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This publication is designed to be helpful in promoting health and safety in tunneling and related operations. The format has been selected and arranged to provide a condensed guide for safety personnel, inspection and investigative agencies, design and project engineers, and others responsible for the health and safety of workmen. All the precautionary measures recommended are based on actual conditions observed, from investigations of fatal or serious accidents, and from research conducted to find ways and means of alleviating hazards and unhealthful conditions. Many of the recommended rules are included in State laws and in the general safety requirements of the construction industry. Explanatory, descriptive, and qualifying information has been largely omitted in this publication to keep basic data in more useful and compact form. Included in the appendixes are special precautions for gassy (methane atmospheres) tunnels and tunnels where petroleum products are encountered.

Jan 1, 1968

By George H. Holmes

Beryllium deposits in the northern Virgin Mountains , Clark County , Nev . , and Mohave County , Ariz . , about 70 miles northeast of Las Vegas , were investigated by the Bureau of Mines . The investigation indicated a widespread occurrence of beryllium- bearing pegmatites within an extensive belt of mica - schist . Several deposits with significant beryllium mineral concentrations were encountered . Only a few of the samples analyzed contained more than 1 percent beryllium oxide ( BeO ) ; in many of the samples , no beryllium was reported . The average tenor of samples from the more important occurrences was 0.25 percent BeO . Chrysoberyl is the predominant beryllium mineral in the pegmatite sills ; beryl predominates in the more massive bodies . Minute quantities of cesium and lithium minerals also occur , but no columbium , tantalum , or other rare minerals were found . Ore dressing tests on a composite sample containing 0.28 percent BeO which was representative of the pegmatite sills , indicated an 85 percent recovery of the chrysoberyl ( 70 percent recovery of total BeO ) by gravity concentration in a concentrate containing 17.6 percent BeO .

Jan 1, 1964

By Ross. C. Barkley

A computer program has been written to simulate ground vibrations induced by multiple-hole surface blasts. The program is an inexpensive and relatively easy to use tool for predicting the principal blast vibration characteristics that determine damage and annoyance potential: peak particle velocity, frequency content and pulse duration. The program generates a complete ground motion history by superposing, at any surface position, the vibrations induced by each individual explosives charge. It requires specification of (hence allows accounting for) the blast geometry, initiation sequence (including random delays), position with respect to blast, pulse characteristics induced by each charge, and propagation laws. A methodology is outlined to determine the necessary variables either on the basis of site investigations (e.g. velocity, attenuation, pulse), or by backcalculation from measured blast vibration records. The latter procedure has been applied to blasts from two coal strip mines. Main difficulties are backcalculating individual pulses, propagation (especially dispersion) parameters and delays. A normal distribution of delays, based on published results, has been shown to influence the results and the response of a single degree of freedom structure significantly. Broadening of the wave types included and additional verifications with field results are required.

Jan 1, 1983

By A. C. Fieldner

Much activity is called for in the present period of hightened national effort, and wise direction of such a program must always be conditioned by positive knowledge gained in years of slow and painstaking study and development. Research and technologic investigations on coal by the Bureau of Mines have been described in a series of annual

Jan 1, 1941

By James F. O'Neill

Brown iron ore deposits in Quitman County , Ga . , were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the State of Georgia , Department of Commerce , and the University of Alabama . Ninety- one holes were drilled , having an aggregate footage of 2,188 feet ; seventy- one holes penetrated 248 feet of iron mineralization . Average thickness of the ore zone was 3.5 feet under an average thickness of 14.7 feet of overburden . The drilling developed inferred reserves containing nearly 30 million long tons of crude ore with an average analysis of 28 percent iron plus minor quantities of manganese . Test work done by the Bureau on the crude ore samples indicated that they would upgrade by current log washer practice , with the use of a 1 /8 - inch screen , and yield 4.4 million dry long tons of concentrate with an average analysis of 52.1 percent iron plus manganese . The weight recovery obtained was 14.7 percent . Research studies made by the Bureau showed that the weight recovery would be increased by changing the screen size without any appreciable sacrifice of grade . The average weight recovery was increased to 18 percent with a 10 - mesh screen and 22.8 percent with a 20 - mesh screen . Screen tests studies indicated that there was no appreciable interlocking of the iron and manganese minerals and the clay and silica waste particles of the materials retained on a 200- mesh screen . Clay was prominent in micron - size slimes . Silica was deleterious in the minus 20 - mesh size .

Jan 1, 1965

By Eliezer Kamon

To finalize the three years granted for the study of miners physiological responses to emergency situations, all the data obtained, were summarized into the following relevant sections; A.. Information on elements of the Man Test required under Subpart 4, Part 2, Title 30 in the Code of Federal Regulation (see Table M-T and Ref. I., Section A). B. Investigation on possible emergency activities, its simulation in the laboratory and the physiologic data obtained on miners performing them This included some studies under cool ambient conditions, expected to prevail in coal mines. C. While in section B the steady state responses have been obtained, time was devoted to establish a unit that will allow data gathering for non-steady state, i.e., transient responses to rapidly changing activities. Section B and C contained elements that were relevant to section A; the Man Test. Therefore some of the information described under section A Man Test, were actually measured during the battery of tests in either section B or in section C.

Jan 1, 1974

By M. M. Gilkey

This report on water requirements for the New Mexico mineral industry includes data on industrial operations closely related to mineral production. It contains general information concerning public water supplies at five principal cities and a short discussion of water needs for agriculture. Background data are presented regarding the geography, hydrography, and water laws of New Mexico, as well as precipitation and evaporation characteristics of the State. Most of the information on source, quantity, distribution, cost, and treatment of water was obtained in interviews with company representatives. Water systems at 46 operations are illustrated by schematic waterflow diagrams. The study revealed that the New Mexico mineral industry in 1962 used about 16 billion gallons of new water and reused 152 billion gallons, a total usage of 168 billion gallons. Consumption amounted to 7.6 billion gallons. Of the 16 billion gallons of new water, 11.9 billion gallons was "self- supplied" from ground water sources, and 2.6 billion gallons was self supplied from surface sources. Approximately 1.5 billion gallons was purchased. Some of the water from company-owned wells is piped as far as 30 miles. Reported costs of the self-supplied new water range from 1 to 20 cents per 1,000 gallons and average 8 cents per 1,000 gallons for power and maintenance. Inadequacy of the supply of new water at many operations necessitates large-scale recirculation. Reported costs for recirculating water (power and maintenance) average 1.8 cents per 1,000 gallons. For the entire New Mexico mineral industry in 1962, the value of product was $42 per 1,000 gallons of new water intake and $88 per 1,000 gallons consumed. Analyses of 40 water samples, listed in the appendix, show the wide range in water quality at plants throughout the State. Projection of the 1962 water requirements of the mineral industry indicate that the total demand for new water will increase from the 16 billion gallons used in 1962 to 24 billion gallons in 1980, a 50 percent increase; and to 36 billion gallons in 2000, which is 125 percent more than the 1962 intake of new water.

Jan 1, 1965

By M. M. Gilkey

This report on water requirements for the New Mexico mineral industry includes data on industrial operations closely related to mineral production. It contains general information concerning public water supplies at five principal cities and a short discussion of water needs for agriculture. Background data are presented regarding the geography, hydrography, and water laws of New Mexico, as well as precipitatton and evaporation characteristics of the State. Most of the information on source, quantity, distribution, cost, and treatment of water was obtained in interviews with company representatives. Water systems at 46 operations are illustrated by schematic waterflow diagrams. The study revealed that the New Mexico mineral industry in 1962 used about 16 billion gallons of new water and reused 152 billion gallons, a total usage of 168 billion gallons. Consumption amounted to 7.6 billion gallons. Of the 16 billion gallons of new water, 11.9 billion gallons was "self- supplied" from ground water sources, and 2.6 billion gallons was self supplied from surface sources. Approximately 1.5 billion gallons was purchased. Some of the water from company-owned wells is piped as far as 30 miles. Reported costs of the self-supplied new water range from 1 to 20 cents per 1,000 gallons and average 8 cents per 1,000 gallons for power and maintenance. Inadequacy of the supply of new water at many operations necessitates large-scale recirculation. Reported costs for recirculating water (power and maintenance) average 1.8 cents per 1,000 gallons. For the entire New Mexico mineral industry in 1962, the value of product was $42 per 1,000 gallons of new water intake and $88 per 1,000 gallons consumed. Analyses of 40 water samples, listed in the appendix, show the wide range in water quality at plants throughout the State. Projection of the 1962 water requirements of the mineral industry indicate that the total demand for new water will increase from the 16 billion gallons used in 1962 to 24 billion gallons in 1980, a 50 percent increase; and to 36 billion gallons in 2000, which is 125 percent more than the 1962 intake of new water.

Jan 1, 1965

By A. U. Miller

"Ventilation is one of the meet important factors in mining, although until recent years less thought has probably been given to effective ventilation than to any other one phase of mining. In the past, very little, if any, attention was given air courses until they became so constricted by falls that the volume of air was greatly reduced; and, in addition, the stoppings and doors were so poorly constructed that only a very small percentage of air reached the face workings.As a matter of fact, mines have been visited where the volume of air being circulated in certain sections was much larger than in others, and where the management was striving to increase the flow of air in those sections with the least air current, believing the ventilation to be deficient. After sampling and analyzing the return air from the various sections in such mines it has been found that the quality of the air in certain places with the largest flow was more impure than in some of those with the least flow.In past years, practically all mine fans were operated by steam-driven engines supplied with steam from the mire boiler plant. No check was made on the steam consumption or the power cost of operating the fan, therefore the management had very little if any definite information as to cost of ventilating the mine.With the increased use of electrically-driven equipment in mines electricity is being used more and more to drive mine ventilating fans, and since in many instances the current is purchased from central power plants operators have come to realize that in many cases the cost of operating the fans is very high. Some engineers estimate that it ranges from 20 to 50 per cent of the total power cost of the mine. This information, together with the fact that mines are now being developed on a larger scale, requiring larger quantities of air for the men to dilute the gases liberated, has caused the large progressive companies to make, a more comprehensive study of mine ventilation, resulting in a decided improvement in the quality and quantity of air at the face workings, as well as reducing materially the ventilating costs."

Oct 1, 1930

Research workers from the Bureau of Mines and industry met with other government and industry representatives at the Mont Chateau Lodge, Morgantown, W. Va., on May 30-31, 1973, to discuss the current status of methane control in eastern U.S. coal mines. The opening remarks, the eight technical presentations, and the discussions of the members of a government-industry panel are published here for the benefit of those concerned with the control of methane in coal mines. In addition, an introduction has been added to present the background of work in this field.

Jan 1, 1973

By M. Dattilo

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has been conducting research on the use of waste-derived zinc as a partial replacement for pure zinc in the electrogalvanizing process. The end product of this process is automotive sheet, which has enhanced cosmetic protection over previously used cold-rolled (CR) steel. In this study, primer-coated specimens of CR and electrogalvanized (EG) steel were subjected to the on-vehicle environment and monitored periodically by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) during immersion in 1M NaCI solution. The results of these tests were compared with immersion-only conditions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques were also used to evaluate the corrosion processes and compare them with atmospheric exposure specimens. EIS was found to measure the corrosion associated with on-vehicle exposure, thus providing an excellent screening technique for evaluation of the performance of EG automotive sheet steel.

Jan 1, 1990

By Charles H. Fulton

One of the first matters to receive attention from the Bureau of Mines when it was authorized to undertake investigations relating to wastes in the mineral industries was the smoke problem at smelting and ore-roasting plants. This bulletin is published by the bureau primarily for persons who seek information on the subject of metallurgical smoke but are unacqllainted with the technical language of metallurgy. It is, of course, not possible to free a techniCal subject entirely from teclmicalities, but, 80 far as possible, statements are made in plain and simple English. Metallurgical smoke causes considerable friction between the metallurgical industry and agriculture in certain parts of the country. Owners of smelting plants are making every effort to devise ways and means to do away with possible damage and annoyance from smoke and are meeting with success. The problem is peculiarly difficult in this country because of the large tonnages of material that must be handled. The solution of the problem is not yet at hand and much work still remains to be done. As the mineral industry is one of the great basic industries of the country and of necessity is entitled to full consideration, it should be accorded freedom to work out the smoke problem to the benefit of all concerned. The effort is made in this paper to present the problem of metallurgical smoke as it actually exists, without bias of any kind. The writer takes this opportunity to express his indebtedness to the sources of information on which he drew, many of which are enumerated in the selected bibliography at the end of this paper. In connection with the author's use of the present tense in describing plants and methods, the reader should note that none of the references in that bibliography is of later date than 1913. Much information was obtained by personal visits and by correspondence, and thanks are hereby tendered to all persons who kindly furnished data. The writer desires to thank particularly F. G. Cottrell, chief chemist of the Bureau of Mines, for criticism and comment.

Jan 1, 1915

By Bruce McDonald

This report contains the Phase I findings of a study to select and test devices for preventing lack of alertness in haulage truck drivers. The extent of the problem was determined by visiting surface metal and nonmetal mines, interviewing drivers and safety personnel and reviewing accident reports. A number of devices for detecting a lack of alertness were considered and three were recommended for testing in actual operation.

Jan 1, 1977

By Roy S. Nutter

An expert system advisor consultant to assist a coal mine section foreman is described in this report. The system is designed for an underground continuous miner section that is being specifically used for longwall development. The system provides three methods of operation that include normal operational mode for use underground, a training mode for use in training section foremen under controlled classroom conditions, and a demonstration mode that is free running. The Face Decision Support System or FDSS, is designed to interface with section environmental monitoring equipment and section production monitoring equipment that may appear in the future. This provides automated reprioritzation of the section foreman's job list from the system. The system 1S written in LASER which is written in C and is operated under the UNIX operating system. The objective of the entire FOSS system is to ensure that no job or piece of information important to safety or to production is forgotten because of the immediate problems confronting the section foreman.

Jan 1, 1988

By J. P. Connell

The U.S. Bureau of Mines awarded a contract to Morrison-Knudsen, Inc., to evaluate the use of roadheaders in underground mining operations. Road-headers were found to be widely used in mines as construction support units, as development miners, and as stoping machines. However, road-headers were found to have mechanical and electrical problems, to suffer reduced productivity when integrated into the mining cycle, and to create dust problems. Also high capital costs and low utilization and avail-ability cause high amortization costs per ton. This report identifies the roadheader operating problems and offers suggestions for improved mechanical and electrical design as well as manufacturer and owner responsibilities for improved availability. The development of a complex integrated excavation and ground support sys tern is no t warranted until the roadheader itself is made much more reliable.

Jan 1, 1980

By Jay C. Hanson

Various electrical and electromagnetic (EM) geophysical techniques are currently being evaluated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for their effectiveness in the detection and monitoring of electrically conductive (1 to 5 S/m) lixiviant (leach solution) to depths of 600 m, either above or below the water table. These techniques include magnetotellurics (MT) , controlled source audiofrequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT), resistivity and focused resistivity, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), frequency-domain electromagnetics (FEM), and time-domain electromagnetics (TEM). Of these techniques, TEM may be the most effective, but CSAMT and focused resistivity also hold promise. Geophysical computer modeling of the borehole TEM technique was conducted based on an idealized geoelectric section (layered earth) with characteristics based on the Santa Cruz porphyry copper deposit near Cas a Grande, AZ. Layer resistivities and thicknesses were obtained from geophysical data and geologic logs available from the site. Modeling of borehole TEM in both preleach and during leach situations was conducted. Simulating the TEM method using computer modeling proved to be encouraging since there were substantial differences between leached and nonleached responses. The modeling does not prove the effectiveness of TEM in the field, but does indicate that detection of deep lixiviant zones is theoretically possible.

Jan 1, 1992

By M. A. Trevits, J. E. Urosek, A. C. Smith, M. P. Valoski

Unlike other types of mining accidents, where an incident generally involves only a few workers, the danger of a mine fire extends to every person working in the underground environment. Mine fires can trap or kill those working underground by blocking avenues of escape and rapidly creating heat, asphyxiating gases and toxic fire products that can quickly spread throughout the mine. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in partnership with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), is conducting research to test, evaluate and improve or modify coal mine fire-fighting strategies and methodologies through large-scale tests. Because wood is the second most abundant fuel available during a coal mine fire, it was decided that a series of large-scale wood crib fire tests was needed to measure the products of combustion and to observe the capability of commonly available direct application fire suppression equipment, namely, fire extinguishers, water and gas-enhanced foam. This paper discusses the wood crib fire tests, provides insight into the products of combustion and describes observations made during the application of the fire suppression agents.1

By Fred N. Kissell

This handbook describes effective methods for the control of methane gas in mines and tunnels. It assumes the reader is familiar with mining. The first chapter covers facts about methane important to mine safety, such as the explosibility of gas mixtures. The second chapter covers methane sampling, which is crucial because many methane explosions have been attributed to sampling deficiencies. Subsequent chapters describe methane control methods for different kinds of mines and mining equipment, primarily for U.S. coal mines. These coal mine chapters include continuous miners and longwalls, including bleeders. Coal seam degasification is covered extensively. Other coal mine chapters deal with methane emission forecasting and predicting the excess gas from troublesome geologic features like faults. Additional coal chapters contain methane controls for shaft sinking and shaft filling, for surface highwall mines, and for coal storage silos. Major coal mine explosion disasters have always involved the combustion of coal dust, originally triggered by methane. Thus, a chapter is included on making coal dust inert so it cannot explode. Methane is surprisingly common in metal and nonmetal mines around the world, as well as in many tunnels as they are excavated. Accordingly, a chapter is included on metal and nonmetal mines and another on tunnels. Proper ventilation plays the major role in keeping mines free of hazardous methane accumulations. The ventilation discussed in this handbook, except for the chapter on bleeder systems, deals only with so-called face ventilation, i.e., ventilation of the immediate working face area, not ventilation of the mine as a whole. The omission of whole-mine ventilation was necessary to keep this handbook to a reasonable size and because a huge amount of excellent information is available on the subject.2

Jan 1, 2006

By Roger G. Long

This final report reviews installation, maintenance and inspection of mine pager telephone installations. A Technical Handbook was developed and distributed. Certain commercial telephone test equipment was modified and a tone source and switching circuit were developed for use in the testing of mine pager phone systems. Descriptions are included of the modifications to a commercial test set and of a tone source/ switching unit.

Jan 1, 1975

By R. R. Sayers

The hazards connected with work under abnormal air conditions are becoming of increasing importance from a financial as well as a physiological stand- point, due to the extension of compensation laws to include diseases caused by dusts, toxic gases, and abnormal temperatures and humidities. The United States, with the excention of California, North Dakota, Wiscon- sin, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, is the only English-speaking country to-day where silicosis is not compensated.3 Cases of permenent total disability or death due to silicosis mar aprear in common-law courts, particularly in the States that have not recognized silicosis as an occupational disease for which compensation should be provided. Such cases have recently been tried in one State, according to a magazine editorial, not providing scheduled commensation for employees affected by silicosis, with results favorable to the claimant. Clearly established cases definitely linked with occupation as the cause may be expected to be recognized as deserving by juries and courts, and awards will be made. In one Atlantic Coast State, according to this editorial, 108 claims for silicosis, including 21 deaths therefrom, are said to have been filed against two small plants engaged in finely pulverizing quartz sand.

Sep 1, 1932