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By R. Pandey, G. Elie, E. Sarver

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is generally considered the most hazardous constituent of coal mine dust, and a new federal rule is expected to further limit exposures in U.S. mines. For regulatory purposes, RCS is monitored by collecting filter samples, which are analyzed for quartz (the predominant form of RCS in coal mines). The analysis is done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in a centralized laboratory. To enable more timely results, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) mining researchers developed a directon- filter (DOF) FTIR analysis method and free FAST software that can be used in the field. For samples collected under specific conditions, FAST processes the FTIR spectral data to determine quartz mass. While the DOF FTIR method is not approved for regulatory RCS monitoring, it could be useful for engineering purposes, such as to evaluate mining parameters or new dust controls. This field study demonstrates how the method, including FAST, can be applied using low-cost, widely available sampling components. It further demonstrates how quartz percentage can be estimated in the field, by pairing a continuous personal dust monitor with a filter sampler.

Jun 1, 2025

By J. P. Rider

Along with increased production from longwall units has come the likelihood of increased worker noise exposures. In recent years, equipment has become larger, more powerful, and noisier than its predecessors. For these reasons, the Mining Division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is investigating worker noise exposure on longwall faces and researching possible solutions to reduce this exposure. Part of this research effort involves studying the effect of covering the underside of longwall shields with acoustical material to reduce reverberating noise along the face. Experiments using acoustical absorptive insulation to cover the undersides of the shields, shearer body, and the shield supports were conducted at the full scale simulated longwall test facility located at the Pittsburgh Research Center. Sound levels were recorded every l.5 m [5 ft] along a 15.2 m [50 ft] section of the simulated face for all of the conditions tested. The analysis of the data indicated that a 2.0-3.0 dBA noise reduction was achieved between the shearer drums and a 4.0-5.5 dBA attenuation was attained upwind of the headgate drum.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. den Drijver, M. Opahle, R. Inderst

Safety reasons render necessary the advanced calculation of the amount of methane degassing from a longwall in the scope of the ventilation planning of mines. Today empirical methods, which are based on observations of operational procedures, are used for the calculation of the amount of methane. Despite of constant improvement those calculations are not always sufficient. In particular calculations which are based on operational facts but not proved by experience are not reliable. Most of all these calculation procedures lack physical-analytical descriptions of the procedure itself, presenting only the effects on important parameters such as the distance between seams in the roof or floor or gas pressure. Tschersich [Tschersich 961 developed an analytical model for an advanced calculation by analysing the degassing of seams in the roof and floor and the physical parameters of gasflow. This model might correct the lacks of existing procedures and improve the precision and reliability of additional calculations. The model simulates the emission record in seams of the roof and the floor. It takes into account not only a multitude of parameters such as the distance to adjacent seams and gas pressure but also the depth of seams, gas content, rank of carbonification, rock temperature, face advance rate, initial and succeeding mining and the face length. In order to comprehend and to verify those correlations we extended the model of Tschersich and programmed this enlarged model using the computer language C++. Aim of this research is to guarantee a much higher accuracy in calculating methane emission caused by mining. The improved planning is expected to result in more safety and better prevention of high methane con- tent in ventilation as well as in a better use of the capacity of the mining equipment. The application [Drijver, lnderst 961 of the ex- tended model will also be very useful in the course of research projects as it allows computer simulation, i.e. in-situ research can be extensively limited or even replaced.

Jan 1, 1997

By P. Christmann

The operational paradigm of mining industries is shifting from ?optimal profit for the financial stakeholders? to a new concept compatible with sustainable development ethics: ?maximize economic and social returns at the local, national and global levels, while avoiding negative environmental impacts?. The number of stakeholders concerned by mining companies has grown significantly over the last few decades, and the role of local communities and civil society is now acknowledged by the mining companies adhering to the sustainable development ethics. ?Involve me? is becoming a key to maximize the returns the mining industry can provide to sustainable development. As the world?s major importer of many mineral commodities, several coming from developing countries facing severe short-term problems, the European Union (EU) is an important stakeholder and has a responsibility in supporting actions to strengthen corporate and public governance capacities. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the drivers leading to the development of sustainability indicators and to propose, within the 6th European Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP6), an European-level initiative to develop sustainability indicators adapted to the mining industry and its population with relevant data.

Jan 1, 2003

By Roger E. Melley

Since startup of the Syncrude Canada Ltd. (SCL) oil sands facility in northern Alberta 15 years ago, numerous improvements have been made in the ore conveying system and equipment. The unique nature of the material conveyed coupled with the wide range of environmental conditions encountered results in a number of unparalleled challenges. Most of the improvements have been brought about through the use of detailed field evaluation. Numerous publications are available that detail the various aspects of conveyor technology, and a significant list of papers are presented each year adding to the knowledge in this field. In the area of power formulae in the mid- 1970s, there were two major sources for use in the design of the SCL conveyors: the Conveyor Equipment Manufactures Association Handbook, 1988, and DIN Specifications 22101: Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials, 1982. These sources were supplemented by the knowledge of the belt and conveyor equipment vendors and from the general literature. The SCL design was based on the CEMA formula. However, it was accepted that this empirical approach had been developed for use with more conventional materials in more reasonable climates. To accommodate

Jan 1, 1993

By H. F. Haller, H. C. Pattison

The research program described in this paper is sponsored by the Advanced Research Projects Agency of the Department of Defense and monitored by the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT While Holmes & Narver is better known in other fields, the company has been active in many phases of underground excavation for over twenty years. In the 1950's, H&N participated in design and construction of nearly twenty miles of waste disposal tunnels in Southern California. As Architect-Engineer for the Atomic Energy Commission, we had design and management responsibility for many miles of tunnels and for thousands of feet of exploration and big hole drilling, from coast to coast in the States, and for gas well completions and exploration drilling for the Navy and the National Science Foundation from Pt. Barrow to Byrd Station in Antarctica. In my ten years with the company, we contributed to the development of big hole drilling techniques at a number of sites and analyzed the capability of boring machines for many of the tunnel projects. In a 1965 engineering study of a hundred miles of vehicular tunnels in rock under New York City, we investigated

Jan 1, 1997

By Norman L. Kotraba

In Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking, dust emissions are collected in a baghouse to prevent their escape to the Environment. This fine dust, predominantly iron oxide, also contains oxides of various other metals introduced into the EAF from the scrap charge. For example, mixed or galvanized scrap brings with it zinc, lead, and small quantities of cadmium which preferentially accumulate in the collected off-gas dust. Stainless steel scrap brings chromium into the charge, some of which also makes its way into the baghouse dust as hexavalent chromium-containing oxides. Because many of the contained heavy metal oxides are water-leachable, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has listed EAF dust as a hazardous waste which, as of August 8, 1988, cannot be 1andfi11ed without first being treated. Moreover, beginning August 8, 1991, all dusts with zinc concentrations of 15% or greater will be required to undergo high temperature thermal treatment to remove the heavy metals prior to any further disposal. This deadline represents several EPA-granted time extensions to the original requirements; extensions which were granted to allow for further development of process technologies.

Jan 1, 1991

By Jiachen Wang, Nan Wang, Yang Li

The close-multiple coal seam is an important component of China’s coal resources and plays a key role in total coal reserves. However, the overburden movement in the mining process of close-multiple coal seams is usually extensive, which is seriously affected by overmining. It is therefore essential to study the mechanism of roof breakage, the relationship between the shield and the surrounding rock, and the mechanism of overburden movement to ensure the safe operation and the efficient exploitation of close-multiple coal seams. This work first proposes a technical route for intelligent ground control. Second, the principle of cooperative control between the shield and overburden roof is revealed, and the shield support capacity calculation method is summarized. Third, the quantitative criterion for disturbance degree of key stratum (KSDD) is proposed based on the key strata theory. Finally, several intelligent evaluation and analysis systems have been developed in terms of overburden breakage and shield support capacity, multi-information analysis of ground control, and disturbance degree of overburden. The research results may provide an essential reference for the development of intelligent ground control in the mining process of close-multiple coal seams

Jul 1, 2023

By W. C. Dailey

National Steel Pellet Co. operates eight 8.2-m diameter by 5.5-m long (87- x 18-ft) SAG mills to grind 15.24 Mt (15 million It) of taconite ore per year. Improvements to increase mill throughput, lower steel consumption, lower power consumption, and increase grinding efficiency will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1987

By Kenneth R. Miller

ThunderBasin Coal Co. has two mines located in the southern portion of Wyoming's Powder River Basin - the Black Thunder Mine and the Coal Creek Mine. Both are located 60 to 90 kin (37 to 55 miles) southeast of Gillette. The mines are principally located on federal coal leases acquired in the late-1960s. Development plans for the Black Thunder Mine focused on dragline stripping. Environmental considerations, however, made truck-shovel stripping the method of choice when the mine opened in 1976. In 1981, the Coal Creek Mine opened as the first dragline mine in the Gillette area of the Powder River Basin. The regional terrain is flat-lyimg with occasional clinker-capped hills. The mines are located on the Wasatch and Fort Union Formation contact. The coals are Paleocene in age. The deposits are structurally simple, dipping gently to the west. The seams are thick and are classified as sub-bituminous-C. The Black Thunder Mine, with its 21-m (70-ft) 'hick seam, is strategically located in the center of the highest heat value mining area of the southern Powder River Basin.

Jan 1, 1993

By Poltak Sinaga

PT Kaltim Prima Coal's 13.1 km overland conveyor was commissioned in 1991. It is of conventional 3 roller 350 troughed belt type. Cost and performance optimisation during initial design ended up with 5.4m/s belt speed, 1,000mm belt width to convey 1,350tph, and 7mtpa of coal. Despite high initial figure, the belt speed was lifted to 6.5 mps in 1996 to accommodate mine throughput increase. In 2002, new low loss ST2100 1,100mm wide belt replaced the old ST2250 due for change-out. An upgrade project was initiated at the end of 2003 to further increase the belt speed to 8.5 mps, hence to increase the OLC capacity to 30mtpa. Performance data, experience of site personnel, site observation and tests, benchmarking, and information from equipment manufacturers were major inputs to the design review. The project fast track was another challenge in addition to executing modifications on a production lifeline. The project was completed within fifteen months and the OLC was successfully commissioned at 8.5 mps belt speed in February 2005. The OLC has been to date conveying 4200tph satisfactorily.

Jan 1, 2008

By Harold L. Hinds

The refining of precious metals from steel wool cathoodes is completed by one of two methods: 1) By direct fire smelting or: 2) Acid treatment of the cathodes to dissolve the steel wool and then followed by fire smelting. To further the refining of the cathodes, the Miller Process and the Wohlwill Process are used.

Jan 1, 1981

By William J. Francart, Edward J. Miller

The utilization of computer based monitoring systems for fire detection in underground coal mines has grown significantly in the past seven years. In 1984, an annual MSHA survey identified a total of 38 systems being used in U.S. underground coal mines, while a 1990 survey indicated the number has risen to 112. The applications for mine monitoring have also changed according to the annual surveys. From April 24 to June 21, 1990, investigations were conducted by personnel of the Ventilation Division, Pittsburgh Health Technology Center, in cooperation with Coal Mine Safety and Health, concerning the installation and operation of Atmospheric Monitoring Systems in underground coal mines. These investigations were conducted to gather information concerning the ability of the AMS to detect fires and heatings, false and nuisance alarm frequencies, information related to system maintenance, and information related to employee training on system operations. This paper addresses current applications of the systems, fire and heating identification rates, application of systems in dieselized coal mines, system maintenance, and employee training requirements. While deficiencies were identified in some applications, results of the studies and survey indicate the use of atmospheric monitoring systems can be effective in identifying mine fires and heatings.

Jan 1, 1991

By B. Mirabile, B. Stables

Standing support is often used in conjunction with underground retreat mining. Knowledge of the load-displacement behavior of a standing support, and loading induced by the mine opening is critical to proper support selection. The NIOSH STOP database contains load-displacement laboratory test data for most commonly used standing supports. Hydraulic load cells currently used to measure in-situ loading of standing supports have exhibited leakage under load, producing irregularities within the dataset. An improved hydraulic load cell eliminates leakage and produces more consistent data. INTRODUCTION A hydraulic load cell, more commonly known by “flat jack” or JackPack, is a device installed to determine the loading characteristics of roof to floor supports. These standing or roof to floor supports include, but are not limited to: pumpable cribs, cans, wooden cribs (4-point, 9-point, etc.), metal props, wood timbers, concrete donut cribs, and other variations of these standing supports. Flat jack devices have been used previously to determine the loading of such roof to floor supports. The most commonly used load cell for standing supports is based on a design intended for pre-stressing standing supports, not load measurement. These load cells are produced in South Africa, and can be formed into several different shapes depending on the applications (Barczak). Flat Jacks are manufactured in various shapes and sizes depending on the application, common shapes are square and round that are 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) thick when collapsed as shown in Figure 1. The sheet metal that makes up the bladder is comprised of 19 gauge or 1.11125 mm (0.04375 inch) thickness, the top and bottom pieces of sheet metal are resistance seam welded around the perimeter. There are two different ports installed on one of the bladder skin corners of the flat jacks; these ports allow a fluid to fill the unit and the other port has a relief valve. The fill port is comprised of a check valve. The pressure relief valve is located in the second port; preset to 1724 kPa (250 psi), pressure relief valve will keep the load cell from bursting. Bursting of these load cells typically causes a small tear in the metal skin allowing the fluid to leak out without a large catastrophic failure. The effective inflation range of these load cells is between 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) to 254.0 mm (10.0 inches) thick. Different types of fluids can inflate these load cells but the most common and easily accessible fluid for testing applications is water. Water pressure from the mine supply line can inflate these load cells to the desired load. Depending on the pre-stressing requirements a pneumatic powered pump, hydraulic pump or hand pump may be required to inflate the load cells.

Jan 1, 2019

By Robert A. Jankowski, John J. McClelland, Charles Babbitt

The purpose of this study was to develop guidelines to enable mine operators to maximize longwall dust reductions, while optimizing the use of ventilating air and shearer water consumption. A recent investigation by Foster-Miller Incorporated, under a Bureau of Mines contract, quantified the effect of increased face airflow and shearer water supply on face dust concentrations. A 70 pct reduction in respirable dust levels was achieved at the shearer operator's position during tail-to-head cutting by an incremental increase in average face air velocity from 83.8 m/min (275 fpm) to 123.4 m/min (405 fpm), while holding shearer water consumption constant. A 60 pct reduction was achieved through an increase in shearer water pressure and flow from 9.1 kg/cm2 (130 psi) at 0.19 m3/min (50 gpm) to 19.7 kg/cm2 (280 psi) at 0.28 m3/min (75 gpm), holding airflow constant. The combined effects of increasing both parameters produced an 85 pct reduction. Optimal usage of ventilating air and shearer water consumption can be achieved by defining a "point of diminishing returns" above which further increases no longer reduce dust concentrations, proportionately .

Jan 1, 1987

By R. M. Ocampo-Franco

The line seven, as part of the development of the Subway Master Plan in Mexico City, will tunnel under different subsoil conditions of clay with high water content and low shear resistance located between 8 and 12m beneath the surface. Boulders in silty sand and gravel to a 40m depth underlay this stratum. Economics, scheduled time of construction, and the obligated interconnection with existing lines one and two determined the construction of the tunnels to have an overburden of 1.0 to 2.2 times the diameter. In the north part of line seven there is a track of 251m length that was decided to attack with an open shield of 9.14m of diameter due to the characteristics of the sub-soil, minimum section needed as well as a minimal overburden, of 10.41m. The paper explains the construction procedure from the excavation stage to the reinforcement of the final lining obligated for the ground subsidence as a result of volumetric changes of a stratum of 4m thick of clay overlying the crown of the shield. Manuscript not received in time for publication.

Jan 1, 1983

By D. J. Shields

This paper describes a dynamic short-nun mineral supply model that incorporates secondary processing, transportation, mineral market structure, and direct mining and milling costs. The method employed is network flow programming. Empirical tests utilizing domestic phosphate industry data have been conducted by the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior. In the model, nodes represent physical locations such as a mine or port. Arcs represent either a process, such as mining, or movement, such as rail or barge transport. Each arc is described by lower or minims allowable flow bounds, upper or maximum possible flow bands, and variable cost. Mines and previous period inventories represent potential supply. The model is optimized via a cost minimizing algorithm, which attempts to fulfill stated total demand at the minimum possible system cost given the arc constraints. An optimal solution of the model will predict production patterns by mineral property for each prespecified level of demand. A mineral property is defined as a separate accounting entity such as a mine. The results of serial optimizations are used to construct the short-run supply curve. Dynamic policy analysis can be conducted by altering the arc constraints.

Jan 1, 1986

"Replacing the century old rail tunnels that run beneath the Hudson River and carry about 200,000 passengers per day between New York to New Jersey has been a high priority for many years. But after Superstorm Sandy hit the east coast of the United States in 2012, the urgency to replace the tunnels increased dramatically. The Hudson Tunnels project is one of nine projects that make up the larger $30 billion Gateway Project. The Gateway Project has been called the most urgent infrastructure program in the country and the Hudson Tunnels is the most critical part of the project, as it will build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and rebuild the existing and deteriorating North River Tunnel that connects New York and New Jersey.“Superstorm Sandy proved the level of resiliency of the tunnels, which was not very good,” Amtrak deputy chief engineer structures James Richter told attendees of the George A. Fox Conference in New York City on Jan. 23. Age and corrosive salts deposited by flood waters from the storm in 2012 have affected interior concrete and copper wiring in the tunnels. “Since then, things have been deteriorating and getting less reliable.”Richter, along with Mohammed Nasim, senior director engineering design, both with Amtrak, spoke at the 2018 George A. Fox Conference where more than 350 tunneling and underground construction professionals attended the conference at the Graduate Center of the City University if New York to share insights about the complexities many of them face on daily basis.Under the theme of “Managing construction of complex underground projects: Strategies for tunneling in populated areas,” the one-day conference featured presentations from some of the top minds in the tunneling and underground construction industry. The presentations touched on everything from the highly technical challenges of constructing tunnels through changing geology while working beneath cities and rivers, to navigating the complex financial issues and contracts that come with the projects that have many stakeholders.All of those challenges, and more are part of the Hudson Tunnels project. It is one of the best examples of the full complexities of a complex tunnel project, with the added pressure of securing funding from state and federal government entities under an increasingly tight deadline."

Jan 3, 2018

By M. E. Rossi, V. Camacho

Reconciliation of production information is critical to evaluating the effectiveness of predictive models that would allow for the optimization of mining operations. Whether mining open pit or underground, mine-to-mill reconciliations can be one of management's better tools for the performance of proper accounting. Such reconciliations can also be a very useful tool in evaluation and optimization. This paper proposes a set of criteria and objectives for a typical reconciliation program. This paper also presents a stepwise, logical approach to performing reconciliations and discusses the benefits associated maintaining good information. It also highlights some of the potential pitfalls involved and the methods used to avoid collecting misleading information. These issues are illustrated with an example of a model-to-mine-to-mill reconciliation program that is being implemented at an operating mine. The program involves multiple predictive models (long-term and short-term block models), feed from three open pits and one underground mine, in addition to intermediate stockpiling, for a total of 23 mill streams. This paper presents a summarized version of this reconciliation program and its initial results as implemented at Minera Michilla S.A.

Jan 1, 2000

By C. Sachanidis

From the surface mines of Ptolemais basin 48 samples of Pliocene lignite were collected. The samples were analysed using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INNA) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) for determining the concentrations of 39 trace elements. The contents of sulphur and ash and the loss of ignition were also determined. The chemical affinity of these trace elements was estimated based on 40 correlation diagrams between the elements concentrations and the ash content of the collected lignite samples. According to the obtained results, 18 elements have inorganic affinity (Co, Cr, Cs, Hf, Sc, Th, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, ?n, Ba, ?, Sn, ?r) and 10 elements have inter-mediate affinity (As, U, ?r, Pb, Cu, Sb, Sr, S, Ni, V). The remaining 12 elements (Au, Ir, ??, Rb, Se, Ta, W, Tb, Ag, Cd, Bi, Be) exhibited concentrations below the detection limit. Thus, they were impossible to be classified in a specific affinity group. Based on the classification of these trace elements and sulphur in inorganic and intermediate affinity groups some useful conclusions are drawn regarding their behaviour during lignite combustion and lignite ash utilization and disposal processes.

Jan 1, 2006