Have you ever imagined giving up your day job and heading for the hills in search of gold? Journalist Steve Boggan decided to do just that when the price of the precious metal scaled dizzying heights in the wake of the global financial crisis. Clueless, and with neither equipment nor experience, Boggan flew to California and followed in the footsteps of the '49ers', miners who fuelled the original Gold Rush of 1849. Along the way, terrified of bears, bubonic plague and rattlesnakes, he met a cast of colourful characters, including a former Navy Seal who risked his life every day and a man who once went on the run for five years in the mistaken belief that he was wanted by the law. In charming and witty prose, gold-fevered Boggan recaptures the excitement, the hopes and disappointments of the hunt, going beyond the story of modern prospectors to give a moving insight into the birth of modern America.

The reasons for writing this book are very simple. We use and teach com puter aided techniques of mathematical simulation and of pattern recogni tion. Life would be much simpler if we had a suitable text book with methods and computer programmes which we could keep referring to. Therefore, we have presented here material that is essential for mathematical modelling of some complex geological situations, with which earth scientists are often confronted. The reader is introduced not only to the essentials of computer modelling, data analysis and pattern recognition, but is also made familiar with the basic understanding with which they can plunge into when solving related and more complex problems. This book first makes a case for seismic stratigraphy and then for pattern recognition. Chapter 1 provides an extensive review of applications of pattern recognition methods in oil exploration. Simulation procedures are presented with examples that are fairly simple to understand and easy to use on the computer. Several geological situations can be formulated and simulated using the Monte Carlo method. The binary lithologic sequences, discussed in Chapter 2, consist of alternating layers of any two of sand, shale and coal."

Quarrying and all other branches of surface mining rather than diminishing in importance have become of more and more consequence economically, industrially and particularly with the depletion of high-grade deep-mined mineral reserves. Low-grade minerals require low cost extraction and this in many cases necessitates very expensive mechanized equipment with the cost of individual units running into millions of pounds in the case of large scale operations with high productivity. There has been, and there still is, a tendency for the smaller single quarries to be amalgamated into groups with large financial resources and therefore with the ability to purchase these expensive machines so necessary to make operations viable. This in turn requires wider administrative and technical knowledge in executives of these groups and as these often handle a wide range of products from widely differing systems of working, this technical knowledge should embrace the exploitation of many different types of deposits. There is, at present, a great dearth throughout the world of such qualified executives as is apparent from advertisements of vacancies in the technical press. It would appear that these industries offer an attractive career to the widely qualified and experienced technologist in these fields. This book deals with methods of working in the surface extractive indus tries, quarry management and power supply-but does not deal with related ancillary processes except where these affect quarrying operations.

This book contains contributions to the 32nd Polish-Czech-Slovak Symposium on Mining and Environmental Geophysics held in May 2009 in Piechowice (Poland). The papers are related to various aspects of geophysical science such as induced seismicity, engineering seismology, environmental geophysics and geophysics in geology

The first comprehensive work on one of the most important underground mining methods worldwide, Geotechnical Design for Sublevel Open Stoping presents topics according to the conventional sublevel stoping process used by most mining houses, in which a sublevel stoping geometry is chosen for a particular mining method, equipment availability, and work force experience. Summarizing state-of-the-art practices encountered during his 25+ years of experience at industry-leading underground mines, the author: Covers the design and operation of sublevel open stoping, including variants such as bench stoping Discusses increases in sublevel spacing due to advances in the drilling of longer and accurate production holes, as well as advances in explosive types, charges, and initiation systems Considers improvements in slot rising through vertical crater retreat, inverse drop rise, and raise boring Devotes a chapter to rock mass characterization, since increases in sublevel spacing have meant that larger, unsupported stope walls must stand without collapsing Describes methodologies to design optimum open spans and pillars, rock reinforcement of development access and stope walls, and fill masses to support the resulting stope voids Reviews the sequencing of stoping blocks to minimize in situ stress concentrations Examines dilution control action plans and techniques to back-analyze and optimize stope wall performance Featuring numerous case studies from the world-renowned Mount Isa Mines and examples from underground mines in Western Australia, Geotechnical Design for Sublevel Open Stoping is both a practical reference for industry and a specialized textbook for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate mining studies.

This practical handbook of properties for soils and rock contains in a concise tabular format the key issues relevant to geotechnical investigations, assessments and designs in common practice. There are brief notes on the application of the tables. These data tables are compiled for experienced geotechnical professionals who require a reference document to access key information. There is an extensive database of correlations for different applications. The book should provide a useful bridge between soil and rock mechanics theory and its application to practical engineering solutions. The initial chapters deal with the planning of the geotechnical investigation and the classification of the soil and rock properties, after which some of the more used testing is covered. Later chapters show the reliability and correlations that are used to convert that data in the interpretative and assessment phase of the project. The final chapters apply some of these concepts to geotechnical design. The emphasis throughout is on application to practice. This book is intended primarily for practicing geotechnical engineers working in investigation, assessment and design, but should provide a useful supplement for postgraduate courses. It evolved from the need to have a "go to" reference book which has both breadth and depth of information to apply immediately to projects. To keep to a handbook size one has to compress/restrict details to a few key bullet points - but a comprehensive reference list provides the "appendix" for additional information if required. This 2nd edition keeps to that format but contains updated information and adjustments that take into account feedback received since initial publication.

As societies continue to grow and develop, the demand for energy has increased worldwide. In China, coal is still one of the principal energy resources and it is expected that more coal mining projects are needed in the future. As mining operations continue to increase their production rates and discover more ore reserves, mine safety issues have become more urgent. Even more than in the past there is a greater need to understand these issues better. Progress in Mine Safety Science and Engineering II discusses mine safety techniques and technologies, methods and approaches, as well as problems and issues. The contributions cover a wide range of topics: * Coal mine safety * Metal and non-metal mine safety * Mine product testing technology and safety symbol management * Mine rescue tools and techniques * Mine safety management and standardization * Mine safety science and theory * Occupational health and safety in mines * Petroleum and natural gas exploitation Progress in Mine Safety Science and Engineering II will be invaluable to academics and engineers interested or involved in mine safety issues.

For some years I have felt there was a need for a single, comprehen sive, reference book on exploration geology. Numerous textbooks are available on subjects such as geophysical prospecting, exploration geochemistry, mining geology, photogeology and general economic geology, but, for the geologist working in mineral exploration, who does not require a specialist's knowledge, a general book on explora tion techniques is needed. Many undergraduate university courses tend to neglect economic geology and few deal with the more prac tical aspects in any detail. Graduate geologists embarking on a career in economic geology or mineral exploration are therefore often poorly equipped and have to learn a considerable amount 'on the job'. By providing a book that includes material which can be found in some of the standard texts together with a number of practical aspects not to be found elsewhere, I hope that both recent graduates and more experienced exploration geologists will find it a useful reference work and manual. In addition, students of economic geology and personnel working in related fields in the mining and mineral extraction in dustries will find it informative. J. H. REEDMAN v Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Dr K. Fletcher, geochemist with the Department of Geology, University of British Columbia, and Kari Savario, geophysicist with Finnish Technical Aid to Zambia, for reading the original drafts and offering constructive criticism and advice on the chapters on geochemical and geophysical prospecting respectively."

The Geo-Platinum 87 Symposium, held at the Open University during April 1987, was designed as a forum for presentation of new research results on the occurrence, genesis, geochemistry, mineralogy and analysis of the platinum-group elements (PGE). With the support of the Open University and the Mineral Industry Research Organisation, the symposium was attended by 115 representatives of university departments, research institutions and members of the mining and mineral exploration industries. An introduction to the symposium was provided by two invited papers from C. J. Morrissey (Riofinex North) and C. R. N. Clark (Johnson Matthey) which were designed to give perspective to the goals of PGE research work. The first of these papers gave a provocative insight into the aims and objectives of an exploration manager, examining the influence of supply, demand and perceived world reserves on exploration strategy. The second invited paper gave a valuable view of the industrial uses, market trends and predicted changes in the commercial value of the platinum-group elements from the standpoint of a refining company and supplier. These invited papers are reproduced in this volume and are followed by twenty four full papers and twenty abstracts that reflect the wide range of research topics presented at the symposium."

Being knowledgeable about rock properties is vital to being effective in the design of blasts in mines, quarries and other construction projects. Without proper knowledge, the energy released during blasting can be underutilized, harm the environment, and may escalate costs. Rock Engineering Design: Properties and Applications of Sound Level aids scientists and practicing engineers in determining rock properties in a quick and precise way. It presents the basic concepts and principles on which sound level can be used in solving rock engineering design problems. Highlighting the importance of sound level in determining rock properties, the book focuses on the indirect method with emphasis on the development of numerical models in rock engineering design. Discusses determining rock property using sound levels produced during drilling Explores the benefits of effective rock design applications Helps students to develop an interest in using sound level as a tool in rock design applications The book provides a general introduction to noise, its effect, and standards. It discusses the application of noise monitoring for mining equipment, the application of acoustic emission techniques in geotechnical fields, the equipment for drilling, measurement of sound, and the physico-mechanical properties of rocks. It also explores the process involved in the measurement of rock properties and sound level. This book summarizes in tables and figures the statistical values of the rock properties and sound level produced during the drilling of different rocks. It explains developed regression models, procedure, and the results of developed artificial neural network models. Rock Engineering Design: Properties and Applications of Sound Level includes a case study, and offers a summary and suggestions for further work.

Analyzing a range of ideas from biological, evolutionary and anthropological theories to a variety of feminist, psychoanalytic, poststructuralist and constructivist discourses, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the problematics of gender and power in architectural and urban design. Topics range from conceptions of postulated matriarchal architecture in Old Europe to contemporary technologies of control; from the mechanisms of gaze to architectural performatives; from the under-representation of women in the planning profession to the integration of gender issues to the curriculum. The particular strengths of the book lie in its inclusiveness and critical analysis. It is not a partisan defence of feminism or any other theory, but a critical introduction to the issues relating to gender. Moreover, the conclusions reach beyond a narrow gender studies perspective to social and ethical considerations that are unavoidable in any responsible architectural or urbanistic practice. With its broad range and balanced analysis of different theories, the book is suitable as an overview of gender studies in architecture and useful for any designer who is concerned with the social effects of the built environment.

Rock mechanics is a field of applied science which has become recognised as a coherent engineering discipline within the last two decades. It consists of a body of knowledge of the mechanical properties of rock, various techniques for the analysis of rock stress under some imposed perturbation, a set of established principles expressing rock mass response to load, and a logical methodology for applying these notions and techniques to real physical prob lems. Some of the areas where application of rock mechanics concepts have been demonstrated to be of industrial value include surface and subsurface construction, mining and other methods of mineral recovery, geothermal energy recovery and subsurface hazardous waste isolation. In many cases, the pressures of industrial demand for rigour and precision in project or process design have led to rapid evolution of the engineering discipline, and general improvement in its basis in both the geosciences and engineering mechanics. An intellectual commitment in some outstanding research centres to the proper development of rock mechanics has now resulted in a capacity for engineering design in rock not conceivable two decades ago. Mining engineering is an obvious candidate for application of rock mechanics principles in the design of excavations generated by mineral extrac tion. A primary concern in mining operations, either on surface or underground, is loosely termed 'ground control', i. e."

Originally published during the early part of the twentieth century, the Cambridge Manuals of Science and Literature were designed to provide concise introductions to a broad range of topics. They were written by experts for the general reader and combined a comprehensive approach to knowledge with an emphasis on accessibility. Coal Mining by T. C. Cantrill was first published in 1914. The text contains an account of the key principles involved in coal mining, together with information regarding its historical development.

This book explains in detail how to use oil and gas show information to find hydrocarbons. It covers the basics of exploration methodologies, drilling and mud systems, cuttings and mud gas show evaluation, fundamental log analysis, the pitfalls of log-calculated water saturations, and a complete overview of the use of pressures to understand traps and migration, hydrodynamics, and seal and reservoir quantification using capillary pressure. Also included are techniques for quickly generating pseudo-capillary pressure curves from simple porosity/permeability data, with examples of how to build spreadsheets in Excel, and a complete treatment of fluid inclusion analysis and fluid inclusion stratigraphy to map migration pathways. In addition, petroleum systems modeling and fundamental source rock geochemistry are discussed in depth, particularly in the context of unconventional source rock evaluation and screening tools for entering new plays. The book is heavily illustrated with numerous examples and case histories from the author's 37 years of exploration experience. The topics covered in this book will give any young geoscientist a quick start on a successful career and serve as a refresher for the more experienced explorer.

High Resolution Site Surveys brings together the full range of site surveying techniques for the first time, to provide a unified approach to marine and land-based resolution surveying. Detailed descriptions are given of digital seismic survey methods, hydrographic 'analogue' search and survey tools, non-seismic survey techniques, and positioning systems, including GPS. 'Brite Spot' analysis, and Health and Safety considerations for site surveys are also discussed. Well-illustrated, and with numerous case studies showing the application of theory in everyday situations, High Resolution Site Surveys is an indispensable guide for the student and practitioner alike.

This comprehensive technical book on highwall mining covers theory and practice coupled with practical examples and design aspects. It contains eight extensive chapters elaborating broad-spectrum functionalities of highwall mining and its operational aspects, covering world scenario, economic potential, methods of coal extraction, design methodology including empirical web pillar design, numerical modelling for stress analysis, safety factor for web pillars, panel and barrier design, small-and large-scale numerical modelling, multiple seam interaction and design, coal web pillar strength, equivalent width concept, laboratory testing, new web pillar strength formula, effect of weak bands in coal seam, slope stability, safety and ground monitoring, hazards and regulatory requirements, case examples, norms and guidelines for practice. It also summarizes the results of research carried out by the CSIR Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR), India and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia on the subject. The book will equip readers in understanding the complex, multiple seam scenarios for highwall mining, and its design for maximum coal recovery from any given site with better economics, which will aid the mining companies in extracting locked-up coal following the safety norms to avoid hazards and minimise instability issues. A large number of case studies is included to illustrate the application of numerical modelling for prior estimation and viability of highwall mining operations under varying geomining conditions. The book will be of interest to professionals and academics in the field of mining engineering specifically, but will also interest civil, geomechanical and geological engineers as well as rock mechanics professionals.

Around the world, on average, four coal miners die for each million tons of coal recovered. Improving the safety of mining work while responding to the need for increased coal production, however, is impossible without further development of the physics of mining processes. A relatively new branch of science, it tackles problems that arise during mineral products recovery, particularly safety issues such as rock failures, coal and gas outbursts, and methane explosions. The first book to present a unifying methodology for addressing problems such as outbursts and explosions of methane in coal mining, Physics of Coal and Mining Processes integrates theoretical and experimental research on coal and bearing rocks and examines the anthropogenic processes that occur during deep underground mining. The book summarizes the results of recent and established research, including studies conducted at the Institute of Physics of Mining Processes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, headed by the author. Key topics covered include rock mass in multi-component compressive stress fields and phase conditions of methane in coal. The book also examines state-of-the-art instrumentation and physical methods of analysis, among them x-ray analysis of coal structures combined with computer simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with gas chromatography. Bridging the gap between the academic theory and the practice of coal mining, the book proposes novel methods to predict rock mass condition, control gas-dynamic phenomena, and estimate safe mining loads. A useful reference for scientists, technicians, and engineers working in the coal industry, it also offers an overview of the physics of mining processes for students pursuing careers in the field.

The Eyes of the World focuses on the lives and experiences of Eastern Congolese people involved in extracting and transporting the minerals needed for digital devices. The digital devices that, many would argue, define this era exist not only because of Silicon Valley innovations but also because of a burgeoning trade in dense, artisanally mined substances like tantalum, tin, and tungsten. In the tentatively postwar Eastern DR Congo, where many lives have been reoriented around artisanal mining, these minerals are socially dense, fueling movement and innovative collaborations that encompass diverse actors, geographies, temporalities, and dimensions. Focusing on the miners and traders of some of these “digital minerals,” The Eyes of the World examines how Eastern Congolese understand the work in which they are engaged, the forces pitted against them, and the complicated process through which substances in the earth and forest are converted into commodified resources. Smith shows how violent dispossession has fueled a bottom-up social theory that valorizes movement and collaboration—one that directly confronts both private mining companies and the tracking initiatives implemented by international companies aspiring to ensure that the minerals in digital devices are purified of blood.

In large surface mining operations, drilling and blasting activities constitute more than 15% of the total costs. In order to optimize performance and minimize costs, a thorough knowledge of drill and blast operations is, therefore, extremely important. In this unique reference volume, rotary blasthole drilling and surface blasting, as applied in large surface mines, are comprehensively covered. Both new and classic concepts, techniques and methodologies are presented, supported by numerous illustrations and practical data. In 26 chapters, drilling, surface blasting, rock, rock mass, machinery, tools and accessories, compressors and air flushing, computing and practice are many other relevant subjects are treated; the first 16 chapters deal with rotary blasthole drilling, and the 10 next chapters with the concepts, theory and practice of blasting. Moreover, the 14 appendices provide vital technical and commercial data, to further support the reader to design, plan, execute, and calculate blasthole drilling operations. This volume is intended for professionals and technicians in mining, exploration, geological and mechanical engineering, who are involved with the design, planning, and execution of rotary drilling and blasting operations in surface mines.

In the years since the development and subsequent success of Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA), a plethora of articles have emerged, scattered throughout various publications. The time is right for a comprehensive resource that collects, examines, and organizes this information and makes it easily accessible. A compilation and distillation of the latest knowledge available, Stone Matrix Asphalt: Theory and Practice describes SMA, from its origin through implementation, and explores various methods and design approaches. Detailing the requirements and materials for the mix, including asphalt binder, aggregates, and stabilizers, the book covers standard and alternative design methods and their execution, as well as best practices and production processes. It addresses issues such as permanent deformation and fatigue resistance, as well as special applications, such as bridge deck surfacing and airfields. The book uses practical examples to illustrate theory, presents practical tips useful in everyday work, and includes a review of problems that can occur during laydown, and their potential solutions. Drawn from the author's extensive experience during the introduction of SMA in the early 1990s and discussions with many process engineers, the book provides the practical information needed to customize methods for individual applications of SMA. Blazejowski puts together a picture, drawn from a broad range of literature. The result: a reference that is handy, practical, and easy to use.

It has been almost fifty years since the first papers on the application of reliability theory to mining problems were published in the United States. Developing rapidly in the late 1950s and 1960s, reliability theory quickly found a wide application in mining engineering. Ten years later "Terotechnology" became popular in the UK and at the same time its counterpart "Theory of Exploitation" was introduced in Central Europe. Similar to reliability theory, they both found wide application in mining. Since then a lot of articles have been published in many countries concerning these scopes of considerations but a wider elaboration on this topic was still lacking. This book gives an explanation of the mutual relationships between terotechnology and the theory of exploitation, and presents the fundamentals of the theory of exploitation and its role in relation to mining engineering where mine machines and machinery systems are concerned. Further, statistical diagnostics, exploitation processes of machines, reliability and its models, and the methods of modelling and analysis of the processes of changes of states are treated.

A significant part of the book deals with cyclical systems that are in common use. A variety of models are considered supported by many case studies. The last chapter deals with combined systems operating in a mixed manner. Finally, an analyses of the influence of the inhomogeneity of a different nature in a shovel-truck type system is given.
The examples presented in the book are based on the data coming from operation of pieces of equipment from different mines and different countries.

This book will be of particular interest to students, academics and lecturers of mining faculties and schools of mining. Mining Engineers and other professionals in the mining industry will also find this book of interest. Finally, students in mathematics will find practical applications and problem solving in this book.

With humor and insight, E. W. Davis tells the story that begins with the discovery of then-valueless taconite on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range in 1870 and several decades of attempts to process taconite commercially. Davis details the ups and downs of the exciting, decades-long research effort that resulted in a workable extraction method, followed by frustrating attempts to form the concentrate into small pellets. Finally, Davis describes building the first successful commercial processing plant at Silver Bay in the 1950s and the contributions by various companies to the birth of the industry. Along the way insider Davis recounts the founding of the three new northern Minnesota taconite towns, Babbitt, Silver Bay, and Hoyt Lakes.

David A. Walker tells the story of the opening of the last iron- ore frontier in the United States on the Vermilion, Mesabi, and Cuyuna ranges of Minnesota--the nation's largest ore deposits. Walker explores the formative years from the 1880s to the early 1900s in the development of the state's mining industry, the "iron men" it produced, the new towns it spawned, and the railroads it built to transport the new-found wealth to growing ports on Lake Superior. Drawing on manuscripts, newspaper accounts, and business and financial records, Walker's study provides an economic history of an industry whose dimensions reached far beyond the borders of Minnesota.