Mining Engineering Commons^™

The Effect Of Conditioning On The Flotation Of Pyrrhotite In The Presence Of Chlorite, Yanfei Chen, Qing Shi, Qimeng Feng, Yiping Lu, Wencai Zhang

Mining Engineering Faculty Publications

The influence of conditioning on the flotation of pyrrhotite in the presence of chlorite was investigated through flotation tests, sedimentation tests, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The flotation results show that chlorite slimes dramatically impair the flotation of pyrrhotite. Sedimentation and flotation tests reveal that conditioning can effectively remove chlorite slimes from pyrrhotite surfaces, resulting in an enhanced flotation recovery of pyrrhotite. When mixed minerals were conditioned under the natural atmosphere, a faster conditioning speed and longer conditioning time decreased the flotation recovery of pyrrhotite. However, when mixed minerals were conditioned under a nitrogen atmosphere, a more intensive conditioning …

Comparing Distributed Acoustic Sensing To Three-Component Geophones In An Underground Mine, Nikolas Nesladek

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Geophones have become the industry standard for seismic data collection. However, a relatively new method is gaining popularity called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). DAS uses changes in backscattered light of a fiber-optic cable to detect strain from acoustic energy. The purpose of this project was to make a direct comparison between DAS and three component geophones, specifically in a mining setting. Experiments were done in the Underground Education Mining Center on the campus of Montana Tech. The sources used for this project were vertical sledgehammer shots, oriented shear sledgehammer shots, and blasting caps set off in both unstemmed and stemmed …

Synthesis, Characterization And Photocatalytic Activity Of Ag Metallic Particles Deposited Carbon-Doped Tio2 Nanocomposites Supported On Stainless Steel Mesh, J. O. Tijani, T. C. Totito, O. O. Fatoba, O. O. Babajide, L. F. Petrik

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Abstract: In this present work, post deposition of metallic Ag nanoparticles on carbon-doped TiO₂ nanocomposites supported on stainless steel mesh was achieved via a combination of sol–gel and thermal evaporation techniques. Poly acrylonitrile dissolved in dimethyl formamide, and titanium tetra chloride was used as a carbon and titanium precursor, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared supported catalysts was evaluated by the degradation of an aqueous solution of methylene blue as a model pollutant under ultra-violet light irradiation. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by several analytical techniques such as high resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller …

Spatial Variability Of Co < Inf> 2 Uptake In Polygonal Tundra: Assessing Low-Frequency Disturbances In Eddy Covariance Flux Estimates, Norbert Pirk, Jakob Sievers, Jordan Mertes, Frans Jan W. Parmentier, Mikhail Mastepanov, Torben R. Christensen

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

The large spatial variability in Arctic tundra complicates the representative assessment of CO2 budgets. Accurate measurements of these heterogeneous landscapes are, however, essential to understanding their vulnerability to climate change. We surveyed a polygonal tundra lowland on Svalbard with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that mapped ice-wedge morphology to complement eddy covariance (EC) flux measurements of CO2. The analysis of spectral distributions showed that conventional EC methods do not accurately capture the turbulent CO2 exchange with a spatially heterogeneous surface that typically features small flux magnitudes. Nonlocal (low-frequency) flux contributions were especially pronounced during snowmelt and introduced a large bias …

Responsiveness Of Mining Community Acceptance Model To Key Parameter Changes, Mark Kofi Boateng, Kwame Awuah-Offei

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The mining industry has difficulties predicting changes in the level of community acceptance of its projects over time. These changes are due to changes in the society and individual perceptions around these mines as a result of the mines' environmental and social impacts. Agent-based modeling can be used to facilitate better understanding of how community acceptance changes with changing mine environmental impacts. This work investigates the sensitivity of an agent-based model (ABM) for predicting changes in community acceptance of a mining project due to information diffusion to key input parameters. Specifically, this study investigates the responsiveness of the ABM to …

Flotation Behavior Of Complex Sulfide Ores In The Presence Of Biodegradable Polymeric Depressants, Muhammad Badar Hayat, Lana Z. Alagha, Syed Mohammad Sannan

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this study, chitosan polymer was tested as a potential selective green depressant of pyrite in the bulk flotation of galena (PbS) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) from sphalerite (ZnS) and pyrite (FeS₂) using sodium isopropyl xanthate as a collector and 4-methyl-2-pentanol (MIBC) as a frother. Flotation tests were carried out in a D12-Denver flotation laboratory cell in the presence and absence of chitosan and/or sodium cyanide depressant which is commercially used as pyrite depressant in sulfide mineral flotation process. Flotation recoveries and concentrate grades (assay) were studied as a function of polymer concentration and flotation time. It …

Surface-Modified Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibres As Supports, Chris Ademola Bode-Aluko, Omoniyi Pereao, Olanrewaju Fatoba, Leslie Petrik

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PAN-nfs) are one of the most studied nanofibers because of their excellent characteristics, such as good mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and good thermal stability. Due to the easy dissolution in polar organic solvents, PAN-nfs are mostly produced via electrospinning technique. The electro spun PAN-nfs surfaces are relatively in-active and hydrophobic, and, therefore, hinder some potential applications; however, chemical surface modification reactions, such as amination, reduction, hydrolysis, and amidoximation, have been carried out on them. These reactions bring about functional groups, such as amine, hydroxyl, carboxylic, imine etc., to the surface PAN-nfs and invariably make their surfaces active and …

Effect Of Single Dead End Entry Inclination On Dpm Plume Dispersion, Yi Zheng, Hai Lan, Magesh Thiruvengadam, Jerry C. Tien, Ying Li

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is a by-product from operating diesel engines. Since diesel powers are one of the major sources of energy for mobile underground mining equipment, the adverse health effects of DPM are of a great concern. This paper used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to study the effect of entry inclination on DPM plume distribution in a dead-end entry. An upward mining face and a downward mining face were built with a truck and a loader in loading operation close to the face area. A species transport model with incorporated buoyancy effect was used to examine the DPM …

Tailings Dust Emissions, Emily Degner, Sam Horn, Zakary Galligan, Ryan Bernard, Julie Jameson, Josh Mueller, Natalie Tucker, Joe Griffin

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fugitive dust emissions from the storage and handling of mine tailings presents environmental and safety concerns, which must be addressed to promote the land sustainability and the health and safety of individuals around a tailings storage facility (TSF). The investigated dust control methods were agglomeration, binder slurry injection, and topical spray.

The Dust Busters determined that pelletizing was the most practical method of agglomeration. In order to produce durable pellets from the mine tailings, which consist primarily of silica, a binder must be added. A variety of binders were considered including magnesium and calcium chloride, bentonite, barite, cement, vinyl polymers, …

Characterization Of Granite And Subsequent Ground Control Management Plan At Orphan Boy Mine – Butte, Montana, Emily Rose

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC) and World Museum of Mining facilities began as shallow underground mines in the 1880’s during the mining boom that populated Butte, Montana. The UMEC is a multi-disciplinary facility that provides an on-campus underground laboratory environment and a place for students to learn and practice practical underground mining techniques; therefore, the longevity of the facility is important to Montana Tech. The goal of this project is to develop a Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP) for the UMEC and World Museum of Mining facilities.

The World Museum of Mining (Orphan Girl) and UMEC (Orphan Boy) facilities …

New-Generation Nasa Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (Omi) Volcanic So2 Dataset: Algorithm Description, Initial Results, And Continuation With The Suomi-Npp Ozone Mapping And Profiler Suite (Omps), Can Li, Nickolay A. Krotkov, Simon Carn, Yan Zhang, Robert J.D. Spurr, Joanna Joiner

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Since the fall of 2004, the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) has been providing global monitoring of volcanic SO2 emissions, helping to understand their climate impacts and to mitigate aviation hazards. Here we introduce a new-generation OMI volcanic SO2 dataset based on a principal component analysis (PCA) retrieval technique. To reduce retrieval noise and artifacts as seen in the current operational linear fit (LF) algorithm, the new algorithm, OMSO2VOLCANO, uses characteristic features extracted directly from OMI radiances in the spectral fitting, thereby helping to minimize interferences from various geophysical processes (e.g., O3 absorption) and measurement details (e.g., wavelength shift). To solve …

Luck & Skill: Black Swans & Machiavelli's Ideas On Power, Fortune, Virtu, Thomas W. Camm

Mining Engineering

We hear all the time about the value of hard work and perseverance, and the part they play in the professional life of successful people. What we do not hear so much about are the many professionals who work hard and persevere, yet never seem to quite reach the level of success they aim for. Some current authors are beginning to give more attention to the part luck/black swans/outliers play in success. This is not a new phenomenon, Machiavelli had a lot to say about it back in the Renaissance. So how can knowledge of this dynamic help in a …

Determine The Potential Drill Utilization Improvements And Rock Fragmentation Requirements Using Directional Drilling In A Coal Mining Overburden Highwall Application, K. D. Dill, S. D. Rosenthal

Mining Engineering

This project analyzed the efficiency of incorporating the use of directional drilling technology into coal overburden blasting. Directional drilling is currently in use in the petroleum industry and it is believed that it will be a valuable asset in the mining industry. This project has shown that directional drilling can be a viable technology for use in the coal overburden removal process resulting in increased drill utilization and potential for cost savings. Future work regarding blasting and geotechnical evaluation should be performed to solidify the concept.

Managing Engineering Talent: Unique Challenges To Optimize The Best And Brightest, Thomas W. Camm, J. C. Johnson

Mining Engineering

Most engineers are bright, hard-working, reliable, and prefer to avoid conflict. An engineering curriculum tends to self-select these characteristics. By most standards, you would expect workers exhibiting these traits to require minimal supervision. But is this true? Is this how most current engineering managers lead? Looking at some current theories on leadership combined with personal anecdotes, this presentation will look at some common misconceptions about leading engineers.

All-In Sustaining Cost Analysis: Pros And Cons, Asseu Gilbert Yapo, Thomas W. Camm

Mining Engineering

All-in sustaining cost is a metric used by mining companies to reflect the cost of gold mining in a consistent format useful to both investors and mining professionals. Cost reporting focused on the direct cost of mining and processing ore was summarized in the non-GAAP cash cost developed by the Gold Institute in 1996. In 2013, a group of mining companies, working with the World Gold Council, developed a more inclusive approach to reporting costs designed to solve the dilemma of showing a more comprehensive reflection of recurring costs involved in producing gold, without discouraging investors.

Embrace The Unknown: Stop Saying “It’S Too Hard” And Start Embracing Uncertainty In Your Mine Plans, C. Roos

Mining Engineering

Nearly every input to a mine plan is based on an estimate. The estimates may be from sample data, historical information, models, or personal opinion, but in all cases, these values are simply expected values (means). In real life, we do not get to iterate the exact conditions at our mining operation many times to ensure that that average value is attained. The expected value also tells us nothing about the spread of values that that input might take on. The result is a significant amount of unquantified uncertainty in our mine plans. Unfortunately, it is often too expensive or …

Evaluation & Selection Of Novel Surveying Systems For Use In Surface Coal Mining, M. Drake, C. Roos, P. Conrad, T. Stack

Mining Engineering

This paper presents the evaluation Montana Tech completed for the Western Energy Company Rosebud Mine relating to the benefits of survey data collected using novel technologies over traditional methods for topographic surveys. These technologies include Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), photogrammetry, and laser scanning/LIDAR. Utilizing these technologies, large areas such as reclamation areas and cast blasts can be surveyed in a timely manner for use by the mining operation. The areas that were evaluated were the improvements in the safety of employees and the time required to collect data. In addition, there is also a potential cost savings for the operation, …

Arctic Micromonas Uses Protein Pools And Non-Photochemical Quenching To Cope With Temperature Restrictions On Photosystem Ii Protein Turnover, Guangyan Ni, Gabrielle Zimbalatti, Cole D. Murphy, Audrey B. Barnett, Christopher M. Arsenault, Gang Li, Amanda M. Cockshutt, Douglas A. Campbell

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Micromonas strains of small prasinophyte green algae are found throughout the world’s oceans, exploiting widely different niches. We grew arctic and temperate strains of Micromonas and compared their susceptibilities to photoinactivation of Photosystem II, their counteracting Photosystem II repair capacities, their Photosystem II content, and their induction and relaxation of non-photochemical quenching. In the arctic strain Micromonas NCMA 2099, the cellular content of active Photosystem II represents only about 50 % of total Photosystem II protein, as a slow rate constant for clearance of PsbA protein limits instantaneous repair. In contrast, the temperate strain NCMA 1646 shows a faster clearance …

Assessment Of Potential Impacts To Surface And Subsurface Water Bodies Due To Longwall Mining, Christopher R. Newman, Zacharias Agioutantis, Gabriel Boede Jimenez Leon

Mining Engineering Faculty Publications

Ground movements due to longwall mining operations have the potential to damage the hydrological balance within as well as outside the mine permit area in the form of increased surface ponding and changes to hydrogeological properties. Recently, the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) in the USA, has completed a public comment period on a newly proposed rule for the protection of streams and groundwater from adverse impacts of surface and underground mining operations (80 FR 44435). With increased community and regulatory focus on mining operations and their potential to adversely affect streams and groundwater, now there is …

Laboratory Performance Comparison Of Vortecone Inertial Dust Scrubber To Flooded-Bed Dust Scrubber, Adam J. Levy

Theses and Dissertations--Mining Engineering

Increasing incidence of Black Lung disease in miners since the early 1990s has concerned law makers and the mining industry. New regulations promulgated by MSHA in 2014 lowered the permissible limit of dust exposure of underground workers. The hazards of respirable coal dust have been common knowledge throughout the mining industry since the enactment of the 1969 Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, and many administrative controls have been put in place since its enactment.

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the performance of a Vortecone scrubber, used in the automotive industry to remove paint overspray from …