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By A. H. WHITE, PERRY BARKER

In a consideration of the various means whereby more economical and more efficient use may be made of the fuels in the United States, the possibility of obtaining for the production of illuminating gas other and cheaper fuels than the Pennsylvania coals demands attention. For the Government, as well as for private corporations and the householder, there can be no more economical and efficient way of using some coals than through the medium of illuminating gas. In the stove, gas reduces the labor cost of heat production and lessens the drudgery of the kitchen; burned in the Welsbach mantle, it is an excellent and cheap illuminant. In addition, the coke that remains after the gas has been recovered furnishes a smokeless fuel that has about the same heating value as anthracite. Hence any investigations that will indicate how local coals through proper treatment may be substituted for the higher priced and rapidly vanishing Pennsylvania gas coals will bring about lower prices for both gas and coke and will also aid to conserve for use in metallurgical processes the coking coals of Pennsylvania and of ot,her States. The annual drain on the gas-coal resources of this country and the importance of the gas and coke industries are indicated by the fact that 8,390,129 tons of coal were carbonized in retorts in the United States in 1909. The resulting salable products from by-product ovens were 15,791,220,000 cubic feet of coal gas, 6,254,644 tons of coke, and 60,126,000 gallons of tar. The total value of all by-products was about $28,508,637.

Jan 1, 1911

By C. Özgen Karacan

Gamma ray, density, sonic and core logs obtained from two boreholes drilled over a longwall panel in Southwestern (SW) Pennsylvania were analyzed for formation boundaries, log-derived porosities and densities and for rock elastic properties from sonic transit times. Gamma ray (GR) and density logs (DL) were analyzed using univariate statistical techniques and fractal statistics for similarity and ordering of the log data in depth. A Fourier transformation with low-pass filter was used as a noise elimination (filtering) technique from the original logs. Filtered data was tested using basic univariate and fractal statistics, rescaled range (R/S) and power spectrum (PS) analysis to compare the information characteristics of the filtered logs with the original data. The randomness of log data in depth was analyzed for fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) or fractional Brownian motion (fBm) character. A new prediction technique using radial basis function (RBF) networks was developed to calculate shear and Young?s moduli of the formations when sonic logs are not available. For this approach, the filtered logs were used as input to an RBF based upon a combination of supervised and unsupervised learning. The network was trained and tested using rock elastic properties calculated from the sonic log of one of the boreholes. The network was used to predict the elastic and shear moduli of the coal-measure rocks over a longwall coal mine in SW Pennsylvania. This approach demonstrated that it could be used for prediction of elastic and shear moduli of coal-measure rocks with reasonable accuracy.

Jan 1, 2009

By T. R. Jolley

This publication describes the control of fires in inactive coal deposits in the Western United States, including Alaska by the Bureau of Mines. Material presented should contribute to a better understanding of the purpose, process, and benefits of the program. Forty fires were extinguished or controlled in the Western United States and Alaska from 1948 to 1958 under a national program directed by the Bureau's Health and Safety activity. Thirty-five fires were controlled by smothering; three were controlled by the isolation method; and two were extinguished by removing the burning coal, smothering it with incombustible material, and backfilling the fire zone. The fire-control projects were distributed as follows: Alaska 2, Arizona 1, Colorado 9, Montana 9, New Mexico 4, Utah 2, and Wyoming 13. The total cost of the 40 fires extinguished or controlled was $1,203,957. Of this cost, 12.8 percent was engineering and administrative and 87.2 percent was contractual services.

Jan 1, 1959

This publication summarizes the Bureau's activities as part of a study of the Juneau Mining District (JMD) during the period 1984-1988. The objectives of the program were to identify the type, amount, and distribution of mineral deposits in the district, determine ore reserves, study beneficiation technologies for the ore, make feasibility studies, and address economic and legislative effects on mineral development. The JMD study was a cooperative study involving the Bureau and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS). Over 30 employee-years were spent by the Bureau on this project. Bureau investigations in the JMD consisted of a district-wide investigation of industrial materials in addition to site-specific investigations of precious and base metals in five subareas. During the 4 years of the JMD study, more than 300 areas, mines, prospects, and occurrences were visited, which contain gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and platinum group metals (PGM). More than 59,000 feet of underground workings were mapped and sampled. More than 5,500 samples were taken; one diamond drilling program and three geophysical surveys were completed. An up-to-date and complete mineral data base for the JMD did not exist prior to this study. The JMD study, which coincided with a tremendous increase in mineral interest and activity in the district, has proven to be valuable to both the minerals industry and land management agencies. The discovery of two new mineral occurrences and compilation of data on known mines, prospects, and occurrences have aided industry activity in the region. The study enabled timely data to be available to land management agencies at the Federal, State, and municipal levels.

Jan 1, 2012

By Richard D. Miller

This Bureau of Mines publication contains analyses and related source data for 224 natural as samples from 18 States. Of the total, 191 sam¬ples were collected during calendar year 1981. The remaining 33 samples were collected during previous years, but releases, granting permission to publish were not received until 1981. All samples were obtained and analyzed as part of Bureau of Mines investigations of the occurrences of helium in natural gases of countries with free market economies. This survey has been conducted since 1917. The analyses published herein were made by the mass spectrometer and special helium apparatus described previously (1-2).3 The results of the investigation of the occurrences of helium are published annually to make the information available as soon as possible to the gas industry and the general public. Twenty-five publications have presented the results of 12,827 gas analyses made prior to 1981. The first three bulletins (1-3) contain analyses and related data on 5,218 gas samples collected from 1917 through 1960; these bulletins have been supplemented annually by information circulars (4-17, 19-24) containing 7,609 analyses of samples collected since 1960.

Jan 1, 1982

By W. S. Landers

This bulletin is a detailed study of low-temperature, entrained-bed carbonization of a Texas lignite. The lignite studied was from the Sandow strip mine and is representative of the Rockdale formation of the Wilcox formational group. Carbonization was conducted in a continuous entrained-bed reactor at several temperatures in the 8801 to 1,52°C F range, and at air-coal ratios it the 0 to 10.30 scf/lb range (moisture- and ash-free basis). Carbonization rates ranged from 97.1 to 410.0 lb/hr (as-received basis), At the higher air-to-coal ratios employed, all or most of the carbonization heat was provided by internal combustion with air in the reactor. At the lower air-to-coal ratios, parts of the heat for carbonization was supplied externally. It was demonstrated that the entrained-bed carbonization of lignite is a complex reaction and that several variables, of which carbonization temperature, air-to-lignite ratio, and the average size of lignite are important, act together to influence both the carbonization yields and the properties of the resultant products, Process variables established by pant tests were used to design the industrial scale carbonizer operated at Rockdale, Texas, by the Texas Power & Light Company as agents for the Aluminum Company of America. Properties of the carbonization product obtained from the industrial scale reactor were essentially the same as those obtained from the pilot plant reactor operated under the same conditions.

Jan 1, 1968

By J. E. Cleveland

The major health concern for uranium miners is the release of radon gas and the resultant ingrowth of the short lived daughters in the mine atmosphere. Present methods of control are the utilization of mine ventilation systems for dilution and control of ingrowth time to maintain working levels below those set by regulations. This study examined pressure cycling efforts on the radon emanation. The mechanical ventilation systems were altered to allow pressure changes throughout the mine to increase radon influx during the off shifts and thus deplete the sources of radon gas. Continuous radon working level and environmental monitors, developed by the Bureau of Mines, were employed to monitor radiation and physical parameters in the mine workings. The mine ventilation system was then varied to induce radon flows during off shifts, thus, depleting the radon sources during normal production shifts. Electro-static precipitators were also tested to determine radon daughter collection efficiencies. Both radon and radon daughter concentrations were monitored and evaluated. Major problems were found in the simple mechanical operation of cleaning these units.

Jan 1, 1982

By A. J. Kauffman

The alluvial deposits of the Pacific Northwest have been investigated and worked with varying degrees of intensity since about the middle of the 19th century. Earlier efforts, of course, were centered about the placer-gold content of the deposits; later, the Oregon beach sands were exploited for their chrome content, and, still more recently, deposits in Idaho were worked for their content of monazite, a rare-earth mineral which also contains significant quantities of thorium. The composition of alluvial deposits seems to depend mainly upon the nature of the source rock from which the detrital material was derived and upon the resistance of the individual mineral grains to the agencies of weathering and transportation. The processes of crushing and concentration used in ore dressing are applied in a leisurely but nonetheless effective manner when exposed rock masses are eroded by natural forces. Weathering effects a continuous disintegration and chemical decomposition, wherein resistant minerals are set free as individual grains and new minerals are formed. Erosion carries these detrital products down the slopes into natural waterways, where a mechanical separation of heavy particles from light is accomplished by the running water. The accumulation of such resistant, heavy particles through the ages has resulted in formation of the black-sand deposits. In addition to the associated gangue minerals, heavy sand deposits in the Pacific Northwest may contain the following constituents of possible economic value: Gold, platinum, chromite, ilmenite, magnetite, garnet, zircon, monazite, columbite-tantalite, and radioactive blacks.

Jan 1, 1956

By C. F. Jackson

This paper has been prepared as a progress report in connection with the series of articles on mining methods and costs which are being published by the U. S. Bureau of Mines in the form of information circulars. Then enough circulars have been completed it is planned to publish a more complete and comprehensive paper in bulletin form dealing with the subject of underground transportation. Progress reports, followed by bulletins, will be prepared from time to time dealing with other subjects included in the general study of mining methods at individual mines, such as mine development, drilling, and blasting; stoping methods (each principal stoping method to be summarized in a separate paper); ventilation; wage, contract end bonus systems, etc.

Jan 1, 1930

By R. V. Ramani

"In Part 1 of this paper, published in the August 1995 issue of Natural Resources Forum, a review of several mining disasters around the world established the complex nature of their causation and their catastrophic effects. The involvement of human beings, either through acts of commission or omission, was highlighted. In Part 2, a discussion of the various approaches to disaster control, mostly as practised in the USA, is presented. A systems approach to disaster prevention incorporating elements of hazard identification, mine design, emergency response and post-emergency audit is presented.In the USA the role of government in the affairs of its citizens is continually growing. This role is intended to ensure an unimpeded pursuit of happiness and prosperity by the population and to curtail actions which are restrictive or harmful to the citizenry. The passage of a legislation is an indication that it has been decided through the established process that the activities covered by the legislation should receive appropriate consideration. The enactment of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 (The 1969 Coal Act), the Mine Safety and Health Amendment Act of 1977 (The 1977 Mine Act) and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (The 1977 Surface Mining Act), was specifically intended to further the role of government in the health, safety and environmental affairs of the mineral industry.Currently, the federal government's responsibilities for mine safety and health are divided among three agencies: the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in the US Department of Labor, the Bureau of Mines (USBM) in the US Department of the Interior and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (National Research Council, 1981). MSHA is responsible for issuing and enforcing mine safety and health regulations, for training miners and for responding to mine emergencies. The Bureau of Mines is responsible for conducting research on mine safety and on the technological means for reducing health and safety hazards in mines. NIOSH conducts research relating to miner health, and together with MSHA, tests and certifies devices used to detect hazardous materials in mines and protective equipment used by miners. NIOSH also plays a public health role in that its activities in mining include health hazard evalua¬tions, general mining surveillance as mandated by law and medical surveillance including coal miner X-ray and autopsy programmes. MSHA shares with the Bureau of Mines the responsibility for integrating R&D results into operational practice. MSHA implements R&D results either by incorporating them into its own operations or by rule making that requires new practices or equipment to be adopted by the mining industry. In many instances, the Bureau's R&D results have been adopted by the mining industry without rule making."

Dec 1, 1996

By Robert M. Cox

The objective of this study was to determine if significant relationships exist between coal mine roof stability and the time roof is left unsupported. Additional factors such as geology, opening geometry, and mining methods were also studied: to determine their relative influence on mine roof stability. The results of the study indicate that geologic factors such as shear zones (either joints or faults) and changes in roof rock lithology were the principal factors governing mine roof stability. The time lapse factor appeared to be of critical importance when poor mine roof conditions are encountered. The study pointed up the need for improved and permissible rock mechanics instrumentation for use in coal mine investigations.

Jan 1, 1974

By Hewitt Wilson

Until recent years the term "whiting" was applied exclusively to the water-ground chalks of certain north European countries. In many industries these are still considered superior to the whiting made from domestic limestone and marble. However, the latter material has replaced much of the European whiting in the American market, largely due to improvements in grinding and classification by American manufacturers.4 To encourage the domestic industry, the Bureau of Mines in 1931 undertook a study of the preparation of whiting from American raw materials and a comparison of the finished products with European whitings.

Jan 1, 1937

By Mary L. Pearson

Ibis report summarizes the results of the contract. Included are summaries of existing legislation pertaining to outcrop barriers and a state-of-the-art survey of outcrop barrier designs and related, mine closure techniques. Six sites were inspected in the field and are presented as case histories The data analysis presented includes a computer modeled seepage analysis, an overburden blew-out analysis, and a wedge stability analysis. The results tit these analyses are interpreted to form recommendations for coal outcrop barriers which will minimize seepage and the potential for failure. Supplementary support and reinforcement alternatives are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1981

The U.S. economy and, consequently, the demand for minerals grew at more moderate rates in 1995 compared with stronger performances the previous year. Demand for metals such as steel and copper was relatively stable. For example, the decline in steel consumed in motor vehicle manufacturing (reflecting lower vehicle sales) for the first half of 1995 was offset by an increase in steel consumed in construction during the same period. More detailed information on events, trends, and issues in the mineral and material sector Is presented below and in the commodity sections that follow. Overall Performance The value of processed materials of mineral origin produced in the United States during 1995 was estimated to be $395 billion, an increase of almost 10% compared with 1994. The estimated value of U.S. raw nonfuel minerals production in 1995 was $38 billion, about 7% more than in 1994. The value of U.S. minerals production has increased in 30 of the last 35 years.

Jan 1, 1996

By Robert D. Thomson

The Bureau of Mines has compiled coal reserve data for the United States as of January I, 1974, for bituminous and anthracite coalbeds 28 inches or more in thickness to a maximum depth of 1,000 feet and for Lignite beds 40 inches thick or greater. These data were organized by State, county, coalbed, and rank. To evaluate the reserve by sulfur content, the reserve and analytical data from the Bureau of Mines energy data bank were synthesized using computer techniques. The reserve base in the Eastern States was determined to be 202.3 billion tons. Bituminous coal accounts for the greatest reserve base: 161.5 billion tons of deep-minable coal, and 32.5 billion tons of strip-minable coal. Virtually all of the anthracite reserve base, 7.3 billion tons, is minable by underground methods. All of the lignite, 1 billion tons, is strip minable. Subbituminous coal is not significant in the Eastern United States, About 14 percent of the bituminous coal reserve base, 26.5 billion tons, contains 1.0 percent or less sulfur. About 87 percent of the anthracite reserve base, 6.3 billion tons, is low-sulfur coal.

Jan 1, 1975

By Donald E. Redmon

This Bureau of Mines report reviews injury experience in the nonmetallic mineral industries (except stone and coal) for 1966-67. For each of the years, 23 tables summarize disabling work injuries by department, source of injury, extent of disability, part of body injured, and nature of injury. Correlative information on employment, worktime, and operating activity is also presented.

Jan 1, 1973

Unfortunate occurrences resulting in injuries, loss of life, and destruction of property by explosion, fire, and other mishaps during shaft sinking in the past few years have focused the attention of the Bureau of Mines on the need for safety standards for such operations. Several States have some rules and regulations applicable to local conditions, and several Bureau publications (including some now out of print) cover the hazards that may be encountered in shaft sinking. Certain requirements of the Federal Mine Safety Code and Federal Coal Mine Safety Act may be applied, but there are no definite, uniform standards that will guide those desiring to sink a shaft safely and bring about uniform safety inspections.

Jan 1, 1957

By F. D. Everett

This report, based on information made available by four uranium-producing companies, describes the geology, exploration, open-pit development and mining, and shaft sinking in the Gas Hills uranium district of Wyoming. Open-pit stripping features motor-scrapers push-loaded by crawler or rubber-tired tractors. The ground generally can be ripped, and little blasting is necessary. Detailed data are given on grouting for ground stabilization in sinking a small-diameter shaft in the relatively unconsolidated sandstone and siltstone, Cost and performance data are presented as made available by the companies.

Jan 1, 1963

By F. D. Everett

This report, based on information made available by four uranium-producing companies, describes the geology, exploration, open-pit development and mining, and shaft sinking in the Gas Hills uranium district of Wyoming. Open-pit stripping features motor-scrapers push-loaded by crawler or rubber-tired tractors. The ground generally can be ripped, and little blasting is necessary. Detailed data are given on grouting for ground stabilization in sinking a small-diameter shaft in the relatively unconsolidated sandstone and siltstone, Cost and performance data are presented as made available by the companies.

Jan 1, 1963

By G. B. Shea, R. A. Cattell

This resume of the work of the Petroleum and Natural - Gas Division of the Bureau of Mines for the fiscal years 1940 and 1941 is the second of a series. of progress reports . It brings forward from the 1939 annual report information on the course of activities of the division in carrying out its objectives of increased conservation and better utilization of petroleum, natural gas, and related resources through a coordinated program of research and fact - finding . It discusses, also, special assignments. executed for other Government agencies, which in recent years have constituted a considerable part of the division's work ." . In the present national emergency, in which petroleum is so essential , many of the Bureau's research activities bear directly on the availability, conservation, and use of petroleum for national defense . Accordingly, during the past year attention has been focused for the most part.on.problems associated with the needs of national defense . Several long-time researches , which in themselves are potential sources of desirable knowledge , were judged to be of secondary importance under present conditions and accordingly were suspended . Studies also were oriented in line with rapidly changing conditions to meet the demand for accurate findings on short notice . The Petroleum and Natural - Gas Division has experiment stations at Bartlesville , Okla . , and Laramie, Wyo . , a field office at Dallas , Tex . , and a field office and laboratory at San Francisco , Calif . It also operates the Government helium plant near Amarillo , Tex. In addition to the helium operations , some of the petroleum and natural - gas research activities are conducted at the Amarillo plant .

Feb 1, 1942