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By Paul C. Hyndman

The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigations of the three subunits (fig. 1) of the Homestead RARE II area (No. 6291) revealed no evidence of mining activity or mineral deposits in the area. The Iron Dyke Mine, 3 mi (5 km) outside the study area produced ore between 1916 and early 1982 from a volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in the Permian volcaniclastic Hunsaker Creek Formation of the Seven Devils Group. The Hunsaker Creek Formation does not crop out in the RARE II area, but extends into the area beneath Miocene flows of Columbia River Basalt. The abundant basalt in the area could be used as aggregate or dimension stone, but equivalent deposits exist closer to markets. INTRODUCTION Location and Access The Homestead RARE II area (fig. 1) encompasses 6260 net acres (253U ha), in three units, of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Baker and Wallowa Counties, Oregon. Two small units of 160 and 300 acres (65 and 120 ha) are 5 mi (8 km) north and east of the main study area. Homestead, Oregon, on the Snake River, is about 3 mi (4 km) south of the two small areas, and about 3 mi (4 km) northeast of the main study area. Peripheral access is provided by State Highway 86, U.S. Forest Service Road 39, and ancillary roads and trails.

Jan 1, 1983

By Orlando Martino

This regional report covers the mineral industries of Canada and 40 countries and areas in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin. Also included is a brief description of the mineral potential of Antarctica. The Latin American region encompasses an area twice that of the United States. Latin America and Canada have a rich and diversified endowment of mineral fuels, metals, and industrial minerals. Tables 1 and 2 provide a summary view of Latin America and Canada's output of its major mineral commodities in world mineral supply in 1990 and 1991. Table 3 shows the relative importance of a selected group of minerals produced in Latin America in the world mineral economy.

Jan 1, 1993

By M. F. Dunn

During a mine fire or other emergency, it may be desirable to reverse the airflow in order to provide an escapeway or to isolate a fire. Also, in colder areas, the airflow may be reversed to prevent ice buildup. When reversing main mine fans, the mine operator usually does not know what operating characteristics of flow and pressure to expect. Laboratory and field tests of vane axial main mine fans in the 7- to 9-ft diameter size range were conducted to establish forward and reverse performance characteristics under controlled conditions and at typical mine installations. The data obtained suggest that reverse performance characteristics are dependent upon the blade angle and the hub to tip ratio. There is also evidence that reverse performance can be predicted for a family of blade angles and a given hub to tip ratio. Generally, quantity of air is 30 to 65% less in reverse than when operating in the normal forward mode.

Jan 1, 1983

By Christopher C. Jobes, Alan G. Mayton

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers have investigated seat design issues for the occupants and operators of underground mine transport vehicles relative to whole-body vibration (WBV) and mechanical shock. Considering the ergonomic and engineering improvements made to underground mine shuttle car seats, this study has focused on reducing injury risk by improving seating on transport vehicles such as scoops, mantrips, personnel carriers, and rail-mounted locomotives. Similarly, proposed seat design improvements included layering of various types of viscoelastic foam padding to isolate vehicle occupants and operators from adverse health effects of jarring/jolting exposure. This paper discusses the results obtained from laboratory vibration testing of new seat padding materials in seven configurations at the NIOSH – Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) showing that careful use of configuration and materials can reduce the operator’s exposure to WBV. In addition, results for four mine transport vehicles are presented from field data collection efforts at a Southwestern Pennsylvania mine showing that a NIOSH based design does reduce the operator’s exposure to WBV. Finally, the authors discuss efforts to develop and field test seat padding interventions using new padding materials and configurations based on the laboratory test results [The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.]

By Jeff Kravitz, John Kovac, Wayne Duerr

Since 198 1, Federal mining law has required every miner working in underground coal mines to have a self-contained, self-rescuer (SCSR) available for use in emergencies. Some miners that have escaped from fires using SCSR's have reported that they had to remove their mouthpiece to talk during escape, thus compromising the protection afforded by the SCSR. If miners are in thick smoke during an escape, they may have trouble if they become separated from their group. The visibility can be so poor that separation can occur at very short distances. To address this problem, two-way, FM radios were built into the SCSR to improve the ability to communicate should the miners be separated over relatively short distances. The SCSR prototypes built and used in testing included both two-way radios and improved mouthpieces. Comparison studies were conducted using combinations of the new and old mouthpieces, and trials using the radio or not using the radio. Subjective judgments indicate that communication ability was significantly improved using the prototype devices. Communication problems have been encountered with teams using standard voice- powered communications systems. Mine rescue teams perform rescue and recovery work under extremely hazardous conditions, life lines are a standard part of mine rescue team equipment. Leaky feeder and quasi-leaky feeder life line communications systems provide significant improvements over standard systems. These improved systems allow all members of the team to communicate with each other and their base of operations. These innovations will significantly enhance the safety of mine rescue operations.

By Russell A. Schreiner

In conjunction with the Geological Survey, the Bureau of Mines conducted a mineral investigation in 1981 and 1982 of the Santa Rosa Mountains Wilderness Study Area (WSA), Riverside County, California. The Bureau of Mines is responsible for the mineral survey of mines, prospects, and mineralized areas in and near the WSA. A literature search was completed to obtain information concerning mineral occurrences and mining activity that relate to the WSA. A field investigation inside, and up to 1 mi outside, the boundary of the WSA, disclosed one prospect. This prospect was surveyed by compass and tape, and five samples were taken to determine the representative mineral content. No attempt was made to expose concealed mineralization or to re-open caved workings. All five samples were analyzed by fire assay for gold and silver and by colorimetric methods for tungsten. Two of the samples were analyzed by semi quantitative spectrographic methods to determine if any unsuspected elements were present. All analyses are furnished in this report except for the semi-quantitative spectrograhic analyses. Complete sample analyses are available for public inspection at the Bureau of Mines, Intermountain Field Operations Center, Building 20, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225.

Jan 1, 1983

By Gregory M. Molinda

Large structural faults create serious ground control hazards, as well as adversely affect coal mineproduction. Two faults related to the Pine Mountain overthrust sheet in Buchanan County, VA, were investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to determine their effect on ground control and to develop recognition criteria for prediction. Five underground mines encountering these faults were visited and mapped for structural information. This information, along with surface mapping, indicated that Pistol Gap and Keen Mountain Faults show right-lateral, strike-slip faulting and bedding planes slippage, which can be projected linearly and vertically. These fault zones are up to 200 ft wide, with coalbed offsets up to 18 ft vertically, coalbed swags (depressions) up to 15 ft, and roof falls up to 20 ft high. Recognition criteria include bedding plane slips, coalbed offsets, fault gouge, coalbed swag (depressions or synclines), and disturbed bedding. These recognition criteria will help an informed operator realize that many sudden coalbed discontinuities are related to larger geologic events (in this case thrust faulting) and can be projected linearly and vertically. Ground control strategies include mine designs that minimize fault exposure. Mining plans can be adjusted based on type and extent of fault movement.

Jan 1, 1989

By James A. Wasson

This report summarizes the results and conclusions reached by various investigators who have attempted to determine the extent to which hydraulic fracturing will affect the secondary recovery of crude oil by waterflooding. It also discusses the most advantageous use of this well-stimulation method in waterflood projects. A thorough search of the literature was made, and pertinent information was abstracted from appropriate reports. A carefully designed and controlled program of formation fracturing is an effective aid in waterflooding because it increases water-injection and oil-production rates. Generally, fracturing has resulted in little or no reduction in ultimate oil recovery, but under certain circumstances recovery has been substantially increased.

Jan 1, 1963

In attempting the predict coal cleat orientation in the subsurface for effective methane degasification of the coal beds in the Warrior coal field of Alabama, approximately 150 rock joint orientations and 45 coal cleat orientations were measured in each of 37 7 ½ minute quadrangles in Tuscaloosa, Walker, Jefferson, Fayette, Winston, Blount, and Bibb Counties. Data from these surface locations, and coal cleat data from eight underground mines was corrected for magnetic declination and titled beds rotated to the horizontal where necessary and plotted on rose diagrams for comparative analysis. Data collected on each joint and cleat consisted of attitude, quality, type, spacing, persistence, lithology, bedding thickness, surface texture, and filling. File data and published and unpublished reports from the State Survey and the State Mine Inspector's Office were re-viewed. Twenty-seven mining companies, most of which supplied information pertinant to the project were also contacted. The information obtained consisted of crop line information structure, and underground mine outlines, all of which were put on 7 ½ -minute topographic quadrangles. LANDSAT-1 imagery and Skylab photography were compared to dominant joint and cleat trends in the study area. Detailed results can be found in an open-file report entitled "Fracture Analyses in a Selected Area of the Warrior Coal Field, Alabama." A master's thesis entitled "The Relationship Between Surface Joints and Subsurface Structure in a Selected Area of the Warrior Coal Field" is being prepared to illustrate the relation-ship of the fracture system to the structure in the Warrior coal field. A proposal has been submitted for research on a project entitled "Rock Fracture Systems and Their Affects on the Extraction of Fossil Fuels in the Warrior Basin, Alabama"

Jan 1, 1976

By Thomas O. Glover

Cameroon's mineral industry continued to be dominated by crude petroleum. The country's economic development depended on the production and export of crude oil. Oil output was estimated to be 56 million barrels in 1984 compared with 47 million barrels in 1983 and 39 million barrels in 1982. The country's only refinery processed approximately 16,000 barrels per day of crude oil in 1984, operating at slightly over 50% capacity. This volume, however, supplied the domestic need for motor fuel and heating oils. Cameroon's economy continued to expand despite problems and setbacks stemming from the attempted coup of April 6, 1984. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 1984 was 6.5%, the same rate as in 1983. Offshore crude petroleum production was the chief factor in the sustained economic growth. The country also maintained a relatively strong balance-of-payments position through oil exports. Investment, ranging up to 25% of the GDP, greatly contributed to sustained growth. The oil sector contributed approximately 14% to Cameroon's GDP in both 1983 and 1984.

Jan 1, 1986

By A. C. Fieldner

In 1927 the Carbonization Committee of the American Gas Association proposed cooperation with the Bureau of Mines in the development of suitable methods for determining the carbonizing properties of American coals. It was further proposed to apply these methods in the testing of representative coals and to make the information obtained available to the public through Government publications. A cooperative agreement was signed whereby the Gas Association contributed part of the funds necessary for beginning the project and appointed a committee to consult and advise the Bureau in the work. The Advisory Committee has been reappointed each year, and the Bureau has had the benefit of its advice. The composition and carbonizing properties of 33 coals previously tested have been given in technical papers of the Bureau of Mines and in short reports published for the most part in the Proceedings of the American Gas Association. A complete list of publications on the work previous to 1937 is appended to this report. The present report gives the composition and carbonizing properties of seven additional coals from West Virginia. The data include results of blending tests in which Beckley led low-volatile coal was used with all the high-volatile coals except the Alma coal, with which Pocahontas No. 4 coal was used.

Jan 1, 1938

By B. K. Shibler, A. O. Ipsen, W. W. Agey

"INTRODUCTION As a part of the program of investigation of domestic sources of manganese ore, mining engineers of the Bureau of Mines obtained and examined samples of ore from six properties in the vicinity of Pioche, Lincoln County, Nev., and from one property near Caliente, Lincoln County, Nev. As the ores were too low-grade to be acceptable for the direct production of ferromanganese, their amenability to concentration by ore-dressing methods was investigated.In general, the Pioche ores had a low manganese content and, owing to extremely intimate association of manganese minerals with iron oxide and nonmetallic gangue, were refractory to concentration by ore-dressing methods. Only two samples (Zero Gap and Wheeler ores) were amenable to the production of concentrates that would sinter to a marketable plus 35-percent manganese grade. The Prince Consolidated and Ely Valley No. 1.ores were roasted and sintered to produce lead-silver-zinc fumes. The residues were of possible value as manganiferous iron ore. No marketable manganese products were made from Calton semi-oxidized ore, but over 80 percent recoveries of lead, silver, and zinc were made by bulk sulfide flotation followed by Diming of the sulfide concentrate. No satisfactory results were obtained by treatment of Golden Eagle and Ely Valley No. 2 ores.The Cudverwell ore was amenable to the production of high-grade manganese concentrates by ore-drssing methods. However, fine grinding was required to effect mineral liberation, and loss of manganese as slime limited the mangenese recoveries obtainable.In the coarse of the investigations, many data were obtained and compiled, but for the sake of brevity, several data, of secondary importance have been omitted or condensed, and only the tests giving the more promising results are discussed in detail. For convenience, the report has been divided into two parts, one opertaining to the Pioche ores and the other summarzing results obtained by testing Culverwell ore."

Aug 1, 1947

By Robert T. Davis

An award is a form of recognition given for superior performance in a special field of endeavor. Each year awards are given by the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association and the National Safety Council to the coal-mining industry's underground and open-pit mines that have worked a specific number of man-hours without a lost-time injury. These awards have a dual significance in that they prove efficiency can be attained without injury to persons. Safety awards do not result from luck or good fortune but do result from sincere desire coupled with sufficient effort and cooperation to achieve a desired goal.

Jan 1, 1964

By Warren E. Morrison

A simplified energy model for the United States is quantified for a recent historical period. The basic model and calculated quantified structures are used for a number of analytical case studies that estimate midterm and long-range shifts in patterns of energy resources demand and required supply. Historical data series are presented for the years 1947 to 1965 in the form of integrated energy balances by source, form, and consuming sector. In case studies I to XII, conditional projections of historical trends of energy demand and required supply are made for the midterm period 1966 to 1980. The projections are carried out by correlation of major energy components with relevant independent variables such as major economic indicators. Simulations of the medium-range projections to 1980 are carried out by varying the assumptions for the determining variables to produce high-and low-range projections for the midterm period. Case studies XIII to XXII are long term contingency or technological forecasts to the year 2000. These cases assume technological changes or innovations that produce major shifts in the long term pattern of energy consumption and the mix of required resources. The domestic resource base is assessed in its ability to meet projected or forecast demand for energy resources under the midterm and longrun assumptions made in the various case studies. Various energy issues or problems identified from the analyses of the case studies are discussed, and possible alternative approaches to solutions to these issues or problems are suggested.

Jan 1, 1968

By Thomas M. Barczak, Dennis R. Dolinar, Gabriel S. Esterhuizen

Longwall mines typically use some form of standing support for secondary roof support in longwall tailgate entries. Although there have been several new support products developed for this application, there remains no universal design criteria to optimize the application of these support technologies. The requirement for optimization and proper support selection is to understand the degree of control that the support has on the ground behavior. The ground reaction curve and numerical modeling was used to evaluate the impact of standing support on ground behavior. LaModel was used to evaluate the impact of standing support on main roof and floor behavior and pillar yielding. The conclusion drawn from this study was that standing supports do not have sufficient capacity to control main roof or floor loading or prevent the resulting convergence of the tailgate entry. However, it is imperative that this “uncontrollable convergence” be considered in the support design to prevent premature failure of the support. A FLAC model was used to evaluate the near-seam roof and floor behavior in conjunction with the global vertical and horizontal stresses. The model suggests that standing roof supports can have some impact on the ground behavior as the elastic response of the rock is exceeded and rock structure deteriorates from the stress concentrations that develop around the tailgate opening. During this phase, the capacity and stiffness of the standing support can be critical to the stability of the opening, as eventually the rock mass will be transformed into a partially detached structure whose weight must be supported by the standing support. This work is part of a ground control program of research at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) aimed at improving mine safety by reducing roof fall injuries and fatalities.

During the period 1979 thru 1982. Multi Mineral Corporation conducted a mining research program at the United StAtes Department of the Interior's Bureau vi Mines Oil Shale Mining Environmental Research Facility in the Central Piceance Creek Basin, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The program consisted of mining, environmental and geotechnical research data and. the results are described in this report.

Jan 1, 1983

By Charles Vaught, JON VOLKWEIN, ROBERT PETERS, ERICA HALL

Since 1999, the CWP level among miners with 25 years or more experience, for instance, has risen from slightly more than 4% to 9% (See Figure 1). While it is obviously necessary to protect all miners’ lungs, there is now a technology to improve the chances that new miners’ lungs will be protected from the day they begin work.

By Eugene A. Dolecki

This final report describes the work accomplished under U.S. Bureau of Mines Contract #H0242011 - "Feasibility of Automated Rail Haulage Systems in Underground Coal Mines." The report outlines the base for the development and evaluation of automated rail haulage systems in terms of the service requirements for haulage systems in underground coal mines, and of the performance of existing haulage systems. A generalized automated rail haulage system concept is defined. A safety impact analysis of automating the mainline portion of the underground system indicates a 50% reduction in injuries and fatalities. A cost effectiveness (over the total life cycle) study for the system indicates a cost benefit can be obtained from implementing an automated rail system. The design specifications for the total automated rail haulage system - including subsystems and components -are developed, and the equipment types and general design approaches evaluated, with selections outlined. A detailed conceptual design for a prototype automated system is described. Conclusions and recommendations are presented, and a program plan devised for implementing a proto-type automated rail haulage system demonstration in an operating underground coal mine by 1980.

Jan 1, 1976

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Jan 1, 1981

An examination of the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) data for the period 1992-1995 shows that 659 fatalities occurred in the mining industry as defined by the SIC. Oil and gas accounted for slightly more than one-half of all fatalities (figure 1-1). The coal industry had the highest fatality rate for the 4-year period, with 35.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers, followed by metal (23.1 per 100,000), oil and gas (23.1 per 100,000), and nonmetal (20.1 per 100,000). The fatality rate for all U. S. industries during this same period was 5.1 per 100,000 full-time workers. Figure 1-2 compares the fatal injury rates by year for the four major industry sectors of mining to the fatality rate for all industries combined. Figure 1-3 compares age-specific fatality rates in the mining industry to those seen for U. S. industry as a whole. Fatality rates for all industries combined were lowest for young workers and steadily increased in relation to workers' ages. In the mining industry, fatality rates by age group show a U-shaped curve. Young workers under 20 years of age had the highest injury rate (54.6 per 100,000), followed by workers aged 20-24 (50.8 per 100,000) and workers over age 65 (37.7 per 100,000). Table 1-1 shows the distribution of injuries by type of injury event. The mining industry, in comparison with all industries, had a considerably larger proportion of fatalities classified as caught in or crushed by collapsing materials (9.1% and 1.9%, respectively) and fires and explosions (10.0% and 3.1%, respectively). Transportation events comprised the largest proportion of fatal injuries in both the mining industry and all industries. Within the mining industry only, transportation accounted for the largest proportion of fatalities in all mining sectors except coal. A more detailed examination of the transportation events within the mining industry showed that highway incidents (50.5%) were the most common, followed by nonhighway incidents (22.2%), pedestrian incidents (10.6%), and those incurred during rail, water, and air transport (15.7%). Incidents involving caught in or crushed by collapsing materials comprised a higher percentage of injuries in the coal and metal sectors, while fall-from-height incidents were more frequent in the oil and gas sector. The classification system used in CFOI for type of injury event is not compatible with any variables contained in the MSHA data; therefore, direct comparisons are not attempted. [ ]

Jan 5, 2000