Larger operations
EPA Reopens Comments on Pebble Project
August 2017
The settlement did not grant an immediate approval for the project, but it did begin to clear the way for the company to apply for federal permits—a path the Obama administration previously had thwarted.
Nevada's Lithium Boom
March 2017
When prospecting for lithium, after confirming for macro attributes through research and field work, including examination of surface geology, the main tool is an accurate lithium assay.
When prospecting for lithium, after confirming for macro attributes through research and field work, including examination of surface geology, the main tool is an accurate lithium assay.
Underground Mining: Getting the Ore Out
February 2017
Choosing the right method to move your ore and waste is all about making the right choices. Sometimes more than one method may be used during the life of a mine as an operation expands and grows.
Choosing the right method to move your ore and waste is all about making the right choices. Sometimes more than one method may be used during the life of a mine as an operation expands and grows.
The Bawl Mill
January 2017
• Just because it looks American, doesn’t mean it is…
• Attempted hacking by Homeland Security?
• 37% more than they counted on…
• The high price of wind power
Feds Deny Lease Renewals for Minnesota Mine
January 2017
Two longstanding mineral rights leases that are critical for a proposed large underground copper-nickel mine upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota will not be renewed, two federal agencies announced…
Two longstanding mineral rights leases that are critical for a proposed large underground copper-nickel mine upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota will not be renewed, two federal agencies announced…
Obama Administration Moves to Block Mining Near Yellowstone
January 2017
Republicans and industry representatives have criticized the administration’s eleventh-hour actions to limit development and promised to seek their reversal once Obama leaves office.
Republicans and industry representatives have criticized the administration’s eleventh-hour actions to limit development and promised to seek their reversal once Obama leaves office.
Underground Mining: Stoping Methods
October 2016
In an old mine that does not have stopes, you know the old miners did not take much if any ore out of that excavation. On the other hand, if you see large stopes within the mine you know that it is these places where the miners found profitable ore deposits within the vein.
In an old mine that does not have stopes, you know the old miners did not take much if any ore out of that excavation. On the other hand, if you see large stopes within the mine you know that it is these places where the miners found profitable ore deposits within the vein.
The Seven Troughs Mining District
September 2016
The favorable geology of the northeastern and central parts of the Seven Troughs Range are the parts most interesting to prospectors. They are underlain by a thick sequence of Tertiary volcanic rocks, mostly rhyolites and andesites.
The favorable geology of the northeastern and central parts of the Seven Troughs Range are the parts most interesting to prospectors. They are underlain by a thick sequence of Tertiary volcanic rocks, mostly rhyolites and andesites.
China Closing More Than 1,000 Mines
August 2016
It was only a few years ago that China was taxing and limiting quantities of exports for rare earths in an effort squeeze the market, drive up prices and extract the most in the way of income.
It was only a few years ago that China was taxing and limiting quantities of exports for rare earths in an effort squeeze the market, drive up prices and extract the most in the way of income.
Care and Lubrication of a Model 13 Laboratory Wilfley Table
June 2016
A Wilfley table works best when all of the mineral being run across it (the pulp) is about the same size. For this reason, I took a good look at each of the samples.
A Wilfley table works best when all of the mineral being run across it (the pulp) is about the same size. For this reason, I took a good look at each of the samples.
Progress Continues in Honduras
May 2016He had meetings with Honduran officials at all levels, set up a new corporation called Raptor Mining in El Corpus, Honduras, and is in the process of establishing a non-profit called “Step Up for Honduras.”
Northwestern Alaska Mineral Resources
February 2016
Gold and jade are actually only minor mineral resources for the Northwestern Alaska region as a whole. Modern prospecting has focused more on base metal than precious metal resources.
Gold and jade are actually only minor mineral resources for the Northwestern Alaska region as a whole. Modern prospecting has focused more on base metal than precious metal resources.
Company Says Central Idaho Project Feasible
January 2016
...the federal agency is intrigued by a plan that might result in cleaning up the area without cost to taxpayers.
...the federal agency is intrigued by a plan that might result in cleaning up the area without cost to taxpayers.
Canadian Company Recovers 1,111-Carat Diamond
December 2015
It is the second largest gem-quality diamond in history, after the 3,106-carat “Cullinan Diamond” was recovered in South Africa in 1905.
It is the second largest gem-quality diamond in history, after the 3,106-carat “Cullinan Diamond” was recovered in South Africa in 1905.
The Snapshot
November 2015
Once all the numbers from all the samples and water tests are compiled, a snapshot of the performance of each tank in the process circuit can be seen side-by-side.
Once all the numbers from all the samples and water tests are compiled, a snapshot of the performance of each tank in the process circuit can be seen side-by-side.
The Bucking Room
October 2015
Since this position was the least desirable due to the hard physical labor, the bucking room was used as punishment. Do you have a mediocre worker? Bad attitude? Off to the bucking room!
Since this position was the least desirable due to the hard physical labor, the bucking room was used as punishment. Do you have a mediocre worker? Bad attitude? Off to the bucking room!
Modern Mining Reclamation
September 2015
A study showed that between 1930 and 1980, only a quarter of one percent of the land in the United States was used in all mining applications combined, including surface mining, tailings disposal, underground mines, and all mineral processing facilities.
A study showed that between 1930 and 1980, only a quarter of one percent of the land in the United States was used in all mining applications combined, including surface mining, tailings disposal, underground mines, and all mineral processing facilities.
Iron Ores and Iron Mining
September 2015
For more than 40 years, iron ore prices have been decided by private negotiations conducted between the largest of the iron miners and the largest steel producers. These two sides dominate both the spot and contract iron ore markets.
For more than 40 years, iron ore prices have been decided by private negotiations conducted between the largest of the iron miners and the largest steel producers. These two sides dominate both the spot and contract iron ore markets.
Surviving The Boom and Bust Cycle
August 2015
Back when I was in college, when I first started classes, the demand for new engineers was so strong that every graduate had multiple job offers without even trying.
Back when I was in college, when I first started classes, the demand for new engineers was so strong that every graduate had multiple job offers without even trying.
Prospecting for Silver Deposits
August 2015
In some ways, silver is the forgotten precious metal because it straddles both the world of precious metals and jewelry, while having many important industrial applications like a base metal. The price of silver reflects both the precious metal investment demand as well as the industrial demand.
In some ways, silver is the forgotten precious metal because it straddles both the world of precious metals and jewelry, while having many important industrial applications like a base metal. The price of silver reflects both the precious metal investment demand as well as the industrial demand.
