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By Edward O’Toole

THe Pocahontas district occupies the extreme southern end of West Virginia, principally McDowell, Mercer and Wyoming counties, and a part of Tazewell county, in southwestern Virginia. The first record of the coal field is a report by Prof. J. P. Lesley, of Pennsylvania, about 1880, in which he mentions a coal opening at the upper end of Abbs Valley, Tazewell county, Va. C. R. Boyd, a mining engineer of Wytheville, Va., published a series of articles in 1881, mentioning coal on Indian Creek, Tazewell county, and on Horse Pen creek, which coals, he stated, extended toward the Ohio River. He also mentions the Abbs Valley coal reported by Lesley. In 1881, F. J. Kimball (who became president of the Norfolk & Western R. R. in 1883)) after examining the Scott mine in Abbs Valley, went northward across Abbs Valley Mountain to the place now known as Pocahontas, where he located what has since been called No. 3 vein of Pocahontas coal. In November, 1882, Jed Hotchkiss and others prepared a cross-section of the Flat Top Mountain coal measures, some notes on which were published by Mr. Hotchkiss, between 1880 and 1892, under the title of " The Virginias.' In May, 1881, the Norfolk & Western R. R. was organized through the purchase of the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio R. R., an old line running from Norfolk, Va., to Bristol, Tenn., with branches from Petersburg to City Point and from Glade Springs to Saltville. At that time, charters had been granted for three railroads tributary to the New River Valley, but their proposed routes would indicate that the promoters were concerned with minerals, timber, and a connection with the Chesapeake & Ohio R. R., rather than the development of any coal in the Pocahontas district. One of them was projected to extend up Bluestone River a short distance, but not far enough to reach the coal in the Bluestone Valley, and a little grading was done for a narrow-gage road between New River Station and a point in Giles county, Virginia, near the West Virginia line. All charters and railroads in this district were acquired by the Norfolk & Western R.R.

Jan 1, 1925

By Wojciech Suwala

The transition from centrally planned to market economy affects methods of economic analysis. The models which were used in the past are riot valid presently, however they we're the seed which initialized the development of methods and applications. There is more than twenty years of experience in modeling of coal mining development. The first attempts were devoted to select the moment of mine construction commencement in order to meet planned output. In Poland significant development of such models began in 1986. Within the Central Research and Development Program there has been a continuous development of models. These models from econometric to optimization ones, were a certain sequence which, in accordance with changing economy system, led to the last version of the model. It is the most suitable one for contemporary problems of coal mining in present Polish circumstances.

Jan 1, 1992

"Introduction The first documentary record of coal nurung on Vancouver Island was that of the Hudson Bay Company operations in the Suquash area in 1836. Between 1836 and 1862, the Hudson Bay Company mined some 65,000 tonnes from this Suquash field and the Nanaimo coal fields discovered in 1851. However, systematic mining of coal did not take place until the Hudson Bay Company holdings were sold to the Vancouver Coal Company in 1861, and a rival company under Robert Dunsmuir was established in 1869. These two interests under various organizational names and jointly as the Canadian Collieries (D) Ltd. (1928) developed and exploited the coal seams of the Nanaimo and Comox Basins from 1852 to 1966. Because of the proximity of the coal outcrops to tidewater, the coal was readily marketed to ocean-going and coastal ships for fuel. However, during the turn of the century the main market was to meet the demand of the developing cities along the west coast of Canada and the United States for residential and commercial heating. Island-based copper smelters and brick factories, and the coming of the railroads motivated by steam engines increased the demand. This economic success of the industry continued until 1922 when a peak production of over 1,750,000 tonnes was reached. Following 1922 labour unrest in the industry, which affected the certainty of supply, and the availability of alternatives in the form of California petroleum and mainland coal combined to cause a rapid and steady decline in the demand for Island coal. In spite of post-and pre-wartime prosperities the trend could not be reversed. Serious coal mining phased out in the Nanaimo area in 1939 and in the Comox area in 1967. puring the 114 years in which the industry flourished over 75 million tonnes of coal were mined from more than 30 mines and a minimum of ten new mining communities were established on Vancouver Island."

Jan 1, 1985

By ALEXANDER L Hay, Alexander L.

THE Sydney coal field, the largest and most valuable in Nova Scotia, is on the northeastern coast of the Island of Cape Breton, extending from Mira Bay on the south to Cape Dauphin on the north, a distance of 30 miles, and has a general dip northeast under the sea. The field embraces the mining villages of Morien, Birch- grove and Reserve and the towns of Dominion, Glace Bay, Waterford and Sydney Mines. The city of Sydney is about midway between the northern and southern extremities of the field and on the western fringe of the productive coal measures. Sydney harbor crosses the coal field, cutting off direct rail connection between Sydney Mines and the greater part of the field to the southeast.

Jan 1, 1928

Brisbane based and listed on the ASX, Eastern Corp is pursuing the development of coal projects in New Zealand. There are various reasons why New Zealand coals are of interest û substantial resources, stable political/economic environment, close to Asian markets. In just over 12 months, Eastern has secured an operating coal mine (Cascade) and a prospective exploration area (Whareatea West), both on the Denniston plateau region, on the south islandÆs west coast. A key focus of activities is the development of relationships with key stakeholders and the promotion of the local economy.   Certain barriers may exist to the entrance by foreign companies into the New Zealand coal mining sector. These include geological challenges provided by the heavy faulting of the coals, port and rail infrastructure constraints, and the ægreenÆ factor.

Jan 1, 2005

By G. K. Livingstone

"This paper describes mining conditions in the Kaiser surface and underground coal mines in the Sparwood area of southeastern British Columbia. Mining methods are explained, major mining equipment is listed and production rates are given. Reclamation methods and results are described. Data are given on safety organization, safety practices, accident statistics, safety inspections and absenteeism. IntroductionThe coal mines of Kaiser Resources Ltd. are located in the southeast corner of British Columbia. All present mining is in the Sparwood area, where operations began in 1900 with the opening of the Michel underground mines. Production increased rapidly at first, then went through successive periods of depression and prosperity. Following are the highlights. Quantities are in clean, short tons. 1900 1910-Rapid rise in production to a peak of 512,000 tons in 1910.1911-1924-Reduced rate of production, averaging 238,000 tons per year, due to strikes, manpower shortage during World War 1 and post-war depression.1925-1929-Second prosperous era, with production climbing to 383,000 in 1929.1930-1933-Second depression-production falling to 231,000 in 1933.1934-1942-Third era of prosperity-production recovered and new production peak of 908,000 tons reached in 1942 during World War II.1943-1956-Corttinued prosperity, with production averaging 720,000 tons per year.1957-1959-Loss of markets to oil and gas; production dropping to 517,000 tons in 1959.1959-1969-Recovery due to new coal market in Japan; production climbing back to the 900,000-ton level.197D-Present-Jump in production reaching 6.6 million tons in 1975. This was the result of the purchase of the property by Kaiser Steel, who negotiated a large-volume, long-term contract with Japan, built the coal port of Westshore, reduced shipping costs by instituting unit trains, and reduced production costs by investing in large-scale mining machinery and a new preparation plant."

Jan 1, 1980

By Wayne N. Marchant

Introduction The issue of coal mining safety plays an important role in the United States' growing dependence on coal to supply its future needs. This article will address the federal government's role, principally the US Bureau of Mines, in meeting this challenging growth and demand while reducing the social and economic costs attributed to injuries and fatalities in underground mining. Some interesting facts and projections with respect to the nation's energy picture will be discussed. This includes the distribution of its reserves and the projected role of coal in the energy and economics of the nation's future. Underground mining will continue to be an important means of providing this coal. The author will discuss how the Bureau of Mines' research program addresses the problems of health and safety that grow out of the demand for more coal. Future projections First, a synopsis of salient facts and projections concerning the US's situation with respect to energy and the economy. Figure 1 depicts the relative quantities of recoverable energy reserves in the United States by their type. Most people are aware of the nation's use of oil. We hear a lot about natural gas. And we are aware of the controversy over the use of nuclear energy. But, while looking at Fig. 1, the question becomes, "Where will our fuel to meet the demand for energy in the future most certainly have to come from?" With 82% of the nation's recoverable fuel reserves being coal, the answer is irrefutable. Coal will be that source. Figure 2 is the present market for coal. It shows that 77% of the coal mined goes to supply electric utilities. Therefore, the coal industry as a whole is most sensitive to the trends and demands for electricity. It is less affected by what happens in other markets, such as export and direct industrial use. In fact, the coal industry is three times more sensitive to the electric utility market than to all other markets combined. Therefore, the trend in the demand for electricity must be examined. Electricity demand is expected to increase steadily over the next 15 years. It is projected to grow from its present 2.3 trillion kWh per year to 3.5 trillion kWh per year by the year 2000. The fuel to supply this increase in demand must come from somewhere. The question is "How much of this extra fuel will be coal?" Although the demand for electricity is predicted to increase, the demand for coal does not necessarily follow. Coal must maintain its fraction of the energy sources used for electricity generation if its demand is to increase at the same or greater rate as electricity. Except for a near-term dip in demand due to a slight increase in nuclear capacity, the domestic electric generation accruing to coal will go from 56% in 1985 to more than 60% in 2005. Thus, the predicted trend is for coal to become a larger part of the fuel mix for electric power generation. Similarly, looking at the most recent forecast for total coal consumption trends, it can be seen that for electric power generation alone, the coal industry must be able to supply an additional 316 Mt/a (348.5 million stpy) by the year 2000 (Fig. 3). It must be stressed here, though, that without significant improvements in mining safety, it can also be easily predicted that injuries and fatalities will increase in proportion to the increase in coal production. Will society consider that acceptable? This author does not believe so. Figure 4 examines the effect of coal prices on the price of electricity. The projections show that the already high proportion of fuel cost will become a greater fraction of the consumer price for electricity. Specifically in 1985, 36% of the price of electricity was the cost of the fuel. In 1995, 46% of the price of electricity will be the fuel cost. That implies that the price of coal will have an increasing influence on the consumer price for electricity. Thus, as coal is used more to generate electricity and as fuel becomes a greater

Jan 4, 1987

By J. C. Weimer

The goal of Bethlehem's mining research program is to improve both the safety and productivity of our mines through the use of new equipment, new technology and new mining methods. Although we can all agree on the value of such goals, achieving them can be a costly, time-consuming and sometimes frustrating experience. However, the potential benefits of lower costs per ton and better safety in an increasingly more stringent and confusing regulatory environment make the expended effort worthwhile. At Bethlehem we feel that the mining companies are in the best position to determine the needs of the industry, and coal companies have the incentive as well as mine sites at their disposal for testing. Therefore, the mining industry should be leading the research effort

Jan 1, 1979

By F. Kennedy

Consolidation Coal Company (Consol) supports an active R&D effort to improve the safe, productive mining of coal and to utilize coal in an environmentally acceptable manner. Attention will be focused on degasification of coal seams, continuous coal transport systems, earth sciences activities, and coal combustion. Brief mention will be made regarding the SO2 emissions control programs. The research program constitutes about 1.0% of Consol coal sales which positions Consol as the preeminent coal company supporting broad-based research addressing the full spectrum of the various problems associated with utilizing the nation's abundant reserves of economical, readily available fuel.

Jan 1, 1989

By Val E. Payne

Issues between resource utilization and resource preservation often develop in connection with coal mining. One such conflict exists in eastern Utah where PacifiCorp and Energy West Mining Company are working with State and Federal agencies to address the resource recovery/resource preservation dispute. The effects of underground longwall coal mining on golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) cliff nesting sites have been studied at the Cottonwood Mine since 1986. Subsidence, escarpment spalling, and the nesting activities of the local eagle population were monitored.

Jan 1, 1986

By B. R. Johnston, K. D. Streeter

"ABSTRACTCoal Mountain Operations is the newest of Fording Coal’s operations although it is the oldest in terms of its historical production. In October, 1994, Fording purchased the former Corbin Creek/Byron Creek Mine. The mine is located in southeastern British Columbia, approximately 150 air kilometers from Calgary, Alberta. It was first developed in 1905 and has gone through a variety of owners in its 90-year history.This paper will deal with the remobilization strategy and the mining plans for the operation which are being implemented to make this operation competitive in the world export coal market. IntroductionIn October 1994, following a due diligence process, Fording Coal Limited purchased Coal Mountain Operations from Corbin Creek Resources, an employee group which had previously owned the mine. The purchase awarded Fording Coal Limited with 100% of the assets, and control of all the coal leases at Coal Mountain.The mine is located in southeastern British Columbia, southeast of Sparwood at the hamlet of Corbin, (Fig. 1).Rehiring of laid-off employees started in November 1994, with mining activities also recommencing in November. The coal preparation plant was restarted in December with one shift, went to two shifts in January 1995, and had four-shift, full-time operation in April 1996."

Jan 1, 1997

THE FUTUREGEN CLEAN Coal project will be the recipient of $1 billion worth of federal stimulus money by way of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which announced the commitment to the project. The money is expected to kick off years of further work that could finally see the project completed. One of the companies involved, Ameren Corp., said the $1.2 billion project ? which will include some private funding ? still has a number of hurdles to clear.

Jan 1, 2010

In 2007, a total of 2,030 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).1 Coal mines comprised 13.7% of all mining operations. ? Bituminous mines comprised 92.4% (n=1,875) and anthracite mines 7.6% (n=155) of coal mining operations. ? Approximately 72% of all coal mines were located in three states: Kentucky (28.4%), West Virginia (22.6%), and Pennsylvania (20.5%).

Aug 1, 2009

In 2005, a total of 2,063 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Coal mines comprised 14.1% of all mining operations. ? Bituminous mines comprised 92.6% (n=1,911) and anthracite mines 7.4% (n=152) of coal mining operations. ? Approximately 70% of all coal mines were located in three states: Kentucky (28.0%), West Virginia (21.8%), and Pennsylvania (20.6%).

Jan 1, 2008

In 2006, a total of 2,113 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).1 Coal mines comprised 14.2% of all mining operations. ? Bituminous mines comprised 92.5% (n=1,955) and anthracite mines 7.5% (n=158) of coal mining operations. ? Approximately 71.0% of all coal mines were located in three states: Kentucky (29.2%), West Virginia (21.8%), and Pennsylvania (20.3%).

Jan 1, 2008

1. In 2003, a total of 1,972 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Coal mines comprised 13.7% of all mining operations. • Bituminous mines comprised 92.5% (n = 1,825) and anthracite mines 7.5% (n = 147) of coal mining operations. • More than 70% of all coal mines were located in three states: Kentucky (29.0%), West Virginia (20.9%), and Pennsylvania (20.2%). • Bituminous coal mines reported the production of over 1 billion coal tons.

Feb 1, 2005

By (NIOSH) Publication

In 2004, a total of 2,011 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Coal mines comprised 13.9% of all mining operations.

Sep 1, 2007

By J. T. Ryan

FIGURES for the first 11 months of 1935 indicate that the total coal production of the United States for 1935 will be approximately 416,000,000 tons, or almost identical with the production figures for 1934. Bituminous production will show a gain of about six million tons, and anthracite production a loss of about the same tonnage, compared with the previous year. This does not take into account so-called "bootleg" anthracite coal amounting to approximately 5,000,000 tons. Twenty-nine years ago, in 1906, the production of coal was almost identical with this year's production. At that time, 626,000 men were employed in producing this tonnage, which took a toll of 2138 lives from accidents. In 1935, approximately 540,000 men were required to produce the same tonnage with an estimated loss of 1155 lives. This shows definite safety advancement in the industry, but even so accidents are still costing an average of 3c. a ton more than they should.

Jan 1, 1936

By E. H. Cho, Q. Luo

Pittsburgh No. 8 coal, cleaned by conventional froth flotation, was oxidized in a 2-L Parr stirred bench-top autoclave. Autoclave tests were carried out for up to 5 hrs under the following conditions: 150 to 225ºC, 60 to 500 psi 02 and 15 to 60 g of coal per 600 mL of distilled water. The oxidation of coal was evaluated by measuring the total acidic group formed on the surface of the coal and by measuring the adsorption (under standard conditions) of calcium ion from a solution. The degree of oxidation of the coal increased continuously, without much leveling off, with increasing oxygen pressure. With increasing temperature, the oxidation of the coal increased sharply between 150 to 175ºC and then leveled off above 175 °C. The adsorption of calcium was >3% on coal oxidized under the most favorable conditions. The adsorption of calcium on coal increased sharply with increasing equilibrium pH. The loss in Btu was found to be sensitive to oxidation temperature. This study concluded that the optimum oxidation of coal is achieved over 3 hrs at high oxygen pressures (e.g., 500 psi) at ~170ºC. This study also concluded that, when measured in terms of calcium adsorption, Btu loss and reaction time, the oxidation achieved in an autoclave is far superior to that achieved in a fluidized bed.

Jan 1, 1996

By E. H. Cho

Pittsburgh #8 coal cleaned by the conventional froth flotation was oxidized in a 2-liter Parr Stirred Top Bench Reactor. The oxidation time was varied up to 5 hours; the temperature, from 150 to 225°C, the oxygen pressure, from 15 to 500 psi; and coal dosage, from 15 to 60 grams in 600 ml of distilled water. The oxidation of coal was evaluated by measuring total acidic group formed on the coal surface as well as by measuring the adsorption of calcium ion from a solution under standard conditions. It was found that the oxidation increased with increasing oxygen pressure without much leveling-off effect. However, the oxidation of coal increased sharply from 150°C to 175°C and then tended to level off above 175°C. The adsorption of calcium was reached more than 3% on the coal oxidized under favorable conditions. The adsorption of calcium on coal increased sharply with increasing equilibrium pH. The BTU loss was sensitive to oxidation temperature. This study concludes that the optimum oxidation of coal should be conducted at high oxygen pressures around (e.g. 500 psi) 170°C for 3 hours. This study also concludes that the oxidation in an autoclave is far superior to that in a fluidized bed in terms of calcium adsorption, BTU loss and reaction time.

Jan 1, 1994