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By James P. Rider

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report describes a viewing transformation algorithm that generates a perspective view of a three-dimensional scene. This tool may be used by researchers to improve mine safety by assessing the visual capabilities of a mobile equipment operator. Three-dimensional transformations used to build the viewing transformation and techniques used to project the image onto a two-dimensional display screen are defined. The algorithm is written in the C-programming language and designed to stress portability, allowing it to work without significant modifications on numerous computers. A listing of the computer routines along with sample output is included in the report.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. C. Franklin

An experiment was conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) to measure the emanation rate of radon from cemented unclassified mill tailings in two dewatered stopes of a uranium mine at Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada. The radon was monitored upstream and downstream and in both stopes to determine the concentration in the stopes and the amount exhausted from both stopes. The emanation rate was determined to be 0.55 pCi/cm2 sec-1 from the mill tailings, which is approximately 1,000 times higher than the average flux in the mine before backfilling.

Jan 1, 1982

By Maria I. De Rosa

This report analyzes mobile equipment fires for all U.S. surface and underground coal and metal/nonmetal mining categories by state and 2 year time periods during 1990-1999. Risk rate values are derived, and ignition source, methods of fire detection and suppression, and other variables are examined. The data were derived from MSHA mine fire accident publications and verbal communications with mine personnel. The analyses will provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and the mining industry with a better understanding of the hazards associated with mobile equipment fires and will create a basis for future fire research programs.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. E. Chilton, Jr. Dubaniewicz

Many mines rely on toxic gas sensors to help maintain a safe and healthy work environment. This report describes a prototype monitoring system developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) that uses light to power and communicate with several remote toxic gas sensors. The design is based on state-of-the-art optical-to-electrical power converters, solid-state diode lasers, and fiber optics. This design overcomes several problems associated with conventional wire-based systems by providing complete electrical isolation between the remote sensors and the central monitor. The prototype performed well during a 2-week field trial in the USBM Pittsburgh Research Center Safety Research Coal Mine.

Jan 1, 1995

By Judith A. Eisele

The possibility of improving the volatilization of gold through the formation of a metal-gold chloride vapor complex was investigated. Gold-silica mixtures, containing ferrous and nonferrous minerals and salts as additives, were treated in a laboratory tube furnace with a flow of chlorine gas at various temperatures. The addition of pyrite (FeS2) to a charge of gold-silica increased the volatility of the gold from 3, 20, and 62 percent of the total gold to 62, 93, and 100 percent at 200°, 300°, and 400° C, respectively. Chemical analyses of the condensate indicated the volatile species to be FeAuCl6.

Jan 1, 1971

By Gary L. Mowrey, William D. Monaghan, George F. Persetic, Gregory M. Molinda

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines Pittsburgh Research Center for its potential to determine rod hazards in underground mines. GPR surveys were conducted at four field sites with accompanying ground truth to determine the value of GPR for roof hazard detection. The resolution of the current systems allows detection of gross roof fractures (>6A mm (>0.25 in) zone) or rider beds in coal measure roof. Data quality is not yet sufficient to detect small bed separations or subtle lithologics changes in the roof. Differences in data quality are discussed, as well as suggestion for collecting improved data.

Jan 1, 1996

By Launa Mallett, Charles Vaught, Michael J. Brnich, R. Lincoln Derick

After thoroughly covering the health and safety training subjects required under Title 30, Part 48, of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mine operators often find themselves with little or no time left in the class schedule for other important topics. This paper discusses a technique developed in partnership with RAG Twenty mile Coal Co., Oak Creek, CO, for incorporating employee participation at all levels in fire prevention and safe equipment operation training outside of traditional classrooms. The process involves development of training modules consisting of short, 5- to 7-minute videotapes coupled with toolbox talks that ground the content of the videos within the context of a miner’s workplace.

Jan 1, 2002

By Brian Kenner, Peter Swanson, Todd Krahenbuhl

NIOSH has developed an automated PC-based seismic event (induced earthquake) monitoring system for use in mine ground control studies. The distribution and coordination of data acquisition and processing functions across a local area network is a central feature of the system. Mine-wide installations utilize multiple, autonomous seismic networks located both underground and on the surface. Seismic event locations, magnitude estimates, and other processed data are distributed for display and analysis on network nodes both underground and in the offices of mine engineers and managers. This paper describes the system’s design philosophy, hardware and software components, examples of installations, and a few observational results.

By Maria I. De Rosa

This report analyzes mine fires for all U.S. underground and surface coal mining categories by state and 2-year time periods during 1990-1999. Risk rate values are derived, and ignition source, methods of fire detection and suppression, and other variables are examined. The data were derived from Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) mine fire accident publications and verbal communications with mine personnel. The analysis will provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, MSHA, and the mining industry with a better understanding of the causes and hazards associated with mine fires and will form a basis for future fire research programs.

Jan 1, 2004

By R. Larry Grayson, Douglas F. Scott

Data on health-related illnesses and disease in the mining industry are scarce, and information on rates and costs is not readily available. Substantial amounts of research are being directed to addressing these issues, including work at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) mining health and safety laboratories in Spokane and Pitts-burgh. This paper briefly discusses the current status of some miner health-related issues, including those involving coal dust, silica dust, diesel particulate matter, asbestos, noise, lead, welding fumes, and skin disorders, as well as research and other activities aimed at protecting miners from occupational illnesses and disease.

By Raymond B. Ladoo

SOAPSTONE

Feb 1, 1922

By Vijia K. Karra

Making sure workers within the aggregates industry go home safely each day is the goal of aggregate companies throughout the United States. At the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers are contributing to NIOSH’s vision of safety and health through a fact-finding approach to reducing injuries/illnesses in various mineral sectors. Surveillance data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has been the primary source for such analyses. It helps to focus research efforts on key machinery, workers, and their tasks. The crushed stone category referred to in this article is represented as crushed and broken stone in the MSHA database.

1. COAL PRODUCTION: Under Section 402 of Public Law 95-87 (SMCRA), coal operators are required to pay a fee when coal is sold, used, or transferred. These fees are deposited in the U.S. treasury as the Abandoned Mine Land Fund. Information about the type of coal (bituminous, lignite, or underground) and tonnage are tabulated on Form OSM-1 and submitted with the fee, which is paid quarterly to the Office of Surface Mining. The coal production data presented in this report was compiled from information stored in the Office of Surface Mining Fee Collection System computer data base. Collection of the fee began with the last quarter of 1977; therefore, 1978 data includes the last quarter of 1977 and the first three quarters of 1978. Information for each successive year follows the same tabulation pattern. Surface production includes both bituminous and lignite coal; underground includes tonnage reported as underground mined. In New Mexico and Montana, coal production on Indian land is listed under the Crow, Hopi, and Navajo Tribes. 2. HISTORIC COAL PRODUCTION: Federal Government agencies have published coal production data since 1807, the date of the earliest record. The source of coal production data used to compile this graph was: 1891-1895, U.S. Geological Survey, Division of Mineral Resources; 1896-1977, U.S. Bureau of Mines annual Minerals Yearbook; 1978- 1991, Office of Surface Mining data described in footnote 1 above. 3. NUMBER OF MINES: The number of mines was compiled from Office of Surface Mining Fee Collection System data described in footnote 1 above. Annual totals were calculated by adding together the number of operations with the same Mine Safety and Health Administration numbers reported each quarter and dividing by four to give an annual number in each state. 4. ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS: Enforcement action data was compiled from annual reports developed by Office of Surface Mining field offices and historical field office records. The data presented are all actions taken by both the state regulatory authority and the Office of Surface Mining. Citations issued are the sum of Notice of Violations (NOVs) and Cessation Orders (COs). Because the Hopi and Navajo jurisdictions overlap in Arizona and New Mexico, enforcement actions data for the tribes have been combined in annual reports prepared by the Albuquerque Field Office; therefore, they are combined for this report and listed under Navajo Tribe. 5. ACREAGE PERMITTED: Acreage permitted data was compiled from annual reports developed by Office of Surface Mining field offices and historical field office records. The acreage listed was permitted during the year shown and is not the total acreage under permit during that year. 6. BONDS RELEASED: Acreage of reclamation bonds released was compiled from annual reports developed by Office of Surface Mining field offices and historical field office records. The sum of final Interim Regulatory Program bonds and Phase 111 (or final release) bonds shows only the land area where reclamation is complete and has been released by the regulatory authority.

Jan 1, 1992

By Fred N. Kissell, Jay F. Colinet

The two major lung diseases of miners are "blacklung" and silicosis. Blacklung, or pneumoconiosis, was first recognized as a disease of British coal miners in the 1600s. However, investigations into the cause of blacklung disease did not begin until the 1900s. The causative agent of pneumoconiosis in coal miners was thought to be silica until studies in the United Kingdom provided evidence that expo- sure to coal dust containing minimal silica could also cause pneumoconiosis. In the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) was defined as "a chronic dust disease of the lung arising out of employment in an underground coal mine." Diagnosis of CWP is generally based on chest x-ray findings and a patient's history of working in coal mines, usually for 10 or more years. In its early stages, CWP is called "simple CWP." Miners with simple CWP are at increased risk of developing an advanced stage of the disease, called "progressive massive fibrosis" pMF) or "complicated CWP." PMF (complicated CWP) is associated with significant decreases in lung function and oxygen- diffusing capacity. PMF is also associated with breathlessness, chronic bronchitis, recurrent chest illness, and episodes of heart failure. Coal miners with silicotic lesions or PMF have an increased risk of tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. PMF may progress even in the absence of further dust exposure. This disease is also associated with increased mortality (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] 1995). The most recent study to determine the prevalence of CWP in coal workers was in the mid- 1990s. The average prevalence of CWP was 2.8%, but for those with 30 or more years in the industry it was 14%. For the 10-year period from 1987 to 1996, 18,245 deaths were attributed to CWP. The most frequently recorded occupation on the death certificate (70%) was mining machine operator (NIOSH 1999). Silicosis may develop when inhaled respirable crystalline silica (quartz) is deposited in the lungs. The clinical diagnosis of silicosis is based on (1) recognition by the physician that the level of silica exposure is adequate to cause the disease, (2) the presence of chest radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis, and (3) the absence of other illnesses (e.g., tuberculosis or pulmonary fungal infection) that may mimic silicosis. The radiographic patterns are often the same for CWP and silicosis; thus, these diseases are sometimes distinguishable only by work history or pathological examination. Chronic silicosis commonly involves 15 or more years of exposure to silica. The characteristic microscopic feature is the silicotic nodule. Chronic silicosis is often asymptomatic and may manifest itself as a radiographic abnormality with small, rounded opacities of less than 10 mm in diameter, predominantly in the upper lobes. Lung function may be normal or show mild restriction. Chronic silicosis is also associated with a predisposition to tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections and with progression to complicated silicosis.

By Alla D. Mah

The heat of combustion of aluminum carbide (Al, C3 ) , obtained directly by combustion calorimetry , was AH298.15 -1,029.6 ± 1.9 kcal / mole . == The heat of formation of aluminum carbide corresponding to this value was AH298.15 = -53.4 ± 2.0 kcal /mole .

Jan 1, 1964

By Arthur L. Murray

The first thought in the case of an accident or contagious disease is naturally that aroused by our humane instinct , how serious is the case and will the person recover ? The economic effects of such cases , owing to their many ramifications , are seldom realized either by those directing mining operations or those engaged in the labor of producing . This paper is based on the accident experience of the State of Utah and the number of cases of two well known preventable diseases , typhoid fever and smallpox , in that State for the fiscal years 1917-1918 , 1918-1919 , 1919-1920 , and 1920-1921 . The data and figures presented are from coal -mining camps only . W. W. Adams , mine- accident statistician of the bureau, contributed valuable corrections and suggestions . The economic results of accidents are considered first , and those of the two preventable diseases later .

Apr 1, 1922

By A. R. Taylor

The Bureau of Mines has determined the heat capacity and enthalpy values for beryllium sulfate (BeS04) throughout the temperature ranges of 10° to 300° K in an adiabatic calorimeter, and 350° to 860° K in a Bunsen-type ice calorimter, The heat-capacity data were extrapolated to 0° K, and smooth values of heat capacity, entropy, enthalpy function, and free-energy function were reported at 10-degree intervals between 0° and 300° K. The method of least squares was used to fit the enthalpy data with an algebraic equation. The equation also was used to calculate values of heat capacity, entropy, enthalpy function, and free-energy function at 50-degree intervals between 300° and 900° K.

Jan 1, 1963

By Robert A. Jankowski

The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the mining industry, has identified and demonstrated the effectiveness of several improved face ventilation techniques for longwall mining systems. These include the following: identifying improved techniques for measuring face ventilation parameters on longwall sections, installing curtains at the intake end of the longwall face to maximize usage of the primary airflow, identifying optimum face airflow rates for maximizing dilution effects, and coursing the primary face intake from tailgate to headgate to minimize outby airflow contamination. Application of these techniques throughout the mining industry should reduce the health hazard associated with excessive exposure to respirable coal mine dust.

Jan 1, 1993

By H. C. Howarth

The preliminary tests referred to in this report wore made at the Bureau's Experimental Mine under the general supervision of G. S. Rice chief mining engineer, to determine whether rock dust way be used to extinguish or control mine fires. DESCRIPTION OF THE DUST USED The dust used for application by hand was made from draw slate taken from the Experimental Mine. This draw slate was crushed in a hammer-type crusher fitted with 1/16 inch by 2-inch slotted screens. A sizing test of the dust showed 96.5 per cent through 20 mesh, 69.4 per cent through 48 mesh, 46.2 per cent through 100 mesh, end 33.5 per cent through 200 mesh.

Jan 1, 1927

By R. R. Sayers

The terms "sanitation and }\Vgienen are often used interchangeably, but it is more "' usual to apply ttsani tat ion'' to th environment or surroundings, and nr.ygieneto the iiiividual, The subject,. h9wever, is so broad that only a few of the phases of sanitation will be di.acusae in ·this paper, vmile the various Fsea of hyg:tene will be deferred for later consideration. One of the bes.t .iaf ini tions of sanitation that I have hearci was given by ur. L. L • Lumsden, of the U, S. Public Heal th Service, who state.d that "'sanitation is t-he c.oir .. 'Don-sens$ application of the principles of cleanliness,

Aug 1, 1922