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By John McNeil

Mr. President, and Members of the Rocky Mountain Coal-Mining Institute-Gentlemen : I appreciate the distinction of addressing this representative body of men upon a subject that lies so close to the heart of each one of us, and which is one of the principal objects of our gathering here today, in this beautiful city-so beautiful, with its grand and glorious mountains looking down upon us, that its charm makes us almost forget the men we left toiling "underneath the ground." But that object-the safeguarding of our coal-miners, who spend the greater part of their lives delving in the bowels of the earth-is the cause of our gathering from the "rock-ribbed" States of Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado. And, as I look about me, my eye lights on the face of many an old-time friend- on some with whom I have walked for more than thirty years; so, whatever the merit of this little talk of mine, it cannot be said that it was made by a "tenderfoot." You must not for a moment think that I shall attempt the impossible task of completely covering so comprehensive a subject as '(Accidents in Coal Mines,' and take much more time than has been allotted me, or would be advisable for me to consume. So I shall confine myself, as briefly as possible, to some of the most common causes of accidents, and the possible means by which these disasters may be diminished. For a great many years the cause of mine accidents and their prevention have been the subject of grave thought and investigation by both national and state governments. As early as 1835 Great Britain appointed a royal commission of talented men, possessing special knowledge in the conduct of coal- mining, also eminent authorities in science and its application, to search into these matters. Since 1835 there has been a succession of such commissions of research, at frequent intervals, in all countries wherever coal has

Jan 1, 1913

Jan 1, 1987

[Page Minutes 7 Discussion of L. S. Ickis' Paper 20 City Planning and Landscape Architecture for Western Coal Camps, by S. R. DeBoer 22 Discussion of Thos. Foster's Paper 26 Discussion of Safety Committee Report 30 Discussion of R. L. Hair's Paper 52 Discussion of H. I. Smith's Paper 61 Miscellaneous Discussion 62 Discussion of Thos. A. Stroup's Paper 70]

Jan 1, 1924

PRESIDENT LITTLEJOHN: The paper of Mr. Emrick will now be open for discussion for about twenty minutes. The meeting is now open for discussion. MR. EMRICK: There is some question that may have occurred to you at different times, that is how are you going to tell when the bits are properly made? A fairly good rule to go by is when the used bits come out of the mine, if half of them are bent and half of them are broken, the average is pretty good MR. GEO. B. PRYDE (Union Pacific Coal Company): I would like to ask Mr. Emrick if he has any figures as to the saving of Dower with the different styles of its. MR. EMRICK: I suppose you mean chisel point bits and pick point bits? MR. PRYDE: Yes. MR. EMRICK: So far as I have been able to learn, the only reason why chisel point bits are used is to prevent coring that might be done by the cutter chain. The pick point bit, of course, is the proper thing to use. It can be used when the position of the cutter links in the cutter chain is right. I do not know of any figures which give power consumption ratings on the use of pick point and chisel point bits, but there are tests and ratings, etc., which have been taken- which have been tested as against different bits, which have been given proper clearances against bits not having been given proper clearances, and they will run,-in their saving in power, they will run 20 to 25 per cent. MR. A. C. WATTS (Chief Engineer, Utah Fuel Company) : I would like to ask Mr. Emrick if he has any record showing the saving in power on using the alloy steel chisel bits. I know that several experiments have been made; I do not recall the figures now, but we had a very decided saving in power. MR. EMRICK: I haven't any of the records. Do you think that is because of the steel that has been used? MR. WATTS: Well, they were all sharpened by the same man and used in the same machine, and at the same shop. I do not know the composition. It is "Red Star" Vanadium that I had in mind. MR. EMRICK: I have not seen any records. Some companies are using the tool steel bits because they stand up a little bit better. MR. BENEDICT SHUBART (Secretary) : I was going to ask Mr. Emrick about that question. There is one company that does not recommend tempering the bits. They recommend using not exactly self-hardening steel, but one that is bard enough without quenching-they use 80-90-point car- bon but about a 70-point manganese, not exactly self-hardening steel, but they do not temper this at all. Will Mr. Emrick state if a steel of that kind could be worked in the bit sharpening machine that his company makes, as it

Jan 1, 1925

By George B. Pryde

Dear Sir: Yours of July 23rd, relative to my appointment on the Safety Committee in connection with the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute. As you say in your letter, "The duty of this committee is to draft suggestions as to safer mining practices with the idea of preventing disasters in coal mines." Much has been written and many suggestions made on this same subject, and it is very hard to put up further recommendations than have already been made. The disasters you mention in your letter unquestionably have direct reference to coal mine explosions, which from time to time still occur in this and other countries. As far as our Western mines are concerned, you know that sprinkling and shot firing by electricity have been very extensively carried out. Notwithstanding these precautions; we have had a few rather serious disasters in the past in these mines. I do not care to place any blame or responsibility on the companies having these disasters, but it is a fact that in each and all of them, after careful investigation has been made, that the human element has had more or less bearing on the accidents happening. From most reports that we gain, either directly or indirectly, it is very evident that investigation shows after an explosion that the rules governing one or both of the above safety measures have been somewhat carelessly or negligently carried out. Much has been written and read about rock dust sprinkling, but it is questionable if this method is doing a great deal toward the eliminating of disasters. While it is true it may have the effect of preventing propagation, still I do not believe anyone claims for it a sure preventative against initial explosions. I had occasion not long ago to visit a mine, after an explosion, in which dust barriers were supposed to be hung, and from indications it was quite evident that the dust barriers had been in operation, but they did not prevent the explosion from reaching all open parts of the mine. It is also true that profuse scattering of rock dust throughout a mine would have a beneficial effect, but there is a question arises here as to whether the sprinkling by rock dust or the spraying by water, if available, is the most effective. I am satisfied that if all coal mines are kept well sprinkled and all open workings maintained in a thorough moist condition, that the biggest factor in a coal mine explosion is in this way eliminated. There is no doubt but what the use of permissible powder, particularly if shot by electricity, has had a very marked effect on the number of disasters in mines, and if this method of shooting was energetically carried out there would be a difference in the number of explosions, both minor and Major, all over the country. Some of the recent explosions have taken place where no shooting was being done, but there is no denying the fact that the other ingredient, namely, coal dust, entered in the elements very extensively. We have read and heard of hydraulic cartridges and other patents (substitutes for powder) that were being worked out for the purpose of

Jan 1, 1923

By Geo. B. Pryde

Dear Sir: Yours of July 23rd, relative to my appointment on the Safety Committee in connection with the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute. As you say in your letter, "The duty of this committee is to draft suggestions as to safer mining practices with the idea of preventing disasters in coal mines." Much has been written and many suggestions made on this same subject, and it is very hard to put up further recommendations than have already been made. The disasters you mention in your letter unquestionably have direct reference to coal mine explosions, which from time to time still occur in this and other countries. As far as our Western mines are concerned, you know that sprinkling and shot firing by electricity have been very extensively carried out. Notwithstanding these precautions; we have had a few rather serious disasters in the past in these mines. I do not care to place any blame or responsibility on the companies having these disasters, but it is a fact that in each and all of them, after careful investigation has been made, that the human element has had more or less bearing on the accidents happening. From most reports that we gain, either directly or indirectly, it is very evident that investigation shows after an explosion that the rules governing one or both of the above safety measures have been somewhat carelessly or negligently carried out. Much has been written and read about rock dust sprinkling, but it is questionable if this method is doing a great deal toward the eliminating of disasters. While it is true it may have the effect of preventing propagation, still I do not believe anyone claims for it a sure preventative against initial explosions. I had occasion not long ago to visit a mine, after an explosion, in which dust barriers were supposed to be hung, and from indications it was quite evident that the dust barriers had been in operation, but they did not prevent the explosion from reaching. all open parts of the mine. It is also true that profuse scattering of rock dust throughout a mine would have a beneficial effect, but there is a question arises here as to whether the sprinkling by rock dust or the spraying by water, if available, is the most effective. I am satisfied that if all coal mines are kept well sprinkled and all open workings maintained in a thorough moist condition, that the biggest factor in a coal mine explosion is in this way eliminated. There is no doubt but what the use of permissible powder, particularly if shot by electricity, has had a very marked effect on the number of dis¬asters in mines, and if this method of shooting was energetically carried out there would be a difference in the number of explosions, both minor and Major, all over the country. Some of the recent explosions have taken place where no shooting was being done, but there is no denying the fact that the other ingredient, namely, coal dust, entered in the elements very extensively. We have read and heard of hydraulic cartridges and other patents (substitutes for powder) that were being worked out for the purpose of

Jan 1, 1923

By James T. Bartis

Review of Key Issues Affecting the Prospects of CTL in the United States ?Issues of concern to the public - Impacts of coal mining - Water use - Greenhouse gas emissions ?Issues of concern to investors - CTL production costs - Oil prices - How greenhouse gas emissions will be managed ?RAND recommendations

Jan 1, 2009

[Participating Scholarship Colleges and Universities 138 AmerCable 130 Andalex Resources, Inc 82 Behre Dolbear & Company, Inc 83 Commercial Testing & Engineering Company 86 Continental Conveyor & Equipment Co 87 Crane & Hoist Sales Inc 12 Crested Butte Mountain Resort 88 Dakota Coal Company 89 Empire Machinery Company 90 Energy West Mining Company 91 GH Hensley Industries 92, 93 Hitachi Construction Machinery (America) Corp 96 Ingersoll-Rand Company 131]

Jan 1, 1998

By Dallas Grubbs

Agenda ?Growth Projections ?Economic Indicators ?Mining Equipment Growth ?Tire Supply ?Michelin Actions to Increase Capacity ?Michelin?s Challenges & Recommendations

Jan 1, 2006

By D. Harrington

Discussion was prepared by A. L. Jones and Frank A. Rank, of the General Electric Company, read by Mr. Jones; by C. B. Officer, of the Sullivan Machinery Company, read by Mr. J. H. Emrick; by Mr. D. C. McKeehan, Chief Electrician of the Union Pacific Coal Company; and by Mr. L. C. Ilsley, of the United States Bureau of Mines, read by Mr. K. P. Marshall. Their prepared answers are inserted in the body of Mr. Harrington's paper, as answers to his questions. Introductory Remarks PRESIDENT MARKS: We have made special assignments for the discussion of this paper, and I believe these discussions are to be answered in sections, and as the different sections are read applying to this paper, we will just have a brief discussion on that particular point and proceed to the next and try and expedite this discussion as much as possible, be- cause I realize a good many of you have something to say. The first discussion is by Mr. Frank A. Rank, of the General Electric Company, Salt Lake City. MR. F. A. RANK (General Electric Company, Salt Lake City, Utah) : Mr. Chairman, while my name has been put on the program as being the one to discuss this paper, I believe Mr. Jones of our company has prepared a discussion on it, and therefore will let him talk in my place. MR. A. L. JONES: I think that it is passing the buck. However, Mr. Rank sent me a copy of the paper, and I read it over with a good deal of interest. There is one thing I want to say: Mr. Shubart, in his breezy letters, stated this paper was to be written by Mr. Harrington, assisted by a number of manufacturing and operating companies, among them the General Electric Company. We did not function. The paper was completed, and we were not consulted, and I believe that is true of the others. After reading the paper over, I dictated a few notes which I want to read, to give you the view-point that we have on the subject We do not want to minimize electrical dangers, or in any way slow down high-grade construction maintenance, but there is such a thing as overstating the case. A. L. Jones, Engineer, General Electric Co., Denver, Colo. Mr. Harrington's paper in some ways pleases me very much, but in others gives me quite a different sensation. It is so full of condemnation of most existing practices and conditions that it reminds me somewhat of the nerve-racked mother who sent an older brother to see what Willie was doing and to tell him to "stop it." His recital of electrical dangers is harrowing and if I felt it were a true picture I should feel that any of us having anything to do with the recommending or selling of electrical equipment for mines would be party to a crime. Fortunately all mines are not gaseous nor is all dust explosive or we

Jan 1, 1926

[Mr. Scott Aberle Western Energy Co POB 99 Colstrip, MT 59323-0099 Mr. Brian L. Acton Oxbow Carbon & Minerals Inc 1601 Forum Pl-#P2 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Mr. Laine W. Adair Genwal Resources Inc POB 1420 Huntington, UT 84518-1420 Mr. Thomas D. Aderman The North American Coal Corp 14758 Preston Rd #1100 Dallas, TX 75240-7891]

Jan 1, 1998

of our good friends and fellow members: W. S. Worthington H. W. Bullock who left the world better for their having lived in it.

Jan 1, 1932

FEBRUARY 20TH. MORNING SESSION: The fourteenth regular meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute was called to order in the Magnolia Room of the Albany Hotel. Monday, February 20th at 11 o'clock A. M., with the President, Mr. R. M. Magraw, in the chair, sixty-two members being present. The first number upon the program was the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting by the Secretary. There being no corrections or alterations, the minutes were approved as read. As Mr. Dan Harrington was unavoidably absent, his paper, subject: "Coal Mine Accidents and State Mining Law" was, by request of the President, read by Mr. J. Q. Lalor. Following this was a short discussion. There being no further business the meeting adjourned. AFTERNOON SESSION: The meeting was called to order in the Magnolia Room of the Albany Hotel at two-thirty o'clock P. M. with President R. M. Magraw presiding, fifty-eight members being present. Mr. Ben Shubart and Prof. J. C. Roberts were appointed a committee to draft and telegraph a message of condolence to Mr. E. S. Brooks of Rock Springs, Wyoming, on account of the recent death of his daughter. The com¬mittee submitted a copy of the following telegram, which was read by the Secretary: "E. S. Brooks, Rock Springs, Wyoming. We extend to you and your family our sincerest sympathies in your deep affliction. (Signed) THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN COAL MINING INSTITUTE." The following resolution was next presented by the Secretary and upon motion, duly seconded was carried by a unanimous vote: WHEREAS, it has come to the knowledge of this Institute that the Coal Mining Course of the Colorado School of Mines has been abolished; and

Jan 1, 1922

Jan 1, 2007

By D. C. Foote

MR. FOOTE: This paper deals with blasting and mechanical loading. The Union Pacific Coal Company does all of its blasting with permissible powder and electric shooting, but this paper deals principally with blasting in connection with mechanical loading. With the introduction of mechanical loading into the coal fields of southern Wyoming one of the main problems to be taken into consideration was the drilling and blasting of the coal. The methods used in blasting coal for hand loading were found to be ill adapted to the mechanical practice, so numerous tests were conducted from time to time to determine a system or systems whereby the coal might be blasted in a form to be easily handled by the loading units. The general practice in blasting coal for hand loading, for example in a room 24 feet wide and seven feet high with an undercut of seven feet, would be to shoot one or two strong breaking shots in the center and one on each rib. While much of the cut would be blasted down in good lump, some coal would be left hanging at the back and ribs. With hand loading, the miners would have time to pull this coal down with a pick between cars and eventually would clean up the place ready for the cutting machine. The loading machine, however, cannot get this coal down and its operation would be delayed while the men were doing the necessary pick work.

Jan 1, 1929

By J. Q. McNatt

Mr. President and Members of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute: It is a great pleasure to be with you at this meeting, to enjoy the entertainments, and the good fellowship of all present., as well as to become better acquainted with the men in general. In presenting my subject today, .1 feel like the darky, who was home-, ward bound, had become weary and sat down by the wayside to rest. Presently glancing about to view the scenery, he spied a. large brown bear slowly coming down the path scenting his tracks one by 'one as he advanced. The darky to be polite said, "Mr. Bear, I see you like my tracks, I will make you some more." I have on. a few occasions given some interesting information on the various subjects such as The Prolonged Famines of Arabia, Movements and Migrations of the Races of Men, Life Indications on the Planet Mars, and today I have come before you with a new step in the roadway-Coal Geology. It is sometimes difficult to interpret the geological processes so as to be understood intelligently, but it shall be my aim to make this as plain as possible.

Jan 1, 1927

Pictured on these pages are the seven RMCMI Scholarship Award Winners for the 1992-93 year followed by a brief profile. All winners were present as guests of the Institute at the June convention in Beaver Creek, Colorado to receive recognition at the Institute Awards Luncheon Monday, June 28. 1993. Each state vice president served as the host for the collegiate winner. In addition to receiving a plaque from the Scholarship Chairman, Alan Czarnowsky, each winner receives $750 tuition credit for the coming academic year. As this is a continuing award, the winners from the previous year will receive another $750 for tuition credit in their senior year if they have maintained good academic standing and are recommended by their university. A resident from each of the eight RMCMI member states is selected from among Board approved institutions. Criteria for these awards to be made in the spring annually is (1) That the award be made to a sophomore student and used as tuition during the junior year. (2) That the recipient be both a U.S. citizen and a resident of the member state. (3) That the recipient have good academic standing, be pursing a degree in a mining related field and have an expressed interest in Western coal as a possible career path. The scholarship program includes curricula other than those in the mining departments, but in engineering disciplines, such as geology, mineral processing and metallurgy. Contributions to this worthy project are tax deductible to each individual RMCMI member or his firm. Through annual donations of $100 or more, the Patrons of the Institute fund the scholarship pro- gram and the various vice presidents contribute the travel expenses to convention for these outstanding young collegiates. Donations to this worthwhile program may be made payable to RMCMI Scholarship and mailed to the RMCMI Office, 3000 Youngfield Street, Suite 324, Lakewood, CO 80215. Profiles of the 1993 Scholarship Winners follow. [ ] ARIZONA WINNER Kevin Shirley University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona A member of the Student Chapter - Society of Mining Engineers, Mr. Shirley also belongs to the Campus Crusade for Christ organization. He enjoys baseball, basketball and football. He states, "Miners are meeting the demand of the public by providing energy fuels and minerals to support the standard of living we enjoy. It is sad to see people out of work in this country, but the third world is largely undeveloped, and many jobs are moving abroad." 'I consider winning the RMCMI scholar- ship a great motivator; your belief in me will help me become my best." [ ] COLORADO WINNER Derek Rawson Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado "1 have been enthusiastic about the mining industry since I lived in Divide, Colorado and spent time exploring the old mine sites." Derek says. "President Clinton may hit the mineral industry with many reforms, but I believe self sufficiency is important ... we need to produce here in the U.S. what we consume." Mr. Rawson is involved with intramural sports and varsity track. He is a member of the Society for Mining, and Exploration, Inc.; Colorado School of Mines Caving Club; Colorado School of Mines Shooting Club; and Alpha Tau Omega Leadership Fraternity.

Jan 1, 1993

CHAIRMAN EMRICK: We have a very interesting program this morning, of a mechanical nature, and I am sure you will all be very much interested in it. At the conclusion of each paper there will be time given for discussion, and we will be glad to have all of you enter into the discussion. Before we start the program, I want to ask the men who have been appointed chairmen of committees to come and get these folios, which contain papers concerning their particular committees. The Nominations Committee, of which David Brown is chairman, has a folio here. It has been customary every year to have a photograph of those in attendance taken, and I presume it is the will of those in attendance this morning to have their pictures taken. We plan to do that about a quarter of twelve, approximately, this morning in the room instead of going outside as we have heretofore. Frank Miller has an interesting an¬nouncement to make. Frank, if you will just take about five minutes to tell your story.

Jan 1, 1934

PRESIDENT HERRES: Our ses¬sions this afternoon will be on safety. They will be under the direction of Mr. Dan Harrington, who has come here from Washington, D. C., particularly to preside at these meetings. I do not think Mr. Harrington needs any introduction to anyone present. He is a member of both the A. I. M. E., and the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute, and has been for a great many years. The Rocky Mountain District is his old stamping ground. I take pleasure in turning the meeting over to Mr. Harrington. (Ap¬plause.) DAN HARRINGTON (Chief Engineer, Safety Division, U. S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C.): Gentlemen, I suppose you have rather a long program, so there is no necessity for any introductory remarks. Inasmuch as I have rather a long-winded paper of my own, I presume the best thing I can do is to go ahead and read it. Mr. Herres asked me some time ago if I would preside here, and also have a paper, or at least have something to say to the Institute on safety. I thought it best to put whatever I had to say in written form, so I would know exactly what I had said and so I would be able to, if necessary, defend it later on.

Jan 1, 1929

[Participating Scholarship Colleges and Universities 136 Big Sky Coal Company 111 Canyon Fuel Company LLC 97 Coal Age Magazine 109 Commercial Testing & Eng. Co 99 Continental Conveyor & Equip. Co 103 Copper Mountain Resort 128 Dakota Coal Co 100 DBT America Inc 117 Empire Machinery 101 Energy West Mining Co 102]

Jan 1, 2001