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By W. –E. Marx, M. Faber, R. Pollak, I. Astberg

INTRODUCTION Essentially three strategies are pursued in parallel for protecting the underground working force in mining against the consequences of methane ignitions which might lead to explosions: • Sufficient ventilation for avoiding the formation of explosive methane-air mixtures. • Avoiding sources of ignition caused possibly by electrical equipment or friction. • Structural explosion protection for limiting explosion propagation to the farthest-going extent for the case that methane is fired because of failing of the above preventive measures taken. The corresponding methods taken in mechanized roadheadings with point-attack roadheaders in German coalmining are subject of this paper. VENTILATION In ventilation of roadheading sites the following is to be considered in respect of methane control: • Sufficient air flows by volume being cycled to the heading face for diluting released methane to safe concentrations. • Sufficient local air velocities for effective mixing of methane and air in the whole heading site, in particular directly on the heading face and underneath the roof. Furthermore, ventilation needs to be laid out in a way that cut- ting does not result in health affecting dust exposure at any working place. Accordingly, the ventilation systems shown on Fig. 1 including primary and, if necessary, secondary auxiliary ventilation air ducts as well as dedusters, are used in roadheadings. This equipment is run according to the following principles: • If the roadheader is at standstill, the heading face is ventilated by the free air jet from the blowing duct closest to the face. In this operation phase the deduster is shut-down. • During cutting, the exhaust of the blowing air duct is automatically closed, and the deduster is taken into operation. The in- coming fresh air is now locally discharged via a lateral orifice, or distributed by Coanda-type ducts from the primary or secondary ventilation air duct. In this way, a stable dust wall not disturbed by the jet of the air duct is formed in front of the heading face. Only the ventilation air stream taken in by suction of the close-to-face deduster is passed through the inby zone of the heading face (over approx. 20 m). The clean exhaust of the deduster is dischayed to the roadway in some distance outby. Immediately at the heading face, methane accumulations possibly released by cutting are diluted by compressed-air jets from air-movers located near the roof which assure more rapid motion of the air without distuhing the dust wall. • In the zone of overlapping of primary and secondary duct and the deduster - that zone possibly is poorly ventilated during cutting - sufficient local air speed is assured by Coanda-type ducts or additional ventilation jets for avoiding methane accumulation. The regulations of the inspectorate specifies geometrical conditions to be met with these configurations of ventilation equipment. In-seam roadways are ventilated at rates > 0,5 m/s. For dedusters, present-day ventilation air flows are of 600-800 m+/ min. Ventilation monitoring and control is assured by units for measuring methane and ventilation air flows. If pre-set thresholds are exceeded or fallen short of, these measuring units shut-down - dependent on potential hazard - any not intrinsically safe electrical equipment in the roadheading, either totally or in limited zones. In addition, CO-measuring units near the roadway en- trance serve for early detection of mine fires. In spite of this ventilation layout and the equipment used and in spite of the water spray systems on the cutting head (discussed later in this paper) several cases of methane ignition and subsequent burning off (however, no explosions) have been recorded in the recent past. Therefore, the above-described ventilation is nowadays complemented in many cases by machine-mounted ventilation equipment for the immediate surroundings of the cutting head. Ventilation of the surroundings of the cutting head Investigations carried out subsequent to the above-mentioned gas ignitions have shown that the high ventilation air speed necessary for rapid dilution of methane could not permanently be arrived at in the following zones: • The direct zone of cutting, in particular during sumping. • The floor zone above the debris, predominantly below the cut- ting head. Accordingly, VOEST ALPINE-Bergtechnik, a producer of mining machinery, in cooperation with DMT developed for point- alttack roadheaders a novel machine-mounted ventilation equipment, the Jet-Block" (AERO SAFE Jet-Block) shown on Fig. 2. This system allows to ventilate the above-mentioned critical zones with high flow speeds. One AS Jet-Block is mounted on each side of the boom approx. 0.5 m behind the cutting head. The blocks discharge compressed-air jets with high energy from 10 nozzles per block into the hazardous zones (Fig. 3). Two nozzles of each jet block are tangentially oriented toward the upper circumference of the cutting head, the others are arranged fan-like with orientation to the heading face underneath the cutting head and the debris. The nozzle array of the blocks as well as the com-

Jan 1, 1997

By James O. Glanville

Ice frozen from a dilute chemical solution is mechanically weaker than ice frozen from pure water. This phenomenon is the basis of a practical method for reducing the strength of a mass of frozen coal. If a chemical additive is applied to moist coal, prior to its shipment during freezing weather, the resulting frozen coal can be more easily broken than in the absence of the chemical additive. This greatly expedites the unloading and handling of coal during winter. There has been considerable research into the nature and mechanical strength of ice frozen from various solutions. The literature relating to this process has been reviewed as has the literature relating to the chemical treatment of coal and mineral particulates. Some important articles are discussed and speculations are made about the nature of the ice-weakening process. A laboratory evaluation of the effects of chemical additives on the mechanical strength of ice and frozen coal has been made. An apparatus designed for this purpose is described, and some results obtained with it are discussed.

Jan 1, 1980

By David Hanson, Sean Warren, Chaparral Berry

"Coal bumps, also referred to as dynamic failure events or coal bursts (Lawson, Weakley, and Miller, 2016), continue to be a hazard in underground coal mines. While current design methods have significantly reduced the occurrence of coal bumps, they have not been completely eliminated. This paper investigates a correlation between coal compositional components, coal molecular structure, and probability of coal bumps in an effort to deepen understanding of coal behavior in an effort to reduce hazards in underground coal mines.Samples from the Penn State Office of Coal (PSOC) Department of Energy Coal Samples (DECS) were obtained for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis using the KBr pellet method. Peaks indicative of the coal molecular structures were obtained using spectral integration software. These data, combined with published elemental data, were compared to historic bump occurrence in order to establish a possible correlation. Finally, results based on multivariate analysis of the elemental and FTIR data with bump status as the dependent variable suggest that elemental sulfur and molecular structure can be used as an indicator of bump susceptibility within the sample set considered.INTRODUCTIONThe study of coal requires consideration of multiple variables: percentages of organic and inorganic components, organic component origins, coal age, pore structure, cleat density, elemental composition, etc. Examining coal in situ increases the number of variables, such as coal depth, seam thickness, surrounding stratigraphy, and so forth. This collection of variables influences the subsequent behavior of coal simultaneously, and weighing their relative impact is a challenge for researchers. “A problem never exists in isolation; it is surrounded by other problems in space and time” (Ackoff, 1956). Having a substance such as coal that we know so much about, and yet so little, we have to ask what can be learned.An experimental study using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was undertaken to determine if the chemical structure of coal contains information which may lead to a better understanding of triggers or attributes which may, in turn, lead to an increased probability of a dynamic failure event. While a full analysis of the factors driving dynamic failure are beyond the scope of this study, it is possible that a better understanding of the chemical structure of coal will lead to an increased knowledge of its inherent behavior, including its propensity to burst."

Jan 1, 2019

By T. Faulkner, S. A. Richards

"The Scale-Distance formula is one of the primary means of determining the maximum amount of explosives that can be safely detonated at one time by a single delay. This paper describes a method of applying the Scale-Distance formula to the entire mining area using gridded surfaces. Using this technique, the operator can better determine the economic impact of nearby structures on the mine plan. INTRODUCTION As the surface mining of coal and stone encroaches near populated areas, precautions must be taken to minimize blast vibration damage to protected structures. The common method employed to minimize vibration damage is not to reduce the total amount of explosive in the hole (which would negatively affect fragmentation), but rather to introduce delays to reduce the amount of explosive detonated at any point in time. The Scale-Distance formula, an industry-accepted standard, may be used to calculate the maximum weight of explosive that can be detonated at one time without damaging the structure. This information may then be used to determine the number of delays required for each hole. Detonators make up a large part of the cost of blasting. At roughly $15 per detonator an additional detonator in the hole can be significant. It is normal to set off hundreds of holes at in one shot. An additional detonator in each hole can cost additional thousands of dollars per shot. The number of detonators is also a function of the depth of the holes and the hole spacing. Being able to accurately forecast the economic impact of blasting near structures improves a company’s ability to make informed decisions on how to approach property owners. Operators basically have three options when dealing with property owners: 1. Buy the property and blast without restriction 2. Negotiate with property owner for a waiver to allow unrestricted blasting 3. Comply with the legal blasting restrictions This paper proposes a method for the engineer to forecast for all points in the proposed mining area the impact of nearby structures upon the blast design. Being able to create a contour map and ultimately estimate the number of delays required for the entire forecasted mining area, the engineer can create accurate economic forecasts of the cost of blasting. The objective is to reduce the level of uncertainty in the forecast of the blast component portion of the forecast."

Jan 1, 2016

By Robert J. Collins

Computer-aided design drafting systems have been employed in plant design for nearly ten years. Current and future systems will include computer-aided engineering as well. This paper will explore the history and development of such systems including computer and workstation hardware, graphics software, and plant design applications software. The paper will also address future systems and will present both the system vendor and the mine mill designer's view. Specific examples of particularly successful applications will be included.

Jan 1, 1985

By William Gleason

The Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project is a $3-billion project that will link Dulles International Airport with the downtown center of Washington D.C. by way of a single seat train ride. The project is mostly above ground, but it does include two short, yet complex, tunnels through the area of Tyson?s Corner. The project is being completed in two phases. The Dulles Transit Partners (DTP), led by Bechtel, was awarded the first phase, a $1.6-bil-lion phase that includes 17 km (11 miles) of track with five stations. At Tyson?s Corner, the project includes twin 730-m- (2,400-ft-) long, 6-m- (20-ft-) diameter tunnels. Bechtel is self-performing construction for the $1.6-billion design-build job. Gall Zeidler Consultants was hired by DTP as designer for the NATM tunnel portion of Phase 1, and Beton-und-Monierbau was hired as tunnel subcontractor. Tyson?s Corner is an affluent and congested area that sits 152 m (500 ft) above sea level. To get through the area, it was decided that tunnels would be the best option with the least amount of disturbance to the surrounding areas. However, with extremely shallow groundcover above some points as well as soft soil throughout, the tunnels are also the most complex aspect of Phase 1. About 213 m (700 ft) was constructed utilizing the cut-and-cover method. The remaining 518 m (1,700 ft) is being constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method, which integrates the principles of the behavior of rock and soil masses under load, and monitoring the performance of underground construction during construction. ?The tunnel only falls 2 m (7 ft) from one end to the other and we pass through two soil conditions, they are both soft ground,? said Dominic Cerulli, tunnel task manager for Bechtel. ?Soft ground is very tricky because you have to close the ring in a timely manner to minimize settlements at the surface. If you don?t close the ring quickly to achieve a round structure that?s good in compression, the tunnel could start necking and squatting and the ground above it will settle. We are under major roadways, so excessive settlement would be a bad thing.?

Jan 1, 2011

By Steven M. Bishoff

The reclamation of surface land areas disturbed during the course of coal recovery became a major, universal consideration upon the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. This legislation not only established reclamation as an absolute requirement, but also presented guidelines for reclamation standards and required bond-posting procedures to assure completion of the reclamation process. The Office of Surface Mining was established to enforce the provisions of the Congressional mandate by promulgating specifically detailed regulations and supervising the State participation in this regulatory process. The major operational consequences of the reclamation-related provisions of the Act and the OSM regulations are the increased costs and complex procedures necessary to accommodate the regulatory authorities. It is anticipated that many of these costs and procedures have not been adequately evaluated by either the coal operators or the regulatory bodies. It is, therefore, necessary to proceed with an examination of the general reclamation processes, the effect of these processes on product costs, and the methods, if any, which may be utilized to minimize their impact on the overall operation.

Jan 1, 1981

By Richard Thomas Newcomb

The trend towards proportionately rising volumes of surface mining through- out the world and especially in the United States has led some observers to predict that the future of underground mining is quite limited. Certainly, the simple extrapolation of current trends1 gives evidence of a compelling sort for the hypothesis that technological progress is proceeding at a faster pace in surface than in underground mining. This paper attempts to examine the basis for these predictions by searching the historical record on differential rates of productivity as these are observed in iron ore and coal mining. In recent years economists have discussed "technology gaps" among industries or segments of the same industry, by which they mean that mechanisms for invention and its diffusion are faulty or retarded in such a way that feasible cost-cutting innovations are not applied or developed, even though technicians regard them as practical.2

Jan 1, 1968

By S. Mojeddifar, N. Ostadmahdi Aragh, M. Hemmati Chegeni

This work integrated selective principal component analysis (SPCA) with a singularity fractal model to map hydrothermal alterations of argillic, phyllic, and propylitic in the north-west of Kerman city in Iran. SPCA results were provided for short wave infrared (SWIR) bands of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) sensor tomap phyllic and propylitic alterations. Also, the bands 5–7 were applied to map the argillic alteration zone. SPCA results could present useful information for alteration mapping but it does not show the purest pixels of alteration. Therefore, a fractal model of singularity was applied to highlight the different alteration pixels in the Kerman Cenozoic magmatic arc (KCMA). Thus, the singularity index of different hydrothermal alteration zones was produced. Comparing the obtained results with the field data showed that Kader, Serenu,Meiduk, and Abdar deposits were acceptably identified by alteration mapping. Also, it seems that the singularity index could not discriminate the hydrothermal alterations of argillic and phyllic. The same spectral signature of kaolinite and muscovite minerals is the main reason for misclassifications.

Jul 20, 2020

By Lawrence L. Davis

This paper describes current research by the Bureau of Mines to develop technology for improving efficiency and productivity in metal/ nonmetal mines. The research program addresses a wide variety of problems associated with each of the major categories of mining: underground mining, surface mining, in situ mining, and premining investigations. An overview of the Bureau's research activities is given with emphasis on underground mining. In particular, two innovative and promising concepts currently under development are described: a unique shaft sinking system that uses an impact hammer for rock fragmentation, and a low-profile, portable crusher for underground hard-rock applications.

Jan 1, 1979

By Michael H. Inglis

The Technology Application Center, in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Mines Liaison Program, is studying the use of Landsat data for the monitoring of coal surface mine reclamation activities. Landsat may provide sufficient information to reduce the number of on-site inspections now required. The focus of the project has been the Navajo Coal Mine located in north- western New Mexico and operated by Utah International, Inc. On October 15, 1977, a field team recorded spectral measurements at the mine during the time of Landsat's overpass and a corresponding aerial photographic flight. Training sets were selected from the ground and aircraft data representing vegetated, graded, ungraded and natural environments. A supervised classification of the data was performed by the Stanford University Remote Sensing Laboratory then correlated to aerial photos and mine maps. The results, to date, have been very encouraging.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. C. Burtan

Long before the dawn of recorded history, man began to dig into the earth's crust in a never ending search for useful materials. It has been well established that prehistoric man discovered flint. "The Flintstones" were aptly named. The flintknappers of southern England and Wales still exist today in ever dwindling numbers as they seek out chunks of flint. It is a well known fact that more than half of the earth's crust is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica. Silica and silica containing materials have a great many uses in modern society. However, this material is potentially extremely hazardous to our health. Centuries before the Christian Era, Hippocrates wrote of a lung disease common to those who mined in hard rock. It is obvious to us that he was describing silicosis. It is also apparent from ancient writings, that the Egyptians were aware of this malady. Dioscorides also wrote on this subject in the fifth century, B.C. It is undoubtedly the oldest and best studied of the occupational lung diseases. It was certainly described by Agricola in his "De Re Metallica" published in 1556, in which he described lung disease among hard rock miners. This publication, I'm sure, is of special interest and perhaps known to many of you in the mining community. The original document was written in Latin and was translated in 1912 by two gentlemen, Hoover and Hoover. One of these translators was Herbert L. Hoover, a former president of the United States, who made his living before his presidency as a mining engineer.

Jan 1, 1984

By Jorma Miettunen, Reijo Kalapudas, Pertti Koivistoinen

A new method for measuring the mill filling was developed by Outokumpu’s Pyhäsalmi concentrator during 1989-90. The method utilizes the power draw oscillation which is caused by the mill lifters. Each lifter bar causes a peak in the power draw and thus a continuous oscillation results. In a fixed time scale, the oscillation peaks will shift as the lifter bare hit the mill charge sooner or later depending on the volumetric filling of the mill. Thus the measuring method is based on the phase shift of the power oscillation. So far the measurement is utilized for maximizing throughput of the primary mills at Pyhäsalmi and Enonkoski concentrators and at Harjavalta slag concentrator. The paper describes the new method and the results achieved.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. Bartrum

Semi-autogenous, (SAG), milling operations can realize substantial Increases in mill throughput by removing and crushing critical size, slow grinding, material from the SAG mill. Full-scale plant testwork showed that modifying the Kidston SAG/ball circuit to a semi-autogenous-ball milling-crushing (SABC) circuit would increase plant throughput by 25 to 30%. The methods used to determine the value of the SABC circuit and the design of the circuit are discussed.

Jan 1, 1988

By B. Dabrowski, J. D. Miller, D. Halbe, J. Hupka

An air-sparged hydrocyclone (ASH) mobile system was evaluated for continuous stripping and recovery of cyanide (the AVR process) from process water at a gold plant site. The ASH unit performed exceptionally well as an absorber. HCN was removed from the gas phase in a single one second pass with an efficiency exceeding 99%. HCN concentration in the discharged gas phase was lower than 10 ppm, which provided for a safe working environment. The stripping efficiency, controlled by the Henry’s Law constant, exceeded 40% in one pass.

Jan 1, 2004

By W. F. McDermott

One of the major improvements in ore grinding economics in North America has been the introduction of autogenous grinding. The history of this has been well documented in previous AIME presentations and in the literature. Pickands Mather & Co. has been very active in the development of autogenous grinding since 1957. This early work led to the application of autogenous grinding to the Wabush Mines ore in 1965, with the installation of 6-24 ft. diameter by 8 ft. long - 1,750 HP mills. Development work recently completed in 1971 on another ore has led to the decision to install 5-36 ft. diameter by 15 ft. long - 12,000 HP mills when this project goes ahead. Between these two decisions lies a tremendous amount of research, development, and application of autogenous grinding to a variety of ores. The Pickands Mather Metallurgical and Research Laboratory in Hibbing, Minnesota has tested, in its pilot plant facility, ores from 9 different deposits. Some of these deposits have as much difference within their own ore types as there is between the various deposits. Therefore, it is safe to say that over 20 different ore types have been tested and flowsheets developed for commercial applications. Of the 9 projects, 3 are in operation. These are Wabush Mines in Labrador, Canada, (1) Savage River Mines in Tasmania, (2) and The Griffith Mine in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada. (3) Pilot plant work has encompassed over 300 individual tests. These tests were carried out in mills that were 5-1/2, 8, and 12 ft. in diameter. Grinding power requirements for the primary autogenous milling has varied from 2 to 30 KWH/Lt of crude ore.

Jan 1, 1972

By Daniel J. Dobbels, Eric R. Drooff, James R. Wheeler

Construction of Boston’s C11A1 Section of the Central Artery (I-93)/Tunnel(I-90) Project beneath the existing MBTA Red Line Subway at South Station required excavation to depths in excess of 33.5 m (110 ft) through permeable sand and gravel subject to almost 27.4 m (90 ft) of hydrostatic groundwater pressure. As tacked drift tunnel underpinning system was designed to provide positive support to the active station prior to mainline tunnel construction. As part of this system, a permeation grouting program was developed to facilitate tunnel excavation. This paper describes the design and implementation of the grouting program, in sit testing, and the overall performance of the grouted soil mass.

Jan 1, 1999

By J. S. Heath

Many disputes related to environmental issues in mining are resolved through often-antagonistic negotiations in a regulatory context or through litigation. These approaches are certainly the best choices for resolving certain disputes. However, just as no single remediation technology is the right fit for every site, so no single dispute resolution process is the best choice for every situation. This paper introduces a range of dispute resolution alternatives (from collaborative decision making through mediation, arbitration, and litigation). Especially when money is tightest, cost-effective dispute resolution(and the outcomes that can accompany it) can have an impact on the bottom line.

Jan 1, 2000

By P. T. Bissert, T. J. Lutz, J. A. Yonkey, G. T. Homce

"The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been researching refuge alternatives (RAs) since 2007. Refuge alternatives typically have built-in pressure relief valves (PRVs) to prevent the unit from reaching unsafe pressures. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires that the PRVs vent the chamber at a maximum pressure of 1.25 kPa (0.18 psi, 5.0 in. H2O), or as specified by the manufacturer. To facilitate PRV testing, an instrumented benchtop test fixture was developed using an off-the-shelf centrifugal blower and ductwork. Relief pressures and flow characteristics were measured for three units: a modified PVC check valve, an off-the-shelf brass/cast iron butterfly check valve, and a commercially available valve that was designed specifically for one manufacturer’s steel pre-fabricated RA and has been adapted for use in built-in-place (BIP) RAs located at one mine. PRVs used in tent style RAs were not investigated. The units were tested with different modifications and configurations in order to check compliance with 30 CFR regulations. BACKGROUND The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (Miner Act) (1) was enacted in the wake of three mine explosions/fires that claimed 19 lives that year. Intended to help improve underground coal mine accident preparedness, the MINER Act includes provisions that target mine safety issues in areas such as emergency response planning, adoption of new technology, training and education, and mine safety standards enforcement. Section 13 of the MINER Act specifically directed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to provide for research into the effectiveness and viability of refuge alternatives (RAs) for underground coal mines, and the Department of Labor to act on the results of such research as appropriate. These mandates culminated in the 2009 adoption of changes to 30 CFR mining health and safety regulations, requiring underground coal mines to provide mine emergency RAs and associated components, to provide a life-sustaining environment for persons trapped underground. Such RAs can be either self-contained mobile units or built-in-place (BIP) facilities. The regulatory changes also include provisions establishing requirements for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) approval of RAs and their components, and among these provisions are numerous criteria for providing a safe breathable atmosphere under positive pressure within the RAs. One specific criterion for maintaining a safe RA atmosphere requires the inclusion of an air pressure relief valve that will activate at a maximum of 1.25 kPa (specified as 0.18 psi, or approximately 5.0 in H2O), or at a pressure as specified by the RA manufacturer, above mine atmospheric pressure in the RA (2)."

Jan 1, 2016

By Edoardo Misano, Magali Schivre, Martino Semeraro, Alain Bochon

"INTRODUCTIONThe Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane (LSM) is an underground research laboratory located in the Western Alps on the French – Italian border. It is located in the middle of the 13km long Fréjus highway tunnel that links Modane (France) to Bardonecchia (Italy) in correspondence of the highest overburden of 1800m. The LSM current activity is mainly based on the investigations about the dark matter and requires very sensitive instrumentation which shall be protected from cosmic rays. To comply with the new legislation about safety in tunnels, the highway tunnels owners agreed in 2007 the construction of a parallel safety tunnel, at an average distance of 50m from the existing tunnel and the laboratory owner CNRS (Centre National de recherche scientifique) also decided to extend the existing laboratory with the construction of a new 17000 m3 cavern allowing the installation of wider and more powerful instruments that could increase chances of success of research. Preliminary studies stated that, considering both geological and functional issues, the most appropriate location for the new laboratory shall be in between the two tunnels and parallel to the existing laboratory (see Figure 1).Hence, the CNRS asked Systra, already in charge of the works supervision of the safety tunnel, to realize the design of the new cavern. The laboratory extension includes the construction of a 40 m long cavern with 300 m² cross section and two smaller tunnels connecting the safety tunnel and the existing laboratory to the new cavern. The minimum distance between the front face of the new LSM and the highway tunnel is about 25 m.The French and the Italian authorities, responsible of the exploitation of the Fréjus highway tunnel, asked the CNRS to develop an accurate study indicating that the construction of the laboratory extension would not have any negative impact on the existing structures of the highway tunnel. The main results of the developed study by Systra are summarized hereafter. The construction works should begin prior to the end of the construction works of the Fréjus safety tunnel in 2018."

Jan 1, 2016