Mining Annual Report

Our 2004 Annual Report on the Mining Industry of the Future describes the current situation facing the industry, including challenges and opportunities. The report also provides information on the mining research portfolio, highlights and accomplishments from 2004, and how industry can get involved in ITP activities. Download the report [PDF-1.06 MB]

The Mining Industry Vision - The Mining Industry of the Future was started in June 1998 when the Chairman of the National Mining Association and the Secretary of Energy entered into a Compact to pursue a collaborative technology research partnership. After the Compact signing, the mining industry developed its vision document, The Future Begins with Mining, A Vision of the Mining Industry of the Future , in September 1998. This vision document lists long-term goals for the mining industry. [PDF-122 KB]

Mining Crosscutting Technologies Roadmap
Technology roadmaps are envisioned in several areas, and begin with a Mining Industry Roadmap for Crosscutting Technologies . A printable copy of the roadmap can be downloaded here: [PDF-132 KB]

Mineral Processing Technologies Roadmap
The Mineral Processing Technology Roadmap is available. A printable copy of the roadmap can also be downloaded here: [PDF-191 KB]

Exploration and Mining Technologies Roadmap
The new Exploration and Mining Roadmap is available. A printable copy of the roadmap can also be downloaded here: [PDF-149 KB]

Education Roadmap for Mining Professionals
The new Education Roadmap for Mining Professionals is available. A printable copy of the roadmap can also be downloaded here: [PDF-385 KB]

Completed R&D Projects

Extraction

• Imaging Ahead of Mining led by Sandia National Laboratory [PDF-502 KB]
• Robotics for Improving Mining Productivity led by Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory [PDF-479 K]
• Drilling and Blasting Optimization led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory [PDF-661 KB]
• Through-the-Earth Communications for the Mining Industry [PDF-124 KB]
• 24-Channel Geophone Array for Horizontal or Verticle Boreholes led by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University [PDF-448 KB]
• Mapping with Natural Induced Polarization led by Electromagnetic Instruments, Inc. [PDF-461 KB]
• Projectile Based Excavation led by Advanced Power Technologies, Inc. [PDF-577 KB]
• Wireless Mine-wide Telecommunications [PDF-100 KB]
• Horizon Sensing TM led by Stolar Horizon, Inc. [PDF-2.78 MB]
• Computerized Roof Bolt Design System led by West Virginia University [PDF-7.09 MB]
• Reducing Energy Consumption for Water Pumping at Limestone Quarries [PDF-235 KB]

Beneficiation & Processing

• Dense-medium Cyclone Optimization led by Virginia Polytechnic Institute [PDF-493 KB]
• Calibration Methods for On-line Analyzers led by University of Alaska [PDF-442 KB]
• Mining Byproduct Recovery led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory [PDF-503 KB]
• Selective Flocculation of Fine Mineral Particles led by DOE's Albany Research Center [PDF-504 KB]
• Alternate Anode Reaction for Copper Electrowinning [PDF-107 KB]
• Smart Screening Systems for Mining [PDF-115 KB]
• Novel Dewatering Aids for Mineral and Coal Fines led by Minerals and Coal Technologies, Inc. [PDF-506 KB]
• Treatment of Cyanide Solutions and Slurries Using Air-spaged Hydrocyclone led by University of Utah [PDF-1.45 MB]
• Three Dimensional Simulation of Charge Motion in Semiautogenous Grinding [SAG] Mills and Ball Mills led by Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory [PDF-440 KB]
• Comminution Circuit Optimization led by Michigan Technological University [PDF-695 KB]
• Mine Compatible Laser Analysis Instrument for Ore Grading led by Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory [PDF-571 KB]
• Real-time Coal/Ore Grade Sensor led by AdvR, Inc. [PDF-453 KB]
• Improving Energy Efficiency via Optimized Charge Motion and Slurry Flow in Plant Scale SAG Mills [PDF-221 KB]
• In-Plant Testing of High-Efficiency Hydraulic Separators [PDF-153 KB]
• Novel Binders and Methods for Agglomeration of Ore for Heap Leaching [PDF-125 KB]
• Total Ore Process Integration & Management [PDF-143 KB]
• Use of the GranuflowTM process in Coal Preparation Plants [PDF-158 KB]
• Online SAG Mill Grinding Pulse Measurement and Optimization [PDF-216 KB]

Materials Handling

• Development and Deployment of Automated Machine Fluid Analysis Systems led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory [PDF-464 KB]
• Hydride Fuel Cell Mining Vehicles led by Savannah River Technical Center [PDF-459 KB]
• Advanced Power and Control for Fuel Cell Mining Vehicles led by Fuelcell Propulsion Institute [PDF-743 KB]
• CastCon Process for Mining Applications led by Michigan Technological University [PDF-436 KB]
• Fibrous Monolithic Composites as Wear-resistant Components for Mining led by Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. [PDF-640 KB]
• Metal-Matrix Composites and Thermal Spray Coatings for Mining Machines led by Caterpillar Inc. [PDF-1.07 MB]

Active R&D Projects

Extraction

• Robot-Human Control Interactions in Mining Operations [PDF-186 KB]
• Mine-to-Mill Optimization [PDF-129 KB]
• Demonstration of Crosswell Imaging Technology and Advanced Drillstring Radar Navigation for Horizontal Directional Drilling [PDF-1.16 MB]
• Development of New Geophysical Technique for Mineral Exploration and Mineral Discrimination BAsed on Electromagnetic Methods [PDF-337 KB]
• Investigation of a Combined GPS and Inertial Measurement Unit Positioning System for Mining Equipment [PDF-143 KB]
• Breakthrough Energy Savings with Waterjet Technology for the Mining Industry [PDF-178 KB]

Beneficiation & Processing

• Advanced Surface Enhancement Technology for Decreasing Wear and Corrosion for Mineral Processing [PDF-211 KB]
• Development of a Novel Dry Coal Processing Technology [PDF-271 KB]
• Development of an Ultra-Fine Coal Dewatering Technology and an Integrated Flotation-Dewatering System for Coal Preparation Plants [PDF-157 KB]
• Infrastructure for Integrated Data Environments and Analysis [IIDEA] for Mining and Processing Systems [PDF-345 KB]
• Development of an Advanced Fine Coal Suspension Dewatering Process [PDF-162 KB]

Materials Handling

Effective Conveyor Belt Inspection for Improving Mining Productivity [PDF-193KB]

Energy Analysis

This two-page presentation shows the results of an energy analysis study to demonstrate where the largest energy-saving opportunities can be found in mining. [PDF-79 KB]

Energy and Environmental Profile of the U.S. Mining Industry

This detailed report benchmarks the energy and environmental characteristics of the key technologies used in selected commodities of the mining industry.

• Cover, Preface, and Table of Contents [PDF-215 KB]
• Chapter 1 - Mining Overview [PDF-1,305 KB]
• Chapter 2 - Coal [PDF-637 KB]
• Chapter 3 - Potash, Soda Ash, and Borates [PDF-471 KB]
• Chapter 4 - Iron [PDF-398 KB]
• Chapter 5 - Copper [PDF-492 KB]
• Chapter 6 - Lead and Zinc [PDF-539 KB]
• Chapter 7 - Gold and Silver [PDF-442 KB]
• Chapter 8 - Phosphate [PDF-393 KB]
• Chapter 9 - Limestone and Crushed Rock [PDF-383 KB]
• Glossary [PDF-126 KB]
• Methodology [PDF-186 KB]

Report on Water Use in the Industries of the Future: Mining Industry

The report on Water Use in the Industries of the Future features a chapter on the uses of water in the mining industry. This report includes a brief overview of the industry, its water use, associated energy costs, and water reuse practices. [PDF-201 KB]

RAND has just published a report entitled, "New Forces at Work in Mining: Industry Views of Critical Technologies," by D. J. Peterson, Tom LaTourrette, and James T. Bartis. The report presents the results of a series of in-depth discussions with leading mining industry representatives selected for their prominent position and their ability to think broadly about technology trends. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative technology research, development, and implementation strategies and the increasingly critical role of mine personnel in the utilization of new technologies.

All Final Reports will be posted on OSTI, and will not need to be included in the compiled list of attached mining files.