfur form that we could recognize under re...

Conceptual models have been developed for water movement to and from an open pit mine during operation and closure to predict mine water chemistry. Models compiled from data on the geochemical aspects of unit rock surface reaction rates and the total amount of reactive rock surface in a mine are the basis of the MINEWALL computer program. The computer model indicates that a key factor in the prediction of mine water chemistry is the estimation of percentages of reactive surface that are flushed regularly, flushed once a year, or not flushed during operation. Data from three mines in British Columbia indicate there is a wide variation in the size of total reactive surface areas. Those not flushed during operation are from 70 to 90% of the total. Unit area leaching rates of copper range from 0.014 to 2.35 mg/sq m/week. 9 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.

The Assisted Driving System (ADS) for haul trucks operating in surface mining and construction sites is to reduce accidents related to low visibility conditions. This system is based on the GPS, Zigbee, and the Google-Earth engine as the graphic interface and mine-mapping server. The system has the capability to pin-point and track vehicles in real time using a 3D interface, which is based on user-based AutoCAD mine maps using the Google-Earth graphics interface. All equipped vehicles are shown in a 3D mine map stored in a local server through a wireless network. When low visibility conditions are present, the system indicates available exit/escape routes for driver safety. The ADS potentially increases reliability and reduces uncertainty in open pit mining operations. 8 refs., 6 figs.

The Athabasca Oil Sands reserves of heavy oil represent a major source of energy for the future. As conventional oil becomes more expensive a larger percentage of the oil sands can be economically mined by open pit mining methods which allow much higher oil recovery rates than those obtained by in situ methods. This work discusses the initial and planned development stages of the Taciuk Direct Thermal Processor System for treatment of mined oil sands. As the name implies, this processor accepts as-mined oil sands feed, produces a thermally cracked oil product that can be directly pumped to remote refineries, and produces a damp, oil free, tailings sand that can be conveyed back to the mined out areas. Processor units in increments of 8000 to 12,000 bpd output can be economically constructed and operated by lease holders. Approximate yield projections, as well as general capital and operating cost comments are included.

The Rheinbraun business report contains information on business development, results, investment, financing, research and development, personnel and social issues. The board of directors' report deals with: mining activities (open-pit mining, drilling, water management, acquisition of real estate, resettlement programmes, recultivation, landscaping), coal upgrading (products, enterprises), and environmental protection. The supervisory board's report follows in a short summary with an overview of participations and associated companies of the Rheinbraun AG in Cologne. (HS).

The seventh annual report of the activities of the Australian Coal Association Research Program contains a report by the Executive Director and an outline of ACARP's strategy. A description is given of projects (and note of funding) in the main research areas: underground mining, open cut mining, coal preparation, coal utilization, and greenhouse gas mitigation. A financial statement for the year ended 30 June 1999 is included.

Vietnam's coal industry is being forced to increase production to meet demands. Production may increase from 33 million tons in 2006 to 75 million tons in 2025. All increased production may have to come from underground as oppose to open-pit production and deepening of underground mines may be inevitable. The author presents some apprehensions on safety management that will need consideration in mines are deepened. 2 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.

This regulation will take effect on and from 30th June 1984. The regulation may be cited as the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1982 - Regulation. Included in the Act are regulations for managers and officials - underground and open cut; methods and systems of working - underground; support - underground; ventilation - underground; airborne dust - underground; flammable dust - underground; shafts and roadways - underground; mechanical, electrical and transport - underground; safety lamps and lighting - underground; explosives and shotfiring underground; general welfare and first aid - underground; fire control - underground; notification of accidents and dangerous occurrences - underground; fire control - underground; pit horses - underground; belt conveyors - underground and open cut; survey and plan - u/g and o/c; election of check inspectors; forms, approval of items; operations and working practices - open cut; airborne dust - open cut; mechanical, electrical and vehicle transportation - open cut; explosives and shotfiring - open cut; general welfare - open cut; fire control - open cut; notification of accidents and dangerous occurrences - open cut.

The decision to proceed with mine decommissioning, generally involves a number of complex and independent factors. These factors, including potential for re-opening, legal requirements, contingent liability, asset depreciation, due diligence, and public relations are discussed in the context of the financial implications on a net-present-value basis. It is concluded that the decision to delay mine decommissioning is commonly not in the best financial interests of the mine operator. Some measures to reduce decommissioning costs and expedite the process are presented. 6 refs., 2 tabs.

Alkane Energy plc (Alkane) is the UK's leading commercial producer of methane gas from abandoned coal mines. It currently operates five Green Energy Parks in the East Midlands and Yorkshire two of which were opened in the reporting year. Two agreements have been signed to develop sites to supply sites with a capacity of 50 MW of electricity. The annual report outlines achievements and plans and describes the technologies developed to capture methane. It discusses the environmental benefits of producing coal mine methane (CMM), particularly in reducing global warming, and benefits to the deprived former mining communities of the UK.

The book introduces us to a cohort of women miners at a large underground coal mine in southern West Virginia, where women entered the workforce in the late 1970s after mining jobs began opening up for women throughout the Appalachian coalfields. The work goes beyond anecdotal evidence to provide complex and penetrating analyses of qualitative data. Based on in-depth interviews with including social relations among men and women, professional advancement, and union participation. She also explores the ways in which women adapt to mining culture, developing strategies for both resistance and accommodation to an overwhelmingly male-dominated world. 1 app.

With the decline in mining activities in Germany and the increasingly keen competition between purchasers of raw materials on the world markets in recent years the security and development of own raw material deposits also outside Europe for the German mining and raw material companies is increasingly interesting. The aim is not only the security of raw material supplies, but also the opening up of local and regional markets overseas. The contribution describes three current investment projects of German companies in Namibia in the mining and raw materials sector as examples. (orig.)

In the introduction the author goes briefly into the historical development of the utilization of uranium, the personal strain on miners in the work place and the particulars of safety measures to protect the health of personnel engaged in the recovery of uranium. Several characteristic examples of uranium ore producing facilities are then presented. They were chosen for open pit mine operations as well as for underground mines. The extraction of uranium in the open pit mines of the Cluff Lake deposits of Amok Ltd. in Saskatchewan, the uranium surface mine Roessing in Namibia, recovery in the underground workings of the uranium mine of Dennison Mines Ltd. at Elliot Lake, Ontario, and the uranium ore mine La Fraisse in France are all described. In addition, the unconventional recovery of uranium from phosphates by in-situ leaching and the recovery of uranium as a by-product of the extraction of gold in South Africa are gone into in detail. The ore miner has learned to master all the given conditions of nature. The limits are his ability to make concentrations of mineral ores useful, constrained by the price consumers are ready to pay, which is to say the competitive situation of the world raw material market.

Low thermal expansion ceramics such as NZP ceramic and Aluminum titanate are considered prime candidates for exhaust port liners of diesel engines due to their excellent thermal shock resistance and low thermal conductivity. The exhaust port liners under development at LoTEC, Inc., and Golden Technologies are a composite, cast metal-ceramic part. During the metal-ceramic casting and production process, a thermal expansion mismatch between the metal and ceramic creates large stresses that ultimately have lead to the failure of the metal-ceramic exhaust port liners. The objective of this research program was to develop ceramic-based {open_quotes}cast-in-place{close_quotes} diesel engine port liners. The first phase of the research program involved analyzing materials requirements through finite element modeling, characterizing thermo-mechanical and microstructural properties of the ceramics, conducting metal-ceramic casting trials to verify the finite element modeling work, and developing a cost-effective ceramic fabrication process. A metal-ceramic casting test plan was implemented to analyze temperature distributions and associated thermal stresses in the ceramic-lined metal parts. Through a process of experimental measurements and finite element modeling, a modification was made in the metal casting process. This modification, derived from predictions stemming from the finite element modeling of the casting process, involves placing a uniquely made, compliant ceramic layer. This modification results in successful casting of the exhaust port liners because it allows the system to bond together without introducing large stresses on the outer ceramic wall. Details of the finite element analysis and the progress to date from instrumented metal-ceramic casting trials are presented in this paper.

It is concluded on the basis of calculations performed for different types of close packing of spherical particles that porous permeable ceramic materials with open porosity greater than 42 ? 3% it is can be created, in practice, from monofractional corundum powder. It is shown that the formation method (semidry pressing and slip casting) and the habit of the crystals affect the open porosity of the ceramic. The chemical resistance of the porous ceramic materials obtained to nitric acid and sodium hydroxide is evaluated.

A 2-year-old girl with developmental dysplasia of the right hip underwent open reduction and capsulorrhaphy via the anterior approach with hip spica casting in an internally rotated position. During her 26 years of follow-up, she was found to have osteonecrosis and subsequently cam-type femoro-aceta...

Bloggers are providing a sneak-peek behind the scenes of the 23rd Open Grid Forum, held this week in Barcelona, Spain. The bloggers will be part of a GridCast that allows readers to share in the excitement of grid computing, a technology that connects computers from around the world to create a powe...

A brief report is presented of a contract (no. 7268-40/258/03) carried out by INERIS in Paris, France, on ways of limiting the harmful effects of blasting in open-cast workings. These include determining the optimum static factor of safety for inclines of slopes, reducing the vibrations, monitoring any unstable zones developed during shotfiring, and carrying out hydrological analysis.

Brown coal is of significant importance as a raw material to the Czech Republic as a result of increasing energy demands. It is the primary fossil fuel of homes in the Czech Republic, without which it would become fully dependent on energy source imports. Founded in 1994, the Severoceske doly a.s. company is the greatest mining company of the Czech Republic. The Severoceske doly, a.s. Chomutov joint stock company mining is drawn up in open pit mines and uses continual technology with excavators, long distance conveyers, and stackers. Large area external and internal dumps remain after the final stages of mining and quarrying. This paper summarized the basic facts about Severoceske doly a.s mining company, with particular reference to revitalization and restoration activities. The paper focused on restoration efforts in the Bilina Mines localities and Nastup Tusimice Mines, and on modern restoration methodology, and the application of research and science. It was concluded that a solution can be found that would fundamentally limit negative impacts to the landscape of brown coal areas using knowledge of rock characteristics relocated by mining and all the relationships in the area's surroundings. 4 refs., 2 tabs., 2 figs.

PITSIM-II is a computer simulation package that optimizes and simulates open pit haulage systems. The computer model was created in a generalized form that allows the analysis of any open pit loading and hauling system. The main objective of the model is to aid mine management in designing the haulage system and selecting the optimum combination of mixed size trucks. It is also a valuable tool in assisting the mine operator to operate the fleet in an optimum way, in order to meet certain production and blending targets. The other objectives of the model is to aid short and long range production scheduling in terms of forecasting the expected production rates.

A combined processing route using freeze casting and a polymer sponge has been introduced for preparing macroporous silicate materials with controlled “designer” pore structures. Water/ceramic slurry systems were used in this work. The typical processing characteristics resulting from freeze casting and the polymer sponge were carried through to the sintered microstructure. A reticulated structure consisted of the struts with highly interconnected, large open pores together the inner walls with fine dendritic pores were developed and both types of characteristic pores were aligned along the ice growth direction. The pore structure developed was relatively independent of the concentration of the starting slurry and the sintering temperature.

A feasibility survey was carried out on coal resources in the east Pondok Labu region in the East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The outdoor site survey executed a geological test, trial drilling exploration, and investigations on in-shaft drilling conditions and infrastructures. The geological test was performed in the range of 5 km{sup 2}. The trial drilling exploration drilled 20 holes to an average depth of about 87 m, with the total distance having reached 1741.85 m. Thirty-nine trially drilled cores were given chemical analysis, in which whole sulfur, calorific power, ash, ash melting temperatures, chlorine and phosphor were investigated. The in-shaft drilling condition investigation surveyed conditions of open-cut mining operating in the adjacent area, and facilities and machines. The survey was concluded as follows: the coal reserve in this area is about 6.80 million tons, with annual in-shaft mining at a level of 500,000 tons considered possible; the long-wall type mining would be suitable as the mining method; and quality of the coal is as high as that of the coal mined in the adjacent open-cut mining area in operation, whereas coal development in this area was considered promising. (NEDO)

In open pit mining systems, it has become increasingly important that the mined waste be utilised by backfilling in the pit as much as practicable. The excess waste materials may be dumped and terraced with stabilization by vegetation. Proper design of dumps and establishment of a vigorous self-sustaining plant community of the region are essential for an eco-effective reclamation. The present paper deals with the environmental management of waste material in open pit mines of India and a pilot study carried out in the laboratory and field on reclamation of waste dumps from the Jharia Coalfield. The study showed that the mine spoil is non-phytotoxic, that the native tree species performed better both in pot and field trial experiments, and that leguminous pulses can also be grown on the mine dumps. To control soil erosion and run off, grass species were grown on the slopes of the dumps and were found to be very suitable for the area. Amendment of the medium with bio-fertiliser and mycorrhiza enhanced shoot and root development, ultimately leading to better plant growth and survival on the mine dumps. 16 refs., 3 figs.

In this report, we systematically evaluate the ability of current-generation, satellite-based spectroscopic sensors to distinguish uranium mines and mills from other mineral mining and milling operations. We perform this systematic evaluation by (1) outlining the remote, spectroscopic signal generation process, (2) documenting the capabilities of current commercial satellite systems, (3) systematically comparing the uranium mining and milling process to other mineral mining and milling operations, and (4) identifying the most promising observables associated with uranium mining and milling that can be identified using satellite remote sensing. The Ranger uranium mine and mill in Australia serves as a case study where we apply and test the techniques developed in this systematic analysis. Based on literature research of mineral mining and milling practices, we develop a decision tree which utilizes the information contained in one or more observables to determine whether uranium is possibly being mined and/or milled at a given site. Promising observables associated with uranium mining and milling at the Ranger site included in the decision tree are uranium ore, sulfur, the uranium pregnant leach liquor, ammonia, and uranyl compounds and sulfate ion disposed of in the tailings pond. Based on the size, concentration, and spectral characteristics of these promising observables, we then determine whether these observables can be identified using current commercial satellite systems, namely Hyperion, ASTER, and Quickbird. We conclude that the only promising observables at Ranger that can be uniquely identified using a current commercial satellite system (notably Hyperion) are magnesium chlorite in the open pit mine and the sulfur stockpile. Based on the identified magnesium chlorite and sulfur observables, the decision tree narrows the possible mineral candidates at Ranger to uranium, copper, zinc, manganese, vanadium, the rare earths, and phosphorus, all of which are milled using sulfuric acid leaching.

New developments and experimental evaluation of high-resolution controlled source and audiomagnetotelluric (CSAMT) techniques have been accomplished recently with the specific objectives of detecting and delineating shallow abandoned mine workings. Successful results have been demonstrated in detecting the presence of disturbed coal beds and in resolving surface locations of related underground mine entries in good agreement with established maps. Recent field trials of a new CSAMT system operating in the 3Hz to 50kHz frequency ranges were performed at an active mine having open coal haulage ways underlying a 110 ft thick sandstone overburden and at an abandoned mine having a partially collapsed room and pillar structure under a 220 ft thick shale and sand stone overburden. Brief summaries of these field tests are presented.

Arsenic (As) is a major pollutant in many mine tailings resulting from base metal and gold deposits. It can potentially cause environmental risks because of its high toxicity at low concentrations. A new tailings' management technique has become popular in new mines, the cemented paste backfill (CPB). It consists of mixing tailings with water (typically 25%) and a low proportion of hydraulic binder (3-7%) to produce a paste that can be stored in underground mine openings. Even if CPB is mainly used for improving mining techniques and for tailings storage purposes, it could also provide environmental advantages by stabilizing contaminants such as As. In the present study, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) investigations were conducted on CPB samples synthesized in the laboratory and sp...

Many of the open-pit mines suffer from the lack of reconciliation between estimated and actual grades. In a mining operation, grade reconciliation is the comparison between the values of the estimated grade calculated in exploration stage and the actual grade obtained from more reliable data such as blast holes? samples. Many different factors affect the degree of reconciliation in a mining operation. In this paper, the factors related to estimated grade which affect the reconciliation process in the exploration stage of the orebody are investigated. These factors constitute the sources of uncertainty for the upcoming phases of the mining life. Among these parameters, the inherent variability, statistical uncertainty, and systematic uncertainty are the most important factors. In this work,...

This article describes Chile's first large-scale, open-pit subbituminous steam coal mine and mechanized bulk loading marine terminal. The Pecket coal project will save money in energy production and oil imports. The mine is a classic truck and shovel operation and it will be possible to dump the overburden into mined out sections of the pit, although initially it will be used to form windbreaks and a pad in the coal stockpile area. Crushed coal is carried by conveyor to the radial ship loader. Dust accumulation and excessive coal drying is avoided by crushing only when a ship is docked. The mine was begun after feasibility studies, market considerations and characterization of deposits. Investment and financing organizations are listed. The Pecket operation should be just the beginning of development of coal reserves in the Magellan area. 3 figs.

Amcoal's New Vaal Colliery was officially opened on May 14 by Mr. Ian McRae, chief executive officer of Escom. Two factors make this colliery different from other mines supplying a power station feedstock in South Africa. It produces the lowest-quality coal used by an Escom power station and it is the first major colliery developed to mine coal by opencast methods from reserves mined previously by underground means. The colliery is discussed under the following headings: location; history; geology; reserves and coal seams; the opencast mine; waste removal methods; hard overburden and interburden removal; coaling; coal treatment plant; coal treatment process; Lethabo coal stockyard and power station; ash disposal; rehabilitation; environmental control; engineering maintenance; administration; manpower; mobilising resources; productivity breakthrough at New Vaal and Lethabo; and benefits from New Vaal and Lethabo.

The development of micro-satellites, including nano-satellites, has opened up opportunities for their varied uses. One such utility is as space mines. The purpose of this instrumentality is protective and defensive to escort important space-mission vehicles. These act as security commandoes till impelled to action by anticipated threat or hostile intruder entering the path. Similarly, conventional land mines can be adapted for use on the surface of the moon. These, also termed “space mines,” can serve as proximity or peripheral defense to installations and national assets on the moon and other celestial bodies. Space mines by their small mass and weight or nature of operation cannot be regarded a weapon of mass destruction or used as nuclear weapon prohibited under the Outer ...

This paper evaluates the results of performance testing of experimental units of DVP 8A supports, developed by OKR-Ostroj in Opava. Tests of 100 support sections were carried out in the 1 Maj coal mine. Mining and geological conditions in the coal seam are characterized. DVP 8A powered supports used for longwall mining with hydraulic stowing have a closed height of 2.0 m and open height of 3.85 m. The maximum support resistance amounts to 6,400 kN, advance rate of DVP 8A amounts to 0.63 m or 0.85 m, yield strength is 630 kN/m/sup 2/ and 850 kN/m/sup 2/ respectively during mining with stowing and mining with caving. Design of the supports is shown in a scheme. DVP 8A has four props. Its roof bar consists of three elements. During performance testing in the 1 Maj coal mine DVP 8A powered supports were used together with KWB 3RDU coal cutters and the Rybnik 73 chain conveyor. Results of longwall mining using DVP 8A and IHV powered supports are compared. The face was 122.2 m long, seam thickness ranged from 2.89 to 3.61 m and seam gradient amounted to 3 degrees. Introducing DVP 8A supports permitted coal output from the face to be increased from 703 t/d to 1,006 t/d, or by 43%. Design improvements of DVP 8A supports proposed after operational testing are analyzed. 4 refs.

Radon and gamma radiation level measurements were carried out inside the La Carolina mine, one of the oldest gold mining camps of southern South America, which is open for touristic visits nowadays. CR-39 track-etch detectors and thermoluminescent dosimeters of natural CaF(2) and LiF TLD-100 were exposed at 14 points along the mine tunnels in order to estimate the mean (222)Rn concentration and the ambient dose equivalent during the summer season (November 2008 to February 2009). The values for the (222)Rn concentration at each monitoring site ranged from 1.8+/-0.1 kBqm(-3) to 6.0+/-0.5 kBqm(-3), with a mean value of 4.8 kBqm(-3), indicating that these measurements exceed in about three times the upper action level recommended by ICRP for workplaces. The correlations between radon and gamma radiation levels inside the mine were also investigated. Effective doses due to (222)Rn and gamma rays inside the mine were determined, resulting in negligible values to tourists. Considering the effective dose to the mine tourist guides, values exceeding 20mSv of internal contribution to the effective doses can be reached, depending on the number of working hours inside the mine. PMID:19945773

A small but growing number of scientists are beginning to harness Web 2.0 technologies, such as wikis, blogs, and social tagging, as a transformative way of doing science. These technologies provide researchers easy mechanisms to critique, suggest and share ideas, data and algorithms. At the same time, large suites of algorithms for science analysis are being made available as remotely-invokable Web Services, which can be chained together to create analysis workflows. This provides the research community an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate by sharing their workflows with one another, reproducing and analyzing research results, and leveraging colleagues' expertise to expedite the process of scientific discovery. However, wikis and similar technologies are limited to text, static images and hyperlinks, providing little support for collaborative data analysis. A team of information technology and Earth science researchers from multiple institutions have come together to improve community collaboration in science analysis by developing a customizable "software appliance" to build collaborative portals for Earth Science services and analysis workflows. The critical requirement is that researchers (not just information technologists) be able to build collaborative sites around service workflows within a few hours. We envision online communities coming together, much like Finnish "talkoot" (a barn raising), to build a shared research space. Talkoot extends a freely available, open source content management framework with a series of modules specific to Earth Science for registering, creating, managing, discovering, tagging and sharing Earth Science web services and workflows for science data processing, analysis and visualization. Users will be able to author a "science story" in shareable web notebooks, including plots or animations, backed up by an executable workflow that directly reproduces the science analysis. New services and workflows of interest will be discoverable using tag search, and advertised using "service casts" and "interest casts" (Atom feeds). Multiple science workflow systems will be plugged into the system, with initial support for UAH's Mining Workflow Composer and the open-source Active BPEL engine, and JPL's SciFlo engine and the VizFlow visual programming interface. With the ability to share and execute analysis workflows, Talkoot portals can be used to do collaborative science in addition to communicate ideas and results. It will be useful for different science domains, mission teams, research projects and organizations. Thus, it will help to solve the "sociological" problem of bringing together disparate groups of researchers, and the technical problem of advertising, discovering, developing, documenting, and maintaining inter-agency science workflows. The presentation will discuss the goals of and barriers to Science 2.0, the social web technologies employed in the Talkoot software appliance (e.g. CMS, social tagging, personal presence, advertising by feeds, etc.), illustrate the resulting collaborative capabilities, and show early prototypes of the web interfaces (e.g. embedded workflows).

In central Sardinia, several talc-chlorite-feldspar bodies have long been mined by open-pit operations. The mining activity has deeply modified the original landscape of the Lasasai-Bonucoro area in the district of Orani. Thus, the rehabilitation of this area, in particular the open-pit works that are now occupied by pools filled with ground water from aquifers, should be considered as an overall project of landscape restoration. Particular conditions, such as the constant outflow of good-quality water and the scenic nature of the surrounding countryside, are favourable to the accomplishment of the recovery plan. On the basis of the naturalistic and geographical contexts of the mining area and its surroundings, a few proposals concerning the re-utilisation of these excavations are presente...

The contributions to the workshop ``Investigations on flooding in residual ponds from open-pit mining`` deal, inter alia, with the hydrochemical development of flushing waters, the stability of the water quality of residual lakes, especially under the impact of land contamination, the influence of brine receipts by flushed residual lakes, and with the microbiological ecology of residual lakes from mining. Furthermore, geophysical studies for demonstrating paths of flow and for calculating the depth and volume of residual lakes from open-pit mining are discussed. (MSK) [Deutsch] Die Beitraege zu dem Workshop `Untersuchungen zu Flutungen in Tagebaurestseen` befassen sich unter anderem mit der hydrochemischen Entwicklung von Flutungsgewaessern, mit der Qualitaetsstabilitaet von Restseewaessern - insbesonders bei Einwirkung von Altlasten - und mit den Einfluessen von Solezufluessen bei Restseeflutung sowie mit Untersuchungen zur mikrobiologischen Oekologie in Bergbaurestseen. Desweiteren werden geophysikalische Untersuchungen zum Nachweis von Fliesswegen und die Tiefen- und Volumenberechnung eines Tagebaurestlochsees erlaeutert. (MSK)

From a geotechnical perspective, bedding is a discontinuity in a rock mass. Sedimentology is concerned, in part, with the origin of bedding. There is much to be gained by a melding of the two disciplines in the underground coal-mining sector. Bedding controls the strength of rock units in coal measures by defining beams that may or may not span openings. Voussoir beam theory can be used to explain how massive sandstone/conglomerate units can span longwall panels and what thickness of roof beam is required to span a coal mine roadway. Bedding also controls the way in which stresses are distributed about coal mine openings. By utilizing transverse isotropic elastic properties, the effect of bedding can be readily implemented in continuum numerical codes. Geologists logging core need to discriminate between bedding as a textural element in the rock and bedding as a geotechnical discontinuity. Geotechnical engineers need to explicitly consider bedding when formulating their design models.

An outline of airborne dust sampling methodology, instrumentation and exposure standards in the New South Wales coal mining industry combined with the results of twelve years of personal dust monitoring of the mining industry workforce with particular emphasis on longwalls is given. The overall improvements to workforce exposure levels and the systems and techniques which led to these improvements are also dealt with as are respirable quartz levels, its sources and difficulties of compliance with Coal Mine Regulation Act Requirements. The non-punitive nature of the regulations combined with the mutual co-operation between management and unions in the interpretation and use of monitoring program results, to achieve overall improvements in airborne dust levels throughout the industry is also examined. Results are presented covering longwall, continuous miner, open cut and surface operations. The use of wetting agents (surfactants) for dust suppression and roadway consolidation purposes in both underground and open cut operations is also discussed. 6 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.

The bucket wheel reclaimer type Ld (3800x2600)/60 described in the following, will be operating the coal stockpile situated between the open pit mine and the power station, and as of September 1983 will continuously reclaim the coal from the stockpile at a daily output of 120,000 t.

General and technical program with abstracts are included for the meeting in Vancouver, B.C. October 28-30, 1982. Papers on coal examine design aids in coal preparation, coal loadout weighing systems, screening applications, sampling, hydraulic mining, open-pit technology, and material transport of overburden.

Protein–protein interaction (PPI) extraction has been an important research topic in bio-text mining area, since the PPI information is critical for understanding biological processes. However, there are very few open systems available on the Web and most of the systems focus on keyword searching ba...

The investigation findings presented enable to determine the critical conditions of air-methane mixture (AMM) explosion initiation with an open charge in the test gallery. The findings enable to define the level of blasting safety in coal mines liable to gas explosions.

A technique for fabrication of PMMA microfluidic systems is described. Microfluidic structures are made by imprinting against an epoxy stamp, which is created by a twofold casting process. In the first step, a PDMS replica is obtained by casting against a SU8 master, which is followed by an epoxy casting where the PDMS replica serves as the master. The imprinted microfluidic network is sealed with a PMMA mate provided with fluidic openings using thermal bonding. A UV/O3 pre-treatment is employed to decrease the bonding temperature of the PMMA plates and increase the reliability of the bonding process. Fabricated PMMA microfluidic systems were characterized with respect to electroosmotic mobility and zeta potential. Current monitoring technique was used for this purpose.

An aluminum-cast statue, representing an open-armed Madonna, was positioned in 1938 on the memorial for the victims of World War I built in Lido di Venezia (Italy). Due to the severe exposure conditions (marine industrial atmosphere), the statue suffered extensive deterioration and fell down in summer 2003. In 2009, a restoration project started, with the aim of repairing and conserving the statue, at the time badly fragmented. In the present work, the results of investigations on (i) degradation factors and (ii) potential conservation strategies, are presented. In particular, in the first part of the study composition and microstructure of the cast alloy were determined, pointing out the influence of casting defects on the intrinsic brittleness of the statue. The corrosion products on the...

A process has been developed to fabricate whisker toughened alumina composites by slip casting dense colloidal suspensions of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-15% SiC{sub w}. Optimum processing parameters for slip casting we developed with slip viscosity of 60--70 centipoise and solids content 78--79 wt %. Slip-cast parts with green densities 65 to 68% theoretical were achieved. Composite parts were pressureless sintered to 96--97% theoretical density with <1% open porosity. The composites exhibited strengths of 500 MPa, toughness of 6.5 MPa m{sup 1/2}, and hardness of 17.26 GPa (1765 kg/mm{sup 2}). High temperature strength retention was maintained up to 1200C. Good thermal shock resistance with {Delta}T{sub cr} = 500C was also achieved. The process technology was transferred into pilot scale for producing prototype heat exchanger tubing up to 4 inches in diameter at the facilities of Vesuvius/McDanel.

Twenty six witnesses, including representatives of the ferroalloy, die-casting, aerospace, and mining industries, testified at a three-day hearing on the strategic and critical importance of certain minerals and US dependence upon foreign sources. Changing world political situations have implications for continued US access, and for the US economy. The witnesses addressed the problems of import vulnerability, the development of domestic and alternative sources of supply, and efforts to find accessible substitutes. Attention was focused in the final hearing on international finance and programs to assist foreign nations, especially those which are mineral suppliers. Two appendices with additional responses to questions and material submitted for the record follow the testimony. (DCK)

In order to estimate accurately an effective dose equivalent for exposures to radon daughters, knowledge of their deposition in the lung is required. However, the nose and mouth are effective filters for removing aerosol particles, especially in the range of sizes of {open_quotes}unattached{close_quotes} radon daughters. Therefore, it is equally important to have reliable data on deposition in this region of the respiratory tract. We will describe our work in studying nasal and oral deposition of {open_quotes}unattached{close_quotes} radon daughters in casts of these airways. Several hollow casts of adult and child nasal and oral airways were fabricated at The John Hopkins University from layers of Perspect{trademark} (an acrylic plastic). The shapes of the airway passages were obtained from nuclear magnetic resonance sectional images of healthy subjects. The casts were exposed to radon gas and daughters produced by flushing filtered air through a commercially available {sup 226}Ra source. The gas stream was drawn through a 1.4-L cylindrical tube to allow measurable growth of {sup 218}Po activity before it was passed through casts of both nasal passages or the oral cavity. The deposition of {open_quotes}unattached{close_quotes} {sup 218}Po was measured by comparing the activity collected on filters mounted in series and in parallel with a cast. Measurements were made at various flow rates (Q; 4 to 20 L min{sup -1}). The diffusion coefficient (D) of {sup 218}Po was measured each time the flow rate was changed, by replacing the cast with a stainless steel gauze screen and measuring the activity penetrating the screen. The measured diffusion coefficient ranged from 0.02 to 0.05 cm{sup 2} s{sup -1} and was found to vary with the residence time of {sup 218}Po in the growth tube. The deposition efficiency ({eta}) of {sup 218}Po measured in these casts ranged from 50 to 70%, and was similar to values we found previously, using casts of nasal and oral airways from cadavers.

Statistical text mining treats documents as bags of words, with a focus on term frequencies within documents and across document collections. Unlike natural language processing (NLP) techniques that rely on an engineered vocabulary or a full-featured ontology, statistical approaches do not make use of domain-specific knowledge. The freedom from biases can be an advantage, but at the cost of ignoring potentially valuable knowledge. The approach proposed here investigates a hybrid strategy based on computing graph measures of term importance over an entire ontology and injecting the measures into the statistical text mining process. As a starting point, we adapt existing search engine algorithms such as PageRank and HITS to determine term importance within an ontology graph. The graph-theoretic approach is evaluated using a smoking data set from the i2b2 National Center for Biomedical Computing, cast as a simple binary classification task for categorizing smoking-related documents, demonstrating consistent improvements in accuracy. PMID:21346937

In Chile, which is a mining country, based on our company’s original technology, we have opened the Atacama Mine, a copper mine, in which our company owns a 60% majority share, and are conducting operations based on our own initiative.The Atacama Mine is located about 16 kilometers SSE of Copiapo, the capital city of the Third Region in the Republic of Chile, at an elevation above sea level of approx. 500 meters. We began investigations in 1990, starting basically from scratch with almost no existing data, and found and confirmed ore deposits that could be economically mined. In 1999 we founded a joint venture company and began mine construction in 2001. At the time, the price of copper was low, so our main propositions were to reduce development costs, and shorten the development period, which we successfully completed by the end of 2002, achieving a short development period of a year and a half.Our development of the Atacama Mine had the following technological features:i) Because the ore body was deep underground (approx. 400 meters from the surface), we placed the primary ore reduction equipment underground, and used three long belt conveyors (3,500 m total) to transport the ore to the surface. This allowed us to reduce operation costs, and realize a safe and comfortable underground environment.ii) Slime is transported to a mine residue dam 16 km from the dressing plant via a fluid transport system using a pipeline, which has allowed us to reduce transport costs.iii) By using a new type of flotation machine we have been able to maximize the extraction rate of shipping ore (recovery rate of 93% or more).Four years after beginning operations the Atacama Mine continues to operate stably.   

The U.S. is the largest producer of mining products in the world. In 1999, U.S. mining operations produced $66.7 billion worth of raw materials that contributed a total of $533 billion to the nation's wealth. Despite these contributions, the mining industry has not been well supported with research and development funds as compared to mining industries in other countries. To overcome this problem, the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies (CAST) was established to develop technologies that can be used by the U.S. mining industry to create new products, reduce production costs, and meet environmental regulations. Much of the research to be conducted with Cooperative Agreement funds will be longer-term, high-risk, basic research and will be carried out in five broad areas: (a) Solid-solid separation (b) Solid-liquid separation (c) Chemical/Biological Extraction (d) Modeling and Control, and (e) Environmental Control. Distribution of funds is being handled via competitive solicitation of research proposals through Site Coordinators at the seven member universities. The first of these solicitations, referred to as the CAST II-Round 1 RFP, was issued on October 28, 2002. Thirty-eight proposals were received by the December 10, 2002 deadline for this RFP-eleven (11) Solid-Solid Separation, seven (7) Solid-Liquid Separation, ten (10) Chemical/Biological Extraction, six (6) Modeling & Control and four (4) Environmental Control. These were first reviewed and ranked by a group of technical reviewers (selected primarily from industry). Based on these reviews, and an assessment of overall program requirements, the CAST Technical Committee made an initial selection/ranking of proposals and forwarded these to the DOE/NETL Project Officer for final review and approval. This process took some 7 months to complete but 17 projects (one joint) were in place at the constituent universities (three at Virginia Tech, two at West Virginia University, three at University of Kentucky, three at University of Utah, three at Montana Tech, three at New Mexico Tech, and one at the University of Nevada, Reno) by May 17, 2003. These projects are listed by category, along with brief abstracts of their aims and objectives.

A {open_quotes}landforming{close_quotes} land development opportunity unique to metals mining is described. {open_quotes}Landforming{close_quotes}, wherein the earth`s surface is reconfigured with mining waste rock and tails for the capture of renewable energy, is proposed by the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) to be ecologically acceptable and, in selected cases, economically superior to conventional mineral extraction, reclamation, and minesite abandonment practices. Landforming is primary land construction that uses mining waste and applies the principles of land overlay architecture. Landforms can be layered, shaped, and configured through the use of binders and plastic sheeting to the engineering specifications necessary for the support of physical structures and passage or retention of fluids. Landforms that are terraced and south facing (in the Northern Hemisphere) are an ideal mount for sun-tracking mirror (heliostat) arrays. In {open_quotes}blue sky{close_quotes}. solar-rich environments, the mirrors can be targeted on a common area to form a {open_quotes}solar furnace.{close_quotes} The heat generated at the focal point of the solar array can be used to flash generate steam and run a turbine electric generator. The solar steam power generation cycle coproducers distilled water that can be sprayed onto the surfaces of the landform to create {open_quotes}greenscape.{close_quotes} Waters not consumed or evaporated in the site greening process percolate into and are stored by the landform if it is underlain with plastic. The landform serves, in effect as a shallow aquifer. The terrace-landform development of mineral properties in remote, infrastructurally destitute areas creates renewable energy, sustainable, electric power-water {open_quotes}oases.{close_quotes} The landform development of mineral properties adjacent to metropolitan areas creates utilities expansions and recreational {open_quotes}greenspace{close_quotes} in areas of growing urban need.

Abstract in portuguese O planejamento de mina subterrânea constitui elemento importante para se alcançar a realização de empreendimentos no cenário atual altamente competitivo. Esse planejamento se torna essencial em função das particularidades das minas subterrâneas, da dificuldade de se conhecer o corpo em profundidade e da locação das escavações subterrâneas. Aplicativos de computador permitem visualização espacial do corpo mineralizado, das seções geológicas e formação d (more) os contornos do minério em 3D. Assim, tais aplicativos facilitam alocação dos principais serviços de desenvolvimento de minas. Hoje as mineradoras já dispõem de tais recursos, mas as metodologias para o desenvolvimento das minas subterrâneas ainda são incipientes. Os aplicativos mais desenvolvidos são direcionados para as minas a céu aberto e não para as minas subterrâneas. Com a utilização de aplicativos de desenvolvimento de mina e com o planejamento de lavra e com a observação das similaridades com minas existentes, foi possível: 1) Elaborar um projeto de infra-estrutura de uma mina subterrânea específica, com visualização em 3D das aberturas; 2) Fazer o dimensionamento das aberturas; 3) Desenvolver uma metodologia para um desenho das referidas aberturas. Esse artigo trata da seleção do método de lavra a partir das características de uma jazida simulada e descreve as aberturas principais de desenvolvimento de mina subterrânea construídas com um aplicativo comercial de mineração. Abstract in english Underground mine planning is an important element for achieving project realization in the current highly competitive scenario. This is due to the peculiarities of the underground mines, where it is difficult to obtain profound knowledge about the body and location of the underground excavations. Computer applicationsspatially visualize the ore body with its geological sections and mineral formation contours. This visual is in 3D that facilitates the allocation of major m (more) ine development services. Although such resources are available, their mining applications are generally developed for open pit mining methods, and is still incipient for underground mine-development methodologies. With the use of applications for mine development and planning, and the similarity of existing mines, it was possible to prepare the infrastructure project for a specific underground mine, and a 3D view of its underground openings. It was also possible to develop a methodology for drawing the galleries described. This paper deals with the selection of mining methods for a major simulated mineral deposit and describes breakthroughs of underground mine development design using a commercial mining application.

A skip to be suspended in a mine shaft has a discharge opening at the lower end region of a chamber defined by a skip body. A door closes the opening and can open to discharge material from the chamber. Door operating members at opposite sides of the body are pivotable about a common axis between a closed position in which the door is closed and an open position in which the door is open. Connectors connect the members and the door and the connectors cross the pivot axis as the door moves between the open and closed position. The connectors can be at least partly flexible. It is desirable for the chamber to be generally of a greater cross-sectional area at a level above the operating members than at the level of the members and for the body to extend above and at least partly cover the operating members.

Acid mine drainage and minesite salinity are, arguably, the most serious threats posed to the environment by open-cut mining and mineral processing. Acid mine drainage arises when sulphur, usually in pyrite form, contained in the ore and/or waste materials, is exposed to oxidation, the products of which are subsequently leached out by water as acid. As the pH of the system drops, bacteria begin to catalyse the chemical reactions, and any metals present go into solution. Open-cut mining and mineral processing activities also lead to the storage of water on the surface, where evaporation and leaching raise its salinity. At many mines in Australia in dry climates, soil covers over potentially acid generating waste rock dumps are being actively trialed. The aim is to maintain the soil cover in a saturated state by covering it with a sacrificial mulch of loose-dumped inert material. The mulch also serves to take up rainfall, preventing excessive runoff which may cause erosion of the soil cover. In the coalfields of Queensland, Australia, measured pH and salinity levels have been found to vary widely between minesites, within any given minesite, and with changing climatic conditions.

In Morwell Open Cut brown coal mine, the overburden `firehole` materials which have resulted from ancient coal fires vary from hard baked clays to firm laminated lacustrine clays. The need to pre-strip designed areas to reduce the slope height and attain safe digging conditions for the bucket wheel excavator operation is now accepted practice at the open cut mine. In this study, the inherent spatial variability of undrained shear strength of the clay materials has been incorporated in a visco plastic, finite element based, probabilistic slope stability analysis. Data on the costs of initial pre-stripping, excavation and slope failure are collected to provide an economic basis for the optimisation of the design of the overburden batters in Norwell Open Cut. This improved stability modelling is enabling costly pre-stripping to be minimised while ensuring acceptable slope stability conditions and minimising the risk to personnel and plant. 8 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

At the Muskeg River Mine, bitumen is hosted in the clastic sediments of the lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation. Within the mine area, the McMurray Formation is divided informally into mappable units representing fluvial, continental floodplain, open estuarine, estuarine channel complex (ECC), and marine environments. Fluvial, open estuarine, and ECC deposits host more than 90% of the mineable bitumen reserves. Bitumen grade is more consistent within the fluvial and open estuarine units (12?15?mass%), whereas ECC sediments are characterized by significant lateral and vertical grade variability (0?15?mass%). In the ECC deposits, bitumen grade is controlled by significant reservoir heterogeneity. Facies assemblages including point-bar deposits (PB), abandoned channel-fills (AC), and tidal fl...

Coal mining in the Yorkshire-Nottinghamshire coalfield has been one of the region's most importance industries over the past 150 years. The number of working mines peaked at over 400 in the late nineteenth and early part of the twentieth century. However, many have closed over the past few years and now there are only ten large working mines still open. Three of these in the Selby complex are scheduled to close in April 2004. Although there are significant untouched coal resources east of the current deep mines, the prospects for opening new mines in the Yorkshire-Nottinghamshire coalfield appear to be very poor. Consequently, there has been a revival of interest in the potential for releasing some of the energy value of the remaining coal resources via alternative technologies such as coal-bed methane production and underground coal gasification. Methane is already being drained from the few remaining deep mines and, in some cases, utilized as fuel for boilers or for electricity generation. The production of methane from abandoned mines is also taking place, but recent low electricity and gas prices have adversely affected its economics. There has not been any exploratory drilling for coal-bed methane in the Yorkshire-Nottinghamshire coalfield, perhaps because the average seam methane content is somewhat lower than in some of the major coalfields on the west side of the country. However, the major barrier to the development of the region's vast coal-bed methane resources is perceived to be low seam permeability. The potential for underground coal gasification is very large but the scope for production is likely to be constrained by environmental considerations. 39 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.

The article explains the principles of open-loop and closed-loop heat pumps and discusses the use of mine water as a source for ground heat. The use of mine water for space heating or cooling purposes has been demonstrated to be feasible and economic in applications in Scotland, Canada, Norway and the USA. Mine water is an attractive energy resource due to: (1) the high water storage and water flux in mine workings, representing a huge renewable enthalpy reservoir; (2) the possibility of re-branding a potentially polluting environmental liability as a 'green' energy resource; and (3) the development of many mine sites as commercial/industrial parks with large space heating/cooling requirements. The exothermic nature of the pyrite oxidation reaction implies added benefits if closed-loop systems can harness the chemical energy released in mine-waste tips. An appreciation of geochemistry also assists in identifying and solving possible problems with precipitation reactions occurring in heat pump systems. 51 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.