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By D. Harrington

My acquaintance with rock, dusting as a preventive of wide spread explosions in coal mines dates from the fall of 1914 and the spring, summer and fall of 19.1.5 when I had an opportunity to observe the staging (both before and after) of several of the explosions in the Experimental Mine at Pittsburgh and saw violent explosions stopped by rock dust, also saw violently explosive coal dust made insensitive by use of rock dust to ignition or to propagation or spreading of an explosion. From this work I became a convert to rock dusting though I had previously been a firm believer in watering methods and am yet a firm believer that watering, methods have a well defined place in promoting the health and safety of our coal miners. In 1916, while in the Bureau of Mines service, I made an underground study and a report to the Bureau on the first extensively rock dusted mine, in the United States, the Delagua Mine of the Victor American Fuel Company near Trinidad, Colorado, there being then some ten miles of entry in that mine which had been kept well rock-dusted for at' least four years The dust used was " adobe" or surface soil screened from sweepings of the dry surface wagon roads through a screen with one-eighth inch openings, the dust giving about 20% through 200 mesh and about, 10% of approximately 1/8-inch size. The material was collected during dry weather by contract at $1.00 per ton (sacked) and was accumulated in summer and stored for winter and spring use. The dust was scattered through haulage entries by hand or by an electrically operated blower and was held on shelves along the ribs or between and on timber caps with from 1/4-inch to 2-inch thickness of the rock dust. The cost of maintaining the 10 miles of entry well dusted was about $1,500.00 per year or $150.00 per mile per year. Total cost of 'the rock dusting over a four-year period was about $6,000.00, about 2,500 tons of dust being used and 2,000,000 tons of coal produced; the above cost included about 1,200 days labor dusting at $2.50 per day, 2,500 tons of rock dust at $1.00. per ton and miscellaneous labor, material, repairs, power cost, etc., amounting to about $500.00. The cost per ton of coal produced for keeping 10 miles of entry rock dusted being about 3/10c. In addition to the rock dusting, some sprinkling was done, chiefly in the interior of the mine, costing about 2/5c per ton; and due to spilling of coal and sifting of coal .dust through loose cars on the entry floors, the floors of haulage roads were kept sprinkled between and just outside-the rails. Total cost of sprinkling and rock dusting was about .7/10c per ton much less of course than the same work would now cost. Between January, 1916, and July, 1924, my duties in the Bureau of Mines allowed me, to follow up and make underground inspections and reports on more than 20 coal mine explosions and fires in a number of states of the union and in this work a large number of samples of road, rib, and other dusts were taken to ascertain the effect of moisture, roof and floor dirt, etc., upon the propagation or the stopping of the explosion; also a large part of my work was to obtain evidence pro and con as to influences affecting the disasters and very prominent among those influences were the occurrence or use of water, water drippers, or ponds, as well as of sand, roof or floor rock or dust on floor, ribs, etc. The Dolomite explosion near Birmingham, Alabama, in November, 1922, and the Dawson No. 1 Mine Explosion at Dawson, New Mexico, in February, 1923 (at both of which I made underground inspection and report) both starting on main intake haulage road and both in mines which had fairly elaborate watering systems, convinced me that at least as far as freezing can occur on main intake air courses which also act 2s main .haulage ways, rock dusting is likely to be much more dependable than sprinkling. In making up the report on the Dawson Explosion to the Bureau of Mines (copy of which also

Jan 1, 1925

Earl W. Baker W. P. Bigler Lyman Fearn Leslie H. Johnson V. O. Murray Max C. Scheble Fred L. Smith who left the world better for their having lived in it . . .

Jan 1, 1986

By Vincent R. Bovino

The future of coal mining is bright - only if we realize and then manage as though we are competing in the world marketplace. Accept it or not, our market is global. We tend to think our problems are caused by the uncontrolled foreign production of coal, and the uncontrolled drop in coal prices. I submit that our problem is not the world pricing structure - part of our problem is our on-site cost structure - our productivity. We are the world's best at getting out the tons - that is, production. Most mine managers thrive on that. What is in serious doubt is our productivity - our ability to produce tons of coal in a cost effective manner. Please think about the difference: ? Production is tons of coal. ? Producitivity is decreasing the cost per ton of coal. Our future is bright, only if we can increase our productivity by trying different and new ways to manage our businesses and our people. Unlike the easy successes during the 60's and 70's, success in the decades ahead will depend on our ability to achieve greater levels of productivity. If mining and other old line smoke stack industries are experiencing difficult times in 1986, three years into an economic recovery, what will happen when the economy cycles downward? Any operation can achieve unlimited productivity by developing the resources within their employees. As an industry, we have harvested the

Jan 1, 1986

The 63rd Regular Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute convened at the Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado, and was in session at 10:00 a.m. The first session was called to order by Past President George A. Nugent, Vice President and General Manager, Big Horn Coal Company, Sheridan, Wyoming. He thanked and offered his congratulations to the Program Committee for a very wonderful job, namely, John Reeves, Chairman, E. G. Fox, Lee Jensen, O. F. Lewis, J. Peperakis, R. M. von Storch, J. E. Ward and R. R. Williams, Jr. He thanked the suppliers for a fine cocktail party the evening before. Mr. Nugent's Opening Address and introduction of President James Westfield, Assistant Director, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.C., follows: It is a real privilege to call this 63rd Regular Meeting of The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute to order and to say welcome.

Jan 1, 1967

By C. A. Herbert

We all deplore the high accident rate of our coal mines, but when brought to task we immediately attempt to appease our conscience by calling attention to the high tonnage rate per fatality in American coal mines as compared to European mines, losing sight of the fact that the accident rate per hours of exposure has shown no improvement during the past twenty years. Measuring our accidents in terms of hours of exposure, not in terms of production, is the only correct method. Certainly it can be of only scant satisfaction to the miner to know that his chances of getting killed this year are as great, or perhaps greater, than last year, but the tonnage rate per fatality will have gone up. We cannot help asking ourselves why it is the other major industries, almost without exception, have made wonderful strides toward reducing accidents, while coal mining stands alone as the one major industry in which no improvement has been made. It certainly cannot be charged entirely to the increased use of machinery and the increased productivity per man employed, as the other industries likewise, or to an even greater extent, have increased the use of machinery and the production per man.

Jan 1, 1931

Jan 1, 1926

Jan 1, 1950

Pictured on these pages are the seven RMCMI Scholarship Award Winners for the 1987-88 year followed by a brief profile. Six of the winners were present as RMCMI guests at the June convention in Breckenridge, Colorado to receive their recognition plaques at the welcome session held Monday, June 27, 1988. In addition to the plaques, each winner receives $500.00 to be used toward tuition in the coming academic year. Also, as this is a continuing award, the winners from the previous year will also receive an additional $500.00 for tuition use in their senior years provided they have maintained a good academic standing and are recommended by their university. Criteria for these awards is (1) That the award be made in the spring to a sophomore student to be used toward tuition during the junior year. (2) That the recipient be both a U.S. citizen and a resident of the state involved. (3) That the recipient have good academic standing, be pursuing a degree in a mining related field and have an expressed interest in Western coal as a possible career path. The scholarship program was extended in early 1988 to include curricula other than mining department, but in the engineering disciplines, such as geology, mineral processing and metallurgy. Contributions to this worthy project are tax deductible to each individual RMCMI member. Checks payable to RMCMI Scholarship may be mailed to the RMCMI Office at 2700 Youngfield Street, Suite 100 in Lakewood, CO 80215. Profiles of the 1988 winners follow: [ ] Anthony T. Bowler University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona Tony has taken a well balanced curriculum and at the same time maintained significant progress toward a Geological Engineering degree. He is interested in computer science and programs as a hobby He is the master of several computer languages including machine language on different personal computers. [ ] Christopher Taylor Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado Before matriculating at Mines, Chris served four years with the U.S. Army Special Forces attaining the rank of sergeant. He is active in the military, serving in the Reserves and R.O.T.C. This duty precluded his attendance at the Breckenridge meeting. He plans to get summer work experience in mining before graduation and is interested in the managerial and technical aspects of the mining business. [ ] Laverne West New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology Socorro, New Mexico A native American of Laguna/Navajo ethnic origin, Laverne graduated from the Sante Fe Indian School as valedictorian. She served as both secretary and president of the American Indian Science & Engineering Society. She works at the Nevada Test Site with contractors assisting project engineers in a variety of jobs. She plans to earn a dual degree in Mining and Geological Engineering then pursue a Master's degree in Mineral Economics at the University of California at Berkeley. Among her honors are a four year scholarship from Sante Fe Southern Pacific Foundation, a one year scholarship from Mobil Oil Corporation and another from Eastman Kodak.

Jan 1, 1988

Jan 1, 1921

By Grainne A. Matthews

Jan 1, 2009

President Heiner opened the final session of the Institute at 9:30 a.m. Frances Leonard read the report of the Auditing Committee. Motion made by Stan Shubart for acceptance of audit and approval. Seconded and carried. R. R. Williams of the Resolutions Committee presented the following resolutions to the, group for their approval: RESOLVED: That the members of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute, in convention assembled, hereby ratify and confirm all official actions of the Officers, the Executive Committee and other committees of the Institute between and including July 3, 1963 and July 1, 1964.

Jan 1, 1964

By Hugh McLeod

To make the statement that coal mine operation has been entirely revolutionized within the last ten years is a mild statement. This has been entirely due, of course, to the almost universal introduction of mechanical loading in coal mines. Under the old system of contract loading too much was left to the individual miner's judgment and willingness to do the right thing. Each miner regarded the place in which he worked as "his place," and depending upon the judgment and ability of the miner, conditions as found in these places largely reflected that man's individuality or personality. Many men kept their places well timbered and in such condition that they were not only able to load their turn but were able to take advantage of any surplus cars that might be available in their particular entry. These men were often regarded as "coal hogs." However, these men's places were usually found to be well timbered and well maintained. Supervision under this old system in a strict sense of the word amounted to casual visits to the man's working place by the foreman or his assistant once each day as required by law.

Jan 1, 1938

of our good friends and fellow -members: J. R. Gemmill J. J. Walsh J. F. Gieble M. O. Danford John E. Havens J. E. Edgeworth R. S. Rubincam Phil Lloyd E. J. Raddatz who left the world better for their having lived in it.

Jan 1, 1934

PRESIDENT WETZEL: Gentlemen, the fortieth regular meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute will now come to order. It is my pleasure to present Mr. William Fealey, who will introduce the first speaker. WILLIAM A. FEALEY (Bethlehem Steel Company, Salt Lake City, Utah): Mr. Wetzel and Gentlemen of-the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute: The Governor of the State of Utah was sup- posed to be here this morning, but he heard Bracken Lee was in town and he took a runout powder. So without any further ado, I am just going to present the Mayor of Price, Utah, who is perhaps better known to all of you than anybody else. Mayor Bracken Lee.

Jan 1, 1942

By A. W. Dickinson

Since the day when one of the most progressive of our flat-head for- bears used a pry pole to loosen large rocks to crash upon the head of his, enemy, thereafter making notes of his performance on tablets of stone, the arts of mechanicalization have developed and progressed to the benefit of mankind. In the early coal pits of England the crudest of tools were wielded in the most slavish of toil to win a very small amount of product. In our own country it is but a few years since coal was hewn by negro slaves in the mines of the southland. The past thirty years have brought the use of the mining machine, power drill and locomotive, and we now stand on the brink of the coal mining era that will change the toiler of the mines into a skilled mechanic and render far more safe the winning of the fuel necessary to the nation's need. The ingenuity of our citizens has made it imperative that coal be produced at a lesser cost. Vast supplies of fuel oil have been developed; enormous resources in water power are turning the wheels of many mills and, most commendable but distressing to the coa.1 producers, the high price of coal has resulted in efforts and accomplishment in fuel economies unheard of a short five years ago. The railroads of the United States alone in 1924 accomplished more hauling with $30,000,000 less in coal bills than in 1923. The loading of coal by machines has been under investigation and trial for some time past and in an effort to have its men informed of the practice of the eastern coal fields, The Union Pacific Coal Company sent the writer through a number of states to view as many operations as possible. Notes were taken of machines and processes seen and time was spent with engineers of the various coal companies; also with the United States Bureau of Mines Engineers, particularly Mr. Edwin H. Johnson, who devoted one year to the most careful study of the mechanical loading of coal. The writer wishes, at this time, to acknowledge the helpfulness of the information acquired through contact with Mr. Johnson.

Jan 1, 1925

By Clifford R. Miercort

When it was announced that the economy grew at an annual rate of 4.7 percent in the Fourth Quarter of 1992, it appeared that our long awaited recovery from recession was here. Unfortunately that much growth proved to be unsustainable, and in the First Quarter of 1993, the number dropped to less than one percent. Today it is clear that the recovery is continuing, but at a very slow rate. One of the Most disturbing statistics during this recovery is that unemployment has not improved as one would expect but has been hovering around 7 percent for over a year, making this recovery a ?jobless? one. In a recent Harvard Business School presentation, a professor reported that the United States has slipped from its leadership position in almost every manufacturing category since World War II. From the production of cars to consumer electronics, we have lost significant world market share to others, most notably Japan and Germany. Obviously this is not new news, but the magnitude of the loss and the number of industries affected was surprising to me. The result has been that our negative balance of payments has soared, and the United States of America now has the dubious distinction of being one of the world's largest debtor nations. It has been common for politicians, and political want-a-be's, to blame all of our trade problems on industry. They say that the moguls of American industry spend too much time seeking short-term gain at the expense of long-term growth. They say that we are interested more in our own perks and economic security than in producing quality products that can compete in the world marketplace. One of the stared goals of the Clinton Administration is the targeting of strategic industries to receive help from the government so they can compete on the world stage more effectively. Personally. I think that is an oxymoron. My experience has been that whenev-

Jan 1, 1993

Profiled on these pages are the eight RMCMI 1994-95 Scholarship Award Winners. Six of the eight winners were present as guests of the Institute at the June convention in Crested Butte, Colorado. Each received recognition at the Institute Awards Luncheon Monday. June 26, 1995. Each state vice president served as the host for the collegiate winner. The first and last winners - Arizona and Wyoming - were absent. Besides receiving a plaque from the Scholarship Chairman, Alan Czarnowsky, each winner receives $750 tuition credit for the coming academic year, as well as transportation, hotel lodging and meals at convention as guests of the Institute. This latter portion is paid by each state vice president. Because this is a continuing award, the winners from the previous year also receive a second $750 for tuition credit in their senior year. A resident from each of the eight RMCMI member states is selected from among Board approved institutions. Criteria for these awards to be made in the spring annually is that the recipient (1) Is a full time sophomore student who will use the tuition credit during the junior year. (2) Be both a U.S. citizen and a resident of the member state. (3) Maintain good academic standing, be pursuing a degree in a mining related field and have an expressed interest in Western coal as a possible career path. The scholarship program includes curricula other than in the mining departments, but in engineering disciplines, such as geology, mineral processing and metallurgy. Contributions to this worthy project are tax deductible to each individual RMCMI member or his firm. Through annual donations of $100 or more, the Patrons of the Institute fund the scholarship program. A listing of current donors is found elsewhere in this book. Donations to this worthwhile program are payable to RMCMI Scholarship and may be mailed to the RMCMI Office. 3000 Youngfield Street, Suite 324, Lakewood, Colorado 80215. Profiles of the 1995 Scholarship Winners follow. [ ] ARIZONA WINNER Brad Carroll University of Arizona - Tucson, Arizona Brad Carroll's hometown is Tucson, Arizona but his summer work is in Oriskany Falls, New York where he is a quality control technician, truck driver and equipment operator for the Eastern Rock Products. Brad served as vice president and treasurer for the SMWAIME student chapter at the University of Arizona for the past three years He was assistant and mine foreman at the San Xavier Mining Laboratory near Tucson. Upon graduation Brad plans to find a job in a southwest mine. He is a totally self supporting student. [ ] COLORADO WINNER Zane Znamenacek Colorado School of Mines - Golden, Colorado Zane Znamenacek hails from a small town in Colorado - Alamosa - where he 4 was a 4.3 GPA in high school. As a student at Colorado School of Mines, he has many hobbies to ease the tension of education. Foremost among these is skiing, mountain biking, billiards and spring rugby. He hopes to further mining technologies and contribute to the industry by working in it full time. In 1997 he will pursue whatever opportunities are available to graduating mining engineers

Jan 1, 1995

The 71st Regular Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute convened at the Steamboat Village Inn, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and was in session at 10:00 a.m. The session was called to order by William W. Grant, Assistant to Manager of Navajo Mine, Utah International, Inc., Fruitland, New Mexico. Mr. Grant was delegated to open the meeting due to the untimely death of Past President A. F. Geiger. Mr. Grant introduced President Roy Coulson, President and Director of the Kemmerer and Gunn-Quealy Coal Companies, Frontier, Wymoing. His biography follows: Jan. 7, 1922 Born to Jean and Joseph Coulson, Ernest, Pennsylvania 1940 Graduated - Indiana High School, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Jan 1, 1975

John Chrystal Richard R. Fenner G. D. Grayer Albert M. Keenan C. E. Osborn Stanley C. Shubart George Sumers Cal Witmer Death is not the end, but the beginning, Not the surrender of life, but of earth Not a time for tears ... but faith.

Jan 1, 1982

By D. C. Foote

MR. FOOTE: This paper deals with blasting and mechanical loading. The Union Pacific Coal Company does all of its blasting with permissible powder and electric shooting, but this paper deals principally with blasting in connection with mechanical loading. With the introduction of mechanical loading into the coal fields of southern Wyoming one of the main problems to be taken into consideration was the drilling and blasting of the coal. The methods used in blasting coal for hand loading were found to be ill adapted to the mechanical practice, so numerous tests were conducted from time to time to determine a system or systems whereby the coal might be blasted in a form to be easily handled by the loading units. The general practice in blasting coal for hand loading, for example in a room 24 feet wide and seven feet high with an undercut of seven feet, would be to shoot one or two strong breaking shots in the center and one on each rib. While much of the cut would be blasted down in good lump, some coal would be left hanging at the back and ribs. With hand loading, the miners would have time to pull this coal down with a pick between cars and eventually would clean up the place ready for the cutting machine. The loading machine, however, cannot get this coal down and its operation would be delayed while the men were doing the necessary pick work.

Jan 1, 1929