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By Thomas F. Anderson

(Measurements of stable isotopic variations (sulfur, carbon, and oxygen), supplemented by chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analyses have been used to investigate the processes responsible for : (1) the incorporation of sulfur in coal, and (2) the (development of permineralized peat zones ("coal balls"). Sulfur isotopic results indicate that there are two principal sources of sulfur in the Pennsylvanian coals from the Illinois Basin: (1) "primary" sulfur assimilated by plants (low-sulfur coals), and (2) "secondary" sulfur produced by reactions involving H2S that was produced by the anaerobic reduction of sulfate in seawater which permeated the peat during post-depositional marine transgressions (the dominant source of sulfur in high-sulfur coals). Sulfur isotopic compositions of low-sulfur coals in Several Tertiary basins of Wyoming are consistent with a plant sulfur source. However, the inverse correlation between content and isotopic composition of sulfur observed in coals from the Powder River Basin suggest some "secondary" additions to these low-sulfur coals. Seveeral Quaternary (freshwater pears which were submerged by sea-Level rises during deglaciation over the past 30 ka have sulfur contents and isotopic compositions similar to high-sulfur coals. Carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of calcareous coal balls from North America and Europe suggest that (1) the carbonate was derived from variable proportions of oxidized plant matter (typically predominant) and inorganic carbonate, and (2) the carbonate minerals were precipitated from fresh-to-brackish waters. Local geochemical and hydrological conditions were apparently more important than regional depositional environments in controlling the source of carbonate and the development of coal balls.

Jan 1, 1983

By Albert L. Toenges, Louis A. Turnbull, EDWARD L. FISH, JOSEPH J. SHIELDS, James J. Dowd

The stripping of coal with mechanical. equipment has progressed since the introduction of the first steam-powered shovel for the retóval of overburden at a mine in Pittsburg, Kans., in 1877...From the smart steam-powered shovels with dippers of less than a cubic yard capacity, small digging radius, and shovels that required manual moving, the trend has been toward large-capacity machines. Steam as power has been replaced largely by electricity, gasoline, and Diesel fuel, and dipper capacity as great as 35 cubic yards has been attained. Shovels and drag lines are self-propelled and revolve through 360°. The cost of these large-capacity modern machines is great, and in order to assure the return of the investment during the life of the property the reserve of coal in the area to be mined must be large;" Many comparatively small areas of coal suitable for strip mining exist, but these areas probably could not be mined, profitably with this large equip- ment. Therefore, heavy equipment has not been used in small areas because of the high cost in place of this equipment, the time and Atpense required to transport the machines to the mine site, and the construction of power lines if the machines are electrical powered.. Scrapers and light excavating equipment ane mobile, and the investment cost is not high. These units have been used in sirring the coal in small areas. A study to determine the methods in, yogue, and economic considerations involved in the use of such equipment was undertaken, and the information obtained is discussed in this report.

Jan 1, 1947

By Allan M. Johnson

Case histories were used to document and evaluate deficiencies in underground mine closures which have resulted in post-operation problems such as subsidence shaft failures, acid or toxic water drainage and others. Three different underground mining districts in the United States were investigated; 1) an iron mining district in Michigan 2) coal mining districts in eastern Ohio and southern Illinois and 3) three metal mining districts in central Colorado. Previous work in the Michigan district on problems with subsidence and acid water drainage provided the background from which the concept for this project was developed Student investigators working towards their MS degrees in Mining Engineering did the work on the eastern coal and western metal districts. The combined studies show that problems from acid water drainage, subsidence and inadequately protected mine shafts are the most severe and widespread. Suggestions of a technical nature are presented as partial solutions to some of these problems. It was determined that pre-closure evaluations could result in the identification of some potential problems that may occur after the mine is closed. Early recognition of these problems would be an advantage for at this time more options are available to the mine operator to either prevent them or to plan for their occurrence. Mine closure and reclamation should be considered as a part of mining and be incorporated in the mining plan. This would result in reduced environmental impact and would be achieved at a lower overall cost to the mining companies and to society. The role of water in the occurrence of several types of subsidence during mine flooding was significant at some mines in the Michigan district. These mechanisms which involve, friction reduction, gravity loading, overburden transport and hydraulic forces in a flooded mine probably have a broader effect than is currently recognized. Control of these processes may offer some interesting options during mine closure. It is recognized that technical solutions alone cannot provide all of the answers to problems associated with underground mines. Education, modified attitudes on the part of regulators and operators, and a more realistic perception of the importance and value of mining by the general public are also needed.

Jan 1, 1983

By Dupuy. Leon W.

"INTRODUCTION For many generations the Indian tribes of the southwestern deserts knew of the thermal springs of the Coso District in southwestern Inyo County, Calif. Belief in the reputedly healing qualities of the waters and muds of the area was widespread. F. J. Sanders discovered mercury in the siliceous sinter around the hot springs while he was exploiting the district as a health resort. In searching for new domestic sources of supply of strategic minerals, authorized under the Strategic Materials Act, 3/,the Geological Survey 4/ first examined the deposits, which were drilled and sampled by the Bureau of Mines in the spring of 1941.The deposits investigated comprised three units known, respectively, as The Devils Kitchen, Nicol, and Wheeler. Most of the work was done at the first two.Of particular interest in the Bureau's work on the project was the adaptation and use of the bucket drill as a tool for sampling shallow, soft ore deposit."

Mar 1, 1948

By E. R. Maize

[he scconG rcport of :his st?rI.org 8cdt with o3servatioi:s of conver- gence of roof an4 floor at t!x*re: ?.cc.-.tioris iri til~ ClVucible mine of kke Cru- cib1.o Fuel Co. Data on sl:'ociacnce ?.rd Lztcrcl mwe:~cnt cf the surface were .:lven for two of these areas, a-12 it was mentioned that ~lr~~ilar data were being obtained on a ?art of Pe:sc:rlvtzr.ia Fii~l?trr.y FE:, ~i!lic;l pcser: over the third area. 'I'hie hichw~ :LEO FasseE over t!lc ITenncoli::. :.line of the Bnckeye Coal Co. 9 milcs to ';he so-lth, cnd at P. l~tcr C'..att: ~.nr?r.,cc?r:cntS *.rere mnd.e to make similar observati on3 there. This y: pr mrnmri:.c n Czto obtnino? at those two locetionn,]

Jan 1, 1941

By Carl R. Peterson

Development of reliable, portable, low headroom, hard rock crushers would improve the efficiency of most currently operated conveyor systems and make it possible to bring conveyor haulage closer to the face, thus eliminating expensive rock rehandling procedures. A crusher that could be easily moved would permit the more widespread use of lower cost haulage systems, such as conveyors, to transport the ore out of the mine. Such crushers would be installed close to the working areas, resulting in an optium haul from the face to the dump location. A recent contract study by Rapidex, Inc., "Application Study of Portable Underground Hard Pock Crusher" (USBM Contract No. J0265006) provides a survey of industry needs in portable underground crushing, together with conclusions and concepts as to specifications and type of crusher required to serve the greatest number of operations. To fill this need a three phase program has been undertaken by the Bureau of Mines: Phase I - Design: Phase II - Construction and Testing, and Phase III - Production Underground Test. This report covers Phase I only, and includes the complete engineering design and specifications of the Rapidex Rotary Jaw Crusher conceived in the earlier "Applications Study". Also included are the design, construction, and testing of a quarter-scale functional model, utilizing three different types of rock and two different crusher feeder systems.

Jan 1, 1978

By H. M. Thorne

The Petroleum Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines at Laramie, Wyo., in cooperation with the University of Wyoming, has in progress chemical and refining studies of Wyoming black oils. In general, these crude oils are characterized by their high sulphur, high asphalt, and low gasoline content and are called black oils because of these properties and their color. Characteristics of the various Wyoming black crude oils, as determined by the Bureau of Mines Hempel method of analysis, have been pubished.4/

Jan 1, 1938

By H. M. Thorne

The Petroleum Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines at Laramie, Wyo., in cooperation with the University of Wyoming, has in progress chemical and refining studies of Wyoming black oils. In general, these crude oils are characterized by their high sulphur, high asphalt, and low gasoline content and are called black oils because of these properties and their color. Characteristics of the various Wyoming black crude oils, as determined by the Bureau of Mines Hempel method of analysis, have been published.4/

Jan 1, 1938

By John C. Machisak

INJURY DATA and experience at, coal mines in the United States for 1953 and 1954 are presented in this publication with a minimum of interpretation and comment because of the numerous tables required to afford detailed comparisons between the 2 years. Corresponding tables for 1953 and 1954 follow in consecutive order under the following general sections: (A) General injury experience: Tables 1 to 11: Contain current data on number of fatal and nonfatal injuries, frequency and severity rates, and average severity and time-loss rates. (B) Selected injury data: Tables 12 to 85: Contain current data on causes of injuries, distribution of injuries by part of body injured, days of disability, extent of hand and machine loading, experience by employment and production groups, and various other operating factors and physical conditions related to the occurrence of injuries at the Nation's coal mines.

Jan 1, 1958

By C. W. Owings

The Bureau of Mines has conducted a survey to determine potential exposure of mine workers to dust produced in connection with intermittent rock drilling in coal mines. Eighteen mines in 3 states were visited, and 30 different operations were observed, as follows: 10 drilling in draw slate, 8 drilling top rock for brushing or grading, 2 drilling in the coal face, 4 drilling in the bottom, 2 drilling top rock for overcasts, 2 drilling in faults or boulders, 1 drilling for roof bolting, and 1 drilling for trolley hangers. Dust respirators were worn by drilling crews during 16 of the 30 operations. Three hundred thirty-two samples of air-borne dust were collected during the survey. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The information in this report is based on samples collected and observations made in bituminous-coal mines. Operating officials at these mines have contributed to this study, and their cooperation is gratefully acknowledged. All samples were counted by Thomas B. Kirby, chemist, and Dominick A. Ambrosia, scientific aid, and were analyzed by Gretta S. Baur, physicist, and Patricia M. Gussey, scientific aid, of the Health Branch of the Bureau of Mines.

Jan 1, 1953

The Waukon iron deposit comprises about 210 acres situated 2-1/2 miles north of Waukon, in Allamakee County, northeastern Iowa. The deposits have been exploited intermittently since 1899 and have produced about 67,000 tons of concentrated iron ore. From January to May 1943, the Bureau of Mines investigated the deposit to determine the extent of the ore-bearing material and its amenability to concentration, Seventy-one test pits were sunk. Those that indicated are of a grade high enough to warrant concentration tests were sampled. Average grade of ore was indicated to be 37.02 percent iron and 27.78 percent silica on a dry basis. Beneficiation tests indicated that the percentage of recovery might be relatively low.

Jan 1, 1949

By William H. Lewis

This paper describes the Bureau of Mines efforts in the research and development of a new and innovative mine lighting system which is based on fiber optics technology. The new lighting concept offers significant advantages over conventional systems in the areas of both safety and long- term maintenance costs. An overview of Bureau research into the problems and limitations of present-day mine lighting systems is also presented.

By Donald W. Mitchell, John Nagy

Observations made on coking of coal, deposition of soot, dust transport, flame, violence, and related phenomena following experimental coal-dust explosions are summarized. Data are given on gas explosion pressure, flame length, flame velocity, and variation of these parameters with concentration. Conclusions from these observations are useful in preventing similar occurrences in operating mines and serve as a guide in improving safety.

Dec 1, 1963

By Fred Leonard

This report is principally concerned with the engineering and economic feasibility of area surface coal mining systems other than draglines. This analysis evaluates shovel/ trucks, shovel/crusher/conveyors, and shovel/rail excavation and haulage systems for an assortment of geologic environments and production rates in the Powder River Basin (PRB) Shovel/trucks, front-end loaders/ trucks, and shovel/crusher/conveyors were studied in a multi-seam, dipping geologic area of the Four Corners Region. The Texas lignite engineering and economic research involved bucket-wheel excavators (BWE), BWE/backhoes, and scraper/backhoe combinations for overburden and coal excavation. The PRE truck/shovel study utilized the most recent computer simulation available in both the design and cost analyses. Detailed engineering analysis, followed by in-depth operating costs (operating and depreciation) result in a complete evaluation of each mining system. Cost comparisons of the different mining systems under similar geologic and production constraints are presented in the report to illustrate the estimated capital investment and production costs per ton of coal and bank cubic yard of overburden.

Jan 1, 1980

By Robert V. Spencer

"This report describes an examination and preliminary exploration of the Magnet Cove Rutile Co. property in Hot Spring County, Ark. The company in 1944 was producing titania for use in-the welding-rod and metallurgical industries but later ceased operations. The deposit appeared to contain potential reserves of rutile ore, and the Bureau of lanes in 1945 conducted an examination designed (1) to obtain samples for ore-dressing tests and (2) to gather information regarding the grade, character, and size of the deposit. This report presents the data obtained by geologic mapping, geophysical surveying, churn drilling, and core drilling. Beneficiation tests are being made at the Bureau of Mines Rolla, No. station, on the samples taken and will be discussed in a later report.The Magnet Cove operation had been called to the attention of the Bureau of Mines, and in view of the potential reserve of titanium-bearing material, it was decided to obtain samples for ore-dressing tests. Churn drilling was selected as a means of obtaining representative samples, and geologic mapping and geophysical surveying were done to throw more light on the nature of the deposit. Subsequently, a few holes were core-drilled.The property contains the NE1/4, W1/2 fractional NW1/4 and 82 acres of the N part of SE of sec. 18, and -29 acres of the SW1/4 NW1/4 sec. 17, all in T. 3 S., R. 17 W., Hot Spring County, Ark. The mine and mill are about 1 mile by graveled road northeast of U. S. Highway 270, a paved road connecting Malvern, 10 miles south and Hot Springs, 12 miles west. The area is served by two railroads, the Missouri Pacific, which passes through Malvern and Hot Springs and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific,,has a line connecting Malvern and Hot Springs an passes about 2 miles south of the property. A natural-gas pipe line and an electric power line reach the property."

Sep 1, 1946

By P. S. Haury, Thomas C. Denton

"INTRODUCTION AND RESUMEThe Reward zinc property was one of the first selected for exploration by the Bureau of Mines at time when zinc supplies for war production were very short. Preliminary examination indicated that an appreciable tonnage of zinc that could be developed for early production might be found by diamond drilling. The geology was mapped by the Federal Geological Survey, and 14 holes were diamond drilled by the Bureau of Mines. This work was started in September 1942 and completed in September 1943.The Reward is an old property in southwestern Pinal County, 26 miles from Casa Grande on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Mining was begun in the early 1880's and was continued intermittently by several operators to about 1917. About 400,0oo pounds of copper was produced from the north¬eastern part of the property, mainly from a 600-foot incline in oxidized copper ore that replaced a bed of limestone. This ore was mined out. A 400-foot vertical shaft in the copper area was inaccessible. A 325-foot vertical shaft had been sunk near the southwest end of the zinc-bearing area, and a 600-foot crosscut tunnel had been driven near the northeast end of the zinc area, but little zinc ore was produced. There were several shallow inclines and numerous surface pits between the main workings.The ores were deposited in Paleozaic limestones that strike northeast and dip about 40 degrees northwest. These are capped by Cretaceous clastic and volcanic rocks in the zinc area. The outcrops show mineralization in a segment of the limestone 4,500 feet long, which is limited by large cross faults at each end. Another large fault, which strikes north, separates the northeast third of the mineralized belt from the remainder. Copper predominates northeast of this fault and zinc southwest of it. The ore beds are cut by numerous small cross faults. Ore was deposited for short distances along some of these, but more of it made out from the fissures along certain replaceable limestone beds."

Nov 1, 1946

This manual provides instructions for installing, operating, and maintaining a protective canopy on the Joy Mfg. Co. loader. These instructions are based upon two actual install .at ions: one made in a mine on loader, model 14BU10-11AH, and one in the factory on model 14BU10- 11AH. The parts list and engineering drawings for the protective canopy are included at the end of the manual. And a discussion of some alternative design concepts is also included. The manual can also be used for retrofitting other loaders with similar protective canopies. Skilled mechanics can determine if the instructions herein would be applicable to the other loaders and can determine any necessary modifications if they are not.

Jan 1, 1973

By G. B. Gait

This report is the third in a series concerning the Bureau of Mines program for microfilming maps of abandoned mines in the Pennsylvania anthracite region; a catalog of the microfilmed maps of mines in the Lackawanna Basin of tile Northern anthracite field is presented. Previous reports IC 8274, published in 1965, and IC 8379, published in 1968, were catalogs of microfilmed maps of mines in the Eastern Middle anthracite field and Wyoming Basin, Northern anthracite field, respectively , Additional catalogs will be published as the microfilming of significant mining areas is completed.

Jan 1, 1970

By Mildred Nadler, Alvin Kaufman

To aid industry and Government in planning water developments the Bureau of Mines in 1963 canvassed mineral producers to determine water use in 1962. Water use by the mineral industry comprises only 2 percent of the water withdrawn by industry as a whole. The major water-using mineral industries are natural gas processing, phosphate rock, sand and gravel, and iron ore. Analysis indicated the following conclusions: 1. Total water use and new water intake is dependent on the quantity of material processed and the process water requirements of the particular indus- try or commodity. 2. Recirculation is dependent on the processing requirements of a par- ticular commodity, the manner in which the water is used, cooling and condens- ing requirements in certain large industries, the quality of new water intake, and the need to treat new and discharged water. 3. Consumed water is dependent on the quantity of water recirculated, the temperature and humidity in the area, and the proportion of water used for cooling and condensing. 4. A threefold increase in water use by the mineral industry by 1985 is forecast.

May 1, 1965

By V. Castranova

"A pneumoconiosis is best defined as the accumulation of dust in the lungs and the tissue's reaction to iu presence. Thus, silicosis is the name given to the fibrotic disease of the lungs caused by inhalation of dust containing silicon dioxide, primarily in the free crystalline form. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), which was originally thought to be a variant of silicosis, results from inhalation of coal mine dust that usually contains relatively small amounts of free crystalline silica.HISTORYSilicosis is the older and more well known of these mineral pneumoconiosis. In contrast, CWP was not recognized as different from silicosis until the pivotal work of Collis and Gilchrist. 26 They noted that coal trimmers, i.e., special stevedores who leveled coal in the holds of ships at the Cardiff and Swansea docks in Wales, developed identical nodules on the chest radiograph to those of underground miners. The difference was that these men had never worked underground and that the coal was washed before it was loaded into ships; thus, it was unlikely that these men were exposed to silica. Gough54 examined the lungs of coal trimmers who died and found that the histologic appearance of the pulmonary lesions was distinctly different from the whorled nodules seen in silicosis. Gough,"" and subsequently Heppleston,"" then showed that the lung lesions in coal trimmers were similar to those in underground coal miners and different from those of classical silicosis. Nagelschmidt 78 analyzed the mineral content of miners' lungs that became available at autopsy. These studies caused him to propose a scheme in which the relative proportions of silica, other minerals, and/or coal deposited in the lungs determined the type of pulmonary response which develops, i.e., classical silicosis, mixed-dust disease, or CWP."

Nov 1, 1995