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By Mark S. Sanders

The present study was designed to explore the contribution of organizational climate and management practices to the injury experience in underground coal mines. A cross-lagged panel design was used in which miners from 22 mines completed questionnaires assessing 27 organizational climate, structure, and function dimensions on two occasions, The results strongly support the hypothesis that climate and management practice have casual effect on the incidence of disabling injuries.

Jan 1, 1976

This Bureau of Mines publication summarizes the industrial minerals industry of Idaho. It contains information on 119 principal deposits of 21 commodities in the State and describes the institutional and infrastructural factors affecting mineral development.

Jan 1, 1991

By R. V. Ramani

The overall objective of this study is to contribute to the reduction of the quartz dust hazard in underground coal mines through a better under-standing of the sources and generation of airborne quartz dust. This research project has included extensive experiments in operating mines for (1) documenting the amount of respirable dust generated, (2) measuring the quartz levels in host materials and airborne dust, (3) analyzing the size consist of the mined product, and (4) establishing the relationship between these various parameters. The results of the study indicate that the amount of dust airborne is a very small fraction of the total (<15 µm) and respirable (<7 µm) dust generated. The quartz contents in the total and respirable airborne dust are generally higher than those in the host material. Quartz content increases with decreasing size of airborne dust. Also, it appears that rock breaks into a different size distribution than coal. The source of quartz for the airborne dust appears to be the roof and the floor material rather than the coal seam itself. No general relationship is found between the Hardgrove Grindability Index and either the quartz content in the airborne dust or the amount of respirable dust. Extended descriptions of the experimental design, the experiments, data analyses and results are presented in this volume. The raw data, the data management computer program and the sampling and safety plan are presented in Volume 2.

Jan 1, 1987

By D. C. Seidel

This report describes generic procedures and equipment arrangements for conducting laboratory-scale hydrometallurgical and related waste-management experiments. It provides a starting point for personnel who have received or are receiving professional training, but do not have specific experience in laboratory procedures. With guidance, it also has application as a resource for technician training. The publication contains chapters on laboratory safety, feed-sample preparation, leaching, solids-liquid separation, and recovery from solution.

Jan 1, 1995

By T. L. Johnston

A review of technical literature of the last quarter century discloses that much experimental work has been carried on in an effort to develop commercial processes for making sponge iron. In addition to the work that has been recorded, other work has been done the results of which have not been published. The degree of success or failure of these investigators does not detract from the fact that the problem has its challenging aspects and practical possibilities that encourage further investigation. The purpose of this report is to record information derived from recent experimental work that .had its &apos;objective the development and demonstration of one method of producing sponge iron. Work of other investigators was studied and applied wherever possible.

Jan 1, 1948

By McHenry Mosier

Mechanical loading, adopted long ago in open-pit, coal, and non-metal mines, was not used extensively in underground metal mines until the World War. In less than a decade it became standard practice in underground work in many mining districts. In 1924 the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Mines, published a bulletin entitled "Mechanical Underground Loading in Metal Mines," which was prepared by Charles E. van Barneveld, mining engineer, Bureau of Mines.

Jan 1, 1940

By Peter W. Kauffman

This Bureau of Mines publication is designed primarily to provide mine engineers and production-level mine managers with the following: 1. Information to assist them in making the decision to retreat mine and in selecting the best retreat mining technique for specific mining conditions. 2. Information on mine planning that will enable them to design mine layouts for safe and efficient retreat mining. 3. Information that will enable them to develop a section foreman&apos;s handbook. The manual has been organized to gradually increase in level of detail as the reader progresses from beginning to end. Individuals interested in an overview of retreat mining can confine themselves to the first few chapters. Those interested in mine planning, should read the middle chapters as well. Those interested in the development of a foreman&apos;s handbook should read the entire manual.

Jan 1, 1981

The purpose of this study is to develop designs to facilitate and accelerate auger rotation stoppage (and auger rotation start up so as to promote auger disengagement during auger miner repositioning) and to provide a time delay and warning signal prior to auger start up to permit any miner s near the augers to get away from the augers before they start rotating. In the underground coal mines in the U.S., there are four auger miners that are currently in use. They are the Jeffrey 100L (see Figure 1-1) and 100M (see Figure 1-2), and the Wilcox WCM and the MK20A (see Figure 1-3).

Jan 1, 1974

A symposium was held on January 30 and 31, 1973, at Pittsburgh, Pa., to review the state-of-the-art in designing and utilizing diesel-powered equipment in underground mining. The Health and Safety Activity of the Bureau of Mines sponsored the symposium with major assistance from the following four participating organizations: The American Mining Congress J. Allen Overton, President The United Mine Workers of America Arnold R. Miller, President The National Independent Coal Operator&apos;s Association Cloyd D. McDowell, President The Bituminous Coal Operators&apos; Association, Inc. Guy Farmer, President Seventeen papers were presented during four half-day sessions devoted to the general subjects of the diesel engine, the place of the diesel in underground mining, health protection using diesels underground, and maintaining safety of diesels underground. Eleven of the speakers were from industrial organizations here and abroad; one represented the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia; two were with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and three reported on Bureau of Mines work related to diesels.

Jan 1, 1975

By F. Albayrak

This report is a study of the impact of Federal laws and regulations on the domestic supply of metallic and nonmetallic minerals. The study was confined to pertinent environmental legislation and the recently enacted Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Emphasized were the legal requirements placed on individual selected mineral industries, and the economic impact of these requirements. A certain amount of attention was also directed to the particular environmental and health and safety problems generated by selected mineral industries. The study also pinpointed a list of major problem areas having significant impact on the domestic mineral supply.

Jan 1, 1978

By P. J. G. du Toit

Coal has been mined by hydraulic means in various countries, i.e., the hydraulic excavation as well as the hydraulic transportation of coal has been practiced. The hydraulic breaking (excavating) of the coal dealt with in this report is done with a monitor directing a continuous jet of water against the coal, pressures of the water fed to the monitor range from 1500 to 2500 psi at 1000 to 2100 gallons per minute Transportation of the coal from the face is by fluming if a gradient exists in excess of 2 or, when a favorable gradient does not exist, the coal is pumped from the face by various types of pumps which can also provide a means of hoisting the coal to a higher elevation as required. This report presents: 1.) preliminary design and systems specifications of a demonstration miner (referred to in this report as a hydrominer), 2.) mining configurations showing good promise for typical U.S. thick coal seams in three seam pitch categories, (0° - 7° = Flat, 8° - 250 = Moderately pitching, 26° - 90° = Steeply pitching), along with cost and performance analyses for each system, 3.) a definition of a test program that will provide sufficient engineering data for the design of a water jet cutting head adequate to cut coal in those typical U.S. thick coal seams The cost analysis data showed hydraulic methods to be economically competitive with present thick seam raining methods. It was also obvious from studies of thick seam methods that the hydromonitor coal breaking techniques are more effective in removing most of the coal with its long reach of 60 ft. (or more), is a safer mining system, and produces very low coal-dust content in the air (usually less than 0.25 to 0.5 mg/cubic meter). It is recommended that the USBM sponsor a full fledged continuation of the hydraulic mining program: (a) lab, test, (b) preliminary field test, (c) full scale mine section demonstration.

Jan 1, 1977

By Philip B. Grote

The deep ocean mining industry is in a pre-commercialization stage of development. In the context of a proper legal/regulatory regime, deep ocean mining system design, site survey, and operation technologies are capable of rapid evolution. The report recommends that the regulatory framework develop in parallel with the industry and presents a rationale for implementing this approach. The Government has several interests in deep ocean mining technology: (1) as a potential regulator, sound regulations should be based on an understanding of the technology; (2) as a potential monitor, survey technologies are relevant; and (3) as an estimator of strategic minerals supplies, it is important to understand the technology which allows economic access to deep ocean minerals. Thus, the major portion of the report presents an in-depth review of systems design, operations, and survey equipment and techniques.

Jan 1, 1979

The wealth of a nation can be measured many ways, but one of the most important measures is its natural resources, particularly minerals. Minerals provide the foundation upon which economic prosperity and defense preparedness rest. Assessing our energy and mineral resources and assuring their development is in the best interests of all our people continues to be an important national goal. Since its founding in 1910, the U.S. Bureau of Mines has established itself as the world&apos;s premier minerals information and research agency. Its authoritative, comprehensive data and pioneering research have contributed significantly to a strong U.S. mineral position in the world.

Jan 1, 1990

By James L. Ash

This report contains the results of a technical and economic evaluation of conceptual systems for the underground mining, rubblization, and in situ retorting of deep oil shale deposits. Study efforts were first directed towards evaluation of the applicable geology, associated minerals, rock mechanics, in situ retorting, access mining, ventilation, rubblization, safety, and environmental impact factors. Conceptual systems were synthesized and then evaluated against these factors from both a technical and limited economic viewpoint. The results of these evaluations were then analyzed and, based upon this analysis, the following two systems were selected for further study: System II: Room and Pillar-Vertical Drill and Blast System IV: Tunnel Boring-Horizontal Ring Drill and Blast Due to the large number of variables to be considered, a computer program was developed and utilized to provide data for the cost trade-off studies and economic analysis. Results of the early computer runs indicated the value of the tool available? in the computer program and led to an extension in the contract to determine the sensitivity of the systems to several of the more apparent significant variables. These results in turn led to a refinement in the design assumptions and a better understanding of the technical and economic options available to an owner-operator of a Vertical Modified In Situ Shale Oil Extraction System. This report is submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of Contract Number 50241073 by Fenix & Scisson, Inc. to the Denver Mining Research Center, United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines. Work was completed as of November, 1976.

Jan 1, 1976

A unity of viewpoint emerged from the workshop. The concept that transmission is via characteristic modes was a common theme in many of the presentations. Also, the confusion an the meaning of monofilar and bifilar to describe these dominant modes was cleared up. But, there was still a healthy divergence of opinion on what constitutes an optimum system. It was generally agreed that further analytical and experimental work is definitely needed. In particular, it was stressed that independent measurements of the constitutive properties of the electromagnetic environment are needed. Also, there was considerable concern that laboratory measurements of rock samples could lead to misleading results for the effective conductivities. Also, there was a general recognition that over simplified propagation theory should not be used to interpret field data. From a theoratical and practical point of view, it was realized that mode coupling plays a vital role in the transmission channel. One must not only understand which and how many propagation modes are excited by the transmitting antenna, but the conversion of energy from one mode type to another must be accounted for. This conversion can either be done intentionally (by fixed mode convertors) or non intentionally (by random wall roughness). In fact, mode conversion can be quite complicated when various propagation paths exist such as when insulated cables, leaky feeders, grounded rails, coal seams, etc. all convey portions of the electromagnetic energy. However, this state of affairs should be regared as an. opportunity for extended communication coverage in mines rather than a limitation of a desig. procedure based on preconceived notions of the dominant propagation mechanism.

Jan 1, 1978

The wealth of a nation may be measured in many ways, but one of the most important is its natural resources, particularly its minerals. Minerals create the wealth upon which economic prosperity and defense preparedness rest. Managing mineral resources for the benefit of all Americans continues to be an important national goal. In its 78-year history the U.S. Bureau of Mines has established itself as the world&apos;s premier mineral information and research agency. Its authoritative, comprehensive data and pioneering research have contributed significantly to a strong U. S. mineral position in the world.

Jan 1, 1988

By Sean Gallagher

This report was written in an effort to provide better control measures for low back pain (LBP) and low back disability in the mining industry. There are numerous factors associated with development of LBP, many of which can be effectively controlled while some cannot. Better job design is promoted as the best method of reducing cases of LBP and can also reduce the disability (i.e., lost time from work) associated with LBP when it happens. The report draws attention to what is currently known about LBP, what the causes are thought to be, and discusses recent back injury trends in the mining industry. Research describing unique physical demands in mining, such as the capabilities and limitations of working in awkward postures, is also presented. Methods that can be used to prevent initial LBP episodes are provided, including facilities design and layout for materials and supplies, use of mechanical-assist devices, improved design of lifting tasks, and better seat design. Methods of reducing the disability associated with LBP (including workplace design, proactive return-to-work efforts, communication, and management commitment) are also discussed. The report concludes that control of LBP and disability in mining requires a comprehensive approach to limit the repetitive loading that can occur on the low back due to manual materials-handling tasks and exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). Specific recommendations include the following: ? Successful LBP prevention efforts require a proactive program that has strong management commitment and incorporates employee involvement. ? More efficient supply handling systems and use of mechanical-assist devices can greatly reduce exposure to hazardous lifting tasks. ? Lifting tasks should be designed to minimize low back stress. Tools to evaluate and redesign lifting tasks are presented. ? Improved seat design can reduce exposure to WBV and improve posture, leading to reduced LBP risk. ? The disability associated with LBP can be reduced. Getting the worker back on the job as quickly as possible is in the interest of everyone involved.

Sep 1, 2008

By NORA Mining Sector Council

The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) is a partnership program to stimulate innovative research and workplace interventions. In combination with other initiatives, the products of this program are expected to reduce the occurrence of injuries and illnesses at work. Unveiled in 1996, NORA has become a research framework for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the United States. Diverse parties collaborate to identify the most critical issues in workplace safety and health and develop research objectives for addressing those issues. NORA entered its third decade in 2016 with an enhanced structure. The 10 sectors formed for the second decade will continue to prioritize occupational safety and health research by major areas of the U.S. economy. In addition, NORA’s seven cross-sectors will continue to focus on the major health and safety issues affecting the U.S. working population. While NIOSH serves as the steward to move this effort forward, it is truly a national effort. NORA is carried out through councils comprised of members with many diverse interests that are developing and implementing research agendas for the occupational safety and health community over the third decade (2016-2026) of NORA. Councils address objectives through information exchange, partnership building, and enhanced dissemination and implementation of evidenced-based solutions. NORA groups industries into 10 sectors using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. The Mining Sector encompasses NAICS code grouping 21xxxx where “xxxx” represents the different subcodes of the mining “21” classification. Mining encompasses the extraction of solid mineral and mineral-like substances from their place in the Earth’s crust and supplies them to processing industries that produce economically valuable materials. It does not include oil and gas extraction. The Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA separates mining into coal, underground and surface, and metal and nonmetal, underground and surface.

Feb 1, 2024

By Charles G. Howard

Accidents involving underground rail transport were analyzed to quantify the magnitude and the operational requirements for individual mine car braking systems. The results showed that the brake preventable accidents represent only 2% of the total underground fatal accidents and less than 1% of the total underground nonfatal accidents. In addition, the brake preventable accidents are expected to decline over the next decade. The costs of accidents involving deaths and Injuries were determined using various well accepted methods. The costs of a brake retrofit program for all operating underground coal cars were developed separately for small and large coal mines. Costs of retrofit brakes, new car brakes, maintenance, inspection and repair facilities were included in the esimates. The analysis showed that a retrofit program would not significantly increase safety, and that the program cost would greatly exceed the corresponding expected benefits.

Jan 1, 1979

This report is in fulfillment of Contract H0230031 awarded to Bituminous Coal Research, Inc., on May 23, 1973. The scope of work to be performed under this contract was divided into four phases: Phase I - Design, Phase II - Construction, Phase III - Field Demonstration, and Phase IV - Analysis and Final Report. During Phase I, an agreement was finalized with the Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal Co. for conducting field tests of the proposed shearer spray systems on a longwall panel in the company&apos;s Jane Mine in Indiana County, Pa. A drum was then designed which could be used on the Eickhoff shearer, Model EW170-L, being used on this longwall and which would utilize the following spray systems: 1. One spray nozzle located in front of each cutter bit with the jet directed at the cutting surface. 2. One spray nozzle located in back of each cutter bit with the jet directed at the back of the bit. 3. Standard Eickhoff nozzles located in a header along the drum scrolls. 4. A fixed header mounted on the shearer directly behind the drum to simulate the spray system originally used on the Eickhoff shearer.

Jan 1, 1976