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By J. P. Smith

Permian salt measures carry extensive lenses of soluble potash salts in north central Germany. Potash deposits of Oligocene age are found in the Upper Rhine Graben of Alsace (France), and in the Catalonian Basin of Spain. These deposits are found in a wide range of structural settings. Reserves are large, and the production of potash salts is an important phase in the economy of each of these countries.

Jan 1, 1950

By Felix E. Wormser

REGISTRATION started bright and early Monday morning in the Silver Corridor at the Waldorf-Astoria with Mrs. W. H. Bassett as chairman. What a registration-over 200 ladies! Several joined us from as far away as California and Washington State. Apparently they enjoy our meetings so much that present travel inconveniences didn't discourage their coming. At noon the ladies joined the men at the All-Institute Luncheon and Monday evening we had our informal dance, which is separately reported. Tuesday morning was devoted to our annual meeting at which all Section annual reports were read. At noon we were all the guests of the W.A.A.I.M.E. at a luncheon at the Port Arthur Restaurant on Mott St. in Chinatown. Many of us rode down on the old 3d Ave. elevated railway-the last of four. It, too, is soon to be torn down. The luncheon was delightfully unusual, with huge dishes of delicious Chinese food on each table. Our chairman, Mrs. Read, who lived in China in her youth chose our menu, and she chose it well, for most of us indulged so heartily that as we arose from the table we felt we couldn't eat again for 24 hours. Someone donated sherry wine, and boxes of Chinese pencils as favors. We wonder who? All owe a big vote of thanks for this lovely party to Mrs. T. T. Read and Mrs. H. A. Prosser, chairmen, and Mrs. H. W. Hardinge, Mrs. R. Hursh, and Mrs. R. L. Lloyd, vice-chairmen.

Jan 1, 1944

By Walter Herd

Fox the past eight years No. 2 mine of the Cumberland Railway & Coal Co., Springhill, Nova Scotia-a subsidiary of the Dominion Coal Co., Ltd.-has had an unenviable reputation for bumps. As the workings extended in certain directions under a greater cover, these bumps increased in severity and it became apparent that some change in the system of extraction was necessary if the mine was to continue to operate. In September, 1924, following several fatalities resulting from bumps, the Mines Department of Nova Scotia requested from the U. S. Bureau of Mines the services of George S. Rice, Chief Mining Engineer of the Bureau, to report on the conditions then prevalent in No. 2 mine, Springhill. This request was promptly and courteously granted. Mr. Rice made a full investigation and a comprehensive and helpful report, which is embodied in the 1924 Annual Report of the Department of -Public Works and Mines, Nova Scotia. Prior to 1925, the room and pillar method was employed and in January of that year (there being a cessation of work from March to August due to labor troubles) longwall retreating on the west side, on a limited scale, and in a small section on the east side of the mine was started. The major portion of the east side was not operated on this system till August, 1926, as there was developed a considerable area ready for pillar extraction between an arbitrary boundary and a point up to which bumps of any consequence, had not been experienced. In the interval development work for longwall retreating below the 5900-ft. level was vigorously- pushed. This longwall retreating system was suggested by Mr. Rice as a possible remedy and was heartily endorsed by the company officials. This paper describes the conditions and happenings subsequent to Mr. Rice's report and more especially the results with the longwall retreating system of mining under the peculiar circumstances pertaining to mining. No. 2 Seam, Springhill, at depth, and records the 'conclusions which experience with several severe bumps under this mode of extraction would suggest. Except where necessary to make the paper intelligible as an entity any duplication of Mr. Rice's report will be avoided.

Jan 1, 1929

[Contents AH-Metal Mining and Industrial Minerals Pipeline Transportation of Phosphate. (Paper by I. S. Tillotson, R. B. Burt, and J. A. Barr, Transactions AIME, 193, 273; Mining Engineering. March 1952. Discussion by Howard Howie.) 1066 B-Minerals Beneficiation The Effect of Zinc Deleading Operations on Lead-Zinc Selectivity at the Parral and Santa Barbara Mines. (Paper by C. L. Boeke an G. C. Gunther, Transactions AIME, 193, 495; Mining Engineering. May 1952. Discussion by I. M. Symonds, L. H. Lange, Norman Weiss, H. S. Wildman, C. F. Zeuch, E. H. Crabtree.) 1067 Jaw Crusher Capacities, Blake and Single-Toggle or Overhead Eccentric Types. (Paper by D. H. Gieskieng, Transactions AIME, 190, 971; Mining Engineering. November 1951. Author s supplement.) 1069 Screened Ore Use for Fine Grinding at Lake Shore Mines. (Paper by Bunting S. Crocker, Transactions AIME, 193, 499; Mining Engineering. May 1952. Discussion by Fred C. Bond, J. Myers, Norman Weiss, Harlowe Hardinge, Oscar Johnson, L. E. Djingheuzian.) 1069 The Third Theory of Comminution. (Paper by Fred C. Bond, Transactions AIME, 193, 484; Mining Engineering. May 1952. Discussion by Milton C. Shaw and Donald R. Walker; R. J. Russell.)1071 Flotation Rates and Flotation Efficiency.t (Paper by Nathaniel Arbiter, Transactions AIME, 190, 791; Mining Engineering. September 1951. Discussion by Gregoire Gutzeit and Porter Clements.) 1074]

Jan 1, 1952

By D. J. MacKinnon, J. M. Brannen

Smooth, compact, dendrite free 24-h zinc deposits have been electrowon from zinc chloride electrolyte using a diaphragm cell. The cell consisted of sealed anode compartments containing DSA anodes separated from an open cathode compartment by Dynel cloth membranes. Fresh electrolyte was fed to the cathode compartment where zinc deposition onto an aluminum cathode was aided by air sparging. The catholyte passed through the diaphragms into the anode compartments from which chlorine gas and spent anolyte were withdrawn. Standard electrolysis conditions were: 15 g/L Zn, 0.12 M HCI, I5 mg/L tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBACI) as the addition agent, 35°C, and 323 A/m2 (30 ASF) current density. The effect of variations in these conditions on the morpohology orientation, current efficiency, and energy requirement for 24-h zinc deposits was determined. The effect of total chloride ion concentration on the zinc deposit was studied by adding various amounts of NaCl to the electrolyte.

Jan 1, 1983

NEW MEMBERS The following list comprises the names of those persons who became members during the period Feb. 10, 1919, to Mar. 10, 1919. ALLEN, ROLLAND CRATEN State Geol., Appraiser of Mines, Lansing, Mich. ALTMAYER, MAURICE ERNEST, Ingenieur des Arts et Manufactures, 145 Rue de la Pompe, Paris, France. AUSTIN, CHARLES L., Assayer, Highland Boy Mine, Utah Cons. Min. Co., Bingham Canyon, Utah. BARTLETT, ARTHUR J., Chief Engr., Louisville Coal & Coke Co. Goodwill, W. Va. BOIES, ORLOW W., Research Chem., Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Co., 1632 Tenth St., Niagara Falls, N. Y. BRAGG, G. A., Mgr., Experimental Copper Leaching Plant, Mellon Inst. of Industrial Research, Thompson, Nev. BRUSCANTINI, GIOVANNI, Min. Engr., Gen'l Mgr., Sindicato Minero de Cuba, Box 370, Santiago, Cuba. COLONY, R. J Instructor in Geol., Columbia University, New York, N. Y. DAVENPORT, FRANK B., Cons. Engr., 806 Coal Exchange Bldg., WiIkes-Barre, Pa. EATON, S. FORD 120 E. 85th St., New York, N. Y. EBY, J. H., Min. Engr Box 433, Spokane, Wash. ENGELHARDT, EDWARD A., Mgr., Surinaamsche Bauxite Mij, Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, S. A.

Jan 4, 1919

By John Dresser

General THE controlling supply of asbestos for the world is obtained from southern Quebec, 150 miles or less north of the international boundary line between Canada and the United States, and about 75 miles south of the city of Quebec. The principal production is furnished by eight mines, seven of which occur within a distance of 6 miles, but there are also several smaller properties in the vicinity. The industry was begun in a small way some 35 years ago and has advanced more or less regularly ever since. The annual production now exceeds 100,000 tons and its value is about $3,000,000. It represents over 80 per cent. of the world's production. History Asbestos has been known in the eastern townships of Quebec since 1847, when attention was called to it in an official report by Sir William Logan, the first Director of the Geological Survey of Canada, but it was not until 30 years later that it came into commercial importance. The largest deposits, those of Thetford and Black Lake, were found in 1877 during the construction of the Quebec Central Railway. Work was begun upon them almost at once and has been continued ever since. The Danville mine, the next largest producer, was opened in 1879, and the slip-fiber deposits of East Broughton were located shortly afterward. For the first 15 years only the "crude" asbestos was recovered; that is, fiber long enough to be extracted by hand cobbing. Although this is still a valuable part of the production, it is now a relatively small part of the total output.

Jan 9, 1914

By Randolph C. Specht

A two year study was made of the waste disposal of the pebble rock phosphate industry. Solid slimes are impounded in large settling areas and the process water is re-used. Clear effluent was not found to be toxic to fish, or animal life in field tests or in controlled experiments.

Jan 1, 1950

By AIME AIME

SINCE the preparation of the Fall Meeting announcement the Montana Section has extended an invitation to the members traveling to Spokane to make at least a short stop at Butte, en route. Accordingly, the train schedule below has been worked out as an alternative to that announced in the general circular. This will permit a half day in which to visit either mines at Butte or the smelter at Anaconda and an opportunity for an evening meal with our Montana members. An interesting time is assured either way and the chance to renew acquaintance with Butte friends will be well worth will

Jan 1, 1929

CHARLES F. WILLIS,* Bisbee, Ariz. (written discussion ?).-There are few mine officials who will not say that there is, great need of vocational schools in mining communities, but the absence of success of so many of these ventures makes them wary about establishing such schools. They have neither the time nor the facilities to study the systems and to analyze the factors that have made certain schools a success and others a failure. In the first place, it is difficult to secure the proper instructors. Educators cannot make the appeal to the workmen, because of their lack of experience, and experienced men who are capable of the appeal are not usually educators, knowing nothing about the presentation of the subject. Then, too, there is ordinarily no objective in a mine school. The workman is not reached by a school that makes him merely a more valuable man to his employer, unless he can participate in the gain. An objective, as promotion or financial gain, would appeal to the man and would make for regular attendance. Usually vocational schools are run like all others-a number of subjects at a time, continued from one day to another. This is impractical for the workman, whose mind cannot work like the mind of a school boy. The school boy is spending most of his time in school work, while the man is doing it as a side issue, and he cannot be expected to pick up tonight's lesson where last night's left off. The workman is accustomed to the idea of completing a job and doing one thing at a time; his mind is trained that way, and for this reason a school that works on the principal that each lesson is a complete job, with no reference to the previous or following lesson, will go a long way toward removing one of the things that has caused many failures. The usual vocational schools .in mining communities are either very elementary, or are run by the engineering staff and, consequently, are too advanced. There is no plan between. It is believed that there is a possibility of a halfway type, but this is a subject that is large enough for a paper by itself and is entirely, too broad to be presented as a discussion.

Jan 6, 1919

GENERAL COMMITTEE GERALD F. G. SHERMAN, Chairman. ARTHUR NOTMAN, Secretary. NORMAN CARMICHAEL, JOHN C. GREENWAY, W. L. CLARK, W. G. McBRIDE, B. BRITTON GOTTSBERGER, FOREST RUTHERFORD. General Committee on Transportation WALTER DOUGLAS, Chairman. CLEVELAND E. DODGE, Secretary. ARTHUR S. DWIGHT, JOHN C. GREENWAY, JULIUS KRUTTSCHNITT, JR. Committee at El Paso W. D. GORDON, ROBERT McCART, JR., W. W. ROSE. Committee at Santa Rita JOHN M. SULLY, Chairman.

Jan 12, 1916

By Ernest F. Burchard

A reconnaissance of the chrome and manganesel ore deposits of Cuba was made in the spring of 1918 by Albert Burch, representative of the U. S. Bureau of Mines, and the writer, representing the U. S. Geological Survey. The object of the study was to obtain authentic information for use of the United States Government as to the location, character, size, and availability of the Cuban deposits of the ores of these important steel-alloy metals. The Cuban Government courteously detailed Sr. E. I. Montoulieu, a mining engineer connected with the Treasury Department, to act as escort and associate throughout the work on the Island. Mr. George A. Wright, of Baracoa, Cuba, a minirng engineer especially familiar with the chromite deposits of Oriente Province, was a member of the party from Feb. 25 to Mar. 20. It was possible to visit most of the chrome-ore deposits that seemed to be of promise, but there was not sufficient time to visit all that were brought to our attention, some of which may have merit. Furthermore, no attempt was made to examine the extensive chromiferous iron-ore deposits of the Mayari, Moa, and Cubitas districts, as these deposits cannot be regarded as sources of chromium except indirectly. At the close of the field work the essential data concerning the quantity and quality of ore probably available for shipment during 1918 and 1919, in the event of the continuation of the European war, and of the tonnage of ore in reserve, were furnished to such Government bureaus as were interested, including the Shipping Board and the War lndustries Board, and as soon as chemical analyses of the chrome ores could be obtained, a press bulletin on the subject was published by the Geological Survey. In the present paper the engineering data and tonnage estimates contained in the unpublished notes of Mr. Burch have been freely used, and their helpfulness is hereby gratefully acknowledged. Many thanks are due Senor Montoulieu and Mr. Wright for their valuable work in the field; to the officials of the Spanish American Iron Co. and of the various other companies; and to individuals holding chromite claims, for courteously facilitating the work of the party.

Jan 1, 1920

By AIME AIME

ON JULY 12, 1921, S. S. Arentz, representative at large from Nevada, introduced in the House of Representatives, under the number H. R. 7736, a bill to revise, amend and codify laws of the United States relating to the location of mining claims on public domain, and other purposes. This bill had been drafted by a committee of consulting engineers of the U. S. Bureau of Mines. The immediate purpose of this introduction in Congress was to make it avail- able for general information and discussion. In pursuance of this purpose Mr. Arentz issued the following circular: This proposed codification and revision of the mining laws of the United States as received from a committee of mining and metallurgical engineers appointed by the Director of the United States Bureau of Mines was introduced in the House of Representatives by the undersigned (who has operated and developed mines throughout the West for many years). It is submitted to prospectors, mine operators and mining engineers, all of whom are affected and vitally interested in the subject with the hope that they will give this bill their careful consideration and study.

Jan 1, 1921

By C. A. Hartnagel

The production of petroleum in New York state in 1942 amounted to 5,410,000 bbl. This represents an increase over each of the four preceding years, and, with the exception of 1937, is the largest production since the peak of over six million barrels in 1882, shortly after the discovery of oil in Allegany County. The oil industry in New York is virtually stabilized and there has been little or no exploration for new sources of supply in recent years. The boundaries of the present fields were established more than 30 years ago and since then no additional reserves have been found. Deep drilling for natural gas during the past 10 years both within and without the oil fields has failed to find oil in quantity below the present producing sands of Devonian age. Oil Since 1882, the New York fields have produced approximately 140 million barrels of oil. Of this amount, 65 million was produced up to the year 1919 by ordinary pumping methods; that is, without flooding by water or the use of other secondary-recovery methods. In the year 1919, when a law was passed making the use of water-flooding methods legal, the oil production, of the state amounted to only 851,000 bbl. In the 23 years since 1919, there have been produced in the state 75 million barrels, or 10 million more than in the previous 37 years, which included the period of flush production. Price.—On March 26, the price of crude oil was raised from $2.75 to $3.00 per barrel, hut this increase had little or no effect on the number of wells drilled. In the Allegany field, which accounts for three fourths of the state's oil production, 1259 wells were completed in 1942, 7 less than in 1941. The smaller number of wells drilled was not only due to the shortage of labor but also was caused by the fact that in water-flooding territory a definite program for drilling wells is followed, and the flush period of an oil well is not usually reached in time to profit by any given price increase. Daily Production.—All of the oil wells in New York state, some 21,000 in number, are small producers. The average daily oil production is 7/10 bbl. per well. Under good flooding conditions, a maximum production of 5 to 8 bbl, a day is reached about one year after the flood begins to act on the well. In 5 years the daily production usually is less than one barrel. Although most of the oil in New York is produced by flooding, an estimated 2500 old wells produce without flooding. Some of these produce as little as 1/20 bbl. a day and are pumped only at intervals. The small producing Wells are mostly on lands leased to the larger oil companies and later will be included in a flooding program. At present, they are pumped only because the owners of the land insist on the royalty. Government Aid Needed.—Because of its good lubricating qualities, New York oil is one of those for which there is an insistent and growing demand, but even at its present price of $3.00 per barrel, many of the operators are producing at a loss.

Jan 1, 1943

By C. A. Hartnagel

The production of petroleum in New York state in 1942 amounted to 5,410,000 bbl. This represents an increase over each of the four preceding years, and, with the exception of 1937, is the largest production since the peak of over six million barrels in 1882, shortly after the discovery of oil in Allegany County. The oil industry in New York is virtually stabilized and there has been little or no exploration for new sources of supply in recent years. The boundaries of the present fields were established more than 30 years ago and since then no additional reserves have been found. Deep drilling for natural gas during the past 10 years both within and without the oil fields has failed to find oil in quantity below the present producing sands of Devonian age. Oil Since 1882, the New York fields have produced approximately 140 million barrels of oil. Of this amount, 65 million was produced up to the year 1919 by ordinary pumping methods; that is, without flooding by water or the use of other secondary-recovery methods. In the year 1919, when a law was passed making the use of water-flooding methods legal, the oil production, of the state amounted to only 851,000 bbl. In the 23 years since 1919, there have been produced in the state 75 million barrels, or 10 million more than in the previous 37 years, which included the period of flush production. Price.—On March 26, the price of crude oil was raised from $2.75 to $3.00 per barrel, hut this increase had little or no effect on the number of wells drilled. In the Allegany field, which accounts for three fourths of the state's oil production, 1259 wells were completed in 1942, 7 less than in 1941. The smaller number of wells drilled was not only due to the shortage of labor but also was caused by the fact that in water-flooding territory a definite program for drilling wells is followed, and the flush period of an oil well is not usually reached in time to profit by any given price increase. Daily Production.—All of the oil wells in New York state, some 21,000 in number, are small producers. The average daily oil production is 7/10 bbl. per well. Under good flooding conditions, a maximum production of 5 to 8 bbl, a day is reached about one year after the flood begins to act on the well. In 5 years the daily production usually is less than one barrel. Although most of the oil in New York is produced by flooding, an estimated 2500 old wells produce without flooding. Some of these produce as little as 1/20 bbl. a day and are pumped only at intervals. The small producing Wells are mostly on lands leased to the larger oil companies and later will be included in a flooding program. At present, they are pumped only because the owners of the land insist on the royalty. Government Aid Needed.—Because of its good lubricating qualities, New York oil is one of those for which there is an insistent and growing demand, but even at its present price of $3.00 per barrel, many of the operators are producing at a loss.

Jan 1, 1943

By Cushwa, C. C.

AT the Park Utah Mine, labor costs of stoping A have been reduced from 30 to 40 per cent. by the use of double-drum hoists and scrapers. The application of scrapers varies with the methods of timbering. In stopes, which must be timbered with square-sets or stringer sets, one method is used; another is used in wide orebodies that can be held open until filling is introduced; and still another in narrow flat veins. Nearly all the oreshoots at the Park Utah lie at less than 50" from the horizontal, and most of the ore is difficult to handle through flat chutes. Proper care is probably the most important requisite for successful scraping, as serviceable equipment can be obtained from several manufacturers. One capable mechanic, therefore, was put in charge of the scraper hoists. He visits every stope daily, oiling hoists and tail1 blocks, inspects all equipment, splices cables and changes "set-ups" when necessary; his pay has been a good investment. The Park Utah now has in use ten double-drum Turbinair hoists, and one Sullivan double-drum a. c. hoist of the same capacity and outside design as the air hoists. The electric hoist is slower than the air hoists and does not pass large boulders easily; it is, however, a very effective machine. The air hoists are fast, powerful and

Jan 1, 1925

[Appalachian Petroleum Section: James M. Kimbrough, chairman; John H. Adair, first vice-chairman; Walter L. Diddle, second vice-chairman; Byron M. Finch, secretary-treasurer. Balcones Section: Robert V. West, chairman; Frank W. Jessen, first vice-chairman; Zane V. Morgan, second vice-chairman; Brantley G. Myers, secretary-treasurer. Meets 4th Wed., Petroleum Club (San Antonio) or Terrace Dining Room (Austin) Billings Petroleum Section: Charles B. Evans, chairman; L. M. Lyon, first vice-chairman; Gordon E. Lansford, second vice-chairman; Fred. A. Haddenhorst, secretary-treasurer. Meets 3rd Tues., Billings Petroleum Club. California Coastal Section: Robert L. Richardson, chairman; David K. Hayward, first vice-chairman; W. Jackson Bransford, secretary; William N. Harwell, treasurer. Meets 3rd Thurs., Pierport Inn, Ventura. Caracas Petroleum Section: Edwin A. Moo re, chairman;. Jose Cirigliano, vice-chairman; Frank B. Davis, secretary; Robert N. Powers, treasurer. Meets 2nd Tues., Caracas Theater Club.]

Jan 1, 1961

By John S. Brown

IN 1925 the writer undertook a detailed statistical study of all producing areas in the Joplin district as a basis for evaluating programs and measuring objectives. For this purpose, the published figures in the yearly volumes of Mineral Resources were used, supplemented for earlier years by publications of the Missouri Geological Survey and other local and less official sources. When all else failed, the available data were projected backward to hazard a reasonable guess as to the unrecorded early output of important areas. Fortunately, the proportion of such prehistory production is not a large factor in any of the totals. These results were used during the next few years to measure the relative importance of various producing areas and to predict the peak period of development of the all-important Picher field. For the purpose of this review, the charts have been completed to the end of 1950. During World War 11, the U. S. Bureau of Mines became interested in a similar study and issued comprehensive statistical tabulations of data up to 1945 ( Info. Circular 7383), which have been checked against the figures used herein. This tabulation, however, does not include all the earlier data used by the writer nor does it offer any estimates of the wholly unrecorded era in the beginnings of the earlier camps. The area covered in this study is shown in Fig. 1 on which are indicated the relative location and approximate outlines of the principal producing camps. This also shows the approximate yield to date of each major camp in terms of combined lead and zinc concentrates. The output of zinc concentrates is roughly seven times that of lead. Hence, the economy of the district has depended primarily on the price of zinc, with lead as an important byproduct. Over much of the productive period, lead concentrates averaged about twice the value of zinc concentrates per ton, and in certain mines or areas the proportion of lead to zinc was substantially above average. The Joplin district is largely flat prairie but is partly moderately dissected, partially wooded land with a relief generally less than 100 ft. The rocks are almost flat-lying, nearly parallel to the surface, and the chief ore formation is the Mississippian Boone limestone, including its cherty phases. This formation either outcrops in the producing areas or is covered by a thin veneer of Pennsylvanian shales. Virtually all the ore occurs within 400 ft of the surface, and a large part at less than 300 ft in depth. Most of the land was divided into small farms or town lots before mineral development; tracts seldom exceeded 160 acres, and averaged considerably less. Mineral rights followed the surface ownership, segregation was rare, and a system of leasing for mineral development became well established early in the region's history, many landowners deriving small to sizable fortunes from royalties. Because of the shal-lowness of the ore and other factors, prospecting and mining was cheaper than in almost any comparable mining district in the United States. This situation, coupled with the widely divided land ownership, offered a fertile field for promoters and speculators and led to the rise of many small mining concerns. Only in its later history, under stern economic compulsion, has control tended to centralize in a few companies. Under these conditions, any important new discovery or successful development had much the effect of a gold rush or an oil boom. Every property in the area was leased quickly, promptly drilled, and, if ore was found, it was soon on the market. Many companies and individuals participated, and the average producing lease-hold probably was about 40 acres in extent. Any important field thus was attacked by anywhere from 10 to 100 or more producers. Production zoomed, eventually steadied or wavered, and ultimately subsided, leaving a desolation of tailings mountains, cave-ins, empty housing, and wreckage. The object of this paper is to depict the pattern of this process, so far as metal production is concerned, and to note the way in which it reacted to economic and political pressures. Production Charts In Fig. 2 is charted the production record, in tons of lead and zinc concentrates combined, of eight of the principal camps, which together account for approximately 99 pct of the total district production, over the years from 1870 to 1950. This period covers all but the very minor beginning of mining history. Two important camps are divided by state lines; hence, it has been necessary to combine production records for the two portions, based on estimates that may be slightly in error. Certain camps are sub-dividable into important units for which separate figures are available in whole or in part and have been charted as fractions of the major unit. The corresponding price of zinc is shown above all the charts. Three camps, Aurora, Neck City, and Galena, show a remarkably symmetrical graphic pattern, which is interpreted as the norm. The curves rise steeply to a peak, level off for an irregular interval, and then drop sharply to zero on a slope corresponding roughly to that covered by the initial rise. The three portions of these charts seem appropriately characterized by the designations of youth, maturity, and decline. On the whole, with some irregularities, the production in each of the three periods seems to be almost equal. A fourth camp, Granby, fails to conform to the normal pattern. It exhibits a very long period of reasonably uniform, stabilized production corresponding to maturity, followed by a rather precipitate decline. Its youth is hidden in the era of prehistory. This habit of steady, long-continued production at an even keel is attributable to the fact that this camp, more than any other, was controlled largely by a single principal owner at any given period over most of its history and this permitted the imposition

Jan 1, 1952

By T. D. Thomas

In this paper, major attention is given to misfires in mines where electric multiple shot-firing is the system used. Misfires are sometimes caused by one action or condition and at other times by a combination of two or more. They may be divided into two classes: (1) those caused by workers in the mines, (2) mechanical or manufacturer's causes. The second cause will be discussed first. Misfires Caused by Faulty Detonators The important part of an electric blasting cap, to the user where multiple shot-firing is done, as in the steep-pitch, thiek-vein, anthracite mines, is the bridge wire. In single shot-firing this factor is not apparent, but in mines where multiple firing is done any variation in the resistance of the bridge wire, where full or even rated battery capacity is required, will most likely cause a misfire. The reason for this is obvious. If the resistance in the bridge wires is not the same, some of the detonators will fire because of their greater comparative resistance. Variance in resistance of bridge wires is caused by a slight difference in the diameter of the bridge wire, also by a difference in the composition of the bridge wires. Again, where the bridge wires have become rusted, there will be a variance in resistance. About the year 1922, one of the large coal companies was greatly alarmed by the number of serious and fatal accidents caused by misfires. The general manager issued an order that these accidents must be greatly reduced, and if possible, entirely prevented. The officials at the mines had to determine the various causes of misfires and have them corrected. The rock contractors who use large quantities of 60 to 80 per cent. explosives and do all firing electrically were thoroughly instructed as to the proper methods of doing their work, and closer supervision was given to their work. The manufacturer's representatives stressed the importance of the use of galvanometers; accordingly these were purchased and used. Larger firing lines were installed under the supervision of a demonstrator of the company manufacturing the caps and explosives. However, misfires again occurred and it was evident that the source of the trouble was not wholly

Jan 1, 1930

By Walter Herd

FoR the past eight years No. 2 mine of the Cumberland Railway & Coal CO., Springhill, Nova Scotia—a subsidiary of the Dominion Coal Co., Ltd.—has had an unenviable reputation for bumps. As the workings extended in certain directions under a greater cover, these bumps increased in severity and it became apparent that some change in the system of extraction was necessary if the mine was to continue to operate. In September, 1924, following several fatalities resulting from bumps, the Mines Department of Nova Scotia requested from the U. S. Bureau of Mines the services of George S. Rice, Chief Mining Engineer of the Bureau, to report on the conditions then prevalent in No. 2 mine, Springhill. This request was promptly and courteously granted. Mr. Rice made a full investigation and a comprehensive and helpful report, which is embodied in the 1924 Annual Report of the Department of Public Works and Mines, Nova Scotia. Prior to 1925, the room and pillar method was employed and in January of that year (there being a cessation of work from March to August due to labor troubles) longwall retreating on the west side, on a limited scale, and in a small section on the east side of the mine was started. The major portion of the east side was not operated on this system till August, 1926, as there was developed a considerable area ready for pillar extraction between an arbitrary boundary and a point up to which bumps of any consequence had not been experienced. In the interval development work for longwall retreating below the 5900-ft. level was vigorously pushed. This longwall retreating system was suggested by Mr. Rice as a possible remedy and was heartily endorsed by the company officials. This paper describes the conditions and happenings subsequent to Mr. Rice's report and more especially the results with the longwall retreating system of mining under the peculiar circumstances pertaining to mining No. 2 Seam, Springhill, at depth, and records the conclusions which experience with several severe bumps under this mode of extraction would suggest. Except where necessary to make the paper intelligible as an entity any duplication of Mr. Rice's report will be avoided.

Jan 1, 1930