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By L. A. Morley

Volume IV of the final report examines the problem of indirect contact of overhead high-voltage power lines by mining personnel. This refers to the contact of energized lines by workers through some intermediate conductor such as a metallic tool or a piece of high-reaching mobile equipment, thus the term "indirect contact." The shock hazard presented by such contact has been a major cause of electrical fatalities associated with mining operations. The report volume is divided into three major areas. The first gives a general background of overhead lines, basic characteristics, and associated hazards, and continues to describe presently used techniques and devices which attempt to alleviate the contact problem. The second area narrows the discussion to the mining industry by presenting a detailed analysis of 39 overhead-line contact accidents in mining since 1970. The third major section uses the information from the first two areas to formulate recommendations to prevent these accidents and subsequent electrocutions at mining operations.

Jan 1, 1982

By C. Steve Albrecht

The primary objective of this study is to "evaluate the influences of different equipment systems on prime farmland subsoil compaction due to surface mining in the Midwest." The study is centered on four mine sites each utilizing a different combination of equipment for soil removal and replacement. Subsoil compaction is the primary focus of this research effort. Primarily owing to physical location, it is difficult to alleviate the increased compaction directly below the topsoil in reclaimed soils. Different equipment combinations cause varied effects when soils are replaced during surface mining activities. By collecting field data within a statistical framework, the effects of different equipment combinations on subsoil compaction can be evaluated and conclusions drawn. This research effort evaluates a comparison of natural and replaced soils by moist bulk density data. This comparison centers on changes in bulk density and texture to a depth of 48 inches. For each study site a complete case study is provided for use in data correlation and interpretation. Basis for this research effort centers on four (4) major experiment designs: o Comparison of soil bulk density values for three distinct equipment systems evaluated on the same general soil types (i.e. scrapers, bucket-wheel excavators and end-dump haulback); o Evaluation of the effects of soil replacement in repeated lifts using scrapers; o Presentation of bulk density values representing soil compaction for four (4) equipment systems (i.e. bucket-wheel excavators, draglines, scrapers and end-dump haul back) on four separate mine sites in the midwest; o A prediction analysis model is developed for subsoil bulk density following reclamation based on equipment characteristics and a statistical evaluation of texture. The soil data base of information includes data from the 1982 Bureau of Mines study entitled, "Impact of Surface Mining on Soil Compaction in the Midwest" as well as data from this research project. The final report is synthesized through an analysis of field data, statistical analysis and literature review. The final report focuses on the interpretation of results for practical application by government and industry.

Jan 1, 1984

By John J. Sammarco

This report (Safety File Guidance 6.0) is the eighth in a nine-part series of recommendations and guidance addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. It is part of a risk-based system safety process encompassing hardware, software, humans, and the operating environment for the equipment’s life cycle. Figure 1 shows a safety framework containing these recommendations. The reports in this series address the various life cycle stages of inception, design, approval and certification, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. These recommendations were developed as a joint project between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. They are intended for use by mining companies, original equipment manufacturers, and aftermarket suppliers to these mining companies. Users of these reports are expected to consider the set in total during the design cycle. • 1.0 Safety Introduction (Part 1).—This is an introductory report for the general mining industry. It provides basic system/software safety concepts, discusses the need for mining to address the functional safety of programmable electronics (PE), and includes the benefits of implementing a system/software safety program. • 2.1 System Safety (Part 2) and 2.2 Software Safety (Part 3).—These reports draw heavily from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard IEC 61508 [IEC 1998a,b,c,d,e,f,g]and other standards. The scope is “surface and underground safety-related mining systems employing embedded, networked, and nonnetworked programmable electronics.” System safety seeks to design safety into all phases of the entire system. Software is a subsystem; thus, software safety is a part of the system’s safety. • 3.0 Safety File (Part 4).—This report contains the documentation that demonstrates the level of safety built into the system and identifies limitations for the system’s use and operation. In essence, it is a “proof of safety” that the system and its operation meet the appropriate level of safety for the intended application. It starts from the beginning of the design, is maintained during the full life cycle of the system, and provides administrative support for the safety program of the full system. • 4.0 Safety Assessment (Part 5).—The independent assessment of the safety file is addressed. It establishes consistent methods to determine the completeness and suitability of safety evidence and justifications. This assessment could be conducted by an independent third party. • Safety Framework Guidance.—It is intended to supplement the safety framework reports with guidance providing users with additional information. The purpose is to assist users in applying the concepts presented. In other words, the safety framework is what needs to be done and the guidance is how it can be done. The guidance information reinforces the concepts, describes various methodologies that can be used, and gives examples and references. It also gives information on the benefits and drawbacks of various methodologies. The guidance reports are not intended to promote a single methodology or to be an exhaustive treatment of the subject material. They provide information and references so that the user can more intelligently choose and implement the appropriate methodologies given the user’s application and capabilities. The guidance reports comprise parts 6 through 9 of the series and are listed below: [5.1System Safety Guidance (Part 6).—This guidance supplements 2.1 System Safety. < 5.2 Software Safety Guidance (Part 7).—This guidance supplements 2.2 Software Safety. < 6.0 Safety File Guidance (Part 8).—This guidance supplements 3.0 Safety File. < 7.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment Guidance (Part 9).—This guidance supplements 4.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment.] [ ]

Jan 4, 2006

By John J. Sammarco

This report (System Safety Guidance 5.1) is the sixth in a nine-part series of recommendations and guidance addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. It is part of a risk-based system safety process encompassing hardware, software, humans, and the operating environment for the equipment’s life cycle. Figure 1 shows a safety framework containing these recommendations. The reports in this series address the various lifecycle stages of inception, design, approval and certification, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. These recommendations were developed as a joint project between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. They are intended for use by mining companies, original equipment manufacturers, and aftermarket suppliers to these mining companies. Users of these reports are expected to consider the set in total during the design cycle. • 1.0 Safety Introduction (Part 1).—This is an introductory report for the general mining industry. It provides basic system/software safety concepts, discusses the need for mining to address the functional safety of programmable electronics (PE), and includes the benefits of implementing system/software safety program. • 2.1 System Safety (Part 2) and 2.2 Software Safety (Part 3).—These reports draw heavily from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard IEC 61508 [IEC 1998a,b,c,d,e,f,g]and other standards. The scope is “surface and underground safety-related mining systems employing embedded, networked, and nonnetworked programmable electronics.” System safety seeks to design safety into all phases of the entire system. Software is a subsystem; thus, software safety is a part of the system’s safety. • 3.0 Safety File (Part 4).—This report contains the documentation that demonstrates the level of safety built into the system and identifies limitations for the system’s use and operation. In essence, it is a “proof of safety” that the system and its operation meet the appropriate level of safety for the intended application. It starts from the beginning of the design, is maintained during the full life cycle of the system, and provides administrative support for the safety program of the full system. • 4.0 Safety Assessment (Part 5).—The independent assessment of the safety file is addressed. It establishes consistent methods to determine the completeness and suitability of safety evidence and justifications. This assessment could be conducted by an independent third party. • Safety Framework Guidance.—It is intended to supplement the safety framework reports with guidance providing users with additional information. The purpose is to assist users in applying the concepts presented. In other words, the safety framework is what needs to be done and the guidance is how it can be done. The guidance information reinforces the concepts, describes various methodologies that can be used, and gives examples and references. It also gives information on the benefits and drawbacks of various methodologies. The guidance reports are not intended to promote a single methodology or to be an exhaustive treatment of the subject material. They provide information and references so that the user can more intelligently choose and implement the appropriate methodologies given the user’s application and capabilities. The guidance reports comprise parts 6 through 9 of the series and are listed below: [< 5.1 System Safety Guidance (Part 6).—This guidance supplements 2.1 System Safety. < 5.2 Software Safety Guidance (Part 7).—This guidance supplements 2.2 Software Safety. < 6.0 Safety File Guidance (Part 8).—This guidance supplements 3.0 Safety File. < 7.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment Guidance (Part 9).—This guidance supplements 4.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment.] [ ]

Jan 8, 2005

Endless lines at service station gasoline pumps, limited travel at reduced speeds, thermostats set at an uncozy sixty-eight degrees in the dead of winter-these are but a few of the inconveniences and discomforts that awakened Americans to a realization that our domestic minerals resources, traditionally taken for granted, are not boundless. We begin to accept and practice principles of conservation, yet we are aware that this alone cannot appreciably forestall the inevitable depletion of our minerals, metals, and fossil fuels-resources critical to our Nation&apos;s economy. The key to warding off shortages is the development of technology that will insure a continuing, adequate supply of minerals and energy from reliable sources at the lowest possible costs to society and the environment. The mission of the Bureau of Mines is to develop this improved technology. Established in 1910, the Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior is the Federal Government&apos;s primary research arm in the minerals and fossil fuels fields. In addition to its research role, the Bureau keeps the Government informed of the Nation&apos;s mineral posture. The Bureau also seeks to stimulate private industry, through the awarding of grants and contracts, to produce minerals and fuels at a rate compatible with the country&apos;s increasing demands.

Jan 1, 1974

Mining at Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting&apos;s (H. B. M. & S.) Snow Lake Division is now in the mature stage of the mines lives. These base metal copper-zinc mines have been operating for over 30 years. Stopes had small pillars called "crown pillars", left between them. These pillars range up to 100 meters long by 40 meters wide and 15 meters thick. H. B. M. & S. has been successful in removing these pillars through the use of cable slings, electric scoops, longhole mining and diesel LHD equipment. The different shapes and sizes of these pillars has meant that many innovative techniques have been tried in order to find acceptable economic mining methods. An overview of the different methods will be outlined.

Jan 1, 1992

By Daniel G. DiCanio

This report describes a computer-based model for estimating the tangible costs of injuries and deaths from work-related accidents in underground coal mines. The study undertook to identify and quantify the elements of accident costs, including field visits to coal mines, insurance carriers, and public agencies. The mathematical models developed for each tangible element of accident cost are presented in Volume I -of the report. A listing of the computer programs which comprise the model and instructions for using the programs are presented in Volume II. Statistical distributions of mining family characteristics, data on 95 miners killed in underground accidents, and other basic data used to develop the model are presented in Volume III. Application of the model to a data base of 9,286 accidents which occured in underground bituminous coal mines during 1974 yielded a total of $56,900,000 in tangible costs to industry, mining families, and public agencies. Loss of income to the families of miners injured or killed in these accidents accounted for 47 percent of the total.

Jan 1, 1976

By Michael McNinch, LaTasha R. Swanson, Jennica L. Bellanca, Justin Helton

As manufacturers and mine operators develop and implement proximity detection systems (PDSs), they need to be mindful of the systems’ compatibility with mineworkers’ tasks, and possible unintended consequences. Researchers at the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) interviewed mineworkers at mine sites that currently use or previously have used PDSs on mobile equipment, including shuttle cars, battery haulers and scoops. Mineworkers reported that mobile PDSs affect loading, tramming, section setup, maintenance and general work on the section. Mineworkers discussed the operational effects and increased burden, exposure and risk. Mineworkers also suggested that improved system task compatibility, training, logistics and PDS performance might help address these issues. Manufacturers and mine operators implementing this or similar technologies may also consider mitigating task incompatibilities up front, performing additional site-specific usability testing and restricting the use cases of the system to improve performance.

By O. R. Bell

In Australia&apos;s remote North West are located the operations of Cliffs Robe River, one of the world&apos;s largest iron ore projects. Initial project cost was $US300 million and required the construction of a deepwater port, two toms for 3000 people, a 105 Mw power station and 170 km of railroad, all in harsh, arid country over 1300 km from the nearest industrial centre. The ore occurs as goethite cappings on scattered mesas and averages 57 percent iron. All aspects of the project are reviewed from pre-operational research, through project construction to current operation.

Jan 1, 1979

By C. E. Schmidt

Homestake crushing and grinding, practice-was completely revised during the period of 1951-1953. During the conversion, both crushing plants at the head frames the Ross and the Yates, were changes at each plant involved replacing the two 8K gyratories with a rebuilt, The flow sheet single thirty inch gyratory for primary crushing to four inch. The gyratory discharges to a seven foot Symons standard cone crusher set at 1-1/8 inch opening. The cone discharge goes to Tyrock screens fed by vibrating feeders. Screen openings, are l/2 inch by 5 inches: at the Ross. Plant, and 3/8 inch by 5; inches at the Yates. Screen oversize goes to a seven foot Symons cone brusher converted to the short head type; the crusher setting is 5/16 inch. Crusher, discharge; is closed circuited with the Tyrock screens, The above crushing installation delivers a minus 5/8 inch rod mill feed to the mill bins. The crushing revision eliminated the-180 heavy South African type stamps, which had previously reduced the 2 inch crushing plant product to a minus 5/8 inch feed for the 10 rod mills, and 8 ball and pebble.; mills, other revisions in the mill flow sheet, resulted in 3 identical units of about 1350 tons per day, capacity per unit, Each unit consists of an open, circuit 6 foot by 12 foot rod mill, fed from two 24 in by 48 inch vibrating feeders of the four feeders available per unit. A gathering belt delivers the ore discharge of the feeders to the Transportoweigher, which in turn discharge s, into the rod; mill feed spout. Rod Mill discharge is the feed for the 9 foot by 11 foot ball mill, The ball mill is closed circuited with a 16 foot by 30 foot Dorr Classifier. The Homestake make amalgamator, for coarse gold recovery in the ball mill circuit, made&apos; necessary a 36 inch spiral conveyor between the classifier rake discharge and, the combination drum and double scoop feeder on the ball mill See Figure l - the flow sheet of the two stage grinding units.

Jan 1, 1958

By S. Bergquist

In this paper, it is investigated how different types of automation would affect the safety for workers in asphalt paving. The risk for the workers on road construction sites is consistently high in comparison to the average risk of the working population. Automation has been suggested as an alternative for improving the safety in roadside construction assuming that removing workers will inherently eliminate the risk of them being injured. In this paper, the potential for improving the safety using automation is analyzed in detail. By investigating accident statistics and understanding the type of accidents that appear, several different automated functions for increased safety are proposed and described. Based on available statistics, it is possible to estimate the safety benefit, as the reduction in fatalities, for several of the proposed functions. The highest safety benefit would be achieved by automating the road traffic driving through the work zones. This has the potential of reducing the total number of road worker fatalities with over 30 %. In addition, it would decrease the number of road traffic accidents in work zones. Automation of construction machinery and dump-trucks also has the potential to increase the safety.

Aug 1, 2013

By L. H. Van Loon

INTRODUCTION THE property of Madsen Red Lake Gold Mines, Limited lies between Russet and Faulkenham lakes in Baird and Heyson townships, district of Patricia, Ontario. It is about six miles south west of the town of Red Lake, with which it is connected by an all-weather road. All orebodies found to date at the property are silicified lenticular bodies which lie within tuff beds. The ore bas a specific gravity of 2.95. It consists of mica and chlorite schist, silicified and containing a considerable amount of disseminated carbonate, and mineralized with pyrite, pyrrhotite, magnetite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite. Of these, pyrite, in coarse to fine disseminated grains, is by far the most abundant. Pyrrhotite occurs in ?the gangue material as medium to fine disseminated grains. A very small amount of arsenopyrite, in small crystals, is associated with the pyrite, and small grains of chalcopyrite occur in both gangue and pyrite. Although some of the gold present in the ore is quite coarse, a good deal of it is extremely fine.

Jan 1, 1951

This report describes the results of a program to design, procure, install, and evaluate a multi-channel underground telephone system of modern design in the Sunshine Silver Mine near Wallace, Idaho. Although the evaluation portion of the program was deleted, this report contains a cost benefit analysis for such a system using estimates of operational data for the Sunshine Mine. The results show a centrally switched telephone system of conventional design with ruggedized phone enclosures and special environmentally sealed dial pads to be the most economical.

Jan 1, 1982

By Noel N. Moebs

The Bureau of Mines studied the feasibility of water diversion and overburden dewatering for underground coal mines in the Appalachian region. All relevant published literature pertaining to the occurrence and control of surface and ground water in underground coal mines was reviewed, and the impacts of mine water with respect to health and safety, production, environment, and costs were assessed and are described in this report. The report also identifies the sources of water inflow into underground coal mines, and gives a summary description and evaluation of techniques that can be used to reduce the amount of water entering these mines. Engineering practices currently used by operating coal mines in the Appalachian region to prevent the movement of ground and surface water into active coal workings were reviewed and are summarized. Major emphasis has been placed on the identification of geologic and hydrologic conditions of the site, the water control methods used, and an evaluation of their technical and cost effectiveness.

Jan 1, 1985

By Douglas W. Huber

During the past decade, a general awareness of the need for and subsequent development of increased safety in United States coal mines has taken place. Government and industry alike were stimulated into accelerating their actions through unacceptable accident statistics and costs (in terms of human misery dollar values). Those of us who work in the United States coal industry are aware of the development of governmental controls on nine safety. Both Federal and State regulations have placed increased responsibility upon mine owners and operators to insure a safe working environment and to provide training for miners. No other industrial group of workers has received such attention or, in our opinion, deserves it more.

Jan 1, 1982

By AIME AIME

THE 122d meeting of the Institute was held in the Lake. Superior Copper and Iron Country Aug. 20 to Sept. 3, 1920 with an approximate registration of 1100 members and guests. This is the &apos;first visit of, the Institute to this vicinity since 1904 although previously it held meetings there every six or, seven years. &apos;The eastern party assembled at Buffalo and sailed on the S. S. "Tionesta ". on Friday morning, Aug. 20, arriving at Houghton, Mich., Monday, Aug. 23. En route stops were made at Detroit, where sightseeing auto trips were taken, and at Mackinac Island, where a short stop permitted a visit to the picturesque and historic Fort Mackinac.

Jan 1, 1920

By Robert R. Perron

The U.S. Bureau of Mines is engaged in many diverse programs for improving mine safety. Of particular interest to the Bureau are new and improved means for minimizing the hazard of fire which can be initiated by prolonged low energy electrical faults on trolley line systems. When a high energy fault occurs on a trolley line, wherein the current exceeds the magnitude normally drawn by legitimate loads, such as locomotives, then the circuit breakers at close-by power rectifier sets trip. Tripping of the breakers not only protects the equipment at the rectifier sets, but also disconnects the energy source from the fault and thereby minimizes the fire risk. However, the fault current is frequently of a level substantially below that required to trip the overload breakers. When the fault is a substantial percentage of the set level of the breakers, the energy dissipated by the fault is frequently sufficient to clear the system by rapidly burning itself clear. Such a fault is often short-lived and does not present as serious a fire risk hazard as a prolonged, much lower energy fault, wherein the energy level is too low to clear the system. The breakdown of a trolley line insulator, in which there was a 20 or 30 ampere leak, would represent such a fault or illegitimate load and a substantial fire risk.

Jan 1, 1974

By Gordon T. Austin

The combined value of production of natural abrasives, which include tripoli, special silica stone, garnet, staurolite, and emery, increased about 4% in 1990. The increase in the value of tripoli production was the result of an increase in the unit value. Emery increased owing to an in? crease in the volume of the material produced and an increase in the unit value. Special silica stone experienced a decrease in unit value and an increase in the quantity produced. Garnet showed a 10% in? crease in quantity and a 73% increase in unit value. Staurolite decreased about 8% in the quantity produced, and the value of production decreased about 10%. The fused aluminum oxide industry showed a 5% decline in the quantity produced and in the value of production. The silicon carbide industry saw a 10% decrease in the quantity produced and a 9% decrease in the value of production. Production for both industries decreased 7% in quantity and value compared with those of 1989.

Jan 1, 1993

By Rogers F. Davis

This publication has been prepared to supply manufacturers and industrial users a listing of mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment approved or certified by the Bureau of Mines f r use in gassy noncoal mines and tunnels. Testing of diesel-powered equipment is one phase of the Bureau&apos;s health and safety program of approval of electrical and diesel equipment designed to prevent explosions, fires, shocks, and toxic hazards in underground mines. In mines such equipment must be used and maintained properly. Manufacturers submit machinery and component parts to the Bureau for study f their design and safety features. Equipment must pass exacting tests and meet strict requirements established through research, development, and experience before the Bureau approves it as permissible for safe use in mines.

Jan 1, 1967

By R. Dell Davidson

This report contains the results of the work performed by Dayton T. Brown. Inc., Testing Laboratories, Bohemia, New York, under the Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines, Contract J0166089 entitled "Performance Testing of Air-Line Linking Components." The objectives of the program consisted of the following: 1. To conduct engineering tests that will provide data to recommend the performance criteria for air hose and piping connections. 2. To determine the requirements for restraining devices which are used to comply with MESA Health and Safety Standards 55, 56, 57,13-21.

Jan 1, 1978