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By J. W. Paul

Mine foremen are employed in coal mines for two reasons: First, so that the underground work. may proceed in an orderly manner and that each employee gives attention to his duties; and second, by reason of the State law which re- quires the employment of such officials to see that the laws relating to safety are carried out. It may be seen that, with these two duties, the foreman has wide scope of authority and much responsibility. As foreman of operations he has to meet certain economic questions that contribute to the cost of producing the coal, and as the agent of the State he must also supervise and coordinate the work in such manner as to insure that the employees work under safe conditions. As the roof of coal mines is the source of the greatest hazard naturally the care of the roof must take much thought and planning on the part of the fore- man; and this circular is therefore presented to call attention to some things he may do to prevent injury to the workmen by falls of the roof material or coal. Mine foremen, in the principal coal-producing States, are certified by a State board which prescribes certain qualifications, experience, and character, attested by examination and personal endorsement. Certified foremen, therefore, are men who have had experience underground and know roof conditions and timber- ing methods. The suggestions herein are based upon observations made at many mines and collectively embrace practices that have been found to be in effect and pro- moted by experienced mine foremen:

Sep 1, 1930

By Brian T. Brady

The year 1992 recorded unimpressive economic growth and uncertainties over what changes would occur for the financial market. Falling interest rates in the United States and elsewhere tended to exert a number of positive influences on financial markets and, indirectly, the mining and quarrying industry. The interest rate declines during 1992 were no exception. Lower rates prompted many investors to turn their attention to long-term investments such as stocks that offer potentially greater rates of return, causing large cash inflows into the equity market. Lower rates made it easier for businesses to finance growth and for consumers to finance the purchase of products businesses made. Also the rates enabled many companies to increase their health and profitability by refinancing their existing loans at lower rates. Falling interest rates were not confined to the United States. With Japan and Western Europe in the midst of economic slumps, marketing authorities in many countries overseas lowered rates in an effort to stimulate business activity. True to form, that contributed to stock market rallies abroad. Stabilizing inflation and lower interests stimulated the industry during 1992 and will likely influence favorably the industry for the next few years.

Jan 1, 1992

By John R. Shattuck

As a part of the general chromite investigation in California designed to aid In the production of chromite during the recent war emergency, the Bureau of Mines explored the Coggins property in Siskiyou County, Work by the Bureau in cooperation with the Federal Geological Survey began in October 1942 and was concluded in March 1943. This report presents a brief history of the mine, outlines the physical features of the district, describes the deposits) and explains the work completed by the Bureau of Mines, Table 1 shows the analysis of diamond drill-hole samples. The logs of drill holes are in the appendix.

Jan 1, 1949

By Wallace W. Roepke

The Bureau of Mines has a well-established health and safety research effort directed to fundamental studies of the mine cutting system. This report describes the ignition danger of using cutting bits with flat wear area on still-intact carbide inserts.

Jan 1, 1983

By C. J. Chindgren

Upgrading of commercial red cake and recovery of vanadium oxide from uranium-vanadium mill solutions were investigated by the Bureau of Mines. Alternative procedures potentially useful for manufacture of high-quality vanadium oxide at the mill site were explored and developed. The simplest and best procedure for converting commercial red cake containing about 10 percent combined sodium and potassium oxides (Na20) (K20) into a 98- to 99-percent vanadium pentoxide (V205 product appeared to be a metathesis in an ammoniacal solution of ammonium sulfate. Molybdenum, as well as the alkali metal oxides, was removed from the red cake by this procedure at a modest expenditure of labor and reagents. When preparing vanadium oxide of higher grade, it was necessary to dissolve the red cake and reprecipitate the vanadium as ammonium metavanadate. Calcination at 450° C, decomposed the metavanadate and yielded oxide of about 99.5 percent V205. By recyrstallizing the metavanadate before decomposition, an oxide product approaching 99.9-percent purity was obtained.

Jan 1, 1962

By G. L. Cook

The design of a dual-inlet system for a Consolidated model 21-103C mass spectrometer is described in detail. The system permits both high-mass and low-mass samples to be run by using a single instrument. The difficulties of using a single instrument for both purposes are given and a method of minimizing these difficulties through the use of the present design is discussed, After examining the experience of five years of use, the conclusions are that the bimodal operation is practical and the low-mass analyses had nearly the same precision as before the modifications to the instrument were made. In 1951, O'Neal and Wier.5/ published the first description of the modifications made to a mass spectrometer so that the spectra of hydrocarbons with molecular weights up to 600 could be obtained. Further discussion of the equipment of O'Neal appeared in 1953.6/ Also, Brown, Melpolder, and Young7/ described a parallel inlet system designed to reduce sorption effects at room temperature.

Jan 1, 1960

By W. E. Dennis

"INTRODUCTION The strategic importance of zinc warranted investigation of the Silver Eagle zinc prospect, which was first examined by an engineer 3/ of the Bureau of Mines in January 1943.From October 12, 1943, to March 16, 1944, the Bureau explored the deposit by trenching, core drilling, and sampling to establish the amount and grade of ore and to test for the presence of sulfide-ore minerals at depth.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn its program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each exploratory project as soon as practicable after its conclusion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests. Both these branches are under the supervision of Dr. R. S. Dean, assistant director."

Oct 1, 1946

By G. L. Neumann

"INTRODUCTION Mining in this area is inactive. The entire region is now comprised of small farms. Because approximately 1,500,000 tons of magnetite ore had been shipped from this area between 1855 and 1915, it was deemed probable that geophysical surveying and core drilling might indicate other ore bodies or sizable extensions of the previously mined ore bodies.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSIn its program of investigation of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has, as its primary objective, the most effective utilization of our mineral resources, thus fortifying our national security and economy. It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each project as soon as practicable after its conclusion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual investigative work and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, Oliver C. Ralston, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiatien tests.The chemical analyses and beneficiation tests included in this report were performed at the Eastern Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines at College Park, Md., under the general supervision of J. B. Zadra, chief, College Park Division, Metallurgical Branch, and the immediate direction of Dr. Alton Gabriel, head of the laboratory service unit.The Mineral exploration Was under the general supervision successively of G. D. Jermain, district engineer, C. B. White, district engineer, and McHenry Mosier, chief, College Park Division, Mining Branch.The geophysical section of the exploration was performed by G. B. Botsford, engineer of the Bureau of Mines. Assistance was given by the Division of Geophysical Exploration of the Bureau of Mines, Dr. F. W. Leo, chief."

Dec 1, 1947

A working understanding of present coal mine communications equipment and its usage is an essential prerequisite to the determination of future communications systems needs. As a means of gaining this understanding, a field survey program was planned and implemented. The plan formulated called for obtaining both qualitative and quantitative data from three main areas of interest: the types, physical condition, and performance characteristics of equipment presently used in the sample of mines to be visited; the relationship present communications has to safety and productivity; and the practical, future communications needs as de- rived through interviews with present mine management. In compliance with the original plan, the type and physical condition of equipment in use was found through at-mine interviews of personnel responsible for installation and maintenance. Further evaluation was made through the review of equipment instruction books and maintenance manuals and through in-mine inspection of communications equipment and signal distribution networks. The performance characteristics were determined through listening to conversations and noise levels and by talk-testing from randomly selected stations throughout each mine. System operation was evaluated by asking communication system users their opinions and by noting any difficulties personnel had using the systems. Plans in the second area of interest--that of relating communications to mining operations-- were to observe mining operations and usage of communications; to gain insight through interviews with mine management, from mine superintendents to section foreman; and to look for correlation between communications, production, and safety. Lastly the communication systems needs and requirements were determined from first hand interviews of mine personnel, from the analysis that lead to the individual reports on the eight mines, and from an overview of all of the mines studied. The latter was done to find commonality between the needs of the individual mines such that system requirements having the greatest universal value could be derived, thus lowering per-mine cost of equipment through economics of scale. Armed with tape recorders, backgrounds in communications technology, and with an interview questionnaire that was improved as experience was gained, engineers visited the eight mines to obtain the raw data from which the needs and requirements could be developed through analysis. During the first part of the program two days were spent at each mine so that interviews and tours could be completed, and so that full eight hour shift phone usage recordings could be obtained for statistical analysis. One day visits were sufficient for those trips where tape recordings were not made. During the later trips less attention was given to the statistical nature of communications, and more to how communications relates to the total mining operation.

Nov 15, 1974

By Linneas W. Laage

Coal production from underground coal mines has been important to the development of the industrial economy of the United States. Environmental problems have developed from some abandoned operations. These problems include: mine and refuse pile drainage, subsidence, unsafe mine openings and to a lesser extent mine gases, slope stabilities, mine and refuse pile fires and abandoned equipment and structures. Field investigations in three eastern coal mining districts, two in Ohio and one in Illinois, were performed to document the mine closure procedures used and subsequent problems that developed. The purpose was to identify, evaluate, and rank the seriousness of these problems. Based upon this evaluation, the undesirable present day situations could have been avoided or at least minimized by varying certain mining practices or mine closure procedures. It was found that federal regulations address all of these problems during the pre mining, active mining and post mining phases except for abandoned equipment which is the least threatening problem category. Ideally current practice would prevent future problems. However, the extensive and complicated nature of the legislation, environment and mining practices will necessitate adjustments to the law. The investigator recommends the following: 1) Goal oriented legislation encouraging complete resource extraction, standardization and compilation of mining generated hydrological data, periodic review of the coal mining regulations, and improved communication and cooperation between coal interests, regulators and the public. 2) Permitting effluent limitations to accurately reflect natural conditions. 3) Solidly back filling shafts and individual assessment of sealing or capping requirements. 4) Installing shaft vent pipes into the fill material to intercept and vent methane.

Jan 1, 1982

By Raghoottma S. Pandurangi, Mohindar S. Seehra, Pedro Bolsait, Bronwyn L. Razzaboni

"Surface IR (infrared) modes of crystalline and fumed (amorphous) silica particles, calcined at temperatures up to 1095°C, have been studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ability of these same particles to lyse cells has been measured by a hemolysis protocol. The untreated crystalline and amorphous materials differ by a factor of 40 in specific surface area, and the intensity per unit mass of the sharp surface silanol band near 3745 cm-1 in the amorphous material is an order of magnitude larger than in the crystalline material. A similar difference is observed in the lysing potential of the two materials. The intensity of the silanol band increases after calcination for both materials, reaching peak values near 500°C, followed by a dramatic drop at higher calcination temperatures, and reaching negligible values for materials calcined near 1100°C. The lysing potential data follow essentially the same pattern for both crystalline and fumed silica. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the surface silanol groups are involved in cell lysis. Further experiments are suggested to evaluate the relationship between the surface structure of ailica particles and their potential cytotoxicity. IntroductionThe characterization of the surface structure of various allotropic forms of silica is of interest because the cytotoxicity of silica particles of respirable size has been commonly related to the chemical interaction of functional groups on the surface of such particles with the lipoproteins contained in cell membranes (1-3). It has been found that the cytotoxic potential of silica particles varies greatly with their crystalline structure (4,5), particle size (6-8), surface composition (9), and molecular surface configuration (1,10). Studies of the infrared (IR) modes of various forms of silica have been reported by a number of researchers (3 ,11-19). Several books and reviews (20-24) have dealt with the identification of functional groups on silica surfaces and the effect of heat treatment on the surface structure. The nature of the surface is said to be critical in determining the biological activity of silica dusts (3).Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a highly sensitive ·technique for identifying IR surface modes of tine particulates, and it was deemed of interest to examine the surface structure and its relation to lysing potential of two widely different types of respirable silica dust. The lysing potential of respirable dust particles has been considered a first-level test for potential cytotoxicity."

Jan 1, 1990

By L. C. IlsLey

In January, 1922, a conference relative to trailing cables for use with permissible mining machines was held at the Pittsburgh Experiment Station of the U. S. Bureau of Mines. At this conference it was recommended that the bureau take steps to investigate the rubber-sheathed type of cables and to bring about the establishment of a list of approved cables. Effective until such time as a complete investigation could be made, the bureau asked the several manufacturers holding approvals for mining machines to recommend cables for use with their machines. In general the cables recommended were tentatively approved. Due to the lack of available personnel, no actual tests of cables were made until mid-1927. Meanwhile a field investigation of trailing cables was made at 20 mines of three coal companies in western Pennsylvania, and samples of cables were obtained from the manufacturers for laboratory tests. Twenty-five samples of the concentric-type cable, representing the product of five manufacturers, were obtained for the tests. These cables were of four sizes, as follows: 3 cables of No. 2 B & S gage, 17 cables of No. 3 B & S gage, 3 cables of No. 4 B & S gage, and 2 cables of No. 6 B & S gage.

Jan 1, 1929

By J. T. McCartney

The Bureau of Mines has developed an automated reflectance scanning microscope system, primarily for determination of volume proportions, size distribution, and mode of association of the physical (petrographic) components of coals. The process, which is potentially more rapid and objective and less tedious than a visual microscopic procedure, involves magnetic tape recording of several millions of reflectance readings on micro-meter sized areas of polished coal surface and computer analysis and interpretation of some characteristics of the coal components. The system was tested in a study of pyrite distribution in steam coals. The application was essentially successful, but defects in polished pyrite surface characteristics and problems in adequate sampling prevented completely satisfactory results. Pyrite con-tent and coal-pyrite particle association could be determined nearly as well as by visual microscopy, but size distribution data were less acceptable.

Jan 1, 1969

By Edwin C. Reeder

This paper, describing milling methods and costs at the Hillside Fluorspar Mines at Rosiclare, Ill., is one of a series being prepared for and published by the United States Bureau of Mines on non-metallic milling methods. The milling practice described is that of one of the large mines in the Kentucky-Illinois fluorspar field in southern Illinois and western Kentucky, on the Ohio River. Milling methods throughout the district are similar in their general principles, although details vary considerably in different plants.

Jan 1, 1932

By H. Polat, Q. Hu, S. Chander

"The collection efficiency of dust particles was determined in a laboratory dust chamber equipped with a water spray. Measurements were made in the presence of selected nonionic, cationic and anionic surfactants. For the nonionic and the anionic reagents, efficiency was maximum in a narrow range of concentration. The surfactant concentration corresponding to high collection efficiency was usually much below the commonly used concentration of l "", however. In comparison, much higher collection efficiency was observed for a cationic surfactant at extremely low concentrations. For delineating the mechanism of capture of dust particles, surface tension and contact angle results were used to obtain a correlation between the work of adhesion and the efficiency of collection. Such a correlation was reasonable for the nonionic surfactants but not for charged surfactants. In the latter case, electrostatic interactions between charged droplets and particles were more important, especially for the cationic reagent. INTRODUCTIONSeveral methods are used to control dust in mines. These include: ventilation, foam, scrubbers and sprays. This article is concerned with improving the effectiveness of water sprays, which are widely used to remove dust particles during continuous mining, by adding small quantities of surfactants. Water sprays produce small droplets which act as collectors of dust particles suspended in air. Sprays directed at the actual source of dust have the additional property of wetting the coal before the ·particles become airborne (Hamilton, 1974). Wetting agents, also called surfactants, arc known to play an important role in many applications where dust is a problem. However, conflicting reports exist in the literature with regard to the effectiveness of surfactants in water sprays (for a review, see Chander et al., 1988). In spite of the conflicting reports, the use of surfactants for dust control has increased over the years. In a recent study by the Bureau of Mines, a 27'6 reduction in respirable dust levels was observed in a mine test when surfactants were added to sprays (Foley, 1991)."

Mar 1, 1992

By R. D. Ladoo

"At the beginning of 1920 a general feeling of optimism was noted in many talc-producing districts. The industry seems to have recovered from the temporary depression of the first half of 1919 and many mills are running at capacity production with their entire output for 1920 contracted for. The imports of talc for 1919 were only slightly larger than in 1918 by weight and probably no more by value. Thus foreign competition has not begun to be seriously felt. Several new companies in this country have been organized, some to operate new deposits and others to continue the work done by others.An interesting phase of the present situation is the possibility of increased use of talc in paint. There is a shortage of barium sulfate used as,paint filler. Since, for some uses, talc is considered second only to BaSo4 as a filler for paint, it is possible that part of the shortage could be relieved by an increased use of talc.A series of physical tests upon all pigment materials used in the manufacture of paints is being conducted for the Paint Manufacturers Association of the United States. It is important that all types of talc be represented in these tests. Producers of finely ground talc, 200 mesh and finer, are urged to submit samples of at least two pounds each of these grades that are available to paint makers with trade name and quality data, to the Institute of Industrial Research, 19th & B Streets, Washington, D. C., where the tests are being conducted.The Talc Products Company, Inc., Washington Building, Los Angeles, California, has recently been organized to develop a large body of talc one mile north of Riggs, San Bernardino County, California, This deposit contains a compact, white talc which can be sawed into crayons. The company's mill, at Los Angeles) is equipped with a unit of the Raymond system of grinding and air separation, and pencil sawing machines. It is reported that the pencils are being successfully used in Pacific Coast ship yards.The mining of talc where no mill is owned by the operator and the consequent sale of talc in its crude massive state has not proved profitable in a number of cases recently noted. Under exceptional circumstances, where mining costs are low and the product can be sold to a mill near the mine, the operation maybe profitable, but this condition is not common. One mine of this type has recently closed down, at least temporarily; but a second, more fortunately situated, in another district, is continuing operations, although plans are being made to erect a mill in the early spring. Most satisfactory results are ordi¬narily obtained where the mine and mill are owned by the same company.The sale of the Balmat mine of the International Pulp Company, near Gouverneur, N. Y., to J. H. McLear, Gouverneur, and H. G. McLear of New York, has been reported. It is stated that a large part of the property has been already leased to the Sylvia Lake Company, who will operate it. ""Cement, Hill, and Quarry""* states that ""the first mining done on this property was for silver and lead, but it developed into a good zinc producing property and later it was worked for its talc deposits. It has passed through several hands, the American Pulp Co., the Union Talc Co., and the International Pulp Co., all having had it in successive periods since 1891."""

Jan 1, 1920

By G. M. Potter, S. J. Hussey, R. Havens

The Artillery Peak manganese ores , from one of the largest known manganese deposits in the United States , present a difficult problem in concentration because they are low-grade and the association of manganese and gangue minerals is intimate and complex. The known size of this deposit has justified investigation of processes such as leaching, wherein preliminary enrichment of the original feed might be advantageous .. Therefore , the ore-dressing studies on Artillery Peak ores were carried on with the object not only of making directly marketable manganese products but also of removing acid-consuming calcite and raising the grade of ore for leachingplant feed . Owing to the extent of the deposits , test work was carried on at the Salt Lake laboratories in considerable detail on several lots of ore of varying composition . This paper summarizes the results obtained from laboratory testing of four samples obtained by engineers of the Mining Branch from the Maggie Canyon area of the Artillery Peak deposit . Also included are results obtained from testing one sample of Chapin Group ore , which was considered representative of numerous very low-grade ores submitted from the Artillery Peak district . During the course of the investigations , many data were obtained and compiled , but for the sake of brevity , data of secondary importance have been omitted or condensed and only those tests giving the more pertinent results are discussed in detail ...

Nov 1, 1947

By Donald O. Capstick

A mineral survey of the 520-acre Quigg West Wilderness Study Area (MT-074-155) was conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1986 at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in order to evaluate its identified mineral resources. The Wilderness Study Area is in Granite County in western Montana about 16 miles northwest of Phillipsburg and 27 mi les northeast of Hamilton, MT. Stony Mountain, a study area on lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service, is about 1 mile to the south-southwest and was studied concurrently. No mineral resources were identified in the Quigg West Wilderness Study Area, but high grade gold assays, as much as 1.24 ounce gold per ton, were obtained at the one prospect found. Samples from four workings contained significant gold; minor silver, molybdenum, and copper were also present. The prospect containing the narrow and discontinuous gold-bearing quartz vein straddles the south boundary of the Wilderness Study Area. The shear zone containing the vein projects toward the old Crescent mine, about 4.5 miles to the south, which shows a similar geologic structure.

Jan 1, 1987

By Phil Patton, Bill M. Stewart, Curtis Clark

Handling materials in underground mines continues to be a major safety problem. To help reduce materials-handling injuries, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at the Spokane Research Laboratory is developing, modifying, and testing equipment to replace the necessity of doing lifting tasks manually. To reduce single-event lift injuries, equipment having mechanical automatic weight sensing and balancing control was investigated. The Coleman manipulator was selected for testing. Modifications to the Coleman manipulator to make it more suitable for underground mine use included mobilization, self-containment, all-purpose gripper attachment, and support jacks. To reduce or eliminate the need to clean off manually the materials that commonly plug grizzly openings (timbers, wire mesh, roof bolts, and other debris), a track-guided pincher arm device was developed. The TGPA attaches to an impact hammer head, and the pincher arms are controlled by the operator of the hammer. Oversized rock can be broken with the pincher arms in the up position; the arms can then be lowered to grab and remove debris. Sweeping action to remove cohesive fines bridging grizzly openings is also greatly improved. This device is especially useful in recessed grizzlies. An industrial gun was tested to evaluate its effectiveness in breaking oversized rock. Boulders up to 76 cm in diameter were successfully broken to minus-33 cm. Although methods to control fly rock need to be developed, an industrial gun may be a safe and inexpensive alternative to breaking oversized rock in certain underground mining situations.

By E. C. Perkins

This report describes a ferric chloride trap, based on formation of a low-melting sodium chloride-ferric chloride mixture of near-eutectic composition, and its use in chlorination of impure titaniferous materials. The trap is placed in the hot gas stream between the chlorination reactor and the condenser. Virtually all of the iron is removed by the trap. The condensed titanium tetrachloride is free of suspended solids and contains only a trace of iron. Four examples are given of the use of the ferric chloride trap in chlorination of impure titaniferous materials. INTRODUCTION In the Kroll process, ductile titanium metal is produced by reducing titanium tetrachloride with magnesium metal.4/ In commercial practice, titanium tetrachloride is produced by chlorinating titaniferous materials in the presence of carbon.2/ In 1957 most producers were using rutile, and virtually all plants were designed for its use. About four-fifths of the domestic consumption of rutile was imported from Australia. The Bureau of Mines, under provisions of contract DMP-116 with the General Services Administration, studied electrosmelting of domestic ilmenites and titaniferous magnetites to produce high-titanium slags with pig iron as a byproduct. Under the same contract, chlorination studies also were being made of these slags. Smelting was done at the Northwest Electrodevelopment Experiment Station, Albany, Oreg., and chlorination at the Electrometallurgical Experiment Station, Boulder City, Nev.

Jan 1, 1958