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An active list of permissible explosives was published in July, 1931, as part of United States Bureau of Mines Report of Investigations 313, under the title of "Active List of Permissible Explosives and Blasting Devices Approved Prior to June 30, 1931." Changes in that list were authorized in August, September, October, November, and December, 1931, and. January and March, 1932, as published in Reports of Investigations 3l40, 3147, 3l50, 3155, 3158, 3161, and 3163, respectively. By these changes the following explosives were added to the active permissible list: [Austin Red Diamond No. 1, L. F. Gel-Coalite W. L. F. Austin Red-Diamond No. 5, L., F. Gen-Gel No. 2. Black Diamond Nu-Gel No. 1 Genite C-1 Burton 1, L. F. Liberty No. 4 Burton 2, L. F. Liberty No. 5 Burton 10, L. F. Peerless D Burton 12, L. F. Permigel 1, L. F. Burton F, L. F.]

Jan 1, 1932

By E. L. McHugh, J. M. Girard

This paper discusses the results of two recent case studies in which high-tech prototype instruments were used. The first case study describes the results of a ground-based hyperspectral imaging tool used to map the geology of an open-pit mine highwall. The second case study outlines the use of interferometric synthetic aperture radar and how this type of radar can be used in a variety of geotechnical situations. These case studies are part of an on-going research project at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. The project objective is to implement engineering controls and design methods in order to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities associated with slope failures at mining operations. Project personnel are hopeful that these new developments in technology will lead to better geotechnical monitoring and design in slope stability and other important areas of rock mechanics.

By C. B. Manula

This report is volume 9 of an eleven-volume final report for a Grant completed by The Pennsylvania State University for the Bureau of Mines to develop a dynamic general purpose computer simulation model for underground coal mining. The simulator developed under the Grant has a wide range of possible applications in the design and evaluation of underground coal mining systems from the standpoints of health and safety, productivity, and mine environment. The Master Design Simulator consists of nine free-standing function-oriented subsystem models linked together into an integrated, comprehensive model of an entire mining system. The subsystems comprising the Master Design Simulator include geology and reserves, methane generation, roof support, subsidence, production, rail haulage, cost, water generation,' and ventilation. This volume of the final report describes the Water Generator subsystem of the Master Design Simulator. This subsystem simulates the flow of water through a typical watershed-reservoir combination to predict mine drainage quantities in underground workings. The model is a integrated one which handles both the unsaturated and the saturated flow domains as a unified system. The solution of the model is achieved by numerical tech¬niques of finite difference method coupled with finite elements analysis. The Water Generator can be operated either as a free standing model or in connection with the Geology and Reserves subsystem as a part of the Master Design Simulator. A case study is included illustrating the application of the model to actual data. The appendices of the report constitute a user's manual for the program, and include a program listing.

Jan 1, 1975

By J. J. Forbes

The activities of the Bureau of Mines include the development and testing of self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus and other devices for respiratory protection, the development and tasting of devices for detecting dangerous or noxious mine atmospheres, and the training of men in the mineral industries in the use and care of this equipment to enable them to render effective service in mine rescue and recovery operations following mine fires and explosions, or under other conditions where irrespirable gases may be found in mines or mining plants. The first use of self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus for com- bating mine fires and explosions in the United States dates back about 30 years. Previous to that time, exploration for any distance ahead of fresh air was virtually impossible without great risk to life; moreover, the men called upon to render service at mine disasters were not well-versed in the properties and physiological effects of gases likely to be encountered. It was also impossible to work ahead of fresh air to restore ventilation, and if many stoppings were blown out by an explosion, air had to be introduced into whole areas or sections at once without knowledge of the conditions ahead; moving an explosive mixture of methane and air over live fire had to

Jan 1, 1938

By Daniel G. Di Canio

Reference information and user instructions for Version 3.0 of the Accident Cost Indicator Model (ACIM) software package are presented. ACIM estimates the tangible costs of occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the United States mining industry.

Jan 1, 1983

By Clarence Karr

THE BUREAU OF MINES is investigating methods for upgrading tar produced by the low-temperature carbonization of bituminous coal. This survey was undertaken to compile information needed for identifying the ether constituents of low-temperature tar. Physical properties are listed for 1,024 aromatic ethers. The compounds include cyclic and noncyclic, polyfunctional and monofunctional ethers with oxygen joined directly to either one or two aromatic rings. Alkyl groups up through butyl are included. The compounds are divided into 37 groups ranging in complexity from alkoxybenzenes to dibenzopyrans. Compounds containing aromatic ether groups are important constituents of the neutral oxygen components of low-temperature tar. For example, at Morgantown, W. Va., the Bureau of Mines has identified and determined the amounts of benzofuran, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, and 7 -methylbenzofuran, diphenyl ether, dibenzofuran, 2,3-dimethyldibenzofuran, and two other dimethyl-dibenzofurans in the neutral oil from a low-temperature bituminous coal tar (103, 104).3

Jan 1, 1962

By M. Troyer

A coal shuttle car equipped with a pulsed laser optical ranging system to provide guidance for an automatic steering system was tested in production coal mining. Test results are presented for the two mines where testing took place, and some operator's reactions are included. Automatic steering control keeps the car cantered in an entry, and automatic turns are made at intersections as signaled by the operator. All other controls-tram, conveyor, brake, etc, remain manual and require operator control. Complete override of steering while in the automatic mode is retained by the operator, who may grab the steering wheel at any time and turn in opposition to the automatic signal by applying about 10 foot-pounds of torque.

Jan 1, 1976

By T. Bajpayee, J. Ellenberger

Microseismic monitoring and evaluation is one aspect of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research program. Roof falls are often preceded by a period of elevated microseismic activity, but not all periods of elevated activity result in a roof fall, nor do all roof falls occur after some amount of elevated activity. The objective of this study is to review periods of elevated microseismic activity and determine whether fracture activity rate can be used to anticipate the initiation of roof falls. The study was carried out at an underground limestone mine where major roof falls are associated with excessive horizontal stress. The progression of roof falls was detected by the microseismic signature produced by the rock falling from the mine roof onto the mine floor, which is termed a roof fall impact event. A total of nine elevated fracture activity periods that resulted in seven major roof falls were examined. It was observed that elevated fracture activity preceded the initial roof fall impact event in three out of four major roof falls. The initial impact event was not identified for the remaining three roof falls. Fracture event rates were analyzed and a roof fall alarm trigger of five fracture events in a ten minute time period was established for this test case. The fall alarm trigger was tested against six of the elevated activity periods. Four roof falls occurred in the six periods of elevated activity, and two would have triggered the alarm before the roof fall occurred, while two false alarms were generated. The results show that limited success would have been achieved by the microseismic system as a roof fall alarm trigger. However, the trigger would have been successful at warning of the onset of elevated activity, allowing mine employees to respond appropriately. The study highlighted some issues with implementing such a system in an operating mine, including the need for real time identification of fracture related microseismic signals among mining induced signals, and accurate location and identification of fracture clustering.

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Jan 1, 1979

By Martyn F. Roetter

The objectives of the work described in this report are to determine the communications requirements and need for communications, both for voice and control, on longwalls, and to make recommendations for longwall communications equipment and systems. These recommendations are designed to guide the future development of longwall communications. Information necessary for the accomplishment of this work has been gathered by a series of visits to longwall mines and discussions with longwall mine operators, as well as with suppliers of longwall communications and mining equipment and with Bureau of Mines personnel. In addition, it has proven possible, through personal interviews and literature evaluation, to gain an understanding of the experience and attitudes towards longwall communications in countries where longwall mining is far more widespread than in the U.S., namely the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Belgium.

Jan 1, 1976

By Gary Choate

The work presented in this report represents the background activity which led to the fabrication and testing of a greenhorn and crowd limit switch system for electric shovels. The program began With a literature search and manufacturers product review to gather material as a basis for concept generation. Visits to three open pit mines provided information from operation and maintenance managers which was useful in preparing design concepts. These concepts were evaluated through laboratory tests and engineering analysis to select a final design concept. The resultant greenhorn is four separate shock absorbing pads each enclosed in a housing which bolts to the end of a dipper handle adaptor. The plungers impact against stops mounted to the saddle block. The crowd limit control is a nonmechanical device which senses the location of the dipper and makes appropriate commands to the crowd motor to insure against impacting the greenhorns. The electronic crowd limit control is redundant and indicates malfunction modes. The greenhorn prevents shovel damage in the unlikely event of impact.

Jan 1, 1983

By C. J. Bise

One area of study for the Coal Mine Injury Analysis project was to illustrate how loss control can be used as a foundation for mine safety training. After an initial review of the principles of loss control, the instruments often used for worker/worksite appraisal, such as incident reporting, analysis, and investigation, workplace observation, worksite inspection, and safety audits and checklists were evaluated for their effectiveness. The findings were then applied to the continuous-miner worksite at several mines to modify the techniques for use in a highly dynamic man/machine work environment. Before the information gathered from the review of the various continuous-miner worksites was presented at the annual retraining sessions at five mines, a trainability analysis procedure was developed to separate training shortcomings from those problems resulting from improper equipment design or unsatisfactory working environments. Also, several microcomputer-based training programs were developed to aid in conveying the loss-control concepts to the trainees. Finally, the results from the implementation and evaluation of the loss-control-based training programs were documented, including the complete training script for one of the case-study mines. The procedures outlined in this study will aid mine training specialists in developing focused, pro-active accident-prevention strategies and training programs that are based on sound loss-control principles.

Jan 1, 1993

By Rodney D. Rosenkranz

The Bureau of Mines evaluated the potential supply of primary copper from domestic mines and deposits and found that increases in copper price will be required in order for many domestic deposits to continue production. As part of the study, a tonnage-price relationship was developed indicating the quantity of copper that could be produced economically from known deposits at various copper prices and at various rates of return on the required capital investment. Costs of production are based on estimated capital and operating costs for mining, concentrating, transporting, smelting, and refining. Direct and indirect operating costs, recovery of investment, and return on investment have been included in the smelting and refining costs. Capital and operating costs are calculated in January 1978 dollars, and byproduct credits are based on January 1978 prices. Known domestic copper mines and deposits contain nearly 92 million metric tons of copper in about 14 billion metric tons of demonstrated mineralized material. These tonnages represent the current domestic copper reserve base. Approximately 74 million metric tons of copper are recoverable from the reserve base using existing technology. Of this quantity, slightly more than 50 million metric tons are economically recoverable assuming a price of 51.00 per pound of copper, credit for the recovery of byproducts, and a 15-percent rate of return on capital investment. Approximately 60 percent of the copper occurs in mines that were producing at the time of the study.

Jan 1, 1979

By W. E. Robinson

Differences in the composition or chemical structure of the organic material in samples of Uinta Basin (Utah) oil shale were studied relative to stratigraphic position within the Green River Formation. This involved a systematic study of the soluble organic material and the insoluble organic material (kerogen) present in the samples. Emphasis was placed upon the distribution of the alkanes (normal and isoprenoid compounds) in the soluble extracts and upon the aromaticity of the kerogen. Significant differences exist in the chemical composition of the organic material from various strata within the Uinta Basin, some of which were related to burial depth but most were related to source material variations, environmental differences, or other factors. The Uinta Basin samples differed significantly from Piceance Creek Basin and Green River Basin samples in the large amount of soluble extract they contained.

Jan 1, 1975

By Kenneth Trelewicz

This report describes the total effort that went into developing environmental test criteria for general mine instrumentation. The project was a two-phase effort. Phase I consisted of research and mine visits to develop an environmental profile for mine instrumentation. The profile was translated into general requirements and then into test requirements. A review of existing government and commercial specifications was performed to determine if they matched mine instrumentation test requirements. Finally, a set of environmental test procedures was developed for the testing of mine instrumentation. Phase II consisted of selecting and purchasing sample mine instrumentation and subjecting them to the previously developed tests. The purpose was twofold: (1) to evaluate the criteria developed for use as an instrumentation test document and (2) to determine the effects of the various criteria on a representative sample of both proven and newly developed instrumentation. The test criteria were then modified, based on the results of the testing, and are listed therein.

Jan 1, 1981

By BUREAU OF MINES

This summary of State laws on explosives was compiled primarily to ascertain what subjects relating to their control have been acted upon by each State legislature and , in general , how they have been treated . It does not include any legislation passed after 1942 , or any proclamations , regulations , or administrative orders . It does not purport or attempt to be authoritative . If any problem arises involving interpretation of the statutes of any particular State , the original source must be consulted for the exact words used by the legislature . This summary , however , will be useful in determining whether relevant statutes exist , and in locating thern quickly, with a minimum of effort . It will be of value also in comparing statutes in one State with similar statutes in other States to determine what construction has been placed upon them by the courts of these jurisdictions or to contrast the varying provisions of many States upon a similar subject . To make these comparisons easier , the statutory provisions for each State have been grouped under several major topics in outline form . Although this sometimes has resulted in disruption of the continuity of individual acts , the increased general clarity and availability of comparable sections have more than justified the procedure followed ,

Jul 1, 1943

By B. J. Moore

This Bureau of Mines publication estimates that U.S. helium resources as of January 1977 were 710 billion cubic feet. These resources are broken down into four classifications, as follows: Helium in measured natural gas resources and in storage, 201 billion cubic feet; helium in indicated natural gas resources, 150 billion cubic feet; helium in hypothetical natural gas resources, 175 billion cubic feet; and helium in speculative natural gas resources, 184 billion cubic feet.2 Most of the helium in natural gas is presently dissipated as natural gas is consumed as fuel and for other purposes. Helium resources of the United States may also be divided into three other categories: (1) Depleting and undiscovered natural gas resources, 589 billion cubic feet; (2) nondepleting natural gas, 83 billion cubic feet; and (3) storage, 38 billion cubic feet, of which 37 billion cubic feet is federally owned and 1 billion cubic feet is privately owned. The United States does not have any significant leasehold rights in the depleting fuel gas resources. However, through the Department of the Interior, it does have leasehold rights to about 70 percent of the helium found in nondepleting natural gas, and it owns over 90 percent of the helium in storage.

Jan 1, 1979

This report presents the results of a study of Kennecott Copper Corporation?s Chino leaching dump at Santa Rita, N. Mex. The stability studies described herein were performed on only one cross section of the leach dump, utilizing data obtained from drilling, sampling, and testing, which was limited in nature. The first part of the report contains a discussion of site geology and seismicity, pertinent information on the waste material disposal system and leaching method, a discussion of the waste embankment characteristics, a summary of the engineering analyses, and a bibliography. The second part (appendices) contains basic geologic and engineering data supporting the discussions in the first part.

Jan 1, 1974

By Walter E. Pittman

In its role of providing technical assistance to the mining industry, the Bureau of Mines' Tuscaloosa Research Center has conducted research to develop trapped miner location systems which would aid in locating miners trapped by underground mining disasters. Efforts to produce electromagnetic systems for the location of trapped miners underground and to communicate with them were surveyed, from the 1920's to 1981. Theoretical studies of through-the-earth electromagnetic transmissions are described as well as studies of the electrical characteristics of various rocks, minerals, and soil. Several trapped miner location systems are reviewed including the Westinghouse systems, the DEVELCO system, and an automated three-dimensional location system, and the phase difference of arrival technique. Tangential research, relevant to trapped miner location systems is described. A comprehensive bibliography covering all aspects of trapped miner, through-the-earth electromagnetic location and communications systems is appended.

Jan 1, 1982

By N. E. Hanna

An investigation was made of pressure pulses produced by unconfined explosive blasts in underground openings. Four tests were made with TNT or modified amatol charges ranging in weight from 60 to 2,000 pounds; each test involved either single or multiple charges. Pressure-time profiles were obtained using mechanical self-recording pressure gages. The cube-root scaling law for peak pressure was found to be valid within about 1 tunnel diameter; at greater distances, the pressures obtained along direct paths were generally higher than this scaling law would indicate.

Jan 1, 1968