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By J. P. May

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report identifies and evaluates factors responsible for dump-point accidents involving mobile mining equipment. Information regarding the occurrence and severity of the accidents, the industries affected, the types of equipment involved, the primary and contributing causes, and pertinent Federal regulations is included. The aim of this report is to provide information that will aid mine operators in the recognition of hazards associated with mobile equipment operation near the dump points of stockpiles and waste dumps.

Jan 1, 1990

By M. A. Trevits

During the time period from 1990-2007, 1601 reportable fires occurred in the U.S. mining industry (an average of 89 fires per year). The leading causes of U.S. mine fires were flame cutting and welding operations, frictional heating and ignitions, electrical shorts, mobile equipment malfunctions, and spontaneous combustion. The fact that mine fires continue to occur with an alarming regularity reinforces the importance of recognizing and eliminating the potential hazards and the overall need for improved fire control and suppression technology to ensure the best possible outcome during a mine fire. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting an evolving comprehensive program of research that is addressing mine fire prevention, detection, management and suppression. This paper presents a summary of recent research accomplishments and provides an overview of the next phase of the NIOSH mine fire research program.

Jan 1, 2008

By Donald P. Schlick

The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 requires each mine operator to implement the respirable dust sampling program established by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. This program requires frequent sampling of "high-risk" face workers and periodic sampling of other underground workers. Dust samples are collected by the coal mine operator and weighed at the Bureau's Pittsburgh Field Health Group, and the results are processed by the Bureau's Automatic Data Processing Section located in Denver, Colo. This paper presents the system employed by the Bureau to weigh the dust samples and to process and store the data.

Jan 1, 1971

By R. A. Franks, G. F. Friel, J. C. Edwards, A. C. Smith

An evaluation of a nuisance-emissions-discriminating smart mine fire sensor system was made in an operating coal mine. These field evaluations were conducted to determine the sensor system's ability to discern nuisance emissions, such as diesel exhaust, emissions from flame cutting and welding operations or hydrogen gas from a charging station, from real fires and to compare the number of falsely reported fire alarms generated between the sensor system and a standard carbon monoxide (CO) monitor. The sensor system's ability to operate successfully in the working environment of an operating coal mine was also evaluated. The smart mine fire sensor system consisted of four sensors whose data outputs were fused with the use of a neural-network-type computer program. Long-term trials were conducted in a haulage way, a belt entry, and a track entry. The system functioned successfully in the belt entry, in accordance with its developmental goals, where the sensor system even discriminated events not anticipated during development. It was not totally effective in the haulage way and track entry, though, due to a combination of significant diurnal air temperature variations, dust, and mechanically induced vibrations. Also, deteriorating rib conditions contributed to operational problems in the haulage way evaluation. In general, the smart mine fire sensor provided nuisance emissions discrimination and was shown to be a viable new approach for mine atmospheric monitoring, enhancing miner safety. This paper describes the in-mine evaluation of the smart mine fire sensor system and discusses recommendations for improving the system.

By F. S. Crawford

The wide variation in the medical facilities, type of accident reports and provision for the welfare of employees, in addition to the compensation provided by the various State laws,- was -studi-eci, by the.. wri-ter in the Lake .. Superior_ r.egion . .. - -Several cDmpanies f~rnished. the information which follows. Names have been omitted , ~ut the information should be of .intere·st to companies desirous of improving t_his branch of thej..r accident-prevention work. : . . --Because a summary of the metho.ds used would merel:y: result in _ a.n a.ttempt to set _up an ideal, it was concluded that in preparing this paper a statem.ent .of_ tbe individual methods of -each company wou-l d .b-e .Qf .. the most inte-res.t, . and the.y h~ve . been .. li.steq with .no regard to the size of the company . . ··· -In the - appendix are -a -number of report. forms used by .various _operators for reporting accidents to t he company and .to the State. These are self- explanatory. and many a re mentioned in -the body of circu-1-ar-.

Mar 1, 1932

By Phillip N. Yasnowsky

The thrust of this Bureau of Mines report is to relate the size of automobiles to the price of gasoline, and the use of minerals in automobile manufacture to the size of automobiles. Only one of the many plausible scenarios of public reaction to higher gasoline prices, a switch to economy size automobiles, is developed. No account is taken of other potential impacts such as improvements in public transportation or increased occupancy per vehicle. Furthermore, a gasoline price increase is the only incentive to the greater utilization of economy cars that is considered. A gasoline price increase to $0.60 per gallon would reduce the amount of minerals required to produce the automobiles sold in the United States by an estimated 15 percent. Gasoline prices of $0.80 and $1 per gallon would cause declines in mineral requirements for U.S. automobile sales estimated at 26 percent and 35 percent, respectively.

Jan 1, 1974

By Thomas P. Dolley

Building stone, cassiterite, kaolin, gold, lime, and peat were the only commodities mined, The country's main economy was in agriculture, primarily in coffee exports. Tribal violence occurred again, between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes, causing an estimated 50,000 deaths, mainly in rural and mining areas. The inflation and a large deficit continued. The country continued to import cement, fertilizers, oil, and petroleum products. Burundi possessed numerous small gold deposits. The northwest and north-east were the country's two most important gold-bearing regions. A large kaolin deposit was found at Ngozi, and its mining was specified in the fifth 5-year development plan for 1988-1992. In the area of Rugombo, limestone was being explored with the intention of opening a cement plant.

Jan 1, 1990

By John J. Mulligan

The creeks draining Cape Mountain, on the western tip of Seward Peninsula, Alaska, comprise the Cape Mountain tin-placer district. Because of the war-caused shortage of tin, the Bureau of Mines in 1943 conducted a churn-drill placer reconnaissance to explore the district. Favorable indications were found, and plans were made for further investigation of the deposits; the plans were abandoned when tin again became plentiful. In July 1951 the Zenda Gold Mining Co. was granted a Defense Minerals Administration (Defense Minerals Exploration Administration after October 1951) loan to continue exploration of the more favorable areas indicated by results of the Bureau's investigation. Equipment was moved to the area in the fall and winter of 1951-52. During the 1952 field season, 209 churn-drill holes totaling 7,521 linear feet and 10 test shafts totaling 96 linear feet were sunk on the Cape Creek drainage. Work was resumed in 1953, when 56 churn-drill holes totaling 3,157 linear feet were drilled on Boulder Creek. The company planned to drill Goodwin Gulch and Goodwin Creek, but no further work was done owing to lack of capital.

Jan 1, 1959

By D. B. Taliaferro

[Recovery of core specimens from subsurface formations and their subsequent analysis are important aids in efficient development and operation of oil and gas fields. Core specimen first were obtained mainly for the geologic information they revealed; now they are on analyzed to determine many of the physical characteristics and conditions of the subsurface formations as well. Cores recovered from the producing formations may be analyzed for porosity, permeability, oil content, "connate" water content, and other physical and chemical properties of the formation, all to the end of furnishing enough data for making reliable estimates of the quantity and availability of oil and gas within reservoir and in devising efficient means for their withdrawal.]

Jan 1, 1939

By C. Edward Chamberlain

A Bureau of Mines procedure was developed for the analysis of volatile matter in airborne coal dust-rock dust mixtures prior to, and resulting from, coal mine fires and explosions. Dust in the 10-to 20-mg weight range can be analyzed. Volatile matter is determined by a greatly scaled-down version of the empirical macro-scale method used by the Bureau. The alkaline earth carbonates in the rock dust are dissolved in acid prior to the volatile matter determination of the residue, and the rock dust content is calculated from the analysis of calcium and magnesium by atomic absorption.

Jan 1, 1974

By Martin D. Conyac

Results of the minerals survey indicate low potential for the discovery of placer gold along Deck Creek aid for copper, silver, and gold in PreTertiary rocks within the boundaries of the Lake Fork RARE II area. Potential for oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal resources is negligible. No evidence of economic mineral resources was found during the examination of the study area, and no assays of rock or placer samples taken from the urea showed economic mineral values. There are no producing or developing mines within the boundaries o of the lake Fork study area. SETTING Mining Districts The Lake Fork RARE II area is on the eastern fringe of the Cornucopia Mining District, which is centered about 6 mi west. It is also on the western edge of the Homestead district, centered about mi east.

Jan 1, 1983

By Ivan F. Avery

DOMESTIC production of carbon black increased 4 percent in 1962 to 2,056 million pounds. Furnace black output was 8 percent, or 132 million pounds, above that in 1961 and accounted for 90 percent of total carbon black production. Channel black output continued to decline and was 55 million pounds less than in 1961. Carbon black shipments during the year totaled 2,082 million pounds and were 5 percent above those of 1961. About one-fifth of these shipments were exported; the balance were sold domestically. An increase of 180 million pounds in domestic sales was partially offset by a decline of 80 million pounds in exports. Total value of carbon black production in 1962 was $145 million. The average value per pound of 7.06 cents was 0.24 cent per pound less than in 1961. Producers' stocks declined 26 million pounds during the year.

Jan 1, 1963

By Richard H. Otto

Three longwall mining methods practiced in foreign countries are described that have potential for increasing underground recovery and productivity in thick coalbeds of the Western United States. The methods are multislice long-walling, longwall caving, and high-face longwalling. Foreign practice and possible application in the United States are discussed.

Jan 1, 1979

By E. E. Donath, L. L. Hirst, L. C. Skinner

Two processes are available for the production of synthetic fuels from coal high-pressure hydrogenation and the carbon monoxide-hydrogen synthe- sis. This paper presents some ideas and new developments in coal hydrogen- ation that have been incorporated in an estimate for the production of 30,000 barrels per day of liquid fuels, mainly gasoline. A few comparisons of the processes will be helpful before discussion of the details of pro- posed improvements in the hydrogenation process. The principle of the high-pressure hydrogenation process ie the addi- tion of hydrogen at pressurea in the range of 3,000 to 10,000 p.s.i. to coal at elevated temperature and with the help of catalysts. On the other hand, the principle in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is the complete break-down of coal into a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, followed by the catalytic combination of these two gasse into hydrocarbons or suitable catalysts. For the synthesis, moderately elevated pressures of about 350 p.8.1. will bo used in the immediate future, although it can be carried on at atmosphoric pressure with certain catalysts. The products of these two processes using coal as raw material are almost as differont as hydrocarbons can be. The products of the high-pres- sure hydrogenation of coal reflect the original constitution of the coal. They are, therefore, rich in ring compounds, both aromatic and naphthenic, but, due to the action of highly comprcesed hydrogen and catalyst, are satu- rated and very stable. These constituents give the gasoline a high octane number and excellent rich-mixture performance, combined with good gum and storage stability. Therefore, this gasoline is suitable for aviation gaso- line or base stock. The Diesel fuel can be hydrogenated to a centane number of 45 or higher, which is entirely satisfactory for operating normal Diesel

Dec 1, 1948

By T. L. Joseph

The Bureau of Mines gas been studying the blast furnace for a number of years and has published detailed reports on various phases of its investigations. Inquiries frequently received for information of a more general character than that given in the detailed reports have promoted the preparation of an information circular to cover in a general way the important features of the Bureau of Mines blast-furnace investigations. SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS OF FURNACE The modern blast furnace approximate a refractory-lined steel cylinder about 90 feet in height and 25 feet in diameter. It actually consists of a number of cylinders and truncated cones superimposed upon each other. The shape and dimensions of a modern furnace are shown in figure 1. The bottom section, commonly referred to as the hearth or crucible, is a cylindrical section about 12 feet high. Liquid metal and slag collect in this part of the furnace and are withdrawn at regular intervals; iron is removed at a level about 2 feet above the bottom of the furnace and slag at a level about 5 feet higher. Depending upon on the size of tie furnace, 40,000 to 75,000 cubic feet of preheated air per minute is introduced through from 10 to 16 tuyeres equally spaced around the periphery of the hearth.

Jan 1, 1934

By Yumi Nakashima, Setsuo Maeda

Vibration magnitude and frequency of the z-axis vehicle seat are time-variant, which are influenced by not only vehicle vibration characteristics themselves but also road surfaces, speeds and the human body. There is little in the current reporting about evaluating and analyzing automobile seat vibration that focuses on the time-variant. Yaguchi et al.1 has proposed a method to evaluate automobile seat vibration that is based on judgments using a subjective mental state. Their method focuses on the time-variant magnitude of the peak frequency on a power spectrum density. However, their method has no consideration of all the frequency contents of the discomfort, nor comparison between different peak frequency vibrations. Suzuki2 has emphasized that the vehicle vibration should be judged by a series of vibration stimuli to evaluate, because the vehicle vibration is time-variant, which isn’t a matter of the relationship between a single vibration stimulus and a subjective response. He clarified that the human sensation to the vehicle vibration discomfort changes every moment showing the relationship between the frequency-weighted r.m.s. acceleration calculated every 5 seconds and the category judgment to vehicle vibration discomfort every 5 seconds. However, his study doesn’t show what parameter connects to the subjective final judgment to vehicle vibration. Therefore, we applied the method similar to ISO100563 considering the time-variant to the vehicle seat z-axis vibration evaluation. The new method for the vehicle seat vibration considering the time-variant was examined on the hypothesis that the final subjective evaluation must be conducted from the judgment summarizing a series of vibration stimuli. Methods The vibration bench system, which reproduces the movement of a vehicle floor, was used for the experiment with the single-axis (vertical direction) four-post road simulator system, which is usually used for a car, as shown in Fig.1. The experiment was done on the right side of the vibration bench using the floor vibration which was 5.5 minutes, 0.822 m/sec2 (Wk) over the range 0.5-20Hz with 4 male subjects (age ave21.5, SD0.5, weight ave75kg, SD7.91kg, height ave166.8cm, SD5.2cm) and 4 suspension seats. As Fig.2 shows, subjects evaluated the degree of discomfort every 5 seconds to each seat vibration measuring the seat z-axis vibration acceleration. [ ]

Jan 6, 2006

By Leland H. Johnson, D. O. Kennedy, John Hyvarenen

"SUMMARYA chronological list of accidents at metal and nonmetal mines and quarries (excluding coal mines) in the United States in which five or more lives were lost has been compiled. Many accidents were described in more detail because of their unusual features. Tables have been included to indicate the number of major disasters and fatalities by the principal product mined, by State, and by 10-year intervals prior to 1945. The number of men employed to indicate man-hours exposed is unavailable; therefore, a true picture of disaster data by principal product mined, by State, and by 10-year intervals is not possible. However, the data are presented to indicate the causes of major accidents and bring to the attention of those affiliated with metal and nonmetal mines and quarries the hazards involved and lessons that can be practiced to keep such accidents at a minimum.INTRODUCTIONThe Bureau of Mines was requested to compile a chronological list of accidents at metal and nonmetal mines and quarries (excluding coal mines) in the United States in which five or more lives were lost. Data have been assembled on accidents from all causes in these mines and quarries from the earliest available information (describ¬ing an underground mine fire in Nevada in 1869) to the last reported major accident (a fire at a company-owned bunkhouse in Arizona in 1945).The accounts of the accidents were taken from articles in the technical press and from published and unpublished reports of the Bureau of Mines. Many of the accidents have been selected for more detailed descriptions because of the unique circumstances and to show the variety of dangers involved.Tables are included to indicate the number of major accidents, with resultant fatalities, by the principal metal and nonmetal producing groups, by State, and by 10-year intervals previous to 1945. The interval 1869-1875 does not cover a 10-year span because of incomplete records previous to 1869.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe information contained in this report was obtained from the Engineering and Mining Journal from 1874 to 1947, the Mining and Scientific Press from 1908 through 1922, from various published and unpublished reports of the Bureau of Mines and from reports by State departments of mines. Daniel Harrington, retired chief of the Health and Safety Division; E. H. Denny, supervising engineer, District H; R. M. Loucks, mining engineer; and other engineers of the Division contributed much valuable information and assisted materially in the study."

Apr 1, 1949

By H. A. Watson

This circular, which is a revision and combination of two previous publications,3 4/ presents information on the different types of equipment that may be used to analyze mine atmospheres, with particular reference to the application and limitations of each type. Such information is frequently requested by mining companies, State mining departments, and other agencies concerned with safety in mining who wish advice regarding methods of analysis of mine atmospheres and the equipment necessary for establishing laboratories for that purpose. Since the Haldane-type apparatus is particularly applicable to the accurate determination of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and combustible gases such as methane in mine atmospheres, that apparatus and the method of operation are described in detail. The circular presents results of a critical study of the accuracy attainable with the Haldane-type apparatus in the determination of methane in concentrations of the order of 0.25 percent, by volume. Analytical procedures involved in the other methods discussed are presented in publications referenced in this circular. Information is given also on the various accessory equipment needed in a laboratory for the analysis of mine atmospheres, and suggestions on laboratory design are included. INTRODUCTION 'The analysis of mine atmospheres plays an important part in promoting safety and maintaining safe conditions in mining operations, particularly in coal mining, where the flammable gas methane presents a continuous hazard in Nome mines and may be encountered unexpectedly in others.5/ Methane has been encountered also, often unexpectedly and with disastrous results, in noncoal mines and in tunnels under

Jan 1, 1956

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 Merwin H. Howes

In constructing the NORAD Combat Operations Center, controlled blasting techniques were employed to achieve smooth walls and to avoid shattering the rock beyond excavation lines. Extraordinary measures were taken to stabilize the rock to permanently preserve the openings. Rock stabilization was accomplished by means of reinforced concrete and gunite linings, rock boltings, installation of chain-link fabric, and epoxy resin and cement grouting. A particular zone of weakness at a vital location was supported by exceptionally thick reinforced concrete lining, rock bolts, and cement grout.

Jan 1, 1966