How efficient are they really? A simple testing method of small-scale gold miners’ gravity separation systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 105 ◽  
pp. 44-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Teschner ◽  
Nicole M. Smith ◽  
Travis Borrillo-Hutter ◽  
Zira Quaghe John ◽  
Tony E. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Separation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Separation Systems ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Gold Miners

The importance of aerodynamics for prosthetic limb design used by competitive cyclists with an amputation: An introduction

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryce Dyer
Keyword(s):  
Field Test ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Prosthetic Limb ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Competitive Cyclists

Background/Objectives: This study introduces the importance of the aerodynamics to prosthetic limb design for athletes with either a lower-limb or upper-limb amputation. Study design: The study comprises two elements: 1) An initial experiment investigating the stability of outdoor velodrome-based field tests, and 2) An experiment evaluating the application of outdoor velodrome aerodynamic field tests to detect small-scale changes in aerodynamic drag respective of prosthetic limb componentry changes. Methods: An outdoor field-testing method is used to detect small and repeatable changes in the aerodynamic drag of an able-bodied cyclist. These changes were made at levels typical of alterations in prosthetic componentry. The field-based test method of assessment is used at a smaller level of resolution than previously reported. Results: With a carefully applied protocol, the field test method proved to be statistically stable. The results of the field test experiments demonstrate a noticeable change in overall athlete performance. Aerodynamic refinement of artificial limbs is worthwhile for athletes looking to maximise their competitive performance. Conclusion: A field-testing method illustrates the importance of the aerodynamic optimisation of prosthetic limb components. The field-testing protocol undertaken in this study gives an accessible and affordable means of doing so by prosthetists and sports engineers. Clinical relevance Using simple and accessible field-testing methods, this exploratory experiment demonstrates how small changes to riders’ equipment, consummate of the scale of a small change in prosthetics componentry, can affect the performance of an athlete. Prosthetists should consider such opportunities for performance enhancement when possible.

scholarly journals Occupational and environmental mercury exposure among small-scale gold miners in the Talensi–Nabdam District of Ghana's Upper East region

2010 ◽  
Vol 408 (24) ◽  
pp. 6079-6085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasaswi Paruchuri ◽  
Amanda Siuniak ◽  
Nicole Johnson ◽  
Elena Levin ◽  
Katherine Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mercury Exposure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
East Region ◽  
Gold Miners ◽  
Upper East Region

Economic and social challenges faced by injured artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 118 ◽  
pp. 841-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Mayom Ajith ◽  
Apurna Kumar Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Small Scale ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Gold Miners

Mercury exposure in female artisanal small-scale gold miners (ASGM) in Mongolia: An analysis of human biomonitoring (HBM) data from 2008

2011 ◽  
Vol 409 (5) ◽  
pp. 994-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Steckling ◽  
Stephan Boese-O'Reilly ◽  
Cornelia Gradel ◽  
Kersten Gutschmidt ◽  
Enkhtsetseg Shinee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Biomonitoring ◽  
Mercury Exposure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Gold Miners

scholarly journals Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Mercury Exposure in Seafood and Human Populations near a Small-Scale Gold Mining Area

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Sofia ◽  
Adi Heru Husodo ◽  
Eko Sugiharto
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Chronic Toxicity ◽  
Penaeus Monodon ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Acute And Chronic Toxicity ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Gold Miners

<p>Gold amalgamation processes using mercury were practiced in small scale gold mining activities in Krueng Sabee, Aceh Province. Seafood (fish, mollusc, shrimp) and human hair samples were collected to assess mercury concentrations.  Acute and chronic toxicity symptoms which arise among the populations were observed as well as personal protective equipment used by gold miners. The range of mercury concentrations varied among fish, shrimp, and molluscs. The highest mercury levels were recorded in fish <em>Puntius latristriga</em> (172.299 ± 10.626 µg/g wet wt.), followed by mollusc, <em>Polymesoda caroliniana </em> (160,032 ± 0,522 µg/g wet wt.), fish <em>R.kanagurta</em> (149 ±2,000 µg/g wet wt.), shrimp <em>Penaeus monodon</em> (116.975 ± 4.807 µg/g wet wt.).  The variation of mercury concentrations in hair samples of 72 respondents were detected from 5.7 µg/g to 88.1 µg/g. The most frequent acute and chronic intoxication symptoms documented were headache, muscle cramps, cough, and aphthous ulcers. Personal protective equipment which has correlation with high mercury levels in gold miners were respirator/mask, gloves, and apparel (p &lt; 0.05). All seafood samples exceeded 0.5 µg Hg/g MoH Food and Drug Administrasion threshold level and hair samples over 10 µg/g as set by WHO tolerance limit.</p>

scholarly journals Review Of The Small Scale Gold Mining Practices At Cineam, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, Indonesia

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
Hutamadi Hutamadi ◽  
Bambang Nugroho Widi ◽  
Sabtanto Joko Suprapto
Keyword(s):  
Gold Deposit ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Mining Operation ◽  
Gold Deposits ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Gold Content ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
West Java ◽  
Gold Miners

Gold deposit at Cineam area is an epithermal gold deposit of low sulphidation type which lies about 180 km southeast of Bandung at an elevation of 400 meter above the mean sea level. The Cineam deposit is administratively belongs to Cineam Subdistrict , Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java Province, which dominantly occurred within volcanic rocks unit of Jampang Formation. Alterations developed in this area namely propylite, argillic, sericitation, and silisification, occurred in andesitic lava, volcanic breccia, and andesitic to dacitic tuff. The thickness of gold bearing quartz veins are commonly from few cm up to > 20 cm, while for the veins of higher grade of gold content the thickness are about 5 cm or less. The average grade of gold content is around 6 - 10 gr/t Au. Although Cineam gold deposits can not be classified as a big scale deposit, itsmineral genesis has an interesting characteristic to be further studied. The Cineam area representing one of the most prospect areas of gold found in the eastern part of West Java Southern Mountain Range. As the Cineam gold deposit is proportionally suitable for a small scale gold mine, the local government had already gave a mining license to a Family Firm in the form of a Village Unit Cooperation or “KUD” such as KUD Mekarjaya which had also been updated to become a B class of Exploitation License category that permitted for the realization of metallic exploitation. This action was in line with the implementation of Autonomy Policy since the year of 2001.Although KUD Mekarjaya’s mining production is relatively so small but in fact the mining activity is still being maintained to be daily earnings for the local gold miners to rely on. Within the long run of the local gold miners activity at Cineam which has been working since 1968, this condition can give rise to many well skilled and experienced labors in seeking for gold ores, in handling small scale gold mining works, and in obtaining for the bullions. In other side, on thecontrary, there are some negative actions must be kept under control such as the disposal of the waste or tailing directly into the river and the unsafely process of heating the amalgam to obtain the bullion including other improper ways done during the handling of their mining activities. Since the whole mining operation so far generally financed by individual investors it is very likely that small scale gold mining lacks of the capital needed for the mining operation. This condition is what the KUD always facing with so that management and financial matters can be a very serious problem affecting the progress of the KUD Mekarjaya From some presentation given by the CCOP-CASM Meeting in Bandung we can compare the condition of small scale mining in Indonesia. and that from other countries which have conducted good management in mining regulation and policy in relation with licensing, mining workers, tax payment and awareness of environment live in the vicinity of mining areas On account of that event this can be expected to motivate and encourage the policy anddecision makers either locally or centrally throughout Indonesia in giving more attention related to the guidance, monitoring and inspection of the implementation of small scale mining activities which is actually growing in numbers.

scholarly journals Effect of Mercury Exposure on Renal Function and Hematological Parameters among Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Miners at Sekotong, West Lombok, Indonesia

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ardiana Ekawanti ◽  
Baiq Dewi Krisnayanti
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Mercury Exposure ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mercury Toxicity ◽  
Mercury Intoxication ◽  
Gold Miners ◽  
Blood And Urine Samples

Background. Mercury is a toxic metal with effects on human health ranging from acute to chronic in a very short time of exposure. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the main source of direct human exposure to mercury. Human exposure to mercury (Hg) can occur through both direct inhalation of mercury vapor and consumption of material taken from contaminated areas. To protect the health of ASGM workers and surrounding communities, a health assessment of mercury exposure and its effects is urgently needed. However, analysis of hair and urine samples as a proof test for mercury toxicity is very expensive. Therefore other tests must be considered to identify the first symptoms of mercury toxicity in miners and the surrounding community. Objectives. The present study aimed to determine the effects of mercury exposure on renal function along with the hematological parameters of gold miners and the community as a first indication of mercury exposure symptoms. Methods. The study was designed as a purposive field sampling study and was conducted in 3 main villages in Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The 100 subjects were miners that have been exposed to mercury for at least 5 years and their wives and children (non-miners) who lived around the gold processing area. Blood and urine samples were then obtained from the subjects. The miners and non-miners were questioned about their mercury exposure over the previous 5 years, duration of exposure, and how mercury was handled in their daily life. Blood and urine samples were collected at the time of the study, around 10 ml of urine and 0.1 ml of blood (2 drops) were collected per subject. In order to determine the parallel results between the blood-urine and hair results, hair from the miners was collected at a different time for analysis. Results. The results showed that the subjects had low proteinuria, hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations as a consequence of chronic mercury intoxication. This finding was parallel with results of high mercury concentrations in urine (&gt;7 – 273.3 μg/l) and miners' hair (&gt;1 – 12.93 μg/g). Miners and non-miners in the exposure area were found to have proteinuria levels of more than 0.3 g/L. Proteinuria (≥0.3 g/L) was observed in 92.6% of miners and 72.4% of non-miners. Conclusions. The results of the present study suggest that urinalysis of proteinuria and hemoglobin values can be used as a screening test to detect renal impairment due to mercury intoxication.

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